The Dreaded Chronic Pancreatitis

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Does your dog vomit occasionally for no apparent reason? Unexpectedly refuse her favorite food? Experience bouts of gas, diarrhea or painful tummy after eating? If so, it could be due to an often-overlooked diagnosis: chronic pancreatitis.

Most dog lovers have heard of pancreatitis. The typical tale involves a doggo that is overfed a rich meal of “people foods,” tears into the trash after a celebratory meal or somehow eats too much fatty food. The resulting torrent of vomiting, diarrhea (often bloody) and intense abdominal pain is indelibly disturbing. If you’ve ever witnessed a dog in the throes of acute pancreatitis, you won’t forget it. Acute pancreatitis is so traumatizing for both dog and dog parent that any sudden, severe case of vomiting and diarrhea is considered “pancreatitis” until proven otherwise.

We’re just beginning to recognize that a more subtle, chronic form of pancreatitis exists in dogs, just like humans, and may be more common than we know. What is chronic pancreatitis? What causes it? And, can we treat or prevent it?

Let’s Start with the Pancreas

The pancreas is a slender, pink organ attached near the bottom of the stomach and beginning of the small intestine. This location is crucial to its primary function: secreting enzymes that help digest foods, also known as its “exocrine function.” Its “endocrine function” is responsible for regulating blood glucose by producing insulin and glucagon and other essential hormones.

The digestive enzymes are responsible for pancreatitis. Pancreatitis occurs when these enzymes begin digesting the pancreas, just as they break down fats, carbs and proteins. The classic case of acute pancreatitis follows a high-fat meal that triggers a spike in pancreatic enzyme secretion, resulting in damage to the pancreas and liver. These enzymes spill over throughout the pancreas, backwash into the pancreatic duct, or erode the stomach and intestinal walls, dissolving sensitive tissues.

©Tigatelu | Getty Images

Who Gets It

Miniature Schnauzers are predisposed to pancreatitis because of their genetically associated altered fat metabolism (hyperlipidemia), causing the pancreas to secrete excessive fat digestive enzymes leading to injury. Other causes of pancreatitis include obesity and altered fat metabolism, pancreatic trauma or tumors and certain drugs including antibiotics containing sulfa, chemotherapy and potassium bromide. Diabetes, hypothyroidism and hypercalcemia are also documented causes of canine pancreatitis. Genetic research in the United Kingdom is evaluating if certain lines of English Cocker Spaniels may have an inherited form of autoimmune chronic pancreatitis.

What It Looks Like

Dogs with chronic pancreatitis most commonly have mild, intermittent symptoms, making diagnosis challenging. Anorexia or inexplicable food refusal, mild bouts of colitis and diarrhea, occasional vomiting, increased borborygmi (“tummy gurgles”) and abdominal discomfort, especially following a meal, may be the only signs for months to years. In other words, most dogs display some clinical signs of chronic pancreatitis sometimes. How can you find out?

Most dogs aren’t diagnosed until a mild chronic case becomes seriously severe and acute. Others find out after they’ve developed diabetes mellitus or exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). In both instances, these final episodes are the result of a long, subclinical progression that has caused significant pancreatic damage.

Tell your veterinarian if your dog has suffered these symptoms in the past, because they may be at greater risk for developing diabetes, EPI or both. If I diagnose a middle-aged to older dog with EPI or a healthy-weight dog with diabetes, I search for chronic pancreatitis as the culprit. I’ve also stumbled into a diagnosis after switching a patient to a therapeutic low-fat diet and the owner reports the dog is more playful, less picky and more energetic. The bottom line: Don’t ignore these persistent, vague cycles of upset stomach and pain. Trust your gut on this one.

The classical case of acute pancreatitis follows a high-fat meal that triggers a spike in pancreatic enzyme secretion, resulting in damage to the pancreas and liver.

The Challenge of Diagnosis

Unfortunately, there is not a specific test for chronic pancreatitis. Diagnosis is usually made on a combination of symptoms, pancreatic lab tests (notably SPEC cPL or specific canine pancreatic lipase), liver enzymes, blood fats and abdominal ultrasound. Definitive diagnosis is based on pancreatic biopsy, although it is rarely performed in dogs.

Because chronic pancreatitis is a diagnosis of exclusion, made by ruling out everything else, it can be a frustrating journey. More vets are realizing chronic pancreatitis is a real issue in many dogs and are diagnosing it earlier. The therapeutic objective is to prevent further harm to the pancreas, preserving function and avoiding debilitating diseases such as diabetes and EPI.

The 7 Symptoms of Chronic Pancreatitis

Unlike acute (sudden) pancreatitis, dogs with chronic pancreatitis show symptoms for months to years. Watch for these symptoms happening continuously over time:

1. Anorexia
2. Inexplicable food refusal
3. Mild bouts of colitis (inflammation of large intestine or colon that results in loose stools or diarrhea containing mucus or fresh blood)
4. Mild bouts of diarrhea (watery or soft stools)
5. Occasional vomiting
6. Increased tummy gurgles (borborygmi)
7. Abdominal discomfort or pain after a meal

Low-Fat Feeding is the Key

In cases that progress to acute pancreatitis, the veterinarian needs to be aggressive with treatment to reduce pancreatic tissue destruction and future complications. Treating chronic pancreatitis typically involves discovering a low- to ultra-lowfat diet the dog can tolerate.

Look for a diet containing less than 7% fat on a dry matter basis. For example, if a canned food lists crude fat as 4% on the label, the actual fat is about 16% on a dry matter basis, much too high (76% moisture, 24% dry matter, 4/24 = 16%). For dry kibble claiming 14% crude fat, that also equals about 16% true fat (10% moisture, 90% dry matter, 14/90 — 15.6%). Examples of low- to ultra-low-fat dog foods include Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat, Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d low fat and Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Low Fat Canine Formula — available in a wet or dry formulas through your veterinarian.

(Tip from the editor: After our dog Justice, who had chronic pancreatitis, came home from a week in the hospital, he was reluctant to eat. The veterinary technician told us to make small patties out of Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat wet food the hospital had given us and bake them in the oven for a few minutes, so they are a little crisp on the outside. I tried it, and he ate it!)

Dogs suffering from chronic pancreatitis also need to be fed low-fat and low-calorie treats. I’ve seen too many dogs spiral into acute pancreatitis after a well-intentioned friend, dog sitter or family member “showed them a little too much love.”

Baby carrots, sliced cucumbers and zucchini and other crunchy veggies are my favorite goodies for my chronic pancreatitis patients. In addition, excess weight increases a dog’s risk, so keeping your dog lean and healthy is always great preventive medicine.

Chronic pancreatitis is serious in dogs and probably more common than previously thought. No dog should endure a lifetime of tummy torment. The earlier you can help, the better your dog’s chances for a long, healthy, pain-free life.

Low-Fat Products: Hill’s Prescription Diet i/d low fat, Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Low Fat Canine Formula, Royal Canin Gastrointestinal Low Fat.

MORE READING & SUPPORT

• Whole Dog Journal’s article Canine Pancreatitis at whole-dog-journal.com (Dogster’s sister publication)
• Pancreatitis in Dogs by Wendy Brooks, DVM, DABVP (veterinarypartner.vin.com)
• On Facebook: Canine Pancreatitis Support (this is a private support group with around 9K members)

*Contact dogstermag@belvoir.com if you have a resource to add to our list.

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Yorkshire Terrier

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Quick Facts

• Weight: 3 – 7 pounds (1.36 – 3.18 kg)
• Height: 7 – 9 inches (17.78 – 22.86 cm)

The Look of a Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terriers are small, longhaired dogs with solid, well-proportioned frames. They hold themselves in an erect, confident and proud manner. A typical Yorkie has a flat head (with lots of hair), a medium-sized muzzle, alert and friendly eyes, and a pair of erect, V-shaped ears. Their tails are docked to medium-length while their coats hang long and straight all over. The coats are usually metallic blue on the body and tail, and tan everywhere else.

Traits

• Long, “high-maintenance” coat
• Small and cute
• Pretty and dainty
• Refined
• Feisty and vigorous
• Fearless

Ideal Human Companion

• Singles
• Families with older children
• High-energy types

What They Are Like to Live With

Often called toys with terrier qualities, Yorkshire Terriers are not your typical couch companion. They are clever, bold and independent animals with an energetic feistiness that makes itself known all around the house.

Easily trained, Yorkshire Terriers have a keen ability to remember multiple commands and adopt many obedience skills. They are top-notch competitors when it comes to sports and agility. This breed is also known for its independence. They need a certain amount of privacy to recharge, but also crave activity, involvement and attention.

No matter how many people or animals in the house, Yorkies will assert themselves, involving themselves in lots of hi-jinks that are mostly amusing and fun. This assertiveness usually comes across as self-confidence, not aggressiveness. They get along very well with other dogs and easily adapt to family life. Intensely protective, Yorkshire Terriers have a fearlessness and a relentless bark that make them great watchdogs.

Things You Should Know

Yorkshire Terriers can live as long as 15 years, but they must be handled with care. Be careful when holding them or transporting them and be sure to regularly feed them solid foods. Health issues may include Portosystemic shunt (liver shunts), tracheal collapse, retinal dysplasia, patellar lunation and hypoglycemia.

Yorkies get along very well with children, but they don’t have the patience for the sudden moves and rough play of very small ones. Also, they can sometimes be demanding and stubborn if they don’t get their way.

Like other small breeds, Yorkshire Terriers have a super-sized confidence. Keep them on a leash during walks, as they have a tendency to pick fight with much larger dogs.

They should be groomed regularly, including daily combing and brushing. The hair on their heads grows so long, it’s often necessary to tie it in a band so your Yorkshire Terrier can see and eat without any hassle.

Yorkshire Terrier History

Yorkshire Terriers were bred in 19th century England from a mixture of Scottish Terriers: Clydesdale, Skye, Paisley and Waterside Terriers; and were used by miners near Yorkshire to catch rats that had infested the mines. They also came in handy as hunting dogs, able to chase foxes, badgers and other small animals into their burrows. Over the years they were bred smaller, soon becoming fashionable pets and dog show standouts.

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People Who Help Dogs Find Homes

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The steps it takes for a dog to find his perfect adopted family forces him to rely on a number of different types of loving humans. Sophie Gamand, Lisa Lemieux and Bobby Humphreys are three such people.

The Photographer

Sophie Gamand

French artist Sophie Gamand is known for her poignant images of Pit Bulls in colorful and dreamlike flower crowns. She focused her camera on dogs when she moved to the United States in 2010. Once here, she started taking photos at a vet clinic and met a rescuer who would bring in her fosters. An invitation to take photos of the pups to help them get adopted led Sophie down her current path.

With every step forward, her commitment and passion as an animal advocate was strengthened. After learning about the enormous number of dogs in shelters in the United States, she started photographing 20 to 30 dogs in need of adoption each day. Long hours led her to learn more about the shelter life, of the dogs hoping to be adopted and the finality of those who weren’t. It angered Sophie: “Creating art about this is my coping mechanism,” she explains.

During her sessions, she found that she was fearful around the dogs whose short, muscular frames earned them the label of Pit Bull. Instead of giving in to the tension she felt when a Pit Bull was led in front of her camera, she developed a project that would force her to get to know them better by spending intimate time with them. The Pit Bull Flower Power project was born!

Sophie has “crowned” and photographed around 450 dogs across the United States. The goal was to have the images be a tribute to the numerous lives lost, as dogs identified as Pits are the most euthanized “breed” in the United States. As you look through the collection you find a number of pups who couldn’t help but smile at the thought of Sophie’s touch and a few good-boy treats!

Sophie’s art has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for animal rescues worldwide.

The Volunteer

Lisa Lemieux

Upon her retirement as an educator for 36 years, Lisa Lemieux made the conscious effort to seek out places she could help dogs and other animals, particularly during a time of disaster. To fill that need in her local area of Vermont, she helped establish a local Disaster Animal Response Team (DART).

Through this group, she learned about the Great Danes of New Hampshire. Eighty-four Great Danes were seized from a suspected puppy mill. The Humane Society of the United States was tasked with taking and helping the dogs get to a place where they could be adopted into loving homes. The group sent out word that it was in need of volunteers. Lisa considered the one-and-a-half hour drive from her house short enough to sign up.

She discovered that she could help the HSUS and her local humane society chapter with dogs, cats and even everyday maintenance work. It was a place she could continue to meet her ultimate retirement goal, doing something positive. It was an extra bonus that her work would also help animals.

It is because of her time with the humane society along with the personal experience with her pup, Karma, that Lisa learned a lesson she wanted to share with us. “People tend to overlook those scared, timid, shy dogs, older dogs, dogs with disabilities,” she explains, “ … it is not always the dog that comes up to the front of the kennel who is going to be the best dog.”

The Protector

Bobby Humphrey

Big Guy, Littles World Sanctuary, a place for neglected, abandoned and abused Chihuahuas to get medical help and find safety, is the result of Bobby Humphreys’ personal life journey.

When Bobby’s wife, who also held the titles of co-worker and workout partner, abruptly left him, he broke. He had lost so much and was forced to live through such a traumatic event that he couldn’t see a way out. A friend refused to let him give up, and when she needed someone to watch her son’s dog, a feisty Chihuahua named Lady, Bobby felt obligated to say that the dog could stay with him.

It didn’t take long for the two to become friends, and Lady became Bobby’s savior. Despite having had a number of different “big guy” breeds in his life, he had never met a dog so in tune with human emotions before.

In the search for his own “lady,” he learned about a Chihuahua who needed a family. Their meeting didn’t go well. The tiny pup tried to bite him every time he got near. He was inclined to pass on the dog but then thought that if the pup acted this way around every new person, she would never be adopted. He couldn’t let that happen. He asked for the dog to be put in his car. Within just a few minutes, he was taking pictures of the two of them, dog snuggled up against Bobby, her knight in shining armor.

It continued like that, with each Chihuahua he met seeming to be worse off than the next. With some friends’ pushing, he started the nonprofit sanctuary that is now his life. He funds the project with donations and the profits from its hemp-based dog CBD products. “They have done so much for me,” Bobby says of the tiny dogs, “… I know what it feels like to be abandoned … none of the dogs I come in contact with will ever have to feel that again.”

©Drazen Zigic | Getty Images

Earlier this year, Los Angeles, California, became the largest U.S. no kill city. The label of no kill requires a 90% or better save rate for the animals entering a shelter.

With help from groups like Best Friends Animal Society, which launched the No Kill Los Angeles (NKLA) initiative in 2012, Los Angeles went from a save rate of 56% to over 90% in 2020.

A city getting to “no-kill” status is not an easy task. It requires people, shelters and rescue groups working together to find a way to provide a high quality of life for all homeless animals.

Michelle Sathe, the public relations manager of Best Friends Animal Society, shares some of the ways you can help your city achieve this impressive status.

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

• Volunteer at a local shelter or rescue
• Adopt your next pet
• Foster a pet Spay or neuter your pets
• Donate to a local shelter or rescue
• Share about shelters and pets in need on your social channels and ask family and friends to share, as well.

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Moving With A Dog

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For you, moving may feel like an exciting new chapter. Your dog might not agree. Moving with a dog can be very challenging. Here’s how the two of you can get on the same page.

As humans, we may need some time to adjust to a new home. The cabinets may be in different locations, and we need to find new favorite places to frequent. But we can mentally prepare ahead of time. For a dog, a move can feel sudden and unexpected.

Dogs may also sense something is changing as you pack up your current home, but they won’t be able to put their paw on precisely what’s different. It’s a perfect storm for even a calm dog to experience anxiety.

“Some dogs will think the move is just a new adventure, but other dogs may be resistant to change or become upset when things change in their environment,” says Dr. Sharon L. Campbell, the medical lead & behavior at Zoetis Petcare.

There are a few things you can do to help your dog realize that their new home is just as sweet — if not sweeter. Dr. Campbell likes to break moving with your dog down into three phases: Before, during and after. She shared tips for each.

What to Do Before Moving With a Dog

Dr. Campbell believes the most important phase of moving with your dog is what you do before you officially get the keys to your new pad.

“If you can get things right before you actually move, the likelihood that it will be stressful to your dog will be less,” she says.

• Think of your pet when you pick a new place. Campbell says it’s essential to keep your pet in mind when choosing where to live. Ensure the space allows dogs and has plenty of opportunities for exercise, whether that’s a fenced-in yard or nearby spots to walk and play.
• See the vet. If you’re moving to a new city, state, or country, visit your vet. “You want to make sure you get an examination and make sure your dog is healthy for the move,” she says. Ask if you can get a health certificate, which may be required particularly for international moves, and request your pet’s records so you can give them to your new vet.
• Ensure your dog is chipped. Sometimes, when dogs get nervous, they go into “flight” mode and escape. A microchip can help ensure the two of you are reunited if that happens.

What to Do With Your Dog on Moving Day

If you’re moving your dog’s favorite couch and chair, they’re going to know something is up. And it may cause some anxiety. Here’s how to keep your pup calm and help them cope.

• Notice the signs. Campbell suggests keeping an eye out for signs of anxiety, including abnormal barking or escape attempts, excessive licking or panting, and destructive behavior like chewing through furniture.
• Keep a routine. Try to keep the day as normal as possible for the pup — that way, not everything is changing. “Feed, exercise and play with them around the same time,” Dr. Campbell says.
• Save something for last. Leave one area of the house, such as a crate or den with a dog bed and their favorite toys, untouched until you move the dog to whatever mode of transportation you’re using to move. “Give them a place to retreat to,” Dr. Campbell says. Check in periodically throughout the day.
• Consider sending them somewhere else. As great as it is to keep a routine and have a safe space for your dog, it may be best to send Fido somewhere else if you’re afraid they’ll escape or get really nervous. Dr. Campbell suggests a friend or family that they are used to or doggie daycare. Some vets allow you to board your dog for the day.

What to Do Post-Move

You’ve made it to your next destination. It’s exciting but also represents an upheaval for your dog. Help them get acclimated to their new digs with these tips from Dr. Campbell.

• Check your surroundings. Even if your fence passed inspection with flying colors, examine it when you get there to ensure there are no holes or ways your dog can get out.
• Update records. Your neighbors don’t know your dog is yours, and your pup may have trouble finding their way home if they get out because they aren’t used to the area. The best way to ensure that your dog returns home safe and sound is to update the dog tag and microchip information with your new address or phone number. Dr. Campbell suggests doing this as soon as you get to your next place.
• Give them space. Getting everything out of your old home can feel chaotic, but moving in can, too — for you and your pet. Again, Dr. Campbell suggests giving them their own space. But unlike during the move, this space will be different, so it’s extra important to check on them. “Maybe you can give them a food puzzle to keep them occupied,” she says, adding that treats can help the dog associate the new place with positive things.
• Get back into a routine. You’ll want to stay as consistent as possible. Remember, your dog’s life just changed drastically. “If you always play at 8 p.m., you might be exhausted but take that time to throw the ball or whatever it is they like to do,” Dr. Campbell says. “Their world is going to be turned over, but if you can keep them on a routine that they are used to that keeps it as normal as you can.”

Explore together. Get to know your new surroundings and neighbors. Take them to the park and on long walks so they can become acclimated. “Then, it’ll start to feel like home,” Dr. Campbell says.

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When to Neuter a Dog

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How old was your dog when he was neutered? It is becoming increasingly common to see puppies in shelters and rescue groups being neutered at very young ages, sometimes as young as seven weeks old. Clearly preventing unwanted litters is important and generally the driving force behind puppies being neutered early. But are there any long-term health problems linked to early neutering?

Trends

Previously vets weren’t recommending puppies to be neutered before six months of age but in recent years this is shifting. Dr. Tory Waxman, Chief Veterinary Officer and co-founder of human-grade dog food brand Sundays for Dogs, Inc. explained that the neutering of puppies known as “pediatric neutering” is increasingly common particularly with shelters and rescues “with the goal of preventing unwanted litters and subsequent pet overpopulation.” Dr. Waxman notes that “while there is understandably motivation to prevent overpopulation, pediatric spay/neuter does not come without risks.”

Behavioral Concerns

One of the primary concerns associated with neutering young puppies is that the neutering procedure not only removes your puppy’s ability to reproduce (usually the goal) but you are also impacting a dog’s hormones. This shift in hormones can have an impact on a dog’s temperament and behavior when they reach adulthood. Many people opt for early neutering hoping to prevent some of the more challenging or unwanted behaviors that can be associated with unneutered dogs including marking, humping etc. However, early neutering can backfire in terms of your dog’s behavior. Dr. Waxman noted that early neutering when dogs are still puppies has been shown to lead to an increase in aggression.

Health/Orthopedic Concerns

Dr. Waxman explains that neutering early “can predispose certain breeds to cancers more commonly seen in altered individuals (such as lymphoma and bone cancer).” In addition, one of the primary reasons to delay neutering is to protect your dog’s growing joints. “Puppies that were altered at a young age may be predisposed to orthopedic issues in addition to certain types of cancer” Dr. Waxman explained. Particularly for large breed puppies, and giant breed puppies, early neutering can have significant impacts on the orthopedic development of these dogs which can lead to life-long complications, pain, and injuries. “In general, current research suggests that spaying or neutering large breed dogs at a younger age puts them at a higher risk for cancer and orthopedic issues as compared to their small breed counterparts” Dr. Waxman advises. Neutering early means that it will take longer for a dog’s growth plates to close, which can mean they will grow taller, and can be at an increased risk of injury during this growing period. Regardless of when your dog is neutered, “it is important to wait until growth plate closure before starting any intense activity (running long distances, agility, etc.)” advises Dr. Waxman.

When To Neuter A Dog

The best age to neuter is going to mostly be based on your dog’s breed and size. “It is important to weigh the benefits and risks of timing spaying and neutering with your veterinarian” encourages Dr. Waxman. The larger breed of puppy you have the longer you will likely want to wait before neutering, with some veterinarians not recommending neutering giant breed puppies until they are well over a year old. As always consult with your veterinarian about what neutering age is going to be right for your dog.

Neutering Alternatives

Neutering dogs as young puppies comes with risk, but eventually getting your puppy neutered is important. Beyond the risk of accidental litters being born, neutering removes the risk of testicular cancer. In addition, neutering dogs has been shown to significantly reduce a dog’s risk of developing prostate disease. If you are concerned about unplanned litters an alternative to early neutering is canine vasectomies. A vasectomy makes it impossible for the dog to reproduce, but also preserves the hormones. In these cases, castration can happen later to prevent testicular disease.

Added Responsibility

One of the primary reasons for neutering, and for neutering early is to prevent unwanted litters of puppies from being born. Dr. Waxman notes that “to my knowledge, there is no conclusive evidence that early spay/neuter has a large impact on population control. Unfortunately, even with early spay/neuter, pet overpopulation is still a major concern.” However, delaying neutering does have some added challenges and increased responsibility for dog guardians. Dogs who have not yet been neutered will tend to get over excited/aroused by the scent of a female dog who might be in heat. Additionally, unneutered male dogs may be more tempted to get out of your yard or dart out the door to roam if they catch the scent of a female dog in heat. This requires extra care, attention and management to keep your young dog safe as he matures before being neutered.

Already Neutered?

If you have adopted a puppy and the puppy is already neutered, that doesn’t mean your puppy will automatically have negative behavior or health issues. Talk with your dog’s vet about anything you can do to support your puppy’s orthopedic health as they continue to grow. Dr. Waxman advised that your vet may recommend your puppy who was neutered at a young age “remain on a puppy-specific diet for a longer period of time which should be discussed with your veterinarian.” It’s also a good idea to schedule a training session with a positive reinforcement-based trainer in your area to get a sense of your dog’s current temperament, training goals/objectives. This will help you to be ready to proactively work through any behavior challenges which may arise because of or be exacerbated by early neutering.

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Survival Tips to Canine City Life

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Sometimes life in the city can be ruff! There are always things to see and do, but that can be a little bit overwhelming for our canine companions. If you’re thinking about bringing your dog into the city, or if you’re moving to a new urban area with your dog, check out these survival tips for both of you.

Pick a City-Thriving Breed

If you live in a city and are considering adding a dog to your family, choose a breed or mix of breeds that will do well in that environment. If you’re someone whose ideal evening involves the couch, takeout and pajamas, don’t bring home a high-energy dog who is going to need hours of exercise and active play. A city dog’s exercise may be limited by little to no yard space, no nearby dog park and lots of distracting sounds and activities on walks around the neighborhood, which might make long daily walks challenging.

Your living situation is of prime concern here. Check any apartment, condo, HOA or other dog regulations impacting where you live. It’s not uncommon for rentals to require dogs to be under a certain weight (many times 25 pounds or smaller).

Size matters in other ways in city life. Some cities’ public transportation/subways require that pets be kept in carriers. If you live in the city and don’t have a car, it’s easiest to have a dog you can lift and/or that can fit into a carrier. Popular breeds that meet these city-life challenges include Boston Terriers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, French Bulldogs, Poodles (Toy and Miniature) and Maltese. Take into account that individual dog personality is just as important as breed traits, so find out as much as you can about your potential future fur friend to make the best match.

©Kane Skennar | Getty Images

The 10 Best Cities for Dogs

Some cities have a reputation of being more dog-friendly than others, based on certain pet-friendly factors. Rent.com compiled a survey looking at the best cities to live in with dogs, analyzing the percentage of rentals that were pet friendly, average cost of vet care and the number of pet-related businesses and pet-friendly parks per capita. For the cities with populations over 100,000,

RENT.COM DETERMINED THE TOP 10 U.S. CITIES TO BE:

1. ­Greeley, Colorado
2. Charleston, South Carolina
3. ­Ann Arbor, Michigan
4. Boulder, Colorado
5. ­Tyler, Texas
6. Scottsdale, Arizona
7. Arvada, Colorado
8. ­Naperville, Illinois
9. Vacaville, California
10. Davie, Florida

Know the Rules

In addition to weight and size limits, many apartment buildings have regulations about what types of dogs can live in the building and the behavior of dogs who live in the community, as well as requirements that guardians need to follow, such as scooping poop and keeping dogs on leash. Depending on your apartment building violation (or even perceived violation) of any of the dog rules can result in fines, eviction or your dog being permanently removed from the premises.

Laws that ban or limit the ownership of certain dog breeds or mixes of those breeds, known as breed specific legislation (BSL), are still common in some cities. BSL characterizes certain breeds as “dangerous” or “aggressive.” These discriminatory laws are widely recognized as ineffective and have been discredited by veterinary experts. While there have been legislative wins in recent years to overturn BSL in some places, many communities across the United States still have BSL as part of local laws. Before moving to a new area, research BSL ordinances that might be in effect.

©FluxFactory | Getty Images

Teach City-Dog Skills

The life of a city dog can be a lot of fun, but it’s not always easy. With intentional focus and training on your part, your dog will lead a happier and more comfortable life in the city. Here are key skills to teach and practice:

Loose-leash walking: Living in the city, your dog spends a lot of time walking on the sidewalk. Teach your dog to walk on a loose leash and not pull. Not only will this be more comfortable for you, but it will also make walks more pleasant for your dog.

Leave it cue: On city sidewalks, your dog will come into contact with all kinds of things, including discarded food wrappers, broken items and other trash. Although they will be attractive to your dog, they aren’t things you want her to eat! They could be harmful and even make your dog sick.

Drop it cue: Along with your “Leave it” cue, also teach your dog to “Drop It.” This way, if you’re not fast enough with your “Leave it” cue, you can ask your dog to drop something yucky and trade the trash she found on the street for a treat from you. By teaching “Drop it,” you’ll avoid the dreaded keep-away game or having to reach into your dog’s mouth to remove trash.

Ignoring other dogs and people: Not all dogs are social butterflies. It’s OK for your dog to not want to greet other dogs and people. Teaching your dog as much as possible to ignore the presence of other dogs and people will help her navigate city life.

Websites for City Dog Fun!

Sniff Spot (sniffspot.com). Looking for a private and secure place to let your city dog get some time to run and play off leash? The Sniff Spot app allows you to search for and rent (by the hour) fenced yards. View pics of the yards, learn about fun features like lakes or other water features and schedule private time for your city dog to get to run off leash safely.

American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen (akc.org). The AKC’s Canine Good Citizen or CGC test, as well as the AKC Community Canine and AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen Tests, are fun ways to demonstrate that your dog is skilled at life in the city. These titles are a great goal to train toward and can help make you and your dog more attractive to landlords and apartment complexes, as you will be showing that your dog is friendly, social and well-trained.

International Dog Parkour Association (dogparkour.org). Sometimes called urban agility, the sport of canine parkour is a fun, active sport that uses found natural obstacles like boulders, stumps and trees, as well as man-made obstacles like park benches, bike racks, etc. Parkour offers great physical and mental stimulation as your dog learns to engage with obstacles by going onto, over, under and around them on cue. You and your dog can even earn Parkour titles by submitting videos.

Riding on elevators: Elevators can be scary and confusing for dogs. Even if you don’t live in a building with elevators, start exposing your dog to elevators the right way, as your dog will have to ride in them at some point. Parking garages and some dog-friendly retailers are a great place to teach your dog about elevators. (Need more help? Check out Teach Your Dog to Ride in an Elevator at dogster.com.)

©FluxFactory | Getty Images

The Perks and the Pitfalls

One big perk to living in a large city with your dog is the likelihood that everything you need — from your vet to your pet supply shop — will be within walking distance of your apartment. And that’s not all.

From shops to cafes with outside dining, there is an array of businesses that welcome dog visitors. Not only does this make errand running fun, it’s a great training opportunity for your dog!

Having dogs in the city is also a great way to connect with other people. If your dog enjoys socializing with other dogs, this can mean friends for both of you. Living in the city can sometimes feel isolating, but the experience of having a dog is a great way to break the ice. Your dog will break it for you, and you will likely find yourself having conversations with all sorts of interesting people.

Let’s take a look at some of the notso-perky parts of city life. One of the worst parts of having dogs in any big city is that if you even have a yard, it’s probably very small. More than likely, you don’t have a yard at all, which means every time you take your dog out (yes, even at 2 a.m.), it’s going to be a public walk. When potty training, or when your dog isn’t feeling well, day or night, regardless of the weather, you’re going to be walking around in public.

Many dogs find the sounds and sights of city life stressful. From constant street traffic to lots of other dogs and people on sidewalks, city life can be challenging to navigate for some dogs. This can lead to stress-related behaviors such as anxiety, reactivity and excessive barking.

And last but not least, in the city, pet parents have to make much more of an effort to make sure their dogs get daily physical exercise and activity.

Of course we all know that life in the suburbs and the country both have their perks and pitfalls, too. It’s not just the city that isn’t pretty at times. But, for those that love the buzz of energy, great access to people, dogs and dog-friendly places, with these tips you are your pup will be sitting pretty in your city.

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Building Engagement with Your Dog

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We’ve all seen it: the dog who watches his owner intently for the next word, who checks in with his human partner when hiking off leash or even the patient pup who frequently checks in with his human partner. These are examples of engagement between the dog and the pet parent. Engagement is having a connection with our dogs.

As a dog trainer and pet parent, I strongly believe engagement is one of the most important things we can work to develop with our dogs. Strong engagement gives us a focused, involved and happily willing pet partner. We shouldn’t force engagement, but we can build it through various ways and flourish engagement together.

To understand engagement, it helps to understand what it is not. Engagement is not a dog who is fixated or obsessed with a reward, such as toys or food or even barking to grab your attention. An engaged dog wants to focus and work with you, paying attention to you no matter what you are doing or where you are together.

Creating engagement does not magically happen overnight. It’s a process that requires work and time. Here are tips to get you on your way:

1. Start with Your Routine Walk

The top way to build engagement with your dog is to reward him when he engages with you. When you are out on a walk together, reward your dog every time he looks up at you. Reward right away, making sure your timing is immediate so your dog understands the relationship between the action and the reward. I often use a marker word, such as “Yes” as my dog looks at me and then go in with my reward. And, of course, reward with something better than kibble, like a tasty treat.

2. Graduate to “Watch”

The next step is to teach your dog a “Watch” behavior. Once this is a learned behavior and your dog begins to offer it, reward your dog for naturally looking at you and engaging with eye contact when you aren’t specifically asking for it. This can lead to an offered behavior the more you teach and reward, leading to your dog watching you and offering engagement with you.

3. Trick Training

Trick training gives you an opportunity to show your dog how much fun training can be. Training together helps your dog to understand your communication and the rewards that come with training, all while keeping your dog focused on you. These are all things that grow your bond and grows the drive to engage with you.

4. Playtime

Every dog deserves play. When you take the time to play with your dog, you build that strong bond. Let him win games every now and then to keep it fun!

By building engagement you will soon have a dog who has a stronger bond with you, enjoys training, is less stressed in new situations and is easier to train and get to focus no matter where you go together. Have fun training together!

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About the Author: Nicole Ellis, CPDT-KA, is a celebrity dog trainer based in Los Angeles. She has trained everything from bears to tigers to leopards as well as household dogs and cats. Nicole has appeared on Amazon’s The Pack, The Today Show, NBC, Fox, MSN, Mashable, Pet360, Travel+Leisure, Huffington Post and more.

Related: Use Food to Engage Your Dog

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When To Spay a Dog

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Spaying puppies, sometimes as young as seven weeks, has become increasingly common in shelters and rescues. The idea is to prevent unwanted litters, but pet parents, too, sometimes face pressure to spay dogs early because of the perceived notion that it’s messy or inconvenient to have a dog go into heat. Can you spay a dog too early? Can the practice be harmful?

“While there is understandably motivation to prevent overpopulation, pediatric spay does not come without risks,” says Dr. Tory Waxman, Chief Veterinary Officer and co-founder of human-grade dog food brand Sundays for Dogs, Inc.

If you have a puppy and are considering when is the right age to spay a dog, earlier is not always better and can lead to ongoing medical conditions for the rest of your dog’s life.

 

What to consider before spaying a dog

Spaying is the right decision for most dogs. In addition to the risk of unwanted litters, there are significant health risks associated with dogs not being spayed.

“Spaying prevents pyometra (uterine infection), ovarian and uterine cancer (albeit rare) and drastically decreases the risk of mammary cancer. Spaying also prevents pyometra (uterine infection) which can result in a life-threatening emergency if not treated early,” says Dr. Waxman.

We want to spay our dogs, but having the surgery done too early can have unintended consequences. Dr. Waxman says that in some breeds, early spaying can “predispose certain breeds to cancers more commonly seen in altered individuals (such as lymphoma and bone cancer).”

In addition, there have been some studies that indicate there can be a connection between female dogs spayed early and the development of urinary incontinence. Large female dogs were more susceptible to having incontinence post spaying.

Furthermore, Dr. Waxman advises that studies show that dogs spayed at an early age are at an increased risk of fear-based behavioral issues. Although spaying is important for your dog’s health, it’s equally important to be thoughtful about what age you have your puppy altered.

 

When to spay a dog

There is not a one size fits all recommendation for when to spay female puppies. Still, it is generally considered best to delay spaying larger dogs as it gives them more time to develop properly physically.

A recent study analyzed the existing scientific data regarding the ideal age to spay or neuter in order to decrease the risk of cancer and orthopedic disease. The researchers published the information in a helpful chart for 35 popular dog breeds.

“Current research suggests that spaying or neutering large breed dogs at a younger age puts them at a higher risk for cancer and orthopedic issues as compared to their small breed counterparts,” says Dr. Waxman.

Dr. Waxman encourages dog guardians to discuss with their vets the pros and cons of spaying at different ages before making decisions about when to spay their dog.

 

What are the risks of spaying a dog early?

Female puppies spayed at 7 weeks have been known to experience a delayed closure of growth plates, meaning they don’t finish growing until longer.

“Puppies that were altered at a young age may be predisposed to orthopedic issues in addition to certain types of cancer,” Dr. Waxman advises.

Puppies spayed at an early age may also experience a higher prevalence of CCL knee ruptures, and early spay may also contribute to the onset of hip dysplasia.

 

What if you have a dog spayed early?

If you have adopted a dog who was spayed early, there are things that you can do to support your dog and help her as she grows. Talk with your vet about how your puppy is growing. Dr. Waxman notes that “It is important to wait until growth plate closure before starting any intense activity (running long distances, agility, etc.). In addition, your puppy may need to remain on a puppy-specific diet for a longer period of time which should be discussed with your veterinarian.”

Regardless of what age your dog is spayed, Dr. Waxman advises that your dog receive regular veterinary care.

“It is important to visit your year annually, and for senior pets (over 7 years of age, and even over 4 for some large breed dogs) optimally biannually,” advises Dr. Waxman.

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Integrating a New Dog Into Your Family

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Integrating a new dog into a household with an existing dog can be tricky, but most dogs successfully ease into the transition if given the right kind of guidance from the start. Peaceful coexistence can be achieved in a number of ways, including monitoring both dogs’ interactions with each other and reducing situational and environmental stress.

Remove Triggers

Before you bring your new dog home, remove any triggers that could create tension between them such as food, treats or toys. This will reduce the need for either dog to compete over resources and avoid the location guarding that commonly occurs in multi-dog households.

Start Outside the Home

If you can, introduce your existing dog to the new dog outside and on neutral territory. The more space both dogs have to either interact or put distance between themselves and explore, the better. There are more interesting things to discover outside than in the home, and distractions give both dogs a chance to focus on something else rather than being forced to interact.

Keep the dogs on leash until they are comfortable and then give them some time for off-leash discovery or play before bringing them inside. Give your new dog the chance to discover her new environment with or without the other dog present.

Teach a Good Scenario

If your existing dog is uncomfortable with the new arrival, create a teaching scenario where the new dog’s presence means good things happen to your existing dog. Stand in the room with your existing dog and have a friend or family member walk into the room with the new dog. As the dog is brought into the room, give praise, high-value treats or play a game with your existing dog. Tell your new dog how good she is, too, so that both receive positive attention in the other’s presence.

Relaxed, fluid body language and a willingness to engage in social contact with each other will indicate that the technique has been successful.

Keep Resources Separate

Until you have a clearer picture about how protective they might be over resources, toys, chews and meals should only be given when the dogs are separated. (This also can include favorite spots, like dog beds.) If your new dog is naturally inquisitive, she might want to investigate your existing dog’s food bowl or share the toy he is chewing. This will likely cause a disagreement that could escalate into something more serious.

It is essential that both dogs feel safe around each other with their resources. Identifying triggers and minimizing stress for them will prevent challenges moving forward.

Ease Into Together Time

Walking the dogs together allows them to have positive experiences in each other’s presence. The new dog might require less exercise than your existing dog to begin with, but a small walk every day will help build up stamina and increase the bond between them.

Start teaching your new dog life skills and cues that she can follow, while giving your existing dog a refresher course. Teach each dog separately at first before bringing them to do the exercises together, and be careful that the rewards you use while teaching do not cause tension between them.

Keep resources, like toys, separate. Your new dog might want to check out your existing dog’s toys, which could cause a serious disagreement. ©CBCK-Christine | Getty Images

Manage Interactions

Management is equally important to maintain calm, and baby gates are very effective for giving each dog space and time apart — important in any multidog household. If your dogs are not comfortable around each other, gates could also have the reverse effect and exacerbate tensions. In this case, put your dogs in separate rooms where they can’t see each other, and only allow them to interact if they are safe and have space around them, such as in your backyard.

Be Prepared and Stay Sensitive

Be prepared for occasional quarrels that happen even between the best of friends. Hopefully these will be few and far between if you take care not to subject either dog to any situation that causes discomfort.

If your existing dog does not adapt to the new dog in time, re-homing options might have to be explored for the new dog. However, this can be avoided if you are diligent in applying all teaching and management procedures so that both dogs can live peacefully together in a stress-free environment. Remember, your existing dog might not have had much say in choosing his new friend, so be sensitive to the adjustments he has to make in order to adapt to the changes you will all have to make when you bring a new dog into the home.

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Dog Limping: What You Need to Know

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Is there anything worse than seeing your dog in pain? Maybe you’re outside. Fido is fine one minute, and the next, he’s hobbling around. When this occurs, it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose the cause of a dog limping.

“There could be quite a few reasons why a dog is limping,” says Dr. Michelle Burch, DVM, from Safe Hounds Pet Insurance.

Burch went over many of the reasons why your dog may be limping and what to do about it.

Why Is My Dog Limping?

When you see your dog limping, it’s natural to want to get to the root of the problem and figure out why. Not all of the reasons are cause for much concern, at least at first, while others may be more serious. These are some common ones Burch has seen:

• A foreign object. “It can be as simple as something is stuck in the paw, such as a little thorn or some sap, and they don’t like the feeling,” Burch says.
• A small injury. “The majority of the time, it tends to be a soft-tissue injury, so a bit of a muscle strain or they twisted something,” Burch says. “It’s like when we humans have a twisted ankle. It hurts for a couple of days. Sometimes, you need a little pain control. Then, they get back to normal.”
• A more severe injury, such as a broken bone or a tendon or ligament rupture.
• An infection. Burch says these infections could be external, such as on the skin, or internal.
• Tick bites. “They can cause inflammation,” Burch says.
• Burch says bone or joint cancers, in particular, can cause dog limping.
• Arthritis, which many dogs become prone to as they age.

What Should I Do If My Dog is Limping?

Not all instances of dog limping will lead to a vet visit. Burch says the first step is to see if you can identify the cause.

“Check the leg and in between the paws,” Burch says. “Look for any signs of tree sap.”

If you see thorns or sap, try to remove them. Burch also suggests looking for any signs of swelling, cuts and bruises. If you find that, call the vet.

“If you don’t find anything abnormal, you can try resting it for a day or two,” Burch says. “Be a couch potato.”

What does strict rest mean? “No running, jumping or roughhousing and only going outside on a leash to potty,” Burch says.

The leash part is important, Burch stresses. “I have seen dogs on activity restriction who go outside off-leash, see a squirrel, and cause more trauma,” she says.

Burch also recommends icing the leg the dog is limping on two or three times per day for five to 10 minutes to reduce swelling and pain.

“I don’t recommend giving any over-the-counter human pain medication without speaking to a vet,” Burch says, adding that some medications are toxic to dogs and others require precise dosing.

If the dog isn’t better in 24 to 48 hours, call the vet to schedule an exam.

“If it’s not clearing up on its own, you need to find out why.”

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English Springer Spaniel

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Quick Facts

• Weight: 45 – 55 pounds | male
  40 – 50 pounds | female
• Height: 19 – 21 inches | male
  18 – 20 inches | female

The Look of a English Springer Spaniel

English Springer Spaniels are medium-sized dogs with compact bodies and medium-length coats that grow feathery on their long ears, legs, chest and belly. Their heads are strong without seeming heavy, and their faces have a chiseled shape that gives them a pleasant expression. Their eyes are medium-sized, oval-shaped and somewhat sunken, giving off a bright and loving expression. They have long necks (about the length of their heads) that slope down to deep, developed chests. Their tails are usually docked, and their flat or wavy coats can come in black & white, liver & white, or blue or liver roan. Overall, English Springer Spaniels have a gallant, alert and sturdy look.

Traits

• Lovable
• Social
• Great with kids
• Courageous
• Lively
• Loyal
• Durable

Ideal Human Companion

• Sportsmen
• Active, Outdoorsy types
• Families

What They Are Like to Live With

English Springer Spaniels are a brilliant combination of sturdiness and dignity. They have an outgoing charm that mixes well with family occasions, picnics or dinner parties, yet they also can handle long, cold days outdoors. For hundreds of years, English Springer Spaniels have been cherished for their ability to switch to “family mode” after long days of hunting.

English Springer Spaniels love everybody, and everybody loves them. They are humble enough to adapt to child’s play, but they are secure enough to be comfortable around strangers and other pets. They are wonderful playmates for children and greet most strangers with an open heart. However, they have great protective instincts and will definitely sound the alarm if they sense a threat.

Things You Should Know

English Springers are people-oriented dogs. They need lots of attention, companionship and positive feedback to feel settled and centered. Left alone for too long, they can get bored. And a bored English Springer Spaniel could dig up a garden, bark for no reason or chew on shoes.

Springers can easily adapt to apartments or big-city situations. They need plenty of outdoor exercise, however, and have a special affection for water.

A healthy English Springer Spaniel can live as long as 14 years. Common health issues include hip dysplasia, epilepsy and eye problems. They are fairly easy to groom, but they do shed throughout the year. Regular brushing will keep their medium-length coats manageable and looking good. Also, English Springer Spaniels tend to gain weight. Don’t overfeed them or forget their daily walks.

English Springer Spaniel History

Dating back to the 1600s, Springer Spaniels have long been prized for their ability to assist hunters by driving or “springing” birds from bushes, trees and fields. In the late1880s, Springer Spaniels and Cocker Spaniels often appeared in the same litters, and it was not until 1902 that they were classified as distinct breeds based on size (the Springer being the larger dog, of course). The AKC first registered the breed in 1927, and to this day English Springer Spaniels continue to be valued for their agility, hunting skills, obedience and companionship.

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Dog Cloning: Would You Clone Your Dog?

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The lifespans of dogs are much shorter than ours. Living through and processing the grief of their passing is one of the hardest aspects of loving dogs. For those dog guardians who feel like they just can’t let go, one option becoming increasingly accessible is cloning. Dog Cloning may sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but it’s much more widespread than you might think, and you don’t have to be a millionaire to afford to clone your dog.

Lauren Aston of ViaGen Pets and Equine whose work is focused on cloning pets as well as conservation based cloning with organizations like the San Diego Zoo explained that the United States based company began producing cloned dogs in 2015 and since that time has successfully cloned several hundred pets for families. Dogs that are cloned will generally share the same appearance and possibly even the intelligence and temperament of your original dog. Cloned puppies are genetic twins of your dog that are born at a different time. Cloned dogs have the potential to live full and healthy lives and it is believed they are no more susceptible to any health conditions than any other dog.

How does dog cloning work?

If you think you might want to clone your dog at some time in the future the first step is something called “Genetic Preservation.” This involves your veterinarian collecting your dog’s DNA/genetic sample via a small tissue sample. The tissue sample from your dog is then frozen/preserved for use in the future if you decide to move forward with cloning.

At ViaGen there is a one-time fee of $1,600 for preparing and processing your dog’s DNA via the genetic preservation and then an annual storage fee of $150. DNA samples can successfully be collected from dogs of any age but your dog were to suddenly pass away, or become terminally ill it’s not too late to consider cloning as an option. “We can even accept DNA samples within five days of death as long as the samples are kept refrigerated NOT frozen” Lauren explains.

There will be a waiting list for dog cloning

Once you decide you are ready to move forward with cloning your dog utilizing the genetic material that has been collected the process is fairly simple. Lauren notes that currently ViaGen has a waiting list for all the species of pets (dogs, cats, horses) that they clone so you would need to get onto that waiting list. Not taking the waiting list into account Lauren says that the process of cloning takes approximately six months from start to finish from a Genetic Preservation sample to cloning to receiving a puppy. If you clone your dog, the cloned puppy will be born and cared for at the ViaGen facility in the Northeast United States and will stay there until they are at least eight weeks old and ready to go home to you.

How much does it cost to clone a dog?

Not surprisingly the process of cloning is expensive. At ViaGen “currently the cost for dog cloning is $50,000” says Lauren. The costs associated with cloning are the same regardless of what breed of dog you have, and the size of the dog being cloned. For this fee Lauren notes that people can expect that they will get one or two cloned puppies.

Will a cloned dog be the same as your dog?

The big question that most people have when it comes to cloned dogs is will the puppy produced be the same as their dog. The answer is complicated. When you clone a dog you will end up with a puppy (or puppies) that are genetically identical to your dog, but they won’t be your dog.

“With cloning you are guaranteed to receive a genetic twin to your original beloved dog. We know that some portion of temperament and behavior are genetic. That said, you may experience similarities, however, nature vs nurture will have the greatest outcome” Lauren describes.

It’s important to remember if you are considering cloning your dog that although the cloned puppy will be genetically identical to your dog, and will look like your dog they won’t have the same life experiences, socialization as your dog. Unlike your dog the puppy will not know who you are or and understand the same things your dog knows.

As with any other puppy with a cloned puppy you will have to start from scratch with training as well as bonding. There can be some stigma about the idea of cloning but ultimately considering, to clone your dog, or to collect genetic samples to leave the option of cloning open in the future is a very personal decision. With the procedure becoming increasingly accessible, it’s likely will start seeing more cloned dogs in our communities. Would you consider cloning your dog?

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Dog Tattoos: Popular Breeds & Do’s & Don’ts

The post Dog Tattoos: Popular Breeds & Do’s & Don’ts by Sassafras Lowrey appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Do you have a dog tattoo? Do you want one? I have many tattoos that I have collected over the years and five of my biggest are specifically dog related. Three are portraits of my dogs. The other two are more stylized representations: paw prints for the dogs I had as a kid and then a dog agility course map to represent the years I spent training and competing in the sport with my dogs as a teenager and how that experience shaped my life and future profession. I love carrying my dogs everywhere as part of my body, and I enjoy the conversations that my tattoos inspire with other dog lovers!

What are the most popular dog tattoos?

Tattoos are one way that many dog lovers memorialize a beloved dog after they pass, but they can also be a fun way to permanently mark the relationship you have with your dog while they are still alive. Money.co.uk a pet insurance comparison site, was curious about dog tattoos and recently conducted a study looking at Google, Instagram and Pinterest data to uncover what dog breed tattoos are most frequently posted and searched for around the world. Unsurprisingly popular breeds like the Pug and the French Bulldog topped the list of most commonly posted/searched dog tattoos. Did your dog’s breed make the list? 

Top 20 Most Tattooed Dog Breeds: 

Dog breed	Total posts and searches
1. Pug	27,557
2. French Bulldog	13,589
3. Doberman Pinscher	8,464
4. Chihuahua	6,332
5. Dachshund	5,661
6. Greyhound	4,009
7. Boston Terrier	3,007
8. Rottweiler	2,775
9. Poodle	2,710
10. Labrador	2,144
11. Beagle	2,012
12. Whippet	1,670
13. Schnauzer	1,533
14. Pomeranian	1,486
15. Shih Tzu	1,341
16. Jack Russell	1,134
17. Golden Retriever	1,013
18. Border Collie	976
19. Staffordshire Bull Terrier	853
20. Chow Chow	448

Thinking of getting a tattoo for your dog? Here are a few do’s and don’ts for getting some dog inspired ink! Also, be sure to check COVID-19 restrictions and regulations in your area as they relate to tattoo shops.

Do’s for dog tattoos

1. Be creative – Think about a design that you want on your body forever, and that represents your dog’s personality and/or your relationship. You can use a portrait, or something more stylized depending on your aesthetic. 
2. Find an experienced artist – You want to have an artist whose style you like. It’s ok to take your time to find an artist that you feel comfortable with and whose work you want on your body forever. Tattoo artists will have portfolios available online and/or in the shop that you can and should review. This will give you an idea of an artists’ style and skill and help you make the decision about who you want to tattoo you.
3. Give your artist lots of reference materials – When you approach an artist about scheduling a tattoo of your dog you’ll want to provide lots of reference material. This can include photographs of your dog, and any other inspirational images you want your artist to incorporate into the tattoo. Whenever possible bring photos of your dog that are clear and well-lit so that the artist can make sure to get the details of your dog accurate in your tattoo. 
4. Trust your artist – Once you have taken the time to find a good tattoo artist whose style you like you want to trust your artist’s skill and experience. Always speak your mind if you are uncertain or uncomfortable with something but if the artist makes a suggestions about the design or size of the tattoo — she’s the expert and you want to trust her! 
5. Ask questions – Especially if this is your first tattoo, ask questions about anything that feels confusing . This is your body and you should feel comfortable with the process. A good tattoo artist will be happy to answer your questions about what they are doing, what the tattoo will look like, and what their sterilization process looks like. 
6. Tip your tattoo artist! – Tattoos aren’t cheap, and in addition to getting what you pay for when it comes to tattoos you want to make sure to tip your artist. Twenty-percent is generally an average amount to tip tattoo artists.

Don’ts

1. Don’t bring your dog – When you go to get tattooed bring your dog at home. Tattoo studios must maintain a sterile working environment for the safety of everyone involved meaning they aren’t an appropriate place for your dog.
2. Don’t be afraid to go big!– Tiny tattoos don’t tend to age as clearly or well as larger tattoos. The smaller the tattoo the more likely it is to get blurry over the years. This tattoo will be with you forever so you want it to remain as clear as possible. In addition with small tattoos your artist won’t be able to include as much detail so if that’ important to you your artist will likely encourage you to go with a larger design. 
3. Avoid getting cheap tattoos — Sometimes you really get what you pay for. Good tattoos aren’t cheap as they shouldn’t be because tattooing is a highly skilled art form. This is art who will be on your body for the rest of your life so you might need to save a little bit to get a high quality tattoo of your best friend.
4. Try not to copy other people’s tattoos — In tattoo culture it’s continued rude to copy someone else’s tattoo. It’s ok to bring in photos of other people’s tattoos as part of your reference material, but instead of asking your artist to copy it, work with your tattooist to design something new/unique that represents your dog or your relationship to your dog.
5. Don’t wait! There are no rules about when you can get a tattoo for or inspired by your dog. You don’t have to wait until your dog has passed away to get a tattoo for them. My first dog tattoos were memorial pieces, but I then discovered I much prefer to get tattoos for my dogs while they are alive. Whenever feels right to you is the right time to get a tattoo for your dog. 

Stories of Dogster Readers With Dog Tattoos:

1. Scott Lorenz Andresen

Scott Lorenz Andresen’s dog tattoo.

Tattoo of a painting of Scott’s late dog, Sprey.
2. Cari K.

Cari K’s dog tattoo. Photography courtesy Cari K.

“I got Keener shortly after my first dog died. We took a whole bunch of classes together. I knew I wanted to try nosework with him and we both loved it. That’s why I chose to have his nose in the tattoo. We’ve traveled a few thousand miles together for training, seminars and competitions. He opened me up to an awesome new world. We have met so many great people. I never in my life thought I would have it in me to travel ‘alone’ (wait, I guess it’s not alone when your dog is with you) out of state.”
3. Jack Jackson

Jack Jackson’s dog tattoo. Photography courtesy Jack Jackson.

“We’re in Toronto Ontario. I’m from the U.K., so she’s my only family here and she’s the absolute love of my life. She makes me so happy every single day.”
4. Rae

Rae’s dog tattoo. Photography courtesy Rae.

“This is a portrait of my Corgis (Machete Corgéz and Knives the Corgi) based off a painting my friend Amanda gave me for Christmas one year. [This tattoo was] done by Alex Dawes. [It’s] not a memorial tattoo — just a lot of things I love all in one.”
5. Christa Faust

Christa Faust’s dog tattoo. Photography courtesy Christa Faust.

“I live in Los Angeles. The tattoo is by Graham Chaffee. Butch was my heart dog, my little shadow and my constant traveling companion. I’m a crime writer and he attended several conferences with me, which is where he got the nickname Noir Dog. This tattoo is on my left calf, so that he will always walk by my side.” ­
6. Lisa Clark

Lisa Clark’s dog tattoo. Photography courtesy Lisa Clark.

“Although [it’s not a tattoo] of my dogs — it will happen, trust me, I have two dogs, I’ve had foster dogs and I volunteer at my local SPCA — I had this infinity symbol with paws done to represent my dogs, my fosters, and the many dogs I’ve loved and cared for in my lifetime that [have] offered me unconditional love and companionship. They are man and woman’s best friend.” ­
7. Jae

Jae’s dog tattoo. Photography courtesy Jae.

“I have a tattoo of my retired guide dog’s paw (to scale) with a purple Hamsa in the middle because his collar is/was purple. He guided on my left, and his eyes were my eyes and protected me from so many near-misses with cars, random cut-outs on sidewalks and finding my way home.”

Tell us: Do you have a dog tattoo? Please tell us about it in the comments! 

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

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The post Dog Tattoos: Popular Breeds & Do’s & Don’ts by Sassafras Lowrey appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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