Best Dog Names for 2023

The post Best Dog Names for 2023 by Jessica Peralta 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.

Picking your pup’s name is a fun part of bringing home a new pet. The best male dog names and best female dog names depend on many factors — from personal tastes to a dog’s individual personality.

Though there are many possible sources of dog names, pop culture is currently a heavy influencer for pet parents — and 2023 should see no big changes in that trend.

Stacie Grissom, director of content at BARK, which launched in 2012 with BarkBox, a monthly themed subscription of toys and treats, says she thinks we’ll continue to see dog names inspired by pop culture. She says that pet parents tend to prefer naming their dogs after protagonists, or misunderstood characters, as opposed to villains. BARK in New York has served more than 6.5 million dogs since its launch, which is the foundation of their database on which they base their name forecasting.

Popular Dog Names for 2023

Stacie says since we’ll continue to see dog names inspired by pop culture moments, she anticipates these will be popular in 2023 because of upcoming show and film releases:

• Nori, Galadriel and Finrod from Amazon’s “The Rings of Power” — a new “Lord of the Rings” series
• Maverick as a result of the release of “Top Gun: Maverick” in 2022
• Ariel, Flounder, Sebastian and Ursula, coinciding with the release of “The Little Mermaid” in theaters in May 2023

• Charlotte, Daphne and Simon because “Bridgerton” continues to be an influencer and the next season is expected for 2023
• Tuk/Tuktirey and Kiri because of the re-release of “Avatar”
• Gizmo because “Gremlins 3” is expected to release in 2023, and Gizmo is the top name for Shih Tzus, according to

BARK’s dog breed data

Stacie says one of the big trends that they’re seeing is a lot of characters from recently popular TV and cinematic universes like Marvel, “Game of Thrones” or “Star Wars.”

“These cultural institutions have large followings of people

who want to project their love of these fictional worlds to others so that they can talk about it with other people,” she says. “Since you can’t talk to your dog about the latest ‘House of the Dragon’ episode, we’ve found it’s a way to share your love and include your dog in all your favorite things. This continues to be a huge trend with more and more dog parents wanting to include their dogs in their human celebrations throughout the year.”

Inspiration for best female dog names

Stacie says that in the case of female dog names, there is a strong correlation today between the rising popular human baby names and dog names — especially when it comes to the two-syllable, easy-to-holler names like Luna, Nova and Bella.

“We don’t tend to see religion-inspired names, but we do see a lot of Greek god names like Athena, Atlas, Zeus and Apollo, and we expect this trend to continue into 2023.”

Erin Askeland, animal health and behavioral expert at Camp Bow Wow in Westminster, Colorado, which has a database of dog names from nearly 400,000 camper visits annually, says while it’s still a little early to predict, 2022 names can give some indication for 2023 popular dog names.

Erin says that in 2022, Luna beat Bella out for the top name of the year. Camp Bow Wow’s top 10 dog names for 2022 are:

• Luna
• Bella
• Charlie
• Cooper
• Lucy
• Daisy
• Max
• Milo
• Sadie
• Buddy

Jenna Mahan, director of claims and registered veterinary technician at Embrace Pet Insurance, says that based on their large national database, the most popular pet name in the United States at the moment is indeed Luna, followed by Bella.

“Based on data from previous years, we found that some of the top names continue to show up year-to-year,” she says.

“Some of these names include Luna, Bella, Max, Daisy, Buddy and Rocky. We anticipate that most of these names will carry over into 2023 naming trends.”

She says some consistently popular female dog names are Luna, Bella and Stella. Though they are seeing a rise in female dogs named Lucy and Zoey. Max and Charlie are two names that take over the top male dog names, with names like Milo and Bear heard more and more.

Predicting dog name trends for 2023

Embrace has also found that pet parents are inspired by pop culture.

“Before the premiere of Marvel Studios’ television series ‘Loki’ in 2021, they found that there are over 800 insured pets with the name Loki and nearly 500 named Thor,” she says. “Other popular Marvel-inspired names included Groot, Stark, Hulk, Thanos, Wanda, Gamora, Hawkeye and Falcon.”

In 2021, Embrace analyzed holiday-inspired pet names and found that there are over 1,000 dogs named Buddy, after the holiday elf. Other popular holiday-inspired pet names include Ginger (600-plus), Cookie (430-plus), Holly (about 300) and Ivy (280-plus). Embrace also insures many pets with names inspired by pop culture and historical figures including: Albus Dumbledog and Khloe Korgidashian.

How to find the best dog name

Jenna says pet owners find name inspiration in everything from movies and TV to holidays and seasons.

“When naming your pet, think past their physical traits for more unique options,” she says. “Consider their personality, their preferences and more. While Oreo and Hershey are adorable names, there are likely other options that would stand out as cool or unique.”

She says one place to start is by considering you and your family’s interests, hobbies, passions, frequent travel destinations or favorite characters and then come up with some outside-the-box options. Don’t be afraid to mix and match influences.

“Take one Embraced pet, Lady Butterscotch First Duchess of Carbahill, for example,” she says. “Sometimes finding inspiration from multiple sources can make for the most memorable of names.”

Erin says there are some things to keep in mind when naming a dog.

“Since your dog’s name will be used for training purposes, short, two-syllable names are helpful for getting your dog’s attention,” she says. “Names that sound like commonly used words or cues can confuse your dog. For example, Shay is a cute name, but it could sound like ‘stay’ to a dog.”

She says names that end in vowels help dogs distinguish their own name from others because vowels change vocal tone, which is something dogs are highly attuned to with their acute hearing ability.

“Names ending with harder sounds, like Breck, can also be easier for a dog to distinguish from other words,” she says.

Stacie recommends thinking about your interests and choosing something you love, whether that’s nature, a specific TV show, a type of car or a character in a novel.

“I think it’s difficult to choose a name that absolutely no one else has chosen,” she says. “For example, I was surprised to see in our data that we have two customers whose dogs are named Butternut Squashington, but dog name data is fascinating to dig through as a signal of what humans value.”

Finding the best name for your dog

Ultimately the best name for your dog is one that works for you, your family and your dog. Think about how easy the name is for you and your family to say, as well as how clear it is for your dog to understand.

Pop culture references from movies and TV are great sources that may give you a jumping off point to create a more unique name for your pet. If you have a hobby like sports, that may help direct things too.

“When we drill into data at regional levels, we find dogs named after college coaches, mascots or NFL/NBA/NHL players,” says Stacie. “Overall, movies, books, TV and pop culture are the biggest macro influences on dog names.”

Even if your dog’s name isn’t the most unique, don’t sweat it as long as you and your dog are happy.

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Help Your Dog’s Health by Journaling

The post Help Your Dog’s Health by Journaling by Cindy Howle 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.

Tracking your own health by journaling is a helpful, proactive step toward better-managed care and clear communication across healthcare provider teams. The same is true for our fur family.

Journaling health information such as vaccinations, medications and tracking recurring issues gives front row seating to your dog’s health and wellness and allows easy access in an emergency or for a pet sitter situation.

What to include in your dog’s health notes

Vet and emergency contacts and microchip information are important documents to locate in a pinch. Food brand and feeding amount (or food allergies), flea and heartworm prevention schedules, plus any abnormal health symptoms are also helpful to have written down and solidified in one place says Dr. Sue Yanoff, Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon.

A journal or log can be as detailed or as simple as you’d like, yet ideally personalized to fit your dog’s health needs and situation, advises Dr. Yanoff, who also teaches classes on canine performance health to dog sports enthusiasts.

Since one of our dogs is a senior Lab, I journal mobility supplements and any related effects. Lumps and lipomas are tracked using a sketch of her body, including vet visit receipts noting any important comments. Everything is bound in a 3-ringed binder.

Journaling helps with your dog’s physical health wellness

Dr. Yanoff journals all physical activity daily for her two Beagles, 10-year-old Ivy and 3-year-old Quinn. Their very active lifestyle of agility training and two-hour-long hikes along railroad beds can lead to injuries. Since her specialty is in sports medicine, recording daily exercise activity is beneficial with her own dogs.

“I can look back and have some concrete evidence as opposed to relying on my memory,” she says. Her dog journal is a simple spiral notebook that lives on her kitchen countertop. Entries for this journal began in 2016. And in only minutes a day, using short phrases, she jots down the date, length of daily activities (or no activity at all), changes in movement and when a rest day is needed. Her pet sitter has easy access to the log and will note anything unusual. The journal goes with them when traveling with her dogs.

“So, something I ask my clients is, ‘What is the first thing you noticed? And when did you notice it?’ And some of them do have written documentation and some of them, it’s, ‘Well, I think it was around the time of spring, but I’m not sure,’” says Dr. Yanoff.

Keeping dog health records

Based on common questions for her dog parents, Dr. Yanoff recommends recording a starting date for:

• All medications, including a stopping date
• Vaccines and any reactions
• Vomiting
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Changes in appetite
• Diarrhea
• Changes in attitude, reluctance to do daily activities
• Skin growths and lumps, especially for seniors (A simple outline sketch of your dog with location, date and size.)

“And then when you notice, ‘Man, that’s not right,’ you have a log. You could go back in your log and know, on such and such I thought this was a little strange … It’s nice to have all this information at your fingertips.”

Journaling helps with your dog’s behavioral wellness

Dr. Jennifer Summerfield, CPDT-KA – AVSAB specializes in behavior issues. She frequently asks that clients journal behavior issues with dates, how long the incident lasted and anything unusual that happened beforehand. Our fur companions can already be on edge from something that happened earlier in the day, just like us, she says.

Whether it’s a seizure, anxiety or housemate dog-to-dog aggression, identifying triggers and tracking frequency becomes a super helpful tool for you and your vet. “Sometimes the patterns that come up once you start looking at it might not always be obvious,” Dr. Summerfield says. Writing down what happened prior to an incident helps spot possible triggers. Without clues on contributing factors, addressing behavior issues is difficult.

“We’re tracking frequency on those things … It’s hard to know if what you’re doing is helping unless you actually have dates written down that you can refer back to.”

Dog health wellness notes expanded

Don’t forget games your dog enjoys. Fun activities give them something to do, helping them relax if their routine changes. Games and rewarding activities alleviate stress and reinforce positive sitter interactions. Write down activities that your pup already knows, not something needing to be trained, Dr. Summerfield advises. “Include something that’s part of their daily routine that they can still do, even if they’re not doing it daily,” she says.

Suggestions for dog wellness activities include:

• Stress reliever games (fetch)
• Fun activities (snuffle mats)
• Favorite toys
• Food puzzles
• Enrichment activities (scatter feeding)
• Daily walks (when, how long and where)
• Calming supplements or behavior meds
• Dislikes, thunderstorms, loud sounds or off-limit petting areas such as ears

Depending on your dog’s specific health or behavioral issues, she also suggests writing down how you normally handle these situations, such as anxiety or aggression.

With a newly adopted shelter rescue at our house, I write down any aggression shown by either dog. Noting what happened just before the disagreement helps me in understanding what tipped the threshold scale and how to better manage the situation in the future. That way sitters have an idea of what to expect if those situations come up while they’re staying with the dog, and an idea of some strategies that might be helpful to calm them, if needed.

How to find journals for your dog’s health records and notes

Smartphone apps are available for the tech-savvy, such as Pawprint and DogLog for Android and iOS. Pawprint stores microchip info, flea and heartworm reminders, vaccination records and food recall updates. (Several features are in-app purchases.) DogLog will send reminders for medications and vet visits. This content can be shared with others.

A web browser search for “dog health journal” fetches a range of doggie journals for all stages of life from online bookstores, such as Barnes and Noble and Amazon. Many independent bookstores often have an online search tool, which is an ideal way to shop local.

“Dog Log: Daily Pet Health Care Record Book For Puppy & Dogs” by Amy Newton includes prompts for surgery history, vaccines, grooming and daily activities.

For the DIY-er, creating your own version gives more wiggle room for creativity and customization to fit specific needs. Etsy offers affordable digital downloads for both health journals and wellness trackers. Our journal is a DIY-er using a three-ringed binder with tabbed dividers for each dog’s health information, including pocket folders for vaccine records and clear sheet protectors that hold vet receipts. Pages are Etsy downloads and plain notebook paper for additional notes, such as behavioral concerns.

Vibrant or plain, detailed or broad, journaling gives a panoramic view of health and well-being, a road map through time for all stages from puppies to seniors. Life happens. Memories tangle. As you invest in the process, journaling helps untangle and ensure a better quality of life with your fur baby.

DIY Dog Health Journal Ideas

• Blank, commercially bound journals
• Pinterest — Ideas on journaling
• Three-ring binders, great for adding or removing pages
• Bright, colorful paper for printing different sections
• Pocket folders for vaccination/vet health records
• Washi tape (trendy, Japanese tape made of rice paper) for color & design
• Art pens (felt & brush tip) for a creative spin

Jot in These! Dog Health Journals You Can Buy

• Dog Log: Daily Pet Health Care Record Book for Puppy & Dogs, Track Vet Visits & Vaccination
• Journal, Medical and Important Information by Amy Newton
• My Dog’s Health Record Book: A Practical Guide to Log Your Dog’s Personal and Health History, With Tips For New Puppy Owners by Leila Grandemange
• Dog Record Book: Dog Health And Wellness Log Book Journal, Vaccination & Medication Tracker, Vet & Groomer Record Keeping, Food & Walking Schedule by Teresa Rother
• Geriatric Dog Health & Care Journal: A Complete Toolkit for the Geriatric Dog Caregiver by Dr. Mary Gardner, DVM
• My Pawsome Dog and Me Journal: Celebrate Your Dog, Map Its Milestones And Track Its Health And Well-Being by Charlie Ellis (release date April 4, 2023)

About the Author: Cindy writes about all things dog for numerous national publications. When she is not writing, she trains her own two dogs, Bella and Ozcar — both rescues, for AKC sports. She enjoys reading and spends time organizing after a long teaching career. You can follow her on Instagram @cyhowle.

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How Heavy Should My Dog Be?

The post How Heavy Should My Dog Be? by Kristina Lotz 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 dog parents, our No. 1 concern is keeping our best friends as healthy as possible, so they live long and happy lives. “How heavy should my dog be?” is a question that often comes up and it’s an important one. Obesity is a big problem for our dogs. A study by the University of Liverpool and Mars Petcare found that obese dogs had shorter lifespans than dogs with a more ideal body weight score. For that reason, a dog weight chart is a useful tool all dog parents should know about.

What is a dog weight chart?

A dog weight chart gives a physical comparison of body conditions for dogs on a scale. On the lower end of the scale, typically labeled numbers one to three, the chart describes visibility of the dog’s ribs, lumbar vertebrae and pelvic bones, which are all signs of an “under ideal” bodyweight. Moving up the dog weight chart, numbers four and five describe a dog’s body at a healthy weight with the ribs palpable without excess body fat, a visible waist and an evident abdomen tuck from a side profile. Numbers six to nine describe an “over ideal” bodyweight with excess fat. Dr. Kathryn Primm, owner and chief veterinarian at Applebrook Animal Hospital in Tennessee, explains that the chart has been evaluated to apply to all adult dogs, of any breed or body type. Dog weight charts are not as accurate on puppies, she adds, because they grow so fast and have such different body types at different stages.

How to use a dog weight chart

Dog parents compare their dog to the criteria on the chart, looking at and feeling their dog’s body to do so, explains Dr. Primm. If you’re unsure, your vet should be able to help the first time you use it.

If your dog is “under ideal” or “over ideal,” it’s time to rethink how much you’re feeding and how much exercise your dog is getting. A trip to the vet is also advised, in case a medical condition is causing the weight loss or weight gain.

We all want our dogs to be around for a long time, feed your dogs the correct amount of food for the amount of exercise they are getting. And remember, watch those treats!

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Chihuahua

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Weighing less than 6 pounds, a Chihuahua fits easily in the arms of his family. But don’t be fooled: He’s small only in stature, not personality. Chihuahuas are feisty, loyal, opinionated and (let’s just call it what it is!) rather full of themselves. Perhaps their pride today comes from their esteemed heritage. The Chihuahua’s predecessors, after all, were considered sacred.

Where did the Chihuahua come from

Although the stories of the breed’s beginning are cloudy, historians generally agree that the Chihuahua originated in what is now Mexico, possibly descended from ancient Techichi dogs. Renowned for serving sacred purposes and offering friendship, Chihuahuas were popular with the Aztecs; Montezuma II apparently had hundreds. Early Chihuahuas were venerated, sacrificed, mummified and buried with their owners. One of their supposed duties was to help deceased owners cross safely into the world of the dead. And while Aztecs may have held early Chihuahuas in esteem, they also may have eaten some. Eek!

How to train a Chihuahua

The Chihuahua’s small size makes him an easy travel companion, but that doesn’t mean he should be carried around all day. ©Chris Stein/Getty Images

These days, most Chihuahuas retain their ancestral lofty air and tend to believe they’re the star of the family. Although a Toy breed, the Chihuahua has a terrier-esque personality: He’s self-assured, self-governing, spirited and sometimes reckless. He often reserves his affection for one special person. Most Chihuahuas certainly won’t run up bouncing and slobbering kisses on strangers.

The strong-willed and spirited Chihuahua requires extensive socialization and training.  The biggest obstacle to the Chihuahua’s training is the human misconception that he can’t be trained or that he’s too hard to train. Some people also may mistakenly believe that it’s not necessary to train such a little dog. Untrained, ill-behaved Chihuahuas contribute to the breed’s reputation that they’re angry, aggressive, biters or barkers. A well-trained, socialized Chihuahua is thus a valuable breed ambassador to discredit this reputation.

Chihuahuas can excel in obedience, rally, freestyle and agility. Of course, training this breed requires patience, humor and loads of incentivizing treats. He’s not, after all, a working dog with an I’ll do whatever you ask attitude. Owners need to add variety to keep the dog focused and let him believe he’s leading the training sessions.

Because of his size and height, teaching a Chihuahua to walk on a leash can be challenging. A very light leash and collar (or usually a harness), as well as a soft hand, are important. Although he only needs moderate exercise, daily walks keep the Chihuahua healthy and content. And simply because he fits in a purse or a pack doesn’t mean he should be carried all day. Walks offer exercise, but also provide opportunities for the dog to politely interact with outsiders. Wide-ranging socialization will mitigate his naturally skeptical disposition.

Understanding Chihuahua behaviors

1. Barking: Oblivious to his size, most Chihuahuas don a watchdog hat, with plenty of accompanying barking. In fact, Chihuahuas often bark at anything that looks new or different. So yes, sometimes they are deemed “yappy.” But like any dog breed, a Chihuahua can learn to stop unnecessary barking. Again, the issue is more the human tendency to expect too little of the Chihuahua.
2. Housetraining: It’s also a bit of a myth that Chihuahuas are inherently averse to housetraining. Anatomically, the Chihuahua is no different than any other dog breed. The issue, instead, is likely how difficult it is to recognize the “I’m about to do my duty” body positioning in such a small dog or noticing the teeny, tiny accidents left on the floor.
3. Socializing: Although not usually a carefree dog park fan, Chihuahuas may like playtimes with established friends. Owners must carefully supervise play (especially with bigger dogs) to mitigate accidental roughness; the tiny Chihuahua is hurt easily.

With other animals in the family, Chihuahuas generally like being the supervisor. Many Chihuahuas tolerate cats, but that’s not a given.

4. Playing with small children: Although a socialized Chihuahua can get along with older, courteous children, typically the Chihuahua doesn’t suit families with small children. Well-intentioned children can inadvertently hurt the little dog. Chihuahuas may also retaliate when little children spontaneously pull, tug, hug too tightly or try to lift them.
5. Jumping: Because they can hurt themselves, Chihuahuas mustn’t be allowed to jump from their owners’ arms or from high furniture.

How much exercise does a Chihuahua need?

The Chihuahua’s moderate activity requirement works well for families living in apartments. The dog breed also suits older, less-active adults. Short walks, fetch sessions or indoor games can tire out a Chihuahua and then he’s ready to go back to cuddling.

The breed’s size makes him an easy travel companion. They take up little room in a car, and they also fit in under-the-seat airplane dog carriers. There are only a handful of dog breeds so portable!

How much does a Chihuahua weigh?

Chihuahuas are small dogs, weighing less than 6 pounds. Here are some facts about the Chihuahua’s size and appearance:

• Teacup Chihuahuas: Within the breed standard, there’s no such thing as a teacup, pocket-size, tiny toy or miniature Chihuahua. The breed does come in varied sizes of course, but the standard simply calls for less than 6 pounds.
• Apple or deer head Chihuahuas: The Chihuahua’s rounded apple head is a breed hallmark. Deer headed Chihuahuas have more sloping facial features and narrower, more angular heads. Such Chihuahuas don’t meet the breed head shape standard, but they can be registered as an AKC purebred if the parents are also registered.

Why does my Chihuahua shake?

If a Chihuahua is shaking, he could be cold. The breed is sensitive to cold weather and may need a coat to keep warm in winter. But Chihuahuas also may tremble when feeling excited, uncomfortable or fearful. A well-socialized Chihuahua who’s experienced many situations and met many new people may shiver with anxiety less than a sheltered Chihuahua. Of course, shaking can occur along with various medical conditions, so owners need to discuss their dogs’ shaking with their veterinarians.

How much does a Chihuahua eat?

Small dogs eat proportionately more than large dogs. A 5-pound Chihuahua typically eats about a cup of kibble per day. Does that mean a 100-pound dog (20 times as heavy) eats 20 cups a day? Nope. Big dogs eat proportionately less. The 100-pound dog likely eats merely five cups a day.

An interesting Chihuahua fact

The Chihuahua dog breed is named for the Mexican state of Chihuahua, the largest (by area) state in Mexico. The Chihuahua is one of the most misspelled dog breed names. In English, it’s typically pronounced “Chee–wa- wuh.”

Chihuahua basics

Group: Toy

Country of origin: Mexico

Original use: Ritual, religious, companion

Life span: 14 to 16 years

AKC 2021 popularity ranking: 37^th in 2021.

Activity level: Low to medium; short walks suffice

Weight: Under 6 pounds

Sizes: A Chihuahua isn’t properly classified as Pocket Size, Micro, Tiny Toy, Teacup or Miniature. Some Chihuahuas are simply smaller than others.

Coat: Smooth coat is soft, close and glossy; long coat is soft, flat or slightly wavy.

Color: Any color; marked, solid or splashed

Tails: Tails are carried in a sickle (open curve) or in a loop over the back. Long-coated Chihuahuas have pluming and feathering on tails.

Shedding: Average

Grooming: Smooth coats need occasional brushing. Long-haireds need frequent grooming.

Teeth: Dental care is vital, as Chihuahuas may develop oral problems resulting in tooth decay or gum disease.

Female heat cycle: Lasts about 3 weeks.

Special equipment: Perhaps a harness (rather than a collar) and a very light leash. Sweaters and coats in winter.

Best for: Families with older children, singles, elderly

Known health problems: Patellar luxation, heart and eye issues.

Breed quote if they had one: “Throw sass like confetti!”

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Top Dog Vitamins to Try in 2023

The post Top Dog Vitamins to Try in 2023 by Dr. Ernie Ward appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

I take three steps when selecting a dog vitamin or supplement for one of my patients. The first is to identify a medical problem a nutraceutical, or nutritional supplement, can help. The second is understanding the science and studies supporting its use. The third is choosing a manufacturer or brand I trust.

Nutraceuticals aren’t magic bullets or miracle cures, yet that’s how many are advertised. I view these treatments as an adjunct or “supplement” to a multimodal disease prevention and treatment approach. Some common canine medical conditions proven to benefit from nutraceuticals include:

• arthritis
• skin allergies
• intestinal disorders
• behavioral issues
• weight management
• aiding the immune system.

There are many (many) other indications with varying degrees of scientific evidence, but that is an excellent place to start.

And before you start any dog vitamin or supplement, consult your vet. These products may contain active ingredients that could interfere with your dog’s medications or worsen and even cause illness. That’s why understanding the science of “doggie vitamins” is essential before giving them to your pooch.

Evaluating dog vitamins and supplements

Evaluating scientific research on nutraceuticals can be tricky. Many studies are limited by a small number of dogs, some extrapolate data from other species, and others are conducted by the manufacturer. None of these necessarily disqualifies a dog vitamin or supplement from consideration but must be considered when assessing validity and applicability. I generally assess as many studies as possible (thank you literature reviews and mega-studies) and form an opinion before recommending a dog vitamin or supplement to my clients.

Keeping up with nutritional science can be challenging when there’s so much work in a busy vet clinic. You can do your veterinarian a favor by sharing information on a nutraceutical you’re considering. Don’t bother sending unpublished studies from websites, personal anecdotes or endorsements. Your vet will probably ignore it if it’s not published in a peer-reviewed journal. As a professional courtesy, I encourage you to email these links or copies before your visit. Plopping down a folder of printouts and demanding an immediate appraisal during an exam can be a mood-buster.

Are dog vitamins and supplements safe and effective?

Once you’ve determined your dog has a condition that an evidence-based supplement could help, it’s time to get it. But with so many choices, how can a dog parent decide what to give? How do you know if a supplement is safe and contains what it claims?

Start by asking your veterinarian for specific brand recommendations. If he or she can not offer guidance, look for third-party validation, such as the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), ConsumerLab.com and United States Pharmacopeia (USP). Certain products may be fine without these validations as long as they’ve gone through the rigors of testing and continuous quality control.

If NASC or USP doesn’t verify a nutraceutical, look for a branded ingredient on the label, such as “DHAgold omega-3 fatty acid” or “FCHG49 glucosamine HCl.” For manufacturers to trademark or patent an ingredient, they must conduct more extensive research and quality control, allowing dog parents to trust the ingredient’s safety and efficacy.

And don’t think the most expensive supplements are always the best. Studies show that even the priciest products can lack in the active ingredients they promise. That’s why it’s crucial to work with your veterinary healthcare team to find the best products for your pup’s needs.

11 canine nutritional vitamins and supplements

Here are some of my favorites:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids The omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA have been recognized as powerful brain fuels for nearly a hundred years. The best sources are oils from algae and fish. If you’re curious, fish get their omega-3 from algae, making it my preferred source whenever possible.

Omega-3 supplements may improve learning, preserve memory and cognition, aid eyesight and the nervous system and combat harmful inflammation. DHA/EPA is also helpful in treating arthritis, allergies and many skin conditions.

Dogs eating dry commercial diets rich in omega-6 fatty acids may benefit from daily omega-3 supplements. Adding DHA/EPA to your dog’s diet helps restore a healthier balance of omega-6 to omega-3. Dosage may vary widely and depends on the dog’s age, weight, diet and medical condition. I typically use pet omega-3 formulations and avoid supplements with added vitamin D.

Glucosamine: Every year, joint supplements, most containing glucosamine, top the list of most-used dog nutraceuticals. TV and print ads boast miraculous claims, pet store shelves overflow with choices, and social media stories are abundant.

Where there’s hype and hope, there’s also hoax. I’ve advocated glucosamine supplementation for decades, but I’ve become increasingly wary of some of the products dog parents share with me. How can you tell the difference between fake and functional?

The National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) seal is one of the first criteria to look for in a joint supplement. Next, is the company reputable and trustworthy? Can I speak to someone about ingredient sources, research and quality control? Finally, is there evidence to support its usage? Most veterinary glucosamine formulations have been well-researched, verified, and earned my trust.

Probiotics: I’ll never forget attending a nutritional conference on probiotic research for humans and dogs about 10 years ago. A parade of Harvard scientists impressed the audience with an overwhelming number of studies proving probiotics’ positive health impacts on humans and animals. Improved digestive health, enhanced immunity and prevention of many diseases were just a few of the potential benefits. I left feeling validated in promoting probiotics for my canine patients, especially those boarding, stressed, undergoing anesthesia or with GI problems. I advise using a veterinary formulation or whole-food probiotic containing at least one billion CFUs (colony-forming units).

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe): SAMe is an anti-inflammatory supplement used primarily in dogs with liver disease, cognitive decline and arthritis. In humans, SAMe is also used to improve mood and combat depression and Alzheimer’s, and some veterinarians use it in certain behavioral conditions. I recommend SAMe for older dogs with early signs of declining mental function, liver problems, toxin exposure and as part of my arthritis treatment protocol. I only recommend veterinary formulations proven to be adequately absorbed. These products have a special coating that prevents stomach acid breakdown and allows SAMe to be utilized.

L-carnitine: I’ve recommended carnitine to my canine patients for years to aid in weight loss and heart disease and support brain function in older pets (I also take it.). Dosing can range from 100 mg to 2 grams per day, based on the dog’s individual needs. Before prescribing this supplement, I always check for hypothyroidism due to carnitine’s potential to impair thyroid hormone function. When treating obesity or heart disease, I often combine carnitine with omega-3, coenzyme Q10 and taurine.

Turmeric: Another of my favorite natural supplements is turmeric. Medicinal turmeric’s active ingredient is curcumin, and it has been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-infective and even anticancer activities. I recommend giving it two-to three-times daily with food. Formulations containing piperine (a black pepper extract) may further enhance bioavailability.

Other supplements to consider

There is an expanding list of canine nutraceuticals shown to benefit a wide variety of medical conditions, prevent or mitigate disease and alleviate symptoms. I encourage all dog parents to remain vigilant for advances in nutritional science that could help their dogs.

Mushroom extracts: Over the past decade, mushroom extracts have become one of my top recommendations for dogs suffering from various illnesses, especially cancer. My preferred medicinal mushrooms are Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, Turkey Tail and Cordyceps. If your dog is diagnosed with a chronic illness, ask your vet about incorporating medicinal mushrooms into its treatment plan.

Superoxide Dismutase (SOD): Reduce oxidative stress associated with liver and kidney disease, cognitive decline, spinal injuries and obesity. If you’re wondering, much of the healing power of honey is thought to be related to its SOD.

Coenzyme Q10 (ubiquinone): CoQ10 helps protect against free radical damage, may promote oral health and is used for heart health in dogs.

Astaxanthin: One of nature’s most potent antioxidants, astaxanthin gives salmon their pink color and is thought to be the key to its health benefits. I use it in dogs suffering from chronic skin allergies, those with dry, flaky coats or any inflammatory condition.

Does my dog need a multivitamin?

In my opinion, as long as the dog is eating a complete-and-balanced diet and doesn’t have a condition inhibiting the absorption or metabolism of nutrients, your dog probably doesn’t need a daily multivitamin. I prefer a targeted supplement approach utilizing specific nutrients rather than an assortment of vitamins and minerals. In addition, many compounds proven to benefit a particular illness need to be in concentrated dosages, meaning most “multis” simply don’t contain enough of the ingredient to be beneficial.

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Do Dogs Dream and What You Need to Know About Sleeping Dogs

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Sure, you’ve seen your dog twitch her paws, move her legs and even let out a little cry while she sleeps. Perhaps you’ve even witnessed your pooch exhibit more dramatic movements or sounds when she sleeps and wonder, do dogs dream?

Want to learn more about dogs and dreaming? Check out Dr. Stanley Coren’s book Do Dogs Dream? Nearly Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know, available for $16.37.

Do Dogs Dream?

Dr. Stanley Coren, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia, literally wrote the book on it: “Do Dogs Dream? Nearly Everything Your Dog Wants You to Know.”

Dr. Coren’s answer to the question in his book title is: Yes. “All the evidence seems to indicate that dogs dream,” he says. “It’s probably the case that all mammals dream.”

In humans, most dreams occur during the rapid eye movement (REM) phase of sleep, while increased electrical activity exists in our brains. And scientists discovered that many mammals, from rats to dogs, also have periods of REM sleep with elevated brain electrical activity.

Dr. Chad West, the head of neurology and neurosurgery at the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York City, has seen this on snoozing dogs monitored by electroencephalography or EEG machines.

“The wave patterns that show brain activity of sleep that are exactly the same in people occur in dogs,” Dr. West says.

This evidence has led many researchers to conclude that dogs likely dream.

What do dogs dream about?

If dogs dream, what do they dream about?

“That’s the million-dollar question,” says veterinarian Zarah Hedge, Chief Medical Officer at the San Diego Humane Society. “We don’t know what exactly they’re dreaming about. It’s so much easier with humans because we can just tell you, ‘Here’s what my dream was.'”

Research shows that mammals likely dream about experiences they had during the day. Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) monitored rats’ brain waves as they ran a maze and then when they slept. They found many rats had the same brain patterns during each activity — so the rats thought about the maze while asleep.

Still want to know more about dog dreams? Dr. Deidre Barrett wrote the book The Committee of Sleep, which is available for $24.51.

Dr. Deirdre Barrett, a psychologist, and teacher at Harvard Medical School, who wrote “The Committee of Sleep,” says humans often report their dreams correlate with what they’ve focused on during the day. So, if you apply the findings of all this research to your dog, you might get the answer you’ve been dreaming about: They think of you!

“It leads me to think that most dogs would be likely to dream about their owners frequently,” Dr. Barrett says. “Food, toys and their favorite walks would be other likely candidates for most dogs.”

How can you tell if your dog is dreaming?

Dogs usually enter the REM stage 20 to 40 minutes after falling asleep and remain in that phase for approximately two and a half minutes. Your dog’s breathing becomes irregular, and her eyes will move.

“You’ll start to see the dog’s eyes flipping around,” Dr. Coren says.

You may see legs quiver, paws flutter, tails wag or hear a whimper or whine. That is all normal.

But what if a dog’s dream seems over the top? Or loud? My partner and I were jarred awake recently one night. Intense howling followed by menacing growling echoed through our home.

Blurry-eyed, our feet hit the floor. We stumbled around in the dark. What was going on? Was there a werewolf? A full moon? Did someone leave on the TV?

We found the culprit, our Labrador, Jackson. Though asleep on his bed, he had transformed into a horror movie sound machine. Was this a nightmare?

Is my dog having a nightmare?

If you think your dog is in the midst of a bad dream or a nightmare, experts say stay calm.

“Don’t freak out if your dog seems to be having a noisy dream. It’s going to pass in a couple of minutes,” Dr. Coren says.

If your dog is especially vocal or animated in his dreams, it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem. “If they’re growling or barking, that’s stuff they would normally do during the day, and it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re upset,” Dr. Hedge says.

Learning this made me feel better about Jackson’s Oscar-winning sleep performance. We thought he had PTSD and was reliving the days he was a stray — likely fending off coyotes and predators chasing him in the dark — and needed therapy.

But Dr. West doesn’t think so. After telling him about Jackson’s behavior and Labrador-like prey drive, Dr. West wonders if Jackson was dreaming about not catching a squirrel he stalked during the day.

Mammals’ brainstems are supposed to prevent humans and animals from acting out their dreams, but occasionally some activity, like Jackson’s, slips through.

“What he is wanting to do is making it through,” Dr. West says. “His brain seems to be wired with this immense prey drive. If you have a very, very strong, robust stimulus, your brainstem just isn’t potent enough to stop all of it.”

Dog sleep disorders

Some dogs surpass Jackson’s sleep theatrics and need medical intervention because they have a REM-associated behavior disorder.

These dogs may get up while asleep and move around. Or even propel or flip themselves off the couch or bed, yet not wake up. It’s similar to a sleepwalking person.

“That is because they don’t have the normal inhibitory functions to prevent that,” Dr. West says. “It’s very concerning in some pets because you worry that they’re going to injure themselves in their sleep.”

Dr. West doesn’t think Jackson has a REM-associated behavior disorder, but if your dog has very physical dreams, contact your veterinarian. There are medications that may help.

Should I wake my dreaming dog?

Since no one knows precisely what your dog dreams about, be cautious not to startle them while they are asleep, and risk being bitten.

“If they’re feeling threatened in their dream, and you suddenly awaken them, there is a moment when the line between dreaming and consciousness is blurred. The dog might react negatively to you. They might snap at you,” Dr. Coren says.

Experts say just let dogs dream, but if you must wake them, don’t touch them or put your face near their body.

“You can try calling their name or gently shake their beds to get their attention,” Dr. West says.

Why REM sleep is important for dogs

Another reason not to wake sleeping dogs is because REM sleep is when mammals’ brains review what happened during the day and consolidate it into their memories.

“It’s like looking in your computer to see which files you could discard because you don’t need them anymore,” Dr. Coren says. “So, you peek into each file, and if you’re not going to use it again, you delete the file.”

If dogs don’t have a chance to snooze and dream, researchers believe it’s harder for them to create long-term memories.

“It’s important for dogs to have a good night’s sleep, especially if you’re trying to teach them things that you want them to retain,” Dr. Coren says. “If you wake them up, they’re not going to be as rested, and their brain will not be as restored.”

Can you give your dog sweet dreams?

While no one knows how to ensure dogs have sweet dreams, Dr. Coren has a suggestion. “Since dreams tend to be replays of what’s going on during an average day — if you give your dog lots of good, positive, average days, then he’ll have lots of good, positive dreams,” he says.

And though Jackson can’t tell me what he’s thinking or dreaming about, I have a feeling he supports Dr. Coren’s theory, especially if treats are involved.

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The Best Ugly (but Cute) Dog Christmas Sweaters

The post The Best Ugly (but Cute) Dog Christmas Sweaters 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.

Have you noticed how a dog’s face can instantly transform an ugly Christmas sweater into a cute one? Whether it’s for a holiday party or lounging around the Christmas tree, as long as your holiday sweater includes a furry friend on it, any sweater — ugly or cute — is pretty spectacular to us!

We’ve rounded up our favorite ugly dog Christmas sweaters, including some personalized dog Christmas sweater options and matching sets for you and your dog.

Where can I find ugly dog Christmas sweaters?

Most clothing stores sell dog Christmas sweaters around the holidays. Homegoods, TJ Max, Amazon, Target, Etsy, Nordstrom and Walmart have a variety of ugly dog Christmas sweaters. Prices range anywhere from $15 to $150.

• Money saving tip: If you’re crafty, check your local thrift store for simple holiday or solid-color sweaters and make it your own with old Christmas decorations and crafts, hot glue gun, stencils glitter and fabric paint.
• Photo tip: For your dog’s holiday sweater, designs on the front of the dog’s sweater are easiest to capture in pictures.

Personalized dog Christmas sweaters

Since your dog is the cutest, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t sport her face on your holiday sweater. Companies that create personalized dog Christmas sweaters include Knitwise, Crown and Paw and Printful.com. Aside from printing your dog’s face, some of these companies let you customize details down to the number of dogs, features of your dog that you want highlighted and the type of wintery or holiday background.

Dogster’s favorite ugly dog Christmas sweaters for humans:

$128. Knitwise Holiday Special Pet Custom Sweater *Takes 4-5 weeks from order to delivery*

$44.95. Walking in a Weiner Wonderland *Discount codes available*

$39.99. Pooch Prints Personalized Ugly Christmas Sweater

$45/humans, $19.99 – $34.99/dogs. Funky Tails Dog Tangled with Christmas Lights (matching dog sweater option)

$75/adults, $42/kids, $38 – $42/dogs. Dog Threads Feliz Navi Dogs matching human and dog pullovers. *Part of every purchase helps homeless dogs!*

$32.78-$41.59. Christmas Dog Sweater; SuperFreshDesign on Etsy.

The best ugly (but really cute) Christmas sweaters for dogs:

$24.95. Little Present Dog Sweater

$14.99. Get Lit Hanukkah Sweater

$12.20. Frisco Reindeer Fair Isle Sweater

$49.95 – $59.95. Alpaca Reindeer Sweater

$34. Bright Bulbs Pet Johns

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Behind-the-Scenes at LEGO Masters Brickminster Dog Show

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If you’ve been watching season 3 of LEGO Masters on FOX, you know Canadian siblings and teammates Dave and Emily Guedes share a love for maple syrup, hockey (they’re always sporting red and white hockey-themed shirts) and the more obvious — building intricate LEGO creations.

Siblings, teammates and dog lovers Emily and Dave Guedes work to capture the fluff of their dog’s tail using only LEGO bricks. We’re anxious to see if they take Best in Show for the Brickminster Dog Show tomorrow night on FOX. © FOX

But on this week’s episode, airing tomorrow, Oct. 26, we learn of another shared passion — a love for dogs — as teams are challenged with first building a life-sized dog completely out of LEGOS and then walking it down a runway on a leash in the first ever LEGO Masters Brickminster Dog Show.

“It was the best day of my life!” says Emily, a self-proclaimed Chihuahua lover, dog mom, fosterer and volunteer through the BC Chihuahua Rescue.

Emily is brought to tears — and screams of excitement — at the sight of a pack of dogs, each a different breed, running toward the contestants.

“My voice reaches a pitch that only the dogs can hear,” she jokes.

Dave explains that when building, they tried to capture key features of their specific dog breed like the eyes, the texture of the fur, the perkiness of the ears, the shape of the paws and the swoop of the tail — categories that the judges, including LEGO Masters host and executive producer, actor Will Arnett, take into consideration when picking which team created the most accurate replica of their dog breed.

“We had a challenge because our dog was quite small and we had to get it fluffy enough to capture the fur of the dog and still keep it tiny,” Dave says. “It’s hard to build soft fur with LEGO bricks.”

To get their LEGO dog down the runway, Dave chose boat sliders, which ended up looking like padded skin, to fit under the half-an-inch-wide paws. Other teams who were replicating larger dog breeds used wheels or tires in between paws.

Emily walked their real dog, who had sat on her lap for the majority of the multi-hour build, down the runway. She recalls Brickmaster Jamie joking, “’You guys need to have four hands building LEGO; you can’t just sit there and pet the dog the whole time.’”

But having dogs on set felt natural and comforting to both Emily and Dave, who each have their own dogs at home — Emily a short-haired Chihuahua named Harlow and Dave a rescued Terrier — and who are typically by their sides while they build.

“Neither of us had ever built a life-sized dog before, but we always wanted to,” says Emily. “I loved our build.”

Who takes home Best in Show at the Brickminster Dog Show? Find out tomorrow when the episode airs on FOX.

It’s smile time – America’s Funniest Home Videos unveils its Top 10 Pet Costumes just in time for Halloween! When creating videos, Dogster reminds all dog lovers that dogs should be supervised carefully and never put in danger. Credit: @afvofficial.

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How To Train a Bernedoodle

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Bernedoodles, a popular hybrid dog breed of Bernese Mountain Dogs (aka Berners) and Poodles, are friendly, intelligent, easy-going dogs, who can make great family members. But some Bernedoodles can be stubborn; they’re not for everyone. The Bernedoodle’s temperament, size and appearance depend on their breeding.

Are Bernedoodles family dogs?

Well-bred Bernedoodles generally are intelligent, social, fun and charming dogs that make great family pets as long as the family is willing to put the time into socializing their Bernedoodle puppy. Bernedoodles were bred to be an easygoing, gentle companion and aren’t a working breed. And, they can adapt to various lifestyles. They are a moderately active dog breed, who can even live in an apartment if given a sufficient amount of exercise, such as a few long walks every day. But, they can be headstrong especially as puppies. Depending on whether they take after the Berner or Poodle parent, they may take on certain characteristics.

Bernedoodle characteristics inherited from Poodles:

• Playfulness
• High intelligence and trainability
• Love of swimming and retrieving
• Friendliness
• High-energy level
• Low-shedding curly coat
• Alert barkers

Bernedoodle characteristics inherited from Bernese Mountain Dogs:

• Stubborn and headstrong
• Aloof with strangers
• Very loyal and bonded to his family
• Gentle
• Great with kids
• Moderate activity level
• Easy-going, laid-back and carefree
• Straight or slightly wavy coat that sheds

How to train a Bernedoodle

From the Berner side, the puppy may be headstrong and wary of strangers, so socialization should begin from puppyhood and continue through the Bernedoodle’s life. Start exposing the Bernedoodle puppy in a positive way to all that he’ll face in everyday life: new people, dogs, sights, sounds and experiences. This will help temper the Berner side of aloofness. And manners training should also begin at 8 weeks old and continue through the dog’s life to help avoid behavioral problems.

If he takes after the Poodle side, the dog needs outlets for his boundless intelligence and energy. Manners training, retrieving and enrichment activities like puzzle toys can help satisfy his needs and prevent boredom.

Bernedoodle training cues

Here are some basic training cues to teach your Bernedoodle:

• Attention (look)
• Loose-leash walking, which is especially important when living with a standard size Bernedoodle because he can even pull or knock someone down if not trained
• Recall and emergency recall, which are crucial if the friendly Poodle side takes over for new adventures
• Sit/down/stay are needed for impulse control and to prevent jumping on people 
• Give and drop it are needed for retrieving
• Leave it
• Going to a mat and settle are great especially for impulse control for the high-drive Poodle side

Interesting facts about the Bernedoodle

In 2003, the first Bernedoodles were deliberately bred by Sherry Rupke, the owner of SwissRidge Kennels in Canada. Dog breeders typically try to cross dogs that have the most appealing characteristics of each breed. Each Bernedoodle is unique and may take on more of the appearance or temperament of one parent breed than the other. Most Bernedoodles have a wavy coat with minimal shedding. Some have a curly coat similar to their Poodle ancestors. They can be pure black, black and white, black and brown or tri-colored (black, brown and white).

There are three sizes of Bernedoodles

• The standard Bernedoodle is a cross between a standard Poodle and a Berner. He ranges between 50 to 90 pounds and 23 to 29 inches at the shoulder.
• The mini Bernedoodle is a cross between the mini Poodle and the Berner. He ranges between 25 to 49 pounds and 18 to 22 inches at the shoulder.
• The tiny Bernedoodle is a cross between a toy Poodle and a mini Bernedoodle and is between 10 to 24 pounds and 12 to 17 inches at the shoulder. The mini and tiny Bernedoodles may have slightly higher energy levels than the standards do.

Bernedoodles can make great family members for people who want an intelligent, easygoing companion. But be aware that your puppy may take after his high-driven, friendly Poodle ancestors or his aloof, headstrong Berner side in appearance and temperament.

For more information, visit the Bernese Mountain Dog Club of America.

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What Foods Are Dangerous for Dogs?

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You may already know that certain foods like chocolate are toxic for dogs to eat, but there are actually several foods that are nutritious and tasty to humans, but toxic for dogs. We’ll give you a list below of both safe and non-safe foods for dogs.

Just remember, everything in moderation. Any dog, or anyone for that matter, can have a food sensitivity to a certain food. When feeding your dog a new food for the first time, only offer a small piece or portion to see if there is any negative reaction, like gas or diarrhea. If it is a treat for a dog — even if it’s the healthiest option — it should only make up 10% of your dog’s diet, while the other 90% should come from a well-balanced dog food diet.

Safe foods for dogs to eat

There are plenty of fruits, vegetables, meats, and other human foods that are completely safe for dogs to eat in small portions. Check out the lists below of safe foods for dogs, listed by food type.

Vegetables dogs can eat:

Remove all stems and leaves, and chop into small, edible pieces. Only feed a few pieces or a small portion.

• Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Carrots
• Celery
• Corn (when cut off the cob)
• Green Beans
• Peas
• Potatoes (cooked)
• Spinach
• Sweet potatoes (cooked)

Fruits dogs can eat:

Remove all skin, cores, pits, seeds, rinds and stems, then chop into small, edible pieces. Be careful as fruit has water and sugar and too much can cause diarrhea.

• Apples
• Bananas
• Blueberries
• Cantaloupe
• Cranberries
• Cucumbers
• Mangos
• Oranges
• Peaches
• Pears
• Pineapple
• Raspberries
• Strawberries
• Watermelon

Meat dogs can eat:

Feed most of these cooked and chop into small, edible pieces. Only feed raw meat to your dog if your veterinarian gives approval as dogs with health conditions or on certain medications may have issues. Although safe meats are on this list, it’s better to feed the leaner meats. See rules to follow here and here.

• Beef
• Chicken
• Fish
• Ham
• Lamb
• Pork
• Salmon
• Shrimp
• Tuna
• Turkey
• Other human foods dogs can eat:
• Cut up into small, edible pieces.
• Bread
• Coconut (without the outer, inedible layer)
• Eggs (fully cooked, without the shells)
• Popcorn (without the unpopped kernels)
• Quinoa
• Wheat & Grains

Peanut butter: Avoid brands containing Xylitol. It is high in fat so only give sparingly and never give to dogs who suffer from chronic pancreatitis. Avoid peanuts because if they are high fat and could be toxic if they contain mold that causes aflatoxicosis.

Check out our list of safe and not safe spices.

Foods that are dangerous for dogs to eat

This next list is crucial to remember. It’s easy to accidentally drop a piece of food and let your pup scoop it up. But this list may have you thinking twice next time.

Vegetables dogs can’t eat:

Asparagus: When raw, it’s too tough for dogs to eat and could become a choking hazard or cause an intestinal blockage

Mushrooms: While many mushrooms are fine for dogs to eat, some mushrooms that grow outside are toxic. To be safe, don’t let your dog eat wild mushrooms growing outside.

Onions, Leeks and Chives: These come from the Allium plant family, which are all not good for dogs

Fruits dogs can’t eat:

Avocado: Parts of the avocado — the pit, skin and leaves — contain a toxin that causes vomiting in dogs, so avoid giving these parts to your dog. The safe meat part is high in fat, so not great for dogs that are overweight.

Cherries, plums, mangos and peach pits, plus apple seeds: The pits and seeds contain cyanide, which in large quantities will poison your dog.

Grapes and raisins: These can cause kidney failure, so it’s best to just never feed them to dogs.

Tomatoes: A fresh, washed off and ripened red tomato cut into pieces itself is typically safe, but the green plant  — the stems and leaves — is toxic.

Other human foods dogs can’t eat:

Almonds: not toxic, but they can become a choking hazard or cause an intestinal blockage

Chocolate: not good for dogs and unsweeted dry cocoa powder, baking chocolate and dark chocolate are toxic to dogs

Cinnamon: Small amounts only. Use Ceylon cinnamon, not Cassia as Cassia cinnamon contains coumarin, which can damage the liver if eaten in high amounts. Also, if your dog is on medications, check with your veterinarian as cinnamon has a mild anti-blood clotting effect.

Garlic: Best to stay away from unless you’re working with your holistic veterinarian. Can cause issues with dogs who have anemic conditions, dogs with immune system issues or young puppies still developing immune systems.

Ice Cream: Safest to avoid it. Sugar is not healthy to give to your dog, and some dogs are lactose intolerant, plus some ice cream contains xylitol. There are dog-friendly versions.

Macadamia Nuts: This is one of the most poisonous foods for dogs. Can cause Macadamia nut toxicosis, which causes weakness, vomiting, hyperthermia, etc.

Nutmeg: Contains myristicin, which is toxic to dogs

Walnuts: Best to avoid. Walnuts are not toxic, but they can become a choking hazard or cause an intestinal blockage. If they are moldy, however, they can be toxic.

Xylitol: Watch out for this sugar substitute in things like peanut butter, ice cream or yogurt — it is toxic to dogs

For more about dog-friendly activities and pet parenting advice, check out other articles by Dogster.com.

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