Dogs

Not all dog toys are created equal. From their country of origin and the materials they’re made of, to the way dogs interact with them, the dog toy market is overflowing with options that range from phenomenal to potentially harmful. And don’t forget about the toys that look like winners to us that our dogs leave ignored in the toy basket. If you’re investing in quality dog toys, choosing the wrong one can be pretty frustrating. With 18 years of dog training experience and six years as the owner of a dog supply shop, I’ve seen firsthand what works and what doesn’t. Much like the dogs I work with, I have passionate opinions about dog toys! I care about how the toys stand up to canine abuse, how likely they are to keep pups constructively occupied, and to a lesser degree, how they look scattered on your floor. (The best dog toys marry form and function.)  The following are just some of the USA-made toys that have earned my seal of approval as well as two paws up from my canine customers. I call them “dog-tested, trainer-approved.” Best Dog Interactive Toys My favorite dog interactive toys give dogs a job, and for most dogs, the dream occupation is working for dog treats. Dogs need an outlet for their boundless energy, and toys that encourage them to settle down and focus on getting to the goodies help to channel their drive. Plus, busy toys can provide enrichment, which will help to mentally exhaust dogs of all ages. KONG Classic: KONG started the canine-enrichment revolution 40 years ago. This simple red rubber toy can be stuffed with a variety of goodies, from dog food kibbles to peanut butter, and will keep dogs of all sizes happily un-stuffing for hours. Monster chewers should enjoy the extra-tough KONG Extreme.   West Paw Zogoflex Toppl: These creative dog treat toys are made of Zogoflex, a recyclable, BPA- and phthalate-free, FDA-compliant material that can withstand the toughest chewers. The Toppl comes in two sizes that fit together to create an interlocking puzzle toy that’ll confound and delight your canine genius. Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff strawberry: This busy toy combines entertainment and durability in an adorable package. The strawberry can be stuffed with kibble or other small treats so that your dog has to kick it around to dislodge the goodies. Larger dogs can get their veg on with the Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff eggplant version.

“Sleep disruptions can be from a variety of causes, often medical in nature,” Dr. Crosby says. “Causes range from gastrointestinal trouble to urinary system infection to early stages of dementia.” Speak with your veterinarian if your pet is suffering from sleep disruption. Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, MRCVS, DACVB, section head and program director of the Animal Behavior Department of Clinical Sciences at the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University in North Grafton, Massachusetts, distills the potential medical issues further into two categories: Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD), also commonly known as canine Alzheimer’s or dementia Pain,Jump to section Why an Old Dog Won’t Sleep at Night Treatments for Dog Insomnia

Yes, dogs can have hot dogs! However, it’s crucial to note that not every hot dog on the shelf is fit for Fido and that hot dogs should only be an occasional treat.  Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a hot dog that’s safe for your pup:  Choose leaner meats, like chicken or turkey, whenever possible.  Avoid preservatives, like nitrates, nitrites, and artificial colors.  Look for low- or reduced-sodium options.  Check the ingredients to make sure there’s no onion, garlic, or spicy additions, like pepper, chili, or certain types of paprika, like hot paprika. ,As you’re loading up your bun with all the fixings, you catch your canine companion giving you “the look”—that pleading stare that begs for a taste of the grilled goodness. Can dogs eat hot dogs too?   Unlike other summer BBQ foods dangerous for dogs, it’s safe to give your tail-wagging pal small pieces of plain, cooked hot dog in moderation. Of course, there are some cautions and guidelines to consider.   We spoke with a vet expert to learn how to safely treat your furry friend with this all-American food.  Before introducing any new food into your dog’s diet, always check with your veterinarian. 

Myth #5: All the pets in a shelter will be older. Truth: Shelters and rescues have pets of all ages, promises Dr. Benson, including puppies and older pets, which are usually trained and less initial work for the new pet owner and make excellent companions. Something else to consider: The cute and appealing puppy in the window of that pet store came from somewhere, says Dr. Smith-Blackmore. “Unfortunately, more than likely, its birth mother spent the majority of her life in a very small cage having litter after litter. Adopting from a shelter or a well-known breeder can help to eliminate commercial puppy enterprises.” *** At the end of the day, deciding where to get your brand new family member from is a big decision, but with the right information, it can be made a bit easier. When you adopt a pet from the shelter, it is important to immediately establish a relationship with a veterinarian to care for that new addition to your family.  In fact, your pet needs to be examined at least yearly by a vet even if it appears healthy as many diseases are hidden and not apparent.  Remember, it is much cheaper to prevent disease than it is to treat it! Explore More at petMD.com: Ten Things to Consider Before Bringing a New Pet Home 6 Suspicious Pet Food Claims 8 Common Snacks That Will Prompt a Portly Pet,5 Common Myths About Adopting From a Shelter By Cheryl Lock The next time you’re in the market for a new pet and wondering where to buy a cat, dog, or other animal, try setting your sights on your local animal shelter. Despite any negative stereotypes animal shelters may have, they actually provide a ton of healthy, happy pet options for your family to take home and love. Here are 5 things you may have heard in the past about shelter pets, and what the actual truth is. Myth #1: Shelter pets aren’t healthy. Truth: In fact, shelter pets can be quite healthy. Dr. Jules Benson is the VP of Veterinary Services at Petplan Pet Insurance. When he recently analyzed Petplan’s claims data he found something interesting: Contrary to popular opinion, the claims data revealed that pets adopted from shelters or rescue organizations are actually 5% less likely to suffer an unexpected trip to the veterinarian compared to pets purchased through pet stores.  In addition, many shelter pets are spayed and neutered, and some even come with location microchips. Martha Smith-Blackmore, DVM — immediate past president of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians and interim president and director of Veterinary Medical Services for the Animal Rescue League of Boston — also stipulates that although there is much variety in animal shelters throughout the country, most good shelters almost always provide excellent vet care for their animals. “In well-run shelters,” Dr. Smith-Blackmore says, “animals receive vaccinations upon in-take, and are fed a high quality diet from a single manufacture so they don’t undergo dietary stress caused from a constantly changing variety of donated food on a daily basis.”

Pot roast is the ultimate comfort food. Get your dog in on this yummy dinnertime favorite with this easy dog treat recipe for homemade dog biscuits. Simply combine the ingredients and bake—this dog biscuit recipe really is that easy. Made with high-quality freeze-dried meat bits, whole fruits and vegetables, and coconut oil that you’d use in your own food, this DIY dog treat recipe gives your pup the savory, slow-cooked pot roast taste without the wait! Coconut oil is great for supporting a dog’s skin and coat while giving him a tasty reward. Try out this dog cookie recipe and treat your four-legged family member to a special grain-free and preservative-free biscuit that is baked to perfection.

Dogs aren’t bullies in the traditional sense, meaning they don’t typically seek out another dog to pick on, according to Leslie Sinn, DVM, DACVB, CPDT-KA, founder of Behavior Solutions in Ashburn, Virginia. But conflict and displacement behaviors, as well as uncontrolled and/or aggressive behaviors, can come off as bullying. Here are the most common signs of bullying behavior: Ignoring social cues or cut-off signals from other dogs Being overbearing in social settings, like nudging for attention Chasing or charging at other dogs Over-the-top responses, like running into other dogs and knocking them over Nipping at other dogs, despite social cues to back off Growling or snarling, and lip raising with their ears back and tight Stealing toys or food Keep in mind that a dog who’s labeled as a bully is not necessarily an aggressive dog. In most cases, dogs who are perceived as bullies just don’t know how to read social cues, or they don’t know how to express their emotions. Or they might get along fine with one dog but not others (this is called “dog selective”).,Jump to section Signs Your Dog May Be a Bully What Causes Dogs To Bully? What To Do if Your Dog Bullies Other Dogs How To Prevent Bullying in Dogs Signs Your Dog May Be Getting Bullied What To Do if Your Dog Is Getting Bullied

Eye infections are generally bothersome for your dog. Because of this, they’ll give you some fairly obvious signs that something’s awry. Some common symptoms of a dog eye infection include: Squinting Excessive blinking Redness in or around the eye Excess tear production/watery eyes Swelling/inflammation Closing one eye Pawing at the eye Eye discharge Light sensitivity,Jump to section Dog Eye Infection Symptoms Types of Eye Infections in Dogs Causes of Dog Eye Infections Dog Eye Infection Treatment How To Prevent Eye Infections in Your Dog FAQs About Dog Eye Infections

First, there were pet beds. Then, tote bags with wee furry occupants started cropping up. And now … strollers for dogs? They may seem like an indulgent accessory, but the truth is, dog strollers (which cats can use, too) can be helpful to both of you. “A pet stroller is a good means of transport,” says Dr. Rachel Barrack of Animal Acupuncture in New York City. Far from being just another way to “spoil” a pet, a dog stroller can keep your beloved companion safe and happy. Still undecided? Here’s a list of potential benefits that your pet—and you—can get from using a pet stroller.

Hemp seeds are a popular superfood in human diets, thanks to their healthy fats and plant-based protein. But can dogs eat hemp seeds too?  Yes, when fed in moderation and served the right way, hemp seeds can be a nutritious addition to your dog’s diet. However, you might want to consider a few precautions before offering them as a treat.  Before introducing any new food into your dog’s diet, always check with your veterinarian. 

By Heather Larson Alternative medicine practices like massage and acupuncture have proven beneficial for canines. However, the jury is still out on reflexology. A type of massage that’s based on the concept that reflex points in the feet, hands (paws), and head are linked to every part of the body, reflexology is used on both humans and canines. By massaging those points, it is said the practitioner releases tension and can alleviate some medical conditions in the patient. So far, no studies exist on how this treatment affects pets. In fact, Dr. Narda Robinson, president and CEO of CuraCore Integrative Medicine & Education Centers in Fort Collins, Colorado, says there’s no evidence that the reflexology “maps” commonly used in human treatment have any validity insofar as relating areas on the bottom of the foot to zones elsewhere in the body. “Transposing a system that is, essentially, invented out of the blue and then applied to the vastly different canine foot, is fanciful at best,” says Robinson. Because of opinions like Robinson’s and a lack of studies, finding a reflexology practitioner for your dog may be difficult. However, you can safely try some reflexology techniques yourself. If nothing else, it’s another good way to connect with your dog. Bonding with Your Dog The most common form of reflexology involves applying pressure to different areas on the bottom of the canine foot. “Not all dogs like their paws touched,” says Alison Zeidler, a registered Canadian reflexology therapist and instructor of canine reflexology. “Slowly gain their trust by applying gentle strokes from their head and shoulders down their leg and past their paw. That usually shows them how relaxing the touch is and then most dogs will allow you to work their legs and paws.” Zeidler offers holistic therapies to both people and their pets, including horses, dogs, and cats. She says reflex points in the paws, ears, and head correspond to every joint, muscle, gland, and organ of the body. By stimulating those points, you or a reflexologist can influence that related body part by bringing it into a more relaxed, balanced state.