Expert Tips To Help Your Pooch To Socialize

Explaining Socialization: The Basics

Socialization is essentially learning about different experiences, situations, people and animals. When you socialize your dog, you are preparing him to feel safe and have positive experiences in different environments and social settings.

It is important to socialize your pet, whether it is a puppy, an adult or an older dog. Dogs with poor social skills are more prone to anxiety and aggression, while properly socialized dogs tend to be more well-adjusted; they are more approachable, happier and less stressed.

With each new positive experience, your dog will gain more and more confidence as he explores his surroundings, people and animals. By introducing your dog to different sights, sounds and scenarios, it is especially helpful to keep him calm and happy, and even associate a potentially frightening experience with something positive, such as treats or toys.

A few different settings to try:

• Surfaces and textures (grass, foliage, carpet, concrete, earth, wood, etc.)
• Other dogs (neighbors’ dogs, dogs from the dog park or other household animals).
• Other people (family members, letter carriers, friends and relatives, strangers you meet on your walks).
• Noises (e.g., doorbells, ringing telephones, vacuum cleaners, car horns, other dogs barking, thunderstorms)

Ideally, your dog should be socialized between eight weeks and four months of age. Fortunately, you can teach your older dog new tricks at any age, including these helpful tips.

Don’t Set Expectations Too High

Depending on your dog’s background, health or general behavior, you may have to accept that your four-legged friend may not be the most popular pup in the dog park, happily greeting any interaction.

Instead, try to make your dog reasonably comfortable and relaxed around new people, pets and experiences. The less stressed and anxious your dog is in his daily life, the better.

Baby Steps

Too many experiences in a short time can be overwhelming. Instead, focus on one new experience at a time, and even then, start small.

For example, if you want your puppy to meet other people, start by introducing him to one or two new people at a time, and then increase the number. If your dog feels attacked by a large group of people and has no way to escape, his fear may turn into aggression as a form of self-defense.

Instead of going straight to the dog park, start with daily walks, just you and your pet. Once your dog has become accustomed to walking among strangers and other animals, you can try playing with a friend or neighbor’s dog. Once Fido feels safe and calm around other people, you can take him to the dog park or daycare for one last socialization.

Be Assertive

When you find yourself in a social situation and tension starts to rise, it is important to remain calm and in control. Dogs sense our emotions. So if you are tense, your dog may think your fear is justified, which will only make the situation worse.

If you notice your dog is uncomfortable, calmly remove yourself from the situation until he calms down. Some dogs find it therapeutic to follow familiar commands that are rewarded with treats.

Be sure to follow all leash rules for your safety, especially if your puppy is unpredictable due to nerves.

Expand Your Pet’s World

The more comfortable your dog is in his environment, the more comfortable he will be with other animals and people. We know that dogs like routines, but it is also important to change them from time to time to keep your dog open to new experiences.

Take daily walks, visit dog-friendly restaurants and outdoor cafes, try different outdoor activities such as hiking and biking, or take your dog for a walk while you run quick errands so you can experience new sights, smells and sounds.

Encourage Positive Behavior And Provide Feedback

Use treats to create positive associations with new people and experiences. After all, a dog who knows he is going to get a treat is much more likely to cooperate and feel pleasure when meeting a new person.

Let your dog know you appreciate his successes by praising his good behavior after every positive encounter. You are his best friend, so naturally your approval will be a strong motivator.

Alone Time Is Good

It may seem counterproductive, but teaching your dog to feel comfortable alone is an important aspect of socialization. If your dog feels safe, wherever he is and with whomever he is with, he will suffer much less separation anxiety.

Consider incorporating crate training into your dog’s routine. Not only will this teach your dog to be independent, but it will also create a safe place to retreat to when he becomes too overwhelmed.

If your dog suffers from chronic stress, anxiety or behavioral problems, you should consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical conditions. It may also be a good idea to consult a professional trainer to treat serious behavioral problems.

Why Do My Dog Keep Sneezing?

We’re sure you’ve sneezed on many occasions during your lifetime, and we’re also sure that you’ve witnessed someone sneezing. It’s a part of life, so it’s no big deal.

Sneezing could be an indication that you’re coming down with a cold. It could also mean that something is irritating your nasal passages. For instance, a whiff of strong cologne can prompt you to sneeze. For some strange reason, cheap cologne and perfume can have an adverse effect on our sinuses.

Just like their human counterparts, canines are prone to sneezing. Sneezing helps them clear dirt, dust, and strong household aerosols from their nasal passages.

Should you be alarmed if your dog keeps sneezing?

We will cover the following points in this article:

• The common causes of sneezing

• How you can help your furry friend get over sneezing

• Indications of a serious problem

Five Potential Reasons Why Your Dog Continues to Sneeze

There are many reasons why your dog sneezes repeatedly. Fortunately, most of them are easy to figure out. However, you should be concerned if your dog’s sneezing fits continue to take place.

As a dog parent, it’s your responsibility to monitor their health. If you think something weird is taking place, you should get in touch with your veterinarian. They will be able to address the situation, so that your canine can make a full recovery.

Let’s go over some common causes of sneezing for canines, and the proper steps you need to take.

1. Playing Around

This may sound strange, but many dog breeds are well known for “play sneezing”. If they get excited, they are bound to “play sneeze”.

There’s nothing to worry about. Your dog is simply trying to tell other dogs the horse-playing is acceptable.

Some dog training experts believe that dogs sneeze after they kick dirt, dust, and other irritants in the air. Sneezing helps them clear their nose.

What to do about it: Nothing! Allow your dog to have fun, and understand that sneezing is part of the process.

2. Nasal Mites

Canal nasal mites are tiny parasites that can cause havoc in a dog’s nose. Unfortunately, they have the uncanny ability to travel from one dog to another.

What type of threat do nasal mites pose? They can cause the following: nose bleeds, sneezing, head shaking, reverse sneezing, and nose itching.

You should take your dog to the vet immediately if their nose is bleeding.

What to do about it: Only your vet can detect if your dog has nasal mites. They will give your dog a CT scan, flush your dog’s nasal passages, or give your dog a nasal endoscopy.

Your vet will tell you if your pet’s nasal mites can be treated with an anti-parasitic medication. They’ll be more than happy to prescribe this for your pet.

One Quick Point about Nasal Sneezing

A reverse sneeze is not a real sneeze. It’s called paroxysmal respiration. Reverse sneezing takes place when your dog pulls air into their nose fast rather than forcing air out of their nose. When this happens, your dog will make a snorting sound.

The sound of reverse sneezing can frighten you, but it’s nothing to worry about. It will be over within several minutes.

What to do about it: Give your beloved pet a back massage. If this doesn’t calm them down, you should take them to the vet.

3. Obstruction in the Airway

Breeds like English bulldogs, boxers, and Boston terriers have short heads and small nasal passages. This is the primary reason why they have a hard time with the heat, exercising, and breathing.

What to do about it: Take your canine to the vet for regular exams, and take them out for walks during the morning or late in the evening.

4. Allergies

Many people don’t know that some dogs have allergies, and their allergies will make them sneeze. Chicken, beef, and dairy can aggravate your dog’s sinuses. However, a recent report revealed that environmental allergens pose a greater threat to canines.

Many environmental allergens can be found in your home. Dust, mold, and cleaning solutions can force your dog to sneeze.

Some dog parents change the air filters in their home regularly. Clean filters do a better job at trapping the allergens that can pose a problem for your dog’s nose.

If your dog has watery eyes, a runny nose, and wheezes while sneezing, seasonal allergies may be the offender.

What to do about it: Add an allergy supplement to your dog’s diet. You can consult with your veterinarian if you need help.

5. Foreign Objects

Dogs love to explore their environment. They’ll dig in the dirt, go in the trash can, and sniff around the home. This leaves them prone to getting microscopic particles in their nasal passages. Sneezing helps them get rid of these foreign elements.

Does your dog continue to paw at their nose? This type of behavior indicates the irritant is still present.

What to do about it: Make your home dog proof. If you don’t see anything in their nose, you should schedule an appointment with the vet. They will examine your dog’s nasal cavity.

Final Summary

It’s normal for dogs to sneeze, so you shouldn’t freak out when your canine makes an attempt to clear their nasal passages. Your dog knows it’s vital for them to keep their nose clean.

Many things can force your dog to sneeze. It could be something from the environment, or your dog is enjoying their playtime with you. As we stated earlier, this is called “play sneezing”.

Should you be alarmed when your dog begins to sneeze? In most cases, there’s nothing for you to be worried about.

If your dog continues to sneeze, you should set up an appointment with your vet. Your vet will examine your dog closely and take appropriate action.

Learning more about dog sneezing can help you have a better understanding of your dog’s health. In the long run, you’ll become an exceptional dog parent.

Our Top 5 Dog Constipation Remedies

Being constipated is not a pleasant experience for anyone. The same can be said for canines. Can you imagine how your furry friend feels when they’re having difficulty passing regular stool?

Your dog will get sick, and anxiety will kick in when they become constipated. This is why it’s important for you to be proactive when signs of constipated surface.

You can give your canine a daily dog supplement. This will keep them healthy and regular. You can find some good daily dog supplements at your grocery market, a pet store, and on the internet.

With so many brands of dog supplements being marketed these days, it’s easy for anyone to select the wrong brand. Make certain you choose a brand that has a solid reputation in the pet industry. Your choice of quality supplements will help sustain your dog’s health.

It’s not strange for devoted dog owners to ask, “What can I give my dog for constipation?” Fortunately, you have many options to choose from.

In this article, we’ll go over five dog constipation remedies that work extremely well. First, you should know more about constipation.

What is Constipation?

Constipation occurs when you’re having difficulty with passing a sufficient amount of stool. It’s vital to mention that constipation does not automatically mean there’s a build-up of stool. According to PetMD, you will have the sensation to go, but you’re unable to relieve yourself.

As a dog owner, it can be challenging to recognize the symptoms of constipation. However, you will be able to see that your dog is having a hard time going to the bathroom.

Here are three types of canine constipation:

Intrinsic Constipation – Hormone imbalances or neurological disorders are the culprits behind constipation

Intraluminal Constipation – This takes place when a blockage in the colon does not allow stool to pass

Extraluminal Constipation – An exterior source is causing a blockage in the colon

How did my dog become constipated?

The causes of constipation fall into the three categories above. Intraluminal constipation is the most common form of constipation. In this instance, a swallowed object or tumor is causing the blockage in the colon.

When something becomes lodged in a dog’s throat, intraluminal constipation can take place. This could be hair, grass, or string. These items will eventually make their way through your dog’s system. Only on rare occasions is surgery needed to remove these objects.

Please note the exterior blockage referred to in the description of extra-luminal constipation may not be visible. In some instances, clumped hair can cause the blockage in the anus. There are situations where a broken bone or arthritis is hindering the dog’s ability to pass stool comfortably.

It can be difficult for veterinarians to see an exterior blockage. There’s a possibility that a clump of hair is causing the obstruction. In many other cases, arthritis or a broken bone is hindering regularity outside the colon.

Intrinsic constipation is not common. It’s typically a side effect of medication given to your dog. In rare cases, neurological disorders will show up as constipation. However, intrinsic constipation will take place after a medical procedure.

According to AvoDerm’s research, the following can cause constipation in your pooch:

• A change in diet

• Lack of exercise

• Neurological Disease

• Stress and anxiety

• Intestinal obstructions

• Dehydration

• Matted fur

• Arthritis and other physical problems

• Side effects of supplements and medicine

• Damage to the exterior of the anal cavity or anus

The veterinarian must detect constipation before they can treat it. If you believe your pup is showing symptoms of constipation, keep a close eye on them.

Here are the warning signs of constipation:

• Vomiting

• Small, dry, and hard stools

• Constant biting or knowing at the tail

• Strange objects in the stool like grass or hair

• Loss of appetite

• Difficulty urinating

• Licking the anus

Your dog may also drag their hindquarters along the floor. This is known as “scooting”. Your dog will scoot to reduce the pressure they feel in their anus.

You can help lower the pressure by carefully rubbing the area where their lower abdomen meets the hip joints. Please call your vet if your dog whines after touching this area. Their whining means they’re in serious pain.

A sensitive abdomen could indicate that there is a blockage or another serious medical issue. In either case, take your dog to the vet immediately. You don’t want your dog to suffer in pain.

A soft abdomen massage may help loosen stool. If that doesn’t work, you can try the 5 dog constipation remedies below. We’re sure they’ll get the job done.

1. Take a Close Look

This is not a pleasant option, but it’s effective. If your dog sheds a lot, there’s a possibility that a mass of hair needs to be removed from their anus.

So you need to take a look. If you see any hair in the anus, you must remove it.

Professional tip: Use clippers to remove hair in this area. Never use scissors because you could injure your beloved canine.

If the offending object is visible, give your dog a chance to pass it through. If they’re unable to eliminate it naturally, you should consider taking them to the vet. They have the equipment and experience for the job.

2. Make Them Move Around

If your dog fails to get adequate exercise, their digestive system will suffer. It will not be able to function properly. Your dog will not be able to process and digest their food.

An out-of-shape dog will normally slide into survival mode. When this happens, their food will be stored in their stomach and intestines. Fecal matter will build up and your pooch’s health will decline.

Vigorous exercise outside can break up hard fecal matter. It may take several attempts for your dog to pass their stool. Eventually, they’ll have a good bowel movement.

If exercise doesn’t work, take your dog to the vet. The fecal matter may be too hard and large for your dog to pass. Your vet may need to give your dog an enema to soften the stool.

3. Stool Softeners for Dogs

Your pooch may need a little help, so giving them a stool softener could yield positive results. Dogs are mammals, but this doesn’t mean you should give them one of your laxatives. A dog-specific stool softener will do a better job.

If you want to expedite your dog’s recovery, you can add more fiber to their diet. For example, you can give them canned pumpkin. It has a solid reputation for alleviating constipation in canines.

Pumpkin’s high fiber content is more than capable of pushing the hardened waste through your pooch’s digestive tract and out their anus.

Please give your dog small quantities of canned pumpkin and stood softener. You don’t want to overdo it!

4. Hydrate

As we mentioned above, dehydration is a huge contributing factor for constipation in dogs. You may not be able to detect that your dog is dehydrated.

Here are some signs of dehydration:

• Loss of appetite

• Lethargy

• Panting

• Foamy drool

• Vomiting

• Lack of balance

• Heavy breathing

How can you tell if your dog is dehydrated? According to the American Kennel Club, you can pull the excess skin behind their neck gently. If the skin snaps back fast, your dog is hydrated. If the skin fails to snap back fact, your best friend is dehydrated.

Contrary to popular belief, water alone will not help hydrate your dog. You must give them Pedialyte and bone broth. The electrolytes and salts from these products will help re-establish the right pH balance.

When you give your dog bone broth and Pedialyte, make sure you them a small amount. Giving them too much can cause more stomach problems. Administer the beverage with a syringe if your dog is too weak to drink on their own.

When your dog becomes hydrated, their regular bowel movement should return within 24 hours. Start pouring a small amount of water in their dog bowl. This will help them make a full recovery.

You may want to think about getting dog-specific hydration supplements if dehydration becomes a recurring issue.

5. Treat Your Dog to Better Food

A change in diet may be the reason why your dog is constipated. The new dog food may not be suitable for their nutritional needs. Most vets will not hesitate to tell you processed foods are not good for your pooch so you should read the label carefully.

There’s an old saying, “You are what you eat.” This old adage also applies to dogs. If your dog is on a poor diet, their health will suffer dramatically.

Making homemade dog food can do wonders for your dog’s health. However, it’s time-consuming and expensive.

If you decide to go this route, make certain you add supplements, vitamins, and probiotics to their food. This will help them reach optimum health.

Final Summary

It may be time to make a trip to the veterinarian if your dog hasn’t had a bowel movement in two to three days. The 5 dog constipation remedies in this article can help, but there may come a time when you must take your dog to the vet for professional medical attention. Your dog’s constipation problem should not be taken lightly. Having a full understanding of constipation will put you in position to assist your dog while they’re having a hard time passing their stool.

The Best Dog-Friendly Summer Festivals

Enjoy a great summer festival with your dog

Summertime is a great season to get our beloved dogs to enjoy the great outdoors but in some cities, they have awesome dog-themed festivals where your furry friend can have a blast, if you’re lucky to be in one of these towns, check them out!

Make sure to plan ahead and pay close attention to your pet, during these events with so many people and distractions, we can omit something that can affect their wellbeing.

According to the American Kennel Club, the following tips can help you keep your pooch safe:

Avoid exercising your dog strenuously on extremely hot days. Take walks in the early mornings or evenings, when the sun’s heat is less intense.

Avoid exposing your dog to hot asphalt or sand for any prolonged period; it can burn his paws.

Be mindful of your dog’s breed. Dogs that are brachycephalic (have a short head and snout), such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Japanese Chin, and Pekingese, have an especially hard time in the heat because they do not pant as efficiently as longer-nosed dogs. Keep your brachycephalic dog inside with air-conditioning. “

Popular Summer Festivals That Are Dog-Friendly

Sommerville Dog Festival – Sommerville, MA

Typically happens in mid-September just outside of Boston, bring your dog to enjoy great activities and participate in contests. Don’t forget to let your pooch to make some new friends too!

According to the Sommerville official site:

The Somerville Dog Festival is organized by the Somerville Foundation for Animals, which works to make sure no one ever has to choose between feeding themselves and their pets. Through your activity donations and through our sponsors’ generosity, the Festival raises money for the Foundation’s Somerville Pet Food Bank, providing pet food to food banks and outreach programs throughout Eastern Massachusetts. The Foundation also purchases one K9 protective vest for local law enforcement K9 officers each year through Massachusetts Vest-a-Dog.

Bark In The Park – San Jose, CA

Save the date: September 19th, 2020 is when you can come to this great event and let your dog have a blast

As per their official website, these are some of the awesome activities offered:

Low Cost Vaccines and $5 Microchipping, provided by PAWS 4 SJACS (Pet Awareness and Welfare Society for San Jose Animal Care Services)

Kids’ Zone Dog-themed bounce house, face painting, Doga, DIY dog toy making, storytime, dog owners in training resource tent, and kid’s agility course.

Contests, including the popular Dog Costume Contest, Dog/Owner Look-Alike Contest and Tail Wagging Contest

Demonstrations of dog agility and specialized dog training

More than 75 vendors with dog-specific goods and services.

Delicious food and drink at the Gordon Biersch Refreshment Garden

Misting Tent, courtesy of San Jose Water

West Fest Chicago

Although not only for dogs, this great summer festival packs a ton of entertainment, be mindful that this event is very popular so expect a lot of people but also a lot of fun!

This is what they say in their website:

West Fest Chicago is an annual street festival in Chicago’s West Town Community on Chicago Avenue between Damen Avenue and Wood Street (1800W – 2000W Chicago Ave. Chicago IL 60622) presented by the West Town Chicago Chamber of Commerce.

What makes West Fest Chicago so unique? Since 2004 West Fest Chicago stands out from the rest because it is locally planned and managed by the West Town Chamber of Commerce, thus the emphasis is on local offerings and local talent. West Fest Chicago features neighborhood retailers and restaurants, fine artists, crafters, and more. The event reflects the eclectic and hip West Town community and is also known for cutting edge live music and Chicago House DJs.

Do you have a dog friendly festival that we should know about? – send us a note!

How Much Benadryl Can I Give My Dog?

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not unusual for dogs to have allergies. Some popular breeds such as Golden Retrievers, Boxers, and Dalmatians battle allergies throughout their entire life.

Before you get a dog, you should take out the time to study the breed’s history. However, it’s important to point out that any dog breed can come down with an allergic reaction. As the owner, you must know how to treat your beloved canine’s allergies with Benadryl.

It may seem like a weird idea, but giving your dog Benadryl is probably one of your best options. Dogs are mammals, and they suffer from the same allergies that plague humans. The key lies in keeping track of the amount you give your beloved canine.

We’ve read plenty of disaster stories about owners giving their dog too much Benadryl. Unfortunately, some of them lost their extended family member to complications from an overdose.

In this article, we will teach you how to calculate the amount of Benadryl to give your dog. We will also look at some side effects that could surface later.

Once you’re done reading this article, you will be familiar with some natural alternatives that can help your dog overcome a runny nose, sneezing, and many other aggravating allergy symptoms.

Benadryl: A Well-Known Solution for Allergies

Benadryl has managed to maintain its popularity over the years. It’s an over-the-counter antihistamine that can help reduce allergy symptoms in humans and in canines. Research shows that Benadryl does a fantastic job at fighting the following: food allergies, seasonal allergies, insect bites, and environmental allergies.

According to Dr. Catherine Barnette’s research, itching of the skin is the most common sign of a dog with an allergy. Respiratory symptoms can also take place while your dog scratches away. In some instances, coughing, wheezing, and sneezing takes place.

You don’t need a prescription to purchase Benadryl. One box contains tablets of 25 milligrams. Fortunately, determining the proper Benadryl dosage for canines is easy.

How Much Benadryl Can I Give My Dog?

According to Plumb’s Drug Handbook, you can give a 25-pound dog a standard dosage of 25 milligrams two to three times a day. If you exceed this recommended dosage, you’ll be pushing the limit.

To keep things simple, stick with using 1 milligram per pound of your canine’s body weight. Let’s say your dog weighs 50 pounds. You can give him or her 25 milligram tablets. Dogs weighing less than 25 pounds can take children’s liquid Benadryl.

Before you give Benadryl to your dog, it would be wise for you to get in touch with your veterinarian. This will help you avoid giving your pooch too much.

Your vet knows your dog’s medical history, and they’ll be more than happy to help.

In some instances, your dog may need immediate medical treatment if they have a severe allergic reaction from an overdose.The doctor will give your furry friend a shot to clear the symptoms. The shot will be uncomfortable for your dog, but it will save their life.

Make sure you’re careful while giving your dog Benadryl. Giving them too much can cause serious health issues. Call the Pet Poison Helpline if you believe your dog is showing signs of an overdose.

What are the Side Effects of Giving Your Dog Benadryl?

Many dog owners wonder if Benadryl will make their dog sleepy. There’s a possibility that it can cause drowsiness and produce the following side effects:

• High blood pressure

• Difficulty with breathing

• An increased heart rate

• Dry Mouth

• Loss of Appetite

• Urinary Retention

Giving the correct dosage to your canine can help you avoid causing serious health problems for your beloved pet.

Benadryl and Dog Anxiety

How much Benadryl can I give my dog? You will see this question plastered in many online dog forums. Giving your dog diphenhydramine HCL will work like a charm in some cases. Let’s take a close look at some things you need to know.

Benadryl can be used as a mild sedative. It can help them remain calm. This is why some dog owners give their canines Benadryl before a car ride, during thunderstorms, and before trips to the vet’s office.

If your furry friend has anxiety problems, you should think about giving them a natural calming supplement. Hemp-based chews work extremely well at helping dogs calm down. Look for a dog supplement that has calming active ingredients like hemp oil, passion flower, and ginger root. These ingredients are well known for producing a calming effect in dogs.

Are There any Natural Alternatives to Benadryl?

This is an excellent question. Yes, there are natural alternatives to Benadryl. Let’s take a close look at them.

Colostrum

Many natural allergy support supplements can strengthen your dog’s immune system. They can also support their skin, food, and seasonal allergies.

What is Colostrum? It’s an antibody-rich fluid that can be found in the mammary glands.

Dr. Cheryl Yill, Dr. Shawn Messonnier, and Dr. Steve Marsden discovered that Colostrum also helps with dental problems and food intolerances. Their intensive research also proves that Colostrum can help fight viruses, fungi, and dangerous bacteria.

Besides having Colostrum, some allergy support supplements for canines have turmeric. This spice does a tremendous job at reducing inflammation. This is one of the main reasons why many dog parents add this spice to their beloved pet’s diet.

It’s also worthy to mention that fish oil is great for itchy and dry skin. Fish oil can also be found in allergy support chews.

It may be a good idea to add a good Colostrum and turmeric-based allergy support chew to your dog’s diet. This can help keep their immune system sharp, and their allergies will be kept in check.

CBD for Dogs

CBD is a cannabidiol. It’s another natural product for dog allergies. CBD comes from agricultural hemp. It doesn’t come from cannabis.

Some researchers note that CBD can help support dry and itchy skin. Before you grab the Benadryl, you can give your dog CBD if they’re experiencing motion sickness.

CBD comes in the following forms: tablets, balms, lotions, and oils. The lotions, oils, and balms should be applied to the troubled area.

Which form of CBD should your purchase? It really depends on your preference. Some dog parents like giving their beloved canines tablets while others prefer rubbing the CBD product onto their dog’s affected area.

Final Summary

It’s a pleasure to own a dog, but you must be remember that they’ll experience health ailments during their lifetime. In this case, your canine may have battles with allergies at some point. Luckily, you can give your cherished pet Benedryl when allergy symptoms appear.

How much Benadryl can I give my dog? It’s normal for any dog owner to ask this question. Fortunately, there are many alternatives for dogs with allergies. Benadryl is effective at treating allergies, but you should check out the other options. It’s important for you have an open dialogue with your veterinarian before giving Benadryl to your pet. This safeguard will protect your pet’s health.

Why Is My Dog Throwing Up Undigested Food?

As a canine owner, it’s imperative for you to accept the fact that your dog may throw up at some point in the future. Dogs are prone to throwing up when they’re experiencing a problem. So make certain you’re prepared to handle it.

One episode of vomiting may not be a big deal, but you should be concerned if your dog vomits repeatedly.

Why is my dog throwing up undigested food? One explanation will not suffice. There are many reasons why your dog is throwing up his meal.

We know that you’re not interested in becoming a veterinarian, but we thought you should know that vomiting and regurgitation are not the same thing.

What’s the underlying reason why dogs vomit? Can you do anything about it?

Let’s take a close look at one of the most unpleasant aspects of owning your furry friend. We want you to be ready when this messy event happens.

Regurgitation vs. Vomiting

It’s not unusual for dog owners to believe regurgitation and vomiting are the same thing. However, it’s imperative to point out they have different meanings.

What is regurgitation?

This is when your dog’s food is sent to the oral cavity after it’s swallowed. The food was not digested. Your dog’s abdominal muscles did not play a role in delivering the stomach contents back into their throat and mouth. Gravity and the esophageal muscles are the culprits.

Vomiting requires the abdominal muscles to push the stomach contents back into your dog’s throat and mouth. It may sound weird, but those stomach contents are moderately digested.

Regurgitation can take place without any effort coming from your dog while vomiting requires active participation from your beloved pet.

Here are several reasons why does regurgitation take place:

• Your dog ate too much food

• Your dog ate his or her food too fast

• Your dog is excited

• Your dog is stressed out

• Your dog is suffering from a dilated esophagus. This is a medical condition forces your canine’s throat to swell. The throat will not be able to send the food into the stomach properly.

When your dog regurgitates their food, this does not automatically mean they are dealing with a medical issue. However, the exception is megaesophasus. You should contact the vet if your canine buddy regurgitates repeatedly. Vomiting should not be taken lightly.

What are the Causes of Vomiting?

Dogs are well known for pacing around before vomiting. They will begin to gag before releasing the stomach contents. You will see fluid and partially digested food.

If the fluid is clear, there’s no need for you to be concerned. However, you should be concerned if the stomach fluid is yellow or green. These colors are an indication that the fluid came from their small intestine. Your dog’s food is partially digested.

Should you get upset if your dog’s stomach fluid is yellow or green? This is not normal, but there’s no need for you to get upset.

Make sure you keep a close eye on your dog. If you don’t see an improvement, you should call your vet immediately.

Why is my dog throwing up undigested food? There are many reasons why your dog is going through this dilemma.

Here are several possibilities:

• Food allergies

• Viruses

• Too much buttery, fatty, or rich food in your dog’s system

• An ailing kidney or liver

• A toxic agent like antifreeze, a cleaning product, etc.

• Motion sickness

• Your dog consumed garbage

Warning Signs to Look Out For

You shouldn’t be alarmed if your dog vomits occasionally. Watch your canine friend closely, and call your vet if your dog continues to vomit.

Here are some things to look out for:

Constant vomiting – You should be worried if your puppy doesn’t stop vomiting. If the vomiting doesn’t cease, please call your vet.

A sudden change in their behavior – Is your dog acting strange after vomiting? Here are some signs of odd behavior: sudden weight loss, loss of appetite, weakness, and discomfort when you touch their abdomen.

More symptoms – Something is wrong if you see drooling, nasal discharge, and diarrhea. Your dog needs prompt medical attention if you see dried blood in their vomit.

Bloating – This is a serious condition that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It more common in larger dog breeds. Bloating is where your dog’s stomach twists. This blocks the stomach contents from escaping. The stomach will begin to swell.

How to Deal With Your Dog’s Vomiting

Get in touch with your veterinarian if your dog vomits frequently. You should also contact your vet if you think your dog has ingested something that’s irritating them.

Your vet will give your pooch a physical. They may want to do an x-ray or ultrasound scan, a blood test, and a stool sample.

When the vet stabilizes your dog, they will focus on dealing with the issue causing the illness.

Your vet may ask you to withhold food and water from your dog for half-a-day or a full day after vomiting. This will give your canine’s stomach lining a chance to heal.

It’s important for you to comfort your dog while they’re healing. This emotional support lets them know that everything will be fine.

Put your canine on a diet of cooked chicken and white rice for several days before pouring their normal food in their dog bowl.

There’s an old saying, “It’s the little things that count.” Adopting this old adage can help your dog have a speedy recovery, so give your dog a probiotic. This can help their digestive system function better.

Why is My Dog Throwing up Undigested Food?

There are many reasons why your dog is throwing up undigested or partially digested food. In some cases, they will regurgitate food that didn’t make it through the digestion process.

Gastritis may be the culprit for the irritation taking place in your dog’s stomach. This typically happens when your dog eats something that doesn’t agree with their system.

Watching your dog closely is the best course of action to take after they vomit. If things don’t improve, you should call the vet. Your dog’s health lies in your hands.

The German Shepherd Training Guide That Will Transform Your Dog…For Good

 

What if you could use your German Shepherd’s natural instincts in your favor?

If you’re thinking about adding a German Shepherd to your family, you’re about to make a great decision! German Shepherds are wonderful family dogs, highly intelligent, and easily trainable. But even if you already have a GS, this guide will change your perspective.

How soon should you start training?

Puppies can start training as soon as they arrive at your home and will benefit from regular training and refresher courses throughout their life.

You’ll need some basic know-how to ensure a smooth transition from puppy to a socialized, well-trained dog, but with adequate time and consistency, you’ll have a dog that is incredibly loyal, devoted, and eager to please.

If you have an older German Shepherd that is not behaving the way you want, we highly encourage you to try our professional guide, it’s risk-free anyways!

You Will Benefit From The Professional Guide If You Are:

Or…

If you want to help your German Shepherd develop into the trustworthy, protective, loyal, smart, and obedient dogs their instincts want them to be, the German Shepherd Owners Guide; From Pup, To Pal is written specifically with you in mind.

Start training the perfect pup or correct unwanted behavior easily 

Training 101: Basics

It’s vital to start training your puppy as soon as you bring them home. For German Shepherd puppies, it’s never too early to start training. If you put it off, the longer you delay, the harder the training will be.

German Shepherd pups are known for developing bad habits if left on their own for too long. The older they get, the harder it will be to retrain their habits.

Expectations

When you start out training your pup, you need to have a clear set of expectations in mind and remember that puppies will need time and consistency for training to cement. A seven to ten-week-old pup probably won’t be fully housetrained or instantly obey your every command.

In general, set your expectations for the following age markers:

3 Months – Come, sit, walk on a leash, wait for a potty break 2-3 hours

6 Months – Shake, food and treat eating by command, wait for a potty break 4-4 ½ hours

12 Months – Basic commands, walk on a leash in crowded areas, come despite distractions, wait for a potty break 5 hours

Be the Leader

German Shepherds¹ are highly intelligent, loyal, and protective. These traits are wonderful as long as you know how to work with them. You must teach your dog that you are the leader of the pack.

Otherwise, their dominant tendency might evidence itself, and they might try and take over. Teaching your dog that you are the leader ensures that they will take their commands from you, rather than deciding what to do on their own.

Teaching your dog that you are the one in charge happens through training, as well as through more subtle hints including:

• Only let your dog each after you have.
• Always proceed with your dog through doorways.
• Set boundaries, including rooms to not enter.
• Speak to them in a firm tone.
• Never accept disobedience during their training. Refocus your pooch and repeat the command until they respond properly and can be rewarded accordingly.

 

What if you could use your German Shepherd’s natural instincts in your favor?

Training 201: Training Methods

There are two predominant methods to use for successfully coaching a trained German Shepherd –  the rewards system and a clicker.

German Shepherds thrive when you offer firm training and positive feedback. They are built to work and please, making them highly receptive to training. A clicker can be paired with a rewards-based training system that your dog will quickly associate with good behavior.

Using the Clicker

You can purchase a clicker from any pet supply store or online. These are basic tools that fit into your hand and produce a distinctive “click” noise when pressed. Using this tool effectively can help speed up the training for your German Shepherd pup.

Using a clicker works the same way for any task. You give your dog a command, and the instant they follow through, you click and offer them a treat. They start associating the click with correct behavior and will listen for it when training.

It’s essential that you click as soon as the command is obeyed correctly. It should not be clicked for incorrect tries or poor behavior.

As with any reward system, you can opt to reduce clicking and instead use pats to reward good behavior as commands are learned.

Optionally, if you have sequence commands, using the clicker at the end of a sequence helps your dog attach the entire string of commands into one command.

Training 301: Basic Commands

All dogs need to learn a variety of basic commands to function properly in your family. These basic skills ensure a happy dog and a happy family that can live together in harmony.

Here are five basic commands to teach your dog and the method for training.

Sit

When training your dog to sit, you should gently push down on their hind quarter while saying the word “sit.” As soon as their rear connects with the ground and they’re in a sitting position, give them a treat to reinforce the behavior.

Repeat this process for several days. As they start to learn, move away from offering treats and instead offer a loving pat and affirming words such as “good boy” or “good girl.”

Stay

This is the next command after your dog has learned to sit. Start by telling your dog to sit. When they are seated, tell them to “stay” and hold your hand out with your palm facing them. Walk backward several steps. If your dog stays put, offer a treat for their behavior.

Repeat this process and increase the distance you move away. Do this entire process slowly, so they aren’t tempted to run after you, thinking you’re playing a game of chase.

If your dog tries to follow when you slowly walk away, command them to sit and try again.

Lie Down

When teaching your dog to lie down, start with them in a sitting position. Use a treat to then get them all the way down by placing it in front of them and having them follow the treat to the ground.

Say the words:”lie down” a few times while they are following the treat to a lying down position. As soon as they are down, offer the treat. Repeat this process until they get the hang of it and, similar to training used for “sit,” eventually move away from offering a treat and instead offer a pat and a “good boy.”

Shake

Start with your dog in the sitting position for this next trick. Put your hand out like you’re expecting something, say “shake,” and then use your other hand to put your dog’s paw into your hand.

When their paw is in your hand, offer them a treat. Repeat until they start offering their paw on their own. Finally, transition away from treats to pats for a job well done.

Come

Training for this command is typically a two-person job. While a friend or family member holds your dog in place, you walk away at a distance. When you’re several yards away, you command “come,” and the person with your dog releases it.

As soon as your dog arrives, you offer them a treat. This may take some repetition, and it’s best to start in a place that is distraction-free when first training your young German Shepherd.

Training 401: Command Variations

The commands above are basic versions any trained dog should know. Unfortunately, everyone else, including potential intruders, knows this too. Unless your dog is a trained protection dog, they may respond to the command of another person.

There are two ways to make your German Shepherd more impervious to the commands of strangers: hand signals and German commands.

Initially:

Training your dog using English is always a good idea, so you and the dog can get a good handle on the commands.

Once your dog has learned the commands you’ve taught, you both can afford to take another step up the command ladder. If you want to teach your dog to respond to commands in German instead of English, begin using a combination of English commands and hand signals for each command.

Be sure each hand signal is distinct.

After you’ve practiced commands with the English and hand signal hybrid, start switching out English for German. Your German Shepherd will respond to the hand signal and associate the German word with the command.

Here are a few German words you’ll need to know:

Sit = Sitz

Stay = Bleib

Lie Down = Plotz

Come = Hier

Training 501: Obedience School

As much training as you can do with your dog, sometimes additional training is needed for specific tasks, such as capabilities associated with protection dogs. German Shepherds make wonderful family protection dogs and when trained properly, they can learn to:

–          Alert you to an intruder

–          Identify friend from foe

–          Act as your guardian

–          Defend against an intruder

–          Go on the offensive against an intruder

–          Occupy an intruder until police arrive

Protection dog training is far more intensive than the regular commands we’ve discussed in this article but can be well worth the investment depending on how you want your dog to function in your family.

German Shepherds Breed: A Cut Above

Some things to know about the German Shepherd breed is they are loving, loyal, and hardworking dogs. They love to please, are eager to work, and will respond well to consistent, firm training. Over time, you’ll be able to train them to do a variety of tasks and can even transition from English to German.

If desired, you can enroll them for specialist training so they can learn how to protect your family. Do these fantastic K9s sound like a dog you’d like to have around?