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What Did My Vet Say? Dog Health Information (Part 1)
What Did My Vet Say? Dog Health Information (Part 1) I am not a veterinarian and am not permitted to give medical advice regarding canine health. I am not going to. So, what am I going to write about in this article then, you may wonder? I am going to share some publicly available information, published by the National Institute of Health (1) and other reputable and well-respected veterinary scientists. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the nation’s medical research agency. It doesn’t get more official than that. The studies I am going to share are something every dog owner should know about. Their findings indicate that some things we have become accustomed to doing to our dogs, are ill-advised and need a fresh look. I am also going to outline some of my own decisions and opinions formed based on this information. I am a professional dog trainer and naturally own several dogs myself. I have seen the health journeys of many client dogs over the past fifteen years in the business. I also regularly read canine medical studies, and as a result, have adopted some strong opinions on what is and isn’t healthy for dogs. My German Shepherd Max is almost eighteen years old at the time I am writing this article and my boy Sylvester, also a German Shepherd recently turned thirteen. It would appear I am doing something right, as all my dogs are very healthy and rarely need to see my veterinarian. This article is not intended as a criticism of veterinarians. Most are well-intentioned, good people and some black sheep exist in any profession. We all need great veterinarians we can rely on in case of need and I love my own veterinarians. I use several different ones for different reasons and I will touch on those later. My veterinarians have saved my own dog's lives after accidents and other medical emergencies over the years and I am very grateful for their skill and expertise. I think we all can appreciate that if you are a busy veterinarian, it is often difficult to stay up-to-date with the latest research in every area of veterinary care; no matter much one tries or wants to. I simply acknowledge that my veterinarian can’t know everything. Veterinarians know a lot about animal health, how to diagnose diseases, perform surgeries, etc. It is what they learned in veterinary school. It takes a while to get through that. We need to appreciate their expertise in their field. But we also need to acknowledge what is limited or missing in the typical veterinary school curriculum. I.e. most veterinarians can perform spay or neuter surgeries but what if you don’t want to remove the entire reproductive system because it impacts the endocrine system? That has health impacts, especially later in your dog’s life. What, if you just want to get a vasectomy or ovarian-sparing spay for your dog? Usually, only a board-certified veterinary surgeon knows how to perform those, and most veterinarians will easily admit they can’t perform that surgery, as they haven’t learned how to. However, many veterinarians don’t seem to feel the same restraint when it comes to assessing or evaluating canine nutrition or dog food; an area that receives little attention or focus in standard veterinary training. This is why we have experts in that field, called canine nutritionists. Veterinarians should be open about not being experts on canine nutrition unless they had supplemental education and refer you to a specialist instead of just suggesting certain brands of foods they may sell themselves. I feel similarly about the far too frequent, instant prescription of anti-anxiety medication for fearful dogs. Anxiety and fear in dogs are a field I specialize in as a dog trainer. Veterinarians aren’t behavioral experts and usually don’t have enough understanding of canine behavior to prescribe the best possible solution for an anxious dog. I am not saying it could never include a prescription, but if that is all one has to offer, of course, the answer to ever behavior becomes a pill. This is basically what veterinary behaviorists do; they prescribe drugs. We should all be open and honest about what our area of expertise is and stick to that or if we wander outside of it, offer solid evidence for our opinions, like I am doing in this article. An opinion not rooted in reality and fact—to me—is the most useless thing in the world. This is what I will do. I will touch on several areas of canine health, provide the relevant published studies regarding current standard practices and share my own approach in each area. I am not calling on anyone to follow my lead, but I do encourage you to review this information, review your current practices regarding your dog, maybe have a discussion with your current veterinarian and maybe have a second conversation with a holistic veterinarian to see the difference. Your dog will thank you. …My Dogs Needs to be Vaccinated/Needs Annual Booster Shots Yes, your dogs absolutely need to be vaccinated against things that can kill them. Legally, you are required to get a rabies vaccine every three years in most states. There are efforts underway to change the interval to five years (more tests are in progress to proof seven-year immunity) by the Rabies Challenge Fund (2). Dr. Ronald Schultz and Dr. Jean Dodds, two highly respected vaccination experts, outline on their website the current state of knowledge on established vaccine durations and immunizations; I highly recommend you take a look. No other vaccine is mandated by law, but Parvo and Distemper are also considered core vaccines and should be administered. Some also consider Hepatitis a core vaccine, but Dr. Dodds disagrees and she is the expert. However, I personally don’t blindly shoot my dogs up with these vaccines every year; vaccinations carry risks. I only get a booster shot when the immunity from the last vaccination is wearing off. Based on studies, most canine vaccines last between five years and the life of your dog! Yes, studies consistently show that most vaccines only need to be given once for lifetime protection. Luckily, more and more veterinarians (especially holistic veterinarians) are now able to perform affordable titer tests in-house. I found a great local, holistic veterinarian who makes this easy and affordable. Titer tests show with absolute certainty if your dog still has immunity (meaning antibodies in the blood) or not and needs a new vaccination (Journal of Veterinary Medicine, February 2002). I only vaccinate when I must. Vaccines, like every medical procedure, have risks and there can always be adverse reactions (Canine Vaccine Adverse Events, Aguirre, 2007). I don’t give my dogs any other vaccines aside from the core vaccines. The diseases, addressed by all the other vaccines, are either easily treatable, should they occur, or are rare to begin with. If a veterinarian—especially the ones in veterinary hospital chains (3) are known for this—recommends vaccines against diseases other than the core vaccines, it is always a good idea to spend a few minutes searching online how many cases of this disease were reported in the prior year in the country overall and in your state in particular. The fewer the cases, the lower the risk and I would never accept a vaccine for a disease with only a few cases in my state. Keep in mind that most boarding and grooming places require your dog to get a Bordetella vaccine (basically your dog’s flu shot); some, every six months! That is crazy to me. This is one of the reasons I groom my dogs myself and have a great pet sitter who comes to my home when necessary. I am not doing that to my dogs. Dr. Ronald D. Schultz is the Professor and Chair of the Department of Patho-Biological Sciences at the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. Jean Dodds, DVM was a research scientist with the New York State Health Department and is the Executive Director of the New York State Council on Human Blood and Transfusion Services. She is also the founder of hemopet.org (thyroid blood tests) and nutriscan.org (saliva food allergy tests). In short, these two experts know what they are talking about. Links to the studies: Duration of Immunity to Canine Vaccines by Dr. Ronald D. Schultz, 1998 (4) Duration of Immunity for Canine and Feline Vaccines by Dr. Ronald D. Schultz, 2015 (5) 2017 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines by Dr. Ronald D. Schultz, 2017 (6) 2018 Vaccine Protocol and Best Practices by Jean Dodds, DVM (7) Changing Vaccine Protocols by Jean Dodds, DVM (8) Vaccine Adverse Events in Dogs Aguirre et al, J Am Vet Med Assoc 231:79-88, 2007 (9) …My Dog Needs Tick and Flea Control That sounds like a good idea. I highly suggest you take active measures to prevent ticks and fleas from infesting your dog. However, how you go about it matters. Several studies as far back as 1989 have shown that the tick and flea dips, which are applied to your dog’s back pose a measurable risk of cancer; transitional cell carcinoma and bladder cancer especially. The tick and flea collars aren’t any better. These products absolutely work in terms of preventing ticks and fleas but at what cost? These products contain poisonous insecticides and herbicides. Similar chemicals used for bug prevention on lawns and in gardens. They are as toxic and pose as much of a cancer risk as do the garden products. All of these have shown in many studies to cause cancer in animals and humans. Applying that a dog’s back doesn’t seem like the greatest of ideas. Why are you being told to not let your dog sleep in bed with you after the tick and flea dip was applied? Because it’s toxic and harmful to humans too. I have used natural alternatives to prevent ticks and fleas with my dogs for fifteen years and never had a tick or flea problem. Here are a few suggestions: Garlic: What? Are you crazy? Isn’t that poisonous? No, not in small dosages. Too much garlic is toxic, no doubt, but too much of anything is harmful. People have died from drinking too much water. I use two teaspoons of organic garlic powder for an 80-lb dog per week. I prepare raw food for my dogs once a week and freeze it. I distribute it evenly during food preparation. If you’re feeding differently, you could set two teaspoons of garlic powder aside in a shot glass each week and sprinkle some over the food each feeding. Wet-dry food with a spray bottle (water only) before sprinkling the garlic, so it will stick to the kibble. A veterinarian once challenged me on that approach, telling me there was a study proving garlic doesn’t work for flea prevention. When I asked for a copy of that study, she couldn’t produce it and revealed the study proved garlic doesn’t kill fleas or ticks. That is correct. Garlic doesn’t kill fleas or ticks, but it repels them, meaning they leave my dogs alone and that is all that matters. What is this obsession with killing things? Essential Oils: Another approach is making yourself an essential oil spray. Use a small spray bottle, fill it 2/3 with purified water and add 10-15 drops of essential oils of d-limonene (use a combo of lemon, orange and grapefruit), rosemary and lavender each. Spray your dog with it a few times a week. More Ideas on natural tick and flea prevention without toxins: Dr. Judy Morgan . Links to the studies: Epidemiologic study of insecticide exposure, obesity, and risk of bladder cancer in household dogs by Glickman, 1989 (11) Herbicide Exposure and the Risk of Transitional Cell Carcinoma by Glickman, 2004 (12) Epidemiologic Studies of Risk Factors for Cancer in Pet Dogs by Kelsey, 1998 (13) Polluted Pets: Chemical Exposures and Pets' Health by EWG, 2008 (14) …My Dog Needs Parasite / Worm Protection Yes, they do, but it again depends on how you go about it. Typical ingredients in the most common preventative treatments include Ivermectin and Afoxolaner. While there are certainly worse things on this earth, these chemicals do have side effects. Just look at your current product, google their ingredients and side effects and decide if those are something you want to expose your dog to. I certainly don’t. I’m not a big fan of anything that isn’t necessary. I have personally used Noni Fruit Leather as parasite preventative for over ten years and I have even dealt with a whipworm infection in my rescue dog Max, when he joined the family. He came to me with this infestation and I didn’t know he was ill. Neither did the shelter, as he had no symptoms. I detailed my whipworm story here. Noni Fruit Leather has been working well for me and none of my dogs ever contracted any parasites. Not even my existing dogs got sick when Max joined us. Whipworms are nasty little things that can survive in the soil for seven years. Another way of preventing parasites is food-grade Diatomaceous Earth. A product that makes administering it easy, is Paratrex. It is a parasite treatment and preventative for humans you can also use for your dog. Links to the studies: Morinda Citrifolia (Noni) Linn. Reduces Parasite Load by Almeida-Souza F, 2016 (15) Epidemiologic Studies of Risk Factors for Cancer in Pet Dogs by Kelsey, 1998 (16) Epidemiologic study of insecticide exposure, obesity, and risk of bladder cancer in household dogs by Glickman, 1989 (17) Check back to our blog for Part 2 of this article on August 29th! Ralf Weber Ralf Weber is a certified dog trainer and behaviorist. A professional member of the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), an AKC evaluator for Puppy S.T.A.R., Canine Good Citizen and Community Canine certifications, author of the dog behavioral book: "If Your Dog Could Talk" and owner of the dog training company Happy Dog Training. Ralf works with clients in Southern California and can be contacted through his website at HappyDogTraining.info. :|zpendofcontent|:
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Are You a Dog-Less Dog Lover?
Are You a Dog-Less Dog Lover? A dog lover without a dog? Yes, it is hard to believe, but there are many reasons why a dog lover can't have a dog at home. Sometimes it is only a short-term situation, but some others, it is long-term. Either way, dog-less people feel the need to be part of the dog world! Are you or a friend in that situation? You may need to travel very often for work reasons or you have a long commute to work. Not everybody can afford a pet sitter or you don't want to see your dog only once in a while. Maybe you share a house with family or friends and they have other pets, or can't have one for any reason… But that doesn't stop you to be a dog lover! You may not have a dog, but you know the names of all your neighborhood dogs. You browse Instagram or YouTube almost every day to get your dose of dog candy, you have your own Instagram account where you post the pictures of dogs you meet everywhere you go and, you have to shoot a picture… You may even have a blog about dogs! If you are dog-less, there is no cure for that feeling, but you can have your dog love dose in some other ways with real dogs and at the same time, help others: 1. If you travel often, go to a shelter when you are in town, or visit the local shelter of the city you are in. Play with the dogs, take them for a walk, and help the shelter in anything they may need. 2. Offer your neighbors or friends a worry-free getaway weekend and spend time with the pooch! You can even put him in your car, take him to the park and after a fun day, have a sleepover with your furry friend. 3. Are you having a party and one of your friends is worried about leaving the doggie home alone all day? Invite the dog! Have toys at home, a plate with water and healthy treats for your four-legged guest. Why not invite all your humans with your canine friends? The party will be even more fun! 4. Be a weekend pet sitter when you have no plans to go out, have a Google calendar, post your availability, and enjoy 1 or 2 days of pure doggie love. You will feel energized to start the upcoming week. 5. Make a donation to a shelter. Collect funds by making a yard or a cake sale. Sell the things you don't need on eBay, make a raffle, etc. The shelter will love you for that! 6. Help to promote pet adoption. If you are a social media addict, use those skills to help dogs find a new loving home! Go to the shelter, take pictures, write the names and stories of every dog and create a campaign in all your social media accounts. Now you have some ideas! Share them with other dog lovers. What other ways you can suggest to dog-less dog lovers to get doggie love? Rosa Fierro Rosa Fierro is a graphic designer and a dog lover… an extreme dog lover! She carries her camera or phone all the time and, everywhere she goes, she shoots pictures of every dog she finds. She may have thousands of photos… She also runs Woof Love, a blog for extreme dog lovers. She loves to work with companies in the pet industry and animal organizations to create brand identities and marketing materials to help them promote their products, services or missions. She loves to connect with other pet lovers! You can find her blog and website at https://woof-love.com/ Stop by and say Hi! Or Woof!! Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. :|zpendofcontent|:
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How to Use "Playtime" as a Reward in Dog Training
How to Use "Playtime" as a Reward in Dog Training Many people understand the advantages of using food as a reward in training dogs, but play is also a very powerful reward. Studies have found that, for dogs, social interactions with familiar humans are highly rewarding and that dogs whose owners play with them have been found to score higher in obedience tests than those whose owners do not play with them (Bradshaw, Pullen, & Rooney, 2015). To get the most out of play, keep everything positive. The benefits of play are reduced if the dog receives a verbal correction from the owner and dogs who have been trained with punishment-based methods are much less interactive during play than dogs who are trained with rewards (Bradshaw, Pullen, & Rooney, 2015). Initiating play with many dogs is easy. Studies on play between dogs and humans showed that when humans run toward or away from a dog, the human was effective at initiating play with their dog but when humans tapped the floor in a common method of attempting to initiate play, the dogs showed a much lower rate of responding playfully to the human behavior (Rooney, Bradshaw, & Robinson, 2001). A good game to play with a dog is tug toy. For many years this was not recommended but is actually a great game to teach rules of play, to build confidence in the dog, to reduce anxiety and as a great reward for other less engaging exercises. Teaching “tug-of-war” correctly is important and consists of several steps. Tug toy should be taught and played with rules in place, much like human games are. The rules should be trained and include that the dog must relinquish the item when asked; that there is a special tug toy for this game and that the game is initiated on cue (and the dog must not grab before the cue to start is given; the game should be interrupted by other exercises like obedience and a game restart as the reward; and that the dog can never place his teeth on human skin. (San Francisco SPCA, 2016). Dr. Ian Dunbar notes that if the dog bends a single rule, the owner simply says "Finish" and walks off. The dog learns that any rule-bend always abruptly terminates an otherwise fun game. He further notes that tug-of-war is a great way to practice keeping control over your dog when they are excited. It also can teach dogs to relinquish items willingly, knowing they will get them back and can reduce the chance of developing resource guarding. (Dunbar) The other benefit to playing games with your dog is that studies have shown a correlation between lowered rates of separation-related behavior such as vocalizing in the absence of the owner or staying by the door the owner left by and playing games with physical contact between dogs and owners and playing games with physical contact between dogs and owners (Rooney & Bradshaw, 2003). Play is rewarding because it is fun for the participants. In studies of rats, neurobiologist JaakPanksepp discovered that an increase in opiates facilitates playfulness and opiates may enhance the pleasure and rewards associated with playing. Play is a cooperative pastime and MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging) on humans show that the brain’s pleasure centers are activated when people cooperate with one another (Bekoff, 2007). Studies at Colorado State University revealed that oxytocin levels in women increased by 58 percent when women played with their dog (Hare & Woods, 2013). Oxytocin is an important hormone for women promoting mother-child bonding amongst other functions and has been referred to as the “cuddle” hormone. Jane Bowers, B.A., CABC, CPDT-KA Jane Bowers has been training dogs for over two decades. She teaches people to train their dogs in group and private training courses and has a keen interest in assisting dogs with behavioral issues. Her company is Dogs of Distinction Canine Training Inc. Jane has a monthly newspaper column on dog related topics and is a former host of a live call in TV show on animals. She is a strong advocate for force free and humane training methods for all animals. Jane has a degree in psychology and is certified as a dog trainer through the Certification Council of Professional Pet Dog Trainers and as a behaviour consultant through the International Association of Behavior Consultants and through the Association of Animal Behavior Professionals. These organizations require a minimum number of continuing education units be obtained to retain certification. She is also a professional member of "The Pet Professional Guild," an organization committed to force-free training of animals and the "Association of Professional Dog Trainers," a professional organization of individual trainers who are committed to being better trainers through education. Jane is the content creator of the online course "Assessing and Interpreting Dog Behaviour," which is a course for law enforcement personnel who meet unfamiliar dogs in the course of their duties. She is the author of "Perfect Puppy Parenting," a guide to raising a happy, confident, well-behaved dog. Jane spent 17 years working for Customs Border Services and in joint teams with US Homeland Security and the RCMP. She spent a further 8 years working as an Animal Control Officer and Bylaw Enforcement Officer. Jane lives on a small farm with dogs, sheep, donkeys, and chickens. The dogs each came from situations that prevented them from living in their original homes. The dogs range in size and age and with the dog training and behavioral work, whether it's participating in the development of an online training course, working with a client's dog or tracking a lost pet or animal. :|zpendofcontent|:
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Benefits of Sorghum and Flaxseed in Your Dog’s Food
Benefits of Sorghum and Flaxseed in Your Dog’s Food The shared list of ingredients that both humans and dogs can eat is a short one, but it does include flaxseed and sorghum. Never heard of these two? One is a seed (flaxseed) and the other is a grain (sorghum). As more and more people recognize their nutritional value, sorghum and flaxseed are becoming more and more visible on our grocery shelves and in our food – including dog food. What are Sorghum and Flaxseed And Why Are They So Great? Sorghum has been touted for its ability to reduce the risk of skin and colon cancer, help lower cholesterol and boost cardiovascular health. An ancient non-GMO grain, it is rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. It’s also cheap to produce which is why it populates many ingredient labels. Another bonus? It’s gluten-free, which makes it perfect for pups who have digestive issues with wheat. In fact, it can actually improve gut health since it also qualifies as a prebiotic type fiber. Flaxseed is one of the world’s first superfoods. It’s a plant-based protein and dietary fiber high in Omega-3 fatty acids known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Nutty in flavor, it can help make hair and skin shiny, too. Why Are They Good for My Dog? While all dogs aren’t exactly the same when it comes to their dietary needs and preferences, both sorghum and flaxseed are quality ingredients in dog food because they provide your favorite canine companion with fiber, minerals, and vitamins – critical elements for health. Some dogs, like people, have a gluten intolerance, so sorghum is an excellent alternative for a nutrient dense ‘filler’ that keeps dogs fuller longer. Flaxseed promotes a healthy heart, supports joint health, and can help lower cholesterol. How Do I Add Sorghum and Flaxseed to My Dog’s Food? You have options when it comes to adding them to your dog’s diet, but before introducing it during mealtime, check with your dog’s veterinarian to ensure that it’s safe to do so. Also, remember that it’s rough on your pup’s system if you simply switch out the old food for the new. Experts highly recommend introducing it slowly over the course of 10 days to give the stomach and digestive system time to slowly and gently adapt. A sudden change will cause gastric distress -- and that can rack up costly visits to the vet as well as guilty feelings for knowing your pet is in pain. 1. Do it yourself. It’s fairly easy to purchase flaxseed and sorghum from your local health food store or online and simply sprinkle them into whatever is in your pup’s bowl. Feel free to mix it up and disguise the addition or just plop it on top of wet or dry food. Note: Skip the whole form since the ground up version of both ingredients is far easier for digestion. The whole form will likely pass right through rather than being absorbed. 2. Purchase dog food and treats with sorghum and flaxseed already incorporated into the kibble. Muenster Ancient Grains with Chicken & Pork is locally sourced, with grains grown in Texas, and is free of wheat, soy, and corn, all ingredients known to trigger sensitivities in dogs. Taking an active interest in your dog’s diet will only benefit the both of you. Talk to the kind folks at the pet food store, become an avid label-reader, research online, and consult your veterinarian to fully arm yourself with knowledge. It may lead to a longer and healthier life for your dog! Mitch Felderhoff Meet Mitch Felderhoff. Mitch joined his family business in May of 2007 after graduating from the University of North Texas. After several years working in sales, Mitch took on the responsibility of marketing, new product development, and was named Vice President of Muenster Milling in 2009. With the company now firmly in the 4th generation of Felderhoff’s, Mitch’s commitment to excellence is stronger than ever. When Mitch isn’t working on extruding dry pet foods, he is a husband and loving father of three boys. :|zpendofcontent|:
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Knees, Hips & Elbows – How Prolotherapy Helps Dysplasia
Knees, Hips & Elbows – How Prolotherapy Helps Dysplasia Multi-joint Prolotherapy cases are common occurrences in the Canine. Many injuries and pathologies respond extremely well to treatments when several joints are treated versus just the site of primary injury. This is not a tongue twister, but a veterinary confirmation challenge. Multi-joint arthritis and drug sensitivity are issues not uncommon for the pit bull which make this breed a problematical anomaly to the owners and the veterinarians trying to treat them. Osirus, an 11-year-old male neuter Pit Bull with a left partial ACL tear and a classic bilateral hip dysplasia, exhibited more prominently on the left hip. His elbows were exhibiting signs of dysplasia as well. He was not using his left hind leg other than a peg, and had a heavy (3 out of 5) compensatory limp on the right front of his body. On physical exam, he was painful on palpation of all joints, and in his lower back as well. We changed his diet, included EFA supplementation (Omega 3 fatty acids), and started (weekly) Adequan injections. We scheduled five Prolotherapy sessions three weeks apart and treated his knees, hips, elbows. By the third session, his gait was back to normal and all feet were properly bearing weight and placed firmly on the ground. On the sixth session, we included ACell1 (stem cells) in the protocol. Within 10 days after those injections, Osirus was no longer painful on palpation of hips, knees, or elbows. In the five months since the last treatment, he has gradually improved and no additional Prolotherapy has been needed. Osirus has regained normal mobility and gate. His limping has completely resolved and he is walking, running, and playing like a normal dog. His pain level has dissipated, without the use of drugs. His worst residual issue is a bit of stiffness sitting and standing. Osirus could not stand up on his own prior to his treatments and has now returned to function; age-related residual stiffness is merely a trivial effect. Polyarthritis and generalized lameness in older animals can be effectively addressed with Prolotherapy. Hips, knees, and elbows can be treated to improve ambulation, diminish pain, and improve overall comfort of the animal without using drugs, such as NSAIDs. Using Acell1 to complete the Prolotherapy treatments enhances the overall healing of all areas and lengthens the time in between needed follow up visits. ACell1 also helps with the pain associated with both hip and elbow dysplasia. The cases where I add ACell to the protocol typically need fewer follow up visits for pain. Dr. Babette Gladstein Dr. Babette Gladstein practices integrative medicine in the greater New York area. For more information please visit her website: http://www.drbabette.com/, also her: Facebook page :|zpendofcontent|:
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Interesting History of the Cane Corso Mastiff
Interesting History of the Cane Corso Mastiff The Cane Corso or also called the Italian Mastiff is considered as one of the best personal protection dogs. It is a large Italian breed of dog and for years, it has been valued highly in Italy as a companion, hunter of wild pigs, and a guard dog. It is a powerful dog that can weigh up to 120 pounds. It has a large head and a heavy body that is rectangular in shape. It has a strong build but has an elegant appearance as well. This breed comes in different colors such as black, red, gray, slate, and deer fawn. Cane Corso dogs are known to be docile and affectionate to their owners. They are also loving with children as well as to families and they can easily be trained as well. This dog breed has a storied history as a hunter and a guard dog. Read on if you want to know more about how they became one of the best dogs that can provide you and your family protection. The Breed Name The name “Cane Corso” based on history, is as much as an adjective as it is as a noun. In Italian, the word cane means dog and the word corso is from the Latin word “Cohors” which means protector or bodyguard. The name Cane Corso wasn’t used until around 1137 AD. In the past, it was known by names with provincial connotations such as Dogo di Puglia. But Cane Corso became a wider term that comprises the breed’s diffusion all through Italy and Sicily. In fact, it was held in such high regard that there are several metaphors as well as antidotes associated with its name like “can corso” which means a man of proud aspect and attitude, and “je’nucors” which means a young man who was the essence of moral and physical virtue. Ancient History The Cane Corso is known to be a descendant of a dog that was used in Ancient Rome in hunting and warfare. There is an art from 700 BC that shows a dog similar to the Cane Corso we know today assisting in the hunt. This proves that the dog breed has been around for a very long time. They had a major role in Roman warfare and that was being used as piriferi, which was a practice where buckets of flaming oil were strapped to their backs and sent to the front lines of the enemy. They were warriors with no hesitations when it comes to fighting. As a Farmhand and a Hunter After the Roman wars, the Cane Corso became a dog that was devoted to hunting, farming, and guarding. Through the wars, they were taught to be extremely versatile and this versatility became helpful in being dogs who guarded livestock and farm buildings. Another farm duty they had was assisting in the breeding of swine. After the swine gives birth, a sow would usually try to hide her litter and it was the Cane Corso’s job to find and incapacitate the sow which will allow the farmer to come and gather her litter. The Cane Corso was also used in keeping wild boars under control. It was known to protect its masters when a wild boar appears and went on attack. They also helped with cattle by incapacitating a bull in order to separate it from the herd. They would just clamp down on the bull’s nose or ear which was later became known as “bull baiting.” Their versatility also allowed them to adapt to the continually changing roles over the years when agriculture has diminished. That was the time their roles have emerged and they became family protectors and companions. Aside from protecting people and animals from wild boars, the Cane Corso dogs also hunted them. Since hunting wild boards was dangerous, the Cane Corso made it safer for a hunter. They were also used to hunt porcupines which was dangerous for them because of the porcupine’s sharp quills. Decline of the Cane Corso However, the economy and farms changed because of the World Wars. These brought disarray to the regions’ rural activities which were the livelihood of the Cane Corsos. After the second World War, work decreased for the versatile Cane Corso and there was little to no food available for them. There were also natural disasters such as flooding and landslides that occurred during that time along with poverty. The Cane Corso’s golden age was over and by the 1970’s, their breed was nearly extinct. Recovery of the Cane Corso There were grown up Italian men who had seen the hardworking Cane Corso in their childhoods. They wondered what happened to the once thriving breed. They did some research and after that, the breeding of the Cane Corso started again. They worked together to locate some of the dogs in remote villages. In 1994, the breed had an official ENCI recognition and an FCI recognition in 1996. In 2010, Cane Corsos were recognized by the American Kennel Club and the breed's popularity continued to grow. Conclusion After knowing the history behind the Cane Corso Mastiff breed, it’s now easy to understand why they make such good protection dogs. Their history of hard work and versatility, as well as their strength, shows that this breed is truly ancient and certainly has wisdom. It is a ferocious breed but also smart and can make a loving companion as well. These characteristics are usually what people are looking for in pets that will stay by their side. With such a powerful breed make sure you choose products that are built well and very durable. When traveling a 4Knines Seat Cover or Cargo Liner will help protect your car from drool, dirt and claw marks. They also make heavy duty dog bowls with a non-slip bottom! Chaz Elban Chaz Elban is a founder and blogger for https://thepuppyplace.org, a blog focused on puppies and dogs in general. Chaz has 3 dogs including a Miniature Schnauzer, Morikepoo and a Havanese. Chaz grew up on a farm and has many fond memories of taking care of and playing with his many dogs on the farm. You can contact Chaz at info@mentalitch.com.
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Why Do Dogs Bark at Night and What Are The Best Solutions?
Why Do Dogs Bark at Night and What Are The Best Solutions? Reasons Dogs Bark at Night and How to Curb Excessive Barking Once you bring your dog home, don’t expect it not to bark. It is a natural thing that a dog should do. However, there are times when this habit crosses the red line. This usually happens when the dog barks excessively at night. Once it reaches to this point, you need to treat it as a problem which needs an immediate solution. In this article, we are going to look at the reasons why dogs bark excessively at night and what you can do to stop this habit. Why Dogs Bark Excessively At Night? Dogs bark as a way of passing a message vocally (1). They send different messages depending on the situation. Here are some of the reasons why dogs bark at night. 1. To Guard Their Territory Dogs tend to be very protective. They will jealously guard their space against invaders whether it is a human being or an animal. The presence of an uninvited guest in the yard will make the dog to bark aggressively. 2. Frightened / Fear Dogs bark when they sense a looming threat. They will bark when they hear or even see something that can threaten their life. 3. Separation Anxiety At night, you are likely to be separated from your dog. This separation can trigger depression in them and make them bark compulsively. 4. Boredom With no one to play with or nothing to do, your dog will start feeling lonely and bored. A dog can express this feeling by barking continuously at night. 5. Looking for Attention Dogs like courting for attention. At night, you are not always available to be with your dog or give him special treats. You will not be there to give him a message, play with him or take him for a walk. The dog may opt to bark as a way of attracting your attention. 6. Minimal Exercises During the Day One of the benefits of physical exercise is they help a dog to remain calm afterwards. If dogs do little or even don’t exercise during the day, they will become aggressive at night. One way of showing their aggressiveness is by barking at night. How to Stop Your Dog From Barking at Night? Here are some tips that you can use to stop your dog from barking at night: 1. Get Dog Toys Dog toys can help to deal with the problem of boredom in pups. If your dog has a habit of barking at night because he is bored, consider getting a food-dispensing dog toy. These toys come in various designs and can keep the hound busy until he gets tired. A tired dog will sleep instead of making any noise. Ensure that the toy has minimal chance of causing any harm to your canine. The article on choosing the best toy for pit pulls will be useful for you, regardless of whether you own a pit bull or any other breed. 2. Do Not Reward Him As we have already stated, some dogs bark because they want to attract undivided attention. The will stop doing so once you attend to them. The best solution for such a situation is to stop being a push-over. Do not respond to his demands. For instance, if you are used to giving the mongrel some food every time that it barks, stop giving him. With time, he will realize that barking is not the only way to get what he wants. He will tone down on this habit. However, do not be harsh on your canine when doing so. 3. Get Anti Bark Device An anti-bark device provides an innovative way of stopping your dog from barking at night. You can use it as an alternative to the time-consuming dog training. It is also safer than the shock collars as it won’t stress up your hound (2). Instead of triggering some shocks, an anti-barking device releases ultrasound that can only be heard by the dog. He will stop barking after hearing this sound. 4. Adequate Exercises Spare some time during the day and take the dog out to play. Apart from staying healthy and fit, exercises help the dog to release excess energy (3). At night, your dog will be too tired and will spend more time sleeping. Conclusion Nobody wants to have a noisy dog at night. First, it will make you lose your precious sleep. It is impossible to catch a sleep with such noise in your yard or even apartment. Secondly, you will always at loggerheads with your neighbors over the noise. You can apply the tips above to prevent your dog from barking excessively at night. Ruby Smith Ruby is the proud owner of Pet So Fun. She is also responsible for the abundant content creation on the website. She knows that there are millions of pet owners looking for the right kind of information online. And this is where her expertise lies. Smith writes about pet care health and fitness along with the best pet product recommendations. There is nothing on her blog that doesn’t encourage others to create a healthy and friendly environment for their pets. Homepage: https://petsofun.com | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/petsofun | Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/petsofun | Twitter: https://twitter.com/PetSoFun References: (1) https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/understanding-why-dogs-bark#1 (2) https://www.apbc.org.uk/articles/shockcollars (3) https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/exercise-dogs#1 :|zpendofcontent|:
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Why Fostering-To-Adopt a Dog Is the Best Way to Find Your Perfect Dog!
Why Fostering-To-Adopt a Dog Is the Best Way to Find Your Perfect Dog! Are you ready to adopt a dog, but not sure what type of dog would be a good fit for your family? Are you worried if the dog will be good with your kids or maybe even get along with your current dog? Adopting a dog isn’t just about how cute he is, we should be considering the dog's size, personality, energy level, and so much more. Adopting a dog from a rescue can be a bit of a guessing game, even when a dog comes from a foster home it’s sometimes difficult to know if that dog is a good fit for your home. Foster-to-adopt a dog programs are becoming more popular as rescues realize it is a great way to match dogs with the right owners. These programs can actually reduce the number of dogs being returned to the rescue since the adopter has already “test-driven” the dog. But what does it really mean to foster-to-adopt a dog? What Is a Foster-To-Adopt Program? Many rescues rely on people willing to donate their time, their homes and big hearts to become foster homes for dogs. A foster home will be the dog's safe place to live until a permanent home is found. Most of the time, a dog will be in a foster home for a short period of time until a permanent home is found to adopt him. In a foster-to-adopt program, the foster family has the option to adopt their foster dog before he goes up for adoption. Not all rescues have this option, so it’s important to research and find a rescue near you that allows foster families to adopt. What Happens If I Foster a Dog to Adopt and I Decide I Don’t Want To Adopt Him? This scenario is exactly why fostering-to-adopt is such a great program! If you realize your foster dog isn’t the dog you dreamed of, then the dog goes up for adoption to find his perfect forever home. Just because he isn’t a good match for you, doesn’t mean there isn’t a good match for him out there somewhere. Once he is adopted then you find another dog to foster. With each dog you foster, you will learn something new. We fostered 5 dogs before finding the dog we wanted to adopt, and with each foster dog, we became more knowledgeable and better dog owners. My Story of Fostering and Adopting Our Dog, Ginger We personally started fostering so that I can teach my, then 9-year-old, daughter about the responsibility of different dog breeds and personalities. Even though we had a family dog, she wanted a dog of her own since she was 3 years old. We fostered a big range of dog breeds and ages over a two-year span. Several of them could have been a good match for our family, and others were a “no-way”! Our entire family learned so much from our fostering experience. After two years of fostering dogs, we were ready to find a dog for my daughter. I saw a German Shepherd mix dog come through the list of dogs needing a foster home and thought she could be the one. After fostering her for a couple of months, we got to know her personality and quirks and decided we would adopt her. Ginger isn’t perfect by any means, we struggle with resource guarding and allergies, but she is perfect for us. Finding A Foster-To-Adopt Program Not all rescues will allow their foster families to adopt a foster dog, so it’s important to do your research and find the right match. And not all rescues have a name for it, so be specific when asking if they have a foster-to-adopt program. There are even some humane societies jumping in on fostering programs because they are overfilled with dogs. Talk with friends, neighbors, co-workers, and Google for reviews. Not all rescues are created equal and you want to make sure you connect with a reputable group. Good luck and I hope you find your perfect dog for your family! Fostering and adopting can be such a rewarding experience. You may even find after adopting you want to continue to foster more dogs. And remember, no dog is perfect, but a dog can be perfect for your family. Debi McKee Debi McKee is the founder of RescueDogs101.com, foster home, and all-in-all dog fanatic. Debi’s mission is to guide you through every step of your dog journey, from adopting the perfect dog for you and your family, to training your dog and keeping your dog happy and healthy. Sign up for her free resource library of must-have resources, containing valuable downloads to help you in your dog journey.
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10 Things Our Dogs Would Say If They Could Talk
10 Things Our Dogs Would Say If They Could Talk If you are here, I would assume you are a dog lover? Dog lovers like myself have all had a moment or two where they wonder (especially in certain situations) what their dogs would say if they could speak. And I'm not talking about "woof woof," I mean really speak. Tell me I'm not alone here? I consider myself pretty darn good at reading the body language of a dog, especially my own. But there are still several times that they puzzle me. What are they thinking? What would they say to me right now if they could talk? When I think my dogs are looking at me with love in their eyes, are they actually thinking to themselves "OMG hooman don't you understand that your outfit doesn't match?!" Taking all that into consideration, I thought it would make a fun post outlining from my own perspective "10 Things Our Dogs Would Say If They Could Talk?" 1. "It's 4:30 am hooman, and I need to pee! Or I need to make you think I have to pee, but really, there is a super cute poodle that goes for early morning walks that I simply CANNOT miss out on smelling, so WAKE UP!" 2. "Boy, that steak you left sitting on the counter sure looks tasty. It would be a shame if... somehow it miraculously fell to the floor." 3. "Yay... same kibble as every other day of my life. Too much to ask for a different flavor once and a while?" 4. "Dear lord hooman, that outfit looks ridiculous on you." 5. "Why are you getting your shoes on? Are we going somewhere? A walk? A Car ride? Wait, why aren't you putting on my leash? Hey, you forgot to bring me with you! Where are you going? Have I done something wrong? Come back! Omg, she's never coming back. I have been abandoned by my own hooman! How dare she! How will I live? Who will feed me? I'm freaking out right now." 6. "Is that a car I hear? Could it be? IT IS!!! She came back to me! Omg omg omg omg she's home, she's home, omg omg. I thought you left meeeeee! Why did you leave me? Lets never fight again." 7. "So hooman if you'd like to listen and have a civilized conversation with me rather than treating me like some child, I'd really appreci........ was that a squirrel? SQUIRREL!" 8. "I'll never understand why you keep telling me not to bark at this guy in uniform who keeps pretending to drop envelopes in a little box. He clearly trespasses on our property daily, and is quite obviously planning his lifelong attack on our home." 9. "I don't like this cat. I will never like this cat. I don't know why you keep telling me its not evil. I mean, look at it. I can't even walk past it without it slapping me with those long sharp devil claws." 10. "Yes, I realize I have already peed on this tree. But what you fail to realize is since this morning exactly --sniff sniff-- 5 dogs have also peed on said tree. Which means I need to pee on it again to make sure my scent is the strongest." What do you guys think? Pretty bang on? Okay, personal question for those of you reading. Have you ever commentated for your dog? I do this on a regular basis, no joke. Mostly when I have company at my house. And it never fails, each and every time, we always end up laughing so hard it brings tears to your eyes. Have a little fun today, commentate for your dog and make a voice that you think would be fitting for your furry family member. I know, I know, it sounds silly. And it is! But that's the best part! So what are you waiting for? If your dog could talk, what do you think he would say? Jenna Drady Hi, I'm Jenna Drady AKA HuskyCrazed - author and creator of ownedbyahusky.ca. I am a mother of two beautiful daughters and of course my 3 huskies. Being a husky mom for a long duration of my life, I was inspired to begin writing about them. In doing so, I started doing massive research on dog behavior, and all things dog in general. I am inspired every day by my family, and love to bring my readers valuable information as well as a little laugh while I'm at it. I created my own business partnered with my lovely mother while blogging called Pawz N Clawz Jewelry N Things. We currently sell handmade jewelry with added pet charms, as well as a few dog toys too! As an animal rights activist, and huge believer in helping pets who have been stuck in shelters, we donate a portion of our sales to local shelters throughout Canada. :|zpendofcontent|:
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Enriching Your Dog’s Life With Homemade Food Toys
Enriching Your Dog’s Life With Homemade Food Toys Dog toys are a great way to feed and entertain your dog. Dogs need mental stimulation as much as they need physical exercise but sometimes they get bored with regular dog toys. When they play with a food toy, they are getting reinforced (when they get a piece of food) for playing with the toy, therefore the play often lasts longer. Some food toys also provide physical exercise because the dog pushes the toys around the house or yard. The downside of some of these food toys is that they can get expensive. However, some of the best food toys are homemade and can be far less expensive. One of my favorite food toys for the summer is the giant ice cube. The giant ice cube is very easy to make and can be used for dogs that have special diets. All you need to do is fill a plastic bowl with water or broth (any broth will work- chicken, beef, vegetable) then add food or treats to the liquid. I will add kibble, dog treats, spoonsful of peanut butter, carrots and anything else my dog likes. Sometimes I will also stuff a Kong and place the stuffed Kong into the liquid. Once I have placed the food and treats in the liquid, I will freeze it (it usually takes 24 hours, depending on the size of your bowl). Once it is frozen, I take the giant ice cube outside, take it out of the bowl and put in on the grass in my backyard. Dogs will lick and chew the ice to get to the food. Sometimes they will even push the ice cube around the yard to try to find a “good treat.” Another homemade food toy I like uses a plastic water or soda bottle. Depending on the size of the dog, I will use a small or large bottle. I cut holes in the sides and take the cap off. Next, I fill the bottle with kibble (sometimes I put a few special treats in too). Once the bottle is filled, I let my dog push the bottle around the house or yard. As he pushes the bottle, kibble and treats fall out for him to eat. This is a great toy for mental and physical exercise. As with every toy, make sure your dog does not chew or eat the bottle. If this is the case, this toy is not a good fit for your dog. Not all mental stimulation has to come from a toy. Sometimes I will also do an “Easter egg” hunt for my dogs. Instead of hiding Easter eggs, I will hide kibble and treats around my backyard or in my house. My dogs will spend hours looking for a treat that may have been left behind. This is another way to stimulate your dog mentally and physically. This is a great game to do if your dog will be left alone for a few hours. We all want our dogs to be happy and healthy. By enriching your dog's mind and body with mental and physical exercise, you are enriching their lives. Give it a try, your dog will love you for it. Shannon Coyner Shannon has been a pet lover all her life and a dog trainer for over 20 years. She has spent her life observing, caring for and training animals of all kinds. She has worked in the Bird Department at Marine World Africa USA, and worked as a handler and trainer for an African Serval Cat at Safari West, a private zoo in Santa Rosa, California. She has participated in behavior studies including observations of bald eagles and addax antelope through the San Francisco Zoo and Safari West. Her education includes a Biology Degree, specializing in Zoology from Sonoma State. She is a "Registered Veterinary Technician," a "Certified Professional Dog Trainer" (Knowledge Assessed), a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, a member of the "Association of Pet Dog Trainers" and a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Shannon is currently serving as President for the Society of Veterinary Behavior Technicians. Shannon's dog training philosophy revolves around force-free, positive reinforcement, however, her ultimate goal is for healthy happy relationship between pets and their people. Diet, exercise, environment and training all play a significant role in achieving this goal. Shannon is currently the owner of Ventura Pet Wellness and Dog Training Center in Ventura, CA where she works with anxious and fearful dogs privately as well as teaching agility classes (Venturapetwellness.com). Shannon has also started a training website called Truly Force Free Animal Training. :|zpendofcontent|:
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Top Tips for Doggy Sun Protection
Top Tips for Doggy Sun Protection It’s a gorgeous time of year, perfect for spending time outdoors in the fresh air with a dog by your side. I’m picturing long walks, beach-days and lazy picnics – bliss! But with rising temperatures and bright sunshine comes the risk of sunburn both for you AND your beloved dog. We humans may sometimes turn a blind eye to sun exposure, but our dogs, unfortunately, don’t have a say in the matter – so as a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to keep your doggo well protected from harmful UVA and UVB rays. As the weather heats up, here are some handy sun protection tips for your dog: Avoid taking your dog out in the sun during the hottest part of the day. Between 10am and 4pm is usually a safe bet, but keep an eye on the UV index. When the UV index reaches 3, stay under cover. Remember – even on a cloudy day, you and your dog can still suffer from nasty sun damage! If the UV index is high, shade is great - but indoors is best. If you are planning on being outside and there isn’t a lot of shade available, say in a park or at the beach, purchase a generous-sized beach umbrella or foldable sunshade. And check the sun-protection rating of the material so that you know it will do the job. Consider a doggy sunscreen. Do be sure to track down a veterinary recommended product and don’t use a strong human sunscreen – your dog will potentially lick their fur at some point and ingest some of the product. Always patch test your dog beforehand, and reapply every few hours or after swimming. Purchase a doggy sun-shirt. There are some super cute shirts on the market that provide UVA and UVB protection, which can really help avoid sunburn through fur. Does your dog have a new sunspot or mole on their skin? Inform your vet and keep a close eye on it. Take a picture on your smartphone just to keep track of the spot, and if you see any changes let your vet know immediately. If your dog is unfortunate enough to suffer from sunburn, keep them in a cool, quiet place with plenty of water. Chat with your vet who may be able to recommend a soothing ointment. Please note that if your dog has white fur, pink skin under their fur, white tips or a pale nose, be extra mindful. These pale puppers are far more susceptible to sunburn than other dogs and are at a much higher risk of developing sunspots that can lead to skin cancers. With a bit of planning, care and awareness, you can be sure your dog can have a great summer without the discomfort and pain of sunburn. Be safe and have fun! Jess Tanner Jess is a pet fanatic and blog writer for Pawshake, an online service connecting pet owners with local pet sitters. She has always been a dog owner, but currently is the proud parent of a shelter cat called Benjamin. She has experience as a pet sitter herself and loves finding ways to make the pet sitting process smooth, safe and fun for everyone involved. :|zpendofcontent|:
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We All Scream for Ice Cream, But Is It Safe For Dogs?
We All Scream for Ice Cream, But Is It Safe For Dogs? July is National Ice Cream Month! Nothing says summertime more than cooling off with a delicious frozen treat. But, is it okay to feed your dog ice cream? Or, is there something more canine-friendly to serve up? An occasional lick or two of ice cream may be okay, but only if your dog is not lactose intolerant and does not have a medical issue such as diabetes, obesity, dairy allergies, gastrointestinal issues, etc. For a dog with Canine Epilepsy, a little bit of natural vanilla ice cream can be given post-seizure to help raise sugar levels, but always check with your veterinarian, who is familiar with your dog’s health record, before giving any new foods or treats to be sure they are safe for your pet. When it comes to ice cream, there are actually several reasons why you should resist giving it to your dog: It’s made from milk. Many dogs are intolerant or allergic to dairy and if eaten, it can make them sick. It contains sugar. Also, beware of “low sugar” or “no sugar” versions as they may contain a sugar substitute, including xylitol, which is known to be toxic to dogs. It may be full of flavors and add-ins dogs should not eat such as chocolate, coffee, raisins, nuts, salt, garlic (yes, there is garlic ice cream), alcohol (and yes, there is alcohol-infused ice cream), as these items can be toxic to dogs and top the ASPCA’s list of foods to not feed a dog. (https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foods-avoid-feeding-your-pets) So, what’s a pet parent to do when their beloved dogs are drooling for some ice cream? Head on over to the kitchen and whip up healthy alternatives they can eat! You may even discover that you like a few of them, too! All you need is a high-performance blender; some ice cube trays, silicone molds, mini-muffin tins, or ring molds; the ingredients; and a little imagination! Here are some of my FiveSibes favorite homemade frozen treat recipes (adjust ingredient amounts to preferred consistency): Berry Nice! In a blender, whip up fat-free plain organic yogurt with some frozen organic ripe blueberries or strawberries, or, use fresh organic blueberries and strawberries together with the yogurt, crushed ice, and blend, both for tasty and creamy smoothies! You can also pour the mixture into mini-muffin pans or paw print shaped molds, and freeze for a cool treat! Bananas for Peanut Butter! Blend together a banana and some organic creamy peanut butter* with organic plain fat-free yogurt. Spoon into silicone shapes and freeze! (*A note about peanut butters: they are not all dog friendly. Be sure to read the ingredient label to avoid unnecessary sugar, and also no sugar substitutes, such as xylitol, which, as stated above, is known to be toxic to dogs). Pumpkin is an Anytime Flavor! My FiveSibes get pumpkin added to their food all year long to help keep them healthy. Mix a little pumpkin pureé (NEVER pumpkin pie filling) with some organic plain fat-free yogurt, a drizzle of organic maple syrup, a pinch of cinnamon, then pour into the molds and freeze! Pup-Friendly Ice Pops. Blend organic ripe blueberries, strawberries, or seedless watermelon with water, pour into molds, toss in a few cut-up berries or pieces of watermelon, and freeze! Frozen Food. Pureé and freeze some of your canine’s favorite foods, such as home-cooked beef or chicken with a little homemade bone broth, water, or unsweetened organic applesauce. You can even add some veggies to it, like cut-up or pureéd green beans! Salmon is Sweet! Do your dogs love salmon? My Siberian Huskies sure do! Mix some cooked boneless salmon into a little water, spoon into an ice cube tray or bone-shaped mold, sprinkle the tops with crushed treats, and pop into the freezer! With so many healthy alternatives for dog-friendly versions of ice cream to make, you can whip up a new flavor every day! For more delicious ways to make your dog frozen treats, reference reliable online canine recipe sites, such as: Golden Woofs: https://www.sugarthegoldenretriever.com/dog-treat-recipes/ Gone to the Snow Dogs: http://www.gonetothesnowdogs.com/?s=frozen+dog+treats Kol’s Notes: https://kolchakpuggle.com/dog-treat-recipes/frozen-dog-treat-recipes Here’s to a happy summer filled with lots of tasty licks for your favorite canine! Bon(e) Appetit! Dorothy Wills-Raftery Dorothy Wills-Raftery is an award-winning photojournalist and author of EPIC Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy; the FiveSibes™ Tales children’s books: What’s Wrong With Gibson? Learning About K-9 Epilepsy and Getting Healthy With Harley: Learning About Health & Fitness; and Buddy, the Christmas Husky~Based On A True Holiday Miracle books (ArcticHouse Publishing), as well as the FiveSibes.com, an online encyclopedia for the Siberian Husky breed and Canine Epilepsy information, as well as her international award-winning FiveSibes blog, based on the lives of her five Siberian Huskies. Her work has also appeared in American Pet Magazine, Ruff Drafts, The Sled Dogger, and Hudson Valley Paw Print Magazine. Dorothy is the writer and host of "The Sibe Vibe” Dog Works Radio show. Dorothy is a 9-time Dog Writers of America Association “Excellence” nominee, winning the prestigious Maxwell Medallion in 2017 and 2016 for her writing, photography, and design. Her book EPIC Dog Tales: Heartfelt Stories About Amazing Dogs Living & Loving Life With Canine Epilepsy received the 2018 Independent Press Award for “Excellence” in the Reference Book category and 2017 NYC Big Book Award for “Excellence” in the Animal/Pet book category. Dorothy was also named “Best Author” in 2015 & 2016 by Hudson Valley Magazine and all four books named “Best in Print” by American Pet Magazine, An official International Purple Day® for Epilepsy Ambassador since 2012 and a volunteer case manager for The Wally Foundation-Canine Epilepsy, Dorothy is the creator of the FiveSibes #LiveGibStrong K-9 Epilepsy Awareness campaign and partnered with The Anita Kaufmann Foundation for #Paws4Purple Project, both inspired by her own epileptic Husky, Gibson. In addition to her Siberian Huskies, Dorothy shares her home with her husband, daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. You can follow Dorothy and her FiveSibes on Facebook at FiveSibes: Siberian Husky K9 News & Reviews, on Google + , Twitter, and Instagram(@FiveSibesMom). :|zpendofcontent|:
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