Tag: dogs

Why, Unlike Dogs, You Will Never Hear A Wolf Bark?

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

Why, Unlike Dogs, You Will Never Hear A Wolf Bark?

It’s no secret dogs are descendants of wolves. Their mannerisms and behaviors are reminiscent of their ancestors – the howling, digging, and sniffing out scents. But there’s one trait that wasn’t passed down from a wolf. Can you guess what it is?

Barking.

That’s right, adult wolves in the wild do not bark like domestic dogs do.

Interestingly, barking is a trait exclusive to cubs and adolescent wolves.

But why?

A wolf doesn’t bark in the wild because they know that if they are in danger, the best and safest thing to do is to stay as quiet as possible. Rather than bark at the threat, they’ll hide from it until it has passed.

So how come dogs bark and wolves don’t?

Some research states that dogs learned to bark thanks to their close relationship with humans. Since we are vocal creatures by nature, dog’s learned rather quickly that we aren’t the best when it comes to picking up non-verbal cues. So in an effort to get our attention and communicate with us, domestic dogs learned to bark.

On the other hand, some researchers think that dog’s learned to bark after years of selective breeding. In general, humans like dogs that are friendly and gentle, not timid and aggressive. So, over the years, the barking in juvenile wolves was bred into domestic dogs.

No matter the reason, barking is a normal, natural behavior that we’ve come to accept in dogs. Though it can be annoying at times, we couldn’t imagine our pups without this annoyingly lovable trait

Best Female Dog Names

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

Best Female Dog Names

Most people place lots of thought into brainstorming the perfect female dog names. Our dog’s name is an excellent way of showing a bit of personality. Just like human names, dog names rise a fall in popularity.

Pop culture is very influential after the film Frozen came out, there was a 900 percent increase in dogs named after the characters. Names from Star Wars and The Twilight films have also been popular.

Since your dog’s name will be heavily used for training here are some tips to avoid confusion.

  • Select a name with hard consonants and 1 or 2 syllables. These are short enough to get your dog’s focus and the simplest to say
  • Stay away from dog names that sound like an order, names like Kit, which sounds like sit, or Bo, which seems like no.

Here is a list of the top 100 female dog names for some inspiration.

  • Abby
  • Allie
  • Angel
  • Annie
  • Athena
  • Baby
  • Bailey
  • Bella
  • Belle
  • Bonnie
  • Brandy
  • Cali
  • Callie
  • Casey
  • Charlie
  • Chloe
  • Cleo
  • Coco
  • Cocoa
  • Cookie
  • Daisy
  • Dakota
  • Dixie
  • Ella
  • Ellie
  • Emma
  • Gigi
  • Ginger
  • Grace
  • Gracie
  • Hannah
  • Harley
  • Hazel
  • Heidi
  • Holly
  • Honey
  • Izzy
  • Jasmine
  • Josie
  • Katie
  • Kona
  • Lacey
  • Lady
  • Layla
  • Lexi
  • Lexie
  • Lilly
  • Lily
  • Lola
  • Lucky
  • Lucy
  • Lulu
  • Luna
  • Macy
  • Maddie
  • Madison
  • Maggie
  • Marley
  • Maya
  • Mia
  • Millie
  • Mimi
  • Minnie
  • Missy
  • Misty
  • Mocha
  • Molly
  • Nala
  • Nikki
  • Olive
  • Peanut
  • Pebbles
  • Penny
  • Pepper
  • Phoebe
  • Piper
  • Princess
  • Riley
  • Rosie
  • Roxie
  • Roxy
  • Ruby
  • Sadie
  • Sally
  • Sandy
  • Sasha
  • Sassy
  • Scout
  • Shadow
  • Shelby
  • Sierra
  • Sophie
  • Stella
  • Sugar
  • Sydney
  • Trixie
  • Willow
  • Winnie
  • Zoe
  • Zoey

Still didn’t find the perfect name?  Check out our full list of the 50 Greatest Dog Names.

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 Recognize And Treat A Skin Infection In Your Dog

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

How To Recognize And Treat A Skin Infection In Your Dog

If you’ve ever had the unfortunate experience of having a skin infection, you know how painful and downright pleasant they can be. And just like us, dogs can also develop skin infections – often with similar symptoms. Read on for a complete guide on how to recognize and treat a skin infection in your dog.

What are Skin Infections?

Skin infections are caused by either yeast or bacteria. Yeast infections are quite common in the warmer months and can sometimes be misdiagnosed as regular allergies. Bacterial infections are typically caused by secondary infection from allergies. This type of infection occurs when the dog cuts open their skin from excessive itching.

Thankfully, both yeast and bacteria infections are treatable.

Causes

A skin infection often appears in dogs that are already suffering from allergies or pups that lick or scratch their skin a lot. They are also found in dogs with floppy ears and breeds with a lot of skin folds like Bulldogs or Shar-Peis.

Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors or enjoys swimming tend to be more at risk for bacterial or fungal skin infections as they spend more time being dirty and damp.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a bacterial skin infection including open sores, yeast, pimples, or bumps as well as constant licking at the infection. It also causes head shaking, ear scratching, and holding the head to one side. Dogs may also exhibit green or yellow discharge from their ears.

Yeast infection symptoms include greasy and smelly skin as well as head shaking, ear scratching, and holding the head to a particular side. These infections are often in moist areas on the dog like the armpits, ears, feeds, or skin folds. Dogs may also exhibit a brown, waxy discharge in the ears.

Treatment

One form of treatment for skin infections is a bath with medicated shampoo. Just make sure the medicated shampoo contains an antibacterial agent as they are most effective.

Veterinarians may also prescribe antibiotics or ear-drops if the skin infection is more severe.

TRUECARNIVORES.COM

Although skin infections can be painful and quite simply annoying, they are treatable. If you suspect your dog is showing any of these symptoms, make sure to contact your veterinarian immediately.

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?

6 Spring Activities That Your Dog Will Absolutely Love

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

6 Spring Activities That Your Dog Will Absolutely Love

Who doesn’t love spring? The weather is finally warm, the days are longer, and all you want to do is be outside. Do you know who else loves spring? Your pup. So help them make the most of the season with these six activities your dog will absolutely love.

Go Shopping

Shopping isn’t just for humans. Next time you’re on a walk with your pup, stop by some dog-friendly stores and restaurants. Bring your dog to a pet supply store, like Petco or PetSmart, for some retail therapy. Once you’ve had your fix – and added a few new toys to their collection – pop over to a dog-friendly restaurant or café to get a bite to eat and relax.

Work Out Together

Since the weather is warmer, now is the perfect time to take your workouts outside. Don’t go solo, though, bring your pup with you! Working out with your dog is a great way to bond while getting some exercise. Jogging or biking is a great spring workout for both you and your pup.

Go for a Swim

If you’re the owner of a water-loving dog, take them for a swim this spring. You can either go to a beach, a hiking trail near a lake, or try a nearby river. Even a small pond, stream, or creek can be the perfect place to play fetch for a ouple hours.

Go Camping

Why make your dog stay behind the next time you go on a trip? A camping trip is the perfect opportunity to bring your pup along. Whether you plan on staying in a tent or a (dog-friendly) cabin, camping is a great opportunity to bond with your pup and spend some quality time exploring or hiking.

Be Competitive

Share your home with a puppy? Spring is the perfect opportunity to try competitive training. Once your puppy gets the basics down – like sit, stay, and lie down – why not take it up a notch with competitive training? Agility training is a great way for dogs to learn something new and release all that pent-up energy from the winter. They’ll get to jump through hoops and make their way around other obstacles, a perfect complement to regular ol’ training.

Off-Leash Fun

If there’s one place dogs love, it’s the dog park. Enjoy the warmer weather by taking your pup for some off-leash fun. If you live in an apartment, many complexes have off-leash areas but if you’re looking for a larger space, check out some dog-friendly beaches or dog parks. Not only will get to burn off some energy, they’ll get to meet and interact with other pups!

TRAININGYOURBESTFRIEND.COM

With these six dog-approved activities, you and your pup are sure to have the best spring ever!

12 Tips to Get The Most Out Of Going To The Dog Park

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

12 Tips to Get The Most Out Of Going To The Dog Park

One: Make Sure They’re Well Behaved On-Leash

Before you attempt to take your dog to the dog park and let them run off-leash, make sure they’re well behaved on-leash. 

Because there are a lot of new things to see and smell at the dog park, your pup might be tempted to behave erratically.

If your dog doesn’t behave on-leash, they’re not ready for the dog park. 

Two: Know Where They Are At All Times

Dog parks are big, open, and full of dogs. It’s ultra easy for your dog to wander away. They can go out of sight without you even noticing. 

Because of the general confusion at dog parks, it’s a must to keep track of your pup. 

Rover.com

Three: All Introductions Done On-Leash First

When dogs meet, they like to be on equal footing. When one dog is leashed and the other isn’t, it can make the leashed dog fearful or defensive. 

It will also let your dog know that you’re in control of the walk, their behavior, and their protection. 

Four: Practice Off-Leash At Home First

If you have a yard, or a small area at home where you feel safe, let your dog practice being off-leash there. 

If they have any doggie friends, bring them over to practice with your pup. This gives your dog the opportunity to be off-leash with other dogs around. 

Five: Try Off-Leashed In A Fenced Area

Go away from your yard to a place with a secure fence. Tennis courts and baseball fields are good for this. Let your dog off-leash to practice for the park. Look for triggers of bad behaviors and correct them in practice. This can help save your dog’s life. 

Rover.com

Six: Make Sure They’re Mind Their Manners First

If your dog is misbehaving in the practice areas, do not go to the dog park until you feel they are reasonably perfect. 

Seven: Pay Attention

Cesar Milan is fond of saying that most dog park problems come from owners “checking out” once their dogs start to play. They get lost in conversations, texting or emailing, or watching videos on their phone. Even well behaved dogs can get spooked and dart away. For your dog’s safety, pay attention at all times. 

Eight: Practice Commands

The more familiar and efficient your dog is following commands, the safer they’ll be at the park. 

Nine: Watch For Over-Possessiveness Or Guarding

Being around strange dogs can trigger your dog to resource guard. This leads to a lot of fear biting and fear-aggressive incidents. If you notice your dog becoming possessive of a toy, ball, or any other object, step in and correct them. 

Ten: Praise Good Behavior

Every minute at the dog park, and right after, is an opportunity to reenforce good behaviors. Make sure you correct the bad, but praise and reward the good as well. 

Eleven: Watch Water Intake

Dogs can easily slip into dehydration when at the dog park. There is a lot of excitement and activity. Make sure your dog is drinking water while you’re there, and that they take breaks as needed. 

Twelve: Exercise Away From The Park Too

Don’t rely on the dog park for your dog’s exercise. There is a lot of physical activity, but there’s also a lot of energy and excitement. Walking is still needed. Walking to the park, especially if the walk is 10-mins or more, is a great way to exercise and drain excess energy from your pup to prevent behavior problems while running around the dog park. 

Senior ‘Dog Prom’ Helps Older Adoptable Dogs Find Forever Homes

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

Senior ‘Dog Prom’ Helps Older Adoptable Dogs Find Forever Homes

For senior shelter dogs, life is a little tougher. They often get overlooked for the younger, more vibrant dogs or the too-cute-for-words puppies. But there is something about an older dog that makes them a little extra special. And thanks to a group in Florida that threw them a ‘dog prom’, they got their time to shine.

The prom, hosted by The Dog House, brought 40 senior shelter dogs – ranging from 5 to 20 years old – together from 13 animal rescues in the Tampa Bay area. The pups dressed to the nines – wearing fancy outfits and flower crowns – all in hopes of getting adopted.

ROVER.COM

Many people think that senior dogs come with potential health issues and are hesitant to add them to the family.

In fact, according to a Petfinder.com survey, the typical shelter pet spends around 12 weeks on their website before finding a home. Senior dogs, though, spend nearly four times as long on the site.

While there is the possibility that senior dogs come with health issues, they also tend to have a solid training foundation, a milder temperament, and an easier transition into family life than an adolescent dog or puppy. Older dogs are also wonderful for families that live less active lifestyles.

So The Dog House wanted to do something about it. They wanted to show that senior dogs still have a lot of life left in them – and that they can still rock a prom dress.

“We wanted to have an event that not only included senior adoptable, but put the spotlight on the them,” Kelli Chickos said.

And the event proved to be a success – six dogs found their forever homes!

The Best Names For Your German Shepherd Dog

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

The Best Names For Your German Shepherd Dog

DOGTIME.COM

In addition to their striking beauty, German Shepherds are extremely intelligent, spunky, loyal, and an overall joy to be around. If you recently added a German Shepherd to your family, be ready for a lifelong companion full and personality and zest. But now comes the hard part – what are you going to name them? If you’re completely stumped on what to name your German Shepherd – we’re here to help. Below are some of the best names for both female and male German Shepherds!

Female

Athena

Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare and the daughter of Zeus.

Asia

Of Greek origin meaning “sunrise.”

Belle

“Beautiful” in French.

Brownie

A popular dessert, also refers to the dark colors of a German Shepherd.

Cleopatra

Of Greek origin meaning “glory of the father” and was the name of the queen of Egypt.

Dixie

A southern name, Dixie is often used as a name for spunky dogs. Also a term for the whole American South.

Elle

Of French origin and means “she.”

Evita

Evita is of Hebrew origin and means “living one.”

Kasha

Typical spelling of the Polish name “Kasia” and means pure and beautiful.

Leena

Leena is of Muslim origin and means “tender.”

Maxie

Of English origin and means “the greatest.”

Millie

Millie is a Latin name and means free-born and noble.

Nikita

A Russian name, Nikita means “victory of the people” and “unconquerable.”

Olive

Perfect for laid-back German Shepherd, Olive is a Latin name that means “symbol of peace.”

Petra

Derived from the Greek work “petros” which means “stone, rock.”

Ruby

Typically refers to the gemstone, ruby comes from the Latin word “ruber” which means red. It’s the birthstone for the month of July.

Sadie

Sadie is a derivative of Sarah and means “princess.”

Sage

Of English origin, Sage means “wise one.”

Tasia

Tasia is a Greek name that means “resurrection.”

Venus

The Roman goddess of love.

VETSTREET.COM

Male

Axel

A Scandinavian name, Axel means “father of peace.”

Apollo

Apollo was the son of Zeus and the god of prophecy, beauty, and wisdom.

Bruno

A German name, Bruno comes from the word “brun” which means shield or armor.

Captain

Of English origin, captain means “he who is in charge.”

Duke

Duke is an English name and used as royalty title.

Dakota

Can refer to the indigenous Native American tribe and translates into “friend” or “friendly” – perfect for a laid-back, friendly German Shepherd.

Falcon

Of English origin, a falcon was regarded as a symbol of spend and courage during the Middle Ages.

Hudson

Thought to be related to the Old Saxon name “Hugh” that comes from the German word “hug”, which means “heart, mind, spirit.”

Jack

A common name during the Middle Ages, it became a slang word for “man.”

Kuma

Kuma is the Japanese word for “bear” – perfect for a big, fluffy German Shepherd.

Max

Short for both Maximilian, meaning “greatest” and Maxwell, meaning “great spring.”

Nova

Of Latin origin, the name Nova means “new, young.”

Napoleon

Of Italian origin, Napoleon often refers to the famous Napoleon Bonaparte.

Orion

Orion is a Greek name meaning “rising in the sky” or “dawning.” In mythology, Orion was a hunter and son Poseidon. Also refers to the constellation.

Radar

Perfect for a German Shepherd pup with big ears!

Rusty

Often used as a nickname for red-haired people or dogs.

Tarzan

A fictional character, the name Tarzan was made famous by the movie “The Legend of Tarzan.”

Thor

Of Old Norse origin meaning “thunder.” Also refers to the Norse god of strength, war, thunder, and storms as well as the son of Odin.

Viking

Viking is of Old Norse origin and means “raider.” Also refers to the pirates and traders who settled in parts of northwestern Europe during the 8th and 11th centuries.

Zorro

Zorro is Spanish for fox – perfect for a clever and sly German Shepherd.

Ultimately what you name your new pup is up to you. But if you’re scrambling for one and need some help – consider one of these unique names for new German Shepherd pup!

Science Tells Us What Dogs Actually Mean When They Look Guilty

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

Science Tells Us What Dogs Actually Mean When They Look Guilty

You know the look – the one your dog gives when you raise your voice or scold them. The sad eyes, the low head, and a general sense of guilt about them while they are surrounded by a mound of trash or ripped couch cushions. But do they actually feel guilty? Science is here to explain.

While dogs don’t necessary feel guilt like humans do, when a dog is scolded or reprimanded, they do become submissive.

The act of cowering originated as a survival tactic from their wolf ancestors. Animal behaviorists refer to this as an “apology bow”.

According to molecular biologist Nathan H. Lents, young wolves use apology bows when they begin social integration. Since wolves and dogs play similarly, young ones use playtime to learn the pack’s rules.

BLOGS.SCIENTIFICAMERICAN.COM

When a frisky wolf bites too hard, they will be snubbed by the rest of the pack for their bad behavior. And in order to return back to the pack, the young wolf must use the “apology bow”.

The same is true for dogs.

Lents, who works at the City University of New York, said, “Dogs have inherited this behavior and they will use it after any kind of infraction that results in being punished. As social animals, they crave harmonious integration in the group and neglect or isolation is painful for them.”

The physical signs of a dog being reprimanded include lowering their head to avoid eye contact and putting their tail between their legs – and they will stop panting. These are similar to how a young, low-ranked wolf submits to a dominant one.

A 2009 study done on the “guilty dog look” found that dogs had the guilty look when their owners yelled at them – even if they didn’t do anything

PETHEALTHNETWORK.COM

And while it’s not necessarily an admission of guilt, their submissive behavior basically means they just want to be part of the pack again. Besides, who can resist those sad, guilty eyes?

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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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