Tag: Dogs Care

Popular Dog Breeds For Seniors

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

Popular Dog Breeds For Seniors

Having a dog provides many health benefits to their human counterparts: decreased blood pressure, increase in oxytocin – the feel-good brain chemical, lower stress levels, increased physical health, and more. But, what about dogs for seniors? Isn’t a dog too much work? Doesn’t the training and exercise and clean up outweigh these health benefits? Does it make sense for seniors to get a dog?

NO, in fact, multiple studies have shown that dog ownership increases lifespan. It increases “good” health markers, and provides loving companionship for older adults. Even in assisted living housing, dog ownership has been shown to have a myriad of positive effects.

Being smart about which breed to choose is key. And, adopting an adult or senior dog cuts out much of the problems associated with puppies. These can include high energy, house-breaking, behavior issues, destructiveness, etc. With older dogs, those problems are long gone. They need less physical activity – a good walk or two will bring great benefit the dog, and their human.

With that in mind, which breeds are best for seniors?

  1. French Bulldog

French Bulldogs are not overly athletic, and are rarely known to be high energy. A 20-minute walk per day is enough to keep them fit mentally and physically. They’re also affectionate dogs, and will happily keep you company while watching TV, reading the paper, or just sitting on the porch relaxing.

  1. Maltese

Maltese are on the small end of the size spectrum. Though they’re long-haired, if you keep their hair clipped, they’ll shed very little, so clean-up won’t be much of an issue.

The Maltese is not high-energy, and is bred to be extremely attentive to their human. This makes them a great companion dog because they really do become part of the family, and can be useful for seniors that live alone. Maltese are often used in assisted living facilities because they can be trained to bark in emergency situations, alerting medical staff that help is needed.

  1. Beagles

Young beagles can be a real handful. But, senior beagles make fantastic companions, love walks, make great watch dogs, and are perfect for the more fit-minded seniors.

Beagles are extremely food-motivated, so you may have to lock away the goodies. But, they’re also extremely loyal. And, like the Maltese, will sound the alarm when something goes wrong.

Beagles are best in houses, rather than assisted living. While older beagles don’t howl as much as their younger pack mates, they can still let the neighborhood know when something is amiss.

  1. Poodles

The poodle has remained one of the most popular dog breeds, consistently, since World War II. They are especially popular with seniors because of their even temperament, willingness to be trained, and loyalty. Miniature poodles are small in stature and make a great companion for apartments, assisted-living quarters, and any home.

Toy poodles have become more popular, but remember that they come with some health risks (they’re fragile and can be injured easily). Both the toy and miniature are ok with one walk a day and lots of affection.

5 Best Dog Breeds For Children

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

5 Best Dog Breeds For Children

Having a dog can help teach your children valuable lessons about responsibility, how to care for something, and how to give and receive unconditional love.

Some dog breeds are better with small children than others. Here are the 5 best dog breeds for children:

Boxer

Boxers are very playful, and are known to love children. They have a strong pack mentality, and are known to be protective of their child friends. 

Boxers are big, so they’re best with kids who are large enough to handle a little rough housing and play. But, Boxers are trainable and can be taught to play gently even with small children. 

Beagle

Beagles are almost never aggressive. They are playful. And, they very tolerant of kids sometimes too-rough behavior. 

Beagles are very energetic, love to play, walk, and chase a ball. 

Because of their sweet temperament, Beagles are the perfect dog for kids of all ages. 

Mastiff

These gentle giants scare a lot of people, but aggression in Mastiffs is almost unheard of. Simply, Mastiffs seem to be aware of their size, and know that they have little need to bark or bite. 

These dogs form a strong family bond, and will be very protective of their pack. 

Labrador Retriever

Labs are one of the most gentle dog breeds on Earth. They are always eager to please and rarely aggressive. Like the Beagle, they are tolerant of behaviors that would set other breeds off. 

Labs love to play. But, they also love to sleep next to pack members. They are high energy and love exercise, which makes them a great choice for high energy kids. 

Newfoundland

Another gentle giant. These dogs are “work horses,” but that desire to work can be channeled into companionship for children. They love to pull kids through the snow on a sled, run next to them their bikes, and help them explore the yard.

Newfoundlands are incredibly affectionate. They are also known to be goofy, which makes them a great friend for small children. 

Don’t forget about mixed breeds!

A dog doesn’t have to be purebred to be great with your kids. In fact, mixed breeds often have the best attributes of multiple breeds. If you are considering rescuing a mixed dog, meet with them to see their temperament. In general, most dogs are good with kids, so you can’t go wrong. 

Science Explains The Fascinating Reason Why Dogs Range So Dramatically In Size

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

Science Explains The Fascinating Reason Why Dogs Range So Dramatically In Size

Ever wonder why there is such a drastic size range among dogs? Science has the answer.

The same species of animals typically have the similar characteristics – like size, features, and markings. This is how people know what species they are based on their appearance. But with dogs, it’s a little different.

Think of all the different breeds – and sizes – of dogs. To someone who has never seen one before, they may be confused if they see a Great Dane sitting next to a Chihuahua. That person may have trouble believing they are from the same species. In fact, dogs have the largest size range among any mammal – but why?

The University of Utah’s research team believes they found the answer.

The research team found a piece of DNA that regulates growth to keep small dogs small.

Researchers tested the DNA of Portuguese Water Dogs because they have the widest size range among dogs – weighing anywhere from 25 and 75 pounds. The study took DNA samples and body-size measurements of the pups. What they found was a piece of genetic material that highly correlated with a dog’s size.

Specifically, it was a regulatory sequence next to a gene that controls a growth-inducing protein hormone. This particular hormone is found in humans as well as other mammals and helps them grow.

So what does this have to do with dogs?

Well, in small dogs, there “are mutations in the sequence that stress the gene’s activity, limiting the amount of growth hormone is produces.” There are no mutations in the sequence in medium and large dogs, though, so they are able to grow to their normal size.

And, to make sure it wasn’t Portuguese Water Dog specific, researchers examined 3,241 dogs spanning 143 different breeds. This included, of course, a wide range of breeds from small dogs to large dogs.

As they suspected, all of the small dogs in the study had the same mutated regulatory sequence as the Portuguese Water Dog. But, like most studies, there was one outlier – the Rottweiler.

Researchers aren’t sure why Rottweilers are the outliers, but they have the same genetic sequence as small dogs. They believe it is due to other genetic factors that allow the breed to grow to full its full size.

No one is sure why the mutation occurs, but researchers think it first showed up when small dogs were domesticated or from a species of small wolves. There is no evidence, however, that wolves have this mutation.

Though strange, we are not complaining about the mutation. Besides – what would life be like without small dogs?

Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?

We love our dogs, but even we have to admit, sometimes they can be pretty disgusting. Drinking from the toilet, dining in the trash, licking their rears… some of their habits really have us asking “why” with a look of repulsion. However, there is nothing to make us cringe and ask “WHY” more than when we see our dear dog…eat their own poop.

No, they’re not hungry, and no it isn’t to gross us out–the reasons why dogs may eat their own poop is both psychological and and behavioral. One reason dog’s eat their own poop may be sheer instinctive. In other words, back before we took them in our comfortable homes, dogs were often scavengers and ate food where it was found, poop included.

A second reason dog’s often dine with their own dung can be due to psychological problems such as anxiety, isolation or they’re seeking attention.

If you think your dog is alone in this habit, you’re wrong. In fact, a 2012 study showed that 16% of dogs are serious “stool eaters” while 24% are more casual.

If your dog is a dung diner, speak to their vet regarding correction methods such as: vitamin supplementation, taste-aversion products, training, etc.

4 Ways to Keep Your Senior Dog Healthy

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

4 Ways to Keep Your Senior Dog Healthy

A question we get a lot is how do I keep my senior dog healthy? We want to answer that but first we must address the issues that many senior dogs face. The recent drives to promote the adoption of senior rescue dogs is a huge step in the right direction. Every day, thousands of older dogs are placed in shelters. They are abandoned and have little chance for escape. We want to  Even puppies can have trouble finding a home, and it’s much harder for the seniors because:

  • Many deem older dogs as being “lazy” or “not as fun as a puppy”
  • Others believe they’re little more than a walking collection of health problems

The reality is that senior dogs deserve a second chance at life. Whatever their circumstances for ending up on death row, they deserve the opportunity to get out and flourish in a rescue home.

If you’ve decided to adopt an adult or senior dog, congratulations. You are making a huge difference in that dog’s life.

Here are 4 things you can do to make sure you keep your senior dog healthy, active, and living her new life to the fullest:

How To Keep Your Senior Dog Healthy

  1. Senior Blood Panel

All breeds are different in when they enter their senior years, but no matter what, after age 4, all dogs should begin getting yearly or twice-yearly blood tests.

A senior blood panel test is a great idea. It tests:

  • Complete blood count
  • White blood cell count
  • Red blood cell count
  • Kidney and liver function
  • Electrolytes
  • Cancer
  • Pancreatic function

And much more. Catching problems in these areas can literally add years to your new buddy’s life.

  1. Dental Work

Having dental done for senior can be tricky. If they have to be put under, this can be dangerous, depending on your dog’s health. But, having your regular vet monitor the state of their teeth and gums is important. So is brushing their teeth regularly. Many health problems start in the mouth. Tartar and bad breath are signs that something could be going wrong.

  1. Check Their Eyes

Despite common belief, dogs of all ages should have bright, clear eyes. Cloudiness is a sign of internal problems. If your senior is healthy, their eyes should be clear.

  1. Best Diet Possible

What you feed your dog is a highly personal choice. Whether it’s bones and raw food, high-end kibble, or home made meals, the important thing is to focus on giving your senior the maximum nutrition possible at each meal. If they are overweight, a consistent walking routine and good diet will slim them down, and take the stress off of their joints and internal organs. This alone can extend their life, and give them back some of that long-forgotten puppy energy.

Understanding And Treating Diabetes In Dogs

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

Understanding And Treating Diabetes In Dogs

We can’t stand to see our dogs in pain so we do everything we can to keep them happy and healthy. But despite all our efforts, some dogs end up developing diseases or becoming ill. Similar to humans, a common disease among dogs is diabetes. Let’s look at what this disease is and how to treat it.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is caused either by a lack of insulin or an insufficient response to insulin. When a pup eats, their digestive system breaks the food into different components. One of those components is glucose, which is carried into their cells by insulin – the hormone secreted by their pancreas.

If a dog cannot produce insulin or they can’t use it correctly, their blood sugar levels will increase, resulting in hyperglycemia. If left untreated, hyperglycemia can cause health problems for dogs.

Types

There are two types of diabetes – type 1 and type II. Type 1 is categorized as a lack of insulin production and type II is an insufficient response to insulin. Dogs typically suffer from type 1 diabetes. With this type, dogs require insulin in order to survive. Type II is typically found in cats.

Causes

Though the exact cause of this disease is unknown, some autoimmune diseases, genetics, obesity, and chronic pancreatitis can play a factor in the development of diabetes.

Furthermore, obese dogs and females dogs are at a greater risk for developing this disease.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of diabetes include change in appetite, weight loss, increased water drinking and excessive thirst, increased urination, exhaustion, dehydration, sweet-smelling breath, vomiting, urinary tract infections, cataracts, and chronic skin infections.

Treatment Options

Diabetes is a manageable disease and treatment depends on how severe the symptoms are. If a dog is very sick when diagnosed, they may require hospitalization to stabilize their blood sugar. If they are stable when diagnosed, oral medication or a high-fiber diet may be necessary to stabilize glucose levels.

Most dogs will need insulin injections to maintain their blood sugar levels. Veterinarians will show you how to give your dog insulin injections at home once the treatment plan is established.

If left untreated, diabetes can ultimately be fatal.

Prevention

One form of diabetes is inherited – the type that is found in dogs that are less than one-year-old – but other forms of diabetes could be prevented with regular exercise and a proper diet.

If you suspect your dog is showing any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.

VETARY.COM

Although this disease can be scary, if caught early enough it is a manageable disease. To make sure your dog stays safe, happy, and healthy, get them the Nuzzle collar. With GPS technology and activity monitoring, you’ll always know where your pup is and what they are doing.

How To Introduce A New Dog Into An Existing Pack

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

How To Introduce A New Dog Into An Existing Pack

So you’ve decided it’s time for a new dog. You’ve prepared the house and are so excited to bring your new family member home. The problem? You already share your home with a dog (or dogs). Though dogs are pack animals and generally enjoy having other dogs around, introducing a new pup to your existing pack takes some time and a lot of patience.

The first rule for introducing a new dog to your existing pack is having the dogs meet on a completely neutral site. This can be a new dog park (one your existing dogs haven’t visited before), a new hiking trail, or just a neutral open field. That way, you avoid any territorial issues with your existing pack.

You’ll have to enlist the help of some friends or family members. Depending on how many dogs you already have, you may need more than one.

With the dogs leashed, walk your existing dog(s) a few feet in front of your family member or friend with your new dog for a little bit. When dogs appear to be generally calm, it’s time to have them meet.

However, this does not mean simply letting the dogs meet face to face – this could easily result in a fight.

The key is to let the dogs meet how they normally would – through smell.

Slow down with your existing dog(s) until you drop behind your friend with the new pup. This allows your current dog to sniff the new dogs rear, essentially “introducing” them.

Now, reverse the roles. Walk with your existing dog(s) in front and let the new pup smell their rear. This process may need to be repeated several times until the dogs are comfortable with each other. Once they appear in a calm state, you can walk the dogs next to each other with the humans in the middle.

If the dogs appear to get along and are relatively relaxed, you can allow them to meet off-leash in an enclosed area, such as a dog park or fenced area in a neutral spot, like a friends house. This allows them to get even more acquainted with each other.

The entire process may have to be repeated a few times until the dogs are comfortable with each other.

Once the dogs are acquainted and comfortable with each other, it’s time to take them home! The key here is to have your existing dog(s) enter the house first. This will act as an invitation for the new dog to come inside.

Hiding all existing toys and food bowls will help with possessiveness or territorial issues. Also, make sure you remain in a calm state!

If you’re calm, your dogs will be calm.

It’s crucial not to overwhelm your new dog. After all, they just met their new fur siblings and just arrived at their new home! Take them around the house slowly, showing them where they will eat, sleep, and play.

It could take some time for everyone to get along and become friends. But, with time, love, and most of all, patience, your new pack will quickly be inseparable!

7 Tips To Reinvent Your Relationship With Your Dog

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

7 Tips To Reinvent Your Relationship With Your Dog

The bond between a human and their dog is like nothing else.

Jennifer Arnold, author of the book “Love Is All You Need: The Revolutionary Bond-Based Approach to Educating Your Dog”, wants us to change the way we view the bond with our dog. We believe that a well-mannered, well-behaved dog is a happy and secure dog. However, it’s the opposite. A happy and secure dog is a well-mannered, well-behaved dog.

We focus on how a dog does rather than how a dog feels.

When dogs feel loved and secure, their behavior problems seemingly disappear. Arnold is an advocate of the bond-based teaching method, where we focus on strengthening our bond with our dog to help transform our relationships.

Here are her seven tips on how to reinvent the relationship between you and your dog.

Your relationship comes first:

Like humans, dog are social creatures. Because of that, relationships are powerful. If you and your pup have a great relationship, they’ll have motivation to make you happy. But, a relationship goes both ways. Both the dog and the human must have control. Since dogs have to function in a human world, the role of a leader falls on us, but that doesn’t mean we need to be dictators. A reciprocal connection will help keep your bond and relationship strong.

Look to understand your dog:

Empathy is necessary in any relationship, whether that’s human-to-human or human-to-dog. Dog’s already spend quite a bit of time trying to understand us. They analyze our mood, habits, and preferences. Doing the same for your dog will create a strong bond. Seek to understand them as much as possible. What games do they like? What do they like to eat? What emotions do they experience? Are they high-energy or a couch potato? Understanding your dog will undoubtedly help your relationship.

Watch through eyes of love:

How you perceive certain situations determines how you’ll respond to them. For example, if you think your dog gets angry and looks for revenge by shredding the couch or your paper towel roll when you are away, you’ll probably be angry. But, if you saw the situation as your dog did those things because they missed you, you won’t be as upset. If you are able to see the situation through their eyes, your relationship will strengthen.

Get your dog to trust you:

According to studies, dogs develop attachment patterns to their owners similar to preverbal children. Therefore, it is necessary that your dog has a secure attachment to you. Dogs with a secure attachment to you are far less likely to have behavioral problems stemming from anxiety. You can strengthen their attachment to you by responding to their needs and never asking them to “earn” your love or attention.

Rethink training your dog:

Current training methods – even positive reinforcement ones – encourage a sense of conditional affection. A sort of, “I love you if you do as I say” or “I will feed you if you please me” type of situation. This can actually be detrimental to your dog developing trust in you. Damaged trust will create increased anxiety, resulting in problem behaviors. These behaviors could include a desire to secure a connection by mouthing or jumping, a need for greater control such as reactivity or stress coping mechanisms like paper shredding or excessive barking. Most training methods promote the solution of exerting more control over your dog, creating a vicious cycle.

Help teach your dog:

Dogs love to learn. It can be a social, internally motivating process, which allows dog to develop a strong bond to their teachers (you) and have control over their environment. Internal motivation learning helps us as well, as it requires far less attentiveness and lets our dogs be more flexible in understanding what good behavior is. A dog that knows the command “sit” when asked needs more management and direction than a dog that knows to sit when their owner is sitting. Giving your dog the chance to learn to direct his own behavior by watching you, will ensure he acts, for the most part, appropriately. Furthermore, dogs that self-direct are much more inclined to comply with you in the future when you have a particular request.

Let your dog amaze you:

Arnold says, “Cognition is the acquisition of knowledge and understanding as a result of mental processes such as memory, thought, planning, and perception”.

Dogs are capable of quite complex cognition. Can a dog learn to answer yes or no questions? Can they sniff out a hidden toy or treat? Why not try asking them? Try teaching them your left hand is “yes” and your right hand is “no”. Hide their toys or treats around the house or yard and tell them to follow their nose. We tend to focus on telling our dogs what to do rather than seeing what they are capable of doing. Who knows, your dog may just amaze you.

Your relationship with your dog is unlike any other. Why not strengthen it even more? Try using some of this tips to establish a deeper connection with your furry friend!

4 Very Real Ways Your Dog Is Making You Healthier

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

4 Very Real Ways Your Dog Is Making You Healthier

It’s no secret dogs makes us happy. The joy they bring into our lives is incomparable. And now, some scientists think dogs can actually make us healthier, too. Here are four ways our pups are helping our health.

They Boost our Immunity

If you have a dog that loves to give kisses, you may not want to push them away. Studies have shown that dogs can help boost our immune system by spreading microorganisms through our environment. Humans and dogs actually carry many of the same bacteria, so the additional exposure helps us fight off infections.

And for those who worry about allergies, some studies have shown that children who share their homes with dogs are less likely to develop asthma and allergies over the years. They are also less likely to develop the skin condition eczema.

They Help our Hearts

Many heart conditions can actually be improved through owning a dog. Pup owners tend to have lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol levels. People who have dogs are also less likely to suffer from heart attacks. Not only are they less likely to suffer from heart attacks, they are more likely to survive one.

They Improve our Mental Health

Studies have shown that being around pets causes our brain to release oxytocin, also known as the “feel good hormone.” Pup owners are less likely to have a high production of cortisol, the hormone that is linked to higher stress levels.

Pet owners are also known to have lower levels of anxiety and depression. They are also known to have a higher self-esteem and calmer nerves.

They Get Us to Exercise

One on the greatest benefits of owning a dog is their ability to make exercise fun. Thanks to walks and games of fetch in the backyard, dog owners are 50% more likely to get their recommended 30 minutes of daily physical exercise.

If this doesn’t make you want to run out and add a dog to your life – if you don’t already have one – we aren’t sure what will. And if you already share your home with a pup, perhaps it’s time to add another. The more dogs you have the healthier you are – right?

8 Reasons Your Dog May Be Limping

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

8 Reasons Your Dog May Be Limping

Dogs are resilient creatures – so when we see them limping in pain, we know something is wrong. While you may think a limp simply means a sprained muscle or broken bone, that’s not always the case. Here are 8 reasons your dog may be limping.

Broken Nail

If you’ve ever suffered from a broken nail, you know painful they are. Well, the same goes for dogs – especially since they have to walk on them! If the pain is severe, the dog will begin to limp. A broken nail can be caused by a tear or if it gets caught on something. Keeping your pups nails trimmed is a great way to avoid a broken one, especially since broken nails can become infected.

Torn Pad

A very common reason dogs limp is from torn pads. A torn pad can be caused by walking on rough terrain, walking too long on rough or hot surfaces – like dirt or sad – or making sharp turns. Active dogs tend to suffer from torn pads more often since they are on their paws more. If you notice a tear in your pups paw, consult your veterinarian.

Broken Bone

A broken bone is a serious cause of limping. Some broken bones are severe enough that they are obvious but others – like small fractures – may go unnoticed. A symptom of a fracture or broken bone is lameness and limping. If you suspect your dog may have a broken bone or a fracture, contact your veterinarian immediately. If caught early, they typically heal properly.

Panosteitis

A condition in some large breed dogs and puppies, Panosteitis (or Pano), occurs as these pups grow between the ages of 5 and 18 months. Although it’s cause is unknown, Pano is a type of bone inflammation that can last for several months – switching from one leg to the other. There is no treatment other than pain management. Common breeds that suffer from Pano are German Shepherds, Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers.

Elbow Dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia may cause limping in one or both of the front legs. Some dogs may go their entire lives without any symptoms of elbow dysplasia but others may show symptoms early on. It can only be diagnosed by a veterinarian using a radiograph and they will prescribe treatment based on the severity.

Hip Dysplasia

Dogs that suffer from hip dysplasia may go their entire life without any pain but some may start to show signs of limping at an early age. This disease can only be diagnosed by a veterinarian using a radiograph and they will offer treatment options depending on the severity.

Muscle Tear or Sprain

Another common cause of limping is a CCL tear. A CCL tear is a “tear in a cranial cruciate ligament that attaches the femur to the tibia.” A CCL tear is quite common and is typically found in overweight dogs that play and chase other dogs or toys. Canine athletes are also at risk. Similar to ACL tears in people, CCL tears are extremely serious and painful and require immediate veterinarian attention.

Bone Cancer

One of the more serious causes of limping is bone cancer, or osteosarcoma. These tumors can be extremely painful growths and may even be too small see without a radiograph. Veterinary care is extremely important as this type of cancer spreads quickly. A loss of the limb is a common result of bone cancer.

If you suspect your dog is suffering from any of these, contact your veterinarian immediately.

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    Most of my day is spent playing with dogs. When they nap, I’m here working on my blog. You’re welcome to reach out and connect with me.

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