Man’s best friend remains loyal to his people 365 days a year, and it would be a shame to forget Fido on the holidays. About 80 percent of dog owners say they buy gifts for their dogs. The number-one gift-giving holiday is Christmas (of course!), but it’s not easy to find a special present that will put your dog in the holiday spirit, along with the rest of us. Check out these unique, can’t-miss gift suggestions. But don’t forget that while gifts may be fun, nothing is better than lots of tender love and care. Your dog’s favorite toy is YOU.

Miles Kimball Claudia’s Canine Cuisine – Santa Paws Classic Gourmet Dog Cookies

Santa Paws treats from Claudia’s Canine Bakery are wonderful Christmas dog treats that will make any dog happy. All of the goodies from Claudia’s Canine Bakery are made with love in Maumelle, Arkansas, in the heart of America. Treat your dog this Christmas to high-quality cookies that are made with human-grade ingredients. They’re so good you might be tempted to try one yourself. Every package of Santa Paws Christmas dog treats includes approximately 50 cookies in various shapes and colors.

Ultimate Pawprint Keepsake Kit 

Why not make your very own personalized Christmas ornaments? These kits contain everything you need to make either one large or two smaller keepsake ornaments. Roll out the safe, non-toxic clay, and press your pet’s paw impression into it. The enclosed stencil kit allows you to customize your keepsake with a date or name. Made out of lightweight material, these keepsakes are ideal for hanging on your Christmas tree.

Furbo Dog Camera

Furbo is an interactive camera that lets you see, talk, and give your dog treats while you are out of the house. With the app, you can receive real-time alerts on your phone; handy if your dog gets into mischief or if your dog’s barking annoys the neighbors. Furbo will also alert you when your dog is nearby for Furbo to take a selfie. These cameras are great safety devices, too, with alerts for home emergencies or when a person enters the room. Furbo is compatible with Alexa.

Pendleton Carolina Westerly Dog Sweater

Your preppy puppy should be the most stylish (and warm) dog in the park. Forget corny plaid sweaters-let Pendleton outfit him. This Pendleton dog sweater is an adorable cover-up that features the classic Westerly design—made of super-warm material. It is available in extra-small through to extra-large. 

Pet Umbrella

Protect your dog from the elements this holiday season. Although some dogs love trekking through the snow, many dread going outside in a snowstorm to do their business. A pet umbrella is an umbrella on a leash that attaches to your pet’s collar (it does not rest on his neck or head), enabling you to shield him from the rain, sleet, and snow with minimal effort. 

Dog Bath Towels

Most pet owners pull out the old ripped, stained towels when it’s time to bathe their dog. You know you do it too. Why not treat your pooch to his very own set of soft, luxurious towels? 

For more gift ideas for your favorite dog, check out our Safe Holiday Gift Guide.

Article written by Author: The Dog Daily Expert

If your dog is a sled dog racing over icy terrain, a weekend warrior chasing balls, or any other kind of canine athlete, there’s a chance that your dog will overdo it. Since now more than ever, we include our dogs in our sports activities and exercise routines, there is a higher risk of physical injury. Experts say that strained muscles and tender paw pads are common minor injuries. At the same time, more significant hurt can include shoulder instability, back problems, and a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (similar to the knee injury that plagues human athletes).

So how can you tell if your dog’s sports-related injury is treatable at home with some TLC or if it needs immediate veterinary care?

Minor injuries for homecare include:

• Tender pads 

Rest is likely in order. Try to keep your dog off rough, irritating surfaces for a while so that its pads will get a chance to heal.

• Soreness or stiffness 

If your dog seems a bit sore or stiff, rest again might be the ticket. Ice can offer some relief if you’re patient enough to sit with your dog for about 15 minutes. Dampen the area you’re icing and apply a thin, damp towel warmed with slightly heated water, instructs Paulekas. Then apply the cold pack. Wrap it with an insulating towel for compression. Pet and reassure your dog, offering the occasional treat. Allow your dog to rest easy for the next few days so that it may recover.

Pay special attention (and keep your veterinarian’s phone number handy) if you notice your dog:

• Refusing to bear weight 

If your dog can’t hold weight on a leg or is continually lifting a paw, it’s best to see your veterinarian, as this could indicate a ligament tear or other damage to a leg.

• Continuing to limp or cry 

Dr. Becky Paulekas, a Garden City, Idaho veterinarian with canine rehabilitation expertise, suggests visiting your veterinarian if, after several hours, your dog is still noticeably lame or cries when you touch an injured part of its anatomy. Persistent lameness could mean damage to a joint or another serious problem, rather than just a bruise or muscle soreness.

• Bobbing head 

Shoulder injuries can be subtle. If you notice your dog bobbing its head or moving its shoulder excessively, visit your veterinarian. Affected dogs might also not lift their paws much when they walk.

Knowing your dog well and being observant about its health and personality are the best defense against sports injuries, says Paulekas. For example, your dog might be so eager to earn your favor that it will keep fetching a stick over and over, ignoring a muscle strain or exhaustion. “The dog wants to please you,” Paulekas says. “The dog has no concept of being sore the next day.”

It can help research what sorts of activities your dog’s breed was initially intended to perform, says Seth Chodosh, founder of Running Paws, a Manhattan-based dog-jogging service, and canine athletic club. After all, a tiny Pomeranian isn’t likely to make an excellent jogging partner, and an energetic Border Collie probably won’t enjoy sedate, leisurely walks around the block.

Without a doubt, exercise and physical activity are enjoyable, essential components of your dog’s life. But it’s up to you to understand your furry friend’s limits and to recognize when your dog has overdone it. Dogs are generally more durable than people, says Chodosh. He adds, “The most important part to remember is an injury can happen to any dog, from a Chihuahua to a Great Dane.’’

It’s best to avoid these injuries in the first place since they can affect your pup for life.

Here are some factors that could place your dog at risk for a sports-related injury:

• Your dog’s weight 

“One of the biggest risk factors I see is obesity,” says Jennifer Hill, a canine physical therapist in Helena, Mont. “That extra poundage just puts so much more stress and strain on joints.” Activities that involve sharp turns and jumping could significantly add to that strain.

• Your dog’s age 

Activities involving jumping or running might place too much strain on a dog suffering from arthritis, which can develop as your dog gets older.

• Your dog’s confirmation 

Your dog’s build can predispose it to certain types of injuries. Dogs with large frames and slender legs, such as English Bulldogs and Pit Bull mixes, are at risk for ligament tears and other leg injuries, says Chodosh. Dogs with long backs, such as Corgis and Dachshunds, have a predisposition to spinal injuries.

For these dogs, merely jumping up onto a couch might cause a back injury, adds Hill.

• Your dog’s conditioning

You can’t turn your couch potato puppy into a distance runner overnight, although your dog likely can build endurance faster than you would, says Chodosh. If your dog isn’t in the best shape, it’s not a good idea to suddenly start an intense exercise program. The same holds for us humans. For example, do you remember your aching muscles after a weekend of softball, tennis, or golf that you weren’t quite in shape for? It works the same for your dog. Hill says weekend exercise often poses problems because “the dog puts his heart into it, goes and goes and goes and ends up paying for it that evening.”

Article written by Author: Kim Boatman

Animal shelters often try to adopt out “bonded pairs,” dogs that have been living together or have a secure connection. But the Humane Society of Silicon Valley (HSSV) in California didn’t quite know how to handle an unusual twosome that ended up in its care recently. Mama, a 7-year-old Shetland Sheepdog mix, and her best buddy Kiki, a 7-year-old short-haired gray and white cat, had grown up together.

“They had been living together for seven years,” says Beth Ward, vice president of animal and customer care at HSSV. “They slept together. They ate together. They played together. They were the perfect odd couple.”

Mama and Kiki had to be separated initially because the shelter houses cats and dogs in different facilities.

But they were eventually reunited when the shelter found a family willing to adopt a pair of pet friends that defies nature.

Do Dogs Like Cats?  

Friendships between dogs and cats — and sometimes between dogs and other animals, such as ducks and birds and bunnies — are seemingly unnatural. Let loose on a playground; a dog will give in to predatory instincts and chase a cat, squirrel, or bird.

Pet owners need to understand the differences in the social order between species. Cats are more elusive and will approach others when they feel the need. Dogs are pack animals and want to be as close to people as possible. But things can change when domestic animals are brought up together, experts say.

“When you think of the domestic dog and cat, you’re talking about socialization,” says Bonnie Beaver, past president of the American Veterinary Medicine Association and a professor of veterinary medicine at Texas A&M University. “If, as a puppy and a kitten, they are around the opposite species, they usually do fine. It has to do with how they’re raised.”

How To Introduce a Dog To a Cat

If you have a 4-year-old dog that has never been around a cat before, the odds are that bringing a cat into the house will be an uphill battle. But nothing is impossible. Laura Fulda, another HSSV vice president, had three large dogs when she brought a stray cat from the shelter home. “Before I knew it, they were all sleeping on the bed together,” Fulda laughs.

Fulda says she followed the guidelines developed by animal behaviorists and published on the shelter’s website. Here are five ways to help your pets feel the love:

• Felines Make the First Move 

Letting a big dog approach a small cat is a recipe for trouble. The cat is going to tolerate only a bit of sniffing before running away. That will only convince Rover to chase. Let the cat make the first move to learn to trust you and that strange, drooling beast.

• Keep Your Dog On a Leash 

During initial encounters, keep your dog on a rope — especially if it isn’t trained to come to a halt when you say, “No.” The HSSV also suggests keeping a squirt bottle handy to spray the dog in the face lest it starts annoying the kitty.

• Provide an Outlet For the “Chase” Instinct 

Make sure your dog fulfills its natural prey instinct and gets to chase something — a ball, Frisbee, or a squirrel in the yard. Exercise can calm your pup and ensure better behavior indoors, especially with your cat.

• Let the Cat Hide If Need Be 

Dogs want to run up and sniff strange new creatures. Felines investigate more gradually. “Keep them separated with a baby gate,” Ward suggests. “Make sure the cat always has an escape route.” Before you know it, the cat may be leaping over voluntarily to spend more time in the canine zone.

• Praise Positive Interactions 

Make sure your dog gets lots of positive feedback for good behavior. A happy, “Good dog,” and a playful scratch might be just the encouragement a dog needs.

Making a Good Match

When teaching a dog a new trick — such as learning to tolerate or even to like a new pet in the household — ask yourself a few questions:

• Is your home big enough for two pet species?
• If you have a dog, was that dog raised with cats?
• What type of temperament does your dog have?

• Has the new cat been around dogs before?

“Not every dog is going to get along with cats, and not every cat is going to get along with dogs,” Ward says.

Sometimes other creatures are in the mix. The HSSV was presented with an even more difficult adoption situation a few years ago. “We had a dog, a cat and a duck that were bonded,” Ward recalls. Unable to find one family willing to take all three, the unusual bedfellows had to be separated. Ward says, “We had to deal with depression in all three of these animals.”

Article written by Author: Elizabeth Wasserman

Coco Chanel’s recent birthday party evoked all the glamour of the famous clothing designer. In an exquisitely decorated party room, guests nibbled on appetizers served by uniformed attendants carrying golden trays. However, only select partygoers enjoyed the signature “Coco Cocktail,” a warmed, low-sodium chicken broth mixed with filtered water. As it turned out, many of Coco’s party invitees were just like her: Maltese dogs.

Handling nearly every aspect of Coco’s canine birthday bash was Dorothy Moore, owner of The Dining Dog Café & Bakery, an Edmonds, Wash. restaurant. It was a cakewalk, or one might say bone walk, for Moore, whose restaurant, with its white tablecloths, soft music, and chandeliers, caters to the needs of her canine customers.

As one of the world’s leading party organizers for dogs, however, she frequently leaves her restaurant to orchestrate perfect pooch parties.

Working with such an expert means the doggie sky, and perhaps your budget, are the only limitations.

From Weddings to Fashion Shows For Your Dog

Moore baked wedding cakes for human couples in the past, but now she prefers to cater to dog weddings. During one recent ceremony, the furry bride and groom stared rapturously into each other’s eyes while the proud owners stood nearby, holding back tears of joy. She says, “Tiny framed pictures of the dogs decorated the top of the canine-edible cake, while guests received toy and treat favor bags.”

She also recently organized a fashion show extravaganza at The Beverly Hills Mutt Club. Humans and dogs modeled spring fashions. Afterward, “owners savored fancy salads and pasta dishes, while all of the dogs gobbled up my special canine quiche, doggie cookies and appetizers.”

For other parties, Moore has brought in massage therapists, spa specialists, and pet psychics. “The massage theme is especially popular,” she says. “Dogs receive their massage first on a soft, warm blanket. While they relax, their owners then get a soothing 10-minute massage.” The key to this event, and many others, she believes, is to make sure food and activities involve both canines and their owners, so no one feels bored or left behind.

What Can I Do For My Dog’s Birthday?

Moore says you can successfully organize such parties yourself. “You might think of them as you would a children’s party, with that level of creativity and extra care needed.” She offers these tips:

• Leash Your Dog During the Party 

“Instruct all guests to bring their dogs on a leash,” she says, adding that adults should also always be in charge of holding the leash. “I’ve been to parties where the owner was having such a good time that he left the dog in the care of his kid. Adults need to stay with their pets.”

• Make a Pit Stop Before the Dog Party 

Be sure to make a bathroom stop before the event. For obvious reasons, it avoids embarrassing “party pooper” problems that might occur later.

• Don’t Bring Antisocial Dogs 

If your dog has a hard time relating to unfamiliar dogs and people, it probably wouldn’t be happy at the party anyway.

• Prep For the Dog Party in Advance 

Many large party supply stores now carry invitations, hats, and other items suitable for a dog fest. Online businesses like Fun Stuff for Dogs even specialize in dog party items.

• Choose a Theme For Your Dog Party

Carry your theme throughout all your party elements. For example, at a St. Patrick’s Day party, the guests received green hats, corned beef treats, and enjoyed Irish music, played softly enough for sensitive canine ears. For tips on a Christmas themed party, see below.

• Keep Guests Occupied 

One of the easiest and least expensive solutions is to use your party’s greatest resource: its canine attendants. Consider holding contests, such as “largest tail,” “best trick,” or “floppiest ears,” with prizes or paper awards going to the winners.

Party Food For Your Dog’s Party

The preparation and serving of food for your dog party might at first seem like your biggest challenge, but it’s one of the most straightforward aspects to consider. Although Moore whips up special food treats, she admits that these are just snacks and that all dogs “should still follow their normal diets.”

Food time doesn’t have to be dullsville for your dog and its friends. Moore often likes to offer dogs their usual food favorites, only all together and in much smaller portions than expected, creating a sort of hors d’oeuvre arrangement. “Present it nicely, with the foods separated on a large tray or plate, so that it looks appetizing and festive to both dogs and their owners,” she advises. As for a business cocktail party, the goal is to enhance the overall experience with the food and not fill up your human and dog guests so that they all want to lie down and take a nap.

Another tip is to avoid serving dogs hard bones, chewy foods, or other hard-to-bite edibles. While these may be fine for everyday home noshing by your pet, the added excitement of a party, or canines eating something they might not be used to, could lead to choking and spit-ups, which could understandably ruin any party.

Parties Are Healthy for Dogs and Humans

Numerous studies show that positive socializing is healthy for you and your dog. Having a party for pets can even help shy people come out of their social shells. The friendly, expressive nature of canines somehow helps break the ice. Moore says, “I’ve had a lot of people show up to my events and tell me they hate parties, but at the end of the evening, they are usually the ones who are most into it and who don’t want to leave because they are enjoying good friends – human and canine – and good times.”

Plan A Holiday Party for Your Dog and Guests This Christmas

The cold weather may have resulted in less time at the dog run, but that’s the perfect excuse to give your pet and its friends their little holiday shindig.

We enlisted the help of Ada Nieves, a pet party planner based in New York City, for some ideas to put together a memorable canine winter gathering.

Location For Your Dog’s Christmas Party

If you’re wary of bringing too many four-legged friends into your own living space, ask local animal organizations about using their facilities as inexpensive alternatives to renting a party spot. Some shelter or rescue groups have locations where owners can have parties; instead of getting gifts for the pets, people bring a donation for the place, a benefit for everyone. Another idea is to check with local pet-friendly bars or coffee shops.

The Guest List For Your Dog’s Christmas Party

“It’s impossible to invite everyone, but you don’t want to hurt feelings,” says Nieves. Nieves’ client Rachel Passaretti experienced this dilemma. “The most important thing was to create a safe and fun environment for the animals, and by hand-selecting each four-legged guest, we were able to accomplish that goal,” recalls Passaretti. “This was often hard, as we had a few people who even tried to snag invites.”

Nieves thinks the key is to invite dogs that you know will be friendly to other dogs and not territorial or protective about food. For friends whose feelings are likely to be hurt, she suggests sending their dog a gift bag of treats and toys to let them know they’re thought of and appreciated.

Dog Christmas Attire

Encourage your guests to dress their dogs in seasonal garb. Inexpensive costumes such as elves and reindeer are easy to find these days, and some guests might get creative with homemade getups. Nieves recommend a red ribbon loosely tied like a bow around the neck or a simple sleigh bell on the collar for dogs that dislike clothing.

Doggy Gift Exchange

Doggy gift exchange is just like a traditional grab-bag-style exchange, but the gifts are for the dogs. Set a price range and have each guest bring a wrapped doggy gift. Then put all the presents in one location. Nieves says that the owners take turns letting their dog sniff around the packages at her parties, and whichever package they seem to like most is the one they “choose” and get from the gift exchange.

Pictures With “Santa Paws”

Have someone dress up as St. Nick and pose for pictures with each dog. “People love using those pictures for next year’s Christmas card to send out to all their friends,” says Nieves. Ambitious hosts can even arrange to have the photos printed on-site and handed out at the party’s end.

Doggy Caroling

Doggy caroling can be a hit-or-miss moment, but, indeed, dogs are instinctively wired to howl. If you get all the dogs together and their owners start to howl, often enough, the dogs will follow suit. Before you know it, the whole room is howling together (think of the dog pound scene in Lady and the Tramp).

Of course, over-scheduling such dogtivities can be cumbersome, and some hosts prefer to mostly let the pups enjoy an unexpected day of “free play” while the humans mingle. Regardless of how many of the above ideas you put to use, the important thing is to make everyone happy.

Article written by Author: Brad Kloza, the Dog Daily Expert

In 1973, Kay Laurence got her first dog, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, and a life-changing piece of advice from her father. “You’d better take a training class,” he said. Thirty-five years later, Laurence is the head of the class. Based in the UK, she runs Learning About Dogs, a business that organizes conferences and offers classes all on dog training. In her latest book, Learning Games, Laurence advocates teaching dogs through play. Below, she explains both how and why.

The Nature of Dogs

“Playtime is nature’s classroom,” says Laurence. “Puppies will wrestle, stalk, rip toys, carry and explore. All of these behaviors are rehearsals for real life. Play is where life skills are learned.” For example, puppies of Border Collies descended from gathering breeds will stalk each other during play to prepare for their adult role of herding sheep. Gordon Setters, traditional bird-hunting dogs, will practice for adult life by neck-snapping small stuffed toys. In nature, many of these games are guided by a trainer — the pup’s parent.

Explains Laurence: “Pack members do not teach their youngsters with leashes and praise. They play games with young learners. They set rules and decide when to let their pups succeed.” Though humans have designed their methods of training young dogs that do not involve play, Laurence believes these techniques are not the most effective. “Traditional dog training relies on our opinion of how a dog should perform. For example, a ‘dog sits when you press its hips down.’ Unfortunately, this fails with many dogs since their reaction to pressure is often to push back.”

What Play Can Teach Dogs

“Play training seeks to induce natural responses in the dog,” says Laurence. Those natural responses can then be elicited from the dog on command when obedience is crucial to safety or well-being. For example, Laurence uses play to teach her pupils how to sit still, essential for excitable dogs that tend to jump on visitors to your home. “Through play, we can stimulate a dog to maintain absolute stillness in anticipation.”

In a game, she calls, “Where’s the Mouse?” Laurence uses the canine tendency to focus intently on small prey. “When a dog spies a mouse or rabbit disappearing down a hole, it will maintain a focus on that hole for many hours. It will be able to stay perfectly still for a long period,” she says. For this game, then, Laurence puts a counterfeit “mouse” — in this case, a piece of cheese or sausage — in her hand and waits until the dog fixates on it. At this point, Laurence puts the “mouse” in her pocket, leaving the dog frozen, still in excited anticipation of its feast. Laurence eventually feeds the treat to the dog, reinforcing the pup’s behavior.

Other “life skills” imparted by Laurence, her trainers, and students of her methods include focus, balance, coordination, self-awareness, and puzzle-solving.

Try This Game at Home with Your Dog

For safety’s sake, your dog should be able to run from one location to another based on your direction. If Fido is in the street staring down an approaching car, you need to be able to convince him to run to the curb and fast. To train your pet to move on command, Laurence suggests teaching “The Sausage Bowling Game,” appropriate for dogs 20 weeks and older. Here’s how to play:

• Begin on a non-slippery surface, showing your pup a treat in your hand.
• Make sure it watches your hand as you slowly bend and make an underhand arc as if you were bowling in slow motion.
• Release the treat once your arm reaches the end of the arc, just as you would a bowling ball. Allow the pup to chase and then eat the treat.

• Repeat, “bowling” the treat to a different location each time. Once the dog has mastered following the arc of your arm to your area of choice, make the game harder by turning suddenly just before you release.
• With regular “training,” your dog will follow your command whether or not you’re throwing a reward.

“This uses all the elements of nature’s purpose of play,” says Laurence. “The older pack member, you, has alerted the pup to a chase situation, and the pup is instinctively drawn to join you. Every time they get to employ a natural, instinctive behavior, they enjoy it more and more. What a fabulous way to teach safety!”

Article written by Author: Darcy Lockman

Our dogs can make every day feel like a holiday, given their playfulness, puppy-at-heart good natures, and satisfaction with just being by our side. And if you typically go everywhere with your dog, it’s no wonder you want to take your dog on holiday with you.

Charlotte Reed, author of The Miss Fido Manners Complete Book of Dog Etiquette: The Definitive Guide to Manners for Pets and Their People, points out that not all dogs, or destinations, make such visits possible. Some people love dogs but don’t want them as visitors. Other friends and family members may suffer from pet allergies. And the reality may be that even though you love and understand your dog, your pet could be aggressive around others, not be properly housebroken, bark when lonely, or be a destructive chewer.

When Gerard Hanson of New York City planned a road trip to visit a friend in Maine, he was excited to bring his puppy, Charles, along. But the trip did not go smoothly. “Charles got carsick,” explains Hanson. “Then my friend didn’t want me leaving him at his house alone for more than an hour or two, so my plans for different activities were more or less ruined.” 

Dr. Louise Murray, DVM, director of medicine for the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in New York City, has heard stories like Hanson’s before. “Deciding to travel with a dog is a commitment. If making sacrifices on vacation doesn’t appeal to you, leave your pet at home,” she cautions. Below, Dr. Murray offers advice for those who decide that the company is worth the extra effort.

But assuming that your hosts are receptive to dogs and that your pet is well-behaved, here are our tips:

How To Prepare to Take Your Dog on Holiday

• Talk With Your Host Ahead of Time About Your Dog

Address any potential problems, such as issues involving your host’s children and pets, furniture concerns, dog bathroom issues, etc.

• Investigate Nearby Kennels and Pet Sitters Close to Your Host’s Home

Just in case things don’t work out as you planned and you need a plan B. 

• ID tag or Microchip for Your Dog

If your dog doesn’t have an ID tag or microchip already, it is now a good time to invest in both. The identification should provide two phone numbers where you can be contacted. Your pet’s name and address are far less critical but should also be included.

• Try to Pack Enough Food to Last Your Dog Through the Entire Vacation.

“The digestive tract of dogs craves continuity,” says Dr. Murray. While vacation may mean new cuisines for you, new foods can leave your dog with diarrhea or an even more severe condition like pancreatitis, a sudden inflammation of the pancreas caused by eating fatty foods like table scraps. If it’s impossible to bring that much kibble, find a pet store at your destination that carries your dog’s typical fare.

• Be Prepared to Manage Chronic Health Problems

For dogs with chronic health problems, prepare for flare-ups on the road. Pack enough medication and put it in two different places. “You don’t want a stolen car to get in the way of your pet getting much-needed medicine,” cautions Dr. Murray. Bring a copy of your dog’s medical records as well. “If there’s an emergency, you don’t want to be in the ER saying, ‘He takes this little pink pill.'” 

• Brush Up on Your Dog’s Obedience Skills

Most trips, especially those made during the holidays, are planned months ahead of time. When you begin planning your trip, make sure you also spend time brushing up on your dog’s obedience skills. Ensure your dog will walk nicely on the leash, stay when you ask him to, and come when you call him. Teach him to sit when people greet him instead of jumping up on them.

You may not mind if your dog is rowdy and bouncy, but if you ever want to be invited back (with your dog), the chances are much better if your dog is well behaved.

What Do I Need To Bring for My Dog on Holiday?

You’ll need to bring your travel supplies with you, even if you visit someone who also has dogs. Here is a list of essentials for taking your dog on holiday:

• Collar: Make sure your dog is wearing a buckle collar with his identification tag on it. 
• Leash: Have a four- or six-foot leash for walks and supervision at your host’s house, and a longer leash so your dog can get some exercise during your travels. 
• Crate: If your dog doesn’t already have his crate, make sure you buy one and introduce it before your trip. 
• Bedding: Bring your dog’s usual bed or blankets, or if that isn’t practical, bring a sheet or blanket for them to sleep on. 
• Food and Water Bowls: Carry bowls with you. Don’t expect to use your host’s kitchen bowls. 
• Plastic Placemat: to put under your dog’s bowls to protect your host’s floor from any spills. 
• Food: Bring a supply of your dog’s regular food. 
• Treats: A right amount of treats will help encourage your dog’s training skills and best behavior. 
• Toys: Bring a couple of your dog’s favorite toys and a few chew toys to keep him occupied. 
• Grooming Tools: Depending upon your dog’s coat length and type, you may need to bring a brush, comb, towel, and clean-up wipes. 
• What else? I also carry a canine first aid kit, including Benadryl (in case of bites, stings, or allergic reactions) and Pepto Bismol (in case of digestive upsets). Odor eliminator and a stain-removal product – just in case.

Once you have traveled a few times with your dog, you may find other supplies to make your trip easier.

Can I Take My Dog on a Plane?

If air travel is in your plans, Dr. Murray warns against taking big dogs on planes, where they must ride underneath the cabin. “Your dog should ride with you in the cabin or stay home unless you’re going away for far too long to consider that option.” She also advises against sedating animals during air travel, as sedatives leave them unable to regulate their temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate, putting them at risk for immediate health problems. For more information about taking your dog with you on a plane, see our article ‘The Essential Guide To Taking Your Dog on Holiday With You.’

At Your Holiday Destination with Your Dog

Whether it’s a dog-friendly hotel or a dog-friendly relative who will be housing you during your vacation, your pet must leave a good impression. “Encourage the trend of dog-friendly hotels by making sure your dog is a good ambassador. Don’t allow it to chew the furniture or sniff other guests in the lobby,” says Dr. Murray. 

Before your arrival, review hotel animal policies or talk to your hosts about their expectations.

Transition your pet to the new environment by unpacking and organizing the items you brought and creating a haven for your dog. Introduce your pet to any other animals in the household as soon as possible, closely monitoring their interactions

Ensure your pet’s emotional ease by bringing something from home that smells familiar, be it a pillowcase or a dog bed. A dog that feels safe and secure will most likely be an excellent travel companion. “Vacationing with a beloved dog can be rewarding for a pet lover,” says Dr. Murray. With these precautions mentioned above, it can also be a real treat for your best friend.

Pets find comfort in routine and still need your attention. Although you will be busy, balance your activities to do what you would typically do together at home. You might have to adjust feeding and walking times, but with a little extra work and planning, both you and your dog should enjoy a fun visit.

Supervising Your Dog on Holiday is Important

When you’re traveling, and you get to your destination, you must supervise your dog carefully. Keep your dog on a leash, even in the house, to prevent him from wandering and getting into trouble. Take him outside and show him where you would like him to relieve himself.

Close supervision (and a leash on your dog) will also keep your dog from getting lost. An open gate or door is an invitation for a dog to explore, and in a strange place, your dog won’t know where he is or how to get back home.

The Crate Is Great For Your Dog on Holiday!

When you cannot supervise your dog, put him in his crate. A crate, often called a kennel, or a kennel crate, is a traveler’s best friend. It provides your dog with his own space and a retreat during a trip. It prevents him from getting into trouble.

Once you arrive at your location, the crate can confine your dog when you can’t watch him or leave the house. He can also sleep in it at night, either at your host’s home or in your hotel. By confining your dog, you keep him safe and secure and prevent potential damage, including housetraining accidents.

If your dog doesn’t have a crate at home, you will want to introduce it before your trip, so he’s comfortable with it. See below, “Introducing a Crate.”

Be Considerate of Your Host

When visiting with your dog, consider your hosts (even if they are family!). After all, you’re staying (or visiting) in their home. If they prefer that dogs stay off the furniture, keep your dog off the furniture, even if he’s allowed on the couch at home. If your hosts prefer that dogs stay out of the kitchen, don’t let your dog wander in there. Again, your dog’s leash can help you enforce the new rules.

Don’t expect your hosts to supervise or care for your dog. Not only is the dog unsure of your hosts, but they also haven’t trained him. You must manage your dog and prevent him from causing trouble.

If your hosts have pets of their own, make sure your dog doesn’t harass them. After all, this is their dog’s home, too; your dog is the intruder. If your hosts have a dog, introduce the dogs somewhere away from their house – at a park or even just out on a walk. Don’t force the dogs to play or get along; just let them get to know each other. Then closely supervise their first interactions at your host’s home, just in case there is a problem. If your hosts have a cat, don’t allow your dog to chase the cat; it’s her house! Keep your dog on the leash or in the crate.

Introducing the Crate to Your Dog

1. Choose a big enough crate for your dog to stand up, turn around, and comfortably lie down.
2. At home, prop open the door to the crate and begin tossing treats inside it, one at a time, encouraging your dog to go inside for the treats. 

3. After a few days, your dog should be eager to dash in and get the treat. Then begin feeding your dog in the crate.
4. Set his food bowl in the back of the crate. Keep the door open and let your dog go in and out as he wishes while eating. After several days of this routine, close the door after he’s gone in to eat. When he’s done eating, open the door and let him out.

After several days of eating in the crate, your dog should be comfortable with it; begin confining him for short periods. He can also start spending the night in his crate; just set it in your bedroom so he can be close enough to hear and smell you. 

Article written by Author: Darcy Lockman, Liz Palika, and The Dog Daily Expert

Frankie scampers through life, tail wagging and wheels rolling, says owner Barbara Techel. That’s why Frankie, a perky Dachshund, left partially paralyzed after a fall, has been named the mascot for National Disabled Pets Day.

National Disabled Pets Day

National Disabled Pets Day, May 3, is an effort to promote disabled dogs like Frankie. Organizers hope to draw attention to the disabled, special needs, and senior pets awaiting adoption. The day is also intended to encourage animal lovers to volunteer time or donate money to organizations that assist disabled dogs and other disabled animals.

“Watching Frankie persevere, I knew we had an amazing opportunity to educate others that animals with disabilities can and do live quality lives if we give them a chance,” says Techel, who has written two books about Frankie “the walk ’n’ roll dog.” Frankie even works as a therapy dog, visiting the residents in a seniors’ facility. While Frankie’s back legs don’t work, he runs and plays like any other dog, happy to be alive.

Celebrating Disabled Dogs

Frankie is far from alone, says Laura Bradshaw, executive director of Healing Hearts Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, where disabled dogs and other special-needs animals are given a permanent home or placed for adoption, when possible. “Not everybody knows that these disabled dogs can have fun, full, happy lives,” says Bradshaw. “We’re trying to get that perception changed.”

Owners of disabled dogs are often eager to share their pals’ tales. Here are just a few:

Gidget the Cocker Spaniel

Gidget’s missing front right leg didn’t stop Joanne Kaufmann and her husband from bringing the puppy home two years ago. Someone had tossed Gidget down a flight of stairs, injuring the pup’s leg so severely that it had to be amputated. “We still haven’t told her she only has three legs, and I’m not sure that she has figured it out yet,” says Kaufmann. “We do make accommodations to make her life easier. Her food bowls are raised, and she has a wheelchair she uses for walks.”

Gidget keeps up at the local dog park by playing smart. She will anticipate other dogs’ moves and “cut them off at the pass,” explains Kaufmann. The irrepressible Cocker Spaniel even digs for clams on beach vacations, despite having just one front leg.

Maurice the Maltese

When Yvonne Kleine’s dog, Maurice, was 12 years old, a degenerative neurological disorder and a failed surgery left the dog without the use of a rear leg. Maurice also lost his vision yet thrived to the ripe old age of 18, says Kleine. Maurice used a wheelchair for disabled dogs. “He would race around to the point where we called him Hot Wheels,” says Kleine. “His blindness was not a handicap as far as we could tell. We kept the furniture in the same places, and he navigated perfectly. I truly believe that having the freedom and mobility that the wheelchair afforded him contributed to his happiness and long life, despite his handicap.”

Garcia the English Sheepdog

It wasn’t a traumatic injury, but aging that slowed Maryglenn McCombs’ beloved Garcia. The 10-year-old, 125-pound English Sheepdog suffers from such severe arthritis that he could barely move several months ago, says McCombs. Garcia’s veterinarian recommended aquatic therapy. Garcia’s walks on the underwater treadmill at a canine rehabilitation center in Nashville, Tenn., have changed his quality of life, says McCombs. “His progress has been nothing short of incredible. Garcia is now able to take daily walks that sometimes last up to an hour,” she says. 

Article written by Author: Kim Boatman

Like us, dogs benefit from stretching: Our muscle cells work the same. This fact inspired the Foster sisters — Sasha, a certified canine rehabilitation therapist, and Ashley, a certified pet dog trainer — to apply 20 years of research on human stretching to the canine world. The result is their book, The Healthy Way to Stretch Your Dog.

Below, Sasha Foster weighs in on the dos and don’ts of keeping your adult dog’s muscles supple.

Why You Should Stretch Your Dog

1. It May Help To Improve Your Dog’s Overall Fitness

Foster says stretching your dog helps maintain joint function. One reason is that stretching produces a muscle signaling molecule called nitric oxide, according to studies on animals conducted by University of Michigan researchers Nicole Lockhart and Susan Brooks. When this molecule is present, blood flow tends to increase, inflammation is kept in better check, and force is decreased during specific muscle contractions, all of which can aid joints and support limb function.

2. Stretching May Prevent Tendonitis In Your Dog 

Stretching can also prevent soft-tissue injuries like tendonitis, which Labradors and working dogs are particularly susceptible to sustaining.

3. Stretching May Reduce Your Dog’s Back Pain 

Stretching can be used to manage back pain when muscles in the lower back become tight, Foster says.

4. Stretching Can Alleviate Arthritis In Your Dog

Stretching can also decrease the achiness and stiffness often experienced by middle-aged to older dogs and can even minimize arthritis pain. “Arthritis occurs when the bones are rubbing against each other in the joint,” explains Foster. “If the muscles are nice and long, the joint is less compressed.”

When to Stretch Your Dog

Stretch your dog two to three times per week for 10 to 15 minutes at a time — but not until after your dog is at least two years old. “You do not want to stretch a puppy because its growth plates are still in flux,” explains Foster. For obvious reasons, you should also avoid stretching a dog with an acute injury.

Stretch your dog after it exercises. Research on human athletes has demonstrated that muscles need to warm up before being stretched. That principle is no different for dogs. “Stretching before the body is heated can cause injury. We want the muscles nice and warm — after a walk or a swim — before we stretch,” says Foster.

Where to Stretch Your Dog

Stretch your dog anywhere you would do yoga. “Your dog should be in a relaxing environment before you begin,” emphasizes Foster. She recommends that your pet lies down somewhere quiet and that you initially stroke or rock your dog before you begin to encourage muscle relaxation.

How to Stretch Your Dog

Once your dog is lying down and relaxed, put your hand over the joint, you will be manipulating. “If you’re stretching the shoulder, put your hand over the shoulder joint to relax the muscle. The nerves that turn the reflex off and on know your hand is there and keep the muscle from contracting,” explains Foster.

Next, lift the limb parallel to the floor and move it slowly in the stretch direction. For example, if you’re working with the shoulder, first move the limb toward the nose — it should take three to five seconds to get there. Once you’re there and feel a slight resistance, hold for 30 seconds before moving the limb back to where it started and lowering it to the floor. 

You should ultimately move the shoulder and hip joints in four different directions: forward toward the nose, back toward the tail, up toward the ceiling, and down toward the floor. Elbow and knee joints can only be flexed and extended. “Joints should only be stretched within their range,” says Foster. “Your dog’s joints do what yours do, so use your common sense.”

Foster emphasizes that stretching your pet will benefit not only its physical condition but also its emotional state. “You know how you feel after a good yoga class? Dogs feel that way after stretching,” she says. “It calms them down and just feels good.”

Article written by Author: Darcy Lockman

For years, Doug Gelbert, author of Doggin America: 100 Ideas for Great Outdoor Vacations to Take with Your Dog, and his Border Collie trekked over trails across the United States. Although his dog is now getting too old for strenuous adventures, the Delaware-based Gelbert still hits the trails with a neighbor dog. “Hiking is simply more pleasurable when there’s a dog by your side,” says Gelbert.

Hiking with dogs takes some planning and thought. The following checklist will help keep your hike from turning into a misadventure.

1. Understand Your Dog’s Capabilities.

Your dog’s breed, size, medical condition, and age all play a role in the distance and difficulty of a hike. A Labrador can go all day, whereas a smaller dog can go for an hour. Medium- to large-sized dogs should be able to hike at least a couple of hours in a moderate climate, adds Dr. Greg Martinez, a veterinarian who hikes and runs with dogs.

2. Recognize when Your Dog Tires.

How will you know when your dog has had enough? “Almost all dogs want to be ahead of you, with you watching its tail wag,” says Gelbert. “If your dog isn’t eager to be ahead of you, it’s an indication that it’s time to rest.”

3. Carry Plenty of Water.

Dogs can overheat faster than we do, notes Martinez. It’s important to carry enough chilled water for your dog to drink — and to even douse your dog with a splash on a hot day. Your dog can be trained to carry its water since canines adjust easily to wearing travel packs. Before your journey, have your dog practice walking around the house with an empty pack, then add toilet paper rolls for weight. And never let your dog drink from a stream or lake. Even a fast-flowing mountain stream is going to have bacteria that can cause diarrhea.

4. Know Environmental Risks.

• Research potential threats to your dog when planning a hike. 
• Make sure your dog is protected against potentially deadly parasites before you leave home. 
• Mosquitoes are prevalent in some areas, and ticks are ubiquitous in others. 
• As for heartworm, protect your dog against ticks but still inspect for ticks after your hike. It’s a good idea to pack a tick comb for that task. 
• If you’re hiking in rattlesnake habitat, ask your veterinarian about a vaccine that protects against rattlesnake venom, advises Martinez.

5. Protect Your Dog’s Paws.

Dogs are often left hiking over rough surfaces with tender paws. Notice the terrain and consider its effect on your dog’s paw pads. It’s easy for your dog to burn its pads on hot surfaces or develop sores in between its toes when hiking on a rocky trail.  If your dog suffers even a minor pad cut, it may bleed profusely. Wrapping it lightly with medical wrapping tape should help. A small tube of Krazy Glue can also be used to close minor 

wounds. Ensure you check your dog’s paws for mud, debris, and even ice that might accumulate between pads.

6. Respect Wildlife and Other Hikers.

Keeping your dog with you makes a hike better for you, your dog, wildlife, and other hikers who might not be dog lovers. Letting your dog wander off-trail poses risks to both your dog and the environment.

If you keep the above checklist in mind, chances are your dog will be waiting eagerly by the front door the next time you pull out your backpack, boots, and trail map.

Article written by Author: Kim Boatman