National Pet Dental Health Month
Maintaining your dog’s dental hygiene is always important. February has been acknowledged as National Pet Dental Health Month and encourages pet owners to practice good dental hygiene with their furry friends. Keeping up with your pup’s teeth not only prevents bad breath, but also aids in avoiding any dental diseases that may otherwise occur from plaque and tartar build-up. Many owners are oblivious to the dangers that unattended teeth can create; gingivitis and periodontal disease are no joke. Recognizably bad breath, known as halitosis, is a sign of deeper underlying dental issues that your pooch may be suffering from. Gingivitis has stages ranging from mild to severe, and can develop into irreversible periodontal disease if left untreated. In extreme cases a pooch may require tooth extraction. Bring your pup to the vet if you notice symptoms including halitosis, gum bleeding, red gums, drooling, or loss of appetite. Invest in at-home doggie dental care; a dog toothbrush, dog toothpaste, and dog chews. Make it a habit to tend to your pup’s teeth and gums at least once a week to fight off any tartar and plaque building up. Infection and bacteria found in the mouth could extend through the bloodstream to cause heart, kidney, or liver disease. Such diseases could create serious harm to the organs and lead to early death. Make good dental hygiene a habit from the beginning to ensure a healthy, happy dog.
Helping a People Shy Pooch
Typically an excessively shy dog stems from a lack of positive exposure as a puppy. The socialization period is an important time for young pups when their confidence is infused. While some dog breeds are naturally coyer than others, an overly shy pooch can develop into serious behavior issues with any under socialized dog. One common fear a timid dog may suffer from is that of people. Thankfully this dilemma may be corrected with patience and understanding. If your furry friend is apprehensive around people, help your hound conquer their fear by taking baby steps in the right direction; start by inviting over a friend (preferably another dog lover). Inform your guest prior to their visitation about your canine’s fear, if your friend acts in a passive manner it will show your pooch there is no threat. Keeping your bashful buddy in their own environment will assist in easing their discomfort a bit. If your pooch insists on retreating to a trusted hiding spot during your guest’s visitation then allow them time to regroup and keep your conversation cheerful to demonstrate a safe environment to your hiding hound. Depending on the level of fear your canine contains they may need further attempts; most timid dogs are interested and are just too uneasy to approach. Try to entice your furry friend to come out using a dog treat – distract their attention from your guest to the treats, tossing a treat their way and then ignoring them as they make their way out to indulge in the bait. Keep with this process, tossing dog treats closer to you and your guest each time, until your pooch is out of their safety zone. It is also suggested that you have your guest pet your pup. Although if your friend does go in for a pet be sure that they reach under to stroke your dog’s chest rather than over the dog’s head so not to scare them more. If your canine still displays trepidation then back off a bit, forcing the situation may only worsen the fear, and ask your guest to try again another day. Continue this routine fairly regularly with different people until your canine feels more comfortable. In time your dog should be able to overcome their people fears and live a healthier, more sociable life.
11 Facts All Dog Owners Should Know
Having a new furry friend in the house is a very exciting, yet somewhat overwhelming, change of pace. Canines everywhere are finding homes around the holiday season. If this is your first time caring for a pup in your home, or even if you’ve been an owner for a while, here are 11 facts you should know.
1. Dog shampoos are available in various types and scents, but many dogs are slightly allergic to perfume scented shampoos. Mild oatmeal based dog shampoos get the job done while not leaving your pooch itchy.
2. Phobias are prevalent in dogs just as they are in humans – work with your pooch to eliminate fears of thunder, water, hair dryers, vacuums, lawn mowers, etc.
3. Dogs use their tails to communicate – a wag can express aggression, playfulness, or fear. Get familiar with your pup’s tail talking techniques to have a better understanding of how your friend is feeling.
4. Deep wrinkles in dogs should be cleansed daily to avoid dirt accumulation that can cause odors, or even infection.
5. Fleas aren’t the only reason Fido may be scratching his ears. Your pup could be experiencing anything from ear mites to yeast, so bringing your itchy pooch to the vet is the best idea.
6. Mental stimulation is just as important for a dog as physical stimulation – agility training is a great way to knock out both.
7. Canines love a good car ride, just be sure your playful pal is secured to ensure protection.
8. When you point, your dog focuses on the tip of your finger versus the item you are pointing at. If you want your pup’s attention, teach verbal commands for better understanding.
9. Bored dogs create mischief. Be sure to provide the needed attention, love, and stimulation your pooch needs to stay out of trouble.
10. Table begging is usually a bad habit spoiled pups have picked up because of their success in scoring table scraps in the past. Discourage bad table manners by skipping the scrap sharing.
11. It’s a fact: dogs bark. Your pooch may be exercising their vocal chords for a number of reasons; to protect their territory, express a need, or initiate playtime. Excessive barking may either be a warning or a cry for help. Pay attention to your dog’s barking and enforce commands if needed.
Dog Colds
It seems that with the winter season comes a whole slew of sniffling noses. Although your pooch can’t catch cold from you, they can develop their own form of upper respiratory infection, better coined as a dog cold. The symptoms of a human cold and a dog cold are strikingly similar but can’t be passed from dog to human or vice-versa. Just as in humans, a dog cold arises from viruses or bacteria that are spread from other animals, and weakened immune systems are susceptible to falling victim. Common dog colds typically settle once the immune system strengthens, but untreated symptoms may result in serious health problems. Other serious health issues may mask themselves with common doggie cold symptoms, so bring your pooch to the vet if you notice signs of sneezing, coughing, runny eyes/noses, congestion, or decreased energy and appetite to revive your pup’s health and avoid worsened conditions. If your canine does come down with a common (dog) cold, be sure to evade contact with other animals until the contagious microorganisms diminish. Improperly treated upper respiratory infections have a possibility of evolving into dangerous cases of Pneumonia that require immediate attention. If you notice your pooch has come down with a cold you should always make an appointment with the vet, but there are some home remedies to help the recovery process. For example, canines suffering from a cold may not have much of an appetite, so feeding your sick pup some extra boiled chicken and rice is a great way to help put food in their belly. It may also be a good idea to keep a mist vaporizer near your dog’s resting spot to help with breathing. Don’t have your canine outside for too long, and when they are, bundle them in necessary dog boots and dog coats for protection against winter conditions. To avoid pesky colds do your best to keep Rover warm this winter and stay alert of symptoms!
Doggie Winter Fashion
Dog clothes and accessories are a great way to express your pooch’s personality in style, but dog attire is also a fashionable way to practically prepare for winter weather. Sport your pup in a winter dog coat to keep cold temperatures from chilling your dog to the bone. A winter dog coat is also great for blocking winds. Such a change in climate could cause your canine to fall ill, which is why providing the proper outdoor coverage for your pooch plays an important role in avoiding any winter sicknesses. Another great doggie winter wear investment includes a trusted set of dog boots to protect puppy paws from jagged terrain, sharp ice, and freezing temperatures. Dogs sweat through the pads on their paws, so only keep dog boots on when needed during trips outside. With such a drop in temperature, it is always important to accommodate your pooch to the weather change. Some breeds, like the Siberian Huskie, are made for winter seasons, while other breeds, such as the Chihuahua, are not physically made to withstand cold temperatures. Dress your dog accordingly with their needs, and have a warm winter!
Winterizing Your Dog
Winter can provide some harsh temperatures and weather conditions that require some adjustments. People living in colder winter climates are frantically putting plastic around their windows for insulation, gearing up their cars with dependable tires, and bundling up in down jackets before venturing outside. With this entire preparation taking place, it is important not to forget about your dog.
Brrr!
Chances are if you’re cold, your canine is too. Invest in a cozy dog coat to protect your pooch in. Some dog breeds have dense undercoats that are helpful in winter weather, but many breeds could use the extra warmth of a dog coat in the colder seasons. Browse dog coat options to find the best fit for your furry friend. Puppy paws are another victim to harsh temperatures – a set of dog boots will keep your pooch’s paws free to roam about without being effected by salt, ice, snow, and slush.
ZZZ…
Sleeping is an important thing for anybody, including your pup. Provide your pooch with a well-suited dog bed and keep it in a spot away from cold tiles, uncarpeted floors, and any drafts. Staying warm while trying to snooze will eliminate tossing and turning for your deserving dog.
Burns
Because climates get so chilly in the winter, your pooch may seek out heat wherever they can find it. Snuggling too close to a space heater, heating lamp, or radiator could cause your canine to suffer from unnecessary burns. Be sure to watch your dog around any heaters in the house, including the fireplace. Use a cover for your radiator and make sure to only keep heaters on when you are in the room.
MMM…
Winters is infamous for hibernation and packing on some extra pounds, but try not to over feed your hungry hound. Winter conditions cut down on your canine’s outside activity and over feeding will only add unneeded bulk to your pup’s body. Keep your dog exercised with indoor activities and keep their diet balanced, an overweight dog can cause health problems.
Exercising Your Dog’s Mind and Muscles Indoors
Thanksgiving Safety for Your Dog
It’s that time of year again: Thanksgiving. Families will be gathering together to enjoy a filling feast over good conversation, but when Rover gives the puppy dog eyes in exchange for some table scraps, refrain from giving in. While your Thanksgiving meal may appeal to your hungry hound it is important to know that some of the foods may not be suitable for your pooch. Avoid sharing these table scraps with your begging buddy:
- Turkey Skin – It’s a fact that turkey skin and gravy are high in fat and can be harmful to your dog. Turkey skin is difficult for pups to digest and can even lead to pancreatitis, which includes symptoms like vomiting, abdominal pain, depression, and an unwillingness to move. If you do decide to share some of that tasty turkey, be sure to remove the skin and only give your pooch a small portion of white meat.
- Turkey Bones – Dogs love bones, yes. Although, tossing your canine a turkey bone can be hazardous. Poultry bones that have been cooked are frail and can splinter easily. Your dog may easily swallow the turkey bone and get it stuck in the esophagus or create stomach or intestinal pain. If you are going to give a dog a bone, stick with a delicious dog bone that was made specifically for your pooch.
- Macademia Nuts – These tasty treats are scattered about different Thanksgiving dishes and desserts and can cause toxic results if ingested by your dog. Just twelve hours after consuming macademia nuts symptoms will begin to settle, including vomiting, weakness, depression, muscle tremors, ataxia, and hyperthermia (to name a few). While symptoms tend to lessen within 48 hours, the aftershock could be detrimental on your pooch and in extreme cases could be fatal.
- Onions – We love to season our dishes with onions, but high levels of onion intake by your dog can call for life-threatening anemia. Since many stuffings and casseroles contain onions it is probably best to skip sharing with Fido.
- Nutmeg – Around the holiday season nutmeg is a very prominent spice usually found in sweet potatoes, yams, pumpkin pies, and various dessert dishes. While we may love these treats, if consumed by your pooch it can cause mild hallucinogenic properties, as well as seizures, tremors, and central nervous system complications in dogs. There have even been severe cases of shock and death reported, so pass your pup a dog treat when you are enjoying dishes containing nutmeg.
Dog Coats: Winter and Your Dog
Socializing Your Dog
Socializing your dog is a huge importance and will assist in creating a happier hound. Well-socialized pups are also more friendly and easier to have out in public. You should start socializing your pooch immediately, dogs that grow up lacking love and experiences may develop aggressive behavior. The socialization process involves introducing your puppy to anything new that will entice its senses; this will show pups how to accept new things in its environment. The first six months of a puppy’s life is the most important time for socialization. While it is more difficult, it is possible to socialize older dogs – just remember to have tolerant. If a dog has been poorly socialized they may be suspicious canines who find it difficult warming up to new people. Pooches lacking socialization may also not like other dogs or want to play with them. Owners tend to grow frustrated with an under-socialized dog and turn them over to the animal shelter. Although, such drastic measures do not have to be taken. Instead, an owner of a poorly socialized pooch should patiently work on helping their skittish dog by first desensitizing them to touch. Ease your canine into being handled with gentle touches and reward good behavior with delicious dog treats. Once your dog has done well with being desensitized, slowly introduce them to other people. When your pooch meets a new face, let that person feed your learning canine a treat. Eventually your dog will be okay with unfamiliar people and going out in public will be a much simpler task. Keep your pooch on a trusted dog leash and handle any situations calmly. Always work with your canine through any issues because nothing is ever a lost cause.
