Four Ways to Help Canine Companions Beat the Heat

Do the dog days of summer have you looking for ways to beat the heat? Don’t forget that your four-legged friends need to cool down too. Soaring temperatures can spell trouble for pets, resulting in everything from sunburn to heatstroke. Luckily, there are steps you can take to keep pets cool and comfortable. Here are four ways you can make sure the only hot dog you have this summer is the kind that comes in a bun!

1. Provide Plenty of Water

To stay healthy and hydrated in the heat, dogs need constant access to cool, clean water. Place water bowls in multiple locations and be sure to check them frequently. Having trouble getting your dog to drink? Try switching from a metal bowl to a glass one. Some dogs avoid drinking from metal bowls because they fear the noise they make. Adding a little water to dry food is another easy way to boost hydration. Get a Perpetual Well Automatic Dog Water Bowl.

2. Protect Paws from Heat

You wouldn’t walk barefoot on hot concrete, and neither should your pooch. Walk your dog in the evening when it’s cooler outside and stay on grassy surfaces. Dog booties and balms or waxes can also keep paws burn-free during walks by creating a barrier between hot pavement and paws.

3. Make It a Shave-Free Summer

If you think that shaving off all that hot hair will help your dog cool down, think again: hair protects dogs from sunburn and insulates them from the heat. Brush pets well in the summer and skip the shaves until temperatures drop.

4. Keep Pets Safe at Home

Your dog can be in your bed, in your lap, and in your heart, but when it’s hot outside, your dog should not be in your car. It’s never safe to leave a dog in a hot car–not even with the window cracked, not even with the air conditioning running, not even for a second. The temperature inside of a parked car can rise to dangerous levels in a matter of seconds, so run errands solo and let your pooch stay safe and sound at home.

When temperatures soar this summer, keep your dog safe and comfortable so you can enjoy each other’s company for many summers to come.

Four Ways to Help Canine Companions Beat the Heat

Ten Baffling Dog Behaviors Explained

10 Baffling Dog Behaviors Explained

Dogs sometimes exhibit behaviors that are baffling to humans. These odd habits can be amusing, embarrassing, and occasionally disgusting. But what lies behind the more extreme behaviors, and are they a cause for concern?

In most cases, what a dog owner thinks are bizarre behaviors are simply a dog being a dog. However, excessive displays of certain behaviors can indicate the dog is unwell. Here are explanations of 10 strange things dogs do.

1. Cocking Head to One Side

It looks adorable when a dog cocks its head to one side, listening to you or another sound. The action makes them look like they are engrossed in a conversation. Cocking the head to one side is a perfectly natural behavior believed to be the dog attempting to better hear an unusual sound.

A dog occasionally coking its head to listen to a sound is no cause for concern. However, if your dog repeatedly exhibits this behavior without audible stimulation, it could indicate an ear infection.

2. Eating Poop

One of the most unpleasant habits of dogs is eating poop. The scientific name for this behavior is coprophagia. Dogs may develop a taste for their own excrement, or they may eat other animals’ poop. The explanation for this behavior is as gross as the act; some dogs like the taste of poop.

While the thought of eating poop will turn your stomach, coprophagia is not usually a sign of illness. However, if your dog becomes obsessive about poop eating, it may indicate a nutritional deficiency.

3. Walking in Circles Before Lying Down

You might have noticed your dog walking around in circles before lying down. This act seems like a pointless but amusing exercise to humans. It looks like the dog is indecisive about taking a nap, or they can’t find the perfect spot.

Walking in circles before settling down is believed to be a habit developed by wild dogs and wolves, your pet’s ancestors. The dog is flattening down the grass and leaves to make a warm nest for the night.

4. Sniffing Butts

Another unsavory habit of dogs is sniffing each other’s butts. This is a perfectly natural and acceptable greeting in the canine world. Occasionally, you may also see your dog greeting humans similarly.

Dogs have a keen sense of smell and can discover much about other animals by smelling their rear ends. The aromas reveal the gender of the animal, its state of health, and current emotions.

5. Eating Grass

There are many possible explanations for a dog eating grass. Blades of grass have high fiber content, so some people believe that dogs self-medicate stomach problems when munching on grass. On the other hand, it could simply be that your dog likes the taste. Another theory is that dogs in the wild would eat almost anything if they were hungry, and this behavior is a throwback to that scavenging instinct.

Eating grass is not harmful to a dog, although it may cause vomiting. However, your dog will ingest potentially harmful chemicals if your lawn is treated with herbicides and pesticides. The dog could also pick up parasites, such as intestinal worms.

6. Chasing Their Tail

A dog running around in a circle chasing its tail looks hilarious. Occasional exhibitions of this kind are normal; the dog is merely playing. However, if the dog incessantly chases its tail, it could indicate canine compulsive disorder (CCD). Other possible explanations include anal gland problems or flea bite allergy.

7. Humping People and Objects

It can be highly embarrassing when your dog starts humping a visitor to your home. Dogs may also display amorous intentions to other dogs, you, and inanimate objects. If the dog has not been neutered or spayed, this could be what you think it is; a sexual act. But dogs that have been “fixed” may also exhibit this behavior.

When dogs that have been neutered or spayed hump things, it is usually a sign they are overexcited. When dogs get overexcited, they may not know how to express their emotions, so they exhibit this behavior. It might also be that the dog is seeking attention.

A dog humping people, dogs, or objects is embarrassing but not a cause for concern. If the behavior becomes a problem, try distracting the dog with a reprimand or treat.

8. Rolling in Smelly Stuff

Dogs take immense pleasure in rolling in strong-smelling substances, such as poop, urine, or rotting animal or vegetable matter. Often, dogs will exhibit this behavior shortly after their coat has been shampooed, much to their owners’ annoyance.

The reason dogs roll in smelly substances after a bath is likely to be because they don’t like the perfume smell of the shampoo. You might want your puppy to smell of roses, but it’s not the natural smell of a dog. Consequently, he will go straight out into the yard after a bath and roll in something that smells more “doggy.”

Dog behaviorists also believe that dogs may roll in strong-smelling substances to disguise their scent. This behavior relates to their ancestors, who would attempt to conceal their smell to deceive their prey when hunting.

9. Ripping Apart Toys

When you buy your dog a new toy, and he immediately rips it to shreds, it probably wasn’t the reaction you were anticipating. But this behavior isn’t a sign that he hated your gift; it’s another example of instinctive dog behavior inherited from wild ancestors. Although the dog is only play-acting, when he thrashes it from side to side and chews it, he is acting out the killing of prey.

10. Gulping Down Food

Dog’s eating habits can be baffling, too. For example, why do they gulp down their food when there is plenty of time to enjoy the meal? This is another throwback to a dog’s wild ancestry. Wolves are pack animals, and when you live in a pack, there is competition for food. So, dogs wolf down their food to ensure they get their fair share.

Conclusion

There is evidence to suggest that dogs were domesticated 14,000 years ago. But, despite all that time in the company of humans, there is still a lot of wolf instinct in today’s dogs. Consequently, most of the dog behaviors that humans find odd are instinctive and perfectly natural to a dog. Still, unusual or obsessive dog behavior could signify a medical problem. So, if you are concerned, you should take your dog to a vet.

Ten Tips for Keeping Your Dog Healthy

Dogs are a significant part of the family. You love your dog, so you want to help it live a long, happy, and healthy life. Here are ten tips to help you keep your dog as healthy as possible:

Feed Your Dog Correctly

To keep your dog healthy, you need to pay attention to its nutrition by feeding it the correct amount of the right food. Feeding your dog too much will make it obese. A significantly overweight dog is prone to heart disease, diabetes, and other obesity-related diseases.

Check how much food your breed and age of dog needs, and avoid giving it extra no matter how much it whines or pleads. It will also help if you feed your dog a healthy brand of dog food. If you are unsure about what type of food to feed your dog, ask your vet about which variety is best. Restrict the number of treats you give your dog, and provide a steady supply of fresh water to help it avoid dehydration.

Socialize Your Dog

You should make sure your dog grows accustomed to being around other dogs and humans while still a puppy. Your pet can suffer significant injuries if it gets into a fight with another dog. If your dog bites someone, you may face a fine. In the worst-case scenario, the authorities may destroy your dog for attacking a human. If you own a dog, it is your responsibility to make sure it is socialized correctly. Dog behaviorists can help tame an unruly dog that is aggressive towards humans or other dogs.

Dog Supplements

You can help prevent your dog from getting sick by purchasing the correct supplements and preventative medications. For instance, you can buy fish oil capsules for dog breeds prone to joint pain or purchase probiotics for a pet with a sensitive stomach. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian before giving a supplement to your dog.

Plenty Of Exercise

A dog that does not get enough exercise will gain weight and potentially suffer from diseases linked to obesity. Dogs also need the mental stimulation they gain from exploring new sights and smells on a walk. Therefore, not walking your canine friend will damage its physical and psychological health.

Find out how much exercise your dog breed needs. Try to do everything you can to make sure you meet its requirements. However, do not overwalk your dog. This is particularly important if it is a breed such as a French bulldog with a shorter muzzle prone to respiratory issues. Avoid walking your dog on hot days. Hot surfaces can blister your dog’s paws. When the weather is hot, look for alternative forms of exercise such as swimming or using a treadmill at home.

Groom Your Dog

All dog breeds have unique grooming needs. Breeds with long or curly coats tend to require more grooming. If you do not bother to groom your dog, dirt and dead skin will build up. What is more, its coat will eventually become matted and tangled. Not grooming your dog can lead to skin infections and dermatological issues such as itching, bald spots, and dry patches. If you are not sure about your breed’s grooming requirements, check with your vet or do some research online.

Love And Attention

Responsible dog owners give their pets plenty of love and attention because they understand that there will be consequences if they do not. Dogs that do not receive enough attention and love develop unwanted behavioral issues. Dogs need plenty of scratches, tummy rubs, and regular snuggles for the good of their mental health. If you intend to leave it out in the yard all day, you should not bother getting a dog.

Some dog breeds need more attention than others. Your dog will let you know if it needs more attention from you. You can also check with your vet to ask how much attention your breed typically requires.

Spaying Or Neutering

There are many good reasons to have your dog spayed or neutered. Spaying or neutering can reduce a dog’s risk of developing some cancers and prolong its life. Neutering can reduce aggression in male dogs. Spaying stops female dogs from going into heat, meaning you do not need to deal with associated symptoms such as bloody discharge or moodiness. Spaying and neutering also lead to fewer unwanted dogs pining away in animal shelters.

Checkups At the Vet

Try to get your dog checked out by the veterinarian at least once a year. Regular checkups will help your vet detect any dangerous health conditions or diseases early. When your vet discovers signs of illness early, you can take the appropriate steps to safeguard your pet’s health. Regular checkups also help you keep an eye on your dog’s weight to prevent it from becoming obese.

Keeping Your Dog Safe

Dogs tend to jump over fences and get lost. You can help keep your dog safe by having it microchipped. Ensure any toxic household chemicals are stored away from your dog and avoid feeding it anything that it should not eat. For example, dogs should not eat grapes, raisins, onions, chocolate, or garlic.

Observe Your Dog

When you love your dog, you keep a close eye on it. Thus, you will learn what is normal for your dog and what is not. If you see your dog behaving in ways that are not typical, contact your vet. For instance, suppose your dog is usually playful but has been listless and has not wanted to play for the past several hours. If an energetic dog suddenly becomes lethargic, it may indicate that something is wrong and needs medical attention.

A Fit Dog

Following the guidelines outlined in this article will help keep your dog happy and healthy. When you have a content, healthy, and energetic dog, you can enjoy each other’s company for years to come. Having fun together and sharing a close bond is what owning a dog is all about.

Choosing a Safe Pet Carrier

Traveling with a pet can be quite difficult without the aid of a safe per carrier, but choosing one to suit your pet’s individual requirements can be quite a task. Even if you don’t intend to travel very much with your companion, he/she may still require a short trip to the vets, local kennels, etc, at some time in its life.

What to look for
You will first need to know exactly what type of carrier will suit the type of pet you own, and what mode of travel it will mainly be used for. If you intend to travel by rail or plane, for example, you will need to find something very strong and sturdy that can withstand any knocks or bumps. You will need to ensure that the carrier is the correct size for your pet too, so that it can stand up, turn round, and lie down comfortably inside without feeling insecure in an area that is too big for it – the addition of built-in feeders and extra padding may also be a good idea for longer journeys to add extra comfort. There are carriers available that are actually approved by the International Air Transport Association, and these are obviously ideal for any pet that needs to use this mode of transport.

You will then need to look at the safety of the carrier door; does it fasten securely, and are there any rough parts that could injure your pet during transit? Look carefully at the strength of the carrying handle, and check whether there are any seat belt slots for securing the carrier in a car or other motorized vehicle. Another thing to consider is how easy the carrier is going to be to clean and keep fresh whilst on the move. You will need to look at the base of any suitable carriers to see if it they can support some kind of absorbent lining, as this will help to retain any moisture in the carrier and prevent leakage.

Pet carriers come in a wide variety of materials, colors, and designs; you can opt for hard plastic, soft-sided, or even collapsible models to suit your needs. If you feel that the weight of your pet is going to be an issue whilst carrying, then why not choose a carrier on wheels or one of the buggy style carriers.

Things to remember
Once you have purchased a suitable carrier for your pet, you must remember to label it up with your contact details, and then make sure that all tags are securely fastened on and out of the way of your pet. When using certain types of carriers, you may need to consider using directional arrows to ensure that your pet is always kept in an upright position. For long-distance travel, it is also a good idea to take any medical and vaccination documents with you too, just in case they are required during your trip.

It is always worth investing in a good quality pet carrier, especially if you intend to travel regularly with your pet, as it will last much longer and give you the satisfaction of knowing that your pet is safe and secure whilst on the move.