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How to Read Your Dog’s Body Language Correctly

by H. Davis

Photo by Mike Burke on Unsplash

Imagine adopting a dog you thought was the perfect fit for you and your family after you spent months combing through various pet articles. You finally meet the dog, instantly fall in love with him/her, and can’t wait to bring them home. As you both walk in the house, you notice that the dog’s behaviors start to change. You brush it off, however, thinking that the dog will eventually get used to their new environment, but that isn’t the case.

What is your dog trying to tell you? While there are a number of different ways these four-legged animals communicate, paying attention to their body language is just as important as the noises and sounds they make. In fact, much of the information they send to their owners are through their body language, especially when it comes to their facial expressions and body postures.

Understanding what your dog is trying to say can provide both you and your family with useful information — insights that let you know when they’re nervous, spooked, or on edge about what’s going on around them, which could cause them to snap. Remember, in order to understand your dog’s body language, you need to look at their face and body as well. With that being said, here are some things to keep an eye out for:

Dog Posture: Dogs normally use their bodies to communicate their emotions and either try to look smaller or larger. If your dog starts to feel happy and content, they’ll be more relaxed and their weight will be more balanced between all four legs. A wagging tail is widely assumed to be a sign of happiness. Truthfully, a wagging tail the majority of time expresses the willingness to interact – but the engagement isn’t always friendly. In some cases, a wagging tail might be the dog’s way of saying hi; in other situations, however, it might signal an overly aroused animal.

This is much more different from the overall appearance of a nervous dog. When your dog is nervous or scared, for example, their bodies will be hunched over as if they’re trying to make themselves smaller than they are. During this emotional stage, you might see them lower their body or even cower to the ground. Their head will be low to the ground as well. If they’re afraid of someone or something, then you might see them run away. If your dog is afraid of the veterinarian, for instance, they move away from them and move closer to you when placed on the examination table. If your four-legged friend is uncertain about the environment, then they might approach tentatively, making sure that their weight is centered so they can retreat quickly if needed. If dogs want to try and intimidate other animals, then they’ll try to make themselves look larger than they are to express their dominance.

Meeting Strangers: Does your dog lose control when company comes over – barking, jumping, running in circles, and making noise? When you walk to meet a stranger near your home, does your dog’s body language change? Do they growl, bare their teeth, or watch the strangers every move, waiting for their chance to attack?

Unless you and your four-legged animal live in a remote area hundreds of miles away from civilization, you’re going to encounter people on a daily basis. The truth is, a dog that reacts aggressively to the presence of strangers can end up lashing out and attack that person. To make matters worse, with kids, neighbors, and federal employees walking around delivering mail, the chances of someone needing to fend off a dog attack has risen. If you have a big dog, in particular, their excitement around strangers can send someone flying if they aren’t prepared for this type of behavior. It could even result in someone getting a scratched face, which is especially true for children and seniors.

How should you introduce your dog to new people?

  • Take your dog to a separate room until the environment has calmed down.
  • Let your animal make the first move.
  • Ask visitors to introduce themselves by giving your dog treats.
  • Be sure not to reward them if they continue to show fear or shyness.
  • Be patient.

 

Special Needs Animals: Welcoming a new dog into your home is without a doubt an amazing feeling, but welcoming in a dog with special needs can provide some unique challenges. In order to understand the behavior of special needs animals, we must first grasp the concept of what it means to have a special need pet.

Special needs pets generally include a wide range of different physical disabilities, conditions, and special behavioral issues that may require the pet to be under constant supervision. The term “special needs,” can include pets with clear distinctions, such as missing limbs or deformed body parts. So, if the animal suffers from behavioral issues, for example, then they can be managed through positive training. Other animals who suffer from physical limitations, however, might just need to be placed in a new environment. A three-legged dog, for instance, will behave the same way a four-legged one does, while a blind or deaf dog might learn to use other senses to navigate around their way around the world on the daily basis. Regardless of the animal’s special need — these types of pets have a lot to teach humans about animal behavioral world.

In the end, the messages dogs communicate with their body can be sudden and subtle. However, with careful supervision, owners can learn to recognize and acknowledge the most important things. It’s important to know when your dog is happy, nervous, sad, or scared. Pay attention to their environment and the people you bring around them. As long as you’re able to recognize these things, you could diffuse a bad situation before one happens and most importantly, protect the dog from being injured throughout the process.

 

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H. Davis loves taking advantage of the sunny weather outside. If you can’t catch him online, you might be able to catch him out playing football with friends or cheering on the Boise State Broncos. Follow him on Twitter at @Davis241

The Best Ingredients for Dog Treats



Photo by S A R A H ✗ S H A R P on Unsplash

Have you ever considered making homemade dog treats or wondered what you can safely give to your dog from foods out of your pantry or fridge? Poor nutrition is common with giving your dog table scraps, but not all human foods are bad for your dog and some are very nutritional. Certainly, making your own dog treats allows full control how many calories and how much fat they consume, make allowances for dietary needs, tailor to nutritional needs, and practice better control over what your dog eats. Whether you make your own homemade dog treats or buy dog treats from a pet store, consider these wholesome ingredients:

Cranberry // Cranberry is good for urinary tract health that includes infection prevention, and also provides extra potassium, fiber, and Vitamin C. These tasty little berries are also good for preventing cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease that some breeds are susceptible to.

Carrot // Carrot offers the benefits of high fiber and good dental health for your dog. Vitamin A, in particular, is beneficial for your dog’s eyesight, especially as he or she ages.

Strawberries // Strawberries have the goods in the form of Vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, just like blueberries that dogs also usually love. There is also an enzyme that helps benefit dogs’ dental health in these berries.

Bananas // Bananas offer a good intake of fiber, Vitamin C, potassium, and essential minerals while being low in cholesterol and sodium. This tasty fruit should only be used in smaller amounts, though, because of the higher sugar content. You don’t want your dog developing diabetes.

Pumpkin // Pumpkin, in its raw form, is ideal for your dog’s digestive health, with abundant fiber. There is also a decent beta-carotene amount that provides Vitamin A, good for your dog in moderation because of the benefits for his or her eyesight, especially as your dog ages.

Sweet Potato // Sweet potato is a wonderful addition to treats because dogs love the taste, ensuring that they’ll eat the treats right away. The fat amount is low and fiber high, also beneficial, with Vitamins B6 and C, as well as the essential mineral manganese.

Carob // Carob is a popular addition to dog treats that mimics chocolate, without the toxic side effects. Because this ingredient features a legume base, it is not only free from the toxins in chocolate but has a healthy amount of both pectin and fiber that will benefit your furry friend.

Oats // Oats make good ingredients for dog treats, as long as they are free from flavor additives or sugar. The amount of fiber is good for digestion, especially for dogs with sensitive stomachs or irregularity. If your dog has a wheat allergy or sensitivity issues, oats make a good alternative as long as they’re cooked in any treat where they’re used.

Turkey // Turkey that is lean and free from seasonings is good to use in treats as long as the skin has been removed. The protein in turkey is high; it is easily digestible and also helps your dog build muscle.

Rosemary // Rosemary is high in antioxidants that are good for preventing cancer and cardiovascular disease. Another benefit this herb offers is being a natural flea repellent, making it easier for you to avoid having to use toxic chemicals.

Pork // Pork is naturally high in protein and good fats that are good for your dog’s overall nutrition. Always make sure treats use lean cuts and are thoroughly cooked.

When you incorporate or buy dog treats with these and other healthy ingredients for your dog, he or she will enjoy them*. Whether you use them as a training aid or a thoughtful way to indulge your pet, these healthy ingredients will appeal to him or her*. The best thing of all is that you can feel good about your decision to feed these treats.

*Please ask your veterinarian before feeding any new foods to your dog. It is always advised to introduce new foods gradually, so you can monitor for anyadverse effects like allergic reactions. Keep in mind that all dogs are different – One dog may tolerate a food just fine, while another experiences adverse effects. If you have any questions about the serving size of foods, ask your veterinarian. For other human foods your dog can and can’t eat see Heathline’s article.

About  The Author: Olivia Harper is the co-founder of the blog Daily Dog Stuff. She is a passionate pet parent who loves to spend time with her dog, who keeps her active and social. Read more of her guides and tips at dailydogstuff.com.

Buyer’s Guide for Dog Care

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Buyer’s Guide for Dog Care: Keeping Your Dog Healthy

If you’re thinking about getting a pet, a dog is an excellent choice. They’re not only cuddly and loyal, but they may also be good for your health. Owning a dog can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and even lower your stress levels. That doesn’t mean they’re low maintenance, however. Owning a dog comes with a whole list of responsibilities (though Man’s Best Friend is well worth the effort). Here’s what you need to know to keep your dog healthy, happy, and as lovable as ever.

Meals

Just like humans, dogs need proper nutrition to stay healthy. Also, just like humans, they get most of their nutrients from food. That’s why it’s so important to feed your dog a premium dog food that’s chock-full of the good stuff. What should you look for?

The Best Dog Foods

Look for a dog food that has a mixture of meat, fruits, and vegetables. Dogs need all these ingredients for a well-balanced diet. In general, premium dog foods have higher quality ingredients, though that’s not always the case. To be safe, look for the term “complete and balanced.” This term is regulated by the Association of American Feed Control Officials, so it’s not just empty marketing.

You’ll also want to evaluate your dog’s unique needs. While all quality dog food should meet the basic needs for an average dog, some dogs may require special nutrition. This includes dogs with health problems or weight issues, older dogs, and puppies. You can speak with your veterinarian about your dog food choices at your dog’s first checkup.

Adopt a Feeding Schedule

For most dogs, the best feeding schedule is two meals per day. The amount of food you should give depends on the dog’s weight. In the beginning, you can use the chart on the back of the dog food container to determine how much food your dog needs. If you notice your pet is losing or gaining an unhealthy amount of weight, you can adjust the amount.

Exercise

All dogs need exercise, both for health and to prevent boredom. Oftentimes, when a puppy chews furniture or shreds toilet paper, they simply need more exercise to keep them entertained. The amount of exercise needed will vary for each dog according to their breed, energy level, health restrictions, and age. On average, though, most dogs need at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, and some dogs may need two hours or more. If you’re not a particularly energetic person yourself or have a busy lifestyle, you may want to avoid dog breeds that are known for their high energy levels. These include Border Collies, Golden Retrievers, Boston Terriers, and Jack Russell Terriers, among others.

Vitamins and Medications

Most dogs don’t need a daily multi-vitamin if they’re getting enough nutrition from their dog food. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your vet to be sure. However, there are other medications dogs do need for preventive care. These include:

Flea and Tick Medication

Fleas and ticks aren’t just a nuisance, but they can actually make your dog sick. That’s why dogs need good flea and tick medication to keep critters at bay. It’s best to use effective medication year-round, even if you live in a relatively cold environment. While you can buy flea collars at your local supermarket, research shows that they may be dangerous for your pet. It’s best to use a topical medication that’s formulated to kill fleas, flea larvae, flea eggs, and ticks. Most of these medications are applied once a month, and the dosage depends on the dog’s weight.

Heartworm Prevention

Your dog will also need to take a heartworm medication once a month to prevent this deadly disease. A medication like Heartgard Plus is also available as a chewable version that’s easy to administer to your pet. Each package of medication is customized with the right dosage for your dog’s weight class.

Vaccinations

Along with the medication you use at home, your dog will need regular vaccines administered by a vet. When it comes to vaccines, some are more important than others, though your vet will likely recommend the full list to completely protect your dog.

Core vaccines are the most important, and they include:

  • Rabies
  • Distemper
  • Parvovirus
  • Adenovirus (Canine Hepatitis)

Other recommended vaccines may include:

  • Bordetella
  • Lyme Disease
  • Leptospirosis
  • Canine Influenza
  • Parainfluenza
  • Adenovirus Intranasal

If you have any questions about a particular vaccine, your vet should be happy to give you information about its efficacy and side effects.

Grooming

Grooming is essential to a dog’s good health. While dogs may balk at certain grooming practices at first, they tend to adjust quickly if you use a calming voice and offer treats at regular intervals. Good grooming habits include:

Bathing

Believe it or not, dogs only need baths every two to four months. Use a shampoo that’s formulated for dogs, lather the dog’s fur, and rinse the soap away. Dogs appreciate having a non-slip surface on the floor of the tub because it makes them feel safer. Make sure you rinse all the soap away completely to avoid damaging your dog’s coat, and avoid getting soap or water in your dog’s eyes or ears.

Brushing

Because your dog is only bathed every few months, they’ll need frequent brushing to keep their coats shiny and healthy. Most experts recommend brushing every other day, though there’s no problem with brushing every day if your dog is prone to mats or tangles. If you’re brushing to remove mats and tangles, you’ll want to use a specialized brush that’s made for this purpose. Otherwise, you can use a general-purpose dog brush.

Nail Clipping

Dogs need regular nail clipping to keep their feet healthy and prevent scratches on your floors. In general, you’ll need to perform this task every two weeks, though some dogs may need it more often. You’ll want to clip all of your dog’s nails, including the dew claws, being careful to avoid clipping the quick. If you’re nervous or unsure, clip small amounts at first. Use clippers that are designed for dogs and keep styptic powder nearby to curb bleeding (accidents happen sometimes, even when you’re careful).

Tooth Brushing

To prevent tooth decay, you’ll want to brush your dog’s teeth every two to three weeks. Use a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for dogs, and proceed slowly to avoid startling your pet. Brush the outside of each and every tooth, but avoid brushing the top or inside of each tooth; the dog’s tongue keeps these clean on its own.

Socialization

Just like children, dogs need proper socialization so they grow up confident and unafraid of people and other pets. You can socialize your dog by doing the following:

  • Introducing them to new people
  • Introducing them to new pets
  • Taking them for walks
  • Visiting the local dog park
  • Scheduling playtimes with other dogs

At first, you should socialize cautiously. Your dog will likely need time to acclimate to strangers, so pay attention to his body language and behavior. If your dog seems agitated or afraid, remove him from the situation, calm him down, and then try again. If the dog is aggressive, he may need training to get his behaviors under control.

It’s also important to provide a place at home where your dog can be alone. This may be a crate or simply a bed. Dogs can be overwhelmed by too much socialization and having a space of their own helps them calm down and re-energize.

Spaying and Neutering

The American Humane Society and most vets agree that all dogs should be spayed or neutered to help control the pet population. However, there are other reasons to spay or neuter your dog.

  1. Spaying female dogs keeps them calmer and gets rid of their “heat” cycle – which can be messy for owners.
  2. Neutering male dogs reduces aggressive behaviors, such as “marking” their territory with urine, humping, and even running away from home in search of a mate.
  3. Both genders also benefit from reduced risk of certain types of cancer.

Many vets recommend spaying or neutering your dog when they’re between six and nine months old. However, new research shows that dogs can safely undergo these surgeries at a much younger age (8 weeks) with no complications.

When you get a dog, you’re also gaining a friend and family member. Though dogs require quite a bit of work, they’ll reward you in affection and companionship. By following the tips outlined above, you’re doing your best to keep your dog healthy so you’ll have a long, happy life together.

 

 

Dental Health Month

5 Tips When Cleaning Your Dogs’ Teeth

toothbrush dog

Cleaning your dog’s teeth is part of maintaining optimum canine health. In the same way, keeping our teeth and oral cavities clean and germ-free can spell overall wellness for us. However, because there are some important differences between human and canine oral and dental anatomy, it is up to us to help our pooches establish and maintain a healthy set of pearly whites. Here are 5 tips you can follow when cleaning your dog’s teeth.

  1. Start them young

Dogs are not really that very particular about cleaning their teeth. They actually don’t mind if they have cavities forming in their pearly whites. What they do mind is when you start inserting your finger or a funny-looking device right into their oral cavities without adequately preparing them for the experience. Just as first-time bathing can be stressful, brushing your pooch’s teeth for the first time can bring a lot of stress to your pet. This is especially true if it is already grown-up. That is why it is best to start training your dog to learn to love the feel of a canine toothbrush on its teeth while your pet is still a puppy. This way when it does grow up it will already be accustomed to the routine.

  1. Use only dog-appropriate teeth cleaning tools and materials

Training your pooch to like the process of cleaning the teeth will mean nothing if you don’t use the correct tools for the job. While it is good to know that you can use any soft-bristled human toothbrush you may have at home, it is a must that you resist this urge as these toothbrushes are not inherently designed for canine dentition. Likewise, under no circumstance are you supposed to use the same toothpaste that you’re using. Human toothpaste contains chemicals that can irritate your pooch’s tummy. Dogs are not trained to gargle and spit the foamy paste. As such they will most certainly swallow the toothpaste rather than spit it out. It is for this reason that you have to purchase toothpaste that’s specifically designed for dogs.

  1. Give your pooch dental chews

There are a number of canine chews that are useful in the removal of food particles or debris that may be present on your pooch’s dentition. Examples of these include bully sticks, nylon or rubber chews, chicken strips, or even cow ears. Leaving debris on the surface of the teeth can provide a rich haven for microorganisms to multiply, increasing the risk of developing gum disease in your pet.

  1. Add in some canine dental treats

You might want to consider using dental treats now and again as they are especially-formulated not only to clean your dog’s teeth but also remove plaque and tartar buildup and freshen your pooch’s breath. These are typically available in various shapes, sizes, and even flavors so you can actually choose the best one for your pooch – one that it really loves.

  1. Consider professional cleaning

When ordinary toothbrushing or giving treats and dog chews are simply not giving you the kind of result that you want for your dog’s oral health, it is time to call in the professionals. There are veterinarians today that also specialize in veterinary dentistry. They are your best bet in making sure that your pet’s dentition is healthy and strong. They can also help you address any current or potential problem in a more effective and meaningful manner. Technically, experts recommend including dental checkups in your routine veterinary visit.

Taking care of your dog’s dentition helps ensure optimum health for your pooch. By starting them young, using the right tools and products, and seeking professional help, we can feel a lot more confident about our pet’s state of oral health.

 

 

Author bio:

Jenny Spiers is mum of 3 and a true animal lover with 3 dogs, 2 cats and a parrot called Charlie. Heading up the content for MyPetNeedsThat.com amongst a busy family schedule, her goal is to try help people all around the world become better pet owners.

 

 

Fido’s New Year’s Resolution

New Year, New Pooch!

For Pet Parents who have made the resolution to help their dog eat better, get more exercise or training their dog, now is the perfect time to get into new habits. January also marks National Train Your Dog Month & Walk your Dog Month!

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Here are some training and exercise tips for your dog!

1. For new pet parents, or beginners to dog training – it’s always a great idea to take an obedience class to learn the basics. Your local shelter or pet store should provide great training classes!

2. Training & Exercising your dog shouldn’t be a chore – Play games so it’s fun for both you and your dog! Find 5 easy games here.

3. Take multiple short walks during the day to help your dog get exercise and get used the the environment. Shorter walks are great while training your dog to heel and walk calmly beside you. Here are some great heeling tips.

4. Socialization is very important for your dog to be comfortable around new people, dogs and places (like the vet!) It helps your dog become a happy well behaved pup! It’s great to start this as puppies but adult dogs can learn or freshen up their skills!

5. Food is the #1 motivator for most dogs, but make sure you are feeding your dog healthy low calorie treats during training sessions! The best treats for this are training treats, jerky treats, peanut butter or cheese flavored treats. No matter what kind of treats you are using, make sure they are pea-sized or smaller, so your dog doesn’t get too full.

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…AND don’t miss our sale on our low calorie training treats here!

7. This may sounds strange, but there is a correct way to give treats while training. Learning this trick while training can sure help you out! Here’s the facts.

Let us know what you are doing this year for your dog’s New Year’s resolution in the comments!

Yappy New Year!

 

 

Sources:
https://www.dogtipper.com
http://www.akc.org/content/dog-training/basics/
https://www.thespruce.com/steps-to-train-your-dog-1118273