Guide to How to Train a Pit bull and Why It Is So Important

The post Guide to How to Train a Pit bull and Why It Is So Important by Rachel Brix, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP (trainer) 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.

Raising a pit bull so he’s friendly and confident involves committing to socialization. Training your pit bull not to bite and to be well socialized around other dogs is non-negotiable. And because pit bulls have a stigma, being a responsible pet parent is part of the pittie package.

What’s a pit bull?

Pit bull isn’t a breed, but rather a collection of breeds, who descended from crossing terriers with bulldogs. Pit bulls and several other dogs with similar histories and appearances are also categorized as bully breeds, but pit bulls are commonly considered to be:

• American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT)
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• American Bulldog (American Bully)

Raising and socializing a pit bull puppy

The importance of socialization for all puppies can’t be overstated, but it’s especially true for pit bulls. Socialization is the process of systematically and positively introducing puppies to literally everything in our human-centric world, especially people and other animals.

This is particularly critical during the sensitive (or primary) socialization period between 3 to 14 weeks old, where a puppy’s brain is most like a sponge. Dog breeders and dog rescues care for puppies during much of this time, so select one that has a dynamic socialization program, since you’ll pick up where they leave off.

Within the sensitive period is the first fear period, between 8 to 12 weeks, when puppies can develop lasting negative associations and fear, especially toward people and other dogs. So, if an activity or situation/environment starts to go south:

• Stay calm and keep good mojo flowing
• Remove the offensive stimulus (or the puppy) from the situation
• Turn the situation into a happy time: give treats, belly rubs, etc.
• Follow up immediately with a quick fetch of the ball, tug of the toy or other fun activity
• Don’t punish the fear of a “new thing” — help relieve it!

While genetics play a big role in behavior, so do environment and learning history. All pit bulls are not born dog aggressive, but the potential exists for dog-dog aggression more so than in other breeds. So, set up your pup’s environment for success and only use rewards-based methods to create a foundation for life-long learning.

Socialization continues into adolescence, although the landscape looks a bit different. In short, from roughly 6 to 12 plus months of age, puppies go through “puberty,” test boundaries and begin to display breed-specific traits. Adolescents may also go through a second fear period which lasts about 2 to 3 weeks but, unlike the primary period, you can’t nail down the timeline. You’ll know if he’s in this phase because he’ll start to act wary or fearful of things he was cool with before. Tread lightly here: even one such incident during this period can have permanent emotional effects and behavioral consequences, so make sure he floats through without any painful or scary experiences.

How to train a pit bull puppy not to bite

Don’t gloss over puppy biting or mouthing: train your pit bull puppy not to bite. Follow these four simple rules:

• DON’T ever roughhouse with him!
• Discourage any teeth on people, and never reward even playful biting.
• Even if it’s accidental, if any tooth touches any part of a person it’s game over, period.
• Mouthy pit? Give a toy instead, and ensure appropriate chew toys are always available.

To learn how to stop puppies from mouthing and nipping, check out former Dogster columnist Victoria Stilwell’s steps on how to stop this behavior.

Why an under/unsocialized and untrained pit bull can be a serious problem

Dogs who are fearful usually were not adequately or positively socialized during formative periods. Fear can lead to extreme shyness or even over reactivity and aggression. And that’s a big problem, especially for pits and possibly for you.

Pit bulls have long been branded an aggressive breed. After a 1987 Time magazine cover story portrayed them as dangerous, mainstream media latched into it. Soon afterward Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) was born and has dotted the national landscape since.

Therefore, people fear and even loathe pit bulls or any dogs who have the misfortune of looking like one. They’re often the first euthanized in shelters, even ahead of older or sickly dogs since many shelters can’t adopt them out due to local laws or pit bulls’ regrettable reputations. The good news is since 2018 nearly 70 repeals of BSL have been confirmed.

The CDC recommends against BSL and stopped tracking breeds involved in fatal dog attacks in 1998. However, anti-pit bull groups still sensationalize pit bull bite stories and tend to disproportionately attribute dog attacks to pit bulls. Pit bulls and other large dogs do cause more severe damage than do small dogs; however, bites from small dogs typically don’t require hospital visits and therefore are usually underreported. Remember: be sure part of your training and socialization includes a no-teeth-on-people approach. A biting pit bull is a huge liability to himself and you: consequences can range from quarantine to euthanasia to you landing in court.

And finding a rental for you and your pittie can be tough. However, property owners are increasingly receptive if your dog is well trained and has Canine Good Citizen certification through the AKC, which can also help you get renter’s or homeowner’s insurance. Companies who offer access to insurance policies for people with pits include:

• All State
• Farmers
• State Farm
• Nationwide
• USAA (for military families)
• Chubb

You also might consider getting dog bite insurance to protect yourself and your dog, especially if your pit is fearful, over reactive, aggressive or has a bite history. And keep your dog licensed and current on vaccinations.

Pit bull training tips

Pit bulls are highly intelligent, very trainable and require solid training and impulse control. Start by teaching your dog solid Leave it and Take it and Drop it cues.

Tug of war is the perfect game to teach impulse control because it reinforces these cues as well as sets up clear boundaries for play. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9mPoWuvnLg)

Other skills all pit bulls should know:

• Recall
• Emergency recall
• Look
• Touch
• Loose leash walking (consider no on leash greetings with other dogs)

An over-aroused dog can cause problems, so get on board with a good relaxation protocol to help your pit bull learn calm behavior for when things get jazzed up.

Finally, stay on top of any behavioral issues so things don’t get sticky and remember: having a pit bull means understanding the scrutiny your dog will be under most of the time.

Be mindful of these pit bull traits

Pit bulls require solid training and impulse control. Start by teaching your dog solid Leave it and Take it and Drop it cues ©Ksenia Raykova/Getty Images

Pit bulls were originally bred for bull and bear baiting, so a prized trait was gameness meaning to persevere regardless of threat or injury. Gameness and aggression aren’t the same: a passive winner was better than an aggressive loser. Unfortunately, this eagerness became a prized trait for dog fighters who continue to feed the stereotypes of pit bulls as vicious killers. Today’s mainstream pit bulls may possess this singlemindedness to some degree, but mainly to hang out with you: they were also bred to have deep attachments to humans.

At the end of the day, many pits are terriers. APBT’s are especially known to have high prey drive. In addition to impulse control exercises, provide an outlet for the first few parts of the prey drive sequence (eye/orient, stalk, chase) as a healthy way to let them get in touch with their instincts and provide enrichment. Try a flirt pole or even a spring pole.

Pit bulls are smart and can be high energy and high drive. A bored pittie can quickly develop behavior problems, so create a plan for both mentally and physically stimulating your dog so he has positive outlets for his energy.

Fun sports to try:

• fly ball
• parkour and other obstacle-related activities
• dock jumping
• weight pulling
• GRC (Gameness, Relationship, Control)
• cani-cross
• barn hunts or earth dog trials

Pits can even do well at agility and flying discs. Wallace the pit bull defied all odds and became a world champion disc dog winning dozens of titles.

Pit bulls aren’t for everyone and not for a first-time dog parent. Although they often get a bad rap, pits are loyal, fun-loving and wicked smart. Raising and training your pit bull to be well-socialized to other dogs and people and well-mannered goes with the territory: these breeds come with extra responsibility. Pit bulls deserve for us to be champions for them so they can be ambassadors for their breeds and themselves.

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Dog Years to Human Years: What’s the Latest Math?

The post Dog Years to Human Years: What’s the Latest Math? by Desiree Wood 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.

You’ve heard the old saying — to calculate your dog’s age in human years you multiply his age by seven. A more modern idea accounts for breed size, where small and medium-sized breeds are thought to age at a slower rate than large and giant breed dogs.

All mammals progress through the life stages of embryonic development, birth, infancy, youth, adolescence, adult and senior, but not at the same rates. The new math for determining how old a dog is in human years changes our perception of just how old our dogs are.

The latest research on converting dog years to human years

In a study published by Cell Systems, researchers from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, along with leading veterinarians, formulated a new way for determining age in dogs that, pending further research, works for multiple dog breeds.

Here’s the theory: Nuclear DNA stays the same over time, while epigenetic modifications enable cells to act differently depending on what tissue and organs they are a part of, or what stage of life the organism is in.

Methyl groups, or small molecules made of one carbon and three hydrogen atoms, attach themselves to segments of nuclear DNA to start or stop DNA activity without changing the structure. They turn them “off” or “on” to change the gene’s actions. By tracking molecular changes, scientists can determine the age of genomes by translating an individual’s methylome to an accurate estimate of age.

Do humans and dogs age in the same way?

Dogs offered a unique opportunity to the researchers. Dogs share many aspects of human life, including factors that contribute to aging, such as diet, environment and chemical exposure. Physiologically, dogs age in much the same way as humans, although quicker. The study used Labradors and compared their methylation changes to humans. It showed a nonlinear relationship that translates dog-to-human years and matches major physiological events between the two species. The predictability of these changes mapped epigenetic clocks that calculated age accurately and shaped the formula.

How do I figure out how old my dog is in human years?

The research shows that a 1-year-old dog is comparable to a 30-year-old person, while a 4-year-old dog is similar to a 52-year-old human. When a dog reaches 7 years old, his aging process slows.

To calculate the specific age of your dog, start with the natural logarithm (ln) of the dog’s age, multiply by 16 and add 31:

• Human Age = 16(ln of Dog Age) + 31.

A natural logarithm is defined as the amount of time it takes “e” units of growth, where e equals the amount of growth after one unit of time. This shows mathematically growth in babies to adolescence is quick and tapers off to a slower rate in the adult and senior years.

For example, an 8-week-old puppy is approximately 0.15 years old (8 weeks divided by 52 weeks in a year). Take the natural logarithm of 0.15, which is -1.897, and multiply by 16 to get -30.35. Add 31 and your puppy is approximately 0.65 human years old. Multiply 0.65 by 52 weeks to get 33.8 weeks, or 8.45 months. This associates the puppy with an 8-and-a-half-month-old baby, corresponding to the infant stage of development.

Improving your dog’s life expectancy

Although other dog breeds need to be researched to confirm these results apply to all dogs aside from Labradors, this study does shed light on how dogs age, which could improve their lifespan overtime based on decisions we make. Knowing how old your dog is in human years is just one part of providing the best care for your dog.

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Must Know Goldendoodle Grooming Tips

The post Must Know Goldendoodle Grooming Tips 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.

Like many of our Dogster readers, you may have ventured into at-home grooming during the pandemic, but if you’re a Goldendoodle pet parent, it’s worth putting professional grooming back on your to-do list.

Goldendoodles are very high on the list of breeds that need professional grooming regularly, plus weekly brushing at home, says Jay Spainhour, owner of Chicago’s Tucker Pups Pet Resort.

This is because the Goldendoodle is typically low-shedding — a trait she picks up from her Poodle parent — which means the hair will continue to grow and get matted if not brushed and trimmed regularly. There’s also the influence of the Retriever’s thick coat, which, depending on whether your Goldendoodle has more dominant Poodle or Golden Retriever genes, can alter the texture and grooming style of the dog.

Jay gave Dogster tips on keeping the mats out of a Goldendoodle’s coat, keeping grooming costs down and where to find Goldendoodle grooming inspiration.

Is there a standard for Goldendoodle grooming styles?

A Goldendoodle puppy gets his first grooming using the Andis Pulse ZR II Flora © agroomernamedtristian

No, there’s no standard because the Goldendoodle isn’t an official AKC breed. However, there are common styles that groomers continuously get requests for.

The most popular Goldendoodle grooming styles are:

1. Teddy bear cut: The fur on the dog’s body is trimmed a universal length, typically anywhere from a half inch to 2 inches, while the fur on the head is kept a little longer. The face remains soft and rounded.
2. Lamb cut: Similar to a teddy bear cut, but the fur on the legs is kept longer than the fur on the body. This is a more balanced look and avoids the possibility of the legs looking too skinny, explains Jay.
3. The Poodle cut: There’s a wide range of poodle cuts, but typically this involves shaving the face and feet bare and leaving a full top knot on top of the head. This cut only works on Goldendoodles who have more dominant poodle genes and therefore, a curlier coat, than Golden Retriever genes.
4. The Kennel cut: Also known as the Retriever cut, the coat is cut one length, typically less than an inch, all over the body, including the ears. This cut is ideal if the Goldendoodle participates in lots of outdoor or water activities.

How short should I cut my Goldendoodle’s hair?

Dogs who are very active do better with a shorter cut, explains Jay. He doesn’t use the term shaved Goldendoodle because it can scare people off, but instead refers to this trim as a reset cut.

Some people prefer to have their Goldendoodle’s fur reset, or cut very short, if the dog spends a lot of time outside, especially in the water. The short coat is easy to maintain, can help prevent burrs and matting and can help pet parents easily spot ticks, explains Jay.

“Reset coats can still look very attractive and the hair will grow back quickly,” he adds.

Where can I see pictures of different Goldendoodle grooming styles?
A Goldendoodle grooming chart can give you a better idea of what each fur length and style will look like. Some of these grooming guides have samples you can feel.

Groomers have personal styles for each type of cut, so communicate with your groomer about your preferences. Even better, bring a photo of a Goldendoodle into the groomer, so he can emulate the style.

What happens if my Goldendoodle’s hair is matted?

If the Goldendoodle’s hair is extremely matted, it will be necessary to reset the dog’s hair. Matting is more than a bad look. Matted fur can pull the skin, making it painful or uncomfortable when your dog moves, explains Jay. In severe cases, it can block oxygen from reaching your dog’s skin, which can cause skin conditions, such as dryness, lesions or hot spots.

The top grooming issues for Goldendoodles include:

• Matting due to lack of grooming
• Overgrown nails
• Impacted, dirty ears
• Impacted anal glands

How much does Goldendoodle grooming cost?

Prices range based on where you live and the complexity of the cut, but in general Goldendoodles are one of the more expensive types of dogs to groom. “Goldendoodles cost more than most breeds because their coats are often thicker than Poodles and more complex than Golden Retrievers,” says Jay.

At Tucker Pups Pet Resort in Chicago, a mini Goldendoodle haircut costs between $85 and $100. Standard Goldendoodles are $100 to $130. These prices include a bath, haircut, ear cleaning, nail trim and brushout. De-matting services cost extra.

At Posh Paws Salon in Seattle, Washington, prices vary based on Goldendoodle size and hair condition, but in general cost between $80 to $100 for a haircut, which is the highest among their list of breed costs. There’s a $20/half hour charge for de-matting services.

Can I groom my Goldendoodle at home?

Goldendoodles need regular brushing and professional grooming to prevent matting. This Goldendoodle was groomed with the Andis Pulse ZR II Flora. © house_of_wolves_dog_grooming

Regular home maintenance can sustain the health of your Goldendoodle’s coat and make the groomer’s job easier. However, because the Goldendoodle has higher grooming needs, Jay recommends taking regular trips to a professional groomer every 6 to 8 weeks. Here are our experts’ top home Goldendoodle grooming tips:

• Brush and comb your Goldendoodle at least three times a week. Talk to your groomer about how to properly brush your dog at home
• Bathe your dog once a month, unless your dog is extremely active outside
• Dry and brush your dog immediately after he gets wet.
• If you trim your dog’s nails at home between grooming appointments, find a safe space and a partner to help secure your dog.
• Do your research using Goldendoodle photo searches and Goldendoodle grooming charts to find the exact style you want.

Scheduled trips to the groomer come hand-in-hand with caring for a Goldendoodle. Keeping up with the home maintenance between trips to the groomer ultimately lessens your grooming costs and keeps your dog, and your family, healthy.

The post Must Know Goldendoodle Grooming Tips 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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How to Get Dog Pee Out of Your Carpet

The post How to Get Dog Pee Out of Your Carpet by Abbie Mood 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.

Even the most well-trained dog pees on the carpet sometimes. Dogs pee in the house for a variety of reasons — an infection, old age, boredom, marking or anxiety — so odds are high that you’ll have to deal with it at some point. Carpet cleaning solutions and tools are effective to combat dog pee stains and odors. For a quick fix, at-home remedies, such as hydrogen peroxide, Dawn dish soap or baking soda can be a dog parent’s best friends (other than your dog, of course).

How do I get dog pee smell out of carpet?

To ensure that your dog doesn’t make peeing a regular thing, you need to get any underlying urine smell out of the pee spots. Male dogs in particular will pee on spots that other dogs have already peed on.

To prevent a lingering urine smell, treat the accident quickly. To clean up a new, wet dog pee accident:

• Use a towel to absorb any liquid and then spray a combination of 4 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide, 2 tablespoons of lukewarm water and a few drops of Dawn dish soap onto the spot. Another homemade option is spraying one part white vinegar and one part water solution onto the pee spot, according to S&S Rug Cleaners, Inc. The vinegar neutralizes the urine smell.
• Use a towel or carpet spotter machine to agitate the area and work the dog pee out of the carpet.
• Let it set for 20 minutes and then flush out the spot with a cup of warm water and soak it up with a towel or carpet spotter machine.
• Sprinkle baking soda over top of the dog pee spot and keep it on for several hours to absorb any lingering odor.

@Cleanthatup on TikTok has some helpful videos on cleaning methods using common household products.

How do I get dried dog pee out of carpet?

Although hydrogen peroxide, Dawn dish soap or vinegar can work in a pinch, having carpet-cleaning products on hand is a good idea for any pet parent – especially when a spot may already have dried into the carpet. When dealing with a dried-on dog pee stain, Hoover spokeperson Cierra Hannah recommends first dabbing the spot with a wet paper towel and then pre-treating the stain with a product such as the Oxy Pet Urine and Stain Eliminator. Let the solution sit on the stain for 5 to 7 minutes and then use a carpet/rug cleaner, such as the Clean Slate Pet Spot, with the concentrate solution that’s included with the carpet cleaner, to permanently remove pet stains and eliminate odors.

If peeing in the house is becoming a more frequent problem, or if it comes on suddenly, reach out to your veterinarian. Urination issues can be linked to a variety of different health issues, so rule out any underlying problems first. With the right products, you can eliminate even dried dog pee stains from your carpet or rug and remove odors so it doesn’t become an on-going problem.

The post How to Get Dog Pee Out of Your Carpet by Abbie Mood 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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How to Transition Dog Food — Old to New

The post How to Transition Dog Food — Old to New by Karen Dibert 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.

Your dog may be experiencing stomach issues. Perhaps he needs to lose weight. Or, he might be getting older. No matter what the reason is, now you’re looking into switching dog food.

There is a correct way to transition dog food, which involves not switching your dog food too fast or overfeeding your dog. This will ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible and your dog enjoys his new food. Learn from the experts why it’s important to change dog food at certain times of your pup’s life as well as how to properly do it.

Why would I need to switch my dog’s food?

Sometimes, the ingredients in a dog’s food make him sick. Dr. Shannon Barrett, of Charleston, South Carolina, says these health issues include a decrease in appetite, soft bowl movements or vomiting.

Another symptom could be skin allergies. Signs of a skin allergy include chronic ear infections, chronic anal gland irritation/infections, paw licking and generalized itchiness. While many owners believe that their dogs have an environmental allergy or a grain allergy, Dr. Barrett says most dogs are allergic to the protein source found in their food.

If your dog is dealing with a medical problem, transitioning to a different food could help. For instance, if he has diabetes or kidney disease, your veterinarian might recommend changing his diet, says Dr. Megan Conrad at Hello Ralphie, a vet telehealth service.

How often should I switch my dog’s food?

There are different opinions on how often to switch a dog’s food, but according to Dr. Barrett, you should only do it if you need to. Changing it too often can make your dog become a picky eater. She says that introducing too many flavors to your dog can backfire in the future if you need to switch him to a prescription diet with a blander flavor. Your dog may not be interested in it if he’s been eating a variety of foods his entire life.

Switch dog food when the ingredients in the food aren’t appropriate for a dog’s size and age, according to Dr. Alex Schechter, of Burrwood Veterinary in Birmingham, Michigan. The wrong dog food can lead to nutritional deficiencies.

Can switching dog food too fast make my dog sick?

Switching dog food too fast, or switching dog food without mixing, can lead to an upset stomach, among other health problems. In order to avoid any issues, the safest thing you can do is gradually change foods so that your dog gets used to the new food, says Dr. Barrett.

She explains it’s crucial to mix the two foods over several days using a very specific ratio. Here is a dog food transition chart you can follow:

• Days 1 to 3: Mix in 25% of the new dog food with 75% of the old dog food
• Days 3 to 6: Mix 50% of the new dog food and 50% of the old dog food
• Days 6 to 9: Mix 75% of the new dog food and 25% of the old dog food
• Day 9 and moving forward: Feed your dog 100% of the new diet

Monitor for vomiting, diarrhea and soft stools. Dr. Barrett says this should be done during the first three days. If your dog gets sick at the start of the transition, talk to your veterinarian to figure out a new plan. You may have to switch foods again or go back to the previous ratio for three to four more days to see if that helps, says Dr. Barrett. The transitioning process should take 9 to 12 days total, but let your dog and his stomach guide you.

You shouldn’t introduce any new treats during this time. Dr. Barrett explains that if you notice your dog is turning away from his food bowl or isn’t interested in the food, it doesn’t mean that he doesn’t like the flavor. Instead, he might be feeling queasy.

How much food should I give when changing dog food?

Aside from making a gradual transition, follow the feeding guidelines on the dog food bag to portion the food correctly. Feeding your dog too much could cause weight gain or diarrhea. Reducing the amount of food you give your dog and giving your vet-prescribed digestive aids can help when it comes to improving his digestion during the transition phase, explains Dr. Schechter.

How important is using high-quality dog food?

Switching dog food without mixing your old dog food with the new food can upset your dog’s stomach. © KLH49/ Getty Images

Your dog could be experiencing health issues because poor quality food might contain harmful additives he’s coming in contact with, according to Dr. Schechter. Switching to a premium or high-quality dog food could be the answer.

But what does a high-quality dog food include? According to VCA Animal Hospitals, dogs should eat a combination of meat and vegetables with all the vital nutrients that make up a dog’s well-balanced diet. This includes the right amount of certain essential amino acids found in proteins, minerals, some essential fatty acids from fat and vitamins. The right amounts are going to change based on a dog’s stage of life, like puppy, adult, pregnancy or senior.

Purchase the highest quality dog food you’re able to afford as opposed to a budget dog food, which may hurt your dog’s digestive system. The ingredients in the food should be real and recognizable, and if they’re not, look for another food, according to VCA Animal Hospitals.

Most older, sedentary and neutered or spayed dogs don’t have as high of energy requirements, so use a lower-calorie dog food (as long as your veterinarian says it’s OK). /According to VCA Animal Hospitals, there should be less than 350 calories per cup of dog food. If the food is too high-calorie, your pup could gain weight and suffer from health problems.

Buy enough food for the dog’s entire food transition

The supply chain issues of the past two years has affected the pet food industry. If possible, Dr. Barrett recommends purchasing two bags of your pet’s food so that you have a backup.

If you do run out and can’t find your dog’s specific food, purchase a food with the same protein source, as well as similar ingredients. If your pet is eating a brown rice and salmon diet, look for a salmon and oat diet or another fish-based diet. This could keep your dog from getting sick, says Dr. Barrett.

Consult with your veterinarian before switching dog food

Before you make any changes to your dog’s food, consult with your dog’s veterinarian. There could be larger issues going on, such as disease or allergies, and your veterinarian may want to test your dog before you change the food.

Staying in touch with your veterinarian and monitoring your dog’s health as you transition to a different dog food are the keys to success with a new diet.

The post How to Transition Dog Food — Old to New by Karen Dibert 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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What Is a Dog Sanitary Trim?

The post What Is a Dog Sanitary Trim? 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.

Your dog runs in from his doggy door and jumps on the couch. You smile. Then it hits you. Dog poop smell. It’s the worst. Especially if you now have to clean the couch and your dog’s behind. Luckily, a simple dog sanitary trim will keep poop off you and your furniture.

What is a sanitary cut for dogs?

Sanitary trims cut down the hair around the belly, the back of your dog’s legs and private parts, so that when they relieve themselves, it doesn’t get in the hair and then get spread around. Sanitary cuts for dogs are really about preventing the spread of bacteria, more than for appearances, says Morgan Clemens, a certified professional groomer and owner of Pet Grooming by Morgan in Nampa, Idaho. And your dog will smell better if he doesn’t have urine and feces in his coat.

Will I notice a change before and after the dog sanitary trim?

There are a couple differences you’ll notice before and after a dog sanitary trim, but the idea is that when a dog goes the bathroom, the urine or feces has to move past a lot of hair, and that hair can act like a sponge, then gets rubbed off everywhere. After a dog sanitary trim, the urine and feces go onto the ground where they belong, and your dog stays cleaner.

Sanitary cuts for dogs are less about appearance and more about stopping the spread of bacteria. © Kristina Lotz

What dog breeds need sanitary cuts?

Usually, long-haired dog breeds like Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Shih Tzu and Havanese need sanitary trims to control the hair growth around their back sides. However, Morgan says she doesn’t completely rule out sanitary trims for short-haired dogs; it depends on the dog. Talk to your groomer about whether this is a service your dog needs during his routine grooming sessions.

Dogs who can benefit from a sanitary trim, should get one about every four weeks or so, says Morgan.

How to do a sanitary cut on a dog

If your dog already goes in for grooming, having the professional do it is the easiest! However, if you have a dog breed that doesn’t get regular trims, like a Shetland Sheepdog, but notice that the long coat keeps tracking in your dog’s waste, you can do a dog sanitary trim yourself. Here are Morgan’s tips on doing a sanitary cut on your dog:

• Do not use scissors!
• Use pet clippers with a #10 blade or setting. #10 blade is generally considered the safest option for the sensitive genital area so that you don’t cut too close to the sensitive skin.
• Use a short guard comb
• Make sure your dog is standing on a hard surface
• Have someone help you keep your dog still to avoid injury
• Hold up the tail to shave down the butt area
• For male dogs, gently lift their back legs on either side to reach underneath them, or stand them up on their back legs if they’re comfortable with that, and shave down where urine may collect on the belly.

If you shave too close, your dog will be brush burned causing a lot of discomfort. Griffin was shaved too close and the area was inflamed and painful afterward. ©Dr.Toni Tilton

Avoid cutting too close to the skin

The skin around the sanitary area is some of the most sensitive on the dog, says Morgan. Go slow and restrain them with a leash and/or a helper so they don’t move too much, which can up the chance for razor burns or nicks. Watch for the folds of the skin in these areas, she adds, as loose skin is easier to nick. If you do nick your dog or cause razor burn, use a triple antibiotic for healing, and put your dog in a cone so they don’t lick it off.

Sanitary trims are useful in helping prevent the spread of bacteria and keeping your dog clean, but if you’re unsure about technique or product choices, check in with a professional groomer.

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How to Fly with a Dog

The post How to Fly with a Dog by Michelle Fitzhugh-Craig 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.

“Where are we going,” “which airline do we choose” and “where are we staying” are a few of the questions people ask themselves as they plan for a trip. However, for dog owners who enjoy (or would like to begin) traveling with their four-legged “children,” the question of “What is the best and safest way to travel with my pet” is an important one.

It’s estimated that about 2 million domestic animals travel on commercial flights each year – only 58% of them being dogs, according to PBS Travel, a U.K.-based company that specializes in  transporting pets globally. Unless you’re a pro, it is crucial to know how best to fly with your dog, so it is a positive experience for both of you.

On TV and the big screen, it looks easy – even somewhat fun – to fly with your dog. But the reality of it is there are several things you should do the moment you decide to travel via air with your favorite canine.

1. Contact the airlines when flying with a dog

Not all airlines welcome pets, so finding the right one that meets your needs and budget may take a moment. Million Mile Secrets lists nine U.S. airlines that permit in-cabin domestic rides for your dog as of 2021. The site provides prices and policies, however, verify all information yourself so that there are no surprises.

When contacting the airline, get clear answers to these questions:

• Can you to take your dog in the cabin with you, and what are the weight/size restrictions?
• Are there any special pet health and immunization requirements?
• What type and size of carrier is permitted in the cabin?

1. Flying and traveling abroad with your dog

If you are traveling to another country or outside the continental U.S., there may be quarantine or other health requirements for your dog. You also may need to provide a specific international health certificate signed by a government-approved veterinarian or other government official, according to VCA Animal Hospitals.

The best thing to do is contact the Foreign Consulate or Regulatory Agency at least four weeks in advance of your trip. When inquiring about travel to Hawaii, visit the state’s Animal Industry Division website, or contact it via email (recommended) or via phone at (808) 483-7151.

2. Flying with an emotional support or service dog

The American Kennel Club lists an Emotional Support Animal – or ESA – as “a pet that provides companionship to a person to help ease anxiety, depression and certain phobias.” A therapist, psychologist or psychiatrist must determine that the presence of, in this case, your dog, is needed for your mental health.

The Americans With Disabilities Act defines service animals as “dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities;” for example, a guide dog. While service dogs are permitted anywhere the public is allowed, emotional support animals are not.

In January 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation revised its Air Carrier Access Act regulation on the transportation of service animals by air. This means airlines are no longer required to accommodate Emotional Support Animals. When wanting to fly with your pup, list which assistance your dog provides and have the proper paperwork as proof.

3. Flight to-do checklist for flying with your dog

• Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with your veterinarian and/or ensure all of your dog’s required health records are up to date.
• Make sure your pet has identification tags with up-to-date information.
• Microchipping your dog is not a requirement, but will give you peace of mind if your dog is “lost” during the trip.
• Items to include in or with your carryon:
  • Dog’s prescribed medications (if any; enough for the duration of your trip and several days’ surplus supply, just in case)
  • Any requested (by airline) paperwork on your pet needed to fly both in the U.S. and oversees
  • A leash, collar and/or harness
  • A soft- or hard-shell crate that fits under the seat in front of you
  • A blanket (or bedding) for crate
  • A toy your dog already enjoys
  • Travel food and cool, fresh water (and dishes for both)

4. How to avoid airport anxiety for your dog

The actual flight may be a somewhat uneventful for most dogs, but the trip through the airport might cause you both some anxiety. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest these to reduce stress for you and your dog:

• Purchase flights with fewer connections or layovers
• Pick departure and arrival times to avoid extreme heat or cold. For example, planning a nighttime arrival to a hot destination may be better for your pet
• Check into the cabin as late as possible.

There are also things you can do to help your dog have a more comfortable trip. Angela Passman, owner and president at World Pet Travel, says the most important thing your dog should do is get acclimated with their travel carrier.

Angela adds that your pet should walk off any excess energy prior to boarding the flight because there’s “nothing worse than a hyped-up dog.” She said they will travel much better if they expand any nervous energy before they board.

Additional tips about flying with your dog are:

• Your pet’s carrier will have to pass through the security screening along with you. Securely harness your dog so you can safely contain him outside his carrier while it’s being X-rayed or request a special secondary screening that won’t require you to take your dog out of his carrier.
• Try to have your dog go to the bathroom before you head to the airport. Sometimes your dog will need to relieve himself closer to boarding, but no worries. CertaPet – which specializes in providing clinical services to individuals seeking animal-assisted interventions (i.e., service pets, Emotional Support Animals) – lists pet-friendly potty spots (for many popular airports), including where to find them (before and after TSA security) and who can use them.
• Travel Alert – On June 10, the previous, temporary suspension for dogs entering the U.S. from high-risk countries for dog rabies was extended until January 2023. Learn more at CDC.gov..

How much does it cost to fly with your dog?

The price for flying with your dog varies with the airline, destinations and whether your dog flies in the cabin or cargo. There are also extra service charges for stopovers. For in-cabin the charge could be $125 each way, with an additional $125 for a stopover more than four hours. All airlines have a flying with pets section on the websites and will give you the costs. However, if you have a service dog, look on the airlines Service Animal page as the rules are different.

How to fly with a small dog, medium or large dog

There are pet potty areas at airports for your dog to use before or after your flight. Find out if the airports you and your dog are traveling to and from have one of these pet potty areas. ©Melissa L Kauffman

There are stringent Federal Aviation Administration rules and things to consider when flying with a dog depending on your dog’s size and age. Airlines have rules about the size and age of dog allowed to fly in the airplane cabin or cargo hold. For example, airlines typically require dogs to be older than two months old for national flights and over four months old and with a rabies vaccination for international flights. Dogs must be below 20 to 25 pounds, depending on the airline.

Small dogs are usually easier to travel with due to their size. They can ride in a carrier under the seat in front of you (or leashed at all times on their owner’s lap if they are a registered/certified service animal only). Pups in carriers must remain in place from the time the aircraft door closes until arrival at the destination gate. Once on board, you and your dog are required by law to follow all directions from flight attendants.

At times, a dog’s size forces owners to fly their pup in the cargo hold. There are stories occasionally reported on how animals flying in the cargo hold are lost, injured or die during commercial flights due to rough handling, poor ventilation and/or extreme hot/cold temperatures. Dogster.com – along with several pet-related organizations – don’t advocate for this method for larger dogs, but sometimes there is no other option. The good news: Less than .01% of pets are harmed in the cargo hold of commercial planes, according to reports from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

If there are no other options, The Humane Society of the United States suggests the following when a dog has to fly in a cargo hold (such as you are moving oversees):

• Use direct flights to avoid unanticipated delays in getting your pet off the plane.
• Travel on the same flight as your pet, when possible, and ask the airline if you can watch your pet being loaded into and unloaded from the cargo hold.
• When you board the plane, notify the captain and at least one flight attendant that your dog is traveling in the cargo hold. The captain may take any special precautions necessary if he/she/they know that a pet is on board.
• Don’t ever ship brachycephalic dogs, such as French bulldogs, Pekingese, Shih Tzus and Boston Terriers, as they are prone to difficult, obstructive breathing because of the shape of their head, muzzle and throat.
• Fit your dog with a collar that can’t get caught in carrier doors and include on it a permanent ID with your name, home address and telephone number, as well as a temporary travel ID with the address and phone number where you or a contact person can be reached.
• Give your dog at least a month before your flight to become familiar with the travel carrier to minimize his stress during the trip.
• Do not give your dog tranquilizers. Both the Humane Society and VCA discourage tranquilizing or sedating your dog without first discussing it with your veterinarian.
• Have a recent photograph of your pet. If lost en route, a photo (digital is fine) of your dog will make it much easier for airline employees to search effectively.
• Upon arrival at your destination, open the carrier as soon as you are in a safe place to examine your pet. If anything seems wrong, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately and ask for the results of the examination in writing, including the date and time.

And last but not least, depending on the airline, you may be limited to the type of and the number of dogs you can travel with, regardless of their location on the plane.

The post How to Fly with a Dog by Michelle Fitzhugh-Craig 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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