Dogs

It’s the phrase pet parents dread hearing from their veterinarian: “Your dog needs to wear a cone…” Many people refer to recovery cones as the “cone of shame” because pets often need them when they are licking or chewing at their wounds or surgical incisions. These lampshade-style dog cones are a crucial tool used to help pets’ healing and recovery after surgery or an injury. However, the lack of peripheral vision can make it difficult for your dog to navigate around the house, and they don’t always love wearing them. The good news is that it’s only temporary, but how can you make your dog’s cone couture less frustrating? We have tips and alternatives to make recovery collars a better experience for pup and pet parent alike.

Perhaps the only thing more popular than Adele’s latest album, 25, is the plethora of YouTube videos of moody mutts howling along with her heartbreaking ballad “Hello.” Based on those clips alone, it’s clear that dogs certainly have a relationship to music, though it’s not quite on the same level as the “this song makes me want to cry alone in a bathtub”-type reaction some (okay, all) of us humans have. According to Philadelphia-based music teacher Willie Nelson (no, not that one), dogs perceive a far wider range of sound frequencies than people, which might mean that the distinctions between close frequencies may be less important to them. If this is true, he says, dogs may not be able to distinguish between notes on a musical scale as well as people do. “The distinctions between 440 Hz and 494 Hz (two white keys on the piano near the middle) might not be as obvious to them as they are to us, therefore melody might be less meaningful for dogs,” he says. Though the meaning of music might be different for our canine companions than it is for us, it does indeed have a behavioral effect on dogs. And, much like it is for humans, music is a form of communication for dogs too. Dr. Stanley Coren, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia, writes in Psychology Today that, compared to their wild cousins, domestic dogs bark more and howl only occasionally. In the wild, howling is a form of communication wolves use to assemble their pack or to reinforce the identity of the group, according to Coren. This may explain why a pooch is prone to howl along with some of your favorite songs. Dogs love their humans and by “singing” with you, they might be establishing their bond with you and displaying their place in your “pack.”

Everyone knows that dogs love romping around the backyard. But many pet parents may be surprised to learn that it’s not enough to simply open the door and let their pup entertain himself. “Being in the backyard might give dogs some sunshine and open space, but it doesn’t necessarily give them anything to do,” says Andrea Servadio, a trainer and cofounder of Los Angeles-based Fitdog Sports Club. “Just like for humans, play offers mental, physical and emotional enrichment.” Not only is playing outside fun, but it will likely lead to better behavior when inside the house. “Playing encourages mental stimulation for a dog,” says Colleen Demling-Riley, a canine behaviorist at Dogtopia, a daycare, spa and boarding facility. “When you combine mental exercise with physical exercise, you will have a well-behaved, balanced and tired pup when your dog comes back in the house,” says Demling-Riley. When it comes to fun activities to do with your dog while outside, there is no shortage of options. From dog fetch toys and agility courses to water games and scent work, the only limitation on outdoor fun is your imagination. Upgrade Your Fetch Game A time-honored classic, fetch never goes out of style. “Dogs love fetch because it mimics their natural instincts to hunt and retrieve prey,” says Servadio. “Balls tend to bounce in predictable ways, so finding dog toys that have unusual bounces increases engagement and mental stimulation.” Servadio recommends tossing anything from rope tug toys to dog plush toys. Or, you can upgrade your game with a specially designed dog fetch toy. Dog flyer discs, such as the Nerf Dog atomic flyer dog toy and West Paw Zogoflex Zisc dog toy, are engineered to both float through the air and bounce on the ground, making both the chase and the catch more interesting. Is your best bud a long-distance runner? Dog ball launchers, like the Chuckit! classic launcher, can help you throw up to three times farther, which means a whole lot more running for your canine companion. Automatic launchers, such as the iFetch Mini automatic ball launcher dog toy, can also make great backyard toys for dogs. “Some dogs may not be as interested in playing if you’re not involved, while others just want to get that ball regardless of who or what is throwing it,” says Servadio. Set Up Dog Agility Activities When most people hear “agility,” they think of specially trained dogs competing on a professional course. However, any dog can benefit from backyard agility work. “Any activity where dogs learn a new skill, get positive feedback and feel accomplished is going to make them feel good,” says Servadio. Agility engages dogs in a few different ways, explains Servadio. The equipment and coursework provide mental stimulation while teaching new tricks and skills. Agility also provides rigorous physical exercise and opportunities to use and develop a large variety of muscles. It’s easy to set up your own agility course. “Agility equipment designed for a pet parent’s backyard is now readily available at good price points,” says Demling-Riley. “Playing with agility equipment never gets old because you can always change the order of the obstacles or make them more difficult as your dog’s skill level advances.” Dog agility kits, such as the Outward Hound Zip & Zoom indoor agility kit for dogs, provide everything you need to get your pup started. If you want to work on your dog’s tunnel skills, the tear-resistant HDP collapsible agility dog training tunnel is perfect for backyard training and play sessions.   Engage Your Pup in Scent Work Dogs loves sniffing everything and anything. Good smells, bad smells, questionable smells—each one is worthy of a lengthy inspection. For a fun backyard game, challenge your dog’s curious nose to a scent work game. “Scent work is great mental stimulation for a dog and is a fun outdoor activity after being inside all winter,” says Demling-Riley. Demling-Riley suggests this game of smell-and-seek: While your dog is inside, place six cardboard boxes throughout your yard. Keep the lids open, then place dog treats in three of them. (For a high-protein option, try Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats duck biscuits.) Then, take your dog outside to explore the yard on a dog leash. When he detects a treat, calmly praise him without petting him, as petting can interfere with tracking. As your pup gets better at the game, you can close the lids and even hide the boxes around your yard. Scent work is exhausting, says Demling-Riley, so give your pup a break within 10 minutes, and be sure he always has access to fresh water. For a simpler version, hide a smelly, petgd.com dog treat in the yard, and set your pup loose. “This is super fun for most dogs because once they find their chew item, they get to eat it,” says Demling-Riley. Play Some Water Games Many dogs enjoy water games in the backyard, too. “A warm, sunny spring day is a great time for water games,” says Demling-Riley. “Simply turn on your sprinkler and watch your dog run back and forth with joy.” If you don’t have a sprinkler, she suggests putting some dog ball toys, like tennis balls, in a bucket of water or dog pool and encouraging your dog to grab the balls as they bob up and down. Do a Round of Hide-and-Seek Another fun kid game your pup may enjoy is hide-and-seek. While you hide in your yard, have another family member hold your dog, says Demling-Riley. Once you’re in your hiding spot, call your dog’s name. When he finds you, reward him with lots of praise, then play the game again. “Most dogs learn to love this game!” says Demling-Riley. “Plus, it’s a great way to reinforce them coming to you when you call them.” There’s nothing like enjoying some fresh air with your pup. In addition to providing your dog with exercise and mental stimulation, playing together is a wonderful way to strengthen the human-canine bond. By: Monica Weymouth Featured Image: iStock.com/aleksandrovaphoto

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According to Deborah Bayazit, DVM, co-owner and medical director of Brilliant Veterinary Care, fresh or unsweetened frozen strawberries are good for dogs. Here are a few of the health benefits of strawberries for dogs: High in immune system-boosting vitamins C, B1, B6, and K High in minerals, including potassium, iodine, magnesium, and folic acid, which help regulate blood pressure, electrolyte balance, and metabolism. Loaded with fiber to aid in digestion Contain omega-3 fatty acids for skin and coat health Contain an enzyme called malic acid that can help whiten your dog’s teeth,Jump to section Are Strawberries Good for Dogs? Are Strawberries Bad for Dogs? How Many Strawberries Can I Give My Dog? How To Safely Feed Strawberries to Your Dog My Dog Ate Too Many Strawberries—What Do I Do? What Other Fruits Can Dogs Eat? FAQs About Strawberries and Dogs

Meditation is known to be beneficial to one’s health and happiness, but fitting it into a busy schedule as a pet parent can be a bit of a challenge. Between early morning walks and preparing your pup’s meals, it can be hard to catch a break. If this sounds like you, try starting your mornings off with canine meditation. This practice creates some new opportunities to spend quality time with your pooch while also working on yourself, which is a win-win. While your pup gets the attention he wants, you get a moment to relax and refresh. So, how can your pup become a meditating dog in no time? Well, you’re in luck—these tips will teach you how to meditate with your dog.

It’s probably no surprise that the sleek Greyhound tops DiNardo’s list of fastest breeds. As a sighthound specifically bred to hunt running game, the Greyhound is a medium-build breed whose form also contributes to its speediness. “The breed’s narrow, aerodynamic skull and shock-absorbing paw pads help it achieve such high speeds,” DiNardo says. If you’re considering taking a Greyhound home to your family, be prepared to provide your speedy dog with all the running room he or she needs to remain happy.,Not all dogs are born with the need for speed, at least not in the same way that some pups seem to derive the most pleasure when they’re running full force towards their goal. You may think your dog is fast, but does his breed qualify him as one of the fastest dog breeds there is? We tapped American Kennel Club Vice President Gina DiNardo for a little bit of info on the top ten fastest dog breeds, and why exactly they’re built for maximum speeds. Find out if your speed racer makes the list.

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References Close,WRITTEN BYVirginia LaMon, DVM Veterinarian Dr. Virginia LaMon graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2013. She completed her clinical year at Auburn…,Every dog parent has bragged about how smart their fur baby is. In fact, scientists have suggested that dogs can be as smart as a 2-year-old child, and research on dog intelligence has demonstrated that our four-legged friends can learn in more complex ways than previously known. But how smart are dogs, really? And what are the signs of a brilliant pup? Signs of a Smart Dog Dogs can take in information from their environment through their senses, especially smell. Using this information, they can make informed decisions or store information for later. Here are some signs your dog is smart. 1. They Learn Tricks and Cues Quickly Training a dog to do tricks and learn basic cues is vital for keeping her brain stimulated. Dogs learn through positive reinforcement and classical conditioning. For instance, when training a dog to sit on cue, reward her with a tasty treat and attention/praise. A particularly bright pup will quickly realize, “If I sit when my human tells me, I get a reward!” 2. They (Cutely) Manipulate You Dogs can learn how to use cues to their benefit. For instance, your dog may try to convince you that she hasn’t received her dinner yet, even though someone else fed her already. Don’t fall for those puppy dog eyes! 3. They Can Learn Language Skills Dogs have demonstrated that they can learn the names of objects—and some dogs will retrieve the named item. That said, intelligence varies among breeds and individuals. The average dog can learn around 165 words, while certain brainiacs can learn upwards of 200. In one study, a remarkable Border Collie named Rico knew the names of more than 200 items and could remember them for weeks. He also showed he could learn new objects by exclusion—in other words, he was able to infer the name of a new object just by recognizing the object as one for which he didn’t have a name. 4. They Understand Human Gestures and Social Cues Puppies learn many behaviors by following the examples set by veteran dogs. But what’s even more remarkable is that dogs can learn from observing humans as well. Having spent thousands of years interacting with humans (roughly 15,000, in fact), dogs are quite adept at understanding human messages even without training. There are a few scientifically proven ways dogs read our body language, including: Dogs respond to pointing and gesturing. As early as 8 weeks of age, some puppies are able to determine where a treat was hidden based on a human pointing. Dogs respond more to gestures than verbal commands in most cases, which is important for training. Dogs can even follow a person’s gaze. When dogs do not know where to go or what to do, they often look to their owners to see where they are looking or pointing. 5. They Easily Figure Out Spatial Problems Dogs can learn the physical environment easily and use that knowledge to navigate the world more efficiently. For example, dogs can learn the location of a valued object, like a toy or treat, and will remember it for an extended period. They easily figure out puzzle toys, and their spatial perception also allows dogs to find the best route to a desired location, like a favorite bed or feeding station. Dogs may even be aware of their human’s position in space. For example, they may protect a human from walking into a wall. 6. They Feel Emotions Dogs and humans have similar brain structures and hormones (like epinephrine and oxytocin). Therefore, we have some of the same emotions. However, the range of emotions will likely not exceed that of a 2-year-old child; this means they can at least feel joy, disgust, fear, and anger. Some research suggests that dogs may also feel more complex emotions, like jealousy and empathy. In one study, dogs became agitated when they saw another dog be rewarded for a behavior when they were not.