Hair loss is a common problem in dogs and can affect your pet’s skin, as well as his endocrine, lymphatic and immune systems. When dealing with alopecia—the technical term for balding—in pets, the most important step is identifying the underlying problem. Then, you can treat it.   One of the most common causes of canine hair loss is allergies. Dogs can be allergic to all sorts of substances, from pollen and mold to parasites such as fleas and mites. Your pet may also suffer from a food allergy or nutritional deficiency, which can stress his body and lead to balding. Mange, which is caused by the demodex mite, is a common culprit behind alopecia and can be treated with your veterinarian’s guidance. Because many dogs experience hair loss due to a flea allergy, veterinarians recommend giving Fido a regular flea preventative to keep parasites at bay. Scratching, itching and biting are common symptoms of canine allergies and your veterinarian can run tests to determine which specific allergens are bugging your pet.   While common infections and infestations often cause hair loss, balding can also be a symptom of disease in dogs. Cushing's disease occurs when a dog’s body tissues are exposed to high levels of the stress hormone cortisol over a prolonged period of time. Symptoms include hair loss as well as darkened skin and a pot-bellied appearance. Usually a disease found in older dogs, Cushing’s can also effect younger pups that are given too many corticosteroid drugs used to relieve pain and inflammation. Other hormonal disorders that can cause hair loss include Addison’s disease, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, hyperestrogenism in females and hypoandrogenism.   Dogs also experience hair loss as a reaction to certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs or vaccines, and anxious pets are prone to losing their hair as a result of chronic stress. Fungal infections such as ringworm can lead to alopecia that occurs in circular or irregular patches, which also causes infected sores around the rings. Like humans, dogs can get bed sores that cause them to lose their hair, too. These localized injuries often emerge on pets’ elbows, hips and other bony parts, so be sure to provide your pet with plenty of thick, well-padded sleeping surfaces and wrap sores to help them heal.   Although hair loss can be a cause for concern, some dogs are simply predisposed to balding. If you’re worried about your pet’s alopecia, visit your veterinarian to discover the underlying cause. While hair loss cannot always be prevented, providing your pet with a clean, low-stress environment and high-quality kibble can help him maintain a healthy coat.

Human beings have been wearing jewelry for over 100,000 years – much longer than we've kept domestic cats and dogs (70,000 years and 14,000 years respectively). We wear jewelry for all kinds of functions, from displaying social status to religious commitment to pure aesthetic value, and we put them on our pets for some of the same reasons. From the Roman Lucius Lucinius Crassus' moray eels with necklaces to Paris Hilton's chihuahuas with diamond-encrusted collars, we've been dressing up our pets for generations.   One function of jewelry is for identification. If someone is wearing a wedding ring, it's safe to assume they are married. If a dog is wearing a collar, it probably isn't a stray – if it has a name tag on the collar, it almost certainly isn't! A dog tag is the ultimate in functional pet jewelry, and it can be as pretty or as plain as you like. A wide range of materials and designs are widely available from stainless steel to gold to suit your tastes and your pooch's personality. It's just like a pendant with a name on!   Cat collars, like dog collars and tags, let others know that your cat has a home to return to and where their owners can be found if they get lost. Fewer than 2% of missing cats are returned to their owners and a collar and tag can go a long way in making sure they find their way home. Like tags, collars can be fun and unique as well as practical, just like jewelry. From luxury leather to dazzling bling, there's a collar out there for your cat that is every bit as fabulous as a human necklace. As long as it fits well enough that your cat can't slip it off or get something stuck in it, or has a snap-off mechanism if your cat is an avid climber and you're worried about it getting caught in a tree, your cat can be both spectacular and safe.   So why do some people like to dress their pets in jewelry? Because it looks cute! There are all kinds of cute pieces of jewelry just for pets that can be attached to your pet's collar and clothing. Extra charms can be added to the same clip on your pet's collar, just like a human charm bracelet. Sliding letters slipped on your pet's collar spelling their name can be one step further to a perfectly personalized pet accessory – though this should be in addition to a standard tag with your contact details, just in case they get lost. If your pet wears clothing, they can flaunt pet brooches. Add a sliding bow or flower onto a collar to add some color and style to your pet's daily look.   Pet jewelry can be fun and fabulous, but practicality has to come first. However, that doesn't mean practical can't also be eye-catching and stylish, as long as it is also comfortable for your pet to wear. If they seem to be experiencing discomfort – scratching at their collar, trying to remove it, or otherwise showing signs of uneasiness – swap the collar out for something simpler, and consider saving the showpieces for special occasions.

Just like people, dogs can suffer from anxiety disorders. Whether he’s afraid of social situations, suffers from separation anxiety or is simply a nervous pet, there are several techniques to help calm Fido’s fears:   1- Crates are considered controversial by some, but with proper training, they can be one of the best ways to calm an anxious pet. The key to crate training is to ensure it’s done right. This includes picking an appropriately sized crate, equipping it with blankets and other objects to make it as welcoming as possible, and slowly familiarizing your pet with the crate using treats and positive reinforcement. All of this helps your dog see the crate as his “den,” which provides him with a sanctuary during times of high stress. Crate training can be especially helpful for dogs with separation anxiety that might otherwise wreak havoc on your home and ingest dangerous items when left alone for long periods of time.   2- Exercise can help anxious dogs, too. Although it is not a cure for anxiety, physical activity can reduce stress, improve your dog’s mood and focus his mind on positive activities. Running and playing are great ways to get your dog active.   3-Physical contact can help comfort an anxious companion. Just like people, our pets are social creatures and they feel reassured when they spend time close to those they love. Staying near your dog during a thunderstorm or visit to the vet can help reduce stress. However, be sure you don’t make a fuss over your pet when he’s stressed, which can legitimize his fear.   4-Maintain a calm demeanor to help an anxious pet. Dogs are experts at sensing what’s going on around them and if you’re tense or upset, your pet can easily pick up on this. When his leader is anxious, a dog also becomes anxious, so be sure to keep a steady voice and composure around your pet. By taking the lead and showing your dog he has nothing to be afraid of, you can help ease his anxiety in stressful situations.   5- Take a break if your dog gets overly anxious or wound up. A time-out can help your pet unwind, though it should never be used as a punishment. Instead, take your dog to a quiet place or his crate. You can also distract him with a treat during this time.   6- Treats and chews may seem like unlike stress-relievers, but long-lasting chews such as rawhide bones can also help put a nervous dog’s mind at ease. They help keep Fido occupied while you’re away from home and provide much-needed distraction during stressful events, such as thunderstorms or visits from new guests.   While the above techniques can help mildly to moderately nervous dogs, pets with severe anxiety may require diagnosis and treatment from your veterinarian. Medication can help manage many pets’ anxiety and a trained professional can recommend a combination of behavior therapies to help put your pet’s mind at ease.

Dogs are territorial by nature and nothing says, “I’m here,” like marking a tree, fire hydrant or fence post with their unique scents. For male dogs, and even some females, urinating is an easy way to spread this scent. The smell communicates all sorts of information to canine passersby, from the gender of the dog that marked to whether that dog was stressed, healthy or in heat. This is not surprising given canines’ powerful noses, but still doesn’t answer the question: Why do some dogs lift their legs to pee?   Several theories attempt to explain why Fido raises his leg while he marks. One posits that a dog lifts his leg because this allows him to spread his urine higher, where other dogs are more likely to smell it and where the breeze can more easily spread the scent. Marking higher may also preserve a dog’s scent for longer since other dogs are less likely to reach the same level and “overmark” your pet’s handiwork. This explains why some small dogs become acrobatic experts, balancing on their front feet to mark as high as their larger peers. Likewise, researchers have found that dogs lower on the pecking order tend to sniff, but not pee over, another dog’s mark. Other theories posit that lifting his leg is simply a practical behavior your pet uses to help him avoid a messy encounter.   Though many male dogs lift their legs while marking, there’s no need to worry if your pet doesn’t. Most males pick up the behavior between six months and one year old through watching older dogs, but some never develop the habit. This is especially true for puppies that were not raised with older males around or dogs that have been neutered. Likewise, while many female dogs squat to do their business, some urinate with a raised leg, too. Every canine has his or her own preference and your pet’s unique habits should be no cause for concern. If, however, your dog suddenly changes his leg-lifting behavior, this could be a sign something’s wrong. Sudden changes in behavior can indicate an underlying medical condition, such as arthritis or urinary incontinence, is causing your pet discomfort. If you notice a shift in Fido’s favored peeing position, take him to the vet for blood work to identify the problem, if one exists.

It can seem like a nuisance, but to our canine companions, licking you is most often a sign of affection. While it is a healthy behavior, licking can also indicate something’s wrong with your pet, making it important to pay attention when Fido’s lavishing you with a few too many kisses.   Licking comes naturally to our canine companions. A mother dog licks her pups during grooming, making this a form of affectionate interaction from the start of your pet’s life. Puppies will lick their mothers to draw their attention, too, and your dog may likewise lick you to get your attention and say “hello.” This sort of affectionate licking not only releases endorphins that make your dog feel good, but can help calm and comfort him. The behavior also can be used to indicate social rank, however. Dogs are pack animals by nature and lower-ranking individuals sometimes lick their superiors as an appeasing gesture, often in hopes of being offered communal prey. Your domesticated pet may lick you as an appeasing gesture, too, since you are his superior in the “pack.” Dogs will also use their tongues to tell you the water bowl is empty, they need to go outside, or to communicate some other message. Licking can help heal wounds, too, as canine saliva carries enzymes that help kill bacteria and a good licking can help clean out dirt from an injury. Finally, some dogs simply like the taste of salty skin or are sampling the food particles leftover after cooking.   Because licking is often an attention-grabbing behavior, your pet may learn to incorporate it more and more into his daily routine. While his kisses are generally a sign of affection, you pet can become annoying if he’s offering too many. To discourage slobbery behavior, simply ignore your pet or move to another room when he starts to lick you. If he begins licking while you’re petting him, stop immediately and walk away. With some time, your pet should learn that licking does not get him the attention he wants and will curb the behavior.   Though licking is a healthy habit, there are cases where it becomes a compulsive behavior indicating something is wrong. Obsessive licking can be a sign your dog is suffering from anxiety, boredom, pain or even skin allergies. If your he begins compulsively kissing, ensure your pet is getting plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. If the behavior continues, take him to the vet to rule out allergies or any other physical ailments. If anxiety is the source of his licking behavior, a canine behaviorist or certified dog trainer can help alter your dog’s actions to help him live a happier life.

Approximately 7.3 million people living in the USA alone are vegetarian and the popularity of a plant-based diet and lifestyle is increasing – understandably, this means some people want to feed their pets a vegetarian or vegan diet, too. People decide to eat a vegetarian diet for a multitude of reasons based on their religious beliefs, cultural background, to protect the environment, try to improve their health and political ideals. Including their pets in this decision can sometimes seem like the logical thing to do, and it can definitely be done for some pets.   Many animals, like cats, some reptiles and some marine mammals, are obligate carnivores. This means they must eat a diet of meat to survive. Only meat from an animal has the complete range of vitamins and amino acids cats need to thrive, so plant-based proteins such as soy simply aren't nutritious enough to keep your cat happy and healthy. Cats can't digest carbohydrates from grains, fruits and vegetables in the same way omnivorous animals can, so meat protein is their main source of energy and nourishment. Make sure your feline friend is provided with high-quality, high-quantity moist meaty food – stay away from anything containing grains and dangerous additives and preservatives.   It is absolutely possible for dogs to eat a vegetarian or even vegan diet, but it's worth checking in with your veterinarian first to make sure your pooch is at peak levels of healthiness. Dogs, unlike cats, can make some of the vitamins and amino acids on their own, but they can still lack other essential nutrients such as iron and taurine that are found in higher concentrations in omnivorous diets. When cutting out meat from a diet, you're also cutting out most of the protein but it can be easily replaced with vegetable and soy protein. Both tasty pre-prepared canned and dry vegetarian and vegan dog foods, as well as home-made dog food recipes, are widely available online. Your dog will never know the difference!   In addition to all cats, puppies should not be fed a vegetarian or vegan diet. When you bring them home, they'll likely have been fed an omnivorous diet and a change in food on top of a change in location will only make them more stressed, upset and unhappy. Only make the change when your vet says your new friend is old enough and healthy enough to move from puppy food to adult dog food.   It is impossible for all animals to thrive on a vegetarian or vegan diet, just as it is impossible for all people. Pre-existing medical conditions and fussy eating habits might restrict your pet from getting as much nutrition or energy from plants as they could from food containing animal products. If necessary, or if a little extra boost is needed, supplements are readily available. Whatever you decide however, it is your pet's health and happiness that is the most important thing.

A silent pet may sound like an apartment dweller’s dream, but in a reality, when dogs don’t bark, it can be a major cause for concern. Before rushing Fido to the vet, however, bear in mind that some dogs are naturally quieter than others or have been conditioned not to bark by a previous owner.   If your dog suddenly falls silent, the first thing you should do is determine whether it’s because he’s not trying to speak, or if he’s making an effort to bark, but cannot. If the latter is true, chances are there is a medical problem and you should seek your veterinarian’s help. While barking too much can cause a dog to lose his voice, more serious medical conditions such as respiratory infections, metabolic disorders, tumors or growths, or lesions in the throat can also cause your dog to lose his voice.   Once you’ve established your pet’s silence is not due to a medical problem, you can relax. Not all dogs are equally vocal and certain breeds, such as bulldogs and greyhounds, are less apt to vocalize their concerns. Some dogs may prefer to whimper, whine or bay over barking. If you’ve recently adopted a shelter dog, his silence may be a symptom of the “honeymoon effect,” during which a new pet holds back his bad behaviors while he adjusts to a new home. Or, your dog’s previous owner may trained have him not to bark using a bark collar or, in worse case scenarios, physical abuse. If this is the case, some patience and gentle bond building can eventually help your dog to find his voice. Some shelter dogs, however, have been debarked, meaning a medical procedure was used to remove their vocal cords and permanently lower the volume of their voices.   Though silence is often a non-issue, problems can arise if your dog refuses to bark when he needs to go outside or be let back in. Fortunately, there are other ways for Fido to let you know he needs help. Many pet owners have had success hanging a wind chime or jingle bells by the door at dog height, allowing their pets to page them without using their voice. If your dog scratches at the door, hang the bells over the spot where he scratches. Take him to the door on a leash, help him ring the bells while using a verbal command, and reward him with a treat before going outside. With some practice, your dog should learn to ring you for assistance without ever needing to raise his voice.

Who doesn't love the 4th of July? From the food to the fireworks, Independence Day is fun for the whole family - at least the human family. To pets, the 4th of July can be confusing and terrifying. While humans associate fireworks with spectacle and celebrations, cats and dogs see and hear them as nothing more than sudden loud noises. Holidays for humans can involve inviting new friends and family members into their homes; to a pet, this might feel like an invasion of privacy. A few adjustments to your holiday celebrations can make sure that the day is fun for both pets and their owners.   For most household companions, cat and canine alike, fireworks pose the biggest source of fear on the 4th of July. Humans like the spectacle of bright colours and lights, anticipating the bang as they explode high up in the air, but to a dog or a cat, it can be very sudden and frightening. Some pets completely ignore fireworks, but others find them extremely distressing. Fortunately for both you and your furry friends, there are lots of simple ways to reduce your pet's stress levels during firework season.   1) Keep your pet inside. If your cat is normally an outdoor cat, make sure the outside doors and cat-flaps are closed and that they have access to an indoor litter box. Take your dog for a walk long before the fireworks are due to start. If guests are going in and out of the house frequently, make sure doors are shut firmly to make sure your pet can't escape, and ensure your pet is microchipped and tagged in the event that they do escape.   2) Make sure there is a safe space for your pet. Dogs might seek out a place to hide under a piece of furniture - if you know where that may be, put comforting objects like their favourite toys or a piece of clothing that smells like you there ahead of time. A cat might find their own safe space, but if you know of a favourite place they like to hide ensure that it's not blocked off when the fireworks start so they can hide as soon as they need to. Don't try to coax them out - it will only make them more anxious.   3) Close the curtains and turn on the television or radio. This will help to block out the sound and lights from the fireworks. Your pet will still hear the loud noises from outside but they'll be muffled by a noise they're very used to - human voice.   4) Let your pet move around if they want to. Pacing and circling is a common stress behaviour in dogs - they might be restless or looking for a place to hide. Restricting this movement will only make them more afraid.   5) Act natural. Try to show your pet that you aren't reacting fearfully to the fireworks, so neither should they.   Another thoroughly enjoyable part of celebrating Independence Day for human beings and animals alike is the food. It's hard to resist the temptation to sneak a treat from the table to feed your pooch when they hit you with the puppy eyes. Unfortunately for both dogs and cats, there are quite a few foods that you might be preparing around the 4th of July that can be harmful to them. Grapes, raisins, onions, avocados and chocolate are some foods to both dogs and cats. If your celebrations involve alcohol, keep it far away from pets as all kinds of alcoholic drinks can cause serious inebriation due to their comparatively smaller size and lack of tolerance to alcohol.   To prevent your pets accidentally eating something they shouldn't be, keep the food away from the pets and the pets away from the food. Make sure plates and bowls of food remain out of reach on a worksurface or table and keep a close eye on inquisitive cats. Shut your pets indoors if you're barbecuing or in a room separate from where the food is being prepared and served, far away from anything they could accidentally eat that could do them harm.   As nice as the idea might be to include your pets in celebrating the birthday of America, their safety comes first. Keeping them calm and healthy is your best bet for ensuring everyone, human and animal alike, has a enjoyable day.

Many have heard of acupuncture for humans, but far fewer know that the process has been around nearly as long for our canine companions. While acupuncture can be an effective tool for managing pain, allergies, arthritis and other disorders in dogs, it’s important to consult a veterinarian trained in traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) before deciding whether to pursue an acupuncture program for your four-legged friend.   Acupuncture’s goal is to promote the body to heal itself, which is done using fine needles to redirect energy along certain pathways. Treatments have been shown to increase blood circulation, stimulate the nervous system and promote the release of pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory hormones, making acupuncture a good compliment to other, traditional veterinary treatments. It is often used to relieve arthritis pain in older dogs or relieve pain after surgery, for example, but acupuncture has also been used to treat problems from slipped disks to digestive issues, epilepsy, paralysis, respiratory problems, allergy dermatitis, nausea, diarrhea and a weakened immune system.   If you do decide to pursue acupuncture for your pet, expect the first session to begin with a physical examination. This will be followed by a set of questions about your dog’s medical history and lifestyle before the treatment begins. Generally, acupuncture involves inserting short, thin needles into your dog’s skin while he is awake— but don’t worry, this shouldn’t cause your pet any pain when executed by a skilled practitioner. In fact, many animals become relaxed during acupuncture treatments. Most dogs are not “cured” after a single session, so be prepared for up to eight weeks of bi-weekly treatments, with gradual improvement over time. Once your pet’s problem is under control, the number and frequency of sessions should drop off, so acupuncture is not a lifelong commitment. Each session costs around $25 to $120, varying on the practitioner and treatment.   While there is evidence that acupuncture works—medical researchers have observed changes in electrical activity, blood circulation and the release of endorphins during treatments, for example—most experts agree that acupuncture is best used in conjunction with other, traditional veterinary practices. It is not a replacement for surgery or medication, for example, but can be used to make your dog’s life more comfortable. Likewise, changes in diet can compliment acupuncture treatments. In the end, it is your decision whether your pup’s problems warrant a trip to the acupuncturist. Consult a veterinarian trained in traditional Chinese veterinary medicine before making your decision and discuss surgery, medications, changes in diet and other options to help manage your pet’s specific problems.

As dogs age, they can encounter joint problems just like their human owners. Arthritis, a catch-all term for abnormal joint change, is common in older dogs but can occur in dogs of all ages when there are complications in bone and joint growth, congenital defects and infection. While not life-threatening, arthritis might cause your canine companion discomfort that ranges from mild to debilitating. If your pooch is limping, obviously stiff, less keen to exercise, has trouble getting up from sitting or lying down or seems to be in pain when moving, he or she might be suffering from some kind of joint problem, the most common being arthritis. Other symptoms might include increased pain or stiffness during bouts of cold or damp weather, or gentle licking at painful joints. These symptoms might not be obvious at first, but it is important to look out for them in order to treat arthritis in its early stages to avoid it worsening so your dog can still enjoy pain-free walks, playtime, and naps. Joint disease in dogs has many potential causes: 1) Fractures that affect or involve the joint in question 2) Congenital, metabolic and developmental disorders 3) Dietary and hormonal disorders 4) Degenerative and inflammatory disease Fortunately for your furry friend, there are lots of options when it comes to treating joint disease. Weight management, exercise and providing warm, soft sleeping areas are all effective ways of reducing your pooch’s pain, but there are many effective oral treatments to treat joint disease. These treatments are used in treating both human and canine arthritis - they might have different names, but they work the same way! The active ingredients promote cartilage regeneration in damaged areas and prevent enzymes from unnecessarily dissolving cartilage, alleviating pain and promoting smoother joint movement in order to reduce the effects of arthritis.   Fortunately, pet bucket now stocks a variety of excellent supplements for doggy joint pain and stiffness, from major leading brands. Click here to see our stock from your trusted supplier