How to Help Your Dog Through Big Changes

The post How to Help Your Dog Through Big Changes 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.

The pandemic has completely disrupted our lives and changed the way we do things, thrusting us into a way of life for which we were totally unprepared. The resulting stress has been difficult to manage, but after months of adjusting, most people have adapted to the new normal and found creative ways to navigate the changing landscape.

It can be stressful when situations change, even when we understand what is going on. Our dogs don’t have that luxury and are often blindsided by the disappearance of a best canine buddy or human friend. When a life-altering event happens, such as the death of a family member, a child leaving for college or the arrival of a baby, dogs find themselves at a complete loss, wondering what just happened. If you find yourself facing major changes, there are ways to help your dog while you also negotiate the challenges.

How to help your dog deal with the loss of a loved one

When a loved one dies, your dog might grieve the loss of her canine buddy or person. If she sleeps more, loses interest in food or resists your attempts to engage in play, she is most likely mourning. The best thing you can do is:

➻ Keep her routine as consistent as possible while ensuring she does not spend too much time by herself.

➻ Keep all the dog beds in the same place so that the scent of your dog that has passed is still there.

➻ Give your dog plenty of attention so she doesn’t feel alone.

If your dog loses her appetite, add tasty morsels to her meals and warm the food up to make it more enticing. If she always ate at the same time as her canine buddy, take your old dog’s place and eat at the same time she does.Social eating shows trust and is a habitual and comforting activity. Most dogs are sensitive to human emotions and will pick up on their loved one’s sadness, sometimes offering consolation behavior in return.

If your dog adores the teenager who is about to go to college or leaves home for another reason, make the transition easier by starting the disconnection process a month or so before the change happens. Have another family member take over your dog’s day-to-day care, including feeding and walking. If your dog sleeps on your child’s bed, change the sleeping arrangements in advance and have your child take a step back and pay your dog a little less attention.

Photo: HDKam | Getty Images

How to help your dog deal with a new addition

Probably the most stressful sudden change is the arrival of a baby. For years, the dog has enjoyed a quiet life with her family, receiving attention whenever she needs it, and then out of the blue a new being arrives making a lot of noise and smelling very different. Help your dog adjust by preparing for baby well in advance:

✤ Buy a recording of baby sounds and introduce these sounds softly to begin with, increasing the level once your dog habituates to the noise.

✤ Purchase a baby doll and walk around with it like you will do when your baby arrives.

✤ Practice changing diapers, walking with a stroller and making your dog feel good when the baby doll is present.

When the time comes, keep everyone safe by never leaving your baby unattended with your dog at any time, not even to go to the bathroom.

Get outside

Whatever changes occur, the best medicine for your dog is exercise. Walking, sniffing and experiencing the outside world makes everyone feel better. The more you can engage your dog’s brain in activities that physically and mentally stimulate her, the less confused and anxious she will be. Exercise releases pleasurable endorphins into the body, giving a feeling of well-being. Engaging your dog in team activities, such as dog sports, benefits both of you.

Adding another dog can also help after an appropriate period of time and your existing dog is no longer grieving. However, pick a dog that complements the one you already have to ensure the two enjoy each other’s company.

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it is that life is precious and change can happen in a moment. The more confident your dog is, the easier it will be for her to cope with any changes that come her way. Giving your dog a humane canine education and understanding her unique needs will help all of you negotiate life’s challenges.

Featured Image: SolStock | Getty Images

Read Next: How to Keep Baby Toys and Dog Toys in the Right Hands — and Paws

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What Flowers are Poisonous to Dogs?

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Flowers brighten our homes on dark days. They make for gorgeous Valentine’s Day gifts and centerpieces. Outside, they boost our curb appeal and beautify our yards.

Related: Gardening With Dogs: Tips for Creating a Pet-Safe Garden

But as pretty as they are to look at and smell, some flowers are poisonous to dogs. That’s the bad news. But there are a couple of pieces of good news. First, roses aren’t in the dog house.

“They are not toxic,” says Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lisette Lewis, DVM.

You also don’t have to swear off plants that are toxic to dogs altogether. You’ll just want to keep them out of your pup’s reach. To help you protect your furry friend, Dr. Lewis shared which flowers are harmful to dogs.

Are poinsettias dangerous to dogs?

Every year around the holidays, we get warnings about these festive flowers. But Dr. Lewissays these warnings are a bit overstated. “They are not going to die from eating a poinsettia,” she shares. That said, you still don’t want your dog to eat one. “It’s an irritant to the mouth and stomach,” Dr. Lewis says. Symptoms include vomiting.

Are tulips poisonous to dogs?

These pretty blooms make pretty additions to bouquets and outdoor gardens, but tulips are toxic to dogs. The entire plant is poisonous, but parents of dogs who like to dig should be extra careful. “The highest toxicity is in the bulb,” Dr. Lewissays. “A dog may get at that if they are digging down into the plant.” You can mitigate this risk indoors by putting the tulip in a vase without the bulb and outdoors by telling your pup to “leave it” on a walk. If you have tulips in the backyard, consider putting a fence around them. Symptoms, including diarrhea, lethargy and vomiting, present within 12 hours.

Are daisies toxic to dogs?

“Flower child” types love putting daisies in their hair and crowns. They’re also common in bouquets and gardens. But keep Fido away. “Left untreated, [eating daisies] can certainly be fatal in high quantities,” Dr. Lewis says. Diarrhea, vomiting, muscle convulsions and drooling are common symptoms, and they usually start within one to six hours.

Are peonies poisonous to dogs?

These big spring blooms are often hailed as the gold standard of wedding flowers. Gorgeous as peonies may be, they are toxic to dogs. Like other flowers, peonies can cause diarrhea, lethargy and vomiting in dogs.

Here’s what to do if your dog ate a flower. Photo: mb-fotos/Getty Images

My dog ate a flower. Now what?

Even if a plant isn’t on this list, it’s best to check with your vet if you’re concerned. Have any information, such as tags from a bouquet, at the ready so you can go over what you know about the plant. Your vet will let you know whether or not your pup needs to come in for treatment. Caught early enough, your dog should make a full recovery. “The sooner they bring their pets in, the better,” Dr. Lewis says. There’s not a magic pill, though. “Usually, we induce vomiting…and get three-fourths of the flower,” Dr. Lewis says.

Featured Photo: SVproduction/Getty Images

Read Next: What Spices Are Safe for Dogs?

The post What Flowers are Poisonous to Dogs? by Beth Ann Mayer 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 Treat Recipe: Dipped Valentine’s Day Treats

The post Dog Treat Recipe: Dipped Valentine’s Day Treats by Samantha Meyers 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.

On Valentine’s Day, two of my favorite things come to mind: desserts and sharing them with those I love. For humans, I do a lot of chocolate dipping as the perfect — and sweet — touch. Because chocolate is a no-no for furry companions, I set out to find the best way to dip a dog bone.

A perfect treat for any holiday, these dipped dog bones are pretty in pink and perfect for serving up to your favorite pup. I love these because you can bake or buy your dog treats, making this an easy and fast way to impress your pup and all of his admirers at the dog park.

Keep in mind that even though these dipping suggestions are safe for your dog, they are higher in fat and sugar than our usual recipes, so feed sparingly and check with your vet if you have any concerns.

Dogs will love these tasty Valentine’s Day treats. Photography ©Fly_dragonfly | Thinkstock.

What you’ll need:

1. Your favorite dog treats. Go for a classic-shaped dog bone to achieve the look pictured.
2. Candy melts, yogurt coating or carob chips. **Do not buy them in brown or anything that lists “cocoa flavored.” White and pink candy melts are safe options, but make sure they don’t include xylitol.
3. A microwave or double boiler.

Directions:

1. Melt the candy melts, yogurt coating or carob chips according to the package directions.
2. Transfer them to a tall glass for easy dipping (you can also just melt them in a tall glass).
3. Dip your dog treats into the melted candy. I dip about a quarter to halfway up the bone to limit the amount of sugar.
4. Allow to cool and dry.
5. If you want to add a design, dip a fork into a different color and drizzle over the dried treats.

Thumbnail: Photography by Samantha Meyers. 

Discover more DIY dog treat recipes on Dogster.com:

• Recipe: Tea Sandwiches to Share With Your Dog
• Dog-Friendly DIYs Using Rosemary
• Make Valentine’s Day Puppy Pancakes for Your Dog!

The post Dog Treat Recipe: Dipped Valentine’s Day Treats by Samantha Meyers 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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Have Your Pup Wear His Heart With This Dog Valentine’s Day T-Shirts

The post Have Your Pup Wear His Heart With This Dog Valentine’s Day T-Shirts 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 have human kids but I do have my furry ones. If you’re a dog mom like me, then this Valentine’s Day shout it to the world that you adore your fur baby with these cute heart T-shirts.

Forget the card — your pup can tell the world who’s the most wagarrific with these I Love Mommy (and Daddy) T-shirts from Frisco that come in all sizes, just like your dog, from XS to XXXL. Available in pink or gray. ($10.99-$13.99; chewy.com). Want to dress up the love? Put a bow on it with Hello Doggie’s Oh My Heart Dog Tee in sizes XXS to L. ($61.25; hellodoggie143.com) No matter how your pup shows or wears his heart, we hope you have a lovely Valentine’s day!

The post Have Your Pup Wear His Heart With This Dog Valentine’s Day T-Shirts 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.

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Instagram Dogs with a Cause

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

Dressing up in costumes, taking business trips with her humans and dining around New York City were just a few of the social media posts that gained Chloe @chloetheminifrenchie (and her owner, Loni Edwards) nearly 200,000 Instagram followers within a few months of starting the account.

So, in 2017, when 4-year-old Chloe died from a medical error at a veterinary clinic in New York, it was devastating not only for Loni but for her fans.

Loni, a lawyer and owner of The Dog Agency, a talent management agency for the top social media animal influencers in the world, used her grief to bring awareness to the issue that after a pet’s death due to medical error, owners typically get compensated for the cost of adopting another dog, but there’s no compensation for the emotional stress.

Through Chloe’s account, she launched a campaign that raised $20,000 through the Animal Legal Defense Fund, an organization that furthers the legal rights of animals.

Even though Chloe and Loni had a significant social media following, the most prominent pet influencers say the size of your fan base isn’t what is most important when you are promoting a cause.

With the right messaging, photos and purpose, any account — especially coming from an adorable dog — can inspire change.

Here, three social media influencers share their tips for promoting a cause through your dog.

Photo: MrasWonderland | Getty Images

Make it personal

After Chloe’s death, Loni’s campaign was a way for Chloe’s followers to honor the mini Frenchie, but also support Loni.

“The best strategy is to have a cause that you’re really connected with,” Loni says.

In the 6 years that Joey Teixeira and his partner Michael Keeney have lived with Mervin @mervinthechihuahua, the 3-pound pup has endured numerous life-threatening health issues, which Joey shares with Mervin’s 125,000 followers to raise awareness of canine medical conditions. He also gets people talking about the plight of animals with special needs.

“That’s kind of a theme of our account,” says Joey, who’s also rescued a hearing-impaired dog as well as two blind cats.

Joey and Michael are involved with the human Special Olympics. This year, because the event is virtual, they posted pictures of Mervin “supervising” over the computer as a way to introduce Mervin’s fans to the event.

Mervin, a 3-pound pup has endured numerous life-threatening health issues, which Joey Teixeira shares with Mervin’s 125,000 followers to raise awareness of canine medical conditions.

Partner up

Many private and independent rescue groups need help generating social awareness and fundraising.

Those smaller, local groups are also typically more responsive to partnering than the larger national organizations that don’t have the capacity to answer each email, Joey says.

Be proactive: Reach out to different groups and ask what you can do to help promote their messages.

“The smaller ones … will need more help,” Loni says.

Always research each organization first to make sure it aligns with your mission, has a good community standing and can clearly share how incoming funds are utilized.

@tunameltsmyheart, a 10-year-old chiweenie with an endearing overbite asks followers at the end of each year for recommendations of shelters or organizations that need financial support.

Get interactive

Courtney Dasher, the human behind @tunameltsmyheart, a 10-year-old chiweenie with an endearing overbite and 2.1 million Instagram followers, asks Tuna’s followers at the end of each year for recommendations of shelters or organizations that need financial support.

She vets the suggestions, makes sure the shelters are no-kill, then promotes them on her page.
“(Your followers) are the ones who are supporting, giving, donating through your recommendations,” she says. Including them will connect them to your mission and give you leads to the local organizations that need the most help during crises.

Courtney rescued Tuna from an adoption day at a farmer’s market in Los Angeles in 2010. Since then, she’s been an ambassador for rescuing dogs.

“My main mission is to bring people joy and laughter,” she says, by posting pictures of Tuna in costumes, at the park with her daughter and making funny faces.

But, he’s also a rescue, she continues, “and that’s something that’s important to share with people.”

Last year, Courtney encouraged her followers to spread awareness about adoption by posting photos of their animals and sharing their adoption stories on their own pages.

Keep it relevant, interesting and unique

Followers will start to overlook your message if the photo and text are redundant.
Share personal stories, ongoing fundraisers, give updates on your mission, explain new laws that are passed and when a petition is available for signing.

“Find ways to make it organic,” Loni says. “Keep it relevant and interesting.”

The same advice goes for hashtags: Creating your own, unique hashtags specific to your cause or your dog will get the most attention.

You never know who will come across your post, Courtney says. “Maybe it’s a celebrity and then they post it on their account. It’s so cool how it all works.”

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Think You’ve Got a Stubborn Dog? How to Train a Dog Who Won’t Listen

The post Think You’ve Got a Stubborn Dog? How to Train a Dog Who Won’t Listen by Annie Phenix, CPDT-KA 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.

As a dog trainer, I hear expressions like “My dog is stubborn” or “My dog refuses to listen to me” on a weekly basis. I empathize with dog parents’ frustrations, while also empathizing with another species who can’t talk and who is most often not being defiant or stubborn. Think you’ve got a stubborn dog, or a dog who seems to ignore you or not listen?

Think you’ve got a stubborn dog? How you’re training your dog might be a big part of the problem. Photography ©Jamie Garbutt | Getty Images.

Is your dog being stubborn? Is your dog ignoring you?

So what’s happening when your dog seemingly ignores you, and what can you do about it?

We ask and expect a lot of our dogs, sometimes even expecting a new dog in the home to understand all of the house rules and boundaries on the first day!

Even with our language skills, you or I would need time to settle in to a new environment. Dogs need time to settle in as well. It doesn’t mean they can do unwanted things like knocking trash cans over — it means we need to be patient as we begin showing the dog his new home.

Step 1: Be patient when training a new (or old) dog new skills.

Understand that dogs really do need training. They don’t arrive already understanding our human-made house rules.

Step 2: Possess very clear communication skills.

Let’s take a dog continually jumping on people in the home. If one pet parent consistently asks for an incompatible behavior — let’s say a sit — and often rewards that sit, the dog will begin to sit and will cease jumping if he gets zero out of it.

But then when the other pet parent comes home from work, he or she enjoys the dog jumping up to say hello and inadvertently reinforces that behavior by playing with the dog, perhaps even patting him on the sides and talking joyfully to him. This dog is getting very mixed messages.

Some dogs are good at weaving their way through people in the same home reinforcing a behavior one day and other people correcting that same behavior another day. Most dogs are simply confused because we haven’t communicated the behavior we do want clearly enough. Agree on your house rules before you bring a dog into your home, and then all work together to reinforce the behavior wanted.

Step 3: Repetition, repetition, repetition.

I train new skills at home first because it’s a quiet, private space where I can control what’s happening in the environment. Imagine a young elementary school student trying to learn math problems with other kids running around the playground, chasing each other and laughing. It’s hard to focus.

You can set your training sessions up for success by first teaching your dog in a calm setting. Once you have reinforced your dog’s new skill with terrific food many, many times in the home, and once he’s giving you the asked-for behavior 90 percent of the time in that environment, then take it to the backyard or front porch (on leash in unfenced areas).

Be aware of your dog’s incredibly powerful nose that kicks into high gear outside or in new environments. You could first do a sniffing nose walk around your backyard and then begin the training session. Or, ask for something the dog knows well, such as a sit and just after he sits, tell him “Let’s go explore!” and walk or run around the yard.

Step 4: Realize that some things are harder than others for dogs.

Dogs do what works — for them. Therefore, it’s in our own best interest to have the behaviors we want for our dog work best for them as well. Two skills that seem hardest for dog parents to teach consistently are “leave it” and a solid recall. Both skills are vital and can even be life saving.

What is involved from the dog’s point of view in these two skills? His nose. It takes him right to that delicious piece of hamburger meat you accidentally dropped on the kitchen floor. And his nose is leading him to run away from you at a dead run while he chases the scent of the wild rabbit that hopped through his yard.

Instead of fighting that powerful nose, work with it. For example, when teaching “leave it,” ask your dog to leave a boring piece of kibble. The second he removes his nose from it, mark with a “Yes!” and give him a much better-smelling meat reward. A dog can learn to leave things once he understands that doing so will get him a much better reward.

Remember — treats like meat and cheese go a long way when training a stubborn dog! Photography ©mdmilliman | Getty Images.

Teaching even a stubborn dog a good recall

Entire books and DVDs have been created to help dog parents teach a solid recall, something all dogs should know. While we don’t have the space here to delve deep into this cue, I can give you some quick pointers.

Begin teaching a recall off leash inside your home. Use your cue word to call your dog in for meals. Use your cue to call your dog for a walk. Reinforce recalls with truly wonderful meat or cheese reinforcers when your dog does come to you. Call your dog five to 10 times a day in your home and back up as he comes bounding to you to engage him even more.

Praise and treat, praise and treat. When he is super excited to come to you, take it outside to your backyard or other calm, fenced location. Do not punish a dog who is coming to you, even if it took him longer than you wished.

The final word on teaching a stubborn dog or a dog who seemingly doesn’t listen

All in all, it’s far more likely that we need to take a step back in our own communication skills than it is that a dog is purposefully ignoring us. We have the bigger brain (and thumbs!), so let’s work to employ that intelligence and set our dogs up to succeed.

Still need help training a stubborn dog?

So, what if you have done all the recommended steps above and Fido STILL ignores you? Here are some other things to consider:

1. What reinforcers are you using and are they truly exciting for your dog? Some dogs, for example, will do anything for a chance to play fetch, so a ball outranks a piece of cheese.
2. Is the skill too new for the environment you are asking your dog to demonstrate?
3. Have you insufficiently trained the skill in a calm setting first?
4. If your dog is ignoring your cue, back up in his training to the last spot where he was
   performing well, and start anew from that spot.
5. Keep in mind that some dogs do seemingly go a bit deaf as they go through adolescence. Keep with the program, and you will have a nicely trained mature dog on the other side of the teenage years.

Thumbnail: Photography ©LightFieldStudios | Getty Images.

Read Next: Whale Eyes in Dogs — What It Means When the Whites of Your Dog’s Eyes Show

The post Think You’ve Got a Stubborn Dog? How to Train a Dog Who Won’t Listen by Annie Phenix, CPDT-KA 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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Wear a Dog Mask

The post Wear a Dog Mask 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.

Do your pawtriotic duty by showing your love for dogs right on your face! Here are some of my Fido-themed faves: Bling it up with Soft As a Grape’s 3-ply Cotton Sequin Paw Print Mask ($6.50; softasagrape.com). Comes in black or white.

And I love the message on the Hate Has No Home Here from Teddy the Dog. ($15; teddythedog.com). Got a dog-loving child? Out of Print’s Dog Man kids face mask features that crime-biting canine hero from the Dog Man book series ($14; outofprint.com).

If you prefer the face shield, cover it up with Zazzle’s Doggy Cartoon Face Shield by 26_Characters (each $9.95; zazzle.com). Grown your facial hair while staying at home? Try Naked Décor’s Schnauzer Fear the Beard. ($15.95/two; nakeddecor.com). Or, get furractive by creating a DIY dog mask as part of a community service or pandemic project. Check out how to make a homemade mask.

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What New Dog Parents Need to Know About ‘Board and Train’

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Having a new puppy, or an older dog with challenging behaviors in need of training is exhausting. Add in the pandemic and it can feel overwhelming. Advertisements for “board and train” options where you send your dog to stay with a trainer for a few weeks and get a completely trained dog back can seem like a dream come true. After all, they’re selling behavior issues fixed, a  well-behaved dog and often promise quick results without you having to do any of the work. But if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Board and train options range from large “bootcamp” style kennel environments to smaller businesses where trainers bring individual dogs in their homes for training. While there are some board and train programs that treat the dogs humanely and use only positive reinforcement methodologies sending your dog away for training is risky and often ineffective. Here’s what dog parents need to know about the board and train options.

They’re unregulated

Dog training is a completely unregulated industry without any national standardized training requirements or certifications. This means that anyone regardless of how little experience they have can call themself a dog trainer. If you send your dog away to be trained you have no control over how your dog is being handled, or even direct knowledge about where they are staying,  how much time they spend in a crate, and other important aspects of your dog’s care.

This lack of oversight and regulation increases the possibility of dogs being mistreated or even abused. Although rare, in the most extreme cases you can find news coverage of dogs that have been lost or even killed while staying at board and train facilities.

Photo: nortonrsx/Getty Images

Despite board and train promises, there are no dog training shortcuts

If you have an untrained dog or one with a lot of behavioral challenges it can be easy to feel overwhelmed. In these moments you might want to wave a magic wand and have a well-trained dog but there are no shortcuts.

A dog isn’t a car to be sent to the mechanic to get fixed, and teaching your dog requires time, patience and dedication which includes working directly with a skilled dog trainer. San Francisco Dog Trainer Eva Lauderback of RuffRidersk9 explains that in their experience often “dog owners who are interested in this model are mostly looking for a quick fix or a magical solution to the behavioral issues they are having, or they simply do not have the time to invest in basic obedience training.” However, a key component of being a responsible dog guardian is making the time in your schedule to train your dog.

You need to learn how to communicate with your dog

“Board and train can be used to pre-install some basic things like loose leash walking, potty training, recall, and socialization but understand that as the handler you still need to learn how to work one-on-one with your pet going forward,” says Eva.

Meaning even if a trainer does teach your dog some basic skills, you’re going to have to learn how to communicate with your dog to maintain those skills once your dog comes home, and many skills can’t effectively be taught in a board and train style program.

”The main problem [with board and train]  is that dogs learn to do things for certain handlers and don’t generalize very well. There are very limited and specific behavior modifications that can easily transfer from one handler to another, environments, etc,” says Eva.

Most dog trainers will agree that the easiest part of training dogs is teaching the dog.  The hardest part unfortunately is actually teaching people how to work with their dog. Dog owners have to be taught to understand their dog through understanding the way dogs learn and experience the world, canine body language,  leash handling, timing of cues and rewards and more.

Owners who send their dogs to board and train “miss out on the theory and the technicalities as to why the dog is behaving the way they are and how to best change that” advises Lauderback which is why long-term training doesn’t tend to be effective.

Being an engaged part of the training process will not only help your dog to learn better, but   Eva encourages dog owners to choose to stay involved with training their dogs because  being part of training  is “such a crucial bonding moment between the dog and handler.”

Training a dog is a life-long process of communication and learning, for both you and your dog. Need help? During the pandemic, most dog trainers are offering virtual training options if group classes or private in person dog training lessons aren’t safe or available in your local area.

Ultimately, there are no shortcuts, and the best option is for you to invest in your dog’s learning and your relationship by training together.

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Does Your Dog Have an Anxiety Issue?

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Dogs are emotional beings with different personalities and temperaments, telling us how they feel through their own language — body language. If we don’t know how to read dogs, we can miss their communication, forcing them to get bigger and bigger with their body language, so that we have no choice but to finally hear them.

What is dog anxiety?

Let’s first define anxiety, so we know whether to even treat it. Anxiety is …

• a feeling of worry, nervousness or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome

• desire to do something, typically accompanied by unease

• a nervous disorder characterized by a state of excessive uneasiness and apprehension, typically with compulsive behavior or panic attacks.

The third definition is the one we would label anxiety and would need to treat by helping our dogs feel less anxious about whatever triggers them. The first two are opportunities for us to help them before it turns into a disorder needing to be helped via positive reinforcement training through counter condition or desensitization methods.

Photo: MivPiv | Getty Images

What are the signs of dog anxiety?

Signs of anxiety can be subtle or grand. Grandiosity in dogs shows up in obvious behaviors, such as:
➻ barking
➻ lunging
➻ biting
➻ hyperactivity
➻ being destructive

Displacement behaviors often go unnoticed because they aren’t understood as signs of anxiety. These not-so-obvious behaviors are:
➻ scratching, when they don’t have
an itch
➻ lip licking, when they haven’t just eaten
➻ panting, when they’re not hot
➻ yawning, when they’re not tired.

If we miss noticing these anxiety communications, it forces our dogs to tell us in a bigger and bigger way how they’re feeling. When this happens, there is a lot of unlearning to do to change the behavior, which fits into the last definition of anxiety.

When dogs are behaving “badly,” they aren’t being bad — they are expressing anxiety and this “bad” behavior helps them feel less anxious. Relieving their anxiety goes a long way to mitigating an unwanted behavior rather than correcting an already anxious dog.

Photo: Eva Blanco | Getty Images

What are the causes of anxiety?

Some common anxieties in dogs are:
➻ separation anxiety
➻ anxiety at the vet’s office
➻ anxiety in training
➻ anxious around kids, cats, horses
➻ anxious around cars; getting in or chasing them
➻ noises like thunder, trains, etc

Build trust not anxiety
Whatever the anxiety or however deep-seated it is, relieve your dog’s anxiety, don’t correct him. Do this by changing the association to the trigger that causes the anxiety by pairing something good with the trigger before your dog gets over the threshold and too anxious.

Some anxieties aren’t really anxiety at all. Balking at a statue on a walk when your pup is 14 weeks old isn’t anxiety —it’s caution when faced with something new. How we handle the reaction can either cause anxiety or build trust.

If your dog balks, barks, lunges or pulls away:
➻ stay put and talk in a soothing voice.
➻ allow your pup time to adjust to the new object or person.
➻ When your dog’s body has relaxed, move forward offering treats by luring him toward the object of anxiety.

Throw treats on the ground, getting closer and closer to the object until your dog realizes that it’s not going to hurt him.

Use these as opportunities to learn that life is fun, not scary.

Photo: gollykim| Getty Images

How to manage your dog’s anxiety

Let’s look at four common ways we think dogs are behaving badly when they are just expressing anxiety.

Anxiety barking — First, ensure your dog’s basic physical and mental needs have been met. Next, manage the environment by creating a quiet place where the dog feels safe: Put something over the windows like an opaque, removable film, leave the radio or TV on a classical music station, block off areas that trigger anxiety. Then, work with a trainer to use positive reinforcement to desensitize your dog to whatever triggers his anxious barking.

Lunging — Lunging is a manifestation of your dog’s emotional state. Don’t focus on stopping the behavior but on decreasing the anxiety to help mitigate lunging.

First, create more distance between your dog and the trigger to help keep your dog under the reactive threshold. If your dog is so caught up that he isn’t able to hear you or take treats, then you’re too close to the trigger. Either remove your dog or create more distance. Next, work with a positive reinforcement trainer to help desensitize your dog so that you can decrease the distance, while keeping him under threshold.

Biting — Dogs rarely bite out of the blue. First signs often go unnoticed, because they are subtle — looking away, lip licking, yawning, scratching and sniffing. When these signals are missed, the dog needs to get bigger in his communication: showing teeth, air snapping, growling, or hiding behind or under furniture. When these bigger signs go misunderstood, dogs are left with no alternative but to bite. (Although they did try to tell you.) Learn to read these signs with the Dog Decoder app (On Google Play and Apple app store).

Destruction — When dogs are destructive when left alone, it’s because they have separation anxiety. First, ensure your dog’s physical and mental needs are met. Second, establish a place where your dog feels safe — this place should be determined by your dog, not you.

Experiment with different places: the office, the kitchen or family room, wherever you spend much of your time. Block off that area with a puppy gate, like this extra-wide one from FRISCO ($34.99, Chewy), and practice leaving for short periods (and I mean short). Get something out of another room while your dog is calm and relaxed.

Some dogs feel safe in an even smaller place like an exercise pen or crate. Once you find the safe place, get help from a positive trainer to teach you how to lengthen the time away from your dog so you can help him feel less anxious about being alone.

When your dog shows displacement behaviors like scratching, panting, yawning and lip licking — and they happen out of context (he doesn’t really have an itch, he isn’t really smelling something or he’s not tired but is yawning) — these are signs that he feels some discomfort. When you notice these signs, pay attention to what’s happening at the moment and help him feel less anxious.

Can you move a bit farther away from the trigger? Can you soothe your dog with a gentle calming voice and touch? If your dog is playing with other dogs, remove him and come back another day. If your dog is anxious at the vet clinic, go for daily, non-vet, friendly visits to get treats and go home.

Work with a trainer who specializes in low-stress handling to help your dog not fear being handled, having his nails trimmed, ears touched and temperature taken.

Understanding and management are critical to help any dog feel less anxious about whatever triggers them. Use positive reinforcement to change the association from fear or anxiety to relief. Build up your trust account and be your dog’s best advocate.

Featured Image: Capuski | Getty Images

Read Next: 9 Ways Food Can Help Dogs with Anxiety Issues

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

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My Dog Ate Ibuprofen: Now What?

The post My Dog Ate Ibuprofen: Now What? 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.

Can dogs take ibuprofen? Let’s not bury the lede here, folks. There are no circumstances under which it’s a good idea to give human medications to your dog. The only exception is if you have explicit instructions, including appropriate dosages, from a veterinarian who has examined the dog and taken into consideration the dog’s weight, age and condition. Where painkillers like ibuprofen are concerned, there is a razor-thin margin between what may give them pain relief and what will cause worse, unrelated health issues. But … what if your dog ate ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen toxicity in dogs is a big problem, one exacerbated by the mundane, everyday nature of the medication. Over-the-counter pain relievers — whether the active ingredient is ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen or otherwise — are incredibly common. For my own part, I keep bottles of Aleve in strategic locations throughout the house so that I never have to look long when the need arises. It is just this convenience that poses the greatest threat to our dogs — and cause dog guardians to Google things like “Help! My dog ate ibuprofen …”

A sick senior dog. Photography ©AmyDreves | Thinkstock.

Dogs and ibuprofen, and other human pain relievers

Inquiries about dogs and human pain medications tend to fall into two major categories, panic and well-intentioned curiosity:

1. Panic: “Help! My dog ate ibuprofen!”
2. Curiosity: “Can I give my dog ibuprofen for pain?”

According to the ASPCA, most calls about dogs and ibuprofen to their Animal Poison Control Center hotline were the result of panic (“Help! My dog ate ibuprofen.”). While there are, naturally, dog owners who extend their own comfort level with OTC pain relievers to their dogs, for the most part, reported cases of acute ibuprofen toxicity are the result of canine curiosity and indiscriminate appetite.

Because people like myself leave bottles of aspirin or other pain medications lying around the house, they are perfectly situated to draw the attention of a dog. Whether they’re in single-use blister packs or bottles containing 200 or more, even the most childproofed packaging isn’t much security against a dog’s jaws and teeth.

Initial symptoms of NSAID toxicity in dogs

We’re focusing on dogs and ibuprofen, since that appears to be the biggest reported culprit, but no nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, is safe for dogs to take. Depending on an individual dog’s tolerance, one 200mg tablet can be sufficient to cause symptoms of ibuprofen toxicity in dogs. If a dog gains access to a bottle, the chances of eating just one are remote and the potential damage far more severe.

Ibuprofen and naproxen, the two active ingredients in the popular pain relievers Advil and Aleve, respectively, cause similar symptoms. In medical parlance, canine reactions to painkillers classify as “acute” disorders because of their sudden onset and immediate severity. If your dog ate ibuprofen, signs of toxicity within an hour include:

1. Blood in vomit or blood in stool
2. Diarrhea
3. Nausea
4. Urinary incontinence, or loss of bladder control

Severe symptoms if your dog ate ibuprofen

The more pills a dog ingests, the more dramatic the symptoms as time passes and the medication makes its way through the bloodstream. If your dog ate ibuprofen, the severe symptoms of ibuprofen or naproxen toxicity are:

1. Disorientation, loss of motor coordination
2. Stomach damage, ulcers and perforations in the stomach wall
3. Kidney damage

You’ll see that these symptoms involve a certain set of internal systems, notably the digestive system and the central nervous system. Should a dog ingest enough pills, and should it take too long for the dog to receive medical attention and emergency treatment, the results of the symptoms enumerated above can reach their logical conclusions: kidney failure, coma, even death.

What about if your dog ate acetaminophen, such as Tylenol?

Acetaminophen, the most popular brand of which is Tylenol, causes similar symptoms when ingested by dogs, with some variations. Along with digestive upset, including diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, and neurological issues, like loss of coordination, acetaminophen toxicity in dogs may present with the following symptoms:

1. Dramatic change in the color of the gums
2. Dry eyes
3. Excessive panting, or difficulty breathing
4. Facial swelling

If your dog ate ibuprofen, here’s what happens

So, if your dog ate ibuprofen, what’s happening inside his body? Dog metabolism is both different and faster than that of humans. NSAIDs are fast-acting pain relief medications; combine that with a much narrower margin of safety for dogs than humans, and the consequences make more sense. One reason why ibuprofen specifically is dangerous to dogs, particularly Advil, is the sweetened outer coating. Unlike cats, dogs can experience the taste of sweetness, making them more appealing in greater quantities.

Once in the stomach, NSAIDs reduce the production of COX enzymes. These enzymes are responsible for natural inflammation control; anti-inflammatories inhibit the ability of the dog’s body to regulate itself. More importantly, COX enzymes help to produce and maintain the mucosal barrier. This is a lining that protects the stomach wall from being worn away by its own digestive acids. The more pain pills a dog swallows, the faster that lining disintegrates.

With the gastric mucosal barrier weakened, ulcers can begin to form. In a worst-case scenario, ibuprofen ingestion can actually create holes in the stomach itself. This can cause stomach acids to leak into the abdomen. The COX enzymes have other functions, too, involving the blood’s ability to clot and regulating the flow of blood to the kidneys. When a dog eats pain medications, they not only cause wounds, sores, and perforations to occur, but also prevent them from healing.

When blood flow to the kidneys is compromised, it is easier to understand why a dog might have trouble controlling or managing their bladder function. The analgesic, or pain-killing, function of NSAIDs explains the neurological symptoms. Open wounds in the stomach or small intestine should key us in to why blood might appear in a dog’s vomit and feces.

If your dog ate ibuprofen, or you even suspect he might have, call your vet!

The more pain pills a dog ingests, the more dire the consequences. Calling a veterinarian or getting the dog to an emergency pet hospital as quickly as possible can make all the difference. The treatment options if a dog ate ibuprofen can be as relatively simple as a stomach pump or as involved as surgery to repair a perforated stomach.

Dogs are much better than humans at concealing pain. But if it is clear to you that your dog is suffering, do not, under any circumstances, reach for the medications that you use to treat your own aches and pains. Every dog is different, and only a veterinarian can determine a dosage that is appropriate to your dog’s specific body chemistry, or whether any NSAID can or should be given at all. The ASPCA’s Poison Control Center hotline is available 24 hours a day. Click here for the most current contact information!

Thumbnail: Photography ©Rasulovs | Thinkstock. 

Read Next: What Shots Do Dogs Need? A Guide to Dog Vaccinations and Medications

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

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Dogs in Heat: 9 Things to Know

The post Dogs in Heat: 9 Things to Know 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.

Do dogs have periods? Not the same way that female humans do. Female dogs who aren’t spayed go into heat and the amount of time a female dog bleeds and when she’s fertile varies greatly from a human menstrual cycle. Let’s discuss some facts about dogs in heat — and why it’s important to spay your female dog!

Do you know these important facts about dogs in heat? Photography ©Cynoclub | Thinkstock.

1. A dog heat cycle only happens once or twice a year.

The canine estrus cycle (commonly referred to as the dog heat cycle) occurs every 6 to 12 months.

2. A puppy can go into heat sooner than you think.

The earliest that most dogs will experience their first heat cycle is at 6 months of age.

3. Dogs in heat should stay away from intact male dogs for 3 to 4 weeks.

This means that dogs in heat should not visit dog parks or do any doggie day care visits. “Anytime a dog is in heat, assume it’s going to be at least a month and keep them away from male dogs during that time,” says Nancy Kelso, DVM, medical director at VCA Columbia Animal Hospital at Hickory Ridge in Columbia, Maryland. “Generally, neutered males are fine, however, it’s also stressful for intact males to live in the same house as a female in heat so we usually recommend totally separating them.” If possible, send one of the dogs to stay with a relative or friend for a month or so.

4. Don’t think you’re in the clear once the bleeding stops.

With dogs in heat, each dog heat cycle lasts 3 to 4 weeks, but you will only see bleeding during the first 2 weeks. “The fertile period is actually when the bloody discharge starts to subside and it becomes pink or clear and there’s much less of it,” Dr. Kelso says. “Even the swelling of the vulva goes down substantially so a lot of people think the dog is out of heat, but no, that’s actually the prime fertile time.”

Dog pants, like this fun polka-dot option from Glenndarcy, are great for dogs in heat. Photography courtesy of Glenndarcy.

5. The bleeding from dogs in heat isn’t as bad as you might think.

“Fortunately, in most dogs it’s not a large amount, it’s relatively small,” Dr. Kelso explains. “Some people will use sanitary diapers for dogs.” With some dogs in heat, you won’t really notice the bleeding. 

6. Don’t delay scheduling your dog’s spay.

Many people don’t ever experience dogs in heat since it’s best to have your female dog spayed prior to her first heat cycle. If your new rescue dog goes into heat before you can get her spayed, your vet might suggest waiting until she is done before spaying her. “It can be done while they are in heat or immediately after, but it’s not the ideal time because the uterus is much larger and much more vascular at that time,” Dr. Kelso says. “If we have the luxury of time, then the perfect scenario is we wait about two months after they’ve been in heat to spay them, but if we need to get it done because they’re getting adopted out then we’ll definitely spay shortly after heat or when we need to.”

7. Spaying your dog decreases her chances of developing mammary cancer.

Mammary cancer is the equivalent of breast cancer in dogs. Check your female pup regularly for lumps in her breast tissue (from her armpit to her groin). If you feel something suspicious, schedule an appointment with your vet.

8. Pyometra is another danger for female dogs who aren’t spayed.

Pyometra is an infection of the uterus. It can be deadly and almost always requires an emergency spay surgery. If the infection is “open” (meaning the cervix is open) it can be easier for veterinarians to diagnose because there is usually foul-smelling discharge from the vaginal area. “Dogs can also have a variety where the cervix is closed, so the pus is actually building up inside the dog and those dogs get really sick,” Dr. Kelso says. “They don’t eat, they don’t drink and they run a high fever. If you see any of those symptoms, you should bring her in to a veterinarian.” 

9. Dogs in heat know when they are in heat and fertile — and when they are not.

“Dogs know when they’re ready to be bred,” Dr. Kelso says about dogs in heat. “They get a little more flirtatious. Sometimes they might be a little grumpy at the beginning of heat. If a dog tries to mount them or something, they’re basically saying, ‘I’m not ready.’”

Thinking about keeping your dog intact? Read this first >>

Thumbnail: Photography by Claudio alexandre Cologni/Thinkstock.

This piece was originally published in 2017.

Read more about dogs in heat on Dogster.com:

• Can a Litter of Dogs Have Different Fathers? Let’s Talk Dogs and Superfecundation
• How Long Are Dogs Pregnant? Everything to Know About Dog Pregnancy
• All About Dog Genitalia and Dog Reproductive Systems

The post Dogs in Heat: 9 Things to Know 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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Calm Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety

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

“And then when we leave, she wails, barks and chews anything she can get. For hours! We’ve tried everything we can think of and it’s getting worse. When she was a puppy she was a bit clingy,” her owner reflected through misty eyes, “but we thought she just needed more attention or that she was neglected somehow.”

I had just listened to nearly 10 minutes of how tiny 2-year-old Terrier, Annie, was wrecking her human family’s home, literally. Her family had reached their breaking point, and I was Annie’s last chance. No pressure.

Help ease your dog’s separation anxiety by providing a safe, quiet place — whether it’s a crate or a small area in a bedroom. Photo: beavera | Getty Images

Signs and treatment of separation anxiety

Annie’s story is more common than you’d think. Separation anxiety is one of the most common canine behavioral problems, affecting up to 30% of dogs. I worry that number is far too low, with many dogs never diagnosed simply because there’s no evidence of their anxiety when the owner is absent. Many dogs begin panting, whining or pacing 10 to 30 minutes after being left alone, and unless there is self-harm or property damage, few owners are aware a problem exists.

This is one of the reasons I’m a fan of indoor pet cameras such as the Wyze Cam Pan that allow owners to peek at their pet’s behavior when they’re away. Video has become increasingly essential in the diagnosis and treatment plans for behavioral problems. When we examine videos of normal dogs, we find the majority cozy up and sleep when their owner is gone. However, dogs suffering from separation anxiety often:

lick their lips excessively
yawn repeatedly
are hypervigilant and incessantly pace between windows and doors
bark and whine
may destroy furnishings
may injure themselves

While these are observable actions, I’m very concerned about the physiological damage even seemingly “minor anxiety” creates. Chronic physiological stress has been linked to:

decreased immunity
increased infections
digestive disorders
weight gain
conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

The risks of anxiety disorders in dogs far exceed annoying barking and shoe chewing.

Because Annie’s condition was advanced, I began a two-month trial of Reconcile (fluoxetine), an FDA-approved medication for canine separation anxiety. Another proven treatment is Clomicalm (clomipramine). Plus, I prescribed alprazolam, a fast-acting benzodiazepine, to be given one hour prior to departure.

Photo: Capuski | Getty Images

Treat on all fronts

Successfully treating separation anxiety requires a multi-modal approach. I recommended that Annie’s owners place Adaptil (dog-appeasing pheromone) diffusers throughout the home. This aerosolized pheromone mimics a chemical nursing mothers secrete to calm puppies and has been shown to aid in treating anxiety. Although the research is limited but positive, I often offer the chewable nutritional supplement Anxitane (L-theanine) to my patients with separation anxiety.

I fitted Annie with an exciting innovation in treating canine anxiety, the Calmer Canine. While it looks like a futuristic doggie halo, the science of targeted pulsed electromagnetic field has been studied for years and is FDA-approved for human PTSD and depression. Annie would become an “angel” twice a day for 15 minutes for the first six weeks as part of our treatment.

Drugs and space-age technology wouldn’t be enough to solve Annie’s problem behaviors. Behavior modification is also essential. Taking Annie to work, finding a doggie daycare trained to handle anxiety or using a dog sitter could help Annie avoid anxiety triggers while the medications have time to work.

I also advised an entry-level food puzzle from Outward Hound to help keep her occupied when her owners needed alone time or space to work. We decided to create Annie’s “safe space” in the main bedroom. The blinds would be closed, Annie’s favorite bed fit alongside the bed, and soothing music could be played. Annie had reacted negatively to being in a crate,so the idea was to give her a calming place to go to avoid anxiety.

Finally, 30 to 45 minutes of daily aerobic activity like walks, playtime in the yard or training sessions (Annie had never learned “Sit” or “Down,” for example). Many early behavior problems can be resolved simply by more physical activities and interactions. Dogs need time to “be a dog,” and nothing beats outdoor jaunts or doggie playdates. Annie had a neighborhood “Bichon bestie” that I recommended they see more often.

At our two-week recheck, Annie was beginning to improve. After four weeks, I could tell a noticeable difference in her calmness during our visit, even when I asked her owner to leave the room for a “separation test.” By two months, we were beginning to reduce her medications. At our three-month visit, Annie’s mom reported she had “become an angel again.” We further reduced her medications, continued with the Calmer Canine and Anxitane, and started leveling up her physical activities, training (she was enrolled in doggie day school!), and even her food puzzles were getting more sophisticated. Over the next year, I occasionally got a call about an issue and we adjusted medications.

Annie’s anxiety is a common tale in the pet and veterinary world. With early recognition and intervention, pursuing an aggressive multimodal treatment plan and adhering to all recommendations and rechecks, many dogs can resume a normal life. Most dogs require lifelong treatment of some sort, but with a caring and dedicated family, dogs like Annie can truly return to being little angels.

Featured Image: Feverpitched | Getty Images

Read Next: Going Back to the Office? Here’s How to Prepare Your Dog

The post Calm Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety by Dr. Ernie Ward 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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Spot Got Potty Problems? We’ve Got Answers to Common Dog Potty Issues

The post Spot Got Potty Problems? We’ve Got Answers to Common Dog Potty Issues 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.

When you have dogs, piddle happens. Sometimes, it occurs in appropriate locations, like your backyard. Sometimes, it surfaces on cherished items in your home, like your bedroom pillow.

There is always a reason — medical or behavioral — behind your dog’s potty actions. With the help of two seasoned veterinarians, we identify and offer solutions/explanations for these six perplexing potty problems.

Photo: PaoloCremonesi | Getty Images

Your dogs pee on top of each other’s urine in the backyard.

Reason/Solution: Dogs depend on “pee mail” like we depend on phone texts to communicate. Our dogs can smell 40 times better than we can and sniffing urine downloads a lot of data: the dog’s gender, health condition and social ranking. So, when you see Dog A pee and then Dog B races over to pee on top of that spot, followed by Dog C, it is a way your dogs are establishing their social rank among one another, explains Dr. Lisa Lippman, a former emergency medicine veterinarian and now house call veterinarian for Off Leash Veterinary Care in New York City.

“The scent of urine from previous dogs is like a big green sign telling your dog, ‘Pee here,’” says Dr. Lippman.

Unless the dogs get into fights, let it be. They are reminding each other who outranks who in the pack.

Your dog’s urine emits a strong, pungent odor.

Reason/Solution: Pay attention to this one. It could signal that your dog has a serious kidney or bladder infection. Common causes can include an endocrine disease (such as diabetes or Cushing’s disease), injury and bacterial infections, Dr. Lippman says. So,book an appointment with your veterinarian.

Once there, your veterinarian is likely to take a urine sample from your dog at the clinic to help with the appropriate treatment plan. The veterinarian may insert a needle into your dog’s bladder (a procedure called cystocentesis) or palpate your dog’s bladder and collect his urine in a pan (this is the free-catch sample method). One ounce of your dog’s urine is plenty for your veterinarian to run a number of tests and narrow down the possible causes of the foul odor, says Dr. Lippman.

Photo: Holly Hildreth Photoboyko | Getty Images

My dog refuses to potty in the rain. How long can he hold it?

Reason/Solution: Some dogs simply don’t like getting wet and would rather wait to return to the comfort of their homes rather than go to the bathroom during a rainstorm.

“Try using an umbrella to shelter them from the rain,” suggests Dr. Lippman. “You can also use treats and condition them to wear doggy rain gear and boots. Even though you may be frustrated, resist scolding because your dog may associate the rain with being reprimanded, making it even more challenging for him to pee in the rain.”

Adds Dr. Kathryn Primm, owner of the Apple-brook Animal Hospital in Ooltewah, Tennessee and the country’s first Fear-Free Pets certified veterinarian: “Try using high-value treats like tiny pieces of shredded cheese or boiled chicken, torn into shreds. Use high-value treats to encourage your dog to go when the circumstances are not her first choice, like rain.”

The bottom line for your dog’s bottom actions: gather clues, gather evidence and work with your veterinarian on finding a workable solution.

Photo: Holly Hildreth Photography

My dog eats poop from our cat’s litter box or poop from other dogs, rabbits and ducks on walks.

Reason/Solution: “Studies have shown that coprophagia (poop eating) can be normal behavior for canines, even though it grosses us out,” says Dr. Primm. “It’s like your dog is saying to your cat, ‘Hey, wait, cat. You can’t throw that out. It’s still good!’”

Among the medical and behavioral reasons for poop consumption are the lack of needed digestive enzymes in their diet, sheer boredom, seeking attention from you and because some dogs simply like the taste of these poopy treasures.

Dr. Primm suggests that you prevent access to the cat litter box from your dog and consider training your poop-eater during walks to wear a basket muzzle using Fear Free techniques so it becomes a normal part of the walking attire.

Also consult your veterinarian to review what you are currently feeding your dog in case you need to make dietary changes.

Poop consumed from “finds” on your dog walk may also harbor harmful bacteria and parasites. Keep your dog on a 4- to 6-foot leash so you can steer him away from gobbling up these stinky treats on your walks.

My dog is unable to pee.  She squats and nothing comes out.

Reason/Solution: The causes could include urinary blockage, urinary stones and tumors. Whatever the cause, regard this as a major medical emergency that warrants immediate veterinary attention.

Dr. Primm says. “If you think about urine and where it comes from and where it goes, then being unable to urinate implies that either urine isn’t being produced or it cannot get out from where it is stored in the bladder,” she says. “Either one is a big deal. This is a medical emergency that should not be ignored for quality of life issues.”

Photo: Amax Photo | Getty Images

My dog is urinating on my bed pillow. I am not happy.

Reason/Solution: Replacing pillows can be expensive and time consuming, but unleash your pet detective skills — and not your temper — to identify possible clues for your dog’s sudden break from his perfect housetraining streak.

“First, make absolutely sure there is no medical reason,” says Dr. Primm. “It isn’t fair to label a dog with a medical issue as just being ‘bad’ or even having a behavioral issue.”

Your dog may have diabetes, a leaky bladder or a urinary tract infection. Or, he may piddle when he becomes overly excited during play and accidentally piddles on your pillow. Submissive or fearful dogs may pee on your pillow because it contains a strong scent of you and helps them feel less exposed and vulnerable.

“What is clear is that dogs do not pee out of spite,” says Dr. Lippman. “Do your best to keep the bedroom closed off from your dog and consider crate training your dog when you aren’t around to supervise him.”

Featured Image: K_Thalhofer | Getty Images

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