How to Become a Dog Fosterer

The post How to Become a Dog Fosterer by Lauren Katims 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.

Laney clearly had experienced some trauma, and needed attention and patience from someone who was able to socialize her enough so she could thrive in a home environment — someone like a foster parent.

A fosterer temporarily cares for a dog, typically a few weeks to a few months depending on the dog’s needs, until the dog is ready to be put up for adoption.

Behavioral issues aren’t the only reasons that dogs need fostering. Home environments are better for dogs healing from medical procedures, puppies or kittens too young to stay in the shelter or senior dogs needing a stress-free home for hospice.

“You can save lives,” says Erin Steen, foster specialist at Best Friends Animal Society in southern Utah, of foster parents who house animals that aren’t thriving in a shelter situation or who care for animals that a shelter no longer has room for.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t keep Laney (still a sore subject in our house!), but it did show me how much impact foster parents can have on a successful adoption.

Three nationally recognized organizations take us through the steps of becoming a dog fosterer.

For more information on the ASPCA go to aspca.org. Photography Courtesy ASPCA

Getting orientated

Most shelters have information on their websites with a place to fill out an online application. The shelter will then enroll you in an orientation to familiarize you with the fostering process, including the shelter’s expectations, what types of animals need help and how your availability — no matter how limited — can be of service.

“Fostering is a great option for folks who work full time or travel a lot, and having a pet full-time isn’t an option for them,” Erin says.

Best Friends runs a sanctuary, which acts as a refuge for neglected animals nationwide, and encourages all types and sizes of families to apply, including teenagers who can put fostering hours toward community service credits for school.

“It’s a great opportunity to teach kids about the responsibility of pet ownership,” says Erin, who typically has 75 families fostering a year. Those numbers increase during kitten and puppy litter season in the spring, when more help is needed to look after the pregnant mothers and young babies until they are strong enough for adoption.

North Shore Animal League offers donated supplies, 24-hour support and a dedicated phone line for foster parents. Photography Courtesy North Shore Animal League

The matchmaking process

Shelters try to find the best match based on personality, home life and experience levels.

“We do one-on-one matchmaking, similar to what we would do with an adoption,” says Sylvia Ottaka, senior director of operations at North Shore Animal League America in Port Washington, New York, the world’s largest no-kill rescue and adoption organization.

For more intense cases, for example, a dog recovering from surgery, North Shore offers in-depth training and classes. Other perks include donated food, toys, beds and medical supplies, and a 24-hour-a-day support and a dedicated phone line for foster parents.

With all these services offered, most organizations, like North Shore, require foster parents to live in the vicinity of the shelter for easy access to check-ins and vet appointments.

Adoption time

“There’s no obligation or expectation that the foster family will adopt that animal,” says Eileen Hanavan, director of volunteer and foster engagement at the ASPCA adoption center in New York City.

In fact, many foster parents choose not to adopt because they can’t make a long-term commitment to dog ownership.

Through the ASPCA Adoption Ambassadors program, the fosterer can take the lead with the dog’s adoption, posting photos and videos on social media, sharing personal stories with potential adopters or bringing the dog to local adoption events. The program has resulted in fewer dogs being sent back to the shelter after adoption, according to the ASPCA.

Occasionally, some fosterers choose to adopt their foster pets, Eileen says, “and we see that as a success.”

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#PawsForThisCause What you can do.

The three organizations partner with thousands of local shelters nationwide. Search their databases online for shelters in your area with foster programs or visit local shelters to research which program will be a good fit for you.

Give it a try; you have nothing to lose. Remember, there’s no commitment. Even if you choose to foster only one animal for a few days, you’re still making a difference.

Foster on your schedule. Shelters want the experience to be rewarding, not taxing. Find the right commitment level, so your family can enjoy the company of another pet.

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Editor’s note: This article 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 on Dogster.com:

• What to Feed a Dog With Cancer
• How to Read Dog Food Labels
• What to Feed a Sick Dog

The post How to Become a Dog Fosterer by Lauren Katims 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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Karma, The Bio Detection in Training

The post Karma, The Bio Detection in Training 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.

Here in the United States, we don’t currently utilize Bio Detection Dogs (BDD), which are pups trained in medical detection, including cancer. As of right now, U.S. insurance companies won’t pay for BDD testing. There is also an issue with getting positive samples to train the dogs on. Then there are the questions around the science. Testing for BDD-type cancer screening requires you to accept the unknown of the specific dog’s personality. Scientists don’t like unknowns that can alter conclusions in their experiments. Dr. Klaus Hackner of Austria, did his own study in 2016 and had misgivings, telling Scientific American that the BDD screening did not reflect the reality of mass cancer screenings in the real world. Asking a dog to sniff a high number of samples with relatively few “hits” made Dr. Hackner believe that a handler would not be able to successfully provide enough positive feedback to the dog for him to stay engaged. Don’t forget for double-blind studies and in the real world the handler doesn’t even know which samples are positive to be able to give the dog feedback at the correct times; whereas other detection dogs, like those in search and rescue, do many “blank” searches where there is no actual find and are still successful.

Getting ready

One of the huge positives is that BDD cancer screeners seem to identify cancer much sooner than current methods. The sooner life-ending cancers can be identified, the higher the likelihood that treatment will be successful.

Certified Bio Detection dog trainer and canine behaviorist Dierdra (Didi) McElroy is getting the detection dogs under her tutelage ready to be able to start “sniffing out cancer” as soon as it is an accepted process in the United States. Didi is certified in dog behavior, service dogs, therapy dogs, police K-9s, scent and cancer detection. She also graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Biomedical Science, which is extremely helpful when she is talking to doctors about the process of BDD.

Almost any breed that likes to do a good job and likes to please can be a candidate, even short-legged affectionate love bugs like Bulldogs. Didi’s star student is a 4-year-old black Lab named Karma, owned by Sandee Wall. According to her human mom, Karma has been training with Didi at California Canine, a comprehensive training and behavior modification company founded by Didi, for the majority of her life.

To become a cancer-sniffing dog, the dog must be able to do scent detection and do it well. Karma has mastered this task and works with a scent rack. The scent rack looks like a long metal container with several holes that Karma can stick her nose into to smell what’s inside. Since a dog’s sense of smell is so keen, Karma probably knows where the positive sample is before even getting to the rack, but she wants to make sure the human watching her knows she is doing her job. Karma will check each individual hole before alerting that she has found her target.

Didi’s goal is to train her dogs, including Karma, to sniff out prostate cancer in urine samples. It can make someone uneasy having a detection dog sniff them up and down with the energy a dog has while working. Using a sample, like urine, makes it an easier process for all involved. Karma is such a well-trained detection dog it would only take a pup like her approximately 6 weeks of training with urine samples donated by men with prostate cancer to be ready when she is called to duty.

Star pupil

Karma’s talents don’t stop at detection work. She’s also an award-winning tricks and dock diving dog, she works hard on honing her detection work, she’s personal protection (schutzhund) trained, and she is a licensed therapy dog spending time at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Stockton, California.

With so many jobs it can sometimes be confusing which one she is supposed to be preparing for. To help Karma get into the mind frame of helping with her therapy work, she dons her “uniform.” Her uniform is several different costumes that help elevate the mood of her patients. A black Lab dressed up as an angel, skeleton, butterfly or even a banana sundae is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.

Karma likes helping people, according to her mom. It’s why Sandee would love for Karma to be able to become a cancer-sniffing dog. Karma likes all her jobs but the one she has yet to do, sniffing out cancer, would be her most important and impactful one.

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A Q&A with SANDEE WALL:

Working dogs are just like us

Q: What is your dog’s diet?

A: Karma’s diet consists of twice-a-day feeding. She eats Diamond Lamb & Rice with a tablespoon of salmon oil by GNC.

Q: Does your dog get any human food?

A: If she is actively training a new behavior, we frequently use turkey hot dogs as her reward. Other than that Karma prefers toy rewards over food rewards. If she has had an exceptional day, such as winning first place at a Disc Dog competition, we will get her a Starbucks Puppuccino.

Q: What type of gear does your dog use?

A: Part of Karma’s training is her “gear.” Dogs are very much situational learners. Every dog owner knows this when they grab a leash. The dog instantly knows that piece of equipment means they get to go for a walk. Karma wears a “service dog” type vest when doing cancer detection work. She wears an agitation harness when she is doing drug detection or personal protection work. She also wears goggles, shoes and up to four collars when working at drug detection and personal protection. The only part of her body that isn’t taken with equipment seems to be the top of her head. So, for therapy work we put a headband on her. We hot glue all kinds of themed objects to it for human amusement, but the feeling of something across the top of her head lets her know that she is working as a therapy dog. She should be calm, friendly, accept touch from anyone and NO SEARCHING them.

Q: Are there certain health issues that your dog’s job causes her to have and how do you address those?

A: We are aware that her various jobs all come with potential health hazards. We mitigate them in a variety of ways. Therapy dog is a tough one because we work at an acute care hospital. Some zoonotic diseases could transfer so we have to give a full groom 24 hours before entering the hospital. Since she does rounds once a week this is a lot of bathing and not necessarily great for her skin and fur. Hence, the salmon oil on her meal to help replenish the oils in her skin.

We don’t use tick/flea medications because we’ve found it has adverse side effects, so we choose to do full body checks after high-risk areas instead.

Q: Do you groom your dog yourself or take her to someone to be groomed?

A: Her professional groomer does an excellent job at selecting less harsh shampoos and using conditioners that meet hospital standards. We bathe her ourselves most of the time but she goes to see Kristi, her groomer, once a month. Our bathing protocols call for more than a quick bath and air dry. Then we use sanitary wipes when the dog leaves the hospital to keep them from tracking anything home to our family.

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Thumbnail: Photography Courtesy Dierdra McElroy

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
• Meet the Mighty Mastiff
• 8 Great Facts About the Newfoundland Dog

The post Karma, The Bio Detection in Training 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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FIBER: A Friendly Food for your Dog’s Health

The post FIBER: A Friendly Food for your Dog’s Health 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.

And, did you know that our canine companions also benefit from fiber? While there is no recommended daily allowance (RDA) for dogs, getting the right amount — and the right type —  can help keep your dog in tip-top shape. Let’s take a closer look at fiber, its benefits and some fiber-rich foods your dog will enjoy.

©allFOOD | Getty Images

What is fiber?

Fiber is a type of carbohydrate found in the cell walls of plants. Like all carbohydrates, fiber is made up of chains of glucose (sugar) molecules bound together. When we eat carbohydrates, digestive enzymes break down these chains of glucose molecules into simple sugars that are used as energy. Animals and humans lack the digestive enzymes to break down the bonds in fiber, so it passes through the stomach and small intestine largely intact.

Fiber is found in plant foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans and seeds. Refined grains are not a good source of fiber because the bran, the fiber-rich outer layer, has been removed during milling. Animal meat does not contain fiber.

Types of fiber

Fiber is categorized as either soluble or insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in liquid. As it travels through the gastrointestinal tract, soluble fiber absorbs water, swelling into a gel-like substance that slows down the digestive process.

Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in liquid and passes through the GI tract largely intact. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool and speeds up the passage of food and waste through the digestive system. Most foods contain a combination of soluble and insoluble fiber, with one type dominating.

Health benefits

Fiber offers a wide variety of health benefits, including:

• Controls large-bowel diarrhea
  (soluble)
• Lowers cholesterol by attaching to it in the digestive tract and removing it from the body (soluble)
• Manages diabetes mellitus by slowing the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream (soluble)
• Optimizes colon health and may reduce the risk of colon cancer (soluble and insoluble)
• Promotes optimum weight by providing a low-calorie feeling of fullness (soluble and insoluble)
• Reduces constipation and straining (insoluble)
• Promotes healthy gut bacteria
  (soluble fiber)

Which fiber is best?

Both soluble and insoluble fibers offer benefits, so healthy dogs should eat a combination of both types.

At one time or another, most dogs suffer from acute diarrhea. In these situations, adding soluble fiber can help manage the situation by absorbing water in the intestinal tract and slowing down the digestive process. Those of you who have used canned pumpkin to help with occasional bouts of doggie diarrhea have experienced the benefits of soluble fiber.

If your dog suffers from chronic diarrhea, it’s important to determine whether the problem originates in the large intestine (colon) or the small intestine. Large-intestinal diarrhea is shown to benefit from added dietary fiber, but small-intestinal diarrhea is not fiber-responsive.

A dog who races to go outside, has accidents in the house or passes stool with mucus or fresh blood is likely suffering from large intestinal diarrhea. A trip to the veterinarian can confirm the diagnosis and underlying cause.

For dogs suffering from constipation, adding foods higher in insoluble fiber may “get things going” a little easier, as it helps food pass more quickly through the stomach and intestines. Avoid giving insoluble fiber to dogs with diarrhea, as it can act as a natural laxative. Insoluble fiber has also been shown to worsen symptoms in people suffering from IBS.

A note on fiber and poop

When I work with clients to incorporate more fiber-rich foods into their dog’s diet, by far the most common question I receive concerns the increased volume of the dog’s stools.

Proper elimination and stool volume help maintain healthy anal glands, but that’s not the only benefit. Dead bacteria and other undesirable substances make up a large portion of the stool’s dry matter. Larger stools that occur when fiber is initially increased can be a sign of detoxification.

So, don’t be concerned if adding fiber-rich foods increases your dog’s stool volume. As long as everything else looks good, this is a normal change. Just go slowly and give his digestive system time to adjust, especially if he currently eats a low-fiber diet high in animal ingredients.

There’s a whole world of healthy, fiber-rich foods your dog will enjoy — just check with your veterinarian before giving your dog new foods.

Focus on FODMAPS

Certain fibers are high in FODMAPS (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols), carbohydrates that pass through the small intestine and serve as “food” for the good bacteria in the large intestine (colon). As the bacteria in the colon digest these fibers, rapid fermentation takes place. This fermentation process offers many health benefits, including increasing the number of beneficial bacteria in the colon; however, it can also create gas, bloating, diarrhea, stomach pain, cramping and other symptoms in individuals suffering from IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), GERD (gastrointestinal reflux disease) and similar gastrointestinal conditions. It may be necessary to temporarily eliminate high-FODMAP foods for dogs suffering from these conditions and then slowly reintroducing them when symptoms subside to determine which ones are problematic.

To learn more about FODMAPS, visit monashfodmap.com.

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!

Tell us: What supplements or superfoods for dogs are you a fan of?

Thumbnail: Photography ©chendongshan | Thinkstock.

Read more about dog food and dog nutrition on Dogster.com: 

• Could Grain-Free Diets Cause Issues for Dogs?
• Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms? What to Know About Dogs and Mushrooms
• What to Feed a Dog With Diarrhea or Other Stomach Issues

The post FIBER: A Friendly Food for your Dog’s Health 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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How to Tell If a Puppy Is a Boy or a Girl

The post How to Tell If a Puppy Is a Boy or a Girl by Melvin Peña 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.

Physical differences between male and female dogs are both slighter and less obvious than those between other kinds of domestic pets or farm animals. Distinguishing between a male and female turkey, for example, tends to be quite easy, especially once they reach maturity. Differences in size and plumage between these birds are clear and striking. The male turkey is much larger, more colorful, and has a more dramatic appearance. Among dogs, average height and weight of females and males does vary, but the difference is normally only a few inches in the first case, and can be as little as 10 pounds in the latter. When we’re talking about newborn baby puppies, the differences are inconsequential. All newborn baby puppies are super tiny. Wondering how to tell if a puppy is a boy or a girl? Let’s investigate.

Why does differentiating sex in puppies matter?

Stumped on how to tell if a puppy is a boy or a girl? The belly and rear end are the points to observe most carefully in determining a puppy’s sex. Photography by Soraluk Chonvanich / Shutterstock.

Even when dogs are fully matured, telling a male from a female dog can be difficult. How many times have you, as a dog owner, passed someone on the street or at the park and heard some variation of, “What a beautiful dog! May I pet her?” And how many times have you gently corrected, “Actually, he’s a boy!” I make that mistake all the time with other people’s dogs, and people make it all the time with mine.

If you’ve recently had or are preparing to welcome a litter of puppies, and people are asking to adopt one, they may have a specific sex of puppy in mind. So, you may be wondering how to tell if a puppy is a boy or a girl. Some people are particular about male or female puppies. Perhaps they’ve had better experiences with one sex of dog over another. Reasons can be difficult to parse, and impossible to understand or predict. If both you and the interested parties are patient, things will become clearer by the time they are ready to be weaned.

Can urination habits help tell if a puppy is a boy or a girl?

Some might huff at the very question, assuming that the stereotypical images of fully grown dog urination habits — squatting for girl dogs and the leg lift of boy dogs — will make the distinction clear enough. In baby puppies, however, one must remember that as puppies’ hindquarters develop and mature, puppies of both sexes squat. The positions that puppies take do not diverge for a while after whelping.

Indeed, male and female puppies may assume identical positions for up to two months. Puppies do not practice independent bowel and bladder evacuation in their first couple of weeks of life. Nor, for the first few weeks, do puppies have sufficient strength and stability in their hindquarters to make urinating activities distinguishable. Male puppies may not fully adopt the wonted leg lift until around their fourth month; for some male puppies, it may not become habitual until they are nearly six months old.

So, how to tell if a puppy is a boy or a girl:

Don’t take a newborn puppy away from his mother for more than a few minutes. Photography by kukiatB/Thinkstock.

Still stumped on how to tell if a puppy is a boy or a girl? There is, in fact, a way to discern the difference between female and male puppies. Be cautious and patient, though. The relationship between newborn puppies and their mothers can be tenuous. Taking a baby puppy from a mother for more than a few minutes in the first several weeks after whelping can disturb their bonding. A mother dog may become wary of a puppy who spends too much time away from her and the rest of the litter.

Basically, male puppies can be distinguished by two small, raised circular marks on their bellies. People often ask where a dog’s belly button is located. Unlike in humans, the spot where the umbilical cord was attached to a dog disappears, healing over very quickly. It is right below the base of the rib cage. About an inch past that, there will be another small circular spot. This is where the penis will emerge.

Female puppies will have only the belly button mark, with the rest of their tiny little bellies bare. A careful examination of a female puppy’s rear end, from the base of the tail to the start of the lower abdomen, will reveal two openings. The anus, of course, will be just beneath the tail, and the vulva is a small, leaf-shaped structure located almost exactly between the legs.

Always exercise patience and caution when trying to tell if a puppy is a boy or a girl

To put it most simply, the best action for how to tell if a puppy is a boy or a girl is to examine a puppy’s rear end, right beneath the tail. Female newborns will have two points, male puppies only one. It is best to be patient and exercise great caution. In a puppy’s first few weeks, support a baby puppy with a warm towel, turn her over carefully, and only for a couple of minutes at most. Return the puppy to her mother and litter immediately after checking.

Baby puppies begin learning from their mothers the moment they are born. Handling newborn puppies too often before three to four weeks of age risks alienating the puppy from the mother, which can not only cause stress, but also trauma to newborns. For the sake of satisfying curiosity alone, under no circumstances should you poke or prod at newborn puppies as a way to tell if a puppy is a boy or a girl.

Thumbnail: Photography by Image Source Pink / Thinkstock. 

This piece was originally published in 2014. 

Learn more about puppies with Dogster.com:

• When Do Dogs Stop Teething? What to Know About Puppy Teething and Dog Teeth
• A Guide for Introducing Dogs to Puppies
• Training Your Puppy and Dealing with Puppy Problems

The post How to Tell If a Puppy Is a Boy or a Girl by Melvin Peña 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 Zoomies: Why They Happen and What to Do

The post Dog Zoomies: Why They Happen and What to Do 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.

Dog zoomies are what they sound like. It’s hard not to smile when you see a joyful dog running wildly around your house or yard, zipping back and forth for a few moments before collapsing after a case of what most of us call the “zoomies.” Dog zoomies, or Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPS) as they’re technically called, generally only last a few minutes at most.

What happens before the dog zoomies hit?

A glint in your dog’s eyes might be a sign that he is about to start zooming. Photography ©amandafoundation.org | E+/Getty Images.

Before the zoomies hit, dogs often get a glint in their eyes, and they may start to play-bow at you or other dogs. Dogs with the zoomies often run quickly from one side of the yard or room to the other, back and forth, or spin in circles until they fall down. My youngest dog really enjoys trying to catch her tail when she has the zoomies. While zoomies in dogs and the frantic movements your dog exhibits when they hit might seem concerning, they are actually a normal part of happy dog behavior, and as long as your dog is zooming in a safe space, these FRAPS are nothing to be concerned about. 

Why do zoomies in dogs happen?

Dog zoomies tend to hit puppies and young dogs more frequently than older dogs, but zoomies are a great way for dogs of any age to release pent-up energy. Dogs get the zoomies for a variety of reasons — when they are highly excited or aroused or after watching another dog engage in high-energy play. Sometimes, dogs get the zoomies when they are confused or slightly stressed at a dog-training class, such as when the skills being worked on are challenging and they need to blow off some of that nervous energy.

For many dogs of all ages, bath time brings out the zoomies! Even my 15-year-old dog starts zooming around like a puppy after bath time is over. While dog zoomies are very natural for dogs, if they happen very frequently, it might be a good idea to think about how much exercise your pup gets, and if there are ways to add more structured exercise outlets into his day.

Controlling dog zoomies

Zoomies are a natural part of behavior for dogs, and not something you should worry about preventing or discouraging, so long as your dog is zooming in a safe place. This means inside your home or fenced yard, ideally on carpet, and away from breakable items, or small children or elderly family members who could be accidentally knocked over by a large, zooming dog. Try to avoid letting your dog zoom on hardwood floors, or other slick surfaces. While it might seem funny to see a frapping dog slipping and skidding on floors, it can be very dangerous as your dog could slip and injure himself.

So, instead of trying to control the zoomies in dogs, control the environment in which he zooms. For example, if you know your dog gets the FRAPS after a bath, be sure to take him directly from the bath (either being carried or by leash) to a room or yard where he can safely zoom.

Never chase a dog with the zoomies

Sometimes the dog zoomies will strike your dog not just at a moment that’s inconvenient (like when dinner guests are about to arrive), but at a time or place that’s actually dangerous, like off leash at a dog park that isn’t fenced (please always obey leash laws). In a situation like that, you need to catch your dog quickly, and when a dog has the zoomies he might “forget” his training.

The most important thing, which seems counterintuitive, is not chasing after a frapping dog. If you chase your dog, he is likely to misinterpret this as you playing with him. That will inspire him to continue running! Instead of chasing your dog, run away from him (in a direction free of roads or other dangers) and encourage your dog to follow you in a happy voice. It’s good to be prepared for this moment, and make sure to have high-value treats and/or toys on you at all times.

On a related note, teach your dog that “come” is always a fun idea. To do this, regularly practice recalls with your dog on a longline or in a safely fenced area using treats, praise and other positive techniques to teach your dog to reliably come. Never punish your dog for not coming when called, instead set up training situations that enable him to be successful next time by decreasing distractions, adding a leash or longline, decreasing the distance you are from your dog when you call her, and/or using a higher value treat as a reward.

Dealing with a dog who seems to have a permanent case of the zoomies? Does he have ADHD? What to know about high-energy, hyperactive dogs >>

This piece was originally published on February 13, 2018. 

Sassafras Lowrey is an award-winning author. Her novels have been honored by organizations ranging from the Lambda Literary Foundation to the American Library Association. Sassafras is a Certified Trick Dog Instructor, and assists with dog agility classes. Sassafras lives and writes in Brooklyn with her partner, a senior Chihuahua mix, a rescued Shepherd mix and a Newfoundland puppy, along with two bossy cats and a semi-feral kitten. Learn more at sassafraslowrey.com

Read more about dog behavior and training on Dogster.com:

• 4 Dog Sounds and What They Mean
• Is Your Dog Peeing a Lot? Should You Worry?
• Why Do Dogs Scratch Their Beds?

The post Dog Zoomies: Why They Happen and What to Do 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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Celebrating The Delightful Dachshund

The post Celebrating The Delightful Dachshund by Allan Reznik 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.

Comical yet courageous, playful yet stubborn, the Dachshund is adored throughout the world. Here are eight fun facts about this happy hound.

1. Germany by way of Egypt?

Some dog historians and breed authorities maintain that the Dachshund dates back to ancient Egypt, where engravings depict short-legged hunting dogs. Cairo’s American University offers Egyptian burial urns containing mummified Dachshund-like dogs that would support this theory. There is no dispute that modern history credits German breeders with the creation of the Dachshund, incorporating German, French and English hounds and terriers. Royals including Queen Victoria enjoyed the company of Dachshunds in aristocratic courts throughout Europe.

Photography by: ©Zoonar/E.Lam | Getty Images

2. Three coats, three sizes

Dachshund (pronounced “daks-hoont”) means “badger dog” in German, and this was the traditional quarry that the larger dogs scented, chased and flushed out of their burrows. The more diminutive dogs hunted smaller prey such as rabbits. In North America, two sizes are recognized: the Standard, weighing between 16 and 32 pounds, and the Miniature, weighing 11 pounds or less at one year of age. A third size is recognized by the FCI (World Canine Federation), which contains kennel clubs from 83 countries around the world: the Kaninchen (German for “rabbit”), which weighs 8 to 11 pounds. Dachshunds come in three different coat varieties — Smooth, Longhaired and Wirehaired — and any size can come in any coat. So there is a “Doxie” to suit every lap, taste and household.

3. Built for the job

Although the Dachshund has one of the most recognizable silhouettes in dogdom, his shape serves a purpose. He is long-bodied and muscular with short, stubby legs. His front paws are disproportionately large, paddle-shaped and well-suited for digging. He has a deep chest to provide ample lung capacity for energy on the hunt. His skin is loose enough to prevent tearing while he tunnels in snug burrows to chase his prey.

Photography by: ©Norrie3699 | Getty Images

4. All hound

While the Dachshund makes a charming and playful companion, he is a stubborn hound through and through, with high prey drive. The American Kennel Club breed standard describes the Dachshund’s temperament as “clever, lively and courageous to the point of rashness, persevering in above- and below-ground work, with all the senses well-developed.” Dachshunds love chasing small animals, birds and tennis balls, so keep pet rodents and feathered friends safely out of their grasp.

5. The versatile Doxie

With his big-dog attitude and confidence, the Dachshund is a popular show dog, as well as a frequent competitor in obedience, agility, flyball and rally. Two newer dog sports, Earthdog and Barn Hunt, showcase the breed’s speed and hunting prowess, as the dogs strive to catch a concealed, safe-from-harm caged rat in a controlled setting.

6. A rainbow of colors and patterns

Photography by: ©DarioEgidi | Getty Images

The color palette is virtually unlimited for Dachshunds of all three coat varieties. One-colored Doxies include red and cream, with or without a shading of interspersed dark hairs (called “sabling”). Two-colored Doxies include black, chocolate, gray and fawn, each with deep, rich tan or cream markings over the eyes, and on the cheeks, throat and chest. Dappled Dachshunds have a marbled, mottled pattern of light and dark color; most commonly seen are silver, blue-gray and chocolate dapples. There are also brindles (dark stripes on a lighter background) and piebald Doxies (with clearly defined areas or patches of white on one-colored or two-colored dogs).

7. Confident hunter wanted

While Dachshunds have become hugely popular as pets, the breed standard emphasizes the hunting heritage of the breed. Dachshund movement is described as “fluid and smooth,” never “short, choppy movement” or a “high-stepping gait.” The Dachshund is prized for his “agility, freedom of movement and endurance to do the work for which he was developed.” Shyness is considered a serious fault and knuckling over of the front legs, which would slow him down on the hunt, is a disqualification.

8. Celebrity Dachshund owners

With his confidence, sense of humor and unique looks, is it any wonder the Dachshund has a host of famous admirers? Among the entertainers and musicians who live with Doxies are Jack Black, Josh Duhamel, Kirsten Dunst, Ashley Olsen, Adele, Clint Eastwood and David Hasselhoff. David Bowie owned Dachshunds, as did artists Andy Warhol and David Hockney (Hockney illustrated at least one book about his dogs), and syndicated gossip columnist Liz Smith.

About the author:

Allan Reznik is a journalist, editor and broadcaster who specializes in dog-related subjects. He is the former editor-in-chief of Dogs in Review and former editor of Dog Fancy magazine. A city dweller all his life, on both coasts, he now enjoys the rural South with his Afghan Hounds, Tibetan Spaniels and assorted rescues.

Learn more about other dog breeds on dogster.com:

• Looking for the Best Lap Dogs? Meet These 5 Dog Breeds
• Facts on the Siberian Husky Dog Breed
• 5 Lovable & Lazy Dog Breeds

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Facts on the Chihuahua Dog Breed

The post Facts on the Chihuahua Dog Breed by Dogster HQ 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.

Proud parent of a Chihuahua who’s looking to learn more or thinking about getting a Chihuahua dog? Learn the facts about this dog here:

Quick Facts on the Chihuahua Dog Breed

A Chihuahua is among the smallest dog breeds. Photography by toons17 / Shutterstock.

• Weight: 2-6 pounds (0.91-2.72 kg)
• Height: 6-9 inches (15.24-22.86 cm)

Chihuahuas are the world’s smallest dog breed, normally weighing between 2 and 8 pounds with an average height of 6 to 9 inches. Chihuahuas have a “cobby” body — stout, stocky and slightly longer than tall — that still seems flexible, sturdy and muscular. Their rounded, apple-shaped heads feature dark round eyes, pointed ears and a slightly pointed muzzle.

The necks slope down to level backs and sickle-shaped tails that sometimes curl up or to one side. Smooth-coated Chihuahuas have a soft, glossy coat, while the long-coated variety have curly or straight hair. Chihuahuas can come in practically any color or combination of colors.

Chihuahua traits:

• Small, stocky size
• Apple-shaped head
• Round, dark eyes
• Short, pointed muzzle
• Lively and loyal
• Cocky and energetic
• Strong-willed and outspoken
• Nimble and quick
• Portable

Who gets along with Chihuahuas?

Chihuahuas make good city dogs. Photography by Netnapha Buaban/ Shutterstock.

• The elderly
• The housebound
• Singles
• Apartment dwellers

What Are Chihuahuas Like to Live With?

Chihuahuas are the ideal lovable, loyal and long-term pal. When you’re alone in the house with a Chihuahua, you’re never alone — they sleep on your lap, sit by your side, or follow you from room to room while you do chores. When you’re not home, they protect it like their personal domain, barking at the sign of any approaching stranger (making them surprisingly effective guard dogs).

This endearing love and devotion, however, can sometimes evolve into a fierce protectiveness, making them a force to reckon with when they try to compete with other pets or family members for your attention. Nevertheless, this big-time attitude packed inside a pint-sized frame has a remarkable way of being endearing rather than annoying.

Whether in an apartment, a house or a palace, a Chihuahua is perfectly accommodated. And they’re fairly easy to care for, needing minimal exercise and food. But don’t skimp on the attention: Chihuahuas crave affection and companionship to the point where they may resort to attention-getting tricks. And watch out: They are so quick-witted and cunning and sweet, you might find yourself doing an overtime shift of petting, scratching and cuddling.

Things You Should Know About Chihuahuas

Chihuahuas have a long lifespan — but there are health issues to know about. Photography by pixbull / Shutterstock.

How long do Chihuahuas live? The Chihuahuas lifespan is pretty long — as much as 17 years — but they have a tendency to develop health problems like hypoglycemia, joint ailments, eye infections and bronchitis. Also, the tops of their skulls never fully develop, leaving soft spots (“moleras”) that should be protected.

Though Chihuahuas don’t need as much exercise as larger dogs, they need daily walks. And they also like to be warm, so you might consider a little sweater or coat for winter walks. Though picky eaters, they can easily be overfed. An obese Chihuahua is more susceptible to diabetes and a shorter lifespan.

Bear in mind: The world’s smallest dog could also be the world’s cockiest. And Chihuahua owners will note — during their very first walk in the park — that this breed is fearless when it comes to confronting larger dogs. Don’t be so sure that your Chihuahua will know when it has met its match; i.e., always remove them from conflict.

Some people believe that Chihuahuas are one-person dogs and therefore not suitable for families. In truth, they may not be suitable for a small child — since they would not tolerate teasing or random play — but with proper training and gentle, positive reinforcement, they can adapt to any home.

Chihuahua History

The Chihuahua — named for the Mexican state that borders Texas and New Mexico — is the oldest breed on the American continent. Historians believe they evolved from a wild dog called the Techichi that was domesticated by the Toltecs in 9th-century Mexico. Some even claim the modern Chihuahua originated from a cross between the Techichi and a hairless dog that came to North America from China via the Bering Strait.

Chihuahuas were discovered around 1850 in Mexico, where merchants were selling them to tourists. They quickly became popular in the United States and were registered with the AKC in 1904.

Thumbnail: Photography by Dennis Jacobsen / Shutterstock.

Read more about the Chihuahua on Dogster.com:

• Shorter Than a Coke Can, Is This Chihuahua the World’s Smallest Dog?
• Get to Know the Chihuahua: Mighty Mite from Mexico

 

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How Rescue Dogs Say “Thank You”

The post How Rescue Dogs Say “Thank You” by Heather Marcoux 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.

A rescue dog can find himself suddenly sprung from his cell and moved to a place with soft beds and softer laps all in the span of 24 hours. It’s like hitting the lottery and getting released from prison all on the same day — pretty overwhelming.

It’s a lot to take in for any dog, but when the dust settles and they realize they’ve gone from shelter pet to pampered pet, they’re forever grateful to the human who busted them out of lockup.

Here are 10 ways our dogs say, “Thanks for rescuing me.”

1.With their mouths

Our dogs can’t speak, but when you look into the open mouth of a peaceful pooch who is drooling onto your freshly laundered pillow, you can hear the words as clearly as you can see the river of saliva: “I’m so thankful.”

2.With their paws

Your dog knows you rescued him, and he’s bound and determined to rescue you from a sedentary lifestyle. He doesn’t know what magical force moved him from the shelter floor to your couch, but he knows he’s the force that’s gotta get you off it and out for a walk. With each paw step down the sidewalk, he’s saying, “I’m so grateful for this new life, and I can’t let this human get heart disease.”

3.With their eyes

Photography by: ©Mexitographer | Getty Images

The first time you saw them they were downcast and forlorn, and now those bright puppy eyes light up when you walk in the front door and get even bigger when you walk into the kitchen. You might mistake this for begging, but it’s really gratitude. Nobody ever dropped food at the shelter, and your dog is so grateful to be adopted by someone as clumsy as you.

4.By detailing your car

Your dog will never forget his first ride in your car; the one that took him away from the shelter and to his cushy new home. That’s why he makes sure to clean up your car each time he climbs in. He proves his gratitude by vacuuming up every dropped french fry his nose can find.

5.By protecting the castle

Photography by: ©yellowsarah | Getty Images

When you go from sleeping in a concrete cell to sleeping on a California King, there’s really only one explanation: “I’ve been adopted by royalty,” your dog decides. And to show his gratitude, he vows to alert you to any intruder attempts. Those Amazon boxes could contain a Trojan horse, and by barking to warn you of this threat he is saying, “I’m so thankful to be a royal pet.”

6.With their tongue

You get out of the shower and before you can even pull on a towel your thankful pooch is licking every drop of water off your legs. With each lick, he’s saying: “Let me dry your legs the way you dried my sad eyes.”

7.By denying you privacy

Photography by: ©cmannphoto | Getty Images

Speaking of the bathroom, you may not love how your dog follows you into the bathroom every time you go, but he’s not trying to make you uncomfortable, he’s trying to keep you company. He’s thankful that you do it for him, after all.

8.By warming up the bedding

Your dog doesn’t want you to have to get into a cold bed like the one he used to lie in at the shelter, so he does his best to be first into the bed each night, to fill it with the warmth of gratitude (and a little dog hair).

9.With his bladder

A rescue pooch is so grateful to have a home and that’s why many are diligent about not peeing in it. Every time you’re out for a walk and your rescued pooch makes eye contact with you while peeing on a lamppost he’s trying to say, “This pee is for you, friend.”

10.By returning the favor

It’s hard to imagine how unloved dogs must feel when they’re surrounded by concrete and chain link but for those of us who have rescue dogs, it’s not hard to see how hard they work at returning the love we give.

They’re one part alarm system, one part vacuum cleaner, one part hot water bottle and 100% grateful.

About the author:

Heather Marcoux is a freelance writer whose two rescue dogs, GhostBuster and Marshmallow, are super thankful they got adopted by someone who is constantly dropping food. @Heather_Marcoux has also adopted an Instagram account, and the dogs have one, too, as the@ghostpets.

Learn more about rescue dogs on dogster.com:

• Common Rescue Dog Behavior Issues
• How to Help Your New Rescue Dog Relax and Feel at Home
• Adopting Old Dogs Instead of Buying a New Puppy

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6 Household Cleaning Products That Are Not Safe for Dogs

The post 6 Household Cleaning Products That Are Not Safe for Dogs by Dogster HQ 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.

Many dog owners keep cleaners in their homes that are not exactly pet safe out of habit or ignorance of the bad effects they have on the household. Cleaning products with ingredients such as bleach, ammonia, chlorine, gycol ethers or formaldehyde can cause many problems in adults and children, but young children and pets are particularly at risk for things such as cancer, anemia, liver and kidney damage. Many toxic cleaners are also carcinogenic. So, what are some household cleaning products that are not safe for dogs? Is Pine Sol safe for dogs? Is Lysol safe for pets? Are Mr. Clean, Clorox Bathroom Cleaner and Scrubbing Bubbles safe for dogs? What about detergents like Tide and Cheer?

Several studies have been done on the dangerous effects of some common cleaning products. Many of these included data on pets which showed that Fido and Fluffy are not immune to chemicals and that many cleaning products are not pet safe. One study concentrated on measuring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in cleaning products. In it, the vapor pressure of various chemical compounds in cleaners was measured. Three cleaners, Pledge, Clorox Wipes and Lysol Disinfecting Spray, registered close to a thousand times more vapor pressure than a natural cleaner. This means that even when the toxic cleaners are put away and closed, the vapors left behind can continue to harm both us and our pets.

Some Toxic Ingredients and Their Effects on People and Pets

Man cleaning carpet. Photography by Syda Productions / Shutterstock.

1. Ammonia – Used in many de-greasers for ovens, glass and stainless steel, ammonia has a very high VOC, burns mucous membranes and contributes to asthma. If it is mixed with bleach, it creates a poisonous gas which can be deadly to small pets.
2. Chlorine – Used in disinfectants, toilet bowl cleaners and automatic dish detergent to name a few, chlorine is also used to bleach coffee filters. It can cause everything from dizziness to vomiting to laryngeal edema. Avoid this ingredient and be careful about letting your pet swim in the pool.
3. Glycol Ethers – Glycol ethers are found in many cleaning products that are not pet safe including glass cleaners, carpet cleaners and spot removers. It has been linked to anemia, lung damage and kidney damage in people and pets.
4. Formaldehyde – The thought of a funeral home comes to mind when formaldehyde is mentioned and everyone can recognize the strong, nauseating smell. But it’s also used in products such as soaps and even some pet shampoos. It can contribute to asthma and is carcinogenic.

Some Cleaning Products That Are Not Safe for Dogs

There are many, many cleaning products that are not safe for dogs on the market. Here are a few popular cleaners that contain some of the ingredients mentioned above as well as others:

1. Floor Cleaners – These include Pine Sol and Mr. Clean. Even if you manage to get all of the residue off the floor, the vapors linger and are dangerous to your pet. Try a non-toxic, pet safe cleaner instead.
2. Bathroom Cleaners – These include Clorox Bathroom Cleaner and Scrubbing Bubbles. Try a product such as Ecover Bathroom Cleaner instead. Never use a continuous toilet bowl cleaner such as Clorox Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner. It is very dangerous and the temptation to drink out of the toilet is a quirk in many of our pups.
3. All Purpose Cleaners – For use in the kitchen and around the house, the most common toxic all-purpose cleaners that scream “Danger!” are Mr. Clean Multi-Purpose Spray and Formula 409.
4. Drain Openers – You may think that since this product is poured down the drain, it can’t be harmful to your pet. But the toxic drain openers give off dangerous fumes long after you’ve emptied them. For a non-toxic, pet safe option, try a product such as Earth Friendly Enzymes Drain Opener.
5. Glass Cleaner – It may seem that toxic glass cleaners are simpler products and are, therefore, safe but they are not. Instead of something like Windex, try a product such as Nature Clean Window and Glass Cleaner.
6. Laundry Detergent – It’s easy to assume that choosing a laundry detergent isn’t that important because the rinse cycle rinses it away. But there is residue left behind on clothes and pet blankets that can be harmful to your pet, especially those that chew on their bedding. Avoid detergents with toxic ingredients such as Tide and Cheer and try something like Down East’s Liquid Laundry Detergent.

Nontoxic Cleaning Products for Pets to Use Instead of Household Cleaning Products That Are Not Safe for Dogs

Instead of using toxic cleaning products around the house, try one of the non-toxic and pet safe lines of cleaners. If you do decide to keep toxic cleaners, make absolutely sure they are put away. Put child safety locks on cabinet doors and put cleaners up as high as possible. Never use them when your pet is in the same room and air out the house after cleaning with them. Never leave any residue behind. But the warning signs are clear and you and your dog will be healthier and safer if you use cleaning products that are pet safe.

Read more about dog-safe cleaning products >>

Tell us: What nontoxic cleaning products to you use instead of cleaning products that are not safe for dogs?

April is Spring Cleaning month here at Dogster! Stay tuned for a few articles every week on all things spring cleaning and dog — whether that’s dog-safe ways to clean your home, spring-cleaning your dog’s grooming routine with advice on brushing and bathing — and much more.

Thumbnail: Photography by OksanaZahray/Thinkstock. 

This piece was originally published on April 5, 2018.

Read more about what’s toxic to dogs on Dogster.com:

• 11 Dog Poisons You Have Around Your Home
• How to Find Pet-Safe Paints That Aren’t Toxic to Your Dog
• Fruits Dogs Can Eat (And Fruits That Are Toxic to Dogs)

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Wondering How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears? A How-To (and How Often!) Guide

The post Wondering How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears? A How-To (and How Often!) Guide 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.

Dog parents often wonder, “Should I be cleaning my dog’s ears?” The answer is, yes, but the next question is … how to clean your dog’s ears. How often you should clean your dog’s ears depends on your dog and his ears. Let’s take a look:

What Types of Dogs and Dog Breeds Have Ears That Need Special Attention and More Cleaning Than Others?

Dogs with drop ears are more prone to ear infections than other dogs. Photography ©M_a_y_a | E+ / Getty Images Plus.

Some dogs, especially certain dog breeds, are prone to developing ear infections. Dogs with drop ears (those that hang down like a Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound or Labrador Retriever) are more prone to ear infections than dogs with ears that stand upright.

This is because floppy ears don’t get a lot of air flow, so debris and moisture get trapped more easily inside the ear canal, where it can fester and bloom into a bacterial or yeast infection. Some breeds like Poodles and Bichons Frisés grow hair inside the ear canal, which can further limit air flow and lead to ear infections. Other causes of ear infections include mites (pesky parasites that live inside the ears) and allergies.

How Often Should I Clean My Dog’s Ears?

If your dog is prone to ear infections, cleaning the ears regularly might reduce their frequency. Exactly how often you clean the ears depends on your dog. You want to clean them often enough to keep infections at bay, but not so often that you irritate the ears. Ask your veterinarian how frequently you should clean your dog’s ears. For some dogs, you will need to clean the ears monthly. For other dogs, you’ll need to clean the ears every other week or even weekly.

If your dog has an ear infection, your vet might instruct you to clean the ears daily or every other day while treating the infection with medication. “There’s not a lot of point in putting ointment in if it isn’t clean because all you’re going to be doing is adding it to the muck and the wax that’s down there,” explains Jeff Grognet, DVM, co-owner of Mid-Isle Veterinary Hospital in Qualicum Beach, BC, Canada. “This dilutes the ointment, but also, in some cases, the ointment doesn’t even get through to the skin inside the ear.”

Even if your dog doesn’t tend to get ear infections, cleaning them when they look or smell dirty is a good idea. A dog’s ears should never smell bad. A foul odor or yeasty smell like bread dough means an infection is brewing and your dog should see the vet as soon as possible. Other signs of an ear infection include red, inflamed ears; head shaking or scratching at the ears; and ear discharge. Ear infections in dogs can be extremely painful, so do not delay seeking veterinary treatment if you suspect a problem. And if your dog yelps or cries when you touch his ears, get to the vet quickly.

Should You / Can You Clean Dog Ears at Home?  

If you’re nervous about cleaning your dog’s ears yourself, you could always bring him to your vet or a groomer instead. This might get expensive if your dog needs frequent ear cleanings, though.

Cleaning your dog’s ears at home is easy to do with the right supplies and techniques. You could also ask your vet or a veterinary technician to show you how to clean your dog’s ears in the clinic so you feel more comfortable when doing it at home.

How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears at Home

You can clean your dog’s ears yourself at home! Photography ©mykeyruna | iStock / Getty Images Plus.

1. To get started, you will need cotton balls or gauze and a vet-approved ear cleaner. You can buy ear cleaners from your vet, at pet-supply stores or online. Just be sure you get your vet’s all-clear before using any product to ensure it’s gentle and safe for your pet.
2. Cleaning the ears can be messy, especially if your dog’s ears are excessively dirty. I like to clean my dog’s ears during his bath. If you’re cleaning the ears and your dog doesn’t need a bath, you can wrap a towel around his neck and chest (secure it with a hair clip or large chip clip to hold it in place). This will keep him from getting ear cleaner and ear gunk all over his fur.
3. To clean the ears, squeeze a little bit of ear cleaner into the ear and let it drip down into the ear canal. Gently massage the base of the ear to suds up the cleaner and help it break down wax and debris. Let your dog shake his head (you can lightly drape his head with a towel to keep the gunk from flying all over).
4. Gently wipe the outer ear flap and inside the ear with a cotton ball or gauze square. Wipe as far down you as can, using the cotton ball or gauze and your finger. “I generally don’t like to put Q-tips down the ears because I don’t like to push stuff down,” advises Dr. Grognet, who also operates the ACE Academy for Canine Educators. Keep wiping until your cotton balls come back clean. Pet ear cleaners contain drying agents, so any small amount of cleaner left inside the ear will dry on its own.
5. If your dog has an ear infection and needs medication, apply it after the ears are clean and wiped out. “I like to keep the tip of the ointment well above the ear so I can see how many drops are going in and then just massage the ear below,” Dr. Grognet says.

What About Plucking Your Dog’s Ear Hair?

If your dog has a lot of hair growing in the ear canal, it might be beneficial to pluck it out prior to cleaning the ear. If you’re nervous about doing this, ask your vet, vet technician or groomer to show you how to do it. Some people use their fingers to pluck small amounts of hair out, working a little bit at a time. Other people prefer to use hemostats (special blunt-nosed tweezers).

“I quite often get asked whether plucking the ears is painful,” Dr. Grognet says “Most dogs really don’t seem to notice it very much. Taking the hair out normally isn’t a very sore process at all.”

If your dog’s ears seem red and irritated after plucking out the hair, try waiting a day or two before cleaning your dog’s ears to give the skin time to calm down so the cleaner doesn’t sting or cause further irritation.

Tell us: Do you clean your dog’s ears at home? How often do you clean your dog’s ears? Any tips to add on cleaning your dog’s ears?

This piece was originally published on March 26, 2018.

Thumbnail: Photography ©andriano_cz | iStock / Getty Images Plus.

Plus, wondering how to remove your own ear wax? Check out these ear wax removal tips >>

Read more about dog grooming on Dogster.com:

• Wondering How Often to Bathe a Dog? It Depends on These Factors
• How Often to Brush a Dog’s Teeth and Other Tips on Brushing Your Dog’s Teeth
• Dog Tear Stains: How to Naturally Remove Them and Keep Them From Coming Back

The post Wondering How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears? A How-To (and How Often!) Guide 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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Meet the German Shorthaired Pointer

The post Meet the German Shorthaired Pointer by Lynn M. Hayner 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.

Sociable, eager to please and tremendously athletic, the muscular GSP has a heart for the hunt. He also makes a fine family friend. An all-purpose gun dog, the breed has strong scenting powers and boundless curiosity. His energy matches up nicely with active, outdoor-loving families or singles.

Hunting in his history

Throughout the late 19th century, the Germans bred the GSP as an all-purpose hunting dog. After all, why use one dog breed to hunt, another to point and yet another to retrieve, when one breed could do it all?! Developed with versatility in mind, the GSP was bred to hunt on both land and water, point, trail injured game and search out varied game. Primarily a bird dog, the GSP hunted quail, pheasant and waterfowl but also deer, opossum and raccoon. With his phenomenal endurance and strong field instincts, the GSP soon became an exceptional hunting companion. Unlike many of his hound counterparts who hunted in packs, the GSP was developed to work with man alone.

Busy. Busy. More busy.

Today, GSPs continue to excel in hunting, but they also shine in tracking, companionship and keeping their property free of vermin, too. As puppies especially, GSPs have an almost boundless energy. The pups need both structured and unstructured outlets for their playful get-up-and-go makeups. The GSP usually takes naturally to swimming, hiking, and sports like tracking or flyball.

Suggested Breed Quote: “A body in motion
stays in motion!” Photography by: ©Tierfotoagentur | Alamy Stock Image

A well-exercised GSP makes a lovely housedog. He can tolerate both cold and warm weather, but he isn’t meant to be left outdoors alone for long periods. If he isn’t included in family fun and sports, he’ll likely devise creative sports of his own. “What do you mean you didn’t want me to dig up all your sprinkler heads? They’d taken over the yard!”

Traditionally, GSPs may excel in sports over “academics,” but they’re still an intelligent breed. GSPs can shine in obedience, but families will need to keep lessons stimulating and non-
routine. While hunting is the crowd favorite among GSPs, other movement sports such as dock jumping, agility, disc dog and rally are likely to hold his attention.

GSPs usually get along with other dogs; many chase cats or other small animals. With children, young GSPs show (too much, at times!) exuberance, but they’re almost always well-intentioned. Some GSPs evidence a watchdog gene. Most engage agreeably with new visitors, particularly if the guests have good ball-throwing arms!

Point to the Facts

Weight: 55 to 70 pounds (male), 45 to 60 pounds (female)

Life span: 10 to 12 years

Coat: The short, thick coat has a slightly rough feel.

Color: Solid liver or a mix of liver and white

Ears: The breed’s ears’ shape and fold may inhibit airflow, sometimes allowing for infections. Regular cleaning with mild ear solution is beneficial.

Equipment: Plenty of tough, durable retrieving toys

Grooming: Frequent brushing keeps the coat in good shape, but in general the breed isn’t high maintenance (for grooming, at least!).

Shedding: The GSP sheds, and his hair’s texture means it often sticks to furniture and carpeting.

Best for: Hunters, active singles. Busy families with a true commitment to exercising the dog daily.

Possible health issues: Canine hip dysplasia

About the author:

Originally an attorney, Lynn Hayner writes about dogs and law, in no particular order. Lynn lives in Waco, Texas, with her family, a rescued cat and her German Shepherd Dog, Anja.

Find more dog breeds on dogster.com:

• 5 Lovable & Lazy Dog Breeds
• What to Know About the Boxer Dog Breed
• 5 Wrinkly Dog Breeds

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Best Dogs for Travel

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Great trips for me include my RV, husband and German Shepherd Dog, Anja. While Anja (as a pup) flew with me in an airplane cabin once, she’s 65 pounds now, so that’s not an option. We stick to the road. But whether you’re a fan of car-tripping, hauling an RV or cruising on a plane, there’s a dog for you.

Ready, set, fly!

Size matters when it comes to airline travel. Any dog accompanying you in the cabin must fit into an airline-approved carrier under the seat in front of you. You’ll have to pay a fee, usually about $100 or more each way. If you are flying to a foreign country, like Aruba, there also may be a weight limit. For Aruba, you cannot bring a dog weighing more than 20 pounds. Do your research first with the country and the airline, before deciding to fly with your dog.

Traveling by plane with your dog. Photography ©alexkich | Getty Images

Preparing your pup for flying begins with time in his carrier on the ground, adding longer periods. I let my new puppy, Anja, for example, sleep in her airline carrier next to me for two days before we flew home to Texas. Puppies aside, which small breeds make the best jet setters? Individual personalities, extent of socialization, and energy levels matter. Maybe take off with the devoted and portable Chihuahua (he’s under 6 pounds), the laid-back and quiet Miki (a new, highly social breed) or the eager-for-inclusion Yorkshire Terrier. The Yorkie may, however, need positive reinforcement to keep quiet; Terriers like to vocalize traveling reviews!

Hitting the road

For highway excursions, dog size matters too, at least relative to the vehicle. A Labrador Retriever that can’t squeeze into a compact car might fit well in an SUV. Activity requirements factor into the equation as well. While energetic sporting breeds make for great camping and hiking buddies, they may grow restless on long car trips.

Breeds that value inclusion most highly often make the best travelers. A people-focused breed such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Papillon will appreciate family time on long driving days. The amiable Boston Terrier will snuggle up for naps in the car and happily greet new friends at rest stops. The sturdy Australian Terrier makes for an adaptable traveling buddy. His weather-resistant coat comes in handy when it rains along the route! The mid-sized Boxer adjusts to any adventure; he also doesn’t leave buckets of dog hair on seats. On the road, watch for signs of motion sickness, take frequent breaks, and keep your dog safely restrained or crated.

Let’s not leave the protection breeds off the list. I especially appreciate my Anja’s diligence when we stop in isolated stops. She, like many herding breeds, prioritizes keeping track of family. She deems her job well done each time we all climb back into the truck, safely together.

Truckin’ breeds

Truck drivers are on the road for work rather than pleasure, but many enjoy four-legged companionship. On our travel stops, I see a diverse set of breeds climbing down out of the big rigs. High-shedding or super active dog breeds aren’t the top choice. I rarely see large breeds, but rather many sturdy small to mid-sized breeds. How about a 9- to 13-pound hardy and sociable Havanese? He can adapt to any environment except the one that separates him from family. When it comes to the social and cheerful (and low shedding) Poodle, Truckers have three sizes to choose: a Standard Poodle weighs about 60 pounds, and can leap down from the cab unassisted. The Miniature Poodle weighs in at about 16 pounds, making him a great mid-sized companion. Truckers wanting the smallest variety can opt for sharing the road with the 8-pound Toy Poodle. Pugs and Dachshunds are also popular trucking buddies. Keep all dogs safely leashed of course, but pay especially close attention to hounds. Rest areas are chock full of irresistible smells!

Happy homebodies

Some adventures (around the world cruises, theme parks, for example) aren’t generally dog friendly. Fortunately some breeds are content to stay home, at least occasionally. These breeds are usually the relaxed breeds that often sleep a lot (such as the Greyhound) or the rather independent types (such as the Alaskan Malamute). Some of the non-sporty types such as the French Bulldog are especially social, so comfortable staying at a friend’s house. Some guardian dogs, such as the Anatolian Shepherd or Mastiff, are content to keep watch over the home in your absence with a well-known dog sitter.

The post Best Dogs for Travel by Lynn M. Hayner 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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