Dogs

Spring has officially arrived, which means that summer—and summer vacation—are just around the corner. From relaxation to adventure at the seashore or mountaintop, the season offers a wide range of options for every outdoor enthusiast. According to Dr. Rachel Barrack, licensed veterinarian of Animal Acupuncture in New York City, “Traveling with your pet can be really rewarding…[and] there’s nothing better than relaxing and enjoying some quality time together.” If you’re looking for some great trips and tips to make the most of summer while in the company of your furry best friend, we’ve got your pet travel list covered with some of the best pet-friendly ideas around.

Yes, it’s OK to move a dog crate from room to room (or out to the car when it’s time for a ride). Usually the best place for dog crates at night is in the owner’s bedroom, so the dog has the feeling of being in safe company during sleeping time. Having the crate in your bedroom will also allow you to hear your dog if she gets restless during the night and needs to be taken to her potty area. During the day, your dog should be with you as much as possible, so if you use the crate, move it to the part of the house where you are. It’s best to minimize crate use during the daytime, though, because a dog needs more room than a crate for natural movement and exercise, and needs access to drinking water and an approved potty area when she needs to use it. If you are home and able to monitor your dog, keep her in the same room you’re in, either by using dog gates or fastening her dog leash to your belt to keep her from wandering away to chew inappropriate items or eliminate in unapproved areas. This will improve her bond to you and will allow you to guide her behavior and teach her your house rules. If you must leave your dog unattended during the day, a crate may be used to confine her for up to two to three hours. For longer periods of confinement during the day, a folding exercise dog pen is preferable to a crate. The “ex-pen,” though it only encloses a small space, allows the dog to move around and stretch. dog potty pads can be placed at one end of the pen so your dog can relieve herself if she needs to.,Q.

There’s hardly a more quintessentially American activity than firing up a grill in the summertime, but what’s a gathering over hot dogs, burgers and potato salad if your family dog can’t partake in the fun? “Barbecues are communal, so being able to have your pets there is part of the fun — for you, for the pets and for any kids present,” says Dr. Charlotte Flint, a senior consulting veterinarian in clinical toxicology at the Pet Poison Helpline. But with so much food and so many people coming and going, it’s easy for a hungry canine to fill up on human-specific snacks, some of which might not be safe for them to consume in large quantities or even at all. Meat products are, of course, a concern. Whether it’s bacteria-laden raw meat or fragile bones that can become choking hazards, Flint says dogs should be closely watched or safely secured somewhere if large portions of meat are unattended. What about other BBQ essentials, though? The things that we spread, smear and snack on in order to complete these delicious summer meals — are they dog friendly? Find out whether or not your dog can have these grilling standbys:

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Jump to section The Dangers of Fast Eating How to Slow Your Dog’s Eating How Often Should I Feed My Dog?

Sign 6: Stiffness Just like with people, a sedentary lifestyle—especially in older dogs—leads to muscle loss and stiff and painful joints. Daily exercise helps to maintain muscle tone as well as keep tendons and ligaments loose and ready for use. If your dog is having trouble with stairs or jumping, touch base with your veterinarian to see if a health problem such as arthritis is involved. But even if it is, a daily exercise plan will go a very long way to keeping your dog more limber and able to get around. Just make sure to add in exercise at a pace that is comfortable for your senior and does not do anything that makes matters worse. Many of these dogs benefit from swimming and light walks.,Easy Ways To Give Your Dog More Daily Exercise All dogs need exercise every day, but some dogs need even more. A daily walk may well suffice for a middle-aged dog that is calm and settled, but young dogs and high-energy breeds need more—sometimes much, more. Some breeds will require several hours of exercise each and every day—a huge commitment—so be sure to research the energy level of the dog you are interested in bringing into your home…before you do it! For most dogs, simply turning them out in a yard (no matter how large) isn’t really what would be considered “exercise.” So what are some easy things you might consider? Play ball or Frisbee every day with your dog. Getting them running and chasing something across the yard is ideal for burning that extra energy they have to expend. Take up bicycling or running, and bring your dog with you. Just make sure you are biking safely with your dog. The increased speed of these activities exercises your dog—and you get the benefit of a workout, too! Find an area where your dog can safely swim off leash—and bring along some floating toys that can be thrown out into the water for them to retrieve for even more exercise and fun! Take daily trips to the dog park, where the dogs can tire each other out! Consider a doggie daycare program, where the staff will exercise your dog and send them home tired in the evening when you get done from work. Some cautions are in order with dogs starting an exercise program. Much like with people, it is wise to consult with your dog’s veterinarian before starting a new protocol. But as a rule, young healthy dogs will likely be able to dive right into most exercise programs. If they are overweight, however, combining careful weight loss with gradually increasing exercise is likely recommended. And if your dog is a brachycephalic (super short-nosed) breed, such as Pug, Bulldog or Boxer, you will want to schedule your exercise time early in the morning or late in the day when it’s cooler, and plan to stop if your pup shows any difficulty breathing. Older dogs may need to work slowly into an exercise program to strengthen muscles or joints that have worn down over time. If your dog has any medical problems, be sure to consult with your veterinarian before starting an exercise plan. However, for most healthy dogs, as long as they are having fun and engaged in the activity, it is likely safe to keep going. And what is even better, you’ll probably get some exercise, too! The icing on the cake is that you both will have fun in the process. Featured Image: Adobe/Soloviova Liudmyla,You worry about whether you get enough exercise—and even made a New Year’s resolution to work out more. (Did you keep it? Whoops!) But have you thought about whether your dog is getting enough exercise? Lack of exercise in dogs can cause everything from health problems to behavioral changes. Read on to see if perhaps your dog is showing signs of needing a new exercise plan. Sign 1: Weight Gain To keep your dog healthy, try to follow the general concept we humans have learned: “calories in minus calories out equals weight gain or loss.”More calories eaten than burned causes weight gain, while the opposite leads to weight loss. If your dog has been getting a bit plump lately, it may be an indication that more exercise (calories out) is needed. Just like with people, most dogs lose weight best through an approach involving diet and exercise combined. Chat with your vet about what diet tweaks you might want to consider while you are also increasing daily walks, play breaks, and general activity.

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A common misconception is that dogs can’t be happy living in an urban environment. However, keeping dogs in the city just means getting creative when it comes to their daily routine. Besides coming up with ways to keep your pet entertained, fit and happy, you also have the responsibility of being respectful of your neighbors. Here are just a few tips for urban pet parents to help make living in the city easier for you and your four-legged friend.

Beat the heat this summer, and celebrate the season by trying out this at-home, easy dog treats recipe! This delicious DIY dog treat recipe combines: yogurt, an excellent source of probiotics to help maintain your dog’s digestive system; strawberries and blueberries, packed with antioxidants to help protect your pup from free radicals; and Halo Liv-a-Littles Grain-Free 100% Chicken Breast Freeze-Dried Dog & Cat Treats, a yummy and low-calorie source of protein. Making dog cookie recipes at home gives your four-legged family member a special treat while ensuring that he only gets the best ingredients out there. Treat your dogs with this natural and simple dog treat recipe that is sure to provide a tasty (and refreshing!) reward and help him celebrate all that summer has to offer. Ingredients: • 6 Halo Liv-a-Littles Grain-Free 100% Chicken Breast Freeze-Dried Dog & Cat Treats • 1 cup plain yogurt • ½ cup strawberries • ½ cup blueberries Supplies: • Hugs Pet Products Silicone Baking Pan • Blender • Measuring cup • 3 small bowls • Spoon Preparation time: 15 minutes Total time: 105 minutes Yield: 15 DIY dog treats

Does the word “insurance” send shivers down your spine? There is perhaps no other word in the English language that inspires more fear, anger, and confusion (except maybe “no WiFi”). Figuring it out for yourself is hard enough, let alone figuring it out for your pet too. Maybe that’s why only about 4% of dogs and 1% of cats were insured in the U.S. in 2023.   But guess what—you’re a pet parent now. There is no time like now to learn all about pet insurance: what it is, what it can cover, and what it typically costs.  For starters, pet insurance can help with the costs of your vet bills, especially the most expensive and unexpected ones. That’s why the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) endorses pet health insurance, as long as the policy covers what you need it to (more on that later).  Feeling overwhelmed already? Don’t stress. We’re breaking it all down for you so you can decide what’s best for you and your pet.