Anyone who has a cherished older dog knows that as they age, their desire to please and play doesn’t necessarily diminish. Their ability to do so, however, might change. Fortunately, there are things pet owners can do to make sure their aging dogs have as much energy as possible while enjoying good health for as long as they can.

Caring for an older dog isn’t really a whole lot different from taking care of a puppy. It’s just how things are done that might change. From feeding and exercising to giving them space to relax, slight alterations in daily plans generally are required.

The areas where daily routine might need to change to ensure an older dog is well cared for include:

Weight control
It can be very tempting to give a loved pet an extra doggie treat or even scraps from the table – especially when they’re batting big, brown eyes at their owner. When it comes to older dogs, however, this is generally not a good idea. Keeping a dog’s weight in check as they age can help ward off such conditions as diabetes, heart problems and even joint issues. The more on track with target weight an older dog is, the more likely he or she will be to maintain health and energy levels.

Nutrition
Feeding an older dog is a little different than nourishing a puppy. Just like people, as dogs age, they don’t necessarily require as many calories as they once did. Most pet food companies provide senior lines that can help keep dogs fit and trim well into their teens. These foods should have the proper nutritional balance for an older dog. Checking with a veterinarian for recommendations is not a bad idea.

Exercise
This can be key to ensuring that an older dog stays healthy. Not only can daily exercise assist an older dog in maintaining the proper weight, it can also help make sure their legs stay limber and their hearts stay healthy. Exercising an older dog might be a little different than trying to run the energy out of a puppy, however. Remember, older dogs, just like older people, might get tired a little faster. Whether it’s a fast run around the block or a walk down the street, pay attention to cues from the dog on when it’s time to stop. If he or she is breathing too hard or seems to winded, consider slowing the pace and perhaps doing something a little less strenuous the next time around. Also, remember to keep water on hand to help ensure your older dog stays hydrated during exercise. If an older dog has never been exercised before, it’s a good idea to check with a vet before starting a program.

Dogs have an incredible way of becoming full-fledged family members. As they age, their health concerns can change. Keeping an older dog as healthy as possible often requires a bit of preventative medicine, such as the right diet and exercise, and a whole lot of tender, loving care.

Article by Allison Duarte of Oh My Dog Supplies - the best shopping for dog beds online

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Different people have different ideas of whether a dog is smart or not. The intelligence level of your dog depends on a number of different things. Intelligence of a dog is a very subjective idea, although many pet owners report that they can clearly understand their own dogs’ level of intelligence. Before labeling your dog as smart or dumb you may want to take some of these factors into consideration.

The Breed Makes a Difference

One thing that will help you determine the intelligence of your dog is their breed. Certain breeds are known for particular intellectual abilities and skills. Labs are commonly known for being good hunters, German Sheppard’s for being very protective, and collies are known for being good at herding sheep.

Each breed of dog has its own task at which they excel. If your dog is not excelling at a certain activity maybe it is not natural for the dog to excel in this area. If you try a different activity or task your dog may pick it up right away, but some skills will come easier to your dog than to other breeds of dogs.

Personality

In addition to breed, each dog will have his or her own personality. Just like humans, dogs are individual beings and their personalities will develop in conjunction with their upbringing and genetics. Some dogs may learn better by imitation while others dogs may need simple repetition to learn a task. Try several different teaching methods when you are trying to teach your dog a command, a variety in teaching methods is the only way to figure out which learning personality type your dog has.

Dogs can be very intelligent, there are dogs who can sniff out drugs, or lead people and help people like the seeing eye dogs do. There are endless possibilities to what dogs can do for humans, but as humans we need to pay attention to each individual dog and train them according to their learning ability and style.

If your friends dog seems to be doing way more advanced things than your dog, like opening doors, or picking up their own toys, don’t be so quick to label your dog as dumb. Maybe your dog is not doing these things because it does not want to, or maybe your dog is smart enough to know that if he doesn’t pick up the toys he will not get in trouble or wont get punished, and you will do it for him. There are many things to consider before you label your dog as dumb.

Gender of the dog is another thing people seem to think has an affect on a dogs intelligence, as of yet there are no studies that prove this to be true. Gender does not seem to affect the intelligence of a dog. If your male dog is not excelling as much as your female dog you need to look at the other factors, such as breed and personality. Just remember that some dogs need to have a different kind of training than other dogs so your training needs to be specialized for each individual dog.

Article by Allison Duarte of Oh My Dog Supplies - more elevated dog feeders added monthly

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I’d like to introduce a new feature: Guest articles by Allison Duarte. This first article is about treating dog fleas.

If you have ever had fleas you know what a pain they are to get rid off. They are very hard to get rid of, and most people would prefer it if their dog never got fleas again. If you have done the preventative treatment and still got fleas you may want to seek professional help. A professional may be able to give you the insider secrets you need to finally rid your home and pet of fleas.

Before you treat your dog for fleas, you will need to get rid of them in your house, this is not an easy task to do. Start by thoroughly cleaning the places where your dog spends most of his time. Remember to get where he sleeps, eats, and relaxes.

After thoroughly cleaning these areas you will need to wash everything you possibly can. After washing put all the cloth items into a hot dryer, this will kill all the fleas. Next make sure you get the floors, vacuum every surface that can be vacuumed. After vacuuming you will want to immediately empty the bag or canister, if you have a canister flush it down the toilet so that the fleas drown. If you use a bag vacuum make sure you get the bag out of your house.

If you have a floor that can be waxed it is advised that you do so, the wax will aid in killing the fleas. You can also buy special powder to sprinkle on your floor before you vacuum that will help kill the fleas.

Bug bombs can be purchased at most grocery stores and are great for getting rid of these unwanted visitors. Read the directions to make sure you get ones that will kill fleas. Also make sure you have enough to cover all the square footage of your house. If you prefer not to use a bug bomb you can call a professional to come in, professional bug bombs work the best and are less stressful on the owner.

When you call a professional they will usually need to come in and do more than one treatment to get rid of all the fleas. This is to insure that they get the eggs as well as the fleas that laid the eggs.

Once you have treated your house you will want to treat your dog. There are many types of treatment available, talk to your vet to get the best treatment for you and your dog. More than one treatment is usually required for your dog as well. After you get rid of the fleas on your dog you will want to make sure you use a preventative to stop the fleas from coming back.

Fleas are a nasty insect that can infest your dog and your house in a matter of days. The easiest and best way to prevent fleas is to continue prevention treatment for your dog throughout the winter season.

Article by Allison Duarte of Oh My Dog Supplies - the place to go for dog steps that stand the test of time.

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NBC reported tonight that two different studies showed that rats developed tumors around microchips. Since many dog owners microchip their dogs to help find them if they are ever lost, this is a big concern for our canine pals. NBC did say that the study is inconclusive for dogs, since rats are so much smaller. Hopefully, there will be more news about this soon.

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If your puppy is romping all over the place or balking when you go for a walk, consider teaching it to heel. What is heeling? Heeling is an obedience exercise in which the dog stays close beside you, paying attention only to you and where you are going. As your puppy grows up, heeling will become the safe way for you to walk your dog through crowds and across streets, ignoring all the distractions, from taunting squirrels to truck tires. It is a good lesson for basic obedience because you’ll be taking your new puppy outside on leash to eliminate and you can practice three times on each trip - on your way out, after he relieves himself, and coming back inside.

This will not be the heeling exercise as done in obedience class, but more of a lesson in “pre-heeling” because you can begin off-lead anywhere that’s safe, indoors or out. And instead of “Heel,” use the friendlier “Let’s go!”

Begin by getting the pup’s attention as he’s trotting along next to you, to make him conscious of what he is doing. Some pups will follow if you lean over, quietly clapping your hands in front of their nose; some like to hear cheerful chatter; others just want to go wherever you go. As you move along, you can add an occasional, “Sparky, watch me!” No doubt by now you’ve noticed that some one-word commands are actually two or three words. Just run them together and your puppy will catch on perfectly.

Hold his attention by walking just quickly enough to make the puppy want to keep up with you. If he’s not paying attention, stop and begin again. No correction. It all begins with just one step in the right direction, followed by verbal praise. Following a treat that smells good may get him started, but if a young pup’s attention is totally elsewhere, this is simply not the right moment for a lesson. A few minutes of playtime, followed by a drink of water, may put him back on track to try again. If not, wait until another time. You can practice anywhere, anytime, on or off leash. As you notice him walking next to you, take advantage of the opportunity to get in a speedy, “Let’s go! - good dog.” (I prefer using a clicker to provide immediate positive reinforcement.)

Be realistic in what you expect of a puppy. A few steps on command earn a reward. A few more steps earn a reward. A week later Sparky is heeling nicely, so praise and quit practicing immediately! Practice again later. Puppies arrive in the winter, too, when outside lessons are not possible. A long hallway or a basement is perfect for indoor training. No distractions, limited space so your pup cannot go too far wrong, and you’re sure to have his attention because you are the most fascinating thing around.

Add some right turns for variety and to be sure he is really paying attention. As you make the turn, bend over and clap your hands to keep him on course. Left turns are harder because you have more to do. Put your left foot in front of the pup to gently guide him into the turn. Careful, or you’ll step on the pup and he won’t think this game is very much fun! However, if your left foot happens to bump the puppy, or he plows into it, don’t apologize. If he thinks it was his mistake, he will learn to pay closer attention. Repeat the “Watch me” signal.

Finally, as you train your puppy, keep in mind that there are different training methods. I actually prefer Clicker Training, but you may want to use traditional treat or praise reward methods.

Additional Resources:
Getting Started Clicker Training Kits
Karen Pryor Clickertraining site.

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You’ve researched the different dog breeds to find the best one for you and your family, you’ve taken the time to find out whether the breeder you chose is ethical, and now you’re finally bringing that precious new bundle of joy home. The hard part is over, right? Actually, there are several mistakes that many new puppy owners make that can really turn this joyful time into a frustrating and worrying experience. Avoid these new dog owner mistakes to be sure you and your puppy are off to a great start:

1. Potty training your puppy indoors and then expecting him to automatically go outdoors when he is older. Those nifty potty training pads look an awful lot like nice, plushy rugs to your puppy and he may opt to use your rugs as a toilet spot after you do away with the pads.
2. Giving in to his sad whimpers and tucking him in your bed for the first few nights and then expecting him to sleep on his own in a few days without crying. He’ll just cry louder and longer once he knows what he is missing.
3. Letting your guilty feelings overwhelm you so that you don’t crate train him. Crate training helps keep your puppy safe, since he can’t get into dangerous things when you aren’t watching him if he’s crated. Also, he actually feels more secure when he is crated while no one else is home.
4. Taking your puppy with you when you go out, especially if you are going to a park or pet store. Puppies should be finished with immunizations before they go on outings. Their immune systems are often not fully developed when they are young and they are more susceptible to some of the deadliest dog diseases.
5. Letting your puppy do things that are cute in puppies and not at all cute in full size dogs, such as jumping up on guests. It is easier to curb these behaviors right away than it is to break your adult dog of bad habits.

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To get your new puppy off to a good start, why not take the free ABC’s of New Puppy Care mini course? To chat about your canine friend with other dog lovers, don’t forget to visit the Free Dog Tips forum.

As long as you do not alter this article in any way and keep the resource box intact, this article can be reprinted on your website or in your newsletter.

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Dogs are very curious animals and, as omnivores and natural scavengers, can get into and eat just about anything. However, there are many toxic substances found in your home that could potentially kill your dog. The following is a list of ten common household substances that you should make sure to keep out of your dog’s reach.

1) Antifreeze: Many people do not realize it, but common antifreeze kills many pets each year. It smells and tastes very sweet to your dog and is very appealing to him. Ethylene glycol is toxic however, and each winter, many animals are killed by it. Symptoms of toxicity include seizures, vomiting, stumbling and lethargy leading to kidney failure. Make sure to keep your antifreeze out of your dog’s reach. If you suspect that your dog has ingested antifreeze, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.

2) Chocolate: Chocolate contains a substance called the obromine which is toxic to dogs. Baking chocolate and dark chocolate is especially dangerous. While it usually takes a somewhat large amount of chocolate to kill a dog, poisoning and death does occur with smaller amounts ingested. Signs of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, increased urination, and increased activity. This can progress to seizures and unusual heart rhythms. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate.

3) Bleach: As you might imagine, household bleach is toxic to dogs. Keep all products containing bleach out of your dog’s reach. Symptoms of bleach poisoning include drooling, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Do NOT induce vomiting if you suspect your dog has ingested bleach and contact your veterinarian immediately.

4) Tylenol: As little as two regular strength Tylenol tablets can kill a small dog. Dogs lack the proper liver enzymes to break down acetaminophen. Signs of toxicity include drooling, lethargy, and abdominal pain. If you suspect your dog has ingested Tylenol, call your veterinarian immediately.

5) Watch Batteries: If your dog ingests a watch battery, it can cause a potentially fatal ulceration in the stomach within 12 hours. All other alkaline batteries are toxic to dogs as well. Symptoms of toxicity include drooling, lack of appetite, vomiting, and lethargy. If you suspect your dog has ingested a watch battery, contact your vet immediately.

6) Moth Balls: Moth balls are very dangerous to dogs. They contain an insecticide that causes central nervous system excitement and seizures. When metabolized, ingestion of moth balls can lead to liver failure. Symptoms of poisoning by moth balls include vomiting and seizures. If your dog has consumed moth balls, do NOT induce vomiting. Seek veterinary care immediately.

7) Fabric Softeners and other detergents: All sorts of household detergents are toxic to dogs at one level or another, but fabric softeners fall into the highly toxic category. Signs of toxicity include vomiting, lethargy, burns to the mouth, drooling, muscle weakness, and even coma. Do NOT induce vomiting if your dog has ingested any detergent. Contact your veterinarian immediately.

Mouthwash: Mouthwash can contain boric acid which is highly toxic to dogs. Symptoms of poisoning by mouthwash include vomiting, drooling, seizures, and coma. You should take your dog to the veterinarian immediately if you suspect poisoning by mouthwash or other household item containing boric acid like contact lens solution or denture cleaner.

9) Peach Pits: With most fruits, the pits and the seeds are toxic to dogs. Signs of poisoning include drooling, vomiting, and lethargy. If you suspect your dog has eaten a peach pit or the pit or seeds of any fruit, take him to the veterinarian immediately.

10) Household Plants: Many common and popular household plants are highly toxic to dogs. A partial list of toxic plants includes poinsettias, lilies, ferns, devil’s ivy, aloe, and ivy. Symptoms of poisoning due to ingestion of toxic plants include vomiting and central nervous system excitement. Many of these plants are fatal if ingested. Please contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten a toxic houseplant.

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All dogs fight at some time or another when confronting each other or even at play when things get a little aggressive. Wayne Hunthausen, D.V.M., an animal behavior consultant in Westwood, Kansas, and also president of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, says that fighting amongst dogs, while scary to us and harmful to the combatants, is extremely common.

There are many ways to stop these battles or even prevent them all together with proper supervision and a few training techniques. Here are some basic tips to keep your dogs from fighting and hurting each other more than they have to

1. Stop the action in a deep LOUD voice. When you see the fighting about to start between your dog an another or if you catch the battle in the beginning stages; then interrupt the scene with an extremely aggressive “NO!”. Your pet will take this loud thunderous command more seriously than if it where a lighter command call. Trust me, your dog will recognize when its owner means business!

2. If there is severe fighting for a prolonged time, then use a blanket if need be to grab your dog. This move is a last resort if the fighting between your dog and another has gone on too long and you want to stop your dog from being hurt even further. Throw a big object like a blanket in top of the combatants and then grab your dog. Be extremely careful! Many dog owners have been accidentally mauled by the biting dogs, as they do not pay attention to what they are biting when all wired up from the aggression.

3. Have your dog meet other strange dogs ahead of time. In other words, plan get togethers with your friends and their pets in which both animals will be leashed and you can control them while they learn that strange dogs are not always hostile. This is a conditioning strategy that works very well in the long run and keeps your dog from being unnecessarily threatened by dogs or other animals that it does not know.

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Everyone wants his or her dog to be truly healthy. We get sad when our beloved pets are ill or unhappy, but often traditional courses of treatment don’t always work. Luckily, there are alternative ways of treating canine illness and maintaining your dog’s best health.

What is holistic health care and how does it relate to your dog?

The term “holistic” was coined in the 1960’s by H. Ray Evers, a medical doctor concerned about chronic diseases for which there were no cures. Dr. Evers felt many of the “wonder drugs” prescribed by conventional doctors merely suppressed symptoms that would resurface later; sometimes even more severe than before. While studying the New Testament, he discovered the Greek word “holos” (whole), in reference to the whole person, body, mind, and spirit. Since then a whole science has sprung up over night to help make holistic healing a reality.

Homeopathy, or quantum healing, is the ability of one mode of consciousness to spontaneously correct the mistakes of another. Conventional medicine applies the “Law of Opposites” to the treatment of disease. Homeopathy takes the opposite approach, using remedies based on the “Law of Similars.”

When used properly, homeopathy works with the body. A homeopathic cure is obtained by giving the substance that produces symptoms in healthy individuals that are most similar to the patient’s own symptoms. For example: your dog is frequently asking to urinate, but there is no strain, and the urine is normal.

A doctor won’t be able to pin point the problem. Without treatment, inflammatory changes will occur. Fever, redness, and swelling are quite common. This is the dog’s body counteracting the virus.

Finally the canine’s body will try to fight it by moving into pathology; a thickened bladder wall, then bladder stones. A homeopathic remedy could have been administered early and could have cured the young pup immediately. Homeopathy medicine is of course quite unconventional, which makes locating these medicines somewhat difficult.

The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) can help you out a great deal. Acupuncture, chiropractic medicine, and healing crystals. These are all new medical treatments. Once you begin to use these methods on your beloved pet, you will instantly see the effects of the treatments. Maintaining good health and a happy lifestyle for you pet is key to giving them prolonged and a more meaningful life.

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When you think about the birth rate of animals, it’s not hard to understand why animal shelters are always filled with animals waiting to be adopted. Over a seven year period, one female cat and her offspring will produce approximately 420,000 kittens and one female dog and her offspring will produce 67,000 puppies during a six year period. Since there are more animals looking for homes than there are people who want to adopt them, over 6.5 million animals are euthanized each year.

Given the statistics cited above, adopting an animal can be a kind and loving thing to do. However, before making the final decision to adopt, there are several things you may want consider.

Many of the animals awaiting adoption in shelters have had a very rough start in life. Some were abused, some abandoned and some were “turned in” because the owners didn’t have time for them. Many were left alone for long periods and some were never properly potty trained. In short, when adopting an animal you must be prepared to work with him. Your new dog may come to you cowed or with feelings of trepidation and may be overly sensitive to your tone of voice or to any commands you might give him. You will need to be patient and by all means, loving. When they finally realize that they can trust you, adopted dogs will reward you with more affection and loyalty than you can imagine.

Adopted dogs are also subject to all of the behavioral problems commonly associated with dogs in general. These would include digging, jumping up on people, jumping fences, barking and nipping. There are proven solutions to all of these “offenses.” If your dog is prone to digging, and always digs in one area, there are a number of effective repellent sprays that work well. If he digs under your fence, a little buried chicken wire works wonders in breaking that habit. Spray bottles filled with water should be kept at hand to combat incessant barking. A quick spritz in the face immediately following, or during, the offensive behavior will usually bring about a quick behavior modification.

If you are sure you can handle re-training an adopted dog, then you are ready to visit your local shelter. Just remember that Visiting an animal shelter can be an emotional experience for an animal lover. It’s difficult to see all the animals in their pens and not want to take them home.

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