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Silver has many uses — from coins and jewelry to tableware and tea sets. It’s also what made Calico, California, famous. The town is now officially a San Bernardino County Regional Park, but in its heyday, it had over 3,500 residents, miles of mines and a thriving commercial district. Today, it’s known as a ghost town, but it’s far from inactive and is just 10 (paved!) miles east of Barstow.
In 1881, three prospectors — Charlie Meacham, Johnny McBride and Larry Silvia — heard there might be silver in the hills east of Barstow. They outfitted themselves with all the necessities prospectors would need for a long exploration of the hills, but it took only four days to find a rich deposit of silver. They staked their claims and celebrated, telling others of their good fortune.
As more miners staked new claims in the hills, a town sprung up, and the name Calico was suggested by another miner because the colorful hills of the region reminded him of a lady’s calico skirt. Another miner, J.A. Delameter, petitioned for a post office the very next day, and the name Calico came into being. The town grew more stores, livery stables, physicians’ offices, law offices, assayers, map makers and, of course, more saloons and gambling halls.
Calico’s silver boom yielded $86 million in those days’ money — about $260 million today. The story of the miners, merchants and businesspeople of Calico is preserved now, but there’s another great Calico story about a dog.
The two Stacy brothers took Dorsey the dog in during a storm in 1883. The dog enjoyed visiting one brother who was Calico’s postmaster and the other brother who had a store in East Calico, where most of the family homes were located. It was a hike to get from East Calico back to Calico to pick up or send mail. Postmaster Stacy tied a note to Dorsey’s collar one day, and Dorsey safely delivered it to the brother. That gave Postmaster Stacy the idea to rig up some mail sacks for Dorsey to carry.
Dorsey. Courtesy Dr. Stephanie Slahor
At first, only newspapers were delivered until Dorsey could be counted on to make the deliveries. Dorsey was true to his work and was soon delivering mail to East Calico and bringing back the outgoing mail. Dorsey became an official U.S. Post Office mail-carrying dog, one of only a very few in American history.
Dorsey kept up his work for a year, until the price of silver dropped in the late 1880s and the mines of East Calico closed. Mail service was unnecessary.
Dorsey’s photo is now displayed in the Calico Hall of Fame — a building with photos and illustrations of many of the former and more recent “characters” that have graced Calico.
Lucy Lane (1874-1967) was one of Calico’s most famous residents, having lived there for 67 years. She noted in her memoirs that, in her girlhood when she was a student at Calico’s schoolhouse, Dorsey would sometimes travel with the children going to or from school along the mile-and-a-half route from East Calico to the school.
Dorsey is remembered today at a store in Calico aptly named Dorsey’s Dog House. It features everything from collars to treats and is a popular site for those visiting Calico with their pooches!
The post Dorsey —The Mail Carrying Dog by Dr. Stephenie Slahor appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
The post Puppy Stages: What to Expect 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.
Just like with human babies, puppies go through different periods of development as they grow up. Understanding these key stages can help you better prepare and care for your new best friend to help her grow into a well-adjusted, healthy dog. What can you expect as your puppy grows?
Birth — 2 weeks
Puppies are born helpless. They’re unable to regulate their own body temperature and need their mother’s help to potty. Puppies are born with their eyes closed and are unable to hear. They are completely reliant upon their mother for all their needs. Gentle handling by the dog breeder is important to help puppies begin to develop positive associations with people.
2 weeks — 4 weeks
Puppies’ eyes open, and they start to stand instead of scooting or crawling. Puppies can more intentionally engage with their littermates. At around 3 weeks, they begin to wag their tails. This is an important stage of development. Breeders should expose the puppies to an array of novel objects and surfaces (that are puppy safe) to help them develop into confident adult dogs.
4 weeks — 8 weeks
Puppies begin the weaning process and eat solid foods. A puppy’s personality becomes clear, and she begins actively playing and engaging with the world around her. She is now fully able to use her senses, including sight, as she learns about and engages with the world around her. Active little puppies get themselves into all kinds of fun and adventure including biting, chasing, barking, and playing with toys and littermates. Things to note:
✤ This is a key time when a puppy will deepen and develop relationships with people, which should include introducing a regular grooming routine so that the puppy will get used to the feelings and sensation of being brushed, having her nails trimmed, and ears examined and cleaned.
✤ At between 6 and 8 weeks of age, puppies start getting their first round of vaccines. Most puppies will get vaccines every two to four weeks (usually three to four vaccination sessions to prevent parvo and distemper) until they are 20 weeks old.
✤ Puppies between 6 and 8 weeks old and 2 pounds can generally get microchipped. Some breeders and most shelters have their puppies microchipped before they go to their forever families
✤ Most puppies go to their forever homes between 8 and 12 weeks, but some do (due to the breed or shelter needs) go home at 6 or 7 weeks. If your puppy has not yet been vaccinated, make an appointment with your vet immediately to bring your puppy in for vaccines and create a vaccine schedule, as well as to discuss the best age to microchip your puppy. Some vets may request waiting longer for smaller dogs.
8 weeks — 12 weeks
This is the typical age when your puppy is going to be coming home. Increasingly, especially with large breed dogs, some breeders keep puppies with their mother and littermates until they are 10 to 12 weeks of age, allowing for early socialization to happen with the breeder, the mother and littermates. What you should know:
✤ By this age puppies are completely weaned by their mothers and are independently eating solid food.
✤ Your puppy will continue to get vaccines, including any noncore vaccines that your vet may recommend like Influenza, lyme, bordetella and leptospirosis.
✤ This is a critical socialization period with big learning moments for puppies. They learn important lessons by gentle exposure to new places, surfaces, sounds and sights from the world around them. Proper socialization is key to shaping the way they understand the world for the rest of their lives.
Socialization and exploring the world as puppies adds to dimensional, emotional and physical development at this time. This is when (most) puppies go through their first fear period. Any negative experiences or scary things that happen could have lifelong influences on the puppy. It’s important for puppies to be taken on intentional training outings to the vet and other dog-friendly places to help her build positive associations. Your puppy will be having regular vet visits at this time to continue getting vaccination boosters. This is a great opportunity to help your puppy make positive associations with being at the vet clinic.
3 months — 6 months
As your puppy has finished her puppy vaccinations, it’s safe for her to begin going more places and meeting more people and other dogs.
✤ Basic training classes at this age will help you better understand your puppy and support her with being a lifelong, enthusiastic learner.
✤ As puppies continue to grow and develop, they are still physically maturing, so carefully monitor exercise to ensure they don’t hurt their developing joints. Talk with your vet about appropriate amounts of exercise for puppies to get at this age.
✤ At 12 to 18 weeks (check your state’s law for age requirement), your puppy will be able to get her rabies vaccination. This is required by law in most areas and enables you to register your dog in your local municipality.
✤ Your puppy can go for her first professional grooming appointment. Keep the first one brief and just the basics — getting her used to scissors, a dremmel, a blow dryer, etc. More extensive clipping can come later when she is more comfortable and can stand still longer.
6 months — 12 months
At this age puppies are solidly in adolescence bordering on adulthood, depending on their size. For small dogs, this is when they will reach full size. For larger, this will still be a period of growth. Small-breed puppies generally reach physical and mental adulthood by their first birthday.
✤ At 6 months, puppies can begin competing in low-impact sports like trick training and rally obedience. ✤ At this age, many (except for the largest of breeds) puppies will reach sexual maturity. Talk with your vet about the right age to spay or neuter your puppy depending on his/her size, breed, health and known breed-specific health concerns.
✤ At 6 to 14 months, puppies enter a secondary fear period. During this stage, your puppy may become shy or uncomfortable with new things or situations. Your puppy may also appear fearful of experiences or things they were previously exposed to and comfortable with.
✤ Small- and medium-breed puppies are young adults by this age, having reached full size and maturity levels.
13 months — 16 months
Although small-breed puppies will be adults, large-breed puppies will just now be reaching physical and emotional maturity. Giant-breed puppies may not be fully developed until well after their second or even third birthdays.
For training in higher-impact sports like agility, flyball or dock diving, talk with your vet about when your puppy has reached full physical size. Puppies need to be fully physically mature before doing any high-impact training in order to prevent injuries. Your vet will look for growth plates to close, making it safe for dogs to participate in higher-impact activities.
Why chip and license?
If you have a purebred puppy, your breeder will give you your puppy’s AKC registration paperwork. File that paperwork right away so that you are listed as your puppy’s owner.
Get your puppy microchipped right away. If your puppy has already been microchipped by the shelter or breeder, you need to update her new residence information with the microchip company immediately. This helps keep your puppy safe and find her way home if she’s ever lost, and it helps to legally show she is yours.
Once you get your puppy and she has received her rabies vaccination, it’s time to apply for a license, typically with your county or city. Just like the rabies vaccine, this is the law in most states (or you will be fined). Usually a puppy must be licensed from age 4 months on up. If your puppy gets lost, an up-todate license helps your local animal control contact you faster.
You may also have to prove your dog has been spayed/neutered or pay a higher fee for an unspayed/unneutered dog. Call or go online to your local animal control to learn requirements in your city or county. Note that a license is an easy proof of a rabies vaccination for groomers and doggie daycares. Licensing fees typically support animal programs and services, so that’s a good thing.
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The post Human-Dog Diabetes Connection 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 recent study conducted by researchers in Sweden and the United Kingdom concluded that diabetes risk is shared between people and their dogs.
The study, published in December in the journal the BMJ, found that pet owners whose dogs were diagnosed with diabetes were more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes themselves when compared to owners of dogs that did not have diabetes.
The findings support previous research that demonstrated that overweight dog owners were more likely to have overweight dogs (obesity is one of the risk factors for developing Type 2 diabetes).
The post Human-Dog Diabetes Connection by Jackie Brown appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
The post 7 Easy Human Food Trends to Share With Your Dog by dogedit 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.
Whether it’s human or dog food, whole-natural ingredients are the buzz in healthy nutrition. While many veterinarians would rather see dogs eat food made specifically for them, there are on-trend human foods that are great as a treat or as an addition to your pet’s food.
Dogster asked clinical pet nutritionist and expert with Bow Wow Labs Johnna Devereaux and Minnesota shelter veterinarian Dr. Julie Steller about seven common trending food items that we can feed our pups.
Peanut Butter
Johnna says peanuts are full of antioxidants like manganese and vitamins E and B. They also contain Omega-6 fatty acids, which may help lower cholesterol levels. There’s no question dogs go crazy for peanut butter, but Dr. Steller says to be careful. “Don’t use a brand with xylitol in it. Check the ingredients.”
How to feed: Peanut butter is high in calories, so use it in moderation. Our pet nutrition expert says to make peanut butter last longer, “Puree it with a frozen banana, fill a favorite toy and freeze it. Moderation is key, so feed it sparingly.”
#trending: All-natural peanut butters are all the rage. These typically have just peanuts or peanuts and salt (feed the one without the salt) and need to be refrigerated.
Dog products spreading the peanut butter:
Polkadog Wonder Nuggets
Bocce’s Bakery Peanut Butter & Banana Biscuits
Zuke’s Mini Naturals Peanut Butter and Oats Recipe
Old Mother Hubbard Mini Soft and Tasty Peanut Butter and Bacon Flavored Biscuits
More Veggies
Dr. Steller says vegetables are full of vitamins and minerals, and green beans and carrots are a great snack for dogs who need to lose weight. Johnna says to be careful, though, as some vegetables are extremely high in starch and will break down quickly into glucose. That ends up being sugar! Also, look at the best way to serve the veggies based on time, price and how your dog prefers them (or his stomach prefers them #flatulance): canned, steamed, roasted, raw, etc.
How to feed: For pet lovers pressed for time, canned carrots and green beans can be the way to go. Always rinse the veggies several times to make sure the sodium has been removed. For pet parents, Dr. Steller thinks canned vegetables can be an inexpensive way to get your dog reduced-calorie food when they are overweight. (We all know price can matter in feeding our pets.)
#trending: Vegetables are always on trend for anyone who cares about healthy eating. Today, plant-based diets, root vegetables and cauliflower are on trend for humans. We’ve got cauliflower pizza crust, so will it be cauliflower dog bones next?
Dog foods chopping up those veggies:
Zuke’s Z-bones with carrot
Nulo Freestyle Chicken, Carrots and Peas Recipe
Purina Beyond Grain Free Chicken, Carrot and Pea Wet Dog Food
Sweet Potatoes
And speaking of root vegetables being on trend, let’s talk about the ever-popular sweet potato. Our canine health nutritionist says sweet potatoes are high in fiber, vitamins A, B6 and C and a great source of magnesium. (On the other hand, white potatoes are high in starch and can cause inflammation in a canine’s body.)
How to feed: Serve sweet potatoes raw to provide the most nutrients possible. Johnna recommends pureeing the potato to break down the cell walls for best nutrient assimilation, and to ensure there is no potential for intestinal blockage. Or you can boil, roast or bake sweet potatoes for a short amount of time to help retain most of the nutrients. (Find time/temp online.)
#trending: People are loving the sweet potato today more than ever because it’s considered a healthy carb (lots of vitamins and minerals) with a low glycemic index score. “Sweet potatoes are great for humans, so that thought has carried over to the dog world,” Dr. Steller says. “Just know that any kind of potato is extra calories for your canine.”
Dog foods sweet on this potato:
Wag More Bark Less Meatballs
Jinx Salmon Brown Rice and Sweet Potato
Merrick Grain-Free Real Salmon Sweet Potato Recipe
Plain Complex Grains
As a canine nutritionist, Johnna wants to stress that dogs have little-to-no nutritional need for carbohydrates. If you’re going to feed them, complex grains are the best, as they have a moderate glycemic load. (Check with your vet before making a diet change.)
How to feed: Dr. Steller believes a high-quality commercial dog food that has the best complex grains, like buckwheat, quinoa, brown rice or barley, is ideal.
#trending: Complex carbohydrates are gaining popularity in the human nutrition space. (For example, quinoa went from unknown to superstar thanks to being gluten-free, nutritionally dense and a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids.) With the word out on how great complex carbs can be, pet parents are looking to add more good nutrition to their dogs’ diet through the use of these superfoods.
Dog products choosing complex carbohydrates:
Earth Animal’s No-Hide Chews
Wellness Complete Health Dog Food
Tim’s Dog Food
Canidae All Life Stages Dog Food
Low-Sodium Bone Broth
Simmer bones and connective tissues for hours in water, and you’ve got bone broth (more or less). As a shelter veterinarian, Dr. Steller often uses broth to help entice her sick patients to eat, as well as get more hydration into their bodies. Bone broths are better than plain broth, as they are chock full of collagen, chondroitin, glucosamine, gelatin and magnesium.
How to feed: Both experts agree that bone broth is an easy way to get dogs to eat. “Make sure that any broth you choose is low in sodium and does not contain onion in the ingredients,” Johnna says. Bone broth can be fed on its own, on top of kibble or frozen into ice cubes for a tasty cool treat.
#trending: Paleo diet lovers and now other health conscious humans have drunk in the bone broth, many making it from scratch themselves. Today’s pet lovers have embraced the bone broth, too, although thankfully some pet food companies have cooked it up so we don’t have to.
Lapping up the bone broth:
Brutus Broth, Nugget’s Bone Broth
Green Juju Bison Broth
Merrick Chicken Bone Broth Grain-Free Dog Food Topper
Eggs
Both of our experts say eggs are rich in healthy fats and nutrients like vitamins A, D, E, choline, iron and folate. The shell of the egg is also rich in calcium, with the membrane being a great source of glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen and hyaluronic acid.
How to feed: Johnna says you can feed eggs raw or cooked and, if you get your eggs from a local farm, you can feed the shell with the membrane for extra benefits, “but never feed the shell from an egg purchased at a store. The shell may have been cleaned with a chemical solution.” Dr. Steller prefers that dogs just eat cooked eggs.
#trending: Thanks to social media platforms like TikTok, eggs are on trend again. The affordable, protein-packed egg is easy to share with our pets and is now considered a health food. Just make sure to not cook the egg in fats, oils or with spices, or feed your dog too much of them — keep portions small.
Foods cracked up on eggs:
Purina Beyond Dry Dog Food (selected flavors)
Weruva Bed & Breakfast (chicken, egg, pumpkin & ham in gravy)
Jinx Chicken, Sweet Potato & Egg
Cooked Lean Meat
Mindful nutrition lovers are always all about the lean meats due to them being a good source of protein with less fat and fewer calories than meats that aren’t lean. (Check the USDA for recommendations on lean meats at usda.gov.) Johnna believes adding lean protein to a dog’s meal to entice them to eat or take a pill is a great choice — just be sure not to overdo it.
How to feed: First, always cook it well so your dog doesn’t get a bacterial infection or foodborne illness. Feed it as a treat or as a topper to your dog’s food. (Raw food diets are a whole other article.) With a strong humananimal bond thanks to the pandemic, who doesn’t want to give their dog a small piece of their turkey sandwich? You may want to hesitate on that. Our pet nutritionist says to beware of nitrates lurking in many of the deli meats.
#trending: Humans are loving proteins that support the immune system and are great for weight loss. Popular lean meats today are grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, turkey, bison, white-fleshed fish and lean meats like rabbit and pheasant.
Meet these lean-meat pet food:
Bow Wow Labs Waggy Wafers Organic Chicken//KEEP IN
Evanger’s Whole Chicken Thighs
Acana Wholesome Grains Sea to Stream, Fish & Grains
Wellness Core Reduced Fat Dog Food
Share these?
Experts at the University of California Davis Veterinary Hospital’s Nutrition Support Service say fruits and vegetables are good options for many dogs since they are low in protein, fat, sodium and phosphorus. Just make sure you never feed them chocolate, macadamia nuts, garlic, onions, grapes and raisins.
The post 7 Easy Human Food Trends to Share With Your Dog by dogedit appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
The post Dogs of Tomorrow 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.
There’s never been a better time to be a dog. But the news gets even better. That’s because life for canines through the next decade is expected to be even grr-eater on many fronts.
At least that’s the consensus among some of the world’s top pet experts. Dogster surveyed their takes on everything from medical breakthroughs to new animal shelter missions to home life to innovative dog training classes.
“There is no doubt that this pandemic sparked more innovation in animal health care and a greater embrace of pets truly being part of our families,” says Courtney Campbell, board-certified veterinary surgeon and executive creative director of Vet Candy.
Here are some crystal-ball canine predictions expected to be in place by the next decade.
Genetic testing — everyone’s doing it
With advances in technology, the Morris Animal Foundation is funding more genetic studies on dogs and sees genetic testing becoming routine and affordable, says Dr. Kelly Diehl, internal medicine veterinarian and senior director of science and communications for MAF.
“Technology is only getting faster, less expensive and more reliable,” Dr. Diehl says. “Genetic testing will give us more answers about certain genetic diseases. We are getting a lot more proposals on genetics than ever before.”
Look for continued efforts to standardize genetic tests worldwide to better treat all dogs, purebred and mixed breeds, from such conditions as epilepsy, exercise-induced collapse (EIC) and degenerative myelopathy, adds Mary O. Smith, BVM&S, PhD, vice chair of the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation.
“A big concern in the future is emerging diseases,” Dr. Smith says. “There is a big impetus to rescue dogs internationally, but we need better ways to ensure the dogs we bring from other countries do not bring in unexpected diseases that could impact the health of dogs and of people. We are sponsoring work in the United States and all over the world on this issue.”
Online vet consultations
Due to health mandates during the pandemic, many people parked in veterinary clinic lots waiting for cellphone calls from veterinarians to share news about their dogs inside exam rooms. Look for more face time with your veterinarian — but maybe not in the exam room.
“Telehealth medicine is definitely here to stay and will change how we practice veterinary medicine in a major way,” Dr. Diehl says. “Look for more behavior consultations, health follow-ups and much more to be done via telehealth instead of a phone call or making an in-person appointment.”
In 2020 at the heart of the pandemic, many people sought answers about their pets’ health from AirVet, a veterinarian-staffed telehealth site led by Dr. Jeff Werber. And, this summer, a new veterinary telehealth company arrived called Dutch, founded by Joe Spector with the goal to connect pet parents directly with licensed veterinarians to treat chronic conditions. Note that today some states are still clarifying their veterinary telemedicine parameters.
Dishing up science-based nutrition
Plain old kibble is so yesterday. Make way for plantbased proteins, fresh-from-the-fridge prepared meals and chow packed with probiotics, prebiotics and supplements. In his breakthrough book, The Clean Pet Food Revolution, Dr. Ernie Ward identifies that more dogs will be eating alternative proteins from plants, fungi, insects and cell-based meat products.
“I definitely see a major trend that emphasizes more science in pet foods and more foods that are designed to treat specific diseases,” Dr. Campbell adds.
CBD stays in the spotlight CBD also has a bright future as more studies analyze the real benefits of cannabidiol oil when given to dogs in foods and treats. AKC Health Foundation is sponsoring an ongoing study led by Dr. Stephanie McGrath at Colorado State University on using CBD oil to control epilepsy in dogs.
“By 2031, CBD may not be the miracle drug, but it may be used for seizure control in dogs and for joint pain relief, much as we do now with glucosamine and chondroitin,” Dr. Diehl says. “I think CBD will be with us for a long time, and we will know better how it works on pets and us.
Dog collars get high tech
A major push is underway for wearable technology that goes beyond tracking down a dog’s location in real time. Research continues to perfect devices clipped on collars that can help clue people in about their dogs’ activities and behavior patterns and even dispense time-released medicine in affordable and more accurate ways.
“I see a continued rise in wearable technologies for pets from heart rate monitors to ones that measure temperature and activity levels to health care monitoring kits that use artificial intelligence to predict early stages of diseases like arthritis and diabetes in dogs. Instead of having to poke your diabetic dog, you will be able to check his glucose levels through a reading on your phone,” Dr. Campbell says.
Tomorrow’s shelters shift focus When COVID-19 struck, many were forced to work from home. That triggered people to adopt or foster dogs in record numbers from shelters.
This is the perfect time for shelters to pivot their purposes. That’s the belief of Dr. Gary Weitzman, president of the San Diego Humane Society.
“I definitely see a new focus on shelters to find ways that allow people to keep their pets in their homes by providing affordable veterinary services,” he says. “I’m talking wellness, vaccinations, deworming and microchipping being done as well as more mobile units out into the community to deliver food and supplies to those in need so that they can keep their pets and not surrender them due to financial hardships. Why, I even see microchip (identification) scanners at every fire station so people can bring lost pets to one of the friendliest places on earth to be scanned quickly for identification and, hopefully, to reunite the pets with their pet parents.”
Rich Anderson, president of the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League in West Palm Beach, Florida, hopes that animal shelters will transform from being places for abandoned or lost animals to major community leaders in animal welfare.
“Adoption and foster programs have become so successful that more attention and resources are being able to shift toward programs meant to prevent animals from entering shelters in the first place,” Rich says. “Our Safety Net programs that offer affordable and free veterinary care and our free pet food pantry continue to be expanded.”
Home becomes a calming zone
Beke LuBeach, general manager of DogTV, doesn’t think it is too farfetched to have calming canine pheromones emitting from your television set to help home-alone dogs feel safe and calm. She also sees more content on TV and apps that will help relax rambunctious pups and stimulate the hearing and seeing senses in aging dogs.
She predicts more people shopping for homes that include mud rooms with doggie shower areas and indoor canine play areas as well as stylish, wooden doggie nap spots to replace those ugly metal crates currently parked in living rooms.
“I can see this luxury crate on wheels that a person can push under the stairway when not in use and rolled out when it is ready for their dogs,” she adds.
And, when your dog does join you on a trip, expect more Airbnb, VRBO and other vacation rentals to put out the welcome mat to accommodate the increase in people looking for pet-friendly getaways.
Your dog finally talks back
For far too long, we’ve relied on the I-talk-you-listen-and-comply style of communicating with our canines. We may marvel when our dogs know to accurately pick up the requested toy or understand when we say, “car ride” or “wanna a treat?”
The dogs of the next decade will demonstrate new ways to engage in two-way talk with us and to share their feelings and needs better thanks to pioneering efforts by such people as speech therapist Christina Hunger. Applying what she calls AAC (augmentative and alternative communication), she has enabled her dog, Stella, to “talk” to her.
Stella is a Catahoula-Blue Heeler mix who Christina has trained to have her press speech buttons to communicate key words such as “outside,” “play,” “water,” and even “love you.”
As depicted in her book, How Stella Learned to Talk (William Morrow, 2021), Christina was able to train 3-year-old Stella to even string together a series of words, such as, “Christina come play love you.” (More at hungerforwords.com).
Puppies and newly adopted dogs all benefit by taking basic obedience classes to learn good canine manners. But professional dog training is undergoing a major evolution.
“There’s been a big growth in activities that directly benefit the dog, such as nose work, barn hunt and dock diving,” says Maureen Patin, co-founder of What A Great Dog in Frisco and Richardson, Texas. “The training world is talking more about consent from the animal and in finding out what activities the dogs would enjoy. I also see a trend in dog trainers seeking science-based education and professional certifications in larger numbers. And, all of that promises to be very good for people and their dogs.”
Meet your AI doggie
A segment of dog advocates may feel unable to adopt a real dog due to work commitments, allergies or other issues. That doesn’t diminish their love or need for canine companionship.
Work is now underway at places like Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton to create robopets that do not need to be fed, taken for walks or given medications. The current test dog is called Astro, in honor of the dog from The Jetsons, the space-age cartoon of the 1960s.
Robotic dogs eventually may serve as the ultimate canine protector and trusted companion. “The experience people have had with our prototype Astro feels like he is a sentient being,” says Elan Barenholtz, PhD, associate professor of psychology and co-director of FAU’s robotics lab. “People will definitely develop emotional connections with robopets.”
Alternative eats of the future
Leaving traditional meats behind, these dog foods focus on environmentally friendly proteins.
Yora Insect Protein All Breeds Dog Food; yorapetfoods.com (available in U.K., and coming to the U.S. in 2022)
Mindful Meals Black Soldier Fly Larvae Feast Insect Protein Dog Food; $34.99. onlynaturalpet.com
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The post Lip-Smacking Lickable Treats 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.
Many dogs display paws-up delight when rewarded for mastering a new trick or finally heeding the sit cue with the new generation of treats that require dogs to lick rather than chew them.
Yes, 21st century dogs seem to be digging lickable treats in many forms, from homemade to commercially produced. Lickables can range from the basic — sodium-free beef broth ice cubes and a squirt of whipped cream — to the fancy, such as those in roller ball sticks, pouches and even lick mats. Flavors run the gamut from sardine with cream cheese to peanut butter to liverwurst to bacon to frozen creamy desserts and much more. Commercially made lickables can either be safely kept at room temperature or need to be refrigerated. No matter the form, there is consensus among dogs: They dig treats and even the mention of that magical word.
“Offering a dog a treat can change a situation from a negative to a positive association,” says Dr. Kenneth Martin, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist who owns Veterinary Behavior Consultations in Spicewood, Texas. “I like lickable treats for dogs. You can keep your hands clean more so than having to have a handful of cut-up pieces of chicken to offer as treats during training sessions.”
His wife, Debbie Martin, is a licensed veterinary technician with a specialty in behavior. She sees the value of both small, one-chew treats and lickables.
“It depends on what we are working on with the dog,” Debbie says. “I do like the quick repetitiveness of the small, one-bite-and-swallow treats, but some dogs really enjoy licking treats. I wonder if after you allow them one lick and take the treat away, if that may cause them to get upset.”
Licking vs. chewing
What is the appeal of licking treats versus chewing? Dogster asked one of the country’s leading veterinary nutritionists, Dr. Joseph Bartges, professor of veterinary medicine and nutrition at the University of Georgia in Athens.
“Dogs like to lick for many reasons, and so a lickable treat plays into this innate behavior,” Dr. Bartges says. “Some of the healthy reasons a dog licks include: an expression of love, part of playing, seeking attention, exploring and communication. Licking ouchies may also help them heal.
When selecting a lickable product at the store or online, Dr. Bartges says to read the ingredients, because the quality can vary.
“A meat-based, low-fat lickable treat is likely to be associated with less GI (gastrointestinal) upset in some dogs,” he says. “But keep in mind that they are not complete and balanced nor are they designed to be so. They should be considered as treats. It’s recommended that no more than 5 to 10% of a dog’s caloric intake per day should be treats.”
How to use lickables
Equally key is how you use lickable treats, especially during training sessions, says Annie Grossman, a certified professional dog trainer and co-founder of School for the Dogs based in New York City.
“As a dog trainer, my hands are constantly smelling from the smear from meaty treats,” she says. “Lickable treats keep my hands relatively clean, and I don’t have the crumbs in my pockets. I can bring out a lickable pouch and then put the cap back on it with no muss or fuss.”
Annie says that the action of licking can be very soothing for dogs. “Licking takes more focus than just swallowing something small and delicious,” she adds. “If you are walking your dog and pass another dog, you can use a lickable as a way to create a good association, keep your dog’s focus and move on past that other dog with no reaction.”
And, she says, lickables can be safer than doling out small treats.
“Lickables are a great way to deliver rewards, especially if you have a dog who is a bit nippy,” Annie says. “The lickable container puts a barrier between your hand and the dog’s mouth.”
In her home, lickable treats are used to hone good doggie manners in her young Chihuahua mix named Poppy.
“Poppy is an eager learner,” Annie says. “I make sure the lickable treats I give her are in a pouch and made of all-natural peanut butter that stays smooth and does not get clumpy.”
Dr. Bartges sees lick mats as new options to help calm down an anxious dog or distract one while he is being groomed or having his nails clipped. The food choice is smeared on the mat for the dog to lick off.
“Lick mats may help them decrease anxiety, eliminate boredom and slow down eating if your dog eats too fast,” he says. “But always supervise when a dog is licking a lick mat because you don’t want the dog to eat the mat, resulting in esophageal or stomach problems, such as obstruction.
Look at today’s lickables
ElderDog Licks Senior Dog Supplement $15.99; chewy.com
Caru Daily Dish Smoothies $2.99 per four-pack; carupetfood.com
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The post Cleaning Up After Puppy by Wendy Newell 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.
If you live with a dog, you can expect muddy paws and pee to happen. Don’t worry. We’re here to help. Here are a few things you can do to limit muddy paws from making it inside your house.
Stop it before it happens! Keeping wipes in the car and a foot washing station outside gives you the tools you need to clean up your puppy before he tracks everything he’s picked up on his feet inside your house. A washing station can be as simple as a bucket of water near the house and a few towels to a fancy dog shower in your mud room. Easy tip: Try the handy Dexas MudBuster to dip your dog’s feet into.
You can also limit how far inside the dirt gets. Put an absorbent mat outside the door, and add a runner that your dog has to use on his way in. This helps brush off dirt and dry paws. For wet days or post dip in the lake, add a hair dryer, some dog towels and ear cleaning solutions in a basket you can keep close by.
The right outdoor “shoes” can help keep your pup from bringing in dirt and mud. Choose booties meant for the type of outdoor activity your pup is doing and that fit right. Of course, wearing shoes requires training. Use high-reward treats, like pieces of hot dogs, for positive reinforcement to make it a pleasant experience for your dog.
If shoes prove too difficult, try Musher’s Secret or other natural dog wax products on your pup’s paws before you head outside. The wax barrier helps keep dirt and mud from getting too deep into the fur and sides of the paw pads. Materials like salt or sand that is used on snow or found at the beach can be trouble. Wipe all this off your dog’s paws as soon as possible. If you aren’t at home, have dog wipes you can use in the car.
Good grooming habits help
Regular brushing and bathing is key to keeping the fur from your furniture, clothing and floors. And, keep all things trimmed — not just your dog’s nails. Be mindful of any hair or fur poking out between the foot pads. Trimming that back makes cleaning easier and helps cut down on dirt that your pup picks up. Even if you have your dog professionally groomed, keeping things trim at home with a cordless clipper and a cordless nail grinder goes a long way.
Since you’ll most likely be wiping your dog’s paws at least once a day, use a gentle soap. Try dry dog shampoo or a gentle dog shampoo that is safe to be used daily. Finish off with a conditioner or paw moisturizer.
Tips for tracked-in dirt No matter how much you organize and plan, your pup is going to bring the dirt inside. When this happens here’s what to do:
Grout — for small areas, try using the eraser of a No. 2 pencil. For harder grout stains, use special grout-cleaning products or a paste made of baking soda and water. Apply with a toothbrush or grout cleaning brush.
Daily mopping can be done with warm water and should work for most paw prints. If you do use a cleaning solution or vinegar on your floor, go over once more with plain water and a dry mop to finish.
On carpet, let the mud dry to make cleaning easier. Dry mud on carpet should be vacuumed up slowly first. Hit it at all angles and take your time. When doing your final cleanup on carpet, blot instead of rubbing so you don’t harm the fibers.
Hair and grime collect on baseboards. Use a fabric softener sheet to clean them up. Not only will you get clean baseboards, but you’ll discover they will repel dirt for a week or so before you’ll have to do it all over again!
Vacuuming weekly if not daily is a must. A lightweight, cordless vacuum makes cleaning easy. And, if you condition your puppy from a young age to be around an automated robot cleaner and/or vacuum, she will be less likely to perceive it as an evil creature that should die. Just get a model specifically made to combat animal fur.
One thing you will find yourself cleaning up a lot with a puppy is pee.
There are four main reasons why a dog may tinkle in places he shouldn’t:
The most obvious is that the pup hasn’t been housetrained yet.
Your dog is dealing with anxiety. Seek the guidance of a trainer or behaviorist to solve this issue
It’s marking. Both sexes do it but males are more often the culprit. More likely than not you will have to deal with marking at some point in your dog-owning life.
When I was a dog sitter, owners would come in for a meet and greet and the pup would make a beeline to a piece of furniture and pee on it. “Oh my!” the pup’s parents would exclaim, “He never does that.” It very well may be the first (or one of the few times) their pup marked inside.
Imagine if you were that pup. You walk into a strange place, with all new things, everything smells like dog — EVERYTHING. What’s a pup to do? Claim a piece of the pie, that’s what! Cleaning up right away, keeping new things safely out of the way, diapering up when inside new places and getting your dog spayed/neutered helps with marking.
Finally, the fourth is your dog is sick. If a dog who’s never had accidents in the house starts to, check in with your vet ASAP. There are several health-related issues that may be causing the new behavior.
When pee happens
One thing is certain, you will have to deal with cleaning up pee. Here are some tips:
Get to the pee when it’s wet. The faster you clean up an accident, the less likely you will get stuck with lingering smells.
Place paper towels, newspaper or an absorbent chamois on top of and under (if possible) the messed area. Blot, don’t rub, until all the moisture is removed.
Blot area with clean water.
Waited too late and now it’s dry? Don’t use a steam cleaner. The heat will reactivate the smell and make things worse. Use a wet-vac on these spots instead.
Use a pet odor neutralizer or cover the area in baking soda overnight and blot with a vinegar/water solution in the morning. When all else fails, call out the professionals. Carpet cleaners often charge more for pee-stained areas, but it’s worth it!
Natural cleaners
A number of cleaning brands have great, natural based solutions. Before using, review the ingredients and look for notes from the manufacturer on the bottle and website regarding the safety for use around pets.
If you are looking to mix up a DIY version yourself, below are some key ingredients. Remember to do a spot test first for any cleaner, natural or not, first to make sure it won’t damage the surface you are cleaning.
Vinegar: This liquid’s acidity is what helps break up grease and grime.
Baking Soda: When you get down to its core, baking soda is a very mild salt. Its pH balance is the opposite of acidic, which makes it the yin to vinegar’s yang. Its ability to absorb acidic odors makes it a natural way to combat smells in your home or on your dog, and the light, abrasive powder helps dislodge stain particles.
Hydrogen Peroxide: A safer alternative to bleach, hydrogen peroxide properties mirror many of its benefits. It is known for its antibacterial qualities and can be used to help kill germs and bacteria. Be careful not to let your pup ingest this magical liquid, as it is also an effective way to get them to empty their stomachs!
Trinova Pet Stain & Odor Remover; $15.97. chewy.com
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The post Dug Up at Dogster: September 2021 Dog Events and Dog Holidays 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.
While kids go back to school, you and your dog can kick back and relax and these fun September 2021 dog events and holidays. Don’t see your dog event on the list? Email us at dogstermag@belvoir.com to include your dog event.
Actress Lauren Ash (Superstore), pictured here with her rescued pets, joins NBCUniversal’s monthlong Clear the Shelters campaign.
Local television stations partner with Telemundo and Great Good Charities for the annual Clear the Shelters campaign. One example is NBC 4 New York/WNBC and Telemundo 47/WNJU. More at clearthesheltersfund.org
Don’t miss the AKC Museum of the Dog’s tribute to Search & rescue Dogs.
This new exhibit honors the work of search and rescue dogs during the rescue and recovery efforts on and after 9/11. You’ll also discover thehistory of search and rescue dogs along with highlights of the dogs that participated in the rescue and recovery efforts on 9/11. This exhibit will also display the winners from the “Salute to Search and Rescue Dogs” art contest hosted by the museum as well as feature portraits by artist Ron Burns, creator of the coffee table book, The Dogs of Ron Burns: A Tribute to the Dogs of 9/11. A free virtual tour of the exhibit is also available on the Museum’s website shortly after the exhibit’s opening. The AKC Museum of the Dog adheres to all COVID-19 and social distancing protocols. All Museum visitors over 12 years of age must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and must show proof of vaccination upon arrival. For more information on the exhibit or the Museum, please visit www.museumofthedog.org.
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The post Meet Lola Wang by Annie Butler Shirreffs appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
Famous fashion designer Vera Wang launched an Instagram account for her chic Pomeranian, Lola, this year. The launch was low-key, but Lola is already gaining lots of followers and has taken matters into her own paws, connecting with other famous furry friends like fashion model Tika the Iggy (@tikatheiggy), entrepeneur Boobie (@boobie_billie) and Ms. Maverick Dobrev (@mrs.maverick), whose human mom is actress Nina Dobrev.
Lola’s first post reads, “You probably know me as Vera Wang’s assistant but there’s a lot more to me than carrying around garment bags. I have traveled the world alongside my fashion legend of a mother and I finally get to tell my story!”
Imagine the “tails” Lola will tell! She’s currently working with Zales to find her soulmate, but who knows what’s next? A tour of fashion week shows and parties? Runway and red carpet appearances? The Met Gala? For Lola, the sky’s the limit. Follow her adventures @lolawangpom.
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The post Survey Says: Pet Death Harder Than Human Loss 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.
In a survey conducted by pet CBD oil maker Honest Paws, 68% of respondents said grieving the loss of their pet was more difficult than the death of a family member or friend, and 17% said pet loss was equal to that of a family member or friend.
Survey findings include:
90% said pet loss was one of the most profound losses in their life
72% said someone diminished the significance of their loss (“It’s just a dog”)
34% didn’t have support from someone who understood the profundity of their loss
24% said the hardest part was no longer having a source of unconditional love
The post Survey Says: Pet Death Harder Than Human Loss 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.
Via Dogster https://s36700.pcdn.co
Wednesday, September 8, 2021
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While we wait for the weather to cool, we don’t have to wait for Fall’s pumpkin goodness to appear, especially when it comes to dogs and dog treats. Take a look at this 2021 Fall Dog Pumpkin Treat list for some goodies to get your fur baby.
Spoil Spot with the yummy Pup-kin Spice Box from Wüfers (wufers.com). These delicious-looking dog pumpkin treats are made with locally-sourced human-grade ingredients and hand decorated. New for fall and now available here. $39.95.
These plant-based dog cookies include every dog’s favorite pumpkin, plus applesauce ad Vermont Maple Syrup. That’s a fall food haul from Because, Animals. Pumpkin Noochies Organic dog Cookies also contain cinnamon and nutritional, making this dog pumpkin cookie treat not only good but good for your dog. Check it out here. $12.
These dog pumpkin treats are delicious and mini, plus come in a variety of pumpkin flavors including Spooky Pumpkin Spice. They are Fruitables Skinny Minis and they also have Pumpkin & Mango and Pumpkin & Berry if your dog isn’t a pumpkin spice kind of pup. Grain free, made with superfoods and only 3 calories per treat! Find Fruitables at chewy.com; the Spooky Pumpkin Spice is seasonal. $4.99.
Wanting to send a dog lover like you sweet dog pumpkin treats for his furry pal? Try this gifting platform where the receiver of the gift chooses their favorites. There are many treats of various sizes and flavors and boxes come in Mini ($22) through X-Large ($77), including mini through XL. Yummy fall flavors incude Soft Turkey and Sweet Potato Ducks, Pumpkin Chewies, Sweet Potato and Honey Tiny Bones, Pumpking and Cranberry Tiny Bones, Ginger WF Pumpkins and Ginger Jumbo Pumpkins. Check out at sugarwish.com
While you are slamming the pumpkin spice lattes from Starbucks, get your dog his own pumpkin spice treat. Dental treat Greenies has a Pumpkin Spice Flavor, which comes in teenie petite, regular and large. $17.99. Get it at chewy.com.
Dog missing summer? Cheer him up with Blue Buffalo’s crunchy dog biscuits called Boo Bars. They are made with pumpkin and cinnamon, along with oatmeal, barley, flaxseed and carrots. They come in spooky shapes like ghost, pumpkin and bat. $5.99 and available at chewy.com.
Perfect for fall trick, training and treating, these dog pumpkin soft mini treats are less than 3 calories each. The fun fall flavor is Turkey & Pumpkin, with turkey being the first ingredient. $6.29 for a 5-oz bag. Find at chewy.com.
Created especially for fall, Blue Dog Bakery has several dog treats celebrating pumpkin. First we have the small and crunchy Doggie Paws in pumpkin ($5.99), then the soft-baked Pun’kin Softies ($5.99) and lastly the Harvest Bites ($5.99) training treats. Get these treats before the season ends at chewy.com.
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The post Cocker Spaniel by dogedit 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.
Weight: 20-35 pounds (9.07-15.88 kg)
Height: 12-16 inches (30.48-40.64 cm)
The Look of a Cocker Spaniel
Noted for their silky coats and long ears, Cocker Spaniels have small, sturdy, well-balanced frames. Their clean-cut heads have wide muzzles, square jaws and upper lips that hang over their lower jaws. Their ears are long and feathered, their eyes are dark and almond-shaped and their noses are either black or brown depending on the coat. They have long necks, deep chests, short backs and (usually) docked tails that are carried in line with the back.
Their coats are silky, wavy and easy to comb. They come in black, black with tan spots, light cream, dark red and other combinations. Overall, Cocker Spaniels have a balanced, alert stance.
Cocker Spaniels come in a few different colors. Photography by Kayla Bertagnolli, as captured at the 2018 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
What They Are Like to Live With
Though largely bred to be a live-in companion, Cocker Spaniels still retain the genes of their hunting ancestors, making them equally sporty and cuddly. With a Cocker Spaniel in the house, you have a dog that has the toughness and ingenuity of a hunting dog and the sensitivity and kindness of a household pet.
An active dog, they will keep busy in the house, playing with toys and objects and family members. They love being around people, crave attention, but also have a working dog’s self-sufficiency. Cocker Spaniels are quick to learn, obey easily, and have a sweet and trusting nature. They are generally good with strangers, but make excellent watchdogs when they feel that the home is threatened.
Cocker Spaniels are amazingly adaptable. If you’re an active hiker, these dogs will keep pace with you all the livelong day. If you’re a couch potato, your Cocker Spaniel will gladly join you on the sofa. They’ll be perfectly happy in an apartment or house, as long as they get a decent amount of exercise and attention.
Things You Should Know
Because they have been popular pets for several decades, Cocker Spaniels have suffered from overbreeding, which has caused a number of health and personality issues like aggressiveness, shyness and roaming that are not typical of the breed. Take care to socialize and train your Cocker Spaniel puppy to make it comfortable with children and other animals.
Cocker Spaniels need daily grooming — washing and brushing — to keep their lovely coats in shape. Clean their ears regularly to prevent infection.
A healthy Cocker Spaniel can live as long as 15 years. Common health issues include glaucoma, cataracts, spinal problems, and skin problems.
Cocker Spaniel History
The smallest of the “sporting group” of Spaniels, Cocker Spaniels were originally bred to hunt in the English countryside. They were especially good at hunting woodcocks, hence the name “cocker.”
During the mid-19th century, American breeders developed a smaller Cocker Spaniel that became a popular pet across the country. American Cocker Spaniels differ so much from the English variety that they are now considered a separate breed.
Read more about the Cocker Spaniel on Dogster.com:
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