The History of Dog Adoption in the United States

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This list includes just some of the big moments in the history of dog rescue and continues to be updated. Have a dog adoption historical moment to add? Just email Dogster at dogstermag@belvoir.com the information for consideration of inclusion.

Created by Arden Moore and continuously updated by Dogster.com.

1866: The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) begins its mission.

1869: First U.S. animal shelter created by Caroline Earl White along with other female animal activists opened as The Women’s Branch of the Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals in Philadelphia. Today, it is called the Women’s Animal Center, renamed from the Women’s Humane Society.

1910: A group led by Jean Milne Gower creates the Denver Dumb Friends League, now one of the largest and oldest animal shelters west of the Mississippi River.

Working with a compassionate community, Dumb Friends League aims to end pet homelessness and animal suffering.

1944: The North Shore Animal League and Dog Protective Association, Inc. rescuing homeless animals in Long Island and dedicating itself to the No-Kill philosophy is founded. Now called the North Shore Animal League, the nonprofit’s programs and initiatives have majorly impacted dog rescue, adoption and awareness, greatly lowering U.S. pet euthanasia numbers. More than 1.1 million dogs, cats, puppies and kittens have been saved since its founding, and today it places 18,000 pets on average in loving homes each year. Two impactive historical dates to note: In 1991, the NSALA’s Humane Relocation Program commences with weekly transports from overcrowded municipal shelters and commercial breeding facilities across the country to the safety of its campus. In 1993, its SpayUSA referral service — the first of its kind — premieres, connecting people nationwide to low cost, quality spay and neuter services for their pets.1995 first annual Pet Adoptathon conducted. Today it’s the Global Pet Adoptathon, reaching around the world and saving tens of thousands. Two unique annual events to note: The Global Pet Adoptathon (first conducted in 1995), reaches around the world annually to save tens of thousands of pets’ lives. Started in 2001, The Tour For Life sends Animal League America’s Mobile Rescue Units on the road, using the units and expertise to help shelters across the country save more animals.

1973: The ASPCA recognizes the need to control pet population and begins its campaign to spay and neuter adopted dogs and cats.

1976: Richard (Rich) Avanzino, considered the “father” of No-Kill movement, becomes the president of the San Francisco SPCA through 1999. During his tenure, the Society and the County of San Francisco worked together to become the first county in the nation to offer an adoption guarantee for every healthy and treatable shelter dog and cat, inspiring others to do so too. Rich later becomes President and then Strategic Advisor for the animal welfare organization Maddie’s Fund. Dogster (formerly Dog Fancy) named Rich to our list of 45 People Who Have Changed the Dog World.

In March 2015, Rich was named to Dog Fancy’s list of “45 People Who Have Changed the Dog World” and was awarded the Assisi Award by the New Zealand Companion Animal Council in 2014. This award, named in honor of St Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Animals, is an acknowledgement by the NZ Companion Animal Council of the international achievements of those whose goals echo the principles of excellence in animal welfare.

As one of the no-kill movement’s most articulate spokespeople, Rich has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, USA Today, People magazine, Parade Magazine, ABC’s 20/20 and “Person of the Week”on the ABC Nightly News.

He received a doctor of pharmacy degree from the University of California Medical Center, San Francisco, and has a law degree from the University of California at Davis.

1984: Best Friends sanctuary for homeless and special-needs animals created in Southern Utah, advocating the importance of no-kill. Today, along with a national network of shelters, working toward goal of No-Kill 2025.

Every inch of the Sanctuary — from the majestic red rocks to the thriving animal communities — is filled with hope and kindness shown by caregivers, thousands of volunteers and so many compassionate people like you.

1993: The ASPCA is the first national animal-protection group to start implanting microchips for identification in its shelter animals up for adoption.

1994: Maddie’s Fund is created in Pleasanton, California, by Dave and Cheryl Duffield in memory of their dog Maddie (1987-1997), and the foundation has awarded about $250 million in grants for shelters and foster care groups. This California-based nonprofit invests resources toward “keeping pets and people together, creating a safety net of care for animals in need and operating within a culture of inclusiveness and humility”.

1996: Betsy Banks Saul and Jared Saul created the website Petfinder as a way to match adoptable pets in animal shelters with people living in and around New Jersey. In 2000, Petfinder became national and in 2013, it joined Nestle Purina. Petfinder ranks as the largest pet website on the internet with more than 25 million pet adoptions.

 1998: SF SFPCA’s Maddie’s Pet Adoption Center opens, revolutionizing animal sheltering by housing adoptable dogs and cats in home-like settings and not cages, which sets a new standard of sheltering practices .

2009: The Shelter Pet Project launches in September. Created by the Advertising Council, Maddie’s Fund and The Humane Society of the United States, it urged people looking for a new pet to make shelters and rescue groups their first choice for adoption. The campaign played out on billboards, bus shelters, websites, TV and radio.

2013: ASPCA launches ASPCA Behavioral Rehabilitation Center pilot program to provide behavioral rehabilitation for severely fearful, unadoptable dogs in New Jersey. Today, the program has expanded and is housed in a permanent facility in North Carolina.

2014: John Hussey, a National Football League referee and animal advocate, creates Cuddly.com. This Santa Monica, California-based company has conducted more than 7,000 campaigns that have raised more than $20 million in donations to help more than 2,100 animal shelter and rescue groups.

2014: Stray and abandoned dogs get an international media spotlight turned on them during the 2014 Winter Olympic Games due to the coverage of homeless dogs in Sochi. This led to the creation of the Sochi Dogs and the Sochi Dogs Sanctuary, which promotes spay/neuter programs and getting Russian dogs off the streets and into homes around the world.

Belka is looking for an active family. This beautiful girl is ready for her forever family, put your application in today.

2020: TIME magazine names rescue animals as its 2020 Pet of the Year. During the 2020 coronavirus pandemic the U.S. national adoption rate spikes, with some animal shelters and rescues being emptied of adoptable pets.

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Arden Moore, The Pet Health and Safety Coach, is a pet behavior consultant, master certified pet first aid instructor, author and host of the Oh Behave Show on Pet Life Radio. Learn more at ardenmoore.com. 

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Your Guide to Dog ID Tags

The post Your Guide to Dog ID Tags 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.

Dog collars come in plenty of styles. You can make your pup look like a tough guy with a skull-and-bones collar or deck your fluffy little princess out in a pink one with a bow. 

When it comes to dog collars, though, it don’t mean a thing if they ain’t got some necessary bling. Having the correct dog ID tags on your pup’s collar can ensure they stay safe and healthy in case the two of you are separated. In some jurisdictions, having appropriate tags can also keep you from incurring fines.

However, let’s face it: All that clinking is annoying. And should your small dog really have multiple tags around their neck? 

Dr. Michelle Burch, DVM from Safe Hounds Pet Insurance shares everything you need to know about dog name tags.

How many dog ID tags does your dog need? Photo: Ksenia Raykova/Getty Images

What dog tags does my dog need?

Dr. Burch suggests keeping three tags on your dog’s collar:

An identification tag. This tag should have the pet’s name and your up-to-date phone number. “I’ve run into situations where they have the information on there, but it’s an old number that no longer works,” Dr. Burch says. If there’s room, you can include your home address and pet’s microchip number. If you and your pet get separated, this extra information can help reunite the two of you.

A rabies tag. The rabies tag provides a useful piece of information, and it’s not that your dog was vaccinated. “It shows the veterinary hospital they go to,” Dr. Burch says. If someone finds your pup and the ID tag fell off, the Good Samaritan or animal control can call the vet, and they may be able to point them in your direction. “The rabies tag is not proof of vaccination,” Dr. Burch clarifies. “The actual proof is the rabies certificate.” You will often need to show this certificate to a groomer or if you are boarding your dog.

Proof of licensing. Many jurisdictions require you to license your dog and give you a tag to affix to the collar. You’ll want to put this on. “It helps avoid incurring additional penalties when you go break them out of jail,” Dr. Burch says.

What dog ID tags should be on your pup’s collar?Photo: alexei_tm/Getty Images

How to avoid clinking

Dr. Burch suggests leaving the collar with tags on your dog at all times, even inside.

“Even in the house, there can be a time where just opening a door or a door is accidentally left open, and they easily escape from the household,” she advises.

That said, the clinking can get annoying, particularly if you are trying to sleep. Dr. Burch says you can reduce the number of tags by getting a collar that allows you to engrave the identification information. There are also plastic protectors that you can put on the dog tag that prevents the metal from hitting each other. Finally, you can look into dog tag silencers.

“A piece of plastic that attaches and screws the tags tight together — not so tight that you can’t see them individually but tight enough that they aren’t clinking,” Dr. Burch says.

How many dog tags is too many?

Maybe your life isn’t complete without hearing your dog’s collar jingle. However, is there such a thing as too much of a good thing?

Dr. Burch says that the three tags she suggests keeping on the dog shouldn’t weigh down your pup.

“The metal is pretty lightweight,” she says. “When you start thinking about five to eight tags hanging off a collar, then it can be too much weight, especially for smaller dogs. It can put pressure on the neck.”

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Making Safe Choices About Your Dog’s Social Media

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Social media has gone to the dogs! Sometimes it seems that every dog you meet has one (or more) social media profiles. You probably follow as many dogs as people. 

Social media has become an invaluable way for rescues to connect dogs and puppies with new loving families and is a fun way of connecting with other dog lovers who share your interest in a specific breed, sport, or activity. But as much as most of us love the dog side of social media, there can be a dangerous aspect. For instance, the popular trend on TikTok of feeding Hot Sauce to dogs is not only cruel; it actually could be painful for dogs. Involving your dog in your social media profiles or even making social media profiles for your dog can be a lot of fun and a great way to document your life together. That said, at the end of the day, dogs don’t care how many likes a photo gets or how many subscribers they have. When you involve your dog in social media, it’s essential to make sure your posting is fun and safe.

When you involve your dog in social media it’s essential to make sure what you are posting is fun and safe. Photo: AleksandarNakic/Getty Images

Safety first

Regardless of what you see trending or what other accounts are posting, the safety of your dog and others around you should always come first. Don’t break leash laws in order to get a “perfect” aesthetic photograph to post. Instead, take off-leash photos only in safe areas where dogs are legally allowed off-leash. Another option is to invest in a leash you find aesthetically pleasing, or that compliments your dog in photos. 

As a dog trainer, I get very concerned by many of the dog stunts I see trending on social media: things like dogs climbing ladders, jumping high jumps etc. These posts might be popular online but can easily lead to serious injuries. Just because you see a dog do or attempt something online doesn’t mean it’s something you should try to replicate at home with your dog. You have no idea what kind of training or conditioning that dog online has had to prepare them to do that stunt, and you also don’t know if that dog has since been injured as a result. 

Make sure social media trends don’t erode your dog’s trust 

Unfortunately, many social media trends and challenges are around trying to see how a dog reacts to a situation and filming that response. Some of these trends are harmless, but others designed to confuse or frighten a dog are things you want to avoid. Any challenge or activity that causes your dog to feel scared, confused or alarmed can erode your dog’s trust in you. You never want to do anything that makes your dog question if they can trust you, especially for something as insignificant as a social media post. 

Make responsible choices when it comes to social media and dogs

Social media should always be fun for both you and your dog. When you are thinking about involving your dog in pictures or videos to post, always center your dog’s safety, comfort and enjoyment. If you are ever uncertain about the safety of a particular activity, it’s a good idea to pause and do some research. For example, with food-based trends, always ensure that a treat or food is safe for dogs (the ASPCA Poison Control is a great first resource to check). Like with the hot sauce challenge, just because other people are doing it doesn’t mean that it is safe. It’s also a good idea to connect with your dog’s vet to determine if the particular activity is safe or ask your dog’s trainer if the activity could have unintentional negative consequences in your ongoing training plans/goals. 

Sometimes putting the safety and comfort of your dog first means you’ll lose out on some online “likes” and won’t be able to participate in a particular trend, but your dog will thank you for it. What matters much more than online popularity is your dog’s comfort, safety, and trust in your relationship. 

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“Pawliday” at The Getaway at Emerald Glen Farm

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Pet lovers Ian and Mindy McCormick decided in 2018 that life was too short to work all the time in the corporate world to maintain a San Francisco, California, lifestyle. The duo decided that since they only had one life and wanted to start living it on their terms, they needed to make sure they were doing something they enjoyed and were passionate about.

“Which is how we came to focus on a business that caters to dogs and their owners,” says Ian, as they were blessed to have great dogs of their own, like Samson and Roxy, and their current pups Siena and Honcho. They looked for a rural property to live and work, someplace that allowed them to have some land and a place where they could reconnect with nature. They bought The Getaway in January 2020, quit their jobs and moved to upstate New York.

“We were quickly confronted with the challenges of operating a new business during an unprecedented pandemic. I remember Mindy and I thinking ‘Wow! What kind of luck must we have — taking the biggest risk of our lives and almost immediately being faced with a horrible pandemic that would potentially put our business at risk and cut us off from our family and friends who had planned on visiting.'”

Ian describes The Getaway at Emerald Glen Farm as 120 acres of pure dog heaven.

© Julia August | Getty Image

“We offer a truly off-leash experience for well-mannered dogs that pass our personality screening. There is a 30-acre area that encompasses all of the lodgings/dining area, which is fully fenced in. Our guests have likened it to staying inside a dog park.”

Ian and Mindy take dog friendly to the next level, catering to the canines. “We know that we have done our job when we hear how much fun and how tired our guest dogs are at the end of each day,” Ian says.

The property offers over 4 miles of hiking trails, access to the clean/clear waters of the Butternut Creek meandering through 90% of the property, private retreats throughout to relax waterside and soak up the surroundings or to catch a quick nap. Mindy and Ian want to continue to make the Getaway even better, by adding to their current farm animals (like the two Nigerian dwarf goats they adopted) with some egg-laying hens for fresh eggs for guests. They hope to eventually offer dog boarding for guests and the public in general.

The 2021 summer season runs from Friday, May 28th through Thursday, September 30th. The campground welcomes RVs and tents, plus offers dog-friendly cottages and cabins. Mindy and Ian truly appreciate their guests, both human and dog. “A lot of great dog-loving people,” says Ian, “which is uplifting.”

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Want more Getaway? Visit emerald glengetaway.com or follow @emeraldglengetaway, on Facebook @vacationwithdog or email info@emeraldglengetaway.com.

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What to Know About Your Dog’s Pulse

The post What to Know About Your Dog’s Pulse 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.

A dog pulse is a measure of a dog’s heart rate and is a critical vital sign in assessing health. 

DOGTV Veterinary Advisor and board-certified veterinary surgeon Dr. Courtney Campbell says a typical dog’s pulse will be anywhere from 60 to 160. It’s a large range, and there are several reasons for that.

“Definitely think about age, size, anxiety, temperament,” says Dr. Campbell. “A Great Dane is going to have a lower pulse than a Chihuahua…and there have been plenty of studies that look at dog’s pulses and say their pulse is highest when they are less than a year of age.”

You can actually check your dog’s pulse at home, and Dr. Campbell recommends it. 

“It’s critical to know normals and figure out what your dog’s pulse is before it becomes a problem,” he says.  

Just like our pulse rate is one indicator of our own health a dog’s pulse offers clues into their well being. Photo: monkeybusinessimages/Getty Images

How to take a dog pulse

Unlike blood pressure and respiratory health, it’s actually fairly simple to check your dog’s pulse at home. You just need to get used to it.

First, timing is critical.

“If your dog is playful and running, that’s not an ideal time to check your dog’s pulse,” Dr. Campbell says. “Let’s say if you are home, watching TV, chilling with your dog on the couch. That’s a great time.”

To do it, Campbell suggests standing behind your pet and moving your fingers along the ground area until it reaches the abdominal wall. Then, move your fingertips back and forth.

“Eventually, you’ll feel something slapping against your finger,” he says. “Count the number of pulses in 15 seconds. Multiply by four. That’s your [dog’s] pulse.”

Be sure to take the pulse on both sides.

“If there is a disparity between the two pulses, that’s something you want to know about,” Dr. Campbell says. “A disparity between the two could represent a blood clot issue [or] a heart issue.”

What it means if a dog pulse is abnormal

If you’ve established normals and feel for your dog’s pulse and find it out of range, there could be several reasons why.

“If you can’t feel a pulse or the pulse quality is poor, it could mean that your dog has a blood clot in their leg, hypothyroidism, is too obese for you to feel the pulse,” Dr. Campbell says. “They could be cold.”

Should the pulse be higher-than-normal, it might be something benign. Perhaps your dog just got some exercise or is nervous or excited. It could also be a sign of something more troubling.

“They could have a heart condition or be anemic,” Dr. Campbell says.

What to do if your dog’s pulse is out of range

If you get an out-of-range reading on your dog’s pulse, don’t panic. First, think about the situation. Did Fido just come in from a walk? Did he just chase a squirrel? Is it really cold in the house? If that’s the case, you probably have nothing to worry about (but maybe turn up the heat).

It’s a good idea to check it again in about 30 minutes, though.

“Knowing trends is critical because, in 30 minutes, it could be back in normal, but if the trend is higher or lower you know there’s a bigger problem,” Dr. Campbell says.

If your dog’s pulse is trending too high or low over the course of a day or even an hour, call the vet for a check-up. They can assess if there’s a more significant issue and provide necessary treatment.

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Mood Lifts Pup Can’t Resist

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Just like us, dogs are complicated emotional beings, and they can easily become bored and depressed. Some dogs are more emotionally sensitive than others, but, in general, dogs are very tuned in to their people. Their overall mood can be impacted by changes in the home, and they can even react to our emotions. Dr. Tory Waxman, a small-animal veterinarian and co-founder of human-grade dog food brand Sundays, notes that “Both mental and physical enrichment are essential for a dog’s well-being. Dogs are social and active creatures. And although different breeds and individuals have different needs, all dogs thrive when their needs are met physically and mentally.”

Doggie Downers

When dogs aren’t getting enough physical or mental stimulation, they can easily become bored. Not sure if your dog is bored? Dr. Waxman explains that “like people, dogs can express their boredom in very different ways.” She notes that when bored, “Some dogs will become anxious and start pacing, chew, whine, bark or become fixated on certain things (such as cars, shadows, etc.).” On the other hand, “Other dogs may show somewhat opposite behavior and become quiet, not come out of their crate, lose their appetite or seem uninterested in activities that used to make them excited and happy.” Dogs can feel down for a variety of reasons that have nothing to do with their overall physical health (although always rule that out first with your veterinarian). These include:

Changes in the Home — This could include the addition of a new family member: adult, child or pet. Similarly, the ending of a relationship and someone moving out of the house or a death in the family of a person or animal can impact your dog’s moods. Something that many dogs have had to adjust to this past year are changes in work routines or daily schedules. And they will have to adjust again as many family members post-COVID will be returning to work or school.

Your Stress — While dogs can be amazing emotional supports for people when they are having a hard time, sometimes our moods can also impact our dogs. If you are struggling or particularly stressed because of work or family, your anxiety can rub off on your dog, causing her mood to plummet.

Lack of Mental Stimulation/Enrichment — Dogs are intelligent beings that need opportunities to use their minds. While different dogs will have different needs or enrichment, all dogs need to have mental stimulation. A lack of engagement or mental stimulation can quickly lead to dogs becoming depressed or upset.

Lack of Physical Exercise/Activity — Just like with us, sitting around might be fun for a day or a weekend, but not getting enough physical exercise or activity over time can cause depression. The same is true for dogs. All dogs, regardless of age or breed, need to have exercise; not getting enough exercise can lead to dogs being bored and impact their overall emotional well-being.

Change in Routine — When we went into pandemic lockdown, many dogs lost access to activities that previously had been a routine part of their sched-ule. For my dog, this meant no longer being able to go on outings to the river or beach; for other dogs, this might have looked like no longer being able to go to doggie daycare or other fun outings.

Mood Boosters

Don’t get sad, there are 10 easy things that you can do to lift your dog’s spirits (and yours, too!). Know your dog when choosing which ones and how much to do. Whereas some dogs may be happy with a quick walk around the block, others may require miles of walking or running to keep them happy. Even dogs who don’t require hours of exercise benefit from mental stimulation, including trick training and fun games to stimulate their brain.

Grooming/Massage

You know how when you get a haircut, take a shower or a long bubble bath, you feel a lot better? The same can be true for your dog! Making grooming a regular part of your daily or weekly routine is a great way to spend quality time with your dog which, in turn, can improve your dog’s mood. In addition, keeping your dog’s coat clean and free of mats and her nails trimmed will help your dog’s overall mood.

Incorporate massage into your grooming to make your dog feel extra special. Take 10 minutes a day to groom and massage. Good places to massage: the ears, neck, chest, stomach and legs.

Trick Training

One of the best ways to add mental enrichment into your dog’s day is to teach your dog some new tricks. Trick training is great mental (and sometimes physical) exercise for dogs. Great tricks to try are crawl, weave, put toys away or spin, high five and make a wish. (See how on dogster.com). Reward your dog for a job well done with treats or playing with a toy!

Refresh Basic Skills

Basic skills like loose-leash walking, Sit, Down, Come and Leave it become rusty if you don’t practice them regularly with your dog. For added fun, put your dog’s leash on and grab some of your pup’s favorite treats and practice or take a refresher basic training class. Getting a refresher in the basics provides your dog mental stimulation but also makes it easier for you to bring your dog out more places, which equals confidence and a mood boost for both of you.

Puzzles

A great way to break boredom in the house is to provide your dog with canine food puzzles to solve. These puzzles are designed for dogs to use their nose, mouth and paws to manipulate the pieces to reveal treats! Find dog-food puzzles in all pet retail stores and websites. Note: If you have multiple dogs, use the puzzle for one dog at a time, in a room where the other dogs can’t get to it. If you have a resource-guarding dog, only use the puzzle when the dogs are separated. Pick up the puzzle, clean it and put it away after use so as not to cause a resource-guarding situation.

Dance With Your Dog!

Dancing with dogs (also called musical freestyle or heelwork to music) is a real sport where people put together routines combining tricks and heeling set to music. This is a wonder-fully enriching activity to get involved with, and it’s also lots of fun to casually play around the house. Turn on your favorite tunes, get some treats to reward your dog and get silly! As you dance around, ask your dog to do some of her favorite tricks or see if she gets excited and starts to improvise and offer tricks with you. This is especially good for dogs that don’t really take to agility. Check out the World Canine Freestyle Organization (worldcaninefree-style.org) for more information.

Parkour

Parkour (sometimes called urban agility) is both a competitive canine sport and also a fun activity you and your dog can casually participate in. With parkour, the world around you becomes an obstacle course for you and your dog. While out on walks look for natural obstacles such as rocks, logs, empty playground equipment, picnic benches, etc., with which you and your dog can engage. Examples of parkour skills could be jumping or climbing, putting two or four paws up on different obstacles, as well as going under or around obstacles. Parkour is physically and mentally stimulating for dogs, which is a definite mood booster. For more information, go to the International Dog Parkour Association (dogparkour.org).

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Your Daily BOOST

It’s easy to boost your dog’s (and your own) mood every day in 10-minute increments. Here’s a suggested schedule:

Morning Walk: Spend at least 20 minutes getting you and your dog moving. Let him do some sniffing for mental stimulation, too.

Mid-Morning Cue Review: Take five to 10 minutes for a quick skill refresher of the basics: Sit, Stay, Lay/down, Come, Drop it/leave it. (If you work away from home, just add this to your morning walk routine.)

Afternoon Fun: Time for some mental stimulation with either some trick training or a food puzzle. Again, this will only take about 10 to 15 minutes. (If you work away from home, add this to your after-work routine.)

Before Dinner: Time to spend about 10 minutes greeting or playing with your dog. This is a nice time to touch base and get you both relaxed and in a good mood.

Dinnertime: Instead of feeding your dog with a conventional bowl, use a food puzzle for mental stimulation.

Evening Wind-Down: This is a good time for a nice walk with your dog. You can also incorporate cue review or trick training into this time. Or, if your dog is older or the weather is bad, try a game like Hide-and-Seek or What’s Under the Cup.

Bedtime Relax: Take 10 minutes for a grooming session. Do a quick brushing, plus check the paws and elsewhere for any concerns. Then finish up with a nice doggie massage.

Weekly Sports: Sign you and your dog up for a class! Agility, nosework, parkour, coursing and dog dancing are all fun sports to do with your dog that will strengthen your bond and uplift both of your moods. If you don’t want to go out, set up an agility course in your own backyard.

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Boredom BUSTERS

Beat boredom and improve Fido’s overall mood with great enrichment products like these:

Training Platform

Blue-9 Pet Products’ dog-training platform works for all kinds of indoor training — like teaching “go-to-place” basic cues as well as tricks and parkour skills like two- and four-paws up. $159.95 plus $29.95 for the KLIMB Traction Mat; blue-9.com.

JW Pet Hol-ee Roller Dog Toy

One of my favorite toys for active play. Comes in multiple sizes and is great for outside chase as well as tug games for getting you and your pup some energy and playtime together. $9.99; chewy.com and your pup some energy and playtime together.

Hide N’ Slide Puzzle Game

Stimulate your dog’s mind and fight boredom with the Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Hide N’ Slide Puzzle Game Dog Toy. (Always supervise your dog while she is solving her puzzle!) $24.99; chewy.com.

Massaging Groomer De-Shedding Brush

This flexible, silicon hand-held massager from PetWell brushes fur, stimulates blood circulation and eases muscle tension all at the same time. $14.98; chewy.com.

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Normal Is Boring

The post Normal Is Boring 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.

“Murphy Brown Moon Shadow has a beautiful story of perseverance, community, inspiration and love,” Carla Naden, founder of Animal Synergy — a rescue, rehab and sanctuary for special-needs animals in Vista, California, wrote to me when I asked to share the pup’s story, which begins for us in January 2020.

“The short version is there was a dog noticed by a rescuer (Virginia Ramirez Wright) in Mexicali, who was paralyzed and dragged herself everywhere,” says Rebekah Snyder, MBMS’s foster parent. “Locals knew of her; she was said to be in this condition some months. The rescuer was horrified at her condition and took her to a vet and asked for help on Facebook.”

Rebekah followed the dog’s story on Facebook, donating money to help with her six weeks of medical care. When a rescue organization in Malibu, California, agreed to take her in, Rebekah transported her there from Baja California, Mexico. The rescue didn’t have experience caring for a paralyzed dog, but Rebekah did. “I had had paralyzed dogs before and knew it was going to be an extensive journey, as she was still battling severe wounds, infection, would need a chair, massive weight gain, physical therapy, etc. …”

Tough, sassy, smart — Murphy Brown Moon Shadow is worthy of two names (and Candice Bergen). Moonshadow is from Yusuf /Cat Stevens’ optimist anthem.

The rescue called her within 24 hours and asked her to come get the dog. Rebekah says, “She wasn’t my dog — she was nobody’s dog — but now I felt intimately responsible for her future and that she didn’t get let down again. That’s when I called my vet to get a full assessment of what I was looking at and started calling special-needs rescues.”

Cue Carla Naden’s entrance into Murphy Brown Moon Shadow’s life. “She sees the beauty beyond the broken, the potential — not the pain, and the future for the forgotten,” says Rebekah. “Instead of seeing incontinence, Carla sees the world as Murphy Brown’s toilet. And now I do, too.”

Because of Animal Synergy, MBMS now has an entire team behind her. “From medical to behavioral to nutritional, as Murphy Brown’s foster, I receive “compassion consulting, meaning every step of her care she has massive support, as do I; something so needed when one takes on a special-needs dogs,” says Rebekah. “Murphy Brown went from no one’s dog, to a dog of the people.”

Follow Murphy Brown Mood Shadow, at animalsynergy.org, @animalsynergy and @murphybrownmoonshadowlove.

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Does Your Dog Need an Energy Boost?

The post Does Your Dog Need an Energy Boost? 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.

Has your dog transformed into a canine couch lounger lately? Is he begging more to put his head in your lap while you binge-watch TV than to go on a walk around your block? Or, is he snoring on your bed instead of sprinting after a tossed ball in the backyard? Sounds like your dog could use a healthy energy boost. Fortunately, healthy energy boosters for dogs come in many forms. Read on!

1) Create a Snowy Obstacle Course in Your Backyard During Winter

Cara Armour, a certified professional dog trainer and dog agility instructor, lives in Bolton, Massachusetts, a place with a reputation for snow and lots of it. But she provides energizing, safe workouts for her three Boxers, Debbie, Walter and Phoenix, by carving out wide paths in her backyard using a snowblower.

“When we get heavy snow, I make a large figure-8 for them to run and play [in] without getting injured by trying to romp in tall snow drifts,” Cara says. “The figure-8 design allows them to playfully chase each other without bumping into each other.”

2) Dish Up Clean H2O

Never underestimate the power of hydration. Dogs with access to plenty of clean water tend to maintain healthy body temperatures, sport hydrated muscles and joints, produce healthy poops and flush out bacteria that may trigger urinary tract infections. In my household, I also add a dental preventive called Oratene in their water bowls every day to help fend off tartar buildup.

3) Heap on the Blues, Greens and Oranges

Boost your dog’s immune system and pump up his digestive system by topping his meals with blueberries (loaded with antioxidants), steamed green beans or kale (packed with vitamins A, C and K) plus canned pureed pumpkin (not sugar-filled pie filling) that contains good levels of soluble fiber as well as carotenoids to maintain a healthy digestive system. Rotate these suggested toppers with each meal to add variety to your dog’s diet.

4) Never Underestimate the Power of Amino Acids

Supplements containing L-carnitine and taurine benefit a dog’s heart, brain and eye health, plus convert fat to energy. (Check with your vet for dosage.)

“Being overweight directly impacts a dog’s ability to do the things he loves to do,” says Rebecca Rose, a biochemist whose InClover company offers BioVibrant, a supplement containing taurine and L-carnitine. “L-carnitine helps to support healthy weight by converting fat to energy, and taurine is good for overall heart health and acts as a good detoxifier,” she says.

5) Factors in Your Dog’s Age

As dogs age, some are prone to mobility issues that zap their once pup-like energy. Some pet parents give supplements containing glucosamine when their dogs become seniors. Unfortunately, according to Minneapolis, Minnesota-based Dr. Justine Lee, who is board-certified in emergency critical care medicine and toxicology, that may be too late to be effective.

“Glucosamine only works when your body has healthy cartilage,” Dr. Lee says. “It acts like a cartilage protector. But by the time a dog has osteoarthritis, he may not have any healthy cartilage and so it is too late for the glucosamine to be effective.” Dr Lee says “Instead, start your dog on glucosamine at a younger age, like 4 or 5, when he has healthy cartilage and can benefit from receiving the glucosamine supplement.”

6) Treat Your Dog to Sunlight

Studies show that dogs, just like people, can suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) if they do not receive adequate exposure to sunlight. This can cause them to become depressed, act lethargic and lose healthy appetites. Be extra vigilant during winter months when there is less sunlight and during steady days of rain by timing walks before the sun goes down and breaks in rain showers. Treat your dog to natural Vitamin D by locating his bed by a sunny window or under a skylight. Talk to your veterinarian about the possible benefits of purchasing an artificial sunlight lamp to use indoors for your dog.

7) Study Up on Your Supplements

Work closely with your veterinarian in choosing supplements and their dosage to boost your dog’s energy and overall health. And, prepare to scrutinize product labels.

“Always ask for a certificate of analysis and if a supplement company cannot provide it, run the other way,” says Dr. Lee, who is also known as VETGirl. “Without this certificate, the product could contain impurities, pesticides or heavy metals. You may just be buying olive oil.”

Rebecca, who is based in Boulder, Colorado, adds, “A reputable company will be happy to share the steps they use to hand select the best ingredients and will have a Supplier Code of Conduct and audits conducted by independent third parties.”

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Support with Supplements

Talk to your veterinarian about adding a supplement (and dosage) to give your dog a health boost. The below supplement examples focus on different areas of the body and are available from chewy.com and other pet retailers and/or veterinarians.

• MYOS Canine Muscle Formula – $47.99/6.35 oz and $84.99/12.7 oz
• Winpro Allergy Chews for Healthy Skin & Coat – $29.99
• Dasuquin Advanced Joint Health Supplement – $59 — $66
• Vetericyn ALL-IN Dog Supplement (Puppy, Adult and Senior formulas) – $39.99
• InClover Canine Fresh Digest – $21.99 — $47.99
• ProDen PlaqueOff Powder – $22.70/60g

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Why Does My Dog Cough After Drinking Water?

The post Why Does My Dog Cough After Drinking Water? 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.

Few sights are as hypnotic as watching a dog’s tongue curl as he laps water from his favorite dish. But what if your dog coughs after drinking water?

Naturally, like any of us, sometimes our dogs drink too fast or they are temporarily distracted, and a few drops go down the wrong way. You’ve started noticing a disturbing trend, though. It seems that every time your dog pauses for a bit of liquid refreshment, the action is followed immediately by the sounds of coughing and gagging. If a dog coughs after drinking water consistently, there may be more to it than rapid or reckless swallowing can explain away.

Related: How Much Water Should a Dog Drink a Day?

At least three medical issues might be the reason a dog coughs after drinking water, all of them involving the trachea:

1. Kennel cough
2. Hypoplastic trachea
3. Collapsed trachea

Each of these conditions can affect any dog, but there are notable differences and distinctions that we can draw between them to determine what course of action a veterinarian may take to alleviate a dog’s suffering. Age, breed, size and associated symptoms are all significant factors.

If your dog coughs after drinking water, trachea issues might be at play. Photography by Jaromir Chalabala / Shutterstock.

First, where is the trachea? What does it do?

The trachea, or windpipe, is a tube composed of cartilage, muscle and tissue, located between the throat and the lungs. Through it, air passes from the nose or mouth into and out of the lungs. It shares its entry point into the body with the esophagus. A small flap called the epiglottis closes when food or water enters, leading it toward the digestive tract, and opens for breathing. When the trachea’s structural integrity is compromised, so too is its functionality.

Whether the trouble is irritation and swelling during respiratory illnesses, a fault present from a young age due to genetic abnormalities, or one which develops with advancing age, a weak trachea prevents dogs from getting the oxygen they need. Since dogs sweat very little, panting provides not only fresh air but also heat relief, making the trachea critically important during the warmer parts of the year or during intense exercise.

Now, let’s further examine those three reasons a dog coughs after drinking water.

1. Kennel cough in dogs

Also known as infectious canine tracheobronchitis, kennel cough in dogs is the least serious reason why a dog coughs after drinking water. Kennel cough is basically the common cold for canines. Like any communicable disease, it spreads most efficiently in places where there are a number of dogs in close quarters. From the dog park to the groomer, and from boarding facilities to veterinarians’ offices, kennel cough can affect any breed of dog at any age.

The major symptom of this mild respiratory infection is a cough that sounds like a goose honking. The more the dog coughs, the more irritated and inflamed the trachea becomes. In a multi-pet household, a dog with kennel cough should be isolated from other dogs and their bowls cleaned and disinfected. Kennel cough tends to pass within a couple of weeks, and any coughing with it.

2. Hypoplastic trachea

If a dog coughs after drinking water, especially if that dog is a young puppy, it could signal a more serious health issue. A hypoplastic trachea is a genetic abnormality. “Hypoplastic” means “underdeveloped,” and usually refers to the rings of cartilage that give the trachea its shape. The effect of this inherited condition is that the windpipe does not develop to its full size or width. This disorder primarily affects puppies from short-muzzled breeds, technically referred to as “brachycephalic.”

Breeds most at risk for hypoplastic trachea include the Boston Terrier, English Bulldog and Pug. Symptoms depend on the extent to which the puppy’s airway is narrowed by the condition. These dogs are already known, as they age, to snore, snort or breathe more heavily; with a hypoplastic trachea, symptoms like these can begin showing up as early as five or six months of age. Additional symptoms to watch out for in flat-faced puppies include low energy, along with rapid weight gain due to limited ability to exercise.

On its own, a mild case, where the trachea’s diameter is not substantially affected, may pass completely unnoticed and undiagnosed. In some dogs, the narrow trachea can be a symptom of brachycephalic airway syndrome, in which the abbreviated length of the dog’s skull causes other cranial abnormalities, such as smaller nostrils, which further restrict a dog’s oxygen intake.

3. Tracheal collapse in dogs

Where evidence of an underdeveloped trachea tends to arise quite early in life, symptoms of a collapsing trachea have a much later onset and tend to affect a different subset of dogs. This is a degenerative condition in which the trachea loses structural integrity over time. Imagine slowly flattening a roll of toilet paper and you have a decent image of what happens to the dog’s windpipe. As the airway narrows, it becomes progressively more difficult for the dog to take in sufficient air.

Symptoms of a collapsing trachea tend to appear in middle age or seniority, which for these long-lived small dog breeds may be anywhere from the ages of 4-6 years or later. Similar to kennel cough and hypoplastic tracheas, the hallmark of this disorder is that honking cough, accompanied by a gagging noise. For small dogs who have been energetic and perky throughout life, a loss of energy or getting tired after very little exertion may be more alarming signs of a weakening trachea.

Anything with the word “collapse” or “collapsing” in it sounds dire, but in many cases, this is a very slowly developing health issue. It is most frequently seen in Yorkshire Terriers, but it is common across a range of small and toy dog breeds. Along with Yorkies, tracheal collapse can also affect Chihuahuas, Lhasa Apsos, Pomeranians, Toy Poodles and Pugs.

Management of tracheal abnormalities in dogs

So, if your dog coughs after drinking water, don’t panic. Kennel cough tends to last only a couple of weeks. If the dog is a short-muzzled puppy or an older small or toy breed, it is worth consulting a veterinarian about the possibility of a hypoplastic or collapsed trachea. Depending on how narrow the puppy’s windpipe is and the rate at which it is collapsing, afflicted dogs may be able to live out their normal lives with very few alterations.

Excess weight or obesity puts additional strain on oxygen intake, so it is crucial to reduce that strain by not overfeeding at-risk dogs. Dogs with leashes attached to their collars, especially ones who tug on their leashes, may benefit from switching to a harness to limit unintentional wear and tear on their neck and throat. In cases where tracheal collapse is severe, management can be more costly and may involve either medication to manage symptoms or surgery to reinforce the trachea.

Thumbnail: Photography ©K_Thalhofer | Thinkstock.

Read Next: What Type of Water Alternatives Can Dogs Have?

 

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Yellow Dog Poop — Should You Worry About It?

The post Yellow Dog Poop — Should You Worry About It? 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 dog’s poop can tell you a lot about what’s going on inside his body by both its consistency and its color. For instance, red or black poop can indicate that your dog is bleeding from somewhere in his gastrointestinal tract. But what does yellow dog poop mean?

Yellow dog poop — is it serious?

Uh-oh — is that yellow dog poop you see? Photography ©gemredding | iStock / Getty Images Plus.

Seeing yellow dog poop can be a little surprising. Sometimes, it happens because of something your dog ate, like yellow Crayons or chalk that’s just passing through. A clue that your dog might have eaten something containing yellow dye is if the yellow color in the poop appears in blotches or only in parts of the poop.

If the dog poop is uniformly yellow in color, however, the reason might be more concerning. “That is bile pigment that has not been reabsorbed and is passing through the feces and turning it yellow,” says Tracey Jensen, DVM, Dipl. ABVP, medical director at Wellington Veterinary Hospital in Wellington, Colorado. “It’s not normal. Basically, it means that the transit time in the GI tract is increased.”

What does ‘GI transit time’ have to do with dog poop color?

“GI transit time” refers to the amount of time it takes for food to travel through the entire gastrointestinal tract as it’s digested and finally eliminated from the body as waste. “The intestinal tract is in a constant state of digesting and reabsorbing things for reuse, everything from fluid to bile pigment,” Dr. Jensen explains. “When that transit time is too quick, then you get liquid feces and you will see those yellow bile pigments. If the transit time is prolonged and the patient is dehydrated, that’s when we see constipation.”

The GI transit time can increase for a variety of reasons, including parasites, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, issues with the liver, gallbladder or pancreas. For this reason, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian if you notice some dog poop that is yellow.

Is yellow dog poop a medical emergency?

So, is yellow dog poop a cause for concern? Photography ©NUKUL2533 | iStock / Getty Images Plus.

“It’s not an emergency necessarily, as long as the pet is still feeling all right and there are no other symptoms, but it’s urgent enough that you do need to seek veterinary assessment,” Dr. Jensen advises. “If [your dog is] not feeling well, or if there are other gastrointestinal signs, such as vomiting or any other color changes to the feces, it would warrant a call to the emergency room.”

When you go to the vet, bring a stool sample with you so the veterinarian can look at it under a microscope to check for any evidence of parasites. If the fecal test reveals no parasites, your vet will likely want to check your dog’s bloodwork and possibly perform some imaging tests like x-rays or ultrasounds to look for abnormalities in the gastrointestinal tract.

The bottom line

Unless you think your dog just chewed up some yellow crayons, yellow dog poop is not something to ignore. If you see this color in your dog’s poop, get him checked out just to be sure nothing serious is going on.

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

This piece was originally published in 2018. 

Have more questions about your dog’s stool? Check out these articles on Dogster.com:

• Green Dog Poop – Is It Always a Cause for Concern?
• What Are the Causes of Black Dog Poop?
• What Causes Abnormal Dog Stool?

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Green Dog Poop — Is It Always a Cause for Concern?

The post Green Dog Poop — Is It Always a Cause for Concern? 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.

It can be alarming to see your dog poop out bright green stool. Your dog’s poop may be different colors from time to time, and the specific color can give you a clue as to what is going on inside your pup. Green dog poop is something you shouldn’t ignore. Although it can be innocuous, it may also be a sign that something is seriously wrong with your dog’s health.

Does green dog poop always require a trip to the vet? Photography ©AndreyPopov | iStock / Getty Images Plus.

Why do dogs poop green? Sometimes, it is nothing to worry about.  

When it comes to green dog poop — “It really comes down to two things,” says Tracey Jensen, DVM, Dipl. ABVP, medical director at Wellington Veterinary Hospital in Wellington, Colorado. “The first is that the green color is pigment that’s passing through the intestinal tract relatively unchanged. Chlorophyll is one pigment that can, in high enough volume, pass through and give green color to the feces.”

So, green pigment in the stool is not always cause for concern. If your dog eats a large amount of grass or other plant material, it could tint his poop green. Dr. Jensen has also heard of cases occurring after dogs eat a large number of Greenies treats. I personally have witnessed my dog poop a veritable rainbow of colors after stealing and eating my son’s Crayons. (It’s a good thing they are nontoxic because Crayons are like doggie crack to him!).

Dog green poop can be a symptom of something very serious. Photography by By Monika Wisniewska / Shutterstock.

But sometimes it is a sign of something serious.

A scarier situation is if the green pigment is present due to your dog ingesting certain toxins. “A very dangerous pigment that can pass through is the pigment that’s used in rodenticides,” Dr. Jensen explains. Rodenticide (rat poison) can contain blue pigments as well as green.

If your dog has not ingested a pigment that is tinting his poop green, then the poop might indicate a health problem. “The second reason that feces will be green is because of altered absorption in the intestinal tract,” Dr. Jensen explains. “There’s a very important digestive juice called bile that has pigment to it. That pigment is usually resorbed, mostly in the colon, and recycled and reused. Sometimes with colitis — inflammation in the intestinal tract — the pigment will not be resorbed and it will pass through in the feces.”

You should always talk to your vet about green dog poop. Photography ©cynoclub | Thinkstock.

 

How do you tell the difference between the two types of green dog poop?

How can you tell if green dog poop is because your pup just ate some grass … or if he’s actually sick? “Many times, if the feces are altered in shape or if they’re mucousy, then the green you’re seeing is because the bile pigments aren’t being resorbed,” Dr. Jensen says. “If the feces are normal in shape and [show] consistency with green, then it very well could be that it’s something passing through the intestinal tract and not because of intestinal disease.”

Either way, place a call to your vet when you notice green dog poop. It’s hard to know if it’s green because your dog ate too much grass or because he ingested rodenticide. Bring a fresh sample so the vet can inspect and possibly test the green dog poop. If it’s poison, time is of the essence. The faster you seek veterinary care, the more likely it is that your dog will recover. Also, even if your dog just ate some grass, other complications can occur.

“Sometimes, dogs eating a large amount of grass is actually a symptom of gastrointestinal upset,” Dr. Jensen advises. “I had one [dog] who ended up obstructed after eating a lot of grass — some dogs simply do that because they like grass — so it’s always a good idea to give a call in.”

Thumbnail: Photography by By Paul S. Wolf / Shutterstock.

This piece was originally published in 2018. 

Read more about dog poop on Dogster.com:

• Is Your Dog Eating Poop? How I Got Mine to Stop
• 13 Ways to Pick Up Dog Poop
• What Causes Abnormal Dog Stool?

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Why Do Dogs Like Squeaky Toys?

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If your dog loves squeaky toys they certainly aren’t alone. Go to any pet supply shop and you’ll find a variety of squeaky toys made of different material from plush to vinyl, making various kinds of squeaking noises. Some dogs have a preference for one type of squeaky toy over another, but what is it about squeaky toys that are so enticing to our dogs? 

Why do dogs like squeaky toys? 

“The main theory behind why dogs love squeaky toys so much has to do with their prey drive. It’s thought that the squeak of a toy sounds similar to the high-pitched cry of prey being chased or caught,” says Dr. Jamie Richardson, Medical Chief of Staff at Small Door Veterinary.

The sound of a frightened or injured animal might not be what first comes to mind as we watch our dogs play with cute squeaky toys, but it’s likely at the forefront of our dog’s minds.

“Although a little bit morbid to think about, at one time our dog’s ancestors had to hunt for their food” says Dr. Tory Waxman, Chief Veterinary Officer and co-founder of human-grade dog food brand Sundays for Dogs, Inc.

How does your dog react when playing with squeaky toys?

Dogs love squeaky toys because the toys tap into dogs’ prey drive, a normal behavior that is fun and highly rewarding for dogs. However, use caution until you how your dog reacts while playing with toys.

“For certain dogs, squeaky toys can put their predator-like tendencies into overdrive to an unsafe degree and redirect this behavior elsewhere. Be careful if you have very small dogs, cats or pocket pets (such as guinea pigs, rodents) in your household if this is the case” cautions Dr. Waxman. Your dog could potentially redirect from the toy onto your smaller pet, which could lead to injuries or worse.  

Does your dog love squeaky toys? Tell us about your dog’s favorite toys in the comments. Photo: Getty Images

Don’t let your dog destroy squeaky toys 

As fun as squeaky toys are they can cause injuries. 

“Many squeaky toys contain a small plastic squeaker. For non-destructive dogs, this is a benefit as once the squeaker breaks, some toys allow you to replace only the squeaker and not have to buy a new toy. But, that small plastic squeaker can be very dangerous — especially if swallowed whole as it could cause an intestinal obstruction requiring surgery or endoscopic removal,” says Dr. Waxman. 

These safety concerns were echoed by Dr. Richardson, who advises you to reconsider giving your dog a squeaky toy if he is a super chewer, who tends to chew and rip apart toys easily. “If the toy is destroyed,” he says, “the squeaker can easily pose a choking hazard, or if swallowed it may cause a life-threatening intestinal blockage. Many squeaky toys also contain stuffing, which poses similar risks if ingested.” 

The key to safe playing with dog squeaky toys is ensuring that your dog is just playing with the toy, not chewing them or accidentally ingesting any component of the toys. 

Supervise 

Always supervise your super chewer dog while he plays with squeaky toys. 

“If your dog is at all destructive with squeaky toys, do not let him play unattended and immediately remove the toy once damaged,” encourages Dr. Waxman. 

Unless otherwise stated on the description tag, squeaky toys are not designed to be chewed and won’t be able to withstand prolonged chomping from your dog. 

“You should never leave your dog unsupervised when they’re playing with a squeaky toy (or any other toy), to ensure you can step in and remove the toy (or pieces of the toy) if it becomes hazardous,” says Dr. Richardson.

I regularly and closely inspect all the squeaky toys in my house to ensure they are still in good condition and discard any that have become worn or have holes developing. To help your dog be comfortable with you taking the squeaky toys away, always offer a “trade” either for another toy or for a treat, whichever is more valuable to your dog. The goal is for your dog to be comfortable and rewarded anytime toys are taken away to inspect (and possibly throw away), which can help avoid your dog developing resource-guarding tendencies. 

How to determine if a toy is safe for dogs

Always pay close attention to how your dog plays and how he interacts with different toys. “Over time, owners will become accustomed to their dogs’ habits and learn what types of toys are best for their dog,” says Dr. Richardson. 

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New Products for Spot

The post New Products for Spot 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.

Bed:

Sherruff Pug Reversible Round Bed (X-S and S), $39.99-$47.99. petique.com

 

Gear:

Wolfgang Man & Beast WildFlower Leash, Comfort Dog Harness and Collar. $17.95/ collar, $19.95 leash, $29.95/harness. wolfgangusa.com

Body Care:

Metro Paws Charcoal Peppermint Metro Wipes. $16.99 and $8.99/25-count travel size. metropaws.com

Grain-Free Food:

Merrick Slow-Cooked BBQ Recipes. $38.28/case of 12. chewy.com

Toy:

Frisco Bungee Plush Squeaking Sloth. $4.86. chewy.com

Support:

EmerAid Sustain HDN (highly digestible nutrition). $15.99/100g pouch. emeraid.com

Treats:

COOKIE PAL Human Grade, Organic 10 oz. $7.99. cookiepal.com

Wellness:

Wolf Spring Vitamin Water. $35.99/12 pack. wolfspring.dog

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

Via Dogster https://www.dogster.com