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Black Widows and Dogs

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.

October 3, 2022
Best Apartment Dog Breeds

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.

September 26, 2022
Top Dog Training Collars

Training your dog is essential for many reasons and is something that all dog owners need to focus on, beginning when their dog is a puppy. A properly trained dog will be easier to live with and will help keep him and your family safe. Positive reinforcement training techniques tend to yield the best long-term results, and one of the tools many dog owners rely on is training collars. Training collars can assist in getting your dog comfortable with the feeling of wearing a collar and help gently correct habits and/or improper behavior. The question many dog owners ask is, what type of collar will my dog do best with?

What Types of Collars Are There?

Standard Dog Collar: A standard dog collar, also known as a buckle collar, is one of the most common types of training collars used. These collars are used on dogs of all shapes and sizes and are easy to put on and adjust. Although they are not as corrective as other dog collars, they are easily deployed and will prevent your dog from feeling choked while they are using them to walk with you.

Choke Collar: A choke collar is a very common training collar used to catch your dog’s attention when they are initially learning how to walk on a leash. This type of collar is designed to tighten when your dog pulls on the lead, which will cause a degree of discomfort until they stop pulling. After a few walks with this collar, your pup will learn to walk with you, not away from you.

Martingale Collar: A martingale collar is considered a choke collar; however, much more of a gentle one. These collars are basically a combination of a buckle collar and slip lead, as they have a second loop on the collar that will tighten as a dog pulls. The loop, however, will only allow the collar to tighten slightly, so it will not apply the same pressure on your dog as a routine choke collar or slip lead. The tightness applied to their neck is generally enough to gain their attention and compliance.

Prong Collar: A prong collar is used to control dogs that have a greater physical force and or pull. Generally, this type of collar is used on dogs who continue to pull or run and ignore the effects of a standard or choke collar. A prong collar consists of metal links that face inward on the collar, coming in contact with your dog’s neck. When the dog pulls or runs, pressure is applied by these prongs, which will move close together, creating a pinch around the dog’s neck. The pinch is generally enough to catch your dog’s attention and slow down or stop his excessive pulling. It should be noted that these collars should only be used by those who have experience using them. They are recommended only after other basic collars have proven ineffective.

Shock Collar: A shock collar is a training collar that delivers a light shock or vibration to the dog’s neck when the owner activates it. These collars come with a small wireless remote control that the owner holds, allowing them to send a signal to the collar when the dog is acting inappropriately. The goal behind this type of collar is to teach your dog that a certain behavior will result in an annoying and or uncomfortable sensation. If you are trying to teach your dog not to run after people, and when he does, he feels this uncomfortable sensation, he will correlate the behavior to it. In time the dog will typically stop the undesired behavior without even receiving the sensation.

A Collar Is Just a Tool

Dog owners need to remember that a training collar is just a tool they have in helping to train their dogs. Proper dog training takes time and effort. In many instances, we are trying to teach our dogs certain things that are against their own instincts. Dogs naturally like to chase things and run free. Although collars, when utilized correctly, will help to train a dog, consistent positive reinforcement is very important. Some dog breeds tend to train more quickly than others and will require less strenuous training. Being patient, caring, and remembering that this takes time will help make the training process easier for you and your dog.

September 19, 2022
Bacterial Infections in Dogs – What Is It, How Are They Caused, And How to Treat It?

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.

September 12, 2022
Your Dog’s Amazing Nose

No matter what breed of dog you have, there is one common quality they all share. Their incredible sense of smell! Their ability to pick up on even the faintest scents has allowed for their survival for hundreds if not thousands of years. It has also allowed them to be utilized to assist humankind in tracking and retrieving game, locating missing people, detecting diseases in people, and finding illegal substances, such as narcotics.

How Sensitive Is Their Nose?

Animal care specialists and dog owner, Jen Eleao, explained that a dog’s sense of smell is somewhere between 25,000 to 100,000 times more acute than ours. This is due to our fur-legged friends having up to 100 million sensory receptor sites in their nasal cavity compared to six million receptors in people. The area of the canine brain devoted to analyzing scents is about forty times larger than the equal part of the human brain. “Our dogs are full-blown scent detection machines,” Eleao explains, “which is why they are capable of tracking even the faintest scent for miles.”

How Their Scent Detection Works.

Unlike humans who inhale and exhale at different times, a sniffing dog’s nose is designed to allow air to travel in and out at the same time, creating a continuous circulation of air. By keeping a continuous flow of air entering their nose, they are capable of maintaining a steady track of what they are looking for. A dog’s nasal cavity is divided into two separate chambers and opens into two nostrils that move independently, and that can take in smells separately. As a dog sniffs a scent, particles and compounds are trapped in the nasal cavity while the dog’s scent receptors process them. Part of the inhaled air goes to olfactory analysis, and some of it goes to the lungs to breathe. As a dog exhales, fresh air enters the nose through the slits in their nose, which maintains a steady stream of air and odors flowing.

Best Scent Tracking Breeds

Although all dog breeds are scent specialists, some are better than others. As an example, Eleao explained, although any dog can track the scent of common foods, such as poultry, hound breed dogs have the overall best sense of smell and are able to track just about anything that gives off a scent. Hound dogs rely on their ears almost as much as they rely on their noses. As they smell the scent on the ground, their ears are used to move the air in front of their nose and essentially lift the scent. Smaller dogs such as the French Bulldog and Pug that have short faces may have compromised airways that could affect their overall sense of smell.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: How Far Can A Dog Smell Something That Is Traveling Through The Air?

Answer: Generally, most dogs are able to detect scents in the air that originated several miles away. One study showed that some dogs could smell something (with the right airflow) more than ten miles away. A dog smelling something several miles away is comparable to a person smelling a juicy hamburger or chicken cutlet being grilled one block away.

Question: What Does It Mean When People Say Dog Smells In 3D?

Answer: The same way a human uses two eyes to obtain two different views on what they are looking at, which allows our brain to form a 3D image, dogs use both nostrils to create a 3D view of a scent. This allows a dog to determine precisely where objects are located that are giving off a scent.

Question: Are Dogs Used In The Medical Field To Detect Diseases?

Answer: Numerous studies have shown that trained dogs are able to detect a variety of diseases, including lung, breast, ovarian, bladder, and prostate cancers within the human body. There are current studies taking place to determine if dogs are also capable of detecting Covid-19.

Why Are Dogs’ Noses Wet?

A dog’s nose contains special glands that secrete a layer of mucus in the inner lining of it. The wet lining creates particles in the air to stick to it, which allows the dog to not lose track of the scent.

September 5, 2022
Foods That You Should Avoid Giving to Your Dog at All Times

We love spoiling our pups and throwing them a small treat here and there but some foods should never be shared with your pup. The reason being is that dogs and humans metabolize foods differently which is why some foods are safe for humans to eat but may be toxic and potentially deadly for dogs. Figuring out which foods are safe versus unsafe can be confusing. Below is a list of five very common foods that are safe for your dog and five very common foods that are not safe for your dog.

Foods Dogs Can Safely Eat

Carrots: Both raw and cooked carrots are safe for your dog to eat. They are low in calories and provide a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Prior to serving carrots to your dog, make sure to cut them into bite-size pieces which will make them easier for him to munch on.

Peanut Butter: In moderate amounts, peanut butter is a healthy, tasty, and safe treat for dogs. It is high in calories which can contribute to weight gain but in small portions will make your puppy happy. Unsalted peanut butter is recommended.

Cooked Eggs: One medium cooked egg provides several vitamins and minerals and plus a lot of protein. Some say that eggs may also help relieve nausea in dogs. It should be noted that raw eggs are not recommended for a dog since raw eggs can contribute to bacteria, such as Salmonella.

Cooked and Boneless: Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to reduce inflammation and may even help keep your dog’s skin and fur healthy. It should be noted that you should avoid salmon with bones as they can pose a choking hazard. Popcorn: As an occasional treat, popcorn is safe pending for dogs it does not have salt or extra ingredients. Be sure to note popcorn kernels are a choking hazard and may get stuck in your dog’s teeth, so you should only provide your dog with fully-popped corn kernels.

Foods You Should Avoid Giving to Your Dog

Grapes And Raisins: Grapes and raisins contain toxic compounds that are extremely harmful to dogs. They have the potential to lead to rapid kidney failure which can result in death. Even small amounts of grapes and raisins can do this which is why it is very important to never allow your pup to eat these foods.

Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, two stimulants that dogs cannot efficiently metabolize that will make them very sick. Symptoms of chocolate consumption include vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration and may lead to more serious complications, such as internal bleeding, muscle tremors, seizures and death.

Macadamia Nuts: Macadamia nuts contain a toxin that may lead to vomiting, muscle weakness, tremors, hyperthermia and depression when dogs consume them. These nuts are also high in fat content, which may elevate your dog’s triglyceride levels and potentially lead to pancreatitis.

Onion: Onions contain N-propyl disulfide, a compound that is harmful to dogs. Onions have the potential to damage your dog’s red blood cells, reducing their ability to carry oxygen through the body. This often results in a medical condition called anemia.

It should also be noted that all components and forms of onions, such as onion powder, are toxic to dogs.

Avocados: Avocados should never be consumed by dogs because they contain a toxin called persin. Persin is known to be very poisonous to dogs and may lead to fluid accumulation in their lungs and chest, which can cause breathing difficulties, oxygen deprivation and even death.

What Do I Do If My Dog Eats Something Toxic? The first rule is to stay calm and identify exactly what your dog ate and if possible, to determine how much was consumed. Immediately contact your veterinarian for emergency advice. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is also a very good resource if you think your dog has eaten something bad for them. Call (888) 426-4435 for help. This organization has experts available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

August 23, 2022
How To Stop Your Fur-Legged Friend from Barking at Strangers

We love our dogs a lot as they provide us with a lot of joy, but excessive barking can be very difficult to handle, especially on a daily basis. Many dogs will naturally begin to bark when they see someone they do not recognize. Although this is a good thing in some instances, in most, it is unnecessary and annoying. The repeated sound of a barking dog will also eventually annoy neighbors and could land you in hot water with your local authorities. So how do you teach your dog not to bark at strangers?

Why do dogs bark at people they do not know?

First, let’s look at why dogs bark at people in general. The most common reasons are:

General excitement bark: Simply said, dogs are excited to see and interact with new people! Most dogs are very social creatures, and when approached by someone new, they are eager to meet and interact with them. To determine if the barking is excited-based, look at their tail. A highly energetic and wagging tail typically means a happy and excited dog.

Territorial bark: Many dogs are territorial of their home, property, and family. Some dogs view a stranger as someone who is not authorized to be at their home and or as a potential threat to the family living there. The territorial bark is used to warn the stranger to stay away. It is also used to alert the dog’s family that a possible intruder is approaching for safety.

Lack of socialization bark: Dogs that have not been raised in social environments tend not to know what to do when a new face is observed. Barking is a natural reaction in dogs, and this behavior may take place by default. Allow your dog to socialize with other people and pets, which will help him to better accept new people. Fear bark: Your dog may have just been alarmed! Even dogs that are properly socialized and who are not overly territorial can be alarmed and begin to bark. Dogs are designed, for the most part, to be alert and to guard. This can happen to even the most laidback pup, who will bark when scared.

How To Stop The Unwanted Behavior

Do not overreact to their barking. Dogs that bark for attention know their barking is effective when they get a reaction from their human family. Like a child who acts a certain way when he or she needs attention, dogs do too. Limiting your reaction will allow your pup to see that his barking will not result in any attention.

Walk Away

When you walk away from a dog, he recognizes there is no reward. When he barks at someone and you walk away, he may begin to associate the excessive barking with something he should not do. Paying too much attention to the negative behavior may end up making it worse.

Distracting Them

On the flip side, some dogs need a distraction in order to take away their focus on what is causing them to bark. If your dog begins to bark, simply distract them with noise. This can be accomplished by shaking your keys, slapping your hands, whistling, or using one of his favorite squeaky toys. If this is effective, he should be rewarded, which will associate positive behavior with a reward.

Need To Remember You should not forget that your dog is a dog. Dogs do bark and do get excited for various reasons. It is in their DNA! Being patient with your dog is needed in all instances. Although excessive barking can be a nuisance, keeping cool and not overreacting is a great first step in managing it. Your dog can tell when you are stressed, so a calm and patient demeanor with him is what will yield the best results.

August 22, 2022
How To Handle Broken Nails on Our Puppies

Our pups love to play and, at times, can play hard. A very common injury for our pups is a split or broken toenail. These can cause pain and great discomfort to our fur-legged friends, and knowing what to do when this happens is very important. Although a very simple injury, it is one that should be treated quickly and properly.

What Causes Dogs’ Nails to Break?

Dogs have a total of nine toes. Five toes on their front paws and four on their back paws. Their nails grow throughout their entire life and often require trimming to keep them at a comfortable length. Overgrown toenails on dogs can cause discomfort since they are in constant contact with the ground they walk on. We need to remember that they are not just walking on a soft carpet. Outdoor terrain can be hard and rough, which can cause their nails to break and or split. Imagine how you would feel running around outside without shoes on.

Why are a Dog’s Broken Nails Problematic?

Our pup’s toenails should always be taken seriously, as damaged toenails can lead to greater health issues. The injury is not only painful but can limit their mobility and quality of life. Inside their nails are clusters of nerves and blood vessels. An untreated broken toenail can lead to an infection that is capable of spreading into the dog’s leg, which will require much greater medical care. This is one of the main reasons why tending to his toenails is so important.

How To Treat A Broken a Nail

When in doubt, contacting your veterinarian is always recommended. If you treat the injured toenail at home, you should initially restrain your dog in a way that allows you to safely examine the injured toenail. This will help prevent you from being bit and or scratched and will make the process safer and easier. Your pup will be in pain and most likely not want you near the injured paw. If your dog’s nail is bleeding and he will allow you to touch the area, begin to address the bleeding by applying light pressure to the area. Keep the light pressure applied for several minutes and until the bleeding stops. After the bleeding is under control, apply an anti-bacterial ointment or cleansing solution to the injured area. Bleeding that does not stop after fifteen minutes should be looked at by a veterinarian. After the area is properly cleaned, allow it to air dry. Applying a bandage over the area may not allow it to dry out as desired and is a potential safety hazard should your dog try and chew the bandage. If you happen to observe a small section of the nail hanging from the area, you can attempt to remove it yourself by carefully trimming it. This should only be done if your dog is tolerating the pain and relaxed enough to allow you to. After doing so, let your dog time to relax before allowing him to run free, especially outside.

How Long Does It Take a Dog to Fully Recover from A Broken Toenail? Although all dogs are different and all injuries vary, generally speaking, your dog will need about two weeks before his nail is completely back to normal. You should start seeing improvement within the first 48 to 72 hours. This will greatly depend on how quickly you treated the injury, the overall extent of the injury, and if your dog did not reinjure it before it began to heal. Remembering to use anti-bacterial ointments or cleansing solutions as soon as possible also helps to prevent the area from becoming infected, which can certainly set back your pup’s recovery time.

August 15, 2022
The Many Public Safety Jobs of Our Fur-Legged Friends

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.

August 8, 2022
Is Your Dog Getting Enough Exercise?

As the saying goes, an object in motion stays in motion. That could not be any truer when it comes to our dogs. Exercise is a key ingredient in keeping our pups looking and feeling their best. There are many ways for our fur-ever friends to get their daily amount of required exercise.

Indoor Versus Outdoor Activities

Exercise is exercise. The key is keeping your pup moving which helps to speed up his heart rate, use all of his muscles and burn calories. Most pups enjoy the smells and looks of nature but on certain days (heavy rain, lots of snow, or extremely hot weather) indoor activities can be just as fun and beneficial.

Basic Outdoor Activities

The most common basic outdoor activities include a brisk walk, a fun game of fetch, or play wrestling with your dog. Dogs love human interaction and when fun is mixed into it allows for a better experience. It also provides a very good bonding experience which dogs naturally tend to seek.

Basic Indoor Activities

Some fun basic indoor activities include tug-of-war, hide and seek, and learning new tricks. Although these types of activities are not as active as outdoor activities, they will still allow your four-legged friend to burn extra energy and keep mentally alert. Remember, activity time is not just to stay physically fit, but mentally sharp too.

How Many Minutes A Day Should I Spend Exercising With My Dog?

Although every dog is different, one thing most people agree on is each dog should be on the move for at least thirty minutes a day. Certain breeds, like Retrievers, Spaniels, Collies, Pointers, and German Shepherds require more activity time than breeds such as the Bulldog, Basset Hound, Shih Tzu, Pug, and Chihuahua. Although each breed is different, thirty minutes a day is a relatively good goal to strive for. If your dog seeks more playtime, go for it!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know If My Dog Reached His Activity Limit?
It is normal for dogs to pant while running and playing but this is a sign they are getting tired. Watch your pup’s tail. Is it wagging or straight down while he’s playing? A wagging tail is generally a sign that your dog is content, comfortable, and happy. Consider breaking the play time up into intervals and allow your pup to sit or lay down for a few minutes every fifteen minutes or so. This will also give you a small break to catch your breath too!

Will My Dog Overheat?
Heat exhaustion certainly is something that every dog owner needs to watch for. The most telling symptom of heat stroke in a dog is excessive panting. Other common symptoms may include general signs of discomfort, excessive drooling, reddened gums, vomiting, diarrhea, mental dullness or loss of consciousness, uncoordinated movement, and collapse. Should your pup ever reach this level immediate medical care is needed. The key, however, is to monitor your dog while outside playing before he begins to overheat.

What Can I Do to Keep My Dog Feeling Good During Activity Time?
Fresh water! Water is essential as it hydrates your dog and helps to keep him cool. Although providing him with water during activity time is very important, making sure he is properly hydrated before and during activity, time is also necessary. Don’t wait for your pup to show signs of dehydration before giving him a refreshing bowl of water.

Is Activity Time in Cold Weather Safe?
Outdoor activity time in the cold is safe, however, proper precautions should be taken. A very overlooked aspect of this has to do with what we focus on in the warm months, hydration. During the cold winter months, the humidity levels in the atmosphere are much lower. With the lower humidity, your dog can easily become dehydrated if he or she is not drinking enough water. Keeping your dog bundled up, preferably with an insulated dog sweater is a great start. Properly sized dog shoes also will also help to keep his paws warm and dry. You wouldn’t want to walk outside on snow or ice without protection and neither does your pup!

Practice Makes Perfect
Establishing a good routine for your dog while he’s still a puppy will allow him to grow into a healthy and active adult dog. Forming good habits at a young age will also help to assure many years of feeling and looking great. Take the time each day to show your pup why he’s known as man’s best friend!

July 25, 2022