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How to Keep Your Dog Safe During Hurricane Season
How to Keep Your Dog Safe During Hurricane Season Hurricanes are a terrifying force of nature. If you live in an area that could be affected by one, you must take steps to prepare well in advance. Read on for tips to keep your family safe and sound during the storm, and learn what to do with your pets during a hurricane. When Is Hurricane Season? Hurricane Season officially begins on June 1 and ends on November 30. However, storms have occasionally developed prior to the season start, so it’s a perfect time to mentally prepare. National Hurricane Center (https://www.nhc.noaa.gov) is a terrific resource to keep up on hurricane and tropical storm development. Follow These Steps When a Hurricane or Tropical Storm Is Announced When a storm is announced that may potentially impact your area, it’s time to take basic precautions. This is the ideal time to stock up on extra food and water for your family and your pets. Secure extra amounts of any necessary medications your pet requires. It may be a few days/weeks before veterinary offices open after the storm, and you don’t want to run out. Even if the storm ends up not affecting you after all, you’ll use it, so it’s best to be prepared! You should also make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations in case a mandatory evacuation is necessary, as pet-friendly storm shelters are limited and often require current vaccination records. Also stock up on ointments, bandages, and basic first aid. This is also a great time to prep an indoor potty station. Pee pads work well for some dogs, while others, especially larger dogs, may struggle with using them. A great option is to use a small kiddie pool! Pick up a few squares of sod/grass from your local store, or if necessary, cut some out of your yard. Place the grass in the kiddie pool to help encourage them to potty inside during the hurricane. What to Do When a Tropical Storm or Hurricane Is Imminent In the hours before the storm, it gets a little hectic. Set aside time to play with your dog and take them on a nice, lengthy walk to tire out your pup as much as possible. The physical activity will help keep them from being bored and anxious during the storm, which is a difficult and stressful combination to deal with. If you’re evacuating, PLEASE bring your pet. If it’s not safe for you, it isn’t safe for them. I cannot stress that enough. There are always better options than leaving your pet, such as checking with your local news for pet-friendly shelters or hotels outside evacuation zones. How to Manage During the Storm If your area isn’t under mandatory evacuations, and you’re planning to ride out the storm at home, select a windowless area like a closet or hallway to take shelter. Set up your pet’s crate there, along with a mattress on the floor for family members to be comfortable. Track the hurricane’s progress and make a final outdoors potty trip before winds/rain pick up. You and your pup don’t want to get caught in a sudden strong wind gust! Once the storm begins, settle in your safe area with plenty of comfort items - toys, treats, puzzles, blankets, etc. Block off the hallway or keep closet doors closed to keep your dog close so they don’t zoom around the house during the storm. Also keep their leash/harness near, along with food/water bowl. Have their potty area accessible, along with poop bags and cleaning supplies to minimize messes. Avoid going out during the eye of the storm, as they can be surprisingly brief and winds could pick back up suddenly. Plus, there could be damage that could injure your dog. Steps To Take After the Storm Phew, the storm is over! Before letting your dog out, walk the yard or potty route for safety. Look for any downed power lines, holes in the fence, debris that can cut their feet, etc. Once you’ve cleared an area for them, you can take them to potty safely. Have you had to ride out a major storm with your dog? Share any tips you used to keep them calm below! Natasha Thompson Hi there! I’m Natasha Thompson, creator of Om Shanti Pups, a health and holistic lifestyle dog blog. I love puppies (of all ages!), yoga, and dog rescue. I live all the way up in Alaska with my husband Dan and our two crazy four-year-old Puerto Rican sato street rescues Roxy & Rico. Find us on Instagram & Twitter @OmShantiPups, or visit https://OmShantiPups.com. :|zpendofcontent|:
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A Healthy Gut Makes a Healthy Dog
A Healthy Gut Makes a Healthy Dog As a dog parent, you do many things to keep your best friend healthy. You feed them the best food you can, take them for long walks and give them lots of exercises, you play with them and provide mental stimulation. You watch their weight, care for their teeth, and groom their coat; but unless your dog is sick or has diarrhea, most pet owners don’t spend much time thinking about their dog’s gut. Yet maintaining a healthy gut has been shown to help prevent disease, improve digestion, aid in the absorption of nutrients from foods, strengthen the immune system, and much more. This is because, just like with people, a dog’s immune system is closely linked to the digestive system in his gut, which contains approximately 70% of all immune cells. In other words, your pet’s gut and the health of his digestive system is vital to keeping your four-legged companion healthy and happy. That’s where probiotics come into play. Many holistic veterinarians have been recommending probiotics for years, but with recent studies, even medical vets have begun to agree that probiotics are beneficial to keeping your pet’s gut healthy, thereby reducing their chance of developing digestive and immune system related health issues. The What and Why of Probiotics So what are probiotics? Probiotics are the “good” or “helpful” bacteria that live in your pets’ intestines and are responsible for nutrient absorption, digestive health and immune system support. Certain species of bacteria that thrive in dogs are: Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, and Enterococcus. According to American Kennel Club (AKC) veterinary expert, Jerry Klein, DVM, probiotics (bacteria or yeast) can potentially provide an array of health benefits to dogs. “They are believed to help treat and/or prevent a variety of illnesses and diseases, especially those related to the gastrointestinal system,” he explains. “They inhibit the growth and activity of harmful bacteria, such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Clostridium perfringens, as well as provide other advantages to the intestines.” Without the right amount and balance of “good” gut bacteria, your pet can experience major health issues such as severe stomach pains, bloating and gas, chronic diarrhea and even inflammatory bowel disease. And the benefits of probiotics are not just for sick pets. Most people think of probiotics only after they have been sick and have taken a dose of antibiotics, which we all know kills the good bacteria in our stomach as well as the bad. But probiotics are not just for restoring your pet’s body to optimal health after an illness. Taken on a daily basis, probiotics keep optimal levels of helpful bacteria in the gut, thereby helping with food absorption, boosting the immune system, increasing metabolism and energy levels, helping the body to maintain an ideal weight, and reducing digestive related illnesses and problems such as gas and bad breath. Now that I know the benefits, how do I give probiotics to my dog? There are many ways to give your dog probiotics. Here are just a few: Foods that contain probiotics naturally (if these are new to your pet, introduce slowly and in moderation): 1. Dairy that is safe for dogs Kefir (add 2-3 tablespoons to your dog’s meal, or give him 1/2 cup on its own) Goat's milk (give 3-4 tablespoons to 1 meal per day, or feed 1 cup as a treat) Yogurt and buttermilk Soft cheeses such as Swiss, Gouda and Cheddar 2. Fermented vegetables Kimchi Pickled vegetables Sauerkraut 3. Raw or lightly cooked vegetables and fruits Asparagus Garlic (in small quantities) Bananas Apples Seaweed or kelp 4. Seeds Chia seeds Flaxseed Chicory root For both healthy dogs, as well as pets with a compromised immune system or other health issues, a probiotic supplement can also be added to help increase the levels of good probiotics in their system. Look for a good pet probiotic, not one made for humans, as your pet’s needs are different from ours. Final words ... To refrigerate or not? A good, dry, stabilized probiotic doesn’t need to be refrigerated, and refrigeration doesn’t mean it’s a better product when it comes to dog probiotics. When the dry bacteria comes in contact with your pet’s gastrointestinal tract, the bacteria become live, active, and multiply many times over. Viktoria Harris Viktoria is a dog lover and proud pet parent of an amazing Border Collie/Shepherd/Husky mix named Tango. She is also the founder of BestLife4Pets.com, and together with her husband and two beautiful kids runs an online pet store devoted to quality natural products that improve the lives of pets every day. After her kids’ numerous health problems, she sought out natural and homeopathic treatments that weren’t as harmful to their systems as regular medicine. Having experienced the benefits of these natural remedies and treatments on herself and her family, she decided to do the same for her dog. And that is how BestLife4Pets came about. Today, she helps other dogs and cats get pain relief and feel better the natural way. :|zpendofcontent|:
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Is Your Dog Protecting You or Himself?
Is Your Dog Protecting You or Himself? There is no doubt that some dogs will protect their humans or property. Some of these dogs are trained to protect while others are bred to be protective. However, there are also dogs who appear to be protective of their human, but they are actually afraid for their own safety. To know if your dog is protecting you, your property or himself, you need to understand why dogs are protective. Dogs that are trained to protect are taught to perform a behavior (for example, bite an arm) when they are cued to do so. These dogs have a job and are most commonly seen working with police. These dogs are taught to bite when a specific word is said. These dogs are also taught to release on cue. When these dogs bite, they are responding the same way your dog responds when they hear the word “sit”. “Sit” is the verbal cue to perform the behavior of putting their rear end on the floor. Although these dogs appear aggressive and are great “protectors” they only do it when they are told to do so. Dogs that are bred to be protective typically have a job to protect livestock or land. Commonly Anatolian and Great Pyrenes breeds are used for this. These dogs use intimidation more than aggression to keep the flock safe. They protect the flock by running a predator off the property rather than attacking. These dogs are usually confident and are bonded to the flock that they protect and only protect when there is a true threat. The misunderstood group are the shy, anxious or fearful dogs. These dogs show signs of fear and anxiety when threatened or not. These dogs are often labeled reactive or aggressive when in reality they are afraid. These dogs will commonly bark or lunge at other dogs or people when in public. Many people will think that these dogs are being protective of their human but in reality, they are just afraid for themselves. More often than not, these dogs will have anxieties in their homes, at a veterinarian’s office or when they are in a new place. Common signs of fear and anxiety are tucked tail, ears that are pinned back, panting when they are not hot or tired, yawning when they are not tired and hypervigilance. When a dog feels threatened a natural response will be to fight, flight or freeze. With fight, they cannot yell or hit, so they will bark, lunge or bite. When people don’t understand that these dogs are afraid, they will often mislabel them as “aggressive” or “protective.” These dogs can be the most dangerous because they may bite another dog or person even when there is no real threat. 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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5 Popular Dog Training Methods That Actually Work
5 Popular Dog Training Methods That Actually Work From all the popular dog training methods, it’s difficult to find out which one is best suited to your dog’s personality. Some popular training methods manipulate dog’s psyche smartly and ease the job of the owner. There is a great deal of disagreement among various dog owners regarding the best training techniques available out there that can completely satisfy the owners. The top five favorite dog training methods out there are as follows: 1. Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement is the top most popular training method. It’s a modern training approach that was introduced by Dawn Sylvia-Stasiewicz, who was the trainer of Obama’s dog. The underlying philosophy of positive reinforcement is that dogs will repeat the behavior that’s rewarded, and avoid the practices that go unrewarded. With a toddler’s mind, your pooch loves to be the apple of your eye, so he immediately picks up the actions you praise and reward. Instead of physical punishment, the reward is withheld to make the dog realize his mistake. 2. Scientific Training Scientific training includes all the training tricks and techniques that are being developed based on authentic research. The research are based on understanding the dog’s nature, behavior conditioning ability, and effects of rewards and punishment on dog’s psychology. The primary scientific training method is operant conditioning that includes positive reinforcement. When the desired behavior is meant to be promoted, rewards are given. When an unwanted behavior needs to be discouraged, rewards are withheld, and the pooch is ignored. You can use the operant conditioning to distract the dog from negative behavior and shift his attention towards a rewarding behavior. With repetition, the pooch will stop repeating the old behavior. 3. Clicker Training Clicker training is based on the models of operant conditioning and positive reinforcement. Clicker is a quick, loud sound of a whistle, clicker, etc. that’s used to signal the dog that the desired behavior is accomplished. It is mostly grouped with positive reinforcement, and the clicker is a quick signal to the dog that the desired behavior is achieved. There can be delays in rewarding the desired behavior in positive reinforcement. The clicker is an immediate signal for the furball to understand which behavior is being rewarded. Clickers are also used for teaching new tricks and behaviors to dogs and young pups. The dog is conditioned by the sound of the clicker that a reward is coming. Clicker training is not used to indicate punishments. 4. Mirror Training Mirror training, also known as ‘model-rival training,’ is based on the theory that dogs learn through observation. We should understand that dogs follow our action more than words as a child does. If the dog owner or trainer has a child who can perform some good behaviors and get rewarded, and act out few bad behaviors and get reprimanded; the dog will learn via observation the correct responses. In another way, the child can be asked to compete with the dog to perform the desired behavior and get rewarded. It will create an urge in the dog to pick up the task quickly and achieve it whenever he is commanded. The dog trainer himself can act as model in terms of his behavior and attitude towards the dog. The owner will have to practice what he preaches. 5. Electronic Training Electronic training method is used effectively by professional dog trainers in which a mild shock is given to dogs for not following the command. It is used to train the dog from a distance when the dog is off-leash. Shock collars and citronella sprays are used for invisible fence training of the dog. Use the best dog shock collars to provide them mild shocks and hurt them the least in case of performing an unwanted action. It will prevent the dogs from performing unwanted actions. But, to avoid putting the dog under stress, you should hire a professional dog trainer. It’s an effective technique for dominating or confident dogs. Fiona Appleton Fiona Appleton is a Labrador owner. She is the manager of https://ultimatehomelife.com/ that has been developed to help people solve the troubles of pet ownership. She is an active advocate of animal protection campaigns. She wants people to understand that dog-behavior is reflective of our behavior. :|zpendofcontent|:
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How to Stop Your Dog from Destructive Chewing
How to Stop Your Dog from Destructive Chewing What is meant by the term 'destructive chewing'? Chewing itself is not destructive if the dog is not chewing on everything he comes across. Chewing begins at a young age when the puppy starts teething. If the chewing habit isn’t stopped then and there, it grows and turns out to be a lifetime habit. The dog owners sometimes promote destructive chewing. It’s tough to return to a home of destroyed shoes, cushions, blinds, etc. You can adequately channelize the destructive chewing once you understand the cause of it. Puppy chewing continues into adulthood due to various reasons such as ‘just for fun,’ to overcome boredom, to reduce the pent-up energy that's causing anxiety, etc. Here are some easy steps to channelize the chewing behavior of dogs: 1. Dog-proof Your House As with puppies, adult dogs need supervision or else they will chew on everything in the house. Dog-proofing the house can only control the curious canines whenever you are leaving home. Moreover, dog’s exercise or playpens are a great way to keep the dogs away from your stuff. Provide chew toys and bone within the play area to let the dog understand the boundaries of what he can chew or not. This little step can save your stuff from getting chewed on or destroyed. 2. Replace with Chew Toys If the dog begins chewing on your shoes in your presence, you can redirect his behavior by providing the chew toy to nibble on. Some dogs start chewing during a specific part of the day, so recognize the schedule and redirect the destructive behavior consistently. If your dog avoids brushing teeth and enjoys chewing, then you can give him some of the best dental dog chews that your pooch will love to chew every day. 3. Positive Reinforcement Old methods of punishment are replaced by positive reinforcement technique to promote a behavior rather than hinder a behavior. When the dog chews the chew toys or bones, reward him or praise him to reinforce the appropriate behavior. Positive rewards will encourage the dog to repeat the behavior and earn the appreciation. 4. Use Repellent and Sprays You can use bad-tasting sprays to keep puppies and adult dogs from chewing on your stuff. Bitter Apple sprays and boundary dog repellants will keep the dogs from nibbling on your shoes once they find them distasteful. It is somewhat counter-conditioning, that is, unpleasant reward means no repetition of behavior. If the dog finds the shoes distasteful, he will never return for it. 5. Daily Exercise or Play Exercise and play are essential routine habits that can keep your dog from destructive chewing or other inappropriate behaviors. Exercise causes the release of endorphins that have a calming effect. Hyperactive dogs require lots of exercises and play to exhaust their energies and get the feel of endorphins-the happy hormones. Most of the dogs start their chewing habit after you stop giving them proper time. As a result, their pent-up energy is invested in destroying your stuff to get a feel of endorphins'. 6. Identify Other Root Causes If nothing has worked so far, then, the dog might be suffering from separation anxiety. Find out the cause of tearing and chewing up of things in your absence. If it’s separation anxiety, you can consult the veterinarian. The Final Words Being aggressive with the dog for inappropriate behavior during your absence is of no use. Traditional trainers used punishments like hitting the dog or closing up its mouth using duct tape, etc. But, a better way to curb the behavior is to crate him or put him in the play/exercise pen to exhaust his energies. Moreover, take him out for a walk or play on a daily basis. James Shore James is a part-time dog-trainer and dog behavior consultant with years of experience in dog training and the man behind LabradorTrainingHQ.com. He is interested in finding out fun ways to handle dog behaviors, specifically, Labradors to help dog-owners enjoy their companions at all times. :|zpendofcontent|:
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9 Ways to Celebrate Spring With Your Dog (And Help Other Dogs, Too)
9 Ways to Celebrate Spring With Your Dog (And Help Other Dogs, Too) Whether you are planting a garden, cleaning out your basement, planning a summer vacation or adopting a new dog, spring is the perfect time for a fresh start. The longer light-filled days, early tulips and other spring flowers remind us of the importance of living a healthy, happy, and compassionate life. For dog lovers, this means spending more time with dogs - both our own as well as others in the community who need some spring cheer. Here are 9 simple ways to celebrate spring, spend time with your dog while also helping other dogs in need. Have Fun, Help Dogs – Here’s How 1. Spring Cleaning If you are like me you have way more pet supplies than you can possibly use. Why not donate unopened bags of treats, new or gently used toys and beds to your local shelter. Have some extra towels, blankets or pillows that are in good shape - they might make a perfect bed or safe place for a frightened shelter dog. Of course, make sure all donated items are clean, new (or gently used), and machine washable. 2. Spring Cookout Host a dog-friendly spring cookout and ask guests to bring a donation for a shelter or rescue. You can even include a shelter’s wish list with your party invitation or make it a potluck but instead of bringing food, ask guests to bring something off the shelter’s wish list. 3. Spring Shape Up Get in shape by participating in dog walks for local shelters and rescues. Many rescues host walks in the spring and summer - you and your dog can sign up for several, maybe even one per weekend. Ask friends to pledge based on number of steps, miles, or walks completed. 4. Spring Photo Shoot Volunteer to take spring-themed photographs of adoptable dogs in shelters and rescues and then share widely. 5. Spring Check-In Check in with seniors or other homebound individuals with dogs in your neighborhood. If they are willing and able, take them out for a picnic or nice walk along the beach. If they are truly homebound, volunteer to give their dog a few extra walks per week. 6. Spring Foster Fostering a dog from a rescue or shelter is a great thing to do any time of the year. Why not make it a new spring tradition! 7. Spring Lessons Warmer temperatures bring the children outside. Why not use it as an opportunity to teach neighborhood kids how to interact safely with dogs. 8. Spring Sale Take spring-cleaning to the next level by organizing a neighborhood garage sale and donating the profits to a shelter or rescue. 9. Spring Dining Have a regular dog-friendly bar or restaurant that you frequent? How about asking if they would donate a portion of sales for one night to a shelter or rescue, or create a monthly drink or food special that benefits dogs? Offer to help promote the event and then make sure all your friends and family members participate! Have other suggestions for ways to celebrate spring and help dogs? Please share in the comments! Kristin Avery Kristin Avery is a writer and photographer with an extensive background in philanthropy and a life-long passion for animal welfare. Her blog, The Daily Pip, is an award-winning, lifestyle pet blog providing resources, support, and humor for rescue families. She was recently honored with two BlogPaws Nose-to-Nose Social Media Awards this year: Best Cause Blog and Best Written Blog Post. Kristin received her MFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago where she studied creative writing as well as installation and visual arts. After graduation, she was a founding member of Red Door Animal Shelter, a no-kill shelter for cats, dogs, and rabbits in Chicago. She enjoys working with local Chicago shelters and also recently spent several days at Best Friends Animal Society volunteering at Quincy House with cats with severe special needs including paralysis. Through her blog and volunteer work, she encourages and advocates for rescue and adoption, especially for those animals considered less adoptable. She currently shares her home with one dog, one rabbit, two cats, a husband and 10-year-old daughter. :|zpendofcontent|:
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An Alternative to Hip Dysplasia Surgery For Dogs
An Alternative to Hip Dysplasia Surgery For Dogs Hip dysplasia in dogs is an abnormal formation of the hip socket that can eventually cause crippling lameness and painful arthritis of the joints. As a caring pet owner, we are willing to go to great lengths (and costs) to care for our pets and make sure they are pain-free and feeling good. Traditional medicine recommends surgery which can cost close to $5,000! But there is an alternative to traditional surgery that is pain-free and less invasive to your pet. Prolotherapy, also known as ligament reconstructive therapy, is a non-surgical orthopedic procedure used on both humans and animals. Prolotherapy consists of injecting a “proliferating” agent (such as dextrose or vitamin B12) combined with lidocaine, into the affected tendons or ligaments where they attach to the bone. I’ve had tremendous success treating dogs with prolotherapy and keeping them out of the operating room. Prolotherapy’s success rate is about 90 percent, which is equal to surgical intervention. It can also be used as a preventive treatment by keeping tendons and ligaments strong and joints stable. The solution acts as an irritant, stimulating the body’s immune system to “proliferate” – or rebuild – new tendons or ligaments at the injection site. This new connective tissue strengthens and stabilizes the afflicted joint, relieving pain. Prolotherapy is an excellent alternative to surgery for many dogs with chronic joint pain. It can restore joint stability without the pain, risks, and extended recovery time of surgery. Prolotherapy can treat a variety of conditions, including: Arthritis Hip Dysplasia and hip laxity and pain (DJD) Chronic tendonitis - Elbow Dysplasia Anterior Cruciate injury (ACL) - ligament injury Intervertibular disc disease Neck and back pain Spinal stenosis Sprained ankles and wrists Partially torn tendons-anywhere in the body Ligaments and cartilage Prolotherapy is generally administered as a series of injections spaced between one and four weeks apart. "Most dogs show positive results in one-to-three treatments but the key is to work with an experienced veterinarian who can determine your dog’s needs." Although prolotherapy must be repeated approximately every year, the cost is far less than surgery, and the side effects are minimal. The most common side effect is lidocaine sensitivity, which can cause vomiting. Before going under the knife, it’s worth looking into alternatives that will alleviate pain for your pet (and your wallet). 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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Making Plans for Your Animals After You Pass Away
Making Plans for Your Animals After You Pass Away Normally, with the short lives of our animals, we can count on them going before we do. We plan for how to handle them crossing the rainbow bridge, not the other way around. However, that’s not always the order of things. Some animal owners are older, some have serious illnesses, and some would like to prepare in case an accident happens. No matter your age or health, there’s a chance something will happen to you. In those situations, it can be scary to leave your pet without a plan. It’s important to know your options and be aware of the legal help that can leave you feeling at ease about your pet’s livelihood after you pass away. How Soon Should You Make Arrangements? You can’t make arrangements for your animals soon enough. In 2014, the average human life expectancy was 78.8 years old. That number may make you think you have a long time to be considering arrangements for your animals if you pass away. However, you really don’t know when something could happen to you that would leave your animal without a plan. If you’re healthy, you may consider making arrangements that are a little less formal. If you are not healthy, you may consider making plans that are a little more concrete. Either way, the sooner you make arrangements for your animals, the better. The Dangers of Not Making a Plan Sometimes, freak accidents happen and family members are there to pick up the pieces and take care of your affairs. However, you can’t always count on there being someone there who is willing or able to take your animal. The danger of not making a plan is that you run the risk of your pet being taken to a shelter, rehomed, or placed in an unsafe environment. You don’t want your pet to be without care if something sudden happens and no one knows who is taking care of them. Your pet may be left in a shelter and euthanized, left without vital medication if no one knows their medical history, or bartered over if family members don't agree on custody. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have a pet. Truthfully, pets can offer a lot of benefits for people with health problems or people who are elderly. Dogs can improve your health by making you happier and more active. Many types of pets offer added psychological benefits and give their owners a sense of companionship. For those reasons, it’s great for everyone to have a pet — especially those who are older or have health issues. Just be sure to make a plan for them to avoid the dangers. If you don’t have a place for them to go when you pass, you might consider babysitting a family member’s pet or visiting a shelter in order to gain the benefits of being around an animal without having to adopt one into uncertain circumstances. Knowing Your Available Choices When you’re considering what kind of plan to make for your pet if something happens to you, it can be helpful to know the choices available to you. Having discussions with a friend, carrying an alert card, considering the involvement of an animal organization — there are a variety of choices when it comes to handling your animal’s care after you die. Make informal arrangements with a family member or friend: If you’re looking for an informal way to set the groundwork for your pet’s care after you die, you may consider discussing the matter with friends or family. Just finding a trusted person to agree to take your pet if the worst happens and letting a family member know can be enough to set your mind at ease and give loved ones an idea of what you would want if something happened to you. Carry an alert card in your wallet: This tactic is particularly helpful if you live alone or in a location without a lot of friends or family. Leaving an alert card in your wallet will tell authorities that you have a pet at home so they aren’t left without care for long. Leave a contact number for someone who can take your pet’s interests from there, but at least you know they won't be left without food or water if you’re in an accident. Making arrangements with an organization: Though this may not be the best option without some legal intervention or if you aren’t expecting to pass on soon, this is still an option available to you. Whether you’re seeking a reputable shelter to rehome your animal for you, or a sanctuary to keep them for a time until their new owner can get them, you may be able to set up help with them in order to keep your animals safe once you’ve passed. Legal Options Legal arrangements are a pretty important aspect of end-of-life planning. In reality, your plans are not completely safe unless they are legally agreed upon and you can provide documentation. For patients that are terminal, for instance, getting affairs in order and legal paperwork handled is an important part of the emotional process that shouldn't be put off because the topic is difficult. Part of that legal process is the handling of a person’s animals. Some people might prefer the informal planning process because adding or removing an animal from a will is a lengthy process each time. For others, end-of-life planning is something that is a little more relevant to their situation. Whichever situation you’re in, you should consider what makes the most sense for you. Your will: Adding your animal’s care in your will is a great way to ensure their well-being once you’re gone. You can include the person who will gain custody of them in your will so that it cannot be disputed, include any stipulations on their care of your animal, and leave them a certain amount of money to care for the animal. A trust: A trust is another option that tends to be a little more flexible in its financial terms. The drawback to a will is that it only works to care for your animal if you pass away and it’s not immediate. If you’re incapacitated, it doesn’t apply. A trust can provide for your pet right away, and you can appoint a trustee to use the funds in the trust to care for them. Instructions to a power of attorney: A power of attorney can be really helpful in situations where you are alive but are incapacitated. Not only do they make decisions regarding your health, finances, and property, they can also help make decisions for your pet. In the same way that you can assign power of attorney and write stipulations for them to follow in your finances, you can designate plans for your pets as well. Whether the arrangements you make are legal or informal, the most important thing to keep in mind is your animal’s well-being and safety. Of course, the ideal situation is for you to have a home in mind for your pet before you pass. Any situation in which an animal can avoid a shelter is a good one, though that’s not always possible. In truth, anything can happen to us at any time. Some people may have a better idea of their time left than others, but it’s a good idea for everyone to make some kind of plan for what happens to your pet until they cross the rainbow bridge and you see them again. Chelsy Ranard Chelsy is a writer from Montana who is now living in beautiful Boise, Idaho. She graduated with her journalism degree in 2012 from the University of Montana. She is passionate about animal rights, bad television, and white wine. She is a volunteer at Simply Cats in Boise. :|zpendofcontent|:
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How to Pick the Perfect Small Dog Breed for your Family
How to Pick the Perfect Small Dog Breed for Your Family Small dog breeds can be a great addition to your family for so many reasons. They are much easier to welcome into the home mainly due to their small size. It is also very easy to go for car rides with them or take along on longer trips. A small dog eats less food (think budget) and is cheaper to have groomed. A small dog can also cuddle in your lap very easily! But what if your small doggie doesn’t blend well into your family? This would be a huge problem and wreak havoc on the entire crew, including the dog. My goal: ~ Identify some main traits of your family ~ This will help you evaluate which small dog would be best for your tribe. Identify 4 main characteristics of your family: Are they loud? Are there lots of family members? Are you a clean freak? Doggie hair okay until you vacuum? Is everyone asleep at the same time? Is the home highly dynamic with strong personalities? Are family members soft-spoken usually? …So you get the drift… go ahead now and write down 4 identifying family traits! Next, keep your family traits on hand as you read below to find some great recommendations. You will surely find a couple of good candidates that will fit well into your family life! COMMON FAMILY TRAITS: A. We are a soft-spoken family AND/OR there are not many of us. You will want a calm & sensitive dog to go with your reserved family style. I recommend: Bichon Frise A sensitive and gentle dog. American Eskimo A reserved and friendly breed - Also very protective. Tibetan Spaniel A bit aloof at times and laid back but are always happy. B. We are loud and boisterous and proud of it AND/OR we have a large brood AND/OR we have young kids You need a dog that can go with the flow. A tough doggie that can bounce back from anything. I recommend: French Bulldog A high affectionate and playful dog - Mr. Social and loves to be with their humans. Maltese A lively and fearless dog - not much phases them. Poodle A highly trainable dog that is full of high energy - maybe even more than your active family. C. We are clean freaks AND/OR not too keen on dog hair. You will want a dog that does not shed their fur. I recommend: Bichon Frise Havanese Maltipoo Yorkshire Terrier Maltese Poodle D. We don’t mind the dog hair and will vacuum it up AND/OR we have dog allergies (Note: I realize this doesn’t make logical sense but a dog that sheds is better on allergies than a dog that DOES NOT shed. This is due to the fact that dogs that do not shed keep the allergens on their body at all times.) You will want a dog that DOES shed on a regular basis. I recommend: Boston Terrier American Eskimo Cavalier King Charles Spaniel French Bulldog Tibetan Spaniel Beagle Please don’t be scared to get a “shedding” dog! With a regular maintenance routine of bathing and brushing your pup, you can keep the hair under great control. E. We want a lap doggie AND/OR want our dog with us at all times You are looking for a highly social dog that yearns to be with their humans always. I recommend: Boston Terrier Lively, very friendly, wants to be near you always. Shih Tzu Thinks they are human too. Maltipoo Wants to stay near you and your kids to get plenty of love. It can be a huge decision to select your next family dog. Please don’t choose them based solely on their cuteness factor. Let’s face it, they are all adorable! You should examine your family and identify several characteristics of your home life. Then, match a couple of your family’s top traits with a dog that will mesh well. A mismatched pup can spell trouble for both your family and the dog. However, a well-matched dog will be happy, healthy, and bring great joy to the whole family! Which dog did you match with your family’s traits? Donna Millwood Donna is the creator/owner of PetHangout.com, a vibrant online pet retail shop that is all things dog and cat. Prior to starting her own business, she devoted her professional career as a Software Analyst and System Engineer for over 3 decades. Her love of technology naturally fed over into giving back as a mentor to high school kids in design and programming. She has adored dogs and cats her entire life and makes it her heartfelt mission to create a richer, happier, and healthier life for our furry friends. You can find her intriguing reads at PetHangout.com/The-Tale-Wagger. Donna makes her home in the Upstate of South Carolina with her husband, Jeff, and 5 sweet fur babies, Drake, Gracie, CJ, Grey, and Sammy. She and Jeff beam with pride over their 3 grown children and 3 absolutely adorable grandchildren. Connect with Donna today - She is excited over networking opportunities with others who are turning their love for pets into a passionate endeavor. donna@pethangout.com https://www.facebook.com/PetHangout/ https://twitter.com/PetHangout https://www.pinterest.com/pethangout/ https://www.instagram.com/pethangout/ :|zpendofcontent|:
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Puppy Biting Hard: What Should I Do?
Puppy Biting Hard: What Should I Do? When your puppy is biting hard you may begin to have concerns, you may even question whether he has aggressive tendencies. Fortunately, you do not have to fear, since it’s quite natural for puppies to bite too hard. When a puppy is still very young, he has not yet learned how hard is TOO hard. However, while it’s normal, it’s important that you nip the behavior in the bud before it gets out of hand, since dog bites can have major consequences, not only for the victim, but for you and your dog too. What is Bite Inhibition? Bite inhibition is simply your dog’s ability to understand the amount of pressure he is applying with his jaw. Within the first 8 weeks of a puppy’s life, the process of learning bite inhibition will have already started in the litter. One of the reasons that it’s important not to remove a puppy from the litter before 8 weeks of age is that he will have missed learning this important skill, and will therefore be more likely to act rough in play. How Puppies Learn Bite Inhibition in the Litter Puppies will often learn from their littermates how hard they can bite without causing pain. During play, one puppy may bite another too hard, causing the bitten puppy to yelp in pain and withdraw from play. Through a process known as negative punishment, the puppy learns to be gentler. “Negative” simply means removing something, in this case, the playmate. And it’s not only the littermates who play a vital role. The mother dog also plays a part. If a puppy is too rough while nursing, the mother dog will often leave. Teaching Your Puppy to Bite Softer Once you get your puppy home (which should be at 8 weeks of age or older), you need to take over the role of the mother dog/littermates and reinforce in your dog what is acceptable and what isn’t. One thing to keep in mind is that it is actually a BAD idea to teach your puppy to not bite at all – the reason being that without ever biting, he will never learn how to properly gauge the pressure of his bite. So how do you go about doing this? The best technique is to imitate the behavior of the littermates by yelping and withdrawing from play when your puppy nips a little too rough for your liking. Don’t expect instant miracles, bite inhibition is a process that takes a lot of time and repetition to hone! Furthering Bite Inhibition Once your puppy has learned a reasonable level of control, you may think that the training is over… But actually, it is a good idea to further your training by working on softer and softer bites. In other words, when your puppy nips at you, even if it is quite gentle, you can simply act like it hurt, yelp, and withdraw from play. Again, this process takes time so be patient. And remember to always give your puppy lots of praise when he puts his mouth on you without applying any pressure at all! Over time the puppy should become gentler and gentler, and by around 8 months of age, you should find he no longer puts his teeth on humans. Einstein the Dog Hi, I'm Einstein the Dog! My owner Adrienne Farricelli is a professional CPDT-KA certified dog trainer and creator of the popular online dog training course Brain Training for Dogs, which teaches owners how to train their dogs/puppies in the gentlest, fastest and most effective way possible. :|zpendofcontent|:
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Spring Safety Tips for Your Dog
Spring Safety Tips for Your Dog As we approach spring and warmer weather, people are more inclined to enjoy the outdoors with their dogs and this often brings us closer to wildlife and to farm animals and other potential hazards. Before hiking in an area where you may encounter wildlife or farm animals, make sure that your dog is either leashed or trained to such a degree that he won’t dash under a fence to investigate cattle, and that he or she will always respond to your cues — even when faced with distractions like wildlife and farm animals. Studies show that one of the top five most common human behaviors occurring at the time of an attack by a wild animal is walking an unleashed dog. The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) analyzed the circumstances of 700 documented attacks by members of six species of wild animals (brown bear, black bear, polar bear, puma, wolf and coyote) since 1955 in the United States, Canada, Sweden, Finland, Russia and Spain. These researchers found that close to 50 percent of large animal attacks on humans followed risk-taking human behaviors. That’s 350 apparently avoidable attacks! In addition to walking an unleashed dog, other attacks occurred when parents left children unattended when a person searched for a wounded large animal while hunting, when people engaged in outdoor activities at twilight/night (like jogging alone) and when humans approached a female with young. The causes of the other half of the attacks happened when someone accidentally walked close to a mother with young, or to a carcass with a bear nearby, or an encounter with a food-conditioned animal (which is an indirect result of a risk-enhancing human behavior). Spring is also when both wild animals and farm animals are reproducing and feeling, very understandably, protective of themselves and their young. Farm animals are often quickly stressed by the presence of unfamiliar dogs and farm animals. A University of Liverpool study reviewed details of attacks on the public. These attacks occurred between 1993 and 2013 and involved 54 reported cattle attacks on members of the public out walking. Cattle can do serious damage to a human or dog when they feel compelled to. In fact, of the 54 attacks, one-quarter of them resulted in the death of the human. Two-thirds of the attacks involved dogs that were not necessarily actively bothering the cow/cattle. A study measuring fear in dairy cattle concluded that cattle find dogs even more threatening than unfamiliar humans. It is believed that this is because dogs resemble potential predators. The ingredients in fertilizers, insecticides may be dangerous if a pet ingests them. Springtime plants such as rhododendron, hostas and azaleas are also highly toxic to pets and can be fatal if eaten. Be familiar with where you are walking before unleashing your dog. Know where there may be steep drop-offs or fast-moving water. Carry water with you for your dog. Diseases like leptospirosis are transferred through drinking from an infected water source like a puddle or pond. Prolonged exposure to water containing the virus increases the risk of transmission through swallowing, contact with mucous membranes or through an open sore. Dogs that walk in areas frequented by wildlife are at increased risk of this disease. Giardia is picked up from drinking water from water sources where Giardia may live (for example, untreated or improperly treated water from lakes, streams, or wells) and swallowing water while swimming or playing in the water, especially in lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, and streams. Check your dog for ticks after being in an area where there may be ticks and talk to your vet about tick and flea prevention. Lyme disease is spread through the bite of infected ticks especially in the spring and fall when ticks are seeking hosts. Enjoy the outdoors but be safe out there, and respect wild and domestic animals. Make sure that your dog is either leashed or trained to such a degree that he won’t create a risk to himself or others. 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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Why Do Dogs Sneeze?
Why Do Dogs Sneeze? When dogs sneeze, humans almost always laugh. There's plenty of YouTube evidence of this! It seems to hit our funny bone in just the right way. It's tempting to think our canine friends are just natural born comedians who love to make us laugh. While there may be a sliver of truth to that, the role of sneezing in dogs is rather complex. Let's take a look. Sneezing Versus Snorting In the vernacular, any abrupt and forceful exhalation of air through the nose is called a "sneeze."Technically speaking, however, a "sneeze" is defined as an INVOLUNTARY act, i.e. it's uncontrollable. In plain English, a sneeze comes whether you want it to or not! The mucus lining of the nasal passageways get contaminated with foreign invaders and the body automatically jumps into action to expel them! A snort looks almost identical to a real sneeze but it differs in one very important aspect. It's a VOLUNTARY act, i.e. it's done intentionally! Unless your dog has allergies or is sick, most dog "sneezes" are actually snorts. You can tell the difference by noticing if the sneeze comes from deep down or not. The air of true sneezes comes from deep down in the lungs but the air for snorts are more shallow, although your pooch may be putting on quite the animation when it happens. It's common for people, sometimes even scientists, to use the word "sneeze" when they actually mean "snort." "Sneezing" (Snorting) Is an Important Social Cue When dogs interact, they speak to each other with signals, i.e. social cues. From a survival perspective, one of the most important signals for a canine to give is the "I want to be friendly, not aggressive" signal! Snorting at each other is one of these universal canine cues they send each other, and by extensive, to their human family and friends! For dogs, snorting is analogous to one human smiling and giving a friendly "hello!" to another human. Just head down to the dog park one day and watch the snort signals back and forth. Why Do Dogs Sneeze More When Laying On Their Backs? You may have noticed that your dog sneezes more when laying on her back, especially when outside. In some cases, this is because she's in a position where dust, pollen, and other airborne particles can more easily fall into her nostrils! If this is the case, she's letting out a genuine sneeze, not a snort. However, it may also be a snort if she is laying on her back to show she trusts you and just wants to play. "Sneezing" (snorting) is her special signal to say, "I'm playing, not fighting!" It's an added signal to the fact she's laying there exposing her tender belly to you! So, it's okay if you laugh. Try Pretend Sneezing With Your Dog If you want to have some fun, and prove your dog is just snorting (play sneezing voluntarily), try to pretend sneezing in the presence of your dog and see if she'll copy you and start sneezing back. Like yawning, play sneezing (snorting) can be contagious. This will work best if you grab a toy and start playing while you play sneeze at your dog. Just make sure your neighbors aren't watching because they may think you're loony tune! African Wild Dogs Use Sneezing To Make Group Decisions It's always fun to see our domesticated pooches give us a glimpse into their wild past when they were free roaming wolf-like canines. African Wild Dogs are endangered species living wild in Botswana. In an effort to save this species, researchers with the Botswana Predator Conservation Trust, have been studying their behavior in the wild. Through their observations, they have noticed that African Wild Dogs use sneezes to cast their individual "vote" on whether or not the pack should go out hunting. Of course, this is a much-needed activity but it is also dangerous and energy consuming. In these free-ranging African Wild Dog packs, they have a rather democratic process. Each member of the group gets a vote but the leader of the pack has their vote count more. So, if the leader is present, and he sneezes to indicate he wants the pack to hunt, it only takes a few more affirmative votes (sneezes) for the whole pack to follow. On the other hand, even the pack leader can be overruled if no one else sneezes! Further, if the leader isn't there, scientists estimated it takes about ten votes (sneezes) for the whole pack to go on the hunt! Dog Sneezing Is Complicated In canines, sneezing is more than just body language. It can indicate a precise social signal that is very important to the individual and to the entire pack. Now go practice your pretend sneezing in the mirror so you can try it out on your favorite pouch and see if she snorts right back!! Good luck to you and pooch! Sheri Renaud Sheri is the owner and founder of trainthatpooch.com, a blog inspired by her girl Bella, a five pound Yorkshire terrier with “attitude”. She was ready to have the perfect Yorkie… And she did… for about a minute. That’s when she realized that she had to train her if she wanted to have a well-behaved companion. Long story short, through many mess-ups and not knowing what she was doing, she was able to figure out a few things. Reading, researching and studying about dog training online helped her to better understand Bella and what she was going through, and she learned even more. As she talked to other dog owners at dog parks, out and about and at dog-related forums, she realized one thing – More people could benefit from what she was learning through trial and error. That was the moment that Train That Pooch was born. The only thing that outweighs her love for all things dog related is here love for Bella. She knows how much you love your pooch and wants you to have the same kinds of fun experiences and memories that Bella and she have had thus far. :|zpendofcontent|:
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