How to Relieve Your Dogs Joint Pain!

Hi ed, Many dogs are affected by joint pain and yours may be, too. It is common for me to see dogs with joint problems.  After all, one in five dogs (or over 11 million dogs) suffer from joint and mobility issues. One such dog is Sweet Lips. My parents own her. Sweet Lips is a 9-year-old yellow lab that was always the life of the party. Sweet Lips was the first to rise and the last one to go to bed. However, things seemed to be changing and my parents noticed that Sweet Lips was avoiding the stairs and she seemed to be less interested in her other furry friends. It just seemed like Sweet Lips was losing her get up and go ... After a quick trip to the veterinarian, it was clear that Sweet Lips needed help to address the problems with her shoulder joint and hips, and my parents were thankful that there are high-quality supplements available that can reduce her pain and improve her mobility. About a month ago - my parents ran out of the supplement - and within a week, Sweet Lips was limping again. She was having trouble getting up and her first few steps were clearly very painful. She no longer wanted to run or play (and she LOVES to swim, fetch and run). Now she is back on her supplement and running around once again. Here is a photo of Sweet Lips swimming this fall - our entire family is so happy to see Sweet Lips back to her old self. Inflammation or swelling in a joint affects millions of dogs of any age, breed or sex. There are various causes from abnormal bone or joint development to instability of the surrounding ligaments and tendons. If your dog is suffering with joint problems, there are several things you can do to make your dog more comfortable. 1. Consider your flooring. Hardwood, tile and linoleum floors are slippery and it can be difficult for dogs with joint issues to gain secure footing. Placing carpet or area rugs will help secure your dog's footing and prevent an injury from slipping. 2. Massage. Massage can increase flexibility, circulation, and create a general sense of wellness. You can do it yourself or seek a professional animal massage therapist. 3. Weight control.  Join issues can certainly be more of a problem for obese pets. Weight loss can be beneficial by helping to reduce the workload on the bones and joints. 4. This formula helps maintain healthy joint cartilage and connective tissue, and to aid in the production of healthy synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints. This supplement features Glucosamine, MSM, sea mussels and hyaluronic acid. Agility Formula is a natural, holistic, multi-action joint support formula containing scientifically-tested ingredients 5. Provide a soft bed. Soft bedding can help support the bones and joints and make your pet more comfortable. This can be especially important in thin dogs in which bony prominences are likely to rub on hard surfaces. There are some beds that are made especially for dogs with arthritis, such as waterbeds and hammock beds. Arthritis and Joint health is an important part of your dog’s overall health care. Ongoing improvements in supplements are helping more dogs stay active and enjoy an enhanced quality of life.  By being considerate of your dog's condition and finding ways to keep him more comfortable, you can alleviate pain and ensure a higher quality of living. I hope these suggestions help your dog. Click for More Info or to ORDER MSM for musculoskeletal health Glucosamine for bone & cartilage health Hyaluronic acid to aid cartilage strength & mobility Sea mussels to support joint integrity

So, is it safe for your dog to eat bread?

Most of our dogs have found something laying on the floor or grabbed something off the counter they're not supposed to have. One common item that's out when we host company or cook is bread. So, is it safe for your dog to eat bread? - Find out here. Baked bread is not toxic. However, some dogs can get a very distended abdomen and become very uncomfortable. Some dogs will actually develop gluttony bloat from overeating, and there is a chance that if he ate too much it all might come right back up. By the way - check out the x-ray in the gluttony bloat link of a dog that ate a full bag of dog food. Unbaked bread can be more dangerous as the yeast rising can cause problems in some dogs. The bigger concern is if your dog ate any of the wrapper or foil that was on the bread. Ingestion of the wrapper can cause a foreign body obstruction in dogs, which could cause major problems. If your dog ate the wrapper, you should call your vet and tell them what happened.   August 21, 2015

Stop with the Licking!

Copied from : 

FEATURED ARTICLE STOP IT! How to Stop Your Dog From Licking

Hey ed, Dogs love to lick themselves, regardless of how gross it seems to us. But while a little licking is OK, lots of licking of a wound or an area of infection can be dangerous. Preventing licking can be challenging. Simply telling your dog to stop, or moving his head away, may work for a brief time but does not help when you are not around. More effective solutions are necessary. When you are serious about stopping the licking, there are three common solutions you can attempt: Topical products Some dogs with a mild compulsion to lick may respond to the application of bitter tasting products to bandages covering the wound. Discuss with your veterinarian first before applying any of these products directly to a wound; it may cause irritation, which could result in even more licking. Covering the wound For wounds in certain areas, bandaging the wound may be all it takes. By covering the wound, the pet doesn't have easy access and may stop licking. This works really great for some dogs, but the presence of the new material can make other dogs go crazy until it's removed. Neck collars The most commonly used and usually effective measure is the collar that fits around the neck and prevents the dog from having access to the area. The collar is called a "cone" or often referred to as an Elizabethan collar (E-collar). I hope these tips help your dog. P.S.: Licking is just one issue that might slow your dog's healing after surgery. Check out our tips on how to know if your dog's incision is healing normally.

Time to Celebrate National Mutt Day!

Time to Celebrate National Mutt Day!

Posted: 30 Jul 2015 10:34 AM PDT

It used to be that “mutt” was considered something of an insult. For decades, if not centuries, people prized purebred dogs, singling out and paying top dollar for those pups with a long list of certified parentage and prize-winning rearing. They wanted purebred dogs for hunting, for sports, for home living, or simply for the notoriety of it. Mutts often went by the wayside, considered of “lesser” value. Fortunately, that attitude is changing in more recent years and people are starting to recognize that mutts are just as worthy of our recognition and love as any other pup.

To celebrate this fact, join us for National Mutt Day on July 31st! This holiday helps raise awareness of the plight of mutts across the country that are ignored, left without a home or family just because they’re of a mixed breed. The goal of this year’s National Mutt Day is to get at least 10,000 mutts adopted nationwide. Are you ready to join in the effort?

A few advantages of mixed breed dogs include mutts generally being better behaved, healthier, and longer lived than purebreds while able to be as skilled and trainable as any other dog. Unfortunately, many mutts are euthanized because of over-breeding, puppy mills, and other poor pet-raising practices that contribute to animal overpopulation. If more mutts are adopted from shelters rather than being passed over for pricey purebreds, that would alleviate much of the stress animal shelters and volunteers experience in caring for them.

A big part of National Mutt Day is simply making people aware of the inherent value mutts hold and how much adopting one can mean–both to the dog in question as well as the family they join. Contact your local shelter and see if they’re participating in National Mutt Day, help spread the word to your local community, or even adopt a mutt yourself and discover the love and joy they can bring into your life.

Do you own a mutt? What’s the experience been like? How can you support your local shelters or adoption programs that have many mutts up for adoption?

Heat Wave! Should You Shave Your Pet?

Summer is in full swing, and temperatures are heating up nationwide. We know that as a responsible pet parent, you want to do everything you can to keep your best four-legged friends cool. So when you look at your Pomeranian, Golden Retriever or long-haired cat wearing a thick, fluffy coat, you might feel tempted to break out your grooming tools and give him a serious hair cut.

But hold those clippers! While you or I would hate to sport a fur coat in 100-degree weather, your pets’ fur coats are actually providing them with heat relief.

“A dog’s coat is kind of like insulation for your house,” explains Dr. Louise Murray, Vice President of the ASPCA Animal Hospital. “Insulation stops your home from getting too cold in winter, but it also keeps it from overheating in summer—and your dog’s coat does the same thing.”

Dogs’ coats have several layers, and these layers are essential to your dog’s comfort in the heat. Robbing your dog of this natural cooling system can lead to discomfort and overheating. And keeping your dog cool isn’t the only reason to leave his coat intact, Dr. Murray warns. Your dog’s coat prevents your pup from getting sunburn and helps protect her from skin cancer.

So what can you do? It is ok to give your long-haired dog a “summer cut”—trimming her long hair may make it more manageable. It is best to allow a professional groomer to perform the haircutting, and never shave down to the skin or try to cut the hair yourself with scissors.

If you prefer not to cut your dog’s hair, that’s fine. Dogs with thick coats naturally shed so that they have a lighter coat in the summer. Remember to brush your dog’s fur and bathe her frequently as clean, brushed fur allows for better air circulation.

Of course, pet parents should remember to provide a shady area when taking your pet outside, and to provide plenty of water during hot days—hydration is key! For more important information on summer pet care, read our Hot-Weather Tips.

Pet Wills and Trusts: What You Should Know

Hi, Have you thought much about what will happen to your dog or dogs if something were to happen to you? It's a sad thought for sure, but it's one that you absolutely need to consider for the safety and happiness of your pet and your family.  Recently, a beloved neighbor who was a true pet lover passed away. She left behind 3 cats that she adored. Before she died she carefully planned their provisions and made all the arrangements for their continued care. It was such a good idea and I know that her cats will have happy, safe lives with a good caretaker. These kinds of arrangements are good to make in case of travel, too; I have a wonderful client who asked if I would look out for her dogs in case she had a problem during an international trip. (I said I would, of course.)  Have you thought about what would happen to your dogs if something were to happen to you? If you have more than one dog, you should consider whether you want them to stay together. You should also make a budget to ensure your pets receive the proper medical care in case you're not there. The article I'm going to share today is really a must-read. Even if you print it and read it later, the information in it is something all of us should consider. After all, your pets depend on you and only you. To learn more, go to: Pet Trusts and Wills - Including Your Dog in Your End of Life Planning I hope this article helps you consider what you may need to protect your dogs.  With warm regards,

Canine Scent Marking

The behavior I want to talk about today can drive dog owners absolutely nuts. I hear about it all the time: the owner is late for work and takes their dog out for a short walk, hoping they will do their business in record time. The dog isn't content with just a quick trip, though; 18 stops later, the dog is FINALLY finished and they are back home.  This is a classic sign of "marking territory" but why do dogs do that? Why is every tree and fence a special place to a dog (especially when you’re in a hurry)?  We have an answer in our new article, Canine Scent Marking: Who's Peeing Where - and Why?  I hope you enjoy this insight in to your dog’s behavior.

Myth Behind the Summer Shave-Down for Dogs

Dogs

• Written by: Laci Schaible
• Edited by: Dr. Debra Primovic - DVM
• Published: March 20, 2015
• Last Modified: March 23, 2015

Share This Article

• Print

Are summer shave downs good for dogs? Do dogs love it? Does it really keep them cooler?
As the temperatures rise across the country, many well-intentioned dog parents consider shaving your dogs to keep them more comfortable with the warmth and humidity. After all, we don't want to wear a fur coat during the summer, so why should our dogs?
Common sense tells us that shaving off a dense fur coat would help keep dogs cooler in hot weather, but shaving your dogs down actually robs them of their own natural defense against summer heat and sunburn.
Dog fur is entirely different from human hair. For both dogs and cats, their fur coats help them regulate their temperatures in both cold and warmer weather, similar to insulation for our houses.
Unlike human hair, dog fur has different layers that are responsible for your dog's comfort and temperature control.
If you do decide to trim down your dog's coat during the next heat wave, keep these tips in mind.

Tips to Safely Shave Your Dog

• Clipper blades heat up quickly! Make sure to use cooling clipper blade lubrication and rest the blades throughout the grooming session to avoid painful dermal burns.
• Better yet, leave it to a professional. At-home grooming attempts may result in accidental lacerations and burns. In an effort to save a few dollars, you may find yourself at the emergency clinic getting your dog stitched up.
• Leave at least an inch of fur. Leaving too little fur puts your dog at risk for sunburn, and a clip too close to the skin puts your dog at risk for ingrown hairs and irritated skin.
• How do you know if your dog is at risk for sunburn? Check your dog for visible pink skin around the face, paying special attention to areas with thin hair, such as the ear tips. If you can see pink skin, it is possible that your dog could be vulnerable to sunburn.
• If you are considering shaving because your dog has developed hot spots, seek help from your veterinarian. Hot spots are tender and may make your pup snippy when being groomed.

While shaving your dog down in attempts to help them beat the summer heat is typically discouraged, there are times the clip down may be of benefit. It a dog has a matted coat and is likely to often be wet, this dog's thick damp coat is more likely to promote the development of skin infections or even to become a nest for flies. This can lead to a nasty condition quickly - maggots in the fur.
For the majority of our dogs, if the fur isn't already matted, keeping the coat well-brushed is key. Coats that are kept well-brushed and mat-free allow for good air circulation through the hair, which in itself can actually have a cooling effect. On the contrary, matted, unkempt hair coats stifle air circulation, do little to help cool the body, and make the dog more likely to develop skin infections such as hot spots. Even for dogs that are prone to hot spots, routine brushing is advised before jumping to the clip down. Simply put, daily brushing is a crucial part of your routine during the hot, summer months.
I hope this gives you great information about the pros and cons of shaving your dog during the summer months.

Making Sense of Your Dog’s World

A couple weeks ago I was watching the news when they featured a segment called "How Long Do Dogs Remember?" all about the canine memory. According to this program, dogs have a memory span that's about 2 minutes long. But how true is that? I wanted to find out.  Based on what I have learned from various behaviorists and my own vet school studies, this estimate is about right…at least for some things. I suppose that is one thing we love about dogs; they're always ready to start a brand new day without the worries of the one before it.  For example, let's say a dog lover leaves for work. They come back 8 hours later and the dog is so happy to see them, you would think the dog hadn't seen their human for days! A little later the same pet parent might run to the store for half an hour. When they come home, the reaction is just the same: total joy and excitement from their dog. Many folks would say that no one is as happy to see them as their dogs.  After a particularly bad day, wouldn't it be tempting to leave just so you could come home to such a happy greeting? (I know I've thought about it.) Speaking of memory, dogs are pretty unique in some of the other way that they interact with the world.  Your dog's senses allow him to behave and perform in ways nothing short of magical. Dogs perceive the world differently from the way we do – we share the same senses, but with remarkable differences. The Nose Knows The first thing your dog does when you walk in the door is sniff your legs. Dogs gather a lot of information from a quick sniff of their environment – both physical and emotional details. He smells where you've been and even how the experience affected you. Dogs sniff each other and each others' secretions constantly, monitoring various physiological and emotional changes on an ongoing basis. Dogs live in a world of odors. Their sense of smell is their most refined sense; in fact, it is so refined a bloodhound can identify scales of skin shed by humans three days previously. They can also detect drugs in hidden in body cavities, can sniff out rats, termites, bombs, missing persons, bodies drowned or buried in snow or rubble, and even the presence of melanoma cancer. Their noses are about as sensitive as our eyes. The scrolled, scent membrane inside a dog's nose is about four times greater in area than the equivalent smell organ in humans. In the dog's nose, there are over 200 million scent receptors in the nasal folds compared to our 5 million. Moisture on the nose helps to capture scent and transmit it onto odor-sensitive nasal membranes, which cover the nose's wafer-thin turbinate bones. These bones comprise of convoluted folds, ensuring that the tiniest amount of scent is captured within them. See, Spot Have you ever noticed how your dog acts when you are approaching him from a distance? He sees you immediately, and he stops and stares; but it's obvious that he doesn't know who is coming toward him. You start talking to him, perhaps calling his name, but he is still unsure, although he will act interested. Finally, when you get close enough to him that he picks up your scent, he will run to you happily. Your dog trusts his sense of sight the least. However, while smell is his most refined sense, sight is his strongest. Dogs have no good biological reason to identify different colors. Though they can distinguish between certain colors, their color vision is limited and the colors may appear muted to them. Dogs see more clearly than humans do in dim light. This allows for increased movement definition of prey animals. Although their ability to see detail is limited, they are quite exquisitely sensitive to movement, and are able to pick up even very slight movement of hiding prey. A stationary object may not be noticed from a distance, but the dog will see it as soon as it makes a move. Hear Ye, Hear Ye You must have experienced the result of your dog's super hearing ability. You are sitting in your favorite chair reading or taking a nap, with your faithful pet lying at your feet. It's blissfully quiet – not a sound to be heard. Suddenly your dog leaps to his feet and begins barking loudly, his protective bark, and you run to the window to see who is approaching. But there's no one there. At least not at first. It takes moments before someone actually comes into view and walks by the house or into the yard. The dog's ability to hear is incredibly acute compared to humans. They can hear sounds over a wider range of frequencies and a greater distance than we can. Also, experiments have shown that a dog can locate the source of a sound in about six-hundredths of a second. Their highly mobile ears capture sounds and funnel them down to the eardrum. You might see your dog cock one ear to capture the initial sound, and then use both ears to catch the maximum number of sound waves. Protection and guard dogs use their sense of hearing, along with their sense of smell, to detect possible intruders, sometimes from great distances. Touch and Go Touch is the first sense the dog develops and remains a powerfully important sense throughout his life. Mothers begin touching newborn puppies almost immediately after birth by licking and nuzzling. Touch-sensitive hairs called vibrissae, which are capable of sensing airflow, develop above the eyes, on the muzzle, and below the jaws. The entire body, including the paws, is covered with touch-sensitive nerve endings. The physical sense of touch is very sensitive, although dogs do have a high threshold of pain. Body sensitivity varies among dogs, but most enjoy being stroked around the head, chest and back. The most sensitive nerve endings are along the spine and towards the tail, and dogs show great enthusiasm in pats or extended rolls and slides on the grass. The Taste Test Dogs use their large tongues to lap up water, but they have few taste buds in comparison to humans, approximately one for every six, most of them clustered around the tip of the tongue. They can detect sweet, sour, bitter, and salty tastes. However, your dog has no real sense of taste as we know it; he smells rather than tastes. It's possible that dogs gain more information about food from their sense of smell than from taste. This may account for their desire to for indiscriminate chewing or eating. How Do They Do That? Then there all of the other things that dogs can do that seem to defy explanation – a kind of sixth sense. They seem to be able to detect changes in the earth's magnetic field; they may, to some extent, be able to detect infrared wavelengths of light, a kind of heat that living animals emit; they can detect sudden changes in barometric pressure when a thunder storm is brewing; they can detect vibrations from earthquakes much sooner that instruments; they can find their way home from long distances over unfamiliar terrain. They can even detect your mood. Do dogs have a sixth sense? Maybe they do. Or maybe, like some believe, it can all be explained by already-known biological mechanisms. However you explain their abilities, dogs and their sensitivities are truly wondrous.

  Decisions You Should Make BEFORE You Get a Dog

Bringing a dog into your family is a huge responsibility. When you adopt a canine companion, you're promising to care for them for the rest of their lives. That's a pretty big commitment, so you would figure that a lot of thought would go into the decision, but veterinarians commonly see well-meaning pet parents who get a dog without much (or any) forethought. Sometimes we wonder what (if anything) was discussed before these owners decided to get a dog.  Many behavioral problems we see could have been solved if the pet parents had thought a little about what they want in a dog, or even considered some general rules for having a dog, BEFORE actually getting one. It's usually situations like this that end up with the poor animal being surrendered or abandoned because “things just weren't working.” Please, PLEASE don't put an animal through this kind of experience. It is very important that you don't rush into getting a pet. In the interest of creating well-prepared pet parents, we put together a list of 10 things you should really decide, discuss, or think about BEFORE you get a dog.  If you have a minute, please take a look at this article (even if you aren't looking for a dog). Who knows, it may help you help a friend that is looking for a dog or prepare you for future dog ownership  With warm regards,  Dr. Debra P.S.: Remember, your vet can be a great source of advice when you're considering adding a dog to your family. The next time you give the subject some thought, why not ask your vet what they think? It could be a great way to get tips and recommendations from someone who already knows you and your lifestyle.

FEATURED ARTICLE Topics You Should Discuss Before Getting a Dog

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Debra A. Primovic, BSN, DVM, Editor-in-Chief - Debra is a graduate of the Ohio State University (OSU) School of Nursing and the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine. Following her veterinary medical training, Dr. Primovic has worked in small animal and veterinary emergency practices including St. Louis Animal Emergency Clinic and MedVet Columbus, winner of the AAHA Hospital of the year in 2014.  Dr. Primovic spends the bulk of her time researching and writing about pet health information.

Click Here for More Info

Dog News - Dog Tales

The Busy Person’s Guide to Dog Training

Posted By: Liz

29
TOTAL
SHARES

0 23 6

Don’t think you have time to dedicate to training your dog? Think again. After your dog has been socialized and taught the basic commands, just 15 minutes a day should maintain your pet’s good behaviors. Here are three times even the busiest person can squeeze in a training session or two:
While You’re Watching T.V.
TV commercials are great times to train your dog, as long as you're prepared for them. Keep some treats close by and spend the few minutes of commercials practicing the basics. That way, you’re making use of time you would normally just be vegging out. The result will be a trained dog, and you’ll still able to discuss the merits of whoever has been voted off the show/island/runway that night.

While You’re Walking
You have to walk your dog anyway, right? Well, make the most of the time. You can work on heeling, sit and stay (while you're picking up after him), and the come command.  Watch me is a great command to use when your dog gets focused on something you'd rather he ignore, and leave it solves a multitude of sins, from not picking up chicken bone from the sidewalk to cutting short a sniffing session with a new dog who seems uncomfortable.

While You’re Cooking
Whether you're throwing some hot dogs on the grill, cooking a five-course gourmet feast, or warming up leftovers in the microwave, you can absolutely train your dog while preparing a meal! You can have him do a down-stay while you gather ingredients from the refrigerator, or you can send him to his place while you're chopping parsley. As a bonus, your dog is learning that the kitchen is not a place to race around, looking to snag a bite to eat, but rather a place where good manners are rewarded. Just like with the kids, right?

Originally published in AKC Family Dog.
Still having trouble? Consider calling the AKC GoodDog! Helpline where dog-training experts are available to offer advice and assistance.
Click here for more WOOFipedia stories.

Wholesome Hearts are delicious, low-fat dog treats
Life's Abundance Oven Baked Treats

---

You might also like:

7 Items Pet Owners Need for Training

AKC Tracking Dog: Kaija

Meet AKC’s Four Newly Recognized Breeds

Fans Share Their Pups’ Playful Moments #WOOFtagg

Walk Your Dog in the Cold…and in Comfort

As we’ve discussed, it’s critical to keep your dog healthy during the winter, as the cold can introduce many potential unfortunate illnesses or injuries. However, it’s just as important to ensure they remain active during this time as well. Unless you’ve trained them to walk themselves on a treadmill or don’t mind them playing fetch all over the living room, what other options are there in going on walks while staying comfortable and as warm as possible?

Realize that if your dog’s exercise requirements aren’t met, that excess energy can start to manifest in other ways–such as chewing up furniture or hyperactive behavior that can be difficult to deal with indoors. Inactive dogs can also gain too much weight over the winter, which puts them at risk of breathing and cardiac problems. Even in the coldest areas, it’s quite possible to still enjoy regular walks with your pup!

1. Start with Yourself – If you can’t stay warm enough while on a walk, you’re going to be less motivated to get your dog out as well. Start by making sure you have warm and insulated clothes, boots, gloves, hats, and other winter gear you can bundle up in. Once you’re set, it’s time to pay attention to the pooch.

2. Invest in a Good Dog Jacket – Not all dogs fully require a jacket or vest for themselves, but it’s never a bad idea to check them out. Some people worry about their dogs over-heating; if it’s could enough out, though, that shouldn’t be a problem. Watch your dog while out on walks during cold weather and see if they show signs of being chilled–shivering, etc. Then try out a vest and see if it cures the problem.

3. Protect Their Paws – Dog paws can not only get cracked by the cold but can also be exposed to de-icing chemicals around town. Booties are one simple solution, though you may need to take some time to train your pup in being comfortable with them. If booties aren’t an option, petroleum jelly can be spread on the pads to keep them insulated–but be sure to clean their paws off as soon as you get home so they don’t track it around the house (or lick the jelly off).

4. Don’t Get Wet – Keep your dog away from rivers, ponds, or other water sources they might be tempted to take a dip in. Getting wet will only exacerbate the chill and can get nasty chunks of ice stuck in their fur and between their paw pads (remember what we said about protecting those?). Oh, and we’d highly recommend you not go swimming in frigid water either!

Have you been able to get out and take your dog for regular walks this winter? Have you tried but they’ve struggled with the chill? Consider investing in some of the measures to see if you can help make it a fun activity again. If all else fails, talk with your vet to see if they have any recommendations based on your dogs age and current health status.