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.
Winter Mint Dog Cookies
The winter season is a popular time to practice your cookie baking skills. The delicious aromas tease your dog’s senses and they beg for a bite when you devour the delectable treats. Surprise your canine by whipping up a delicious homemade recipe of winter mint dog cookies made especially for them!
Ingredients:
1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
1 ½ cups bisquick
½ cup mint chopped leaves
4 tablespoons margarine
1 egg
1 ½ teaspoons corn syrup
Directions:
1. Combine the ingredients in a food processor and process until it is well mixed.
2. Roll out on a floured surface to ¼ to ½ inch thickness.
3. Cut with fun-shaped cookie cutters and then lace on a non-stick cookie pan.
4. Bake at 375 F for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
5. Cool and store in an air-tight container.
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!
News On the World’s Oldest Dog
The world’s oldest dog, a Shiba mix named Pusuke living in Tokyo, passed away recently in Japan at the age of 26 and 8 months. Typically a dog of the Shiba breed will live 12-15 years, but Pusuke doubled his expectancy and made it official in the Guiness Book of World Records just last December (2010). In dog years, Pusuke lived to what would be equivalent to roughly 182 years of age in human years. A dog living long enough to see that age is very rare, but there are things you can do to maintain a healthy pooch. Keep your pup’s diet balanced and free of unnecessary ingredients found in most commercial dog food products. Exercise your pooch regularly to maintain a fit weight, and schedule annual vet visits for check-up’s to confirm your canine’s health. Helping your pup lead a full, healthy life is possible with the correct care. As for Pusuke’s owner, she would like to thank her furry friend “for staying alive so long.”
Diabetes and Dogs
Dogs are susceptible to many diseases and conditions that humans are, including diabetes. There are two types of canine diabetes: diabetes mellitus, which is most similar to the human disease, and diabetes insipidus. Both types of canine diabetes, known as endocrine diseases, come about from defects in the body system that creates hormones. Diabetes insipidus happens due to lack of vasopressin, which is a hormone that controls water absorption by the kidneys. Diabetes mellitus is more common and tends to be recognized by the shortage of insulin. Granted diabetes is hereditary in some dogs; other canines develop the disease due to poor diet and lack of supplementation and exercise. Your dog’s diet is super important and should not be sacrificed for the cheapest find. Most commercial dog food contains ingredients that are high in carbohydrates and can create problems for your dog’s health. Trimming down your dog’s carbohydrate intake from the gecko can help prevent diabetes from developing down the road. Making your pup’s dishes will help you know exactly what is in your dog’s food. It may also be beneficial to acquire natural supplementation for the immune system from your trusted vet. Using organic products like antioxidants and herbs for your pup’s immune system may help prevent diabetes. Avoid over-vaccinating your dog as well; too much vaccination can lead to toxin build up in your pooch’s system which can prompt the disease. Exercise is a mandatory part of your dog’s life, and enough exercise will aid in keeping your pooch as healthy as possible. Grab your dog’s favorite dog toy and join in the work-out. Diabetes is a life-threatening disease that is best handled at the beginning roots. Bring your dog to the vet for routine check-ups and be aware of any changes in health.
How To Defend Your Dog From Fleas And Ticks
Summer is unraveling and fall is taking over. Climates are dropping and the comfortable fall temps are infested with fleas. Ticks colonize in heaps of fallen leaves. Staying aware of the conditions is important for your dog. Pesky fleas and ticks cause itchy discomfort on your pooch’s skin. If the situation is bad enough, your poor pup could even become ill. Keeping tidy in and around the house, as well as keeping aware of your canine’s whereabouts, will help in preventing the itchy bugs. There are many remedies if your poor pup does end up suffering from fleas and ticks, including powders, sprays, dips, shampoos, flea combs, and collars. Before taking matters into your own hands, it is recommended to consult the veterinarian first.
Fall weather is beautiful, let’s enjoy it itch free!
Healthy Foods to Share With Your Pet
Many people love sharing their treats with their pet, however most of those things tend to be bad for your dog. Here are a couple different snacks that are great to share with your pet. The first food that is good to share is squash. Squash (either cooked or raw) is a delicious vegetable which is very high in beta carotene. This is good for eyesight, much like carrots. Another tasty food to share with your pup is pasta. Plain, cooked noodles are a excellent snack for your dog. Make sure that your dog does not have any wheat allergies before giving them pasta though.
Chicken broth is also food to treat your pet with. As long as it is low-sodium, you can add it to their regular food. If you like to share fruit with your dog, the best fruit to give them is pomegranate. Whether in juice form or as whole fruit, pomegranate provides antioxidants and vitamin C. Last, but not least, for some protein, give your pup some cheese! Most dogs enjoy this treat already, but don’t realize it is high in calcium and protein. With these easy tips, you can give your dog a yummy snack that is fresh, so you don’t feel guilty about sharing!
Want to give your dog his own treats? Check out the dog treats & bones at Doggie Vogue!
How to Keep Your Dog a Healthy Eater
Food plays a major part in every dog’s life. Not only is it a basic survival need, but it is used for training as well. With dogs being so food driven, many can develop behavioral issues such as picky eating, food aggression, and medical issues from not enough, or too much food. With a few simple steps, you can prevent or treat these issues head on.
Many dogs, especially the larger breeds of dogs such as labs, shepherds, mountain dogs and more, can have the issue of eating too quickly. This can lead to many problems such as choking, vomiting, and bloating since the food is not being properly chewed and broken down for digestion. There are some easy ways to handle this issue at little to no cost. One way is to ration their food, as in give it to them a little bit at a time to slow down their eating. If you don’t want to stand there and monitor their meals every time you can also try putting a larger rubber toy into the bowl with the food. This forces the dog to slow down by working around the toy to get to the food. A toy that would work well for this would be the Chompy Romper Drumstick Dog Toy. Another way to get your dog to slow down, is by placing the food pieces into puzzle toys that enable your dog to use their brains and skills to get the food. Our Interactive Puzzle Dog Toy is perfect for this solution.
Another eating issue that dogs frequently encounter is becoming a picky eater. Sometimes without realizing it, owners can be making their dogs into picky eaters by adhering to their dog’s refusal to eat certain foods. While it’s important to find a high-quality, nutritious dog food that your pet enjoys, it is not necessary to try 30 different foods or feed them human food because of a refusal to eat. So when your dog starts becoming a picky eater, try taking their food away after 10 minutes if your dog will not eat. After a few minutes, put it back down. This demonstrates that the food will go away if not eaten, and a hungry dog will eventually eat. However, if your dog usually eats well and all of a sudden is refusing to eat, seek veterinarian attention. This sudden change can indicate a health issue of some sort. Always remember, dogs are a part of our family, and nutrition and eating is just as important for them as it is for us. Make sure you are feeding your furry friend properly, and nutritiously.
