Dogs

And is sourdough bread safe for dogs? Plain sourdough bread isn’t toxic to dogs when fully baked, much like other types of bread. It’s safe to give your dog an occasional, small piece of baked sourdough bread made without toxic ingredients like raisins, onions, garlic, chocolate, or xylitol, says Shalsee Vigeant, DVM, medical director of Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) in Sugar Land, Texas. Serving sourdough to your dog only in small amounts and in moderation may help prevent your pup from getting an upset stomach. However, there are several serious problems associated with uncooked, yeasted bread.,Jump to section Can Dogs Have Sourdough Bread? Why Is Sourdough Bread Bad for Dogs? My Dog Ate Raw Sourdough—What Do I Do? How To Prevent Dogs From Eating Sourdough Bread Treats To Give Your Dog Instead FAQs About Dogs and Sourdough Bread

Q: I take a ton of pictures of my dog all day, every day. (My camera roll is basically dedicated to her!) Sometimes, though, I notice that her eyes look like they have a green glow. It’s kind of spooky. Why do my dog’s eyes look weird in photos? Is this normal?  A: Yes, it’s totally normal. That eerie glow is due to a part of your dog’s eye called the tapetum lucidum, which reflects light.  If your dog’s eyes seem to glow in pictures, don’t worry—it’s harmless. We asked the experts why it happens, how it differs from red-eye in humans, and how to reduce the glow in your next photo session. 

Some dog skin problems are caused by conditions that require more than your typical soothing oatmeal and shea butter dog shampoo. If this sounds like the case for your four-legged friend, a medicated dog shampoo might help. Read on to learn more about medicated dog shampoo, what problems it helps, and—if your pal needs one—how to find some through your favorite dog supplies resource.

While dogs at any age can suffer from the occasional bout of diarrhea, this issue may indicate other medical issues, especially in senior dogs. There are many reasons why an older dog could potentially struggle with senior dog diarrhea. But don’t immediately panic if you notice diarrhea in your older dogs. Fortunately, there are several ways to address this messy, debilitating and often uncomfortable problem.

In This Article Why You Shouldn’t Vaccinate Your Dog or Cat on Your Own (Without a Vet) View 2 More +

Image via iStock.com/olegosp By Victoria Schade There’s nothing quite like watching your dog play with his canine buddies, and one of the most common places for these types of friendships to form is at the local dog park or dog beach. Many dogs adore the rough-and-tumble play that goes on, from wrestling to games of tag. But some dogs just aren’t that into going to the dog park, the dog beach or any spot where dogs congregate to play. Does that mean there’s something wrong with your dog? And who’s to blame for this seemingly antisocial behavior? Even though the behavior might seem un-doglike, you might be surprised to learn that your dog isn’t the only one who prefers to skip the park. Why Do Some Dogs Dislike the Dog Park? Pet parents may assume that dogs love playing with their own kind. While that’s true for some dogs, it’s certainly not the rule, particularly in a group play situation. A dog’s reluctance to join in the fun at the dog park might stem from a number of reasons, including: Socialization issues: If during puppyhood, a dog didn’t have the opportunity to have positive experiences with a variety of sights, sounds, people, animals and situations, it’s possible that he’ll feel overwhelmed by group dog play at the dog park or dog beach. This lack of socialization might make a dog more likely to misunderstand the signaling that goes on between dogs during play and could lead to reactivity. The dog park setup: Parks that are too small for the number of dogs present or don’t have separate areas for big and little dogs may make a dog less likely to enjoy his time there. Overcrowded parks and mixing dogs of all sizes can lead to frightening interactions, particularly if you have a little dog that’s forced to hold his own against the big guys. The attendees: Dog parks filled with pushy, inappropriate or aggressive dogs aren’t fun for the average dog who just wants to run a few laps or do some light roughhousing. Similarly, problems can develop quickly if the other pet parents aren’t mindful of their dogs’ behavior. Aging out: While dog-dog play is an important developmental step for puppies, many dogs grow out of the need for physical games with friends. Even if your young dog was the star of the dog park, there’s a chance he’ll be less likely to join the fun as he hits middle age. Undiagnosed pain: Your dog might be wary of high-intensity playtime because of aches and pains. Dog park play can be strenuous, and if your dog is coping with an injury or age-related pain, he’ll be less likely to want to mix it up with buddies.

“The Borzoi is an elegant sight hound that was bred by the Russian aristocracy for hundreds of years. They were originally used for hunting wolves, fox and hare over the open plans of Russia,” shares Peterson. The most popular of all Russian breeds, they are affectionate with their owners and have independent personalities. Described as elegant and graceful, the leggy breed has a Greyhound-like shape with a longer coat.,Hailing from a country known for its size, politics and history—Russian dog breeds don’t disappoint when it comes to their individual personalities and looks. “The Russian breeds are all unique,” says AKC Spokesperson Lisa Peterson. “Each is different in its temperament, exercise level and grooming needs.” And, while they all haven’t been officially recognized by the AKC, some are well on their way. Here’s a peek at a few four-legged pals from the Russian region:

We all want what’s best for our pets, which means keeping them away from any potential dangers. That’s why it’s so important to do your homework in determining which products, such as household cleaners, best suit the needs—and safety—of your family. Toxins in Cleaning Products According to the American Lung Association, many cleaning supplies and household products can irritate the eyes and throat and can cause headaches and other problems, including cancer. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals typically finds household products to be in the top ten most common cause of acute toxicosis in pets. These household chemicals include, but are not limited to, cleaning products, laundry detergent, and paint. Dr. Branson Ritchie, DVM, of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine and co-director of the Infectious Diseases Laboratory, explains, “Any material that’s considered toxic for your family should also be considered a risk for your companion animals. Birds and reptiles are particularly sensitive to aerosolized toxins and can often serve as sentinels for environmental toxins. “You should take the same precautions to protect your pets from chemicals that you would for your children.” There is no such thing as a product without chemicals, so a label advertising “natural” or “green” does not automatically equal a healthier or safer product. For example, pyrethrin is a natural flea product that is non-toxic to dogs, slightly toxic in cats, and extremely toxic to fish. If there is a good chance that any pet or human could ingest or inhale a cleaning product, it’s best to find an alternative product. Not All Labels Mean Safe for Pets Keep in mind that green, or eco-friendly, cleaning products are not all the same. There are countless meanings and uses of the word “green,” and some products labeled this way may still contain toxins for pets. Finding out which chemicals are being used, and if they are safe for use around pets, is indeed the best way to keep your family safe in the home. Nontoxic Cleaning Products Many pet families choose green cleaning products that are safe for pets and the environment. There are plenty of cleaners on the market today that are highly rated, eco-friendly, and safe for you and your pets. When using any chemicals, a residue is left behind. Keep in mind, pets use their mouths to clean themselves, which increases the potential to ingest a potentially harmful substance that comes in contact with their fur or paws. “It’s better for your pets and for your family to use non-toxic materials in any enclosed space,” says Dr. Ritchie. “If you do need to use chemicals, read the label thoroughly so that you know the dangers associated with that chemical. And be sure you, your family and your pets are in a well-ventilated space.” Using only non-toxic, pet-safe green cleaning products is not only pet-friendly, but it’s also environmentally and home-friendly, too. When a pet mess occurs in outdoor spaces, consider a cleaner like Simple Green outdoor odor eliminator, which uses naturally derived microorganisms to neutralize and eliminate pet waste odors. This product is highly rated for grass, synthetic turf, decks, and patios. Plant-Based Cleaners Non-toxic plant-based products clean your home without the unpleasant and potentially harmful residue that can be found in conventional cleaners. Plant-based cleaning products are made with naturally derived, safe, and biodegradable ingredients, often using sustainable manufacturing practices. Biokleen Bac-Out Stain + Odor remover is a solution developed without artificial fragrances or colors, and it works great on almost any surface. It uses live enzyme cultures, citrus extracts, and plant-based surfactants to clean pet messes. Enzyme Cleaners From everything including urine, vomit, feces, blood, grass, and dirt, non-toxic enzyme cleaners remain top-rated pet stain and odor removers. Enzymes are biological compounds that speed up a chemical reaction. When used in cleaners, they break down biological substances such as urine and feces. This makes them the perfect cleaner for pet messes. Enzymatic cleaners are non-toxic and biodegradable, which means they’re safe to use in any room of your home. There are highly rated enzyme sprays that works on almost any surface.   Symptoms of Toxicity in Pets Acute toxicosis secondary to cleaning products is relatively uncommon in pets. However, pets are much lower to the ground, which means they may have a higher exposure to chemicals and fumes. Pets with a pre-existing respiratory condition may be even more sensitive. Regardless of pre-existing conditions, make sure to store chemicals and cleaners in places where even the most curious pet can’t get into them. All cleaning products should be unreachable by pets and children. “Signs of acute or chronic exposure to environmental toxins may include clean ocular or nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, itching, skin irritation, and diarrhea,” says Dr. Ritchie. “Be sure to make your veterinary professional aware of any potential toxins you may have used in your home prior to your companion animal developing any of these critical changes. And remember that you can always call the 24/7 Animal Poison Control Center.” Image via iStock.com/CasarsaGuru

Jump to section Toxic Foods for Pets Potentially Dangerous Foods for Pets What To Do if Your Pet Eats Something They Shouldn’t FAQs About Toxic Foods for Pets

Is there a more freeing feeling than pedaling on a bike with the wind in your hair and sunshine on your cheeks? The only way it could get better is if your favorite pup was by your side, either jogging alongside your bicycle or sitting pretty in a front basket. Going on a bike with a dog in tow can be a great way to bond and celebrate the great outdoors—but how does a pair of would-be bikers get started? From safety precautions to must-have supplies, here’s what you need know to go bike riding with a dog.