Posts Tagged ‘dogs’

Bye Flealicia! How to Prevent and Treat Fleas

Wednesday, February 19th, 2020

Bye Flealicia! Fleas are rotten little creatures hated by humans and dogs alike. These prolific parasites measure between 1-2mm, and only live between 7-14 days. That may not sound like a long time, but they can turn your life into a nightmare during their short lifespan. Fleas multiply like crazy and females can lay 50 eggs per day! These buggy vampires survive by feeding off the blood of people and animals. Pet owners who have experienced a flea infestation will tell you how awful it is, especially if the fleas take to dining on the human members of the household as well. Fleas flourish year-round and can fool you by remaining dormant for months only to show their ugly faces with a new infestation when you least expect it. Read on to learn how to prevent these blood suckers from calling your dog home, and how to treat them if they turn up at your door.

A Pound of Prevention

The most effective flea treatment is prevention. Between medication, pet hygiene, and keeping your home clean, you’ll be much less likely to have a flea battle. Oral preventative medications are a great way to keep your dog flea free as they are fast acting, mess free, and effective. Many flea medications also prevent worms and ticks! You can purchase several options such as Capstar and Advantus over the counter, while you’ll need a prescription for others such as Comfortis, Trifexis, and Sentinel. Speak to your vet about which medication is right for your pooch. Practicing proactive hygiene is an easy way to create an environment that isn’t flea friendly. Bathe your dog every month with a flea shampoo (especially if they are outdoors or around other dogs). Make your home unappealing to fleas by vacuuming and mopping regularly, and by washing bedding every week in hot water. There are tons of natural home flea repellents such a diatomaceous earth and lemon spray that are fantastic at keeping fleas at bay. And though we are clearly dog folks around here, don’t forget to treat any cats at home for fleas as well! Fleas are equal opportunity offenders, and would love to hop between your dog, cat, and you!

Kill ‘Em All! How to Treat Fleas

If you find fleas on your best friend, act quickly to stop them from infesting your home.  You should monitor your pet daily for 2 weeks using a flea comb to make sure he is flea free after treatment. After those 2 weeks, monitor your dog weekly. Even if you don’t have evidence of fleas inside, it’s a good idea to implement some home remedies to keep them from moving in. You can spray your home with an herbal flea repellent and vacuum after sprinkling baking soda over your floors. Wash all your bedding in hot water to kill any lurking fleas, eggs, and larvae. If you have determined that you do have fleas in your home, it’s time to bring out the big guns. You may want to use a home fogger or powder treatment to end the infestation. Keep in mind that these treatments do contain toxic chemicals, so please keep children and pets away until it’s safe. You may also consider hiring a professional pest control technician to come in get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Flea Bites Bite

If you or your pet was unlucky enough to be bitten by fleas, it will become clear very quickly. Symptoms like itching, burning, raised red bumps and even skin infections (yikes!) are common among both dogs and people after experiencing a flea bite. People are most commonly bitten on their feet and ankles, while a dog can experience a bite anywhere on its body. Some dogs are even allergic to flea saliva, which exacerbates their symptoms and can result in extreme itching that lasts for weeks. What can you do for yourself and your best friend after being bit by a mean old flea? For your dog, start by given him baths with a skin soothing shampoo. You can also add some cornstarch into the bath which will temporarily relieve itching. If your dog’s symptoms do not improve, you may need to take a trip to the vet. They will be able to prescribe topical medication such as hydrocortisone, or a steroid injection to stop the itching. For human flea bites, try not to scratch them! Scratching makes itching worse (for both dogs and people) so do your best to resist the urge. You can apply an anti-itch topical medication like calamine lotion to soothe the skin, as well as aloe or diluted tea tree oil to reduce burning. Antihistamines such as Benadryl relieve itchiness, though these medications should be taken for a short period of time. Now that you’re armed with flea fighting knowledge, we hope you protect yourself and show no mercy!!!

Happy Howlidays! Gifts for your four-legged BFF’s

Monday, December 23rd, 2019

Happy howlidays dog lovers! Holiday shopping can be ruff (pun intended)… Fighting crowds at the mall, wrapping presents, and finding just the perfect gifts can leave you reaching for some spiked eggnog. Your dog is definitely a gift worthy family member and surely wouldn’t want you stressing out over what gift to give him. If only dogs were better at dropping hints about what they’d like to receive, right?  And what if the dog in your life already has an overflowing toy box?  Keep reading for easy and unique dog gifts that will make tails wag well into the New Year.

Subscription boxes: The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Subscription boxes for humans have been blowing up over the past few years. FabFitFun, BoxyCharm, Winc, and Loot Crate have been introducing customers to unique products at deep discounts on a monthly or quarterly basis. Whether you’re interested in makeup, horror films, wine, or even spices, there’s a subscription box out there for you. Thankfully now your dog can get in on the action and receive their own surprise packages! Companies like Bark Box, BullyMake, PupBox, and Pooch Perks are curating subscription boxes that contain unique items your dog will love. The pooches in your life will be excited to receive a special delivery every month filled with new treasures.  You’ll love watching them discover their new favorite treats and toys long after the holiday season is over!

Make It Personal: Custom Gifts

While it’s true that most dogs can’t read, we think they will still love getting a personalized holiday gift! Thanks to websites like Bad Tags, Etsy and Amazon Handmade, there are thousands of dog toys, beds, clothing and ID tags that you can customize specifically for your best friend. Heck, you can even get a custom pet painting of your dog to put over the fireplace! We love the creative possibilities with personalized gifts and believe that all dogs (and their people) would love to receive a one of kind present made just for them.

C is For Cookie

Most dog owners know that the fastest way a dogs’ heart is through their stomach. Dogs adore delicious treats, especially ones made from scratch with love. Why not shower the dogs in your life with holiday cheer by baking them some howliday cookies (not to share with Santa of course)! All you need are various holiday shaped cookie cutters and a few ingredients to make a dogs howliday season festive and delicious. Dogs on the “nice list” will love recipes like cranberry cookies, gingerbread men, and peanut butter candy canes.  Ditch the wrapping paper and instead consider gifting your treats in a custom homemade treat jar!

Tech Toys

We bet that you have someone in your life that loves tech gadgets…and it’s probably not your dog. However, that could change when they realize how fun dog-centric tech toys are! Not only will your dog love these gifts, but they can also make your life more convenient and even provide peace of mind. For example, are you worried that your dog isn’t getting enough activity? You both would love the iFetch Interactive Ball Launcher and the FitBark activity and GPS tracker. If you want to be able to check on your dog while you’re at work and remotely give them a treat, consider the Furbo Interactive Pet Camera. The GoBone is a roving bone that can be chased and chewed, providing hours of play for your dog while you’re doing housework or running errands. If you have problems remembering to feed your dog, then the Arf Automatic Dog Feeder will take the guess work out of meal time. There are dozens of innovative tech toys that would be a great addition to both you and your dogs life. 

Treat Them Well: Healthy & Delicious Dog Treats

Tuesday, November 5th, 2019

Nothing gets a dog’s tail wagging quite like a slobber worthy treat! We believe all good dogs deserve delicious and healthy treats, but sometimes figuring out what’s best for your pup can be tricky. There are thousands of different options on the market, and many of them contain some not so nice ingredients. From added sugars, corn, fillers, and artificial ingredients, it can be ruff to find a healthy and delicious treat for your best friend.

What Should Be in Your Dog Treats?

When it comes to healthy treats, the shorter the ingredient list, the better. Freeze dried organ meats are always a hit and they only contain a single ingredient such as lamb lung or chicken hearts. Some dogs even go crazy for raw fruits and vegetables (that’s you Labradors!)!

If that’s the case, just be careful not to overdo it to prevent, ahem, less than ideal #2’s. Just as you look at the ingredients in your groceries at the supermarket, it’s important that you start eyeballing what’s in your pet’s food and treats. The less processed, the better! If an animal protein is not the first ingredient listed, put it back on the shelf. That’s a good indicator there are too many fillers.

If your dog has food sensitivities, try a more exotic animal protein like venison, kangaroo, rabbit, or wild boar. Even ostrich can be a delicious alternative! For treats with multiple ingredients, look for healthy additions like pumpkin, blueberries, apple, banana, cranberry, carrots, and zucchini. They add fiber and other nutrients to keep your fur baby in tip top shape. Lastly, it’s also important to purchase treats that were manufactured in the USA, as the FDA regulates pet food quality and standards.

What Ingredients Should Be Avoided?

As with human snacks, there are unfortunately a ton of unhealthy dog treat choices on the market. Be on the lookout for chemicals and preservatives like BHA and BHT, which can cause kidney and liver damage and are known carcinogens. Corn, wheat and soy should also be avoided. They are nutritionally worthless fillers that contribute to canine obesity and diabetes.

Sugar is another big no-no and is being added to many dog treats to make them more “palatable”. You can easily avoid these sugary treats by opting for ones sweetened naturally with fruit. Meat by-product is nasty stuff that you certainly wouldn’t want to feed to your best friend. Many dog treat companies use the leftover and undesirable parts because they are inexpensive. Meat by-products include eyes, hooves, feet, beaks, feathers, brains and hair. Yuck!

Made With Love: Homemade Treats

If the way to your dog’s heart is through their stomach, then baking him treats from scratch is the purest act of love! These delicious, healthy and easy recipes will get their tails wagging for more, and you’ll know exactly what quality ingredients they’re eating. Bone Appetit!

Peanut Butter & Bacon Treats

High Value Training Treats

Pupsicles

Oh My Gourd, It’s Fall! Outdoor Adventures with Your Pup

Wednesday, October 9th, 2019

OMG = Oh, My Gourd! We know it can be hard to say goodbye to summer, but we have a secret: Fall is the BEST season if you’re a dog lover! From frolicking in leaf piles, Halloween costumes, and pumpkin spice everything, read on to find out how to make the most of the season and embark on some fun outdoor adventures with your pup!

Outdoor Adventures

Fall is the best time of year to take Fido on an outdoor adventure! Before the weather turns cold why not do some camping, hiking, or fishing with your pup? Before you embark, make sure to search Bring Fido for trails and campgrounds in your area that allow pets. And don’t forget to bring food, water, emergency supplies, and blankets! You’ll love admiring the gorgeous fall leaves and your dog will have a blast playing in them. For an outing the whole family will enjoy, visit a local pumpkin patch or apple farm! Many of them are pet-friendly.

Dogoween

Is there anything cuter than a costumed dog? We don’t think so! No matter if it’s a ghoulish Greyhound, a princess Pug, or a Catahoula cowboy, dressed up dogs show off your creativity and your dogs furr-sonality. There are a ton of off the rack costumes available this time of year, or you can go the DIY route and create a costume from your own imagination! Check to see if your town has a dog Halloween event such as a parade, costume contest, or fundraiser for a local dog park. Also considering hosting your own Dogoween party with friends and family. If your dog has a comfortable costume, he would love to tag along trick or treating with the kids!

Pumpkin Time

One of the best parts of fall for us people is cozying up to a pumpkin spice latte…while also eating a slice of pumpkin pie and carving a Jack-O-Lantern! Why not include your dog in all the pumpkin goodness? Pumpkin is not only delicious, but tremendously healthy for your pooch. It packs a nutritious punch with beta-carotene and vitamins E, C and B, and also boasts a healthy amount of dietary fiber. Pumpkin is great for your dog’s digestive health, keeping them regular and helping with any loose stool issues they may be suffering from. Make your pup’s day by with their very own puppacino! Simply serve them 1/3 cup canned pumpkin with a dollop of whipped cream on top. You can also make these easy DIY Pumpkin Spice Dog Treats, which will have your dogs tail wagging all the way through Autumn. Happy adventuring!

Hot Car Hero: Dog Rescue Tips

Thursday, August 8th, 2019

Imagine this scenario: You’re walking down the street on a hot summer day, and you see a dog locked in a hot car. How you can tell if they might be in distress? What can you do to help? Summer temperatures can skyrocket leaving dogs susceptible to irreparable organ damage or even death. Read on for tips on rescuing a dog in distress.

Reach Out For Help

A dog left in a hot car can suffer from organ failure or death in as little as 15 minutes. Without knowing how long the dog has been left in the car, you’ll need to take quick action. Before putting on your super hero cape, reach out to animal control and law enforcement. If there are nearby shops or restaurants, have them make an announcement asking if anyone has left their dog inside a car. Many dog owners are simply unaware of how hot it gets and that announcement may get them quickly outside. Stay with the car until help arrives.

Drastic Measures

Did you know that only 28 states have laws prohibiting dogs being left in hot cars? Of those states, only 11 have granted legal authority to Good Samaritans to use any means necessary to save an overheated dog. If you have made every attempt possible to find the dog’s owner and the authorities can’t arrive fast enough to intervene, use your best judgment about saving Fido. The next steps might be actually breaking a window. Many people view saving a dog’s life as a moral obligation, even if they have to break the law to do so. You may want to find a witness who will back up your judgement just in case.

Post Rescue Treatment

Once the dog has been rescued, they need to have their body temperature lowered quickly and safely. First, get the dog into an air-conditioned building or vehicle. Call the closest emergency vet to let them know you’re en route, and provide cool water to drink. If you have enough water, pouring it over the dog can help too – as long as it’s not ice cold. You may also place the dog in front of an electric fan and place cool, wet towels on the dog’s stomach and chest. The sooner you can cool the dog down and get him to an emergency vet, the better their prognosis will be. Hopefully, you’ll never have to step in rescue a dog in distress but if you do, we thank you!

Dog Behavior: The good ,the bad and the weird

Monday, July 22nd, 2019

Even though dogs are our best friends, it’s time to recognize something. They are total weirdos. Dogs are infamous for some very strange behavior like sniffing butts, humping legs, chasing their tails, and eating poop. There’s no doubt that you’ll recognize some of the wacky traits listed below, so let’s figure out the logic behind some of our best friend’s more quirky dog behaviors.

Butt Sniffing

“Hello? Anyone home?”

Butt sniffing may seem crazy to us, but it’s a source of *very* valuable information for your pup. Unlike humans, a dogs’ primary sense is smell. Their little snouts are about 100,000 stronger than our human noses. They can even smell from each nostril separately! Think of butt sniffing as dogs exchanging business cards with each other; their anal glands excrete scents that hold key information that is instantly translated through scent. Just by a brief butt sniffing session, your dog can find out their new friends’ gender, health and reproductive status, temperament, and what foods they eat regularly.  So rather than be grossed out the next time you see your dog and another dog greet each other with some butt sniffing, be amazed at how much they’re learning about each other!

Dining on Doo Doo

Oh, the shame!

Poop eating is truly the most bizarre and yuck inducing behaviors a dog can exhibit. The worst part is that after they’ve indulged, they usually want to lick your face – ugh! Thanks, but no thanks! What on earth would compel your cute, beloved, snuggly friend to eat poop? The scientific name for this disgusting phenomenon is coprophagia. A recent study by veterinarian Benjamin Hart at the University of California discovered that 16% of dogs are habitual poop eaters, and 24% of dogs are rare to occasional poop eaters. Poop eating is normal in puppyhood, but if the behavior is not addressed it may carry on throughout a dog’s entire life. There are health issues that could prompt a dog to eat feces such as poor digestion and plain old hunger. If a dog has poor digestion, the food may come out in a very similar way to how it went in, prompting a dog to have dinner, version 2.0. Parasites can also take nutrients from their food, so Fido may opt to eat anything he can get his paws on to feel full. If you suspect your dog is eating poop due to a health condition, contact your vet right away.

Tail Chasing

I’m gonna get you…someday!

Tails are just plain entertaining for humans and dogs alike! For a playful pup, seeing a fluffy tail (even one that’s on his own body) may just be too fun to resist. Often chased, though seldom caught, tail chasing is usually just a dog burning off excess playful energy.  It’s like your dog is twiddling his thumbs! Tail chasing can be a genetic predisposition in breeds such as German Shepherds, Bull Terriers, and Dobermans. Just like us humans, dogs can develop obsessive compulsive disorders. One common display of OCD is wait for it, compulsive tail chasing. If you notice that your dog seems fixated on chasing his tail rather than playful, seek help from a canine behaviorist. They can use behavior modification training and anti-depressants (if necessary!) to help stop compulsions.

Humping

Get a room!

Is your dog being physically amorous with other dogs at the park? How about with inanimate objects, or worse…your leg? What exactly is causing this blush inducing behavior? If you have a humper at home, know that you’re in good company. It’s a common issue, and one that may not need to be addressed. First, it’s important to understand that both male and female dogs hump. Spayed and neutered dogs may hump as well, and though dogs under the age of one are more frequent humpers, many dogs don’t age out of this behavior. The first reason for humping is a sexual impulse. Whether it’s another dog, your leg, or a pillow, dogs will hump any dang thing for sexual gratification. Dogs of both sexes (especially those whom have not been fixed) can begin humping when they start reaching sexual maturity. Female dogs in heat are will hump another dog of either gender to signal mating. It’s vital to spay and neuter your pet to not only cut down on the humping tendencies but prevent successful mating. Usually dogs aren’t emulating mating behavior when they hump. The ol’ bump and grind can be caused by nonsexual arousal (caused by stress or boredom), and play is another reason that dogs hump each other, which should be totally acceptable if both dogs are fine with it. You should intervene if one of the dogs looks annoyed or is being overpowered by the humper. Social dominance is another reason that dogs hump each other. It’s a vital part of establishing the pecking order within a pack, and to test the submissiveness of another dog. If your dog compulsively humps, a canine behaviorist can help find the cause and help calm your little Romeo down.

July 4th: Pet Safety Tips

Monday, July 1st, 2019

The Fourth of July is the highlight of summer for many of us. Your dog, however, may not be so enthusiastic about the holiday. Keep reading for some handy pet safety tips!

For many pets, fireworks are terrifying and for good reason! They’re loud and unpredictable. While us humans are having a great time celebrating, our pets only hear explosions and feel scary vibrations. It makes perfect sense that their fight or flight instinct would kick in. Thankfully, there are ways to comfort your dog on the loudest day of the year while keeping them safe.

Fido’s First 4th

Is this your first Fourth of July with a new four-legged family member? Even if you have a confident, social, happy dog, they may be sensitive to fireworks, so it’s best to spend your first holiday together so you can gauge your pup’s response. Being in a familiar, comfortable (and secure!) place will help calm them down if they become scared of the noises. If you notice that your dog isn’t bothered by fireworks, you may be able to celebrate at places other than your home next year.

Stay Home, Stay Safe

If you know your dog is afraid of fireworks, the biggest danger you face is Fido running away from home. 30% of all lost pets go missing on July 4th. If your pup gets spooked, their first instinct is to flee. Thousands of dogs run away every year, so make sure your home is secure; double check your fence line for holes/gaps and close all gates securely. Ensure your dog is wearing an ID tag and is microchipped (with current info!).  If your dog does escape, don’t panic! Start searching for your pup in your neighborhoo and alert your neighbors (social media can be very helpful). Animal shelters are on high alert around the week of the 4th, so be prepared to call local shelters in case your pet has been picked up by a Good Samaritan.

“I’m Freaking Out, Man!”

If your dog shows intense fear around fireworks, don’t leave them unsupervised. Ever. They’re depending on you to keep them safe and will feel so much more comforted by your presence. Give your dog lots of pets, treats and reassurance. You can distract your dog with games, puzzle toys or their favorite bone. One of our favorite options is the Thundershirt; it’s the dog equivalent of swaddling a baby. It has an 80% success rate and the lightweight vest applies mild pressure to help ease anxiety. CBD treats, pheromones, and melatonin can also be helpful anxiety supplements, but try them beforehand to determine which works best. If your pet enjoys his crate, that enclosed space may make him feel especially safe. You can even leave your own blanket or shirt in the crate for added comfort. Turn on the television or play music before the fireworks start to help drown out the noise before they really get going. If all else fails or if you just know nothing else will help, contact your vet who can prescribe a sedating medication to help make the Fourth of July more manageable. Woof!

Woof on the Roof: Rooftop Dog Parks

Wednesday, June 5th, 2019

Bright Parks, Big City!

City dogs may be a sophisticated bunch, but just like their friends in the ‘burbs, they need space to play! A walk through the concrete jungle is fun, but what’s an urban dog to do when the hankering to fetch a ball takes hold? City dwelling dogs are on the rise and apartment communities are catering to them in a big way. Property management companies know that pet friendly amenities are a huge draw for prospective residents. They are catering to this furry niche by offering doggy welcome gifts, events and dog spas. But even if Rex is living the high life in a penthouse apartment, space can be hard to come by. Thankfully, rooftop dog parks are the perfect antidote! They provide a much needed outlet for our furry friends while also giving residents a safe, secure place to relieve their pets 24/7.

Space: The Furry Frontier

Property management companies have to get creative when it comes to offering pet perks. One of the smartest tactics in urban communities is converting underutilized rooftop or terrace spaces into bark parks. We’re often asked about the amount of space needed for a rooftop dog park. The short answer: it depends! Even when dealing with limited square footage, most communities will have room for a pet relief kit and a grooming station. For larger areas, additional amenities like seating, fountains, shade, and agility components can turn your rooftop into a first class dog park with an amazing view! When designing your park, amenity placement is key. You’ll need enough room between components for dogs to safely run and play. It’s also important to consider any resident events you plan on hosting such as Yappy hours. Park Chelsea at the Collective, a 429-unit luxury building in Washington DC, chose play components with custom portable bases to provide flexibility. This allows their residents to rearrange the agility course for an added challenge and to store the equipment when more room is needed for events.

Surfacing Solutions

One of a dog’s favorite things about going to the park is running on grass! Since real grass isn’t exactly a great fit for rooftops, we have another option that is attractive year-round and offers the ease of low maintenance. Our popular Turf Pods are a portable system designed specifically for hard surfaces like cement, asphalt, or decking. With antimicrobial agents that reduce odor and elevated tiles that provide aeration and drainage, these are a perfect solution. Turf pods come in standard 36”x 48” squares that snug together using the park’s perimeter/wall and can be moved for easy cleaning underneath and to help manage wear.  Unlike traditional roll turf, the pods don’t require professional installation and are a much more affordable option.

Features for Fido

Rooftop dog parks can go from “meh” to “wow” with the addition of the right features. Agility equipment keeps dogs engaged while burning off excess energy, and all dog parks benefit from a dog waste station to help keep the area clean. A fire hydrant is the canine equivalent of the office water cooler and adds a cute aesthetic to any dog park. If you and your pooch are easily parched, a human and dog drinking fountain is sure to cool you both off on hot summer days. There are so many options to turn an empty rooftop dog park into a place all dog residents will be barking to go!

Safety First!

Safety should be the top priority for all dog parks but is crucial component for a rooftop. It’s vital to have fencing or a barrier that is at least 5’ high. Double slats or a solid wall are also recommended so that smaller dogs can’t slip out. A double gated entry is also a good idea to ensure that dogs are safe on their way in and out of the park. A safe dog is a happy dog, and with just a few steps, your rooftop dog park can be a safe and inviting place for dogs to have the time of their lives!

Dog Agility 101

Monday, May 20th, 2019

Whether you and your pooch are just looking to have some fun at the dog park, or want to compete in agility competitions, first impressions to dog agility training are key. Dogs who are properly introduced to agility components are more likely to use them again and have fun! No matter what age, breed, weight, or temperament, agility can benefit your dog in so many ways! From increased focus, helping with behavior issues such as lack of confidence and/or anxiety, and creating a stronger bond between yourself and your dog through teamwork!

Start Slowly with Enthusiasm!

Fido’s first exposure to agility components should be extra fun and super positive! Now is not the time to worry about them perfecting their weave pole speed, or teeter totter skills, but rather a time for them to become acquainted with the idea of engaging with the components. Let your dog’s curiosity lead the way during the introduction; they will probably sniff the heck out of it, and possibly pee on it, which is a part of the “getting to know each other” process. If they interact with the agility components on their own (like walking though a Bow Wow Barrel without a prompt), give positive reinforcement through praise, pets, and treats. If your dog seems hesitant about the agility components, don’t rush them – rather praise and treat them when they go near the equipment. You want to encourage your dog to view these components as fun, and that they are rewarded by engaging with them.

Next Steps

Once your dog feels comfortable with agility components, its time to get moving! Trying out agility components may or may not happen on your dog’s first exposure; you be the judge of whether they’re ready or not. Depending on where you are (a dog park with agility components, your own backyard, or a dog agility facility), you’ll have to gauge potential distractions. Try to avoid a busy time of day when other dogs may distract your pup from using the agility pieces. Let’s break it down:

  1. Start with simple components, like a step up table or a single wall jump.  
  2. Use your dogs biggest motivator (treats, a toy, a tennis ball, verbal and physical praise, etc) to entice them through, over, under, or around the agility component.
  3. The first time around, you may want to leash your dog to help guide them (for example, if they were going to walk over a ramp or an A frame.  This will help your dog understand what they’re supposed to do, though you won’t need the leash for long. You may also guide them through the obstacle with treats or a toy.
  4. Once they’ve completed an agility event, praise and treat them like they are the best dog on earth (which they are)! Try each agility component for several minutes before moving on to the next. Be sure to take play breaks so their concentration doesn’t get overloaded. Learning new things is better when it’s fun!

Repeat Customer

Once your dog has a firm understanding of agility components, how can you help keep them interested and wanting to use them regularly? Depending on your dogs’ level of skill and interest, there are many ways to get keep them involved in agility. Got a naturally gifted canine athlete?  Join one of the many agility clubs across the country like USDAA, NADAC, or AKHA! These are serious and competitive organizations that can take a good agility athlete to the level of competitions. If you love how agility improves your dog’s behavior and crazy energy, but his skills need some improvement, find a local agility class. These are wonderful environments that will allow your dog to hone his skills, have fun and make new friends! Just think of how your pup will impress everyone at the dog park after a few classes! If you have a dog that isn’t at the level of classes or competition, keep going to the dog park and encouraging them to use the agility components. They may just surprise you with how fast they learn and progress!

Howlitosis: When Bad Breath Happens to Good Dogs

Tuesday, March 19th, 2019

There are few things in life better than getting kisses from a dog. However, you may not feel this way if your dog’s breath is so bad it could peel paint! Dogs aren’t self-conscious about their halitosis and will kiss you no matter what ghastly smell is coming from their mouth. Thankfully there are many ways you can be a friend to your best friend, and help them improve their oral health.

What Causes Canine Bad Breath?

Halitosis (or bad breath) in dogs can be caused by several factors. It’s important to speak with your veterinarian about what may be the cause of your dog’s bad breath and rule out any underlying health issues.

Periodontal Disease: Like humans, if dogs don’t maintain proper oral hygiene, they can develop dental issues. Tartar and plaque build up are the most common, and can be the culprit behind some nasty morning breath especially if decay is a factor. If this buildup is not treated, it can progress to periodontal disease which includes inflamed gums, overgrowth of bacteria, and even worse breath (if you can imagine it!). Also keep in mind that smaller dogs are more susceptible to periodontal disease than larger dogs because their teeth are packed more closely together making them vulnerable to filthy fangs.

Pyoderma: Pyoderma is a bacterial skin infection that is commonly occurs in the facial and lip folds of a dog. Brachycephalic breeds (calling all Pugs, Bulldogs, Pekinese & Boston Terriers!) are especially susceptible to this condition, but it can affect any breed. Symptoms include scaly, crusty, or pustules which produce an odor. They look much like a large, horrible pimple. Treatments include antibacterial sprays , topical hydrocortisone cream, and antibiotics.

Kidney Disease: Metabolic issues like kidney disease can also negatively affect your dogs breath. Kidneys help eliminate toxins in the blood stream, so when they are not doing their job, the waste build up can cause a terrible mouth odor.

Diabetes: Rather than foul smelling breath, a diabetic dog produces a sickly-sweet fruit like odor in its mouth. This is due to high levels of diabetic ketones that are in the body. It can also smell a little like the acetone you find in nail polish.

Treatments

Brush, Brush, Brush: You (hopefully!) brush your pearly whites twice a day, every day. Now imagine that you’re stuck on a desert island for months without a toothbrush. Things would feel pretty gross inside your mouth, right? This is probably the state of affairs in your dogs’ mouth if you’re not brushing his teeth regularly. Brushing can be a daunting task at first (if you can, start during puppyhood!), and both you and your dog will have learn together. Start out once a week and gradually increase to at least 3 sessions per week (daily is ideal). There are many flavors of dog tooth paste that are irresistible to dogs, so make sure to find one that your pooch loves. Also make sure to find an appropriately sized toothbrush for your dogs’ mouth. When you go in to brush, get down on your dogs’ level, and let your pup become familiar with both the brush and paste. If your dog is tolerating this, gently pull back their lips and softly brush. Make sure to take breaks to reward your dog with treats (it sounds counterintuitive while brushing but removing tartar/plaque and not necessarily food particles is your number one concern). Be patient, and reassuring to your pooch, and don’t get frustrated if it takes several sessions for him comfortable with the concept.

Veterinary Dental Cleanings: If your dog absolutely won’t allow you to brush his teeth and has bad breath, consider a dental cleaning with your vet. Dogs will receive an initial exam and blood work to ensure they are healthy enough for anesthesia. They are then placed under general anesthesia so the dentist can do a thorough cleaning and address any underlying dental problems. For example, a vet may pull a dogs infected tooth during a cleaning if it’s found to be the source of pain, infection, or bad breath. Vets can also treat gum issues they discover during the cleaning. Though many dog owners may be nervous with the idea of anesthetizing their dog, rest assured it’s very safe. Ask your vet about their anesthesia protocol; more and more vets are using local anesthesia during dental procedures to they don’t have to administer as much general anesthesia.  Depending on the state of your dog’s oral health, professional cleanings are recommended every 6 months – 1 year.

Chews and Treats: There’s no question that your dog is going to love this solution! The right treats may be just what the doctor ordered when it comes to treating their bad breath. Dental chews are designed to help remove tartar and plaque while satisfying your dogs natural urge to chew. Make sure to never leave your dog unattended with a chew, and check labels to avoid artificial ingredients, sugar, and fillers. For a special treat, consider giving your dog a raw frozen bone! They will go crazy for it, and these bones encourage a pH level that kills bacteria in their mouth!   


Made in the USA
Member of NRPA, WRPA, WMFHA, & NAA
Click here to access Dog-ON-It-Parks’ design files including cad drawings, specifications, videos and related documents. The CADdetails program is developed specifically for design professionals with the goal of getting manufacturer-specific product information into their working plans.
© 2008-2024 Dog-ON-It-Parks. All Rights Reserved.

Cirkuit: Best Ecommerce Platform