Dogs

If you’ve been exploring ways to strengthen your dog’s immune system, improve their gut health, or help with allergy symptoms, you might’ve stumbled across a supplement called colostrum for dogs.   Though best known as the first milk newborn mammals receive from their mothers, colostrum is now gaining attention in the pet wellness world for its potential benefits well beyond the newborn stage.   But what exactly is colostrum, and why are pet parents adding it to their pup’s routine? Let’s take a closer look at what it is, how it works, and the benefits it may offer your pup.   Always speak to your veterinarian before giving your dog supplements. 

Some dogs just love to dig! While this habit may be cute when they’re puppies, as dogs get older and grow bigger, it can be downright destructive—and expensive, especially if they’re digging your furniture. So, what can you do about dogs scratching the furniture? While putting a pet couch cover or dog blankets on your couch may help, committed dig-aholic dogs can effectively rearrange them. Serious cases result in destroyed property and sometimes a vet bill from broken teeth or swallowed couch stuffing. The answer to dogs scratching furniture often goes beyond a dog-proof couch. To solve the problem, pet parents must understand what prompts the digging in the first place.

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Image via iStock.com/Zbynek Pospisil By Rebecca Desfosse January is National Train Your Dog Month, and there’s no better way to celebrate the bond you have with your pup than by teaching him a few tricks in an exciting, new way. That’s exactly why the Association of Professional Dog Trainers created the National Train Your Dog Month in 2010—to remind pet owners to make training a part of everyday life with their dogs. When it comes to training your dog, there are a variety of “cues” you can use. A “cue” is a stimulus used to get your dog to do a particular action or trick, like sitting or giving you his paw. Many pet parents use voice cues, but hand signals for dogs are completely underrated as cues. In fact, they’re one of the most effective cues you can use to train your dog. Hand signals for dogs are easy to teach and use. They’re especially useful when teaching deaf or hard-of-hearing dogs or when training in a noisy environment. Why Use Hand Signals for Dogs? Using dog hand signals for training is effective because of a dog’s innate nature and propensity for understanding body language. “Dogs communicate with each other primarily through body language. Yes, they use vocal cues too, but their body cues are more dominant. From saying they are ready to play or expressing they aren’t comfortable with something, they can do it all with body positioning,” says dog trainer and founder of Fun Paw Care, Russell Hartstein, CDBC. It only makes sense that dogs learn and respond so well to body cues. Using hand signals for dogs during training also helps to minimize user error. According to Jessica Gore, CPDT-KA, animal behaviorist and founder of Competent Pup, “For the average person, hand signals may be the way to go, and will definitely offer results. Other forms of training—like shaping with a clicker, for example—require skill and finesse not always possessed by the average dog person (or trainer, for that matter).” Dog hand signals are easier for you to execute and for your dog to understand.

Whether a fervent hiker or a lap dog who just pops outside for bathroom breaks, all dogs are at risk of getting bitten by a tick in their lifetime.  Some tick bites are just annoying, but others can lead to tick-borne diseases. And while many of these diseases are treatable, each requires immediate attention to prevent potentially life-threatening conditions.  Pet parents, read on to learn about prevention, treatment, and signs of common tick-borne diseases in dogs. 

Many dogs love eating more than doing just about anything else. But at some point, most pet parents will have to manage a dog who is picky with food.    Let’s dig into what you need to know about picky eating, including how to find a good dog food for picky eaters.   Speak with your veterinarian before changing your dog’s diet. 

Can dogs eat blueberries? Yes! Blueberries are not only safe for dogs to eat, but they’re also a low-calorie treat that’s packed with vitamins and minerals. They’re  high in fiber too. And while fresh is best, unsweetened frozen blueberries for dogs are also on the menu.   We spoke with Deborah Bayazit, DVM, co-owner and medical director of Brilliant Veterinary Care in New York City, for tips and advice on how to include blueberries in your pup’s diet.  Before introducing any new food into your dog’s diet, always check with your veterinarian. 

Though we love our “muttigrees” for their individual personalities and varied good looks, there are some breeds that take unique to an entirely new level. We’ve asked Victoria Schade, dog trainer, speaker and author of Bonding with Your Dog: A Trainer’s Secrets for Building a Better Relationship to share the most unusual looking dog breeds.

Sure, you know your new dog will love you—or already does!—but will you be able to build strong bond with one another? While love is the reason a pup snuggles up to their pet parent at the end of the day, their bond is what keeps them from taking off out the front door without a second glance. The bond you share with a dog is a big part of why they trust you. And because bonding with your dog is built on trust, bonded dog-pet parent pairs experience less mutual frustration (yes, your dog can be justifiably frustrated with you!), get better training results, and are a joy to be around. A strong bond is your ticket to stress-free adventures together. So, if you want a better relationship with your new dog, try these dog bonding tips to get going.