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Five home remedies for your dog’s itchy skin

 by alex on 12 Dec 2018 |
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It’s important to take him to the vet to diagnose any underlying conditions, you can treat your dog’s dry skin at home with a few simple, vet-approved remedies. When your pet is feeling under the weather, your veterinarian should be your first line of defense. After all, seemingly minor symptoms can sometimes indicate a more serious underlying condition. But for familiar and small ailments, such as itchy or dry skin, some at-home remedies can help cut costly vet bills while providing your pet with relief. Here are a few vet-approved home remedies if Fido can’t stop scratching his dry skin:   Vitamin E Oil: As in humans, vitamin E oil has a host of benefits for our dogs’ skin. While Fido may not be as interested in vitamin E’s anti-aging properties as you are, a massage with the antioxidant-rich formula can provide powerful itch relief—and it’s OK if your dog licks off the small amount on his coat.   Yogurt: A daily dose of plain yogurt can help keep your pet’s gut bacteria in balance, boosting his immune system and in turn helping him combat skin conditions. Because our pets’ digestive systems differ from our own, you may also want to try probiotic supplements designed specifically for dogs, available through your veterinarian as well as over-the-counter. Make sure the supplement includes the National Animal Supplement Council seal to ensure you’re buying the real deal.   Oatmeal: Oatmeal’s anti-inflammatory properties make it a quick fix for pets with itchy skin. Grind the oatmeal into a fine powder with a food processor or blender and add it to a warm bath to create an itch-relieving soak for your four-legged friend. To treat hot spots, mix the ground oatmeal with a smaller amount of water to create a poultice, which you can apply directly to inflamed areas.   Chamomile tea: Chamomile tea is touted for soothing upset stomachs, but it can also provide relief to pets with dry skin. Leave some brewed tea in the refrigerator to chill, and spray it onto your pet’s itchy spots. You can also try a tea bath for your dog to provide full-body relief.   Exercise: For dogs that can’t stop scratching, exercise can be the ultimate distraction. While Fido is playing and running, his mind is not focused on his itchy skin. Taking him outside can provide relief while providing you with a chance to elevate your own heartrate and bond with your pet.   There’s no silver bullet when it comes to relieving a pet’s itchy skin, but you can help him find relief. Remember that it’s important to address the underlying cause of his discomfort and not just the symptom of scratching, which can range from allergies to fleas, pollen or dust to mange, infections or a more serious underlying disease. Be sure to consult your vet if Fido’s symptoms persist to rule out any serious health concerns.

How to treat hot spots

 by yunus on 01 Nov 2018 |
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Hot spots aren’t just painful for your pet, but can also be stressful to treat.  These tips may help you. Hot spots aren’t just painful for your pet, but can also be stressful to treat. Whether they’re caused by a flea allergy or emotional distress, it’s important to get to the root of the problem so you can stop it at its source.   Hot spots are an immune response that causes parts of your dog’s skin to overproduce natural bacteria, producing red, irritated or even oozing lesions. While any pet can develop the painful condition, hot spots are most common in breeds with thick coats, pets with poor grooming and those suffering from all types of allergies. Left untreated, they can spread fast, so it’s important to address the problem as soon as you notice your pet is suffering from these irritations.   Treating the wound should be first on your list of priorities after you notice your pet is suffering from hot spots. Begin by carefully removing the hair in and around the infected area, and then disinfect the spot with diluted povidone-iodine or another antiseptic. Continue cleaning the wound as often as needed to keep it clean, dry, and pus-free—at least twice daily in the early stages of treatment. Because hot spots can spread quickly and cause fever or serious skin conditions, take your pet to the vet if his sores continue to grow after several days of at-home treatment. Be sure to prevent your companion from licking or chewing the infected area by covering it or outfitting him with an e-collar.   Once you’ve cleaned your pet’s hot spots, watch him closely to determine what’s causing the problem. Insect bites, including from fleas, can cause irritation, as can allergic reactions to everything from food to pollen, grass, or mold. Hot spots can also arise from emotional stress, such as separation anxiety, changes in living situation or even boredom. Pay attention to what seems to trigger your dog’s condition. Note any changes in his environment, such as moving house or introducing a new pet to the home, that could be causing your dog stress and if you suspect his hot spots are due to emotional upset, work to minimize upheaval from these changes. Some dogs experience hot spots as a reaction to flea bites, so groom your pet with a flea comb regularly and ensure his flea treatments are up-to-date. A good grooming routine can also help ensure your dog doesn’t suffer from hot spots. Though less common, underlying conditions, such as sciatica, can cause pets to chew on their skin above the painful spot, too.  

Here’s how to build your dog’s confidence

 by yunus on 25 Oct 2018 |
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Dogs that struggle with their confidence aren’t just harder to train; their quality of life suffers, too. There are a few tricks to overcome this issue. Here’s how to build your dog’s confidence Just like humans, your dog’s sense of self-worth can be impacted by factors from his personality or a lack of socialization to stressful situations and past abuse. If your pet is wary when it comes to new situations, chances are he’s suffering from low confidence. Not only does a lack of self-esteem interfere with Fido’s quality of life, but it can lead to problems training your dog and other behavioral issues. Here are a few tips to help boost your pet’s self-esteem:   Start simple: One tell-tale sign your dog is suffering from poor confidence is balking when he’s asked to learn something new. Low self-esteem makes training harder, so start with simple commands that will boost your pup’s confidence. Always use the same command for the same trick and be sure to lavish your pet with praise every time he gets the trick right. Practice often, and eventually you can move on to more difficult types of training like bath time.   Stay positive: Dogs suffering from poor confidence already feel doubtful, so it’s important to avoid negative corrections whenever possible with your pet. Instead, focus on praising him for the things he does right. If your dog is afraid of new places, for example, don’t scold him for stopping mid-route on a walk; instead, praise him for taking a few steps forward. Dogs are experts at picking up on our emotions, so try not to show your frustration when working with a timid pet.    Give your pet something good to remember: Every time you form positive associations with something that causes your pet fear, you take part of that fear away. Whether it’s offering a treat after he successfully performs a trick or playing with his favorite toy during an outing to a new location, you can help your pet overcome his anxiety by giving him something good to remember after facing a scary event.   If you’re not sure whether your dog is suffering from low confidence, look for signs such as following you obsessively, standing between you and an unfamiliar person, heavy panting or drooling in a new situation, and pacing or chewing at his tail or paws. Consider whether any changes in his environment may have triggered your dog’s stress, or if a past experience has shaped his anxiety. Once you’ve discovered the root of his fearfulness, you can begin working slowly and consistently with your pet to expose him to small amounts of the stressor, using positive reinforcement to work up to more intense versions of this trigger over time.

Tips for Outdoor Flea Control

 by yunus on 22 Oct 2018 |
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A huge range of flea treatments is available these days, but sometimes infestations spread beyond the help of topical treatments. You can treat your pet for fleas religiously, but dogs with flea sensitivity will not respond to treatments unless they also include environmental controls. If your companion spends a good deal of time outdoors, it’s important to treat these areas to manage for fleas and other pests.   When making a list of steps you should take in addressing Fido’s outdoor flea problem, you should first account for which areas need treating. These should include any spot where your pet sleeps, such as his doghouse, kennel, carport, and even under the deck. Other areas to be treated include moist, shady spot where fleas breed; gardens; shrubs; and mulched areas. To rid these areas of fleas, many pet owners use pyrethroid sprays famous for killing fleas and ticks fast. These can be applied through a sprayer attached to a hose, allowing rapid treatment of large areas, or can be diluted and applied with a watering can on smaller spaces. Make sure to remove any pet or children’s toys before beginning this process.   Although pyrethroids are chemical imitations of pyrethrins—naturally occurring compounds that incapacitate insect nervous systems—not all pet owners are comfortable spraying them in their yards. Alternatives include desiccants, which are naturally occurring substances that pull water from fleas, causing them to dry up. Diatomaceous earth, silica gel, and sodium borate are all desiccants that can be applied in your yard to control fleas and other pests. Another natural solution to outdoor flea infestations are beneficial nematodes. Microscopic roundworms available at many garden centers, nematodes kill pests and other insects by entering the body and releasing a bacteria that kills fleas quickly. While they can be highly effective in some situations, nematodes have a limited area and season of usefulness, as they die in temperatures above 95 Fahrenheit and below 45, and are sensitive to light and drought. Cedar wood chips are another natural alternative to fighting fleas, as fleas are repelled by their scent. Sprinkle chips in shady areas, such as under the porch, and in dog bedding and outdoor furniture.   To keep a serious flea infestation at bay, repeat your outdoor treatment every two to three weeks, for at least six weeks. Once your pest problem is under control, you can drop to regular maintenance treatments every four to six weeks throughout the flea season. You should continue using your regular flea treatments on all of your pets throughout the process, and be sure to consult your veterinarian before treating your yard to make sure your pest prevention program won’t harm you or your canine companion.

Can dogs feel humans’ emotions?

 by yunus on 22 Oct 2018 |
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Dog owners have long suspected that their pets can sense what they’re feeling. Now, research is backing up what pet parents have long known. Dog owners have long believed their pets can pick up on their feelings, but this was just a theory until recently. Thanks to animal behavior experts, we now know once and for all that our canine companions are, in fact, masters when it comes to sensing human emotions.   Just like us, dogs are highly social creatures. They live in tight-knit family groups and have a strong instinct when it comes to protecting and being loyal to their social circles. Just like us, too, our canine companions use a complex series of body language, facial expressions and vocalizations to communicate with other members of their species. It’s no surprise, then, that when early dogs and humans began interacting, our four-legged counterparts were able to hone in on their ability to anticipate our thoughts and feelings. In reward for this intuitive bond, dogs were given more opportunities to receive food, shelter and affection that humans provide.   Our dogs spend a great deal of time watching us, so it’s no wonder they’ve learn to look for cues about how we feel—especially when a good mood can mean extra playtime and cuddles, while a bad mood might be good reason for Fido to hide. Our pets use more than sight to determine how we’re feeling, though. With his astounding sense of hearing, your pet easily picks up on the tone of your voice. Even more impressive, dogs actually use their sense of smell to pets pick up on some emotions, such as fear, or illnesses, which can show up as chemical changes in the breath or sweat.   In experiment by researchers at the University of Lincoln and University of Sao Paulo, a team of animal behavior experts and psychologists presented 17 untrained, domesticated dogs with images and sounds that conveyed either positive or negative emotional expressions in both humans and dogs. They found that dogs spent much longer looking at the facial expressions that matched with the emotional state of the vocalization, whether the subject was human or canine. This evidence seems to back what pet parents have long known: That by looking and listening, our companions are keenly tapped into our emotions. And when Fido feels what you feel, you’re sure to share a strong bond.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Hiking with Pets

 by yunus on 19 Sep 2018 |
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By following a few simply tips, you can make the most of hiking with your companion while being good trail ambassadors for all four-legged friends. Every pet owner loves bringing Fido along on adventures and dogs can make excellent hiking companions, regardless of their size. Before you hit the trail with your pet, however, there are a few things you need to consider.   Just as you choose trails that match your fitness level and abilities, you should also consider Fido’s physical fitness before hitting the trail. Hiking is more strenuous than walking and often involves uneven terrain and vertical climbs. Take into account your dog’s normal level of activity when planning a hike. If a typical walk is less than a mile, for example, an 8-mile climb should be out of the question. Be sure to check the weather the day of the hike, too, because no matter how fit you and your companion are, a hot, humid day can wreak havoc on your health. You should also note any health issues, such as hip dysplasia or arthritis, that may affect your dog’s ability to enjoy a hike. While it’s obvious why senior pets may not be up to the climb, it’s important to remember that puppies’ bodies are still developing and may not be suited for hiking on uneven terrain, either. After considering your pet’s fitness, it’s equally important to take note of his obedience and behavior when planning a hike. You’ll be sharing the trail with other people and animals, so it’s important to bring only well-socialized pets on popular routes. Hiking companions should also be experts at sit, stay, heel and come and feel comfortable walking both on- and off-leash. Aggressive or timid pets will not be good at sharing the trail, so it’s best to work on socializing these dogs before taking them hiking. On the trail, you and your pet will be ambassadors for other hiking dogs, so always practice good etiquette by giving dog-free hikers the right of way and maintaining control of your pet. If you encounter a loose dog on the trail, put your own pet on a leash to avoid any potential confrontations. And remember: Always pick up after your pet both on and off the trail.   Ensure your companion stays safe by choosing hiking routes without exceptionally steep climbs or ladders. Do your best to stop your pet from drinking standing water by packing his own water and dish. Especially on longer treks, plan on bringing plenty of fresh water and food for both you and your pet. You should consider buying a doggy “backpack” so your pet can carry his own supplies, making him feel useful and taking some of the burden off of your own back. Make sure your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations and has been adequately treated for fleas, ticks and heartworms before visiting your favorite hiking spot.   With some planning, you and your four-legged friend can enjoy hiking together. It’s important to choose routes based on both of your fitness levels, maintain control of your pet at all times, and follow the “leave no trace” rule when it comes to picking up after your pet. By adhering to these simply guidelines, you can make hiking the best experience for you and your pet and act as positive ambassadors for other four-legged friends on the trail.

Is it healthy to feed my dog a meat-free diet?

 by lucy on 10 Sep 2018 |
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Many pet owners choose to eat plant-based diets, but it’s less clear whether their dogs can thrive on vegetarian or vegan meal plans. Fortunately for plant-based pet parents, dogs are highly adept at getting the nutrients they need from a variety of foods. Many pet parents choose to live vegetarian or vegan lifestyles, but it’s less clear whether their canine companions can thrive on similar diets. Owners’ main concern when switching Fido to a meat-free meal plan is whether their pet will get all the nutrients he needs to stay healthy. Fortunately for plant-based pet owners, dogs can lead healthy lifestyles without consuming meat.   Canines belong to the order Carnivora, but in reality, our companions are omnivores and scavengers adept at eating a variety of foods. This means the canine body is able at transform certain amino acids—the building blocks of proteins—into others, so dogs can get the amino acids they need without eating meat. However, dogs process food differently from humans and will have a few special needs when eating vegetarian diets. Dogs cannot produce vitamin D in their skin, for example, so they must receive this nutrient from their food.   As with any diet, buy only commercial pet foods that have undergone feeding trials and meet Association of American Feed Control Officials standards when switching Fido away from eating meat. If you plan to make your own vegan or vegetarian pet food, it’s essential to consult a veterinary nutritionist to ensure your pet is getting the nutrients he needs. While replacing meat with eggs and dairy is a relatively easy switch to make in your pet’s diet, owners wishing to feed their dogs a vegan diet—one completely free from animal products—will need to pay close  attention to their pet’s nutritional intake. The right balance of different plant-based proteins, such as from beans, corn, soy and whole grains, can still provide the needed amino acids when carefully monitored.   Potential problems to watch for when switching your pet to a meat-free diet include low protein intake, imbalance of certain amino acids such as taurine and L-carnitine, and deficiencies in other vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus and iron that are obtained through eating animal products. If nothing is done to fix these deficiencies, they can lead to serious medical problems, such as reproductive or growth failure. It’s best to avoid feeding puppies or breeding dogs a vegetarian diet to avoid potential complications from these deficiencies. You should also schedule more frequent wellness exams—at least two per year— to ensure your pet is thriving on a meat-free diet. Skipping the chicken and beef can be highly beneficial, however, for certain dogs that suffer from food allergies.   After making sure your pet will get the vitamins and minerals he needs eating a meat-free diet, the only hurdle to overcome is with picky eaters who are accustomed to beef, chicken or other animal proteins in their food. If Fido turns his nose up at his new food, try gradually mixing increasing amounts of the new food into the old, until he switches seamlessly to his new, plant-based diet.

Tips for setting boundaries with your dog

 by lucy on 30 Aug 2018 |
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Setting clear boundaries for your dog is very important. On this article, you'll find some helpful tips. We all love our canine companions, but sometimes Fido jumps on the furniture, bolts through the front door or engages in other problem behavior. Setting clear boundaries for your dog teaches him what is and is not acceptable, not only strengthening the bond your share with your pet, but keeping him out of harm’s way.   When setting boundaries for your pet, the first step is to clearly establish your own space. If you watch dogs interacting with their fellow four-legged friends, you’ll notice each animal asserts his physical space through use of his body language. A dog claiming his food bowl may stand over it, for example, and canines will simply push each other out of the way to claim space another animal occupies. Do the same with your pet by blocking access to a doorway with your body or standing over a morsel he should not eat on a walk, for example. This will teach him boundaries in a way he clearly understands.   Asserting your space will also help your pet respect you as his pack leader. Dogs are social by nature and look to their leaders for guidance and safety. While there are many ways to establish yourself as the leader, one good example is making Fido wait: to enter a room, to eat, and even on walks. While this may sound like tough love to some, teaching your dog to walk beside, rather than in front of, you and to wait for you to enter a room ahead of him provides a clear structure he can understand. When he knows you have control over a situation, your dog will trust your commands.   Learning the ropes takes time, of course, and you should be patient with your pet as you establish boundaries. To help the process along, be sure to provide consistent instructions at the right time. Don’t scold your dog minutes after he bolts through the front door, for example, but instead, give him a firm “No!” as soon as he begins running for the entryway. Don’t wait until Fido is gnawing on something he picked up off the street to command him to “Drop it,” but instead, give the order as soon as you notice him going for the offending morsel. Use consistent commands and never bend the rules once you’ve established them, which includes having other members of your household do the same. With some practice, your pet will learn which behaviors earn your approval and which are better left undone.   Setting boundaries is an important part of training your pet. Not only does establishing yourself as your dog’s trusted leader strengthen the bond you share, but having a pet that listens to your commands will help keep Fido out of harm’s way and maintain a peaceful home.  

Should I get pet insurance for my dog?

 by lucy on 30 Aug 2018 |
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Pet Insurance; is it waste of money or necessity for all pet owners? Here are all pros and cons:   According to Canine Journal, up to one in three pets require urgent veterinary care each year. With bills ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, however, many owners think twice before taking their dogs to the vet. Enrolling in a pet insurance plan can help offset those costs, easing owners’ minds when it comes to caring for their companions.   Like their human counterparts, dogs can get insurance to cover the costs of care after an unexpected accident or illness. It’s important to note, however, that owners are still responsible for vet bills as they arise and the company will reimburse expenses, minus the copay or deductible. For a monthly fee, most insurance companies offer several types of coverage, including accidental, illness and wellness plans. Owners can choose a combination of these that best suits their individual dog’s needs. Accidental plans cover X-rays, tests and medications that arise from an unexpected incident, such as a broken bone, for example, while illness plans cover costs when your dog becomes sick and needs veterinary care. Wellness plans include coverage for annual checkups and vaccines. It’s important to note that insurance providers will not cover pre-existing conditions, so enrolling your pet while he is still young may help avoid exclusions for age-related conditions.   While pet insurance can ease tough decisions when your dog gets sick or injured, the choice to enroll depends on each owner. You should consider your dog’s breed, age, health, pre-existing conditions, hereditary conditions and individual care needs when shopping around for insurance, as these all play a role in determining insurance costs and what your pet needs. Talk to your veterinarian about what to plan for as your dog ages, too, as you will need to anticipate the kind of care he may require later in life. Some breeds have unique health concerns that sway their owners’ decisions about insurance, such as golden retrievers’ tendency to develop hip dysplasia. This can make these dogs more expensive to insure, but premiums can also save on costly surgery in the future. After researching and choosing several companies that match your pets’ unique needs, obtain quotes from them for the cost of insurance. Have your vet send in a copy of your dog’s records, as companies that are truly interested in your business will review them and clearly outline any conditions that will be excluded from your pet’s plan. It’s important to know exactly what is and what is not covered before investing in pet insurance.   In the long run, pet insurance can save you money and ease tough decisions if your dog becomes unexpectedly sick or injured. To learn more about pet insurance and compare plans, visit Canine Journal, Consumers Advocate or PetInsuranceQuotes.com.

Four signs your dog respects you

 by lucy on 03 Aug 2018 |
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Earning your dog’s respect is a crucial component of any pet-parent relationship. Here are a few signs Fido holds you in high regard.   Dogs are known for being loyal, but it’s equally important that your pet respects you. This not only keeps him safe when you give commands to keep him out of harm’s way, but also leads to a happier relationship with your companion. Here are a few signs Fido holds you in the highest regard:   He lets you go first: If your dog races to beat you to the door, chances are he doesn’t respect you. In a pack, the leader always goes first, so watch for your pet to wait patiently behind you. Likewise, pack leaders always eat first, so make sure to eat your meals before feeding your dog. If you can leave your plate unattended for a short period of time without your dog stealing your food, this is a major sign he respects you as his pack leader.   He greets you warmly:  Dogs that truly respect their owners greet them with a wagging tail, relaxed ears and other submissive body language. If he plants a kiss on your cheek or licks his lips, your dog is showing he respects you as leader of his pack.   He listens to you: A dog that ignores commands it asserting his dominance, so it’s important to  teach your pet to obey basic commands such as sit, stay and come. Not only is this crucial in earning your dog’s respect, but it can keep your pet out of harm’s way in situations involving oncoming traffic, poisonous substances or other hazards.    He isn’t a comfort hog: Pack leaders always occupy the prime spots for sitting or lying down and this principle should carry over with you and your dog. A respectful pet will move out of your way when you claim a spot on the couch or bed. While it’s totally fine to share these spaces with your pet, he shouldn’t try to push you out of the way.   Earning a dog’s respect isn’t difficult. Give consistent commands and offer plenty of praise when he listens to you, and likewise, enforce consistent punishments—such as cutting playtime short—when your dog acts out. Make plenty of time to play and bond with him while always maintaining control over this situation. Be showing you are an able leader, your dog will come to trust you, strengthening the bond you share.
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