PUPPY WORLD: January 2022

Monday, January 31, 2022

Get Away on a Canine Caribbean Vacation

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

As we continue to emerge from the protracted pandemic, two things are clear. First, our dogs have been all too happy to have us home. Second, we really need a vacation.

Luckily, as we enter winter, several Caribbean destinations offer attractive options to bring Fido along for a much-needed beach getaway. Let’s look at a few U.S.-controlled islands, as, for Americans, these present the least hurdles to a delightful, dog-friendly vacation.

Of course, first off is getting there. Not surprisingly, where a dog is permitted to spend a flight depends on his size. Though rules can vary, typically only dogs that fit in a carrier under a passenger seat can fly in-cabin. Considering the cozy conditions of most planes, that means only the smallest dogs — 20 pounds maximum, and often less — qualify for coach (See sidebar). Expect to pay an extra $75 to $200 each way. Many airlines restrict the number of animals per flight, so book early.

Puerto Rico

To enter Puerto Rico, dogs must be microchipped, vaccinated within six months of visiting and, within 30 days of entry, a licensed veterinarian must complete a destination-specific Pet Passport ($20 at pettravelstore.com/pet-passport-puerto-rico/).

©GummyBone; Stanislav_Moroz | Getty Images

Pet-friendly lodgings abound in Puerto Rico, with everything from luxury resorts like the Fairmont El San Juan to budget-conscious options like Ponce’s Solace by the Sea Hotel accepting four-legged guests. Of course, direct rental sites like Airbnb and Vrbo also list pet-friendly accommodations.

Dog-friendly beaches near busy San Juan are limited, but Hobie Cat Beach (don’t worry: cat connotes “catamarans,” not felines) in the Carolina neighborhood is a gem. Shorelines in less densely populated areas generally have no restrictions. And besides the beach, Puerto Rico offers two things no other U.S. island can.

First, northeastern Puerto Rico’s El Yunque National Rainforest is the largest of any Caribbean island. Capped by the 3,500-foot Luquillo Mountains, its 200 inches of annual rainfall cascade back to sea level via wondrous waterfalls. It’s an unparalleled place for a nature hike. It’s a jungle, so watch out for ticks, snakes and predatory animals.

Second, Puerto Rico features a road dedicated to all things pork. Hey, it’s vacation … set the doggie diet aside for a day with a pit stop-filled tour down La Ruta del Lechón, about an hour’s drive south from San Juan.

Puerto Rico also is ideal for the aspiring dog owner, offering opportunities to mix sun and fun with voluntourism and, perhaps, meet a soon-to-be forever friend in the process.

The bad news: Puerto Rico has a notorious stray problem, with some 500,000 satos — Spanish for “street dog” — roaming the island. The good news: The most gratifying part of a Puerto Rico vacation can be punctuated by a wet kiss or two hundred. Rescue organizations like The Sato Project accept assistance preparing dogs for “freedom flights” off the island to forever homes on the U.S. mainland. Puppy love is a regularity. “Many volunteers become forever families for a sato,” says founder and president Chrissy Beckles.

U.S. Virgin Islands

Dog-friendly St. Croix allows dogs on its Cane Bay beach. Dogs can be unleashed on the beach unless it is turtle-hatching season, and then all dogs must be leashed.

To enter the U.S. Virgin Islands, a dog must have an official health certificate stating his area of origin, accompanied by a certificate showing vaccination for rabies within the past 12 months. (It is recommended that they also be microchipped.)

St. Thomas is the USVI’s most popular island and, despite trending upscale, moderately priced dog-friendly accommodations can be found — and many don’t charge an extra fee. BringFido.com lists a surprisingly wide range of options, including affordable Airbnb and Vrbo rentals. For a more traditional hotel setting, the Emerald Beach Resort is affordable, right on the water and fido-friendly. (Note: Confirm with a property that it is pet friendly, as policies do change.)

Besides the beach, St. Thomas has a number of calm, picturesque waterways, including mangrove lagoons. Some kayak operators will permit dogs to come along on tours. A local tour operator called CaribbaConnect is a solid source to plan such an excursion.

Puerto Rico’s rescue organization The Sato Project accepts assistance preparing dogs for “freedom flights” off the island to forever homes on the U.S. mainland. The author’s own dog, Vector, is a Sato dog.

While all Caribbean islands have strays, the USVI’s issues were exacerbated by 2017’s Hurricane Irma. Out of that storm’s rubble emerged St. Thomas’ Off the Rocks Rescue, which collaborates with shelters across the USVI and finds homes primarily in New England. Volunteers are welcome to help clean cages and socialize with recently rescued dogs and cats and potentially find a more permanent playmate.

There is also Pets with Wings, a program under the Humane Society of St. Thomas, that transports homeless animals to rescues and potential adopters on the U.S. mainland. Flight volunteers accompany the rescue pets through the airport and flight and deliver them to a rescue representative at the mainland airport. Check out these adventures on the PWW’s Facebook page.

Nearby St. John is less pet-friendly. Hansen Bay Beach, while lovely, is among the island’s few dog-friendly public beaches.

On Saint John’s western shore, south of the island’s famous Honeymoon Beach, the St. John Inn on Cruz Bay Beach is a charming boutique hotel just minutes from outside dining and other fido-friendly attractions. Notably, the property is just a 10-minute walk to the lush Virgin Islands National Park.

For those with more wanderlust, a better bet may be St. Croix, the southernmost of the chain’s major destinations. The north end’s Cane Bay Beach, as well as Sunset Beach (by the Pink Condos) on St. Croix’s west coast, are especially dog-friendly.

After the beach, take your pooch on a nice walk through Christiansted, the USVI’s most historic and pleasant town. It’s also where many of the island’s most compelling dog-friendly hotels can be found. Whereas Puerto Rico is tropical, much of St. Croix’s landscape is desert-like. For a great hike, drive to Point Udall — the easternmost locale not only in St. Croix but all of U.S. territory — and revel in the rarity of a beachfront desert. That includes cacti — so paw protection is highly recommended.

As with any trip, especially during COVID, make sure you call hotels and airlines for updated rules and regulations.

Flying With Larger Dogs

Dogs that cannot fit in a crate below a passenger seat must fly in the cargo hold, and are treated … well, sort of like luggage. While this is an option, we at Dogster generally recommend against it given this type of travel’s history of adverse events. Especially if your dog has significant separation anxiety — or gets easily frightened by jostling — flying with your large dog may not be the best idea.

Also, not all airlines allow animals to travel as cargo (including jetBlue and Southwest), and several, including American, United and Delta, have suspended their programs due to COVID-related changes. Check with individual airlines for availability.

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People Who Help Disabled Pets

The post People Who Help Disabled Pets 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.

Owners of disabled dogs often have to overcome unique challenges. These humans have dedicated their lives to helping make it a little easier to give those dogs a full and happy life.

Mark Robinson: The Pet Mobility Maker

Twenty years ago, Mark Robinson created a website called HandicappedPets.com so that caretakers of disabled animals had a place to talk and share information. The group is now called Walkin’ Pets and offers not only a community but a large array of products that help dogs and other animals overcome a number of different types of disabilities.

Once Mark gave caregivers the space on the website, he listened to them, which led him to design and patent the world’s first adjustable dog wheelchair.

It isn’t just the thousands of thank-you letters that fill Mark’s office that confirm he has helped animals and their families. He gets to see their joy as well. One such moment happened when a family brought in their dog, Denali, who hadn’t walked in years. After being fitted for his own wheelchair, Denali took off across the parking lot. It was so unexpected that nobody had thought to bring a leash with them! Now, with the help of Walkin’ Pets and Mark, Denali gets to hike with his family. “It’s a story about a family able to play again,” Mark says.

Walkin’ Pets’ mission statement echoes what Mark himself passionately feels and what has driven him through his career. “We believe that pets are family and that elderly, disabled and handicapped pets deserve to live a happy, healthy life.”

More at handicappedpets.com.

Christina Lee: The Deaf Dog Advocate

When Christina Lee and her husband adopted Nitro, a deaf Boxer, 11 years ago, they didn’t know it would start them on a path to becoming advocates for specially abled pups, but that’s exactly what happened. The nonprofit Deaf Dogs Rock, which Christina founded, is a place anyone can turn to for help in raising, adopting or re-homing a deaf dog.

When Nitro was still a puppy, Christina realized that they might have bitten off more than they could chew. The couple looked to what they knew might help — training. In class, Nitro was so bright and learned sign cues so fast he was awarded his AKC Canine Good Citizen Award by the time he was 10 months old before going on to Therapy Dog training.

Christina came to understand that deaf dogs have super powers because of their heightened senses. “Deaf dogs are much more in tune and bonded to their person because of them constantly watching our facial expressions and body language,” she explains.

Christina’s passion to change the perception that deaf dogs are untrainable led her to start Deaf Dogs Rock, which offers a number of services to help the lives of deaf dogs everywhere. They work with partner rescues and assist by sponsoring deaf dogs and featuring them on their website, they promote and offer resources on how to use positive reinforcement training and care for a specially abled pup, and they promote stories of successful adoptions.

Christina gets emails daily from families that have been helped by her group. The servicers and tools Deaf Dog Rock allow owners to keep the family dog they were worried they didn’t have the skills to help.

More at deafdogsrock.com.

Silvie Bordeaux: The Halo Hero

Ten years ago, Silvie’s heart dog, Muffin, lead her to the creation of her company, Muffin’s Halo Guide for Blind Dogs, focused on helping and supporting those special pups with limited or no sight.

At that time, Muffin, a Toy Poodle, started to bump into things. It was clear that 11-year-old Muffin’s eyesight was failing. As Silvie struggled to find ways to help her pup, Muffin was also diagnosed with a mass in his stomach. While seeking treatment, a vet mistakenly lacerated Muffin, causing him to start losing blood. Silvie told God that if Muffin survived, she would dedicate her life to helping blind dogs. It was a hard three weeks, but Muffin made it and Silvie set out to keep her promise.

She realized that if he could “see” where he was going then he would be freer and happier! The result was Muffin’s Halo, which has a harness that tightly wraps around the body, making the dog feel cuddled and safe, and foam angel wings that hold the flexible and adjustable halo in place. When Muffin wore it, he was able to “bump” into objects without hurting himself and be able to feel that objects were close so he would know to stop or turn away.

Silvie has shipped over 40,000 Muffin’s Halo’s to dogs worldwide. She didn’t stop there. She started the nonprofit Second Chances for Blind Dogs. The organization helps fund Muffin’s Halos for blind dogs’ families and shelters that are not able to afford the product.

Silvie considers the start of her business a love story between Muffin and her, and continues working to fulfill her promise.

More at muffinshalo.com and secondchancesforblinddogs.org.

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Saturday, January 29, 2022

People Who Help Disabled Pets

Owners of disabled dogs often have to overcome unique challenges. These humans have dedicated their lives to helping make it a little easier to give those dogs a full and happy life.

Mark Robinson: The Pet Mobility Maker

Once Mark gave caregivers the space on the website, he listened to them, which led him to design and patent the world’s first adjustable dog wheelchair.

More at handicappedpets.com.

Christina Lee: The Deaf Dog Advocate

More at deafdogsrock.com.

Silvie Bordeaux: The Halo Hero

Silvie considers the start of her business a love story between Muffin and her, and continues working to fulfill her promise.

More at muffinshalo.com and secondchancesforblinddogs.org.

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How to Get and Maintain Attention

The post How to Get and Maintain Attention by Paul J. Kearney 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.

Getting our dogs’ attention is truly a foundation skill. It’s a signal for your dog to look toward you and to be mindful of what will follow. This can be a verbal signal, such as their name, or an audible signal like a “kissy” noise.

Get attention

I personally have two ways of getting my dogs’ attention. Both of my dogs were conditioned in this exact same manner. Each has a different schedule of reinforcement connected to them.

Saying their names
The kissy sound

So what’s the difference? By saying their name, they are likely to pay attention to me. With the “kissy” sound, they are extremely likely to pay attention to me because it has a stronger connection to the conditioned response plus it has an associated higher value to it. (See info box on page 34.)

Saying my dogs’ names gets their attention, and my dogs feel good when I say their name. This is because of the history of reinforcement and affection associated with their names. I also speak about them when they’re in the room with me, talking about them on the phone saying their name to my friends. In these instances my dogs are not actively getting reinforced. I also never scold my dogs, and I don’t use their names to scold them, so the response is always reliable and not associated with avoidance that comes with being reprimanded.

With an audible signal — the kissy sound — I always reinforce the outcome of getting their attention and that gets their attention more often because the outcome is a certainty. It’s a promise that is never broken between teammates, just like when they are seeking my attention, they get it in return.

Don’t bark!

We do not need to be loud or rude to get our dogs’ attention. Intonation, the rise and fall of the voice and speaking, never needs to be a form of intimidation. Dogs can hear sounds from four times the distance of humans. A human can hear from 20 feet while a dog can hear from 80 feet. Hence there is zero need to yell at dogs.

Engage the seeking system

Being interactive — like that of an entertaining tour guide — engages your dog’s seeking system — the parts of the brain connected to the mesolimbic and mesocrotical systems (both a network of neurons in the brain) associated with goal-directed behaviors and strongly influenced by dopamine.

Think of it as the system responsible for our motivated actions in relation to survival and desires, as well as the urge to explore and the desire to understand. The seeking system further activates when lower brain regions have interactions with upper brain regions. Add in some dopamine (the motivational chemical of the brain) with interaction like play, attention and things our learners enjoy, and they are more likely to attentively engage with us. (For more on the seeking system check out Dr. Jaak Panksepp’s Ted Talks. )

Keep attention

Being interactive and interested helps to keep your dog’s attention and, to do this, you need to be both present and mindful. When our dogs show interest in something, that is when their seeking system can be nurtured.

Verbal engagement, such as “Is that an interesting smell?” when they stop to smell a spot or “Does this way look interesting?” when a dog chooses a safe direction to go in. When we engage with our dogs in these experiences, we’re increasing the flow of motor neurons in the brain while strengthening the connections between us and our dogs and the novel experiences shared.

I observe people that instinctively do this all the time with their dogs in parks, on walks and in their yards. The dog sees a squirrel and the human says “Look, a squirrel!”

Being flexible with what our dogs are interested in is also vital to encourage sharing the joy of new, novel experiences and nurtures the seeking system. The more often brain areas are engaged, the more strengthened the pathways become. The more actively we participate with one another, the deeper we share the experience of the seeking system. The dopamine rush, which boosts motivation in these experiences associates these experiences with learning and the connection between those involved.

Rate of reinforcement

Rate of reinforcement is the amount of reinforcers issued per a period of time. There’s nothing wrong with increasing your rate of reinforcement to maintain your dog’s attention. Think of it like this. We are turning up the rate of reinforcement so high as to attempt to drown out everything else except for the stream of reinforcers being issued, much like turning up the volume on your television while the neighbor is mowing her grass outside your window.

For example, you see a probable trigger in the distance approaching you and your dog on a wide pathway. You can use an audible signal or verbal request to bring your dog’s attention to you while beginning to issue a high rate of pea-sized reinforcers maintaining and motivating your dog’s attention. This is done as a
continuous rate of reinforcement until the stimulus passes by and moves once again outside of your dog’s bubble of reactivity.

If ever there was a battle of wills, it is between the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Reinforcement a dog gets out of doing something she loves and enjoys versus reinforcement given to her from an outside source she loves and enjoys.

Be interested

Take interest in what your dog takes interest in to interact with and motivate her. Not in an annoying way, not in a harassing way, not bugging her relentlessly until she pays attention but by being a reliable and actively present source of motivation. This nurtures her seeking system.

It also nurtures your relationship with her active mind, which positively affects the interaction and attention of all your team members. Provide interaction, encouragement and reliable outcomes, and you will see an increase in reliability from your dog, your teammate in life.

How to reinforce the attention cue

Prepare 10 pea-sized pieces of food that you know your dog loves, like small cubes of cheese. This conditioned stimulus (the beloved cheese) forms an association to the unconditioned stimulus (her name or audible signal like the “kissy” sound).
Say your dog’s name, then deliver one high reward, aka cube of cheese.
Repeat this process immediately after your dog stops chewing the first piece of cheese.
Then say your dog’s name again and deliver a second piece of cheese.

Do this at a rate of one piece of cheese every 5 to 10 seconds.

Attention-getting products

Reinforce your dog’s attention cue with yummy tidbits. These new treats may just be what your dog was asking for.

Ziwi Good Dog Rewards Air-Dried Venison Dog Treats. Also comes in beef or lamb. $16.88. chewy.com

Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Treats Rabbit Recipe. Also comes in Duck recipe. $15.99. chewy.com

K9 Connoisseur Slow Roasted Beef Lung Bites. $13.49/8-ounce pack. amazon.com

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Friday, January 28, 2022

How to Get and Maintain Attention

Get attention

I personally have two ways of getting my dogs’ attention. Both of my dogs were conditioned in this exact same manner. Each has a different schedule of reinforcement connected to them.

Saying their names
The kissy sound

Don’t bark!

Engage the seeking system

Keep attention

I observe people that instinctively do this all the time with their dogs in parks, on walks and in their yards. The dog sees a squirrel and the human says “Look, a squirrel!”

Rate of reinforcement

Be interested

How to reinforce the attention cue

Prepare 10 pea-sized pieces of food that you know your dog loves, like small cubes of cheese. This conditioned stimulus (the beloved cheese) forms an association to the unconditioned stimulus (her name or audible signal like the “kissy” sound).
Say your dog’s name, then deliver one high reward, aka cube of cheese.
Repeat this process immediately after your dog stops chewing the first piece of cheese.
Then say your dog’s name again and deliver a second piece of cheese.

Do this at a rate of one piece of cheese every 5 to 10 seconds.

Attention-getting products

Reinforce your dog’s attention cue with yummy tidbits. These new treats may just be what your dog was asking for.

Ziwi Good Dog Rewards Air-Dried Venison Dog Treats. Also comes in beef or lamb. $16.88. chewy.com

Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Treats Rabbit Recipe. Also comes in Duck recipe. $15.99. chewy.com

K9 Connoisseur Slow Roasted Beef Lung Bites. $13.49/8-ounce pack. amazon.com

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Grooming Adventures at Home

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

If your dog is anything like mine, rolling in dirt is a daily adventure. My 2-year-old Terrier mix, Emmy, will go into the backyard with a perfectly clean coat and come back in with leaves and a worm stuck to her face.

Keeping our dogs clean, comfortable and healthy is part of being a responsible dog owner — and necessary for sanitary purposes if your dog sleeps on the couch or in your bed. Basic daily care includes brushing the coat, which can help lessen matting and shedding, and brushing your dog’s teeth to prevent periodontal disease.

But, if you’ve ever thought about taking your home grooming a step further, like giving your dog a bath, trimming his nails or giving him a quick sanitary trim, you’ll need a few things to ensure a safe and yip-free grooming session. The first is finding a non-slip surface above ground to reduce the risk of injury if your dog tries to jump off. If you plan to groom your dog regularly, invest in a portable grooming table with a tether feature to ensure your pup stays in place.

Time for a bath

Most dogs need to be washed only once a month, unless they get sprayed by a skunk or roll in mud. “If you bathe them too much, it can offset the natural balance of the oils in their skin,” explains Marni Denenberg, New Jersey-based owner of Scenthound, a dog grooming company that focuses on wellness.

First, run your fingers through your dog’s coat to get a sense of its oil or dryness levels, and choose your shampoo based on the texture. If your dog spends a lot of time outdoors, use a good quality shampoo, which has gentle ingredients for more frequent baths.

A bathtub with a detachable hand sprayer is most convenient when reaching all the tricky spots, like behind the ears and under the belly, but if your dog has an aversion to getting wet, try different methods, including getting in the shower with them, Marni says.

“Make sure you put cotton balls in the ears,” she adds, which can help prevent ear infections by keeping the water out.

To tackle tangles, use a deep-conditioning treatment and, after the bath, dry the coat with a cool setting on the blow dryer.

Trimming those nails

Choosing between a nail grinder and a nail clipper is a personal preference, both for the groomer and the dog, explains Diane Betelak, educator for Andis, a leading pet grooming equipment company. In general, the nail trimmer will get more length off quicker because you can clip the nail right to the desired length, compared to the grinder, which will leave a smoother edge but will take longer to use.

“Look at where the nail starts to hook, then cut at an angle just beyond that part,” Diane says.

For regular maintenance, trim once a month, taking small snips to avoid clipping the quick (the vein that grows in the nail and can be painful and bleed if cut). To stop bleeding, press a pea-sized amount of Kwik Stop, or another styptic powder, onto the nail. For nails that are already too long, trim once a week to force the quick back so you can trim the nail shorter. It’s not uncommon for dogs to squirm during nail trims. Find another person to hold the dog in place to avoid injury. For a calming effect, Marni suggests wrapping the dog in a towel like a baby, and clipping one paw at a time.

The sanitary clip

“If the hair is long in the back, it can trap some interesting things,” Marni explains.

To trim the hair surrounding the dog’s bottom, choose a blade that’s small and easy to operate in a delicate area, Diane advises. You can use either grooming scissors or a grooming trimmer shaver. Standing the dog on his hind legs, trim toward the genitalia using the edge of the blade.

“Always remember that you are using a sharp object that can easily cut or nick the skin,” Diane says.

Trim along the edge of the bottom, avoiding direct contact with the skin, to remove long hairs. Depending on how fast your dog’s hair grows, monthly maintenance should be sufficient.

Marni advises using sensitive cleansing wipes to keep the area clean between trims as well as rounded scissors for nervous hands.

Ask for help

And don’t hesitate to ask a professional groomer for advice if you’re unsure about a technique, especially while you’re learning your dog’s comfort levels around various sharp tools.

Remember, advises Marni, the different areas of the dog (ears, teeth, nails and coat) should be addressed regularly, and sometimes independently from one another. She says, “Whether it’s done at home or with the help of a professional, it will keep the dog cleaner.”

Keep those teeth clean

Cleaning a dog’s teeth isn’t always easy. These products can make that a little easier.

ProDen PlaqueOff System Crunchy Dental Bites Chicken Flavor; $8.99. swedencareusa.co

Tropiclean Fresh Breath Drops; $6.99. chewy.com

Other recommended grooming products:

Flying Pig Foldable Competition Grooming Table; $129. flyingpiggrooming.com

ConairPRO Deluxe Indoor/Outdoor Pet Washer; $22.20. chewy.com

Easy Clip Mini II Pet Clipper/Trimmer; $30. andis.com

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Wednesday, January 26, 2022

Grooming Adventures at Home

Time for a bath

“Make sure you put cotton balls in the ears,” she adds, which can help prevent ear infections by keeping the water out.

To tackle tangles, use a deep-conditioning treatment and, after the bath, dry the coat with a cool setting on the blow dryer.

Trimming those nails

“Look at where the nail starts to hook, then cut at an angle just beyond that part,” Diane says.

The sanitary clip

“If the hair is long in the back, it can trap some interesting things,” Marni explains.

“Always remember that you are using a sharp object that can easily cut or nick the skin,” Diane says.

Trim along the edge of the bottom, avoiding direct contact with the skin, to remove long hairs. Depending on how fast your dog’s hair grows, monthly maintenance should be sufficient.

Marni advises using sensitive cleansing wipes to keep the area clean between trims as well as rounded scissors for nervous hands.

Ask for help

And don’t hesitate to ask a professional groomer for advice if you’re unsure about a technique, especially while you’re learning your dog’s comfort levels around various sharp tools.

Keep those teeth clean

Cleaning a dog’s teeth isn’t always easy. These products can make that a little easier.

ProDen PlaqueOff System Crunchy Dental Bites Chicken Flavor; $8.99. swedencareusa.co

Tropiclean Fresh Breath Drops; $6.99. chewy.com

Other recommended grooming products:

Flying Pig Foldable Competition Grooming Table; $129. flyingpiggrooming.com

ConairPRO Deluxe Indoor/Outdoor Pet Washer; $22.20. chewy.com

Easy Clip Mini II Pet Clipper/Trimmer; $30. andis.com

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The Hows and Whys of Hydration

The post The Hows and Whys of Hydration 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.

Gulp? Sip? Or, sniff and walk away? Which of these drinking habits best describes your dog? In my household, Kona, my medium-sized terrier mix, never turns down the chance to lap up lots of water from the bowl after a long walk. However, Emma, my pint-sized Poodle-Chihuahua mix, rarely dashes over to the water bowl. She does take in a few licks after my coaxing but prefers to wait at the refrigerator for me to dole out small pieces of chilled,
seedless watermelon to her.

Hydration is a major health hallmark for dogs of all ages and sizes.

“Dogs need water to live, just as humans do,” says Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, owner of Kingsgate Animal Hospital in Lubbock, Texas, and a veterinary expert for SeniorTailWaggers.com. “Without water, the body cannot function.”

The cells in your dog’s body need adequate amounts of water and essential electrolytes (headlined by chloride, sodium and potassium) to keep all key functions in the body working properly and efficiently.

“Adequate hydration is essential to the vascular circulation of blood,” Dr. Whittenburg says. “Blood circulation enables for the transport of important substances, oxygen and carbon dioxide through the body.”

Water also plays a key role in ushering out body waste, in regulating body temperature and to act as both a shock absorber and lubricant for the joints.

How much water is enough?

But the challenge comes in ensuring that your dog drinks adequate amounts of water each day. Here are three quick ways to tell if your dog is properly hydrated:

Do the skin tent test. Gently pinch as much skin as you can on the back of your dog’s neck and then release it. If the skin springs back down quickly, then your dog is hydrated.

“But if the skin stays ‘tented’ or takes a little while to flatten back down, then your dog is dehydrated to some degree,” says Dr. Alex Crow, a veterinary surgeon at Buttercross Veterinary Centre in Nottinghamshire, England and a veterinary expert at SeniorTailWaggers.com.

Lift the lip. Raise your dog’s upper lip and gently touch the gums with your thumb or index finger. Dogs dealing with dehydration issues will have dry and sticky gums.
Check the urine. Light-colored urine usually suggests that your dog is sufficiently hydrated. However, urine that is dark in color or smells foul may indicate dehydration or a health issue with your dog’s kidneys. Don’t delay — book an appointment with your veterinarian promptly, says Dr. Lowell Ackerman, from Westborough, Massachusetts, who is a board-certified veterinary dermatologist, global veterinary consultant and author of several veterinary textbooks.

“Urine that is too concentrated means that the body is not adequately hydrated and kidney function could be impacted,” says Dr. Ackerman. “A urinalysis indicates the ratio of BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and serum creatinine to see if the kidneys are functioning properly.”

Dehydration dangers

Unfortunately, the dangers of dehydration are many. And, smaller dogs may become dehydrated more quickly than larger ones.

Beyond damaging kidneys, dehydration can trigger:

✤ Vomiting and seizures. The lack of adequate hydration disrupts the balance of electrolytes in a dog’s body. “When a dog’s electrolytes are not properly balanced, the dog may vomit uncontrollably, have a dull mentation and have seizures,” Dr. Whittenburg warns. “Severe electrolyte disturbances that affect the heart can be fatal.”

✤ Heatstroke. Dogs lack skin pores like we have and must rely on panting to dissipate excessive heat in their bodies. “Dogs must be kept cool and hydrated because heatstroke can quickly become a life-threatening situation,” Dr. Whittenburg says.

✤ Shock. When a dog is severely dehydrated, his blood volume can plummet. The resulting low blood pressure and low oxygen levels can cause a life-threatening condition known as hypovolemic shock.

Drink up!

Prevent these issues by being proactive. Help your dog dodge the dangers of dehydration and its associated health issues. For starters, place two or three water bowls in different rooms. Clean the bowls and replenish with fresh water daily.

Offer your dog some flavored liquids that may contain electrolytes, or do what I do with Emma and offer small pieces of watermelon. Some dogs like to lick ice cubes.

After a vigorous game of fetch, a long walk or run, aim to rehydrate your dog slowly and steadily. Do not let him gulp huge amounts of water quickly.

Finally, feed your dog more wet food than dry food. Consult your veterinarian about selecting food that meets your canine pal’s age, health condition and activity level.

Parting message: If a dog doesn’t drink a lot of water, it does not necessarily mean that he is dehydrated, Dr. Ackerman says. “Moist dog foods contain about 75% water. It only becomes an issue when dogs show signs of clinical dehydration.”

How much water does your dog need to drink each day to stay hydrated?

“The general rule is that a dog needs about 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight,” says Dr. Alex Crow, veterinary surgeon at Buttercross Veterinary Centre in Nottinghamshire, England. “However, there are some other factors that may mean your dog needs more or less than these amounts, such as if the dog is on a wet or dry food diet, how warm the weather is and how active the dog is.”

In general, here is the daily water chart recommended by veterinarians:

10-pound dog: 10 ounces of water/fluid daily

20-pound dog: 20 ounces of water/fluid daily

50-pound dog: 50 ounces of water/fluid daily

90-pound dog: 90 ounces of water/fluid daily

Help your dog get the water he needs with these yummy products

Nulo Hydrate; 11.96/4 pack. nulo.com

Wolf Spring; $19.99/6 pack. wolfspring.dog

DoggyRade; $17.95/3 pack. us.doggyrade.com

Doggie Water; $19.49/4 pack. mydoggiewater.com

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Monday, January 24, 2022

The Hows and Whys of Hydration

Hydration is a major health hallmark for dogs of all ages and sizes.

Water also plays a key role in ushering out body waste, in regulating body temperature and to act as both a shock absorber and lubricant for the joints.

How much water is enough?

But the challenge comes in ensuring that your dog drinks adequate amounts of water each day. Here are three quick ways to tell if your dog is properly hydrated:

Do the skin tent test. Gently pinch as much skin as you can on the back of your dog’s neck and then release it. If the skin springs back down quickly, then your dog is hydrated.

Lift the lip. Raise your dog’s upper lip and gently touch the gums with your thumb or index finger. Dogs dealing with dehydration issues will have dry and sticky gums.
Check the urine. Light-colored urine usually suggests that your dog is sufficiently hydrated. However, urine that is dark in color or smells foul may indicate dehydration or a health issue with your dog’s kidneys. Don’t delay — book an appointment with your veterinarian promptly, says Dr. Lowell Ackerman, from Westborough, Massachusetts, who is a board-certified veterinary dermatologist, global veterinary consultant and author of several veterinary textbooks.

Dehydration dangers

Unfortunately, the dangers of dehydration are many. And, smaller dogs may become dehydrated more quickly than larger ones.

Beyond damaging kidneys, dehydration can trigger:

Drink up!

Offer your dog some flavored liquids that may contain electrolytes, or do what I do with Emma and offer small pieces of watermelon. Some dogs like to lick ice cubes.

After a vigorous game of fetch, a long walk or run, aim to rehydrate your dog slowly and steadily. Do not let him gulp huge amounts of water quickly.

Finally, feed your dog more wet food than dry food. Consult your veterinarian about selecting food that meets your canine pal’s age, health condition and activity level.

How much water does your dog need to drink each day to stay hydrated?

In general, here is the daily water chart recommended by veterinarians:

10-pound dog: 10 ounces of water/fluid daily

20-pound dog: 20 ounces of water/fluid daily

50-pound dog: 50 ounces of water/fluid daily

90-pound dog: 90 ounces of water/fluid daily

Help your dog get the water he needs with these yummy products

Nulo Hydrate; 11.96/4 pack. nulo.com

Wolf Spring; $19.99/6 pack. wolfspring.dog

DoggyRade; $17.95/3 pack. us.doggyrade.com

Doggie Water; $19.49/4 pack. mydoggiewater.com

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Tampa’s Cinnamon Pumpkin Drops

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

I don’t know about you, but sometimes it can take me a whole afternoon making dog treats, especially if I have to cut them into little shapes. Ugh! However, this little treat is easy to make, shape and bake. My 14-year-old Tampa Bay loves him some pumpkin and cinnamon, so I make these especially for him.

What You’ll Need:

1 cup whole-wheat flour

1 cup quick oats

½ cup organic milk (can also use lactose-free)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ cup pureed pumpkin (pumpkin only, not pie mix)

Directions:

Combine ingredients and stir until all ingredients are mixed.
Take a drop of dough and roll it in hands to form a little ball. Keep it small so the treats bake better and are a reasonable size for a treat. Place on ungreased cookie sheet about an inch apart.
Bake for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. For the first time, keep an eye on them, as ovens may cook them faster or slower, which can shorten the time to 15 or lengthen it to 25. Drops will be crispy on the outside and chewier on the inside. They should come right off the cookie sheet.

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Friday, January 21, 2022

Tampa’s Cinnamon Pumpkin Drops

What You’ll Need:

1 cup whole-wheat flour

1 cup quick oats

½ cup organic milk (can also use lactose-free)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

½ cup pureed pumpkin (pumpkin only, not pie mix)

Directions:

Combine ingredients and stir until all ingredients are mixed.
Take a drop of dough and roll it in hands to form a little ball. Keep it small so the treats bake better and are a reasonable size for a treat. Place on ungreased cookie sheet about an inch apart.
Bake for about 20 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. For the first time, keep an eye on them, as ovens may cook them faster or slower, which can shorten the time to 15 or lengthen it to 25. Drops will be crispy on the outside and chewier on the inside. They should come right off the cookie sheet.

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This Just In: Products for You and Fido

The post This Just In: Products for You and Fido by Melissa Kauffman, Jason Mailliard, Rosemarie Rembao-Ledesma 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.

Fun For Fido:

Lounge

**Ferncliffe Fabric Pet Bed by Christopher Knight Home** | $159.99. overstock.com

Dish It Up

**Hiddin Double Dog Bowl Feeder** *(Choose gold or silver bowls)* | *sizes S, Tall or L* $89 — $149. shophiddin.com

Style

Walk

Tag It

Cover

**Waterproof and Insulated Vert Dog Jacket** | $84.95. ruffwear.com

Climb

**CozyUp Steps & Ramp Combo** | $149.95. store.petsafe.net

Pamper

**Black and White Checkers Lined Wool Walking Coat** | $68—$88 NZD/ XXS—XXL. mrsofttop.com

Fun For You:

Frame

Travel

Find

**Zulu Tails Pet ID System** | $19.99/ *annual membership and tag.* zulutails.com

Treat

**Alessi Lulà Jar Dog Jar** *(donates 20% of purchase)* | $42. olivela.com

Wear

**Dog Mom Hat** *(colors: ivory, lilac or blush)* | $25. lucyand.co

Live On It

**Timber Tech AZEK Vintage Collection** | $5.19 — $5.59 *per linear foot.* timbertech.com

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