Dog Scooting: Why It Happens and When to See a Vet

The post Dog Scooting: Why It Happens and When to See a Vet 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.

The sight of a dog dragging his butt across the floor might make you laugh (or cringe, if it happens right in the middle of your elegant dinner party), but dog scooting can be a sign that something is wrong “back there.” So, why does dog scooting happen? And can you ever treat dog scooting at home or should you always see your vet? Let’s learn more about dog scooting.

Why Does Dog Scooting Happen?

Dog scooting happens for a few different reasons. Photography ©GlobalP | Thinkstock.

Dog scooting might happen for a variety of reasons, but usually the issue is itching or pain. If your dog’s butt is bothering him, he might drag it on the carpet or grass in an attempt to alleviate that itch or discomfort. Many things cause an itchy bum in dogs, but impacted or infected anal glands are among the most common culprits.

Dog anal glands are two small internal sacs positioned on either side of a dog’s anus. In normal dogs, they contain a smelly liquid that’s excreted every time the dog poops (this is likely a mechanism for marking territory). In some dogs, inflammation prevents this liquid from being expelled when the dog poops. Instead, it builds up inside the two sacs, where it can become very thick, more like a paste than a liquid. Full anal glands can be very uncomfortable for the dog and can even become infected.

Other reasons for dog scooting include intestinal parasites (especially tapeworms), injuries or tumors in or around the anus, rectal prolapse and allergies. In addition to your dog scooting, you might also notice him licking his backend excessively.

What to Do About Dog Scooting

If you notice your dog scooting just once or just here and there, you might not need to rush off to the vet. “It depends on how much it’s happening,” says Cynthia Karsten, DVM, outreach veterinarian for the Koret Shelter Medicine Program at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine’s Center for Companion Animal Health. “Sometimes, they might just have an itch. Like with most things, it depends on how often it’s happening and how much the pet seems to be affected by it.”

You could try cleaning the area with a gentle shampoo and soft washcloth, making sure to rinse away all the soap completely and dry the area well with a clean towel.

When to See a Vet About Dog Scooting

If the dog scooting in question happens more than once a day, or if the behavior goes on for more than a day or two, it’s time for a visit to the vet. “The first thing the vet will do is a rectal exam, just to see what’s going on with the anal glands and check for any signs of inflammation or infection,” Dr. Karsten says. Your vet will likely also want to do a fecal exam to look for any signs of intestinal parasites. If the fecal test comes back positive for any parasites, your vet will prescribe a deworming medication to eliminate the worms and put a stop to your dog’s scooting.

On the other hand, if the anal glands are full or look impacted, the vet will attempt to express the glands. “If they’re really impacted, they might not express, and then the vet might need to sedate the dog and put medication into the anal glands to get them cleared out so they stay that way,” Dr. Karsten says. “If it really becomes a chronic issue, some dogs need to have them removed.” Surgery to remove the anal glands can be complex, so your regular vet might refer you to a specialist.

Can You Stop Dog Anal Gland Issues and Dog Scooting in the First Place?

Adding fiber to your dog’s diet can firm up the stool, making it more likely that the glands will be able to express on their own when your dog poops. One way to do this is to add a few tablespoons of plain canned pumpkin to your dog’s food. Commercial anal gland supplements containing fiber are also available. Your vet may suggest anal gland supplements before discussing surgical options.

What to do About Chronic Anal Gland Distress

Some dogs who frequently develop full or impacted anal glands might benefit from having them expressed manually on a regular basis. Your vet can do this (or teach you how if you’re not too squeamish). However, not all dogs need to have this done. Some groomers routinely express anal glands while bathing, but it’s probably not necessary to express them if your dog is not having any issues — and it could possibly even cause harm.

“I’ve heard lots of vets and dermatologists say that you shouldn’t mess with a dog’s anal glands unless there is a problem,” Dr. Karsten explains. “In my experience, you should leave them alone unless there’s a problem, because if they’re healthy, they should express on their own. You can actually cause a problem if you’re not careful.”

Thumbnail: Photography ©Fly_dragonfly | Thinkstock. 

This piece was originally published in 2017.

About the author

Pet expert Jackie Brown has spent 20 years following her passion for animals as a writer and editor in the pet publishing industry. She is contributing writer for National Geographic’s Complete Guide to Pet Health, Behavior, and Happiness: The Veterinarian’s Approach to At-Home Animal Care (April 2019) and author of the book It’s Raining Cats and Dogs: Making Sense of Animal Phrases (Lumina Press, 2006). Jackie is a regular contributor to pet and veterinary industry media and is the former editor of numerous pet magazines, including Dog World, Natural Dog, Puppies 101, Kittens 101 and the Popular Cats Series. Prior to starting her career in publishing, Jackie spent eight years working in veterinary hospitals where she assisted veterinarians as they treated dogs, cats, rabbits, pocket pets, reptiles, birds and one memorable lion cub. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons and miniature poodle Jäger. Reach her at jackiebrownwriter.wordpress.com.

Read more about dog health on Dogster.com:

• 8 Alternative Dog Cancer Treatments
• How Long Are Dogs Pregnant? Dog Pregnancy and Dog Gestation Period
• Dog Exercise — How Much Activity Your Dog Needs a Day By Breed, Age and More

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Facts on the Blue Heeler Dog

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

Quick Facts on the Blue Heeler:

Look at that gorgeous coat on this Blue Heeler. Photography by Sandra Caldwell / Shutterstock.

• Weight: 35 – 45 pounds
• Height: 17 – 20 inches

Blue Heelers (American Cattle Dogs) are solid, sturdy and compact dogs with an alert, ready-to-work stance. Slightly longer than tall with curved, hanging tails, they have muscular legs and strong necks and broad, somewhat rounded heads with pointy ears. Their dense, weather-resistant coats come blue, blue mottled, blue speckled or red speckled — both with possible dark or tan markings. The name Blue Heeler refers to the Australian Cattle Dog with the blue coat, while the red-coated Australian Cattle Dog is sometimes referred to as the Red Heeler.

Blue Heeler Traits:

• Intelligent
• Resourceful
• Active
• Alert
• Hard-working
• Protective

Ideal human companions — who gets along with Blue Heelers?

Active, sporty types get along with Blue Heeler dogs. Photography by WOLF AVNI / Shutterstock.

• Singles
• Active, sporty types
• Families
• Hunters
• Cattle breeders

What are Blue Heelers like to live with?

These are high-energy, clever and active dogs. Not content with sitting around the house for hours on end, Blue Heelers will encourage you to take them outside for exercise, play and work.

Blue Heelers, like most herders, can be one-person dogs. They also have a unique independence, not requiring much in the way of cuddling or affection. Though tough and resolute, they will definitely appreciate positive feedback and good treatment. Sometimes their herding instincts can suddenly come into play. They may “herd” family members or nip lightly at heels if they want something.

They don’t bark too much, but they are still very protective of the home. Blue Heelers can be cautious and wary — qualities that make them excellent guard dogs. They are also friendly and loving companions.

What you should know about Blue Heelers

Blue Heelers need activities, tasks and lots of room to run; therefore, they are probably not suited for apartment living. Without open spaces and jobs to do, they can get into mischief and destructiveness. Easily trained, they need a firm hand controlling them so that they don’t bond with another dominant dog in the neighborhood.

Some may have the urge to nip. A toy can solve this problem. Just be sure it’s a tough one: Blue Heelers can tear a typical dog toy to shreds in one sitting. Also remember: Keep your Blue Heeler on a leash. They are very curious and love to run and roam. Also, they can have issues with dogs they don’t know very well.

A healthy Blue Heeler can live as long as 15 years. Common health issues can include eye problems, hip dysplasia and deafness.

Blue Heeler history

Mixing native Dingoes with Collies and other herding dogs, Australian George Elliott developed the Australian Cattle Dog (the Blue Heeler) in 1840. Australian cattlemen and ranchers loved the breed’s toughness and work ethic, and the dogs quickly became popular as cattle herders. The American Kennel Club officially recognizes the breed name as the Australian Cattle Dog. The blue coat version is the one called Blue Heeler, which is more of a nickname than an official name. Australian Cattle Dogs are also called Australian Heelers or Queensland Heelers.

Tell us: Do you have a Blue Heeler? What attracted you to this type of dog?

Thumbnail: Photography by BGSmith / Shutterstock.

Read more about Blue Heelers on Dogster.com:

• Are Blue Heelers Really Blue?
• Get to Know Blue Heelers: Fiercely Independent Charmers
• Roses are Red — and Blue Heeler Puppies Are Awesome

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Raising a Dog in the Country

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Rural dog training

Rural dogs have more freedom than city dogs, but that comes with its own set of training challenges, all of them for the safety of the dog and the people and other critters he encounters.

Photography ©KariHoglund | Getty Images

“I had to teach Sofi not to kill our chickens,” says Berta Bader, a full-time student from Boise, Idaho, of her 11-year-old Miniature Poodle. “I supervised Sofi with the chickens and distracted her when she looked at them. Next step was a lot of praise every time she ignored the chickens. Now chicken killing is not her main focus.”

Lisa G. Shaffer, PhD, from Spokane, Washington, has trained her four dogs — two Dachshunds and two Saint Bernards — to stop on command.

“We don’t want our wiener dogs in with our miniature horses,” Lisa says. “The horses don’t like the small dogs, and we worry that they’ll get stepped on. If we say stop, they stop and wait for us to pick them up, or it gets their attention and we can call them back.”

Shannon Bridwell of Greer, South Carolina, lives with two Greyhounds and five Ibizan Hounds. “A lot of rural dogs have issues with barking, reactivity and other behavioral concerns associated with a lack of socialization, training, and mental and physical stimulation,” she says. “A lot of rural owners do not take their dogs out as often as city people do.”

Sharma Sonntag of Lander, Wyoming, who lives with three Rat Terriers, says that rural dogs need to be trained not to chase wildlife and that they should be “snake trained” as well.

Emily Hurt of Sherman, Texas, who lives with seven Border Collies, says that the biggest training must-have for a rural dog is good check-in  behavior. “I know when I’m out on the property I can count on my dogs to check in with me periodically just to be sure they know where I am. This is reinforced from the time that they’re very young, and it’s something I make sure to continuously reinforce and strengthen as the dogs go through different stages of maturity.”

Photography ©eAlisa | Getty Images ©ktmoffitt | Getty Images

Country dog health

Rural dogs need flea and tick control, heartworm prevention, the leptospirosis vaccine and intestinal parasite control, says Lisa Whitney, DVM, from St. Johnsbury, Vermont.

Emily also says that the biggest health must is staying up to date on preventives. “All of my Border Collies naturally seem to avoid or ignore snakes, but my Jack Russell was a master snake hunter back in the day,” she says. “I gave her the rattlesnake vaccine a few times. I didn’t want to be in a bad spot and have her completely unprotected.”

Wendy also believes in preventive care due to the country dogs’ love of nature’s snacks. “Deer poop looks like doggo kibble, turkey poop looks like ice cream, and dead mice and rodents are part of life in the country,” she says. “They’re all delicious to dogs. Got to keep them on the worm preventives.”

Other animals pose a big hazard to the country dog, from snakes to predators, from rabid animals to those who seem like not much of a threat, like deer.

“Petey once thought a deer reclining under an oak tree was our late Greyhound, Magic,” says Wendy of her Chihuahua. “When he went to say hi, the deer hoofed him! He had a huge gash across his torso. Thankfully it didn’t need stitches, but he learned his lesson — and I did, too!”

Linda Chekanow of Sparta, North Carolina, has also had an unexpected experience with a dog and a deer. “Waffles, my Chihuahua mix, fell in love with a doe who kept coming into the fenced acre where we have our fruit trees and chickens,” Linda says. “They ran along the fence together, like playing. After several days the deer turned up in our garden one evening at dusk. Before I could stop him, Waffles went running full speed to her, barking all the way. She eyeballed him, and when he got close enough, she raised one hoof and kicked him. He came yipping back to the door with poop hanging out of his butt! It sounds funny now, but at the time I was scared he might have been hurt. Luckily nothing was broken but his heart.”

Susan Daffron of Sandpoint, Idaho, says that her dogs are never left unsupervised and that they are always on leash, confined in a fenced area or inside the house. “One of our neighbors had their dog stomped on by a moose, which broke the dog’s back. Other dogs in the area have been shot by property owners because the dog was messing with their livestock, such as eating chickens.”

Weather can also pose a health danger. Make sure that your dog stays hydrated in hot weather, especially if he has a thick coat.

“Frostbite can be a hazard, and poor visibility during snowstorms can cause disorientation,” says Kelly Leathers from Vail, Colorado, who lives with Lily, a 10-year-old Newfoundland/Golden Retriever mix. “If you live in a mountainous region, avalanches can be a serious risk. This year there was an avalanche almost every day. Many dog parents choose to put a beacon on their canine companions.”

Even plants in the environment can cause a dog pain and illness. When Sharma worked as a veterinary technician, a young Springer Spaniel, Yukon, was brought into the clinic with thousands of foxtails embedded in his body. The owners wanted the dog euthanized.

“He had them in his ear, his legs, belly, neck, pretty much everywhere,” Sharma says. “I adopted him and then spent nine months removing foxtails and getting him well. Yukon went on to be a therapy dog.”

Challenges and advantages

“We run into a major issue with off-leash, unsocialized dogs,” Shannon says. “There’s a mentality in the country that dogs can just run loose. We can’t even take walks on our road because there are so many loose dogs. I also feel that many rural dogs do not get the same level of socialization and intentional exercise because owners rely on big yards and don’t take the dogs out very often.”

Lisa says that her Dachshund, Trixie, is an excellent mouser, and that if they don’t watch her, the dog will tear up the garden. “She has destroyed a lawn mower trying to get to a mouse nest, torn up sprinklers trying to get to mice, has dug under the deck — basically she’s always in search of mice,” Lisa says.

Rural dogs also find strange things because many are allowed to roam and explore their land.

“My Collie, Emma, brought home an empty tortoise shell,” says Terry Albert, who lives in Poway, California, with four dogs. “Another time she brought home the head of a steer my neighbor had butchered. He had thrown the head into the nearby brush.”

Life as a country dog also has many advantages, and there are advantages for dog lovers as well. Most rural areas allow people to keep many more dogs than they could in a city or the suburbs.

---

Country Pup Hazards

Embrace Pet Insurance’s data shows that their top five claims for rural dogs are:

✯  Cranial cruciate ligament tear

✯  Allergy

✯  Seizure

✯  Lymphoma

✯  UTI

Embrace concludes that perhaps dogs who have property or larger yards aren’t always leash walked and have access to unrestricted running (leading to cruciate ligament tears), versus city dogs, which tend
to be leash-trained.

Other hazards facing rural
dogs include:

✯  Ticks and other biting bugs

✯  Skunk (getting sprayed isn’t fatal, but it’s inconvenient)

✯  Porcupine

✯  Venomous snakes

✯  Foxtail grass

✯  Poisonous plants

✯  Predators + other critters: Mountain lions (also known as cougars, bobcats, coyotes, bears, wild boars, deer, moose, elk, hawks, eagles, owls and raccoons

✯  Rabid animals

✯  Cars zipping down
country roads

✯  Unfriendly people and dogs

 

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 dog news on Dogster.com:

• JustFoodForDogs Offers Human-Grade Food for Dogs
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The Curious Case of the Nervous Tummy

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“That’s right, every day she’s spitting up three to four times a day, maybe more. She gets so nervous and then, blammo! She cranes her neck like it hurts and little specks of bile seem to spray out of her mouth!”

Photography ©MediaProduction | Getty Images

Confusing symptoms

Later that morning, I was petting Flora on my examination table and still couldn’t decipher her symptoms. For the past few months, Flora had been “spitting up” liquid bile primarily mid-morning and mid-afternoon. On a few occasions, Flora had awakened her owner in the middle of the night dry heaving in bed. Upon further questioning, I discovered Flora had recently become a little more “nervous around strangers,” and a neighbor had recently adopted a new puppy, causing Flora “considerable distress.” Flora seemed more “clingy” and was increasingly prone to “shaking at the slightest loud sound.” I was beginning to get a hunch of what may be going on.

A thorough physical and neurological exam was normal. In-clinic blood, urine and fecal tests were all normal. Flora’s owner agreed to allow me to take a couple of radiographs to make sure there weren’t any abnormalities in her throat or stomach. We also performed a simple oral dye study to look for narrowing of the esophagus, swallowing issues, or unusual anatomy or tumors. These basic tests are the foundation of any chronic vomiting diagnosis.

Fortunately, all of the tests were normal. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a definitive diagnosis yet. That’s how it is in medicine; sometimes the most important information is knowing what isn’t causing the symptoms. In Flora’s case, I’d eliminated the vast majority of serious, perhaps even life-threatening conditions in a single visit. To uncover her problem would now take a little experimentation.

What is GERD?

My primary rule-out at this point was gastroesophageal-reflux disease or GERD, most likely caused or exacerbated by anxiety. While GERD is relatively uncommon, affecting less than 1% of dogs, it should be considered in cases of chronic vomiting or nausea. Many dogs with GERD or behavioral problems will extend their neck, shake, seek attention or solace from their owners, and many will dry heave or vomit. I was also concerned about GERD due to the fact that most of the episodes occurred several hours after eating. My plan was pretty simple: start Flora on a famotidine (Pepcid) trial, combined with breaking her meals into four to five smaller meals strategically placed throughout the day and a “midnight snack” just before bedtime. I also suggested some behavioral modification to help ease Flora’s anxiety around other dogs, strangers and noises.

✤ Two weeks later Flora was back and doing much better. She was still working on the behavioral modification, but had warmed up to the neighbor’s puppy, much to her owner’s delight. We decided to wean her off the famotidine and stick with the small, frequent meals. If Flora exhibited any signs of nausea or discomfort, I instructed her owner to give the famotidine immediately.

✤ One month later, Flora was almost back to normal. We’d made a few tweaks to her diet (I boosted the fiber content of the food her owner called the “between-meal snacks”) and started a more
regimented physical activity program (a 30-minute daily walk “rain or shine”), along with “puppy playtime” with the neighbor’s dog. She’d only needed the medication twice during the four weeks.

Getting results

Flora’s case proves once again that sometimes the best test results are the ones that don’t diagnose a disease. Too often, we expect instant answers with little effort or cost, when sometimes we need to slow down, be more thorough, thoughtful and patient. With my patients, the first thing I do is ensure a dangerous disease isn’t present. Most of the time, a few simple diagnostic tests can rule out the really scary conditions and give us time to solve the pet’s problems. Many times, pet owners are reluctant to proceed with diagnostic tests and eager to start treatment. The risk with this approach is you may waste valuable time on the wrong treatment. Your veterinarian is happy to explain why certain tests are needed, and, if not, find a veterinary team that will.

Also, give as much information and detail as possible. Flora’s owner gave me all of the puzzle pieces I needed to assemble a diagnosis. If you feel your veterinary team isn’t taking the time to listen to you, tell them. In nearly 30 years of practice, I’ve learned my best “diagnostic test” is listening. The bedrock of medicine is the patient history — be as flowery as possible!

Thumbnail: ©Eriklam | Getty Images

About the author:

Dr. Ernie Ward is an internationally recognized veterinarian known for his innovations in general small-animal practice, long-term medication monitoring, special needs of senior dogs and cats, and pet obesity. He has authored three books and has been a frequent guest on numerous TV programs.

Read more on dogster.com:

• What can be Done to Prevent Recurrent Ear Infections?
• Why Won’t Some Ear Infections Resolve?
• Why do Dogs Get Ear Infections After Swimming?

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Service Dogs Good for Recipients and Their Families

The post Service Dogs Good for Recipients and Their Families by Melissa L. Kauffman 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 Purdue University study published in May in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy attached a numerical measure to the positive effect of service dogs on humans. Although previous studies demonstrated that service dogs improve people’s quality of life, this study is the first to show measurable benefits of service dogs. According to the study, living with a service dog was most closely associated with less health-related worry, and better overall psychosocial health and emotional functioning, less total family impact from the chronic condition and better emotional health-related quality of life.

Photography ©Sinenkiy | Getty Images

About the author

Covering the pet world for more than 25 years, Melissa L. Kauffman has been an editor/writer for a wide variety of pet magazines and websites from the small critters to parrots to cats and dogs. Her advisory team of rescued pets — dogs Tampa Bay and Justice and parrots Deacon and Pi-Pi — help keep her on top of the latest and greatest pet health research, training and products, anything to give keep them in the high life they are accustomed to. Follow Tampa and his crew on Instagram @tampa.bay.pup.report while Melissa can always be found working on the next issue of Catster and Dogster magazines at caster.com and dogster.com.

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Custom Cookie Cutters

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Ivan Gersonskiy came up with this brilliant idea. “I make a custom design based on the photo of a dog,
cat or any other pet (like lemur, parrot, squirrel, etc.) and then we 3D print it,” Ivan explains. “All cutters are made of food-safe, biodegradable plastic.”

Just send a photo of your dog (or any other pet) and it will become a cookie cutter — and a wagalicious gift for you or any pet lover. “The first pet portrait cutter I made was a cookie cutter of my own dog,” Ivan says. “It turned out really great, and it was such fun to make these cookies.”

One of Ivan’s recent orders was a portrait of a dog for his 20th birthday. “They are making a family celebration,” says Ivan, “and I’m happy to participate just a little bit in such an amazing event. Each pet portrait I make is special to me; I’m trying to catch the personal features and character of each. I really enjoy my work. What can be more positive than happy cat or dog faces?” Cookie cutters retail for $27. See Bakers Street Cutters at etsy.com/shop/bakersstreetcutters.       

About the author:

Covering the pet world for more than 25 years, Melissa L. Kauffman has been an editor/writer for a wide variety of pet magazines and websites from the small critters to parrots to cats and dogs. Her advisory team of rescued pets — dogs Tampa Bay and Justice and parrots Deacon and Pi-Pi — help keep her on top of the latest and greatest pet health research, training and products, anything to give keep them in the high life they are accustomed to. Follow Tampa and his crew on Instagram @tampa.bay.pup.report while Melissa can always be found working on the next issue of Catster and Dogster magazines at caster.com and dogster.com.

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Why We Love Black Dogs

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Here are our favorite things to love about black dogs:

1 Always ready to go

While you should always keep your dog clean and well-groomed, with a black dog that last-minute roll in the mud right before dinner guests arrive might be a little less noticeable! Compared to dogs with light fur, dirt shows up much less on black dogs — which can be convenient.

Photography ©damedeeso | Getty Images

2 Improve your photography

Want a new hobby? Black dogs might be very photogenic, but they can also be harder to photograph, especially inside or in low-lighting situations. Like any other dog guardian, you are going to want to take lots of pictures of your dog, so you’ll end up becoming an amateur photographer to get that perfect shot.

3 Look good in everything

Who doesn’t love to spoil their dog? Fancy dog collars, bandannas and even costumes all look fantastic on black dogs. You can go with any color accessory and it will stand out beautifully against your dog’s coat. Don’t forget bejeweled leashes and designer dog beds. Your black dog will coordinate with any doggie décor or accessory!

Photography ©GlobalP | Getty Images

4 Match your tux/gown

Do you like to dress up? Having a black dog means your pup will always coordinate with your favorite little black dress. Not into dressing up but wear a lot of black? Having a black dog means that your dog’s fur is way less likely to show up on you. Basically, black dogs make anyone look more pulled together.

5 Hide-and-Seek

Your black dog will be the perfect hide-and-seek partner because of how easily he can blend into dark corners of your house. As a fun trick, teach your black dog to hide in closets or corners, but don’t forget to teach your dog to
come, or you might be searching for a while!

6 They might be magical

In Europe and especially England, there are many examples in folklore about apparitions of black dogs. Although sometimes this mythology portrays these big, black dogs as haunting “hellhounds,” the ancient Egyptians worshiped the god Anubis who was associated with the afterlife. Anubis is depicted as a black dog-like figure. God or hound of hell — either way you have a brilliant built-in Halloween costume!

7 Introvert bestie

Don’t like talking to people? Get a black dog! People have a lot of preconceived misconceptions that black dogs are mean or unapproachable, so having a black dog might mean people leave you alone, which means more uninterrupted time hanging out with your dog! (Although you should always be a black dog ambassador and help dispel people of that myth!)

8 Hidden speed bump

Black dogs are likely to make you go bump in the night! It seems like all dogs like to sleep right where your feet need to be, and black dogs are almost invisible, especially in the middle of the night when you’re heading to the kitchen for a drink of water or a snack. The good thing is if there were ever a burglar, your black dog would also trip them — and then probably lick them to death.

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 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?

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Service Dogs Good for Recipients and Their Families

The post Service Dogs Good for Recipients and Their Families 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.

A Purdue University study published in May in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy attached a numerical measure to the positive effect of service dogs on humans. Although previous studies demonstrated that service dogs improve people’s quality of life, this study is the first to show measurable benefits of service dogs. According to the study, living with a service dog was most closely associated with less health-related worry, and better overall psychosocial health and emotional functioning, less total family impact from the chronic condition and better emotional health-related quality of life.

Thumbnail: Photography ©Sinenkiy | Getty Images

About the author:

Jackie Brown is a freelance writer from Southern California who specializes in the pet industry. Reach her at jackiebrown writer.wordpress.com.

Learn more about the benefits of pets at dogster.com:

• Harvard Says, Get a Dog! Its New Report Details the Many Ways Having a Dog Make Us Healthy
• Internet Video Series Illustrates Some of the Human Health Benefits of Pets
• Article Outlines Health Benefits of Pet Ownership

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When Your Dog is 12 Years Old

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For humans, a big difference can exist between someone who is 64 years old and 77 years old. The 64-year-old is more likely to be active and may only be feeling a few aches and pains of old age. The 77-year-old, on the other hand, may be slowing down a bit, depending on his overall health.

The same is true for dogs in this comparative age group. If you have a smaller dog that has reached the age of 12, you probably won’t notice as many age-related changes than you would if your dog weighs more than 50 pounds.

Whatever your dog’s size, you may start to see some evidence that he is eligible for his AARP membership card. Here’s how being alive for 12 years affects different sized dogs:

Photography ©MarcusPhoto1 | Getty Images

Small dogs

Dogs weighing less than 20 pounds tend to live longer than larger dogs and aren’t showing as much signs of old age by the time they hit 12 years. While it’s unlikely your small dog will have the same energy he did as a puppy or young adult, he should still be capable of playing, going on long walks and jumping up out of his bed at dinnertime. Keeping him at a healthy weight is crucial, especially at his age. If he’s carrying too many pounds, the excess weight will slow him down and make him more prone to developing arthritis in the next few years.

Small dogs are notorious for dental issues, and if your dog hasn’t had regular dental care over the course of his life, you may start to see problems by the time he is 12. Periodontal disease, loose and infected teeth and bad breath can all be problems that turn up in small dogs of this age.

Medium dogs

Because dogs in this weight category are pushing 70 in human years, they will start to show some signs of aging. Your dog’s energy level will probably not be what it once was. He will still enjoy walks and outings, but he likely won’t have the stamina to go all day without a few long breaks. Do still provide your dog with regular exercise, even if he isn’t as eager to run around as he used to be. Activity will keep his muscles well-toned, his weight down and his joints healthy.

Another way to help your dog’s joints is to start him on a nutritional joint supplement. Commercial supplements containing glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM are reported to be helpful in minimizing the effects of arthritis in dogs. You may also want to get your dog an orthopedic bed to sleep on, as this can help ease any discomfort he might be feeling in his joints.

A visit to the veterinarian every 6 months is a good idea for a medium- sized dog who has reached the age of 12. The vet will draw blood and do a physical exam, both of which can help detect problems at the early stage. Since dogs in this age group are more prone to developing serious health issues like kidney failure or diabetes, the sooner these problems are detected, the better the outlook for treatment.

Large dogs

A 12-year-old dog in the over-50-pounds weight class is well into his senior years. It’s likely your large dog has slowed down quite a bit and prefers long naps to running in the yard. He may also be losing his hearing and/or his sight, and he may be suffering from arthritis.

Even though your large dog may be experiencing these physical challenges, it doesn’t mean he’s ready to give up. Older dogs can still have happy, fulfilling lives with just a few adjustments on your part.

First, see a veterinarian at least twice a year for checkups. Your vet can help alleviate some of the discomfort he might feel due to arthritis or other age-related issues. If your dog is starting to lose his sight, help him by keeping your furniture in the same place all the time — don’t rearrange the house on a whim! Avoid putting him in unfamiliar situations unless you have him on a leash and can carefully guide him. If your 12-year-old dog is losing his hearing, start teaching him sign language so you can continue to communicate with him. Use hand signals for “come,” “sit” and “stay,” for starters. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your dog will catch on.

Although older dogs are not as active as they were in their youth, it’s still important to give them regular exercise. Take your dog for walks around the neighborhood or at a local park. The movement will help keep his joints lubricated and will provide him with the kind of mental stimulation he needs to stay young.

Thumbnail: Photography ©K_Thalhofer | Getty Images

About the author:

An award-winning writer and editor, Audrey Pavia is a former managing editor at Dog Fancy magazine and former senior editor of The AKC Gazette. She is the author of The Labrador Retriever Handbook (Barrons) and has written extensively on horses as well as other pets. She shares her home in Norco, California, with two rescue dogs, Candy and Mookie.

Learn more tips for caring for your dog on dogster.com:

• How to Take Care of a Dog — 9 Things You Should Never Do
• 5 Tips for Caring for Senior Dogs
• Caring for Your Dog During Extreme Winter Weather

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My Dog Can’t Pee!

The post My Dog Can’t Pee! by Dr. Catherine Ashe 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.

In some case, spasms of the urinary tract can cause obstruction, too. This may be secondary to pain, infection, inflammation or cancer.

What to watch out for

What you may notice at home is an increased need to go outside, frequent squatting and straining without production of any urine (or production of small amounts), restlessness, panting and a distended, tight belly. If untreated, dogs may develop vomiting and collapse. If you notice these signs, it is an emergency, and your dog should be evaluated immediately. Urinary obstruction can lead to bladder rupture if not addressed promptly. There is no specific safe treatment at home, thus you should seek veterinary care.

If, after a physical exam, your veterinarian suspects a bladder obstruction, he or she will start with X-rays of the urinary tract. This includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. X-rays will determine if stones are the cause. Many bladder stones can be seen easily, although a certain subset of them are not. If no stones are seen, further investigation for a cause will need to be conducted.

Treatment options

Regardless of the underlying cause, relief of the obstruction is needed. This is accomplished by passing a urinary catheter into the bladder. In dogs, this isn’t possible without heavy sedation and/or anesthesia. Be prepared for this if your dog is not urinating.

Urinary obstruction causes imbalances in electrolytes. Instead of the kidneys excreting potassium into the urine, the body retains the potassium. As the bladder remains obstructed, potassium levels rise, leading to dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. Prior to sedation, your veterinarian will conduct blood work on your dog to ensure that electrolytes are normal. If they are not, fluids will be given to correct abnormalities.

Since fluid therapy will delay passing a urinary catheter, the veterinarian will do a cystocentesis. This is when a needle is passed through the body wall into the bladder. It is often done using an ultrasound to guide the needle. The bladder is then emptied of urine. This gives time for electrolytes and fluid imbalances to be corrected. As a result, sedation and anesthesia are much safer.

Depending on the cause of the obstruction, a urinary catheter may be left in place. If stones in the urethra were present, placing a urinary catheter will flush them back into the bladder. At that time, surgery (called a cystotomy) to remove the stones will be done. If spasms are the cause of the problem, medications may be given to decrease the inflammation, and the catheter left in place for one to three days. If a cause for the obstruction cannot be found, further testing such as ultrasound and CT scan of the urinary tract may be conducted.

Prognosis depends on the cause of the obstruction. The most important thing to know is that if your dog appears unable to urinate, an urgent veterinary trip is needed. Do not wait. The sooner this problem is addressed, the better the outcome.

Thumbnail: ©GlobalP, Aonip, Benedek | Getty Images

About the author:

Catherine Ashe is a veterinarian, mother and freelance writer residing in Asheville, North Carolina. For nine years, she practiced emergency medicine and is now a relief GP. When not working, she spends time with her family of six, reading, writing and enjoying the Blue Ridge mountains.

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

• Why Do Dogs Have Epileptic Seizures?
• Health Issues for Brachycephalic or Flat-Faced Dogs
• Dog Seizures: What Causes Them and How Should They be Treated?

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Canine Concierge

The post Canine Concierge by Annie Shirreffs 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.

Need a canine fix when you’re traveling without your dog? The Craddock Terry Hotel in Lynchburg, Virginia, has you covered. The hotel recently appointed Wire Fox Terrier Penny Loafer to the role of Official Greeter and Concierge. Penny Loafer is taking over for 10-year-old Buster Brown, who is headed into retirement.

Photography ©Lindsey Hinkley

Penny Loafer is in charge of greeting guests of the 44-guestroom boutique hotel and accompanies visitors on walks to explore the neighborhood, which includes the Historic District and the Lynchburg Dog Park. Penny is extremely friendly and makes all of her guests feel welcome.

The Craddock Terry Hotel is obviously dog friendly and offers furry visitors treats, toys, a dog bed and bowl. Guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s dog-walking service — their dogs can even go for a walk with Penny Loafer!

Penny may have big shoes to fill, but the guests love her already!

Learn more about Penny Loafer and the Craddock Terry Hotel at craddockterryhotel.com, and follow her adventures on Facebook @CraddockTerryHotel and on Instagram @craddockterryhotel.              — Annie

Thumbnail: ©Lindsey Hinkley

About the author:

Annie Butler Shirreffs has worked in the pet industry for 20 years and is currently the senior editor of Catster and Dogster magazines. A cat lover since she was a little girl, she has always had feline friends in her life. She and her husband share their Southern California home with their four cats, Agatha, Alastair, Jack and Mathilda, and an ever-changing clowder of foster kittens, all of whom enjoy being testers for cool, new products.

Find more fun activities for you and your dog on dogster.com:

• Where to Find a Great Dog Park Near You
• Rainy Day Activity – Find It!
• 5 Fun and Easy Brain Games for Dogs

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Help for Pet Loss

The post Help for Pet Loss by Cait Rohan Kelly 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.

Pets are our family — so why are the resources for grieving a beloved pet so limited? The loss of Kaleel Sakakeeny’s cat, Kyro, led him to answer this need. “The death and grief were devastating. I became truly lost, much to my great surprise. Few professionals are trained in the grief process,” Kaleel says. “Fewer still are trained to help those suffering from the loss of a beloved animal friend.”

Kaleel is now certified as a pet loss and grief counselor and — to add a much-needed spiritual element to the grieving process — an ordained animal chaplain, an ordained minister, and a loss and bereavement facilitator.

With pet loss, Kaleel says one of the most important tools is listening. He also encourages drawing, journaling, praying, meditating, blessings and more. Kaleel’s Facebook page draws nearly 900 followers, and he leads monthly Animal Talks and a new grief group at Angell Animal Hospital-MSPCA in the Boston area where he resides. Kaleel hopes to extend his outreach to schools, specifically children who have experienced the loss of a pet. He would also like to host online seminars. Follow Kaleel and his work on Facebook @petgriefhelpandcounseling, petministry boston.com or email Kaleel@theothermecoaching.com.

Thumbnail: ©Wendie Hansen

About the author:

Cait Rohan Kelly is a digital writer, editor and marketer with over a decade of experience working with everything from sports stars to different types of cheese. She is currently the Digital Content Marketing Manager for Dogster and Catster. Cait is a 2018 Dog Writers Association of America nominee for Dogster.com. She is also a lifelong animal lover and grew up with a lovable blue tick Beagle named Blue.

Find more on dogster.com:

• 5 Dog-Friendly Breweries to Check Out This Summer
• Top 5 Beaches To Vacation With Your Dog
• Dug Up at Dogster: July 2019 Dog Events

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Why Dogs Lick Themselves Before Sleeping?

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Still of the night

“The likely explanation is that the dog is merely grooming himself prior to going to sleep,” says John Ciribassi, DVM. “Grooming while relaxed is a common cause for the behavior.”

It’s also possible the dog is licking throughout the day, but either we aren’t home to notice or we notice it more at night when things are quiet and we are trying to sleep.

The absence of the day’s diversions allows a dog to notice things, too — things that can lead to licking. When the day’s activities catch up with him, a dog who has overexerted could be licking sore or stiff muscles. Conversely, an under-stimulated dog might lick out of boredom.

Nocturnal gnawing

While several veterinarians and behaviorists told me they don’t know why dogs specifically choose the time right before sleep to lick, there are theories.

One theory: Because it’s annoying. Licking before sleeping can be an attention-seeking behavior — and it usually works. Your dog slurps, and you react by giving him attention, even if it’s negative attention. That reaction could inadvertently reinforce the behavior. In addition, self-licking for attention might occur due to misunderstanding: Praising a dog when he licks your face could lead the dog to associate reward with all forms of licking.

Others suggest separation anxiety. If you and your dog sleep apart, the physical separation could trigger licking as a stress reliever. But it could be more deeply rooted. Some theorize that separation anxiety stems from maternal separation. Because mothers lick their pups to groom, show affection and stimulate bodily functions, self-licking soothes by mimicking that maternal care.

And licking has been shown to release body chemicals called endorphins that promote a sense of calm and comfort.

Older dogs with canine cognitive dysfunction (or dementia) can develop sundown syndrome, which manifests itself in anxious and repetitive behaviors when the sun sets. While self-licking is not generally associated with sundown syndrome, it could be a contributing factor.

Beyond a lap before nap

Simply taking advantage of the pause at day’s end for a hygienic lap of luxury is common and normal. But excessive licking — no matter what time of day — could signal a medical or behavioral issue.

“Licking can have many causes,”  says Dr. Ciribassi, founder of Chicagoland Veterinary Behavior Consultants. “Medically, skin disease, especially atopy [immune response to allergens], is at the top of the list.”

Fleas and mites, hormonal imbalance and dry skin can irritate and cause itchiness. Allergies to food ingredients or environmental elements, such as pollen, mold and dust, could be at play.

“Any condition causing pain, such as arthritis, cancer, trauma, can cause licking,” says Dr. Ciribassi, a resident of Carol Stream, Illinois, and diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.

“Gastrointestinal disorders causing nausea can result in licking, as well,” he says. Nausea can occur from eating, illness or ingesting harmful substances.

Obsessive licking in the tail or anal area could mean the anal glands need to be expressed. Or licking could be something as simple as trying to expel something foreign from the mouth (like a hair).

Behaviorally, Dr. Ciribassi says, “Compulsive disorders often related to anxiety can cause excessive licking.” Anxiety also can be situational, for example, being in a new environment or when someone new is in the house.

Behavioral issues that result in over-grooming can lead to physical problems, including hair loss, yeast and bacterial infections, and skin disorders such as hot spots (inflamed skin that is warm to the touch) and granulomas (thick, red skin lesions).

Lick the problem

Don’t let licking cause the ticking away of your rest.

“Have the dog evaluated by his veterinarian,” Dr. Ciribassi advises. “If the dog checks out normally on a medical basis, then get together with a behaviorist or veterinarian comfortable with dealing with behavior issues.”

There are tools to help lick self-licking, from enriching your dog’s life to skin-soothing shampoos, taste-deterrent topical sprays and creams, calming supplements, pheromone therapies, security vests, soft collars and anti-anxiety medication. Your vet can lead you in the right direction.

Remember: Licking in moderation can be good. Saliva aids wound healing. And everybody likes a clean dog. So if your dog’s nighttime self-licking is just normal grooming, it’s nothing to lose sleep over.

---

Signs of trouble

• Excessive licking
• Licking that comes on suddenly
• Hair loss with skin exposure
• Hot spots (inflamed skin) and granulomas (skin lesions)
• Lameness or limping
• Vomiting or loss of appetite
  

  ---

Dog licking do’s & don’ts

Keep your dog active. He’ll sleep better and be less likely to lick out of boredom.

> Stay on a regular sleeping schedule, and maintain a calm environment.

> Encourage your dog to drink a little water before bed (not so much he has to go out during the night). Thirsty dogs sometimes lick to stimulate salivary glands.

> Brush your dog and check his paws before bed.

> Check your dog’s bedding for irritants like fleas or burrs. Consider that he might be allergic to the bedding material or the detergent used to wash it.

> Provide a safe toy for your dog at bedtime to comfort and distract.

> Pay attention to where your dog licks. If he focuses on a specific area, check the spot. If possible, watch for licking throughout the day.

> Practice patience. Ignore your dog’s licking or leave the room for a few minutes.

DON’T

> Go for a walk or engage in play immediately before bedtime. Do so an hour or two before bed to tire out your dog without ramping up his energy right before retiring.

> Feed your dog right before bed. Stomach upset can cause licking.

> Let your dog out just before heading to sleep (going outside opens the door to irritants like ticks, allergens, scrapes, and pebbles between toes). Do so an hour or two before bed.

Thumbnail: Photography ©DaxPixel | Getty Images

About the author

St. Louis-based freelance writer Martha M. Everett has lived on both coasts covering everything from Washington to Westminster. She has written for Nestlé Purina PetCare publications and is a former managing editor of Dog Fancy magazine.

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 Know About Your 2-Year-Old Dog
• How Long Are Dogs Pregnant? Dog Pregnancy and Dog Gestation Period
• Mange in Dogs: Let’s Talk Causes and Treatments

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All Dogs Are Not Equal

The post All Dogs Are Not Equal 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.

Let’s look at some of the reasons all dogs are not created equal and why all dogs need different training approaches.

If you have a large or giant breed dog, like an Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Belgian Malinois, Bernese Mountain Dog or Great Dane, you need to train and socialize him very well or you’ll have big problems like the dog taking over all areas of the house, loud barking and aggressiveness (which is much scarier to your fellow man than in a small dog), leash pulling that will pull you off your feet, or jumping up and knocking people over. Photography courtesy ©YuraDobro | Getty Images

Breed (or mix of breeds)

Your dog’s ancestry is arguably the thing that influences him the most. All breeds were developed to do specific jobs, and different breeds have different characteristics that are hardwired after many generations of selective breeding.

“Know what the breed was bred to do,” says Allan Reznik, a journalist, editor and broadcaster who specializes in dog-related subjects. “Working dogs, herding dogs and sporting dogs are bred to work with man. They’re just more in tune with man and very much into pleasing you than say, a Terrier or a Hound. Those are dogs that basically just ran around killing vermin or chasing game; they didn’t require the same level of obedience.”

Think of your dog’s special breed traits as his superpowers and harness them for good, not evil. For instance, an obedient breed like a Golden Retriever or Australian Shepherd will love learning as many awesome tricks as you can teach. Beagles and Bloodhounds, while less obedient due to their distracting, incredible sense of smell, are awesome at dog sports like tracking and nosework. Extremely active dogs like Russell Terriers, Siberian Huskies, Border Collies, Labs and Dalmatians, excel at agility and make excellent hiking and jogging companions. Terriers will keep your yard gopher- and rat-free!

If you have an extremely active dog breed or mixed breed, such as a Boxer, Bullmastiff, American Staffordshire Terrier, Doberman, German Shorthaired Pointer, Greyhound or Vizsla, then lots of daily exercise is a must or you’ll have a hyper dog with undesirable behaviors because he is under-exercised. Photography courtesy ©FiN85 | Getty Images

Size and strength

All dogs need socialization and training, but big dogs and little dogs act differently and need different types of socialization and training. When you bring home a large-breed puppy, start your training off from Day One anticipating that your little puppy will no longer be small.

“Don’t allow a puppy to do anything that you wouldn’t allow an adult to do: That means play biting, that means pulling on the leash,” says Allan, who is also an American Kennel Club judge and the former editor-in-chief of Dogs in Review and Dog Fancy magazines. “It may be cute if a puppy does it, but as the dog gets older and stronger it’s going to be that much more difficult to break him of old habits.”

A dog’s size and strength can clue you in to the types of things you might need to work on in the future. For instance, a Yorkshire Terrier jumping up on you isn’t too bothersome, but a full-grown Mastiff jumping up on you can cause some serious trouble.

“Owners of large dogs might be more focused on things like pulling on leash, reactivity and jumping, while owners of smaller dogs may be more focused on housetraining and good social skills,” says Lori Nanan of New Hope, Pennsylvania, founder of the nonprofit Your Pit Bull and You, a resource created to highlight rewards-based training and promote Pit Bulls in a positive light. “In any case, the reality is that dogs are dependent on us to teach them how to live happily and harmoniously in our complex human world.”

For little dogs, focus on socialization and building confidence. Some people get into the bad habit of carrying little dogs around all the time instead of letting them explore the world on their own.

“You’re not doing the dog a favor by treating him like a furry baby,” Allan says. “You need to build the dog’s confidence. Let your dog walk on his own four feet. If the dog is momentarily frightened, resist the urge to pick him up and cuddle him and talk baby talk. Encourage him, but don’t overly pamper or baby the dog.”

If you have a small but very alert dog breed, like a Miniature Schnauzer, Dachshund, many of the Terriers, Chihuahua or Miniature Pinscher, you’ll want to focus on socialization, or you’ll have a dog that barks at every stranger, whether they are a danger or not. Photgraphy courtesy
©onetouchspark | Getty Images

Do your homework

In a perfect world, we would all do our research and carefully consider an individual puppy or dog’s personality and other traits carefully before bringing him home.

“People who live active lifestyles will do best with a dog who enjoys engaging in activities such as hiking, running, camping, etc.,” says Lori, who is also a staff member for the Academy for Dog Trainers. “Older folks might do best with an older dog who is past the puppy madness. All dogs are individuals, and there are factors that may play into temperament that are apart from breed. Considering this ahead of time can make for a happier life for all involved.”

Of course, the reality is that many of us fall in love with a dog at first sight — thoughtful reflection goes out the window. But even if you already have a dog, you can do some research about his breed or mix of breeds to help yourself better understand his drives and motivations. Trying to learn what makes your dog tick can go a long way toward helping you resolve his behavior challenges.

“The thing about a purebred dog is you can read up on them and you know you’re going to get a dog with certain predictable qualities, both physical traits and behavioral traits,” Allan says.

If you have a mixed breed, do a DNA test to help you figure out which breeds to research. While some results are quite mixed, there may be one or two breeds that make up the majority.

Your dog is unique

All dogs are not created equal — and all dog behavior is not the same. Whether you just brought home a puppy or have been struggling with behavior challenges for years, looking at your dog with fresh eyes can help prevent or resolve future issues.

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Photography courtesy ©alexkich | Getty Images

BSL and You

Breed specific legislation, or BSL, refers to laws that ban or restrict certain breeds of dogs or types of dogs, like Pit Bull type dogs, in an effort to curtail dangerous or aggressive animals. Unfortunately, BSL hasn’t done much to decrease dog bites. The good news is that 22 states have outlawed breed discriminatory laws in favor of laws that address behavior rather than breed. But BSL is still a sad reality for some pet owners.

If you own a Pit Bull type breed, Rottweiler, German Shepherd Dog or any other breed targeted by BSL, do your part to combat the stereotypes by being a responsible dog owner. “Abide by the very basic rules that we have,” says Deirdre Franklin, founder of the advocacy and rescue group Pinups for Pitbulls. “Walk your dog on a leash. Get them vaccinated.”

Deirdre, who earned her master’s degree in public policy and wrote her thesis on breed discriminatory laws, advises knowing your dog’s limitations when it comes to interactions with dogs, other animals and people. “If you know your dog isn’t capable of handling a certain situation, don’t set them up to fail by bringing them there,” she says. “Watch your dog and don’t leave them alone with children — all dogs, not just Pit Bull type dogs.

All dogs have teeth. All dogs are capable of biting.”

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Photography Courtesy ©lisegagne | Getty Images

Bring Out The Best In Your Dog

How well do you know your dog? To train your dog effectively, you must understand what makes him tick. “At heart, all dogs are the same, but they come in different sizes, shapes and personalities,” says veterinarian Gary Weitzman, DVM, CEO of the San Diego Humane Society and author of the National Geographic Complete Guide to Pet Health, Behavior, and Happiness: The Veterinarian’s Approach to At-Home Animal Care (2019). “Some like to be with people, some with other dogs and some do better by themselves. Training is all about knowing what you need from your dog and knowing what your dog needs from you.”

Dr. Weitzman shares some practical training advice for dogs of all breeds, sizes and personalities:

• Determine what drives your dog. Does he need a lot of activity, is he very social, is he food motivated?
• Make life as easy as possible with the right equipment. For instance, a sensation harness can help with big, strong dogs pulling on the leash.
• Find a good, positive-reinforcement trainer. A knowledgeable trainer is worth his or her weight in gold.
• Don’t skimp on training for little dogs. Yes, they’re cute, but small dogs need training, too. It will improve their behavior, help their confidence and improve their bond with you.
• Socialize early and often. All dogs need socialization with people and other dogs. You can’t start that early enough.
• Practice patience. Order a gallon of this and have it auto-shipped weekly. Puppies can be especially challenging, but your efforts will be rewarded with a well-behaved dog.

Thumbnail: Photography ©Victoria Rak | tuffphoto.com

Read more 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 All Dogs Are Not Equal 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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Operation Rescute

The post Operation Rescute by Melissa L. Kauffman 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 don’t know about you, but my first reaction was “Awww.” Founder of nonprofit Operation ResCUTE Laurie Brown-Nagin found a way to mix adorableness with helping rescue dogs. The nonprofit offers this line of too-cute stuffed dogs along with their own books based on a real dog’s actual rescue story. Targeted toward children ages 3 and up, the mission is “to teach empathy to the younger generation and encourage them to drive the decision to adopt a rescue dog or cat for their next pet.”

Laurie’s first rescue dog, Jingles, was — and continues to be — her muse. “Just knowing there are more than 6.5 million dogs and cats entering shelters each year and approximately only 30% getting adopted, I knew it was time to devote my efforts to helping other pets like Jingles find their loving homes,” she explains. “It is so rewarding to know you can make a difference in this world and give these wonderful animals the love they so deserve! That is why 100% of our profits go directly to shelters to help in their adoption efforts.”

Obviously, Operation ResCUTE is off to a great start. So, what’s next in the plan? “If we create the awareness and get people on board to help save these animals, I hope to expand the ResCUTE line to include the stories of more rescue dogs and cats,” Laurie says. “In addition, I am hoping to create another media vehicle for ResCUTES, which would involve film and/or television programming. The more the message can grow, the greater the number of animals we can help save. We have to be the voice for these animals left behind and change their lives for
the better.” Each stuffed dog and book retails for $22.95. Follow the Operation ResCUTE gang at operationrescute.com and on social @operationrescute.

Thumbnail: Photography Courtesy Operation Rescute

About the author:

Covering the pet world for more than 25 years, Melissa L. Kauffman has been an editor/writer for a wide variety of pet magazines and websites from the small critters to parrots to cats and dogs. Her advisory team of rescued pets — dogs Tampa Bay and Justice and parrots Deacon and Pi-Pi — help keep her on top of the latest and greatest pet health research, training and products, anything to give keep them in the high life they are accustomed to. Follow Tampa and his crew on Instagram @tampa.bay.pup.report while Melissa can always be found working on the next issue of Catster and Dogster magazines at caster.com and dogster.com.

Find out more about how you can help support animal shelters on dogster.com:

• Welcome Hall Mission Homeless Shelter Says Yes to Pets
• Take a Cue From Celebs This National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
• Take a Look Inside This Sanctuary That Helps Homeless Dogs With Disabilities

The post Operation Rescute by Melissa L. Kauffman 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.

Via Dogster https://www.dogster.com