tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45160595196653277662024-03-13T23:18:59.489-07:00Bark City Doggy DaycareAmy Nordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05277985768752459962noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516059519665327766.post-34693380662006640962024-03-13T12:00:00.000-07:002024-03-13T12:36:18.752-07:00How To Tell If Your Dog Is Depressed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dogs can suffer from depression, just like humans. But, dogs do not speak human. They speak dog and sometimes it's hard for us humans to figure out what they are saying. Here are 10 signs that your dog might be depressed. Please keep in mind that just because your dog may be exhibiting one of these signs, it does not necessarily mean they are depressed. A lot of these signs could also mean they are injured or sick. Bottom line, it's best to know your dog's personal language. Pay attention to how they communicate on a day to day basis in order to understand when your dog is acting out of the ordinary.<br />
<ol>
<li><u><b>Change in Behavior</b></u>: This is the most basic sign. Is your dog acting out of the ordinary? Have they lost interest in things that used to excite them? Example: Walks, favorite food, no longer greeting you at the door. The first thing to do is check out the environment. Have you had a new life change (new baby, a big move, ect..)? Sometimes, a dog will sense your own mood and act accordingly. It may be time to do your own self-reflection on whether you are in fact sad or stressed out. This could be causing your dog to feel the same way. Remember, that dogs are pack animals and if their leader is feeling sad or stressed, you canine will feel the same way. Though, they won't know why. They just know something is wrong with their leader. </li>
<li><u><b>Sleeping Pattern Changes</b></u>: Usually a dog's sleeping patterns will fall in line with their human companion's. If you are noticing that you dog is particularly lethargic, they may be sad about something. BUT, they could also be sick or injured. Again, first check the environment for major changes. Next, take them to the vet to be reassured they are not sick. </li>
<li><u><b>Pacing</b></u>: Pacing is a repetitive, back and forth frantic walk in a path. If you dog is pacing, it could mean a myriad of emotions: boredom, frustration, agitation or they could be excited about something fun that is about to happen! Pacing can also mean illness or injury. An injured or sick dog may pace because they cannot get in a comfortable resting position. They are basically trying to wear themselves out to rest. Again, know your dog's normal day to day routine and language and check the environment for any new change.</li>
<li><u><b>Body Language</b></u>: This is again assuming you know your dog's individual language. Some dogs are naturally timid and shy. Other dogs are more confident and boisterous. Some common body language signs that your dog is feeling sad are the eyes and the "passive stance". Generally, if a dog is avoiding eye contact, something is wrong. It does not necessarily mean that the eye contact has to be with you. It could mean that when you throw their favorite toy across the room, they refuse to look at it. Another common sign is a passive stance: walking or standing with their tail between their legs and head low. Sadness does not necessarily mean they are depressed. It could be just a temporary fleeting feeling they are feeling at that particular moment. </li>
<li><u><b>Eating Habits</b></u>: Has your dog's eating habits changed? Like humans, a dog can suddenly start eating more or less when they are depressed. Ideally, your dog should have scheduled feeding times. This allows you better monitor their health and notice any eating changes. Keep in mind, they may just be bored with their food and it's time for a switch up. If your dog is more of a free range feeder, you will need to weigh them on a regular basis to make sure they are not gaining or losing weight too quickly.</li>
<li><u><b>Aggression</b></u>: This is more of a serious one. If your dog is showing signs of aggression, please take them to the vet to make sure they are not ill or injured. Period. </li>
<li><u><b>Excessive Licking</b></u>: (especially the paws!) Some dogs will exhibit and obsessive compulsion to lick themselves when something is bothering them. You must first check to make sure that they are not injured, have a skin irritation or allergy. If not, it could be an emotional response. </li>
<li><u><b>Destructive Behavior</b></u>: First, I must clarify. If you have a puppy, it's going to be destructive and it's your job to teach them boundaries. But, if you have a dog that was once calm and collective suddenly chewing up things, chances are something is wrong. They could be bored, mad, frustrated or depressed. First make sure that they are getting adequate mental and physical exercise. Next, check for major changes in the environment. It could be something as "silly" as a new smell in the house! If all of this has been addressed, you may need to seek a vet. </li>
<li><b><u>Excessive Shedding</u></b>: When I say "excessive shedding", I'm not talking about the day to day shedding of your dog. Dog's shed. Period. What you will be looking for is thin, bald spots of hair missing on your dog. If this is happening, please take your dog to the vet. Chances are, it's a health issue. But, it could also be an emotional reaction. </li>
<li><u><b>Avoidance or Hiding</b></u>: If your dog seems to be hiding in a corner or avoiding you or other family members, something is wrong. Again, it could be a major environmental change, it could be weather (like a thunderstorm) or it could be health related and need a vet's diagnosis.</li>
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Bottom line, the best way to tell if something is wrong with your dog is to pay attention to them everyday. Get to know your dog: What your dog likes, dislikes and how they communicate. If you do notice something is "out of the ordinary" with your dog, don't panic. First, assess the environment and try to decide if it is indeed emotional or if it's physical. Always consult your veterinarian, because even emotional issues may sometimes need a doctor's care. 💗 Amy Nordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05277985768752459962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516059519665327766.post-47317043127503686002024-03-06T09:30:00.000-08:002024-03-06T13:38:27.311-08:00Canine Food Obsession<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One thing you can always assume about a dog is that there is a 99.99999% chance they will never turn down food. True, there are some dogs that are a little more mature about mealtime than your average gobbler. And, some will walk away from a bowl when they are genuinely full. But, there are some dogs that are completely obsessed with food and act like they are starving to death all the time. If you have a food obsessed dog, the first thing you must do is take them to the vet to rule out a serious medical condition. Here are some of the physical reasons your dog may seem obsessed with food:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Aging</li>
<li>Bacterial overgrowth in the intestines</li>
<li>Cushing's disease</li>
<li>Diabetes</li>
<li>Exocrine pancreatic insufficency</li>
<li>Hyperthyroidism</li>
<li>Reaction to medication</li>
<li>Inappropriate diet</li>
</ul>
Once you have ruled out a medical condition, you may start to deduce that your dog's food obsession is psychologically based. There is a theory that dog's are opportunistic eaters with a hereditary trait from their wolf ancestors. Hardwired in their DNA is a feast or famine trigger from their hunting lineage. Hunting wise: when food is present, a dog will feast because there may be a time when food will be scarce. This isn't the case anymore with most dogs. The hunt is over-- Humans provide food on a daily basis, multiple times a day. But, that doesn't necessarily mean their hardwired genetics has changed. Evolution takes a long time. But, this theory has not been scientifically proven. It's just a theory and there are other psychological reasons your dog may be food obsessed:<br />
<ul>
<li> <b><u>A change in the environment</u></b>- Has a family member moved out (aka: a member of the pack is missing)? Have you added a family member? Maybe you have moved? Maybe your dog isn't mentally or physically exercised adequately? If the answer is "yes", then you may have a stress eater on your hands. Find <a href="https://barkcitydoggydaycare.blogspot.com/2019/04/10-signs-your-dog-is-stressed.html">ways to reduce the stress</a> in your dog's life and return to normalcy. <br /><b><u></u></b></li>
<li><u><b>Multiple dogs in the household</b></u>- Is there a dog with <a href="https://barkcitydoggydaycare.blogspot.com/2017/06/dealing-with-food-aggression.html">food aggression</a>? Is there a bully in the pack? Remember, you should be the pack leader and institute calm discipline within your pack. </li>
<li><u><b>Learned Behavior</b></u>: You may have accidentally trained your dog to be food obsessed through using too much food for positive behavior reinforcement. 😶</li>
<li><u><b>Memories of Food Scarcity</b></u>: This happens with rescue dogs that have been on the streets or abused. My first dog was a rescue dog that was food obsessed and eventually became obese (from my lack of knowledge on what to do). We had to put this dog on a diet, which caused the food obsession to become worse, which eventually became a huge behavior mess. That being said, there are things you can do to help your dog with food obsession! Read below--</li>
</ul>
<u><b>What to do with a food obsessed canine family member:</b></u><br />
The first thing you must do is establish a feeding ritual and schedule and stick to it. Your dog must realize that there are only specific times of the day when feeding time occurs. The feeding bowl must be taken away as soon as your dog has walked away from it and they must wait until the next feeding for food. Use treats only for training. Your dog must "work" for their treats (sit, stay, fancy trick, ect...) If your dog is a gobbler, you can purchase a special feeding bowl that is designed to slow down the eating chaos. OR, you can go with a cheaper route of putting a tennis ball in their bowl.<br />
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All in all, the bottom line is that food obsession could be psychological or medical. Both reasons are unhealthy for a canine and can end up causing obesity. Obesity is definitely a medical condition that limits the lifespan of your canine and causes more medical conditions to surface. It's best to not ignore your dog's obsession and deal with it as soon as possible. Amy Nordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05277985768752459962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516059519665327766.post-28435237972731650242024-02-28T10:49:00.000-08:002024-02-28T13:17:59.344-08:00Training: "Leave it" in 5 Steps"Leave it" is a training skill that could potentially save your dog's life. Before you start to train your dog on how to leave something on the ground, it's best that they have already mastered "sit" and <a href="http://barkcitydoggydaycare.blogspot.com/2016/10/how-to-stop-leash-pulling-in-canines.html">leash walking</a>. Below, I have outlined how to teach your dog how to "Leave It", but first I would like to explain how to go about teaching your dog this skill:<br />
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1. Only teach your dog a new skill for about 15 minutes a day in 5 minute sessions. "Leave it" is a good skill to practice during commercial breaks. 😏 If you go all hard core on the training and do more than 15 minutes a day in 5 minutes sessions, you risk over saturating your dog and stressing them out.... or they will just become plain ol' bored with the task and not listen to you. <br />
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2. In my steps, you will see "P/R". This means "Praise and Reward". Praise= a "good job" or "good boy/girl!" with lots of happy enthusiasm. Reward= a treat. Usually pea sized treats are sufficient for training sessions. If your dog does not respond to food treats, you may need to get creative on what reward to use.<br />
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3. Do not move onto the next step until your dog has mastered the previous step. Mastering a step may take a few days. These steps are not meant to be blasted through in one day! <br />
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And now.... the steps!<br />
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Once your dog has mastered step five, you can move on to practicing with real life objects: table scraps, cat boxes, dirty diapers... pretty much all the gross stuff dogs like to get into that they really shouldn't. Once the skill is learned by your dog, make sure to practice it weekly in order to maintain the training! Otherwise, you may have to start all over again. 😞Amy Nordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05277985768752459962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516059519665327766.post-50148819802963393042024-02-21T10:00:00.000-08:002024-02-21T10:08:05.680-08:00Dog Breed Personalities<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In the past, I have written about choosing a <i><a href="https://barkcitydoggydaycare.blogspot.com/2016/06/purebred-vs-shelter-adoption.html">pure bred vs. a shelter dog</a></i>, <i><a href="https://barkcitydoggydaycare.blogspot.com/2016/06/choosing-shelter-dog.html">how to choose a shelter dog</a> </i>and <i><a href="https://barkcitydoggydaycare.blogspot.com/2016/06/how-to-choose-dog-breeder.html">how to choose a dog breeder</a></i>. But, I have yet to write in more detail about dog breed personalities and traits. I am not saying that every individual dog of a specific breed is basically a clone of another of the same breed. As all dog owners know, individual dogs will have their own quirky personality specifically for them. What I am saying is that when choosing a dog breed, you must know historically why that dog was bred. Once you have that gem of knowledge, understanding why your dog does what it does will help you ease a lot of training frustrations. After all, some things may just be a bit more hardwired into your dog than you think.<br />
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There are seven main dog breed groups in the dog world: Herding, Hound, Sporting, Terrier, Toy, Working and "non-working" (Basically, anything that doesn't fit into a nice tidy category). I provided examples of breeds for each group, but not every breed. You will need to research your dog's breed to know where it belongs if I have not provided it.<br />
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<b><u>Herding</u></b>: Australian Cattle Dog, Australian Shepard, Border Collie, Belgian Sheepdog, Bearded Collie, German Shepard, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Puli and Shetland Sheepdog.<br />
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These dogs are smart and serious with a lot of energy. They can be territorial of "their" property (which might mean you, the owner) and can make a great watchdog. They have a tendency to bump and nip at people. This is an innate response from being historically bred to herd (which is also why they are territorial!) They are intelligent, easy to train, hard working and athletic. Companionship is also very important to them and they make great family dogs.<br />
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<u><b>Hound</b></u><b>: </b>American Foxhound, Basset Hound, Beagle, Dachshund, Greyhound, Norwegian Elkhound, Rhodesian Ridgeback, Treeing Walker Coonhound and Whippet.<br />
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There are two types of hound dogs: scent hounds and sight hounds. Depending upon what type of hound you have, will determine the aspects of their traits. Scent hounds tend to be tough and slow. Sight hounds are agile and speedy. Both types are inquisitive, independent and INTELLIGENT. Hounds <i>can </i>be trained... if they want to be trained 😂. If they don't think your training is a worthwhile objective, they will simply ignore you. Owners must provide their hound with a secure area for exploration and when on walks a leash. Hounds tend to be so inquisitive, they will often wander off if left to their own devices. <br />
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<u><b>Sporting</b></u><b>: </b>Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Pointer, Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever, Irish Setter, Korean Jindo Dog, Labrador Retriever, Weimaraner.<br />
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Sporting dogs are active, easy to train, friendly and alert at all times. They are great multi-taskers and bred to be hunters. If you have a water dog of this group, your dog will most likely want to spend the rest of their days swimming and at the lake's edge. Sporting dogs make great therapy and assist dogs. They need to be entertained and exercised. They are not a lazy man's dog, but they make an excellent family dog. I would recommend researching what the specific breed of your sporting dog and devise enrichment that suits their hunting style whether it is finding, pointing, flushing out, holding or retrieving. <br />
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<u><b>Terrier</b></u><b>: </b>Jack Russell, Rat Terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, Scottish Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Welsh Terrier.<br />
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Terriers can be great fun. They can be high energy and be feisty. Therefore, parents of a terrier will also need high energy. Historically, they were bred to be hunters of small animals and have a tendency to dig. Owners will need to provide "work" for them. In their mind "work" = "playtime"!<br />
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<u><b>Toy Dog</b></u><b>: </b>Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chihuahua, Chines Crested Dog, Italian Greyhound, Maltese, Pomeranian and Pug.<br />
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Toy dogs were specifically bred to be companions. They are loyal, have a lot of character and can be territorial depending upon their upbringing and breed. Toy dogs do not need a lot of space, but do need a lot of cuddles and attention.<br />
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<u><b>Working</b></u><b>: </b>Akita, Boxer, Great Dane, Mastiff, Portuguese Water Dog, Saint Bernard, Samoyed and Siberian Husky.<br />
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Working dogs are the most diverse of the dog groups. They were bred to help you whether it be pulling sleds, search and rescue or guarding livestock. These dogs are strong and smart. When properly socialized, they are super friendly and a good match for most people as long as there is lots of space, consistency and they are kept active. Because this group is so diverse, it is best to research your dog's specific breed of this group in order to understand what job your dog was historically bred to accomplish.<br />
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<u><b>Non-Sporting Group</b></u>: Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier, Bulldog, Dalmatian, Keeshond, Lhaso Apso, and Poodle.<br />
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Basically, a Non-Sporting dog is a grouping that was devised for breeds that used to be working dogs, but no longer perform the activity in which they were originally bred. They are also dogs that don't quite fit in the above categories. Maybe it's a small dog that isn't small enough to be a "toy" or a hunting dog that doesn't fit into the hound or sport category. Who knows. These dogs seem to be the most diverse when it comes to personality and can fit a number of different people or families. When it comes to a non-sporting dog, it's important to learn the dog's individual personality and back history before deciding whether it will be a good fit for you or your family. <br />
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Like I have said above, just because your dog belongs in one of these groups, does not necessarily mean it will be a clone. Every dog has it's own specific personality that is blending in with it's historical breeding. Understanding your dog's history whether it's breed or present day upbringing, can prepare you for communication and understanding of your specific dog. <br />
<br />Amy Nordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05277985768752459962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516059519665327766.post-41757247194091514232024-02-14T09:00:00.000-08:002024-02-14T13:43:10.206-08:00Heartworms in Dogs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A heartworm is a parasitic worm that is transmitted by mosquitoes to your dog. It is easy to prevent, but can be difficult and costly to cure. Your dog can become infected when bit by a mosquito that is infected with the heartworm larvae. There is no way you can detect if a particular mosquito is infected, but it only takes a bite from ONE infected mosquito for the larvae to be transmitted to your dog.<br />
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Once the larvae has been transmitted to your dog, it takes about 7 months for it to mature into an adult heartworm. These little buggers travel through your dog's body and lodge into the heart, lungs and blood vessels to reproduce. Adult worms can get up to about a foot long and can live 5-7 years reproducing and causing permanent damage inside of your dog. A dog can get up to 250 worms inside there body! YUCK. If left untreated, the infestation will eventually kill your dog in a not so nice way.<br />
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Luckily, there are readily available preventatives you can give your dog in the form of monthly chew tablets (that dogs think are treats), monthly topicals and a 6-month injectable. The preventatives are the way to go in terms of health and cost efficiency. If your dog already has heartworms, there is a treatment: Immiticide, which is an injectable arsenic based product that must be given 2- 3 times to your dog. The cost for treatment can range from $300-$1000 depending upon where you live. The catch to just relying on treatment instead of a preventative is that heartworms can cause serious permanent damage to your dog's heart, lungs and blood vessels. During treatment, your dog must remain quiet for several months afterward. As the worms die from the Immiticide, they break off into tiny pieces and can cause pulmonary blockage. Most deaths after treatment are caused by dogs exercising not from the actual treatment. If a dog gets heartworm and the owner has absolutely no way to pay for the treatment, the monthly preventative (Ivermectin) can be given instead. BUT, it takes about TWO YEARS for Ivermectin to eradicate the worms and in the meantime permanent damage to the heart, lungs and blood vessels will happen. In addition, heartworms are not a one time deal. Your dog can get repeat infections if not given the preventative.<br />
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<u><b>How Can I Tell if My Dog Has Heartworms?</b></u><br />
Initially, you dog will have no symptoms, but as the worms multiply and take up more space inside your dog, you will notice:<br />
<ul>
<li>A chronic cough</li>
<li>Your dog will get easily tired from exercise</li>
<li>Abnormal lung sounds</li>
<li>Pass out from lack of blood to the brain</li>
<li>Eventually death</li>
</ul>
<u><b>Can Heartworms Be Passed to Humans?</b></u><br />
No. Heartworms are a specific parasite to dogs, cats and ferrets. It is VERY rare for a human to get heartworms and even if a human does become infected, the worm cannot complete it's cycle. Also, Heartworms cannot be transmitted from dog to dog. It must be transmitted through a mosquito. Even if a mosquito bites an infected dog and then bit an uninfected dog. There is an incubation period that has to take place inside the mosquito before it can transmit the larvae. <u><b> </b></u><br />
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The best way to keep your dog happy, healthy and free of these really gross parasites is to give your dog the preventative. Recommendations are to give your dog the preventative even in the cold months. Repetition breeds habit and humans are notorious for forgetting. If you stop giving your preventative in the winter, you are more likely to forget to give it to your dog in the high-risk seasons. For more information, please visit these sites:<br />
<br />
<b><i>Heartworms in Dogs: Facts and Myths</i></b>, WebMD, <a href="http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/heartworms-in-dogs-facts-and-myths">http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/heartworms-in-dogs-facts-and-myths<u><b> </b></u></a><br />
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<b><i>Heartworm Basics</i></b>, American Heartworm Society, <a href="https://www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources/heartworm-basics">https://www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources/heartworm-basics<u><b> </b></u></a><br />
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<i><b>Heartworms</b></i>, Pets and Parasites, <a href="http://www.petsandparasites.org/dog-owners/heartworms/">http://www.petsandparasites.org/dog-owners/heartworms/</a> Amy Nordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05277985768752459962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516059519665327766.post-62611297358412250602024-02-07T10:00:00.000-08:002024-02-07T17:02:59.469-08:00How Much Sleep Does a Puppy Need? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So you got a new puppy and for most of the day this little fur ball is the cutest thing in the world. But during particular times of day, your little wiggly butt turns into a beast of incessant barking and biting. Let's face it, those puppy teeth HURT. So what's up with that? Chances are, your puppy is tired and overstimulated. Puppies need A LOT of sleep, and I mean A LOT. Dog's sleep more than humans (lucky them), but a puppy needs more sleep than most people think. The younger the puppy, the more sleep they will need. A newborn puppy will sleep about 22 hours a day and use the rest of it's time for things like nursing. At 3-months, your puppy will need about 15-20 hours of sleep a day. This sleep is crucial for body development. Things like: building muscle, brain development and improving the immune system. If your puppy does not get enough sleep, you get a cranky, destructive teeth chomper that is at risk for infections and illness. NOT GOOD.<br />
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The problem is that, like human toddlers, puppy toddlers don't necessarily know when they should sleep. They want to play, play, play! It's your job, as the canine parent, to teach your puppy the appropriate sleep patterns.<br />
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<b><u>How To Help Puppy Sleep:</u></b><br />
<ul>
<li><u>Create a sleep friendly environment:</u> A dog can hear 4x's the distance of a human and has 125-300 million scent glands compared to a human's measly 5 million. Nap time for a puppy should be quiet and dark with minimal noise. This may mean having puppy in a separate room from all the other household activity. Adjusting the light and noise is critical to making sure your puppy is getting good sleep.</li>
<li><u>Give your puppy new experiences, but allow them to process those experiences afterward: </u>Taking your puppy to the park or downtown is great for proper socialization skills. But again, remember that a dog's senses are much different from our own. What you may consider a mundane walk through the neighborhood is an overwhelming amount of smells and noises to your puppy. Give your puppy new experiences, but give them time to sleep and process afterward.</li>
<li><u>Exercise:</u> It's always good to provide your dog with daily exercise. An under exercised dog will become frustrated and find not-so-good ways to express this frustration. But, on the flip side, an over exercised puppy will become cranky. It's the body's way of saying "Hey! I need sleep!"</li>
<li><u>How to Handle a Cranky Puppy:</u> If you find yourself in a situation where your puppy is barking, biting and overall just being a little terror. Don't just toss them in the crate and call it good. Remember, a puppy might not realize he/she is tired! You must first find a way to calm your puppy and then put them in "the sleep zone". A crate should be a positive experience and should not be used for "punishment". If you are frustrated with your over-tired little fur ball, they will sense that frustration. Tossing them in the crate while frustrated will cause them to associate their crate to a negative feeling. </li>
</ul>
There are times when you should worry that your puppy is getting too much sleep and something might be wrong. Puppies, like human children, will sleep more during growth spurts, but if your puppy has low energy while awake, you may want to take them to the vet. Your puppy may be anemic or have an internal parasite. Anemia can be caused by things like a flea infestation and a flea infestation can lead to internal parasites like tape worms.<br />
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For more about sleep and dogs, please visit these other posts by Bark City: <br />
<div class="post-header">
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<ul>
<li>
<a href="http://barkcitydoggydaycare.blogspot.com/2015/11/bark-city-new-kind-of-daycare-part-ii.html">Rest: Why It's Important for Canines</a></li>
<li><a href="http://barkcitydoggydaycare.blogspot.com/2015/11/bark-city-new-kind-of-daycare-part-ii.html"></a><a href="http://barkcitydoggydaycare.blogspot.com/2015/12/what-your-dogs-sleep-position.html">What Your Dog's Sleep Position Communicates</a></li>
</ul>
Amy Nordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05277985768752459962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516059519665327766.post-12222550300110337912024-01-31T09:00:00.000-08:002024-01-31T16:18:02.948-08:00Breaking Up a Dog FightIf you own a dog, there is a good chance you will at some point have to break up a dog fight. Especially, if you often take your furry friend to the <a href="http://barkcitydoggydaycare.blogspot.com/2014/05/dog-park-etiquette.html">dog park</a>. Dog fights can be scary and can result in injury to you or your dog if you are not mentally prepared to deal with one. The worst thing you can do is A) Scream at the top of your lungs. This only escalates the situation. B) Grab a dog's head and/ or neck area. This will result in you getting bit. and C) Keep a hold of the leash, if your dog has one on. This will result in entanglement and possible injury to one of the parties involved. If your dog has a leash on and is in a fight, the best thing you can do is immediately drop the leash. So, what should you do if you happen to find yourself in the middle of a dog fight? First and foremost, keep your cool. Next, here are some helpful tips:<br />
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When it comes to dog fights, the best thing to do is recognize the situation before it arises by knowing how dogs communicate. Usually, there is one dog that is the aggressor and the other dog is merely on the defense. Once you recognize which dog is initiating the fight, use the above techniques to stop that dog. Once that dog is stopped, the other dog that is just protecting itself, will most likely stop. Other methods of stopping a dog fight are to spray the dogs with water or bang an object that will make a loud noise. But, these tips are only really useful if you are at home and have access to such things that will spray water or will make a loud noise. Once you have broken up the fight, check to see if the dogs want to keep fighting or have calmed down. Dogs that want to keep fighting, may have underlying behavioral problems.<br />
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A dog owner can usually notice aggression problems within their dog when their dog reaches puberty: 6-9 months old, when the become socially mature: 18-36 months old or if they are not spayed or neutered. Even low levels of aggression should be taken seriously. If not successfully dealt with, low levels can eventually escalate into an out of control problem. Here are some signs that your dog will exhibit when they are aggressive:<br />
<ul>
<li>Growling</li>
<li>Lip biting</li>
<li>Snapping</li>
<li>Lunging</li>
</ul>
A dog that is often the target of another dog will show these signs of fear:<br />
<ul>
<li> Crouching</li>
<li>Tucking of the tail between the legs</li>
<li>Licking the lips </li>
<li>Backing away</li>
</ul>
It is important for a dog owner to know the difference between play posture and true aggression. In order to deal with aggressive behavior, the owner must start training right away by:<br />
<ul>
<li>Sidetracking the bad behavior with a good behavior</li>
<li>Give verbal cues followed by action. Example: If your puppy bites your hand, immediately say "Ouch!" and stop playing.</li>
<li>Give your dog a time out right when they exhibit aggressive behavior.</li>
<li>Don't engage in aggressive roughhousing. Some puppies have a low arousal threshold. Playful roughhousing can quickly result in aggressive fighting with these types of puppies.</li>
</ul>
For more information, please see these links (or look for your own!):<br />
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<i>How to Safely Break Up a Dog Fight</i>, The Whole Dog Journal: <a href="http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/5_12/features/5505-1.html">http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/5_12/features/5505-1.html</a><br />
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<i>Yes, There is A Smart Way To Break Up a Dog Fight, </i>The Dodo: <a href="https://www.thedodo.com/yes-there-is-a-smart-way-to-break-up-a-dog-fight-1488888838.html">https://www.thedodo.com/yes-there-is-a-smart-way-to-break-up-a-dog-fight-1488888838.html </a><br />
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<i>How to Safely Break Up a Dog Fight, </i>The Dogington Post: <a href="http://www.dogingtonpost.com/how-to-safely-break-up-a-dog-fight/">http://www.dogingtonpost.com/how-to-safely-break-up-a-dog-fight/</a>Amy Nordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05277985768752459962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516059519665327766.post-47504391633310678552024-01-24T08:00:00.000-08:002024-01-24T13:45:23.892-08:00Free Or Scheduled Feeding For Your Dog?<div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbBr0nQOy1DzJhYgnF3xQ_WgPth6hOfY5RUU2vxeZodPkMHh9H36eZmADBdIRR8E8IafdX-sQKJS7XUAm4BjQonZn0fhfXGIAATA0L6YiGSV-hHpbxNkAZCDfm9ph8P9N7Y4M03LQljs/s940/Untitled+design+%25281%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNbBr0nQOy1DzJhYgnF3xQ_WgPth6hOfY5RUU2vxeZodPkMHh9H36eZmADBdIRR8E8IafdX-sQKJS7XUAm4BjQonZn0fhfXGIAATA0L6YiGSV-hHpbxNkAZCDfm9ph8P9N7Y4M03LQljs/w400-h335/Untitled+design+%25281%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /> How often and how much should you be feeding your dog? There are two schools of thought when it comes to mealtimes: Free feeding or scheduled feeding. Both have pros & cons and it really depends upon your lifestyle as well as your dog's personality & health. Which ever way you feed your dog, it is important that you are feeding them a high quality dog food that is recommended for your dog's specific breed. It is also recommended that you only feed the recommended daily amount to avoid <a href="https://barkcitydoggydaycare.blogspot.com/2018/02/diet-why-healthy-weight-matters-for.html">obesity</a>. <p></p><p><u><b>Free Feeding</b></u></p><p>Free feeding is easier on the owner, for sure. You don't have to worry about getting home at a specific time to feed your dog. Believe me, animals are creatures of schedule. They know when dinner time is right down to the second. Free feeding is also good for active pets and puppies that need the extra calories. </p><p>The downside of free feeding is that there is an increased risk for obesity if you do not monitor how much food your dog is getting in a day. It also diminishes the structure hierarchy of the household-- Your dog may not realize that you are the one providing the food. In addition, it will be harder to notice appetite shifts. An appetite shift can often be the first clue of a health problem with your dog. Finally, if your dog is a gobbler, you may want to steer away from free feeding. Gobbling up a bunch of food at once can lead to gastric dilation volvulus which is a life threatening condition.</p><p>A few rules of thumb for free feeding to help combat the cons listed above:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Designate a specific area for feeding. </li><li>Only feed the recommended amount a day.</li><li>If you have a gobbler, try dividing the recommended amount and disperse throughout the day. </li><li>Caution: Canned and raw food cannot be left out for long periods of time. This leads to harmful bacteria growth. If you want to add canned or raw food to your dog's diet, give it to them at a time when you can take it away soon afterward. </li></ul><p><u><b>Scheduled Feeding:</b></u></p><p>Scheduled feeding is definitely best for multiple dog households. You will know who is eating what-- Sometimes, there will be one dog in the pack that is a "food bully" whereas another dog will not be getting enough nutrients. Or, in another scenario, different dogs will require different food. In addition, you are more likely notice when there is an appetite shift. This will allow you to closely monitor for a health problem. Finally, it establishes a schedule & a hierarchy. It's easier to establish who's at the top of the pack--you! You bring the food! Dogs thrive on a consistent schedule. </p><p>The downside, it is a little more stressful for a dog owner, because you bring the food at specific times. It's more time consuming. Dogs are creatures of habit & will definitely let you know when it is mealtime. Be prepared for longing looks and whines if you are delaying the food! The other downside is that your dog may not be getting enough calories. As always, you will need to monitor how much your dog is eating.<br /></p><p>A few rules of thumb for scheduled feeding:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Adult dogs should be feed twice a day. If you have a gobbler, you could split it into smaller portions three times a day.<br /></li><li>Puppies should be fed 3-4 times a day.</li><li>Feed the recommended amount. </li><li>Designate a specific area of feeding.</li></ul></div>Choosing whether you free feed or establish a schedule is up to you and the type of dog you have. There is no right or wrong answer. The bottom line is to always feed your dog a high quality food that is meant for their breed and the correct amount. Last, whichever feeding style you adopt, be on the lookout for behavior changes and <a href="https://barkcitydoggydaycare.blogspot.com/2017/06/dealing-with-food-aggression.html">aggression</a> around food. This will allow you to know when a health problem is arising. <br />Amy Nordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05277985768752459962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516059519665327766.post-16203840712417534012024-01-17T08:30:00.000-08:002024-01-17T13:13:17.035-08:00Hypothermia in Canines<br />
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Hypothermia is a dangerous drop in body temperature and can be caused by more than just being outside in the cold for long periods of time. There are a lot of factors that play into whether or not your dog is at risk of hypothermia, some of them include:<br />
<ul>
<li>Very young or old dogs.</li>
<li>Dogs under anesthesia.</li>
<li>Smaller breeds, because they experience faster loss of body heat. </li>
<li>Diseases of the hypothalamus (example: hypothyroidism). The hypothalamus is responsible for regulating and maintaining body temperature. </li>
<li>Shock</li>
<li>And... of course... if your dog has been out in the cold or the skin/ fur has been wet for a long period of time.</li>
</ul>
So, how do you know if your dog has hypothermia? A dog's normal body temperature is higher than a human's. The normal range is from 101-102.5F. When it drops to a human range of body temperature (97.6- 99.6F), they are in danger of hypothermia. In fact, if your dog's body temperature drops below 98F, you should seek a veterinarian immediately.<br />
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The first signs of hypothermia is excessive shivering and lethargy. You should also check for frostbite: When areas of the skin, particularly the tail, ears and paws, become pale, gray and/ or bluish. These areas can also feel cold or brittle and be painful when touched. Sometimes, the frost bit areas will also swell and form blisters. To check your dog's body temperature, <a href="https://www.wikihow.com/Check-a-Dog-for-a-Fever">click this link</a>.<br />
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Here is a handy temperature chart. Remember if your dog is below 98F, TAKE THEM TO THE VET.<br />
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<u><b>What to Do:</b></u><br />
(Remember, if your dog's temperature is below 98F, seek a veterinarian immediately!)<br />
<ol>
<li>Throw some blankets in the dryer to warm them up. Then, wrap your dog in the warm blankets.</li>
<li>Wrap a warm water bottle in a towel and place on your dog's stomach. Do not place the warmed water bottle directly on the stomach without wrapping it. This may cause a burn on your dog's stomach.</li>
<li>If your dog is alert, give him/her warm fluids to drink. </li>
<li>Try to keep your dog still. Moving around will cause more body heat to be lost.</li>
<li>Take your dog's temperature every 10 minutes. Once your dog is at a normal temperature, take them to the veterinarian to check for long term damage. </li>
</ol>
Winter can be a wonderful time to go out hiking and playing in the snow, but just because your dog has fur, does not mean they can withstand extreme temperatures. Always pay attention to the signs your dog is giving you that they may be cold. In addition,<a href="http://barkcitydoggydaycare.blogspot.com/2013/10/winter-care-for-dogs.html"> prepare your dog for cold weather</a>. investing in a good dog coat and booties is always a good idea if you are going to be outside for a long duration of time. Lastly, never leave your dog unattended outside in the cold.<br />
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Additional links:<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Hypothermia: Keeping Your Dog Safe in the Cold</i>, Cesar's Way, <a href="https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/safety/Hypothermia-Keeping-your-dog-safe-in-the-cold">https://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/safety/Hypothermia-Keeping-your-dog-safe-in-the-cold</a><i> </i></li>
<li><i>Hypothermia in Dogs</i>, Doctors Foster and Smith,<a href="http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1677&aid=301"> http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+1677&aid=301</a><i> </i></li>
<li><i>Low Body Temperature in Dogs</i>, Vetary, <a href="https://www.vetary.com/dog/condition/low-body-temperature">https://www.vetary.com/dog/condition/low-body-temperature</a> </li>
</ul>
Amy Nordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05277985768752459962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516059519665327766.post-75229561083658638642024-01-11T10:30:00.000-08:002024-01-11T12:10:48.989-08:005 Ways Your Are Ruining Your Dog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've already written about <a href="https://barkcitydoggydaycare.blogspot.com/2016/01/8-things-that-drive-your-dog-crazy.html"><i>8 Things That Drive Your Dog Crazy</i></a>, <i><a href="https://barkcitydoggydaycare.blogspot.com/2017/03/top-10-rules-for-children-around-dogs.html">Top Ten Rules For Children Around Dogs</a> </i>and <i><a href="https://barkcitydoggydaycare.blogspot.com/2017/11/why-socializing-your-dog-with-other.html">Why Socializing Your Dog With Other Dogs is Important</a>. </i>All of these are important topics to raising a well-rounded, balanced dog. But, one topic I have yet to write about are human behaviors that are downright ruining the dog. There are many of these behaviors, but I will just focus on the five most prevalent:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><u><b>Yelling at an aggressive / barking dog</b></u>: This just doesn't work, because your dog doesn't speak human. Dogs that are barking excitedly or fearfully are stressed out. When you yell at them while they are barking, you are just adding to the stress which ultimately leads to more barking. They basically think, "Oh, hey! Now I have my human barking too! Yes!" A better idea is to distract your dog from whatever is causing the barking with their favorite game. OR, even better, teach your dog how to bark on command. I know this seems counter intuitive, but if you are teaching your dog how to bark on command, you are also teaching the "no bark" command. 😉</li>
<li><u><b>Punishing Your Dog After The Incident</b></u>. If you have discovered that your dog has chewed up your favorite shoes or exploded garbage all over the kitchen hours after the incident, it's too late. Your dog will not know why you are punishing them. Their memory is not that long term and they will associate the punishment with whatever is happening at the moment-- which could be you approaching them. You need to catch your dog exactly at the moment of action. At that point, instead of punishment, you should use redirection or a command such as "drop it". With a reward once the behavior is corrected. </li>
<li><u><b>Comforting Your Dog When They Are Scared</b></u>. Comforting = attention in the dog world. If you are comforting your dog when they are scared, you are basically rewarding their scared behavior. Be aware of the tone in your voice as well. Most humans will use a higher pitched, "baby talk" when trying to calm their dog. This just sounds like whining to your dog. Which, in turn, escalates their nervousness. A more positive way of helping your scared dog is to act normal during a scary event. You can even distract them by playing a game you would normally play. Just make sure you keep your own behavior in check (normal energy level and a calmness). Also, never force your dog to confront whatever is scary. </li>
<li><u><b>Scolding Your Dog For Peeing On The Floor</b></u>. There are many reasons why your dog may be peeing on the floor: territorial marking, health issues, not completely potty trained, ect. You must first assess why your dog in urinating inappropriately. One reason that often gets overlooked is Submissive Urination. Your dog is urinating on the floor to show you that you are in charge. In this situation, the worst thing you can do is stand over your dog, yelling at them and challenging them with direct eye contact. Instead, upon greeting them at the door, you should get down to their level by kneeling and avoid making eye contact or another option is to completely ignore until they are calm. </li>
<li><u><b>Do Not Use Your Dog's Name In A Negative Way</b></u>. Using your dog's name to call them before a bad experience will just make them avoid coming to you. Period. Example: Your dog hates baths. Calling them to come to you and then putting them in the tub is a bad idea. </li>
</ol>
I hope these bring a little light into the world of a dog's mind. Please remember that if you make a mistake, it's ok. Just remember to move forward and do better next time! Speaking different languages often results in miscommunication. With a little insight, we can help your furry family member become a well adjusted, balanced family member. Amy Nordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05277985768752459962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516059519665327766.post-68961331605573410422024-01-03T09:30:00.000-08:002024-01-03T16:19:05.102-08:00Top 10 Rules for Children Around Dogs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Cute picture of the child hugging the dog, huh? But, it is images like these that compel me to write a blog about teaching children rules for being around dogs. There are certain elements of respect that we would give humans that also should be given to dogs. If we follow these rules, accidental dog bites and injuries should be kept at bay:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><b>Do not hug a dog.</b> Yes, humans like hugs, but dogs don't and dogs are not humans! Hugs make dogs nervous. Dogs can be trained to <i>tolerate </i>hugs, but it's not really their cup of tea and they would rather you stay out of their personal bubble. </li>
<li><b>No Running. </b><i>Children </i>must be trained not to run up to a dog. This could startle or scare the dog. In addition, children should not run in front of a dog even while playing with the dog. This could trigger the prey instinct in a dog and will often result in a child getting nipped in the butt or getting knocked down and bitten. </li>
<li><b>Don't touch body parts. </b>Dogs should be pet from head to the base of the tail in a stroking motion with the palm of the hand. Children should not pull ears and tails or be messing around with the legs, paws, ect... Yes, adult humans should train their dog to tolerate the legs, paws, ears, etc... to be handled for veterinarian examination purposes. This is for training not for child's play. </li>
<li><b>Leave your dog alone while he/she is eating. </b>Let's put it this way-- Would you like it if someone came up and placed their hand in your dinner plate? Probably not. Please, when a dog is eating, give him/her space to eat in peace.</li>
<li><b>Do not steal a dog's toys. </b>Instead, teach your dog "drop it" if you really need the toy. But don't just grab it out from under them. It's rude!</li>
<li><b>Leave your dog alone while he/she is sleeping. </b>Same as with eating--Would you really want someone messing with you while you are taking your much beloved nap? Probably not.</li>
<li><b>Loud noises hurt dog's ears. </b>A dog's hearing is WAY more sensitive than a human. For Parents: You know how frazzled you get when your kids are running and screaming through the house? Now imagine that you can hear 4 times the distance and higher frequencies. That is a dog's hearing. A frantic, loud household= an over stimulated dog.</li>
<li><b>Do not tease your dog.</b> They don't understand teasing and it's not funny to them. All it will do is build a level of distrust in your relationship.</li>
<li><b>Crates are safe places. </b>Please train your children that if Fido goes to his/her crate, it's alone time. This is an area that should be comforting and quiet for them. </li>
<li><b>Playtime has ended. </b>Children should learn how to read their dog's language to know when playtime has ended. If your dog is walking away, they are done. On the flip side, Dog's should be trained to know when playtime has ended! </li>
</ol>
Please be consistent with these rules with your children. It will make your furry family member feel secure and safe knowing that "the pack" is being respectful of boundaries. In turn, this will reduce the risk of bites and injuries for the small two-legged family members. Amy Nordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05277985768752459962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516059519665327766.post-40307388073475991712023-12-27T10:50:00.000-08:002023-12-27T19:38:02.084-08:00Caring For a Pregnant Dog<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVqlYpU4MkW-KTNqd7dys7ZuAUyT2S_royoY_a5HatntKq10r0lTMBVZtvtcEGINhv-jdA9gzrlc5_eFrORCOLkLBamKKM-Ow5rAmVMYPYGl9E6fMHXwz37HL9_zJ4UEdPZ4TzZI0y8o/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVqlYpU4MkW-KTNqd7dys7ZuAUyT2S_royoY_a5HatntKq10r0lTMBVZtvtcEGINhv-jdA9gzrlc5_eFrORCOLkLBamKKM-Ow5rAmVMYPYGl9E6fMHXwz37HL9_zJ4UEdPZ4TzZI0y8o/w400-h400/puppies.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /> Is your dog pregnant? Or maybe you <i>think </i>your dog could be pregnant. Or maybe, you are considering breeding? Whichever is the case, you need to be prepared to give your pregnant dog the love and special care she needs while she is busy growing puppies in her belly. Here is a list of ways you can support your pregnant dog as she prepares for whelping (delivery):<p></p><p><b>Signs that your dog may be pregnant:</b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Increased appetite</li><li>Weight gain</li><li>Increased nipple size</li><li>Swollen belly</li><li>Tires more easily</li><li>Nesting behavior</li><li>More affectionate</li><li>Irritable</li></ul><div>Keep in mind that all of these signs could also be different medical conditions other than pregnancy. You must go to a veterinarian to determine if your dog is pregnant or it is something else. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>How to tell if your dog is pregnant:</b></div><div>You have noticed the signs stated above and are taking your dog to the vet to determine pregnancy. A dog's pregnancy only lasts about 62-64 days depending upon the breed. The sooner you bring your dog to the vet, the better. There are different ways your vet can determine if it's a pregnancy:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><u>Palpation</u>: Starting at about 28-30 days, you can start to feel the puppies. They will feel like little golf balls or grapes in the abdomen. This is the fluid filled sac around the fetus. Abdominal palpation should only be done by a veterinarian. Otherwise, you risk injuring the puppies. </li><li><u>Ultrasound</u>: At around 25-35 days of gestation, your veterinarian can listen for the fetal heart beats. This will also help your vet determine approximately how many puppies are in the litter. </li><li><u>Hormone Test</u>: At around 25-30 days, your veterinarian can measure your dog's hormones to determine pregnancy. </li><li><u>X-ray</u>: At around 55 days, the skeletal system of the puppies has developed and your vet can perform an x-ray to get an accurate count of how many puppies to expect. </li></ul><div><b>Caring for a pregnant dog:</b></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><u>Proper nutrition</u> is key to helping your dog through pregnancy. If your dog is already on a high quality food and is at a healthy weight, you do not need to change her diet for the first 2/3 of the pregnancy unless directed by a veterinarian. During the last few weeks of pregnancy, you may need to increase your dog's food intake if this is recommended by your vet. </li><li>You can continue to give your dog her normal <u>exercise</u> routine until her belly is enlarged. Then, you will want to change to shorter, more frequent and less strenuous exercise. Light exercise will also help your expecting mother keep her energy up for whelping.</li><li><u>Regular vet visits are key</u>. Your veterinarian will want to make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations and take a fecal sample to make sure your dog does not have internal parasites. A de-wormer may be recommended at this time as well. The vet will also determine if there are any anatomical or mechanical concerns for delivery. Finally, you will also want to discuss with your vet an emergency plan during whelping.</li></ul><div><b>Prepping for pups:</b></div></div><div>Before the puppies arrive, you will want to either build or purchase a whelping box. This is a box that is safe, warm and draft free for the mother and pups. It should be easy for the mother to enter and exit, but the puppies cannot get out. You will want to introduce the mother to the whelping box to get her comfortable with it before delivery-- otherwise, you may find your dog having her puppies in other areas besides the whelping box-- like a closet, under a porch, etc....</div><div><br /></div><div>If this is your first time delivering pups, you should also find someone experienced with whelping. Ask them questions on what to expect & have them available during delivery. You need to do lots of research and reading on what to expect and when something may be going wrong during delivery.</div><div><br /></div><div><u>Check List</u>: Here are the things you will want to have on hand during the delivery process--</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Non-skid bath mats for bedding after whelping is done.</li><li>Dry clean towels</li><li>Paper towels</li><li>Thermometer</li><li>Clean sterilize scissors</li><li>Unwaxed dental floss</li><li>Iodine</li><li>A heat lamp placed up high and to one side of the box to allow the mother and pups to choose either warmth or a cool place.</li><li>A bulb for cleaning the puppies mouth & nose</li><li>Baby scale</li><li>Veterinarian & emergency room phone numbers.</li></ul><div><b>Labor signs: </b></div></div><div>Your dog may stop eating a couple days prior to whelping and start to nest. If you notice this, you will want to give your vet a quick call to confirm. Many dogs will begin to pant. For the most part, your dog will naturally know what to do and you are there just in case there are complications. Here are some more links you can read to further prepare you for a little of cute, little furballs: </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.thesprucepets.com/caring-for-pregnant-dogs-1117835">Caring for Pregnant Dogs and Preparing for Birth (thesprucepets.com)</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-pregnancy-care-prep/">Dog Pregnancy: Signs, Care, and Preparing for Puppies – American Kennel Club (akc.org)</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/reproductive/dog-pregnancy-birth-and-puppy-care-complete-guide">Dog Pregnancy, Labor, and Puppy Care Guide | PetMD</a></div><div><b><br /></b></div><p></p>Amy Nordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05277985768752459962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516059519665327766.post-62367876530317985282023-12-13T10:00:00.000-08:002023-12-13T14:10:40.742-08:00Sensory Overstimulization In Dogs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Many successful dog trainers have done wonders for dogs through positive reinforcement training and behavior modification, but there are some dogs where the rules just don't seem to apply. They need extra help. It's not because these dogs are overly aggressive, trying to dominate you or are basically non-compliant, it's because they are overwhelmed by the world! Every little butterfly, rustling tree leaf, scent or motion seems to send them into overdrive. </p><p> <br />
How can you tell if your dog is overstimulated?<br />
</p><ul>
<li><u><b>Hyperactivity</b></u><b>: </b>Boredom and over-stimulation can often look alike. If you are regularly exercising your dog (mentally and physically) and they still seem to be going bonkers, you may want to evaluate whether you are over doing it and your dog is over stimulated. Yes, dogs like humans can be over-trained.</li>
<li><u><b>Hiding</b></u>: Dogs will often try to find a place to hide that is quiet and dark when they are over stimulated. If your dog is hiding somewhere, check your environment. If you have children in the house, make sure they are following<a href="http://barkcitydoggydaycare.blogspot.com/2017/03/top-10-rules-for-children-around-dogs.html"> proper dog etiquette with boundaries</a>. Let's face it, kids need to be loud and super active sometimes, but that often does not mix with canines. Allowing your dog to have a place to retreat will minimize the risk of nipping, biting and "accidents" that cause injury to your two-legged family members. Same goes when you have guests over. Sometimes, the human life can be just too much for your canine. </li>
<li><b><u>Nipping and Biting</u></b>: Again, please re-read the above about hiding. Your dog will first try to retreat to a quiet place before resorting to nipping and biting. Sometimes though, dogs nip and bite when they are playful. It's how dogs play with each other. Your job as a human parent to a dog, is to recognize when the playing has gone too far and your dog is starting to get overstimulated. Try to keep playtime to a duration where your dog does not get over stimulated and in addition, invest the time to train your dog not to nip & bite while playing with humans. </li>
<li><u><b>Compulsive Behavior</b></u>: Tail chasing, constant licking and spinning in circles can all be compulsive behaviors. Yes, puppies and kitties will tail chase and spin in circles in normal play, but there can be a point where it becomes compulsive and cause injury. If these behaviors are becoming compulsive, chances are your dog is over stimulated. </li>
</ul>
If your dog seems to be hitting the above criteria as an overstimulated dog, the first thing you must do is take your dog to the vet for lab work to eliminate the possibility of a medical issue. The next thing you need to do is check your environment. Is your household overly active without an escape option for your dog? Are you stressed out? Do you lead an overly hectic lifestyle or get easily frustrated when training your dog? If so, you probably need to re-assess your lifestyle and find ways to simplify and control your own frustration. When training your dog, you must remain calm. If everything is as cool as a cucumber and medical problems have been eliminated, there are products and methods out there to help your dog:<br />
<ul>
<li><u><b>DAP (dog-appeasing pheromone) </b></u>: This pheromone mimics the scent of a lactating mother dog. It is said to help calm about 80% of dogs. It can come as a collar, a spray or a plug-in. </li>
<li><u><b>Thunder Shirt</b></u>: This is a snug wrap that is often used for canines with a thunder phobia. It can also be used to calm dogs in busy kennels.</li>
<li><u><b>BACH Rescue Remedy</b></u>: This is developed for humans, but many trainers often use it on canines as well. It is a blend of medicinal flowers designed to help deal with immediate problems. For more information <a href="http://www.bachflower.com/rescue-remedy-information/">click here</a>. </li>
<li><b><u>Eye Contact Game</u></b>: This behavior modification technique is part of <a href="http://www.trainthethirdway.com/third_way.asp">Chris Bach's <i>The Third Way </i>training program</a>: "[The trainer] uses food to reward a dog’s choice to do something right and simply
interferes with a dog’s choice to do something wrong. By utilizing THE
THIRD WAY’S exclusive teaching and proofing processes and without force
or punishment, owners teach dogs how to ignore food and obey cues. As a
result, they are very reliable in the face of strong distractions and
are not dependent upon food to be accurate and willing performers. Dogs
learn what owners want." </li>
<li><u><b>T-touch</b></u>: Is a massage technique that employs circular movements of the fingers and hands all over the body to activate cell function and awaken cellular intelligence. You can find out more <a href="http://www.ttouch.com/">here</a>. </li>
<li><u><b>Socialization</b></u>: There is a critical period in which puppies must be socialized: 4-16 weeks of age. But, dogs must also be socialized after that period on a continuous basis. <a href="http://barkcitydoggydaycare.blogspot.com/2017/11/why-socializing-your-dog-with-other.html">Proper socialization is key to dog behavior</a>. There are dogs, especially rescue dogs with abused pasts, that normal socialization will just not work. These dogs may never have a normal life and owners will need special vigilance to give them an environment conducive to their individual needs. </li>
<li><u><b>Calm Hand Strokes</b></u>: When your dog is anxious about a situation or over stimulated, sometimes calmly petting your dog in long, slow strokes on the back while avoiding the head works wonders. The key to this technique is that the owner must be calm.</li>
<li><u><b>Anti-anxiety medication</b></u>: Medication can be used after all other options have been exhausted or as a way to calm your dog in order to effectively institute other methods. These options should be discussed with your veterinarian and a professional dog trainer. </li>
</ul>
Keep in mind when trying new products and techniques with your canine, that you should try one thing at a time and give 2 weeks to a month before you switch or add on. This will allow you to know what is and isn't working. Always let your veterinarian know what products/ techniques you are using on your dog. Finally, keep in mind, that sometimes you need to bring in a professional trainer for help. <br />
<br />
For more information, go to these links:<br />
<ul>
<li><i>5 Ways to Calm a Hyper Dog</i>, The Dogster: <a href="http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-puppy-training-behavior-calm-overstimulated">http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-puppy-training-behavior-calm-overstimulated </a></li>
<li><i>Is Sensory Overstimulation Stressing Your Dog?, </i>PetHelpful:<a href="https://pethelpful.com/dogs/Understanding-Sensory-Overstumulation-in-Dogs"> https://pethelpful.com/dogs/Understanding-Sensory-Overstumulation-in-Dogs</a></li>
<li> <i>4 Signs Your Dog is Overstimulated, </i>I (heart) Dogs: <a href="https://iheartdogs.com/4-signs-your-dog-is-overstimulated/">https://iheartdogs.com/4-signs-your-dog-is-overstimulated/</a> </li>
</ul>
Amy Nordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05277985768752459962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516059519665327766.post-45069495120374382492023-12-06T11:30:00.000-08:002023-12-06T15:27:30.693-08:00Cold and Flu Season for CaninesDo you ever have days where you feel like this?<br />
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You just don't want to get out of bed. You feel tired, lethargic and you're thinking you might be coming down with a cold or flu. It happens to all of us... unless you live in a bubble. It also happens to dogs.<br />
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Canine Influenza is a virus that is transmitted from dog to dog. Humans cannot become infected. Symptoms are similar to human flu: coughing, sneezing, runny nose and fatigue. Sometimes dogs can be asymptomatic (they carry the virus, but show no symptoms). If you suspect your dog is under the weather, please take them to the vet. Although, canine flu is rarely serious, it can become serious if not treated properly: high temperature, difficulty breathing, pneumonia and/or bleeding in the lungs. Plus, you will want to rule out any other medical issues that are not the flu. Once your dog has officially been diagnosed with the flu, your vet will decide the appropriate treatment: rest, lost of fluids, maybe medication...rest...more rest... and quarantined to the house with no contact to other dogs until they recover. There is a vaccine, but the vaccine won't help if your dog already has the flu. It's similar to a human flu shot, your dog will need to get the shot before the flu season starts and it will not promise you a long, happy, virus free, bounding, slobbering through snow drifts winter...it just eases the blow to your pup's body.<br />
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Please remember that if your dog is under the weather, vomiting or has diarrhea, please keep them at home until they get better. Also remember that if your dog does get a cold or flu, like humans, these things happen sometimes. The only way you can be completely sure your dog will not catch a virus is to isolate them from all dog contact and that would be a pretty lonely life. We at Bark City work diligently to keep our facility clean: Our facility is set up with 3 different air circulatio<span class="text_exposed_show">n
systems (one for the standard side, one for the enrichment program, and
one for the training room),</span><span class="text_exposed_show"> we spray down and disinfect all of our yards twice a day and disinfect all indoor space and toys daily, we have also laid down our turf correctly with proper drainage (<a href="http://barkcitydoggydaycare.blogspot.com/2017/10/the-importance-of-laying-down-turf.html">read here on why that's important</a>). Even with all our effort, sometimes those asymptomatic dogs sneak past. </span><br />
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<span class="text_exposed_show">As the cold and flu season sets upon us (and our canine companions), let us prepare the best we can. <a href="http://barkcitydoggydaycare.blogspot.com/2015/10/bone-broth-for-sick-puppies.html">Bone broth</a> and kleenexes anyone? </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgU1meH9wfncnp_Mbw1PjQAaD7BwrwLlF0fcfLeiBG4NGhPTtsMUSi0vWymAtKde8oGwi9JcTLojB-0nnrUJPty2JGzUzdKqBvrWusZGKrk-48Gs47vqCHCie_dTehOI8xQdBX2SOuHU/s1600/looking+sick.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYgU1meH9wfncnp_Mbw1PjQAaD7BwrwLlF0fcfLeiBG4NGhPTtsMUSi0vWymAtKde8oGwi9JcTLojB-0nnrUJPty2JGzUzdKqBvrWusZGKrk-48Gs47vqCHCie_dTehOI8xQdBX2SOuHU/s1600/looking+sick.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This dog isn't really sick. He is just really tired from playing too much at Bark City.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />Amy Nordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05277985768752459962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516059519665327766.post-8826535711029574182023-11-29T09:00:00.000-08:002023-11-29T14:09:53.102-08:00Choosing a Shelter Dog<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You have decided to adopt a shelter dog--- Congratulations! You have chosen to save a life and provide a second chance for a dog that has had a bad turn in life. There are certain things you must do before you adopt and things you will need to do once your dog is part of your family.<br />
<br />
<u><b>Before You Adopt: </b></u><br />
<ul>
<li>First and foremost-- decide how many dogs you want, because you will want them all when you walk into that shelter. Stick to that number. </li>
<li>Decide what kind of dog you want. Do you want a small dog or a big dog? And active dog or a laid back dog? An adult dog or puppy? You will want to try to find a dog that fits your lifestyle. Stick to the plan. If you are planning on getting a small dog, don't come home with a Great Dane. </li>
<li>Research, research, research-- Do you know what you will be feeding your dog? How much exercise your dog will need? What things are essentials for getting a dog (bed, bowls, leash, crate, ect...)? What vet are you going to use? What do you need to do to get a dog license in your city? What kind of paperwork do you need to adopt a dog? Buy those things.</li>
<li>Lay down ground rules for your humans before the dog comes home. There should also be rules for your new four-legged family member and all humans should stick to these rules. Will your new dog be allowed on the furniture? Where will he eat? Who will feed him? Bathroom schedule? ect.... The more consistency and less stress in the household, the better.</li>
<li> Do you have other animals in the house and how are you going to transition them? </li>
</ul>
<u><b>At The Shelter: </b></u>**<span style="color: blue;"> First and foremost: Remember that a shelter is a stressful place for animals. Any animal you are considering will be under some amount of stress.</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Ask Questions: Don't be afraid to ask questions about animals you are interested in adopting-- Why is this dog at the shelter? Are there any medical issues? If so, consider whether you have the financial means to take care of the vet bills. Has it had a temperament test?</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Watch and assess the dog you are considering from a distance: Is it sitting calm and watching? Is it engaging with people in friendly manner? Is it exhibiting signs of stress (pacing and whining)? Do you have a super-excited dog on your hands (jumping, barking, ect)? Is there aggressive traits, such as lunging, growling and charging? Is this dog fearful (won't approach you, hunching and hiding)? </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Walk up to the kennel and watch the dog's language. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Take the dog to a quiet room. Does the dog pay attention to you? Or is he trying to hide and ignore you? Try to gently pat the dog, how does the dog react? Offer the dog a toy or treat and see what happens. Do they take it gently? Growl? Ignore? </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Take the dog for a short walk (if the shelter will allow): How does the dog react to surroundings? Are they barking at everything and pulling at the leash? Are they hiding behind you and fearful? </span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"> All of the above will help you assess the dog's personality and temperament, but will not give you a perfect guarantee. Remember, to keep your two-legged family lifestyle in mind as well. If you choose a dog that is scared and fearful, you will need to give them a little bit more patience and a longer time to transition at their new home and to new surroundings. A fearful, scared dog will not do well in a home of people who like to throw parties. If you have small children, you may not want to get a big, adult dog that likes to jump up on people. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"><u><b>Once Home:</b></u></span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">At first, limit your dog to one area of the house and slowly open up new areas as they get used to things. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Keep you dog on a leash while in the house for the first few weeks while he learns house rules. BUT, never leave your dog on a leash unsupervised. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Do not leave your rescue dog unsupervised with current household pets. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Limit the amount of guests you bombard your new dog with for the first few weeks. Remember that your rescue dog is coming from a stressful situation (the shelter) to a new stressful situation (a new home) and learning new rules.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Establish the rules and keep consistent with the rules. Consistency is key with all dogs. </span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Remember that accidents will happen and that training is lifelong---Consistency and patience!</span></span></li>
<li><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Dog's are den dwellers-- provide a crate for your dog, but do not use it as a punishment box. A crate should be their private den that allows them to retreat from stress. </span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"> Last but not least, remember that whether you are getting a purebred puppy or rescuing a shelter dog, ENVIRONMENT PLAYS A HUGE ROLE in a dog's behavior. A shelter dog can come from deplorable conditions and through love and patience become the best family dog ever. You can also have a dog that comes from a perfect breeder and become a nightmare if left with humans that have no idea how to communicate and train a dog. Pets are an unwavering commitment of time, love, money, patience and responsibility. </span> </span><br />
<u><b> </b></u> Amy Nordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05277985768752459962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516059519665327766.post-9211655358661546702023-11-25T11:49:00.000-08:002023-11-25T15:53:51.658-08:00What To Do When Your Dog Vomits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaP62Y2fvG_6b0_ivYW0of0wj2IkxytX-22OKHHB0YGGNoZpQI3-gdiFwDYJeWijYR0Ad6ZXjGwsN-RYzTlYrjW1QfftfvOySLhSgOB4wQdnMr1byf9z4pvQY9Iv2HgJ-f4jCHkiKdSj0/s1600/When+Your+Dog.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaP62Y2fvG_6b0_ivYW0of0wj2IkxytX-22OKHHB0YGGNoZpQI3-gdiFwDYJeWijYR0Ad6ZXjGwsN-RYzTlYrjW1QfftfvOySLhSgOB4wQdnMr1byf9z4pvQY9Iv2HgJ-f4jCHkiKdSj0/s400/When+Your+Dog.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Let's face it, if you own a dog or cat, you are used to vomit. Usually when an animal throws up, it is benign-- your animal is trying to expel something unwanted from their stomach. But when the throwing up suddenly becomes unrelenting, it could be a sign of a serious condition that ranges anywhere from head trauma, toxin exposure, obstruction, cancer or a myriad of other conditions that a veterinarian will need to diagnose. So how are you to tell when it's time to go to the vet? Let's look below:<br />
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First you need to decide if your dog is vomiting or regurgitating food:<br />
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Pay close attention to these signs in order to easily tell your veterinarian for a quicker diagnosis. Whether it is vomiting or regurgitation, if it is happening frequently, you should probably seek a vet.<br />
If it is not frequent, then you can administer these steps:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Do not give your dog food and take away the water bowl for 12-hrs after "the incident".</li>
<li>Give your dog ice cubes to lick or 3 Tablespoons of water every 1/2 hr.</li>
<li>After 12 hours, reintroduce the water bowl with clean water (you may want to go as far as washing the water bowl).</li>
<li>After 12- 24 hours of initial vomit, give your dog a mixture of rice and chicken. The ratio of rice per chicken should be 1 part chicken: 5 parts rice. Do not over do the feeding though, only give your furry friend 2-3 teaspoons as a test run. If no vomiting occurs, give 2-3 teaspoons every hour or two. </li>
<li>If no vomiting happens after a day of the chicken/rice diet, you can return to a normal diet.</li>
</ol>
If for some reason your dog continues to vomit, it's time to see the vet. If you notice any of these signs with vomiting, please see your veterinarian RIGHT AWAY:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzU3hCGu4wZAenSP9sXIA8FxWdmq4Zs22fskYIIPZ_Sn6FzhDutrpeoxGpiDhGSKRzXaLkg5Wt0W9ltZHVQqlKplpOyMxldHEpr2x4k4F2cHtwtu8OvvUHlauZl5RXq7UgpBBgPyAbGSw/s1600/Immediate+Vet+Attention.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzU3hCGu4wZAenSP9sXIA8FxWdmq4Zs22fskYIIPZ_Sn6FzhDutrpeoxGpiDhGSKRzXaLkg5Wt0W9ltZHVQqlKplpOyMxldHEpr2x4k4F2cHtwtu8OvvUHlauZl5RXq7UgpBBgPyAbGSw/s400/Immediate+Vet+Attention.png" width="282" /></a></div>
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A sick, vomiting dog also runs the risk of dehydration or shock. It is a good idea to frequently check for these symptoms while Fido is under the weather:<br />
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Again if you notice any of these signs, seek veterinarian advice. Your dog may need to have IV fluids administered. Once your dog is on the mend, it is good to take preventative measures to avoid more mishaps:<br />
<ul>
<li>Diet changes should be gradual. </li>
<li>Monitor chew toys for broken bits and pieces that your dog may want to eat. These can cause obstructions.</li>
<li>Dog bones and raw hide bones are a prime culprit of obstructions and vomiting. </li>
<li>Try to keep your dog from scavenging. This can cause a serious case of "garbage gut".</li>
</ul>
Remember, a dog throwing up every now an then is perfectly normal and there is no need to panic. A dog throwing up constantly, should go to the vet. Always be watchful of what your dog is doing (and eating!) to keep your pup's stomach as even as possible.<br />
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Helpful links:<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Vomiting in Dogs</i>, Pet MD: <a href="http://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/common-emergencies/e_dg_vomiting">http://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/common-emergencies/e_dg_vomiting</a></li>
<li><i>Dehydration in Dogs</i>, Pet MD: <a href="http://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/common-emergencies/e_dg_dehydration">http://www.petmd.com/dog/emergency/common-emergencies/e_dg_dehydration</a> </li>
<li><i>Vomiting in Dogs</i>, Doctors Foster and Smith:<a href="http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2090&aid=3574">http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2090&aid=3574</a></li>
<li><i>Dog Shock, Recognition and Emergency Treatment</i>, Vet Info, <a href="https://www.vetinfo.com/dog-shock-treatment.html">https://www.vetinfo.com/dog-shock-treatment.html</a> </li>
</ul>
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Amy Nordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05277985768752459962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516059519665327766.post-46107694243344764422023-11-18T10:28:00.000-08:002023-11-18T12:55:32.957-08:005 Steps for Canine Heart Health<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1u4hPNQjVsOgOg6cuhyphenhyphenrUAGkRyW3O4a7J8yatWajqk8JyDI4SRkiFnoPBjDRsbXu0RWEk_pMO8quiYTeoNn4QxNjXfkn2SaMatJpmV5Z62wkmpzLjDxNzKApG0pJrf2GF3Qkub4PxPk/s1600/Canine+Heart+Health.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1u4hPNQjVsOgOg6cuhyphenhyphenrUAGkRyW3O4a7J8yatWajqk8JyDI4SRkiFnoPBjDRsbXu0RWEk_pMO8quiYTeoNn4QxNjXfkn2SaMatJpmV5Z62wkmpzLjDxNzKApG0pJrf2GF3Qkub4PxPk/s400/Canine+Heart+Health.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Heart disease affects dogs differently than humans. A heart disease that is more common in humans-- coronary artery disease-- is quite rare in dogs. What is more common in dogs is congestive heart failure, which is the weakening of the heart muscle. But, there are steps you can take in order to help maintain your dog's heart health:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><u><b>Diet</b></u>: Your dog needs a balanced, high-quality food. Period. They key is to research and figure out what kind of diet is recommended for your dog's breed. Yes, different breeds need different diets. If you are going the kibble route, it's always wise to research whole foods that can be mixed into your dog's kibble. It is also important to keep your dog's weight in check. Obesity puts a great strain on a dog's heart. So, maintaining an ideal weight is key. </li>
<li><u><b>Cardio Exercise</b></u>: One way you can keep your dog's weight in check is with regular cardio exercise. Not only do dogs love it, but it also strengthens the heart muscles. Plus, a tired dog = a dog that is less likely to cause mischief!</li>
<li><u><b>Prevent Heartworm</b></u>: Heartworm is a parasitic worm that is transmitted by mosquitoes. Once your dog has heartworms, it is extremely costly to treat and can cause irreparable damage: inflammation of the blood vessels, restricted blood flow, pulmonary embolism and heart failure. Luckily, there is a preventative which comes in the form of a monthly chew tablet or topical and a 6-month injection. For more information on heartworms, you can click on <a href="https://barkcitydoggydaycare.blogspot.com/2016/05/heartworms-in-dogs.html">this link</a>.</li>
<li> <u><b>Dental Care</b></u>: Proper dental care is a must and I have a blog post <a href="https://barkcitydoggydaycare.blogspot.com/2017/01/canine-dental-care.html">right here</a> to give you handy recipes for "dog paste" as well as tips on keeping those teeth somewhat pearly white. Remember, most human toothpaste is toxic to dogs. There is a strong connection between dental health and heart disease: all that plaque, tartar and gum infection can enter the bloodstream causing heart disease. And, dental care is one of the most commonly overlooked areas of canine health, because... well, it's a pain in the butt to brush your dog's teeth! </li>
<li><u><b>Regular Vet visits</b></u>: Just like all us humans <i>should </i>go to the doctor regularly for system maintenance, so should dogs. 95% of heart disease is acquired, but some of it is genetic. There are some breeds that are more likely to get heart disease. Luckily, there is a relatively new blood test: Cardiac ProBNP test. This test measures the peptide hormone which is released when the heart is pushed beyond capacity. This test could be a valuable tool in our toolbox in identifying and maintaining heart disease. If you have concerns about heart disease in your canine, it is always best to be upfront with your vet and to discuss treatments, supplements and diet changes before administering anything. </li>
</ol>
With all that said, here is a nifty graphic of signs of heart disease:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21OsM7TnK2qnKiogVipM379tfiMOiW5nhX4vXjnMhcyvhxm09TKDfbMti84_YIIEpjbqxxvb8DwrZl2bt6qhLL0ty8YmeB3EYs6F34XSb3uEf8ERVLUi9pAV0KyjjWIMZpftx5NYdnko/s1600/The+Winslough+Hospital.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="816" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21OsM7TnK2qnKiogVipM379tfiMOiW5nhX4vXjnMhcyvhxm09TKDfbMti84_YIIEpjbqxxvb8DwrZl2bt6qhLL0ty8YmeB3EYs6F34XSb3uEf8ERVLUi9pAV0KyjjWIMZpftx5NYdnko/s400/The+Winslough+Hospital.png" width="307" /></a></div>
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And, last but not least, here is further links to promote your own self-knowledge:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Promoting Cardiovascular Health in Dogs</i>, Whole Dog Journal: <a href="https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/8_2/features/Canine-Cardiovascular-Health_15693-1.html">https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/8_2/features/Canine-Cardiovascular-Health_15693-1.html </a></li>
<li><i>8 Ways to Keep Your Dog's Heart Healthy</i>, i Heart Dogs: <a href="https://iheartdogs.com/8-ways-to-keep-your-dogs-heart-healthy/">https://iheartdogs.com/8-ways-to-keep-your-dogs-heart-healthy/ </a></li>
</ul>
💖 Amy Nordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05277985768752459962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516059519665327766.post-61854911622123109582023-11-09T11:00:00.000-08:002023-11-09T14:55:12.547-08:00Canine Distemper and Rabies What is distemper? What is rabies? Is there a difference or are they the same thing?<br />
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Here I have broken it down for you in Layman's terms: <br />
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Please note: I did not put ALL the symptoms for rabies on my list. There are two different phases of rabies: Furious and Paralytic. The names pretty much describe the symptoms, both result in death.<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><u>PRE-EXPOSURE VACCINATION </u></span>is the only thing that will protect your dog from rabies and distemper. If you think you (or your dog) have been bitten by a rabid animal, wash the wound with soap and water for about 15 minutes immediately. The Rabies virus is very fragile and will most likely be killed by the soap and water before it travels through your body to the brain. BUT, <span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="color: #444444;"><u><span style="background-color: white;">you still need to call your local doctor/ veterinarian for post-bite treatment and protocol. </span></u><span style="background-color: white;">You don't want to mess around and take chances. There is a Post-bite vaccination for humans, but not for domestic animals. If your dog is not vaccinated, he/she will have to be placed in quarantine for approx. 6 months and normal vaccination protocol will be administered. If your dog shows signs for rabies, euthanization will take place. A diagnostic test for rabies involves taking tissue samples of the brain from at least two locations and requires the animal to be euthanized. <span style="background-color: white;">Distemper cannot be transmitted to humans. There are two types of distemper: Feline and Canine. Canine distemper cannot be passed to felines and vice versa. Rabies on the other hand, can be passed to any animal including humans. <span> </span></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
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<u><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">Reference:</span></span></span></span></span></u><br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">World Health Organization: <a href="http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs099/en/">http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs099/en/</a></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">Pet Education.com, <i>Rabies in Dogs: Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and vaccination</i>: <a href="http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2102&aid=347">http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2102&aid=347</a></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">Pet Poison Helpline, <i>Distemper and Rabies</i>: <a href="http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/uncategorized/distemper-and-rabies/">http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/uncategorized/distemper-and-rabies/ </a></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">Monkeysee.com, YouTube video series: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBn385Mun6A">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBn385Mun6A</a></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">Remedy's Health Communities, <i>Rabies: Signs and Symptoms</i>: <a href="http://www.healthcommunities.com/rabies/symptoms.shtml">http://www.healthcommunities.com/rabies/symptoms.shtml</a> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, <i>Caring for Client Animals with Potential Exposure</i>: <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/specific_groups/veterinarians/potential_exposure.html">http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/specific_groups/veterinarians/potential_exposure.html</a> </span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span><br /></span></span></span></span>Amy Nordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05277985768752459962noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516059519665327766.post-15170101871247240782023-11-04T09:30:00.000-07:002023-11-04T15:38:20.105-07:00Six Ways To Reduce Holiday Stress In Your Canine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br /> The Holidays are right around the corner: Holiday shopping, meal planning, parties, guests, you name it. It can be a stressful time of year, especially for our furry family members. They don't know about holidays or what the big excitement is about, all they know is that energy is up and their human companions are stressed out. This in turn, causes them to be frantic and stressed out as well. Here are signs of stress in your animal companion:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Loss of appetite</li>
<li>Lack of energy and interest in things they used to love</li>
<li>Lip licking and yawning</li>
<li>Boisterous behavior or excessive whining</li>
<li>Hiding and cowering when you call to them</li>
<li>Chewing on furniture and things they are not supposed to chew on when they haven't done that in ages.</li>
<li>Velcro dog-- basically following you around EVERYWHERE and being right under your feet all the time.</li>
<li>They seemed to have forgotten they are potty trained. </li>
</ul>
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These behaviors could also be an underlying health problem. It's a good idea to take your dog to the vet, just to rule out something physical. Once you have ruled out something biological, here is what you can do to help ease the tension in your dog:</div>
<div>
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<div>
<ol>
<li><u style="font-weight: bold;">Stick to your routine</u>: Routine is very important to canines. It brings comfort. Make sure you are feeding your furry loved one at the same time(s) you would each day and walk/play with them at your normal times. </li>
<li><u style="font-weight: bold;">Physical Exercise</u>: It's easy to cut corners on physical exercise when things are coming at you from all directions. But physical exercise is not only good for you, it's good for Fido. Setting aside a regular time everyday to exercise will help reduce stress in both of you and will be good for bonding/ strengthening trust in your relationship. Plus, your dog will be less likely to engage in destructive behavior.</li>
<li><u style="font-weight: bold;">Mental Exercise</u>: Giving your dog mental exercises every day helps keep boredom at bay. A bored dog = a dog more likely to get into trouble! You can challenge your dog with enrichment puzzles or brush up on some training behaviors. All of this will help reduce stress and keep your dog happy.</li>
<li><u style="font-weight: bold;">Enlist Help</u>: If you are just too busy to keep a normal routine with your pet, you may want to think about enlisting some help! You can hire someone or recruit a family member to take over walking and feeding the dog at the normal time. OR you can opt for your dog to come play at a doggy daycare. Personally, we think Bark City Doggy Daycare is the best. 😉</li>
<li><u style="font-weight: bold;">Manage Your Own Stress</u>: Often your dog will figure out your stressed before you have figured it out. If your dog is a walking around mental health case, chances are you are too. Dog's don't know why you are stressed, they can sense you radiating that energy and it makes them nervous! Maybe it's time to sit down and evaluate the stress in your own life and find ways to calm down and BREATHE.</li>
<li><u style="font-weight: bold;">Quiet Sanctuary</u>: If you are having a party or lots of guests, set aside a quiet room away from all the chaos for your dog. Put the kennel (aka personal sleeping den) in that room with their favorite toys, water, ect. This is a place just for them. People are not allowed.</li>
</ol>
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The Holidays are stressful for humans and furry family members. Taking steps and precautions to minimize stress is a must.We can't avoid all the hustle and bustle, but at least we can try to be a lion tamer. Happy Holidays everyone! </div>
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Amy Nordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05277985768752459962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516059519665327766.post-16474388803255232622023-10-28T10:00:00.000-07:002023-10-28T18:35:38.388-07:004 Halloween Treats You Can Make For Your DogThe holidays are starting folks, and it starts with Halloween. Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. Whether you are trick-or-treating this year or just staying home, you can still celebrate! I have already bought candy for all the two-legged children walking the neighborhood. Candy is delicious, but it is not the best for our health. It's definitely not healthy for your dog. Below, I have gathered a few recipes for your beloved canine in lieu of store bought candy. But before you get cooking, please read these safety tips for animals on Halloween:<br />
<ol>
<li>Keep human candy away from pets. A lot of the candy given to humans
can be toxic to your pet, only give your furry family member treats that
are made for dogs.</li>
<li>Don't keep lit pumpkins around your pets unsupervised.</li>
<li>Keep wires and electrical cords out of reach from chewing mouths.</li>
<li>Don't dress your pet up in a costume unless they are comfortable being in a costume.</li>
<li>Don't leave your dog out in the yard on Halloween. It can be a scary night even for canines!</li>
<li>Keep your cat indoors to keep them safe from pranks and cruelty-related incidents.</li>
<li>Letting your dog chew on pumpkins and corn stalks may cause GI upset. </li>
</ol><p>
In addition, you can <a href="https://barkcitydoggydaycare.blogspot.com/2017/12/six-ways-to-reduce-holiday-stress-in.html">read here</a> for the ultimate holiday tips for keeping your dog stress-free. For me, October marks the start of minimizing the stress and chaos of all holidays. Let's face it, October through December is pretty much of frenzied blur of one holiday after another and your canine's mental health gets lost in all of it. It's best to start preparing now.<br />
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And now for the recipes! The links are below the beautiful images in the captions section. Enjoy!<br />
</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmpqb9vhgHM-vSFvGEyetg0MnI414lKXGtCy2bz3rFme12MrO05driUjFCTZrIgujcTHlflAh4LcEWqaWZ7MP_rye79CGI2MG_azIwv0A5j2NsRloRXWI0JsC_9D_2mdCA2iewiVnzf3IlTooSNyweFl3_YEdxUfxYunCiy9in6_Bp7hQN_K-qEvN/s640/PA280146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmpqb9vhgHM-vSFvGEyetg0MnI414lKXGtCy2bz3rFme12MrO05driUjFCTZrIgujcTHlflAh4LcEWqaWZ7MP_rye79CGI2MG_azIwv0A5j2NsRloRXWI0JsC_9D_2mdCA2iewiVnzf3IlTooSNyweFl3_YEdxUfxYunCiy9in6_Bp7hQN_K-qEvN/s320/PA280146.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin Biscuits by <a href="https://barkcitydoggydaycare.blogspot.com/2013/10/pumpkin-treats.html">Bark City</a>! <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /><br />
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</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWuZa5V83w20JaZ85MrFJjTnUThVGV7j1iiDhtf-AuHUqVu6nvIQMVmmJwSR4v-cyFM1113HsgaDnRLzbkay3nZVW6OssQPXtYWL97QhNs3lmH_UapUxqwmGgfby3NCAQTnfCSGYXYIA/s1600/Mummy-hot-dogs-recipe-halloween-frugal-coupon-living-682x1024.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWuZa5V83w20JaZ85MrFJjTnUThVGV7j1iiDhtf-AuHUqVu6nvIQMVmmJwSR4v-cyFM1113HsgaDnRLzbkay3nZVW6OssQPXtYWL97QhNs3lmH_UapUxqwmGgfby3NCAQTnfCSGYXYIA/s400/Mummy-hot-dogs-recipe-halloween-frugal-coupon-living-682x1024.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are for humans and dogs! Hotdog mummies by <a href="http://www.frugalcouponliving.com/halloween-mummy-hot-dogs/">Frugal Coupon Living</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qjPbjFa4CnYK1NI8JvnZoKCg8LJ7RgUpvy082xKNCvLCzHG6uAs5fDPLaSmpGavtn4eac8Sfo550-bBTTq1rg5YpjNqUvTtIruOyC0R2TdAAgFb9VN2ryNuHdKl4AVlN1X0AYhXu-h0/s1600/MummyBones-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8qjPbjFa4CnYK1NI8JvnZoKCg8LJ7RgUpvy082xKNCvLCzHG6uAs5fDPLaSmpGavtn4eac8Sfo550-bBTTq1rg5YpjNqUvTtIruOyC0R2TdAAgFb9VN2ryNuHdKl4AVlN1X0AYhXu-h0/s400/MummyBones-1.jpg" width="263" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mummy bones pumpkin peanut butter dog treats by <a href="http://thecottagemarket.com/2015/09/mummy-bones-pumpkin-peanut-butter-dog-treats.html">The Cottage Market</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjKceebi2HosHa42dbXDks-MLfgJNePSSQFuiKts47R97cEomI6RtoLAnqsCED82l96r64HBndmjDTxBCVXIBjEoJ13Co3BKYlfW6cSIoFDB38KwE3DsQLr1wPDZV4BHcHJ_MyOdeRNQ/s1600/pumpkin-cheese-dog-treat-recipe.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIjKceebi2HosHa42dbXDks-MLfgJNePSSQFuiKts47R97cEomI6RtoLAnqsCED82l96r64HBndmjDTxBCVXIBjEoJ13Co3BKYlfW6cSIoFDB38KwE3DsQLr1wPDZV4BHcHJ_MyOdeRNQ/s400/pumpkin-cheese-dog-treat-recipe.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pumpkin and Cheese Dog Treats by <a href="http://kolchakpuggle.com/2014/10/pumpkin-cheese-dog-treat-recipe.html">Kol's Notes</a>.<br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Happy Halloween!🎃Amy Nordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05277985768752459962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516059519665327766.post-71292271465887688602023-10-22T11:40:00.000-07:002023-10-22T20:00:04.414-07:00Disaster Preparedness for Pet Owners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Emergencies are a type of event that you don't know you are going to have until you are having it. Some emergencies require a brief absence from your home, other emergencies require permanent evacuation. Your four-legged companion is part of your family. If you have family evacuation plans in place for your two-legged family members, shouldn't you also have them for your four-legged?<br />
<br />
It's always a good idea to have plans in place well before you actually have an emergency. Here are a few things you should think about while you a planning out your emergency protocol:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Rescue Alert Sticker</b>: These are those little stickers on your front door that tell emergency workers how many pets you have, what they look like, their names and your veterinarian's phone number. You can get a FREE sticker <a href="https://secure.aspca.org/take-action/order-your-pet-safety-pack">here</a>. </li>
<li><b>Evacuation Plan</b>: If you are not safe in your house, your pets aren't either! Please make sure you don't just leave them behind to fend for themselves. Develop a plan that also includes a way for your pets to evacuate. </li>
<li><b>Designated Caregiver</b>: In the event that something happens to you, there should be a designated caregiver for your pet. This should be someone you trust that knows precisely the medical needs and diet of your pet. They should also know how to take care of the specific breed of your dog and temperament. Talk to this person about the logistics of what needs to be done way before there is an emergency. You many want to print out instructions to give to them for future reference. If there is an emergency, you will not have time to be explaining Fido's daily care. This person should have a key to your house in case something happens and you cannot be at your house to give your dog to them. </li>
<li><b>Safe Haven</b>: In addition to the evacuation plan, you need a place for your pets to stay while you are evacuated. Ideas: Friends or relatives, a boarding kennel, ask your local animal shelter if they have emergency shelter or foster care options and have a list of local hotels that accept pets. Again, have these places written down with contact numbers well ahead of an actual emergency. </li>
<li><b>First Aid Kit</b>: <a href="http://barkcitydoggydaycare.blogspot.com/2013/11/first-aid-kits.html">Click here</a> to get the long list of things to include in your first aid kit! Have two First Aid kits prepared. One for home and one for the car.</li>
<li><b>Geographical Considerations</b>: Think about the area in which you live and what kinds of things happen: Earthquakes? Tornadoes? Flooding? Then ask yourself the question: Do you have a safe place for your dog to go in the event of these natural disasters. Areas include: basements, laundry rooms, high shelving or roof areas for floods. In addition, if there is a long period of time in which you will have no water, do you have water stored for you and Fido? Do you have food for all-legged family members?</li>
</ul>
We never like to think about the "what ifs", but we also need to be well prepared just in case. It's a good idea to plan out these things in the present rather than just saying, "Oh, I'll do it next week". Because, we all know how that goes! Having a plan in place greatly reduces the stress in the time of an actually emergency. Amy Nordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05277985768752459962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516059519665327766.post-51142189789645841992023-10-13T11:25:00.000-07:002023-10-13T14:52:53.096-07:00Degenerative Joint Disease in Canines<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD) is also known as Osteoarthritis. It is the progressive and permanent long-term deterioration of the cartilage surrounding the joints. DJD is the #1 cause of chronic pain affecting one in five adult dogs. <br />
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For more information on DJD, please see these links:<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Canine Arthritis Treatment</i>, The Whole Dog Journal, <a href="http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/10_3/features/Canine-Arthritis_15910-1.html">http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/10_3/features/Canine-Arthritis_15910-1.html</a> </li>
<li><i>Vet Advice: Relieving Your Dog's Arthritis, </i>The Bark, <a href="http://thebark.com/content/vet-advice-relieving-your-dogs-arthritis">http://thebark.com/content/vet-advice-relieving-your-dogs-arthritis</a></li>
<li><i>10 Ways to Help an Arthritic Dog, </i>Vet Street, <a href="http://www.vetstreet.com/care/10-ways-to-help-an-arthritic-dog">http://www.vetstreet.com/care/10-ways-to-help-an-arthritic-dog </a> </li>
<li><i>How to Treat Arthritis in Dogs: Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate, Steroids and NSAIDS</i>, PetMD,<a href="http://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/evr_dg_remedies_for_arthritis_in_dogs#"> http://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/evr_dg_remedies_for_arthritis_in_dogs#</a> </li>
</ul>
<br />Amy Nordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05277985768752459962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516059519665327766.post-64161021112612715782023-10-06T10:00:00.000-07:002023-10-06T14:31:31.509-07:00How to Tell If Your Dog is Anxious<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dogs do not speak human. I have written about <a href="http://barkcitydoggydaycare.blogspot.com/2017/09/anthropomorphizing-your-dog.html">anthropomorphizing</a> your pet and as I said in that blog post, there are dangers in assuming you know what your pet is feeling. BUT, dogs do feel pain, sadness, happiness and even fear. Fear is the basis of anxiety whether it is a warranted fear or not, it elicits humans and dogs into the instinctual drive of either freezing, fighting or flight. Causes of anxiety in dogs can vary, it can be from an illness, aging, a terrible experience or even being unsocialized as a puppy. Regardless of the cause, it is up to us pet parents to recognize our dog's language on when it is frightened:<br />
<br />
<b><u>Mild Cues That Often Go Unnoticed</u></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Hiding or seeking solitude</li>
<li>Seeking comfort from favorite guardian. Ex: Jumping up into a lap or leaning against legs.</li>
<li>Shaking or panting. Keep in mind that normal panting happens when a dog is hot or has just exercised. If your dog is excessively panting for no reason, they are probably anxious.</li>
<li>Excessive licking or chewing. This one you need to rule out allergies before jumping right into anxiety.</li>
</ul>
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<b><u>More Blatant Cues That Often Mean Your Dog is Having a Panic Attack</u></b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Excessive barking and howling.</li>
<li>Aggression towards another pet, you or someone else (that's the fight instinct triggering).</li>
<li>Trying to escape</li>
<li>Excessive pacing </li>
<li>Excretion in inappropriate places when potty trained</li>
<li>Destruction that is not related to being a puppy or juvenile dog</li>
</ul>
<div>
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, the first and foremost thing is to go to your veterinarian to rule out a health issue. If it is indeed anxiety, there are many things you can do. After ruling out health issues, you need to identify what is causing the anxiety. Once you have the trigger identified, you can start a desensitization program with controlled exposure and giving rewards for positive behavior. This kind of program is best developed and implemented with a dog behaviorist expert. If done improperly, you could risk your dog's anxiety becoming worse. Veterinarians can also recommend medication or supplements to help with the anxiety. Most importantly, do not leave your dog's anxiety untreated. A dog's anxiety can escalate if left untreated. Your dog can end up in a dangerous situation or cause itself harm. In addition, do not scold or praise your dog when they are having a panic attack. You must remain calm and stable even when your furry companion is not. </div>
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Amy Nordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05277985768752459962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516059519665327766.post-26552249687556006362023-09-20T10:56:00.000-07:002023-09-20T14:50:51.406-07:00Toy Aggression<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In a past post, I wrote about how to deal with <a href="http://barkcitydoggydaycare.blogspot.com/2017/06/dealing-with-food-aggression.html">food aggression</a>. Today, I will talk about TOY aggression. Both are types of resource guarding in which your dog is exhibiting signs of aggression towards humans or other pets that approach your dog when it's in possession of something highly desirable. At first, this can seem somewhat tame and a little bit annoying, but if not dealt with, it can lead to a dangerous situation for all humans and pets involved.<br />
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<u style="font-weight: bold;">Signs That Your Dog May be Resource Guarding</u>:<br />
When you (or another pet) approaches your dog when in possession of a prized object, do they:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Refuse to give it up when asked?</li>
<li>Snap?</li>
<li>Hoard all toys and treats sometimes hiding them?</li>
<li>Growl?</li>
<li>Exhibit jealous behavior like butting another dog out of the way when you are petting the other dog (Congratulations! You are the prized object!)?</li>
</ul>
<div>
If you answered "Yes" to any of these, your dog is exhibiting signs of resource guarding. At first, some of these may seem cute (jealous behavior) or just downright annoying, but if you don't deal with them as a serious issue, you will have a serious issue on your hands. It can escalate very quickly. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<u style="font-weight: bold;">Reasons Dogs Resource Guard</u>:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Resource guarding is a natural instinct for dogs when they need to express anxiety or fear over a perceived threat. Do you have multiple dogs in the house? Is there anxiety and stress within the "pack"? Is one dog constantly "bullying" another dog? These are all things you need to observe within your household. It may also have to do with two-legged family members and not just other animals. <u>Assess the environment</u>. </li>
<li>Medical Condition</li>
<li>Poor socialization as a puppy</li>
<li>Inbreeding</li>
<li>Genetics-- resource guarding can be a normal behavior for specific breeds</li>
<li>Pack order behavior-- Again, this plays in to assessing your environment and the stress within your "pack" (human or animals). You should be the "pack leader" in your household and it's your job to maintain a calm, stress-free pack. Even though dogs do not speak human, they do pick up on our emotions. If you are feeling angry, stressed or depressed, your dog will pick up on this. They may not know the "Why" for these feelings, but they know something is not right.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Ok, so now that we have all of this out of the way and may have identified the problem, what do we do? There are specific things your can do specifically for food aggression. You can read about that <a href="http://barkcitydoggydaycare.blogspot.com/2017/06/dealing-with-food-aggression.html">here</a>. But, today we are talking about TOY aggression.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>First and foremost-- YOU ARE THE BOSS. That does not mean you become the pack bully. That means you are the one in control in a calm, assertive manner. Before you give your dog anything, whether it be food or a toy, have them work for it. This involves placing said object on the floor and standing over it. Have Fido either, sit and stay, lay, roll over, shake whatever you choose as long as they are not running towards the object and trying to grab it (or gobble it!) as fast as they can.</li>
<li>Teach your dog how to "drop it" and "<a href="http://barkcitydoggydaycare.blogspot.com/2017/04/training-leave-it-in-5-steps.html">leave it</a>". Training a dog these manners are a must. Someday, they could potentially save your dog's life. </li>
<li>Prevent access to prized object that your dog constantly hoards and causes aggression. Just don't bring it home. Or if you do, your dog should only have this object when by themselves in a calm quiet place like their kennel. Honestly, this tip really doesn't solve the problem. It just kind of masks the problem and makes your life easier for the time being.</li>
<li>If you are in the moment of your dog hoarding something, cause a diversion in order to get the dog away from the object. This can be something like ringing the doorbell, a ride in the car, or going for a walk. You could also give them a really enticing treat. If you do go the treat route, make sure you slowly lure the dog away from the prized object a good 15-20 feet before giving the treat. Do not give it to them right by the object! </li>
</ol>
<div>
All in all, always remember that <span style="background-color: yellow;">children should never be involved</span> with "helping" a dog that is aggressively hoarding. If it gets to the point in which your dog is growling, snarling, snapping, lunging and biting, you need to get a professional dog behaviorist to help. </div>
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Amy Nordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05277985768752459962noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4516059519665327766.post-64431994831047818612023-09-13T11:16:00.002-07:002023-09-13T11:16:24.124-07:00Gland Health in Canines<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-f5cvtCzJU8OdUhOb30EZvX9NYxsSe57RRIwT-7mTUB7hH_smgrQqI7y5iN70BUGJxwU9Tzzl1rKOpFgv-AWJ0wWbmC0Nskz8WaKyMzcaR2WxFOMlZef2OwFImTr5GT89Vs5g0qMvqrJE0-hMU3svKCOtDKBAlUDrCZJ1TCyNldfRAdfz7a-sASxitp8/s940/Gland%20Support.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-f5cvtCzJU8OdUhOb30EZvX9NYxsSe57RRIwT-7mTUB7hH_smgrQqI7y5iN70BUGJxwU9Tzzl1rKOpFgv-AWJ0wWbmC0Nskz8WaKyMzcaR2WxFOMlZef2OwFImTr5GT89Vs5g0qMvqrJE0-hMU3svKCOtDKBAlUDrCZJ1TCyNldfRAdfz7a-sASxitp8/w400-h335/Gland%20Support.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /> Let's talk about anal gland health. A dog's anal glands aren't actually glands. They are sacs, positioned on each side of the anus, that contain oil & sweat glands. There is also small receptacles that produce a fluid with a strong odor that is unique to each dog and helps dogs identify each other and mark their territory. Normally, most dogs involuntarily express their glands when they poop or are highly stressed, but there is a population of dogs that need their glands manually expressed by a groomer or a veterinarian. For these dogs, the liquid is not the right consistency and creates a blockage that can become infected.<br /><p></p><p><b><u>Symptoms that your dog may need manual expression: </u></b></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Dragging their butt on the ground</li><li>Licking or biting their butt</li><li>Sitting uncomfortably</li><li>Having a different standing or sitting position</li><li>Tail chasing</li></ul><p><u><b>Underlying Causes That May Cause Blockage:</b></u></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Chronic skin dermatitis</li><li>Obesity</li><li>Insufficient dietary fiber</li><li>Chronic soft stool</li><li>Food and/ or environmental allergies</li><li>Genetics<br /></li></ul><p>A dog's diet can play a big role in healthy anal glands. A dog's food should contain the right amount of fiber to promote a good push on the anus. This helps express the glands. A lot of commercial dog diets do not have enough fiber, but at the same time, sometimes raw food diets are too soft. It is important to work with your veterinarian to assess your dog's dietary needs. If your dog has chronic anal gland issues, your veterinarian may prescribe supplements for gland health or recommend anal gland removal. <br /></p><p><br /></p>Amy Nordenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05277985768752459962noreply@blogger.com0