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7 Tips to Writing The Ultimate Landlord-Wooing Pet Profile Do you have a new house that you are excited to move into? Are you having difficulties getting a rental because of your pet? Well, it is great to own a pet but it is disturbing to know that you are unable to bring along your pet with you to your new house or apartment. Don’t fret, there is a way out! Have you considered writing a pet resume? Some landlords are simply just concerned and may be reluctant to allow a pet on their properties due to disturbances, noise, damages and problem in interaction with others. However, with a good pet profile, you can make the landlord comfortable and confident about having your pet on their property. Here are some tips to help you write a winning pet profile to persuade your landlord: 1. Let Your Landlord Know Your Pet You can turn a pet-unfriendly or reluctant landlord into a pet-friendly and accepting one by creating that connection between your pet and the landlord. It’s easy! Simply let your landlord get to know your pet through the information you give such as your pet’s name, age and breed. 2. Show a Good Picture Portray the lively and adorable look of your pet by including a picture in the resume. At first glance, your landlord could be attracted to your pet. Ensure you take a good picture of your pet, preferably in your home where it is easy to see what your pet looks like and how it interacts with the environment. The picture should show your pet as a happy and peaceful one. 3. Add a Video To make your landlord smile at the thought of your pet, an effective way to do that is through videos. “You can attach a video that shows your pet in various situations- while playing and Interacting with other people and animals. This will make your landlord comfortable with your pet on their property,” - explains Gladys Jacobs, a business writer at Academized and Study demic. 4. Give Additional Information Your pet resume is a chance to show your landlord that your pet is well-behaved. You can add an in-depth information about your pet, as much as you’d like such as, your pet’s gender, size, weight, height, personality, vet’s contact information and referee for your pet. This will make your landlord have a better understanding and know more about your pet. 5. Describe Your Pet’s Training It is important to include information on your pet’s training in your resume. If your pet has been trained, make sure you mention and show it in your pet’s resume. It is good to let your landlord know that your pet is groomed and it is also well-behaved in the environment. 6. Include Your Contact information Let’s not forget that you have to include your name and contact information in your resume. Some people actually fail to add this information. When you provide mean by which your landlord can reach you, it will be easy to let you know their decision, opinion, terms and conditions. 7. Present a Well Written Pet Resume When it comes to creating a pet resume, you would want it to be reader-friendly. Your resume should be easy to read and understand. Ensure you check for grammatical and spelling mistakes that cause your landlord to lose interest or create misunderstandings. To prevent a poorly written pet resume, here are some online writing and editing tools to help you: Stateofwriting / Via Writing: These are online writing guide full of tips to make your resume better. UK Writings: This site provides an online editing tool that can help you correct errors in your resume, as mentioned at UK Top Writers. Academ Advisor: This site offers proofreading guide to help you check errors in your resume. BoomEssays / PaperFellows: These sites are great online formatting tools for your resume. MyWritingWay: This website offers grammar tips and checkers for your resume. EssayRoo / EliteAssignmentHelp: These are great online services that can help you generate catchy titles, subheadings and keywords for your resume. These writing tips will help you write a pet resume that will impress your landlord, it will also help you win over other competing pet owners during the rent application process. Now, you can build a good relationship with your landlord by making them get to know your pet. Anticipate your landlord’s likely objections and give all the information you can about your pet so that, your landlord will know and fully understand your pet. Apply these tips in writing your pet’s profile and your landlord will be assured and comfortable with having your pet on their property. You can make use of the online writing and editing tools to get a well-written resume, it will surely help you and increase your chances of getting a pet-friendly home. Freddie Tubbs Freddie Tubbs is a business writer at Bigassignments and Academized. He regularly contributes articles to online magazines and blogs, such as the Vault and Australian help. :|zpendofcontent|:
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Keep the Fun in Fall by Policing Your Dog’s Yard & Other Seasonal Tips With the arrival of autumn comes a new surge of energy for us and our pets. After a summer of humidity and oppressive heat, fuzzy ears now perk up and there is an aura of excitement as our dogs step outside and feel the cool snap in the air. As the yard trees become radiant with the fall colors and shed them to the ground, the crunching of leaves only enhances the fun of playing and doing “zoomies!” Oh, what a glorious season! But, as with the arrival of each season, there are some safety precautions we pet parents need to be aware of. Here are a few of my FiveSibes tips to keep the fun in fall: No Room for Mushrooms These characters can pop up virtually overnight and in all kinds of places, and certain fungi can be extremely toxic to our dogs. According to Preventative Vet, “Some of the most common and dangerous types of mushrooms for dogs are in the Amanita family, like the aptly named ‘Death Cap' mushroom—which, because of their ‘fishy’ odor and taste, are often very attractive to dogs. Ingestion of even a small amount of some Amanita mushrooms can severely sicken or kill a dog because of the devastating effect they can have on the liver.” Be sure to check the yard in all of the areas where your dog has access to, including under the leaf piles, places where it may be damp or hold water, along fences and buildings, shady areas, and even in window sills! Yes, windowsills! I actually discovered a hearty mushroom growing right out of my dining room window frame that took several attempts to dislodge. Our best pet tip: remove all mushrooms just to be safe. Hide and Not Seek When the seasons change and we pack up all the summer furniture and toys, walk around the area to check for hidden items that could pose a danger to your dog. These could include rakes and sharp objects hidden under the fallen leaves; food from picnics or barbecues that may have fallen through the deck slats and have become moldy; or possibly pieces of bread, apples, or other foods that birds or wild animals may have dropped. Also beware of pesticide containers, old candles, and yard plants. To check on whether a plant or shrub is poisonous, visit the ASPCA’s “Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants List.” (1). Also, you can download their free Animal Poison Control mobile app (2). Cool, Clear Water Keeping our dog’s water dishes clean sounds like an obvious thing to do, but sometimes germs and bacteria can be invisible to the naked eye. Just think about each time our furry best friend laps up some water, s/he is leaving behind saliva, dirt, and possibly bits of food or treats that can muck up and contaminate the water. Our best tip is to use stainless steel water dishes (never plastic) and be vigilant about giving them a daily deep clean and replenishing the fresh water often. Dogs Have Laundry, Too! The start of autumn is also a great time to take inventory of your dogs’ outdoor beds. Do they smell or is there any mold on them? Do they need a few stitches to mend some tears? Or, maybe they are past their prime and need to be replaced. When a new season starts, Ii’s a great time to give all bedding and blankets a once over. Tag, You’re It! Be sure to check your dog’s ID, medical, and microchip tags. Can you read the information, or is it worn off? If the latter, order replacement tags. Also, be sure to check with your vet, area municipality, and microchip company to be sure all of your dog’s information is current. Winter is Coming What better time to prepare for when the snow flies then now? If your dog wears booties or a coat, check that they fit and are in good shape. If you use a paw protectant, check to be sure it is still fresh. It is also a great time to stock up on pet-friendly, non-toxic ice melt. By giving your dog’s yard and cool weather essentials a good review, you both can enjoy the glorious days of autumn! 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). References: (1) https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants (2) https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/apcc-mobile-app :|zpendofcontent|:
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'Tis The Season: Learn Ways Pumpkin Can Benefit Our Dogs The cooler weather has arrived, the Autumn season (one of my FAV seasons) is here! What's so great about Autumn? I mean, the weather is cooler, so we can take our dogs on nice long walks. We get to watch the beauty of the season unfold as the leaves on our trees turn colorful before falling to the ground. But let's be real here... the reason Autumn is my fav season? Well, the seasonal treats it brings with it of course! Pumpkin people, PUMPKIN! You've got pumpkin spice tea, pumpkin spice muffins, pumpkin spice donuts, pumpkin spice just about everything! And I love every one of them! Now, even though us humans might absolutely love pumpkin seasonal treats simply because of how tasty they are, did you know that pumpkin has tons, and I mean tons of health benefits? Not just for us either, but for our pets too! Learn ways pumpkin can benefit our dogs: 1. Pumpkin is an incredibly nutrient-rich vegetable, containing a host of essential vitamins and minerals. Beta-carotene, potassium, vitamin C, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, and more. Those are just to name a few. 2. Due to its nutrients, pumpkin can help muscle health and metabolism. And can even regulate blood pressure. 3. Pumpkin can reduce the amount of dander in your home. And the amount of fur found on your furniture. This wonder veggie promotes a healthy, shiny coat for your dog, while moisturizing their skin too! 4. Pumpkin can act as a double agent! What I mean by that is, if your dog is constipated, add a little pumpkin to their diet for that extra fiber. But wait, there's more... (I love saying that line) not only does it help with constipation, but it will work in reverse to a dog who is having trouble with loose bowel movements as well. Double agent pumpkin, at your service! 5. Is your pooch a little overweight? Extra exercise not making enough of a difference? Try replacing a bit of your dog's normal diet with some pumpkin! Pumpkins have a ton of moisture, as well as fiber. This can be a great assistant to helping your dog loose those extra pounds, and still keep their bellies feeling full while getting healthy. 6. Dogs who are on a kibble only diet can sometimes suffer from mild to severe dehydration. One of the reasons for that is because kibble has very little moisture content. So if your dog isn't drinking enough water, his body isn't getting enough hydration. Leading to dehydration. The high moisture content of pumpkin can help greatly. Just add some to your dogs daily kibble. Side note: severe dehydration would most definitely warrant a vet visit rather than a simple fix with pumpkin. 7. According to some studies, pumpkin (seeds to be specific) contain a large amount of antioxidants and essential fatty acids. Therefor have been shown to support urinary health in dogs. 8. Pumpkin can act as a natural parasite treatment and/or preventative. Pumpkins contain amino acid cucurbitacin which can actually be toxic to some parasites. However, if you do suspect your dog has any type of parasite, he should be seen by a vet. But having that pumpkin in his diet doesn't hurt as a preventative. 9. Pumpkin flesh and all of its glorious vitamin A is great to support vision. 10. Most dogs love the taste of pumpkin, so it can even be used to get a sneaky pill into your dog without him knowing. We all know the struggles of trying to get medication into those dogs that want nothing to do with it. Wow, that's a whole lot of pumpkin benefits. I mean, if that isn't reason enough to add some pumpkin to your dog's diet I don't know what is. Friendly reminder - we may love our seasonal pumpkin spice treats, but with our dogs, that pure pumpkin is always best. Of course, there is nothing wrong with adding a tiny bit of honey if your pooch isn't enjoying the pumpkin flavor. Do your dogs like pumpkin? What are some creative ways you have added pumpkin to your pet's diet? 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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How Fostering a Rescue Dog Benefits Your Family Fostering Helps Boost Your Own Pet’s Socialization Everyone can use a friend sometimes, and that includes our pets! Taking in a foster pup allows your dog to make new connections and improve their socialization skills. If they’re both energetic pups, it has the added benefit of giving them a buddy to tire each other out with regular play sessions. It Can Be a Trial Run for a New Family Addition If you’ve been considering adding a new pet to your home, but aren’t sure you’re ready to make a lifelong commitment, fostering is a wonderful way to get that experience for a short while. If you’ve been wanting to raise puppies, why not consider fostering a nursing mom and her litter? That helps soothe the desire for a puppy without adding to the amount of dogs needing homes. Fostering Helps Save Lives The absolute best benefit of fostering is knowing you are helping save a life. Many rescues have limited space, and can only take in as many dogs as they have foster homes to place them in. By fostering, you’re assisting them with taking in more dogs. There’s nothing better than seeing a scared rescue grow their confidence and learn to be part of a family! You Can Make New Friends in the Rescue Community The rescue community is one of the greatest examples of selflessness I’ve seen. They’re often willing to drop everything to run and help a dog in need. They help that dog heal, work on training, and then help them find their forever homes. By volunteering to foster a dog, you’re part of this wonderful community and can even make lifelong friends! Learn How to Get Started Fostering Depending on where you live, there may be a number of rescue organizations near you. To locate one, start by searching for nearby rescues, or look on Petfinder for suggestions. Once you find a rescue, visit their website or Facebook page for details on their process, and then fill out the required paperwork to get started. Determine What Fostering Involves Each rescue organization runs things differently, so it’s definitely recommended to discuss specifics before committing to fostering. You’ll want to review if food/medicines are covered, as well as if a crate, leash, food bowls, etc. are provided. You also want to find out how transportation to vet visits and adoption events is handled. It’s important to make sure you are all on the same page to avoid communication issues. The main thing you’re giving your foster is lots of love, while helping them learn skills to be a wonderful member of their future family. if you don’t feel up to the challenge of a puppy, there are often plenty of senior dogs available. What If You Can’t Bear to Give Up Your Foster Dog? It’s true, having to say goodbye to your foster dog is brutally tough. Just know you did everything you could to set them up for their forever home. If you’re truly in love with your rescue pup, let your organization know as soon as possible to discuss keeping them. It’s called a foster fail, and it happens! Saying goodbye to your current foster is hard, but keeping your home open for future foster dogs is wonderful and makes the process easier when you know you can go on to save yet another life. Have you ever fostered a dog before? Share your story with us 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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Knowing Your Dog Training Priorities Last week I was shopping for clothes in a department store. As I browsed through the racks I heard a low growl then a high-pitched bark. Not expecting to hear these sounds in a clothing store, I scanned the area and saw a chihuahua staring at me from a small shopping cart. The woman pushing the cart was clearly embarrassed and hushed the small dog. In these situations, I typically just smile and walk away. However, this time I decided to share that I was a dog trainer and behavior consultant. As the woman and I made out introductions I found out that the growling chihuahua was only 4 months old. Then the question came, “Can you give me any tips for potty training?” My response surprised the woman when I stated “Although potty training is important, the growling is far more concerning.” I briefly explained that the growling is fear based but could eventually lead to biting. We only spoke for a few minutes but our conversation made me contemplate how people often misunderstand training priorities. It is not uncommon for people to make training a priority over the social-emotional health of their dogs. When I hold my puppy classes, the priority is introducing the puppies to novel objects, people and other puppies. Although we also practice basic behaviors like sit, down and come, the emphasis is on the socialization. If a shy or fearful puppy is not exposed to a variety of people, places and things when they are young, they may react by barking, growling or biting (this is a “fight” response to the fear). It won’t matter if they have a perfect sit or down, the fear can lead to unwanted behaviors. Another situation I commonly encounter is the dog that pulls on leash. In some cases, these dogs just don’t understand the “heeling” behavior you desire. In other situations, the dogs may be overly excited when on a walk. Alternately, dogs will sometimes pull because they are scared when they are on the walk (this is a “flight” response to the fear). Before we can help a scared dog go on a walk, we must first focus on decreasing the fear then teach the dog how to “heel”. For many of these dogs, we will discontinue the walks until the fear or anxiety is managed. “When a person is drowning it is not the time to teach him to swim” is one of my favorite quotes from Between Parent and Teenager, by Haim Ginott. If a person is drowning, we first remove them from the water and make sure they are safe. Then we would give them swim lessons, at their level or readiness (they may need to overcome the fear of water after nearly drowning). After overcoming the fear and taking the lessons, they would be able to swim. Dogs deserve the same respect. 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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How to Transform Your Dog Training Do you find yourself feeling frustrated while trying to train your dog? Does it just seem like they aren’t listening? Or are you confused as to why things you thought your dog knew sometimes seem to go out the window? Then take a look at these top tips to help transform your training today. Motivate your Dog First, think about what you are going to ‘pay’ your dog with when they get it right. Whenever teaching something new or moving to a new environment the reward must be of a high value to the dog to keep them interested in the work. Think about what is important to your dog. This could be fresh meat, tennis balls or a toy. Just using praise isn’t enough for new training situations. If your dog is getting too excited during training you may need to reduce the value of the reward slightly so they are more focused. Set Up for Success Set your dog up for easy wins by breaking training down into small achievable steps. For example, when teaching a recall for the first time don’t try and call your dog when they are playing with another dog in the park, begin at home calling your dog to you from short distances. You can then build up distance and distractions over time. Mark the Behaviour It can be difficult to reward your dog at exactly the right time, especially if you are working with your dog at a distance. Instead ‘mark’ the behaviour you want with an enthusiastic ‘yes’ or ‘good.’ This tells your dog when they’ve done exactly the right thing. You can then reward the behaviour afterward without causing confusion. A simple example of this is marking the moment your dog’s bottom hits the floor during a sit. If you use a verbal marker it doesn’t matter if your dog has got up again before you reward them. Speak, Signal then Reward Want your dog to respond effectively to verbal cues? To avoid confusion only add in verbal cues once you have a behaviour well established on a hand signal. Use the sequence of verbal cue then hand signal and perform lots of repetitions. Try fading out the hand signal and see if your dog still responds. If not repeat the sequence again. Don’t begin training by repeating verbal cues to your dog when they haven’t yet learned a behaviour. For example, repeatedly saying ‘sit’ whilst trying to teach a sit often leads to situations where the dog is still standing when the word is being used. The overuse of verbal cues in this way can cause confusion during training. Consider the Training Environment Is your dog losing focus? Could it be there are too many distractions in the environment? Dogs often don’t generalise well so often need to be re-taught behaviours when moving to a new place. Keep it Short Break training down into short sessions. 3 minutes, while you boil the kettle or the T.V. ads are on, is ideal. By keeping training short you can avoid your dog becoming tired or frustrated and keep your dog motivated. Recognise Stress and Frustration Sometimes a dog may struggle to focus because they are stressed about something in the environment or have become frustrated during training. Signs of stress include yawning, turning away and panting. Signs of frustration may include whining, barking and jumping up. If you see these signs during training end the session and have some time out. Test It Out Think your dog knows a particular command? Test it out! Can your dog perform the behaviour indoors, outdoors and at the local park? If your dog begins to struggle in different places or with more distractions more training may be required. Stuck for ideas or where to begin? Contact your local dog trainer or local dog training club for information on classes and events. There are lots of dog sports and activities to try from basic obedience to cani cross and agility. Whether you’re a beginner or more advanced trainer there are plenty of activities for you and your dog to choose from. Tamsin Peachey Tamsin is a qualified animal behaviourist having obtained an MSc in Clinical Animal Behaviour from Lincoln University in 2013. In 2017 Tamsin started running Puppy School classes in Solihull, having received tutor training from renowned author, dog trainer and canine behaviourist Gwen Bailey. Prior to running Puppy School Solihull Tamsin spent over two years working at Dog’s Trust gaining valuable experience in caring for and training a wide variety of rescue dogs. In 2014 Tamsin and her husband adopted their own rescue dog, Milo, with whom Tamsin has worked successfully to reduce his reactivity towards other dogs. In addition to dog training, Tamsin enjoys writing articles and resources on the topic of dog behaviour for both professionals and dog owners. :|zpendofcontent|:
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How to Choose a Perfect Dog Bed for Your Dog Dogs are usually active during the day and need a nice place to rest. Most dogs will sleep wherever is comfortable for them. They are not particularly picky as long as the resting place is convenient for them. However, it is always a good idea to have a specific space resting for your dog. There are plenty of choices for dog beds available. Here are some factors you should consider when getting a dog bed for napping and resting at night: 1. Material Always go for comfy material when choosing a bed, a dog will have plenty of cozy nights on a snuggly plush material. Once you’ve made sure the material is comfortable, next consideration is hygiene. Is the material easily washable? Dogs get into a lot of dirt and get exposed to fleas and other pests. A bed which is easily washable will help reduce chances of getting fleas as well as reducing bad odors. A compact cover that is easily washable works fine. Some dogs tend to chew on bed edges, so you will want to get a durable material. If your dog sleeps outdoors go for a waterproof material that prevents seepage, making the surface damp in case it gets wet. Alternatively, you can get a waterproof bed liner for your dog liner. 2. Size of Bed Here you want to make sure you chose the right size bed for your dog. In case you are not sure which size is appropriate for your dog, take some measurements. Measure your dog from the nose to the tail, while she is in her natural stepping position. Once you’ve gotten the size add a few inches for wiggle room for stretching. Here is a brief chart size for dog beds: Size Extra small Small Medium Large X Large XX Large Weight - 1-10 lbs - - 11 -30 lbs - - 31 -40 lbs - - 41-70 lbs - - 71-90 lbs - - 91-130 lbs - Breeds - Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Maltese, Papillons - Toy Poodle, Dachshund, French Bulldog - Beagle, Shetland Sheepdogs, Cavalier King Charles, Scottish Terriers, Cairn Terriers, - Golden retriever, boxer, Border collie, Australian shepherd - German shepherds, Siberian huskies, Weimaraners, collies, Vizslas, - Great Dane, Newfoundland, Deerhound, English Mastiff 3. Types Dog beds come in all types of shapes, from rectangular, oval to bag-type beds. It is important to monitor your dog while sleeping as canines prefer certain sleeping positions or bed styles. Here are some common types: Pillows - Oversized pillows are great for medium to large dogs. Oversized pillows are great for dogs as they allow stretching and spiraling during rest. Once you’ve gotten the correct size, a rectangular pillow is solid choice, and will allow your dog to have the freedom they need during sleep. Oversize pillows are pretty affordable provided you select the proper size and are easy to clean. You could even get an old cushion and use it as a bed for your dog. Donut shape beds - If you have a shy dog or a smaller dog that needs warmth a donut bed is just what need. A donut bed is essentially shaped like a normal donut with rounded sides. They are usually made out of soft material for comfort. Donut beds are good for dogs that like to sleep while curled up as they keep your pup warm. In case it gets too cold you can cover your pup with an extra blanket for extra warmth. Some pups also like to walk around in circles before they finally rest in bed, making donut beds a great resting place for such dogs. Nest design - This type of dog bed is similar to the donut bed. It primarily has an oval shape with soft, raised foam sides that help retain heat. The foam construction helps your dog get warm during colder times of the year. The nest design has a confining design that keeps the heat trapped at the center. There are many brands of nest dog beds in stores, a good pick would be one with a removable center pillow. The removable pillow makes it easier to fit in the washing machine when cleaning. Bolster design - These beds are made for dogs that are spooked by anything sneaking behind them during their sleep. They are primarily like mini-sofas with a raised edge right where your dog faces during sleep time. The raised back offers your canine a sense of security especially if your dog has anxiety issues. It also ensures that your dog does not roll off and fall during sleep time. There is a pillow in the middle that makes the bed comfy. The raised edge is designed so that your dog can rest its head on. Bolster beds are good for dogs that like big pillows and tend to startle when approached from behind since the raised back provides a measure of security. Bolster beds are built for durability and feature a large array of beautiful upholstered designs that can match with your indoor décor patterns. Cave/tent design – These types of beds are designed for dogs that like to burrow themselves and hide themselves during sleep. The design resembles a tent with a semi-covered design. Tent beds are typically designed for smaller dogs usually less than 22 pounds. Cave beds are cozy and provide anxious dogs with a sense of security. 4. Special Needs When choosing a bed for your dog, it is important to consider their special needs. Older dogs may have trouble moving due to aches in their joints. Injured dogs also need special beds that will help them in their recovery. An orthopedic or memory foam bed maintains the shape of the dog during sleep time, which is both convenient and comfy. Have a look at the big barker vs bully beds here you can get 3 disturbing little secrets about dog beds. Adding a thermal pad on top on a standard pillow works fine for sick pups. They can cuddle together which helps in keeping warm during recovery. In case you live in warmer areas get a bed with plenty of air flows that will help in cooling the temperature at night. A thick-furred canine will sleep better in a meshed bed than an enclosed one in warmer temperatures. Kathryn Brown Kathryn Brown is a freelance writer. She lives in Orlando, Florida with her husband and her pet Duke. When she's not out exploring other countries, she spends most of her time teaching others how to work remotely while her pit bull, Annabelle, lounges alongside. She's also an advocate for dogs like hers and aims to spread awareness everywhere she goes. :|zpendofcontent|:
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What Not to Do When Visiting Someone Who Has Dogs Virtually every dog owner has had a bad experience with others coming into their home and reacting to their dog. Maybe it’s the hair, the attention the animal seeks, or the barking when someone knocks on the door. Maybe your dog is a working dog, not a pet, and others judge the way you treat them. The truth is that not everyone is a dog lover, and not everyone who has dogs raises them in the same way. Other than extreme situations of abuse or neglect, there are just some things you don’t do when you are visiting someone who has a dog. Punish Them Just like it’s never a good idea to punish someone else’s child, it’s never a good idea to punish someone else’s dog. However, there are always extenuating circumstances. For instance, if a dog is running into a street, it’s okay to call after it to keep it safe. Other than those types of dangerous situations, it’s important not to overstep your boundaries by punishing someone else’s dog. You might not know the rules, you might be stepping on the owner’s toes, or you may be confusing the dog. Unless safety is a concern, or you have been tasked with puppy sitting, you shouldn’t go into someone’s home and punish their animals. Feed Them Scraps Some dogs have sensitive tummies. Whereas some dogs can eat scraps all day, some dogs have one scrap and spend the next day with diarrhea. For that reason, it’s important not to sneak scraps to any dog you are visiting unless the dog’s owner tells you it’s okay. Not only that, but some scraps are not good for dogs. There are plenty of foods that can be fatal to dogs, so it’s best not to chance feeding them something that can hurt them. Judge Other Pet Owners Again, unless there are safety concerns, it’s best not to judge the way that someone raises their pup. Some people don’t let their animals on the couch, some do. Some people leave their dog outside when they have company over, some don’t. Some dogs beg, some don’t. You may have your preferences and standards for how a dog should act, but it’s not helpful to judge another dog owner for how they train their pet or how their pet acts. If you’re uncomfortable with it, don’t visit anymore. If your problems with the owner has to do with the dog’s well-being, it’s important to contact the appropriate authorities (1). Otherwise, it’s none of your business if they let their dog dig in the backyard. Complain It’s rude to go to someone else’s house and complain about anything, so you shouldn’t complain about their dogs, either. Honestly, many dog people think of their pets as family. For some people who don’t like dogs or other animals, it’s hard to understand that people may be offended by their view on their fuzzy family member. It’s okay not to like dogs, but it’s not okay to go to someone else’s house and complain about them. Dogs can be forward, loving, dirty, and covered in hair. They aren’t always quiet or the most polite, but they live in the house — you don’t. If you have a fear of dogs or a concern about them, discuss the problem politely with the owner and chances are they will respect that and keep the dog contained. Assume the Dog is Nice or Mean It’s just as unhelpful to assume a dog is nice as it is to assume that it is mean. Many stereotypes about dog breeds can cause a fear of a breed, as can bad past experiences with aggressive dogs, but you shouldn’t assume a dog is mean because of that. If you’re concerned, just ask the owner if the dog is nice. On the same note, some dogs come with a history you may not understand. For that reason, some dogs may be untrusting, nervous, or aggressive towards new people and experiences. Don’t approach every dog like it is nice. Instead, be respectful of the dog’s space and ask the owner about its temperament. Be sure to be especially mindful of children who may not understand these rules. Children may climb on a dog, put their face in the dog’s face, or invade their personal space which can cause any dog to have a negative reaction to them. These boundaries are extremely important. What You Should Do Sometimes it’s a lot more helpful to understand what you should do when visiting someone with dogs instead of only knowing what you shouldn’t do. It’s not just about being a nice guest, it’s also about making sure your visit isn’t miserable because of their pets. Ask questions: You should always ask a pet owner before making decisions for their pets. “Can I feed him this scrap?” “Can I throw his frisbee?” or “Can they come on the couch?” are all better than doing without asking. Not only that, but “Can I pet him?” “Why do you keep him outside?” or “Is he good with kids?” are all great questions to get to know the animal, alleviate any judgments, or feel safer about the dog being around. Be open: If dogs make you nervous, if you’re allergic (2), or if you just don’t like them, don’t be afraid to be open about those issues with the dog’s owner. If you don’t, they will have no way of knowing that they should keep the animal away from you. It’s okay to be honest about these things as long as you do so respectfully. Think before you speak: Before mentioning how much hair is on the couch, think about how that comment will come across. You don’t want to seem rude, so it’s always best to think before you speak to be sure you’re not being rude about the furry members of the household. Be prepared: If you know you’re going somewhere with dogs, just be prepared for your visit. Bring a lint roller if you’re concerned about hair, share any concerns with the host, or, if you love dogs, be prepared that the dog may not love people as much as you love them. At the end of the day, it’s important to respect the inhabitants of the home you are visiting — even the animal inhabitants. They live there and you don’t, so it’s important to realize that they have a place in that house. Some people view their dog as family members, and other people may view their dogs as working animals that don’t have the same comforts as people. Either way, as long as a dog isn’t being abused or neglected, it’s important not to judge how they are raised. Instead, respect the rules of the house, ask questions, be open, think before you speak, and be prepared for your visit. References: (1) http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/abuse_neglect/tips/cruelty_action.html (2) https://www.wikihow.com/Deal-with-Pet-Allergies-when-Visiting-Someone-with-a-Pet 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 Have a Garden-Friendly Dog! Can you be a proud gardener and live with a dog? Many might think the two don’t mix but there are lots you can do to ensure owning a dog does not exclude you from beautiful flowerbeds or luscious lawns. Of course, it is inevitable that there will occasionally be accidents and sometimes a little damage, but you can minimise any adverse impact your dog might have: you certainly don’t need to resign yourself to a trashed plot which resembles a prison exercise yard. By combining common sense with a little ingenuity it is perfectly feasible to achieve a harmonious fusion of lovely garden and idyllic dog-space. How you design and manage your garden is of course, ultimately up to you, but you will find life much easier if you garden with your dog, rather than in spite of him! Think of it as a gardening challenge to rise to, rather than a gardening problem. Got a dog who likes to dig? Give him a place of his own where he can excavate to his heart’s content. If he enjoys snoozing out there, then provide somewhere comfortable so he doesn’t have to make his own nest right in the middle of your flower bed. The only hard and fast rule when it comes to what you can include in your garden, is that the welfare of your dog always comes first. Gardens can, after all, be rebuilt and replanted, but your dog is irreplaceable - safety in the garden is paramount. Many common garden plants are poisonous to canines, so make sure you do your research thoroughly before investing in new flowers or scrubs. Many dogs think gardens are for toileting in or charging around. With a little training and some simple changes to management, we can teach a dog to pee and pooh in a dedicated area or do calm activities around the space instead of using it as a racetrack. Try exchanging ball games that trash your tulips for a sedate find it game where you hide treats, or every his dinner around a safe area for him to sniff out. Not only will it be kinder to your plants but will wear him out because he is using his primary sense, smell. Or maybe you can hide a favourite toy or try out some cool, cheap enrichment games like ball pits, snuffle mats or the cup game where you hide food under plastic cups which your dog will nose out and knock over for the tasty morsel underneath. To manage the damage we can teach commands like "leave it, off, give it," and "come." Even teaching your dog to have a quick response of looking at you when he hears his name can be helpful to interrupt a behaviour you want to stop. Try saying your dog’s name and when he looks at you, throw him a treat. He doesn’t have to do anything else, just look at you. Repeat this often and when he responds, instantly every time, you can add in another instruction like, "come here." This positive way of interrupting a behaviour will give you a better chance of saving the snapdragons than shouting at your dog as he digs it up. Encouraging your dog to take it easy in the garden doesn’t have to be a battle. You can best achieve this by first taking your dog for a nice walk and when home, if you are going in the garden, provide a comfy bed or mat to sleep on near his favourite spot. You can pre-train a settle command to encourage him to chill or sit with him for a cuddle, some soothing massage or do some gentle training to promote calmness and to tire out his brain as well as his body. If he can’t settle, maybe provide a containment area like a crate, pen or even tether him, using a lead attached to a harness and tether point. Make sure to provide him with water, a long-lasting tasty chew or stuffed enrichment toy and check on him often to ensure the sun hasn’t moved overhead or that he isn’t too chilly. By returning to him often and rewarding for staying on the bed will reinforce him wanting to be there. Whatever you do in the garden, a dog is a welcome companion so embrace some change to ensure you both love and care for the space and share it harmoniously. For more information have a look at Toni Shelbourne and Karen Bush’s book HELP! My Dog is Destroying the Garden, available in paperback and Kindle. Toni Shelbourne Animal Behaviourist, Tellington TTouch Practitioner, Real Dog Yoga Instructor & Author Toni has worked with domesticated and wild canids since 1989. After a long and successful career with the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, she started her own business as a Tellington TTouch Companion Animal Practitioner. She is now one of the highest qualified Practitioners in the UK. In 2001 her skills in TTouch took Toni to the UK Wolf Conservation Trust were she meet a pack of socialised wolves. She went on to work with them for over a decade as a Senior Wolf Handler and Education Officer for the organisation. In more recent years, Toni has gone on to become a Real Dog Yoga Instructor, (Visit www.therealdogyoga.co.uk to find out more) and updated her qualifications in behaviour with the International School of Psychology and Behaviour, for which she is also an affiliate. She is now a full member of The Association of INTO Dogs as a certified canine behaviourist. She teaches all over the UK and abroad, works with clients' one to one, and writes. Toni lives in Oxfordshire, England with her husband and their dog MrP. In more recent years, Toni has gone on to become a Real Dog Yoga Instructor, (Visit www.therealdogyoga.co.uk to find out more) and updated her qualifications in behaviour with the International School of Psychology and Behaviour, for which she is also an affiliate. She is now a full member of The Association of INTO Dogs as a certified canine behaviourist. She teaches all over the UK and abroad, works with clients' one to one, and writes. Toni lives in Oxfordshire, England with her husband and their dog MrP. Over the last two decades, Toni has been developing her writing. She spent two years editing and writing features for Wolf Print, the UK Wolf Conservation Trust's international magazine. She went on to write for national dog magazines, rescue society newsletters and blogs. Her first and second book, The Truth about Wolves & Dogs, (Hubble and Hattie 2012) and Among the Wolves (Hubble and Hattie 2015) have been a great success. Her latest writing collaboration with co-author Karen Bush sees a series of books entitled HELP! My Dog is…. Titles include, HELP! My Dog's Scared of Fireworks, HELP! My Dog doesn't Travel Well in the Car, HELP! My Dog is Destroying the Garden and HELP! My Dog has a Canine Compulsive Disorder. All are available in paperback and eBook format on Amazon. Toni and Karen have many more titles planned under the banner of Skinny Dog Books – named as they both own sighthounds and the books are small and concise. Visit www.tonishelbourne.co.uk for more details about Toni, her work and books. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Truth-about-Wolves-Dogs-216136181810393/ Twitter: @tonishelbourne Toni Shelbourne and Karen Bush’s book HELP! My Dog is Destroying the Garden: US paperback link: https://www.amazon.com/Help-My-Dog-Destroying-Garden/dp/1976563313/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1534250534&sr=8-6&keywords=toni+shelbourne US Kindle link: https://www.amazon.com/Help-My-Dog-Destroying-Garden-ebook/dp/B07622F3N5/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1534250597&sr=8-7&keywords=toni+shelbourne UK paperback link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Help-My-Dog-Destroying-Garden/dp/1976563313/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1534250633&sr=8-5&keywords=toni+shelbourne UK Kindle link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Help-My-Dog-Destroying-Garden-ebook/dp/B07622F3N5/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1534250633&sr=8-7&keywords=toni+shelbourne :|zpendofcontent|:
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7 Essential Tips You Need to Know Before Hiring a Pet Sitter You have decided you need to hire a pet sitter. How do you decide on which pet sitter to hire? In this article you will learn the seven simple step you will take to ensure you get the best possible pet sitter to take care of your pet while you are away. Insurance and Bonding Your pet sitter should be able to provide proof of both insurance and bonding. Insurance is important as it protects both your home and your pet. Qualifications and Training During your registration meeting, you will want to ask the pet sitter about their past experience. How many years have they been doing this job? What types of pets have they cared for? Do they have any specialized training like pet first aid/CPR? You will also want to pay attention to how they interact with your pets. Does your pet seem happy with the pet sitter? Is the pet sitter paying attention to your pet or ignoring them completely? Good Communication Whether you just want to check in or have an emergency you need to know how to contact your pet sitter. How will the pet sitter communicate with you while you are away? Do they have regular office hours where you can contact someone? Professional pet sitters should send you updates along with photos of your pets after every visit to let you know they have been completed. Contract The pet sitter should provide a way of stating what's expected of them. For example... How many visits will occur each day and at what times of the day – morning, afternoon, evening? How long will each visit last? What pet care instructions are they to follow? Ideally, you should know any other responsibilities the pet sitter will take care of for you while you are away. For example, will they bring in packages and the mail/newspaper so it looks like someone is home? Back up and Support People get sick and sometimes accidents happen. What is their policy if something happens to your primary pet sitter? Do they have a backup pet sitter? How will the backup pet sitter get your instructions? You don't want a friend of a friend showing up to take care of your pets. Security How do they keep your information and keys secure? Who keeps the key and where? What policies do they have in place for alarm security codes? Effective Business System What type of system does the pet sitter use to ensure they never forget a visit? Are you able to double check what visits you have scheduled and for when? How do you make updates to your pets' information? Emergencies Pets get sick and have accidents just like we do. What is their policy for taking a pet to the vet? What if the pet ends up needing extra care until you get home? Do they have a veterinarian release form so your vet is aware you will be out of town and the pet sitter will be caring for your pet? Make sure you both understand what their emergency policy is and agree to it. Ask plenty of questions when you initially contact the pet sitting service and when you meet your pet sitter for the first time. Remember, there is no such thing as a stupid question, especially when it comes to the care of your pets. Kelley Denz Hi, I'm Kelley Denz owner of Sitter For Your Critters a pet sitting and dog walking company in Chico, CA. I have been taking care of clients pets for over 20 years. I am an avid animal lover and have had the privilege of owning horses, dogs, cats, birds, and chinchillas. I have a passion for animal rescue and have donated countless hours helping out our local shelters. I also enjoy fostering dogs which I find very rewarding. :|zpendofcontent|:
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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? 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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