10 things to do with your dog this Summer

10 things to do with your dog this Summer

Summer (weather) is on the way – this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday I hear!!  So, here’s 10 things to do with your dog (not in 3 days mind you but over the Summer months!)  There’s also some general and practical tips for helping shy dogs in public.

(ThatMutt.com has great articles but please bear in mind this has an American focus so adapt for Ireland as appropriate!)

1.    Swimming tips for dogs – safety and training

2.    Visiting pet friendly stores

3.    Frozen summer treats for dogs

4.    Socialising with your dog

5.    Attending sports events and festivals

6.    Summer hiking with dogs

7.    Camping with your dog

8.    Summer holidays with your dog

9.    Best water toys for dogs

1-  Summer games and puzzles for dogs

Swimming is stimulating exercise, fun and keeps him* cool!  If he’s not into swimming, paddling is also good! Check out the tips on how to get your dog used to water, how to keep him safe and recommendations for the best dog swimming gear in the link below. Obviously hoping the swimming ban for south Dublin beaches will be lifted asap.

Your dog will enjoy a trip to pet friendly stores as there’s loads of new scents, new foods, other dogs and maybe other animals to interact with – plus as a bonus, the store may be air-conditioned on hot days!!

You can make your own frozen treats for your 4-legged pal but remember if they’re high calorie to reduce his calorie intake from other foods.  3 frozen treats are suggested including recipes and they are: Frozen Bone Broth; Frozen Watermelon & Banana Treats and Frozen Goat Milk.  (See link below.)

Socialising/holidaying with your dog – referred to as “Visiting breweries and patios with your dog” in the link below.  I recommend checking out Woof Advisor and Pack the Pooch to find pet friendly places in Ireland.  You can also google ‘pet friendly places in Ireland’ or whichever county you fancy.  Woof Advisor has some great info on overseas dog friendly hotels etc also.  The article does give tips on how to get your dog to behave in cafes, restaurants, etc.

If you’re thinking of bringing your dog to a Festival or sports event, check first if they’re allowed and if so, only bring a dog that is well socialised and is happy in crowds/busy places.  Ask yourself would he be happier at home, does he get over-stimulated or anxious when there’s lots of people around.  And if he’s food-oriented, remember at festivals there will be plenty of food to tempt him – not the type you would normally feed him!

Hiking is a great thing to do with your dog and you won’t have most of the concerns you would have at a Festival as much fewer people around!  Have a look at the tips in the article that u should bear in mind if planning a hike. (photo: Kurgo.com)

There’s a lot more details on each of the points above plus suggestions for the following in the link below:

·      - best water toys;

·       -summer games and puzzles suggestions for your dog.  The article suggests them for the -days that are too hot to go outdoors – in our case, for when it’s too rainy to have the dogs out for long!!

·       -Camping with your dog;

·       -Family holidays with your dog

·       -Tips for helping shy dogs.

So, well-armed with all this info, do enjoy the Summer with your dog!

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*means him/her throughout.

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Does your dog have separation anxiety? Teach your dog to walk to heel & more....

Does your dog have Separation Anxiety?  11 ways to help….

If your dog suffers from separation anxiety, it’s distressing for you as well as for her.  11 practical tips on how to ease this and calm your dog are featured in this article in Modern Dog magazine. These include daily exercise, work on basic obedience commands, using a baby gate, distraction, ignoring her and CBD Oil.  2 no-nos are leaving an anxious dog in a closed crate while you’re out and/or using an anti-bark collar.

These following tips sound tough – ‘tough love’ maybe?  They advise ignoring your dog for 20 minutes before you leave and for 20 minutes when you arrive back.  Effusive greetings and goodbyes only make separation anxiety worse.  They also recommend using a baby gate to keep your dog in a separate part of the house to you for part of the time when you’re at home.  And a ‘desensitisation’ programme is recommended whereby you come and go from your home numerous times in a day which wears the dog out.  Something that can be done at the weekend perhaps when you have the time.  They remind you not to return to the house if the dog is barking or howling as that rewards this behaviour.  Read more here ……

https://bit.ly/2EFAhs9

Teach your dog to heel – 13 tips

The walk starts at the front door and you shouldn’t leave your home unless the dog is calm – this is the first of 13 excellent tips on teaching your dog to walk to heel from thatmutt.com  “A calm dog can pay attention and learn. A frantic dog can’t.”

Other tips include:

·       make your dog sit every time she lunges forward (the walk could take a while, but it’s worth the time investment!);

·       buy a dog backpack or get her to carry something – thus the dog sees it as her job to carry rather than pulling;

·       stay relaxed yourself and don’t get stressed as the dog picks up on this;

·       don’t keep looking down or staring at your dog – if you do, she is in control;

·       walk at different speeds and in different directions.

More here ……https://bit.ly/2GU0TrW

(Photo: TheLabradorSite.com)

Does your dog eat poo?!

Yes it’s disgusting but some of them do!  Why?  Because they like it!  And they can get nutrients from it.  However, dog owners don’t like it – and if your dog has allergies, it mightn’t be the best idea.

According to this piece on Dogster.com there are two elements to managing this problem of your dog eating poo– or coprophagia, as it’s known - prevention and training.  Prevention includes keeping your garden or yard as free of poo as you can.  Another suggestion is to condition your dog to wear a muzzle.  In terms of training, it’s teaching her to ‘leave it’.  More here …..https://bit.ly/2EmU2nd

Not in this article but just an observation – we’ve all heard suggestions of what you can add to your dog’s food which makes it unappetising when it comes out the other end e.g. pineapple, broccoli etc!

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Overweight dog? Grooming in Winter & Dogs of 2018!

Is your dog overweight?

6 myths about overweight dogs are dispelled in this article which also features comments from dog owners on how they combat having an overweight dog.  The myths include: A definition of ‘overweight dogs’ exists; It’s the number of pounds on the scale that matters; Measuring food – kibble v commercial canned food; Low fat diets aid weight loss; Overweight dogs automatically become diabetic and overweight dogs must lose at least 10% of their weight.

No official definition of ‘overweight dogs’ exists according to this piece on dogster.com and the number on the scale doesn’t matter!  However, the medical definition of obesity as being 30% over the ideal weight is agreed on.  Re the number of pounds, it’s the dog’s fat percentage that matters.  It advises us to watch the high calorie treats as we can give more of them than we realise!  See more here …….

https://bit.ly/2RqSW2

(Infographic: Dogster.com)

Dog grooming just as important in winter

Grooming isn’t just for the Summer. A healthy dog’s coat is like a thermos – it keeps the warmth in during Winter and the heat out during warmer days!  Basic care will help keep it healthy – bathing, brushing, moisturising and eliminating matting and tangles.  PetMD.com tells us that there are 5 grooming issues in particular that need attention in the cold weather – nails, hair between the toes; dog boots/wax; dry skin and regular brushing.

Nails don’t wear down as much in winter due to less activity and also snow and ice can form a barrier between harsh surfaces and your dog’s feet.  De-icers might get caught on your dog’s paws and between its toes – de-icers can contain chemicals that are harmful to dogs.  Check out the other tips here……

https://www.petmd.com/dog/grooming/why-dog-grooming-so-important-winter-0

And finally, a smile!

You can’t but enjoy this short film courtesy of Joe.ie - “The Dogs of 2018” from WeRateDogs on Twitter – no doubt you’ll have seen a few of the clips before but always worth another view!

https://www.joe.ie/life-style/cute-dogs-video-we-rate-dogs-653482

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Should u neuter your dog? And Raw v Processed Food...

Should you neuter your dog?  The Pros & Cons

Dog owners can have pretty passionate opinions on whether or not to neuter their dog.  For those who aren’t sure, it’s probably not helped by the fact that there doesn’t seem to be overwhelming evidence in favour of either camp.  Some dog owners hope neutering might modify behaviour but the author of this really good feature on YourDog.co.uk doesn’t seem to think so.  They say that behaviour in entire (not neutered) male dogs in adolescence does change but they say if properly managed, testosterone-driven aggression is rare.  There are swings in testosterone levels anyway so a dog’s mood and energy can change from time to time. 

This article details the various neutering options available for male and female dogs, the health implications for neutering or not including propensity to develop tumours, urinary incontinence in neutered females, does neutering affect behaviour and more.  I was really interested to see that in Sweden routine neutering is banned.  Owners of larger or more active breeds are recommended to wait until the dog is 12-18 months old before neutering.  Personally, I’m a fan of neutering but it’s obviously up to dog owners to do what they think is best for their dog.

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Raw food v processed food?

Which is best to feed your pet – raw or commercial pet food?  Pets do seem to love raw food and its purity and naturalness really appeal to some pet owners.  In this blog from Pete the Vet, he says best diet for animals is the one they thrive on.  He talks about the benefits of both raw and processed pet food and says that he looks for scientific evidence at all times. 

Processed pet food is cooked, nutritionally complete and safe.  If it says ‘complete pet food’ then it’s obliged to provide all the essential nutrients that your pet needs. Some cats can get more urinary tract infections from commercial pet food as they’re taking in less moisture – hence the advice to always have water available for your pets. 

If your pet has an allergy to an ingredient in commercial pet food, raw food may solve the problem.  However, raw food can carry bacteria - while Pete emphasises that health-related incidents are rare - he advises people to be aware of the pros and cons and health risks – both to animals and their owners – of feeding raw food. 

There can be trends in pet food – just as there are with human food – and Pete observes that some can be fads with no scientific evidence as yet to back them up e.g. grain free pet food.  But, whatever diet you choose for your pet, Pete says it should meet 3 requirements – it should be nutritionally complete, palatable (so your pet enjoys it) and, of course, it should be safe.

(photo: PetMD.com)

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Preventing cancer in your pet

None of us want to think about our beloved 4-legged pals getting cancer but this article is worth reading as it lists symptoms to look out for as well as preventative measures we can take.  Cancer is the leading cause of non-accidental death in pets according to this article on PetBusiness.com.  The most common pet cancers include lymphoma, skin cancer, osteosarcoma (bone cancer), mammary gland and soft tissue sarcomas, while the most common spot to find tumours is the skin.

Symptoms we should be on alert for include swelling, lumps, rapid weight and/or appetite loss and low energy.  Preventative measures include neutering, regular check-ups with the vet, exposure to carcinogens and protection from the sun’s rays.  More info here ….

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A Dream Dog Park, how much exercise & 'leave it'

A dog’s dream park!

Having a dog park like this one in Nashville, Tennessee would be a dream come through for the dog in your life!  I know it’s my dream – to open a dog park where dogs can run free in a stimulating environment!  Just waiting for those prize bonds to do their thing!  At Bark Park in Nashville, Tennessee, dogs come first, owners second. It has a dog-centred design – built 100% for dogs.  See the pic for an example -  the table ‘legs’ are affixed to the ceiling, not the floor so dogs can wander around more easily.  And that’s the beauty of this Park – the dogs can run and play to their hearts’ content.  According to this article in Forbes, “Bark understands what physical spaces are all about—the social joy and memories of being somewhere and doing something, whether as humans or as furry animals.”

Dogs can have daily, monthly or seasonal membership – and can bring along a 2-legged guest!  The humans can enjoy coffee, a chat with other 2-legged visitors, beer tasting, comedians performing or a movie while their dogs have a fab time! I just love it!

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How much exercise does your dog need?

Sometimes we assume that the bigger the dog, the more exercise he/she needs but that’s not the case.  The amount of exercise your dog needs depends on a number of factors including age, breed and general health.  The guidelines for puppies, for example, is 5 minutes per month of age so if your pup is 3 months old – 15 minutes a day is plenty at this stage.

Regarding dog size, smaller dogs like poodles, chihuahuas or Yorkshire terriers don’t need to be too active but nor do some very large breeds like Great Danes, Newfoundlands or Mastiffs.   Flat-nosed breeds such as pugs, bulldogs and shihtzus don’t need too intense exercise either as their breathing challenges causes them to slow down and have a more sedentary lifestyle, according to this article on dogster.com.  It also gives tips on the best places to exercise your four legged pal.

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Teaching your dog to “leave it”

In this article, training your dog to ‘Leave it’ means ‘do not touch that object’.  The author uses high and low value treats – the high value is the one to be left while the low value is used as the reward.  Over a few weeks, the gap between the Leave It order and the rewarding lengthens.  Blocking is also a suggested technique – blocking the dog from the high value treat.  The author also gives 7 tips on how to translate the behaviour to the real world i.e. in different environments, when the dog is excited – though I’m not so sure about tips 5 and 6 - all I’ll say is dead animals, rabbit poo etc – you’ll have to read it to find out!!

https://www.thatmutt.com/2015/04/22/does-your-dog-really-know-the-leave-it-command/

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Calm your puppy, How to prevent Lyme Disease - & Your dog won't walk?

How to get your puppy to calm down

First of all, don’t start training your puppy to be calm if he hasn’t expended some energy at playtime or on a walk!  He needs to be able to settle.  This is just one of the very practical tips in this article in “Your Dog” magazine which is a step-by-step guide to training your puppy to calm down. 

You need to place the dog’s bed or a cushion that he likes close to you.  Next you should affix a lightweight lead to the dog’s collar – not too tight as to pull him but short enough so he can’t wander off or jump up on you.  Then – ignore him.  He’ll eventually settle and when he does, give him a treat – or if he’s very food-oriented, maybe an ear rub or whatever works for him.  For more details, check out the article…

https://bit.ly/2t7Gt6b

(image: People.com)

Prevent Lyme Disease in your dog

Lyme Disease is a tick-borne disease and ticks like the warm weather as much as we do!  Lyme Disease can go undetected for a long time and it can cause kidney failure and neurological complications in dogs which can be fatal.  Signs to look out for include a ‘bull’s eye’ rash, transient fever, anorexia and sometimes arthritis.  But symptoms may not materialise for some time.

So how can we prevent Lyme Disease – the answer - prevent tick bites.  Thankfully there are plenty of products which prevent ticks from biting pets and there are vaccines for dogs.  For more information, read the article here in “Modern Dog” magazine….

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Does your dog refuse to walk?

We all know dogs who “put on the brakes” and dig their claws in and just plain refuse to move!  Some roll over on their back as if to say, “I’m done” and some turn around trying to rush back home? This article is aimed at those dogs!

The tips include play with your dog (ball, chasing etc), change your route, bring high value treats, bring a friend or family member and change the feeding schedule.  If the dog associates the end of the walk with getting fed, he may want to end the walk sooner!  Another good tip the author gives is when the dog stops, quickly turn and walk in the opposite direction to where you were going and then quickly turn back again.  There are also 7 tips on what to do if your dog is scared to walk…..

https://www.thatmutt.com/2017/08/23/dog-refuses-to-walk/

Plan a dog-friendly holiday & binge-watching Netflix with your pets!

Pets & binge-watching Netflix

According to a Netflix survey in the US, 71% of its users say pets are the best bingeing companions - and 30% even set up a separate profile for watching with their furry friends!

The reasons pets make the best bingeing partners include because they’re great at cuddling (40%); they don’t hog the remote (23%); they never share spoilers (20%); and they’re always up for watching another episode (18%)!!

According to this article on Petbusiness.com, “Narcos”,“Marvel’s Daredevil” and other action-filled shows are preferred by dog owners while cat owners are more into sci-fi series, such as “Black Mirror” and “Star Trek Discovery.”  More insights here…….

https://bit.ly/2FiE4sC

Planning a dog-friendly holiday

When looking to book a holiday that includes your dog, make sure you look for somewhere that’s dog friendly – as opposed to just dog tolerant, which many places are.

Amongst the things a genuine dog-friendly place will have are an enclosed exercise area and a Welcome Pack which highlights all the dog-friendly amenities, cafes and restaurants and attractions in the area.  Thorough advance research is a must and the author recommends reading the small print on websites etc – find out exactly where in the hotel/accommodation you can bring your dog.  And when you do arrive, check out the Visitors’ Book for helpful and insightful comments.  Good tips here……

http://www.yourdogholidays.co.uk/dog-travel-advice/how-to-plan-the-perfect-dog-friendly-holiday

(photo credit: Passpawt)

Reducing your eco-pawprint

This article in Modern Dog magazine offers tips on how to reduce your eco paw print and improve you and your dog’s health in the process.  The tips include detoxing your home (specifically by reducing the amount of chemical household cleanser – and it suggests how to make your own); go on a plastic diet (ensure your dog’s toys are made from natural materials such as wool, natural rubber, organic cotton etc) and source your dog’s food as locally as possible.

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