Category Archives: Pet Tips

Pet Tips

Disturbing the Peace

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Why does barking go from normal to nuisance?

Almost all dogs bark, and usually for very good reasons. But few things will make you the talk of the neighborhood — and not in a good way — more quickly than letting your dog bark excessively. What counts as “excessive”? Nuisance barking is generally defined as howling, yelping, or barking that is frequent or habitual and can be reasonably considered a disturbance. (It’s true, however, that this is a fairly subjective assessment.)

Why do dogs bark?
•Dogs bark to communicate.
It is a deeply ingrained behavior, and over millennia it has served an important function for their safety, and that of their owners.
•Dogs, like people, are social animals.
Scolding or yelling at your dog when he barks will not make it stop. In fact, your dog may interpret your yelling as participation in the “conversation.”
•Dogs may bark simply because they’re bored.
With few other outlets for expressing their frustration, a dog may resort to barking just so he has something to do.
•Dogs bark to get attention.
Because they are pack animals who bond deeply with their humans, dogs crave attention. If the only attention your dog receives is when he is barking, guess what he’s going to figure out pretty quickly…?

How can I keep my dog from barking excessively?
•Train your dog to bark only when it’s appropriate.
Interrupt inappropriate barking by distracting your dog. Drop a plastic soda bottle full of pennies or rocks somewhere near him. When the noise disrupts his barking, praise him with “Good dog, that’s enough,”in a light, pleasing voice.
•Spend time playing with your dog everyday.
There are many reasons why spending quality time with your dog is vital her physical and emotional well-being. And one of them is that dogs who do not get enough interaction with people are more likely to bark.
•Give your dog chews and toys.
Another tool in fighting boredom and providing an appropriate distraction.
•Keep your dog occupied when you can’t be home.
Doggie day care; a friendly and reliable dog walker; even neighbor who may crave a little canine companionship if they don’t have a dog of their own; stimulating canine-specific “puzzles with treats hidden inside: While you may be your dog’s favorite pack member, you can ensure you have back up.

Prevention is the place to start. You can prevent nuisance barking before it starts by making sure your dog is happy, healthy, and well-trained. Contact a dog club in your area for information about training opportunities.

Erika Mansourian, AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB

http://www.akc.org/learn/family-dog/disturbing-the-peace/

April 29, 2015

Pet Tips

Dog Allergy Symptoms: What’s Causing Them and How to Treat it

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He’s scratching and licking, keeping you awake, ruining his show coat, and giving himself a handy excuse for breaking that stay. It’s driving you crazy—imagine how he must feel.

We most often associate allergies with sneezing and respiratory problems in people, but in dogs, allergies are most often associated with the skin and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. About 10 to 15 percent of dogs with food allergies will have both skin and GI signs, and about 20 to 30 percent of dogs with food allergies will also have itchy skin from other non-food allergies.

GI signs are most often seen as:

•Loose stools, with an average of three a day

•Vomiting and belching

•A skin sign is usually itchiness, and it appears the same as itchiness due to other allergies

According to one recent study, nearly 8 percent of dogs presented to a referral dermatology practice had food allergies, which represented about a third of all the dogs presented there with allergic skin disease.

“Ears and rears” is sometimes used to refer to the characteristic location of itchiness, though it’s actually a little more widespread than just those regions. In one study, dogs with food allergies suffered from itchy ears in 80 percent of the cases (and in fact, only the ear was affected in a quarter of all cases); itchy feet in 61 percent; itchy groin region in 53 percent; and itchy armpits, anterior foreleg, or eye regions in about 35 percent of cases. Secondary ear and skin infections often arise from self-inflicted trauma from scratching and chewing. These infections must be treated along with removal of the offending food.

Some breeds, such as Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherd Dogs, Poodles, and Chinese Shar-Pei, may be at greater risk for food allergies, though they can appear in any breed.

Allergies can appear at any age, but most dogs have been eating the offending food for two years before signs of allergy appear. Some develop signs as early as two months of eating the offending food, but allergic reactions are not something that normally appear immediately after introducing a new food. But once symptoms appear, their onset is often sudden and serious.

Most dogs react to one or two allergens; about 20 percent react to more. There’s a greater chance that dogs react to animal products from the same species (milk and meat from cattle, for example) or from related species (cattle, sheep, and deer, for example).

Diet trials are inconvenient and tedious. But compared to your dog’s discomfort, they’re a small price to pay to identify the culprit. Unfortunately there is no cure for food allergies—except to avoid the offending foods.

This article comes from Caroline Coile, AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB May 19, 2015

for the entire article click the link below

http://www.akc.org/learn/family-dog/food-allergies-dog-scratching-licking/

Northland Pet Lodge offers many great grain free dog food, grain free treats and other skin and coat supplements to help alleviate your pets allergy issues. Call or email us today for more information

 

Pet Tips

Keep Pets Safe in the Heat

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Practice basic summer safety. Never leave your pets in a parked car. Not even for a minute. Not even with the car running and air conditioner on. On a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. On an 85-degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes. After 30 minutes, the temperature will reach 120 degrees. Your pet may suffer irreversible organ damage or die.

Watch the humidity. “It’s important to remember that it’s not just the ambient temperature but also the humidity that can affect your pet,” says Dr. Barry Kellogg, VMD, of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association. “Animals pant to evaporate moisture from their lungs, which takes heat away from their body. If the humidity is too high, they are unable to cool themselves, and their temperature will skyrocket to dangerous levels—very quickly.”

Taking a dog’s temperature will quickly tell you if there is a serious problem. Dogs’ temperatures should not be allowed to get over 104 degrees. If your dog’s temperature does, follow the instructions for treating heat stroke.

Limit exercise on hot days. Take care when exercising your pet. Adjust intensity and duration of exercise in accordance with the temperature. On very hot days, limit exercise to early morning or evening hours, and be especially careful with pets with white-colored ears, who are more susceptible to skin cancer, and short-nosed pets, who typically have difficulty breathing. Asphalt gets very hot and can burn your pet’s paws, so walk your dog on the grass if possible. Always carry water with you to keep your dog from dehydrating.

Don’t rely on a fan. Pets respond differently to heat than humans do. (Dogs, for instance, sweat primarily through their feet.) And fans don’t cool off pets as effectively as they do people.

Provide ample shade and water. Any time your pet is outside, make sure he or she has protection from heat and sun and plenty of fresh, cold water. In heat waves, add ice to water when possible. Tree shade and tarps are ideal because they don’t obstruct air flow. A doghouse does not provide relief from heat—in fact, it makes it worse.

Cool your pet inside and out. Whip up a batch of quick and easy DIY peanut butter popsicles for dogs. (You can use peanut butter or another favorite food.) And always provide water, whether your pets are inside or out with you.

Keep your pet from overheating indoors or out with a cooling body wrap, vest, or mat (such as the Keep Cool Mat). Soak these products in cool water, and they’ll stay cool (but usually dry) for up to three days. If your dog doesn’t find baths stressful, see if she enjoys a cooling soak.

Watch for signs of heatstroke. Extreme temperatures can cause heatstroke. Some signs of heatstroke are heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure, and unconsciousness.

Animals are at particular risk for heat stroke if they are very old, very young, overweight, not conditioned to prolonged exercise, or have heart or respiratory disease. Some breeds of dogs—like boxers, pugs, shih tzus, and other dogs and cats with short muzzles—will have a much harder time breathing in extreme heat.

How to treat a pet suffering from heatstroke. Move your pet into the shade or an air-conditioned area. Apply ice packs or cold towels to her head, neck, and chest or run cool (not cold) water over her. Let her drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes. Take her directly to a veterinarian.

Prepare for power outages Before a summer storm takes out the power in your home, create a disaster plan to keep your pets safe from heat stroke and other temperature-related trouble

 

 

 

 

Pet Tips

Got Allergies!

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Just like humans, pets can become susceptible to both food and environmental allergies throughout their lifetime. Feeding pets limited-ingredient diets, which reduce allergens in food, can eliminate allergic reactions. Environmental allergies such as tree pollen or dust or mold, can be problematic to manage in pets. A pet will react to these allergens by increased scratching, sneezing, vomiting and snoring caused by an inflamed throat. Simple solutions such as keeping grass cut short along with vacuuming and bathing more frequently help reduce the symptoms. Supplements can help, to; salmon oil and probiotics boost the pet’s immune system. Stop in today and talk to one of our Professional Pet Lover’s if your pet is suffering form allergies. We have some great food and supplements that will help relieve your pet’s allergy issues.

Pet Tips

February is Doggie Dental Month

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Providing your pet with a healthy diet, brushing regularly and using chew toys can greatly increase oral health. Developing good habits early can decrease the risk of dental diseases later on in your pet’s life. Stop in today and talk with one of our professional pet lovers about all the healthy foods, treats, and supplements to help keep your pet’s pearly whites clean and healthy.

Pet Tips

8 Reasons to Adopt A Senior Dog

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Dogs that usually have trouble getting adopted are the ones with a little more grey on their muzzles. Our bias earns these dogs the tag of being “less adoptable.”

Dogs that are seven years or older are regarded as seniors.  Unfortunately, dogs five or older have a harder time getting adopted.  Most people prefer adopting puppies. Puppies, however, can be a handful, and many people don’t realize how much more effort goes into training a puppy.

Adopting a senior dog can prove to be an enriching experience for both you and your family. Here are eight reasons for adopting a senior dog:

1. They are Accustomed to Human Routine 

Adopting a senior dog could mean that you spend less time training the dog and more time bonding with it. They are often experienced and trained to obey basic commands like sit, stay, and the all-important no.  A senior dog will not be as energetic and frisky as its younger counterpart, but that could be a good thing if you are looking for a more sedate companion.

 

2. What You See Is What You Get 

When adopting a dog for a family, it is important to know the nature and personality of the dog. Does he do well with children? How is he with strangers? Will he be loyal or aggressive? These are important  questions to ask.  A senior dog already has his personality established, which you can gauge with a short walk outside, and a few visits to the shelter

  1. They Cost Less 

An older dog, as opposed to a young dog or puppy, will cost less in adoption fees quite simply because there is less demand for them. But once you get one home you’ll realize what a great deal you have landed. Spend the cash you save on getting some delicious treats for your pooch or some toys that will help him acclimatize.

  1. They Are Always up for a Cuddle

 Senior dogs are usually not as energetic as younger ones. They tend to enjoy their time spent lazing on the couch, in front of the TV, or just sprawled out under the sun on your veranda. If they find you in bed with a book, do not be surprised if they snuggle up to you for a nap. These dogs, to a great extent, are self-sufficient and have little need for round-the-clock engagement like puppies do. That is not to say that they won’t need exercise, but instead of a power walk they will not mind a long stroll.

  1. No More Surprises to Clean

 Older dogs are usually housebroken.

  1. Train Them with Ease

 Have you ever heard the saying, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Well, that seems to not hold true for dogs as much as it does for humans. Older dogs have considerably longer attention spans and can learn faster than puppies or younger dogs.

  1. They Are Loyal to a Fault

 When you adopt a senior dog, he not only looks up at you as his companion but as someone who gave him a better life. This is one bond that is not easily broken.

  1. You Can Save A Life

 Adopting a dog from a shelter makes you a life saver.

When you go to the shelter to adopt a dog, try to go in the middle of the week. Most shelters are busy with visitors on weekends making the animals anxious and loud. If you want a better idea of the personality of the dog take him out for a short walk. Do not make prolonged eye-contact with him. Talk to him, and sit with him so that he can get used to your presence and scent.

When you bring your new friend home, you will be glad you did.

By Nicola Reynor

– See more at: http://petnewsandviews.com/2014/08/8-reasons-to-adopt-a-senior-dog/#sthash.exI5Bbep.dpuf

Pet Tips

6 Back to School Tips for Your Pet

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The end of summer means an empty house for many families. While parents may enjoy a break from the kids, it may be a different story for our dogs. Dr. Ernie Ward shares tips on how you can make the transition from summer to school easier for your pets.

1. Transition Time About a week before the kids return to school, begin getting your dog used to their absence. This is best accomplished by leaving your dog home for short trips. Ideally, leave them inside early in the morning to simulate school time. You only need to leave them for thirty minutes or so. The idea is to get them accustomed to the fact that long, lazy summer mornings are coming to an end. Also, start getting out the lunchboxes and other items your dog associates with leaving for school in the morning. The idea is to de-sensitize them to any anxiety-producing cues prior to school starting. Do this several times a day and your dog’s nervousness will begin to diminish.

2. Break Out the Crate For indoor dogs that will be spending several hours alone, a dog crate may be your best bet. A crate is not a punishment device; it is a play pen. Placing your dog in a crate should be thought of as putting a toddler in a play pen or crib. The purpose is to prevent your dog from getting into accidents and injuring himself. In addition, the security of having one’s own space is comforting to many dogs. Be sure to leave food or a treat, fresh water, a blanket and favorite toy. Try to come home at lunch to take your dog out for a break. The ideal crate size should be just big enough for them to comfortably stand up, turn around and stretch out. Rotate the toys you leave and use those that you can stuff with vegetables or dog food to keep your dog engaged while you’re away. In many areas doggie daycare is an excellent alternative to “home alone.”

3. Turn on Some Tunes Whenever your dog is left alone, the sound of human voices or music can be soothing. I recommend leaving slow (50 to 60 beats per minute) and soothing music playing whenever your pet is left alone.

4. Pass on the Piddle Pads Many people think that if they leave their dog indoors, they should leave out a piddle pad. I don’t recommend putting down newspaper, training pads or other substances for your dog to urinate on except in very special situations. While you may think you’re telling your dog to urinate on a piddle pad in an emergency, your dog interprets this as it’s okay to tinkle on your tile. The goal with house-training is that your dog doesn’t go to the bathroom in the house–period. This is another excellent reason for using a dog crate.

5. Avoid Anxiety Changes in routine can also lead to anxiety in many dogs. Some dogs will experience separation anxiety or become frightened by loud noises or sudden thunderstorms. In addition to great pharmacologic treatments to help relax your pet during these stressful times, there are non-prescription remedies that may help. Rescue Remedy, valerian, melatonin, SAM-e, fish oil, dog-appeasing pheromone (DAP) and other natural products may also help some dogs and cats. Gradual desensitization using storm recordings work remarkably well for most pets. One of the most overlooked treatments is to increase the amount of exercise your dog receives. Several studies have shown increasing aerobic activity to as little as 30 minutes a day reduces the signs of separation anxiety in dogs.

Enriching the environment with a constantly rotating selection of interesting and interactive toys is also helpful in making your dog feel at home when he’s alone.

Talk with your veterinarian about how to calm your best buddy with an anxiety problem. There’s no reason anyone should have to cower in a closet or destroy the furniture to get relief.

6. Quality Time Counts Most With school back in session, your dog may not get as much time playing with your family as during the care-free days of summer. If this is the case at your house, be sure to make the most of the time you have with your pet. Long walks at the park, lounging around on the couch, whatever it takes to re-connect at the end of a busy week. Remember that even though your dog wasn’t at work or school all day, he still needs time to unwind. As the days grow shorter, be sure to find time to walk your dog daily and enjoy this unique relationship.

– See more at: http://petnewsandviews.com/2010/08/6-back-to-school-tips-for-your-pet/#sthash.5ElJddcH.dpuf

Pet Tips

Summer Dog Safety Tips from the American Kennel Club.

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Hot weather can make us all uncomfortable, and it poses special risks for your dog. Keep the following safety concerns in mind as the temperature rises, and follow our tips to keep your dog cool.

Heat Hazards

 

If your dog is outside on a hot day, make sure he has a shady spot to rest in. Doghouses are not good shelter during the summer as they can trap heat. You may want to fill a child’s wading pool with fresh water for your dog to cool off in.

Never leave your dog in a closed vehicle on a hot day. The temperature inside a car can rise to over 100 degrees in a matter of minutes.

Always provide plenty of cool, fresh water.

Avoid strenuous exercise on extremely hot days. Take walks in the early mornings or evenings, when the sun’s heat is less intense.

Try to avoid prolonged exposure to hot asphalt or sand, which can burn your dog’s paws.

Dogs that are brachycephalic (short-faced), such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Japanese Chins, and Pekingese, have an especially hard time in the heat because they do not pant as efficiently as longer-faced dogs. Keep your brachycephalic dog inside with air-conditioning.

General Health

 

Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date, especially since dogs tend to stay outdoors longer and come into contact with other animals more during the summer months.

Keep dogs off of lawns that have been chemically treated or fertilized for 24 hours (or according to package instructions), and away from potentially toxic plants and flowers.

Keep your dog well-brushed and clean.

Fleas and ticks, and the mosquitos which carry heartworm disease, are more prevalent in warmer months. Ask your veterinarian for an effective preventive to keep these parasites off your dog. The AKC Pet Healthcare Plan can help with the cost of providing quality healthcare, including preventive medicine, throughout your dog’s life.

Beach Tips

 

Make sure your dog has a shady spot to rest in and plenty of fresh water.

Dogs, especially those with short hair, white fur, and pink skin, can sunburn. Limit your dog’s exposure during the day and apply sunblock to his ears and nose 30 minutes before going outside.

Check with a lifeguard for daily water conditions. Dogs are easy targets for sea lice and jellyfish.

Running on the sand is strenuous exercise. A dog that is out of shape can easily pull a tendon or ligament, so keep a check on your dog’s activity.

Do not let your dog drink seawater; the salt will make him sick.

Salt and other minerals in ocean water can damage your dog’s coat, so rinse him off at the end of the day.

Not all beaches permit dogs; check local ordinances before heading out.

Water Safety

 

Most dogs enjoy swimming, but some cannot swim, and others may hate the water. Be conscious of your dog’s preferences and skills before trying to make him swim.

If you’re swimming for the first time with your dog, start in shallow water and coax him in by calling his name. Encourage him with toys or treats. Or, let him follow another experienced dog he is friendly with.

Never throw your dog into the water.

If your dog begins to paddle with his front legs, lift his hind legs and help him float. He should quickly catch on and keep his back end up.

Don’t let your dog overdo it; swimming is very hard work and he may tire quickly.

If swimming at the ocean, be careful of strong tides.

If you have your own pool, make sure your dog knows where the stairs or ladder are located. Be sure that pool covers are firmly in place; dogs have been known to slip in under openings in the covers and drown.

Never leave your dog unattended in water.

Travel

 

By Air – Many airlines will not ship animals during summer months due to dangers caused by hot weather. Some will only allow dogs to fly in the early morning or in the evening. Check with your airlines for specific rules.

If you do ship a dog, put icepacks or an ice blanket in the dog’s crate. (Two-liter soft drink bottles filled with water and frozen work well.) Provide a container of fresh water, as well as a container of frozen water that will thaw over the course of the trip.

By Car – Keep your dog cool in the car by putting icepacks in his crate. Make sure the crate is well ventilated.

Put a sunshade on your car windows.

Bring along fresh water and a bowl, and a tarp or tent so you can set up a shady spot when you stop. Keep a spray bottle filled with water to spritz on your dog to cool him down.

By RV – A dog’s safety should not depend on the air conditioning and generator systems in an RV or motor home. These devices can malfunction, with tragic results.

If you leave your dog in an RV with the generator running, check it often or have a neighbor monitor it. Some manufacturers have devices that will notify you if the generator should malfunction.

Never leave an RV or motor home completely shut up, even if the generator and AC are running. Crack a window or door or run the exhaust fan.

Never, ever leave a dog unattended in a vehicle in the summer months. Heatstroke and death can occur within minutes in warm temperatures.

Heatstroke

 

Heatstroke can be the serious and often fatal result of a dog’s prolonged exposure to excessive heat. Below are the signs of heatstroke and the actions you should take if your dog is overcome.

Early Stages:

  • Heavy panting.
  • Rapid breathing.
  • Excessive drooling.
  • Bright red gums and tongue.
  • Standing 4-square, posting or spreading out in an attempt to maintain balance.

 

Advanced Stages:

  • White or blue gums.
  • Lethargy, unwillingness to move.
  • Uncontrollable urination or defecation.
  • Labored, noisy breathing.
  • Shock.

 

If your dog begins to exhibit signs of heatstroke, you should immediately try to cool the dog down:

  • Apply rubbing alcohol to the dog’s paw pads.
  • Apply ice packs to the groin area.
  • Hose down with water.
  • Allow the dog to lick ice chips or drink a small amount of water.
  • Offer Pedialyte to restore electrolytes.

Check your dog’s temperature regularly during this process. Once the dog’s temperature has stabilized at between 100 to 102 degrees, you can stop the cool-down process.

If you cannot get the dog cooled down and you begin to see signs of advanced heatstroke, take the dog to the veterinarian immediately.