Posts tagged “Water Fountain”

Many pet parents believe that “undressing” the dog by shaving their fur will make the warm summer months more tolerable. The truth is the dog’s coat serves several purposes: It acts like insulation, keeping them from overheating in the summer (and getting too cold in the winter). In warm weather, a well-brushed coat “lofts” as the dog moves, allowing air to cool them all the way to the skin. In double-coated dog breeds, the downy undercoat acts as their thermal underwear, waterproofing them as well. Because a dog’s coat is insulation, it protects them from the heat and the cold. Removing the hair removes this natural cooling system. So, instead of shaving, remove any excess undercoat by brushing regularly. If your dog is active or has allergies and is prone to getting dirty and their hair matting, a trimmed down coat might help to keep them comfortable. Matted coats trap heat and moisture, making it more harmful than shaving or not shaving. In this case, take your pup to the dog groomer, who will safely remove the matted hair.,While a summer trim may feel great to you, especially when the weather’s reached peak humidity, is it the best idea to give your dog a summer haircut, too? While having a professional groomer trim your long-haired dog’s fur to make their coat more manageable is OK, you shouldn’t shave your dog to cool them off. That’s because—believe it or not—their fur coats actually provide them heat relief. Plus, shaving can make your pet more prone to sunburn (and they certainly won’t want that!).

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5. Tosa Photo credit: acceptfoto/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images Sometimes called the Japanese Mastiff, the Tosa is a giant dog that can weigh up to 200 pounds. They are the largest Japanese dog breed. Unfortunately, the Tosa’s long history is closely tied to dog fighting. Because of this, the Tosa can be reserved around new people. Pet parents must prioritize socialization and train their Tosa puppy with positive reinforcement. This breed can grow into a calm and well-adjusted companion with the proper positive upbringing.,6. Kishu Ken Photo credit: Adobe Stock/maikuto The Kishu Ken has remarkable stamina thanks to the breed’s history as a hunting dog. This hunting history means the Japanese breed has lots of energy and a desire to please the people they love. Kishu Ken are also quite social and friendly dogs, according to the National Kishu Ken Club. While they can get along with new people and other dogs, Kishu Ken might not do well around smaller pets because of their strong prey drive. ,Although there are only a handful of Japanese dog breeds, they have a long and rich history. While some are known globally, others have less acclaim and are rare even in Japan. Here are 10 Japanese dogs you should know.

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Living and Management Monitor behaviors via weekly videotaping and/or written logs, with times, dates, and the behavior leading up to the obsessive behavior tracked. This will provide unbiased assessments of change and help with alterations in treatment plans. Your veterinarian will schedule biannual visits with you and your dog to obtain complete blood counts, biochemistry profile and urinalysis, to be sure that the body is healthy and not contributing to your dog’s anxiety or distress. Observe for vomiting, gastrointestinal distress, and rapid breathing. If these symptoms are identified, contact your veterinarian. Medications may take several weeks to show an effect on the target behavior – the first sign of efficacy may be changes in the duration or frequency of bouts rather than total cessation of the undesired behaviors. Setting realistic expectations for change will help you manage the outcome of behavioral and medical intervention. Relapses are common and to be expected during stressful or new situations. Don’t try to reassure your pet that it does not have to spin, chew, or perform other repetitive behaviors; this inadvertently rewards the repetitive behavior. Reward the dog only when it is not engaged in behavior and is relaxed. However, the behavior should not be entirely ignored. If left untreated, these conditions almost always progress to more serious levels.,Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Dogs Compulsive disorder is characterized by a repetitious, relatively unchanging sequence of activities or movements that has no obvious purpose or function. Although the behavior is usually derived from normal maintenance behaviors (such as grooming, eating, and walking), the repetitive behavior interferes with normal behavioral functioning. It is referred to as “OCD” or “Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.” The most commonly observed obsessive-compulsive behaviors are spinning, tail chasing, self-mutilation, hallucinating (fly biting), circling, fence running, hair/air biting, pica (appetite for non-food substances such as dirt, rocks or feces), pacing, staring, and vocalizing. Some dogs also show the potential for aggression. No breed, gender or age of dog is more likely to have obsessive-compulsive disorders, although the specific type of OCD displayed may be affected by breed, such as spinning as opposed to self-mutilation. As with other anxiety disorders, onset of OCD begins early, around 12 to 24 months of age, as the dog developmentally matures (generally defined as occurring at 12 to 36 months of age in dogs). If you are observing early signs of obsessive behavior in your dog, and it is descended from a line where other dogs are affected, early intervention is critical.

Image via Olena Kurashova/Shutterstock.com By Teresa Traverse Going for a walk is an important part of almost every dog’s life. Many dogs require and enjoy daily strolls with their owners. So, if you’re the owner of a new puppy or an older dog and they are refusing to walk on a dog leash, it can be frustrating and concerning. From dog training issues to dog health issues, a pet owner’s mind can run the gauntlet when their dog refuses to walk on a leash. Here is a list of some of the reasons why a dog won’t behave while on leash. She’s a Puppy “A lot of people just sort of assume putting a leash and attaching it to a dog is natural to the dog, but it’s not,” says Megan Stanley, chair of the board of directors for the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, and owner of Dogma Training & Pet Services in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Take your time when leash training a dog or new puppy, and introduce the equipment slowly, suggests Stanley. “Anytime they’re introducing a new piece of equipment, it’s good to just bring it out and let the dog explore it. Smell it. Check it out. Versus just going and putting it on it,” says Stanley. Make sure your dog’s okay with her dog collar by slowly introducing it so she can get accustomed to wearing it. Stanley suggests pairing the dog supplies, like dog leashes and collars, with food rewards. Once your puppy feels safe and secure with the collar on, attach the leash to it. Let your puppy drag the leash around. You should also offer your puppy rewards as she moves around with the leash on to create positive associations. Start in your home, and then take it outside. But always remember to be patient. The next step is to pick up the leash but to let your puppy lead you where she wants to go (within reason!). Only once your pup is comfortable wearing her collar and leash and having you on the other end of the leash should you try directing her movements. Stanley says that most people just expect their puppy to understand leash training and to immediately walk nicely. But Stanley explains, “They get out, and there are so many distractions. There are smells. There are people. There’s wildlife like squirrels.” When your dog starts to walk forward after you’ve asked, be sure to reward her when she’s moving and not stopping. Many owners will go back to their dog and reward the stopping, which is counterproductive. When it comes to picking dog treats, aim for a high-value treat you know your dog loves. Stanley recommends freeze-dried liver treats. Don’t forget to also verbally praise them for walking forward, too.