Dog Surgery Help

The post Dog Surgery Help by Sassafras Lowrey appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Hearing that your dog needs to have surgery can be terrifying and overwhelming even if the prognosis is good that your dog will have a full recovery. Last year when my youngest dog needed to have both her knees surgically rebuilt, I was terrified. But, after doing my research and advocating for my dog, she’s now fully recovered, and I couldn’t be more grateful I moved forward with surgery.

Does your dog need an operation?

If surgery for your dog is being discussed, do your research to make the best decision for your dog and your family. Ask your vet:

• what the prognosis is (forecast)
• what alternatives to surgery might be
• what the surgery will cost
• how invasive the procedure will be

These are the kinds of questions that can help you to make an informed decision about whether surgery is right for your dog.

Getting a second opinion

Heather B. Loenser, DVM, senior veterinary officer at American Animal Hospital Association, explains that the veterinary general practitioners are really “the jack/jill-of-all-trades” and are trained to treat commonly encountered medical and surgical issues, but if you are debating if a surgical procedure is right for your dog, getting a second or third opinion is a good idea. That’s the time to call in the experts — board-certified veterinary surgeons. When determining about moving forward with knee surgery for my dog, my partner and I met with three different board-certified surgeons (in multiple states) before finding a surgeon and hospital we felt comfortable doing the operation.

In addition to getting a second opinion, consult with a veterinary specialist. Founded in 2015 in partnership between the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine  and the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, VetSpecialists.com is a resource for dog owners to find veterinary specialists in your local area without having to rely on a referral. Specialists will be able to walk you through the pros and cons of surgery as well as “conservative management” options instead of surgery, which includes holistic treatment like massage and acupuncture to orthopedic braces.

Patient advocacy

When your dog is going in for surgery you will become his best advocate. It’s completely appropriate to ask the doctor who will be performing the surgery:

• what the risks are for a certain procedure
• how many times he or she has done the procedure

If you don’t feel comfortable with the doctor’s level of experience, it’s OK to find another provider. Interview surgeons, and find someone whom you feel comfortable with.

Make sure to advocate for your dog and find out as much information as possible. Photography by: ©Victoria Rak | Tuff Photo

Dr. Daniel Stobie, founder, chief of staff and veterinary surgeon at NorthStar VETS, advises asking to tour the hospital and surgical recovery center so you have a better understanding where your dog will be. He also suggests bringing your dog for a tour if possible

Dr. Loenser says to ask your dog’s surgeon what mobility will look like post-surgery and if there are any limitations in activity. Also, ask about wound care. Find out what kind of medications your dog will be going home with to decrease risk of infection, anxiety management post procedure, as well as pain management. Dr. Stobie also says that if your dog is on daily medication to check ahead of time if he should get it the night before or morning of surgery and, if so, what dose.

What to do when you just don’t have the cash

It’s a sad fact of life for many dog guardians that the cost is going to factor into decisions about moving forward with surgical procedures. Surgery isn’t cheap. My youngest dog’s surgeries and related rehab costs entered into the five figures. If paying for your dog’s surgery is a concern, there are a few options available:

Payment plans:

Some veterinary practices will allow for guardians to create a payment plan to ease the financial burden of a surgical procedure. Ask your surgeon if that is an option, though know that most veterinary specialists require full payment before the surgery can happen.

Insurance:

Embrace Pet Insurance Claims Manager Rachel Hinder explains that if your dog needs surgery, getting pet insurance right then may not be an option to help cover the procedures. “Unfortunately, by the time it is decided that a pet needs a surgery, that is too late to get pet insurance for that surgery. It is still a great idea to have your pet insured for future conditions, but the reason for that surgery won’t be covered because it is deemed pre-existing. If you already have an insurance policy and your pet needs surgery, you can contact your insurer to do a pre-certification to determine if the surgery would be covered.”

CareCredit:

Many dog owners must put surgical costs on credit cards. If your credit cards don’t have a high enough limit or you are concerned about the interest rate on your cards, CareCredit may be an option. CareCredit is a credit card specifically for paying out-of-pocket veterinary expenses, and your veterinary office will be able to provide you information about how to apply. Boo Larsen, general manager of Veterinary Medicine for CareCredit, explains to Dogster that “To apply for a CareCredit credit card, it typically takes a few minutes for the person to complete a short application in the practice, over the phone (ages 21 and older), online or via mobile. Pet owners will receive a decision within seconds. The office staff can then process charges to the client’s credit card immediately.” Assuming you have the credit.

Scratchpay:

Another option for pet-specific credit is Scratchpay. Neil Stanga, Scratchpay marketing manager, explains that to apply “All you need is a cellphone and access to the internet. Pet parents visit scratchpay.com to begin our 90-second application process. Upon completing the application, they receive an instant approval decision. They can then hit Agree and Submit if they wish to use the plan.” Dog guardians can use Scratchpay funds for any procedures $200 to $10,000. There are three different payment plan lengths:

• Pay Later Plan — 3-month, 0% APR invoice plan
• Pay Over Time Plans – 12-month plan
• 24-month plan, with interest rates varying by client.

Neil explains that not all applicants will be approved for all plans.

Grants:

Some emergency clinics and veterinary hospitals have emergency surgery funding for financially needy guardians. Usually these funds are only available on a case-by-case basis, and after CareCredit has been denied and financial need must be demonstrated.

Crowdsourcing:

We’ve all seen online fundraisers for dogs in need. Sites like GoFundMe make it possible to quickly and easily create a fundraiser to cover medical expenses, but they aren’t dog specific and take a fee out of funds raised.
Waggle  has the primary goal of ending economic-driven pet euthanasia by supporting guardians with raising the money to cover veterinary expenses. Waggle’s founder, Steven Mornelli, explains that their approach is unique. “Waggle is the only platform out there that gives the money directly to the veterinary hospital; we never put the money in the hands of the individual or the rescue; the money is paid directly to the veterinary hospitals” so donors can feel secure that their money will actually be going to help dogs in need.

Anesthesia concerns

For many of us the scariest part of our dog needing surgery is knowing that they will be under anesthesia. Dr. Loenser wants dog owners to understand that there are many safety guidelines and procedures that vets and surgeons follow anytime anesthesia is being used. This also includes pre-anesthesia blood work checking for any kind of underlying medical condition, such as diabetes or heart, lung, kidney and liver disease that could lead to complications under anesthesia.

Your dog will need to be without food and water 8 to 12 hours before surgery, to prevent him from vomiting while under anesthesia. During surgery your dog will likely have an IV catheter placed and be intubated to ease with breathing. Dr. Stobie says to ask your surgeon what kind of anesthesia will be used during your dog’s procedure. “There are a lot of new advancements with nerve blocks and epidurals,” he says, “which allows us to numb the hind end if we are doing orthopedic and use lower levels of anesthesia and keeping the animal comfortable.”

Recovery expectations

Consider the type of recovery your dog will have after surgery and be prepared for when your dog comes home. This might look like putting down extra area rugs to provide more traction, and your dog wearing a cone or e-collar while the incision heals. Dr. Stobie also recommends using crates, pens or setting up small areas of the house as recovery rooms for your dog, as well as installing gates on the stairs to keep him from overextending himself.

Preparation is key when helping your dog with recovery. Photography by: ©gollykim | Getty Images

Get a clear understanding of what recovery for your dog is going to look like, create the necessary plans to support your dog and have them in place when your dog comes home. Arrange to have as much time off work as you can, and/or coordinate dog care support with friends and family who can help with watching your dog.

Your dog might also need to spend the night of surgery in the hospital. Dr. Loenser explains that this enables the surgical team to provide round-the-clock monitoring and pain relief to your dog in those critical hours right after surgery. When my dog had both of her knees reconstructed, she spent the night in the hospital for monitoring. Talk with your surgeon about visiting hours — we were allowed to come in the late evening after she’d eaten to visit and sit with her in the recovery room. We also packed her an overnight bag with favorite plush toys from home that stayed with her in her recovery crate at the hospital to make her feel more connected to us.

For many dogs, surgery is just the first step on the road to recovery. Talk to your surgeon about what rehab looks like and look for veterinary rehabilitation certified programs, such as Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) or Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT).

It sounds cliché, but when your dog needs surgery, knowledge really is power. Ask detailed questions of your veterinarian and/or surgeon to ensure you have all the information.

Thumbnail: ©Victoria Rak | Tuff Photo

About the author:

Sassafras Lowrey is an award-winning author and Certified Trick Dog Instructor. Sassafras’ forthcoming books include: “TRICKS IN THE CITY: For Daring Dogs and the Humans That Love Them,” “Healing/Heeling,” and Bedtime Stories for Rescue Dogs: William To The Rescue. Learn more at SassafrasLowrey.com

Learn more about dog surgery at dogster.com:

• A Seriously Cool New Invention for Dogs Recovering from Surgery
• Which is Better for Surgery: Scalpel or Laser?
• Why do Dogs Limp Years After Hip Surgery?

The post Dog Surgery Help by Sassafras Lowrey appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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Dog Vomiting: What to Know and What to Do When Your Dog Throws Up

The post Dog Vomiting: What to Know and What to Do When Your Dog Throws Up by Jennifer Lesser appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

There are very few dog owners who haven’t had to scrub dog vomit from the carpet at least once. But, from devouring a chunk of their favorite chew toy to serious gastrointestinal conditions, vomiting is a symptom with a long list of potential causes — so how do pet owners know when throwing up is no big deal and when it could be something serious?

“If your dog vomits once, but is otherwise behaving normally, there’s probably nothing to worry about,” explains Dr. David Dilmore, a veterinarian with Banfield Pet Hospital. What can be cause for concern, however, is when your dog’s vomiting is prolonged or accompanied by other symptoms. “It’s important to monitor your pet for behavior changes, repeat vomiting, or other signs of illness,” he adds.

Causes of vomiting in dogs

What are the signs that your dog is about to vomit? Photography by Kickers / iStock.

According to Dr. Stephen Katz, veterinarian and founder of the Bronx Veterinary Center in New York, one of the first things a veterinarian might consider when determining the cause of vomiting is the age of your pet. “If the dog is younger than five years old, then chances are they ate something that made them sick … but as dogs age, they can develop more serious conditions involving their organs, such as the liver, pancreas or intestines, that can also cause a symptom like vomiting.”

Dilmore adds that it’s important for pet owners to remember that vomiting itself may not be a disease, but it can be a sign of another condition your dog may be experiencing. “A single episode of vomiting can be related to various things, including but not limited to eating too much, eating too fast, eating something unfamiliar or getting into garbage,” he explains.

However, pet owners should seek immediate veterinary care if their dog is vomiting repeatedly or vomiting while experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, lethargy, lack of appetite, pain or general discomfort, or disorientation. “These symptoms can be a sign of infection, pancreatitis, liver or kidney disease, an intestinal foreign body, and various diseases specific to the intestines themselves, including inflammatory disease, parasitism, and even cancer,” Dilmore warns.

While vomiting can sometimes be cause for concern, according to Dr. Gary Richter, veterinarian and author of The Ultimate Pet Health Guide, it’s most commonly caused by a dog accidentally swallowing something that isn’t food, like a sock, or getting into the garbage to sample last night’s leftovers. “There are a million reasons dogs start vomiting, but it’s most commonly because they ate something they shouldn’t have,” he explains. “However, it can also be caused by a host of other conditions ranging anywhere from infection to some sort of organ disease to cancer — it really runs the gamut.”

Preventing vomiting in your dog

Because vomiting can have so many different causes, in some cases, it can even be prevented. According to Dilmore, there are a few ways you can help prevent your dog from throwing up, include watching them while they eat to ensure they don’t gobble up their food too quickly. Pet owners should also avoid giving dogs “human” food that could upset their stomach — especially without consulting your veterinarian.

“You’ll also want to make sure to take fresh, cool water and a bowl with you on walks, hikes and to the dog park. Streams, lakes, and shared bowls can contain diseases like Giardia and Leptospirosis that can harm your pet,” he adds.

Diagnosis and treatment

The treatment for vomiting in dogs will vary widely depending on the underlying cause. Dr. Richter notes that sometimes it will be a matter of letting your dog’s stomach rest by offering bland food like chicken and rice, or even withholding food for a day (only do this after consulting with your veterinarian) and offering plenty of water instead. Some medications can also be appropriate, depending on the cause of vomiting. Katz notes that antibiotics may also be given when it’s related to a bacterial problem, and depending on the severity of the vomiting (and how long it has been going on), your dog could require treatment for dehydration.

A dog at a vet check with his human. Photography ©shironosov | Getty Images.

“Your veterinarian may also choose to run a blood test to check your pet’s organ function, because issues like hypertension or renal failure can be the extreme cases of what could be causing your dog to vomit,” he adds. Another serious reason your dog could be vomiting is if they consumed something that’s now blocking their intestines, causing them not to be able hold down food or water. “A dog ingesting a foreign body can happen at any age, and that’s something that could require surgery,” Katz says.

Either way, consult your pet’s veterinarian to determine the best course of treatment when your dog has been vomiting, particularly if you’re considering OTC medications or at-home treatments. “Each case is different, so be sure to reach out to your veterinarian to decide if your dog needs a certain type of medication,” Dilmore concludes. “Some over-the-counter human medications can be harmful to pets if not used appropriately and under the guidance of a veterinarian.”

Thumbnail: Photography ©WilleeCole | Thinkstock.

About the author:

Jennifer Lesser is a New Jersey-based freelance writer. A marathoner, triathlete, and Taekwondo black belt, she specializes in health and wellness — for people and canines — and has written for magazines and websites including Whole Dog Journal, Health, The Spruce Pets, Weight Watchers and Animal Sheltering. She is the proud pet parent of a rescued Cocker Spaniel/Shih Tzu mix named Miles, who has become her favorite running partner. Visit her online at jenniferlesser.com.

Read more about dog vomiting on Dogster.com:

• All About Dog Gastrointestinal Issues — Diarrhea, Vomiting, Constipation and More
• Why is My Dog Throwing Up White Foam?
• Does Your Dog Throw Up Bile?

The post Dog Vomiting: What to Know and What to Do When Your Dog Throws Up by Jennifer Lesser appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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Dog Warts and All – What to Know

The post Dog Warts and All – What to Know by Stephanie Osmanski appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

We know that dogs are susceptible to some of the same ailments that humans are—the common cold and Lyme Disease, just to name a few. But did you know that dogs can also get warts?

“Yes, dogs can get ‘warts,’” Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM, explains. “These are not exactly the same type of warts that people get. This is caused by the papilloma virus and can be easily spread between dogs.”

Dog warts develop from the papilloma or fibropapillomas viruses. While the virus is contagious between dogs, the good news is these skin growths are usually no cause for immediate concern.

“These are benign, not cancerous masses that pop up on the skin,” Ochoa adds. In fact, most of the time, dog warts go away on their own without any medical assistance or treatment. Dogs can develop warts on their arms, feet, between toes, anus or genitals, or if they develop in or around the mouth, then they are considered oral papillomas.

“Papillomas typically develop on the lips, tongue, throat or gums,” explains Dr. Ruth MacPete, veterinarian and author of Lisette the Vet.

Dog warts are usually more common in younger dogs as younger dogs are more susceptible, thanks to their still-developing immune systems.

“Young dogs are more susceptible to the papilloma virus because their immune system is not fully developed,” Dr. MacPete says. “As their immune system matures, they produce antibodies against the virus and the warts can eventually disappear.”

For more on dog warts, how to identify them and treat them, keep reading!

Symptoms

Dog warts usually do not come with any symptoms. In fact, the main key to distinguishing if an abnormal dog skin growth is actually a wart is assessing its appearance.

“Canine oral papillomas are usually asymptomatic,” Dr. MacPete explains.

“There are really no symptoms of warts,” Dr. Ochoa agrees. “They are just very small cauliflower growths on the skin. Usually they do no itch or cause any problems. Some dogs will have them on their arms or feet and when they become bored the dog will bite on the warts causing them to bleed.”

Aside from your dog scratching the warts and causing them to bleed, if the warts become infected, they may be painful. If your dog has oral papillomas, they might cause difficulty or pain while eating. If this is the case, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Diagnosis

Veterinarians usually rely on the papilloma’s characteristic appearance in order to diagnose a wart, but it’s usually a good idea to check that the growth is benign.

“They are round and have an irregular surface, reminiscent of a cauliflower or sea anemone, and usually grow in clusters,” Dr. MacPete says. “Since oral papillomas can occasionally become malignant (cancerous) and other cancers can grow in the mouth, depending on your pet’s age, your veterinarian may suggest getting a biopsy of the lesion to establish a definitive diagnosis.”

According to Dr. Ochoa, performing the biopsy requires a fine needle aspirate to make sure the warts are not cancerous. A thin needle is inserted into the abnormal tissue where it collects a sample, which is then tested for cancer. It is generally a safe procedure without complications and lasts usually 10 minutes. The sample can either be examined under a microscope on site for a quick diagnosis or be sent away for biopsy at a lab.

Treatment 

Some warts need to be surgically removed, but for the most part, these little suckers will resolve on their own. However, Dr. MacPete warns that they might pop up in another area.

“Most cases of canine oral papillomas go away on their own within one to five months as the affected dog’s immune system matures and mounts a response to the virus,” Dr. MacPete. “If the warts are infected, painful or causing a dog to have trouble eating, your veterinarian may recommend the papillomas be surgically excised or treated with cryotherapy (freezing).”

Speaking of surgical removal of warts, Dr. Ochoa says her record was removing 27 warts from the same dog all at once!

Prognosis

In most cases, dog warts will resolve on their own, typically within one to five months. The dog’s immune system matures and learns how to respond to the virus. However, if warts resolve on their own, chances are they might come back in another area.

Some cases of dog warts might require surgical removal. Even still, the prognosis is good and dog owners should not worry, as most dog warts are benign.

Can pet owners prevent dog warts in the first place?

Dogs can only pass canine papilloma virus to other dogs. Humans, cats and other pets are safe from contracting the virus and developing warts.

“Canine papilloma virus is species-specific and therefore cannot be transmitted to humans or cats,” Dr. MacPete says. But if you have other dogs in the house, be wary, as papillomas are highly contagious between dogs. “Affected dogs can transmit the virus to other dogs through direct contact or when sharing toys, water or food bowls.”

Dr. Ochoa recommends keeping affected dogs away from others in order to prevent the spread of dog warts. “The best way to prevent warts is to keep your dog separated from other dogs,” she says. “Washing water bowls and food bowls to help decrease the spread of disease from one dog to another.”

Separation goes for when you’re in public, too. “Keeping your dog away from all other dogs is the best way to avoid [warts] altogether,” Ochoa adds. “This can be very difficult, as they can catch them from having nose-to-nose contact with an infected dog at the vet or pet store.”

But because dog warts are generally not a big deal, Dr. MacPete recommends not avoiding dog socializing opportunities just for the sake of avoiding dog warts.

“Dogs that go to dog parks, doggie day care, and puppy classes are more likely to get oral papillomas than a dog that never leaves the house,” Dr. MacPete adds. “That said, it is important people know that oral papillomas typically resolve on their own so this should not be a reason to skip doggie playdates. [After all], dogs need activity and most enjoy playing with other dogs.”

Has your dog ever developed dog warts? Let us know in the comment below!

Thumbnail: ©adogslifephoto | Thinkstock.

About the author:

Stephanie Osmanski is a freelance writer and social media consultant who specializes in health and wellness content. Her words have appeared in Seventeen, Whole Dog Journal, Parents Magazine and more. She is currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing at Stony Brook Southampton and writing a memoir. She lives in New York with her Pomsky, Koda, who is an emotional support animal training to be a certified therapy dog.

Learn more about dog warts and other health issues at dogster.com:

• Do Dogs Develop Moles or Warts?
• What to Feed a Dog With Diarrhea or Other Stomach Issues
• The Top 5 Health Threats to Puppies

The post Dog Warts and All – What to Know by Stephanie Osmanski appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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How to Help a Scared Dog

The post How to Help a Scared Dog by Jill Breitner appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Living with a fearful dog can be challenging for us, but imagine what it’s like for our dogs. Fearful dogs are often misunderstood because they may present with undesirable behaviors, often dubbed “bad behaviors,” such as being stubborn, running and hiding, barking, snarling, growling, lunging and even outright aggression. These misunderstood behavioral displays do not make a dog bad. These behaviors are most often a manifestation of fear or anxiety.

Left untreated, these behavioral displays can become habit or a way of being, leaving dogs unable to cope with the things they fear. Dogs are captive animals living in our human-dominated world. Although they have adapted quite well, they are not free from the stresses caused by living in a human environment.

What does fear look like?

Treating fearful dogs is a welfare issue, as well. Behavioral problems are the No. 1 reason that people relinquish their dogs to shelters. They don’t realize that fear is an emotion, not a behavior. Understanding the emotional state of dogs goes a long way to mitigating the massive numbers of dogs in shelters today.

Look for specific signs and body language in your dog. Photography by: ©dageldog | Getty Images

The expression of fear ranges from obvious to extremely subtle.  Look at these signs:

• rounded body
• tucked tail
• whale eye
• body and facial tension
• panting
• yawning
• ears back
• dilated pupils
• tongue flicking

If your dog is showing these signs of fear, it’s time to begin a treatment plan to help alleviate that fear. These dogs are not “bad,” they are merely expressing some level of stress. Becoming fluent in dog talk is key to understanding and helping a fearful dog become less fearful.

Use this helpful chart when looking for signs of fear in your dog. Photography by : ©Denise O’Moore | Mighty Dog Graphics

What causes fear?

Some dogs are afraid of other dogs or people, some lacked proper socialization as a puppy during the critical fear period the first 14 weeks of life, while others inherit fearful behaviors from their fearful mother or are genetically predisposed. Other dogs are afraid of different types of surfaces or doorways, noises, and yet others can become fearful because they were punished during training.

Another often overlooked cause of fear is unrecognized pain. Always get veterinary clearance before any kind of behavior modification is offered for a fear-related behavior.

A foundation of trust

We can help dogs feel safe by recognizing the signs of fear or anxiety and then becoming someone they trust. Trust happens when we create an environment that makes them feel safe. As dogs’ advocates and guardians, it’s our duty to be trustworthy.

Giving dogs a reason to trust us makes them feel safe. Photography by: ©Mirjana Ristic | Getty Images

Learning to see the world from a dog’s perspective helps us be that trusted person. They need a benevolent leader, one who is understanding, compassionate, kind, patient and fluent in dog. They need our undivided attention and know who we are before we can truly help a fearful dog.

Adopting a calm demeanor with a gentle, kind tone of voice, while reassuring and consoling them, allows them to assess and experience their world at their own pace. Fear is an emotion, and we can’t reinforce emotions, only behaviors.

Since fear is an emotion, not a behavior, we know that when dogs are in an emotional state of fear or anxiety, they are incapable of learning. They literally lose the ability to process information, therefore trying to train them while they’re afraid is impossible.

Think about this. If you are afraid of snakes, as I am, it would be impossible to concentrate with even just one snake slithering around you. You couldn’t think of anything else but how to get out of there as quickly as possible.

Dogs are no different. If they are afraid of other dogs and are on leash, unable to get away, even if the dog means no harm, they will not be able to relax until they are far enough away from the dog. At this point, and only at this point, will you be able to start a training program to help alleviate their fear of dogs. While in a state of flight or fight, no learning is possible.

How to help

The techniques we choose to help dogs move through their fears are desensitization or classical counter-conditioning. Never use flooding or punishment, or worse, ignore them, thinking they’ll just get over it. They won’t!

Desensitization is a technique whereby we gradually and systematically expose a dog to something that scares him, starting at a very low level, so we don’t incite the fear. Gradually, over time, we may increase the level of intensity, paying attention to the dog’s emotional state via his body language, keeping him comfortable before moving on to the next level. (Zoologist and Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist, Emeritus, Patricia McConnell, PhD, has a detailed book, The Cautious Canine, that explains this in even more detail.)

We all remember Pavlov’s dog, where the dog salivated every time he heard the bell, anticipating food. This is classical conditioning. We, too, can change the association from fear to comfort by using classical counter-conditioning. By pairing something that the dog is afraid of with something he loves — like his favorite food, toy or game — we can help him overcome his fears. This may take days, months or even years depending on the severity of his fear. The goal being that the dog has a positive emotional response to the fear because he knows that something good is going to happen.

For example, I have a dog who was traumatized in a car before I got him. He was brought to me in the back of a U-Haul truck, filled with household furniture, rattling around his crate in the dark with no food or water for two days straight. He wasn’t carsick, he was traumatized at the sight of a car. He began to shake uncontrollably, pant, whimper and drool all over himself and the car. I used a combination of desensitization and classical counter-conditioning to help him overcome his fear.

Be patient and comforting when helping a dog overcome his fears! Photography by : ©alexkich | Getty Images

Using a high-value treat that I knew he loved (cut up pieces of hot dogs), I made a trail of treats, leading up to and around the car. I didn’t ask him to get in, only had him associate the car with food. Slowly over time, he walked around the car without needing food.

Next step, I opened the car door and got his favorite toy, a ball for fetching. We played fetch around the car. Over a few days of no anxiety around the car, I opened the door and threw pieces of hot dogs in the car. He jumped right in to get the treats. I didn’t do anything else. I let him jump out if he wanted to. I threw treats back in, and he got in three or four times. That’s all I asked for that day.

I repeated this for a few days and the next time, I shut the door and sat inside with him, feeding him treats. This went on for another few days. At every juncture, I paid attention to his body language, making sure there were no signs of fear. If so, we went back to the previous step until he was comfortable again, progressing on his terms.

I increased the amount of time in the car and then started the engine for one minute, increasing the time the engine ran, by minutes. When he was comfy, we backed up in the driveway a few feet and parked, calling it a day. The first trip we took was to a neighbor’s home with his favorite playdate, two doors down. Gradually, over time, we could drive to town, go to a park, play fetch and come home.

Helping a fearful dog requires kindness, patience, consistency, trust and knowledge. The journey we take with our fearful dogs can be the most humbling and gratifying experiences of our lives while dramatically deepening the human-dog bond.

Finding the Right Trainer

Make sure to do your research when looking for the right trainer. Photography by: ©Lios | Getty Images

When searching for the right fit for you and your fearful dog, look for someone who:

• uses positive rewards
• has science-based training
• is fluent in dog speak
• specializes in fearful dogs

This type of trainer will have the experience and knowledge to help you help your dog. A veterinary behaviorist (not a general practice veterinarian) is also a great choice. Although this can be on the more expensive side, it’s worth it if you can’t find an experienced and knowledgeable trainer. In the United States, at this time, dog training is still an unregulated field, although we do have excellent professional organizations and certifications available to trainers. The law does not require dog trainers to follow only training techniques that don’t cause harm to dogs, so do your research.

Thumbnail: ©Victoria Rak | Tuff Photo

About the author:

Award-winning writer Jill Breitner has been training dogs since 1978. Her passion lies in teaching people about dog body language. Jill created the Dog Decoder app as a way to enhance the human-dog bond by understanding them better. You’ll find her at play near the ocean. Follow her at dogdecoder.com, facebook.com/dogdecoder and on Twitter @shewhispers.

Learn more about fear and anxiety in dogs at dogster.com:

• Have a Fearful Dog? Keep These 6 Things in Mind
• 7 Means of Dog Anxiety Treatment
• What Are Dogs Scared Of? How to Help Dogs Overcome Their Fears

The post How to Help a Scared Dog by Jill Breitner appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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Dog Pacing – Why It Happens and How to Help Your Pacing Dog

The post Dog Pacing – Why It Happens and How to Help Your Pacing Dog by Stephanie Osmanski appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Just how pacing in humans is often associated with restlessness or anxiety, dogs might begin pacing if feeling anxious or experiencing stress. In most cases, dog pacing is not a serious health issue — rather, merely a behavioral response to general nervousness or anxiety.

“When a dog paces they are usually walking back and forth from one spot to another,” says Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM. “Sometimes they will just be walking around the house without a destination in mind.”

Dogs might pace while waiting for someone or something — like for a family member to come home or waiting for mealtime. Some dogs pace for awhile with a high-value toy or treat in their mouth and may even whine. Because dog pacing isn’t technically a medical issue, “treatment” is all about helping your dog feel more comfortable. The more comfortable a dog is, the less likely he is to feel anxious. If the anxiety is targeted and treated, then the dog might stop pacing.

“It is easy to identify a dog who has a pacing problem. A dog is pacing when she is walking back and forth in a repetitive pattern,” says Amanda Gagnon, certified professional dog trainer and graduate researcher of anthrozoology at Canisius College. “When pacing occurs for a short period of time, it is nothing to worry about. However, if a dog paces for an extended length of time or cannot be deterred from the activity, it may be time to call a professional dog trainer.”

Some kinds of pacing are considered normal and most can be treated with the help of a training specialist, who can provide easy solutions to distract the dog and discourage pacing.

“Normal dog pacing is usually caused by excitement, the need for attention or an alert to something unusual in the environment,” says Kristen Papile-Kranjc, CMDT, of Long Island Canine Class. “This type of pacing can be addressed by a dog trainer or behavioral specialist. Distraction techniques such as giving the dog a high-value toy or bone that he doesn’t see often to keep him busy, playing with your dog or taking him out for a walk are some simple solutions.”

Why does dog pacing happen?

According to Dr. Ochoa, pacing in dogs is generally caused by stress or anxiety. However, sources of anxiety and stress could be a variety of things: trips to the vet, waiting for someone or something to happen, having to pee or poop, or general restlessness.

“Most dogs will pace at home or at the vet clinic,” Dr. Ochoa explains. “At home, they may pace back and forth near the front door waiting for a family member to come home. They may pace near the back door when they need to go out and potty.”

The vet’s office is often a source of stress for dogs — you know, shots and other weird instruments, and whatnot. This can cause some stressed dogs to respond by pacing.

“At the veterinary clinic, dogs will pace when they want to go home,” Dr. Ochoa adds. “I see dogs who do not like to be at the vet. They will pace back and forth in the exam room or the waiting room the whole time they are there.”

The older the dog, the more likely they are to develop pacing behaviors. In older dogs, pacing could be a sign of dementia.

“As some dogs age, they start pacing around the house and act more stressed due to them not always knowing where they are,” Dr. Ochoa adds. “We do see signs similar to dementia in dogs and as they age, they will begin to pace more.”

Pacing can also be an early sign of some medical issues that require immediate treatment. According to Dr. Jason Nicholas, author of 101 Essential Tips: Dog Health & Safety, pacing can indicate a bloating issue.

“If your dog’s stomach is bloated, or if they’re anxious, pacing, or repeatedly trying to vomit with no luck, they are likely suffering from Gastric Dilation and Volvulus (GDV) – also known as dog bloat,” Dr. Nicholas explains. “Dogs affected by bloat will have a difficult time getting comfortable and lying down. Pacing and restless is often one of the most obvious and early signs, so pay attention to it.”

Dogs can pace for a variety of other reasons, too; stress, anxiety, and bloat aren’t the only causes.

“Dogs will also pace because they are bored or carry excessive energy,” says Gagnon. “Less common reasons for pacing are mating behaviors, attention-seeking behaviors and medical issues. Humans can often determine whether a trip to the vet is needed by attending to other accompanying symptoms such as lethargy, mood changes and loss of appetite.”

How to help your pacing dog

Pinpointing the cause of your dog’s pacing is important to helping your pet. If your dog is carrying excess energy or suffering from boredom, Gagnon says it’s an easy fix.

“This is easily fixed by adding exercise and mental stimulation to the dog’s daily routine,” Gagnon explains.

Or if your dog is pacing as a way to patrol their yard, Gagnon recommends limiting their yard time.

“Some dogs, particularly dogs who spend their day in a yard, develop a habit of pacing as a way of patrolling the boundary of their yard,” Gagnon adds. “This behavior is best prevented by limiting the amount of time the dog spends along in the yard without their humans.”

For dogs who pace because of stress and anxiety, Gagnon recommends training classes.

“Stress and anxiety often require the assistance of a professional trainer to remedy,” she says.

Other remedies for treating stress-induced pacing include showing your dog that everything’s okay.

“If your dog is pacing because they are waiting for someone to come home, helping calm them or letting them out to play will help with the pacing at home. If it is due to aging, there are supplements that you can give your dog to help with the anxiety,” says Dr. Ochoa. “At the vet clinic, you can give your pet treats and help show them that it is an okay place to be.”

In all cases though, Dr. Ochoa says knowing your dog’s pacing triggers is the biggest way to help. “If you know what causes your pet to pace, you can avoid the situations. Sometimes you cannot avoid these situations, or the pacing is due to your dog getting older. There are supplements that you can give your dog to help with anxiety and stress.”

Because so many different factors can influence pacing in dogs, Papile-Kranjc says the best advice is knowing your dog’s normal behavior. Anything unusual might warrant a visit to the veterinarian’s office.

“Pacing can also be a symptom of a health issue due to a disorder, advanced age or illness,” Papile-Kranjc explains. “Know your dog. Be familiar with your dog’s behavior and also keep current with his veterinary care. Anything sudden or out of the ordinary to his regular behavior that is not alleviated by training or behavior modification techniques should be addressed by a veterinarian.”

How do you address dog pacing with your pets? Let us know in the comments below!

Thumbnail: Photo courtesy of Melissa Kauffman

About the author:

Stephanie Osmanski is a freelance writer and social media consultant who specializes in health and wellness content. Her words have appeared in Seventeen, Whole Dog Journal, Parents Magazine and more. She is currently pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing at Stony Brook Southampton and writing a memoir. She lives in New York with her Pomsky, Koda, who is an emotional support animal training to be a certified therapy dog.

Learn more about anxiety in dogs on dogster.com:

• 7 Means of Dog Anxiety Treatment
• Do You Have a Stressed Dog? Let’s Talk Stress in Dogs
• How I Help My Dog With Her Fear and Anxiety Issues

The post Dog Pacing – Why It Happens and How to Help Your Pacing Dog by Stephanie Osmanski appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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CBD Oil for Dogs

The post CBD Oil for Dogs by Elizabeth Anderson Lopez appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

CBD dispensaries have popped up in many states all over the country in people’s hunt for wellness. But CBD oil can also be used to help dogs with anxiety and other issues. What is CBD and how does it work? And, will it give your dog the munchies? First, let’s define some of the terms that can be confusing.

“Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a cannabinoid — a naturally occurring compound found in both hemp and cannabis (cannabis is also referred to as marijuana),” says Jodi Ziskin, director of communications with Treatibles in Petaluma, California.

Hemp and marijuana are “Both members of the Cannabis sativa plant and share similarities but have very distinct differences due to each plant’s biological structure,” says Jon Neveloff, partner with King Kanine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Consider that a rice cake and rice pudding are from the same plant but quite different.

“CBD is one of hundreds of compounds found in cannabis. It is the most prevalent compound in hemp, a special strain of cannabis that has only trace amounts of THC, the substance in medical and recreational strains of hemp that is associated with psychoactive effects,” says Joey DiFrancesco, CEO and founder of LolaHemp in New York City. This is crucial because THC can be toxic to pets. (For more THC specifics, see “Why the Farm Bill Matters” on page 38.) “CBD is non-psychoactive,” Joey adds. It won’t get your dog high in any way.

Hemp Oil vs CBD Oil

Both CBD oil and hemp oil come from the same plant, but CBD oil comes from the flowers, leaves and stalk of the hemp plant, while hemp oil comes from the seeds of industrialized hemp plant.

Hemp oil is a nutritional supplement full of nutrients that can be used in cooking and for moisturizing — like in soaps or lotions. It has a variety of other manufacturing uses, such as making plastic and as a bio-diesel fuel.

CBD oil is a supplement used for medicinal purposes, like treating various conditions, such as inflammation and anxiety, among others.

Help for anxiety

Many owners report benefits to using CBD oil for dogs, and CBD oil has been recommended to assist with many ailments that plague our furry friends, including anxiety.

“The most common conditions that relate to anxiety include location and separation anxiety, as well as noise phobias,” says Annie Chrysler, CBD specialist and product manager with SpaRoom based in Cleveland, Ohio. “For example, CBD oil can provide noticeable relief to dogs who demonstrate car ride anxiety or who experience anxiety when visiting the veterinarian’s office. CBD oil can also provide noticeable relief for dogs who have noise sensitivities such as fireworks and thunderstorms.”

Amanda Howland, co-founder and CTO of ElleVet Sciences in Portland, Maine, explains further. “Pain and anxiety are so interrelated in dogs that we wanted to have both a profound anti-anxiety effect and an extremely effective pain management effect, to help the pet feel better in every way.”

Angie Krause, DVM, with Boulder Holistic Vet in Boulder, Colorado, says in her experience CBD is consistently effective for treating dogs with mild to moderate anxiety. “For severe generalized anxiety, I have more success with drugs like Prozac,” she adds.

So how does it work? It’s based on science; the same science that explains how CBD works with man and man’s best friend, who have some biology in common. That’s because all mammals have an endocannabinoid system (ECS.)

CBD can help keep your dog calm around other animals. Photography by: ©chendongshan | Getty Images

Jillian Dutson, marketing and advertising manager with Pet Releaf, based in Littleton, Colorado, explains. “When your dog consumes CBD, his ECS is activated. The ECS works as a two-way communication system with various systems in the body such as the immune, nervous and digestive systems just to name a few. This two-way communication allows these parts of the body to speak to one another to help them function at optimal levels of health.”

And there’s more to it: “Although further studies are needed, initial findings show that CBD binds to a number of endocannabinoid receptors,” says Lauren Brychell, marketing coordinator with cbdMD in Charlotte, North Carolina. “These receptors regulate everything from inflammation to pain perception, and CBD has shown the ability to potentially raise dopamine levels and improve mood while reducing symptoms of anxiety.”

Speaking of studies, “Most of the research done on cannabidiol, indeed cannabis writ large, has taken place outside of veterinary research, which is not uncommon, as vet research typically lags behind human medicine,” Joey says.

More benefits and dosage

There are many common uses for CBD oil in dogs, other than anxiety. “I use CBD for dogs with seizures, arthritis, cancer, pain, chronic inflammation and allergies,” Dr. Krause says.

Joey, too, cites success in using CBD for the Big C. It can “Shrink tumors in several types of cancer both because it appears to have antitumorigenic properties of its own and because it appears to enhance the effectiveness of some chemotherapy agents.”

CBD oil has also been used to treat the following ailments:

• Sleep issues
• Vomiting and nausea
• Muscle spasms
• Glaucoma
• Digestive issues and appetite loss
• Skin conditions

As with any supplement or medication, getting the correct dose is crucial. Many of the manufacturers state dosing suggestions should be determined based on each dog’s individual stats and condition. Some suggest generic guidelines as a starting point: 1 mg per 10 pounds of body weight twice a day; Dr. Krause recommends 0.5 mg/kg of CBD twice daily for anxiety.

Of course, always get input from your dog’s vet on any treatment. “First, many symptoms that CBD may help with can be an indication of a deeper and more serious medical problem that needs to be treated,” Joey says. “Second, CBD oil can interfere with the metabolization of other drugs (in a similar way that grapefruit does). Third, the answer to dosing questions is dependent on what condition is being addressed.”

And don’t assume you and Fido are in for a quick fix. “While some dog owners may notice an immediate difference in their pet, we suggest waiting two to three weeks to see the full effects,” Lauren says.

Giving to your dog

Whatever the dosage, you have a couple of options on how to administer CBD oil: topically or ingested. But which is better?

“The answer ultimately depends on the individual dog,” Annie says. “More commonly, topical application can provide a more localized sense of relief, such as pain relief in the hips and legs. Ingesting can provide a broader sense relief, such as separation anxiety relief.”

Angela Ardolino, founder and CEO of CBD Dog Health in Tampa, Florida, lists other conditions that lend themselves to direct applications. “It has incredible benefits for skin issues, including allergies, hot spots, bug bites, skin tumors, warts and cysts when applied topically,” she says.

If you do decide to go the oral route you have more choices here, too. According to Angela, “The best way to administer CBD is to lift the dog’s lip and administer it right onto the gums (it is absorbed through capillaries in the gums).” Putting it under the tongue is also common. CBD oil can be mixed in with your dog’s food or treats made with CBD oil.

It may come down to what your dog — and wallet — prefer. “The oils and treats that I use in the practice have the same hemp extract in both,” Dr. Krause says. “The oil is more cost effective.”

Why the Farm Bill Matters

In December 2018, President Trump signed the much anticipated 2018 Farm Bill into law. Whether you’ve got a city dog or a country dog this is something that can affect dog owners everywhere regarding CBD. In short, the Farm Bill officially legalizes cultivating and producing industrial hemp and removing the crop from the federal list of controlled substances.

The Farm Bill helps lit restrictions off of CBD production. Photography by: ©CaraMaria | Getty Images

That last part may also free up your veterinarian to be able to discuss CBD oil more in depth with you. The Federal Drug Enforcement Administration named cannabis and cannabinoid products as Schedule I controlled substances, with no accepted medical use. That hindered veterinarians’ ability to administer or prescribe them. Some vets opted not to talk about CBD as a treatment because of these restrictions.

“Now that the Farm Bill has passed, I believe this will not be an issue moving forward,” says Angie Krause, DVM, with Boulder Holistic Vet in Boulder, Colorado. “Hemp is legal at a federal level, and each state will decide how they want to regulate hemp. If a state declares hemp illegal, it may limit the veterinarian’s ability to prescribe or discuss hemp/CBD.”

The Farm Bill will:

1. Define industrial hemp broadly to cover all parts of the Cannabis plant including seeds, derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, etc. as long as it has a THC level of 0.3 percent or less.
2. Remove hemp completely from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
3. Make the USDA the sole federal regulatory agency overseeing hemp cultivation.
4. Authorize and fund hemp research as part of the Supplemental and Alternative Crops program and the Critical Agricultural Materials Act.

Regarding that research, Heidi Hill, Holistic Hound founder and trained homeopath in Berkeley, California, says, “We are thrilled with this victory … This decision will also fund and allow long-overdue research into the many health and wellness benefits of this amazing plant.”

A final look at terminology

Some manufacturers tout CBD isolate while others say full spectrum is better. Here’s the difference and an industry professional’s take on each:

• Full spectrum, or whole plant, CBD contains all other cannabinoids found in the marijuana plant, including minute amounts of THC. “[Full spectrum] contains all the beneficial constituents of the whole plant, including other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and fatty acids. These naturally occurring components all work together for enhanced benefit and what is called ‘the entourage effect,’” says Heidi Hill, Holistic Hound founder and trained homeopath in Berkeley, California.
• CBD isolate is purified CBD that has been extracted from the marijuana plant and isolated, hence the name, from the other cannabinoids. “Our knowledge about CBD and its benefits are well-established, but we are just beginning to learn about the possible benefits of other compounds in the hemp plant. To claim the benefit of a full spectrum product over CBD itself, is premature,” says Joshua Sosnow, DVM, chief medical officer of CompanionCBD and owner of Arizona practices North Scottsdale Animal Hospital and Desert View Animal Hospital.

Know the facts about CBD to keep your dog healthy and relaxed. Photography by: ©Getty Images

Sharing pros and cons

If you have other pets at home with similar conditions, they may also benefit from the same product your dog uses — with different dosages, of course. “There is a big difference in dosing for dogs and cats,” Amanda says. “Cats are not small dogs! The half-life in cats is extremely short, meaning they metabolize it very quickly. We have very specific dosing for dogs and for cats based on science.”

According to Colette Florido, founder and president of CR Pets Thrive in St. Petersburg, Florida, says, “A high-quality CBD product will work equally well for both cats and dogs. The main difference you’ll find between options for cats and dogs is what other flavors are combined with the CBD, knowing that each pet has their preferences.”

Some CBD products for cats come in catnip or fish flavors, while beef or peanut butter flavors are used for dogs.

The most important part about sharing CBD oil is to never share products made for humans with your dog or any other pets. “It is vital to make sure that the oil you are buying is not just a human product with a paw print on the label,” Angela says. “Human products may contain artificial flavoring, like xylitol, that is toxic to dogs.”

Joey gave a flavor-specific example of toxicity. “Wintergreen oil, which is perfectly fine for people and probably won’t bother a dog, is potentially toxic to cats. It is commonly found in CBD products made for people.”

There is much more research to be done on using CBD oil for your dog but hopefully you now know more about how it works and how it might help. And just to confirm: CBD oil won’t give your dog the munchies. If your dog is craving Scooby snacks, it has nothing to do with a supplement.

CBD QAFs

Nope, not FAQs, these are Questions to Ask Frequently when looking for quality CBD for your dog.

Make sure to ask the right questions to keep your dog safe! Photography by: ©vitalytitov | Getty Images

Jon Neveloff, partner with King Kanine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, says, “The most important question is: Are there lab results on this bottle of CBD? If so, what are they testing for?”

“Know where the hemp is grown,” recommends Angie Krause, DVM, with Boulder Holistic Vet in Boulder, Colorado. “U.S. hemp grown organically is preferred. Extraction technique is very important. For cats, I prefer CO2 extraction. This ensures there are no harmful chemical residues. A guaranteed analysis should be available from the manufacturer to quantify the
concentration of CBD in each ml.”

Colette Florido, founder and president of CR Pets Thrive in St. Petersburg, Florida, says to “ask to see the company’s certificate of analysis (COA) and lab tests. If the company can’t or won’t [share it], do not buy. It means they don’t test for pesticides, solvents, mold, yeast and E. coli. An ethical CBD company will proudly show you their COA.”

Jillian Dutson, marketing and advertising manager for Pet Releaf, in Littleton, Colorado, suggests you ask these questions when comparing CBD products:

1. Where is their hemp grown and can they prove it?
2. If claiming organic, do they have the necessary certifications to verify these claims?
3. How much CBD is in their products and do they have consistent third-party testings to confirm these amounts?

Jodi Ziskin, director of communications with Treatibles in Petaluma, California, adds these:

1. Does the milligram count on the label reflect the amount of hemp oil or does it include the carrier oil(s)?
2. Is the company a National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) member and are they fully compliant with their packaging and marketing?

“We bought and tested about 20 different products we got from pet stores and online, and out of the 20, none had what was advertised on the label and some had no CBD at all,” said Amanda Howland, co-founder and CTO of ElleVet Sciences in Portland, Maine. “Pet owners need to be careful and research the company.”

Thumbnail: ©Teran Buckner | Phido Photography

About the author:

Elizabeth Anderson Lopez is an award-winning writer based in Lake Forest, California. She and her husband have many pets, including two English Bull Terrier rescues named Dexter and Maybelene. You can contact her at fromconcepttocontent.com.

Learn more about dog health care at dogster.com:

• Treating Separation Anxiety in Dogs
• Dog Seizures: What Causes Them and How Should They be Treated?
• 7 Means of Dog Anxiety Treatment

The post CBD Oil for Dogs by Elizabeth Anderson Lopez appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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Let’s Talk Spices for Dogs — What Spices Are Safe for Dogs?

The post Let’s Talk Spices for Dogs — What Spices Are Safe for Dogs? by Diana Laverdure-Dunetz, MS appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

I love cooking with spices so much that my collection of aromatic little bottles has overtaken an entire shelf in my kitchen pantry. In addition to supplying unique flavors and aromas to my dishes, I love that spices may contain medicinal properties. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has harnessed the healing power of plants for thousands of years — an entire aspect of TCM is based on using spices and herbs to treat a wide variety of health conditions.

Spices are not just for humans however. Our dogs can benefit from spices in their diet as well. For advice on safely using spices to boost your dog’s health, I turned to Josie Beug, DVM, a Miami-based holistic veterinarian. Here are her tips on spices for dogs.

First, what are spices?

Let’s first define spices before talking about spices for dogs. Photography ©CSA-Prinstock | Thinkstock.

The definition of herbs and spices differs whether you are talking about them from a TCM perspective or a cooking perspective, according to Dr. Beug. “In TCM, herbalists use formulations from all parts of the plant to create herbal therapies,” she says. “However, in cooking, herbs come from the leaves of plants, while spices come from the other parts, such as roots, flowers, stems, fruit, bark or seeds.” Some plants produce both cooking herbs and spices. For example, cilantro is an herb, and coriander is a spice, but both come from the same plant. To complicate matters, some herbs, such as basil, parsley, oregano and thyme, are dried and sold as “spices.” And other ingredients we think of as spices are neither spices nor herbs. Garlic, for example, is a bulb also found in the form of garlic powder.

For this list, consider any dried form of the plant used for cooking as a “spice” — mainly because this is how we think of them in daily life.

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Safe and beneficial spices for dogs

Dr. Beug recommends the following dog-safe spices.

Basil for Dogs

1. Antibacterial
2. Anti-cancer
3. Fights free radicals
4. Helps prevent diabetes
5. Protects the liver
6. Reduces pain and inflammation

Tip: Add basil to help reduce pain and inflammation in dogs with arthritis.

Coriander for dogs

1. Alleviates nausea
2. Anti-diarrheal
3. Eases intestinal gas
4. Anti-parasitic
5. Helps detoxify the body
6. Increases milk flow

Caution: Avoid giving coriander to pregnant animals, as it may stimulate uterine contractions.

Cinnamon for dogs

1. Anti-inflammatory
2. Displays anti-cancer properties
3. Regulates blood sugar
4. Combats free radicals
5. Protects against heart disease
6. May lower the risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease in humans and similar conditions in dogs

Tip: Opt for Ceylon cinnamon over the more common Cassia variety, as it is much lower in the blood-thinning compound coumarin.

Dill for dogs

1. Anti-inflammatory
2. Antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial
3. Improves digestion
4. Lowers blood sugar
5. Regulates menstruation
6. Relieves diarrhea

Caution: Avoid giving dill to pregnant dogs, as it may induce menstruation and cause miscarriage.

Fennel for dogs

1. Acts as a diuretic to remove toxins
2. Aids digestion
3. Alleviates constipation, diarrhea and intestinal gas
4. Benefits brain function Y Contains anti-cancer properties
5. Increases milk production during lactation

Caution: Excessive fennel intake can cause health issues, including difficulty breathing and heart palpitation.

Ginger for dogs

1. Anti-inflammatory
2. Eases nausea and upset stomach
3. Helps boost cognitive function
4. Helps regulate blood-sugar levels
5. May block growth of cancerous tumors
6. Reduces pain associated with osteoarthritis

Tip: Giving ginger to senior dogs may help boost cognitive function and decrease age-related joint pain.

Peppermint for dogs

1. Alleviates spasms in the colon
2. Improves signs of irritable bowel syndrome
3. Reduces intestinal gas
4. Relieves indigestion
5. Soothes upset stomach
6. Treats diarrhea

Caution: Avoid giving to dogs with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). May cause hypoglycemia in diabetics.

Oregano for dogs

1. Antibacterial
2. Antifungal
3. Anti-inflammatory
4. Contains cancer-fighting polyphenols
5. Relieves indigestion and diarrhea
6. Rich in antioxidants to combat free radicals

Caution: Oregano may increase the risk of bleeding in dogs with bleeding disorders. Use cautiously with diabetic dogs, as oregano can lower blood sugar.

Parsley for dogs

1. Antibacterial
2. Anti-inflammatory
3. May help protect against urinary tract infections, kidney stones and gallbladder stones
4. Natural diuretic
5. Rich in antioxidants

Caution: Avoid giving to dogs prone to calcium oxalate stones, as parsley is high in oxalates.

Turmeric for dogs

1. Anti-cancer
2. Anti-inflammatory
3. Fights free radicals
4. Helps heal the gut
5. Improves brain function
6. Reduces symptoms of arthritis

Caution: Turmeric acts as a blood thinner and may increase risk of bleeding in association with some medications and botanicals, like NSAIDs, garlic and Gingko biloba. As a rule of thumb, Dr. Beug recommends a ¼ teaspoon for small dogs, ½ teaspoon for medium dogs and 1 teaspoon for large dogs per day, mixed into food. “The key is to remember that more is not better,” she says. “Besides, a heavy spice aroma may turn dogs off from the food.”

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Unsafe spices for dogs

Dr. Beug advises avoiding the following spices:

1. Garlic (dehydrated or powder): “Giving dogs small amounts of fresh garlic is safe and beneficial,” Dr. Beug says. She advises avoiding the powdered form, however, due to its increased concentration and potency.
2. Onion powder: Thiosulphate, a compound in onions, can cause hemolytic anemia in dogs, a condition in which the red blood cells burst. “Play it safe, and avoid it an any form,” Dr. Beug says.
3. Pepper: Black pepper is a popular component of golden paste (a mixture of turmeric powder, water, oil and black pepper that’s taken orally for its anti-inflammatory and other healing properties) to help increase the absorption of curcumin in turmeric. Dr. Beug recommends skipping it, however, as piperine in black pepper also enhances absorption of prescription medications, increasing the chance of accidental overdose.
4. Nutmeg: Nutmeg contains myristicin, which is toxic to dogs and can cause symptoms ranging from disorientation to seizures. ROSEMARY “Rosemary is generally safe; however, avoid giving it to dogs prone to seizures, as it can worsen this condition,” Dr. Beug says.

This piece was originally published on May 14, 2018.

Thumbnail: Photography ©Chalabala | Thinkstock. 

Plus, find out how these spices can lower YOUR blood pressure >>

Diana Laverdure-Dunetz, MS, is a canine nutritionist and co-author, with W. Jean Dodds, D.V.M., of two books, including Canine Nutrigenomics: The New Science of Feeding Your Dog for Optimum Health. Their online course, Complete Canine Nutrition, can be found at myhealthydog.dog.

Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Dogster magazine. Have you seen the new Dogster print magazine in stores? Or in the waiting room of your vet’s office? Subscribe now to get Dogster magazine delivered straight to you!

Read more about dog food on Dogster.com: 

• Can Dogs Eat Onions? If Your Dog Ate Onions, What Do You Do?
• Wondering How Much to Feed a Dog? Let’s Talk How Many Calories Dogs Need
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The post Let’s Talk Spices for Dogs — What Spices Are Safe for Dogs? by Diana Laverdure-Dunetz, MS appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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Your Dog Ate a Sock. Is It Dangerous? What to Do Next

The post Your Dog Ate a Sock. Is It Dangerous? What to Do Next by Jackie Brown appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Dogs are notorious for eating things they shouldn’t, and many of those things are not necessarily food. Dogs can chew and gulp down almost anything. So, if your dog ate a sock, you’re not alone — it’s a commonly swallowed item.

“Dogs seem to love cloth,” says Kelly Diehl, DVM, Dipl. ACVIM, scientific communications advisor for the Morris Animal Foundation, a nonprofit foundation that funds animal health research. “I’ve pulled out a lot of socks and underwear. Amongst us gastroenterologists, people kick around the idea that sometimes dogs eat inappropriate materials because they have some kind of GI problem, whether that’s a food allergy or intolerance. I also think there’s a behavioral component to it, which we can’t really explain, but some dogs just seem to be sock eaters.”

If Your Dog Ate a Sock, Here’s What Happens to That Sock

What are your next steps to take if your dog ate a sock? Photography ©Barna Tanko | Thinkstock.

Whether your dog ate a sock or some other item he has no business swallowing, several things might happen. If the dog is big and the item is small like a sock, the dog might simply vomit it back up — either right away or a day or two later. If that doesn’t happen, it’s possible that the dog might pass the sock and eventually poop it out. This could take several days, and you will want to take a close look every time your dog poops to check for the sock.

In some cases, if your dog ate a sock, the item might even become stuck in the stomach. “When the stomach empties, food will go first and indigestible objects go last,” Dr. Diehl explains. “Items can stay in a dog’s stomach and cause periodic problems. They got them down but they can’t throw them up, and they’re too big to go into the intestine, so they bounce around and cause some discomfort. These dogs usually become chronic vomiters.”

What If You’re Not Sure If Your Dog Ate a Sock?

Not sure if your dog ate a sock, or swallowed something else? Because some types of items are difficult to see on an x-ray, and because dogs sometimes swallow things without their owners realizing it, your veterinarian might elect to take a look at the stomach with an endoscope. “Sometimes, I go down there with a scope because I think they have bowel disease or chronic inflammation, and I say, ‘Oh! Look, there’s a ball down here!’” Dr. Diehl says.

One outcome you really hope to avoid is an intestinal obstruction, where the sock lodges somewhere in the intestines, causing a blockage. An obstruction is serious and it requires surgery to remove the item. The tricky thing about intestinal obstructions is you might not realize your dog has one if you didn’t actually witness him swallowing a sock or something he shouldn’t.

What to Do If Your Dog Swallowed a Sock

If you’re lucky enough to know that your dog ate a sock or other item, one option is to bring him directly to the veterinarian to see if the item can be removed from the stomach with an endoscope. This is an especially good option if your dog is small and the item is large.

“One thing about socks in the stomach is they’re really easy to pull out with an endoscope,” Dr. Diehl explains. “It’s going to cost you some, but it’s less expensive than a surgery. Once they get in the intestine, it’s a problem because you can’t get a scope down that far and then they can swell from the gastric and intestinal juices and they can get stuck.” Your regular vet might be able to remove a sock with an endoscope, but if not, he or she can refer you to a specialist who does endoscopy.

According to Dr. Diehl, if a dog ate a sock, many dogs, especially large dogs, will either throw up socks or pass them in their stool. If your dog is not acting sick and isn’t throwing up, one option is to wait and see if it comes out on its own. If you don’t see the object come out in a few days, or if your dog starts acting sick, it’s time to see the vet.

Did Your Dog Swallow a Sock … Or Another Object?  

Not sure if your dog ate a sock — or something else? Photography ©CreativaImages | Thinkstock.

If you’re not sure whether your dog ate a sock or another inappropriate item, but you notice telltale signs of an obstruction, go to the vet to have him checked out. “If your dog starts vomiting profusely, especially if he’s not eating or drinking, and he just keeps vomiting and vomiting, that’s often a classic sign of obstruction and that’s definitely a medical emergency,” Dr. Diehl explains. “Additionally, if your dog isn’t typically a barfer, but starts vomiting several times a week, it could be because something is stuck in the stomach.

If your dog swallows a sharp object, a battery or a very large object, see the vet immediately, as these types of objects may cause serious problems. And if your dog swallows underwear, take him in to try to remove it with an endoscope before it gets to the intestine, where the elastic band can cause problems.

“Really be careful about leaving socks and underwear out,” Dr. Diehl cautions. “It’s almost like a habit with some dogs. It’s much more common in young dogs because they’re often sampling stuff and eating things they shouldn’t. A lot of dogs will grow out of that habit, but some dogs persist.”

Thumbnail: Photography ©dosecreative | Thinkstock.

This piece was originally published in 2017. 

Read more about dog health on Dogster.com:

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The post Your Dog Ate a Sock. Is It Dangerous? What to Do Next by Jackie Brown appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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What to Know About Adopting & Living With Potcake Dogs

The post What to Know About Adopting & Living With Potcake Dogs by Wendy Newell appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

When it was obvious to me that I was starting end-of-life care for my precious 13-year-old German Shorthair Pointer mix I texted a friend, “I wanted to look into adopting a Potcake … You, of course, are my expert in all things Potcake! … Any guidance you can give would be great …” Twenty-one days later I became the mom to an adorable brindle bundle of Potcake joy!

First, what is a Potcake?

Miles’ first trip to the dog park. Photography courtesy Wendy Newell.

“Hold on a second!” I can hear you saying, “What in the world is a Potcake?” Excellent question and one I have lots of practice answering.

Potcakes are the mixed-breed street dogs of a limited gene pool of the Bahamas and the Turks and Caicos Islands. On these islands, the locals cook a pea and rice stew that leaves a cakey substance on the bottom of the pot. This “pot cake” is fed to the street dogs — hence the name! The Bahama’s Kennel Club does consider Potcakes a breed, although we don’t at this point in the United States. The exact mix really depends on what dogs had been introduced to the islands in the past. (You now have to fill out paperwork and get permission to bring outside dogs into those islands.)

How do you adopt a Potcake?

Miles first visit to Grandma and Grandpa’s. Photography courtesy Wendy Newell.

I was lucky as my friend’s dad and stepmom are active in the rescue community of the Bahamas and loving Potcake parents themselves. They graciously found my pup for me and worked to get him across the US to California, to his new home.

There are a number of individuals and groups that help not only save and arrange adoptions for the Potcakes of the islands but lead efforts to help reduce the number of homeless dogs through spay and neuter programs. One of the most well-known groups, Potcake Place, is based in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands.

There, tourists can help by visiting their adoption center to socialize with the dogs or even borrow one to take out on the beach for an adventure. You can even volunteer to help bring adopted pups back to the states. Potcake Place provides all the necessary items and paperwork for the dogs to fly and will have someone meet you at your destination airport to get the lucky dog to her new home. Of course, you can always adopt a pup to become a member of your own family!

It is the amazing people of these islands who donate time, money, skills and their homes to these dogs. All of us Potcake owners will be forever thankful for them. I was lucky, I had an “in” through my friend. Potcake Saga worked with a local woman in South Andros, donating her time rescuing these sweet dogs, to bring my Potcake to me.

What are Potcake puppies like?

Puppy Miles gets ready for a nap. Photography courtesy Wendy Newell.

My friend talked me into being ok with a puppy despite my years of saying, “I’ll never have a puppy again.” She insisted Potcake puppies are usually very easy. I felt like I was being duped, but once I saw his picture there was no going back.

On a particularly sad Sunday dinner when my lovely friends had taken me out to help cheer me up, I got a text with a picture of my new pup. I started to cry right there over my margarita. He was perfect and he was very soon going to be with me.

What is it like living with a Potcake?

As I write this, Miles (named that because he traveled so many to be with me) is 19 weeks old and I have to admit is the easiest puppy I have ever met. I am convinced it is part of his DNA from years of ancestors surviving on their own. He has only been to two of his obedience classes and is a shining star.

From his very first night with me he slept all the way through. He’ll go in his crate and be content or nap on the bed with me on his back, chest exposed and ready for any rubs that might come his way. Potty training was simple and fast. He hasn’t chewed up everything in sight — yet! He is as close to perfect as a puppy can get.

What do Potcake parents love about this breed?

Miles rests his head on the quilt I made for my previous dog love, Riggins. Photography courtesy Wendy Newell.

After becoming a new owner of such an interesting breed, I did a quick Facebook search and found others like me. The group posts pictures of their adorable Potcakes and Notcakes (what we Potcake owners call a non-Potcake dog), sharing their stories and antics.

I asked a question of the members of Potcake Nation. What did they love most about Potcakes? I quickly got over 150 responses and almost that many pictures. I’d love to share every single one with you but that seems a little excessive, especially as they all have a similar theme! Potcakes are smart, loyal, energetic and loving pups. They may not all look alike but they all seem to know that they are lucky to be rescued and in a loving home.

Sometimes Miles will sit a certain way and it will remind me of the dog I lost earlier this year. Thirteen years was a long time together and when he was gone my heart was broken. Miles helped scoop me up and make me smile again. He is my sweet island pup!

Thumbnail: Photography courtesy Wendy Newell. 

About the author

Wendy Newell is a former VP of Sales turned dog sitter, which keeps her busy being a dog chauffeur, picking up poop and sacrificing her bed. Wendy and her dog, Riggins, take their always-changing pack of pups on adventures throughout the Los Angeles area. Learn more about them on Facebook @The Active Pack and on Instagram @wnewell.

Read more about dog breeds on Dogster.com:

• 8 Facts About the Italian Greyhound
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The post What to Know About Adopting & Living With Potcake Dogs by Wendy Newell appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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