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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.