PUPPY WORLD

Thursday, July 9, 2020

Hot Products for Summer

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

Fresh Breath By TropiClean Dental Trial Kit
Finally, an easy way for your dog to have clean teeth and a healthy mouth! The kit provides pet parents with a two-week supply of Fresh Breath Clean Teeth Oral Care Gel that helps remove plaque and tartar, plus Fresh Breath Oral Care Water Additive that helps provide up to 12 hours of fresh breath. $5.99 | TropiClean Pet Products; tropiclean.com

The Dog Walker Hoodie
Dog walkers will love this soft, high-quality hoodie with built-in storage compartments. Now you can bring along poop bags, treats, balls, wipes, your cellphone and anything else you would need on the walk, all fitting nicely into the six internal compartments. Available in gray, navy, charcoal and solid black and in sizes S-XXL. $85 | The_Hoodie; thehoodie.com

Raining Cats and Dogs Designer Umbrella
It’s raining, it’s pouring and these umbrellas aren’t boring! With bright, happy colors featuring pop art portraits, the umbrellas also include the iconic New York City skyline. Umbrellas have auto open and close features for one-handed operation. Come in purple, green, yellow, red, blue or black. $24.99 | Sabyloo; sabyloo.com

CLEAR2O Garden & Pet Water Hose Filter
Reduce the amount of chlorine and sediments in your outdoor water
supply before giving water to your pets. This filter reduces contaminants like lead, rust, chlorine and other sediments, as well as herbicides, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, industrial wastes and perfluorooctanoic acids (PFOAs). It also eliminates foul odor and taste, so your pets will drink more. The filter attaches directly to any standard water hose connection. $34.99 | CLEAR2O; clear2o.com

Wash Your Paws Womens’ V-Neck Shirt
Spread the love and the message with this adorable tri-blend, v-neck T-shirt. The fabric is lightweight without being too thin. Comes in three colors: Sage, Heather Lavender and Dusty Rose, plus sizes S-3XL. Wash Your Paws also comes in
a cat version, on a Unisex Hoodie, Crewneck, French Terry and more. $26.99 | Inkopious; inkopious.com

Scoob! Mystery Machine Pet Carrier
There’s no mystery to why Scooby Doo fans will love this stylish pet carrier. Constructed of durable quilted polyester, it has five mesh panels for ventilation and easy viewing, a clip on the inside to attach a collar, two durable tote-style handles and a removable base pad. The top entry has a U-shaped zipper and velcro closures with an extra ventilation option, while the back entry has a vertical zipper closure featuring a Scoob! logo charm and velcro closure. Exterior dimensions 171/2 by 11 by 11 inches. Available at Amazon and Buckle-Down. $59.99 | Buckle-Down; shop.buckle-down.com

Jax & Calie Paw and Body Wipes
Great for dog lovers on the go or just taking along walking the dog, these individually wrapped wipes are super convenient. Hypoallergenic and vegan, the extra-large, super thick and textured wipe can be put to the test — one wipe for four paws. Cleanses, nourishes and protects using vitamins B3 and E. Perfect for eliminating dirt, allergens, bacteria and other potential carcinogens from being tracked into the home or licked off the paw. $6.59 | Jax & Cali; jax-cali.myshopify.com

The Pioneer Woman Dog Treats
Inspired by The Pioneer Woman, these latest flavors are made with simple, natural ingredients and real meat as the No. 1 ingredient. The treats are also grain-free with no corn, wheat or soy. The three new flavors are Beef & Veggies Recipe Jerky Sticks, Chicken CranApple Recipe Jerky Sticks and Chicken Tots Recipe Bites. Available online and at mass, grocery and pet-specialty retailers in 5-ounce and 16-ounce pouches. $5-$14 | Purina; purina.com/pioneer-woman

SYNLawn Super Yarn Artificial Grass
Dogs can romp and play while pet owners have no muss or fuss. Don’t have your own yard? Install pet-friendly artificial turf on a deck, patio or balcony. No mud or dirt, no mess — but you do get Sanitized Silver-Based Technology to help eliminate pet odors and provide long-lasting protection. Designed for little to big dogs, for small pet areas to large yards for owners with small or large budgets. Call for quote | SYNLawn; SYNlawn.com

Boss Dog Brand Raw Goat Milk
Give your dog the moisture and nutrition he needs with raw goat milk to be given to your pet on his food or as a treat. It contains both DHA and taurine to help your pet maintain healthy skin and a shiny coat, plus help with digestion of fats and heart function. Certified humane and does not have any artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. Comes in 16- or 32-ounce bottles. $9.99 and $19.99 | Boss Dog Brand; bossdogbrand.com

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How Much Water Should a Dog Drink a Day?

The post How Much Water Should a Dog Drink a Day? by Dogster HQ 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 owners leave water out for their dogs all the time with the thought that their dogs will drink as much, or as little, as they need. But how much water should a dog drink? Monitoring your dog’s water intake can improve his health, prevent illness and more. While some dogs naturally do this on their own, some either under-drink or over-drink. Too little water can lead to dehydration in dogs, kidney stones, organ failure and even death. Drinking too much water can lead to stomach bloat, electrolyte imbalances, and Hyponatremia (water toxicity).

Also, keep in mind that if your dog is under-drinking or over-drinking, it could be a sign of an underlying illness. Under-drinking can indicate parvo, leptospirosis or pancreatitis. Over-drinking can signify a bladder infection, another type of infection or diabetes. Have your vet check your dog if he’s doing either.

How much water should a dog drink? It depends on several factors. Photography ©Chalabala | Thinkstock.

How Much Water Should a Dog Drink? Some Optimal Drinking Guidelines

How much water should a dog drink daily? How much and how carefully you have to monitor him depends on several factors:

Size: On the average, a healthy dog drinks about 1/2 to 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight per day.
Food: A healthy diet is as important as water and the type of food your dog eats affects his water intake. Dogs that eat only dry food will need a little more water than those that eat canned. Also, avoid ingredients that can artificially increase your dog’s thirst such as sodium.
Age: Puppies need about a 1/2 cup every two hours and need to be closely monitored. Senior dogs tend to naturally monitor themselves.
Exercise: Bring water along on any exercise excursion with your dog. The bottles that have the drop down cup work well. After exercise, give your dog ice cubes to start and then just a little water at a time to prevent bloat.
Weather: Summer means more panting which means an increase in water intake.
Medications: Check with your vet to see if you need to decrease or increase your dog’s water intake while taking a medication.

Checking for Dehydration in Dogs and Over-hydration in Dogs

When answering the question, “how much water should a dog drink,” we must also discuss dehydration and over-hydration. To look for dehydration in dogs, grab a piece of skin at the back of your dog’s neck. Stretch it out, then let it go. A properly hydrated dog’s skin will snap quickly back into place, while the skin of a dehydrated dog will return slowly and form a “tent” in the process. You can also check your dog’s gums for dehydration — wet, slippery gums are healthy. Dull, sticky gums suggest dehydration.

Dogs who over-hydrate will often vomit, act confused or become lethargic.

Insuring Proper Hydration for Your Dog

Now that we’ve answered the question, “how much water should a dog drink,” let’s talk about how to manage under-drinkers and over-drinkers. There are a few ways to manage these pooches:

Under-Drinkers

Behavior Modification: Whenever your dog goes to get a drink, praise him and give him a treat.
Strategic Placement: Keep water near his bed, near his food and anywhere he normally plants himself.
Up the Flavor: There are flavor packets such as chicken, bacon and beef that you can add to your dog’s water to make it more tempting.
Break Out the Broth: If your dog is refusing to drink water, offer him some chicken or beef broth. Gradually add plain water into the mixture.

Over-Drinkers

Let Them Lick: “Lick” bottles, like the ones used for horses, can limit how much water your dog takes in. Also, you can monitor the amount they are drinking easily.
Free Refills: You can still leave water out in a bowl for your dog but you need to ration it during the day. This means several refills so someone needs to be home to oblige.
Automate It: The problem with most automatic water dispensers is they fill up whenever the water gets low so you can’t control the amount. One option is to use an automatic feeder instead, the kind that opens separate compartments at specified times.
What’s Up Doc: For nighttime control, try using a rabbit water feeder in your dog’s crate.

Clean Water For Your Dog

To help insure that the water supply for both humans and canines is protected, you can do one simple action — clean up after your dog. And by providing a healthy diet and the right amount of clean water to your pooch, you can prevent illness and promote health. For as Mark Twain says, “Water, taken in moderation, cannot hurt anybody.”

Worried that you’re not getting enough water? Don’t know why drinking water is important? Check out 6 reasons to stay hydrated >>

Top Photography ©K_Thalhofer | Thinkstock.

This piece was originally published in 2017.

Check out other helpful articles about dog health Dogster:

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Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Dog Snorting — Why It Happens and What to Do About It

The post Dog Snorting — Why It Happens and What to Do About It by Jennifer Lesser 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.

Our four-legged friends are adorable, but sometimes the sounds they make are anything but. Dogs of all ages, lifestyles and breeds make snorting sounds from time to time, but if you find yourself wondering, “Why is my dog snorting?” often or if dog snorting is unusual for your pooch, here are a few factors that could be at play — and what you should do about dog snorting!

What causes dog snorting? Photography ©BiMKA | Thinkstock.

Dog Snorting — What Causes It?

For some pet parents, those dog snorting sounds are just a part of life. If you happen to share your home with a Pug, Pekingese, Shih Tzu, Bulldog or another brachycephalic breed (think any dog with a “pushed-in face”), your dog will likely snort from time to time because of his flat, wide skull shape.

“Brachycephalic pets have a higher risk of respiratory illness, given that they have smaller openings to their nasal passages, narrower tracheas that can collapse, and long, soft palates,” explains Dr. Kathryn Boyle, DVM, Banfield Pet Hospital. “These attributes are part of why brachycephalic breeds tend to snore and snort more than other breeds.” She notes that the nasal issues often associated with these dogs can also put your pet at an increased risk of overheating, pneumonia and severe respiratory distress.

“At best, brachycephalic dogs have noisy, everyday breathing when they exert themselves through exercise or when they’re overheated in warm weather,” adds Dr. Heidi Houchen, DVM, VCA Northwest Veterinary Specialists. “They often snore when sleeping and snort when excited … and if a dog is severely affected by their upper airway abnormalities, they may cough, gag, retch or vomit — and may even collapse when they are overheated, overexcited or exert themselves.”

What If You Notice Your Dog Snorting Suddenly?

If your pet has suddenly starting snorting, or is not a brachycephalic breed, Dr. Heather N. Mitchell, DVM, Animal Health Clinic in North Dakota, warns that both dog snoring and dog snorting can be early signs that there’s something blocking your pet’s nasal passages, such as an infection, inhaled plant material or a mass. “If the snoring or snorting continues for a while, it definitely warrants a check over with a veterinarian,” she advises.

Just like in humans, common allergens can cause respiratory issues. If your pet is suddenly snorting and you’ve noticed that your eyes are watering or you’re sneezing more than usual, your pet is probably suffering from the same seasonal allergies you are. In addition to allergies, dogs may also have difficulty breathing — or make more noise when they breathe — as a result of weather changes or other environmental factors. “Remember that pets are sensitive to the same things as people, such as allergens, high humidity, hot or cold temperatures, and smoke,” Dr. Boyle says. “If you are uncomfortable, you pet is likely also uncomfortable.”

Dog snorting may also happen on occasion for reasons that don’t require medication or even a trip to the vet. According to Dr. Houchen, some examples include when you hear your pet “reverse sneeze.” This is a dog’s normal reaction to the mucosal lining of their nasopharynx being irritated, she explains. “Only very rarely does a dog ‘reverse sneeze’ so persistently that it requires a trip to the vet,” Dr. Houchen adds. “In those instances, medication to decrease inflammation may be administered.”

Can You Prevent Dog Snorting?

If your Bulldog has always made snorting sounds, there’s probably not much you can do about it … unless the snorting becomes frequent and more severe. “If, despite an owner’s best efforts, a brachycephalic dog is having more difficulty breathing on more frequent occasions or with decreasing amounts of stress … a veterinarian will fully examine and assess the pet to determine if surgery could be warranted or bring some relief to the effort of breathing,” Dr. Houchen notes. Surgical options for dog snorting would include opening the narrowed nasal passages, removing the laryngeal pouches and shortening the soft palate.

Pet owners should also remain aware of doing anything that might make dog snorting worse. Dr. Boyle advises using harnesses instead of collars when walking to prevent putting additional pressure on a dog’s neck. “We also recommend keeping these dogs in more controlled temperatures and environments, such as in the air conditioning on warmer days,” she says. Dr. Houchen notes that helping your pet maintain a healthy weight can also help lessen any dog snorting, as obesity tends to worsen these symptoms.

In some cases, determining any outside factors that may cause dog snorting is the only prevention. “Being aware of what your dog is sniffing can sometimes help … but as every dog owner knows, sometimes that’s not possible,” Dr. Mitchell says.

Treating Dog Snorting

If your dog’s snorting has gotten severe or is caused by a more serious issue, such as a foreign body, you may need to treat it. Whether the dog snorting is caused by chronic rhinitis, a nasal or sinus mass, an anatomic abnormality or bleeding, Dr. Houchen notes that your veterinarian will conduct a workup with the goal of assessing clotting status or determining the presence of bacterial or viral infections, sedating and examining of the nasal passages and upper airway, assessing nasal secretions for the presence of bacteria, fungi, or parasites, taking x-rays of the skull or performing a rhinoscopy.

Depending on what your veterinarian finds, she may recommend medications such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatories, or surgery to remove polyps or masses. “The prognosis is highly dependent on what is found during that workup — finding a small, benign polyp that will eliminate a respiratory situation upon removal will warrant a good prognosis, while discovering a highly invasive cancerous mass carries a poorer prognosis,” Dr. Houchen concludes.

Top photograph: 19msa05 | iStock / Getty Images Plus.

Monday, July 6, 2020

How to Survive a Puppy

The post How to Survive a Puppy by Victoria Stilwell 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.

Bringing a puppy into your home is an exciting time, but it also comes with challenges, some of which you might not anticipate. Don’t worry! If you already feel like you have taken on more than you can handle, you’re not alone. Millions of people have been in the same boat as you, and they made it through. You can do the same.

Make puppy feel secure

The first couple of nights in a new home can be very strange for a puppy, and it’s important that she feels secure enough to sleep. Set up a crate or enclosed area next to your bed to reassure your puppy she is not alone. Adding a cuddly toy or warm hot water bottle close to her while she sleeps will help. To begin with, it’s likely that your pup will need to toilet at least once during the night, so be ready to get up briefly and take her to her pad or to toilet outside.

Nighttime outings will decrease as she begins to sleep through the night. You can have your puppy sleep in bed with you, but be careful that you wake up before she has an accident. Once she
is sleeping through the night you can move her to a permanent sleeping area if appropriate.

Introduce your puppy to experiences she is likely to have in her life, but don’t overwhelm her. Too much human attention at this stage could teach her to avoid people as she grows, so schedule visits appropriately. Getting your puppy used to being touched by different people, though, is very important, because it builds a bond and enables you, your family, the veterinarian, groomer or doggie daycare worker to handle her safely.

You can also teach your puppy to cope with uncomfortable situations she is likely to experience throughout her life, such as strangers coming up to greet her, wearing a muzzle or having a surgical collar placed around her neck. These might seem odd things to practice so early, but it’s essential for building resilience and helping your puppy cope better when she is faced with these situations in the future.

If you don’t have a muzzle, teach your pup to put her mouth into a plastic party cup, by spreading some peanut butter or cheese at the end of it so she has to put her muzzle inside to lick the food out. This allows her to experience what it’s like to have her mouth confined for a moment, something that
can be very scary for dogs if they have never experienced that feeling before.

Photo: AndreaObzerova | Getty Images

Ease stranger danger

Human greeting behavior can also be threatening, but build up your pup’s tolerance to being touched by strangers by doing the following:

Stand in front of your puppy. Lean over her and as you do so, praise her and give her a piece of food.
Keep repeating this action until your puppy is relaxed with you leaning over her.
As you lean forward and give her food, take your other hand and pet her on the top of the head.
Keep praising her and telling her what a good girl she is.
Repeat this exercise a few times as long as your pup is comfortable. If at any time your puppy looks uncomfortable, stop and go back to the level she was comfortable with, and build up again slowly.
If your puppy accepts this movement, gradually increase distance by walking away, turning around, walking toward her, bending down and touching her on the head.
Once she accepts this approach, repeat the exercise while talking and smiling at your puppy.
Add a bit more energy and enthusiasm into your greeting, exactly like a well-meaning person does when greeting your puppy for the first time.
Once your puppy accepts your approach, practice with other people she knows before asking friends she hasn’t met to come say hello.

Teach independence

While it’s important that your puppy is able to follow you around (encourage this, as it’s a great foundation for teaching a good recall), make sure there are times when she is separated from you.
Independence training teaches your pup to cope when you are away from home. This might mean you close the door when you are in the bathroom or leave her in the kitchen for a time even when
you’re home. Go on short outings away from the home so she experiences the environment without you being there.

Once your puppy has reached about six months of age she will enter the next phase of her life. You can breathe a small sigh of relief because you survived puppyhood, but don’t relax quite yet. Now you get to enjoy an even greater challenge. Adolescence!

Top photograph: smrm1977 | Getty Images

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American Foxhound

The post American Foxhound 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.

The American Foxhound, a made-in-the-USA breed, is an exceptionally athletic yet gentle and affectionate friend. Renowned for his harmonious howls and hearty bays, the Foxhound gives voice when he’s trailing prey. Or sometimes just for fun!

A revolutionary heritage

One of our oldest but now rarest breeds, the American Foxhound’s ancestors date back to George Washington and the American Revolution. Our country’s founding father, whose lifestyle mirrored the British gentry, eagerly participated in traditional foxhunts. Washington was also an enthusiastic dog breeder. He kept a pack of hounds bred from British (and French) imports, and recorded in-depth details about his breeding program. Washington gave his dogs inventive names, including Sweet Lips, Tipsy and Vulcan. Over time, the tall and light American Foxhound became a distinct breed from its earlier cousin, the English Foxhound.

Photo: Zoonar/S.Heap | Getty Images

Hunting heritage

In traditional fox hunting, horsemen ride after hounds that find the scent of a fox. When hounds catch the scent, they chase until the quarry goes to ground or is lost.

Farmers and ranchers often view fox (and coyote) as pests; fox and coyote kill chicken, young sheep, calves, dogs and cats indiscriminately. In the United States, according to the Masters of Foxhounds Association, the sport of fox hunting, however, isn’t meant to control fox populations. Instead, the emphasis is on watching two adversaries since the beginning of time: the fox and the hound.

Activity level: impressively high!

Happiest running full throttle after he catches a scent, the American Foxhound thrives with an energetic lifestyle. He’s a great partner for a family that enjoys running, hiking and action. While he can live in cities if exercised extensively, the American Foxhound’s ideal home has a big, fenced yard. He can participate in obedience sports, but out in the field his hunting instincts will override his classroom lessons. Because of his strong prey drive and independent streak, the American Foxhound isn’t generally reliable off leash. He’ll trail a good scent first, and follow his owner’s call later.

Photo: DevidDO | Getty Images

In the home

Especially when raised in homes from puppyhood, American Foxhounds are usually patient and good-natured with children. And since they were developed to work with other dogs, they thrive in multi-dog families. Some American Foxhounds tolerate cats, but others may not; they were, after all, bred to hunt small animals.

Managing the American Foxhound’s single-minded prey drive may challenge novice hound owners.

The breed can be stubborn and self-determining. Owners also may find curtailing the breed’s vocals a challenging endeavor. But after all, who can fault the breed for their characteristic hound-dog musicality?

The American Foxhound is generally quite social. Since they’re non-suspicious and non-territorial in nature, they’re certainly not guard dogs. They’re also rarely standout watchdogs. Unless, of course, they’re watching for foxes!

Foxhound Facts

Weight: 60 to 70 pounds (females are smaller)
Life span: 11 to 13 years
Coat: A medium-length, close, hard coat
Color: Any color
Grooming: A rather easy-care breed, weekly brushing and wipe downs suffice.
Shedding: Yes, indeed!
Eyes: Large, soft eyes with a gentle, irresistible, pleading expression.
Four types: Field-trial hounds show great speed and spirit. Fox-hunting hounds are known to work slowly and give voice. Trail hounds hunt or race following artificial lures. Pack hounds work in packs with hunters on horseback.
Famous for: State dog of Virginia
Best for: Active singles or families with children; runners and hunters, country-living owners. Experienced families that won’t be deterred by the Foxhound’s stubborn streak.
Possible health issues: Hip and elbow dysplasia, ear issues, allergies
Proposed breed quote: “Be active, be healthy, be happy.”

Top photograph: Sheila Brown | Getty Images

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Thursday, July 2, 2020

Fireworks & Pets: Tips for a Low-Stress Holiday

The post Fireworks & Pets: Tips for a Low-Stress Holiday by Dogster HQ 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.

This is a guest post by great Dogster friend Molly Kenefick, founder and manager of Doggy Lama Pet Care

Independence Day is almost here, and while we humans may love a good fireworks display, our dogs (and other pets, too) may feel as if those loud, unpredictable sounds signal the coming of the end of the world. Our dogs may suddenly do things weve never known them to do, but with a little preparation and forethought, we can make our nations birthday a relatively safe, easy, and relaxing holiday for us and our pets. Here are some tips to help ensure you and your dog have a low-stress holiday:

Never take your dog to a firework display.
If at all possible, be home with your dog when you think fireworks will be going off. No one wants to be alone when theyre afraid.
If you cant stay home with your dog when fireworks are scheduled to go off, bring him inside. If your dog is terrified, he may be able to perform amazing feats of strength and agilityhe may climb a fence you didnt think he could climb, or dig underneath one when hes never shown interest in digging before. Dont take that chance.
To help drown out the sound of the fireworks, put on a classical music radio station, which is much more soothing than television. Start to leave that station on now when you go outbefore the holidayso that he gets used to it.
Make sure you leave plenty of water out. A stressed-out dog needs to drink extra water to stay cool.
Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise on the days around the fourth of Julya tired dog will be less anxious than one with plenty of energy and no way to express it.
Take your evening walk a bit earlier (before it gets dark)youll be less likely to be caught outside your home or yard when there are fireworks going off in your neighbors backyard.
If your dog has an anxiety attack because of fireworks, do not soothe and comfort your dog. That sounds cruel, but rewarding an anxious animal with lots of touch and love is just reinforcing anxious behavior. Its better to be cheerful and seem in controlthat encourages your dog to think that whatever is happening is not a big deal.
Make sure your dog is wearing his identification at all times. Some owners remove collars when their dog is in the house. Thats usually fine to do, but a terrified dog may uncharacteristically bolt out the door when given an opportunity to do so. If your dog ends up on the street or in the pound, you want him to be wearing his identification. (Pets should be micro-chipped as well as wearing up-to-date identification tags.)
Have some Bachs Rescue Remedy on hand. This is a safe, anti-anxiety flower remedy. Put a few drops in his water twice a day. (If possible, give your pets filtered wateran inexpensive Brita water filter is fine. Make sure you wash out pet food and water bowls at least every other day to reduce bacterial growth.) Another popular holistic remedy is a plug-in product, Comfort Zone with Dog Appeasing Pheromone, or D.A.P., said to reduce stress-related behavior.
Make your dog a cozy dark den to hide away in. Some dogs will follow their owners around the house and others will need to hide away. Put a blanket and a favorite toy in a closet in case your dog falls into the latter category.
If youre home with your dog when fireworks are going off, you can try to entertain and distract your dog. You might break out the treat-filled Kong, the extra-special toys, or play hide-and-go-seek.
If you know a dog very well who isnt afraid of fireworks, schedule an inside-at-night sleepover play-date with him. Your dog will get the message from the other dog that its not a big deal, and, coupled with your calm and confident behavior, will be much happier than otherwise. (You should only do this with a dog with whom you already have a very solid relationship with.)

Keep in mind that our neighbors and surrounding towns may be setting off fireworks in the days leading up to the Fourth of July and past that date. For that reason, pet-owners need to be vigilant for the days and nights surrounding the holiday.

Here’s wishing you and yours a wonderful and safe holiday!

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Wednesday, July 1, 2020

Dug Up at Dogster — July 2020 Dog Events

The post Dug Up at Dogster — July 2020 Dog Events by Melissa L. Kauffman appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren't considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Looking for things to do with your dog this July? Look no more —peruse Dogster’s list of July 2020 dog events for the latest dog happenings. Don’t see your July 2020 dog event? Email us at dogstermag@email.com so we can add it to the list.

PLEASE NOTE: Some July 2020 dog events may have gone virtual, been changed or cancelled due to COVID-19. Please check the event organizer for the latest information on the event.

July 1, 2020: ID Your Pet Day

Many dogs don’t like the 4th of July celebrations due to all the loud bangs and booms hurting their sensitive ears. © Melissa L Kauffman

There is a reason this July dog holiday observance falls right before Independence Day, the biggest day of the year for pets to go missing. Having up-to-date ID can make all the difference on whether a pet finds his way back home. Update the tag information on your pup’s collar, make sure it’s not loose, and update your information with his microchip company. Dog not microchipped? Time to make it happen. Let’s make sure all lost pets find their way home.

July 4, 2020: Foster City Parks and Recreation’s 2020 Virtual Dog Contest

One of Foster City, California’s most beloved events of the Fourth of July Celebration is the annual dog parade. Vote for the winner in the categories of Most Patriotic, Dog/Owner Look Alike, Most Handsome, Most Beautiful, Best Trick and Fastest Eater online on @FosterCityRecreation Facebook page on Saturday, July 4, from 11a.m. to 2p.m.

July 4, 2020: Bend, Oregon’s Virtual July 4^th Pet Parade

Celebrate the 88-year tradition of the Bend Pet Parade with the Bend Park and Recreation District July 4th Virtual Pet Parade, a televised NewsChannel 21 special featuring shared videos. Dress up and decorate with your pets! Film it and share it in one of 5 categories at ktvz.com/petparade. Categories are: Large Dogs, Small Dogs, Cats, Wagons & Wheels, and All Other Pets. Keep video submissions to 60 seconds or less. More at visitbend.com.

July 25, 2020 — August 8, 2020: America’s VetDogs Virtual 6^th Annual Long Island Run & Dog Walk

Make a difference in the lives of veterans one step at a time by walking or running in this fun fundraiser. Rate is $20 to register. You’ll receive a confirmation message with app to download and track your mileage. America’s VetDogs encourages all participants to fundraise by asking family, friends and colleagues to sponsor your efforts. All proceeds assist America’s VetDogs mission to help veterans with disabilities live a life without boundaries. More at vetdogs.org.

July 31, 2020: National Mutt Day

This holiday observance was created in 2005 to get people to embrace, save and celebrate mixed breed dogs. It’s celebrated twice each year: on July 31^st and December 2^nd. For more on how to celebrated mixed breed dogs, check out nationalmuttday.com.

Via Dogster https://www.dogster.com

Thursday, July 9, 2020

How Much Water Should a Dog Drink? Some Optimal Drinking Guidelines

Checking for Dehydration in Dogs and Over-hydration in Dogs

Insuring Proper Hydration for Your Dog

Under-Drinkers

Over-Drinkers

Clean Water For Your Dog

Check out other helpful articles about dog health Dogster:

Wednesday, July 8, 2020

Dog Snorting — What Causes It?

What If You Notice Your Dog Snorting Suddenly?

Can You Prevent Dog Snorting?

Treating Dog Snorting

Read Next: How to Understand and Help Your Noise-Phobic Dog

Monday, July 6, 2020

Make puppy feel secure

Ease stranger danger

Teach independence

A revolutionary heritage

Hunting heritage

Activity level: impressively high!

In the home

Foxhound Facts

Thursday, July 2, 2020

Wednesday, July 1, 2020

July 1, 2020: ID Your Pet Day