5 Wrinkly and Adorable Dog Breeds

The post 5 Wrinkly and Adorable Dog Breeds by Lynn M. Hayner 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.

For humans, wrinkles are a sign of aging. People will do just about anything to avoid wrinkles, but we sure delight in wrinkly dogs. You’ll notice that many wrinkly dog breeds are short-faced (brachycephalic), too. Some may sport wrinkles as pups, while others mature into their big wrinkles. Let’s meet five wrinkly dog breeds that boast lovable, lifelong folds and furrows.

Pug

Our prominent eyes and child-like expressions make us one of the crazy-delightful wrinkly dog breeds. We’ve been around to charm humankind for centuries. Chinese imperials have cherished us since ancient times, even employing guards to keep us safe. We were bred small to be carried in royal sleeves.

Some of our wrinkles were considered more significant than others: the prince mark of three wrinkles on our forehead with a vertical bar (copying the Chinese character for prince) was a favorite trait. These days, our owners love all of our large and deep wrinkles. We suggest you dab our skin folds to keep them fresh and clean; we sure can’t reach them with our tongues!

Mastiff. Photography ©Kerry Rubio | Bark at the Moon

Mastiff

Our lined foreheads draw your gaze to our observant, kindhearted faces. When we’re particularly attentive, our wrinkles are especially distinctive. We’re one of the wrinkly dog breeds that have a long history with humans. Our forefathers worked with Babylonians, Marco Polo, Hannibal, King Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Developed to guard and fight beside soldiers, we were bred tough and striking.

We’re perhaps more easygoing than our ancestors these days, but we hold to our watchdog role. And at some 200 pounds, our size alone discourages intruders. We consider ourselves peaceful and dignified bodyguards, always loyal to loved ones. And we’ll love your wrinkles too, when someday you’re blessed to own them!

French Bulldog looking away, not interested. Photography ©LightFieldStudios | Getty Images.

French Bulldog

Our coats are brilliant, short and smooth. Our soft and loose skin is what lands us on this list of wrinkly dog breeds. And the description “delightful” suits our personalities, too. Developed from English 19th-century bulldogs, our  ancestors followed lace-makers migrating to France after the Industrial Revolution.

Friendly and affable, we soon became popular with Parisians of all economic classes. American tourists in France were enchanted by our forefathers and brought some back to the states. These days, with our laid-back personalities and keen social skills, we top the companion dog list. Come under our wrinkly spell; our furrowed brows shall charm you into dropping extra treats!

Two wrinkled Shar-Pei puppies rest side-by-side. Photography ©GlobalP | Getty Images.

Chinese Shar-Pei

If you don’t recognize us for our hippopotamus head shape, you may spot us for the impressive wrinkles that assure our spot in this roundup of wrinkly dog breeds. Slack skin and creases cover my head, neck and withers. We’re one of the oldest dog breeds. Our scowls allegedly frightened off evil spirits, but maybe deterred trespassers (in material form), too.

These days, our wrinkles are attractive, albeit not especially functional. A clean breed, we don’t shed much; our grooming needs are minimal. Simply wipe our wrinkles down on occasion to keep our skin and coats healthy.

Dogue by Shutterstock.

Dogue de Bordeaux

A French guardian célèbre, we trace our heritage to Mastiff-types developed to guard castles, hunt and fight. Everything about us is big: we have enormous hearts in our massive body. Our colossal heads are interlaced with wrinkles; our drooping cheeks accentuate our memorable appearance. The deep ropes of wrinkles on our heads are obvious at all times and make us an obvious choice for this list of wrinkly dog breeds — but they aren’t worrying frowns. At our size, what in the world could we be worried about?

Our striking appearance is just one of our attributes. We’re affectionate, wonderful watch dogs who are more agile and speedy than our physique suggests.

Tell us: Do you have a wrinkly dog? What breed(s) is he? What wrinkly dog breeds would you add to this list?

Thumbnail: Photography by Waldemar Dabrowski / Shutterstock.

This piece was originally published in 2018.

Read more about dog breeds on Dogster.com:

• All About the Breeds Behind the Westminster Group Winners
• The Best Dogs for Cats? Try These 5 Cat-Friendly Dog Breeds
• Does Your Dog Make the List of the Dumbest Dog Breeds?

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Your Questions About Kennel Cough — Answered

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

Many dog parents have heard about kennel cough — but a lot of us wonder exactly what it is and if the term “kennel” truly has anything to do with it. To get some insight, we turned to an expert, Dr. Richard Ford, who is a Professor of Medicine at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

What exactly is kennel cough?

Concerned about kennel cough — aka CIRD? We’ve got your answers. Photography ©fotoedu | Thinkstock.

Dr. Ford explains that kennel cough is the annoying and sometimes dangerous contagious respiratory infection that characteristically develops shortly after a dog has had contact with other affected dogs — especially following time spent in a kenneled environment, boarding facility, animal shelter and training facility. Other places that tend to be breeding grounds for kennel cough include doggie daycares, dog parks and grooming facilities. Kennel cough is a relatively complex contagious respiratory syndrome. And because it implicates multiple organisms, the proper term for this clinical illness is actually canine infectious respiratory disease, or CIRD.

What are kennel cough symptoms?

Symptoms of CIRD most commonly include: coughing, sneezing, and nose and eye discharge. Untreated, Dr. Ford says that kennel cough may turn into pneumonia and — in rare instances — could even be fatal to dogs.

Most pet parents can manage kennel cough treatments at home with veterinary monitoring. However, Dr. Ford cautions that, “rarely, an infected dog will become so ill — usually with pneumonia — that hospitalization and intravenous treatment is required.”

How is kennel cough spread?

Like the dog flu, CIRD spreads very easily from dog to dog. Social dogs who engage with other dogs at, for example, dog parks, training centers and daycares, are most at risk of contracting kennel cough.

“Typically, the infectious organism, whether bacteria or virus, is transmitted from dog-to-dog following direct contact,” says Dr. Ford. “That’s why kennels are considered to be high-risk environments. Not uncommonly, an infected dog can carry and transmit the infectious bacteria or virus without showing clinical signs of respiratory disease.”

Dogs don’t even have to have direct contact with an infected dog to be at risk, either, Dr. Ford explains. “It is also possible for respiratory secretions from an infected dog to be left behind on a water bowl or food dish or a toy,” he says. “The next dog to take a drink, eat or play with a toy previously used by an infected dog is at considerable risk of becoming infected.”

Dr. Ford offers this important suggestion: “think about those ‘public’ water bowls displayed on sidewalks outside retail stores [as] something your dog should avoid!”

How to treat kennel cough

Dogs of any age can contract CIRD. Dr. Ford has found that, “puppies seem to suffer the most and may be at increased risk for lower respiratory infection (pneumonia).” Some healthy adult dogs are able to recover with at-home kennel cough treatments, but if your dog has a cough that lasts more than 2-3 days, Dr. Ford suggests heading to your vet for an examination and to determine the most appropriate treatment for your dog. “Do not use over-the-counter cough suppressants intended for use in humans,” cautions Dr. Ford.

“Because CIRD is caused by a virus or a bacteria, and sometimes viruses and bacteria in the same dog at the same time, treatment choices will vary,” Dr. Ford explains. There is not one treatment for kennel cough, but “antibiotics are typically prescribed in the event bacteria (which may be serious complicating factors) is present,” he says. “Since there are no drugs capable of eliminating viruses, the infected dog is managed symptomatically with prescription cough suppressants.”

It may seem surprising that your veterinarian likely won’t take diagnostics to determine exactly what’s causing the infection. “Results take too long and any treatment prescribed is typically empirical — based on managing the clinical signs,” says Dr. Ford.

Is there a kennel cough vaccine? How can you prevent kennel cough?  

Is there a kennel cough vaccine? Photography ©EJ_Zet | Thinkstock.

The only way to truly prevent kennel cough is to keep your dog inside and away from any other dogs at all times, which isn’t a very enriching life for your dog or very much fun for you! The next best way to protect your dog from CIRD is to vaccinate your dog.

I’d always thought Bordetella vaccines protected my dogs against kennel cough, but Dr. Ford explains that kennel cough is more complicated than that. “Vaccines are available for many, although not all, of the organisms that cause CIRD. Vaccines used to prevent infection caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza virus are among the most important,” Dr. Ford advises.

Your veterinarian will advise on which vaccines and at what frequencies are best for your dog. Where I live in New York City, dogs must have Bordetella vaccines every six months, and it’s against the law for boarding kennels, training centers or groomers to have dogs on site without written proof of Bordetella (amongst other) vaccines from a veterinarian.

Read more about dog health on Dogster.com:

• Are All Dog Tumors Cancerous? Here’s What to Know
• Tapeworms in Dogs: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention
• The Top 6 Urinary Diseases in Dogs

 

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4 Books to Add to Your Reading List

The post 4 Books to Add to Your Reading List by Annie Butler Shirreffs appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Books get your tail wagging? Here are some great reads we hope you enjoy!

Please Don’t Feed the Mayor

Author Sue Pethick’s fourth romantic comedy is a heartwarming tale about a special dog who brings together a town desperately in need of a fresh start. When the lumber mill closes, Melanie MacDonald is heartbroken that her beloved hometown of Fossett, Oregon, is on the decline. She comes up with a brilliant plan to bring tourists (and hopefully more residents) to town — running her Border Collie, Shep, in Fossett’s mayoral race. Unfortunately, she knows nothing about running a campaign.

Enter her ex-husband, Bryce, now a big-city lawyer, who agrees to help. Of course, Shep wins by a landslide, making him and Melanie media darlings. But the attention is a little more than she bargained for, and she unwittingly puts herself in danger. She has to deal with the malcontent who lost the election and a charismatic (and somewhat shifty) TV reporter. Not only that, an escaped convict is coming after Bryce for revenge. But Shep saves the day with the help of a herd of fainting goats (I must admit — this was my favorite part), proving his loyalty to not only his faithful human but to his new political career. Published by Kensington Books

The Dog Log

Comedian and playwright Richard Lucas shares the incredible story of how the incessant barking of his neighbor’s dogs drove him into — and then pulled him out of — a miserable phase of his life. He’s tortured in his own home by the constant barking of the Yorkies belonging to his elderly neighbor, Irene (who ignored his pleading). Eventually, the daily stress, along with his struggles to make it in Hollywood and the aftermath of a recent breakup, nearly causes him to have a breakdown. When he sought help from the West Hollywood Sheriff’s department, the solution was to maintain a log of each individual bark for six months. And the Dog Log was born.

It starts as a series of hilarious and curmudgeonly rants, but the story takes quite a turn when an ambulance rushes Irene to the hospital. With nobody to look after the Yorkies, Lucas enters Irene’s home and discovers a hidden life of squalor and two neglected animals. Before long, the Dog Log turns into a diary of self-reflection and transformation. As he works out his issues with the Yorkies, Lucas also works on his own flaws, learning about the joy of helping others and how a change in perspective can transform your life. Published by Chicago Review Press

What I Lick Before Your Face (and Other Haikus by Dogs)

The perfect book for dog lovers everywhere, this heartwarming and laugh-out-loud funny collection of haikus by Jamie Coleman is a fun and loving celebration of the canine spirit. Written from a dog’s perspective ­— from the perks of face licking to considering what constitutes a good boy — these charming (and hilarious) haikus take us into the minds of our beloved canines. Haikus like “Walkies,” “The Ball” and “The Tail That Wags” capture our dogs’ quirky personalities and the unique bond we have with them. Illustrated throughout with beautiful color photographs of adorable dogs of all shapes and sizes, this collection is the perfect celebration of our best friend. Published by Simon and Schuster

The Ultimate Guide to Raising a Puppy

World-renowned pet behavior expert, star of Animal Planet’s It’s Me or the Dog and Dogster columnist Victoria Stilwell reveals everything you need to raise the perfect pet. This fun and informative guide takes you through each stage of growth, from the first weeks through adolescence, and is filled with information on puppy-proofing your home, potty training, building leash-walking and play skills, preventing problem behaviors like nipping and excessive barking, caring for your puppy’s health and much more. Victoria is committed to promoting progressive, pain- and force-free training tools and methods, and everything in this book provides puppy parents with the latest in science-based, positive training advice. Published by Ten Speed Press/The Crown Publishing Group

Tell us about your favorite dog books! Email us at dogstermag@belvoir.com.

READ NEXT: 4 Books for Dog Lovers to Check Out Right Now

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Does My Dog Need Braces?

The post Does My Dog Need Braces? 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.

So that’s why we named him Jaws.” Staring up at me was a 1-year-old, neutered Bichon whose name required no explanation. A row of meandering incisors framed by two oversized canines jutted from his chin, giving Jaws a decidedly alpha-dog appearance with a hint of defiance. It also made him irresistibly cute.

“I just don’t understand why he won’t eat anymore. He used to gobble everything and now he barely picks his kibble.”

Photo: Getty Images

The underbite

Boxers, Bulldogs, Shih Tzus and Lhasa Apsos were “designed” to have an underbite, however misguided that was. These breeds have adapted over generations to make the most of this malocclusion, but other dogs with an underbite, including Jaws, will often experience severe problems. As I began my examination, I noted that Jaws flinched each time I touched his lower jaw. Mandibular pain is common in these patients due to the upper incisors (the smaller middle teeth) digging into the teeth and gums below. My initial impression was that poor little Jaws wasn’t eating due to pain.

“But he never cries or whimpers. I can’t stand the thought of him hurting! What can we do?”

The first step was to take a complete set of oral radiographs. This would require brief anesthesia, so we’d need to do some blood tests prior to the procedure. Once we had a better understanding of what was happening beneath the gums, we would consult with a veterinary dental specialist to determine the best treatment to make Jawsy (yes, I said that) more comfortable for the rest of his long life. We got to work.

Photo: Deyana Robova | Alamy Stock Photo

Fixing the problem

Jawsy’s dental X-rays revealed the problem was bone deep. The upper canines had failed to completely erupt and were being pushed backward due to the overlapping lower teeth. Several teeth in the mandible were being forced into odd angles, likely causing additional jaw pain. After consulting a veterinary dentist, we decided to refer Jaws for the extraction of several teeth and orthodontics. Doggie braces should only be used in dogs not used for breeding. Because Jaws was neutered, he wouldn’t perpetuate this genetic malady to future pups. While the initial estimate for his care was more than his owner had planned for, she realized she was saving Jaws from a lifetime of pain and suffering.

I saw Jaws two weeks later. He bounded in to see me, beaming his braces as he pranced through the lobby.

“I can tell he’s feeling much better! We’re still feeding him wet food, but his whole attitude has brightened!”

It would take another six to 12 months before Jaws’ bite would fully heal. His smile might not be

“Hollywood perfect,” but he’d be able to nosh comfortably for the rest of his life.

Don’t ignore teeth problems

If your dog has any oral abnormality, have your veterinarian check it out. Too often dog owners forget that bite abnormalities, crooked teeth and even “bad breath” are often accompanied by chronic pain. Just because a snaggletooth pup doesn’t cry and wolfs down his food doesn’t mean he doesn’t hurt. Advances in veterinary dentistry now allow dog owners to provide better care than ever. And Jaws has a new nickname these days: Smiley

Photo: dima_sidelnikov | Getty Images

Must-have dental work

The majority of dogs with an underbite or overbite will need some form of dental intervention. If your dog has an underbite or overbite, know that:

• Extraction of the teeth interfering with the bite is the most common treatment, followed by orthodontics or “braces.”
• Teeth permanently exposed to air may become discolored and have damage to enamel,
  resulting in discomfort.
• Daily brushing is incredibly important in any dog with exposed teeth, crowded mouth or malocclusion.

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Exercise Clubs for Dogs

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I was sitting in the veterinarian’s lobby with a fidgety Boston Terrier on my lap. While waiting, we observed at least eight dogs, and one very cranky cat, being ushered into the office. As they checked in at the front desk, I focused my attention on the pet. I observed the first pup and realized that it looked a bit “pudgy.” The second looked even more overweight. The third was weighed by its owner, who said, “Wow, I didn’t expect you to have gained that much!”

The non-scientific study I performed is supported by data. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, in 2018, an estimated 56% of dogs in the United States were overweight or obese.

To help fight the weight gain epidemic for dogs, an increasing number of locations across the country have established exercise clubs for dogs. Some settings provide offerings where dogs and their owners can work out together, while others allow dogs to be dropped off for their own activities. A third option includes dogs and owners, as they work toward a goal like agility training. Let’s jump into some of these clubs.

Fitdog Sports Club

Sometimes pet parents have their own fitness routine where their dog isn’t a part of the equation or they simply don’t have the time needed to exercise their high-energy dogs. If that’s the case, Fitdog can help. Described as “gym classes for dogs,” Fitdog provides classes and day excursions for small groups of dogs to a variety of settings, including beach walks and canyon hikes. Just book your class, and drop off and pick up your dog; the instructors will do the rest.

“It doesn’t matter what kind of dog you have,” says Andrea Servadio, the co-founder and CEO of Fitdog, “they can all join in, and there’s value for them at any skill level.”

Andrea is enthusiastic about the value and importance of mental stimulation along with physical fitness in dogs. “Your dog doesn’t need behavior modification training for separation anxiety, your dog needs to be engaged mentally and physically during the day. If they’re properly engaged and their mind is working, they’re going to be so much happier.” It’s in this light that the services Fitdog offers help to address the mental and physical needs of dogs.

Photo: K9 Fit Club

K9 Fit Club

One day, K9 Fit Club founder Tricia Montgomery was at the veterinarian’s office with her dog. The blunt vet said that not only was her dog overweight and on the verge of diabetes, but that Tricia was “not getting any thinner, either.” His statement changed the rest of Tricia’s life. “When it impacted my dog, it made a difference to me and my behavior,” Tricia says. Following thatvisit, Tricia lost more than 130 pounds and got a job at the same veterinary office. In the veterinary field, she and colleagues noticed the “mirror-image” trend, where a pet resembles their owner and vice versa. The idea for K9 Fit Club born.

K9 Fit Club lets you work out along with your dog, with classes like Nama Sit Stay, Bow Wow Boot Camp, Bark & Burn and Fungility. Photo: k9 Fit Club Darian Love

K9 Fit Club has 25 programs that allow pet parents to work out with their dogs. Names like “Bow Wow Boot Camp” and “NamaSitStay” illustrate the various types of activities dogs and their owners can do together. Classes are small, and the variety of classes help to serve folks on all ends of the fitness spectrum.

Zoom Room offers sporting activities for you and your dog, with classes in dog agility, obedience, tricks, therapy and training. Photo: Zoom Room

Zoom Room

If you’ve watched dog agility on TV, images of ramps and tunnels may come to mind. Pet owners are with their dogs, helping to guide them across the course. While some pet owners want to be competitive in dog agility, others do not.

Zoom Room allows pet owners to perform agility training with their dogs, minus the competitive nature of the sport. Recognizing the value in providing non-competitive sporting options for dogs, Zoom Room offers a variety of activities, such as urban herding, where dogs learn how to herd using yoga balls instead of livestock. Zoom Room also has scent training and therapy dog training, which work on mental stimulation while also enhancing the bond between dog and owner.

Photo: Zoom Room

Liz Claflin, director of operations for Zoom Room says, “People are starting to realize all the fun things you can do with your dog, and the bond that you can form when you work together can be intensely deep.”

These three different business models help to illustrate the variety of ways exercise clubs for dogs can be arranged. There’s no reason why a person has to choose one type of setting. A person could go work out with their dog on a Monday, drop him off for a beach excursion on a Thursday while doing some scent training together a couple times a month. Do your research to determine which setting is best for your dog. Ask about the training staff members have received, if they are connected with local veterinarians in the event of an accident and how the location is insured.

So what do you think? Is an exercise club in the future for you and your dog? Go ahead and give it a try.

Top photograph Mariana Mikhailova | Getty Images

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Why Do Dogs Need Their Teeth Brushed?

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Why do dogs need their teeth brushed? Two words: doggie breath. But that’s just one reason — and a mild one. Poor oral health can take a bite out of your dog’s well-being, causing tooth loss, mouth sores, pain that limits ability to eat and infections that can lead to heart, liver and kidney disease.

Sometimes there are no signs of dental trouble until it takes root. And it doesn’t take long. Dental disease can start in dogs as young as 2, and some statistics show it affects as many as 80% of dogs older than 3.

Signs of Dental Disease: Bad breath; broken or discolored teeth; tooth loss; ted or swollen gums; avoiding chewing or eating; weight loss

When plaque attack

Unfortunately, plaque buildup happens quickly. Periodontal disease (gum disease) starts with the filmy, bacteria-filled substance that sticks to the surface of teeth within hours of eating. In only a few days, that plaque can harden into tartar (calculus) above and below the gumline, causing damage to the bone and soft tissue around teeth.

Toy and small dogs, Brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs, senior dogs and dogs with compromised
immune systems are prone to dental disease. Photo: ThamKC | Getty Images

Fortunately, it also doesn’t take long to brush a dog’s teeth: one minute a day. Yet fewer than 10% of people brush their canine’s canines regularly. Busting some myths helps explain why you should:

A dog’s mouth is cleaner than a human’s mouth, right? Wrong. This myth might have originated from the fact that zoonotic diseases (those transmitted from dogs to humans) are relatively rare compared to the myriad illnesses humans contract from each other through saliva. But that rarity is due, in part, to dogs and humans having only about 5% of the same mouth bacteria. And let’s admit that dogs eat and lick all kinds of gross things.

Wolves don’t brush their teeth, so dogs don’t need their teeth brushed either, right? Wrong again. The dog’s wild canid cousins eat a different diet from domesticated dogs, including hard things like raw bones and tree bark that help scrape teeth clean. In addition, many of the processed foods and treats pet dogs eat contain carbohydrates (sugar) — sometimes as much as 70%. And bacteria feed on sugar. What’s more, wolves live an average of 6 to 8 years compared to 10 to 13 years for dogs, so a wolf’s teeth experience less wear and tear and don’t have to last as long.

A dog’s instinct to lick his wounds proves that dog saliva is healthy, doesn’t it? Not quite. While a dog’s saliva contains some anti-bacterial enzymes, much of the healing that results from licking is because it cleans the wound and stimulates new cell growth.

Dog saliva contains fewer bacteria than human saliva, correct? Nope. Dog and human mouths house about the same number of different types of bacteria (around 600). While dog saliva is more alkaline than human saliva, any dark, moist, warm environment like the mouth is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.

Brush up on brushing

Not sure how to brush your dog’s teeth? Here are some tips to get you started. Try to start young (dogs generally have their adult teeth by 30 weeks), and acclimate your dog to brushing in stages and brief sessions:

1. Start by touching the teeth and gums with your fingers.
2. Next, touch the brush to his teeth.
3. Let your dog taste a bit of the toothpaste.
4. Brush in circles slowly and gently along the gumline and teeth.
5. Focus on outer surfaces but, if possible, brush all teeth surfaces.
6. Brush for 30 seconds on each side.
7. Praise your dog throughout, and offer a reward when done.
8. Rinse brushes well, replace every few months and do not share among dogs.

Tools with teeth

Toothbrushes should have soft bristles, and the head should be an appropriate size for your dog’s mouth. Dog toothbrushes include ones with angled heads, long handles and multiple heads of differing sizes. Finger brushes fit on the end of your finger, and three-sided brushes clean all tooth surfaces at once. You also can use a child’s toothbrush or a strip of gauze around your finger. Brush bottom and top teeth, starting in the front and moving to the back.

Unlike you, your dog will swallow the toothpaste, so always use toothpaste formulated for dogs. Canine toothpaste comes in flavors that appeal to dogs, like bacon, beef, chicken, peanut butter and salmon. Never use baking soda (it can cause digestive upset) or human toothpaste (some are high in sodium and some contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs). Ask your veterinarian, and look for the Veterinary Oral Health Council seal on products.

Brush off

In addition to brushing, these products can help reduce plaque and tartar:

• Dental and teeth wipes
• Dental-formula dog foods
• Oral-hygiene treats and enzymatic chews
• Dental-care water and food additives
• Oral gels, sprays and foams
• Textured, rope and floss chew toys

Give your dog something to smile about by keeping his pearly whites white while preventing or slowing oral disease. If you’ve been brushing aside brushing, now is a great time to start: February is National Pet Dental Health Month.

Top photograph: luriiSokolov | Getty Images

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Helping to Feed Pets in Need

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Have you ever opened a new bag of dog food, and your pup turns up her nose? It’s happened many times at my house — in fact, I’m convinced that my Chiweenie is the pickiest eater on the planet.

If she only knew how lucky she is. After speaking to Eileen Lambert, executive director of Colorado Pet Pantry, a food bank for animals, I learned that many dogs don’t get the luxury of being picky eaters. They are lucky if they get a meal at all.

“I have clients tell me they have to make a choice between paying rent and their utilities and buying pet food,” says Eileen, who started the Denver-based nonprofit in 2013 when, as a shelter volunteer, she noticed dogs were consistently given up because their owners couldn’t afford to take care of them.

Now, Eileen and her team have grown Colorado Pet Pantry into the largest pet food bank in the country, she says, with 45 locations throughout Colorado, plus 90 donation bins at local businesses. By collecting donations, such as that opened bag of dog food that your dog refuses to eat, in 2019, the organization fed 3.7 million meals to pets.

Colorado Pet Pantry is the largest pet food bank in the country and fed 3.7 million meals to pets in 2019. Photo: Steve Hostetler/Colorado Pet Pantry

Benefiting pets, owners and shelters

Pet food isn’t covered under food stamps or other subsidized programs, yet it’s frequently requested at food banks for people. Pet owners end up using food allocated for themselves to feed their animals, says Eileen, who found that by giving out pet food, it frees up money for other pet costs like housing and vet expenses.

This, in turn, keeps these pets — sometimes a homeless person’s sole companion — out of the shelters.

“If we can keep an animal in its loving home, that’s truly the best situation for everyone,” she says, adding that it costs shelters about $500 — between intake, food, boarding, training and vet care — to rehome an animal.

Getting food to the pups who need it

The pet food banks are set up similarly to human food banks with the goal of covering 50 percent of people’s pet food costs, Eileen says of this traditional charity model that encourages people to work out their own expenses for half the year and get back on their feet.

Some of the pet pantry’s larger locations, situated near human food banks, can hold enough food to feed 100 to 200 animals per month.

The organization also partners with housing complexes, shelters, universities, senior centers and other nonprofits to distribute food, typically through a volunteer point person, to have it available for individuals who frequent those locations.

“It’s extremely efficient,” Eileen says.

For more information on the Colorado Pet Food Pantry, see coloradopetpantry.org. Photo: Steve Hostetler/Colorado Pet Pantry

Donations

Much of the food that the pet pantry distributes was on its way to the landfill, discarded by owners of picky pets or companies that changed their packaging label or have damaged goods, for example, if the packaging got wet on a delivery truck while it was raining. Eileen partners with these companies and local pet stores that donate their kibble that’s about to expire and can’t be sold on the shelves.

She also collects other dog supplies, such as collars, leashes and toys.

The animal welfare share program

The supplies are kept in a warehouse, and in 2017 Eileen had the idea of sharing them with local animal welfare organizations, which, ultimately, are all working toward the same cause.

“The animal rescues don’t need to spend hard-owned donations on dog food,” she says, adding that it’s also a place where these organizations can store supplies like crates for transports that they might need occasionally.

“It’s become a library,” she says of the 87 organizations that participate.

The program is still growing as Eileen expands outreach and opens more food banks across the state.

“It gives everyone a way to work together,” she says. “Let’s do this for the animals.”

#PawsForThisCause: What you can do to help

• Check for a pet pantry in your area. Most cities have one. If not, ask your local shelter if it has a pet-food donation program.
• Consider your local human food bank. “Most human food banks are very grateful if you bring pet food in,” Eileen says.
• The most-needed item is kibble because it’s easy to transport and has a long shelf life.
• Set up a pet food drive. Raise awareness in your community by asking friends and family to donate their expired or discarded pet food, treats and old supplies.
• Always check with your local shelter before dropping off food. Not all shelters are able to collect dog food, and it oftentimes becomes a hassle for them to transport it elsewhere.

Top photograph: Steve Hostetler/Colorado Pet Pantry

The post Helping to Feed Pets in Need 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.

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