Thursday 13 December 2012

How to Help Your Dog Enjoy Christmas



Christmas is a time for families and festivities, and as our dogs are part or our families we naturally want them to have as good a time as we're having.

But dogs, as we all know, are creatures of habit and are not keen on their routine being disrupted. At Christmas, routine tends to go out the window as we invite people in, go out more frequently and spend more time eating than at other times of the year.

With that in mind, here are a few tips to make sure your dog is kept content and safe over the Christmas period.

Food
Keep the following, potentially harmful foods out of reach from your dog
  • Left over turkey - The bones and skin of turkey can cause choking.
  • Grapes and raisins - These can cause kidney failure.
  • Christmas cake - It contains raisins, sultanas etc (see last point).
  • Chocolate (especially dark chocolate) - It contains a substance called theobromine which is poisonous to dogs.
  • Onions and garlic - These can cause anaemia.
Christmas decorations
  • If you opt for a real Christmas tree, remember that pine needles are sharp and can get stuck in your dog’s pads and throat, and that tree water can make your dog sick. If you do have a particularly curious pet, perhaps an artificial tree would be a safer option.
  • Make sure your tree and other Christmas decorations (including balloons) cannot be reached and avoid using edible tree decorations, especially chocolate ones.  If you're worried about baubles falling and shattering, get unbreakable ones that are too big for your dog to swallow if they do fall off.
  • Unplug your tree lights when you go out. 
  • Keep all wires and cables tucked away.
Other precautions you should take
  • After the presents have been opened, make sure all the wrapping paper, bows, strings and the presents themselves are put at a safe distance from your dog.
  • If you have children, make sure their toys are not left lying around, especially if they have small parts that your dog might be tempted to chew on.
  • Don't leave your children unattended while they are playing with young animals as over-excitement can lead to accidents or someone getting hurt.
  • Keep houseplants out of your dog’s reach. Many of them - including Poinsettias and mistletoe - are toxic.
To help your dog enjoy Christmas ...
  • Give them some lean turkey (no skin or bones) as part of their regular feed and even some raw vegetables.
  • Keep them amused with an interactive toy, such as a Kong or activity ball. If it's new for Christmas, it will keep them entertained and they probably won't even notice all the activity going on around him.
  • Make sure they get their regular walks.
  • Give them the same amount of attention as they are used to getting.

I hope you and your dog(s) all have a very Happy Christmas!

Wednesday 5 December 2012

Top Tips for Looking After Your Dog on a Budget

The economic downturn has made us all very careful with how we spend our money (no bad thing I suppose!). But when it comes to our dogs, we don't want them to suffer as a result of our tighter budgets. We want them to have the best possible care, just for less if we can manage it. Well, of course we can and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home offers a helpful advice sheet suggesting a number of ways we can go about it.

So, if you're concerned that you're still spending more than you'd like on your dog(s) but don't know where to cut back, try some (or all) of the following tips:
  • keep your dog stimulated with simple games and exercises (playing fetch in the park, practising obedience while out walking) rather than leaving them to amuse themselves with expensive toys 
  • limit toys to the ones you have, alternating their use to keep your dog's interest 
  • use a complete dry food rather than pouches and tins of food (which are more expensive) 
  • use part of your dog's daily food allowance for training purposes rather than buying separate treats 
  • take your dog with you on holiday (to dog-friendly hotels and cottages) rather than forking out for boarding kennels 
  • insure your dog (to avoid huge vet bills should they become ill or injured).

The advice sheet (which was written in November 2008) is available to view/download from the Responsible Owners page of the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home website.

Tuesday 4 December 2012

Tips for Avoiding Kennel Cough While Your Dog is in a Boarding Kennel

Thousands of pet owners will be travelling during the upcoming holiday season and leaving their pets at boarding kennels. But with so much traffic going in and out of these kennels, the chance of your dog catching kennel cough greatly increases.

Kennel cough, or Tracheobronchitis, is caused by a highly contagious airborne virus, and is a type of upper respiratory infection in dogs. The symptoms are dry, hacking cough that may sound as if the dog has a bone caught in his throat. Even though kennel cough is rarely deadly, it can be very expensive for your vet to treat.

If you are boarding your dog this holiday season, here are a few tips to help stop them from coming home with kennel cough.
  • Make sure the kennel has an effective, daily clean-up process and follows a strict schedule of disinfecting with the proper chemicals. 
  • Make sure the kennel provides clean, individual water and feeding bowls for each animal.
  • Make sure the kennel requires the proper immunisation requirements to help prevent other dogs infecting your dog. 
  • Make sure the kennel has proper climate control and that the animals are protected from the elements. Cold temperatures can increase the chances of your dog contracting kennel cough.
  • Clean all your pet's toys, bedding, and anything else you supply both before and after boarding. 
  • Check to see if the kennel or boarding facility you are using is a member of your national kennel or boarding association. 
Article Source

The photograph used in this post is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license

Tuesday 27 November 2012

A Dog Is Not For Christmas

Bella, a few weeks old
(c) Louise Lambert
As all responsible dog owners know, Christmas is absolutely the worst time of year to bring a new puppy into your home!

The idea of a cute little furry thing with a red ribbon round its neck sitting under the Christmas tree waiting to surprise someone is the stuff of dreams and cheesy films. All too often puppies are given as if they're toys, not real life creatures with emotions and needs, and with no thought given to the amount of care and attention they will need, particularly in the first few weeks of their lives.

So what happens? Before the holidays are even over, dog homes up and down the country are having to take in pets that new owners have not been able to cope with.

What puppies need in their first few weeks with you is a calm and welcoming environment to help them settle into their new 'family'. They also need the undivided attention of one person who will be responsible for training and socialising them from the moment they arrive. Christmas is not a time of calm for most families. It's a time of noise, parties and lots of comings and goings. The worst possible environment for a small vulnerable creature who has just left its mother to find itself in!

My daughter and I really wanted a dog - and had our hearts set on a Labrador. But my husband was not keen. Too much responsibility, he said - so that was that. But over time he obviously started thinking more and more about it and taking in what we were saying (we did go on about it a bit!), because one Christmas, among the gifts I got from him was a book on Labradors! He had given us his blessing to bring a dog into our lives and by the following spring we had a beautiful 8-week old puppy - Bella - living with us. That was nine years ago and she is still as loved now as she was all those years ago. It was hard work for the first few weeks and I can't image how we'd have coped with her if she'd come to us over Christmas!

So my advice to anyone thinking of getting someone a dog for Christmas is this - buy them a 'dog information pack' instead, with books on dogs (different dog breeds, how to train and socialise them, etc.) and the details of a reputable breeder, or perhaps a dog rehoming centre, that you've already been in touch with and will contact again after the holidays.

Believe me, it will be worth the wait. And in the meantime, you'll have lots to talk about!

Saturday 24 November 2012

First Aid Essentials for Your Dog

© Mdk572
Sooner of later most dogs have accidents and suffer cuts, bruises, or strains just like us humans! To ensure you are at the ready should an accident happen, it's a good idea to have a doggie 'first aid kit' that you can keep in the bathroom and take with you if you are going away or on a long hike. Here are some suggested essentials you should keep in your first aid kit:

  • Saline (in pods) to wash away dirt and debris from your pet's eyes and other areas. 
  • Alcohol free cleansing wipes to clean wounds prior to applying dressings. 
  • Gauze swabs to use for cleaning up fluid or saline. 
  • Dressings of different sizes to cover any injury. 
  • Bandages for use around a limb if a sprain is suspected or to cover dressings for extra protection. 
  • Microporous tape for holding dressings or bandages in place. 
  • Blanket (either regular or a special foil blanket) to retain body warmth and help combat shock. 
  • Latex gloves to keep yourself clean and avoid cross contamination. 
  • Plastic pouches to cover foot injuries and help keep them clean, fasten with microporous tape 
  • A pair of tweezers for removing foreign bodies such as thorns, pieces of glass, ticks etc.
  • A pair of scissors 

With this little lot, you should be ready for most eventualities while you are out and about with your hound!


The photograph used in this blog is licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

Wednesday 21 November 2012

Caring for your Older Dog

As your dog gets older it's time to start taking some preventative steps in order to make sure they remain healthy, happy and active.

Speak to your vet about possible supplements and vitamins you could give your dog, depending on their condition.

Keep your dog's weight within the proper or optimum range. An overweight dog has far more health problems such as joint problems, arthritis, diabetes and liver or kidney malfunctions.

Cut down on the amount of treats you give. It's hard to resist their soulful eyes but always remember that it is for their own good. If you have children, explain why over-indulging them with treats is not a good idea.

Feed your dog once a day or smaller amounts twice a day but remove the food if there is any left. If you give dry food, you may want to switch to a moist or canned food as your dog ages; their teeth may not be able to handle the hardness of dry pellets. Alternatively, make sure you soak the pellets thoroughly. 

As with dogs of any age, make sure there is always fresh, cool water available. Some older dogs have problems getting to the water bowl so either take the water to them or place bowls of water in several different places so they do not have to go far for a drink.

It's important to keep exercising your dog, even if you have to reduce the distance walked as time goes by. Walking helps blood circulation and provides new sights and smells to stimulate them (they may be older but they are still curious!).

Looking after your older dog and taking him to the vet regularly helps keep them healthy and happy longer.



Friday 16 November 2012

Three Important Things To Consider When Choosing a Dog Bed

by Anita Funkhouser

(c) Hundehalter
Like humans, dogs are creatures of habit. You will often find them sleeping in the same area, so it is important to choose the right dog bed to fit into your dog's current habits.

There are three important factors to consider when selecting a dog bed:

Monday 12 November 2012

Looking After your Dog in the Wintertime

By Isaac MaCalister

Winter can be a fun time for dogs. Their owners know how much they love to play in fresh snow, for example, but protecting them during the colder months can be a challenge. So here are a few tips and tricks to help keep your furry friends healthy and looking their best.

Wednesday 7 November 2012

Talk To The Paw: Learn To Communicate With Dogs In Their Own Language

By Cattie Coyle


(c) Moshe Blank
Whether you're a dog owner, work with dogs, or just enjoy spending time with them (maybe you're volunteering at your local shelter or dog sit for traveling friends), these books are must-reads. They will, in various ways, help you understand dogs (and other animals) better, by teaching you how they think, move, and why they behave the way they do. Even the tiniest gesture means something when it comes to dogs, and by paying closer attention to your own reactions and gestures, you can improve your communication and relationship with the dogs in your life.

Saturday 3 November 2012

Nervous Dogs, How to Help

By Debbie Connolly


By the time I get to see a dog whose behaviour is so nervous their quality of life is compromised the dog is reacting to just about anything. It often starts with one issue and then spreads over time. There is one common factor, their owners have rewarded and encouraged the behaviour however unwittingly and the real level is usually lower than it appears.



Thursday 1 November 2012

Dog Toys - Stimulating a Restless Companion

By Matthew Hick

Dog playing with Kong toy
(c) Ginny
Dogs can get bored and restless easily. This is usually when they cause problems. They need to be stimulated through play. Your dog needs plenty of playtimes with you, but you can't always play with your dog and this is when toys are important. Toys can satisfy a number of a dogs needs. There are some basic toys available for dogs today and hundreds of different selections. When choosing toys for your dog, consider its size and what it enjoys doing.

Sunday 28 October 2012

How to Toilet Train a Puppy

By 

(c) Sigismund von Dobschütz
Toilet training a puppy is not quite as simple as toilet training a baby. It would be a lot easier if, like with a baby, there was a nappy to collect and dispose of. Instead you have a young dog that does not see any problem with wanting to toilet when and where he needs to. With a puppy it happens very quickly and once the urge to toilet is there, it will carry on regardless of where it is situated, and that could be inside your home.

Tuesday 23 October 2012

Interpreting Your Dog's Body Language

By Daphne Reid


All breeds of dogs share the common language which is Doggy Speak. They communicate in far more ways than some might give them credit for: They do not just wag their tail - their posture, ears, teeth and eyes all communicate certain feelings as well.

The most important part of your dog's body language to understand is whether it is acting submissively or dominantly to you and your family. Of course, it should act submissively - it should know that you are the leader and that is it simply a pack member - and dogs acting dominantly could be uncontrollable or even dangerous.

Friday 19 October 2012

How To Stop Your Dog Pulling On The Lead

(c) Loupeznik
By Gary Walker

It's very likely that dogs have been pulling ever since the first time someone tried to walk one on a lead. They just hate being restrained. So when you pull them back they instinctively pull the other way.

Now, the dog is not doing this to exert dominance, or make you angry. He just wants to explore all the interesting things surrounding him. It's all so exciting that he can't wait to take it all in.

Now that you know that, use it to your advantage. Begin to teach your dog, that the walk is going nowhere, until he calms down and stops pulling. Here's how to do it.

Thursday 18 October 2012

Dog Training Tips: Dealing with dog aggression

By Gary Walker

Dog aggression is frightening, especially when it is totally unexpected. But the good news is that, in most cases, aggressive canine behavior is quite easy to nip in the bud. With the right method, aggression can be trained out of most dogs.

Wednesday 17 October 2012

Is Your Dog Shedding? 5 Reasons Your Dog's Hair May Be Coming Out

(c) Louise Lambert
By Debbie Davis

A dog's coat is one of the first things we often notice, and fall in love with. When this coat starts to leave hair on furniture, floor, and in the air it can lose a lot of its charm. Here are 5 reasons your dog may be shedding its coat.

Living With Dog Hair? Here's A Few Things You Can Do


It's endless
I've got two Labradors that literally cover the floor with hair, it's never ending. Some months you can pull this hair out in clumps. During a sunny day you can even see the hair floating through the air. You know you've got a problem when the vacuum cleaner gives up.

Tuesday 16 October 2012

The Positives and Negatives of Rehoming a Rescue Dog

By Nicolette Craig


A Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre
© Copyright Evelyn Simak
Before you commit to spending hundreds of pounds on a pedigree puppy, take the time to consider an alternative: re-homing a rescue dog.

Every year around 100,000 dogs are abandoned in the UK. Contrary to popular belief, very few of these dogs are ‘problem dogs'. Most have been abandoned due to their families moving, new babys' death of an owner and other domestic problems- none of which are the dogs fault.

There are many benefits to rescue dogs. Most are older than six months old so they have been house trained and no longer chew everything in sight and some have even been trained. Many rescue centres also insist that their dogs are neutered and vaccinated before they leave the home so this is another worry taken off your mind.

Monday 15 October 2012

Why Your Dog Needs Exercise

By Tracey Patterson

Dogs exercising
© Copyright John Goldsmith

Every dog breed requires different amounts of daily activity and exercise. Experts say that some daily activity and exercise is essential to keeping your dogs physical and emotional health at an optimum level. Lack of dog exercise will lead to obesity, poor muscle tone, heart problems, bone and joint disorders and will often result in emotional problems, boredom barking, destructive behavior, and anxiety.

Sunday 14 October 2012

The Barking Dog: 10 simple ways to solve this problem

By Daniel Reid

Barking dog
(c) Bobob5511
How to stop a dog barking. Before you can stop the constant or excessive barking you have to figure out why your dog is doing it in the first place.

The reasons can vary from boredom, alerting the family when there are intruders, separation anxiety, aggressive barking towards people or other dogs, territorial barking or just looking for attention. It is a dog behaviour problem which can be solved.

Puppy Socialisation

By Hop Scotch


Socialisation is just another way of talking about your dog learning how to be a dog. It's a bit like raising a human child. Humans have to know certain things to get along in society – manners, how to meet new people, how to handle new experiences. Dogs need the same kind of training.

Things to Consider when Choosing a Dog Breed

Author: sattlefield gradle


Ten week old Golden Retriever
Ten week old Golden Retriever
(c) Stefan Bauer
You've made the decision that you and your family are ready to bring a dog into your lives. This decision is a big one and should not be taken lightly. This living, breathing being will be in your life for a very long time and will be dependent on you for their comfort and well being. Too many people make the mistake of choosing a dog breed based solely on the "cuteness" factor. But this is one of the least important things you should be concerned about before choosing a dog. Below are some things you should definitely consider when choosing a dog breed.