Perfect Puppy Care » Basics of Puppy Care

How to Keep Your Puppy from Getting Bored and Why this is Important

Jeff Van Dalsum — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:44:37 +0000

Healthy puppies are naturally filled with energy and curiosity. Sometimes, when puppies don’t get their primal needs met or receive enough stimulation and socialization, they will become bored and begin to act out. For this reason, it’s quite important to ensure that your young dog is getting enough playtime, rest time, fresh air time, and affection. If your puppy feels ignored, he or she may begin to experiment with unacceptable behaviour, such as chewing up your designer footwear, whining, or picking at his or her own coat (and causing painful puppy “hot spots”).

As you can see, it’s actually very important to consider your puppy’s activity level, his or her relationship with you, and your pet’s level of overall contentment with life. Once you’ve decided to tackle the issue of puppy boredom, there are plenty of ways to make your pet happier every day. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Proper Puppy Training is Essential – Many pet owners choose puppy crates as training aids for their new pets; these crates typically become safe and peaceful places for puppies to go during the day. According to puppy training experts, these crates may soothe boredom by giving young dogs the “dens” that they inherently crave.

Most puppy crates are made of wire, and they feature enough room for a young dog to lie down or turn around. Crates are purposely kept small, so that puppies are encouraged to go potty outside, rather than where they sleep or rest.

While some do believe that crate training is cruel (because animals don’t deserve to be kept in cages at all times), others argue that young pups in the wild always create very small dens where they can get away from the world. Whether you choose crate training or not is a personal choice. However, lots of owners use crates to housebreak their puppies, and to provide them with a soothing “hiding space” that seems to calm their nervousness or boredom. Puppy crates are available in pet stores or online. Seek out plenty of information about this form of puppy training before making a decision that is right for you and your young dog.

Give Your Puppy Lots of Exercise – Just as exercise and fresh air stimulate human beings and help them to feel healthier and more alive, outdoor playtime will benefit your puppy. Make a point of taking Fido out for regular jaunts in the park or backyard. Buy a few safe toys for games of fetch, and perhaps a nice rawhide bone for chewing outside. Without enough playtime and fresh air, your pet will wilt and become listless.

If you’re away at work all day, and your puppy is alone inside, you may expect to see some signs of puppy boredom. If this happens, it may be wise to hire a dog-walker or doggy day care provider so that your pet gets the outdoor time and socialization that he or she needs. Many people underestimate the effect of “alone” time and too much indoor time. Rest assured, it does affect the minds and emotions of puppies, just the way it affects the thoughts and feelings of human beings. Avoid “puppy depression” in your beloved pal by devoting yourself to getting outside with your puppy or paying someone else to do it while you’re away.

Offer Mental Challenges – Training your dog to do little chores around the home can be an enjoyable way to ease Fido’s boredom. Sometimes, dogs (who are intelligent animals) need to learn in order to feel satisfied with their lives. If your sweet little puppy is moaning a lot and driving you crazy, teach the animal how to help you out around the home. Your young dog might fetch the newspaper or learn to respond to commands.

Another option is buying “smart toys” from pet stores – these types of puppy toys include a mental puzzle that must be solved before your pet can move the toy or use it for basic play.

Obviously, curing boredom in a young dog takes dedication…you must create a delicate balance of the right training, the right amount of exercise, and the right amount of playtime. To get the best results, your pup must also be properly fed and hydrated, while also receiving appropriate veterinary care.

Being a puppy owner is a big responsibility, so much of the task of healing puppy boredom will fall on your shoulders. If you’re committed to having fun with your pet outdoors, and to showing him or her that you care while sharing your home with Fido, you’ll soon learn how to stimulate your dog on a daily basis. The upside of making your puppy happy is that you will feel happy, too. After all, nothing is sweeter than a peppy and enthusiastic puppy friend.

Does Your Dog Need a Coat?

Jeff Van Dalsum — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:33:35 +0000

Cold winter temperatures don’t discriminate between humans and canines. The onset of winter weather is a reminder to us to get the warm coats out of the closet, cleaned and prepped for wear.

Now that you are ready for a walk in a winter wonderland, it is time to consider whether or not your dog needs a coat to stay warm.

Some folks tend to smirk at dogs wearing coats. While many owners do dress their canine friends to make a fashion statement, others buy doggie coats, sweaters and jackets to keep their pets warm and comfortable when Mother Nature blows an onslaught of winter weather their way.

There are several things to consider when debating whether or not your dog needs clothing to keep him or her warm. One is that dogs that are raised in cities often tend to have thinner coats than those raised in the country. The main reason for this is that rural dogs generally spend more time outdoors than urban dogs. Thus, country dogs are more apt to be able to handle colder temperatures than city dogs. However, this rule is far from being etched in stone.

It is important to note that doggie coats are not one hundred percent effective in keeping a canine warm. It is one means of combating the cold weather with an extra layer of insulation, but great care still needs to be taken to protect your pet from freezing temperatures.

Each dog is different when it comes to cold weather. How can you tell if your dog needs extra insulation?

If you are unsure about whether or not Rover needs a coat, consult his veterinarian. It is helpful if you have a clean bill of health for the dog.

Prior to the onset of cold, winter weather, take the dog for a checkup to rule out any health issues that can affect body temperature. Problems such as kidney or heart disease can leave Rover more vulnerable to cold weather. A non-threatening problem such as a hormone imbalance can also affect how a dog deals with cold weather.

The length of a dog’s hair can also be a determining factor in how well he or she stands up against Mother Nature’s winter attack. Long-haired breeds such as Siberian huskies, Alaskan malamutes, Labradors or Norwegian elkhounds usually tend to fare better than those such as dachshunds, greyhounds or Chihuahuas that have short hair.

Just as with humans, age is a big contributing factor to a dog becoming chilled in cold temperatures. Young puppies and older dogs are very susceptible to cold temperatures and can benefit from being bundled up in a warm coat, sweater or jacket.

Arthritic dogs tend to feel the cold faster than healthy dogs. Warm attire can help protect a dog’s joints that are stiff and tender from arthritis.

Dogs that live in a warm climate and are taken to a colder climate will have a more difficult time trying to acclimate to the colder temperatures. It is like taking a person who lives in Florida and relocating them to Maine when temperatures are below zero and the wind is howling. The person from balmy Florida is going to become colder faster than someone used to the frigid northeast weather.

Thin dogs are often more susceptible to cold temperatures than are dogs that have a lot of body fat.

Since seeing is believing, watch how your dog reacts to the cold outdoors. If he or she shivers or shows signs of distress, the dog could very well be cold and may benefit from a warm coat.

Climate will have a definite effect on the type of coat you choose for Rover. A dog living in a rainy area will benefit from having a coat that is waterproof or resistant. Buying a Florida dog a raincoat may be a waste of money; buying a raincoat for a dog that lives in a Washington rain forest might be a must.

In addition, dogs that live in areas that are extremely windy can benefit from coats made from wind-blocking fabrics.

Once you decide that your dog would benefit from a coat or sweater, decide whether you want to order one online or go shopping to a local pet store. The selection may be better online. However, being able to try a coat on a dog can help you select the best fit for your furry, four-legged canine friend.

Buyers should be aware that many stores – local and online – will not accept coats covered with dog hair for returns. Thus, it is very important that you select the right size. You won’t have a chance for trial and error unless you intend on spending a lot of money.

When choosing a coat online or from a local store when you do not have your dog with you, be sure to have accurate measurements of the dog’s body. Doggie coat manufacturers differ in what measurements they require for proper fitting. Some will ask you to measure from the head to the base of the tail. Some may want you to measure around the dog’s stomach area. Others may base their coats on the size of the widest part of the dog’s chest. Some may ask for collar size. Whatever you do, take the time to get accurate measurements so that you are insured the coat you order will fit Rover.

And you may want to consider a pair of matching boots if your dog has tender feet or spends any amount of time outdoors in the snow and ice.

Remember, the main purpose of the item of clothing is to keep the dog warm. Warmth should come before fashion. The purpose is to protect the dog against hypothermia. It is not to win a fashion show. The point is to make it easier on the dog’s body. Keeping a dog warm will help him or her stay healthy because their bodies do not have to work as hard to generate more heat to maintain the proper body temperature.

Why Puppies Constantly Test Their Boundaries

Jeff Van Dalsum — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:20:17 +0000

Puppies are inquisitive, curious creatures with an abundance of natural energy and enthusiasm; for this reason, puppies may constantly test their boundaries in a variety of ways. Growling, snapping, chewing, staring, strange “talking noises”, and other types of threatening or irritating behaviour are quite common during the first months of puppy life.

In fact, it’s normal for young dogs to test boundaries as they get to know and trust their owners. In some cases, puppies who test boundaries may actually be exhibiting signs of a deeper bond with their owners, which is obviously a good thing. These types of puppies are showing that they are comfortable expressing themselves in front of human beings.

Sometimes, these sorts of boundary-testing puppies just want to send a signal that they’re waiting to be played with or to get a little bit of extra attention and affection. In other cases, boundary-testing behaviour may be dangerous, as it will be directed at friends, family, or strangers – this sort of behaviour becomes a real problem forincreasingly exasperated pet owners.

Dealing with the noise, eye contact, and high energy of your little canine pal will be easier when you understand Fido’s innermost motivations. The way a puppy’s brain and body develop during the first months of life(along with his or her primal animal instincts), will play a large role in how a puppy acts and behaves. However, almost any puppy can be trained to let go of this type ofinborn tendency to challenge boundaries.

To get the best results, you may want to start training your pup very early on – this really is the most beneficial way to instill the right habits in your puppy. If you’re loving and patient while training your beloved pet, you’ll soon nip any troublesome issues in the bud.

Here are some practical and easyways to deal with puppies that constantly test their boundaries:

Stop Unacceptable Behavior – You must be kind but firm as you let your puppy know that snapping, growling, staring and menacing stances are not permitted at home or in public. Saying “No!” loudly and clearly is the best way to show your disapproval of unacceptable behavior.

Never hurt your little pup by hitting him or her. Some pet owners believe that they must use corporal punishment to reinforce training of puppies. Rest assured that this is not the case.

Skilled pet trainers know that it’s better to observe an animal, looking for signs of aggression (including ears that appear “pinned back, and fixed staring). Once observation is complete, trainers attempt to teach puppies that these behaviours are just not tolerable. Striking a puppy will only make it angry or sad. Animals may store up rage, just like people do, so it’s really important to treat your puppy in just the right way while training him or her. A loud, calm “No!” is so much better than corporal punishment that really doesn’t help to move the training process forward in any way.

Praise the Right Behaviours – Now, you know how to verbally show your disapproval. However, it’s also important to let your little canine friend know that you appreciate the good things that he or she does. For example, anytime your dog exhibits excellent behaviour, at home or in public, be sure to lavish Fido with verbal praise (“Good dog!”), physical affection (petting, hugging) and lots of playtime. Giving your puppy lots of treats to thanks him or her for being good is a great idea, because puppies really need premium nutrition from puppy chows that are kibble formulations.

However, now and then, you may want to consider reinforcing good behaviour with a healthy dog treat that is made just for young dogs. Showing your love and pride when things go well is just as important (if not more important) that’s showing your disapproval – both types of reinforcement are the keys to showing your little puppy how the world works, and what the boundaries really are.

To help protect the public from any challenging behaviours that your dog exhibits, keep your puppy leashed when you are both outdoors together. Early leashing is often necessary for puppies that are showing lots of typical boundary-testing behavior.

Children, family members and curious strangers should all be made aware that your puppy is still learning how to behave, and they should be told to stay away from your puppy when he or she is displaying negative, boundary-testing behaviors. With a little effort, you can educate your little puppy and soothe any aggression that may be lurking within. Over time, you’ll create a strong and amazing bond between you and your canine pal; by the time your dog reached maturity, you’ll both be on the same page almost all of the time…

Should I Allow My Dog to Sleep in Bed With Me?

Jeff Van Dalsum — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:07:35 +0000

A lot of dog owners allow their furry, four-legged friends to make themselves at home in the comfort of their bed. Whether or not this is a good idea is a debate that continues.

Many dog behavior specialists will quickly tell you that one should never allow their dog to join them on the bed. One of the main reasons for this is the fact that dogs can host bugs such as fleas and ticks and contagious health issues such as ringworm.

Of course, a meteor can fall out of the sky and land on your house. It is in part a matter of playing the odds and only you can make the decision as to whether sleeping with Rover is a good idea.
Here are a few things to consider.

Does your dog snore? Are you a light sleeper that will toss and turn all night because the dog is making more noise than a whole symphonic orchestra? Obviously, if you answered “yes,” it may be best to keep Rover off of the bed – at least during the hours you sleep.

Do you have allergies to pet hair and dander? If so, you are not going to get a restful night of sleep if you have to cough and sneeze your way through the ordeal.

Consider the fact that your dog is rarely “squeaky clean.” He or she spends time lying around on the ground and on other dirty surfaces such as floors. Do you know what Rover might have rolled in earlier in the day? Again, only you can decide if sleeping with your dog is worth putting up with a little grit on the sheets and blankets.

Dogs, especially in the colder months when it is harder to bathe them, can develop a “doggie smell.” Keeping canines smelling fresh and clean may mean more frequent baths, which can easily lead to a dry skin problem.

Many dog training experts will tell you that allowing a dog in your bed is an open invitation to behavioral problems. They believe that a dog interprets this move as a power play in the pack. Thus, they recommend that dogs be kept off of the bed and all other furniture.

The experts say that allowing a dog to sleep on the bed at night won’t work if you expect the dog to obey you and stay off of the other furniture during the day. They believe you are sending a contradictory message.

Personally, I have never found that any of my dogs became more aggressive, displaying an alpha personality, because they were allowed to share my bed. In addition, being allowed to sleep on the bed did not affect how they acted during the waking hours. However, it is important to note that this may be because my dogs didn’t have any behavioral issues to begin with.

You and only you can make an informed decision for your household. If you are comfortable with a dog in the bed, throw an old blanket on top of the quilt and have Rover join you for a nap. It can be a form of quality time that puts a smile on your face and the dog’s.

Puppies Love to Bite

Jeff Van Dalsum — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:05:42 +0000

If there is one thing you can count on when raising a puppy, it is the fact that you are going to feel needle-like, piercing bites until the dog learns that biting is unacceptable.

While it may seem cute that your new puppy likes chewing on you more than his or her chew toy, this can lead to unwanted behavioral problems down the road.

You are responsible for teaching your puppy that you – and other people – are not chew toys.

Let’s look first at why puppies bite. There are many reasons for this behavior. One is that your puppy is trying to play with you. It is quite natural for puppies to nip at each other when playing. They need to be taught that biting their human family and friends is a behavior that won’t be tolerated.

Another reason can be that the dog is hungry and trying to get your attention.

Over-stimulation and excitement can cause a puppy to bite. He or she can easily forget in the excitement of the moment.

Biting can also be a sign of an aggressive dog that is trying to prove he or she is boss. It is important that this bad behavior be addressed early on in the dog’s life.

Puppies sometimes bite because they are afraid.

During the teething stage, puppies are apt to bite on anything in sight to help relieve the pain of sharp teeth that are in the process of poking through sensitive gums.

Some breeds bite because they are herders. A nip at the heels is their way of rounding you up.

Now that we’ve looked at some of the most common reasons for biting, let us see what we can do to stop the unwanted behavior.

One method is to direct your puppy’s attention away from you to a chew toy. Remove your hand from puppy’s mouth and replace it with a toy. Praise the puppy if he or she begins biting on the toy.

Another method – one which is very popular – is to make the puppy think he or she is hurting you. You may not have to do a lot of pretending; puppy teeth are sharp as little needles. In a firm voice, say, “OUCH!” or whatever word you want to use while pulling your hand away. Ignore the puppy by walking away or refusing to play until he or she stops biting on you. The key is consistency. Don’t let Rover nibble today and scold him for it tomorrow.

Another option is to wear gloves that have had a foul-tasting substance such as Bitter Apple sprayed on them.

You can also try using a spray bottle of water to deter biting. When puppy bites, spray him or her lightly.

Some folks have found that noise is a deterrent to biting. For example, fill a can with rocks or marbles. When puppy bites, shake the can and bellow out a loud “NO!”

In extreme cases, bite the puppy back when he or she grabs on to you. You’ll get a little hair in your mouth, but most dogs only need to experience this once before they change the way they interact with you.

Some methods will work better than others because not all dogs are the same. Again, when you find one that works for you, use it consistently.

Protect Your Dog’s Skin from Winter Weather

Jeff Van Dalsum — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:03:31 +0000

Winter weather can definitely take a toll on your dog’s skin. Just as it tends to make you run for the moisturizer, Rover gets itchy too and his skin is as likely to become as dry and flaky as yours. That is because winter weather is generally less humid, causing skin to dry and crack.

Fortunately, there a few things you can do to keep your dog’s skin in tip top shape over the harsh winter months.

Make each and every bath count. Bathing removes essential oils from the skin, causing it to dry and flake. If you do have to bathe the dog, consider using an oatmeal-based soap that can help soothe itchy skin. Shampoos that contain a moisturizer such as lanolin are also good. Do not use shampoos made for humans. These can deplete the dog’s natural moisturizers and people shampoos do not have the proper pH balance for canines.

There are dry shampoos formulated for dogs that can be used to keep Rover smelling fresh and clean between baths.

Brushing is a must to help distribute the essential oils. A daily regimen of brushing the dog goes a long way in maintaining healthy skin. It gets rid of dead skin cells. Brushing stimulates circulation and the production of oil.

If you see any signs of matting hair, brush or trim it to remove the knots. Matting creates an environment that can promote bacteria growth. Frequent brushing will keep your dog matt-free.

Diet has a lot to do with maintaining a dog’s healthy skin. Don’t skimp on the quality of dog food you buy. Select those that contain omega-3 fatty acids and plenty of vitamin E for a healthier coat and skin.

Additional omega-3 can easily be added to a dog’s diet. Fish oil, which is an excellent source of omega-3, is available over the counter in grocery and health food stores, as well as pet shops and online.

Flax seed oil is another good source of omega-3 for both the coat and the dog’s immune system.

Keep in mind that your home’s heating system can take its toll on your skin and that of your dog. Consider using a humidifier to help put moisture back into your indoor environment. Humans and canines both will benefit from the moister air.

It is imperative that you take time to monitor your dog’s skin throughout the dry winter months. That means digging down into the hair and closely inspecting the skin for signs of flaking or infection. Take the time to check your dog’s skin from head to toe.

It takes only a few minutes a day to brush your dog and check his or her skin, but it is time well spent. It is a lot easier and cheaper to maintain healthy skin than it is to correct a severe condition of dry skin, which may require a visit to the vet’s office as well as expensive medications such as antibiotics to correct the problem.

Keep That Dog Smelling Good

Jeff Van Dalsum — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 12:53:06 +0000

Anyone who has a dog knows that he or she doesn’t always smell like a bed of roses.

Unfortunately, it is not always possible to bathe Fido. Frequent bathing can cause the dog’s skin to dry out. Weather can dictate the frequency of bathing – especially if you have to do it outdoors. Relying on a commercial dog wash can be costly. So your scratch your head and wonder what you can do to get rid of your dog’s odor.

Do not fret. There are some good alternatives for keeping a dog clean between baths without breaking the bank.

Cornstarch is one natural product that can help minimize doggie odors. It is very absorbent and can also help relieve dry itchy skin. Simply rub a generous amount of cornstarch into the dog’ coat. Use caution to keep the cornstarch out of the dog’s eyes and nose. Once you have distributed the cornstarch through the hair down to the skin, brush the dog thoroughly to remove the powdery substance.

A doggie powder can be made by mixing one cup of cornstarch with one-quarter cup of baking soda. Apply as you would cornstarch and brush thoroughly to remove. Again, use caution around the face area.

Baking soda can also be used on its own. Apply a generous amount and brush the baking soda into the hair.

If you want to add a nice scent to the doggie powder, add a little baby powder to the mix.

Another alternative is commercial pet wipes which can be rather expensive. Most pet stores offer a variety to choose from.

You can also make your own pet wipes by adding a few simple ingredients to sensitive skin baby wipes. Choose a soothing essential oil and add a few drops to aloe vera juice. Pour the mixture over the wipes. Seal them in container with a tight-fitting lid or a plastic baggie. Use as needed.

There are dry shampoos made especially for dogs. These products may cost more than homemade ones, but they do eliminate the need for mixing.

Another option for keeping Fido smelling his best is an ionic brush that emits positive ions in the form of ozone, which is known to neutralize odors. The brushes, which are fast gaining in popularity, serve multiple purposes. In addition to ridding the dog of odors, ionic brushes let you remove mats and tangles from the fur. Ionic brushes are available for about $10.

Clean bedding is essential to keeping Fido smelling fresh and clean. It is a good idea to launder pet bedding once a week. Use hot water and a high quality detergent. Try adding one-half cup of white vinegar to the load of wash. Vinegar is known for removing odors.

Beds that cannot be laundered can be wiped off with antibacterial soap. You may want to apply some white vinegar to a cloth and wipe the surface. Follow up by wiping everything with plain hot water to remove any soap residue.

Keeping Fido smelling good doesn’t have to cost a small fortune. Your family and friends will appreciate your efforts!

Ins, Outs and Safety Tips When Selecting a Bone for Your Puppy

Jeff Van Dalsum — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 12:44:18 +0000

Puppies love chewing on bones that help them to soothe their teething pain; they also enjoy gnawing on bones as a stimulating activity. For this reason, it`s important to find exactly the right bone for your young dog. Since puppies have special needs and grow so rapidly, you may need to purchasemore than a few bones over the course of your canine pal’s first months of life! However, watching your dog play with a rawhide bone or other similar puppy bone can be lots of fun – after all, puppies love their bones, and they take great pleasure in chewing them whenever they can.

Most puppy bones have their own pros and cons – for example, softer bones will be easy for young puppies to gnaw, but they won’t last as long, which means you`ll be spending more on these dog supplies as they get ”chewed through”. Harder bones have good longevity, but they may be too stiff to give your puppy the gnawing and chewing satisfaction that he or she is looking for. Here is the low-down on the ins, outs, and safety tips associated with selecting a bone for your puppy:

Pros of Puppy Bones – Every young dog develops an insatiable desire to chew and gnaw, so providing bones to your puppy will help to make your puppy happier; in this sense, puppy bones contribute to the positive emotional development of your new pet. Puppy bones are also toys that offer an added touch of stimulation and pleasure to any puppy’s day. In fact, certain types of puppies, such as Labradors, are big-time “chewers”, and they really need proper bones to help them manage their urges.

Teething is a primary reason why puppies need to gnaw on bones – in fact, puppies have begged for bones for centuries! If natural or manmade bones aren’t around, any breed of puppy may decide to chew on other things instead – if you don’t want your hot new shoes or fancy furniture to be mangled by Fido’s teeth, keeping a few safe puppy bones around the house can be an excellent strategy. While no puppy bone will be guaranteed to prevent all puppy-induced damage to a household, it certainly doesn’t hurt to keep a few in strategic locations.

Puppy bones can be chewed and gnawed in or out of doors, so they are hardy, versatile accessories for young dogs in almost any type of environment. Lastly, manmade bones are now created with more respect for the tender digestive system and developing bodies of puppies – nutritional elements are also added to many bones to boost the health of pups. For example, there are special bones that clean doggy teeth and also sweeten the breath of puppies. There are thousands of puppy bones on the market – it may take a little trial and error to find the design that is just right for your beloved puppy pal.

Cons of Puppy Bones – Natural bones may be damaged by your puppy’s teeth, and, sometimes, splinters may become caught in your young canine’s throat. Obviously, this is a worst-case scenario, but it has happened before, and it can be dangerous. Any bone splinters that are lodged in your dog’s body will need immediate attention from a veterinarian, and this is generally extremely expensive. For this reason, many puppy owners choose to eschew giving their puppies bones – others may simply become more selective about the types of bones that they give to their beloved pets.

For most puppy owners, rawhide bones seem to be the most popular choice – these bones are available in pet stores, and they appear to cause less mess and fuss than other types of bones, such as Nylabones. However, many pet owners prefer a natural approach, and they seek out natural bones for their puppies to chew, despite the threat of splinters or other bone-related health issues.

The puppy bones sold in pet stores can be quite expensive, and they will likely become a real addiction that your puppy can’t seem to live without. If you’re budget-conscious, you may need to decide exactly how to find the most economical, commercially-sold puppy bones for Fido. If money is no object, you’ll certainly have plenty of options and choices when it comes to testing out rawhide, nylon-based, or dental-style bones.

Safety issues related to bones are usually confined to the threat of splinters; however, some puppies do react negatively to the ingredients and additives in commercial dog bones. For example, some types of bones may cause tummy upset in sensitive puppy stomachs. In general, a rawhide bone from a reputable pet care company will be fairly safe for most puppies.

Beware of the Quick!

Jeff Van Dalsum — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:11:39 +0000

We have all heard horror stories of dogs bleeding profusely from an owner or groomer’s attempt to trim his or her nails.

The good news is that with a little extra care, you can trim your dog’s nails without having to stress him or her with a trip to the vet’s office or groomer.

The most important thing to be aware of is what is referred to as the “quick” or the end of the veins, nerves and blood vessels. The quick, which is found inside the nail, is usually pink in color and triangular in shape.

Bleeding occurs when a nail is trimmed too short and the quick is cut into. Bleeding can be mild or gushing and can require styptic powder or cauterization.

Identifying the quick is easier on dogs with light-colored nails. Those that have black nails more frequently have the quick cut into because it is almost impossible to see the pink quick amidst the dark nail.

Before embarking on your first nail trim, take time to understand the anatomy of a canine nails. Dog nails are not like human nails. Dog nails are living appendages that have a blood supply and sensitive nerve endings that run down the center of the nail. Human nails are basically flat layers of keratin with a hidden blood supply.

The outer portion of a dog’s nail is hard and has no feeling because it has no nerve endings.

The color of a dog’s nails is usually determined by the color of the hair and skin that surround the nail. This means that a black dog is more likely to have dark nails than a white dog.

The first step to proper nail trimming is to identify the quick. This is best done by taking very thin slivers of nail off at any one time. After the first cut, look closely. You will see a darker arch in the inside of the nail. There should be a white or light-colored tip in the middle of the arch. This is the quick that you want to avoid cutting into.

Stop trimming once you see the quick. Remember that it is better to trim the nails more frequently than to risk taking too much off at any one time.

Frequent nail trimming can actually cause the quick to recede, allowing you to cut the dog’s nails a little shorter each time.

Try to make nail trimming fun for the dog. Refrain from yelling and wrestling the dog’s body into uncomfortable positions. Take time to offer treats and an affectionate pat. It will be a lot easier to accomplish the task if the dog is ready and willing to have you handle his or her paws.

Start your training/trimming sessions while the dog is a puppy. It is a lot easier to teach desirable behavior to a young dog.

If you need a nail trimming lesson, talk to the dog’s vet. Most doctors are very willing to show you how to safely get the job done.

Keep That Puppy Clean!

Are Puppy Bellies Ever Full?

Jeff Van Dalsum — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:11:03 +0000

Puppies love to eat, and they aren’t always the best judges of just how much they should consume. For this reason, caring pet owners must monitor their puppies’ food intake and decide exactly what “full” puppy bellies are!

Of course, different sizes of young dogs will have different dietary requirements, so it’s important to understand how a particular type of puppy must be fed, and how a healthy young canine’s appetite will function. Here are some facts and some helpful advice regarding your puppy’s appetite – and how much puppy food he or she should eat to stay healthy and strong.

Big Puppy Appetites Are Normal

Firstly, pet owners should know that a huge puppy appetite is totally normal – after all, young dogs need about three times as much food as their “grown-up” counterparts. Therefore, it’s important to balance the significant caloric and nutritional needs of puppies with the right portion sizes and types of food.

However, the powerful appetites of puppies may be hard to control – it may seem as though your puppy’s belly is a bottomless pit. In their quest for nourishment and satiety (and your attention), puppies have been known to consume some strange things, such as dirt or stones! Knowing how much properfood your puppy needs to be healthy is an important part of controlling his or her appetite; it’s the first step in creating an ideal diet plan that supports wellness and proper growth.

Dry Kibble is the Right Puppy Food

In general, almost every breed of puppy will benefit from being fed with a kibble mixture that is dry in texture; this type of puppy food is created especially for young dogs, and it may be found in pet stores and many grocery stores.

Kibble is sold in large bags, and can then be mixed with water (if you so choose) in a dog’s bowl to make it more moist and appealing. Every package of kibble puppy food should have suggested serving sizes for the weight of your dog. If you purchased your dog from a breeder or from a shelter, ask how he or she was fed after being weaned (this usually happens at one month of age); this can be very helpful, as puppies sometimes suffer from stomach and bowel issues when their diet is changed suddenly.

Portion Control is Key

Usually, puppies must be fed several times a day, while adult dogs may only require one or two meals during a twenty-four hour period. If you’re planning on altering your puppy’s brand of food or basic diet, always do it slowly and gradually to avoid upsetting Fido’s sensitive digestive system, and be sure you are giving your dog enough grub to fill his or her belly.

Whether your puppy is small, medium or large will also factor in to how much food they should receive daily.

Although you should always consult your puppy’s specific dog food, here are a few commonly accepted guidelines for feeding a new puppy: Small dogs only need about four ounces of kibble during the day. Mid-sized puppies will need an extra ounce of two of puppy food (5 to 6 ounces) to feel their best, and large dogs will require about eleven ounces of kibble to satisfy their appetites.

These amounts are all based on the weight of the dog – a puppy that weighs ten pounds or slightly above is classified as a small puppy…a medium-sized puppy will weigh abouttwelve to twenty pounds. Large dogs will weigh anywhere from 21 to 50 pounds (and up). This range also varies in what certain companies consider to be small, medium and large “weights” which is why it is always important to first consult the instructions on the bag.

Try to weigh your dog at home, or ask your veterinarian to weigh your pet; a vet will also be an excellent source of information regarding your puppy’s appetite and nutritional requirements. Every beloved puppy pet should be under the care of a skilled and compassionate veterinarian.

Monitor the Weight Gain of Your Puppy

A healthy puppy who is getting the right amount of kibble will gain weight on a daily basis. Tinier dogs, such as toy poodles, will show the biggest weight gain in the first weeks after birth, but larger breeds will soon begin to catch up, and some of these bigger puppies may soon gain an average of two-and-a-half pounds per week. Usually, smaller dogs will gain a few grams in weight every day. Knowing how your particular breed of puppy gains weight during the crucial phases of development (from weaning at four weeks to full “adulthood”) is important. Well-researched books on specific dog breeds will offer plenty of information in this regard.

If your puppy seems to display an insatiable appetite, he or she is simply doing what comes naturally to all puppies – luckily, you will be there to rein in your pet’s voracious eating habits from the get-go! Once you’ve measured out the correct amounts of kibble and served them to your puppy at the right times of the day, you’ll have an easier time managing your little dog’s burgeoning appetite.

Overfeeding is not recommended – it will lead to indigestion and other health problems down the line. While it may be tempting to give your adorable pup everything he or she begs for, it’s better to follow the rules and ensure that your pet develops perfectly. In puppies, loss of appetite can indicate illness, so watch for changes in your pet’s eating habit, and consider taking Fido to the vet if he or she loses interest in food.

Size Does Matter