Tag: dogs

How To Trim Your Dog’s Nails Using A Nail Grinder

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

How To Trim Your Dog’s Nails Using A Nail Grinder

Just like human’s, dogs nail grow – and grow and grow – until it’s impossible not to cut them. Some dogs are completely fine with the occasional nail trim while others act like you are trying to harm them.

If your dog is terrified of getting their nails trimmed – especially with a nail grinder – you will have to be patient and teach them that it’s not as bad as it seems. If you teach your dog to associate the nail grinder with something positive – like a treat – they’ll start to learn to love it.

The key is to use really good people food – like chicken, pepperoni, or steak – to get them used to the sound.

As soon as you turn on the nail grinder give them a piece of food. That way, they’ll associate the sound with something pleasant. Once your pup gets used to the sound, you can work with them on actually grinding their nails.

If you’re dog isn’t too fond of paw handling, try doing the same treat process as you did with the nail grinder. The dog will begin associating delicious food with their paws being held.

Once your pup is ready to get their nails done, the first thing to do is provide a comfortable space for your dog to sit or lie down. Always make sure you have treats ready, too.

Then, turn the nail grinder on and ask for your dog’s paw. With a firm but gentle grip on their paw, briefly put the grinder directly on the dog’s nail to grind some of the nail.

Let go of your dog’s paw and praise them for a job well done with a tasty treat.

Then, repeat with the rest of their nails!

It may take a few tries, but once your furry friend associates the nail grinder with positive reinforcement – like treats and praise – they’ll be begging you to trim their nails in no time.

Is Rawhide Actually Safe For Your Dog?

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

Is Rawhide Actually Safe For Your Dog?

It’s nearly impossible to walk down the pet aisle at the supermarket without seeing a section for rawhide treats. Coming in all shapes in sizes – from bones, to sticks, to circles – it is a widely popular treat for dogs. Not only do they keep dogs busy, dogs absolutely love them. But, is it really safe? Let’s take a deeper look into the world of this tasty treat.

What is rawhide?

Rawhide is made from the inner layer of horse or cow hides. When making it, the hides are cleaned then cut or ground. From there, they are pressed into chewable treats for dogs. Some treats contain chicken, beef, or liver flavoring to make them more appealing to pups.

What are the benefits of rawhide?

Dogs have a natural instinct to chew. They need to chew and some will spend hours upon hours chewing on anything they can get their paws on. Chewing provides mental stimulation and can help relieve anxiety. Since many of these treats are large and take a while to chew, it helps occupy your pup.  Puppies can benefit from it, especially when used as alternative to shoes.

Rawhide is also helpful in managing your dog’s dental hygiene. Chewing it keeps their teeth clean, jaw strong, and their breath fresher. Pups that regularly chew on this treat tend to have less plaque and tarter build-up on their teeth.

What are the risks of rawhide?

Though many dogs can consume rawhide regularly without any issues, there are certain risks – some serious – that dog owners need to watch out for.

One risk is contamination. Rawhide, like other pet toys, can contain small amounts of toxic chemicals. Furthermore, Salmonella or E. coli contamination is also a possibility. Humans can even be at risk if they come into contact with contaminated rawhide.

Another risk is digestive irritation. Some dogs can simply be allergic or sensitive to rawhide (or other ingredients used to manufacture the product) and can suffer from digestive problems like vomiting or diarrhoea.

A third, and probably the biggest, risk is choking or blockages. Some dogs don’t know how to properly chew a rawhide and will attempt to swallow large pieces. If this happens, it can get stuck in the esophagus or other parts of the digestive tract. If it isn’t too large of a piece, a vet can typically remove the piece(s) through the throat. But, if the piece is too large, abdominal surgery may be needed. If not treated or resolved, a blockage from rawhide could easily lead to death.

Some signs of contamination, digestive irritation or blockage are: gagging, repeated swallowing, regurgitation, vomiting, diarrhea, signs of pain, refusal to eat, and lack of energy. If you see any of these signs, take your pup to the vet immediately.

How to ensure your pup safely chews rawhide:

You can take certain measures to ensure your dog safely consumes rawhide. First, talk to your vet to make sure you are giving your pup the proper amount. The smaller the dog, the smaller the piece, is a good place to start, though.

If you have multiple dogs, separate them when offering them this treat. This way, they won’t feel the need to eat it quickly or swallow big bites.

Take the treat away from your dog when it is small enough to swallow whole. Some dogs tend to be possessive, so having them sit while offering them another (tastier) treat can help.

But the main thing to do is supervise your pup! Don’t leave them alone with rawhide and make sure they aren’t eating it too fast.

While most dogs can safely consume rawhide, knowing the risks can help if an issue ever does arise. Being prepared will ensure your pup safely enjoys this chewable treat!

What To Do If Your Dog Ate Something They Shouldn’t Have

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

What To Do If Your Dog Ate Something They Shouldn’t Have

We all know dogs will eat almost anything they can get their paws on. Whether it’s dropped food on the ground or your dinner. Most of the time it’s no cause for concern, but what about when your dog ate something they shouldn’t have? Here’s what you should do if that happens.

How to Tell if They Ate Something Toxic or Foreign

One way to tell if your dog ate something they shouldn’t have is by observing their symptoms. If they are showing signs of vomiting (beginning as food and ending in water) or gagging, a painful abdomen, fatigue, diarrhea or constipation – contact your veterinarian immediately. Other symptoms include a lack of appetite and changes in normal behavior.

Immediately Bring them to the Vet

If your dog ingested something foreign and you’re unable to contact your veterinarian, take them to a 24-hour emergency animal clinic. One mistake some owners make is they wait to see if the object passes on its own, according to Dr. Shari Brown. Dr. Brown advises against trying to induce vomiting yourself without a veterinarian’s okay since some foreign objects cause more harm coming back out.

Treatment

If the vet believes your dog ate something they shouldn’t have, they will most likely recommend X-rays as this will help them assess the severity of the situation and determine treatment options. However, some veterinarian’s may be able to help the object pass by inducing vomiting.

In a more severe situation, an endoscopy may be required. With this scenario, the vet will guide a long tube down your pup’s throat and remove the object from their stomach.

If the object has made its way to the dog’s intestines, surgery may be required. Once the object is in the intestine, there is a greater risk for complications because some parts of the intestines may have to be removed.

Prevention

The best way to avoid a trip to the emergency animal clinic is by preventing your dog from ingesting a foreign object in the first place! One way to do this is to keep any potentially harmful objects or foods out of reach. Whether it’s baby-locking the cabinets, closing off certain rooms of the house, or keeping objects off the counter.

And, if your dog has a habit of chewing and swallowing the stuffing or squeakers in their toys, keep them out of the house!

So if your dog is a lover of all food and toys, make sure to take preventative measures to avoid an emergency trip to the vet!

Can Dogs Cry Tears Of Sadness?

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

Can Dogs Cry Tears Of Sadness?

Has your dog ever stared at you with sad eyes? Maybe even with a tear or two? If you thought they may have been crying, you aren’t alone. Many owners assume their dog cries tears of sadness, but that is actually not true. Although dogs are sensitive and compassionate creatures, dogs cannot cry tears of sadness. So what does it mean if your dog looks like they’re crying and how do they react to someone else crying? Read on to learn more.

Why Dogs “Cry”

Like humans, dogs have tear ducts that helps keep their eyes functioning properly. Unlike humans, though, the tear ducts drain liquid back towards the nose and throat area. But, just because they don’t cry out of sadness, doesn’t mean they don’t experience sorrow. Dogs grieve in their own way – not by shedding tears but by becoming aloof or lethargic.

So, if your dog looks like they are crying, it might be a sign something is wrong. Allergies can cause eye watering. Dogs can be allergic to environmental factors like dust, pollen, and smoke or food ingredients. If your dog has an infection, you may notice yellow, mucusy, or bloody tears. If your dog’s tears look like that, bring them to the vet immediately.

Dogs can also suffer from blocked tear ducts which causes eye discharge known as epiphora. You can tell it is epiphora if the area around their eye is damp. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms.

Active dogs can suffer from scratched corneas. Rough play or running through thick bushes can lead to a scratched cornea and cause your dog to paw at their eye, blink a lot, or have an inflamed eye area.

Lastly, a dog could simply have a speck a dirt or eyelash stuck in their eye. If this is the case, the tearing should clear up on its own but watch for more serious or prolonged symptoms.

A Dogs Response to Tears

Now that you know why dogs cry, it’s time to look at how they respond to someone else crying. Studies have shown that dogs respond to tears uniquely. Dogs are more likely to approach a person who is crying over someone is humming or talking. They also respond with submissive behavior to someone who is crying.

Though it is not proven that dogs can understand our pain or demonstrate empathy, the fact that they can differentiate between humming and crying points to a stronger overall response than just curiosity.

So, next time you notice tears in your pup’s eyes, make sure it isn’t a sign of something more serious. And next time you’re feeling down, watch how your dog reacts to you. You may be surprised how responsive they are!

12 Dog Breeds That Are Often Also Skilled Escape Artists

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

12 Dog Breeds That Are Often Also Skilled Escape Artists

There is no feeling like the moment you realize your dog is lost. The immediate panic is followed by the fear that your furry companion will never be found. And while most pup parents will – unfortunately – experience this feeling at some point in their life, some dogs take it to another level and are actually skilled escape artists.

Dogs run away for many reasons. Some become bored, lonely, or suffer from separation anxiety while others run away because they are afraid of a storm or fireworks. Working with a trainer based on your pup’s behavior can help keep your pup safe and sound at home.

Nonetheless, there are certain breeds that have the escape artist gene. Here are 12 of them.

Labrador Retrievers

According to FidoFinder.com, Lab’s received the “most likely to get lost” honor. This happy-go-lucky, energetic, curious breed just wants to be around people. Their curiosity often leads them away from homes in search of other people – especially if they suffer from separation anxiety.

Chihuahuas

Despite their small size, Chihuahuas actually require quite a bit of exercise, attention and training. Because some Chihuahua parents don’t know this, this breed can become bored due to lack of exercise and flee their home. Their love of running certainly doesn’t help either.

Boxers

This breed is known for their exceptional jumping skills. Combine that with their playful nature and you’ve got yourself an escape artist. They even have their own term for escaping: “Boxer Bolting”.

Huskies

Probably one of the most notorious escape artists are Siberian Huskies. This breed was literally bred to run and if they don’t get enough in at home, they’ll seek it elsewhere. They also love to dig and climb – the winning combination for escape artists.

Beagles

These scent hounds love to follow their instinct – the nose – all the way out of the yard. Their strong desire to track a scent makes them the perfect escape artist.

Jack Russell Terriers

This speedy breed may be small, but they’re powerful and spunky. Jack Russell Terriers need plenty of exercise to be happy. Plus, their strong prey drive causes them to bolt at the mere sight of a squirrel across the street.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers

Known for their jumping ability, Staffordshire Bull Terriers need plenty of exercise to keep them happy. And don’t think a tall fence will keep them in, this is one breed that loves to dig and jump.

German Shepherds

German Shepherds were bred to herd and have a strong instinct to chase other animals. They are a stubborn breed that also loves to dig – a perfect combination for a true escape artist.

Golden Retrievers

You may not think Golden Retrievers want to escape often – especially since they are a the tried and true “family dog” – but this breed was bred to accompany hunters. They require a lot of exercise to stay happy and if they don’t get it, they’ll go looking for it elsewhere, right out of your yard.

Cocker Spaniels

Thanks to this breeds loyalty and devotion to their humans, it makes them prone to separation anxiety. This can lead to escaping in an attempt to find their owners. Furthermore, their origin as retrievers has them longing to run after squirrels or rabbits.

Dachshunds

Bred to chase badgers into underground dens, Dachshunds are excellent diggers. They are super aware of their surroundings and will run after smaller animals in an instant. Dachshunds are extremely protective of their owners and stubborn, which can lead to separation anxiety and a non-stop attempt to find their human.

Poodles

Although the Poodle is extremely intelligent and trainable, they also require a lot of physical and mental exercise in order to be happy. They also have a predisposition to separation anxiety which causes them to escape and look for their owners.

CESARSWAY.COM

Even if you don’t have a breed on this list, any dog can escape and become lost. Always make sure you keep your dog on a leash or in a secure backyard and never leave them outside alone.

10 Of The Best Dog Breeds For Families

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

10 Of The Best Dog Breeds For Families

Dogs may be a man’s best friend, but they also make a great family companion. Not only do dogs make life more fun, they teach children valuable lessons like compassion and responsibility. While any breed can make a great family pet with the proper training, some breeds are just naturals. Here are ten of the best dog breeds for families.

Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds of all time – and for good reason. Labrador Retrievers adore humans and are playful, loving, protective, and reliable. They are quick and eager to learn and love to show off. They make great service dogs and are the only breed that has been accepted for training as an arson dog.

Standard Poodle

The Standard Poodle is a gentle and extremely smart breed. In fact, they are one of the smartest breeds. They are good-natured and make excellent family companions. Poodle’s are great for families with allergies as they do not shed as much as other breeds.

Golden Retriever

Like the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever’s are gentle, loving, and protective. They are extremely patient – a plus around boisterous children – but have enough energy to keep up with the kids. Originally bred as gun dogs, Golden Retriever’s love to swim and are excellent service dogs.

DOGTIME.COM

Irish Setter

Playful and energetic, the Irish Setter makes an excellent family dog. They love to play and are best suited for families with a yard filled with energetic children. Irish Setters do have a lower life expectancy than other breeds, though. Many Irish Setters only make it to age twelve and few live to be fifteen.

Vizsla

The Vizsla was originally bred as hunting dog in Hungary. They are a loyal, gentle, affectionate, and quiet breed. They have a high energy level and require a lot of exercise – perfect for families with children. Vizsla’s do, however, love to spend time with their family. They are eager to learn and enjoy showing off.

VETSTREET.COM

Newfoundland

With a natural love of children, the Newfoundland is known as “Nature’s Nannies.” Though they are large, they are quite gentle and sweet. Newfoundland’s do tend to shed and drool a lot and do best in families with large spaces due to their size. They love to be around their humans and will love nothing more than to make them happy while keeping an eye on them.

Bull Terrier

An intelligent and friendly breed, the adorable Bull Terrier makes a great family companion. They are energetic and will put up with a lot when it comes to children. They rarely complain about rambunctious children and will even help kids learn how to relate to dogs. Their high energy levels will help tire children out and tend to be protective of their family.

PETWAVE.COM

Collie

Though their gorgeous long coat can be high maintenance, their desire to herd kids will certainly make up for it. Collies are a friendly and intelligent breed that love to please their humans. They’re highly trainable, too, which makes them great family companions.

Beagle

The Beagle is an energetic and friendly breed. They can be a bit high maintenance in terms of bathing and brushing, but they make an ideal family dog. Beagles are sturdy and make great nannies as they would be happy to help you round up the kids for bed. They do have a habit of howling, which is cute in small doses.

Bulldog

Not only are bulldogs absolutely adorable, they are a sturdy breed that will put up with a lot. They’re not overly energetic and have a high tolerance for playful children. Bulldogs are also highly adaptable and are suitable for both apartments or houses.

VETSTREET.COM

Mixes

Another great option for families? Mutts! Mixed breeds are great as they combine the personalities of different breeds into one dog. Visit your local shelter and look for a dog with an energy level that matches with your family. A good rule of thumb, especially if you have younger children, is to focus on the mid-to-larger dogs. Small dogs are more prone to injury either by accidentally stepping on them or knocking into them.

Some dogs are naturals when it comes to families. But that doesn’t mean other breeds aren’t! With the proper training, any dog can be a shining star with a family. These ten dog breeds just happen to shine the brightest.

The Happiest Rescue Dog Ever?

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

The Happiest Rescue Dog Ever?

Meet Coso, a 7 year-old Australian Shepherd Mix. She was left by a family that felt they could no longer look after her. We have to remember that our dogs are for our lives, they are family. But thankfully, that didn’t stop her from being the happiest rescue dog ever.

Thankfully over the weekend, Lort Smith Animal Hospital, which is also a rescue, saved her and helped her find a new loving family. Corso throws her paws up to celebrate as possibly the happiest rescue dog of all time.

Before Corso left the shelter, she decided she had to pose for one last legendary picture.  Look at how happy she is! Doesn’t this make you want to go out and adopt a pup right this very minute?

More heartwarming rescue dog stories

We love heartwarming stories like this one. Looking for more?  Check out this adorable video of Benny the shelter dog who was also beyond excited to be adopted!

This is one of our all time favorites – a dog adopted by the firefighter that rescued him from an abandoned building. Does it get any sweeter than that? Grab the tissues!

3 Key Factors In Picking A Rescue Dog

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

3 Key Factors In Picking A Rescue Dog

Here are a few important steps to consider when picking a rescue dog.

1. Size of Rescue Dog

Every year, thousands of dogs are given away or abandoned because the puppy that someone bought grew to be bigger than anticipated.

This is an unacceptable mistake.

If you live in an apartment or a small home, do not get a Great Dane puppy hoping it will stay tiny. It won’t. If your building has a weight restriction, don’t get a dog that exceeds that restriction by a significant amount. A 30-lb Beagle might squeak by on a 25-lb limit. A 130-lb Saint Bernard will not. Please do not put a dog in this situation.

You should also consider the size of the dog, even if you have no such limitations. Do you want a big dog that can roughhouse with you?

Do you want a medium size rescue dog that fits in bed with you, but can also run around the yard chasing squirrels without you living in fear that it will break a brittle bone?

Maybe you want a lap dog that you can carry around with you.

These are all key questions to ask yourself before you adopt a rescue dog. Most people reading this site love dogs and have only the dog’s best interest at heart. But, even the strongest among us has taken that trip to the rescue thinking we want a Pom only to find that an irresistibly cute Rottweiler grabs a hold of our heart. If this happens, and you know that you can accommodate the Rottie, then go for it. But, if you can’t keep a big dog, stick with your original plan.

2. Activity Level of Rescue Dog

This one is tricky because it changes over the course of a dog’s life. Puppies that were tearing the house apart grow into calm, easy-going dogs.

Quiet puppies can turn into high-energy adults.

But, knowing the general disposition of the breed you’re choosing can help with this.

Remember that dogs are living beings with individual personalities. Take some time to think about what you want your relationship with your new dog to be:

  • Do you want to hike with her?
  • Are you looking for a Netflix and ice cream partner?
  • Do you like to walk the city with your buddy by your side?
  • Are you taking him off-leash to run the beach or in the countryside?
  • Do you want a little of all of the above?

Researching breeds can help. It’s not absolute since, though. There are lazy Terriers and high-energy English Bulldogs. But, in general, breed energy requirements are a good indicator.

If you are looking at a mixed breed, try to evaluate the dominant breed, if possible. If not, see if you can spend some time alone with the dog to get a better feel for how it behaves outside of the shelter. Remember, being in a rescue around multiple dogs, with new people coming in and out to meet them can change a dog’s behavior. Some will be scared, others overly excited. See how they are away from the excitement.

3. Age of Rescue Dog

The age of the dog you’re considering is key.

Are you high energy? Yes? A puppy may be right for you. Remember, no matter how energetic you are, puppies have a tremendous amount of energy to burn. This can lead to much mischief. If you’re not ok with losing a pair of shoes or two, go older.

Are you medium energy? Consider a dog between 1 and 3 years old. At this point, bigger dogs will have settled down considerably. Smaller dogs are still in late-puppyhood through the one or two year mark, so they’ll give you much playfulness, but the destructive period is mostly over.

Are you prone to long binge-watching sessions on the couch? Think a 20-minute walk is the height of your exercise life? Like a calm, quiet house? Consider adopting an adult or senior dog.

Now, don’t think that seniors or adults are not playful. They are. In fact, it’s not uncommon for senior dogs to regain a puppy-esque playfulness after leaving a rescue or shelter. But, those energy bursts are short-lived. A good walk with your new friend and she’ll be more than happy to lay on the couch with you for hours afterward.

Adults and seniors also come with the added benefit of knowing their disposition already. It’s tough to judge where a puppy’s personality will lead, but with a dog 3+, you have a good idea of who they are right away.

7 Great Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds That Won’t Make You Sneeze

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

7 Great Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds That Won’t Make You Sneeze

Just because you are allergic to fur doesn’t mean that you have to miss out on owning a fluffy friend. There are hundreds of Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds, here are a few of our favourites.

Bichon Frise

Don’t be deterred by the soft puffy coat. These small marshmallows do not shed and are jolly and simple to train. The Bichon Frise is perfect for a family needing a little, cheerful dog as an easygoing company.

Schnauzer

These shed-less pups are excellent for an owner who loves to be the center of focus — or a child who adores playing “Follow the Leader.” Schnauzers love individual attention,  so expect to have a pal by your side at all times  They do need a firm hand, to balance their protective mood and his tenacious, filled with energy attitude. Schnauzers come in three sizes,  giant, standard and tiny

Yorkshire Terrier

Why is this strain a favored among allergy sufferers? These cute little dogs grow hair instead of fur. Hair has an extended development cycle in this strain, meaning that they shed less often. The only drawback is that these guys that are are going to need continuous dressing to prevent their hair from becoming a matted mess. Having a groomer shave them in a pup cut can supply a temporary low-care option.

Shih Tzu

Dog lovers with allergies shouldn’t be deceived by this strain’s long, glossy locks; in reality, the Shih Tzu sheds very little. Dog owners have two options for hairstyles.  Keeping the jacket keeping it long or short into a “puppy” cut. However, keeping it long comes at a cost: the coat needs regular combing and daily care.

Poodle

The poodle is cherished by many allergy sufferers. Poodles are famously smart and loyal breeds. This strain is also blessed with a non-shedding coat. The poodles tight and fluffy curls tend to maintain dander, keeping it off the floor and bed. Like many of other hypoallergenic dog breads, poodles need regular baths and haircuts.

Italian Greyhound

Perfecto! This small Italian breed has a layer has a very thin layer of hair, so while he just sheds, it is not difficult to keep him clean of allergens. The strain does not need a large lawn, and is quite lively and loyal. They are  quite sensitive to cold though, so this is not a great strain for a family living in a chilly climate.

Portuguese Water Dog

The Portuguese water dog made its way to the White House. After extensive research the Obamas had to find a strain that wouldn’t irritate family and staff members allergies. Like the poodle, this pooch has a low shedding speed due to his “curled hairdo, which keeps dander from accumulating on furniture, garments, upholstery, and the floor.

Pickles: The Pup That Saved The World Cup

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

Pickles: The Pup That Saved The World Cup

The History Making Pup

In 1996, England was preparing to hold the World Cup, which to the English, was kind of a big deal. Especially because they had a feeling they might win—which they did—so you can imagine how bummed they were when a thief stole the World Cup trophy just four months before the matches started.

The entire country immediately went into a frenzy to avoid international embarrassment and find the missing cup. After months of searching, and a failed ransom request Pickles, a curious collie saved the day by finding the lost trophy.

While on a routine walk, the pup sniffed something out in the bushes and wouldn’t let up. When Pickle’s owner took a look at what the pup had found, he discovered the missing World Cup!

In the aftermath of finding the Cup, Pickles meteoric rise to fame began. The press lavished him with attention, quickly becoming known as the hero dog that saved the Works Cup. The country even threw a banquet in Pickles honor.  Awarding him a bone and a £5,000 check —archive footage shows the check being shoved into his face, so we hope it was cashed by his master and not chewed to shreds.

Finding the world cup changed Pickles life forever. Once an ordinary dog, he became known as the pup that saved the world cup.  He starred in feature films, The Spy with the Cold Nose, and appeared on Magpie, Blue Peter and many other TV shows. The country named Pickles Dog of the Year.  A title that came with a year’s free supply of food from Spillers. There were offers to visit Chile, Czechoslovakia, and Germany.

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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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