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  • Top Five Dog Breeds Who Love to Play Outdoors

    Top Five Dog Breeds Who Love to Play Outdoors

    If you love spending time in the great outdoors and are considering adding a fur-legged friend to your family this blog is for you. Making sure you find a dog that enjoys spending time outside as much as you do is important. Although all dog breeds enjoy time outside, some are better built for this and have different characteristics which will allow them to keep up with you and your family. Below is a list of the top five dog breeds who will enjoy outdoor exploring as much as you do.

    The Labrador Retriever is originally from Newfoundland and bred from a water dog. This breed was eventually brought to England to work as waterfowl retrievers thanks to their physical agility and abilities. Labrador Retrievers are very social dogs and enjoy walking side-by-side with their family. They are also very smart dogs who easily learn basic commands which will help to prevent them from straying off while you and he explore the great outdoors.

    Basic Breed Facts:

    Group: Working

    Height: 20 to 26 inches tall at maturity

    Weight: 50 to 75 pounds at maturity

    Life expectancy: 10 to 12 years Coat and color: The coat is short; fawn and brindle are the standard colors.

    The Pomeranian is a spitz breed dog which descended from sled dogs in Lapland and Iceland. The Pomeranian is related Samoyeds and Malamutes. Although this dog breed is smaller in size, they do very well spending time outside and enjoy exploring with family. They also tend to train easily and quickly learn basic commands.

    Basic Breed Facts:

    Group: Toy

    Height: 6 to 8 inches tall at maturity

    Weight: 3 to 8 pounds at maturity

    Coat and color: A long, double coat that can be found in many colors such as cream, red, orange, black, brown, blue, and sable. Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years

    Australian Shepherds which are also known as “Aussies” are a very athletic, strong, and agile dog. This breed is very active and does great in families that enjoy long outdoor walks and exploring the wild. This breed thrives on activity time and will keep his family active. Aussies were developed in the United States, where ranchers bred them as livestock herders and farmworkers.

    Basic Breed Facts:

    Group: Herding

    Height: 18 to 24 inches tall at maturity

    Weight: 40 to 70 pounds at maturity Coat and color: Vary between medium to long coats which can be found in black, red, merle, or blue.

    Jack Russell Terriers originated in the 1800s in England and were used to hunt foxes and small game. They are very active and energetic dogs who enjoy outdoor activity time with their family. This breed is known to enjoy long walks on trails with family and even enjoys swimming. If you intend to add this breed to your family get ready to stay active because this breed thrives on activity.

    Basic Breed Facts:

    Group: Terrier

    Height: 10 to 10 inches tall at maturity

    Weight: 12 to 19 pounds at maturity Coat and color: Short hair which can be found smooth or rough and in tan, brown, black or white.

    The Portuguese Water Dog is a working dog who loves to be on the move. They are high energy dogs that thrive on outdoor activity time with their family. This breed also does well with other dogs that enjoy active family time. For families that enjoy swimming, this pup should be one to consider as swimming is one of their favorite pastimes.

    Basic Breed Facts:

    Group: Working

    Weight: 35 to 65 pounds at maturity

    Height: 16 to 24 inches tall at maturity Coat and color: Tightly curled or wavy coming in a variety of colors which include black, white, brown, white and silver mixed, and black and white mixed.

  • Ways to Make the Holidays Safer for Pets

    Ways to Make the Holidays Safer for Pets

    As the holidays approach we think about nice family dinners, festive music, and holiday cheer. It is a time of year like nothing else and there seems to be a unique peace in the air. What many dog owners do not realize is it is also a risky time of the year for our fur-legged friends. Not because Santa will scare them when he comes down the chimney, but because of very common items in our home that come out this month.

    People food

    Let’s start off by talking about food. During the holidays we often have get-togethers and share meals much larger than an average dinner. Many foods that we will enjoy should not be eaten by our fur-legged friends. Below is a list of foods that are the most dangerous for dogs to eat.

    • Rich, fatty foods.
    • Meats that have bones in them
    • Onions and garlic
    • Chocolate
    • Alcoholic beverages
    • Raisins/grapes
    • Nuts
    • Milk Products

    Potpourri and Candles

    Although potpourri and candles look and smell great, they can make your fur-legged friend sick should he use them as a treat. Candles are also a fire hazard should your dog knock one over that is lit. Always keep items such as these well out of your dog’s reach. If these items are on a counter or table take into consideration that your dog still may be able to reach them. Playing safe than sorry as to wear you leave these items is also recommended.

    Holiday Plants and Flowers

    A very popular item found during the holiday season is decorative plants such as holly and mistletoe. Many plants and flowers can cause your dog to become very sick if digested. Dogs are always curious to try a new “food” and certain items such as these can cause your dog harm. Be sure to place these items in an area that your dog is unable to reach. We often place flowers near a window for sunlight which is also an area your dog has access to.

    Tinsel On Your Christmas Tree

    While tinsel isn’t “poisonous” per se, it’s extremely dangerous to your dog should he consume it. Swallowing tinsel can lead to internal issues as well as basic choking issues for your dog. Tinsel is generally shiny which catches your dog’s attention and may be too much for him to resist. Many dog owners do not even bring this item into their homes as a precaution. If you must decorate with tinsel, keep it in an area completely out of reach of your dog or you may be spending Christmas morning at the veterinarian, not unwrapping gifts from Santa!

    Secure Your Christmas Tree

    You can’t really blame this one on your pup. Afterall, they wake up one morning and magically there is a seven-foot pine tree in their living room! As beautiful as this tree looks, it does cause a safety hazard. Dogs are naturally attracted to trees and tend to want to hide under and behind them. It does not take much for a Christmas tree to topple over which could injure your pup or anyone near it when it falls. This can also result in damaging the decorations on the tree which can be very costly. By taking a few minutes to properly secure your tree can end up saving you a lot of problems in the end.

    Safe Haven for Your Dog

    If you intend to have a holiday party which involves a lot of people, consider putting your dog in a room dedicated just for him away from the commotion. The room should have water and food and you should periodically check on your pup. A soft blanket or dog bed would also be a nice fixture in the room while he hangs out there. Although some dogs want to party as much as grandma does, some tend to get quickly get scared of the noise and want to be left alone. You know your dog better than anyone and should determine this before the party begins. This is also a wise decision if your dog is a runner because the front door may be opened and closed dozens of times which would allow for him to escape.

  • Help! My Dog Ate Chocolate!

    Help! My Dog Ate Chocolate!

    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

    • Vomiting
    • Diarrhea
    • Anxiousness
    • Increased thirst
    • Moderate Symptoms
    • Wobbliness when walking
    • Increased thirst
    • Heavy panting
    • Restlessness
    • Bluish Tongue
    • Excessive urination
    • In severe cases, symptoms can include:
    • Racing heart rate / fast pulse
    • Muscle tremors
    • Seizures
    • Heart failure

    What to Do if You Believe Your Dog Ate Chocolate

    Act fast! Try to locate the packaging from the chocolate that your dog ate. This will help you to determine what type of chocolate and how much. The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more dangerous it is to dogs. Baking chocolate and gourmet dark chocolate are highly concentrated and contain 130-450 mg of theobromine per ounce. Common milk chocolate only contains about 44-58 mg/ounce. In either instance, this is not something to sit back on. It is always recommended that you immediately notify your veterinarian for professional advice and guidance if you believe your dog consumed chocolate.

    Are All Chocolates the Same?

    Although no chocolate is good for your dog, some types are worse than others. Dark chocolate is the most dangerous type of chocolate for your dog to eat. It only takes about 0.2 ounces per pound of dark chocolate to cause health issues. Milk chocolate has less theobromine and caffeine than dark chocolate. White chocolate has the least theobromine and caffeine. A good rule of thumb is that it takes about 0.5 ounces of milk chocolate per pound of body weight to cause moderate symptoms.

    How Long Until Symptoms Appear?

    The symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs are usually observed between three and twelve hours of consumption. Despite this, it is never advised to wait and see if your dog begins to get sick before taking action. The moment you realize this is the moments that you need to do something!

    Best Way to Prevent Your Dog from Eating Chocolate

    Keep it out of reach! Most dogs get into chocolate that is unintentionally left out. It can be a bowl of chocolate candy left in a dish on the counter, chocolate cake left on the table or even a piece of chocolate laying on the sidewalk that was dropped by someone else. It is very important to be mindful and observant of what your dog is chewing on and eating both indoors and outdoors. Very often many of us will leave something out without giving it thought which allows for the perfect opportunity for our fur-legged friends to snatch it. It should also be noted that the time of the year also increases the chances of your dog consuming chocolate. Months such as October (Halloween) and December (Christmas), when candy is more plentiful around the home increase this risk. Teaching children this from an early age is also a good way to prevent your dog from eating chocolate.

    Children are often more sympathetic to sneaking a treat to their begging fur-legged friend and should understand this is definitely not good to do.

    Another Consideration

    Although we know that chocolate is bad for our dogs, we must also realize many chocolate candies contain more than just chocolate. So, if the chocolate your pup ate didn’t make him sick, the fruit (raisin) or nut (macadamia) the chocolate covered can.

  • What Dog Food Ingredients Should You Avoid?

    What Dog Food Ingredients Should You Avoid?

    You are what you eat. And that expression applies to our fur-legged friends too. Some dog food brands skimp out on the actual healthy ingredients (chicken, beef, etc.) and replace these proteins with fillers. Fillers do not add much nutritional value to what they are eating and, overall are not recommended. Current research is bringing to light that many of these unhealthy ingredients can trigger allergies in your dog as well.

    What Ingredients Should You Avoid?

    Butylated Hydroxyanisole, also known as BHA, is a chemical preservative found in many dog foods and treats. It is used to preserve fats and oils. The CDC lists this ingredient as a known carcinogen that has negative effects on the liver and kidneys of animals. Some countries actually banned this substance due to this. Although the effects might not be noticeable in small quantities, over a long period of time, feeding your dog food that has BHA in it can contribute to health issues.

    White Flour

    White flour is usually used as a filler and binding agent in dog food. It is a bleached flour that contains little to no nutritional value. White flour has even proven to cause spikes in blood sugar. This means it may make your dog feel full, but not for a sustained period.

    Unspecified Meat or “Meat Meal” With “unspecified” meat in your dog’s food, what it is can be a mystery and risky. These meat meals are usually low quality, leftover meats with minimal regulation and or control of quality. Although these products are in many dog foods, try to avoid them. At the very least, pick a dog food where the specific type of meat is listed.

    Artificial Colors and Flavorings

    Artificial coloring and flavors are added to dog foods to create a more appealing appearance and smell. They are usually listed specifically, and the most commonly found dyes in dog foods are Red 40, Blue 2, and Yellow 5 and 6. These artificial ingredients are simply unnecessary and have been linked to hyperactivity, hypersensitivity, and allergic reactions to foods.

    MSG

    MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is not usually listed on pet food ingredient lists. It is more often found in autolyzed yeast, hydrolyzed protein, calcium caseinate, protein isolate, texturized protein, natural flavors, hydrolyzed yeast, yeast extracts, soy extracts or concentrate, sodium caseinate, monopotassium glutamate, glutamate or glutamic acid, or disodium inosinate or guanylate. These ingredients are used to enhance the flavor of dog food but are not necessary.

    Corn Syrup

    Corn syrup is a concentrated sweetener that is derived from corn. It is inexpensive to produce and is often added to processed dog foods to add flavor without costing a lot of money. Corn syrup, like white flour, causes your dog’s blood sugar to spike, which is not healthy and known to cause health issues down the road.

    Farmed Salmon

    Farmed salmon refers to salmon that is grown inland in artificial habitats. These are not fish in the actual ocean, have never seen or been in the ocean, and are grown specifically to be harvested for food. If they are found in your dog’s food, they will be simply listed as salmon, salmon meal, or salmon oil. If the salmon in your dog’s food is wild-caught, it will be listed as so. Farmed salmon is not nearly as nutritious as wild-caught salmon.

    Nitrates

    Nitrates, more specifically sodium nitrite, is a common preservative found in dog foods. It is used to preserve meat products. This preservative, although currently deemed safe to be used in dog food, has been linked to a blood disorder called methemoglobin as well as cancer.

    STPP

    STPP, or sodium tripolyphosphate, is a common ingredient in laundry detergent that softens the water. In dog food, it is used as a preservative. Since it is an actual chemical that does not contain any nutritional value, it is best to avoid it in your dog’s food. Taking the time to shop for quality dog food will yield a better long-term health outlook for your dog. Just because an ingredient is approved for use in dog food does not always mean you should use it. Natural ingredients are always recommended and should be looked for.

  • Puppy Accidents and How to Clean Them

    Puppy Accidents and How to Clean Them

    Accidents happen… All puppies, from time to time, don’t make it outside before they do their business. If your puppy, like most, has an accident indoors, don’t overstress. It is important, though, to realize that indoor puppy accidents can cause your carpet and furniture to smell or even be destroyed. The key is to cleanse the area as soon as possible. This is important for two reasons. The first is because the waste left on the carpet or furniture can absorb into the fibers which makes removing the odor very difficult. The second is because once these odors remain, regardless of how slight, your four-legged friend may return to the same area and relieve himself there again.

    How to Prevent Indoor Accidents

    Being consistent with your puppy’s potty-training routine is key. Also, providing your puppy with ample outdoor potty time is essential. For those who work all day, considering a daytime pet sitter to stop over and allow your puppy a potty break also will help the issue. Using positive reinforcement is always more effective than using discipline in this process.

    How to Get Urine Odors Out of a Carpet

    Dog urine gets absorbed into the carpet as an acid that causes damage to the carpet’s fibers. Upon the urine drying up, it results in an alkaline residue. If urine salts are not cleaned with a professional pet cleaning product, this may result in a foul urine smell building up over time. Absorbing the wet urine with a dry rag, followed by washing the infected area, will help to remove the urine and smell. At times, this process may need to be completed two or more times.

    How to Get the Urine Smell Out of a Couch?

    If your pup had an accident on your couch, professional cleaning products should be used to cleanse the area. After the couch is cleansed, keep your puppy away from it until the area is complete and the odor is completely gone. Dogs tend to remark the same spot over and over and detect this area by smelling where they previously went.

    At Home Cleaning Products

    Did you know that you can naturally clean pet stains and odors using commonly found items in your pantry? Ingredients such as baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, vodka, orange, lemon, and salt to clean pet urine work well. You can neutralize and clean surfaces by using a combination of these products. The issue with using a synthetic cleaner on a carpet is that it can damage and remove its color and add unnecessary toxic chemicals to your home. By utilizing more natural ingredients, especially things like enzymatic cleaners with essential oils, pet owners can keep their homes safe from the buildup of harmful fumes and chemicals that can make their pets sick.

    Before Using Any Cleaning Product

    Before applying any cleaning solution, you should always test it on a small area of your rug or furniture to ensure it won’t do any damage. Once the ingredients demonstrate that they are working and not causing damage, be sure to cleanse the area with a copious amount of the product and thoroughly scrub the infected area. Dog urine can be very difficult to clean fully and, if not removed, can cause more issues down the road. Regardless of what products you use, all puppy owners need to remember that their puppies are still learning and want to make you happy. Being patient, using positive reinforcement, and taking the time to train your four-legged friend right will yield positive long-term results.

  • Can Dogs Smell Cancer?

    Can Dogs Smell Cancer?

    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.

  • Separation Anxiety in Dogs

    Separation Anxiety in Dogs

    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.

  • Type of Service Dogs

    Type of Service Dogs

    Service dogs are well-trained professional dogs that help to those who need them. Each service dog has a specific set of skills that require training and testing to master. Service dogs perform impressive tasks such as leading the blind, assisting with day-to-day tasks, and providing comfort and companionship. Actual service dogs are backed and protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

    Some of the most common services provided by service dogs include:

    • Guide Dogs
    • Autism Service Dogs
    • PTSD Service Dogs
    • Hearing Dogs
    • Medical Alert Dogs
    • Diabetic Alert Dogs
    • Seizure Response Dogs
    • Allergy Detection Dogs
    • Mobility Assistance Dogs
    • Medical Alert Dogs

    There are other types of service dogs, and if you have a condition that is not listed above, you may still be able to apply for a service dog.

    Common Breeds of Service Dogs

    Although service dogs come in all shapes, sizes, and breeds, the following list of dog breeds tends to be the most common. These breeds generally have very caring and outgoing demeanors with outstanding personalities. They also tend to train with ease and enjoy companionship. Most service dogs show little to no signs of aggression and have very warm and approachable demeanors.

    Labrador Retriever – A very smart and personable breed of dog that has a loving and outgoing personality.


    German Shepherd – A loyal and alert dog who enjoys the company of his family. This breed loves outdoor activity time.


    Golden Retriever – A loving and gentle breed of dog who is exceptional in all family shapes and sizes. This breed also does well with other pets in the home.


    Poodle – This breed is considered the most intelligent breed of dog in existence. They train with ease and enjoy and thrive off of human interaction.


    Bernese Mountain Dog – An alert and active dog that is known to quickly bond with his family. They train with ease and are eager to please.


    Great Dane – A large and loving dog that is known for its loyalty and caring personality. They tend to make great service dogs, especially for those who suffer from PTSD and anxiety.


    Saint Bernard – By nature, this breed is a service dog. They have a long history of helping mankind and generally have very protective and loyal personalities.


    Pomeranian – Small and lovable. This breed of dog does well in smaller homes. This breed is patient and caring and very loyal to its family. They specialize in a variety of service dog tasks.


    Boxer – This breed is alert and loyal and enjoys assisting his human counterpart. They are smart and agile dogs with great personalities.


    Border Collie – A very loving and caring dog that tends to stick by your side. This breed is also smart, which makes training easy. They are eager to please and tend to be happy when you are. They also tend to do well in households that have children.

    Is it Mandatory to Register Service Dogs?

    No. Registering a service dog is not required in the United States under law, but it is suggested. Doing so it will help to eliminate any confusion or restrictions you may run into in the future. Unfortunately, there has been a rise in fake service dogs, which is why it is essential to make sure you and your dog are adequately protected. Properly being registered will make things easier. Many private businesses have rules against non-service animals entering their establishment, which is a primary reason to have your service dog registered.

    Where Can You Register a Service Dog?

    There are a few organizations that offer service dog registration. These organizations will require that you describe your disability and or need, what tasks your dog is capable of offering, and the specific training your dog completed. These options include websites such as Service Dog Certification, United States Dog Registry, and USA Service Dog Registration.

    Service dogs have made a positive impact over the years and have validated the expression “man’s best friend.” Through proper training and care, the services that these amazing dogs are able to provide continue to get better and better. Doing the appropriate research before getting a service dog will help you find the best breed for your specific needs.

  • What are Roundworms in Dogs?

    What are Roundworms in Dogs?

    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.

  • Dog Harnesses

    Dog Harnesses

    Are you considering making the transition from a basic dog collar to a dog harness? Many people have made the switch because a harness offers more control of over a dog which is especially important on outdoor walks. Harnesses also prevent neck discomfort that standard dog collars cause. Despite dog harnesses being the best choice for our fur-legged friends, they must fit your dog properly in order to be most beneficial. In this blog, we will explain the importance of proper harness sizing for pups and help you determine your dog’s accurate harness measurements.

    First, let’s review some of the primary benefits of a dog harness.

    Less pulling on walks: A dog harness is positioned along the dog’s back and chest, which makes it more difficult for a dog to take his owner for a walk instead of his owner taking him for a walk. Unlike a typical dog collar that allows a dog to securely plant his feet on the ground, gain traction, and pull forward, a harness gives the dog’s handler more control of their entire body. This will prevent a dog from taking over on the walk and allow his handler better control.

    Less pressure on the dog’s throat and neck: The design of a dog harness allows for the pressure points to be on his chest. This prevents your dog’s neck and throat area from being constricted, which is more comfortable and much safer than a standard dog collar. A dog harness is recommended even more so for dogs who suffer from disc conditions and arthritis.

    Much better control of your dog: Some dogs can slip out of standard dog collars, which only offer one point of security around their necks. It is improbable for your pup to accidentally slip out of a properly fitted dog harness, even if your dog is a master of escape.

    Basics Fitting a Dog Harness

    As great as a dog harness is, it is only effective when it properly fits your dog. The harness must be secure against a dog’s body and should not allow for any slipping or rubbing against the skin. Harnesses that are too tight may cause discomfort for your pup. Harnesses that are too loose on your pup increase the risk of them slipping out of it and running off. This is why assuring the harness is placed properly over your dog is key.

    The Two Finger Rule

    When determining if your dog’s new harness is right for them, you should always follow the two-finger rule. This means that you should be able to place two fingers snuggly under the harness when it is secured. More than two fingers mean the harness is too loose. Less than two fingers mean the harness is too tight. This amount of slack allows for comfortable movement for your dog while also preventing him to be able to escape it.

    Properly Measuring Your Dog for a Harness

    Pet supply stores generally have a sizing chart for each product sold. This chart will provide measurements and specifications of each dog harness for sale. Comparing this size chart to your dog’s size is very important.

    Measure Your Dog’s Neck Girth

    You can use a flexible plastic measuring tape to measure your dog’s neck. Measure the area around where a collar would typically be placed. Remember to use the two-finger rule in this measurement, as some slack is necessary. Make a note of this measurement by writing it down.

    Step 3: Measure Your Dog’s Chest Girth

    Next, you will measure your dog’s chest girth by using the same measuring tape and measuring the widest portion of your dog’s rib cage. Be sure you measure around completely, with the end of the tape coming together on the top of the dog’s back. Make a note of this measurement by writing it down.

    Step 4: Measure Your Dog’s Body Length

    The last area measurement needed is your dog’s body length. Using the same measuring tape, measure your dog from his neck to the base of his tail. Certain dog harnesses require this measurement which is good to have just in case. Make a note of this measurement by writing it down.

    After taking these measurements and writing them down, you will be able to compare them with the sizing chart for your harness of choice. It is also recommended to talk to staff at the pet supply store who can address any questions or concerns you may have before buying the harness.

    Getting Adjusted to Using a Dog Harness

    Getting adjusted to using a dog harness (for you and your pup) is generally an easy transition. Many dog owners find that once they start using a harness for their dogs, daily walks become easier and more enjoyable. Taking the time to find the proper dog harness will yield years of safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable walks.