It’s a Dog Life - Common Jobs for Dogs

Have you ever thought of signing your dog up to volunteer for a job? Dogs are not only great pets, they also help us make work a bit easier. Letting them volunteer is a great way for them to get enough exercise and avoid developing degenerative myelopathy. Many organizations and industries need dogs to when completing tasks and workloads.  You might be interested in helping out or you could also be working in a field where your dog can serve together with you.

Below are common jobs for dogs and how your four legged friend can help.

Police/military dogs

Most police and military tasks are given to dogs because of their agility, speed, and sense of smell. Dogs are used for search and rescue, bomb and narcotics sniffing, and attack dogs. Most dogs used by the police and the military are German Shepherds, Labradors, Belgian Shepherd Dog or Malinois, Dobermans and Rottweiler. These powerful dogs are trained to serve and protect and are taken to the field.

Therapy dogs

If your dog is loveable, approachable and friendly, it can be a big help as a therapy dog. Many hospitals, clinics and rehabilitation centers use these therapy dogs to help their patients get well faster. Therapy dogs bring joy and a smile to anyone’s face. There are no common breeds for therapy dogs, as long as your dog is supper approachable and friendly, it can be trained to be one.

Guide dog

Dogs can be used as eyes and ears as well. Training your dog to become a guide dog is scary, since the person’s life is placed in the dog’s hands. You dog needs to be smart, fast and attentive to become a guide. They also need to be a bit big. Most guide dogs are medium to large sized dogs since it’s easier for the person to feel their presence.

Search and rescue

You’ve probably heard of the stories of dogs who go up to mountains and forest to look for lost trekkers or people who have been covered in the snow. With this job, people will depend on your dog to save the people who got stranded or lost along the trail. If you have a dog that’s loyal, easy to train, healthy and has a big build, then it can be trained as a search and rescue dog.

The down side of having dogs work is that they will need to retire someday. You dog could be too old to work or might develop degenerative myelopathy because of age. Either way, most retired dogs are well taken care of and are placed in special programs.

read more "It’s a Dog Life - Common Jobs for Dogs"

Dogs and Birds – Can They get Along?

The problem with having a family that loves to take care of pets is that you might have one or more type of pets in your home. A common combination would be dogs and cats, but in some households, they keep both dogs and birds under the same roof.

Is it safe to have birds and dogs in the house at the same time? Well if you train them properly then yes. This might sound like an unlikely combination but birds and dogs can get along very well as house pets.

Below are a few tips on taking care of dogs and bird together.

Keep their sleeping areas separated

You don’t want to wake up in the middle of the night finding your dog braking up at the bird’s cage or post. If you let your pet bird fly around freely at home, make sure that their resting post is found far way or in another room from the dog’s sleeping area. During the first few days, your dog will be curious about the bird, so you want to keep it as far away as possible when you’re not watching over them.

Store food separately

Don’t mix bird seed with dog food. Dogs and birds have very different nutritional needs, and you don’t want to mix their meals up so keep both of these in separate containers. To make it easier, use those affordable plastic containers that you can purchase in home and hardware stores and just label them with markers. You can also go organic on pet food for both your bird and dog. Some people would just give their pet bird natural seed and fruits and give their dog homemade dog food to prevent dm in dogs from developing.

More time together

The more time they spend together, the more they get used to each other’s company. Let you’re approach the bird and watch over them carefully. Your dog might frighten the bird and they might end up hurting each other. Older dogs, especially the ones who have developed illnesses like dm in dogs and don’t move around that much might even loose interest of the bird and just let it be. Bottom line is, never live them alone, especially if they’re still new to each other. Once they’ve become more familiar with each other, then you can relax. It might take some time but sooner or later, they’ll learn to live with each other.

read more "Dogs and Birds – Can They get Along?"

Pet Care –A Good Night’s Sleep for your Pup

Puppies are just small, furry balls of energy that love to run around and play. Taking care of one means that you not only have to worry about giving them a good diet, you also need to make sure they get enough rest and sleep. Unlike babies, you can’t just sing puppies to sleep. They just doze off when they like, where they like. Puppies that don’t get enough sleep tend to be smaller, weaker and more prone to genetic illnesses like DM in dogs. To avoid this, below are a few tips to help give them a good night’s rest.

Give them their own sleeping area   

As much as possible, you don’t want to encourage your dog to sleep anywhere they want. Giving them their own space helps discipline them to sleep in a certain area only and it also helps stop pet hair from getting all over the place. Lay out a mat or small carpet and put some covered throw pillows where they can lounge around and sleep. You can also invest in a good dog bed, but if you have more than one puppy, you will have to get another one when they get bigger.

Tell you kids to let them sleep
One of the reasons why puppies don’t get enough sleep is that kids usually end up bothering them because they want to play. You’ll want to tell your kids to let them sleep and give them a specific time that they can play with the puppy. If you’re ok with it, you can also let the puppy sleep on the kid’s beds, but you have to clean the sheets every morning to avoid allergies.

Give them the right diet

Their diet can also help them get the right sleep. To be safe, stick with a good puppy starter kit so you don’t have to worry about mixing and matching dog food products and food supplements. They should also be given the right amount of food. Too little might cause them to wake up late at night and cry for food, while too much is going to cause digestive problems. The right diet will not only help with sleep, it also affects their overall health and minimizes the chances of illnesses like DM in dogs to develop.

Keep it cool

Like humans, dogs also have a problem sleeping if it’s too warm or too cold, especially if they’re not used to the temperature. This would also depend on the dog’s fur if it’s long and thick or short and thin. You’ll want to keep the temperature just right so they’ll sleep comfortably.

read more "Pet Care –A Good Night’s Sleep for your Pup"

How to Get your Dog Ready for a Show

If your dog is from a long line of pure breeds, you might want to let them join a dog show or pageant. These shows not only showcase your dog’s talent and looks, it can also let you win a cash prize or even a supply of dog food, grooming products and even vitamins to minimize your dog’s chances of getting degenerative myelopathy. Getting your dog ready for these shows isn’t as easy as it sounds. Here are some tips to help your dog be the best it can be during the big day.

No stress

First of all, don’t get the pressure get to you and your dog. Don’t stress yourself and your dog out with extreme preparation for the event. Remember, you’re just joining the contest for fun. Meet other dog enthusiast and let you and your dog enjoy the day and don’t be too competitive and serious, especially if it’s your fist time joining a contest.

Get some practice

It’s a good idea to take some time to go over your dog’s tricks a few weeks before the event. Your dog might find some tricks easy to do, while others might be a bit of a challenge, especially if they’re not use to doing it. Take some time to over your dog’s tricks and be patient with them. Just let them get used to all the commands while you still have time.

Go to the parlor

Help your dog look their best by going to the groomers a day before the event. Have their hair cut and shaped, give them a bath, and condition their fur. Don’t miss out on their nails, eyes, ears and paws when getting them cleaned. If your dog has the early stages of degenerative myelopathy, a good massage can help sooth their nerves and even let them perform better.

Vitamins

Giving your dog some extra vitamins can help keep them active and boost up their energy levels. You can find these in most vet supply shops or pet stores. Some dog owners even give their dogs vitamins that are for human consumption, but this isn’t advisable. Before giving any food supplement of vitamins to your pet, make sure you talk to your vet.

Rest

Make sure your dog gets a lot of rest before the day of the event. They might become too tired to perform on the day and this might even affect their behavior. Let them have a good night’s sleep before the event.

read more "How to Get your Dog Ready for a Show"

Common Wide Dogs as Pets

Most of us are used to pet dogs that are warm, welcoming and domesticated. These dogs are very used to the presence of humans and are commonly kept as pets. However, there are some dog lovers who take their love for canines to the extreme, even taking in wild dogs as pet. These dogs more or less have the same needs as domesticated dogs, even sharing the same illnesses like DM in dogs. In some countries, keeping wild dogs is against the law. However, some people still find ways to keep these wild dogs under their homes as “pets”. Many successfully domesticate these animals, but some end up in life threatening accidents and even death. Below are common wild dogs that people captivate and take in as pets.

Wolves

The wolf is one of the most common wild dogs found across the world. They are characterized by their long bushy tails, pointy ears, almond shaped eyes, medium to thick fur and large size. Wolves are one of the easiest wild dogs to domesticate, especially if they were bred and grew up on captivity. Wolves are even used in the entertainment industry as actors in movies, preforming tricks in front of a crowed and playing the “bad guy” in most films. Like German Shepherds, which are very closely related to them, wolves can also suffer from DM in dogs.

Dingo

Growing up in the Australian outback’s, you’re probably familiar with what a dingo is. These medium sizes wild dogs live mostly around the grasslands, edges of forest and deserts of Australia. They stay close to water and can’t live far from it. Most dingos settle in empty rabbit holes, dens that they dig up and big hollow logs. Dingos have made a bad reputation for themselves in the outback. Normally, these dogs don’t touch human livestock, but due to the migration of human presence to their natural habitat, many dingos have been hunted down and condemned because they attacked flocks of sheep and goats.

Jackal

This wild dog looks more like a mixture of a wolf and a fox. They have small, pointy-shaped heads with ears that stand up. These dogs are commonly found in northern Africa and west Asia, roaming around the deserts and dry lands. They feed of small animals like birds and lizards and they have the ability to walk and run for long distances. Unlike most dogs, jackals prefer to live in pairs, and in some rare cases, trios.

Keeping these animals as pets is a dangerous thought, for the sole fact that they are still wild and their primitive urges are still uncontrollable. However, if you do come across one and consider getting as a pet, you have to be ready for the responsibility.

read more "Common Wide Dogs as Pets"

Dealing with Your Dog’s Aggression

Many dog owners have to worry about their dog being too aggressive around other people. There are times that we take our dogs out to the park or to an area where there are a lot of people and we become overly cautious and afraid that it might snarl and snap on a stranger. No matter how big or small the dog is,it needs to be trained and taught how to control its aggression and know when it’s ok to let its guard down.

Below are a few tips to prevent your dog’s aggressiveness to become worst.

Preventive measures
Use a muzzle or a similar item to stop them from biting. It may not be the most friendly choice, but as a dog owner, you’re responsible for your own and other people’s safety around your dog. This is also helpful with dogs that can’t move or suffer from mobility problems like degenerative myelopathy. Make sure you have a sturdy leash the can take any pressure the dog might exert. It also has to be strong enough that you can pull the dog towards you in case it jumps on someone.

Avoid aggression triggers

A lot of things can actually cause your dog to become aggressive. Stress, noise, strangers, even having another dog or animal around can cause it to get hostile and show negative behavior. As much as possible, you don’t want to expose your dog to these stressors or you can slowly introduce them into their daily routine so that they’ll get used to it. One of the main reasons why dogs become aggressive is because they feel afraid and uncertain of their surroundings. This is very noticeable especially amongst older dogs that are adopted into new families or dogs that are taken to the clinic for testing like dogs with degenerative myelopathy. Proper handling and barding out these aggression triggers can teach your dog how to calm down by its own.

Better treatment

The best way to help a dog get over their aggression and become friendlier is to train and handle it well. Most dog owners really don’t give much attention to this and they would even just tie their dogs up in the lawn and don’t properly socialize them. Talk to an expert trainer or breeder about your dog’s aggression and don’t skip out on their health. Trainers and breeders work hand in hand with vets to help dog owners train and develop their dogs to become well socialized animals.

read more "Dealing with Your Dog’s Aggression"

Ideas of A Doggy Vacation

If your dog is going through a lot of stress, you might want to take it out on a vacation. This might sound silly, but your dog will be happier after a day or two of relaxation and all out fun. But how do you plan out or spend a vacation with your dog? Below are a few simple ideas.

Spend it at the beach

Sun, sand and surf, imaging spending the whole day at the beach with your dog. The beach is a great place to spend a day especially if your dog is the type of breed that’s made to love the water, such as Labradors and Newfoundlands. Disabled dogs, like the ones with DM in dogs can still enjoy the beach, buy you have to keep an eye on them. Too much sun might dry their fur out or cause them to get dehydrated. Make sure you bring lots of water with you and if you can, stay under the shade or bring a beach umbrella.

Pet hotels

Pet hotels are all in one establishment that offers services that will make your dog feel like they’re in a vacation. Pet hotels have salons that have grooming packages that range from massages to haircuts and even hair coloring. This is a great place to take toy dogs like Pugs and Papillions. Dogs that have illnesses like DM in dogs or physical problems will also enjoy the pampering these pet hotels offer.

Home therapy
Dogs that have DM in dogswould love these therapy sessions. Since they can’t move, home therapy sessions would feel like heaven for them. It’s like bringing a spa to your home for your dog. they can have a few hours of massage and physical therapy which eases their muscles and nerves. These sessions could even help them recover or lessen the symptoms of their illness.

Dog parks

Socializing is great way for dogs to distress and have fun. Most towns and even neighborhoods have dog parks for all the local dogs to meet up and make friends.  Your dog might have a hard time meeting others during their first time at the dog park, especially if they’re not use to seeing other animals, but they will start warming up to others and even join a pack.

These are just a few ways for you to have some fun and distress with your dog. remember, safety first and always watch over your dog to avoid accidents.

read more "Ideas of A Doggy Vacation"

Taking Care of Your French Bulldog

One of the fastest growing popular dog breeds are French bulldogs. These dogs originated from a mixture of bulldogs and terriers, and are a favorite amongst small to medium sized families and celebrities. Probably, this breed got highlighted when celebrity host Martha Stuart showed her French bulldog on her shows and showed how energetic and playful the breed can be.

A small sized dog, frenchies are easy to maintain, well in temperament and have little known health problems. Here are a few tips to help you take better care of your French bulldog.

Diet
Since frenchies are small dogs, you should never over feed them to avoid DM in dogs. Ask your vet about the proper serving size for the breed and keep a strict watch over their diet. Give them dog food, but if you’re planning to make your own meals for them, make sure you give them vitamins and food supplements to compensate for any lacking nutrition.

Regular exercise

They might prefer the indoors, but they still need regular exercise. An hour’s worth of light walking everyday should do it. Regular exercise helps prevent the development of joint and muscle problems like DM in dogs, arthritis and hip dysplasia. It also keeps them in shape.Take them out for a short walk every day since too much exercise can cause them to overheat and trigger breathing problems.

Teeth care and face folds

French bulldogs are particularly high maintenance when it comes to their teeth and face folds. You have to make sure they’re cleaned regularly to avoid mouth, face and jaw problems. When getting their teeth cleaned, try to avoid anesthesia since this compromises their respiratory system.

General grooming
A bath once or twice a week should be enough. But it would also depend on how cold or warm your location is. Brushing should be done daily to clean their coat of dirt and dead hair. They do shed but since they have a short coat, you won’t have to worry about having fur all over the place. They also drool a lot so you might want to bring around a cloth to wipe it out.

Temper
One of the most friendly dog breed, they get along well with other pets and people. However, when around younger children, they do need to be watched over since they don’t do rough play very well. They make snorting, grunting and wheezing sound normally so don’t panic if they do. They also have a tendency to have a hard time when swimming. In fact, most French bulldogs don’t know how to swim.

read more "Taking Care of Your French Bulldog"

Tips on giving your Dog a Home Checkup

Sometimes, we’re too busy to drive out to the vet and have our dog checked on. Regularcheckups can actually help your dog live longer and stay healthier. Some dog owners would set up appointments every other month, but many of them can't commit to these schedules. However, there are a few things that you can do at home to check on your dog’s health. Doing a self-check up on your dog can help you spot common health concerns.

Here are some tips to get you started.

Calm the dog down
Many dogs normally hate going to the vet because they associate the trip to an unpleasant feeling, such as the pain the feel when getting their shots. The first thing you need to do is to calm your dog down. Just pat them and let them relax, don't make such a big deal about it.  Immobile dogs, such as the ones that have DM in dogs, are easier to handle since they only stay in one corner of their mat or bed, already relaxed.

Head to foot

Start with their head and check their face. Look at their eyes, ears and mouth to see any mucous, abnormal growth, discoloration and anything that looks different. Move down to their torso, check their limbs for anything that looks like an injury or something that could cause pain. Don’t miss out the pads of their paws and check for cuts and marks.

Brush it out

Brush through their fur and check for any lumps and bumps. Their fur needs to look and feel healthy. if it’s falling out, then the dog could be sick. Bumps and lumps under their fur could be a sign of parasites like ticks and fleas, so run your fingers through their fur to check their skin.

Walking

Let your dog walk and run around to check how they balance or if they shake while they move. Shaking on the back limbs is a sign of a number of illnesses such as DM in dogs, arthritis, and other nerve, joint and hip problems.

Stool test

The easiest way to know if your dog is having digestive problems is to check their stool. If you see blood or mucus on their stool or if it’s liquid, it’s possible that your dog is experiencing digestive problems. there are basic home remedies that you can give to your dog but if the problem continues for days, then you will need to send them to the vet.

read more "Tips on giving your Dog a Home Checkup"

Caring for a Bedridden Dog

Like humans, dogs also suffer from illnesses that could cause them to become bedridden. Illnesses like dm in dogs, arthritis and hip dysplasia will cause the dog to lose their ability to move around. Some owners find it easier to just put their beloved pet to sleep then to see their illness progress and become worst. For those who prefer to care for their dogs until the end, here are some tips on how to care for a bedridden dog.

Food

Dogs that have problems with moving will most likely have a difficult time eating, as much as possible stay away from food that could pose as a choking hazard. Big pieces of meat and bones should not be included in their diet. Instead, give the dog something like a slurry or semi-liquid food. You can blend meat with some rice in a blender to get the right consistency. You can also purchase dog food that’s in paste form. Just keep in mind to ask the vet before changing their diet and to know their nutritional needs.

Bed

Let your dog rest on a big space. If you're planning to place it on a dog bed, make sure that it’s big enough so they can stretch their legs and paws. If you can't find a good dog bed, then use a makeshift one made out of floor paddings and foam. Your dog needs to be comfortable since they’ll spend all day lying down. You can also add some old throw pillows in to help elevate their bodies. Keep their bed and pillows covered with materials that you can easily clean.

Bath

Depending on how hot or cold your location is, you might need to give your dog a bath once or more times a week. If you’re living in a humid or tropical area, giving your dog a bath will not only keep them clean, it’ll also help keep them cool. Brush their fur daily to remove any dirt that could have suck on their fur.

Bathroom breaks
Some illness, such as dm in dogs, will cause them to lose control of their bladder. Some dog owners let their dog wear a diaper. They’d cut of a small hole where their dog’s tail goes into and securely wear the diaper on them. You can also assist them by locating their urinary tract and rubbing this area to move the urine out. 

Attention

Of course, never forget to give them attention. Spend some time playing with them and pet them. You need to move the dog around to avoid getting bed sores. Place them on the sofa so they can stay near you or on your lap while you watch TV. 

read more "Caring for a Bedridden Dog"

Top Hypoallergenic Dogs for Kids and Families

 Your kid has been begging for a pet dog and you worry about their heath, especially if they have asthma or other respiratory illnesses. Don’t fear since there are some dog breeds that are hypoallergenic and safe for kids with breathing problems.

Bichon Frisé

At first, you might think this little puffy dog might trigger allergies, but they actually don’t shed and they’re smart and easy to train. However, these dogs are a bit high maintenance and you’ll need to brush their fur to get rid of dust and dander.

Schnauzer

One of the most noticeable features of this breed is its beard. They don’t shed and they’re one of the most loyal breeds. They have a tendency to follow you around and make you the center of their world. They can also be a bit stubborn and too protective, so you need to socialize them properly and train them to get use to other people. Because of their size, they can be prone to DM in dogs.

Yorkshire Terrier

If you don’t have any space to let your dog run around, then this is the perfect breed for you. Yorkshire Terriers love to cuddle and play with their owners and don’t require a lot of exercise. They do, however, need a lot of grooming so make sure you keep a brush in handy.

BedlingtonTerrier
These dogs look more like lambs then dogs but these dogs are actually not as fearful as sheep. They are one of the best family dogs around because of their loyalty and protectiveness. This mild mannered breed is good with kids.

Poodles

Poodles are said to be the smartest dog breed around and they come in three different sizes, toy, miniature and standard. Standard sized poodles are prone to DM in dogs so you will have to be watchful of their diet. Although these dogs don’t shed, they do need attention on the grooming department.

Italian Greyhound
Italian greyhounds are smaller compared to regular greyhounds, so they don’t need a lot of space. The thing about this dog is that they are sensitive to weather. You have to keep them warm and they won’t do well in places that have chilly climate.

Basenji

A not so common breed, this dog is perfect if you want a dog that doesn’t make a lot of noise. After all, Basenji doesn’t bark. They do make strange

read more "Top Hypoallergenic Dogs for Kids and Families "

Should You Dress your Dog Up?

Halloween came and went, and with it we saw thousands of photos of adorable dogs in costumes showing up in almost all the different social networking sites on the Web. Thankfully, our pets don’t know what embarrassment is, remaining oblivious to the fact that people find it cute to see dogs in wacky and ridiculous clothes.

However, some dog owners are dressing their dogs up even if it’s not Halloween. This raises the question, “Is it ok to dress up my dog?” After all, many of our pet dogs sleep in the same bed with us, eat the same food and are treated the same manner as we treat ourselves, so why not go the extra mile for them as well?

Why dress them up

There are many reasons why people dress their dogs up. Like humans, clothing is used as protection. Rain coats and sweaters are useful during rainy and cold days to help keep them warm, especially if they don’t have naturally thick fur or if they’re paralyzed like in cases of DM in dogs.

But besides this, people dress their dogs up because of the attention and their own enjoyment. Walking your dog while it’s wearing a shirt or dress will definitely make people look at it. Dressing them up also gives you more time to bond and play with your dog.

Why not to dress them up

Dressing them up can cause them to become uncomfortable when moving around. Some clothes could be too tight for them and they could have difficulty breathing. Dogs that have physical disorders like DM in dogs will find these clothes as a hassle. These could even cause injury to their backs or hips.

It’s also possible that the dog could get a rash or get some kind of allergic reaction to the fabric. Although it’s not common, it’s definitely a possibility. Small accessories and designs can also poke them and cause discomfort. Left over detergent after cleaning the clothes might also cause damage to their fur.

To dress or not to dress them?
Overall, it’s fine to dress your dog up. It’s always nice to see something cute on your pet and the clothes will help keep them warm and cozy. However, never assume that your dog actually likes wearing these cloths. If you notice that your dog wants to take the clothes off or shows signs of discomfort, take the clothes off.

read more "Should You Dress your Dog Up?"

Caring for Immobile Dogs

Dogs that went through an accident or have a certain illness could become immobile. They could lose the ability to move and control their legs, have difficulty walking or end up lying around all day. This is a sad situation but there are still a few things that dog owners can do to help their pets be able to move again.

Therapy

Dog owners can now sign their dogs up for physical therapy sessions at their local animal clinic or hospital. There are some physical therapists that specialize in animals but some vets are also knowledgeable about the practices and therapies to help dogs be able to walk again. Dogs who undergo therapy, especially the ones that are ill with degenerative myelopathy, tend to develop the illness slower and regain control of their paws.

Ramps

Little things like ramps and elevations can help your dog get around the house or into your car a bit easier. You don’t have to purchase those expensive ramps, you can just create one out of some wood or even just get the inexpensive ones. These help your do move up the stairs, get into cars and even go from one floor to another in your house.

Booties and mats

If your dog has a hard time standing up because it can’t control its lower limbs anymore, let them wear a bootie so that they can have a better grip on the floor. Another way to help them out is to place mats on areas in the house where they might need to turn. This helps to avoid them from slipping and tripping. This helps dogs with arthritis and degenerative myelopathywhen keeping their balance and not falling off.

Wheelchairs

If your dog has completely lost its ability to move its hind legs, then getting it a wheelchair will help. Ask your vet id they can offer a good doctor that can fit your dog a wheelchair. Don’t just get any readymade one since this could not be the right fit and size for your dog. 

Medication
Although some immobility problems are not curable, you can still help minimize symptoms by giving your dog some medication. Other vets would just advise some additional food supplement and extra exercise. Before giving your dog any form of medication or food supplement, make sure that the vet approves it first. Regular check-ups are also advisable.

read more "Caring for Immobile Dogs"

Pet Life – Listing your Dog as a Therapy Dog

If you want your pet to become more than just a home and family dog, try having it listed as a therapy dog at your local clinic, hospital or other health facility.

Pets have long been used to make us feel better, especially dogs. People of all ages react well with therapy dogs, which help them stay happy through their recovery. Therapy dogs are also great when it comes to children since it gives them something to look forward to while they get well.

But not all dogs are eligible to become therapy dog. Your dog may not have the right personality or could be sick with dm in dogs. This could affect their ability to help the therapist. Dogs that are well socialized are great for the job, but dogs that are hesitant with strangers may need more training. Below are other things that you need to watch for before signing them up.

Handle well with the handler

Not unless you’re actually the one handling your pet, your dog and the handler must have a good relationship with each other. Most handlers are commonly therapists or health care professionals who took up a specialty in therapy, so they should know how to deal with your dog and the person they are interacting with. Check how your dog reacts and moves around with the handler to see how they work together.

Heath

Your dog’s own health should also be taken in consideration. If your dog has illnesses like arthritis, joint problems or dm in dogs, they may not stay as therapy dogs for long because of their illness’s progression. Same thing goes to dogs that are sickly. You’ll want to make sure that your dog is healthy and fit before training them to become a therapy dog.

Personality
As mentioned earlier, your dog needs to have a sociable personality. If your dog is really open and welcoming to strangers, then they could make the perfect therapy dog. You have to watch their temperament because your dog might be rough with the patients.

Size

Toy dogs are wonderful therapy dogs, but medium and large sized dogs also do very well with this job. When it comes to large therapy dogs, you have to be really watchful especially with younger children. You dog could over power them and hurt them by accident, but most well trained therapy dogs know how to control themselves around kids.

read more "Pet Life – Listing your Dog as a Therapy Dog"

4 Reasons why you should get a Pure Breed Dog

Choosing the right dog breed is a big this with dog owners. Some people feel that it’s fine to get any type of dog while others prefer to choose a pure breed. A pure breed dog simply means that the dog comes from a bloodline that shares the same breed. There are pros and cons when it comes to getting a pure breed dog, so you have to choose wisely. Below are a few benefits of choosing one over a mutt or a mix breed.

Know the breed better

If your dog is a pure breed, then it means that it will most likely have the known traits that the breed has. This means that you can expect that the dog will behave the way the breed would. If you have a German Shepherd, then expect the dog to be loyal and intelligent. If you have a Chihuahua, expect it to be low maintenance and noisy. Doing a little research on which breed to choose helps you find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.

Health issues

All dog breeds have known health problems connected to them. Corgis and degenerative myelopathy, Grate Danes and heart problems, pugs and respiratory issues, the list goes on. Finding out which breed is more prone to a specific illness will help you get ready and avoid the illness. If your dog does develop it over time due to genetics, then you’ll know how to deal with it correctly. Sometimes, it’s also because of the dog’s size. Bigger dogs are more prone to degenerative myelopathycompared to smaller ones, so do a lot of reading about your dog’s heath.

The dog’s temperament

You can tell if the dog is going to be an easy, fun loving dog or a strong, protective type just by monitoring their parents. Pure breed dogs tend to have their parent’s temperament, making it easier for you to know how the dog is going to be when it grows up. Proper training can help give the dog a good temperament, but genetics will always have a big role to play.

Bragging rites

Some people have turned dog breeding into a real art. They breed dogs to create the perfect litter or puppy that has all the noticeable breed characteristics like coat color, personality, size and weight. If you have a pure breed dog that has all the right features and characteristics, you can get a medal or an award at a dog show. 

read more "4 Reasons why you should get a Pure Breed Dog"

Dog Nutrition – What you need to know

Nutrition is one of the biggest concerns when it comes to taking care of your pet dogs. We want to make sure that they’re getting the best and have just enough vitamins and minerals to keep themselves strong and healthy. Dog owners would spend hundreds of dollars on dog food but aren’t really giving their dogs the right diet. The right diet helps make sure the dog lives a long and healthy life, keeping away from illnesses like degenerative myelopathy. Below are a few things to take note of when feeding your pet dog and creating a well-balanced diet.

Top class dog food

If you don’t want to bother yourself with cooking and preparing a meal for your dog, you can buy high quality dog food for your pet. Never gamble quality over price. You can find a lot of inexpensive dog food brands in the market, but these may be made from low class ingredients that don’t have the right nutritional value for your pet. Choose brands that have been trusted for years or if you want to go organic, some brands actually do make all natural dog food. Just make it a point to check the label or the content of the dog food.

Homemade meals

If you really want to be sure that your dog is getting nothing but the freshest ingredients and good meals, you might just want to make their meals at home. To most, they don’t have time to cook for their dogs, but creating meals for your pup doesn’t really take that much time. You just have to know what to prepare and prep it ahead of time. The main nutrients a dog needs to survive is protine, carbohydrates and fiber. When preparing their meals, make sure they get enough of each. Talk to the vet about serving sizes.

Food supplement

This helps make sure that the dog is getting enough nutrients. Food supplements aren’t just helpful in leaving off the nutrients, it can also help ease the recovery process of dogs that have illnesses such as degenerative myelopathy. These food supplements can be bought at the pet shop or even at the vet clinic. Before starting to give your pet food supplements, remember to talk to your vet and ask them if your dog can take in the additional nutrients. Too much nutrients is bad for you dog and may cause growth problems.

read more "Dog Nutrition – What you need to know"

All Meat vs. all Dog Food Diets – Which is better for your Dog?

Our pet’s nutrition has always been a main concern. We want to make sure that our dog stays healthy, happy and in good shape. There are a lot of things to consider when picking out the right diet for our pet. Some people say that an all meat diet is the best way to go while others say that dog food is enough for your dog. Both diets have their pros and cons and it may be difficult to choose from one. Here is a short comparison between the benefits and downside of an all meat and an all dog food diet.

 All meat

Dogs naturally eat all meat in the wild. They more or less have the same dietary need as humans however they need more meat and protein in their diet. Dogs that have meat based diets usually have shinier coats, strong muscles and bones and healthier jaws and teeth. Meat and bones also go along with each other and your dog will definitely enjoy chewing on a bone for hours on end. Some people recommend raw meat while others prefer to serve their dogs cooked and prepared meat. A downside of giving them this diet is the cost. Luckily, dogs don’t mind what type of cut or meat you give them so you can just purchase the most affordable parts and serve it to them, but this still gets a bit expensive over time. Some dogs are also not allowed to go on all meat diets, such as dogs that have degenerative myelopathy. You will also need to give them vitamins and supplements since meat doesn’t contain all the nutrients they need.

Dog food

Easy to serve and buy, dog food can be bought anywhere these days. Today, dog food formulas have become more complex and contain all the important vitamins and minerals your dog needs so you don’t have to give them food supplements anymore. You don’t have to prepare this and you can easily store in in a cupboard somewhere in your kitchen. Semi-solid dog food, like the ones you get in cans, are also easy to feed to dog. This makes feeding time for dogs that have mobility issues, like in cases of dogs that have degenerative myelopathy, easier. Price is more reasonable, but you should never feed your dog cheap dog food. The main down side of giving your pet dog food is that you don’t really know what the mixture is made out of. If you want to make sure your dog’s getting nothing but natural ingredients, it’s going to be difficult.

read more "All Meat vs. all Dog Food Diets – Which is better for your Dog?"

Keeping a Clean Dog – 3 Things to Take Note Of

Grooming your dog should be something that you regularly have to do. Keeping them clean is a main priority since you don’t want to have a bad smelling dog in the house. Here are 3 things you need to make sure of when cleaning your dog.

Hair brushing

Most dogs love to get their hair brushed. This helps strengthen their hair and you also get to bond with your dog. This also takes out the dust and keeps their coat healthy and strong. Depending on how long and coarse the dog’s coat is, you might need to brush it every day or just a few times a week. Long hair dogs are a bit high maintenance when it comes to brushing. Regardless of their hair type, you can just brush their coat every day, especially if they enjoy it. Frequent brushing can help minimize excess shedding and hair build-up. Use a good brush like the Furminator which takes out all the tangles and de-sheds their coats.

Nail trimming

 If you don’t trim your dog’s nails, get ready to be scratched. You dog may jump up on you and their claws can get a bit too sharp. File them down or trim them with a nail cutter. There are specific nail cutters made for dogs but you might have a hard time looking for one. These are only sold is specialty pet shops. Some illnesses like dm in dogs will damage your dog’s nails. They lose control of their hind paws and tend to drag their paws while walking. This makes them scratch their nails on the floor and damage them. Be careful when cutting their nails because if you cut them too short, they might get hurt from it.

Bathing

Give your dog a bath once a week or twice a month. Depending on how long their fur is, or how messy they can get, make sure you give them a good scrubbing when giving them a bath. This is also a good way to minimize and get rid of fleas, ticks and other parasites that could be living in your dog’s coat. Use anti flea and tick shampoos when bathing them and use a medicated powder after. If you dog has dm in dogs,make sure you support it when giving it a bath and never leave it out of your site. Since they have a hard time controlling their limbs, they might get hurt and even drown in the shallow water.

read more "Keeping a Clean Dog – 3 Things to Take Note Of"

4 Common Signs that your Dog is Sick

It can difficult to know if your dog is sick or not. After all, they can’t just walk up to you and tell you that they’re in pain. The only thing you can really watch out for are the obvious signs of illness. Here are a few things to take note of.

No appetite

You’ll notice that your dog skips its meals and turns down food, even if it’s something you know it’ll eat. This is one of the most obvious signs of illness.

Absence or reduction of appetite, especially when it goes on for a few days, should be enough reason to take your dog to the vet. If you can’t go to the veterinarian yet, find a way to feed your dog, even if you have to force feed it. Some owners would turn their food into a paste-like consistency and use a baster to feed the dog. This method is an effective way to feed dogs that have a hard time moving, like in cases of physical disability or DM in dogs.

Fever

It’s a little difficult to know if a dog has fever or not. When the dog has high body temperature, try to place your finger near the openings of their ears or rub their stomach area. If you think that the dog is warmer than usual, you should consult your vet. Many different illnesses can cause fever, so always have your vet’s number in handy in case you need to contact him or her.

Diarrhea or Vomiting

Diarrhea or vomiting can be caused by an illness or something that your pet ate that caused it to have an upset stomach. Food-induced diarrhea or vomiting can be easily cured with home remedies, but if it continues to happen for a few days, or if you notice blood on their stool or vomit, then it’s something more than just bad food.

Like babies and small children, dogs can sometimes swallow small household objects that can irritate their digestive tract. Diarrhea or vomiting can also be a sign of parasitic infection. Other changes like constipation, infrequent or frequent urination and unusual stool texture needs to be checked immediately.

Physical appearance and movement

If you notice their fur thinning, patching off, or becoming dull, this could be a caused by illness. Feel for any strange bumps or growth under their skin, discharge or mucus coming for their ears, nose or eyes, and the color of their gums. If they start having problems walking, sitting, running or even standing up and keeping balance, this could be a sign of DM in dogs, arthritis or some other joint, nerve and muscle problems.

read more "4 Common Signs that your Dog is Sick"

Pros and Cons of Home Euthanasia

Everyone knows that it’s painful to see your pet dog in pain. What’sworse is that you might need to decide to end their pain through euthanasia. There are so many things that a pet owner needs to consider before pulling the plug on their pet, such as age, the illness, treatment, and the owner’s ability to care for their dog. If the dog is getting less good days then bad, then it might be time to let them go.

If you decide to do so, then the next thing to ask is where you are going to euthanize your pet. You can drive all the way to the vet’s office, in fact many people do this, but you also have the option to do it in a more private setting. More people would prefer to have their dog euthanized at home where they can have a solemn ceremony, especially if their dog isn’t able to move like in DM in dogs cases.  Vet’s offer home service for euthanasia since it’s going to be painful for most to take their dog somewhere else and bring them home after to bury them.

What are the pros and cons of having your dog euthanized at home?

Pros

Most dogs don’t like going to the vet’s office. The only memory they have of the place is being prodded, stuck, and poked with needles or forced to take medicines that taste bad. With this, many dog owners would prefer to spare their ill dogs the anxiety the feel when going out for a trip to the vet’s office and have their dog put down at home. They also feel more at ease since they are in a familiar place. Euthanasia should be done in a private setting. It’s an event where you might end up crying over the loss of your pet, and it’s better to do this at home rather than a public place. It’s also more convenient for the owners since they don’t have to move the dog around. Paralyzed dogs, like the ones that have DM in dogs, can be euthanized as they sleep on their bed.

Cons

You will have to make sure that you get a person that’s capable and certified to perform euthanasia. Another problem would be that the vet or person performing the procedure may not have access to the tools, medicine, staff and equipment available to help them. It’s also going to be difficult to control the dog, especially if it’s a large dog, when they feel the sting of the needle go in. it’s also going to be pricier. Vets that offer home services usually charge a bit more compared to vets that perform euthanasia at the clinic.

read more "Pros and Cons of Home Euthanasia"