Category: Petland

2020 has been a hard time for dog lovers. COVID has made it difficult to take care of them, be it getting to the vet for treatments or even adopting one in the first place. And the stress it’s putting on their owners isn’t great for them either.

But for all of the disruptions, there’s still a great way to get a dog to love and support you. Service dogs have been considered an essential service by the federal government. This makes it fully possible to get a dog to help you through these trying times.

Let’s take a look at the process, and a few of the many benefits a canine friend can bring you.

The Benefits of Service Dogs

Service dogs have been a great option for a long time. And now, with all the restrictions in place to fight the pandemic, it’s one of the easiest ways to acquire an animal.

Service dogs are provided to those who have some kind of physical, mental, or emotional need that the dog can meet. One of the most obvious examples would be a seeing-eye dog for people who suffer from blindness. But these aren’t the only examples.

Emotional support animals have been shown to have positive effects on people suffering from a wide variety of problems or conditions. People with bipolar disorder, clinical depression, and chronic anxiety are eligible for a service dog. Studies have shown that they work wonders in helping to manage these issues.

Service dogs have also been shown to be highly beneficial in the management of autism, particularly in children. They help provide emotional support, and a comforting atmosphere.

How to Get a Service Dog

Acquiring a service dog is a more complicated and involved process than simply adopting a dog. Emotional support alone does not qualify the dog as a service animal. Instead, it has to be trained in some way that actively aids in the management of a disability, illness, or other condition.

Physical examples of this, such as support dogs for people with blindness, or people who suffer from seizures, are the most well known. Nowadays, it is also possible to qualify for a service dog for mental health reasons.

A clinical diagnosis of conditions such as clinical depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or PTSD qualifies you for a service animal. However, a clinical diagnosis of the condition is often a prerequisite for obtaining a service animal.

Service Dogs Make Perfect Companions

Service dogs are wonderful companions and a great choice for many people. They have been shown time and time again to provide help to people struggling with all kinds of illnesses, disabilities, and other issues. They provide comfort, stability, and a sense of relief. In these trying times, we could all use that.

So if you’re struggling, and feel that a service animal could help you, see about adopting an animal as a service dog. Or, if you already own a dog, look into registering them as a service animal.

The year 2020 has been different than any year we have experienced, and with the holidays right around the corner, we don’t see that letting up. So Thanksgiving may look different this year. Perhaps the meal will be a bit smaller and the gathering less crowded, but something that absolutely will not change is that our pets will celebrate the day with us.

While it is not unanimous that people-food wisely given is okay for most pets, there are a number of factors to keep in mind. It’s not only your pet’s physical health that is affected when you feed them from the table according to Malia Friesen, a veterinarian writing for PetMD.com.

●     Establishing a habit of feeding from the table usually starts with just a taste. But just as Fido has us trained to pet him when he nudges our hand or take him outside when he barks, he can train us pretty quickly to feed him whenever he smells something you are eating. It’s better not to start a habit that is difficult to break.

●     Giving our pets food from the table can result in their consuming toxic foods that are completely safe for us but potentially hazardous for them.

●     Once Fido and Fluffy get used to people food, they may become unwilling to eat their own food, preferring yours. They may even refuse to eat any form of pet food or need to have their food constantly change as they quickly decide they don’t like that one, either.

To be sure, that turkey smell will certainly pull Fido into the kitchen and have Fluffy demanding her share, too. Here’s what to know about the turkey and trimmings to keep them safe and healthy this year.

10 things your pets can enjoy this Thanksgiving

1. Turkey with all fat, skin, and bones removed. If the meat has been roasted with spices, best to skip it (or wash it off) as some spices can be toxic. Feeding skin can cause pancreatitis.
2. Although both dogs and cats can eat mashed potatoes, regular potatoes contain solanine, a defensive poison designed to keep animals from chomping on them. A better choice would be sweet potatoes, which don’t contain solanine. However, give them the sweet potatoes before you add the sugar, butter, and spices from candied yams, advises Gary Richter, MS, DVM and author of The Ultimate Pet Health Guide: Breakthrough Nutrition and Integrative Care for Dogs and Cats.
3. Pumpkin is a great treat for pets, dogs and cats alike.  Pumpkin itself is a very healthy snack, inches explains Dr. Richter.  Pumpkin helps with digestive health and it’s great for a dog’s skin and coat. Also, if feeding canned pumpkin, make sure it’s just pumpkin and not the pre-spiced pie mix. ^[1]
4. Carrots are a favorite food to give your dog anytime of the year, so Thanksgiving is a good opportunity to give him this treat. Although cats are not usually particularly fond of carrots, some like them as much as their canine counterparts. When preparing your special carrot dish for your family, just set aside a few pieces of carrot that is washed so you can indulge your pet without any additional ingredients.
5. Many people favor the traditional green bean casserole and the holiday just wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without it. And green beans are nutritious and healthy for your pets, too. Once again, set aside cooked green beans before you add all the other ingredients.
6. Corn off the cob is fine for dogs, but it’s best to avoid giving your cat corn. She probably won’t eat it anyway, since it should be served plain without any embellishment. The majority of commercial dog foods contain corn, so serving him a little bit of corn is fine, so long as it is just corn. Corn cobs are very hard to digest and can cause blockages in the digestive tract. Best to just cut the corn off the cob before giving it to Fido.
7. Dogs can eat bread, as grains are a large part of most dog food. But yeast can cause bloating and gas, so go lightly on this treat. A whole roll, even for a big dog, is a bit too much. Same for cats.
8. That apple pie should be served to your guests, not your pets. But since most dogs (and some cats) do like apples, freshly sliced apples are fine. The seeds in the apple core contain arsenic, though admittedly a small amount. Still, why risk it?
9. Cranberries are fine for dogs, but keep them away from cats. This, of course, it not talking about cranberry sauce, which contains lots of sugar and other ingredients pets should stay away from.
10. The best dessert for a pet during Thanksgiving is a slice of banana. Fresh or frozen, most dogs and some cats, enjoy bananas. Again, don’t feed them banana pudding, but just the plain fruit.

 10 things not to feed your pet on Thanksgiving

It goes without saying that sugar is as bad for your pet as it is for you, so if the recipe calls for sugar, don’t give it to your pet. Here are some more foods you should avoid.

1. Alcohol. There is no circumstance under which your pet should drink alcohol, and Thanksgiving is no exception. Alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death.
2. Never give your dog or cat chocolate in any form. All forms of chocolate contain substances called methylxanthines, which are found in cacao seeds. When your pet eats chocolate, these substances can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. And yes, just one piece is enough to cause harm.
3. Grapes and raisins have an unidentified toxin in them that can cause kidney failure. More research is needed to identify why this happens, but the point is that it  does happen, and often very suddenly. (Dried, unsweetened cranberries are fine.)
4. Onions (and chives, in the onion family) are very toxic substances to pets. If your recipe calls for onions, avoid allowing your pet to even get a tiny lick in.
5. Garlic is often included alongside onions in Thanksgiving dishes, but it, too, should never be given to pets. Cats are more susceptible to the toxins in onions, chives and garlic, but dogs are vulnerable, too.
6. Nuts (except cashews) should be avoided by animals, especially macadamia nuts. Because of their high fat content, they can cause digestive upset or even pancreatitis, which is very painful and can actually lead to death, according to ruffhero.com.^[2]
7. Milk and dairy products can cause significant digestive upset in pets because they do not possessive adequate amounts of the enzyme lactase which is necessary to digest dairy.
8. Raw or undercooked meats or eggs. This one is controversial, but since salmonella and e.coli are both potential hazards of feeding these foods to your pet, it is best to simply be sure that meat and eggs are thoroughly cooked.
9. Candy and other sweet treats are on the absolutely not list. You may be under the impression that it is the sugar in these foods that make them unhealthy, but zero-sugar products often contain artificial sweeteners that may be toxic. One particularly dangerous sweetener is xylitol, often used in candy, mints, gums, and even toothpaste. Xylitol can cause death within hours of ingestion.
10. Caffeine is very bad for your pets. In fact, within 1-2 hours of consuming caffeine, your dog or cat could experience hyperactivity, restlessness, vomiting, elevated blood pressure or heart rate, tremors, seizures and death.^[3]

This year, our holiday celebrations may be different from any we’ve celebrated before, but with wisdom and care, it can be healthy, happy, and fun for all participants, from a large family right on down to just you and your pet.

 ^[1] Kearl, M. (2019, November 26). Safe Thanksgiving Foods To Share With Your Dog Plus Those To Avoid. Retrieved October 04, 2020, from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/thanksgiving-foods-to-share-with-your-dog-or-avoid/

^[2] Ruffhero. (n.d.). Pancreatitis In Dogs Can Be Fatal. Is Your Dog At Risk? Retrieved October 04, 2020, from https://www.ruffhero.com/pancreatitis-in-dogs/

^[3] 24/7 Animal Poison Control Center. (n.d.). Retrieved October 04, 2020, from https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/

You and your family made the decision to bring a new puppy into your home, found the one that stole your heart, and now that puppy you dreamed about is a reality. And reality has hit home—hard! Perhaps you hadn’t realized that raising a puppy would be quite the task it’s turning out to be, and you wonder if there are easier ways to get it done.

Well, take heart. There are! Here’s a list of the ten best hacks for living with a new pup.

1.  My puppy chews on everything! You’ve done the obvious and bought plenty of chew toys and kept valuables up off the floor, but Puppy is still chewing. Your computer doesn’t work because he chewed the power cord and the baseboards are looking the worse for wear, too. What to do? Spray bitter apple on a cloth and wipe those surfaces down well. Dogs hate the taste of bitter apple and will steer clear once they take the first bite.

2.  My large-breed puppy pulls my arms off when we walk. In a matter of a few weeks, that rolly-polly puppy has increased in size, weight, and strength. Even the word walking is misleading—he’s doing the leading and dragging you behind! Switch to a front-clip harness, which puts you in control. Harnesses that clip to the back encourage pulling.

3.  All he wants to do is play—and I have studying to do. Yes, the main goal in a puppy’s life is to get in as much play and attention from you as he can. Most pups like to play tug, but you need to be careful of their developing teeth. Make a tug toy by putting a knot in an old sock toe and making a loop at the top end. Stick your foot through it and let him tug away. Gently moving your foot back and forth gives him all the tugging attention he needs.

4.  I don’t think he’ll ever catch on to potty training! Make each success rewarding with special treats reserved only for that purpose. Many dogs love carrots, but whatever your pup goes nuts over is the treat to choose. He’ll catch on faster when his behavior brings immediate rewards.

5.  He doesn’t seem to understand what good behavior is. Puppy’s don’t have a value system like ours. Whatever rewards him is good, whether it’s a treat you give him or something he chooses for himself (and we certainly don’t always agree on that one!). Unfortunately, whatever he’s doing at the time you give him a reward is what he thinks he’s getting rewarded for. Any time delay between the behavior you want and the reward will make him misunderstand what you are telling him is good. Try a clicker training! Clicking and immediately rewarding will pinpoint to him what he’s doing that is right.

6.  My puppy is afraid of new situations, people, and other dogs. The first three months of your puppy’s life have a permanent effect on his temperament. Getting him out where new people, situations, and other dogs are is paramount in his development. Not only does it help encourage interaction, it also helps reduce fears that may pop up in unusual situations, such as thunderstorms. Socialization builds confidence and a happy outlook on life.

7.  He’s digging up my garden! Yes, some dogs love to dig. Whether he’s a terrier (the name comes from a word meaning “earth”) or he just enjoys digging, the urge can be destructive. Best hack? Give him his own place to dig! Dig a small pit and mix some sand in with the soil to keep it loose and improve draining. Bury his favorite toy and reward him when he digs it up. Before long, his digging pit will be the only place he makes a mess.

8.  He tears the stuffing out of toys and then isn’t interested in them anymore. Some pups just love to rip the stuffing out and that seems to be the only thing they like to do. Replacing stuffed toys can get expensive, though. Here’s how to make a reusable stuffed toy that will save you tons of money. JW Pet Company makes a durable, rubber ball full of holes, appropriately called the Hole-ee Roller Ball. Stuff fabric scraps into the ball. Pupster will enjoy pulling the fabric scraps out again and again.

9.  Pet poop bags are so expensive! That’s true, they are. But cleaning up after your dog is not only socially responsible, it’s quite often the law as well. Instead of buying expensive poop bags, use cheaper diaper-disposable bags instead. The house-brand will almost always beat out the name-brand.

10.   My vet says I should brush my puppy’s teeth, but he hates it! Some dogs don’t seem to mind having their teeth brushed and others will fight you, well, tooth and nail. Rather than make each experience a fight, spread doggy toothpaste on a chew toy and let him brush them all by himself!

Today, November 1, 2020, is Go Cook For Your Pet Day. Here are a few great recipes to honor your BFFF (best four-footed friend) in the kitchen this year.

Animals can have sensitive stomachs, so cooking for your pet challenges you to use healthy ingredients that your buddy will love while still maintaining his health. Drool-worthy recipes are abundant on the internet but keeping his preferences and needs balanced requires sifting through the lot. We’ve compiled three each for dogs and cats so you can make this special day truly that.

Special considerations

Remember NOT to include these ingredients in your pet’s special food.

●  Raisins

●  Grapes

●  Onions (including shallots and chives)

●  Garlic

●  Tomato

●  Chocolate

●  Avocado

●  Yeast dough

●  Caffeine

●  Alcohol

●  Artificial sweeteners

●  Xylitol

●  Macadamia nuts

What should I cook for my dog?

Rather than cook a whole meal for your dog which could upset his digestive system, consider making special treats and feed them small-scale so his balanced diet isn’t compromised.

Pumpkin Ginger Dog Biscuits

Dogs love these tasty treats and the ginger is good to settle an upset tummy (so save some for later).

Ingredients:

• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• ½ cup pumpkin
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• ¼  to ½ cup water

Directions:

1.      Preheat the oven to 275° F.

2.      Mix flour and ginger together until completely combined.

3.      In a large mixing bowl, beat together pumpkin, coconut oil, and egg.

4.      Add flour mixture and blend together with pumpkin mixture.

5.      With the mixer on low, add water a little at a time until dough forms but isn’t sticky.

6.      On a floured surface, roll the dough out to ¼” thickness.

7.      Cut into shapes with a cookie cutter, a glass turned upside down, or a knife.

8.      On an ungreased baking sheet, put the biscuits about 2” apart and bake about 2-½ hours or until lightly browned. Note that the tops may crack.

Sweet Potato Fries

This is one you and Fido can actually share!

Ingredients:

• 1 whole sweet potato
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric

Directions:

1.      Preheat the oven to 425° F.

2.      Wash and peel the sweet potato, cutting it into long, thin “french fries.”

3.      In a bowl or plastic bag, toss the potatoes with the coconut oil and spices.

4.      Place on an ungreased baking sheet in one layer. Do not overlap potatoes.

5.      Bake for 15 minutes, flip potatoes over and cook for another ten minutes.

6.      Cook completely before letting your pup enjoy this treat with you!

Treats for diabetic dogs.

Don’t leave your beloved pup out even if he has diabetes. Here’s one just for him (other dogs like it, too).

Ingredients:

• ½ cup whole wheat flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1-½ pounds of beef liver, cut into small pieces

Directions:

1.      Preheat the oven to 350° F.

2.      Line a jelly roll pan or shallow baking dish with baking parchment.

3.      Pulse a food processor to finely chop the liver.

4.      Add remaining ingredients and continue to process until smooth.

5.      Spread evenly in the prepared pan.

6.      Bake for 15 minutes (the center should be firm).

7.      Cut with a pizza cutter and store refrigerated in a sealed container.

What can I cook for my cat?

Favorite Biscuit Treats for Cats

Here’s one variety, but feel free to substitute your cat’s favorite ingredient for the catnip.

Ingredients:

• 1-½ cups whole wheat flour
• 1-½ teaspoon organic catnip
• ⅓ cup dry milk
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 large egg

Directions:

1.      Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2.      In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients and mix thoroughly.

3.      Add all the wet ingredients and mix to form a firm dough.

4.      Roll on lightly floured surface using a small hor d’oeuvres cutter or a knife.

5.      Bake for 20 minutes, turning half way through to crisp both sides.

6.      Cool completely before giving these treats to Fluffy.

7.      These keep on the counter in an airtight container. They also freeze well.

Cheesy Kitty Treats

They smell good enough to eat, but save them for your kitty!

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¾ cup whole wheat flour
• ¼ cup sour cream or plain yogurt (I used Chobani 0% fat Greek yogurt)
• ¼ cup cornmeal
• 5 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• Several tablespoons of water

Directions:

1.      Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2.      Line a cookie sheet with baking parchment.

3.      Combine all ingredients except water and stir together.

4.      Add water a tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together in a ball.

5.      Roll out on a lightly floured surface and cut into shapes with a small hor d’oeuvres cutter or a knife.

6.      Place on the parchment paper and bake for about 25 minutes.

7.      Cool completely before serving and store in an airtight container.

Treats for Finicky Eaters

If you have a cat with tummy issues or who is picky, these nutrient-dense treats will really tickle her fancy!

Ingredients:

• ½ cup quinoa flour
•  ½ cup brown rice flour or oat flour
•  1 tablespoon dried catnip
•  4-5 ounces sardines, tuna, or salmon (choose your cat’s favorite)
•  ¼ cup parsley, chopped
• 1 egg
•  ½ tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

1.      Preheat the oven to 350°F.

2.      Line a cookie sheet with baking parchment.

3.      Pulse all ingredients in a food processor until thoroughly combined (dough will be sticky).

4.      You can either pat the dough into a ¼” round and cut out shapes or simply pinch pieces off and make them into little balls.

5.      Place on the parchment-lined cookie sheet and bake for about 10 minutes. They should be dry to the touch.

6.      Let cool completely before delighting Fluffy with these treats.

7.      Store in an airtight container.

As we near the 2020 holiday season, it’s time to look back over the year and celebrate what’s coming next. There is lots of partying during the fall and early winter months, and if you have dogs or cats, chances are they will be very interested in your guests and even more in the food and decorations.

Halloween

When the kiddos dress up in Halloween costumes, we like to dress our pets up, too. That’s fine, because there are so many pet-safe costumes for your pets to don. However, decorations and Halloween treats can be toxic when ingested by animals, so here are a few reminders.

1. The biggest hazard for pets on Halloween is from eating candy. All chocolate—especially dark chocolate—contains theobromine, a substance that, depending upon the amount, can cause digestive upset or even death. And don’t think other candies are okay. Sugar in the amounts humans consume is very bad for pets. Sugar-free doesn’t cut it, either, because artificial sweeteners—especially Xylitol, which can cause kidney failure and death—are bad for your furry buddies, too.
2. Candy wrappers can become blockages in your dog or cat’s digestive tract, necessitating surgery. Some pets are quick to gobble up the wrappers because they smell like candy.
3. Some pets find spider web decorations enticing. Cats can get entangled in them, and all pets may chew on them, once again risking blockages.
4. Corn decorations and balloons both pose hazards for pets. Pets can choke on them or inhale them as well as the risk of intestinal blockages.
5. Jack-o-lanterns can be hazardous to your pet, but not because they are pumpkins. Pumpkin is actually good for pets, but not in the form of carved decorations. Unrefrigerated, cut pumpkin quickly develops mold and large chunks of pumpkin with the outer shell are possibly deadly. Keep them outside on your porch and well out of the reach of pets. Of course, it goes without saying that untended candles are always dangerous!

Thanksgiving

The tips above for Halloween are applicable to Thanksgiving, but this holiday poses some additional problems for pet owners. Here are some tips to celebrate the day of giving thanks.

1. Don’t feed your dog or cat leftovers from your turkey. Plain turkey is not toxic for pets and can even be part of your pet’s regular diet. But most people don’t eat plain turkey for Thanksgiving. We rub it with butter, oil, and spices and stuff it with garlic, onions, and other delicious—to us—ingredients. But some herbs, onion and garlic are very toxic to pets, causing at best digestive upset and at worst pancreatitis. 
2. Don’t feed any bones to your pet, especially poultry bones which are brittle and can splinter and cause mouth wounds, throat wounds, and punctured stomachs or intestines. They can also cause blockages or choking.
3. Cornucopias filled with fresh fruit can also be hazardous. Grapes in particular are especially toxic to pets and can cause death (so can raisins and currants). Citrus fruits can cause digestive upset, and virtually all seeds and pits of fruit are toxic. While dogs love apples and bananas, which are fine for them to eat, be careful that these fruits haven’t been around long enough to contain mold. Dried fruits such as strawberries, mango, pineapple, and apricots contain concentrated amounts of sugar, so they should be fed sparingly.
4. Pumpkins, corn stalks, potted chrysanthemums and Indian corn are decorations cats can’t seem to resist. But mums are toxic and the other decorations can be choking hazards or cause choking or intestinal blockages, so consider artificial substitutes that are not so alluring to cats.

Christmas

Apart from the inevitable opened gift (it happens every year!), dogs and cats are wandering in a winter wonderland of hazards. From the Christmas tree to the mistletoe and the candles in the window, combining pets and Christmas decorations must be very carefully planned. First, let’s talk about the main decoration: the Christmas tree.

1. Never use a flocked tree (or any flocked decor, for that matter). The flocking that looks like snow is attractive to pets and can easily cause blockages.
2. Tinsel is by far the decoration that necessitates the most vet visits during Christmas.
3. Hang your best ornaments near the top of the tree and consider replacing glass ornaments with acrylic ones. If they fall (or are batted off the tree by a cat’s paw), they won’t break.
4. If your tree is small enough, elevate it to keep it away from dogs. Of course, a tree on a table isn’t out of the reach of cats which invariably climb into the tree.
5. Real trees are poisonous to both dogs and cats if they munch on them and the oils in the needles can irritate skin. Those sharp needles can cause mouth wounds or eye hazards, too.
6. If you do have a real tree, don’t use preservatives to keep it fresh longer. These substances can be poisonous to pets.
7. Wrap the bottom of the tree in aluminum foil (covered by a tree skirt if you like) to keep the cat from climbing the tree.

Other decorations that can cause problems are listed here.

1. Poisonous plants. Holly and mistletoe, two Christmas favorites, are toxic to pets. So are amaryllis, poinsettias, and lilies. The silk varieties make a beautifully festive display and are not toxic.
2. Candles are a no-brainer. Singed whiskers and tails are the least of the problems, as pets can easily knock them over and start a fire. We recommend battery-operated candles for a warm, inviting glow.
3. Lights. Fortunately, strings of lights are going out of fashion as pre-lighted trees with LED lights become more affordable. When pets chew on electric cords or strings of lights, not only are they at risk of electrocution, the damaged cords can start a fire.

With a little common sense and forethought, decorating your house for the holidays can be fun, festive, and safe for your pets. Happy holidays!

Fall is a wonderful time to hit the trails with Fido. The days are crisp and clear and the outdoors calls as much to you as to your fur-buddy. If you plan on hiking with your dog, take a look at our suggestions.

Should you take your dog on a hike?

That really depends. Where do you want to walk? Are dogs allowed on those trails? Do you have absolute control of your dog off lead, or do you plan to keep him on lead? Is he healthy enough to hike with you? Are you going with other hikers and their dogs, or just you two? These questions are important considerations when deciding when and where to take your dog hiking with you.

Dogs love the outdoors. They notice everything, not only with their eyes, but with their whole bodies. Watch Fido, and you’ll see him sniff, move his ears, cock his head, wag his tail, raise his hackles, paw at things, maybe even dig. And if he finds something really, really stinky, watch out! Chances are, he’ll want to roll in it.

Walking with your dog makes you much more aware of your environment, and so it should be. You’ll need to keep your eyes out for hazards that might affect not only you, but your dog as well. Don’t let him drink from puddles, ponds, or streams, because he can get leptospirosis or giardia. Both of these bacterial infections can make your four-legged buddy extremely sick. In many states, a dog in a pasture with livestock can legally be shot, just for being there, so keep Fido close at all times.

Not everyone appreciates dogs, and you must be sure that your dog has good manners before exposing the world to him. Don’t let him approach anyone uninvited.

Preparing for Your Hike

 Be sure your dog is wearing a sturdy collar with a proper license. Today it is easy to have your dog microchipped, and many veterinarians and shelters have scanners to read them. This will facilitate getting Fido back to you if he should get lost.

 You never know what you might run into on trails. Other dogs and animals are possible, so be sure your buddy is current on all his vaccines. Even if your state does not require rabies vaccine, if you are going to hike with him, it’s a good idea to vaccinate against rabies anyway.

 Watch for poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, etc. If you’re not sure what they look like, find out before you go. If in doubt, keep him out!

 Especially in areas where there is  a lot of undergrowth or high grass and weeds, your dog may pick up ticks and fleas. Ticks can carry Lyme disease, so if that’s a risk in your area, consider vaccinating Fido against it.

Musts

Must Nots

If you follow our suggestions, you will have a great hiking experience with Fido. Happy trails!

Halloween is right around the corner, and there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be just as fun for your pets as it is for you! While you’re preparing costumes, decorations, and goodies for this October, consider making one of these super spooky DIY toys for your pet too.

Don’t forget to always supervise your pet when playing with these handmade items!

Ghost Ball

The majority of dogs and a select handful of cats are eager to play a game of fetch with their owner. Here’s a toy that you can use for either!

You Will Need:

• A durable tennis ball (Kong is a good option for dogs)
• An old white pillow case or sock
• A pair of scissors
• A thick rubber band
• A non-toxic black marker

First, pull the sock or pillow case over the ball to create a tight, smooth surface. Take your rubber band and tie together the excess material so that it sits directly beneath the ball. Now, spread the hanging portion of your pillow case across a flat surface and use your scissors to cut vertical strips about an inch in thickness. 

From here, braid the pieces together (three strands apiece) and secure with a knot at the end. Use your non-toxic marker to draw a spooky face, and you’re done!

Give it a toss and watch Buster become…Ghost Buster.

Spellcaster Cat Wand

What a perfect toy for owners that are feeling particularly witchy for the holidays! Every witch needs a side-kick kitty and a good wand. You can find all of these materials in any craft store.

You Will Need:

• Wooden dowel 
• About three to five feet of mesh tubing, any color
• Cool temp glue gun and scissors
• Two-inch thick ribbon, any color
• Trinkets, if you wish

Take your scissors and cut a strand of tubing. Use your fingers to push one end of the tube upward as you would with a slinky. Then, gently push one end of the wooden dowel about an inch of the way through. Secure with glue gun.

Almost there! Take your ribbon and cut about three inches of length. Wrap it over the mesh tubing that is attached to the dowel. Secure with glue gun.

Attach a few spooky trinkets such as feathers or toy mice and you’re done!

Candy Crinkle Toy

While some dogs enjoy the sound of a squeaker, others find satisfaction in the crinkle of plastic. Your dog may not be able to eat candy, but they’ll love this candy-themed toy!

You Will Need:

• An empty, dry water bottle
• Candy-themed socks (there are great options on Amazon)
• Scissors and a glue gun
• Packing envelope (optional)

Before you order or purchase anything, make sure that the socks you choose are calf to knee-length!

Cut the packing envelope along the edge so that it opens like a book. Wrap it around the water bottle and trim the excess. Remove the packing envelope for a moment so that you can apply a small line of glue around the edges only. Carefully wrap the packing envelope around the water bottle once more and hold the edges down for about sixty seconds. 

(If you do not have a packing envelope, move onto the sock step.)

Now, cut off the toe portion of the sock and pull the water bottle through to the center. Tie off each end, and you’re finished! If you want to spice it up a little, you can cut the excess portion of the knot into thin strands and braid them to give your dog a rope-like texture.

And if you don’t have time for some DIY, visit your nearest Petland to pick up some spooky seasonal toys and treats!

Dogs aren’t just pets anymore, they assist us with a number of things from detecting cancer to helping comfort those with PTSD. Petland has a long history of supporting therapy canines and supports Canine Companions for Independence and Heartland Canines for Veterans.

Perhaps you believe your pup has what it takes to shoulder such a job, and you may be right! Here’s a few tips to help you get started.

What Does a Therapy Dog Do?

There are actually three different classifications of therapy canines. They include…

Therapeutic Visitation Dogs: These animals are used in facilities where the residents are on an extended stay. This could be a nursing home, a Veterans Affairs hospital, or mental health facility that doesn’t allow pets.

Animal Assisted Therapy Dogs: These dogs often serve people who are already seeking psychiatric help or assistance due to a physical condition. They are usually required to perform a specific job for their handler.

Facility Therapy Dogs: These are typically considered to be “house dogs” and are used to help keep patients with degenerative brain diseases busy and productive.

Training & Observation

Therapy dogs are required to have a certain temperament, basic social skills are a must. In order for that to be possible, they should also be at an appropriate age. Before your pup can even take the test, they must be at least one year old. 

Now comes the real challenge, preparing for the observation. About four to eight weeks prior to your dog’s test, you’ll want to work with them on basic commands. If your pup struggles with commands like sit, drop it, or stay, start with those first. 

When you feel confident, set an appointment with a certified Therapy Animal facility. When satisfied with your pet’s behavior, the individual performing the test will allow them to advance to the final step.

Field Testing

Once your pet has passed the initial observation, it’s time to move on to the big league. During this portion of the exam, your dog will actually perform the required commands in a real work setting in a series of visits. This means that you must remain in complete control of the situation at all times.

Your dog should not snap at strangers or become distracted by loud noises or quick motions. If they seem a bit overwhelmed during the first trial, don’t worry. Field tests are typically carried at least three to four times to give canines a fair shot at succeeding.

After all, no one wants to see your dog fail! Especially considering the good that they can do if they succeed. When the first visit concludes, be sure to take note of areas needing improvement. Remain patient and provide your dog with lots of positive reinforcement so that they can do better on the next round.

Keep in mind that therapy animals are not quite the same as emotional support animals. Anyone can go online and register their animal as an ESA, but therapy animals must prove it. Without the physical, in-person testing, there is no guarantee that the company you’ve signed up to certify your pet with is legitimate. 

Be sure to do your research and check for consumer reviews!

Training puppies is an easy endeavor but training an old dog is really hard. Or so you’ve heard. “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” 

Wrong on both counts. First off, training any dog, regardless of age, is relatively easy if you use the two most important tools: treats and patience. Declining health might mean your senior dog can’t perform certain tasks, but within his physical limitations, older dogs can learn new things. Puppies may train faster, but older dogs outperform the pups in logic and reasoning tasks. Like humans, they learn from life experiences. They are also able to focus longer than a young dog.

So what to teach your dog to do? Here is a list of tricks to teach any dog of any age. Using the techniques of consistency, repetition, and positive reward, any dog can learn these. Using a clicker to signal correct responses speeds this training up many times over. The most important thing about clicker training is timing. You absolutely must time the click to coincide with the correct behavior. A moment too late and he won’t understand what you are rewarding him for. 

1. Touch. This is the basic command—targeting— that will be foundational in teaching other tricks. Simply hold out two fingers in front of your dog. When your dog reaches out and touches your fingers, immediately click and then give him his tiny pieces of his favorite treat. After he gets the idea, move your hand away so that the dog must come to your hand in order to touch it. When he is reliably touching your fingers every time you hold them out, add the verbal word, “touch.” (If he’s hearing impaired, just skip the word. The visual gesture will be all he needs.)
2. Come. If you have taught touch, give the touch command and hold out your fingers. When he touches your fingers, toss his treat a little ways away from him so he has to go get it. Then command “touch” again and repeat the sequence of command, touch (click), toss, repeat. As soon as he starts eagerly coming to you when he sees your hand outstretched, change the command from “touch” to “come.”
3. Lie down. Start with your dog in front of you and hold two fingers out as before. When he touches your fingers, click and treat. Next time, put your fingers on the ground and say “touch.” You’ll be amazed how quickly he will lie down to touch your fingers. Remember to click the moment the behavior is correct. When he’s reliably lying down to touch your fingers, change the command to “lie down.” Repeat it until he will lie down on command.
4. Sit. This time, use the touch command to teach your dog to sit. Start out the same way with the dog touching your extended fingers. Then lift the fingers up and slightly over his head. He will lift his head to touch your fingers and will probably lower his hindquarters at the same time. When he is sitting each time you lift your fingers above his head, add the “sit” command.
5. Follow. Teaching your dog to follow your moving fingers at this point should be very easy. Keep the fingers just slightly ahead of him and out of his reach. When you finally allow him to touch your fingers, click and reward. This one will be a lot of fun for him, so teaching “follow” will seem more like a game.
6. Ring the bell to go outside. One secret of clicker training is to capture behavior you want to reinforce. Instead of extending your fingers, hold a string of bells and command your dog to touch. At first, he may look at you confused. Just wait. Repeat the command “touch” and wiggle the string of bells a little to encourage his attention. As soon as he touches the bells, click and reward. Next, hold the bells a little higher than his nose so he reaches for the bells. When he touches them, click and reward. Next time, move the bells to a door or gate and when he touches them, open the gate and reward him after he passes through the door. You no longer have to verbally cue him, but every time he goes through the gate, take him to his potty spot. Slowly wait to treat him until he is closer to his spot, and eventually stop rewarding him for going outside and reward him for doing his business. 

Building on targeting, you can teach your dog to go get things, to pick up his toys, to open doors, and so much more. Any dog of any age can learn this way. So head to your nearest Petland, grab some Lil Gimmes training treats and start mastering some new tricks with your dog! To see videos of how to use this technique with your dog, watch this Treehugger video.

This year has been one of unique challenges due to COVID-19, forcing us to stay at home. But the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season has already had 9 named storms, “the most ever recorded since the satellite era began in 1966,” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.  The fire season in California is expected to be worse than ever this year, and there have already been 672 tornadoes so far. 

Chances are, you have a preparedness plan for your family, but did you include your pets in that plan? If not, today is not too soon to prepare in case you need to vacate your home in an emergency. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes that masks and social distancing are not the only ways we need to protect ourselves in this unusual new “normal.” They remind us that leaving your pets out of your evacuation plans can spell disaster for you, your pets, and first responders. Here’s what they suggest.

Before an emergency, familiarize yourself with the kinds of disasters that are not uncommon in your area. Make a list of pet-friendly hotels where you can take refuge if you have to evacuate your home. Ask a trusted neighbor to check on your pet in case you’re not home when an emergency occurs. Make an animal hospital and veterinarian’s contact information part of the important information in your own preparedness kit. 

Other critical things to do before disaster happens include making sure your pet wears a collar and tag with up-to-date contact information. If you haven’t done it already, seriously consider having your pet microchipped. Be sure you register the microchip with the manufacturer and update your contact information immediately when anything changes.

You should have a leash and carrier near the exit and be sure your car is equipped with equipment for traveling with your pet. To be thoroughly prepared, check out the CDC’s Pet Disaster Preparedness Kit (free) and gather all documents and items just in case 2020 throws more surprises at us this year!