Author: Petland

We all know that the only time we should use the words chocolate and dog in the same sentence is when we use them to identify a “Chocolate Lab.” Chocolate, although a delicious treat for humans, is a never something that a dog should eat. The reason is because chocolate contains theobromine, a caffeinelike molecule that increases blood flow to the brain. This is highly toxic for dogs and could lead to poisoning. Although most dogs do not eat enough chocolate to die, many will consume enough that can make them very ill.

Physical Signs/Symptoms that Your Dog Ate Chocolate

Dogs have helped humans out over hundreds of years. From rescuing people, to tracking missing persons, to detecting bombs, to herding sheep. One of the most amazing abilities that dogs are also known for is their ability to detect certain types of cancers in people. Recent studies have confirmed that certain trained dogs may be able to detect cancer in people about 40% of the time. Although this is very far from being perfected, it does go to show just how amazing dogs are.

How do Dogs Detect this?

Dogs have an incredible sense of smell. Our fur-legged friends have up to 300 million olfactory receptors in their nose. To compare, the average person only has about six million olfactory receptors, making a dog’s nose forty times more sensitive than our noses! This is why dogs are commonly used in search and rescue missions, as they can trace a human scent for miles. When a dog smells, it actually smells in 3D. Their nose has been an amazing tool for their survival for thousands of years and continues to be their number one sense.

Do All Dogs Smell Cancer?

Untrained dogs do not have the ability to recognize cancer. Dogs that have this ability require a lot of training and testing. Currently, dogs that are trained to detect cancer are only being trained in a trial process. There is still much more research that needs to be completed before dogs can be used as a medically reliable detection source.

Will Doctors Use Eventually Dogs to Detect Cancer?

It is very unlikely that a dog will be used as the only way to detect cancer, especially with all of the modern technology that exists today. It has not been fully determined whether dogs can be reliably trained to smell cancer at this point in time. At least not on a consistent basis. Proving that this method of cancer detection is accurate enough to use very well could be many years away, if ever. Even if we do reach the point where a dog can accurately detect cancer, it would be very difficult to train a dog to communicate what they have smelled without further testing being administered. 

What Types of Cancer do Dogs Pick Up On?

• Breast cancer and lung cancer can at times be detected by sniffing the breath of patients. In these studies, it is thought that the dogs sensed biochemical differences in the exhalation of subjects with diagnosed cancer and subjects with no known cancer.
• Bladder cancer and prostate cancer are also forms of cancer that certain dogs can pick up on, by sniffing the urine of patients.
• Colorectal cancer has been detected by dogs too, by sniffing patients’ exhaled breathing and their stool samples.
• Ovarian tumors can be hit on, by sniffing patient tumor samples and blood samples.
• Cervical cancer is also a type of cancer that a dog is capable of finding, by sniffing patient biopsy samples.

Although this type of cancer detection is a long way from being fully trusted, it is just another example at how amazing dogs are. Hopefully one day our fur-legged friends will be able to detect diseased as well as they currently assist humans in various other things.

Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety experience tension, stress, mental discomfort, and confusion. This anxiety manifests when a dog feels insecure when left alone at home and is separated from its family. Like how a young child misses a parent, your pup misses you!

Symptoms of Separation Anxiety in Dogs

There are different symptoms that dogs can experience from separation anxiety, from basic whining to very destructive behavior, such as chewing furniture and household fixtures. Below are common symptoms associated with separation anxiety:

• Excessive panting and whining
• Excessive drooling
• Barking and crying 
• Urinating or defecating indoors.
• General destructive behavior
• Excessive pacing

How to Train a Dog that Suffers from Separation Anxiety

The first step is to make sure your dog receives sufficient exercise. Outdoor playtime where your dog can run and enjoy the great outdoors is always a plus.  Dogs who are full of energy will not be content being left alone for hours at a time. Making sure your dog senses that you are calm before leaving will also help curb his nerves and mind. Dogs often sense when their owner is upset or anxious and tend to react in a similar fashion. Keep the goodbye talk and pat simple and easy. Be quick when doing it and make sure you do not look back after leaving. It is also suggested that you leave an old shirt or piece of clothing within his reach. Dogs tend to relax when they sense their owner and the scent on your shirt will have that. Before leaving your dog for hours at a time, consider leaving for thirty-to-sixty-minute intervals. This will allow your pup to gradually get used to being alone while building confidence that you will return. A great tip is also not triggering your dog to things they associate you do when you are leaving. Grabbing car keys, putting on your jacket in front of them, putting on your shoes, etc. The anticipation of this very well may get them unsettled before you even leave.

Medications?

Your veterinarian is able to evaluate the level of your dog’s separation anxiety and decide that prescribed medication may help. There are a variety of medications on the market that can be used to help calm you fur-legged friend down. Before allowing your dog to be put on medication for this, proper research should be done by yourself to identify the pro and cons. Many medications on the market will help this issue, but potential side effects can happen. Always do your own research before agreeing to use medication for this issue.

Being Patient

At the end of the day, being patient and working with your dog is what is most important. Your dog feels this way because he loves and misses you and wants you. Being anything but patient and caring and understanding would not be helping the situation out and only adding to the issue. Our fur-ever friend wants nothing but to feel your love and care and that is what we need to remember.

Roundworms are a parasite that can commonly affect house pets such as dogs and cats. There are two primary species of roundworms.

The first is Toxocara Canis. This type of parasite can move around the body once they become mature.

The second is Toxascaris Leonin. This type of parasite remains in the intestinal tract.

Nevertheless, both of these types of roundworms do absorb the nutrients from your dog and need to be taken care of as soon as possible. Roundworms tend to look like long strands of thin spaghetti. These parasites commonly attach to the lining of your dog intestines.

What are the Symptoms of Roundworms in Dogs?

There are a variety of different signs and symptoms that you may see in a dog with roundworm infestation. The most common symptoms include:

• Nutritional Deficiencies
• Diarrhea
• Cough
• Dehydration
• Lethargy / Low energy
• Swelling in Abdomen (more common in puppies)
• Pneumonia

Should you notice any of these signs in your dog, contacting your veterinarian as soon as possible is highly recommended. Medical staff can examine your dog’s stool to see if there are roundworms in it.

What are the Causes of Roundworm in Dogs?

Dogs can contract roundworms several different ways. The most common ways include:

• Eating or chewing soil that has roundworms in it.
• Laying or walking on contaminated soil.
• Hunting or retrieving animals that have roundworms.
• Puppies generally contract roundworm through their mother’s breast milk.

How to Diagnose Roundworms

There are a few different ways that you can diagnose your dog with roundworms.

These are:

• Observing the roundworms in your dog’s stool.
• Fecal test administered by your veterinarian.

Basic Treatment for Roundworms in Dogs

If your dog does contract roundworm, your veterinarian can prescribe your dog a dewormer which will help to rid these worms from your dog’s body. By keeping your dog’s area clean and preventing them from eating things that they should not eat, you can keep them from getting roundworms.

Roundworms and Humans

Roundworms do pose a significant risk to humans. Contact with contaminated soil or dog feces can result in human infection. Roundworm eggs may accumulate in significant numbers in the soil where pets deposit feces. Once infected, roundworms can cause eye, lung, heart and neurologic signs in people. This is just one of many reasons why cleaning up after your dog is important.

We often associate our fur-legged friends being bit by ticks and fleas. These pesky creatures are known for their persistency and potential health risks. Ticks and fleas are parasitic insects that require hosts to complete their life cycle. In contrast, spiders, such as the Black Widow, are not parasitic, meaning that they do not require a dog or cat to live off of. Although many spiders would prefer to hide from other animals, there may be situations when this does not happen and a spider bite occurs. Generally, almost all spiders inject venom into their bites. For the majority of spiders, the amount of venom that is injected is very small and not lethal to your dog. For Black Widow spiders, however, even the tiniest amount of their venom can cause life threatening health problems.

What happens when a dog gets bitten by a black widow spider and what are the common symptoms?

Black Widow spider venom contains a neurotoxin that can cause clinical signs related to the nervous system. It excites the dog’s neurons and can lead to tremors and or painful muscle twitching. Their bites can also cause severe muscle cramping and very stiff abdominal muscles. Excitation of the nervous system can lead to an elevated respiratory rate as well as an elevated heart rate. In severe cases, seizures, paralysis, and respiratory arrest can occur. Vomiting and diarrhea are among the most common initial symptoms. Excessive drooling and nausea are also common. Pain and swelling around the bite area is also a routine symptom. This can be very painful for your dog and needs to be treated right away.

Areas to avoid

Black Widows tend to hide in dark and secluded areas. A woodpile, under an old piece of furniture in the garage, and cluttered areas where they have a sense of protection are some of the most common places. Although these spiders are not generally aggressive, they certainly are dangerous. They tend to go on the attack when they feel that they are at risk. By keeping your dog away from areas such as this will limit his chances of being bit by a Black Widow spider.

What time of year are Black Widow spiders most active and what states are they found in?

Black Widow spiders emerge in early spring when mating occurs through early summer. Young spiderlings continue to grow into adults during the spring and summer and mature by late summer. Adult widows are most prevalent during late summer and fall. In the US, they are found in all the four southwestern deserts (Great Basin, Sonoran, Chihuahuan, and Mojave). They can also be found in Florida and Texas.

What to do if your dog has been bitten by a black widow spider?

Although many spider bites are not witnessed, watching for spider bite symptoms will help protect your dog from possible serious health issues. If your dog has acute swelling noted in a particular part of his body, a fever, and is lethargic, there is a good possibility he was bitten. Contacting your veterinarian immediately to report this is very important as time is a factor. An antivenin is available for Black Widow spider bites which can help to reverse the effects of the bite. Intravenous fluids may also be provided for extra support, and muscle relaxer medications can be administered to help with your dog’s muscle twitching and tension. They key is to identify the symptoms and notify your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Small living quarters does not mean having a dog is off limits. Generally speaking, larger dog breeds such as a German Shepherd or Husky do better with more spacious living areas, however, there are plenty of dogs that need less room to be comfortable. Seventeen percent of Americans live in an apartment or condominium style home and out of that percentage, approximately 70% of those individuals have a pet. They key is knowing which dog breed best adapts to a smaller living area.

Where to Start

The first item you want to consider if you want a dog and live in an apartment is the dog’s size. It is recommended in most cases that apartment dogs fall within the small to medium sized breeds. Larger dogs often need more room to roam and rest in. Dogs weighing in 55 pounds and less that stand under fifteen inches tall tend to do best in apartments.

Overly Energetic Dogs

Some dog breeds by nature are very energetic and enjoy running and jumping. Although there is nothing wrong with this, this type of physical activity is best done in homes that have ample room. Many apartments have smaller rooms which could be an issue if your pup decides to go into sprint mode. Finding a dog breed that has a calm baseline is important.

Don’t Forget About the Neighbors

Many apartments have noise and nuisance regulations. A barking dog can easily disturb the peace and cause issues. Finding a dog breed that is not alarmed easily nor prone to excessive barking is important. Some dog breeds tend to bark when bored which makes finding a low-key pup important for those living in apartments.

Destructive Behavior

Although most dogs are not destructive, some, when bored or lonely act out for attention. A chewed sock is one thing, but actual damage to parts of the home is another. Finding a dog breed that trains easily and is not known for chewing on house fixtures and or damaging property is important no matter where you live. Damaged interior or exterior property may cost you your security deposit.

Outdoor Activity Time Is a Must

All dogs require outdoor activity time. This is not only good for their physical health, but mental wellbeing. Certain dog breeds do require a significant more amount of outdoor time which may be difficult to have if living in an apartment complex. If your apartment complex has a dog run or designated area for pet activity time this will allow for a slightly more energetic dog to happily exist. Some apartments that have only the basics (sidewalk and small lawn area) should only house dogs that require minimal outdoor time.

Manners Are Important  

Low to non-aggressive dogs should be considered for families that live in apartments. You need to remember that many other neighbors within the apartment complex will have dogs and everyone’s safety is crucial. Finding a dog breed that is not only docile but easy to get along with is important because your pup will have interaction with other dogs in the complex. Bringing home a territorial dog breed will be more challenging since many territorial dogs will want to be the top dog.

Top Five Apartment Dog Breeds

1: Bichon Frise

This hypoallergenic and gentle dog gets along with just about anyone or anything. They train quickly and tend to get along well with other dogs. They also have warm demeanors and easy-going personalities. Both males and females of this breed stand about 12 inches tall and weigh from seven to fifteen pounds.

2: Pug

Although a little energetic, the Pug is a gentle and relaxed dog breed. They do enjoy outdoor activity time but also find comfort in smaller and contained living quarters. This breed of dog stands ten to twelve inches tall and weighs between ten and twenty pounds. They are not aggressive and get along with other dogs well.

3: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

A true lap dog. This breed enjoys a lot of one-on-one personal time with his family. They are not known to excessively bark and train with ease. They do not require an excessive amount of outdoor playtime and tend to be very social dogs who enjoy interaction with other dogs. This breed of dog generally stands between twelve and fourteen inches tall and weighs about twenty pounds.

4: Bulldog

The Bulldog is a strong and stocky dog but a very laidback dog. They are just as happy taking a nap inside of the home as they are walking through the park. They do not bark excessively, are not aggressive, and have very easy to get along with temperaments. They tend to adapt well to smaller living spaces and do just fine in apartments. This breed of dog stands between ten and fifteen inches tall and weighs about fifty pounds.

5: Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus have a very long and well-liked reputation. They are very friendly dogs who do well inside apartments. This breed is very friendly and outgoing and does not require excessive amounts of outdoor activity time. They also are not known to bark a lot and thanks to their gentle and warm demeanor are not known to be destructive. The Shih Tzu is classified in the toy group with a height of eight to twelve inches tall and weight of nine to twenty pounds.

If your dog has recently been diagnosed with a bacterial infection making sure he receives the proper care is crucial. There are many different types of bacterial infections, and depending on the specific variety will determine which treatment method is needed. The sooner you take this step, the sooner your fur-legged friend will begin to look and feel himself again.

What Is a Bacterial Infection?

A bacterial infection occurs when bacteria enter the body, increase in number, and cause a reaction in the body. The infection can take place anywhere in your dog’s body and quickly spread to other areas. The most common entry points take place through a scrape, cut or open wound, which allows a direct entryway into his body. Occasionally, the pathway can take place through their nose, eyes, and other areas that are made of mucus membranes. After bacteria enter your dog, it finds their way into the bloodstream, which results in a sick dog.

Frequently Asked Question

What are the most commonly documented reasons why a dog suffers from a bacterial infection? Have a weakened immune system: Dogs that suffer from other health issues that compromise their immune system tend to contract bacterial infections easier. With a weak immune system, fighting off things such as bacteria is more challenging.

Unbalanced diet: Dogs that are fed diets that are not balanced and fail to provide the basic nutrients a dog needs run the risk of not being able to defend themselves from infection. Good quality food is crucial in a dog’s health.

Poor hygiene: Dogs like to play and while doing so often find themselves with small abrasions and scratches. If these small wounds are not properly tended to and cleaned, bacteria can enter them, leading to infection. Some of the wounds are so small that you may only see them while brushing or washing your dog. Remember, even the smallest wound is large enough to contract a bacterial infection.

Dog’s age: Like people, age takes a toll on our bodies and leaves us more vulnerable to health ailments. An older immune system tends to not be as resilient as a young and healthy one.

Allergies: Dogs that suffer from allergies tend to scratch themselves excessively. The constant scratching can break intact skin, which will allow bacteria to enter their body. Making sure your dog is treated for allergies is a great way to prevent him from uncontrollably scratching and tearing his skin.  

Varieties Of Bacterial Infections in Dogs

Skin infections – Generally begin through a small open wound under your dog’s coat.

Urinary Tract Infection – When bacteria enters your dog’s urinary tract, an infection may take place.

Leptospirosis – Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that your dog can contract when coming in contact with infected urine from another animal.

Bacterial Eye Infections – Eye infections can also be caused by bacteria entering through the mucus membrane areas of your dog’s eyes.

How To Treat A Bacterial Infection In Dogs

The first step in treating a bacterial infection in your dog is to identify it. Dogs that are suffering from a bacterial infection may not have an appetite or desire for water, may show signs of exhaustion, not want to go outside, and tend to lay around more than usual. If your dog has a bacterial infection consulting with your veterinarian as soon as possible is recommended. A veterinarian is able to further examine the dog, run tests if needed, and prescribe antibiotics which will help combat the infection. In certain instances, if your dog’s infection stems from an open wound on his skin, special shampoos or ointments can be used to help rid the bacteria causing the issue. Although this type of infection is common in dogs, it is still something that needs to be taken seriously. Delaying treatment could lead to more serious health issues for your dog.

When we think of a working dog, we may envision a dog in the 1800s pulling a cart or herding sheep. Images of a Dalmatian sitting in the back of a firetruck may also cross our minds. Below are some of the more common yet impressive jobs our pups do to keep us safe.

Most Common Types of Jobs

Police Dogs / K9 Units: For generations, man’s best friend was sworn to protect and serve. Police dogs, also known as K9 units, do just that. A typical day in the shoes of a police dog consists of detecting the scents of illegal narcotics and dangerous explosives and tracking a burglar who just fled from a home. These pups are generally physically dominant and intelligent enough to train for many different stressful and demanding situations. The average career of a police dog is seven to nine years.

Cadaver Dogs: Cadaver dogs are specially trained and certified to detect one smell in particular, human decomposition. Human-remain detection dogs are used in almost every country in the world on different types of recovery missions. Cadaver dogs can be used in general remains searches after natural disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, and tornados. These highly skillful dogs are deployed after disaster strikes, and human life has been taken.

Search and Rescue Dogs: Search and rescue dogs are crucial in locating missing people. These highly trained dogs are capable of tracking the scent of a human for many miles. They are credited with tens of thousands of human saves throughout their existence. The dog does not actually follow the person they are looking for, but the physical scent the person leaves behind. A dog’s nose has over 200 million scent receptors in it, making them the perfect candidate for tracking a scent. As the scent enters their nose, special receptors read the scent, which allows the dog to identify what he or she is smelling. The dog’s ears are also very important in scent detection and help to circulate the air/scent from the ground to their nose.

Explosive Detection Dogs: Explosive detection dogs have one job. To detect the presence of explosive material. You will find many of these dogs in areas that accommodate a lot of people. Hotels, subways, airports, sports stadiums, outdoor marathons, etc. When one of these dogs locates the scent of an explosive device, he will stop in front of where the scent is coming from and alert his handler. These dogs are credited with preventing many large-scale casualty incidents, many thanks to their incredible noses!

Medical Dogs: Yes, you read that right. A medical dog. In the spring of 2020, the Working Dog Center at UPenn’s School of Veterinary Medicine started training Labrador Retrievers to sniff out COVID-19. In the past, dogs have also been trained to smell various other diseases and medical conditions in humans, such as cancer and even Clostridium difficile (C. diff), a dangerous bacterium that is transmitted through feces.

Truffle Hunting Dogs

Truffles grow underground near specific types of trees, and for centuries pigs were used for hunting these special delicacies. These treats are sought after but not easily found. The most suitable truffle hunting dogs are the Pointer, Lagotto Romagnolo, Spinon, Hound, and Jack Russel Terrier.

What Makes a Good Working Dog? A good working dog needs to be both smart and dedicated. They need to be able to focus on what their job is without becoming distracted. Not every working dog needs to be physically dominant. A good working dog does not just train with ease but has the ability to enter “work mode” on command. Working dogs have served humanity very well over history and have become a vital part of our day-to-day living.

Our pups’ desire for mental stimulation is just as strong as it is for physical stimulation. For many dog owners, our 9:00 – 5:00 job prevents us from spending forty-plus hours a week with our pup. Over the course of one year, that’s over 2,000 hours. Imagine being home alone with no one to talk to or interact with for that long? That is not even taking into consideration the hundreds of other hours we are away from home for other responsibilities. A solution that millions of American dog owners found to help keep their fur-legged friends happy is doggy daycare. These daycare centers continue to become more popular because they really are beneficial to dogs for many reasons.

What Exactly is a Doggy Daycare?

A doggy daycare is a professional facility that welcomes your pup when his owner is away at work, on vacation, or just in need of some downtime. These facilities generally have a daily sitting fee, and their staff will show your pup the attention he’s looking for. The dogs that attend these daycares spend hours of time interacting with each other and forming bonds with other dogs. From playing fetch to walking to just snuggles, the facility staff treats your pup as their own for the day.

They’re Not Just for When You Are Busy

Although there are many good reasons to allow your dog to visit a doggy daycare, here are the three most important reasons.

1. To build your pup’s socialization skills. Many pups don’t have other dogs to play with or interact around. Although they love their human best friend, they do well around other dogs. By introducing them to other dogs at a doggy daycare, they tend to show less aggression, lower rates of anxiety, and less fear towards dogs outside of the facility. Your pup will actually look forward to seeing other dogs as socialization is a very natural desire for your pup. Beginning socialization at an early stage in your dog’s life is highly recommended.
   
2. Exercise! We all know the importance of getting your pup’s thirty minutes of daily exercise time in, but after a long day at work, sometimes we are just too tired to take that brisk walk with our dog. Doggy daycares will provide plenty of off-the-leash exercise time for your dog, which will not only make him happier but your evening more relaxing.
   
   
3. It’s fun for your pup. Remember as a kid the enjoyment you would get going to the playground and burning off steam? It’s the same for your dog.

Are All Dogs Meant for Doggy Daycare?

Most dogs are; however, some should not based upon a few things. If your fur-legged friend is overly anxious, very nervous, or sensitive to sounds, such as barking, this may not be a good idea. As noted above, it’s similar to the playground we went to as children. There’s a lot of action and excitement there, and overly sensitive or older dogs may not find this fun. If your dog tends to be of an aggressive nature, this is not for him. Some dog breeds naturally are more aggressive than others. If your pup can’t play nice, he will have a hard time fitting in with the other pups.

What to Bring

Many doggy daycares will want you to provide them with your pup’s food and broken down into individual serving sizes. Any daily medications that your dog takes will also need to be brought along. Before they accept your dog, you will need to show vacination records and or other documentation which will help them assure your dog is healthy and safe to be around other dogs.

How to Tell if a Particular Doggy Daycare is Safe.

When you tour the facility, inspect the areas for cleanliness. Inquire about their licensing and speak to other dog parents who are dropping off or picking up their dogs. It is also a wise idea to look online and read reviews and comments about the facility. Have there been any major issues? One of the best tell-tail signs (no pun intended) is to look at the other dogs. Are they excited and happy while at the facility?

At The End of The Day At the end of the day we are really doing this to make our fur-legged friend happy. The social interaction and playtime he will receive is something that he will love you for. Our pups are truly a part of our family and when they are happy we are happy. If you have considered a doggy daycare take the time to find the right one for you and your pup. Your dog will thank you for it!