How To Cool Down a Dog In The Summer
Tap into some cooling vests to keep Fido comfortable in the summer heat. You want one that is easy to use, is well constructed and is proven to keep a dog cool. $69. bArctic Light Therapy Dog Shirt. This shirt cools in hot sun to reduce the risk of overheating while converting sunlight into healthy red and near-infrared light through laser physics and optics (like your vet’s laser treatments). Can be warm all year as also warms in cool temps. Comes in a variety of from 3XS to 3XL-long and in four colors: gray with orange, blue or mint...
Dog Flea, Tick and Mosquito Prevention
The most famous of all canine pests is the flea. Fleas are tiny insects that live on the blood of mammal hosts. The dog flea and the cat flea are the two most commonly seen on dogs, with the cat flea being much more prevalent. Fleas cause harm to dogs in a number of ways: Their bites often cause a strong reaction on the dog’s skin, resulting in irritation and itching. Fleas can spread diseases like tapeworm, typhus and even the plague. Transmission occurs by either their bite or by being ingested. Fleas can cause anemia, in severe...
What To Do About Resource Guarding In Dogs
Resource guarding is when dogs become defensive to keep others away from something of value. It’s perfectly normal for dogs to want to protect their supply of food, their toys or stake claim to where they sleep. Some dogs even guard their humans. After all, they’re all valuable resources they want and need. But if dogs think access to those resources is threatened, they could become overprotective. Some contributing factors to resource guarding may include: issues with early socialization deprivation of resources at any stage...
Can Dogs Laugh?
Although we could swear our dogs have a good belly laugh while at tug-o-war, actual dog laughs have not been specifically identified by animal behaviorists as other vocalizations like growls and whines have, according to vet behaviorist Dr. Sally J. Foote. Dogs can make short panting “huh, huh” sounds and grunting as they play with toys or with other dogs while enjoying themselves. “They are having fun. So, you could think of this as a laugh in this situation. Otherwise, it may be that they need to pant and have...
Do Dogs Like Music?
Music has an undeniable impact on humans. But do dogs like music? Considering that dogs can’t tell us exactly how they feel, the answer isn’t conclusive. But some studies have shown positive responses in dogs. It’s a tough question to answer, says dog behavior expert and VCA Animal Hospitals Vet Tech Ali Creighton, because there is no proven way to determine whether a dog is actually enjoying music. “Studies have shown positive responses in behavior and body language, but this is something that is going to vary dog to...
How to Trim Dog Paw Hair
Is your dog sliding across the floor? Or coming inside with ice balls stuck between his toes? Sounds like he’s overdue for a paw hair trim! Head to the groomers for a professional job, or try your hand at trimming dog paw hair yourself. How to trim dog hair between paws yourself Kathy McFall, certified professional pet groomer and owner of Kathy’s Pet Salon, recommends starting with ballpoint scissors (or a small electric razor) and a slicker brush. Here are Kathy’s paw hair-trimming tips: Step 1. Lay small dogs on your lap...
Dug Up at Dogster: March 2023 Dog Events and Dog Holidays
March is full of dog events and pet expos that your whole family can enjoy! This month, one organization I’d like to highlight is Vet Set Go, which is holding an essay contest for middle school students to win a scholarship prize package for Auburn University Junior Veterinary Camp in Alabama over the summer. The deadline to enter is March 31. This program is part of a larger effort to bring a younger generation into the veterinary workplace to meet the demand of the growing number of pet parents and need for...
Should I Shave My Dog?
What groomers refer to as “clipping” (and pet parents call “shaving”) a dog’s hair, can keep your dog cooler, but up to a certain length. Taking the coat right down to the skin has the opposite effect as the coat helps to regulate body temperature. It also protects your dog’s sensitive skin from the sunburns and pests. Which dog breeds should not be shaved According to Nicole Kalish, education manager at Andis, most double-coated, shedding dogs should not be shaved. These dog breeds include: “Often,...
3 Indoor Exercises for Dogs
Inclement can mean less time outside, so how can we tire a dog out without walking? Or play with a puppy indoors? Being inside with your dog doesn’t have to be dull. Check out these three boredom-busting activities: Train your dog indoors Mental exercise can be more tiring than physical exercise! Rewards-based training helps build skills, boost confidence and improve your bond with your dog. Teach puppies or brush up on life skills like: Check out this video if you need a visual: [embedded content] Find It is also a great skill to teach...
Road Trip With Your Dog Tips
The key to a successful road trip with your dog is planning and preparation. Here are some road trip tips to help you plan out your big canine-filled travel adventure. First, start with a basic checklist and then fill in the details. Plan your pet-friendly route. Find pet-friendly hotels, restaurants and places to visit with your pet, like hiking trails. Call and confirm they are pet friendly if you can as websites are not always updated. Also make a list of emergency vets along your route. Research local vaccination requirements and laws...
