February 28, 2017
Should You Let Your Dog Sleep In Your Bed – Pros and Cons

Happy Dog at Happy Dog InnIf you have a dog, you know that most breeds love to snuggle and cuddle.  Though they experience periods of playfulness throughout the day, dogs often love to be close their humans.  They will jump on the couch to be with us, curl up in our laps, and if your dog is like most, they have probably jumped up onto your bed to be with you.  Choosing to sleep with your dog is controversial, even among dog lovers.  Some love it and some oppose it for a variety of reasons.  Should you sleep with your dog?  Below we weigh the pros and cons!

  • PRO – Relaxation
    • Many pet owners find that sleeping with their dog helps them better relax in the evening. Companionship and cuddling with a dog has been shown to actually reduce stress in humans so why not boost relaxation where it counts – in bed.
  • PRO – Security
    • Whether you sleep alone or with someone else, having your dog in your bed may provide you an added level of security that gives you peace of mind. Many homeowners, particularly those that live alone, fear being exposed to risk in the evening so by sleeping with their dog they feel safer because they know they have a built in alarm system and guard dog.
  • PRO – Bonding
    • Many pet owners work away from home or are just gone frequently, leaving less time to bond with their dog than they would prefer. By sleeping with their dog, they get a sense of bonding that they might not otherwise be able to achieve.
  • CON – Power Imbalance
    • Some veterinarians and dog experts suggest that when you sleep with your dog, you are being submissive. They say that by showing your dog your submissive side (rather than your dominant side) it creates a power imbalance in your relationship.
  • CON – Allergy/Asthma Trigger
    • Dogs can carry common allergens in their fur/dander and if you allow your dog to sleep in your bed, those allergens may contaminate your sheets and trigger allergies and asthma. Speaking of shedding – your dog’s hair will also get all over your sheets if they shed.
  • CON – Disruptive Sleep
    • If you are a light sleeper that is easily distracted by movement or noise, sleeping with your dog may not be the best way to get a good night’s sleep. Dogs, just like humans, make noise and move around in their sleep.  If this could be a problem, it is best to sleep separately.
February 21, 2017
10 Tips for Proper Dog Care

Dog on Lawn

Taking care of your dog is as simple as giving them a loving, safe home, right?  Not quite.  Though that is incredibly important, it is not all that is involved in proper and complete dog care.  Having a pet is a fun and rewarding experience and the relationship can be life-changing for both you and your dog.  But, because your dog cannot speak, it is necessary that you be your dog’s advocate and care-taker.  Every dog has a different personality and needs but there are some basics of care that are universal across all dog breeds.

  1. Healthy Food
    • Sure, your dog would love to eat a pound of cooked bacon every day. And, they probably would if left to their own devices.  But as your dog’s caretaker, you need to ensure that you dog is getting the appropriate amount of healthy food.  This will help protect your dog’s health, prevent obesity, and encourage a long and healthy life.
  2. Adequate Hydration
    • All dogs need access to clean drinking water. Always ensure that your dog’s bowl is full of clean water, and give them a special treat by giving them cool water, particularly during the summer when it is hot outside.  If your dog is not drinking enough water they can become dehydrated (signs and symptoms include panting and lethargy).
  3. Veterinary Appointments/Checkups
    • Just like you need well-checks with your doctor to ensure all if right with your health, your dog does as well. With consistent veterinary appointments you can get your dog the vaccinations and health treatments they need to give them a long, healthy life.
  4. Consistent Grooming
    • Though some dogs are shorthaired breeds, every dog needs to be groomed on a regular basis. It will help keep them healthy and smelling their best.  This includes routine haircuts, nail trimming, brushing and more.
  5. Dental Care
    • Every dog needs proper dental care to ensure their dental health. Dental disease can occur in any dog which can make it difficult for your dog to eat or be debilitating to their overall health.  Brushing, dental checkups, and treats that encourage dental health will help keep your dogs teeth their healthiest.
  6. Bathing/Hygiene
    • Almost every breed of dog needs to be bathed on a routine basis. Dogs sweat just like humans and they will start to smell if they have not been bathed.  Additionally, dogs play outside; roll around on the ground and more so bathing may be necessary due to certain activities.
  7. Bathroom Accommodations
    • Dogs need access to a place to relieve themselves. This may vary depending on where you live but someone either needs to be around to open a door a few times each day to allow your dog to go outside and go to the bathroom, or they need to have access to a dog door or place they can go to the bathroom on their own.
  8. A Cozy Place to Rest
    • Not every dog will want to sleep on a dog bed but every dog needs somewhere comfortable to rest. This may be a crate with a cushion, a dog bed, a cozy blanket placed on the ground or sofa, or with you in your bed if you prefer.
  9. Exercise
    • Every dog, regardless of age, needs exercise. Exercise needs will vary depending on your dog breed and age but every dog should have access to a yard to play or be taken on frequent walks to get adequate exercise.
  10. Love & Affection
    • Every dog deserves and wants love and affection. It is perhaps the most important part of proper dog care.  Dogs will show affection in different ways such as play, cuddling, kisses and other gestures.

 

February 14, 2017
Is Your Dog Eating Too Fast? Tips for Getting Your Dog to Eat Slower

Happy dog on the lawn

Does your dog scarf down food the second you put it in their bowl?  Do they barely come up for air before the whole bowl is gone?  Some dogs naturally pace themselves when they eat but others need some help to slow down when eating.  Dogs that eat too quickly are at risk of experience stomach upset and overeating which can lead to obesity.  Obesity is not just a problem humans experience; there is a dog obesity epidemic in America as well.  Fortunately, there are some strategies and products that can help you teach your dog to slow down when eating.

There are some simple, no-cost ways to try to get your dog to slow down when eating.  First, try putting a large toy or object in your dog’s bowl along with their food – something that is too big to eat/swallow.  Your dog will be forced to eat around the object/s which will make them slow down to get the food they want.  Another way to do this is with the use of two different sized bowls, one large and one small.  Put the small bowl upside down inside the larger bowl.  Pour the food around the edge and your dog will not be able to shove their whole face into the large bowl of food and just swallow everything rapidly.  They will be forced to take smaller, more intentional bites as they work their way around the outside of the smaller bowl.  Another approach is similar to a strategy that humans use when on a diet – eat small meals more frequently.  Rather than pouring a big serving of food in your dog’s bowl each day, pour a small amount in a few times each day.  Additionally, almost every household has a small muffin tin.  Simply use the muffin tin for feeding your dog, rather than a bowl and your dog will have to take their time to get food out of each section which will slow them down.

While homemade feeding hacks are a great option, there are also some great options available for purchase as well.  There are “slow-feeder bowls” available at most pet stores.  This slow feeder bowl is great because it slows dogs down when their eating and is also interactive so it will provide mental stimulation and play for your dog as well.  This cool silicone feeding mat is interactive, easily portable, an dishwasher safe!  Finally, this “Gobble Stopper” can be used easily by adding it to any existing dog feeding bowl.  It has a strong suction that helps it attach to your dog feeding bowl without worrying that your dog will be able to remove it.  It creates just enough of a deterrent to slow your dog down while eating and prevent gobbling.  By implementing any of these techniques or products, you can slow your dog down while eating for better and less aggressive behavior.

February 7, 2017
Dog Vomiting: Do You Need to Change Their Food?

Dog

Dogs vomit for a variety of reasons, just like humans.  Dogs may vomit with some frequency for a variety of reasons – they ate something bad or that just upset their stomach, they are ill, they ate too quickly and gagged, you recently switched their food and the new formula is taking some getting used to, and more.  If your dog has been ill or ate something that upset their stomach, just like you when you are sick, they need to take it easy with their food to allow their stomach to heal and normalize before they resume regular eating.

Switching to something bland for a few days can be immensely helpful for your dog’s stomach after illness.  Just think about what you eat when you have the stomach flu or food poisoning – you probably gradually start eating things like crackers and dry toast before your stomach can handle more flavorful or fatty foods.  While your dog is getting better, you may consider making them some special food.  This can include things like boiled shredded chicken, white rice, and even some mashed pumpkin.  You can slowly add in things like shredded carrots, low-fat cottage cheese, canned tuna, Avoid fatty foods and stick to foods that will be easy for your dog’s stomach to digest. Don’t forget to ensure that your dog is staying hydrated with plenty of water, especially if they are vomiting frequently.  One way to assist your dog in staying hydrated as well as fed is to switch to wet dog food for a few days or weeks.  Wet dog food has higher water content so while they are eating they will also be receiving beneficial fluids to prevent dehydration.

Additionally, do not forget that, just like your stomach needs probiotics to heal, so does your dogs.  Consider adding in probiotics or allowing your dog to eat a little plain yogurt to help heal his stomach.  If you see your dog eating grass and then vomiting, allow him to do so (within reason).  A dog will eat grass to encourage vomiting as a way of getting something upsetting out of their system.  If your dog is vomiting multiple times per day, or the vomiting continues over a few days or weeks, it is time to see your veterinarian.  Vomiting can be an indication of something else going on with your dog’s health, such as disease.  Vomiting is common with dogs, but prolonged vomiting is not.

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