Dog Care

Accidents happen. A fall may lead to scraped knees, or a run through the house may lead to a bump on the head. Dogs also have accidents, often very similar to what we experience. While hopefully the medical attention will never require more than pulling a few stickers out of your dog’s paw, you should always be ready to handle the worst.

As a dog owner, you should keep a first aid kit wherever your dog spends time. You should definitely keep one in your home, and since dogs enjoy some travel time, so you should have one in your vehicle. Here are a few things that you should consider keeping around for that just-in-case situation.

Sterilizing powders should definitely be in your kit, and you should never put rubbing alcohol on a dog’s wound. Not only will it hurt their skin, but they may also lick it up, resulting in poisoning. Septic powder in a jar is one of the best methods. Rather than struggle with a wounded pet as you attempt to apply it manually, you can place your dog’s entire paw into the jar to stop bleeding. For cuts and scrapes on their back, body, or face, a septic stick application can be handy. These products should be designed for animal use, to avoid any toxic additives or side effects.

Antibiotic ointment is a great addition to any kit. Keep in mind that they do make specialized ointments for dogs, but in case of emergency, you can use human ointments, such as Triple antibiotic or Neosporin, to help prevent infections. As with any antibiotic, you shouldn’t use them for longer than three days in a row. If redness, swelling, and other signs of infection remain or worsen, a trip to the vet should be in order.

Sterile pads and tape should also be part of your doggy first aid kit. While most injuries will hopefully be little more than scratches and stickers, you should be prepared for the worst. Large cuts need to be sterilized and padded to stop the initial bleeding. These can be extremely valuable in case your dog manages to walk across broken glass (this is yet another reason that you should never litter) or manages to cut their paw. When paws are cut, they can become quickly infected if they continue to walk around on it, since it can result in particles and debris getting in the open wound.

Because injuries can be extreme, a tourniquet can help stop the blood flow to and from an area. If you and your dog enjoy nature walks, snake bites can be a nasty and deadly problem. A tourniquet can prevent the poisons from traveling throughout their body, slowing the effects of the venom.

You should also consider keeping a temporary splint to hold a leg or paw in place so the problem won’t worsen when they move around. Broken bones can happen, especially in older dogs who can suffer from osteoporosis. Although you may not be able to set the bone, a splint can prevent shifting of the broken bones, which can cause more pain and discomfort.

A blanket or towel in your car is a must for any pet owner. Not only does it keep the loose fur off your interior, but it can also be used for a variety of medical reasons. In case of injury, a towel can protect the wound from dirt and debris. It can be used to wrap your dog up to keep them warm in case they’ve succumbed to an excessively cold environment (Chihuahuas will definitely thank you for this), and it can provide a comfortable and safe transport on your way to the vet. Towels and blankets also act as an absorbent, specifically applying to toxic ingestion, such as chocolate or even cleaning chemicals, which often results in vomiting.

This raises the question of how you should prepare for poisoning. The ingestion of several foods, such as grapes, chocolate, and even household medications can be a danger to your dog. While a trip to the vet is your best option, there is still the time between here and there. Depending on the toxicity, vomiting to get the toxin out of them is one of the first aid steps. Laxatives can also help quickly flush the toxin out of the body to reduce the threat of absorption. While these are options when absolutely no help is available, be sure that you get your dog to a veterinarian as quick as possible for proper attention.

Being prepared for the worst means that your dog will receive the best treatment when your options are limited. While a first aid kit can be beneficial for your dog, unless you are properly trained as a veterinarian, be sure to take your dog to a professional in case of serious injury.

Unfortunately, things don’t always work out between spouses, and separating is the best choice for both of you. Custody of children is a common topic, along with deciding who gets the home and other objects and property. Up until recently, the state along with most people, have seen dogs and other pets as little more than property. But to a dog owner, our faithful companions aren’t just an item on a list; they are much like children and family members.

This topic has become increasingly popular as more people have begun an effort to assign joint custody to their dogs. Separation can be difficult, but separating a dog from someone they love and someone that loves them back can be even worse.

Much like child custody, the well-being of your dog goes down to making decisions based on your pet and what is best for them. It is important to cover these decisions in a lawful form to avoid problems.

Joint ownership

Is joint ownership better for your dog? Dogs become attached to their owners – both of them. Separation can make a difference in dog attitude, sometimes resulting in depression or anxiety. At the same time, you need to consider that both of you will be living in different places. Joint custody would likely require that the dog change location regularly, possibly every two weeks. This can confuse a dog, especially an older dog that has difficulty seeing and hearing.

You also add the factor of multiple dogs to the equation. Separating your dogs from each other can also become a problem, so it is in the best interest of the dogs to keep them together wherever they go. This will also help ease the transition of regular relocation for them.

Giving your dog the best home

Sometimes, joint custody isn’t the best choice. So you have to ask: who can offer the best home for your dog? Location, environment, and attention all play a part in this decision. While we’ve bonded with our best friend, you have to consider who is going to be able to provide the best home for them. That doesn’t mean, however, that the other person can’t pay an occasional visit to see their companions.

This also means that you should always make housing decisions based on the well-being of the dog. Such instances may regard fencing, environment (safety first), and even feeding (choosing a diet that is healthy).

Because training methods and habits differ between people, it is important that training be a joint effort, especially if joint custody is the situation. Training methods should target the safety of the dog and those around them (such as jumping up on people).

There is also the concern of potty habits. Because a dog may be living in two different places, potty choices can be different. For instance, you may live in a house with a yard where your dog is used to going, while your former spouse may now live in an apartment, and wants to use an indoor potty. It can be beneficial for your dog, and your carpet, to agree on a single potty method.

Animal care

There is also the concern of animal care, such as medical bills, decisions (surgery), and care. These decisions need to be made together for the benefit of the dog. While these decisions are lawfully the choice of the legal owner, this would definitely be something to cover in joint-custody of your dog. This can prevent arguments and problems that can arise when decisions like these are made without the consent of the other owner.

Personal differences

The most important thing to remember is to never allow your personal differences to become a problem for your dog. This is perhaps the most devastating problem in faltering relationships, leading to mistreatment and neglect of the beloved pet. Be sure that you think about your dog first, before your quarrels.

Luckily, the law system has begun to place much needed attention on this subject. A few years ago, such ideas where the cause of confusion, but now there are over forty law schools which offer courses and additions to their syllabuses that specifically apply to animal laws. This is a great movement towards presenting exactly how important our dogs are to us. They aren’t just a couch or an item with a price tag. They are special to us, and we should always remember that and consider what’s best for our dog.

Many dog owners treat their dog like one of their children. They care, feed, and play with them. So it can be difficult for an old dog when a new dog is thrown into the mix. Dogs do have feelings as well, and can become depressed or even jealous of a new dog. But this isn’t just developed from natural feelings; it can also be created by the things we do and the habits we create during our association with our beloved friends.

Meeting for the first time

The first and most important thing to remember is that your dogs should meet in a neutral zone. Dogs are instinctively very territorial and may feel threatened by a newcomer in the house. After your puppy has received his vaccination shots (this is very important for the safety of your new puppy), take them both to a place, such as a park or an area where your older dog will not feel as though he has to protect his home from an invader. Here, allow them both to associate with one another, and your old dog’s natural playfulness will help him bond with the new dog.

Although most dogs will likely get along well (especially when it’s an older dog and a younger puppy), there are times when they won’t get along. Be sure to prevent any aggression that may take place, such as growling, snapping, or even biting.

Signs of Doggy Depression

Once they’re home, things will change for your older dog. Young puppies will naturally want to play and interact with their new friend. This isn’t always true for an older pup, especially after the age of five, when they’ve begun to settle down and have gained a little bit of dog wisdom. If your dog has been an “only dog” for his entire life, he may show signs of irritation or frustration with a younger, hyper-active puppy that bounds around them. This characteristic can be hard to deal with, sometimes resulting in the older dog growling a firm “no” to the younger one.

Signs of aggression aren’t the only problem, however. Often, older dogs may develop depression because of the newcomer. Older dogs may feel left out or forgotten, especially with all the excitement that accompanies a new puppy. House training takes a lot of focus away from your old dog, and he is very aware of this. He may even be scared or intimidated by it. Your older dog may change eating habits, or even refrain from activities that he used to enjoy.

Practice togetherness

One thing you can do to help prevent depression is to encourage both dogs to interact with each other. When you teach the younger dog tricks, don’t remove your older dog from the activities. In fact, use this as a time to reinforce his skills. When you play with the new dog, be sure that your older dog is involved, or at least allowed to be involved. Make the activity a competition, and we all know that dogs do love competition (especially when they are feeling jealous of the new member).

Another thing to remember is that you should never seclude or take space away from your older dog. This can be taken as a threat or even represent a dismissal to them, creating resentment and depression in the older dog. Allow them both to share the same spaces, but there should be a limit to what can and can’t be shared. Dogs develop habits, and sleeping in their spot is one of them. Be sure that your new dog has a designated place to grab some Z’s where it won’t interfere with your older dog’s sleep cycle. (In particular, this means that if your older dog doesn’t sleep in your bed, neither should the younger puppy.)

When covering the qualities of sharing, be sure to feed them together, but with separate bowls. Don’t expect both dogs to instinctively eat from the same spot, as older dogs may see this as a sign of aggression from the younger pup. You may start by feeding them in separate rooms at the same time to make sure that neither one of them gets into the other one’s food.

Adding a new puppy to your home will affect how your older dog interacts with you and the rest of the family. Although they will eventually get along, things will never be the same. Dogs do change lives, and always for the better. Perhaps the best part of adding a new puppy to your home is that your older dog will now have someone to be with when you aren’t around. Once they get used to each other, they may even become the best of friends.

There comes a time in every dog’s life when they get the chance to enjoy a little bit of what’s on our dinner plate. Some crumbs, or even a small spill gives their “vacuum” like instincts a chance to dine on some treats. But dogs don’t know what can hurt them. Several foods that we consume daily are potentially dangerous or even fatal for dogs.

Doggy diet

Dogs should already be on a quality dog food diet. Table scraps and human food should be avoided because they can contain heavy grease and fats that can lead to many health and weight problems. Later in life, dogs may experience problems such as pancreatitis from these foods. Dog foods, particularly “lean” brands can help to avoid these issues.

Another problem with human foods is that we tend to flavor them with salt. While salt is still part of a dog’s daily diet, the excessive amounts that we tend to use can cause them kidney and liver problems. In addition to this problem, dogs will instinctively lick salted areas and foods, much like a horse would. Avoid giving your dog any foods that are heavily salted, or even allowing them to lick up some excess salt that you may have spilled while cooking.

Troublesome foods for your dog

Your dog’s overall health shouldn’t be your only concern, however. There are many foods that can actually cause immediate problems. Among the well-known hazardous foods for dogs is chocolate. While very tasty and a sweet we tend to celebrate with (Valentines, Easter, Christmas), chocolate contains a chemical known as theobromine, which quickly accumulates in their body. It actually does the same for us, but we can metabolize it quickly enough to prevent any danger. Dogs cannot do this, so poisoning can result, which can even become deadly.

Keep these sweets away from your dog. Other items that contain this chemical are some types of favored drinks. Tea and coffee can also cause poisoning, so be sure to properly dispose of old grounds or tea bags.

Another popular, yet often overlooked food item is the grape. These simple fruits don’t appear to be harmful, but can actually cause kidney failure in dogs. This also applies to raisins, which are basically dried grapes, and of course, wine.

Though you wouldn’t give raw eggs to your dog, there are many ways they can get ahold of this food. When cooking eggs, we usually throw the shells into trash cans, or there could also be some spillage on the floor or countertops. Egg is an ideal breeding ground for salmonella, which is toxic to dogs as well as humans. Be sure to clean up and properly dispose of your trash.

For those who have a garden, tomatoes are a very popular item to grow. This fruit is tasty and adds flavor to various meals. But for a dog, it can be dangerous. Tomatoes can cause tremors and heart arrhythmias, and can be difficult to diagnose. While the tomato is dangerous, the plant itself can be deadly. Because dogs will naturally eat plants, avoid growing these in your garden, or allowing your dog access to that area.

Apples, cherries, and peaches all contain seeds and pits. Astoundingly, these very nutritious fruits can be potentially dangerous to your dog. Unlike humans, dogs will consume the entire fruit, seeds and all. The seeds in these particular plants actually contain trace amounts of cyanide, which is why we don’t eat the core or pits. If your dog wants to enjoy some apples or similar fruits, be sure to slice the cores out of them, and just feed them the meat.

Avocados are a completely different story, however, as every part of this fruit is deadly for a dog. It can lead to difficulty of breathing and the accumulation of fluids in their chest. Do not allow your dog access to any form of avocado, including dips.

While most nuts would naturally be okay for a dog to eat, the macadamia nut contains chemicals which can cause weakness, muscle tremors, and even paralysis. These nuts are popular in chocolate dipped products and even trail mix snacks. Don’t let your dog sneak from your snack bag while you’re out on the road, camping, or traveling.

A quality dog diet should consist of dog food and supplements that you discussed with your vet. While dog food seems like a bland food, and you’re tempted to spice it up with some of your own daily portion, be sure that you avoid giving them anything that can potentially hurt them.

Perhaps the worst of every dog owner’s fear is the lost dog. We train them, spend time with them, and love them, but every so often, they manage to escape our grasp. They may see something interesting, perhaps a squirrel or cat racing down the street, or even happen into the wrong hands of a thief. Unfortunately, any case of a lost companion is nothing to look forward to, which is why we take precautions.

Leashes, tags and collars are not enough

But, sometimes leashes and tags aren’t enough to keep track of your dog. Though they can be inexpensive and still useful, collars can be removed, or even escaped (some dogs are clever enough to do so). Dogs are renowned for digging, and are amongst the best escape artists, but that isn’t the only problem we face, since theft is also a growing concern. Fortunately, there is one tracking device that can’t be so easily escaped- the micro-chip. This small electronic device stores your dog’s information, as well as the rightful owner’s information, for reference when needed.

Micro chips are tiny, normally no bigger than a grain of rice. The veterinarian would implant the microchip in between your dog’s shoulder blades, and is no more discomforting than their regular vaccination shot. Once under the tissue, the chip is virtually undetectable. Once the micro-chip is inserted, it becomes a permanent form of identification for your pet. Any veterinarian or animal shelter will be able to scan your dog, and quickly find out who needs to be contacted and where they belong, even if they don’t have their collar on.

Deter pet theft

This is extremely valuable in case of pet-theft, which is terrible, but still happens much too often. If the thief attempts to take the dog to the vet, the chip will inform the vet of the correct owner, saving your precious relationship. Because collars can be removed, this is the best way to deter pet-theft.

This tiny device has proved its worth by reuniting lost dogs with their owners. When found by shelters or veterinary clinics, the chip is scanned, providing their history, family information, and how to contact you. If your dog does manage to get lost, the chances of you finding them again are greatly increased through micro-chipping.

There’s an app for that!

Of course, the world of technology is advancing at an astounding rate, and is proving more useful to pet owners around the world. Apps are currently available for the IPhone that help owners find their lost dog. The app is called PetRescuers, and does require your dog to be micro-chipped to use the app. This app is designed to raise awareness by contacting via email and or fax other users of the app. Shelters and over 500,000 volunteers will receive information about your lost dog. This would incorporate fields about when you lost them, name, commands they respond to, your dog’s micro-chip data, and other relevant information needed to raise awareness about your lost companion. The app will notify those within five, ten, or twenty-five miles of your location, and will even send maps of where your dog was last seen (when they were lost). The large network greatly increases awareness, and is instantaneous rather than having to pin up “missing posters” or travel the streets on foot. The services are sourced through the HomeAgain call-center which is also staffed with trained professionals that can help you cope with the stresses of a lost pet, and even guide you through the process of reuniting you with your dog.

There are other websites that also provide services for micro-chipped pets. PetLinks is an international service, providing pet locating throughout the United States, Europe, and even as far as South America. 24PetWatch is a service provider that is currently active only in the United States, but provides pet locating services and recovery assistance that is needed to help find your dog. Though getting your dog micro-chipped for identification is important, it isn’t the only part of the identification process. In order to put the chip to full use, you have to register it with a pet locator. These services are free, and are a must for any pet owner. Once you’ve signed up with these services, your dog’s information will be in their database, and if they do get lost, the services will provide their linked locations with the information you currently have.

With technology becoming a bigger part of pet ownership, we will hopefully see more helpful tools that improve the well-being of our canine companions. Having your dog “chipped” can be more expensive than a tag and collar, but in the end, your dog is possibly one of the most priceless parts of your home

Your dog’s eyes also need the proper attention to keep them happy and healthy. Unlike most of their body, dogs can’t usually reach their eyes to help keep them properly maintained. In order to ensure their health, and clear sight, you need to help your dog protect their eyes from infection and irritation.

Common signs of eye problems start with a thick buildup of discharge around their eye. While commonly normal to have some, if there are excessive amounts or more than usual, you definitely need to pay attention to their eyes. Reddish and irritated whites of the eyes can be the first signs of infection, and need to be addressed promptly. There are various causes for eye infection and irritation, many of which can be prevented through proper eye care and hygiene.

Keeping their eyes clean

You may have noticed the gunk and regular mucus discharge that will often build up in the corner of your dog’s eyes. This is possibly the most common, but also most overlooked hygienic requirement. The buildup around their eye can actually become a breeding ground for infection, so you need to be ready to help them clean the area. While warm water and a towel can be handy for doing so, be sure that you aren’t too rough, or you could hurt their eyes. Most regular buildup is easily controllable with minor attention, if you practice it daily. As dogs get older, or even play out in the dirt often, the mucus can be much more common, and isn’t something to worry about unless you allow it to accumulate and possibly become infected.

Some dogs are more prone to buildup in this area. Maltese, Poodles, and Cocker breads seem to have excessive buildup, often through over-active tear-ducts, which usually mats the hair around the eye as you may notices the dark staining and buildup become apparent. Eye wash solutions for dogs can help in more severe situations, and can definitely help prevent eye infections.

A hairy situation

Dogs are commonly covered in fur, which does grow and shed (our couch is well aware of this). I’m sure we all know how irritating it can be to get hair in your eyes, and for dogs it is no different. Excess hair around their eyes can cause irritation and even scratches on their retina and surrounding eye tissues, damaging their eyes. While frequent trips to the groomers can definitely help keep their eyes clear of a hairy situation, if the need arises, you can also do it yourself. Always use a curved pair of trimming scissors, never straight, to trip the hair around their eyes. There are quite a few breeds whose fur grows very quickly, so keeping the hair out of their eyes may be required.

Soap in your eyes

Another time when your dog is actually subject to eye irritation is during their occasional bath time. Soap and dirty water can easily get into their eyes when you’re rinsing them off, and can cause irritation. You can actually use a protective ointment on their eyes during bath time to help prevent dirt and soap from getting in their eyes.

Healthy diet for healthy eyes

One of the most important precautions you can take is to provide a healthy diet. Be sure that you are feeding them properly with a nutritional diet (table scraps aren’t a meal). There are also multi-vitamins available for your dog, and can be especially beneficial for older dogs whose sight may already be depleting with age.

But this also brings up the topic of cataracts. This problem is common in older dogs, and is usually identified by a cloudy buildup inside of their eye. Because a dog’s best sense isn’t their eyes, problems with navigation aren’t seen early on. This is usually because they navigate by memory and smell, but as their eyesight depletes, they can be confused by simple changes in furniture or new places. This is why a healthy diet throughout their life can help prevent cataracts and premature loss of sight by keeping their eyes healthy and strong.

Proper eye care is a daily part of your dog’s hygiene, and every owner needs to be aware of how to take care of your dog’s eyes. Daily maintenance, a quality diet, and a few precautions can keep your dog looking and seeing great.

Something that we don’t always realize about our dog is that they are so reliable. Like the sun is to rise, or a quality watch made by a craftsman would tick forever, dogs are beasts of reliability. Not just for the fact that they are always there for us when we need their love and affection, like a comforting lick to awaken us or a cheerful yap as when it’s time for a walk, but all the things in a dog’s life are subject to habit. Feeding time, bedtime, potty time, and even playtime are all a part of a dog’s schedule. So when things change, not because you move or change diet, but often just plain out of the blue, it’s time to pay close attention, because your dog might not be quite themselves.

Food for me, not so hungry

Animals, dogs included, have the ultimate will to survive, hence the reason they are often so eager to gobble up those messy crumbs and scraps that fall to the kitchen floor. They may even be clever enough to sneak a roll from the dinner plate when you aren’t looking (mine always does). But the most obvious sign that something is wrong is when your dog begins to miss their meal.

For any dog, meal time is important, so the lack of hunger can be a dead giveaway that a problem needs to be addressed. Of course, the lack of hunger could mean one of many things. Perhaps they managed to get into the garbage and snacked on something that upset their stomach or they may have come down with an ailment from worm problems that are weakening or sickening their body. Regardless, lethargic problems are nothing for a pet owner to overlook.

Lethargy becomes apparent

Compounding problems that may also surface, especially when eating is already posing a problem, is the lack of activity, longer periods of sleep, and even more acute signs such as vomiting or bleeding. These signs are often the warning of an onset of far more serious problems. Although they are far easier to spot as signs become extreme, it is vital to a dog’s health that you catch them as early as possible.

That is why your attention to your dog’s behavior is elemental in providing a healthy life for them. Many dogs will push themselves to please their owners until they can no longer physically continue. Dogs are amazing creatures, living only to love, but this can often make it difficult to spot problems early on.

Limping or lack of eating are often the first signs of trouble in any case. A minor injury could cause a limp, but it should never be overlooked. Physical inspection could provide a simple problem, like a sticker in their paw or even the onset of arthritis. But, every owner should be prepared to take the utmost care of their companion. Eating problems can surface from many issues and may only be temporary. People get stomach aches on occasion, even if it’s from eating too much. Missing a meal is a warning, but when they miss several, something may be very wrong.

Sleeping too much

One of the things that many owners often don’t take notice of is oversleeping. We spend time at work, time with friends, and even time with our computers, so it can be difficult spending time with our dogs. This of course presents our dog with plenty of opportunity to sleep and possibly be bored, regardless of their fairly active nature. Sad as it may sound, dogs do still find ways to entertain themselves when we aren’t looking (chewing on the baseboards, chasing the cat around the house, or hiding the remote). But, when a dog begins to sleep excessively, such as during an opportunity to go for a walk or chase the ball, this can often be a definite sign that serious problems are present. Many worms, intestinal and cardiovascular, can cause dogs to become lethargic and lack energy and stamina. Serious onsets of arthritis can also cause dogs to refrain from moving as much. Excessive sleep and the avoidance of activity with you are possible signs that your dog is ill.

Don’t overlook changes in your dog’s habits. Every day, they get up, eat, play, love, and sleep. Every owner should be able to know their companion well enough to see that something has changed, whether it’s an extreme change such as a change in choice of diet or something as trivial as their choice of sleeping location. It’s important to pay attention to what your dog does, so that when something changes, you’ll know the difference.

For many of us, walking our dog is something only relative to the term “walking.” More often than not, it is our dog that does the walking, or rather tugging. Unfortunately, this poses a slight problem, and something of a discomfort, when owners aren’t able to fully control their dog on a simple walk through the park. For safety and health reasons, the ability to walk your dog, rather than them walking you, is an important part of the dog/owner relationship, and is something every couple should master. Dogs that tug or pull their owner along by their leash are often seen on walkways or in parks, and can look silly, especially when the owner is struggling to keep up. Unfortunately, this is a problem that many of us suffer, and few take the time to actually tend to. So, we must address this issue, but not through rough treatment or fancy tricks with expensive tools. It is best done by working through the relationship that owners and dogs share with each other.

A leash to bond

The very curious nature of a dog gives them the desire to wander, which of course instigates their desire to pull and tug you as they chase a scent or something of interest (stray cat?). As your dog develops the habit of pulling you along by the leash, they begin to feel that they are in charge of the journey. You will follow them, rather than they follow you. This can be dangerous for a dog, especially if they are off the leash, perhaps in a park, and race away to chase some unknown object.

Where you need to start is getting your dog used to their leash. Many dogs don’t like the idea of being leashed, familiarizing it with restriction and unwanted feelings when they see it. When you can carefully observe your dog in a contained environment, put the leash on them and allow them to pull it around freely, so that they can get used to the idea of it being there. It is important to watch them to ensure that they don’t get hung up or caught on furniture.

A walk to remember

When they’ve become accustomed to the leash, or at least familiar with it being there, it’s time for a walk. But, this won’t be just any walk, because confusion will play a part in this trick. Dogs develop habits quickly, and have great difficulty breaking them. They will instinctively have the desire to run, chase, or pursue scents or objects of attention. What you must do during the walk is teach them that you are the primary object of their attention. This process does more than teach a dog how to walk with you; it teaches them that you are the center of their attention.

A short walkway, a leash, a handful of treats, and your faithful companion are all that is needed for the trick. Perhaps the short walk down to the mailbox will suffice for the walk, but other than that, all you need are the basics and the right method. First you begin to walk in one direction, and your dog will likely begin to race past you and tug at the end of the leash to begin the lead. Stop. Don’t pull back on them, but don’t walk with them either or you’ll reinforce their desire to lead. Instead, change your direction directly opposite and call to them (it helps to have this command already learned). When they come back, it is helpful to place a treat at your heel to keep their attention on you. Then, you begin to walk the other way. They will likely repeat their actions and race past you again, to which you also go through the motions again by stopping, changing direction, and waiting for your pup to rejoin you on your journey. This process is repeated over and over, slowly breaking the dog of its tugging and leading habits, and teaching them to walk with you. This happens as they realize that they don’t always know where you are going. And like any good dog, they always want to be with you.

Dogs are eager to please, and have the internal desire to follow you, but their curiosity and habits can get in the way. This process may take a few tries, or even longer periods of time, but doesn’t require a choker leash or head harness to get them to want to follow you. That is the trick. Rather than teaching your dog to follow…or else, you teach the dog to follow you because they want to be with you.

Cancer can develop in any dog at any stage in life, but is found most commonly in dogs that are in their later senior years (10 and up). This means that owners should be aware of how cancer can affect their dog and be able to detect early warning signs to ensure the health of their four-legged friend.

Something that every pet owner should do is routinely inspect their dog both physically and mentally. That doesn’t mean that you sit your pup down in a psychologist’s chair and talk to them. Many cancers can affect their daily habits, such as eating and sleeping. Dogs love routine, so radical changes in their behavior should be taken seriously. Many dogs will begin to show behavioral signs that something is wrong, such as loss of appetite or repeatedly licking a single localized area that may appear irritated or swollen. The physical inspection is just as important, and in order to tell the difference in their bodies, you’ll need to consistently check them for physical changes such as lumps between their arms and chest area, swellings, unusual discharges, and difficulty breathing (when they’re awake).

These signs don’t always provide the needed time to treat cancer properly, which is why researching your dog’s breed and regular checkups with the vet are crucial to ensuring your dog’s health. Dog breed can play a part in their predisposition towards certain cancers. Many times, purebreds are at a greater risk because of genetic diseases that can lead to cancerous growths. Regular checkups with the vet can greatly increase the chances that you will discover the cancer early on, and prevent any further growth or damage with the proper treatment.

But cancer isn’t just on the surface. Some of these cancers can affect various parts of a dog’s body, and aren’t always limited to the skin. This means that you can’t always detect all forms of cancer with a physical inspection. Just like humans, dogs can also get breast and testicular cancer, especially if genetic diseases such as Cryptorchidism are already present. These diseases will often have an effect on a dog’s habits and mental state since these areas affect their hormonal levels. Spaying or neutering your dog can greatly reduce the likelihood of these cancers if done early enough.

But, not all cancers are always dangerous. There are two types of cancer, one being benign, which is harmless and rarely interacts with the surrounding tissues, but results in growths or discoloration of the skin or even fur. The other is malignant, which are usually aggressive and attack the body and tissue, resulting in illness, pain, swelling, and discomfort. When you detect abnormalities in your dog, it is important that you take them to the veterinarian to get them checked out. The vet will normally analyze the growth through biopsy, blood tests, x-rays, and ultra sounds to confirm the purpose of the growth.

Some treatments can involve chemotherapy, just like in humans. This treatment is hard on the body because it attacks the cancerous cells to inhibit growth, but unfortunately will also affect the immune system as well. The positive side is that it can save your dog’s life, or at least extend it, even with severe cancers such as lymphoma (cancer in the lymph system which is part of the immune system). Dogs will usually suffer from vomiting, dizziness, and nausea, but rarely lose their fur.

Tumors and growths can also be treated with surgeries and operations, in which a surgeon would remove the tumor or cancerous tissues to prevent further growth or infection of nearby organs and tissues.

Of course, waiting to see if your dog will get cancer is no way to take care of your pup. An active, healthy lifestyle and the proper diet also play a role in the development of cancer. This is why it is so important to make sure that you take care of your dog’s health on a daily basis. Take your dog for a walk regularly, feed them the right diet (human food is not dog food), and ensure proper grooming to prevent infections that can result from ticks and fleas. Brushing and oral care will also help prevent gum diseases that can cause cancer of the mouth, which can be extremely painful for a dog. Take care of your dog’s health, and you can help prevent any unnecessary cancers later in life.

Early detection and treatment are vital for your dog’s health. If left untreated, even small cancers that affect the skin can spread to organs and even the lymph system. With early detection, many cancers can be treated and can save your best friend’s life.

Have you ever wondered why your dog is eating the grass in the yard? They sniff and pluck blades usually from a familiar spot. Sometimes they even chew on fresh branches or pull the bark off of trees, which can often be annoying when you want to keep your yard healthy and green. But stopping your dog from eating the grass, plants, or trees isn’t the solution. These greens are necessary for your dog’s body.

Aside from the common thoughts that grass helps settle a dog’s belly if they’re upset, plants play a much more important role in your dog’s well-being. Although grass does play a part in your dog’s digestive system, helping them to digest and process their food easily, green plants have more to offer your dog’s entire body.

The necessary nutrients for your dog

One of the primary reasons that your dog eats grass is because they’re seeking vital enzymes for their body. Plants produce many of these enzymes naturally, so your dog needs them to maintain a healthy body. Instinctively, they know this, so they eat plants of all sorts to accumulate them. Unfortunately, this may result in a dog nibbling a poisonous or dangerous plant (poinsettia, cactus, or even rose bushes) to find the necessary nutrients for their body. Since this can be a very serious problem, it is up to you to prevent this by giving your dog a safe source of these enzymes.

A dog’s body requires twenty-two different enzymes to complete healthy body functions. Twelve of these occur naturally within their body and can be sustained with the proper diet (quality dog food designed for their breed and size). The other ten are found in nature- primarily in plants. Grass contains several of these enzymes, but not always enough, which is why dogs will often pick and choose from areas in the yard to snack on greenery (they may even sneak into the garden if they get a chance).

Because it is up to you to ensure your dog is provided a healthy lifestyle, you must make these enzymes readily available to them. There are food additives you can purchase at pet stores and even health food stores, but one of the best sources for your dog to get these enzymes is in algae. An alga is not a mold or growth in water, but a plant. It is actually the most life giving plant, producing most of the world’s oxygen that we consume every day. But you don’t have to let your dog lick the bottom of the pond to get these nutrients. Tablets composed of dehydrated algae are available, and are good for both you and your dog.

Other excellent sources of enzymes and nutrients for your dog are the plants kale and seaweed. These water plants can be found in most grocery stores (especially as we become more aware of our own health) and can be mixed in with their food or eaten on their own.

Besides just providing the essential nutrients for your dog’s body, these plants also help to rid their body of unnecessary toxins. They are a great addition to a healing dog’s diet, especially right after certain procedures or illnesses. On top of that, these plants also provide good sources of protein for energy and strength (even though they may already be more than enough for us to handle).

Staying hydrated

Another reason for snacking on greenery is that a dog may require more water. Dogs, especially seniors and puppies, require plenty of water to cool and function properly. Always make sure that your dog has ready access to water and that it’s kept fresh constantly. Some dogs may need incentive to drink (you can lead a dog (horse) to water, but you can’t make them drink). Moving water means fresh water, and many dogs will enjoy drinking from a fountain, faucet, or even from a pouring container before they will drink from a bowl. If you’re concerned that your dog isn’t staying hydrated, you may consider investing in a cycling water fountain for them. It keeps the water circulating so that it stays fresh for your pup.

So don’t fret if you see your dog pulling up a patch of grass. They’re just trying to get the nutrients their body needs. All you need to do is help them achieve a healthy body. Regardless of what source your dog gets their enzymes, nutrients, and water from, it’s up to you to provide them with a complete diet to ensure their health and well-being. When you provide them with what they need, they won’t be as inclined to snack on the grass or trees, and you can enjoy a healthy yard and a healthy, happy dog.