These Cities and States are Moving to Stop the Retail Sale of Puppies

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Cities, counties and states continue to make moves to stop the retail sale of puppies largely in an effort to block puppies coming from large-scale breeding operations (commonly referred to as puppy mills). Two recent developments include:

Chicago: The Chicago City Council’s Health and Human Relations Committee in July unanimously approved a measure to ban pet stores from selling dogs, cats and rabbits at a profit. The new ban would effectively close a loophole that some Windy City pet stores had used to avoid a 2014 puppy mill ordinance that prohibited pet stores from selling puppies obtained from for-profit breeders. The ordinance had allowed the retail sale of pets if they came from shelters and adoption centers. However, some pet stores created “sham rescues” and continued selling puppies from mills. Under the proposed measure, pet stores could only host adoptions for rescue pets for nominal fees.

New York: The New York Puppy Mill Pipeline Bill (or S. 4234-A) passed in the State Senate in July. The bill was written by New York State Sen. Michael Gianaris, who collaborated with several animal welfare organizations. The bill next goes to the New York State Assembly. If the bill becomes law, sales of animals in pet stores would be banned throughout the entire state.

Read Next: The Truth About Puppy Mills

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

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

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

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

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

If your dog ate a sock, here’s what happens to that sock

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

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

What if you’re not sure if your dog ate a sock?

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

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

What to do if your dog swallowed a sock

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

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

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

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

Did your dog swallow a sock … or another object?  

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

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

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

This piece was originally published in 2017. 

Featured photo: gollykim/Getty Images

Read Next: Why Is My Dog Groaning When He Lies Down? 

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

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Can Dogs Detect COVID-19?

The post Can Dogs Detect COVID-19? by Arden Moore 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.

Right now getting a test for COVID-19 means having blood drawn or a swab inserted into your nose. But if the U.S. Army has its way, a dog may be able to let you know you’ve got the virus just by sniffing you.

Related: How Dog Owners Should Prepare for the Coronavirus 

Recent research being conducted by the Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland., in conjunction with the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine Working Dog Center, is exploring training dogs to detect the presence of COVID-19.

In the past, the University of Pennsylvania has had success in training dogs to identify cancer and diabetes in humans. Detecting the presence of COVID-19 means teaching the dogs to recognize proteins created by the human immune system when it responds to a COVID-19 infection.

According to University of Pennsylvania researcher Michele Maughan, the goal is to train dogs to detect the disease before a person starts showing symptoms, such as fever, coughing and shortness of breath.

“In the case of detecting COVID-19, the dogs never actually have any exposure to the live virus,” Michele says in a statement. “Rather, they are trained to detect the biomarkers associated with COVID-19 disease in humans.”

To perform such highly specialized training, the Army went to Patrick Nolan, a working dog trainer in Maryland who had previously provided military working dogs to the Army’s Special Forces. For this training, Nolan provided eight Labrador Retrievers between the ages of 1½ to 2½ years and one 6-year-old Belgian Malinois.

Nolan started training the dogs in May using a Training Aid Delivery Device (TADD), a specialized containment vessel that has a gas-permeable membrane. The TADD allows dogs to train on potentially hazardous material—human saliva and urine from COVID-19 infected patients—by letting the odor of the training aid out, but not the actual training aid.

The TADD was attached to a specialized training wheel, and the dogs were taught over six to nine weeks not only to detect the scent of COVID-19 human biomarkers, but to keep searching for hours at a time.

“Not every dog can stick with the length and degree of intensity of the training to get all the way to being able to detect in the part per trillion range,” said University of Pennsylvania researcher Jenna Gadberry. “And not every dog has the drive to stay with the game for hours at a time, which is essential if the dogs are to provide COVID-19 screening at the entrances to crowded public places such as at airports, sports stadiums or at border control checkpoints.”

Right now, the project is in a “proof-of-concept” phase, just to determine that dogs can indeed be trained to detect COVID-19. Ultimately, the Department of Defense envisions using COVID-19 detection dogs to provide an added layer to the nation’s biosecurity posture.

Featured Image: svetikd/Getty Images

Read Next: Meet the Service Dog Helping the Mystic Aquarium Save Seals

The post Can Dogs Detect COVID-19? by Arden Moore 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 Digestive System Basics — How Long Does it Take for a Dog to Digest Food?

The post Dog Digestive System Basics — How Long Does it Take for a Dog to Digest Food? 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.

Most dog owners don’t spend a lot of time thinking about their own digestive processes, much less the basics of the dog digestive system. The only times we really engage with the dog digestive system are when we feed our dogs and when we trot them out to eliminate their waste. But what happens to a dog’s kibble or canned food from the time it enters their gaping maws to when it passes out the other end? How long does it take for a dog to digest food? If you were to hazard a guess, you could probably name the major stops along the route in the dog digestive system.

Food enters through the mouth and slides down the esophagus on its way to the stomach. From there, it takes in the sights of the small and large intestines before departing the body. If that seems too simple, it is! The dog digestive system involves a staggering number of organs, fluids and enzymes, all playing their roles to convert food into usable energy. Whatever is left over, as surplus to requirements, is expelled through the anus in the form of feces.

How long does it take for a dog to digest food? Photography ©Chalabala | Thinkstock.

Let’s take a closer look at the dog digestive system and answer the following questions along the way:

• What are the major components of the dog digestive system?
  1. From mouth to stomach
  2. A fantastic journey through the small intestine
  3. The large intestine and waste removal
• Assorted questions about the dog digestive system:
  1. Where does digestion actually take place?
  2. How long does food stay in the stomach?
  3. How long does it take for a dog to digest food?

Pooping is the final step in the dog digestion process. Photography ©NUKUL2533 | iStock / Getty Images Plus.

Basics of the dog digestive system

Part 1: From mouth to stomach

The front end of the dog digestive system encompasses the mouth, esophagus, stomach and small intestine. Dog digestion begins almost immediately with saliva in the mouth. You may have wondered why dog tongues are so slobbery. Since they spend less time chewing food than humans tend to, all of that saliva kickstarts the process of breaking down and coating food particles for smoother passage through the esophagus. The esophagus is heavily muscled, actively pushing food into the stomach.

Part 2: A fantastic journey through the small intestine

A dog’s stomach is a super-acidic environment, which is useful for opportunistic omnivores, helping them more easily digest things like bone and raw meat. Yes! Dogs can digest bones! At this stop in the dog digestive system, solid food is rendered into a substance called chyme, which is made up of food, water and acid. All food — from your Michelin 3-star-rated fine cuisine, to your dog’s canned chunks or dry kibble — ends up as this highly acidic gloop. As this chyme proceeds into the small intestine, the real work of digestion — the isolation of nutrients that can be used by the body— is done.

There are three parts of food’s journey through the small intestine. In the first part, the duodenum, chyme is treated with enzymes and hormones from the liver and pancreas, which reduce the acid level of the chyme. The gloop is now prepared to have the rest of its nutrients extracted and absorbed. This happens in the second part of the small intestine, which is called the jejunum. This part of a dog’s small intestine is basically covered in little probes, which, like fly paper, pick up and absorb useful nutrients into the bloodstream.

Part 3: The large intestine and waste removal

The final part of the small intestine is the ileum, which absorbs whatever nutrients remain. By this point, the once-acidic chyme gloop is now a sort of thicker pasty substance. You’d be surprised how little of the food you or your dog eats is actually used by your body. Did you ever wonder why the dog digestive system produces so much poop? It’s because the actual nutrients — proteins, vitamins, fats and so on — that your dog’s body can utilize are miniscule in proportion to the physical volume of most dog food.

How long is this part of the dog digestive system? It varies by size. If you stretched out a dog’s small intestine, it would be nearly three times as long as the dog. The back end of a dog’s GI tract is fairly short by comparison, just over a foot long, give or take, depending on the dog. Its primary components are the large intestine and the anus. The large intestine is basically a water remover and garbage compactor. Having spent the first half of its journey being mashed up, dissolved and sifted, any parts of a dog’s meal that cannot be used is treated by bacteria, and reconstituted into a solid package we call dog poop.

Now, let’s answer some common questions about the dog digestive tract. Photography by damedeeso/Thinkstock.

Assorted questions about the dog digestive system!

How long does food stay in a dog’s stomach?

Though dogs are omnivores, they are opportunistic ones. That means that while they can eat almost anything, the dog digestive system can’t break down and utilize everything. Animals like humans or cows, to name two, have GI tracts made to process plant matter. As a result, their intestines are much longer and more drawn out than those of dogs. Since cows depend on vegetable matter, they even get extra compartments in their stomach, and can regurgitate food to chew and digest it fully.

A dog digestive system, depending more on meat proteins, is much more efficient. Depending on its digestibility, food can stay in a dog’s stomach much longer than either a human or a cow. If the meal is not strictly meat, comprising a variety of vegetable, grains and proteins, it will have vacated the stomach completely in 12 hours after eating. Compare that to four to five hours in a normal adult human.

Where does digestion actually take place in the dog digestive system?

As you may have gleaned from tracing food’s intricate journey from the food bowl in your kitchen to the poop bag in the dog park, the multiple processes of the dog digestive system means that it does not happen in one spot. From the moment comestibles come in contact with teeth and saliva in the mouth, digestion is happening.

A dog digestive system is just that: a system, and digestion takes place at every point along the course. Food is disassembled in a variety of ways, physically and nutritionally, from the mouth to the stomach. The majority of its conversion into absorbable nutrients happens in the small intestine, and digestion is only complete when your dog assumes the familiar position for excreting waste.

How long does it take for a dog to digest food?

Finally, the question about the dog digestive system that got us started. Unfortunately, there’s no set answer! So many variables are involved, that even in a perfectly healthy dog, the time to digest a single meal can be dramatically different. Does your dog drink enough water? That has an effect on digestion time as well. Large dog breeds take significantly longer to digest food than small ones.

Is your dog sedentary, spending most of the day on the couch? Does the dog get a couple of walks a day? Dog exercise has a definite impact on motility, or the way that the muscles of the dog digestive system propel food through the process. Total time from entry to exit depends on a wide range of factors, from the size of the dog to the quality of the food. Wet food takes less time to digest than dry kibble. Speaking very broadly, operating at optimum efficiency, a dog can process a can of wet food in as few as four hours, while the same amount of dry food can take eight hours to make the same journey!

Thumbnail: Photography by gephoto / Shutterstock.

This piece was originally published in 2016.

Read Next: Dog Feeding Schedule: How Many Times a Day Should a Dog Eat?

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8 Awesome Reasons to Adopt a Black Dog

The post 8 Awesome Reasons to Adopt a Black Dog 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.

Black dogs have fascinated humans through the ages. From depictions of black dogs as the hounds of hell to black dog-like gods in Ancient Egypt, there is no denying that black dogs have captured our hearts and imaginations since the beginning of civilization. Love them or fear them, there are few things more striking than the face of a black dog. From Labs to Newfoundlands, Pugs, Miniature Schnauzers, Great Danes, Cane Corsos to mixed breeds, black dogs come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you pass one on the street or have one lying next to you on the couch, black dogs are pretty awesome.

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!

Photo: Getty Images/Domagoj

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.

Featured Image: m01229 via Flickr.

Read Next: Dogs With Blue Eyes: Meet These 6 Dog Breeds

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Fall Safety Tips for Puppy, Adult, and Senior Dogs

The post Fall Safety Tips for Puppy, Adult, and Senior Dogs by Audrey Pavia 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.

Fall is here, and Halloween and Thanksgiving are just around the corner. That’s good news if you’re a dog owner, because you and your dog can have lots of fun during these cool-weather holidays.

First on the calendar is Halloween. Every October 31, my Corgi, Nigel, wore a pumpkin costume and helped me hand out candy at the door. The look on the trick-or-treaters’ faces was priceless. Not many had ever seen a four-legged pumpkin before.

Thanksgiving was another adventure for Nigel. Whether the feast was at our house or another family member’s, Nigel was always there, waiting for the special treat he got every year — a slice of turkey.

While having your dog around during the fall holidays can be loads of fun, you’ll need to take some precautions to keep him safe.

Photo: svetikd/Getty Images

Puppies

If you have a young puppy in the house, take major precautions to make sure he doesn’t get into trouble. Both Halloween and Thanksgiving can pose hazards for young dogs.

Costumes. While it might sound like a fun idea to dress your puppy up in a costume for Halloween, waiting until he’s older is a better idea. Puppies are notorious for chewing just about everything they can get their mouths on. Those sharp puppy teeth will make quick work of a Halloween costume. The pup may swallow some of it, and you’ll be spending November 1 at the animal hospital. If your heart is set on dressing up your pup for Halloween, keep the costume on him just as long as you need to in order to get a few photos. Once you are done taking pictures, remove the costume before he can damage it or hurt himself.

Cool weather fun. In between the fall holidays, you can have all kinds of fun with an older puppy. The weather is cool, and it’s a perfect time for some outdoor activities, like hiking, biking, and playing games. Find a dog-friendly park where you can take in the fall colors while you do a moderate hike, or teach your dog to follow along with you while you slowly ride your bike on a quiet, residential street.

Outdoor games like fetch and flying disk are ideal for a cool fall day. If it’s raining out, stay inside and play
hide-and-seek with a treat, encouraging your puppy to find it. You can also teach your older puppy some tricks like “play dead” or “roll over” so he can impress guests when the winter holidays roll in.

Fully grown

Once your dog is fully grown, you can have more fun with him during the fall holidays. He’s hopefully had some training and plenty of socializing and is ready for all the hubbub.

Costumes. Adult dogs are great candidates for Halloween costumes. If you want to dress up your dog for Halloween, get him used to his costume before October 31. That way, he’ll be less likely to spend most of Halloween trying to remove it. Pick a costume that is comfortable and safe. Pet supply stores and online pet supply retailers sell a variety of costumes for dogs in different sizes. If you’re not sure what size your dog might wear, take him to the pet store to try one on first.

People food. Whether it’s Halloween candy or Thanksgiving leftovers, keep holiday food well out of your dog’s reach during this time of year. If you want to give your dog a little turkey on Thanksgiving, only give him 1 or 2 ounces. Rich holiday food can wreak havoc with his digestive system.

Fun in the fall. If your adult dog is trained and well-socialized, you can have a lot of fun with him at this time of year. Camping and hiking are two great activities. Fall is a beautiful time of year to take in nature, and having your dog by your side makes it even more magical. If you live in one of the warmer parts of the country, you can take your dog swimming, too. Fall is a great time to go swimming in a lake, when the leaves are turning color and wildlife is active, preparing for the winter ahead.

Photograph: Jevtic/Getty Images

Old but not out

Senior dogs either enjoy the holidays or find them to be too much. It really depends on the dog.

Costumes. If your senior is young at heart and relatively healthy, he may enjoy wearing a costume for trick-or-treaters or hanging out with the extended family at Thanksgiving. Nigel loved being part of both these holidays, right into his senior years.

A nice, quiet place. If your older dog suffers from arthritis, has vision problems, or doesn’t have the energy or patience for the commotion the holidays bring, find a quiet place where he can get away from it all, like a back bedroom with a soft bed. You can even bring an occasional visitor back to pet him so he doesn’t get too lonely, or let him spend some time with the family and then take him back to his quiet room for some peace.

Rainy day fun. Even though your dog is older, he can still learn a new game. Colder, rainy days are a good time to play hide and seek. Set up a bunch of small containers on the floor, and hide a treat inside one of them when your dog isn’t looking. Then encourage your dog to find the container that’s holding the treat. When he finds it, reward him by giving him the treat. As he gets better at this game, you can make it more difficult by adding more containers. The mental stimulation this game provides will help keep your senior dog alert and active.

Related: Stuck At Home? Play This Indoor Game With Your Dog

The fall can be a great time for your dog. The fall holidays, along with cooler weather, will make him happy to be alive. And you, too, will enjoy this most special time of year just a little more because you are sharing it with your dog.

Read Next: Help! My Dog Broke Into Halloween Candy

 

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What If a Law Required Dog Parents to Make Time for Walks?

The post What If a Law Required Dog Parents to Make Time for Walks? by Jeff Siegel 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.

It’s the bane of almost every urban dog owner, and not a few suburban ones as well: How and when do I find time to walk the dog?

But what if a law required dog owners to make time for walkies every day – or else?

That’s part of a proposal facing German lawmakers, which mandates two walks a day totaling at least an hour, as well as bans on keeping dogs chained for long periods and leaving them alone in the house.

Sounds draconian in these days of pets as part of the family, doggie birthday parties, and $300 pet beds? Perhaps. But the legislation isn’t necessarily aimed at remiss dog owners. Rather, it’s apparently part of the German government’s offensive against puppy mills, also as much of a concern in that country as it has long been in the United States.

Related: The Truth About Puppy Mills

No word yet on whether the bill will become law, though it’s scheduled to be debated in the German parliament. If passed, it could take effect law early next year. If so, it will be up to the 16 individual German states to enforce the law under the country’s federal system.

Still, even if passed, there is no plan to use local police to check on whether dogs have had their walkies or been left alone. Rather, the emphasis would be on ensuring that dogs kept in kennels were treated well.

Could something like this become law in the U.S.?

Obviously, given the U.S.’ welter of state and local laws, it would be that much more difficult to pass, let alone enforce. In fact, spokeswomen for both The Humane Society and the ASPCA declined to comment on the specifics of the proposed German law, since neither group was familiar with how it would work.

Regardless of whether a law like that would be possible in the U.S., there are a variety of current programs to fight puppy mills, including the Humane Society’s Stop Puppy Mills campaign.

The key, says John Goodwin, senior director of the puppy mills effort, is to recognize that “most pet store puppies are from puppy mills and stores count on customers not making the connection between the puppy in the window and the mother dog locked in a cage somewhere.” In this, he says, the anti-puppy mill effort has succeeded in halting dog sales in pet store sin three states and some 350 localities.

Featured Image: Photography by Alliance | Alamy Stock Photo. 

Read Next: Yes, Your Dog Can Get Too Many Walks

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Can Dogs Eat Cranberries?

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Cranberries have a host of benefits for humans. They’re known to lower the risk of urinary tract infections and prevent stomach cancer. As pet parents, we want our dogs to live long, happy and healthy lives, and we know nutrition plays a vital role in that. Can cranberries help make that happen?

The truth is that there’s no scientific evidence that cranberries provide the same benefits to dogs that they do to humans, and when combined with added sugar or trail mixes with raisins, they can be dangerous.

“All of these ingredients are highly toxic to dogs,” says Dr. Rachel Barrack, DVM, CVA, CVCH and founder of concierge practice, Animal Acupuncture in NYC.  “Even without toxicity, they can cause gastrointestinal upset.”

Dr. Barrack separated fact from fiction and gave tips to safely give cranberries to dogs if you want.

Cranberries growing in a bog. Cranberries have a host of benefits for humans but are they safe for your dog? Photo: JuliScalzi/Getty Images

What Types of Cranberries are OK for dogs to eat?

In moderation, dogs can have cranberries — but there are caveats.

“Dogs can eat raw, cooked and dried cranberries,” Dr. Barrack says.

Steer clear of anything with chocolate or juice, as they can cause a dog to become sick and even die.

Are cranberries good for dogs?

Cranberries do have antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber, but Dr. Barrack says the quantities aren’t large enough to warrant putting in your dog’s diet. Because cranberries help humans with ailments like UTIs, it hasn’t been scientifically proven to do the same for pups.

“Cranberries are acidic, so in large quantities, they can change the body’s pH and actually encourage the development of calcium oxalate urinary bladder stones,” Dr. Barrack says.  “These also form more readily in dogs with hypercalcemia and underlying neoplasia or endocrine conditions and thus shouldn’t be consumed by these dogs.”

Some breeds are also more predisposed to developing calcium oxalates, and their parents should avoid feeding them cranberries.

“These breeds include Bichon Frises, Lhasa Apsos, Miniature Poodles, Miniature Schnauzers, Shih Tzus and Yorkshire Terriers,” Dr. Barrack says.

The high-sugar content can also cause weight gain.

I’m going to feed my dog cranberries. What red flags should I look for?

Dr. Barrack says cranberries can be an occasional treat if the dog doesn’t have risk factors, but if you notice your dog has an upset stomach, she suggests stopping.

“Call your vet if you are concerned or there is a medical emergency,” she says.

If your dog has UTI issues or you’re looking for ways to prevent cancer, Dr. Barrack recommends speaking with your vet before stocking up on cranberries.

Featured photo: AleksandarNakic/Getty Images

Read Next: 5 People Foods That Are Good For Dogs

 

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3 Ways to Build a Bond with Your Dog

The post 3 Ways to Build a Bond with Your Dog by Victoria Stilwell appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

When my daughter Alex was 4 years old, we moved into a new home. The former owners had a friendly German Shepherd Dog that knocked my daughter over with his enthusiastic greeting, causing her to develop a fear of large dogs. This all changed when Sadie the Chocolate Labrador came into our lives.

Related: Why Do Dogs Win Our Hearts?

We were anxious to see how Alex would react to such a big dog, considering how uncomfortable she had been around others, but her fear dissipated when she met Sadie. Almost immediately, Alex developed a deep bond with her big, brown dog that lasted until Sadie’s death 11 years later. I have always marveled at how quickly the bond grew between a child who was scared of large dogs and a goofy Labrador.

Years later, Alex told me that she and Sadie became good friends because Sadie made her feel safe, and that feeling of safety and trust created a strong emotional attachment between them. This kind of emotional bonding occurs in many human-animal relationships and is further strengthened by feelings of affection and a desire to care for and protect each other.

Considering that we are two very powerful predatory species, it is really quite remarkable that we bond at all, but the fact that humans and dogs can live together in relative harmony is a testament to the amazing abilities of both species to adapt, and this vital evolutionary trait is what makes the relationship we have with each other so extraordinary.

Building a bond with your dog

In today’s Western culture, evidence of social bonding with dogs is very obvious. We call them our children and refer to ourselves as their moms and dads. We celebrate our dogs’ birthdays and buy them presents. We spend thousands of dollars a year on food, supplies, clothes and services, and we post pictures of our dogs on social media and fight hard against their mistreatment.

So how do you develop a bond with a new dog or strengthen the bond you have with an existing dog? The first few weeks you spend with your dog will help her form an impression of you that will last for the rest of her life, so how you behave will influence how she responds toward you.

Play it up: Building a bond with your new dog through play right at the beginning, for example, is more important than teaching her cues such as “Sit,” “Come” and “Stay,” because team activities that don’t rely on “I say, you do” interaction builds stronger positive associations. If your dog is playful, play the games she loves. If your dog loves smelling things, take her out to walk and sniff. The more your dog associates you with pleasant and fun things, the more she will want to be with you.

Cuddle for chemicals: Building a bond also relies on certain chemicals that ensure social bonding. When your dog gazes at you with his big, brown eyes, greets you excitedly at the end of the day and snuggles next to you when you sleep, you will both experience a surge of oxytocin, also known as the bonding hormone. Oxytocin is responsible for feelings of attachment and love, and scientific studies have demonstrated that both species experience a surge of oxytocin when they are together.

Empower your dog: All animals need to feel safe and secure, and you can build a stronger bond by ensuring your dog has a degree of autonomy and predictability in her life. It’s very hard to negotiate an ever-changing world when you do not understand what is going on or when you have no power to change it. When you were a child, it was up to your parents to help you understand the world around you, and to live successfully within it even when you experienced stressful situations.

Advocate for your dog as a parent advocates for their child by avoiding stressful situations or environments that overwhelm her. Learning more about how your dog perceives the world, and allowing her at various times to experience life on her terms, not only promotes confidence but helps social bonding. For example, if it is safe to do so, let your dog lead the way on an on-leash walk and take you where she wants to go. It might seem like a small thing, but this simple exercise can be incredibly empowering for dogs who usually do not have much say over what they do.

At its root, building a bond with your dog is about making sure you both trust and feel safe around the other, which is why the bond between Alex and Sadie was so strong. There was an unspoken trust between them because they both knew that neither one would ever do anything to hurt the other.

This is the foundation of all connections, whether they are human to animal, human to human or animal to animal. If we trust our dogs, our dogs will trust us, allowing us to forge an unbreakable bond that lasts a lifetime.

Featured Image: Holly Hildreth Photography

Read Next: 3 Indoor Dog Games to Play When You’re Stuck Inside

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Your Dog Ate a Chicken Bone — Here’s What to Do

The post Your Dog Ate a Chicken Bone — Here’s 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.

Dogs and bones go together, right? Unfortunately, not always! Since my partner and I are vegetarians, my dogs don’t come in contact with a lot of bones at home. But living in NYC means coming across discarded chicken bones on sidewalks. One of the first things I teach any dog entering my life is “leave it” and “drop it.” But what happens if training fails and your dog eats a chicken bone? I spoke with Emmy-award winning veterinarian Dr. Jeff Werber about the dangers of chicken bones and what to do if your dog ate a chicken bone.

So, your dog ate a chicken bone? Find out why it’s best to stick to toy bones or bones that dogs can eat. Photography by alexei_tm / Shutterstock.

What to do if you dog ate a chicken bone

If your dog ate a chicken bone, contact your vet immediately. Your vet will tell you if your dog needs to go to the clinic. Dr. Werber also recommends “feeding the dog something very bulky like bread to cover around the sharp edges, and it will begin to soften. Also, the digestive juices do a wonderful job softening the object even more, getting the bone to go through the intestines and out the other end.”

Dr. Werber advises that you shouldn’t induce vomiting if your dog ate a chicken bone. “Once a bone gets safely down the esophagus and into the stomach, we do not recommend having the dog throw it up because we don’t want to risk a sharp sliver of bone cutting the esophagus on the way up and out,” he explains.

While it’s scary to realize that your dog ate a chicken bone, it’s likely that your dog will be okay if he didn’t choke while eating the bone. “In most cases, the bone will be eliminated safely through the intestines,” Dr. Werber explains. “In the rare instance that surgery is required, it is preferable and safer to retrieve bones from within the stomach as opposed to in the esophagus. However, these surgeries are not often needed.”

Wait — Why are chicken bones bad for dogs in the first place?

Unlike the large, hard bones many of us buy for our dogs to chew “chicken bones are very soft and often leave very sharp edges when broken,” Dr. Werber says. This is what makes them especially dangerous for dogs. If your dog ate a chicken bone, he “run[s] the risk of tearing the esophagus or tearing somewhere along the intestinal tract, ” Dr. Werber says. This is why it’s so important to make sure dogs don’t have access to chicken bones. 

The difference between safe and unsafe bones for dogs

Most bones are actually fairly risky for dogs. Although frequently marketed to dog parents, even beef bones aren’t always safe. “[They] tend to be a bit safer than chicken bones in the sense [that] they usually can’t break them down to create a sharp edge,” Dr. Werber advises. “However, if one gets small enough to be swallowed, it becomes a choking hazard.”

Beyond the risk of choking, Dr. Werber also warns that “the bone marrow has high fat content, so dogs love it, but too much of it can create the risk for pancreatitis.”

There is also a risk of dogs becoming injured on bones. “Knuckle bones, that have a hollow center like a donut, can wrap around the lower jaw and get stuck,” Dr. Werber explains. “Also, rib bones can often get stuck on the roof of the mouth between the molar teeth”

So, Dr. Werber advises that dogs stay away from all-natural bones. “The best kinds of bones to give a dog are the ones manufactured for dogs to be eaten, such as Dreambones or Smartbones,” he says. “These bones are made of chicken and vegetables and are fully digestible, so you don’t have to worry about the hazards.”

First aid for a choking dog

Let’s say your dog ate a chicken bone … and he begins to choke on it. In this situation, it could be up to you to save your dog’s life. “Choking dogs are treated very similarly to humans who are choking,” Dr. Werber says.

Here are his step-by-step instructions for how to help a choking dog:

1. “You want to first check the airway. You will need to open the mouth, cup your index finger (for smaller dogs, use your pinky) and go to the back of the throat to feel if there might be something obstructing the airway.”
2. “If that fails and the pet is still struggling to breathe, you need to perform the Heimlich maneuver. The goal is to give a sharp burst of pressure onto the chest wall to dislodge anything blocking the airway. In checking for obstructions, you may feel little bones in the throat area. [These] are normal and known as cartilage bones; don’t pull those out. You can get behind the dog, wrap your arms around the dog’s chest, like a bear hug from behind, and bring your hands together at the xiphoid process (the point just below the end of the sternum) and then, give a really quick pull toward you through the dog. The technique is similar to performing the Heimlich maneuver on a human.”
3. “As you are doing this, it is important to continually check the mouth because you may be getting something out from the trachea and it’s important to remove what’s coming up.”

Other tips on first aid for dogs:

Whether you are a pet professional or a pet parent, you can take classes in pet first aid and CPR from The Pet Health and Safety Coach Arden Moore. Sign up for classes at Pet First Aid 4 U. Or you can sign up for CPR classes at your local Red Cross.

Originally published in 2018. 

Top photograph: simonmayer/Getty Images

Read Next: 8 Tips for Year-Round Dog Paw Health

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The Problem With Merle Coat Patterns in Dogs

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Merle — that kaleidoscope of swirly patterns that has no two dogs looking alike. It’s one of the most beautiful coat patterns in the dog world. But merle is definitely a case where too much of a good thing is, well, a bad thing.

The merle (also called dapple) pattern is the pattern in which random splotches of dark pigment are overlaid over a lighter shade of the same color. It’s commonly seen in Catahoula Leopard Dogs, Australian Shepherds, Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, Dachshunds, Cardigan Welsh Corgis, Great Danes, and less commonly in many other breeds such as Chihuahuas, Border Collies, Pyrenean Shepherds, Beaucerons, Pomeranians and Cocker Spaniels.

Why you shouldn’t breed two merle dogs together

Merles are popular, so it seems only logical to breed two merles together to get more merles. No. Don’t do it.

The merle pattern is produced when a dog has a single copy of the M< allele. All merle dogs have the genotype Mm — meaning they have one allele for merle and one allele for non-merle. All non-merles are mm. If you breed a merle (Mm) to a non-merle (mm) you will on average produce a litter in which a half of the puppies get the M allele so are Mm (merle) and half get the non-merle allele so are mm.

But if you breed two merles together (Mm X Mm) you will produce on average a quarter mm (non-merle), a half Mm (merle) and a quarter MM (double-merle; also called double-dapple). And double merles don’t look like merles. Instead, they’re mostly white with merle patches. But the main reason you want to avoid producing MM dogs is that they often have visual and auditory problems.

What are the specific health concerns for merles?

If you like tech-talk and numbers, read this; otherwise, skip ahead: In a study of several merle breeds, merles with one copy of the M allele had a rate of 2.7 percent deaf in one ear and 0.9 percent deaf in both ears; double-merles had a rate of 10 percent deaf in one ear and 15 percent deaf in both ears. Interestingly, the rate in merle Catahoulas (5.9 percent) was lower than that in other breeds (for example, 9.4 percent in merle Australian Shepherds), and especially lower in double-merle Catahoulas (10.3 percent) compared to other double-merles (55.7 percent in Aussies and 85.6 percent in all other breeds combined). The lower incidence in Catahoulas may reflect the smaller amount of white Catahoula double-merles tend to have. Again, nobody knows why. Blue-eyed merles have no higher incidence of deafness than brown-eyed merles.

Just because a dog is double-merle, don’t assume he’s deaf. Dr. George Strain of Louisiana State University is the go-to expert on coat color and deafness in dogs. One of the other coat patterns he’s studied is the piebald gene, which can create mostly white dogs like Dalmatians. He says the prevalence of deafness in dogs is higher in double merles than in single merles, but the relative risk of deafness was less than that in Dalmatians and white Bull Terriers (although greater than that in other dog breeds with the recessive piebald alleles).

Double-merle dogs often have an additional problem, microphthalmia, in which the eyes are abnormally small (sometimes barely there) and often nonfunctional. As of yet, the way in which the merle gene affects this is unknown. It does not appear be through an association with the gene known as MITF (microphthalmia transcription factor), however.

Aside from these auditory and visual problems, double-merles are otherwise healthy. And not all double-merles have even these problems. Some are absolutely fine. But why take chances? Never breed two merles.

But here’s where breeding can be tricky. Many breeds with merle also have other genes (at the s locus) that cause white on dogs, and this white isn’t associated with problems caused by being a double-merle. For example, many Collies have white feet, ruff, blaze and tail tip — but this is caused by the s allele, not MM. And some Collies can be mostly white, but again, this pattern can be caused by a different s allele. When these dogs are white with sable (Lassie-colored tan) it’s easy not to confuse them with double merles. But what if they are white due to the s allele but combined with Mm? The dog would be white with merle, and could be confused with a double-merle. This is why it’s essential to know a dog’s parents before jumping to conclusions!

And it gets even trickier! Sometimes merle dogs have so little merle you can hardly tell them apart from non-merles — but they’re still genetically Mm. If you breed one of these “cryptic” merles erroneously assuming he’s mm you could produce double merles. If you find even one tiny spot of merle in your dog’s coat, assume he is a merle. Not sure? There’s a DNA test available that will let you know if your dog has the M or m alleles.

You’ll sometimes read that breeding merle to merle “is only for experienced breeders.” All the experience in the world won’t change how the genes segregate and how they influence a dog’s health. What they mean is not to do it unless you’re prepared to deal with deaf or blind puppies. And while such dogs can make wonderful companions, those with normal hearing and vision do have an easier time in life.

Learn more about some dogs who have merle patterns:

• Get to Know the Cocker Spaniel: America’s Sweetheart
• Get to Know the Dachshund: Short on Leg, Long on Love
• Get to Know the Pembroke Welsh Corgi: A Foxy Charmer
• Get to Know the Great Dane, a Little Dog in a Huge Body
• Get to Know the Chihuahua: Mighty Mite from Mexico
• Get to Know the Bearded Collie: The Bouncing and Bubbly Scot

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CBD Can Ease Dogs’ Arthritis Pain

The post CBD Can Ease Dogs’ Arthritis Pain 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 first-of-its-kind study conducted by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine in collaboration with Medterra CBD revealed that cannabidiol (CBD) treatment significantly improved dogs’ quality of life according to owner reports and veterinarian assessments.

The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, published in April in the journal PAIN, also evaluated cell blood count and liver and kidney function, which suggested that the CBD treatment appeared to be safe. Dogs were studied due to the similarities between human and canine arthritis.

Read Next: These Supplements and Therapies Can Boost Your Dog’s Well-Being

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Reboot Rover’s Lifestyle

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Like many young Jack Russell Terriers, Loki has a lot of energy. Pet parent Anke Taylor has embraced technology not only to reinforce positive behavior but also to exercise his body and mind.

The device she uses the most: the Pet Tutor Smart Training Feeder. A wireless training and game system, it operates via Smart Clicker or Pet Tutor app, for both manual and programmable dispensing.

PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder, 2nd Generation; store.petsafe.net. $169.95

“We’ve used it mainly for crate training and to help him settle when he gets overly excited,” Anke says, adding that, “We have also started using the Pet Tutor in the yard to scatter treats, to prevent him from focusing on other dogs barking.”

Terrie Hayward, Karen Pryor Academy faculty member and certified training partner, and owner of PAW-Positive Animal Wellness in Rincon, Puerto Rico, introduced the family to the Pet Tutor. She also showed them how to pair it with the non-tech Kong Wobbler dispenser. Anke puts the Smart Clicker in the Wobbler, and Loki knows now to move it with his nose to activate the Smart Feeder.

Pet Tutor Smart Training Feeder; smartanimaltraining.com. $299. Jack Russell Terrier Loki’s humans use the Pet Tutor to help him get settled when he’s overly excited.

“You have the Wobbler at one end of a hallway and the Pet Tutor at the other, so he has to run down there and knock it, and then run back to get the treat,” Terrie explains, pointing out that the combination allows for enrichment and exercise.

“We’re so lucky that we have the ability to use technology in this way,” she adds, also referring to the fact that she trains the Taylors via Zoom because they live more than 1,500 miles away in Maryland.

Many trainers and pet parents agree. In 2019, sales of “smart” pet products reached $491 million, according to a survey by market research firm Packaged Facts. It also found that these purchases were made for convenience, health and safety, and staying connected.

Lap up these gadgets

Among the many pet tech products that aim to make the lives of dogs and their humans easier are devices that feed, water and help with the results.

The PetSafe Smart Feed made the summer Ellen’s List, a product partnership between Ellen DeGeneres and Walmart. Pet parents program the feeder via their smartphone to schedule and dispense custom portions. It even has a low-food alert and integrates with Amazon Echo and Alexa to help ensure pups don’t miss a meal.

Fresco Smart Pet Fountain; petoneer.com. $89.99

Running water attracts pets and encourages them to drink more, and the Fresco Smart Pet Fountain helps keep it healthy with three-stage filtration and purification. It holds 2 liters and alerts via app when water level is low, filter needs changing and pump needs cleaning.

BrilliantPad Smart+; brilliantpad.com. $159.99

And for potty time outside, pet parents can opt for a doggie doorbell like Paws2Go, which when tapped by a paw plays a prerecorded message — like “Good job!” or “Be right there!”— and sends an alert to their smartphone. Or they can train their pup to use an indoor potty system such as BrilliantPad Smart. Originally showcased on Shark Tank, it automatically advances pad rolls to clean waste after the dog steps off, after a set number of uses, on a custom schedule, or on demand via the app or machine controls. BrilliantPad SMART also sends waste notifications, with photos, that can be used to detect changes in frequency and health.

Upgrade health & safety hacks

Whistle Go Explore;  shop.whistle.com. $129.95 plus subscription. Black Lab Goober ran off when scared one day. Thankfully, his humans got him back and promptly
attached the Whistle Go Explore to his collar.

Pet product technology has advanced to include devices that not only track the wearer’s location but also monitor their health. Goober the black Lab from Houston, Texas, wears a Whistle Go Explore. Pet parent Emma Lewis attached it to his collar after he got spooked during a walk and ran off, dragging his leash.

“We were distraught and searched for hours, but could not find him. Eventually, after a few more tearful hours, Goober found his own way home. That was when we decided to get a tracker for him,” she says.

Emma also uses the device to monitor Goober’s allergy-induced licking and scratching. She sends the information to his vet, Dr. Julia Spade with Senior Paws, to see if his treatment needs adjusting.

“My patients who are using the collars will typically email me the info/data as needed,” the vet says. “I have another client who sends me updates every two weeks so we can track the amount of exercise the dog is doing, trying to trend if our therapies for his arthritis are working.”

Connect with Spot

Pet Chatz HDX; petchatz.com. $349.99

Pet cameras also have evolved well beyond simple monitoring. With the PetChatz HDX device and app, pet parents call their dog for a video chat and dispense treats. And with the PawCall accessory, pups initiate the call themselves and play games. The device also dispenses calming aromatherapy and streams DOGTV, the latter with a subscription. The PetWatch feature, triggered by sound and motion, records video.

PetCube Bites 2; petcube.com/bites-2. $249

The PetCube Bites 2 offers HD video that covers 160 degrees, plus four times zoom and night vision. Pet parents can talk with their dogs through two-way audio, and also dispense treats via the app or in autoplay mode. Notifications alert to barking as well as human voices, and motion and sound also trigger recording. The device also has Alexa built in.

Make it meaningful

Of course, these are just a small sample of the many pet tech products available to pet lovers, and more are launched all the time. With so much of this technology, especially in the training and toy categories, Terrie stresses the importance of using it to enhance — not replace — the human animal bond.

“The more we can improve the ability to communicate with animals using positive reinforcement, the better that bond is going to be,” she says.

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