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Dog Parenting Tips | Dog Care | Mom with Dog

Dog Parenting Tips | Care for Your Dogs" is a comprehensive guide for dog moms, offering 200 expert tips on health, training, diet, and emotional care to ensure a happy, healthy bond with your furry friend.

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How Suitable is Raw Fish For Dogs?

Have you noticed your pooch go stir-crazy at the smell of fish? Have you been tempted to give them a taste but stop yourself because you’re sure how suitable is raw fish for dogs? Well, what you’re faced with is a common dilemma that many pet parents contend with. The short answer is no. Raw fish consumption exposes your dog to parasite risks that can lead to serious health complications. Many dogs may even experience an allergic reaction after consuming uncooked fish. On the other hand, the nutritional value of fish cannot be overlooked.  

After all, the high concentration of protein and essential nutrients in fish surely makes it a good contender for a spot in your dog’s food bowl. This is also why it is a common ingredient in ready-to-eat dog food. So, the question you should be asking is: how much and in what form is fresh fish good for dogs? Let’s find out.

Is Fresh Fish Good For Dogs?

If you lean in favor of feeding home-cooked food to your dog, fresh fish is not only good but can also be considered an essential ingredient for a balanced diet. Fresh fish for dogs offers many nutritional benefits, such as:

The Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish can contribute to improved coat and skin health and also have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body

Fish are also rich in Vitamin D – a micronutrient rarely found in foods – which can facilitate the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, resulting in better bone and joint health

Zinc, Vitamins B6, B12, and B13, iron, and iodine keep the nervous system healthy, improve immunity and cardiovascular health

These health benefits make it clear as day that fresh fish for dogs is a great dietary choice. That being said, not all fish types are suitable for your canine companion. In fact, some parasite risks, high mercury content, and risk of poisoning make some varieties of fish absolutely unfit for your pooch’s consumption. That’s why, if you’re considering introducing fresh fish to your dog’s diet, it’s crucial to carefully choose variety and source, and understand what’s the best way to incorporate it in your pet’s diet.

What types of fish can dogs eat?

As I said, not all fish varieties are safe for your dog’s consumption. Fish with a larger lifespan, like mackerel, swordfish, shark, and tuna, tend to have a high toxin content such as heavy metals and mercury, which can make your pet extremely sick. Likewise, if the fish you’re feeding your dog hasn’t been sourced and stored correctly, it can expose your dog to parasites that can cause health complications. Not to mention, if it doesn’t sit right with your pooch, fish can also cause a severe case of food poisoning.

1. Salmon

Nutrient-dense Salmon can be a great addition to your pet’s meal. The omega-3 fatty acids in Salmon work wonders in promoting a shiny coat and good skin health. Its nutritional profile also helps in reducing inflammation and strengthening the immune system. But can dogs eat raw salmon? The answer is no. It not only increases parasite risk but can also put your pet at risk of salmon poisoning, which can prove fatal.

2. Herring

Herring, which is typically found in shallow, temperate waters, is another choice if you’re looking for fresh fish for dogs. It is a great source of vitamin D. Feeding your pooch Herring once a week can help improve teeth, bone, and joint health. For dogs who are allergic to poultry meats, Herring can make a great substitute, as it is cheaper than other fish proteins.

3. Cod

If you’re looking for the best raw fish for dogs, add Cod to the list. Except, it shouldn’t be fed to your dog raw. Being a small fish, it is known to have a low mercury count and fewer toxins. This, along with its nutrient-rich profile, is one of the best fish for dogs’ diet. Even so, it’s crucial to prep it the right way before feeding it to your pet.

4. Flounder

Packed with lean protein, vitamin B, and omega-3s, Flounder is another great addition to your pet’s meal. If you can’t source it fresh, it’s perfectly okay to use the frozen variety. However, this frozen white fish for dogs must be duly poached or steamed before it makes its way to their food bowl.

5. Catfish

Cost-effective and nutrient-rich, the Catfish can make a great addition to your dog’s diet. Its nutrient profile, which includes protein, omega-3s, thiamine, and phosphorus, contributes toward improved cardiovascular health. However, it is also high in fat content, so portion control is crucial.

6. Lake whitefish

A frontrunner for the best fish for dogs to eat, especially if you’re looking for leaner sources of protein to incorporate into your pet’s diet. Belonging to the salmon family, these, too, are extremely rich in protein. But if you’re wondering if you can serve it to your dog uncooked, the answer is the same as can dogs eat raw salmon – NO! Not only is it not a food choice for a raw diet, but it is also extremely important to debone the Lake whitefish before feeding it to your dog to prevent internal injuries, which can often prove fatal.

7. Sardines

Ah, sardines! A favorite among pet parents and dogs alike. These small fish are a great source of protein and also rich in calcium, selenium, coenzyme Q10, vitamin D, and B12, and are known to prevent certain types of cancer as well as gum diseases in dogs.

If you can source raw sardines, and serve them to your dog cooked and deboned, nothing like it. If not, canned variety works just as well. However, when using the canned variety, it’s best to avoid sardines in oils and use ones with water. Alternatively, you can also use frozen sardines for dogs’ meals.

Is Raw Fish Good for Dogs? 5 Hazards to be Mindful Of

Can I feed my dog raw salmon? Is raw fish good for dogs? Can frozen sprats for dogs be used raw? What about frozen sardines for dogs? So many questions… So much information about what types of fish have high mercury content, which don’t, which are easy to digest, which are not, the nutrient profile of each… It can be hard to find a clear takeaway.

So, let me simplify it for you. The answer to all these questions is no. Using raw fish for dogs’ diet is never a good idea. Yes, freshly sourced fish can be a rich and healthy addition to your pooch’s diet, safe sourcing of raw fish and proper preparation techniques are both critical in ensuring that they contribute toward making your furry baby healthier and not put them at unwarranted health risks. And why is that? Let’s take a look at the top hazards of feeding raw fish to dogs:

1. Parasites

As I’ve already mentioned, among the risks and considerations of feeding raw fish, parasites are the front runner. All raw fish can have parasites, among which tapeworms, roundworms, and flukes are the most dangerous to dogs.

It is a variant of flukes found in salmon and other fish native to the Pacific Northwest region that causes Salmon poisoning – the symptoms of which can range from vomiting and diarrhea to swollen lymph nodes, dehydration, extreme weakness, and death if not treated in time. I hope you’re now clear on why the answer to, “Can I feed my dog raw salmon?”, will always be a resounding NO!

2. Bacteria

Whether it is raw sardines, cod, flounder, or frozen sprats for dogs served raw, all fish can carry potentially harmful bacteria such as listeria and salmonella. While not all dogs may become sick after exposure to these bacteria – in part due to their short digestive systems and in part, depending on how strong a dog’s immune system is – it is not worth the risk to try and find out how your pet will respond to being fed raw fish that carries harmful bacteria.

3. Bones in raw fish

The tiny bones in raw fish can not only prove to be a choking hazard for dogs but can also cause injury to the esophagus and stomach, sometimes causing the internal organs in the digestive tract to rupture – which, needless to say, can lead to serious health complications. While the gastric acids in a dog’s digestive system are equipped to soften bones, they may have trouble breaking down fish bones. 

4. Presence of mercury

All fish contain some amount of mercury. The bacteria in water convert atmospheric mercury into organic mercury compounds, which get absorbed into fish’s tissue. Excessive mercury exposure can be toxic to dogs, leading to health complications such as:

Loss of body movements

Convulsions

Blindness

Tremors

Abnormal behavior

Risk of lead poisoning

Raw fish also contains other heavy metals such as lead, too much exposure to which can lead to serious consequences such as:

Anemia

Gastrointestinal disorders

Lethargy and anorexia

Neurological changes

The bottom line is, there is no such thing as the best raw fish for dogs. The American Veterinary Medical Association does not recommend raw fish for dogs (or even undercooked fish, for that matter) in any form or at any life stage. 

My dog ate raw fish, what do I do?

After learning of the potential risks of raw fish for dogs, it’s natural to worry about what would happen if your dog consumes it inadvertently. “My dog ate raw fish, what do I do?” is a common frantic query of pet parents. Well, first of all, breathe!

Unless your dog has ingested a large quantity of raw fish in a go under some circumstance – as a pet parent, I know the possibility is not far-fetched – it’s unlikely that a one-off incident will hurt their health (barring, of course, the risk of injury or choking due to fish bones). Even so, it helps to be vigilant. Here’s what you can do if your dog consumes raw fish:

Monitor your dog’s health for any symptoms or unusual changes in mannerisms/behavior

If you notice something out of the ordinary, consult your veterinarian

Get all the tests your vet recommends

Follow through the entire course of treatment

The Right Way To Prep And Cook Fish For Dogs

You may have noticed that I’ve been talking a lot about prepping fish the right way before feeding it to your dog. But what is the right way? Let’s find out:

Safe handling of raw fish is paramount. This is equally important whether you’re using frozen fish or freshly sourced. You can follow the FDA guidelines for proper storage of raw fish for humans

Cook, poach, or steam the fish until you reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If the entire batch is not used immediately, it’s important to store the leftovers correctly 

Freshly sourced fish should be consumed within two days, so decide the quantity to buy accordingly

Some of the acceptable ways of cooking fish are boiling, roasting, grilling, poaching, steaming, braising, air frying

If left unconsumed at room temperature for over two hours, the portion must be discarded    

When introducing fish to your dog’s diet, monitor your dog for any symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort such as refusing to eat, diarrhea, vomiting

Making informed decisions about your dog’s diet is a crucial aspect of ensuring their well-being and good health. I hope this article offered you relevant insights about whether or not fish would be right for your pooch’s diet, and if so, how to incorporate it for optimal benefits. As with any new food item, start with small portions and build up gradually. And don’t overlook the importance of moderation in feeding fish to your dog. Overdoing it can do more harm than good.

Ref:- https://momwithdog.com/raw-fish-for-dogs/

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How to Set a Puppy Feeding Schedule: A Complete Guide

So, you brought home a furry baby. Yay to a wonderful journey of love, licks, and cuddles!!! Along with it, comes a huge responsibility of caring for your pup’s well-being, and a series of questions about what to do and what not to – even more so if you’re a first-time pet parent. The foremost among them is setting a puppy feeding schedule.

I cannot stress the importance of fixing puppy feeding times right from the get-go. This simple practice will hold you in good stead in not just offering your pup consistency and structure (which they need to thrive) but also in tackling the other towering challenge facing you as a parent to a young pup – toilet training.

How many times a day should I feed my dog, you ask? I’m here to help you figure out the right frequency of meals for puppies. Let’s get started. 

Puppy Feeding Schedule by Age

As I said before, the importance of a consistent feeding schedule cannot be stressed enough. Dogs are animals of habit and thrive on predictability and structure. The sooner you introduce it into their lifestyle, the better. The first step in that direction is fixing a puppy feeding schedule.

However, it’s important to note that your pup’s dietary needs keep changing frequently in the first year of their life, and you will have to tweak puppy feeding times accordingly. Essentially, there is no standard answer to “how many times a day should I feed my dog”, at least for the first year of your pooch’s life. So, how do you adjust feeding intervals for different puppy stages? How do know when to make the change?

Although the answers to these questions can vary depending on your pooch’s unique requirements, certain broad guidelines can serve you well in picking the right time to feed your puppy. Let’s find out by exploring the ideal puppy feeding schedule by age:

Birth to 8 weeks

This is the time when your puppy should be fed its mother’s milk. If you are considering bringing home a pup, I strongly recommend waiting until he/she is at least 8 weeks. This early nutrition plays an important role in nurturing your growing puppy as well as their long-term health.

Weaning to 12 weeks

These will likely be your pup’s first weeks in their new forever home. During this time, you will be juggling quite a few things, all at once, to integrate your puppy into your life. Your furry baby, too, will take some time adjusting to and settling into this new environment. This can, at times, get overwhelming. That’s why it’s critical to consciously ensure you’re meeting your puppy’s dietary requirements.

3 to 6 months

Once your pup reaches the 3-month mark, you can decrease the frequency of meals from 4-5 to 3 times a day. When to make the transition depends solely on your pup’s growth and development. If your furry baby still has pudginess and a potbelly, you must continue feeding small but frequent meals. Only once he/she is past that growth milestone should you move on to three slightly larger meals.

6 to 12 months

Once your pup hits the 6-month mark, you can begin feeding them twice a day. Once again speaking of puppies and mealtime consistency, I’d like to reiterate that it’s best to fix meal times when you make the switch and follow through on it. This is important because your dog is likely to stick to this two-meal routine for a better part of their life. Setting a routine for your puppy will be beneficial to both them and you.

At this stage, you may also begin to consider making changes to their diet. Switching from puppy food to either adult dog food or homemade puppy food that will offer sustainable nourishment and nurturing well into their adulthood, with necessary adjustments in portion size, ingredients, and variety, of course.

Well, at what point past the 6-month mark you make the transition depends on what dog you have. Small breeds mature sooner, which means you can change your pup’s diet anywhere between 7-9 months. On the other hand, in bigger breeds, puppyhood can last 12-24 months, so the switch has to be made accordingly.   

Best times to feed a puppy

Now in addition to knowing how often to feed your pet, you may also want to know when. This chart on the best times to feed a puppy can help. Feel free to make adjustments based on your lifestyle and your pup’s feeding schedule:AGEMEAL 1MEAL 2MEAL 3MEAL 4Weaning to 12 weeks7-8 am after a short walkAround noon4-5 pm, followed by a walk7-8 pm3 to 6 months7-8 am after a morning walk1-2 pm—————————7-8 pm6 to 12 months7-8 am after a morning walk—————————————————7-8 pm

On an unrelated but important note, make sure you take your puppy out to relieve themselves after every meal, especially till 4 months of age, to prevent any accidents. This goes a long way in house training your pet.

How Much Food to Give a Puppy

If you thought picking the right time to feed your puppy was challenging, wait till you have to decide how much food to give a puppy. Calculating portion sizes for puppies can be extremely confusing, despite all the instructions and measuring cups, that puppy foods come with. And even more so if and when you transition to homemade puppy food.

As a pet parent with a young one on your hands (especially if you’re a first-time parent), you may find yourself constantly worrying about whether you’re over or under-feeding your pup. So, if you’re wondering how much food to give a puppy, I can’t offer a one-size-fits-all answer because there isn’t one, but these nutritional guidelines for puppy health may help:WEANING TO 3 MONTHS3 TO 6 MONTHS6 TO 12 MONTHSWeightQuantity of food per dayWeightQuantity of food per dayWeightQuantity of food per day1-50.5-1.5 cups1-50.5-1 cups5-100.5-1 cups6-101.5-2.5 cups6-101-1.5 cups11-151-1.5 cups11-222.5-4.5 cups11-221.5-2.5 cups16-251.5-2.5 cups16-252.5-3.5 cups26-352.5-3.5 cups26-333.5-4.5 cups36-453.5-4.5 cups46-554.5-5 cups55-655-5.5 cups

Again, these quantities are not set in stone but just a broad guideline on the suggested range of food pups of different sizes and body weights should have at different life stages. A general rule of thumb that can help in tailoring your approach to your puppy’s unique needs is to watch your dog and not their bowl. Portion sizes should be determined by your dog’s body condition and not how quickly they consume the food in their bowl or how much they leave behind.

The right quantity of food for your pup at various life stages (and yes, this applies to adulthood as well) depends on:

Body type

Metabolism

Nutritional requirements

Activity levels

Also remember, your puppy may refuse meals every once in a while, and this is absolutely normal (provided it is just one meal and there are no other accompanying symptoms such as lethargy or physical distress). If you are using puppy food as positive reinforcement for training, it helps to deduct that quantity from their daily food intake and divide the rest up into equal meals.

How Often Should I Give My Puppy Water?

Apart from ensuring proper dog nutrition for your new pup, adequate hydration plays an important in their holistic growth. Typically, dogs need one ounce of water per pound of body weight in a day. However, the water intake of puppies is typically higher, especially in days after being weaned off their mother’s milk.

Ideally, your puppy should have access to water at all times. You must clean their water bowl every time it gets empty and replenish it immediately so your pupper can drink up whenever they need to. Offering water is especially important after any spell of activity such as play time or walks. If you’re still in the process of house-training your pet, it helps to remove their water bowl about 2 before bedtime to minimize accidents.

However, you must never restrict access to water during the day when your pup is up and about, as young dogs are far more prone to dehydration than their adult counterparts. Now, if you have a naughty pooch on your hands who loves to play with their water bowl, they can make quite a mess. Not to mention, get wet repeatedly, leaving their coat damp and increasing the risk of skin infections.

In such cases, you can pour small quantities of water into your pet’s bowl every hour (add more, if they finish what was first served and throw away the remaining water once they stop drinking). Make sure you offer water walks, without fail. This exercise may seem effort-intensive but I assure you, you won’t have to keep at it for long. By 5-6 months, the sudden bursts of energy in your pup begin to settle down, and so do their antics.

How to Stop Puppy Begging for Food — Say No to Table Scraps

Another critical aspect of getting the puppy feeding schedule basics right is to never feed your pooch table scraps because,

Table scraps amount to unaccounted-for calories that can contribute to weight gain, which can put your dog at risk of several health conditions

Not all human food is fit for canine consumption. For example, salt and sugar as well as various fruits and vegetables such as onions and raisins. Feeding your dog table scraps can put them in immediate danger or have long-term adverse effects on their health

Those puppy eyes may look cute at first but having your dog watch every bite you take, drooling and pestering you some, can get annoying very quickly. Besides, the situation can turn unpleasant when you have guests over who are not particularly comfortable with dogs

That’s why for the sake of your dog’s health and your peace of mind, you must enforce the no table scraps rule from the very first day. Here’s how:

Feed your pup before you sit down for a meal. They’re less likely to get attracted to all those aromas emanating from the table on a full stomach

Ignore your dog if they come begging for food. Do NOT give into those puppy eyes even once because if you do, there is no going back

Create a distraction if your pup comes asking for food. Take them to a cozy corner (one they prefer) in the dining area and give them a toy that can keep them engaged for a while – for example, a kong stuffed with some homemade peanut butter

Work on obedience training to get your pooch to follow commands like sit, stay, and leave it

Reward them with a treat at the end of the meal whenever they keep away from the table and don’t come scouring for scraps or obey a command

Until your pet gets a message, it might be a good idea to block their access to the table either by installing a pet gate or putting your pup in their crate during meal times

As you can see, setting a puppy feeding schedule requires due deliberation on a wide range of significant factors. I hope this article makes that process easy for you. There is no denying that the process can be effort-intensive in the beginning but if done right, it will hold you in good stead for the duration of your shared life journey with your pet.

Ref:- https://momwithdog.com/puppy-feeding-schedule/

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Understanding Dog Trancing: A Comprehensive Guide

We can all agree that dogs are quirky creatures, each with their unique set of idiosyncrasies that often leave us in splits – one of the many ways in which they steal our hearts over and over again. However, some of these quirks can be unsettling and worrisome when you first spot them. For instance, noticing your dog walk in slow motion under a creeper, a low-hanging tree branch, or even a curtain or tablecloth cloth. This tendency is known as dog trancing, or ghost walking.

As the name suggests, watching your dog move in a ghost-like manner can be scary, to say the least, especially when you notice it for the first (or even the first few) times. It’s likely to bring up a slew of questions. Why is my dog walking slowly? Are they sick? Are they having a seizure? Do I need to rush to the vet? What other symptoms should I look out for?

Well, first of all, let me put your mind at ease. Though unusual, this is typically a harmless behavior and not an indicator of an underlying health concern. Now, let’s explore the mysterious behavior of dog trancing in greater detail so that you know exactly what you’re dealing with.  

What is Dog Trancing?

Trancing in dogs is a curious behavior where you may notice your pooch walking extremely slowly, almost gingerly, under an object – typically overhanging foliage, curtains, or tablecloths – in a manner that the said object touches them just barely. In this state, you may notice your dog crouching when walking, with their ears down and nose pointed up in the air or straight ahead.

You may also notice that your pet takes slow, soft steps as they move forward as if trying to avoid making a noise – like a predator on a prowl. At other times, your dog may freeze completely, appearing to be “in a trance”. The trance-like state in dogs is also known as ghost-walking or wee-walking, although the recognized term for it is Trance-like Syndrome (TLS).

Is dog trancing a type of seizure?

Now that you understand the trancing meaning and the basics of trancing in dogs, let’s address the most common concern associated with this tendency: a fear that your dog may be having a seizure. So, is trancing in dogs a type of seizure? Not at all. Trancing is completely different from a seizure.

The next logical question is, how can you tell the difference? I’m glad you asked. When you see your dog crouching when walking, taking slow, deliberate steps, and a visible change in their body language or frozen in a trance-like state, it’s only natural to feel concerned about what’s going on with them. But there are some tell-tale markers that can help you tell trancing apart from a seizure.

Whether it’s a dog ghost walking or stuck in a trance-like state, they will be responsive to you’re the sound of your voice. Yes, they may not instantly snap out of it and come running to you when called, but you will see some indicators that your voice is registering with, such as,

Looking in your direction

Eye movement

Movement in the ears upon hearing your voice

Shift in body language

Some dogs may even act annoyed at being brought out of their trancing state

On the other hand, if a dog is having a seizure, they’d be completely non-responsive that’s because, in a seized state, their mind is not able to grab and process your verbal cues and commands.

Breeds prone to dog trancing

While any dog can experience a spell of trancing, certain breeds are more prone to it than others. For instance, you’re far more likely to see a Bull Terrier ghost stalking or a Greyhound acting weird, as if they lost all awareness of their surroundings. Apart from Bull Terrier and Greyhound, here are other breeds prone to dog trancing:

Salukis

Basset Hounds

Whippet

Jack Russell

Labrador

Irish Setter

Cane Corso

Cavalier

Australian Cattle Dog

Puggle

What Causes Trancing in Dogs?

The intriguing canine behavior of trancing is bound to leave you wondering why dogs resort to it. If you’ve noticed your pet exhibits this tendency, you may be even more intent on getting to the root of what causes dog trancing. Unfortunately, neither veterinary science nor canine behavior experts have made much progress in unmasking the triggers of dog trancing.

Even though experts have been exploring the world of dogs and trancing and there is much clarity on trancing meaning, there is no identified medical, instinctual, or social reason behind it so far. Researchers from the British Veterinary Association studied a group of Bull Terrier – a breed that most commonly displays this behavioral tick – observed this behavior in 84 dogs but found it missing in 197 “control dogs”, leaving the results inconclusive. Likewise, another study on Bull Terrier ghost stalking could not find any link between this behavior and any neurological phenomenon.

One of the theories around dog trancing is that dogs go into this trance-like state when they are fascinated by the object draping or touching their body. And possibly even enjoy the sensation arising from this light touch. That’s probably why you see dogs trancing under plants or low-hanging fabrics around the house.

Is trancing a behavioral disorder?

Why is my dog walking slowly? Is something wrong with him/her? Having understood the trancing meaning, you now know that this behavior is, typically, not a sign of any physical distress or underlying ailment. However, as a pet parent, you may have another valid concern about it: is dog trancing a behavioral disorder?

After all, research has proven that dogs can be afflicted with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), or as it is known in the dog world, Canine Compulsive Disorder. The most common examples of these are spinning, tail chasing, air biting, and incessant licking. Research also indicates that although benign, trancing does qualify as an OCD behavior.

However, there is no indication that it can escalate to more extreme compulsive tendencies such as tail chasing. In fact, in most cases, this behavior can be tackled by keeping your dog productively engaged through interactive toys, food puzzles, and more exercise. 

How To Deal with Canine Trancing

So, what should you do when you see your dog ghost-walking? Do you need to intervene and make your dog snap out of it? Given that this behavior is associated with CCD, will it get worse over time if left unchecked? Do you need to get your dog behavior therapy to break the pattern?

These are just some of the questions you may find yourself grappling with when brought face-to-face with this curious canine behavior. In most situations, the answer to these questions is fairly simple: nothing.

When you notice your Greyhound acting weird, your Bull Terrier trancing, or any other dog stuck in a trance-like state, for that matter, the best thing to do is allow them the time and space to snap out of it. As strange as it may appear to you, chances are your dog finds this behavior comforting.

Do not scold or discourage your pet from engaging in a harmless behavior that has a calming effect on them, is a part of their personality, and is likely beneficial to them. Let trancing dogs trance. However, it’s important to keep an eye out for any worrying signs or symptoms that may indicate that your pet needs medical attention.

Trancing and Veterinary Care: When to Seek Help

While there are no major potential risks and concerns associated with trancing, in some exceptional situations, this behavior could be the first sign of deteriorating health. You must act immediately if your dog is,

Vomiting

Drooling excessively

Experiencing muscle spasms

Unresponsiveness to outside stimuli

Not conscious

Assessing the safety of dog trancing becomes critical if you have an elderly dog who has never resorted to this behavior in the past. In this case, what appears to be trancing could, in fact, be a symptom of an underlying illness.

By and large, dogs trancing under plants, foliage, and fabrics is a harmless behavioral tick. Now that you have a clearer understanding of what causes dog trancing, how it manifests, and its tell-tale signs, I hope, you’re not as alarmed if and when you see your dog resorting to it. But since as pet parents, our biggest responsibility is to ensure our pet’s safety, it’s advisable to always be on the lookout for any signs of physical distress or discomfort. And if you do spot them, don’t hesitate to take your dog to the vet. After all, it’s best to err on the side of caution.

Ref:- https://momwithdog.com/dog-trancing-guide/

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How to Crate Train an Older Dog: 7 Easy Steps

It’s not unusual for a pet parent to be wondering, how to crate train an older dog. Perhaps, you’ve brought home a rescue who was never given crate training. Or you overlooked this aspect of housebreaking when your pooch was a puppy and are now realizing its importance. Or maybe, you’re dealing with crate training regression and wondering whether retraining dog to sleep in crate is even possible.

Naturally, this challenge in your journey as a pet parent is bound to raise a lot of questions and doubts. What is the fastest way to crate train an older dog? Can an older dog learn to be crated? How do I crate train a dog that hates it? I’m here to help you figure out the answers. Whether you’re wondering how to crate train an older dog with separation anxiety, a rescue dog, or an adult dog that’s been with you since puppyhood, we’ve got this, you and I.

Benefits of Crate Training

When you’re struggling to figure out how to crate train an adult dog, you may find yourself questioning the entire premise of this house-training approach. Do I really need to crate train my pet, you may wonder. Understanding the benefits of crate training an older dog may help firm up your resolve. Here are a few reasons why this exercise is well worth the effort:

Ease of handling: If your dog is comfortable staying in a crate, it becomes easier to carry them around should the need for it arise. For instance, for visits to the vet if your pet is too sick to move on their own, for air travel, and in case of natural disasters or emergencies

Housetraining: Crate training becomes all the more crucial if you’ve brought home a rescue dog who was never housetrained. By getting your dog used to staying in the crate, you are providing them a safe space – a cozy corner to call their own, if you will – that they wouldn’t want to soil. This can be just the encouragement they need to avoid accidents and hold it until they’re outside

Keeping your dog calm: Figuring out how to crate train an adult dog becomes imperative to keep them calm in stressful situations. Your house may not always be a soothing environment for your pet. Events like parties, festivals, arrival of house guests can stress out your pet. In such situations, the crate can be a safe space that makes your dog feel a little less overwhelmed

Dealing with health issues: The crate can also be a cozy corner for your pet to recuperate in case of an illness or injury

A lot of pet parents view confining their dogs to crates somewhat negatively. Yes, it can seem cruel to “cage” your furry baby if that’s how you look at it. But if you keep an open mind toward the benefits of crate training, you cannot deny that adopting this approach can make it a lot easier to handle your pet in stressful situations, especially if they’re a large dog or a rescue with a difficult past whose reactions in unfamiliar situations you can’t predict.

Challenges in Crate Training an Older Dog

Now that we understand the benefits of crate training in older dogs, let’s talk about the challenges you can expect to encounter in your journey of introducing your pet to a crate and getting them to embrace it. When trying to figure out how to crate train an older dog, one common refrain that can dent your confidence is “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”. However, this is not entirely true.

Your dog is perfectly capable of learning new things at any age – and yes, that includes learning to stay comfortably in a crate. That being said, it is harder to teach an older dog something new because dogs are creatures of habit. It may take time, patience, consistency, and a gradual approach to getting your pet to unlearn the habits they’ve grown accustomed to and get used to the idea of spending time in a crate.

So, yes, crate training an older dog will definitely be more challenging than training a puppy because puppies find everything exciting and fascinating. They are more open to exploring new things and take to them more easily since they haven’t become attached to habits and routines yet.

However, it’s not essentially always this black and white. As with anything else, the challenges you face in figuring out how to crate train an adult dog also depend on your pet’s personality. For instance, if you have a calm, shy dog, they may take more easily to a crate than an exuberant puppy would. On the other hand, solving the mystery of how to crate train an older dog with separation anxiety can be a lot harder because your pooch feels unsafe and insecure when away from you (more on this later).

How to Crate Train an Adult Dog — 7 Practical Tips

Dogs take to crates because it aligns with their den instincts. So, there is no reason to lose hope that your older dog will accept it as their safe haven in your home. The only pre-requisite is that you approach it the right way — like I said before — with patience and consistency. To help you navigate this process, here is how to crate train an older dog in 7 easy steps:

1. Prepare for crate training with the right crate and supplies

One of the common mistakes to avoid when crate training an older dog is starting this process prematurely and without the necessary supplies. So, first and foremost, make sure you have everything you need to get your older dog to get past that threshold of hesitation and embrace their crate. Here is what you need to get ready for crate training your older/adult dog:

Choose the right crate for your dog, making sure is big enough for them to sit, stand, lie down, and move around in. It’s also important to make sure it is sturdy and made of a material that keeps your dog comfortable

Add a blanket or a bed to keep your dog comfortable

Invest in crate games or interactive toys such as Kongs or high-value rewards such as frozen treats to keep your pet constructively engaged, so that they begin to view it as their happy place over time

2. Introduce your dog to the crate

Once you bring home a crate for your dog, choose an appropriate place for it. Make sure it’s a cozy little corner of the house, preferably one that your pet prefers snuggling up in. It helps to choose a low-traffic area so that your dog can get used to being in their crate without many distractions.

Next comes a crucial step: deciding how to introduce your dog to the crate. It’s vital to get this right so that your pet makes a positive association with their crate. Here’s how you can approach this step:

Take your dog to the place where the crate has been placed and allow them to sniff around and explore without making any effort to actually get them inside the crate

Wait for your dog to venture into their crate on their own. When they do, praise them for it and reward them with a treat. But do not close the crate door at this juncture, even if your dog sits comfortably inside the crate at the very first instance

Start using treats, toys, and lovelies to gradually get your dog interested in spending more time inside  

3. Use positive reinforcement

At this stage, your entire focus should be on getting your dog to feel comfortable entering the crate. And for that, positive reinforcement can work wonders. Use treats, toys, and chewy bones to lure your dog toward the crate. Even if your dog won’t go inside completely, see if you can get them to go halfway in using the lure of treats or toys.

This gradual approach can be extremely beneficial with you’re dealing with a peculiar situation such as trying to crate train a dog that hates it, crate training regression, or retraining dog to sleep in crate. As your dog gets somewhat comfortable with the idea of stepping foot inside their crate, you can start serving them meals inside to help build a positive association. 

WORD OF CAUTION: If you want your adult dog to learn to stay inside their crate, it must be a happy, positive place for them. At no point should you yell or scream at your dog for not making progress with their crate training or experiencing crate training regression. Nor should you lock your dog inside the crate as a punishment. This approach is counter-productive and will achieve nothing more than leaving you struggling to crate train a dog that hates it.

4. Start closing the crate door

Once your dog gets comfortable with venturing into their crate on their own and you notice that they’ve begun enjoying staying there, playing with their toys, or nibbling on a treat, you can start closing the crate door and even latch it. However, here too, the key is to start small and build up gradually. Begin with closing the door for a couple of minutes at first, and then, increase the duration.

5. Build up the duration gradually

Now that your dog is not only comfortable getting in their crate but also used to the idea that they’re locked in there for some time, you can start increasing the duration of the time they spend in the crate. Whether you’re retraining dog to sleep in crate or trying to figure out how to crate train an older dog at night, know that you’re a lot closer to your goal at this stage but you can’t take a leap toward it just yet.

So, start with confining your dog to the crate for half an hour at first, and then open the latch, leaving it up to them whether to stay or come out. Then, increase this duration to an hour, then two. Once your dog not only happily walks into the crate but is content staying there unless let out, you can start training them to sleep in it too. Here again, the process is the same, start with about an hour each night, slowly building it up to the entire night.

6. Introduce a verbal cue

The question of how to crate train an older dog doesn’t sound all that daunting now, does it? First of all, when you get to this stage, pat yourself on the back and reward your dog because together you’ve achieved a difficult feat. Your endeavors are near fruition, and now it’s time to take things to the next level — getting your pet to go to their command.

Add a verbal cue to get your dog to enter the crate on command. This cue can be any word of your choice but make sure you always use the same word to get your dog to go to their crate. And don’t forget to reward them with heaps of praise and a good treat every time they do as told.

7. Start leaving your dog in the crate unattended

Now that your dog likes their crate, enjoys spending them in it, and even goes in on command, it’s time to start removing yourself from the equation. Start leaving your dog unattended in the crate for short durations, and then slowly build upon it.

How to crate train an older dog with separation anxiety

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Trying to crack the code of how to crate train an older dog with separation anxiety can seem a lot more challenging. Not only is your dog older, ergo set in their ways but also suffers from separation anxiety, which means they will likely be more ill-at-ease at the prospect of being confined in a small space away from you. But these very factors are also reasons why your dog with separation anxiety could benefit from crate training.

While the basic premise and approach to training remain the same, you need to handle the situation more sensitively. Here are a few tips to bear in mind when trying to figure out how to crate train an older dog with separation anxiety:

No matter what, do not punish your dog for not wanting to go in their crate

Exercise your dog to help them get rid of some of that nervous energy before you approach crate training

Invest in some highly interactive toys to keep them productively engaged and take their mind off the fact that they’re separated from you

Train them to get comfortable with their crate at different times of the day so that they don’t begin to associate this new skill with one particular time of the day

Do not make a big deal about leaving your dog in the crate. Dogs pick on human emotions, and if you’re stressed out and anxious, it’s only going to add to your dog’s anxiety

Try to ignore whining and cries for attention unless you feel that your dog may be in distress

Use gradual desensitization by figuring out how long after you leave separation anxiety set in your dog and then working toward prolonging that duration until it doesn’t exist at all. The idea is to slowly increase the time you spend away from them without them feeling anxious about it

The timeline for crate training can vary from dog to dog and isn’t always linear. Your dog may be making great progress and then start showing signs of crate training regression. Or you may find yourself stuck at any one of the seven steps longer than others. These ups and downs are part of the journey, don’t give up.

Ref:- https://momwithdog.com/how-to-crate-train-an-older-dog/

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Heat Rash in Dogs: Signs, Treatment, Prevention

When summer comes knocking, it’s an exciting time for your furry baby as they can finally be up and about, prancing in the grass, running without a care in the world, and soaking up the sun. All the things doggos love the most. However, if overdone, it can heighten the risk of heat rash in dogs.

Heat rash can be extremely uncomfortable for your pooch, leading to excessive licking, which can, in turn, expose the skin. If left untreated, these heat bumps on dogs can spread, heightening their discomfort. That’s why it’s important to know how to spot, treat, and prevent this skin condition so you can keep your four-legged baby happy and healthy in those much-awaited summer months.

Why Dogs Get Heat Rashes

Heat rash, also known as miliary dermatitis, is a skin condition caused by prolonged or excessive exposure to direct sunlight or heat. Heat rash in dogs can be caused by:

Sunbathing for too long

Overheating

Lack of hydration

Long walks in the sun

Strenuous exercise/overexertion in hot weather conditions

Hot, humid weather

Obesity or unhealthy body weight

Dogs with too many skin folds or thick coats and brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breeds are more prone to getting a heat rash. However, dogs of all breeds and ages can develop heat bumps and rashes.  

Heat Rash Dogs Symptoms

A heat rash presents as red, raised bumps, boils, small pimples, or pustules that typically appear in areas with less hair and sensitive, soft skin. You may most commonly notice dog heat rash on the belly, groin, armpits, and the folds of the skin. The most common heat rash symptoms in dogs are:

Itchy and sore skin

Rednes

Tender skin

Scabs

Foul smell

Persisting licking and scratching

Bleeding

Since the heat rash in dogs symptoms several other kinds of skin irritation and allergies, it can be tricky to identify. However, if left untreated, the rash can spread to other parts of the body, causing your pet increased discomfort. That’s why, I’d strongly recommend a visit to the vet if you spot any of the symptoms mentioned above for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

How to Treat Heat Rash in Dogs

Noticing heat bumps on dogs, and watching them in discomfort, scratching, and licking, can make you want to address the issue immediately. However, while there can be several effective home remedies for heat rash on dogs, trying them without a vet’s approval can do more harm than good.

So, if your dog seems to have developed a rash or skin irritation of some sort after being out in the sun or during the hot and humid season, the first order of business should be to book an appointment with your vet.

The vet will perform a physical exam to assess the nature of the rash and ask you questions about your pet’s exposure to heat. If it is, in fact, a heat rash, it is also important for the vet to determine what kind. There are typically two types of heat rash in dogs:

Acute miliary dermatitis — A sudden flare-up brought on by exposure to heat

Chronic miliary dermatitis — Repeated flare-ups that make heat rash a chronic issue your pet struggles with

After the physical exam, depending on the severity of the flare-up, your vet may take a smear sample from the affected areas for further investigation. A course of treatment will be prescribed based on the diagnosis the vet makes after performing a thorough check-up.

Even if the symptoms of heat rash appear minor, you must schedule a visit to the vet because this condition can escalate quickly, leading to:

Foul-smelling boils

Oozing

Bald spots

Affected areas being infected with the Staphylococcus pathogen

Dog heat rash treatment

Once a diagnosis has been made, you need to focus on how to treat heat rash in dogs. Fortunately, there are a lot of effective home remedies for heat rash on dogs you can try in consultation with your vet, along with any topical medications and oral antibiotics that may have been prescribed. Here are a few things that can help in dog heat rash treatment:

Aloe vera: The pulp of aloe vera plant or packaged aloe vera gel can be beneficial in soothing irritated skin

Coconut oil: Applying virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil in small quantities over the affected areas can also soothe the skin, reduce itching and skin irritation

Oatmeal bath: Colloidal oatmeal baths can wash away allergens and reduce inflammation

Hydrocortisone cream: Your vet may prescribe this cream to reduce inflammation and redness

Ways to Prevent Rash and Heat Bumps on Dogs

As the adage goes, prevention is better than cure. So, when hot days roll around, it’s important for all pet parents to become extra vigilant about their pooch’s health and not let those puppy eyes coax you into more time in the sun or hot environs than is good for your furry baby.

This is crucial for two reasons: a dog’s normal body temperature is in the range of 100-103 degrees Fahrenheit. This means their bodies are far more prone to overheating than us. And second, dogs do not have sweat glands that can help them regulate their body temperatures through excessive sweating. Add to that their fur coats and hot temperatures can quickly get unbearable for a dog.

To prevent heat-related health issues — heat rash in dogs for instance — your best bet is to limit their exposure to heat and direct sunlight and offer them a comfortable, cool place to rest. Here are some ways to prevent rash and heat bumps on dogs that can come in handy:

Limit exposure: Avoid taking your dog out during the hottest times of the day, which is typically between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. As far as possible, restrict long walks and exercise to the early hours of the morning when the weather is cooler

Avoid contact with hot surfaces: Surfaces like pavements, concrete roads, and wooden decks can get hot pretty quickly and the temperatures of these surfaces can be higher than the ambient temperatures, so any contact can put your dog at increased risk of adverse effects of heat

Keep your dog cool: Spraying your dog with some water or a full-blown cool-down session with a hose can prevent overheating on hot, humid days. If your dog likes to spend time outdoors, it can be a good idea to set up a dog pool in the yard for them to splash about and cool down in

Cool, comfortable place to rest in: Whether your dog is a homebody or an outdoors personality, you must ensure that they have a cool, comfortable place to rest during the hot days

Avoid strenuous exercise: It’s a good idea to dial back on your dog’s physical activity during peak summer

Keep your dog hydrated: Make sure your dog has access to clean drinking water throughout the day, and especially after they’ve spent time outdoors. You may need to replenish their water bowl more often during the hot, humid weather

Be vigilant: Pay attention to signs of heat exhaustion like fatigue, lethargy, and excessive panting. If you do notice these signs, follow the aforementioned steps to help your dog cool down

Physically examine your dog: Make it a habit to physically check your dog for any rash, bumps, and boils during the hot weather.

Heat rash in dogs is a common health issue. The best way to get ahead of it is by staying vigilant. However, despite your best efforts, a rash may break out. If that happens, don’t panic or worry. Although your dog may be in great distress, the condition is easily treatable. Just make sure you get your furry baby proper medical attention as soon as possible.

Ref:- https://momwithdog.com/heat-rash-in-dogs/

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How to Clean Dog Ears — 7 Easy Steps

As a pet parent, you know grooming is integral to raising a dog. If there is one aspect of dog grooming that leaves many a pet parent jittery and worried about whether they’re doing it right, it is cleaning a dog’s ears. What if you go in too deep? What if you damage your dog’s eardrum in the process? Or, what if you don’t clean it well enough? If these questions have been making you anxious, this guide on how to clean dog ears will help.

One thing I’ve learned from experience is that you must catch ‘em young, start slow, and build trust. When done right, cleaning your dog’s ears isn’t hard at all. You can easily get them to a point where they will quietly lie in your lap, as you get all the dirt and wax out. However, this is an exercise in patience, and it can take you anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to establish that kind of trust with your pet.

My current pet, Drogon, a feisty German Shepherd, used to fight me with all his might when I tried to clean his ears the first few times. Given that he was all of 3 months at the time, I was surprised by the kind of strength he had in him to fight back. Today, as a grown boy, he happily lies around, as I get the job done. You, too, can get there with your dog. To that end, let’s look at everything you need to know about cleaning your dog’s ears.  

How Often to Clean Dog Ears

To be able to clean dog ears the right way, you need to know how often you need to include it in your pet’s grooming schedule. If you’re a first-time parent, I strongly recommend asking your vet about it. That said, a good rule of thumb is to clean your dog’s ears once a month or after every bath.

However, this frequency can vary depending on your pet’s specific requirements. For instance,

Breed with big, floppy ears may need to have them cleaned more frequently

If your dog loves to play in water, you need to clean your dog’s ears more often and dry them properly every time they get their ears wet

Dogs with allergies or those prone to infection also need a more regular ear-cleaning regimen

Some dogs tend to have a higher build-up of wax. While a certain amount of wax is good for ear health, if it is excessive, you may need to clean dog ears as and when required

If you see dirty dog ears (characterized by a dark brown build-up in the outer areas of the ears), it’s time for a cleaning session

How to Prepare for Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears

If you want to know how to clean dog ears at home naturally and effortlessly, preparation is key. Here, I’m going to focus on two aspects:

Preparing your dog for ear cleaning

Getting ears cleaned is a stressful experience for a dog, and that is why preparing them for it is crucial to make this experience as effortless as possible for both you and your pup. Preparing your dog for this experience essentially entails calming them down and making them as comfortable as possible. Here are a few tips that have worked well for me over the years:

Start early, within a week or so of getting your pup home, but don’t go all out to clean their ears just yet. Spend some time just touching your dog’s ears and letting them see that it’s okay and that you won’t hurt them

Gradually, introduce a gauze pad — I know cotton balls are the preferred choice for most people, however, the fine threads of cotton can get left behind and trigger ear infections. On our vet’s recommendation, I switched to gauze pads and have never looked back — and simply move it around the outer part of your dog’s ears

Talk to your dog in a soft, calming voice. Pet them abundantly to let them know they’re safe

Keep treats handy and reward your furry baby every time they let you touch their ear or move in a little more without flinching

Rinse and repeat till your pet is perfectly comfortable coming to you on their own to get their ears cleaned

DO NOT attempt to clean your dog’s ears when they are jittery or resisting. You may accidentally end up going in too deep and cause irreversible ear damage

Preparing to clean your dog’s ears

Once you’ve crossed the first big hurdle in cleaning dog ears — that is, getting your pooch on board with the plan. The next order of business is to prepare for a cleanup session. The key to learning how to clean dog ears at home naturally and effortlessly is to be well-prepared. Things can turn chaotic and stressful if you have to move every few minutes to get one thing or the other you need to get your business done, and your dog runs away in the meantime, and you’re left trying to get them back to you.

So, keep everything you need within arm’s reach. This includes:

A generous amount of gauze pads, cut up in strips. You can also use cotton balls or ear-cleaning wipes; however, I recommend the former

An ear-cleaning solution or flushing solution. I strongly recommend always using Vet-recommended dog ear-cleaning products — the Epiotic ear cleaner, for example — so that you’re sure that whatever you’re putting in your dog’s ears won’t cause any harm

If your dog suffers from issues like allergic otitis, bacterial otitis, yeast otitis, or ear mites, you must consult with a vet about the right ear-cleaning solution. They may prescribe a saline solution, enzyme cleaner, hypoallergenic cleaner, or rinse-free cleaner, in such cases, depending on your dog’s requirements and sensitivities

A clean towel

Plenty of treats

It helps to have a second pair of hands to assist you, no matter how comfortable your dog is with getting their ears cleaned

7 Easy Steps to Clean Dog Ears

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Once you have done the prep work, it’s time to get down to business and clean dirty dog ears. It can seem like a challenge and you may feel somewhat nervous about whether you’re doing it right the first few times but with practice, it will come naturally. Until then, simply follow these 7 easy steps to clean dog ears:

1. Get your dog in a comfortable position

To give your dog’s ears a thorough cleaning and ensure that you don’t accidentally cause any damage to the ear canal or eardrum, it is absolutely crucial to get your pooch in the right position before you get started.

If you have a medium or large dog, the best way is to have them lying down and then sit next to them, and place their head in your lap to get easy access. In cae they seem uncomfortable with that, let your dog pick a spot and then work your way around it to get to their ears. If you have a small dog, holding them in your lap is the best way to clean their ears.

Pro tip: If your dog still gets restless about getting their ears cleaned, it can help to have a second pair of hands to help calm them down. But at no point should you clean your dog’s ears forcefully.

2. Handle your dog’s ears gently

Whether your dog has floppy ears or erect ones, you must handle them gently. Carefully hold the upper portion of the ears between your forefinger and thumb. Do not apply excessive pressure as it can harm the cartilage and blood vessels in the area. Gently pull back your dog’s ears a little, just enough to allow exposure to the ear canal.

3. Put in the ear-cleaning solution

Grab the bottle of the vet-recommended dog ear-cleaning solution you use, hold it above the opening to the ear canal, and pour the liquid in till fills the entire ear canal. Praise your dog and reassure them they’re safe as you pour the cleaning solution into their ears, as it can be a stressful experience for them.

If you don’t have a vet-approved flushing solution, the Epiotic ear cleaner is a good choice to begin with unless your pet has certain specific needs or sensitivities ear mites, or a bacterial/yeast infection.

Pro tip: Warming up the ear-flushing solution by placing the bottle in warm water can reduce your dog’s urge to shake their head as the liquid is being poured in.

4. Massage your dog’s ears

Now this is the tricky part. Once the dog ear cleaning solution is in, your dog will have the urge to shake it out. However, for it to do its job, it needs to stay in at least for a few seconds. To make sure that happens, gently close your dog’s ears (easier if your dog has floppy ears that you can just let fall back, but can be tricky with dogs with erect ears. In that, case, softly close the outer ear like a cone.)

Massage the ear canal for a few seconds by rubbing your fingers at the base of the ear. This will help the ear wax at the bottom of the canal to come loose and float up.

Pro tip: Despite your best efforts, your dog may end up shaking their ears, causing some of the cleaning solution and wax to spill around. Now, the last thing you want is for it to land on your face, or worse still your eyes or mouth — been there, GROSS. So, don’t hunch over your dog. Instead, keep your face as far back as possible.

5. Give your dog space to shake it out

Once you’re done massaging your dog’s ear, take a step back and give your pup room to shake their head and move around until they feel comfortable again. This is important for not just getting rid of as much ear wax and dirt build-up as possible but also for keeping your dog calm throughout this exercise.

6. Wipe the ear clean

When your dog is done getting the flushing solution out of their ears, get them to sit down again and wipe any residual wax, debris, or cleaner from the outer regions of the ear using cotton balls, ear cleaning wipes, or a gauze patch.

Pro tip: Even if you see residual wax in your dog’s ears as you clean them, resist the temptation to go in and clean it out. For one, some amount of wax build-up is essential for ear health. And second, you risk causing irreparable damage to your dog’s ears. Just imagine what would happen if your dog shook their head just as insert a portion of your cleaning aid to get wax out from the deeper reaches of the ear canal!

7. Offer treats, love, and praise

Your doggo is been a good boy/girl letting you clean their ears. Let them know how much you appreciate it by offering them their favorite treat, heaps of praise, and a ton of love. This will help associate positive feelings with the process of getting their ears cleaned and reinforce good behavior. 

Once you’re done, follow the same steps for the second ear.

Cleaning dog ears has been the most unnerving part of pet care for me, for years. Well, that and cutting nails (that warrants a separate post, coming soon!). With experience and a lot of trial and error, I have found a process that works for me and my furry baby. I hope it can help you and your pet find that sweet spot where ear cleaning doesn’t feel as daunting and scary anymore.

Ref:- https://momwithdog.com/clean-dog-ears/

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11 Tried and Tested Remedies for Preventing Fleas in Dogs

If there is anything that pet owners dread and loathe in equal measure, it is fleas. These nasty insects thrive on the blood of mammals, and dogs who love frisking about and rolling in grass become susceptible hosts to these blood-sucking parasites. Once they find their way to your pet’s skin and into your home, getting rid of them can be an arduous task. That’s why you must teach yourself about preventing fleas in dogs.

The adage prevention is better than cure couldn’t ring truer than it does for keeping your pet flea-free. But how exactly do you do that? Here is a complete guide on flea control for dogs to help you get started.

How to Check Your Dog for Fleas

Even with the best flea control measures in place, you cannot rule out the possibility of these pesty little creatures finding their way to your dog’s skin and latching on. While one-odd flea on your dog’s skin isn’t typically a cause for concern, as long as you have effective preventive measures in place, it’s still important to keep an eye out for their presence.

So, along with trying to figure out “how to keep fleas off my dog”, you also need to ask, “How do I check my dog for fleas?” Here are a few ways:

Look for physical signs of flea bites: If your dog is scratching more than usual, has red, inflamed bumps on their skin, you notice bald patches in their fur, or pale gums (a sign of anemia), pay attention. These are all symptoms of flea infestation and warrant further investigation

Inspect your dog’s body and fur: A thorough inspection of your dog’s fur becomes imperative if you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms. But even if you don’t, it’s advisable to examine your pet’s coat from time to time. To do so, run your fingers through your dog’s fur, moving against the grain of hair. Since fleas move fast, you may not be able to catch them if it’s only one-odd, but you may be able to feel bite marks or bumps on the skin. However, if it is an infestation, you may actually be able to feel the fleas in your dog’s coat with your hands

Use a flea comb: Whether you discover a few unusual marks on your dog’s body that warrant further investigation or uncover a nasty infestation, the next order of business is to get those blood-sucking parasites off your pet. Flea combs are your best ally in this quest. Manually searching for fleas can be tedious, time-consuming, and a little gross, but these fine-tooth combs make the job much easier. Just comb through diligently, covering every inch of your pet’s coat, and repeat for a few days to make sure you get them all

Look for tell-tale signs around the house: Flea dirt — tiny black specks that look a lot like ground black pepper — caught in your dog’s hair or falling off it, flea eggs — tiny white granules that look a lot like grains of rice — in places where your dog typically sits of sleeps are also tell-tale markers of an infestation. To confirm your suspicion, you can set a light trap at night — leaving a dish filled with soapy water near a night light. Once it gets dark, fleas will jump toward the light and fall into the water dish. The next morning, you will have conclusive proof of whether or not your dog has a flea problem

Tried and Tested Ways of Preventing Fleas in Dogs

Now that we’ve covered the importance of flea control for dogs and ways to ascertain whether you need to take steps in that direction, let’s talk about how to do it right. From natural flea control for dogs to accessories that repel these pesty insects and flea and tick medication, there are lots of different ways to protect your pet from this nuisance.  

How to prevent fleas on dogs naturally – Home remedies

If you’re looking for the best flea prevention approach, several home remedies can prove effective. Let’s take a look at how to prevent fleas on dogs naturally:

Note: Please consult your vet before using any of these home remedies for preventing fleas in dogs to make sure you don’t end up doing more harm than good.

1. Essential oils

Essential oils of eucalyptus, tea tree, rosemary, citronella, and peppermint are excellent for natural flea control for dogs. However, since these oils are highly concentrated, you must dilute them appropriately. This is particularly crucial when using essential oils like tea tree, which in its original form can be immensely toxic to dogs. The right way to use essential oils is to add a few drops to about 400 ml of water. If your dog is comfortable with it, you can use a spray bottle to drizzle this solution all over your pet’s coat and let it dry. It’s advisable to check with your vet before using this solution if the problem is already aggravated and your pet is suffering from flea allergy dermatitis.

2. Apple cider vinegar and sea salt spray

How to keep fleas off my dog for good, you ask? Here is an effective remedy you can try: apple cider vinegar and sea salt spray. Apple cider vinegar is effective in balancing the pH levels of your dog’s skin, thus making it an unsustainable host for fleas. To make this spray, add four cups of water in six cups of apple cider vinegar, and top it up with a dash of sea salt. Use a spray bottle to get it all over your dog’s coat, moving against the grain of hair to get to the skin. Avoid contact with eyes and ears. 

3. Lemon bath

Lemon bath is a front-runner for natural flea control for dogs. To make a lemon bath, squeeze half a cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice and dilute it with two cups of water. Then, mix it with your dog’s shampoo and apply it. Who knew a readily available kitchen ingredient could be the key to keeping your dog flea-free?

4. Rosemary flea dip

Another simple answer to how to prevent fleas on dogs naturally is a Rosemary flea dip. Steep fresh rosemary leaves in a pot of boiling water, strain the mixture, and then either allow it to cool or add some water to it to bring down the temperature. Then pour the solution over your down and let it dry.

5. Neem oil

Neem oil, which acts as a natural insect repellent, is a great choice for topical flea prevention that few pet parents know about. Although it is native to sub-tropical regions like India and Sri Lanka, it’s not hard to find packaged multi-purpose neem oil online or in large department stores anywhere in the world. You can apply this oil directly to your pet’s coat, make a spray out of it by diluting it with water, or mix it in your dog’s shampoo, et voila! There couldn’t be a more effective natural flea control for dogs.

6. Coconut oil

Among the natural ways of preventing fleas in dogs is the elixir of oils — coconut oil. Rub it directly on your dog’s coat, making sure it seeps down to the skin, to repel fleas and their pestier cousins, ticks. You can even add a teaspoon of virgin coconut oil to your dog’s food to not just prevent fleas but also internal parasites. Given its antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, coconut oil can contribute immensely to promoting good health.

7. Brewer’s yeast

Accessories for tick and flea prevention

While natural remedies for flea prevention are effective, they may not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re wondering, “How to keep fleas off my dog without homemade flea dips, sprays, and solutions?”, there is a wide variety of packaged products you can choose from. Let’s take a look at some of the most effective ones, so you don’t spend hours staring at an endless array of products, wondering how to choose the right flea-prevention product for your dog:

8. Flea collar

Flea collars are one of the most effective and popular choices for preventing fleas in dogs. These are made of polymer matrix and infused with active ingredients — imidacloprid for fleas and flumethrin for ticks — which are consistently released to disorient insects and make them stop feeding on your pet’s blood. If you’re looking for a single solution for flea and tick prevention, a collar can be a great choice. These are known to reduce flea count by up to 95%.

9. Flea comb

If despite all preventive measures, your pet does come down with a flea problem, a flea-comb is the most recommended method of dealing with it. This fine-tooth comb effectively removes fleas and their eggs from dogs’ coats.

10. Flea shampoo

A flea shampoo is also a popular way of preventing fleas in dogs. These shampoos contain active ingredients that form a layer form a protective layer on your dog’s skin, killing fleas on contact.

11. Flea prevention medication

Sometimes, despite the best flea prevention measures, you may find that your pet’s coat has been infested. If this leads to health complications such as an allergic reaction, a rash, dermatitis, or in extreme cases, anemia or tapeworm infection, topical flea prevention methods may no longer prove effective. In that case, you need to consult a vet and seek oral flea medication, along with any other treatments the doctor may prescribe, and follow through on it.

How to Prevent Fleas in the House

Along with keeping your dog flea-free, it becomes equally important to ensure that these insects don’t find a breeding ground in your home. Once they start nesting in the furnishings around the house — sofas, beds, curtains, bed linen, carpets, and so on — it can be hard to prevent them from making their way to your pet’s body. Besides, flea bites can be harmful to humans as well. So, while treating your dog for fleas, you must also take measures to rid your home of them. Here is how to prevent fleas in the house:

Machine wash and tumble dry the furnishings: Wash all the furnishings your dog comes in contact with and then tumble dry them thoroughly. While labor-intensive, this is an effective answer to how to prevent fleas in the house

Steam clean what you can’t wash: Carpets, sofa upholstery, etc can be hard to wash or the material they are made of may not be fit for washing at all. In such cases, steam cleaning can help in flea removal from the house

Thorough vacuuming: Follow this up with thorough vacuuming. However, fleas can escape and find their way back into their hiding spots around the house as soon as the cleaning bag of the vacuum cleaner is opened. It’s best to either empty these bags outside or dip them in water so that any fleas trapped inside are killed instantly.  

Try DIY solutions:  DIY solutions such as sprinkling baking soda or salt in the areas where fleas are likely to nest can also be the answer to how to prevent fleas in the house. You can also use a lemon spray — prepared the same way as you would use it on your dog’s fur — around the house to kill and repel fleas 

Set up a flea trap: Another way of ridding your home of fleas is to set a flea trap by leaving a dish filled with soapy water near a night light. Once it gets dark, fleas will jump toward the light and fall into the water dish

Preventing fleas in dogs is always a smarter choice than struggling with the consequences of an infestation. From checking your pet for fleas regularly to adopting preventive measures at the first hint of the presence of these insects, and getting them the right medical attention at the right time in case an infestation takes hold, I’ve laid it all down for you. Follow through, and you and your pet will be happier for it.

Ref:- https://momwithdog.com/preventing-fleas-in-dogs/

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11 Eco-friendly Organic Dog Beds – Perfect ZZZs for Your Furry Baby

Organic dog beds? Isn’t that a bit of a stretch? Does the material of the dog’s bed really matter that much? Isn’t picking out a bed that’s the right size and offers adequate cushioning enough? Yes, the idea of an all-natural dog bed can bring up questions like these in your mind. And I won’t fault you for wondering whether it is really a necessity or just another marketing ploy to get doting pet parents to invest in yet another product that may add no significant benefit to their pooch’s well-being.

In fact, I had similar reservations, that’s why I decided to delve deeper into the utility of an eco-friendly dog bed. Turns out, it’s not just another fad. Why is that? Let’s take a look at the benefits of organic dog beds to help you make an informed decision. And then, we will get to my selection of hand-picked non-toxic dog beds.

Benefits of Organic Dog Beds

When buying a bed for your pet, what aspects do you typically look at to make a selection? Dog bed construction? Dog bed upholstery? Sturdiness? Color? Cuteness? But do you think about the dog bed filling — the material on the inside? Well, it’s about time that you do because not all dog beds are created equal. Most are made of mass-produced, cheap materials that not only fall apart easily but may also contain harmful chemicals, such as

Lead

Arsenic

Bromine

Formaldehyde

Phthalates

These can be far more toxic to dogs than humans. A 2011 study showed that the concentration of chemical flame retardants is five to ten times higher in dogs than in humans. Another study established a link between various airway irritations and emissions from different mattresses.  

The takeaway is, that your dog has a higher chance of absorbing chemicals from a bed and these chemicals can prove toxic to them, disrupting the balance of micro-organisms in their system responsible for healthy skin and immune system, among other things. Besides, an overzealous puppy, or even an adult dog, may chew up their bed, and end up ingesting these harmful materials.

Protection from these nasty effects of a poorly constructed bed is one of the leading organic dog bed benefits. When you choose dog bed filling of natural materials like cotton, wool, hemp, bamboo, kapok, buckwheat, cedar, eucalyptus, coconut fiber, or natural latex, you naturally eliminate the risk of exposure to toxins. Besides, a lot of these beds are designed to offer orthopedic support. Definitely a great choice for dogs with allergies as well as dogs with arthritis.

The outer material as well as inner fillings used in a lot of eco-friendly, sustainable dog beds are made of recycled plastic bottles, which means they’re not just good for your pet but also the environment. And they are, typically, washable, making them easy to clean and maintain.

11 Eco-friendly Organic Dog Beds

A lot of wins for organic dog beds, I’d say! Now, to the next likely question on your mind: how to choose one that suits your dog’s needs as well as yours? Take a look at the 11 hand-picked all-natural dog beds I’ve shortlisted, and I’m sure you’ll find one that fits your needs.

1. Avocado Organic Dog Bed

A long-time favorite in mattresses for humans, Avocado has forayed into the segment of eco-friendly dog beds. This organic dog bed is biodegradable, antimicrobial, hypoallergenic, and completely free from pollutants, pesticides, artificial dyes, and toxic chemicals. The natural latex, which lends it its antimicrobial and hypoallergenic properties, goes a long way in preventing the growth of harmful bacteria, making it a great fit for pets (and their people) prone to skin irritation and allergies.

The mattress of this eco-friendly dog bed is supported by a waterproof lining and a zippered outer cover. It comes with a dog bed pillow with an organic cotton cover and buckwheat hull stuffing. Avocado also offers a wooden bed frame for additional support to this comfortable dog bed.

These are available in small, medium, large, and extra-large sizes, and adorable color variants — Mailman Blue, Field of Green, Salmon Pink, and Squirrel Grey.

2. Beans Products Hemp Dog Bed

This premium organic dog bed from Bean Products is the perfect pick for pet parents who want a sustainable, comfortable sleeping experience for their four-legged babies.  This chemical-free dog bed is made from premium-quality organic hemp fabric and organic natural latex filling. Given its constitution, you’ll never have to worry about the bed going limp or flattening out from prolonged use.

It comes with a removable cover, which makes dog bed maintenance hassle-free. You can remove the cover for regular washing and air drying, ensuring your pet has clean and comfortable bedding at all times. The cherry on the cake is its chemical-free composition, with zero formaldehyde, mercury, lead, or other heavy metals, making it a non-toxic addition to your home.

The bed is available in sizes XX-Small to XX-Large, and exciting color options — Blueberry, Cocoa, Cactus, Cranberry, Natural, and Shadow Gray.

3. The Wolf Nest Dog Bed

The Wolf Nest dog bed is a must on your bucket list if you’re searching for a sustainable dog bed, not just for its quality materials and construction but also for the brand’s origin and vision. A woman-run business, The Wolfe Nest stands for its chic and comfortable no-frills dog beds made from locally sourced deadstock fabric that would otherwise end up in the landfills and hypoallergenic memory foam that sets your pooch up for a comfortable nap.

What’s more, a portion of the purchase goes toward Los Angeles-based rescue centers, giving you can chance to help more than just your furry baby. This minimalistic organic dog bed is available in sizes Small to Large, and earthy colors — Desert, Natural, Ochre, and Sage.

4. Rawganique Organic Cotton Dog Bed

Rawganique is another front-runner in making safe, non-toxic, eco-friendly dog beds. Case in point, their Organic Cotton Dog Bed. With a thickness of 4 inches at the center and tapering edges, this bed has an ergonomic design meant to offer ease of accessibility and use to your pup.

These beds are free from harmful chemicals, polyesters, fire retardants, and other materials that can be potentially harmful to a dog. You have the option of buying just the dog beg insert made of organic cotton batting, or the complete package with the removable cover, which comes in dye-free natural and black colors. Since these beds are custom-made, it can take up to 2-3 weeks for your order to arrive.

5. Essentia Kingston Dog Bed

This eco-friendly dog bed from Essentia Kingston comprises a natural latex memory foam mattress and a soft organic cotton cover that can be easily removed and washed. It comes with a SoftGrip base that prevents it from sliding on the floor.

The all-natural materials used for this dog bed are of the same grade that Essential Kingston uses for its mattresses intended for human use. They’re also an environment-conscious company that is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, so you can rest assured that the product you get will be sustainably manufactured. These are available in sizes small to large and have a chic design in minimalistic colors.

6. West Paw Heyday Bed

This dog bed from West Paw is a super soft and snuggly option in the line of organic variants. What truly sets this apart as a sustainable, eco-friendly dog bed is that the fill is made of recycled plastic bottles. The entire bed, the fill as well as the outer cover, are machine washable. Also, the bed comes with a money-back guarantee, just in case it doesn’t agree with your dog. It’s available in sizes small to XL, and three color variants: Boulder Heather, Oatmeal Heather, and Midnight Heather.

7. OMI Organic Pet Bed

OMI (Organic Mattress Inc.) is a leader in mattress manufacturing and caters to both humans and their animal companions. This organic pet bed from OMI bears the same hallmark of durability and quality as its other products.

The beds are free of anti-fungicides, chemical flame retardants, formaldehyde, pesticide-treated cotton, polyurethane foam, or other harmful chemicals, and are made in a smoke-free, non-toxic environment. The inner cushion is made of organic cotton and organically grown buckwheat hulls. The outer cover is an organic cotton dye-free canvas with a zip closure and a 100% natural rubber ring supporting it on the sides. These beds are available in small, medium, and large variants.

8. Delilah Home Pet Beds

This organic, all-natural dog bed by Delilah has a luxurious feel to it. A curious mix of recycled PET bottle filling and premium quality organic cotton gives you a soft, comfortable bed that your pooch will love spending time on.

The outer cover is removable and suitable for machine washing. The bed, unfortunately, comes in only standard size and has two color variants: gray and pink. While Delilah has scope to work on the variety it offers with this bed, it more than makes up for the lack of options with comfort and durability.

9. Harry Baker Dog Bed

For anyone looking for an eco-friendly dog bed, the search concludes with this stellar piece by Harry Baker — a dog bed made from a combination of hemp and polyfiber from recycled plastic. They use a variety of upcycled and recycled materials to produce their dog beds, along with azo-free dyes. In addition to the hemp-based dog bed cover, you can also choose a cover made from jute. The beds are available in sizes small to large.

10. Beco Pets Donut Bed

This donut bed from Beco Pets, a popular UK-based brand, is a great choice for an eco-friendly dog bed. The dog bed insert is made of recycled plastic bottles polyfiber and comes with a cover in hemp and cotton variants. The bed has antibacterial properties, making it a great fit for dogs with allergies. It is also odor-resistant, can be machine-washed, and is durable.

The sturdy build and thick padding offer your pooch the right amount of support and comfort, making it a good choice for older dogs who have joint or mobility issues.  It is available in sizes XS to L, and three color variants — Paddington Brown, Kensington Green, and Piccadly Blue.   

11. Molly Mutt Sheepy Wool Crate Mat

This crate mat from Molly Mutt is a good choice for those looking for natural dog bed options for a pooch who has been/is being crate-trained. The wool-filled dog mattress is ideal for all seasons but especially helpful in keeping your pooch snug and warm during winter.

The outer cover is made of cotton and comes in an eclectic mix of vibrant colors and design patterns. It is available in 7 different sizes, which means you will find the right fit for a crate of any dimension.  

I hope this curation of organic dog beds will help you find one that meets your pet’s needs perfectly. Whether you’re looking for a bed for a dog with arthritis, joint issues, allergies, a senior dog with mobility issues, or a pup who doesn’t like to be contained, there is something for everyone here. Pick wisely, and give your furry baby the comfort of a blissful sleep.

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Bernedoodle Dogs: Complete Breed Guide

Is your idea of an ideal pet a gentle, intelligent, trainable dog that can be easily managed? Meet the Bernedoodle. Derived from a cross between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle — hence, the name — Bernedoodle dogs have become a widely popular and well-loved breed since they arrived on the scene in 2003. And are especially popular on social media.

So, if you’re looking for a canine companion to break the internet with, the Bernedoodle — also known as Bernese Mountain Poos — can be the perfect pick. But more than their adorable faces and lovable demeanor, the defining trait of Bernedoodle dogs is their intelligence. They inherit their intelligence from the Poodle, which is known for its sharp mind.

Sounds like just the dog for you? Let’s take a closer look at Bernedoodle dog personality, temperament, grooming and nutritional requirements, and health issues, along with some other key aspects of Bernedoodle breed info, to make sure you really know what you’re signing up for.

The History of Bernedoodle Dogs

The Bernedoodle is a crossbreed designer dog bred by Sherry Rupke of Swissridge Kennels in Canada in 2003. This was the first recorded instance of the Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles being intentionally bred to create a new hybrid dog breed. However, hybrids of these two breeds having accidentally even before this cannot be ruled out. 

Considering its novelty and hybrid status, Bernedoodle dogs are not recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, the breed has been recognized by other bodies such as the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Breed Registry, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, and the International Designer Canine Registry.

Given that these are hybrid dogs, there is no established breed standard either. There are different types of Bernedoodle, and the characteristics and physical attributes of these dogs vary depending on the genetics and bloodlines of the parents and the specifications a breeder is aiming for.

Typically, Bernedoodle types include standard, tiny, and miniature. Of these, the standard variety is the most common. Bernedoodle types are also classified based on their color patterns. On that parameter, Bernedoodle dogs with the tri-color pattern of the Bernese Mountain Dog are the most popular.   

Bernedoodle Breed Info

This Bernese Mountain Dog Poodle mix is an adorable small- to medium-sized dog (depending on genetics and breeding specifications). There is quite a variation in the height, weight, and appearance of different types of Bernedoodle dogs:WEIGHTHEIGHTAGE (FULL GROWN)Tiny10-25 pounds15 inches or less9-11 monthsMedium25-55 pounds15-22 inches11-13 monthsStandard55–90 pounds23-27 inches12-16 Months

They have a wavy or curly coat and can be either single or double-coated. There is enough variety in Bernedoodle colors and patterns as well. Their coat can be black, white, tan, blue, rust, red, sable, or silver, and the patterns include tri-color, merle, and piebald. The lifespan of a Bernedoodle is 10 to 12 years.

Everything You Need to Know About Raising A Bernedoodle Dog

While Bernedoodle breed info can offer a lot of insight into the lineage of these dogs, to decide whether it is the right fit for you what you really need to know is what raising and caring for a Bernedoodle entails. What is the Bernedoodle dog personality like? What are their nutritional and activity needs? And what are the common health problems to be aware of in Bernedoodles?

I answer all these questions for you, and then some so that you know precisely what to expect when bringing a Bernedoodle puppy home:

Bernedoodle dog personality and temperament

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Bernedoodle dog personality makes this breed a perfect fit for families. This family-friendly dog is especially fond of children and proves to be a wonderful canine companion. However, it is important to teach kids the right — and safe — way to interact with them (or any dog, for that matter) to avoid any untoward accidents.

They are affectionate and playful and desire a ton of attention and love from their humans. The Bernedoodle dog personality can be best described as:

Goofy

Attention loving

Intelligent

Trainable

Mellow

Loyal

Playful

Friendly

While a Bernedoodle is essentially a teddy bear dog that loves cuddles and quality time with their family, they can be wary of and a little skittish around strangers. As with any other dog breed, it is important to socialize your Bernedoodle early on so that they are comfortable in new settings and around new people. Given that this is a highly trainable dog, molding them into well-mannered pets shouldn’t be hard provided you catch them young and reinforce desirable behaviors consistently.

A standard Bernedoodle is an active dog that requires space to run around and play, so, they thrive in homes with a fenced-in yard. In addition to playing on their own, they also need regular walks or structured play time or both to expend their energy.

If you’re planning to raise a Bernedoodle in an apartment or a home with very little open space, bear in mind that you’ll need to invest extra time and energy in getting your pet their daily dose of exercise and physical activity. Without it, they can start displaying undesirable, often destructive, behaviors like digging, chewing things, and tearing things apart.

Nutrition and feeding

The right nutrition and food vary for different types of Bernedoodle dogs. If you have a standard Bernedoodle, expect them to have a significant appetite whereas the miniature and toy varieties naturally have a lower food requirement. Irrespective of the size and type of your dog, it’s important to offer them a well-balanced, nutrient-rich, high-quality diet, with a special focus on vitamins and minerals that can support their cartilage and joint needs. 

While the Bernedoodle is by and large a healthy dog breed, they’re prone to stomach problems and bloating, which is why feeding them smaller, more frequent meals is highly recommended. It’s also important to control portion size and caloric intake to keep them at a healthy weight.

Health concerns

Bernedoodles are considered resilient and healthy dogs. However, even with most mindful and ethical practices of breeding Bernedoodles, they can be prone to certain health concerns, such as:

Hip dysplasia: A common condition in many dog breeds wherein the hip joint is not developed properly, as a result, the socket is too shallow to accommodate the femoral head (ball). This can cause pain and lameness

Elbow dysplasia: A condition similar to hip dysplasia affecting the elbow joint

Bloat: Another common canine health concern wherein the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood supply. This can prove fatal if not addressed in time

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): A degenerative eye condition that can lead to blindness

Cataracts: Clouding of the eye lens, leading to vision problems or loss

Demodex mange: A skin condition caused by mite infestation

Von Willebrand’s disease: A blood clotting disorder

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): A chronic inflammation of the digestive tract

Hypothyroidism: A condition caused by an under-functioning thyroid gland, resulting in inadequate hormone production

It’s important to schedule regular checkups and educate yourself about the symptoms of these conditions so that any potential health problems can be detected and addressed early on.

Tips for grooming a Bernedoodle

A Bernedoodle is a hypoallergenic, low-shedding dog, which not only makes it an ideal pet for people with allergies but also fairly low maintenance. However, even a non-shedding dog requires regular grooming and care. The coat can be like that of a Poodle or a Bernese Mountain Dog, depending on the standard followed while breeding Bernedoodles. Either way, their coat tends to run wavy or curly, which means it requires regular brushing and also needs to be trimmed every few months.

Bernedoodles love being brushed and groomed by their humans, so brushing their coat daily can be a great bonding experience. In addition to taking care of your dog’s coat, it’s also important to pay attention to their dental hygiene. Offer dental chews or bones at least once a week to prevent tooth decay and bacteria buildup. Their nails need to be trimmed regularly as well to prevent pain and injuries while running or walking.

How to train and socialize a Bernedoodle

This is an extremely sharp breed with a definite streak of stubbornness to them. Likewise, while a Bernedoodle is an affectionate dog, they are known to be wary of strangers and unfamiliar environments. That’s why it’s vital to familiarize yourself with how to train and socialize a Bernedoodle puppy.

Since they’re intelligent dogs, they can learn both good and bad behaviors pretty quickly. That’s why it’s imperative to start training your puppy early on and continue well past puppyhood. These strong-minded dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. The right way to train them is with a lot of treats, love, and appreciation for good behavior. You’d also need to be patient as your puppy learns what’s expected of them and what’s not.

As with training, starting early with socialization is also immensely important for raising a well-adjusted dog. Once your pet’s basic vaccinations are done and the vet clears them to venture outside the home, start exposing them to new people and environments so that they get comfortable with the unexpected.

 Training and socialization are also critical for Bernedoodle dogs because they tend to have unique personalities and their behavior, responses, and temperament cannot be as accurately predicted as with a purebred dog. In fact, their response to training can be eager and intense (like that of a poodle) or laid-back and nonchalant (like that of a Bernese Mountain dog).

Is a Bernedoodle right for you?

A playful, loving, loyal dog, a Bernedoodle makes for an ideal pet for families, especially those with younger children since these dogs adore kids. They may not, however, be well-suited for environments where they’re required to spend a lot of time alone daily given that they thrive on love and attention from their humans. So, if you’re a single person or a small family where every member goes out to work or study, a Bernedoodle may not be the right fit for you.

Ref:- https://momwithdog.com/bernedoodle-dogs/

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My Humans Came Calling

It was in March 2022 that I arrived, part of a litter of eight. We were two boys and six girls, and spent the first few weeks climbing all over our mama – Raksha, they called her — getting our tummies full and then proceeding to nap. In a matter of weeks, my eyes opened and I discovered a world beyond the cozy corner we had been sleeping in all this time.

We began to venture out, little by little. First, out of the little crate we called home, then onto a large terrace that seemed too big for our tiny little legs. Mama, who’d cuddle and feed us all this while began to grow a little tired of us but I didn’t care. My belly was full and there was all this terrace to explore. Then, one day, a bunch of humans picked up my brother, and off he was shipped to what they called his ‘forever home’.

I was too young to care. To me, it meant that I could boss around my sisters and that was a lot of fun. When were not asleep, I would chase them around the terrace, nibble on their floppy ears, and make them tumble and fall. And just like that, I was closing in on two months of being around. And then they walked in, two big humans and a tiny one.

I, of course, had no idea who they were or why they were on my terrace. All I knew was that I had to be the first to get to them, and so I raced my sisters to be the first one to inspect the people on my turf. And the little human’s frilly little dress had me intrigued. So, I tugged and tugged till my pin-needle teeth had drilled nice little holes in that dress.

One of the humans then picked me up and said, “Who is this naughty little guy?” And mama’s human responded, “Well, he is the one you’re here for.” And they laughed and hugged me, and smothered me with kisses while I struggled to free myself so I could back to ripping off the little one’s dress. By now, the sisters were equally intrigued and so we all proceeded to greet them with a generous dose of nibbles all over their feet and legs — mainly because that was as far as we could reach.

This went on until the humans decided to get away from us — because mama human was awfully ticklish — and sat on a bench placed in a corner of the terrace. My sisters tried to climb all over it, but I was smarter than them all and decided to sneak under the bench. Et voila, the little human’s dress was dangling from the gaps, and so back I went to tugging and pulling, intent on ripping it off. She squealed, and that just made me try harder.

All this while the humans were talking. I didn’t speak human at the time, so I have no idea what about. Besides, I was too engrossed in that dress, and the other humans’ shoes and laces to care. This went on for a while, I was having a blast. And then, they petted all my sisters, mama human picked me up in her arms, and said, “Drogon, let’s go home. Shall we?” And so I did!

Ref:- https://momwithdog.com/humans-came-calling/

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Lhasa Apso Dog Breed — Facts and Personality Traits

If the adage looks are deceptive were to take a living, breathing form, it’d be as the Lhasa Apso Dog. At first glance, these lavishly coated, tiny little fur balls may seem like the most disarming canine companion you can hope to have, but in reality, the Lhasa Apso temperament and personality are far more complex.

Bred thousands of years ago to serve as sentinels at the monasteries and palaces of the Himalayan region of Tibet, these dogs still carry their soldierly genes and aristocratic bearings. This means while they can be goofy and loving with their family members, they’re aloof and wary of strangers. With a floor-length coat, parted neatly down the middle, a feathery tail curled upwards, and oval-shaped eyes peering through the facial hair, the Lhasa Apso is a picture of exotic elegance.

However, a dog is more than just its looks, right? That’s why it’s important to get a realistic impression of Lhasa Apso temperament and personality, grooming and exercise needs, health issues, and more to understand whether it’d be a right fit for you. That’s why I’ve put together this Lhasa Apso dog breed information guide for you.

Lhasa Apso History

The Lhasa Apso dog traces its origins to Tibet and gets its name from the holy city of Lhasa. As already mentioned, it was bred as a guard dog for monasteries and palaces (who’d have thunk it, right!) — a role this breed played for many a millennium. In the native language, the breed is called Abso Seng Kye, which translates to “Bark Lion Sentinel Dog”.

The first record of this breed dates back to 800 B.C. For a fair part of its history, it was impossible to buy a Lhasa Apso, since it was also bred exclusively by the nobility and monks. Given its exclusivity and the fact that it stood guard at monasteries and temples, the Lhasa Apso was considered sacred and a bearer of good luck.  That’s why, it’s also known as Holy Dog of Lhasa.

It was a long-held belief that when a dog’s owner died, the human soul was embraced by the dog. Owing to its place in the Tibetan culture, the Lhasa Apso was not allowed to leave the country, except as a gift from the Dalai Lama. They were always gifted in pairs and believed to bring good luck to the recipient.

This is how the breed entered the United States. In 1933, the 13th Dalai Lama gifted a pair to C. Suydam Cutting, a noted traveler and naturalist. Cutting owned a farm in New Jersey, and the gifted pair became the foundation for this kennel. The Lhasa Apso dog breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935.

Lhasa Apso Appearance

The Lhasa Apso is a small, sturdy, well-balanced rectangular dog whose distinguishing feature is a heavy double coat that is parted down the middle, right from its head to tail. This longhaired dog breed also has well-feathered feet and legs, along with a good headfall. These features were meant to protect this small dog breed against the rugged terrain and extreme climate of its native land. 

The Lhasa Apso carries an alert, sharp, and thoughtful expression, which is augmented by its dark brown almond-shaped eyes. It sports pendant-like ears set slightly above the eye level and a narrow skull that veers away from the eyes at a discernible angle but not so acute that it gives the head a domed shape. It has a muzzled black nose that sits snugly amid its lustrous coat. Despite its small size, the Lhasa Apso sports a smooth, effortless gait without any hackney or exaggerated lift. This breed comes in a variety of colors, including gold, black, white, and tan.

Lhasa Apso height and weight

The Lhasa Apso is a small dog and both males and females, typically, fall in the same weight and height range although females tend to be slightly smaller.HEIGHTWEIGHTMale10-11 inches12-18 poundsFemale9-11 inches11-18 pounds

Lhasa Apso Temperament and Personality

Curiously, Lhasa Apsos think they’re very, very large dogs. This aspect of their temperament is rooted in the fact that for hundreds of years, they were bred to be royal watchdogs. The present-day Lhasa Apso dog carries his genetic markup, which dictates how they approach life: as loyal and fierce guardians of their home and family.

By no measure does this appear to be a fierce dog breed but that’s exactly what Lhasa Apso temperament boils down to — fiercely protective of its territory and people. They are also inherently suspicious of strangers. So, if you go in expecting a friendly dog who loves belly rubs and pets from strangers walking by or even unfamiliar people walking into your home, you’re going to be in for a surprise. Sure, the Lhasa Apso loves its shares of love and attention, but specifically from their family. So, if you’re considering bringing home one because they look just so damn irresistible, just make sure you’re prepared to handle his lionhearted protectiveness — if not handled the right way, it can become the source of many Lhasa Apso behavior problems.

That being said, the Lhasa Apso personality offers an interesting mix of traits. On the one hand, they have a regal, independent, fierce, and somewhat aloof, persona, and on the other, he’s also a mischievous, playful, happy goofball you’d hoped for. Only, they transition from one aspect of their personality to the other once they can completely trust the person they’re with.

This dichotomy also impacts the way they respond to their humans. While Lhasa loves staying close to their family and may follow their humans around the house, they don’t particularly get stressed or anxious when left on their own for a reasonable amount of time. Separation anxiety is not an issue with this breed. It also does well in apartments and small homes.

Caring for a Lhasa Apso

Like what you’ve read so far about this exotic dog breed? Alert, loyal, intelligent, playful, devoted, courageous — what’s not to love, right? I’m with you on that. But to be able to decide whether it’s really the right dog for you, it also helps to understand what you’d be signing up for in terms of care and maintenance of Lhasa Apso.

From Lhasa Apso dog grooming styles to health issues, training and nutrition requirements, and life expectancy, let’s take a closer look at what caring for this breed entails:

Lhasa Apso health issues and lifespan

Despite its small size, this is not a fragile dog breed. Thanks to their origins and genetics, they’re strong and sturdy dogs. So, what’s the life expectancy of a Lhasa Apso? You’re looking at 12 to 15 years of companionship with this furball, and it’s not unusual for these dogs to live to their late teens and even beyond 20 years. That’s quite a journey, and you must be ready to deal with whatever it may bring along. 

While Lhasa Apsos are generally healthy, even this hardy breed is prone to certain health issues. The top among them are:

Cherry Eye: A red mass — that looks like a cherry — begins to grow at the inner corner of the dog’s eye

Patellar Luxation: Also known as slipped stifles, this condition is common in small dogs. Knee joint dislocation can be extremely painful, and even crippling in some case 

Allergies: Allergies of different kinds — food allergies, contact allergies, and inhalant allergies. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, dietary restrictions, medications, and environmental changes

Sebaceous Adenitis (SA): This is a genetic skin condition that can be a serious problem in dogs. It occurs when the sebaceous glands in the skin become inflamed and are eventually destroyed. This causes the skin to become dry and scaly, resulting in hair loss. The condition is compounded by the fact that it is often hard to diagnose

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca: Also known as dry eye, this condition results in the inflammation of the eye due to deficient tear production, leading to a gooey yellow discharge

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Another vision-related health issue that involves the gradual deterioration of the retina. This usually begins as night blindness and the dog progressively loses their eyesight during the day as well. This condition causes partial or complete vision loss

Familial Inherited Renal Dysplasia: This is a genetic or developmental defect of the kidneys, rendering them small or irregular in shape. The severity of the disease varies. In mild cases, it may go unnoticed whereas in severe cases, it leads to renal failure in puppyhood

Lhasa Apso nutrition

The Lhasa Apso needs high-quality food to thrive. These dogs have thick skin that supports their heavy coat, and to be able to nourish it well, they need a diet with high levels of quality protein (meat, fish, game) and fat. The fat composition in their diet needs to be about 14%.

It is also equally important to regulate their portion sizes and frequency of meals. Even the slightest of overfeeding can lead to digestive distress. They do equally well on dry food, home-cooked meals, and grain-free canned food — it’s the quality of the ingredients that counts.

Lhasa Apso grooming

Is a Lhasa Apso a good family dog? The answer to this question is in the affirmative on most counts — after all, it’s a highly trainable and adaptable dog with moderate exercise needs and small size. What’s more, its coat is hypoallergenic, which makes it a good choice for allergy sufferers. However, there is one aspect that makes it a high-maintenance dog — and that’s its grooming needs.

Caring for Lhasa’s coat

This breed boasts of a gorgeous coat that is long and dense. Being able to maintain that inherent gorgeousness of their coat is an integral part of the maintenance of Lhasa Apso. This breed requires daily brushing and combining, combined with baths every two to four weeks, depending on the weather and activity levels.

This can certainly be time-consuming and taxing. Many owners rely on professional groomers to maintain their Lhasa’s beautiful flowing coat. An experienced pet parent can easily take on this task if they have the time for it but a first-timer will definitely struggle to get it right. That’s why many pet owners choose to get their dog’s coat clipped. While that may make it easier to manage the dog’s grooming needs, it certainly takes away from the Lhasa’s regal appeal.

Trimming nails

In addition to brushing and bathing, you also need to trim your pet’s nails once or twice a month if they don’t get worn down naturally. This helps prevent painful tears and other problems. One rule of thumb that can help to decide whether your dog’s nails need clipping is: if you hear them clicking-clacking on the floor, they’re too long.

Dental hygiene and cleaning ears

Apart from nails, you also need to pay attention to your dog’s dental hygiene and ears. Offer dental chews once or twice a week to avoid tartar buildup and bad breath. Likewise, check your dog’s ears for any redness or bad odor — both indicators of infection.

Even if there are no signs of infection, it is advisable to clean your dog’s ears every couple of weeks to remove excess wax and dirt buildup. You can use gauze, a dampened cotton ball, or a vet-recommended cleaning solution to clean the outer ear. Under no circumstance must you insert anything inside your dog’s ear canal.

Lhasa Apso activity and exercise needs

Being a small dog, a Lhasa Apso doesn’t require strenuous physical activity to stay agile and fit. These dogs have moderate exercise needs and are also adept at self-exercise. Your Lhasa may run around the house or a fenced yard to expend excess energy. That said, they do enjoy going for walks with their humans.

Along with physical exercise, Lhasa Apso dogs also need a fair bit of mental stimulation and love playing with interactive toys. They can also be trained to do scent work, retrieving, and herding, as well as work as therapy dogs. 

Lhasa Apso training

A Lhasa Apso has a strong personality and will choose to please you (or a trainer) only if they want to. They’re highly intelligent dogs with a mind of their own, and when handled the right way, they can learn just about anything. However, if the training drills get repetitive or if they’re subjected to bullying or badgering, you may find a Lhasa Apso stubborn to train.

As a result, inconsistent or improper training, or lack of strong human leadership can quickly become a breeding ground for Lhasa Apso behavior problems. Given their petite size, many people believe that this breed is a good choice for first-time dog owners when, in fact, they do best with experienced people who know how to handle a strong-willed canine companion with a mind of its own. 

Apart from consistent and correct training, early socialization is also a big part of raising a well-behaved good-natured Lhasa Apso dog. Exposing them to different environments, scenarios, and people right from puppyhood is essential to channeling their guard dog instincts the right way. 

Lhasa Apso adaptability with kids and other pets

Lhasa Apso dog is adaptable in many ways but getting along with kids, especially young kids who may not know how to behave with dogs or respect their boundaries, is not one of them. The Lhasa Apso temperament is akin to that of a toddler, which means they’re impatient with the antics of children and can nip if pushed too far. They’re best suited for homes with no or older kids who can handle them properly.

If properly socialized early on, a Lhasa can get used to the idea of sharing their home with other pets and even get along with them. But given their leadership instincts, they like to be the alphas of the pack, even if the other dogs are much larger than them — remember, a Lhasa thinks of itself as a very, very big dog despite its small size.

There you have it — a complete lowdown on the Lhasa Apso dog breed. Bringing home a Lhasa means signing up to care for a big dog in a small body — there will be surprises at every turn! Once you understand their temperament and personality, and raise them with a gentle yet firm approach, they can be the best companion you could ask for.

Ref:- https://momwithdog.com/lhasa-apso-dog/

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Doberman Pinscher Dog: Breed Information & Characteristics

Sleek yet powerful, intelligent, keen, and magnificent, the Doberman Pinscher dog is considered canine nobility for good reason. Even though lean in its build, the Dobie is muscular, fast, and powerful, making it a great fit for whatever role its human companions assign it — a protection dog, a working dog, or a loving family pet.

Its glistening coat of black, fawn, or red, with rust markings, elegant, athletic body, and a classic wedge-shaped head make the Doberman Pinscher stand apart. While there is no denying Doberman Pinschers are a popular breed of dog, there are also a host of misconceptions and stereotypes associated with this breed. These may leave you wondering: Is the Doberman a good family dog? Is Doberman a dangerous dog? Is it okay to have a Dobie as a pet in a home with kids?

These are all legitimate questions. If you are considering getting a Doberman Pinscher, it is important to do your research and ensure that you are prepared to provide them with the care and attention they need. To that end, let’s take a close look at Doberman Pinscher dog temperament, personality, health, and care, as well as history and breed information, so you can make an informed decision about whether it will be a good fit as a pet for you.  

Doberman Pinscher History

The Doberman Pinscher dog was bred in the late 19th century in Apolda, Thuringia, Germany, by a tax collector named Louis Doberman (after whom the breed is named). Given the nature of the job, he felt he needed protection while on his rounds. Since he was also the town’s dogcatcher, breeding a loyal canine companion to meet this need felt like the perfect solution. This led to the birth of the Doberman Pinscher.

Even though there is a lack of clarity on which exactly breeds were used to bring to life the glorious Dobie, it is speculated that it comes from a mix of German Pinscher, Black and Tan Terrier, and Rottweiler. After Louis Doberman’s passing in 1894, other German breeders took over, aiming to hone the Doberman into some kind of a “super dog” — brave, agile, tough, headstrong, and aggressive. 

It was a breeder named Otto Goeller who took a departure from this approach and shared the Doberman into a more practical and highly trainable dog. In 1900, the breed was recognized by the German Kennel Club. And eight years later, in 1908, the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed. The Doberman Pinscher Club of America (DPCA) was established in 1921.

The following decade-and-a-half had a significant impact on this breed’s development. The economic strain of World War I limited its breeding to a large extent. Only the best pedigree dogs were bred and those too were mainly owned by the military, the police, and the affluent.

The years of World War II weren’t any easier and placed the breed at peril in Germany. But since it had, by then, already secured its place in the United States, it managed to survive. Over time, breeders have successfully tempered down the Doberman Pinscher’s highly aggressive and over-protective personality, turning it into a dog that is affectionate, loyal, and protective of its humans.

Doberman Pinscher Dog Breed Information

The Doberman is a large-sized dog characterized by its compact build, muscular and powerful body, great endurance, and speed. This breed can be best described as,

Elegant, with a proud carriage

Exhibiting great nobility and temperament

Energetic

Watchful

Determined

Alert

Fearless

Loyal

Obedient

Let’s take a look at the Doberman Pinscher dog breed information and standard, as listed by the American Kennel Club (AKC), that make it so:

Doberman size, shape, and structure

Doberman Height at the withers

Male: 26 to 28 inches, ideal about 27½

Female: 24 to 26 inches, ideal about 25½ inches

Doberman shape and appearance

The head is long and wedge-shaped in both frontal and profile views. In the frontal view, the head appears wider around the ears, which are cropped and erect. The almond-shaped eyes are moderately deep set and carry an energetic expression, with colors ranging from medium to darkest brown. 

The neck is well-muscled and has a proud stance, and length well-proportioned to the body. The nape of the neck widens gradually, blending seamlessly into the body. The withers are pronounced and form the highest point of the body whereas the belly is tucked up and extends like a curve line. The tail is docked around the second joint, flowing like an extension of the spine. 

Dobermans have a smooth, short, hard coat in colors of black, blue, red, and fawn with sharply defined rust markings above the eyes, on the muzzle, the throat, the fore chest, and the legs and lower end of the tail.

The Doberman Pinscher dog’s appearance is regal, and in large part, it is due to its free, vigorous, balanced gait. When running or in a trot, the rear leg muscles display a strong drive while the leg remains firm and stable.

Doberman Personality and Temperament

Is Doberman a dangerous dog? Is a Doberman loyal to one person? Are Doberman Pinschers good family dogs? These are some common questions associated with this breed. That’s why understanding the Doberman Pinscher dog temperament and personality is so vital to knowing what you’re signing up for if you choose to have one as a pet.

The Doberman Pinscher personality is rooted in two key traits — a sharp, intelligent mind, and boundless energy. This means you need to keep your Dobbie constructively occupied, both physically and mentally, to hone them into well-behaved pets. Despite being super intelligent and with a mind of their own, Dobermans are not excessively stubborn or resistant to training. With kind and consistent leadership, you can groom them to be loving, playful, obedient canine companions.

They also require early socialization, which entails exposure to diverse environments, settings, visitors, crowds, and so on, to develop a well-rounded, amenable personality. It is vital to remember that even though Dobermans do not display aggression without a cause, they can be fiercely protective of their families. When not properly socialized, any unfamiliar setting can seem like a threat to them.

In the absence of the right training, mental and physical stimulation, and socialization, a Doberman Pinscher dog can turn destructive, pushy, aggressive, and all in all, unmanageable. So, when people ask, “Is Doberman a dangerous dog?”, it is usually because so many of these dogs do not get the right training and upbringing, making them hard to handle — thus, giving rise to stereotypes that raise questions about whether Doberman Pinschers make good family dogs.

However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In the right environment, a Dobbie thrives into a devoted and dynamic canine companion. 

Caring for a Doberman Pinscher

Bringing home a large-sized dog always equals taking on a huge responsibility. While any pet is an enormous responsibility, caring for a big dog is always more effort-intensive in every sense of the word. So, if you’re considering getting home a Dobie, you must have a realistic idea of the responsibility you’re signing up for. What are some common Doberman Pinscher problems you can expect along the way? What is the weakness of Doberman? Are there too many Doberman Pinscher health problems you may to content with? What about grooming? Nutritional needs? Training? Exercise? Let’s find out:

Doberman Pinscher health problems

Doberman Pinschers are relatively healthy dogs, but they can be prone to some health problems. The most common among them are:

Von Willebrand’s Disease: A genetic blood disorder that impairs clotting, leading to excessive bleeding after injury. It can also cause nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and bleeding in the stomach or intestines. While there’s no cure for it, the condition can be managed with transfusion from healthy dogs

Hip Dysplasia: Another hereditary condition where the thighbone doesn’t fit into the hip joint the right way, leading to lameness and pain, especially as the dog ages

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): A cluster of eye diseases that cause a progressive loss of vision, resulting in night blindness or complete blindness

Hypothyroidism: A thyroid disorder that can, in turn, trigger obesity, skin problems, hair loss, and epilepsy

Wobblers Syndrome: A suspected hereditary condition that leads to a malformed spinal canal or cervical instability, causing neck pain or leg paralysis

Cardiomyopathy: A heart condition that can cause heart enlargement and subsequent failure

Albinism: Another genetic condition that results in pink skin and nose, and light eyes

Bloat: A life-threatening condition that deep-chested breeds like Doberman Pinscher are susceptible to, in which the stomach gets filled with gas, becomes distended, and twists, cutting off the blood supply. It can prove fatal if not addressed promptly. Symptoms include a distended abdomen, excessive salivation, retching, and weakness.

Nutrition

Good quality food for appropriate life stages is critical for a Doberman’s health. It’s vital that you feed your Dobie a diet approved by a veterinarian, the dog’s breeder, or a good nutritionist. A lot of Doberman Pinscher health problems can be avoided by focusing on the right nutrition.

Whether you choose packaged dog food or homemade meals, high-quality ingredients and the right proportions of nutrients are crucial. Although these lean dogs aren’t typically at risk of obesity, proportion and calorie control is strongly advised. You must also ensure your dog has access to clean and fresh water at all times.

Grooming

When you think about possible Doberman problems, grooming isn’t one of them. This is a low-maintenance, “wash and wear” breed. However, some sort of grooming routine is essential for your dog’s overall health. This includes:

Occasional baths

Brushing with a short-bristled brush 2-3 times a week

Trimming nails monthly

Cleaning ears regularly

Offering dental chews or bones for oral hygiene

Training

Dobermans are strong and sharp-minded dogs that can become destructive and dangerous if not trained the right way. That’s why proper, consistent training, preferably under the guidance of a skilled trainer/behaviorist is crucial for raising a well-mannered, obedient, and happy canine companion.

The good news is, that Dobermans are very intelligent, learn easily, and respond quickly to commands. Given their super intelligence, the Doberman Pinscher can also be a delight to train. However, since they are quick learners, keeping the training sessions engaging can be a challenge, so you will need to mix things up to make sure your pet stays interested in the training process.

Exercise

The Dobie is an indoor dog that needs to stay in close quarters with its humans, and not be left unattended outdoors. At the same time, this is an energetic, athletic breed that requires a lot of exercise and playtime to be happy and content. You know what that means, right?

You have to be prepared to carve out time in your day to take your dog for long walks and engage with them in free play. Hikes over the weekends and visits to areas where your Dobie can run with abandon are crucial for their mental and physical well-being.

Adaptability with kids and other pets

Is a Doberman loyal to one person only? Are Doberman Pinschers good family dogs? Are they suitable for homes with children and other pets? By now, I’m sure, you realize that these questions often stem from myths and misinformation about this breed. A well-bred and well-raised Doberman Pinscher makes for an excellent family dog.

They are known for their protective nature, loyalty, and playfulness, which makes them a great addition to any family unit. But as I have been reiterating over and over again, “well-raised” is the operative word here. A Dobie can be an asset to a family as long as it is well-trained and socialized. Once you do your bit, your Doberman pet will become a gentle and trustworthy friend to the children in the family, and also, fiercely protective of them.

However, it is vital that the adults set the right boundaries and ground rules. While you train your dog, it is also important to teach your kids to be respectful and kind. They must be taught to never disturb the dog while they’re eating or sleeping or take away an item of food or a favorite toy they seem to be guarding. Adults must also supervise interactions between the dog and young children, to prevent any rough play that might lead to accidents.

Dobermans can also be affectionate and playful with other pets in the house but are likely to be wary of unfamiliar dogs. So, if you plan to bring home another pet after your Doberman has established the home turf as their territory, you need to proceed cautiously. Early socialization can go a long way in making your dog more accepting of such changes in the household dynamics. As long as you take care of these basics, you should have no trouble integrating a Doberman Pinscher into your family and your home.

A Doberman is a glorious dog by every measure. With the right kind of human leadership, you can forge the most rewarding relationship with them.

Ref:- https://momwithdog.com/doberman-pinscher-dogs/

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Leonberger Dogs: Facts and Personality Traits

Loyal. Intelligent. Protective. Muscular. Fluff ball. Gentle giant. If that’s your idea of an ideal pet, it’s about time you familiarize yourself better with Leonberger dogs. A relatively rare breed, these dogs are slowly but surely getting their due recognition and gaining popularity both as family and therapy dogs.

Sounds intriguing? Let’s delve deeper and find out more about Leonberger characteristics, history, personality, health, and more, to help you decide whether this big bundle of love would make a good fit for your home. 

History of the Leonberger Dog

Leonberger dogs were first bred in Germany in the mid-19th century by Heinrich Essig, a city councilor and dog breeder from Leonberg. Essig wanted a dog with the traits and characteristics of the Great Pyrenees, Newfoundland, and Saint Bernard. The result was the Leonberger, the first litter of which was born in 1846. The breed quickly gained recognition and was accepted into the German Kennel Club.

Originally used as watchdogs and draft dogs, Leonbergers went on to become popular family pets. They were used extensively as messenger and ambulance dogs during World War I. However, the breed’s future seemed bleak after the war, as only 25 Leonberger dogs remained, of which only 5 were of breeding quality.

It was thanks to two devoted lovers of the breed — Stadelmann and Josenhans — that the Leonberger dogs were saved from extinction. They started a club to save the breed. The program was taken over by the German government during the war and later taken forward by the Deutsche Club fur Leonberger Hunde.

The breed played an active role during World War II as well, and only eight survived. The present-day Leonbergers’ ancestry can be traced to those eight survivors. One of the most interesting Leonberger facts is that this breed has been pushed to the brink of extinction, not once but twice, and managed to bounce back — which tells you everything you need to know about their resilience.

Despite its long-standing history and lineage, the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as recently as January 1, 2010. Today, they continue to be used as working dogs, therapy dogs, and family dogs around the world.

Leonberger Breed Standard

Leonberger dogs are large, muscular, elegant, and sociable. The breed is characterized by a distinct black mask, substantial bone, a double coat, and a balanced build. The outer coat lies flat and is medium-soft to coarse to touch. It typically runs straight with some generalized wave patterns. The males are strong and powerful, and have a lion-like mane on the chest and neck whereas female Leonbergers have a shorter coat and an unmistakable feminine build.

The undercoat is dense and soft, although it may lose its thickness in warmer climates or during summer months. Despite the double coat, the body outline is distinct and recognizable. Leonbergers have some amount of ear feathering, ample fur on their legs, the tail is thick and well-furnished, and their toes webbed.

This is a dimorphic breed, meaning you can tell a male and female Leonberger apart easily owing to their discernible appearances. Imposing in size, graceful in its gait, the Leonberger is self-assured and attentive.

Leonberger size

LEONBERGER HEIGHTLEONBERGER WEIGHTMale71–80 cm (28–31 in), average 75 cm (30 in)120–170 lb (54–77 kg), average 145 lb (66 kg)Female65–75 cm (26–30 in), average 70 cm (28 in)100–135 lb (45–61 kg), average 115 lb (52 kg)

Leonberger Temperament and Personality Traits

Now that you have all the Leonberger facts about its origin and physical attributes, let’s move on to one of its most distinguishing and important characteristics (especially if you’re interested in Leonberger dogs for adoption) — its temperament.

One of the best ways to describe a Leonberger is that it’s a cuddly bear dressed as a lion. The German Leonberger is often referred to as a gentle giant because of their large size and calm temperament. They are extremely affectionate dogs with friendly, self-assured personalities, making them a great fit as family pets. Some of the key Leonberger traits and characteristics include:

Socialable

Highly trainable

Submissive to family members

Friendly with children and other dogs

Insensitive to noise

Non-reactive toward passers-by

Loyal

Intelligent

Playful

Thrive on attention from their human companions

Protective of their homes and families

Outdoorsy

Require mental and physical stimulation

However, it’s important to bear in mind that despite all the amenable Leonberger traits, it is still a big dog. Without early socialization and training and an established hierarchy of control, they can get hard to handle.

Caring for a Leonberger — Everything You Need to Know

Is Leonberger a good family dog? Everything we know about this breed — be it Leonberger traits and temperament, their lineage, their history — seems to suggest so. However, a full-grown Leonberger dog is also a big responsibility to take on, quite literally. So, before these droopy-eyed fur balls melt your heart enough to send you looking for Leonberger dogs for adoption, take a moment to understand what you’re signing up for. Here is what caring for a Leonberger entails:

Leonberger training

Both male and female Leonbergers are large and strong. Besides, during their puppyhood and adolescence, these dogs are highly energetic and enthusiastic. You already know the answer to how big are Leonberger dogs, and they reach their full size around 1 year of age. So, you’re going to have at your hands a giant goofball, full of excited energy. That’s why it’s crucial to start training them early on.

It’s also vital to start socializing them as early as 20 weeks of age, by carefully exposing them to a wide variety of people, animals, and settings. This is essential for honing their friendly side and making sure your dog is non-reactive.

At the same time, your German Leonberger will need obedience training to become a well-mannered canine companion. Given the Leonberger size and weight, these dogs are invariably stronger than their owners and it’s near impossible to physically restrain them. That’s early, consistent, and quality training is key to teaching your dog how you want them to behave.

You can either work with a skilled trainer who has worked with Leonbergers or dogs of similar breeds in the past or do it yourself. Remember, when it comes to training, consistency is key! So, irrespective of whether or not you work with a trainer, your involvement is a must. It’s crucial to reiterate the lessons, discourage unwelcome behavior, and generously reward good behavior and obedience with treats and appreciation.

Leonberger grooming

Grooming is a big part of caring for a Leonberger dog. They have a thick double coat that needs consistent attention to be maintained properly. Without thorough brushing at least 2-3 times a week, Leonberger shedding can become a real issue and their coat may become matted — which can, in turn, trigger a host of other health issues. 

Owing to the nature of their coat and a natural oil layer on their skin, German Leonberger dogs don’t need frequent baths. And when you do bathe them, it’s important to use dog-specific shampoos that don’t interfere with the natural composition of the skin and fur. Besides this, you also need to trim their nails often to avoid discomfort from overgrowth and risk of injuries, clean their ears regularly, and offer dental chews to maintain oral hygiene.

All of this requires you to have a certain hold on your dog. Remember, how big are Leonberger dogs? So, it’s not possible to overpower them in order to meet their grooming needs. That’s why I cannot reiterate enough how important and absolutely crucial it is to train this Lion dog well and early on. 

Leonberger health

Like most dog breeds, the German Leoberger is also susceptible to certain health risks and concerns. Some of these include:

Hip Dysplasia: A hereditary condition where improper hip joint development leads to arthritis and pain

Elbow Dysplasia: A genetic condition similar to hip dysplasia

Cardiac issues: These giant dogs can suffer from heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy

Cancer: Leonbergers are also susceptible to certain cancers, like many other large breeds. The most common is Osteosarcoma, an aggressive bone cancer

Bloat: Owing to their deep-chested structure, Leonbergers are at risk of bloat — a condition where the stomach twists after being filled with gas, cutting off blood flow. This can be life-threatening if not spotted and addressed immediately

Obesity: These giant dogs love their food, and are prone to obesity if their diet and exercise are not duly managed

Cataracts: With age, Leonbergers can develop cataracts that can compromise their vision

Like most large breeds, the Leonberger lifespan isn’t very long. They typically live for 8-9 years. However, with the right care and attention, you can give them a quality life, and in turn, earn a lifetime’s worth of love and joy from them.

If you are intent on bringing home a Leonberger, be mindful that this furry baby may need medical attention and care from time to time. You may even have to help them through some serious conditions, especially in their senior years. To make sure both you and your dog have a good quality of life, it’s critical to look into breeding practices, bloodline, and history when you go looking for Leonberger dogs for adoption.

All of these factors not only contribute to the Leonberger lifespan but also determine how healthy your pet is. And of course, the role of a healthy diet, good nutrition, and exercise in improving health markers can never be discounted.

Leonberger nutrition

A well-balanced, nutritious diet is crucial for your Leonberger pet to thrive to their full potential. Considering how big a full-grown Leonberger dog gets, you’re looking at generously sized meals. However, given their penchant for food and tendency for obesity, it’s important to not overdo the portions and choose ingredients carefully.

You can, of course, feed your German Leonberger high-quality commercial dog food that is designed specifically to meet the needs of large breeds. If you lean in favor of home-cooked meals for your pet, make sure you offer them high-protein, high-fiber diets, with chicken or beef as the main ingredients, with some vegetables, and even a limited quantity of grain like rice for a right balance of nutrients.

Whether you’re offering your dog packaged food or home-cooked meals, avoid ingredients like corn and soy as they offer little nutritional value and add a lot of empty calories. In addition to two main meals for a full-grown Leonberger dog, you can also include one or two servings of snacks, which can be eggs, fish, and fruits/vegetables that your dog can eat.

While calculating the food portion vis-à-vis the requisite caloric intake of your pet, do remember to factor in the snacks and treats, along with the main meals, to make sure your furry baby stays in the right weight range. Besides food, water is a key element of their nutrition. Make sure your Leonberger dog always has access to fresh and clean drinking water. Check with your vet about the need for supplements such as multivitamins, calcium, or joint supplements to support them as they age. Be open to adjusting their food as per the changing requirements of the body.

Leonberger exercise

A Leroberger is through and through an outdoors dog. While as puppies and adolescents, they are an exuberant bundle of energy, they do calm down once they mature. Even so, at every stage of life, a Leonberger thrives on being outdoors and getting a ton of exercise.

If you live in an apartment or a suburban house with a small yard, this breed can get a lot to handle. You will need to carve out time every day to take them out for vigorous exercise once, if not twice, a day.

A home with big open spaces, like a farm or a house with a huge, well-fenced yard, is an ideal home for a Leonberger. But if you have your heart set on this breed and want to bring them into a home with confined space, make sure you make space for long walks, jogging, weekend hikes, and trips to the park or the beach to play fetch. Otherwise, you will have on your hands a restless giant that destroys whatever it can lay its hands on.

I hope I have answered the questions you came with. Like, is a Leonberger dangerous? Even though they look intimidating, they’re not typically dangerous. Is Leonberger a good family dog? I always say, there are no bad dogs. Whether or not a Leonberger will make a good family dog for you depends entirely on your lifestyle and what you seek in a pet.

While I’ve laid out pretty much all there’s to know about the glorious Leonbergers. That said, every dog has a unique temperament. So it’s essential to see what kind of personality your pet has to decide the right approach to help them thrive and become a real asset to your life.

Ref:- https://momwithdog.com/leonberger-dogs/

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Is Pumpkin Good for Dogs? Benefits and Things to Consider

As a pet parent, especially the first time around, I spent a lot of time researching what I could and could not feed my dog. When looking at vegetables, fruits, and healthy sources of carbohydrates to introduce to my dog’s diet, I stumbled upon the obvious question: is pumpkin good for dogs?

I say obvious because whenever you read about or talk to seasoned pet parents about things to feed your pooch, one food item that kept surfacing was pumpkin. If you’re anything like me, I’m sure you’ve pondered about it too. And have other questions and concerns before introducing a new item to your dog’s diet. For instance, why is pumpkin good for dogs? How to prepare pumpkin for dogs? How much pumpkin to give a dog daily? Or, can I give my dog pumpkin every day?

So, let’s take a look at each of them, and help you understand how pumpkin fares in terms of offering health and nutrition to your dog, any safety and caution you must exercise, and the best way to get the optimal benefits including pumpkin in your pet’s diet.  

Why is Pumpkin Good for Dogs?

So, first things first: why is pumpkin good for dogs? Primarily because it is a superfood for your canine companions, packed with a host of micronutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E, minerals like potassium and iron, besides being a great source of fiber and antioxidants. It promotes the growth of healthy digestive enzymes and promotes gut health. In fact, pumpkin is such a boon for your dogs’ gut health that pet parents have been using it to address both instances of diarrhea and constipation.

Health benefits of pumpkin for dogs

The health benefits of pumpkin for dogs are not limited to its gut-friendly properties. It is a well-rounded powerhouse of nutrients that help keep your pet healthy and thriving. Some of the top benefits of pumpkin for dogs include:

1. Great for digestive health

Even though we’ve touched upon it before, you really can’t talk about the health benefits of pumpkin for dogs without elaborating on its benefits for canine gut health. Pumpkin is immensely helpful in aiding digestion, promoting healthy gut bacteria, and alleviating constipation or diarrhea.

Besides being soothing for a dog’s stomach, it also helps remove excess water from the digestive tract, and its high fiber content makes excretion easy on your pet’s anal glands. Whether you want to use pumpkin for dogs with upset stomach or just to improve overall gut health, you won’t be disappointed.

2. Boosts immunity

Why is pumpkin good for dogs? Well, one of its leading benefits is that it acts as an immunity booster. Besides being a rich source of antioxidants, pumpkin is also packed with vitamins and minerals, which aid white blood cell production, helping the immune system fight illnesses more effectively, resulting in fewer infections, and helping wounds heal faster. Needless to say, a strong immune system equals a healthy dog.

Suggested Reading: How Suitable is Raw Fish for Dogs?

3. Great for skin and coat health

There are also numerous health benefits of pumpkin for dog skin. Packed with Vitamin E, it works like a charm in giving your dog a shiny coat and promoting skin health. Pumpkin also helps reduce skin irritation and itchiness and is even effective in preventing parasites like fleas in dogs.

4. Helps with weight management

Given its scratchy nature, it sounds almost unrealistic that pumpkin can help with weight management. But turns out, it does. Its benefits for weight management stem from its high fiber content, as soluble fiber inhibits fat absorption. When less dietary fat is stored in the body, there are fewer chances of gaining weight. Given how much most dogs love chomping down on food, this can be a great way to pack in nutrients without piling on calories

So, is pumpkin good for dogs? I think, by now, the question answers itself. From the health benefits of pumpkin for dog skin to gut health, immunity, and weight, pumpkin can be beneficial to a lot of key elements of your pet’s health. By all means, go ahead and add it to your pet’s diet. But remember, too much of anything — no matter how good — can be bad. So, moderation is key. And that brings us to the vital question: how much pumpkin to give a dog daily?  

Suggested Reading: How to Set a Puppy Feeding Schedule: A Complete Guide

How Much Pumpkin to Give a Dog Daily

Even though pumpkin is a nutritious addition to your dog’s diet, it must be introduced in a controlled fashion and fed in moderation. Excess of pumpkin in your dog’s diet can lead to the following problems:

The high fiber content of pumpkin can interfere with the processing of protein and other vital nutrients, leading to deficiencies

Since pumpkin is starchy, too much of this can increase your dog’s calorific intake, leading to weight gain

This may lead you to wonder, “Can I give my dog pumpkin every day?” Yes, you can. But it’s important to figure out how much pumpkin to give a dog daily. Here is a broad guideline that can help:

Extra-small dog breeds: 2-3 teaspoons a day

Small dog breeds: 1-2 tablespoons a day

Medium dog breeds: 2-3 tablespoons a day

Large dog breeds: 4-5 tablespoons a day

Giant dog breeds: ¼ cup a day

How to Prepare Pumpkin for Dogs

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Type and parts of pumpkin you can feed your dog

There are different pumpkin varieties available in the market. While some are used specifically for baking, others are used for carving, owing to their color, shape, and size. Both are good options for your dog’s diet. However, when trying to figure out how to give pumpkin to dogs, remember that not every part of the pumpkin can be fed to your canine companion. While pumpkin seeds and pulp are great for your pooch’s health, stem and leaves can do more harm than good. So, make it a point to remove them.

Adding pumpkin to dog meals

If you’re wondering how to prepare pumpkin for dogs, you have several options to explore:

Canned: This is the easiest, by far. You don’t need to rake your brains over how to prepare pumpkin for dogs. You can just serve it directly. But make sure that you always use plain canned pumpkin with no additives

Baked: You can also give your dog freshly baked pumpkin. To prepare, take a fresh pumpkin, remove the seeds, and bake it in the oven until it’s soft. Wait for it to cool down and then serve

Puree: You can also add pumpkin puree to your dog’s meals. Peel the whole pumpkin, remove the seeds, slice it into chunks, and then let the pieces simmer in boiling water until they’re tender. Mash into a paste, and serve once cool

Roasted seeds: Roasted pumpkin seeds can be a great addition to your dog’s diet. You can use these to garnish your dog’s food, serve them as treats (although this may not be a good idea for small dogs), or grind them into a powder and add a pinch or two to your dog’s food

As treats: In addition to adding pumpkin to your dog’s meals, you can also serve pumpkin in homemade dog treats or find dog-friendly pumpkin treats

When it comes to natural vs. processed, I lean in favor of the former. So, my recommendation on how to give pumpkin to dogs will always be to bring home a raw pumpkin, bake, boil, or puree, as per your convenience, and add it to your dog’s meals. When stored correctly — in batches, some of which you can store in the refrigerator and the rest in the freezer — you have enough to last anywhere from two weeks to a month, depending on your dog’s size.

Note: While pumpkin is one of the safest additions to a dog’s diet, it’s always a good idea to consult your vet before feeding your pet something new. This is especially true if your dog suffers from allergies or some underlying health conditions.

FAQs

1. Can I give my dog pumpkin every day?

Yes, you can give your dog pumpkin every day, however, it is important to remember that moderation is key. When served in the right quantities, it can be immensely beneficial for your pet. Here is a broad guideline on how much pumpkin can you feed your dog daily: ·  Extra-small dog breeds: 2-3 teaspoons a day ·  Small dog breeds: 1-2 tablespoons a day ·  Medium dog breeds: 2-3 tablespoons a day ·  Large dog breeds: 4-5 tablespoons a day ·  Giant dog breeds: ¼ cup a day

2. Can too much pumpkin be toxic to dogs?

While pumpkin is not toxic for dogs, too much of it can lead to health issues. Excess of pumpkin in your dog’s diet can lead to the following problems: ·  The high fiber content of pumpkin can interfere with the processing of protein and other vital nutrients, leading to deficiencies ·  Since pumpkin is starchy, too much of this can increase your dog’s calorific intake, leading to weight gain

Ref:- https://momwithdog.com/is-pumpkin-good-for-dogs/

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