Have you ever wondered how your dog perceives the world? This article will shed some light on how your dog hears, sees, and smells the world he lives in.

How Do Dogs Hear?

Dogs seem to have magical skills when it comes to detecting a coveted snack. Dogs are born with a knack for hearing high-pitched sounds. Opening a bag falls into that sound category, suggests Christine Zink, author of the book Healthcare & Nutrition for Dummies. Over time, dogs may gradually lose their ability to hear lower-pitched noises, but they retain their high-pitched hearing. If you want to get an older dog’s attention, Zink, therefore, advises that you try speaking louder and/or using a higher-pitched voice.

As well as being able to hear high pitched sounds, a dog’s ears can pick up sounds from far away. Dogs can move each ear independently to enable them to locate which direction sounds are coming from. They can do this because they have around 18 muscles in each ear! Some dog breeds are considered to have better hearing than others; Labrador Retrievers, Poodles, Golden Retrievers, and Cocker Spaniels have excellent hearing abilities. 

Is A Dog’s Hearing Better Than Humans?

Dogs in general, however, have much better hearing than we humans do. Dogs can hear nearly twice the number of frequencies than we can. Young humans can hear sounds up to 20,000Hz (20,000 vibrations per second), whereas dogs can hear sounds up to 50,000Hz (50,000 vibrations per second).

According to Morgan Spector, author of Clicker Training for Obedience: Shaping Top Performance – Positively, your dog’s hearing is 12 times more acute than yours. Even dogs with some hearing loss can detect a cellophane bag opening a quarter of a mile away! 

How Far Can a Dog Hear?

An average dog can hear sounds that we cannot hear past 100 yards. Dogs can hear sounds (as we do), at four times the distance away. So, for example, the level we can hear something when we are standing 20 feet away, a dog can hear at that same level 80 feet away.

Is A Dog’s Hearing Better Than a Cat’s?

When it comes to hearing, cats beat dogs paws down. While a dog can hear sounds up to 50,000Hz (50,000 vibrations per second), a cat can hear up to 60,000Hz (60,000 vibrations per second). Cats also can rotate their ears up to 180 degrees, which helps them to precisely locate the direction a sound is coming from.

Additionally, your dog has a keen nose. When you add that adept sense of smell to your dog’s powerful sense of hearing, it’s no wonder that dogs, even senior ones with some hearing loss, can make a beeline for potential snacks.

How Do Dog’s Smell?

According to Bash Dibra, the noted animal behaviorist and author of DogSpeak (Fireside), “A dog’s sense of smell is so acute because dogs have at least 25 times more olfactory receptors, and 40 times the smelling brainpower, than humans. “A dog’s nose can even distinguish between the cheese, meat, and ketchup on a cheeseburger. As you already know, some dogs are trained to use this smelling skill for good, for rescue or drug tracking, and bomb-detection work.

Why Is a Dog’s Sense of Smell So Important?

Of course, sniffing the sidewalk, the fire hydrant, and other dogs may seem pointless to you, but it provides a wealth of information to your dog. Dogs need to know, and smelling is how they learn. Smells is how they process their environment and who is (or has been) in it. “Dogs smell each other and their secretions to monitor physiological and emotional changes,” says Dibra. “It’s like getting the morning paper or a hot-off-the-press tabloid.”

Allowing your dog the time to sniff while out on your daily walk gives your dog great pleasure and enables them to make sense of what is going on. Potentially helping an anxious dog feel more secure.

Which Dog’s Have the Best Sense of Smell?

If you are looking for a dog with a strong scent tracking ability, you can’t go past a Bloodhound. These dogs are built to track and will do so until they have found their quarry. Other breeds are known for an acute sense of smell and include; Basset Hound, Labrador Retriever, Beagle, German Shepherd, and Black and Tan Coonhound.

How Far Can a Dog Smell?

According to Alexandra Horowitz, author of Inside a Dog, a dog’s sense of smell is so strong that they can detect “a teaspoon of sugar in a million gallons of water, or two Olympic-sized pools worth.” 

The distance a dog can smell depends on factors such as the type of scent and wind direction. Don’t be surprised if your dog can pick up a smell that is up to 20 miles away!

Is your dog like a shopaholic at a rummage sale, smelling anything and everything that comes it’s way? You are not alone. As every dog knows, the best way to get the scoop on anything is through its nose.

How Can I Stop My Dog Sniffing Everything?

If sniffing becomes excessive for your dog, try these strategies to simmer down its snout.

• Offer a diversion, like a chew toy or a treat that has a scent your dog loves.
• Teach your dog to use the crate, especially if sniffing visitors is of high entertainment value.
• Clap your hands and take charge of your leash when your dog sniffs other dogs inappropriately or excessively.
• Give your dog plenty of exercise and attention.

Your dog’s sense of smell is a powerful and useful tool for the animal. Its sniffing and whiffing ways are simply a part of its nature.

How Do Dogs See?

This morning, while Riker (my four-year-old Australian Shepherd) and I walked around the Oceanside Harbor, I saw his nose twitch and his head swivel. He had caught the scent of something and was trying to find it. His nostrils flared, and he inhaled deeply, bringing more air in as he processed the scent. It only took him seconds to pinpoint the gray ground squirrel’s location perched on a large stone near the sidewalk ahead of us. As Riker stared and sniffed, the squirrel froze for a few seconds, hoping to avoid detection, then dashed off the stone and into a burrow underneath. Riker, on a leash, couldn’t run after the squirrel, but he sure wanted to!

I enjoy watching Riker on our walks. He sees and smells a much different world than I do. I see the boats on the water and the seagulls flying overhead at the harbor, and I smell the sea air. But watching Riker’s reactions enables me to see so much more.

What Does a Dog’s Vision Look Like?

Dogs see very differently than we do. Although the ability to see can vary from dog to dog, just as it does with people, most dogs are near-sighted compared to us. Testing dogs’ ability to see is challenging, but most experts agree that most dogs see well close up, but their vision fades about a quarter-mile away. So a squirrel 12 feet away is very clear, but a seagull flying out over the ocean is probably not visible.

Dogs’ vision can detect movement much more than ours is. We can see and recognize a squirrel sitting still on a rock, but most dogs recognize the squirrel once it dashes away. That’s why once spotted most prey animals will freeze (hold still in place).

Can Dogs See in Color?

So while dogs are highly equipped to see moving prey, how good are they at seeing colors? As it turns out, dogs do not see color as well as we do. A dog’s ability to see color has been likened to a human who has red-green color blindness – which means that they cannot distinguish between the colors red and green.

It isn’t so important for dogs to see the world in color, as it is to detect movement and see in the dark.

Can Dogs See in the Dark?

Yes, dogs can see in the dark, well better than a human can anyway. Dogs can see in light that is up to five times dimmer than what a human can. Couple this with the ability to detect movement makes dogs efficient nocturnal hunters.

Dogs’ eyes are well equipped to see in the dark as they have large pupils to let in more light and more light-sensitive cells in their eyes.

It’s a Dog’s Perspective

Dogs also see the world from a different perspective. Lie down on the ground and position yourself so that your eyes are at the same level as your dog’s eyes. Now, look around. What do you see? Changes in the ground, mounds, and gullies seem both deeper and taller. Street curbs even appear different. Riker’s eyes are 18 inches off the ground when he’s relaxed, and at that height, I stare into bushes instead of down on them. A retaining wall seems much more formidable, and a park bench looks like a barricade rather than someplace to relax. It’s a different world.

The next time you go for a walk with your dog, instead of watching the world around you, pay close attention to your dog. What is your dog sniffing? He will sniff the ground and poke around in the long grass, and sometimes you won’t want to know what he’s smelling. But pay attention when his head goes up, and he’s sifting the air currents. Where is the breeze coming from? Then watch him as he tries to sort it out. When he spots something, see if you can find it, too. Sharing your dog’s perceptions of the world will enable you to view both your dog and the world around you in a whole new way.

Article written by Author: Amanda Harrison, Liz Palika, and The Dog Daily Expert

What Are the Lumps With Whiskers On My Dog’s Face?

If you examine the whiskery areas on your dog’s face, you may notice some dark skin patches. That colored skin resembles what we would call a beauty mark in humans. It’s a collection of nerves on a dog, and the thick hairs that sprout from it are not just dog fur. According to Dr. Foil, “The little beauty marks are mounds of nerves and other connections that make the whiskers function as tactile (feeling) hairs. Dogs have one mound of compound follicles, but they can have more than one whisker in the mound.”

Do Dogs Like Their Whiskers Touched?

Because these hairs are so incredibly sensitive, take special care not to touch or brush one against its natural direction. To do so could be painful for your dog. Since these hairs are sensitive enough to detect wind flow patterns, you can imagine how painful it would be if you brushed them against their normal growth direction. You need to avoid rubbing them the wrong way. Just as your nerve-filled fingertips are more sensitive than other parts of your body, your dog’s vibrissae are ultrasensitive. Whiskers respond to minimal physical input. If you were to play with these hairs, even in jest, your dog might feel as though you pinched its face and not in a good, pleasant way.

What Happens If You Cut a Dog’s Whiskers?

Given the importance of whiskers to dogs as a sensory input, usually, the only time you might fuss with them is if you plan to enter your pet in a dog show competition. However, once cut, the dog’s ability to evaluate and move around its surroundings diminishes. Having cut whiskers can lead to some dogs becoming confused and disorientated, especially if the dog has poor eyesight.

Just as on a dog’s muzzle, the whiskers under a dog’s chin are crucial for sensory information. Cutting or trimming these whiskers has the same impact on a dog as cutting or trimming other whiskers, which is a reduced ability to navigate around their surroundings.

Do Groomers Cut Dog Whiskers?

Cutting off whiskers should not be considered part of a regular dog grooming session; however, some groomers may do it anyway. Discuss with the groomer first and make sure they are reputable before leaving your dog for a trim. There may be cases where a groomer considers it necessary to give a dog’s whiskers a trim. For example, if a dog’s 

whiskers are so long that they are poking into the dog’s eye, a small trim would resolve this.

Do Dog Whiskers Grow Back if They are Pulled Out?

Like other hair on your dog, whiskers occasionally fall out to make way for a new one, but they should never be pulled out. The hair follicles surrounding whiskers contain many nerves; this is what makes them fantastic sensory input devices. Pulling them out is extremely painful for a dog, causing discomfort and stress.

Article written by Author: Phyllis DeGioia and The Dog Daily Expert

Dogs are gifted with enthusiasm — a good trait if you and your pet are playing fetch in a field. On the other hand, it can be a potentially dangerous trait if you’re strolling along a busy sidewalk. An untethered animal poses many risks: It could jump on strangers, get into fights with other dogs, or run into oncoming traffic. That’s why leash training is so essential. Leash training should begin as soon as you get your dog, regardless of its age. In fact, in many areas, leashes are required by law. 

Authors of the Handbook of Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat (Butterworth Heinemann) offer the following advice when beginning to leash train your dog.

• Be patient. Dogs, like people, learn at different rates. Some dogs may take weeks and even months of patient training before learning how to heel on command entirely.
• Young dogs usually take well to wearing a collar and leash, though temperament and energy level can influence how quickly they learn.
• Some breeds, such as Beagles and Dachshunds, often require more intense training because they are very easily distracted. This isn’t to suggest that a dog is less intelligent if it doesn’t calmly walk at its owner’s side after a week of training, only that it may require a more extended learning period.
• Older dogs may take a little longer to get used to a collar and leash, especially if they haven’t had leash training before. 

Five Easy Steps to Leash Train Your Dog

1. Begin by placing the collar and leash on your dog while it eats, letting the leash hang loosely by its side. Doing so allows your dog to associate the leash with something pleasant (food) and helps it get used to having a collar around its neck.

2. After two or three days, take the leash in your hand and follow your dog around the house for a few minutes after it has finished eating. Do this for more extended periods until your dog is used to both the leash and having you walk beside it. 

3. Next, go outside and let your dog drag the leash around, occasionally picking up the leash and following it. Offer a treat while showing the leash. 

4. While walking, hold the leash in your right hand and coax your dog along your left side by holding a treat in your left hand. As you walk, repeat the phrase, “Let’s go!” Praise your dog when it does well.

5. If your dog starts to pull forward, do a clockwise turn and walk in another direction; the leash will pull its head to the side, so it will have to hurry to catch up with you. Repeat this exercise until your dog learns that if it wants to walk beside you and receive your praise, it’ll have to stay by your side. 

Expert Advice on Leash Training

Make sure your dog’s leash isn’t too long. Four to six feet is ideal. Conduct your outdoor training sessions in an area with few distractions, such as your backyard or a quiet park. If your dog is overly excited, tire it out a little with some vigorous play before placing it on the leash. A slightly tired dog is more attentive. And never yell at or strike your dog while training. Patience pays! 

Proper Training Equipment

Using the right kind of leash and collar can help make your training successful. Most pet supply stores carry a wide selection. Here are the most common types of leashes and collars.

• Flat leash and buckle collar

These standard leashes are available in leather, nylon, and metal chain of various lengths.

• Retractable leash

Much like a fishing pole, this leash lets your pet wander up to 20 feet ahead while still under your control. Pushing the button takes up the slack. (Not a good choice when teaching to “heel.”)

• Headcollar

This unique collar, attached to a leash, keeps your dog under gentle control with a loop around the mouth as well as a collar around the neck.  It doesn’t restrict the mouth, and it thwarts lunging by transferring the forward motion into a sideways head turn. This type of lead is beneficial on energetic or difficult-to-control dogs.

• Choke and prong collars

When attached to leads, these collars control dogs by tightening around the neck or jabbing the throat with spikes. You pinch and release for the corrective action and quick attention — not to choke the dog. They’re not for novice handlers and can be dangerous in inexperienced hands. Before you use this technique, check with an expert for instructions. 

With a lot of patience and a little bit of time, you can leash-train your dog and keep it safe and sound no matter where you go.

Article written by Author: Mary Kirkland

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

Here we explore the most common diseases that will plague your dog this spring and summer: Heartworm, Lyme disease, Ehrlichia, Parvovirus, Fleas, and Ticks.

Dr. Sheldon Rubin delivered sobering news to a Schnauzer owner during a recent visit to his Chicago practice. The dog tested positive for heartworm and faced a long, expensive treatment involving painful shots, says Dr. Rubin, DVM, president of the American Heartworm Society.

In this case, the heartworm parasite was most likely an unwelcome souvenir from last summer, believes Dr. Rubin, who is also a spokesperson for the American Veterinary Medical Association.

A year ago, the affected dog’s owner had decided preventive medicine wasn’t necessary for a city dog, but he learned the hard way that dogs are at risk no matter where they live.

In this case, heartworm is just one dog disease spread by vectors like mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks. Vectors spread parasites and organisms by biting an infected animal then transporting the disease when they bite healthy animals. Although your dog can contract a vector-borne illness year-round, summer is a prime time for these diseases.

Summer Trouble for Your Dog

It makes sense that the risk expands exponentially in the summer. Time spent outside frolicking with your pal, whether in the backyard, at the beach, or camping, means more potential exposure to diseases such as heartworm and Lyme disease. The same warm summer temperatures that lure us outdoors are the same ones that jump-start mosquito, flea, and tick populations. “It only takes one mosquito bite,” Dr. Rubin says of mosquitoes carrying the heartworm parasite. “It’s not like it takes a bunch of mosquito bites to infect your animal.”

Dr. Stephen Steep believes another factor plays a role in spreading vector-borne diseases among dogs during the summer. We hit the road more at this time, and many of us bring our dogs along for the ride, says Dr. Steep, DVM, an Oxford, Mich., veterinarian and past president of the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association. Unfortunately, bug pests can hitch a ride during such trips. “We’ve dramatically increased our exposure,” he says. “If you go to a dog park, a dog there might have visited another part of the country and brought back a parasite.”

He and other veterinarians suggest that all dog owners, whether or not they are planning a summer trip, should educate themselves about these vector-borne diseases. 

Heartworm Disease in Dogs

Heartworm Vector: 

Mosquito. Heartworm is now present in all 50 states, says Dr. Rubin.

Heartworm Symptoms:

Look for loss of breath, lack of stamina, or coughing in your dog. By the time your pal shows symptoms, however, the disease is usually advanced. Heartworms infest the chamber of the right side of the heart and the arteries in the lungs. Chances are you’ve seen graphic depictions of the disease at your veterinarian’s office.

Heartworm Prevention:

Heartworm is easily prevented through topical medication or a monthly pill, says Dr. Rubin. While some pet owners dispense the medication just during the height of mosquito season, Dr. Rubin recommends a year-round program. You’ll see a bonus, he says. “Almost all of the heartworm medications prevent intestinal parasites.”

Can Heartworm in Dogs be Cured?

Heartworm is easier to prevent than to treat, but the good news is that dogs can be cured of the disease in most cases. The key to treatment is the stabilization of your dog and then kill all adult and immature worms.

What are the First Signs of Heartworms in Dogs?

In the early stages, many dogs show very mild or no symptoms at all. Once they appear, symptoms can include a decreased appetite, weight loss, a mild persistent cough, a reluctance to exercise, and fatigue after exercise.

How Long Will a Dog Live With Heartworms?

Heartworm larvae take about six months to mature into adult worms. The adult worms can then live between 5 – 7 years inside your dog. Each summer, when mosquitoes are active, it can lead to more larvae entering your dog. This then increases the number of heartworms living inside your pet.

Heartworms can cause severe damage to your dog’s organs and blood vessels. A dog may live for months or even years with untreated heartworms.

Can Dogs Live With Heartworms?

If left untreated, few dogs survive living with severe heartworm disease.

Lyme Disease in Dogs

Lyme Disease Vector: 

Deer tick. Even if you’re a conscientious dog owner who conducts tick checks on your dog, it’s not enough, says Dr. Steep. Deer ticks, the size of poppy seeds, are difficult to detect.

Lyme Disease Symptoms: 

Lyme disease is also difficult to recognize, and its symptoms resemble other diseases, says Dr. Steep. Look for muscle weakness, joint pain, and limping in one front leg. Your dog will likely run a temperature. Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics.

Lyme Disease Prevention: 

A vaccine is available to protect against Lyme disease. Consider asking about it during your dog’s next visit to the veterinarian since some dogs are at greater risk than others because of lifestyle or geographic location.

What are the Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dogs?

Lyme disease symptoms include loss of appetite, swollen and painful joints, fever, lameness, and lethargy.

Can Lyme Disease in Dogs be Cured?

Most dogs make a full recovery post-treatment with antibiotics.

How Long Does Lyme Disease Last in Dogs?

Treatment for Lyme disease usually lasts for around one month. Symptoms should ease relatively quickly once treatment begins; however, extended treatment may be required in some cases.

What Happens if Lyme Disease goes Untreated in Dogs?

If left untreated, Lyme disease may cause life-threatening kidney inflammation and dysfunction in your dog.

Ehrlichia in Dogs

Ehrlichia Vector: 

Tick. The tick carries an organism that can infect the white blood cells of your dog.

Ehrlichia Symptoms:

Ehrlichia, as for other parasitic ailments, can resemble different diseases. Look for spots of bleeding on your dog’s gums, lethargy, or a loss of appetite. Ehrlichia develops in stages. The prognosis is good if the disease is diagnosed before the chronic stage. Because it is hard to recognize in its earliest phases, veterinarians will sometimes treat Ehrlichia with antibiotics before making a firm diagnosis.

Ehrlichia Prevention: 

Tick control is the key. Don’t settle for a flea and tick collar, advises Dr. Steep. Collars often provide protection, but only for the region near your dog’s neck. Use prevention such as Frontline, Advantage, or Revolution, which work systemically and provide whole-body protection.

Can Ehrlichiosis in Dogs be Cured?

Ehrlichiosis, if caught early, can be cured. Treatment needs to last for several weeks, even though improvements can usually be seen after a few days.

What are the Symptoms of Ehrlichia in Dogs?

Symptoms of Ehrlichia can include poor appetite, fever, lethargy, lameness, and abnormal bruising and bleeding. Symptoms usually last for 2 – 4 weeks before abating. Most dogs eventually enter the chronic stage of the disease after some months or even years after onset. Treatment is challenging in the chronic phase and needs to be sought early for your dog’s best prognosis.

Prevention is Better Than the Cure for Your Dog

Fortunately, West Nile virus and encephalitis, two other troubling vector-borne diseases, do not often affect dogs, says Dr. Rubin. For those diseases that do pose summertime threats, just a little work on your part can help prevent the debilitating and sometimes life-threatening health problems that could impact your tail-thumping pal. Your efforts carry an even greater reward since many of these ailments, such as Lyme disease, can affect humans as well.

Think prevention, says Dr. Steep. Talk to your veterinarian, and educate yourself about which diseases are prevalent in your part of your country.  Your veterinarian is also likely to know which medicines and products will work best in your area. Year-round prevention efforts are advised, says Dr. Rubin.

“Don’t put this off. Know that the potential exists,” says Dr. Steep. “Ask your veterinarian. It’s on our radar, and we’re thinking about it all the time.”

Parvovirus in Dogs 

When seven dogs in the same county die of the same thing within two and a half weeks, people tend to take notice. That’s what happened recently in Lancaster County, Pa., as multiple cases of canine parvovirus proved lethal. According to Dr. Katy Nelson, an emergency veterinarian in Alexandria, Va., parvovirus can pop up in bunches, especially in summer.

Why is Parvovirus More Common in Summer?

“Our pets become more active in the summer, and parvoviruscan live longer in a warmer environment,” says Nelson. “I’ve seen multiple animals at a time present similar signs. For example, multiple puppies of the same litter, multiple unvaccinated dogs from the same environment, or multiple unvaccinated dogs exposed to an infectious source.”

How Does a Dog Get Parvovirus?

Parvovirus transmits from dog to dog mainly through direct or indirect contact with the feces of an affected canine, which is why being outdoors often can raise your pet’s chances of getting it. But according to Dr. Patricia Joyce, an emergency clinician at BluePearl Pet Hospital in Brooklyn, New York, it’s not just an “outdoor disease” since dogs can track it inside and leave microscopic yet live traces of it all over the floor. “If one dog is affected in a household or kennel where there are several other dogs, it would be easy to spread,” says Nelson.

What are the Symptoms of Parvovirus?

Like other viruses, parvovirus has mutated over the years since it first appeared in the 1970s. And although the strains can vary from year to year, they’re fairly indistinguishable when it comes to testing and symptoms. The most common symptoms of the virus show up in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, such as severe vomiting and diarrhea, as well as a sudden loss of appetite. Left untreated, it can progress to bloody diarrhea, overall weakness, fever, pale mucous membranes, coma, and eventually death. Puppies are particularly vulnerable.

“This virus not only affects the GI tract, as most people know, but it also affects all rapidly dividing cells within the body – the bone marrow, the GI lining, the myocardial tissues, and the lymph tissues,” says Nelson. “Severe disease can develop rapidly, and may or may not be reversible with appropriate therapy.”

Prevention of Canine Parvovirus

Prevention is simple and relatively inexpensive. “Only unvaccinated or inadequately vaccinated dogs are at risk,” says Joyce. “It’s part of the standard vaccine protocol given as three shots to puppies, and as an annual or every two- to three-year booster to adults.” If your dog is up to date on its DAPP vaccine (distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, parainfluenza), he or she is safe. According to Nelson, the vaccine’s cost may be about $30, with variations depending on which part of the country you live in.

Aside from vaccination, Joyce points out a few other control measures:

• Clean contaminated areas with a household bleach solution.
• Regularly disinfect food bowls, water bowls, toys, and bedding.
• Disinfect clothing and shoes.
• Immediately clean up and dispose of waste outdoors.
• Prevent your dog from having contact with other dogs’ feces outdoors (no sniffing).

Treatment of Canine Parvovirus

The cost to treat an affected dog, however, can be significant. Nelson says she has seen it run into the $7,000 to $8,000 range. And it’s not the kind of illness where you can wait and consider your options. “When these dogs hit the doors of your hospital, everything must shift into overdrive. A diagnosis needs to be made quickly and efficiently, the severity of the disease needs to be assessed immediately, and treatment needs to be initiated as soon as possible,” she says. “Delaying therapy is in general considered hastening death.”

Nelson says most veterinarians advise not getting a new puppy for six months for those who do lose a dog to parvovirus. By then, it’s assumed the virus will be cleared from the environment if proper cleaning and disinfecting procedures have been employed. 

The most important message that both she and Joyce stress is that this is an easily preventable illness. Vaccination protocols have been extremely successful in controlling the spread of parvovirus. If your dog is not up to date on the vaccine, you should aim to correct that immediately.

Can a Dog Survive from Parvovirus?

Your dog has a good chance of surviving parvo providing treatment by your veterinarian is sought early.

Is Parvovirus Contagious to Humans?

There are many forms of parvovirus. Generally, canine parvo is limited to canines, and human parvo is limited to humans. So although humans do not develop canine parvo, they play a significant role in its transmission by handling infected dogs and objects before touching unaffected dogs.

How Do You Treat a Dog with Parvovirus?

Dogs are administered intravenous fluids and antibiotics. Plasma transfusions may be required if the case is severe. 

Fleas and Ticks in Dogs

Chances are your dog has had fleas and ticks, which have been bothering animals, including humans, since time immemorial. This spring, they are out in force, which exterminator Alan Pendarvis of Texas credits to weather changes that are speeding up the parasites’ life cycles.

However, your dog doesn’t have to suffer this spring and summer. New products and a better understanding of how to combat flea and tick infestations can help your dog to steer clear of them.

Why Fleas and Ticks Are Bad News for Dogs

Aside from the yuck factor, fleas and ticks can spread diseases from dog to dog and from dogs to humans. Nancy Hinkle, a University of Georgia entomologist, notes that fleas can transmit tapeworms. “An infected flea can pass on tapeworm if a dog happens to swallow a flea while using its teeth to scratch, but the tapeworm is not transmitted if the flea only bites the dog,” says Hinkle. “Some animals are also susceptible to flea saliva, which can lead to secondary infections and dermatitis from incessant itching.”

Ticks are equally awful, burying their heads into the skin of your dog and then sucking blood for survival. Ticks, too, can spread infectious diseases.

Plan of Action: Flea and Tick Avoidance and Removal

New pest control products abound this spring, with many major manufacturers introducing new and improved versions of their already popular lines. Thanks to a smart plastic gizmo, topical liquids for some lines are easier to apply, helping to keep owners’ hands away from the skin-penetrating product.

Several natural and/or organic alternatives are also on the market now. In addition to shampoos, you can find electric flea traps that attract fleas with heat and light and then zap them. Food-grade diatomaceous earth, a chalk-like powder that clings to insects’ bodies, works by cutting into their waxy coating and then gradually desiccating them. A drawback is that it can be a bit dusty and messy to use.

Buying Over-The-Counter Medications Doesn’t Mean You Should Forget Your Veterinarian

With so many products on the market, why did a recent pet health survey conducted by Banfield Pet Hospital find that flea infestation is one of the top 10 reasons owners bring their dogs to the vet? “I think this might result partly from pet owners buying preventive medications at retail outlets and not talking with their veterinarian about which product is best for their pet, how to apply it, and how to avoid environmental contamination from fleas and flea eggs,” says Dr. Jeffrey Klausner, veterinarian, senior vice president, and chief medical officer for Banfield.

He and other veterinarians can provide fast-acting medications that may provide quick relief. Nitenpyram, usually administered in pill form, starts working in 30 minutes and can eliminate fleas within three to four hours. Spinosad, a chewable tablet, works in about the same amount of time and prevents infestation for a whole month. These are just a few of the possible remedies.

No product is free from potential side effects, however, so follow user guidelines carefully. Kimberly Chambers of VetDepot offers this additional advice:

• Consult your veterinarian first. Even if you plan to purchase an over-the-counter remedy, talk to your veterinarian beforehand.
• Pay attention to age and weight guidelines. Failing to allow for these “could result in a dangerous overdose.”

• Do not use a cat product on your dog, and vice versa.
• Avoid getting topical flea-control products in your dog’s eyes and mouth.

“Flea protection is an important part of pet ownership,” says Chambers. “It not only saves pets from suffering from an itchy and uncomfortable infestation but also protects pets from the dangers associated with fleas, including anemia.”

Finally, keep your home clean. Be sure to wash your pet’s bedding regularly and vacuum affected areas, including curtains, furniture, and mattresses.

Article written by Authors: Kim Boatman, Jennifer Viegas, Elijah Merrill, and The Dog Daily Expert

Aggression is a term to describe a set of behaviors that can begin with a simple warning and end up a full-blown attack.

Dogs can show symptoms of aggression, such as:

• Staring
• Rigid body
• Lunging
• Growling
• Snarling
• Biting

Dogs behave aggressively for many reasons, and it is vital to understand the cause of aggression so you can modify this behavior.

There Are Some Common Types of Aggression Shown by Dogs Such As:

• Territorial 

A dog protects its territory or home from threats such as intruders. To an aggressive territorial dog, an intruder doesn’t necessarily have to be a stranger; it can be a human or another dog they know.

• Protective

When a dog protects fellow pack members from perceived threats (other dogs or humans), the dog feels they need to protect their own, and this protection can be primarily reserved for pack members they perceive as being vulnerable.

• Possessive

Possessiveness occurs when a dog is overly protective of objects such as toys or food. The dog may become aggressive when approached while eating or playing with their favorite toy. They may also protect their favorite hang out spot.

• Fear

Aggression is shown when a fearful dog is trying to retreat from a scary situation but has been cornered (flight response).

• Defensive

Instead of retreating when fearful, a defensive, aggressive dog will attack first. (fight response)

• Social

Can be aggressive towards another pack member (another dog or human) if he feels that pack member has overstepped acceptable pack boundaries.

• Frustration-Elicited

A dog can feel frustrated when restrained (either by a leash, crate, or fence) from approaching something exciting, leading to aggressive behavior.

• Redirected

A dog shows aggression towards a human or another dog who has interfered or interrupted aggression being shown caused by another trigger.

• Pain

Signs of aggression being shown by a dog who is in pain. Handle an injured dog with care as they may lash out if you unintentionally hurt them. Never use punishment methods on a dog. Inflicting pain on a dog through punishment can lead them to become aggressive towards the pain source.

For more information regarding health related behavioral problems see our article ‘Behavior Problems as a Symptom of Illness in Dogs‘

• Sex

Aggressive behavior exhibited between two intact same-sex dogs in an attempt to vie for a mate.

• Predatory

Aggression is shown by dogs who love to chase moving things. The aggression can come without any warning, and as a result, they may bite or kill whatever they are pursuing.

Why is My Dog Aggressive to Other Dogs?

There are a variety of reasons a dog behaves aggressively towards another dog. Providing there is no medical cause underlying aggression. The dog may have been conditioned to react aggressively towards other dogs by not being appropriately socialized as a puppy, a traumatic encounter with another dog, and being part of a dogfighting operation or other abuse and neglect. A dog could also be aggressive to protect its territory or social status.

We’ve all been there. You go to visit your friend, your neighbor, your co-worker, etc., and then before you even walk in the door, you hear it. Barking. Growling. Lots of anxious movement.

Dealing with an anxious and aggressive dog is scary and, for the owners, can be a bit embarrassing. Barring the invention of a time machine that would allow you to go back in time to when your dog was 6-12 weeks old to focus on behavioral training. Time travel is what Oscar E. Chavez, DVM, MBA, Member of the American Academy of Veterinary Nutrition, says he likes to suggest to aggressive dog owners. You can do a few specific things to try to help curb your dog’s wrong (and often dangerous) behavior.

Can You Train Aggression Out of a Dog?

“Aggressive dogs, if truly aggressive, usually require professional behavior modification and the attention of a trainer or professional,” says Dr. Chavez. “This doesn’t mean you need to work with them at all times, but it does mean that they need to be a part of the behavior modification program.”

When dealing with aggressive dogs, the key is to identify which type of aggression your dog is exhibiting and then develop an appropriate strategy to reverse it. “This process can take days, weeks, months, or even years,” says Dr. Chavez. “But if done right, it can be effective over 90 percent of the time. Truly ‘evil’ dogs are rare, and most of the time, it’s poor socialization or training during puppyhood that leads to problems.”

When it comes to training, the key is to ignore bad behavior (provided it’s not immediately threatening) and reward good behavior with attention. “Negative attention is still attention, so yelling and shouting your dog’s name when it’s lunging and growling may only fuel the problem,” says Dr. Chavez.

One common technique that helps in the initial stages is Dr. Chavez called the ‘invisible dog’ approach. “This is where you are instructed to ignore the dog completely, except for only feeding and potty walks for two weeks,” he said. “Even during these allowable interactions, you are instructed to avoid eye contact and be very cold to the dog.”

Dogs who are being given the ‘invisible dog’ technique go through a mourning phase, where they miss the attention and affection of their pet parent so much that they become open to training and to being very cooperative. After this period, the dog’s behavior is usually better modified. “Invisible dog is tough because the last thing we want to do is ignore a pet we love,” says Dr. Chavez. “But it must be adhered to very consistently for it to work, and when it fails, it’s usually our fault for giving in.”

If your dog’s aggressive behavior worries you, Dr. Chavez suggests checking out The Animal Behavior Network as a great place to start for advice.

Handling Dominance Aggression in Dogs the Alpha Way

Has your dog ever raised hackles at the letter carrier or growled at the neighbor’s kid? Untreated aggressive behavior in your dog can escalate to tragic consequences unless you take control. By treating domestic dogs more like the wolves from which they originated, trainer Jennifer McCarthy of Longmont, Colo. believes severe dog behavioral problems, most notably aggression, can be solved. “I have a better success rate with this approach than with other methods I’ve used,” she says. “It’s a different mind-set on how to communicate with dogs.”

McCarthy’s wolf approach can help you to take control of your seemingly “angry” dog or prevent your dog from trying to step over you in an attempt to become the leader of your pack. “We can’t completely take aggression out of a dog since a dog has the capability for it,” she explains. “The difference is that your dog should look to you to decide whether or not to be aggressive.” In short, you need to be the alpha dog in your pack.

Growl like Wolves

The concept came to McCarthy while she was researching Mission: Wolf, a sanctuary located in the remote mountains of Westcliffe, Colorado. McCarthy placed her three German Shepherd dogs fence to fence with a female full-blooded wolf to document how the wolf’s behavior would affect her dogs. “When the wolf growled at my dogs, her meaning was profoundly clear,” McCarthy says. “Wolves only bark in fear.” She adds, “We’ve bred barking into dogs for guard use, but I growl at them as a wolf would.”

Along the same lines, McCarthy believes that it’s best to instruct and not ask your dog to follow basic commands, such as to stay, stop, move forward, and so on. She even recommends growling instead of saying, “No.” Growling can be imitated with a deep, low voice that commands attention. If you want a dog to wait patiently for a treat in your hand, growl, she advises.

Of course, all growl and no approval would disturb anyone, including your dog, so McCarthy also emphasizes that you should frequently praise your dog when appropriate, such as providing your pet with a good rub down after it demonstrates good behavior.

Nip Dog Aggression in the Bud

Like any true leader, alpha wolves take on more responsibility than anyone else in the pack. You can assert leadership by making the decisions with a calm, no-nonsense disposition. Imagine that your dog is like a kid in the backseat, and you’re the driver. Take control by providing direction, and don’t let it get away without listening to you. Dogs are hard-wired to vie for alpha if they think the leader isn’t strong enough. When you’re in control, your dogs are less likely to become aggressive or defensive.

Here Are Some Other Wolf-Inspired Tips to Improve Your Chances of Gaining the Top Dog Spot:

• Feed According to Pack Status 

As a dog owner, you need to establish your rank as a leader. You can learn to do it in the same way McCarthy does by replicating wolves’ behavior in the wild, which can even apply to dinnertime. Wolves usually run before eating, so exercise your dog before feeding. Feed multiple dogs according to their pack status because, after a wolf pack has hunted, the alpha wolf eats first and then decides which dog gets to eat and which has to wait. To do this with her own, McCarthy first dishes out her dogs’ meals. She then gets on the floor and growls at them to back off until she instructs them to have the food. When she walks away, they’re allowed to eat.

• Be Alpha and Don’t Baby 

Dogs, like humans, rest easier under good leadership. If you are a thoughtful yet decisive head of the group, you will help reduce your pet’s stress levels and probably your own. “Anxiety often stems from confusion about a place in a pack,” says McCarthy. She believes that the largest single cause of dog/owner problems is treating dogs like spoiled children. Instead, set boundaries for your dog and don’t praise lavishly for anything. Reserve your approval for when they have earned it.

• Be Decisive 

Being alpha is all about attitude. If you give mixed messages that you are the alpha in one context but not in others, your dog may show signs of dominance, anxiety, fear, or aggression. McCarthy says to present yourself as confident but kind, fair but tough, loving, but firm. Prove your leadership to earn respect. A true alpha never gets into a fight because the pack leader wouldn’t need to do this. Your dog sees your confidence and leadership as safety and security. If you assert your leadership through body language, attitude, and, yes, a little growling, your dog will understand.

Article written by Author: Cheryl Lock, Phyllis DeGioia, and The Dog Daily Expert

How Do I Communicate Better With My Dog?

Author and animal behaviorist Patricia McConnell, Ph.D., was recently hired to stop an aggressive dog from biting so much. When introduced to the chomp-happy pooch, Dr. McConnell was surprised to learn that the canine’s name was Baby. “His owner was treating him like a baby,” explaining that the dog had a problematic sense of entitlement and needed a name change for a start.

In her latest book, A Tale of Two Species: Essays on Loving and Living With Dogs (Dogwise Publishing 2008), Dr. McConnell offers tips on strengthening the connection between you and your furry friend. She shared some of her best advice for loving and living with a dog.

Understand Your Common Experience With Your Dog

Dogs, humans, and all mammals appear to share many underlying feelings. “We share primal emotions, like fear, anger, and happiness, with dogs,” says Dr. McConnell. It’s essential to make an emotional connection. For example, when your dog rushes to greet you on your return from the outside world, recognize and share its excitement and joy. If a knock at the door sends Rover into a fearful frenzy, soothe him like you would want to be comforted when afraid.

Walk on All Fours With Your Dog

Trying to imagine a dog’s perspective beyond basic emotions can be difficult. So much of a dog’s world is defined by smell, while we use that sense much less. While we can’t make our olfactory sense more powerful, we can adjust our perspective differently. “Get down at your dog’s eye level. It’s shocking how different the world looks,” says Dr. McConnell.

Dr. McConnell also recommends using your nose a little more than usual. “When I was writing a chapter on smell, every time my dog would stop and sniff, I’d get down and sniff, too. You can smell a lot of things you didn’t know you could.” Keep in mind that dogs and humans have different ideas about what odors are aversive. Your dog feels the same way about aftershave that you do about rotten fish.

Learn Body Language

A typical training problem is that people are often unaware of how they’re moving their bodies when communicating with their dogs. They’ll say “lie down” but will move their own body in the same motion as asking the dog to come. “We rely so heavily on verbal language, we’re not conscious of our body movements,” adds Dr. McConnell.

A dog looks to body movements for cues on what its owner wants, she notes. It’s, therefore, essential to be consistent and match your commands with the same actions.

Don’t Choose Domination

While dogs need consistency and order to feel safe and loved, they don’t need a marine drill sergeant for a caretaker. “There’s an old-fashioned concept that you have to establish dominance by eating first and things like that. However, if you look at the behavior of species with social hierarchies, like dogs, dominance is something designed to resolve conflicts without fighting because fighting is dangerous.” She believes that getting your dog to come when you call has nothing to do with dominance.

As another example, instead of insisting that you walk through the door before your pooch does, think of enforcing rules necessary for your dog’s safety. 

Your dog should be able to stop on command or not to take people’s food from the table.

How Can I Understand My Dog Better?

Your dog is virtually living with an alien. It doesn’t speak your language. It tries to figure you out, but if you are inconsistent and unclear, your dog has no idea what you want. “Dogs I see who suffer the most are those who live their lives confused and exhausted,” says Dr. McConnell. “It can break your heart.”

Keep in mind that dogs need to understand their environments, just like we do. Maintain consistent expectations for your dog and communicate them clearly and in the same way every time. She concludes, “That’s the most important thing that people can do: create a world that makes sense to their dogs.”

Article written by Author: Darcy Lockman

A few years ago, veterinarian Sophia Yin took her Australian Cattle Dog, Zoe, to a horse ranch and let the dog sleep in the stables overnight. In the middle of the night, Dr. Yin was startled by a strange, loud howling sound. “It sounded like the loneliest dog in the world,” recalls Dr. Yin, DVM, a certified applied animal behaviorist who worked at San Francisco Veterinary Specialists. She then realized it was her pet, Zoe. “She thought she had been left and abandoned,” Dr. Yin recalls.

Your dog may howl when you least expect it — as you’re warbling a tune at the piano, when a fire engine siren sounds or if your dog is left alone in a strange place. Howling may not be music to your ears, but to your dog, it is a throwback to its wolf instincts. The purposes, meanings, and triggers of howling may surprise you.

Why Dogs Howl

Howling — like barking — is one way that dogs communicate with other dogs, and to a lesser degree, with people. Studies have found that dogs bark for different reasons. While less research has been done on dog howling, researchers believe that dog howling is a throwback to wolf heritage and that howls also have various meanings.

Dogs often howl out of boredom or loneliness, seeking to communicate with others, as was the case with Dr. Yin’s dog. They may also be trying to summon other dogs or alert them about their location, identity, territory, and more. In the wild, wolves howl in an attempt to reassemble the pack after individuals travel far and wide. Dogs — descendants of wolves — may sometimes be trying to do the same.

“Because howling is long and sustained, its carrying distance is further than a bark, which is short and brief,” says Lisa Peterson, communications director for the American Kennel Club. “It’s like a ‘long distance’ doggie telephone call since the long, drawn-out sound can travel for distances of several miles.” 

Howling may be triggered by sirens, singing, or other noises the dog finds similar to howling, says Dan Estep, Ph.D., a certified applied animal behaviorist in Colorado and co-author of Help! I’m Barking, and I Can’t Be Quiet (Island Dog Press, 2006). Social facilitation convinces dogs to copy another dog’s behavior, such as when one dog barks at the mail carrier and the rest of the dogs on the block do the same.

Prolific Howlers

Some dog breeds tend to howl more than others, such as hound dogs or Northern breeds, like Siberian Huskies or Alaskan Malamutes. That’s because humans have encouraged this type of vocalization over the years for hunting, sledding, and other activities. “The hunter needs to hear them, so they want to breed a dog with a loud bay or howl that they can hear over distances,” Peterson explains.

On occasion, dogs will preface a howl with a few short barks. Researchers believe that this type of howl is meant to try to attract extra attention, sort of like tapping a fork on a glass in a crowded room. Other research has found that dogs have distinctive barks, and the same is likely true of howls. “With wolves, the thing about howling that makes it different from barking is that it’s not only longer but more musical in tone,” Dr. Yin says. “It can be carried farther and carry more of an individual characteristic.”

How to Control Dog Howling

If your pup’s howling gets on your nerves or your neighbors complain, you may want to try these tips:

• Mask triggers 

If the doorbell or a noon siren from the firehouse causes your dog to howl, leave the television or radio on to mute the other sounds, Peterson suggests.

• Try an anti-bark collar 

Suppose you live in an apartment and need to curtail the howling or else. In that case, Estep suggests trying a training collar that either sprays citronella oil or emits an ultrasonic sound when the dog attempts to vocalize.

• Behavior modification 

Desensitization to triggers may work, Estep advises. Set up training sessions during which you keep your pet calm and reward it with treats while exposing your dog to what makes it howl — the ringing of a doorbell or a telephone, for example.

You can also avoid situations in which you know your dog may howl. After hearing Zoe’s plaintive howl once, Dr. Yin let her dog sleep in her car whenever they went away on subsequent trips. Given the familiar environment and Dr. Yin’s frequent safety checks, Zoe napped in peaceful silence.

Article written by Author: Elizabeth Wasserman

When friends and neighbors Evelyn Pang and Hilary Louie of San Francisco were 9, a dog training class was offered in their apartment building. Though neither girl had a pup of her own, both loved dogs, so they signed up for the course. Five years and many classes later, the two high school sophomores co-authored Good Dog! Kids Teach Kids About Dog Behavior and Training (Dogwise Publishing).

Inspired by the belief that kids learn best from other kids, Pang and Louie wrote and illustrated their book, which incorporates expert advice on teaching kids how to read dog body language, be safe around dogs, and train Rover to do cool tricks. Says Louie: “Kids need to understand and train their dogs so that neither ends up getting hurt.” 

Below, the young authors share their five favorite tips for kids who live with, or around, dogs.

Tip No. 1: Know your dog’s signals 

Dogs are playful, peaceful creatures. When a dog feels threatened, it will display “calming signals.” These visual cues communicate to nearby dogs or people that the dog doesn’t want to fight. “The fur on the back of its neck will stand up. Its tail may go down, or its head will lower,” explains Pang. When this happens, Louie advises walking away if you are the one scaring the dog. If a nearby dog or other animal is threatening your furry friend, you should remove your dog from the frightening situation. 

Tip No. 2: Know your own signals 

If a strange dog comes running toward you, Pang and Louie advise keeping yourself safe in the following way: be a tree. “Stand still, put your arms by your sides, and your head down. Look at your toes and don’t move,” says Pang. “The dog will think you’re boring, and it will go away.” Running from a dog will signal that you’re up for a game of chase, and looking the dog in the eye may make it feel afraid, which can lead to a fight that both you and the dog don’t want.

Tip No. 3: Be consistent during training 

Pang and Louie advocate clicker training, which involves reinforcing desirable dog behavior with a clicker’s sound, followed by a treat. The dog learns to associate the click with the reward and understand that the click is a compliment. But this only works if the trainer is consistent. “You have to click on time, and every time,” stresses Louie. “You have to pay attention at all times during clicker training, or your dog will think you’ve lost interest, and (the activity) won’t be fun anymore.” 

Tip No. 4: Treat, don’t trick, during training sessions

Dogs in training need rewards to learn. What they do not need is for you to yell, or worse. “Don’t punish your dog,” emphasizes Pang. “You are its teacher, and if the dog messes up, it’s sort of like it’s your fault. It’s your responsibility to teach them.” If things get heated, or you start to feel frustrated, take a break! You can always go back to it later or 

another day.

Tip No. 5: Have fun! 

Pang and Louie agree that training is a game, and games should be enjoyable. “If you’re not positive, you’ll get impatient. If you’re not having fun, it’s not a game anymore,” says Louie. The girls believe that training also promotes bonding between humans and dogs. It’s the best time to create feelings of closeness between people and their pets. “Your dog will feel your love during training,” says Pang. It should be like hanging out with a friend. You’re doing something together and learning together.

Article written by Author: Darcy Lockman

I recently noticed my dogs reacting differently to their breakfast each morning, even though I continued to feed them the same flavor of chow from the same manufacturer. The brand and label didn’t change, and yet some mornings, my dogs gobbled up everything in a flash, while other days, they were less enthusiastic, looking at me as if they were thinking, “The chef must have had an off day.”

This change in reaction led me to wonder if some manufacturers varied what they put in their pet food. After investigating the issue, I discovered there are “fixed” formulas and “least-cost” formulas. A least-cost formula means that dog food recipes may fluctuate with the cost.

“The least-cost formulation could certainly explain the finickiness of many animals,” says Katy Nelson, DVM, a Virginia-based emergency veterinarian.

Least-Cost Formula Dog Food

Nelson likens the practice to human food preparations. “Usually, the things that cost the most are the most desirable, like filet mignon. So if a company is scrimping on the cost of the food, they’re likely to leave out or decrease the level of something that would greatly enhance the palatability, as it is likely to cost the most to add.”

Rebecca Rose, CVT, and a career advisor for the Colorado Association of Certified Veterinary Technicians, suggests the lousy economy and a desire for more significant profit could be to blame. “As with many companies around the world, [some pet food manufacturers] are pinching pennies and cutting their overhead or decreasing their services,” Rose explains. “When it comes to pet owners and pet foods, it’s buyer beware! Companies may be cutting costs, decreasing the percentage of quality ingredients even in pet foods.”

Fixed-Formula Dog Food

In contrast, fixed-formula dog food has a “stable ingredient profile.” This stability means the recipes don’t fluctuate with the cost of the ingredients. The proportions of those ingredients remain the same regardless of price.

“Reputable, quality pet foods will post their percentages, meet federal regulations and provide consistent delivery of a safe product,” Rose says. Both she and Nelson emphasize the importance of a company’s adherence to the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) requirements. Nelson explains that AAFCO requires a company to put on its labels a “Guaranteed Analysis” of ingredients, meaning that any sample of the food must, at minimum, have the guaranteed levels of vitamins, minerals, and more.

Ingredients must also be listed on the dog food label in the order of most to least amount included. “So if you pick up a bag of pet food and you see a vegetable-based protein (glutens) in the top few ingredients, it’s time to keep moving down the aisle!” Nelson advises.

Benefits of Fixed-Formula Dog Food

Aside from making mealtimes more pleasurable for your pet, feeding a fixed-formula food offers your dog numerous benefits:

• Nutritional Consistency 

Your dog will always receive the same level of nutrition.

• Flavor Constancy 

The odor, taste, and appearance of the food remain the same.

• Value For Money

With fixed-formula dog food, you get what you pay for instead of hidden fillers that may offer little nutrition to your pet.

• Trust 

When a manufacturer adheres to a fixed-formula policy, you can trust that it values your dog’s health and safety, even over monetary considerations. So when the economy takes a nosedive, you don’t have to worry about what you’re feeding your dog.

In the long run, choosing a fixed-formula food helps to maintain your dog’s health too. “As an emergency veterinarian, I think that having a fixed formula is essential,” says Nelson. He mentions that the chance of having a GI upset from different ratios of ingredients is significantly increased with variable formulas. The digestive enzymes and 

the normal flora of the GI tract can adjust to new things, but they need time. This wouldn’t be such a concern with a fixed-formula food.

Making the Right Choice In Dog Formula

Run an Internet search to see if your manufacturer adheres to a fixed-formula policy. Rose also strongly recommends reading the information posted on the bags of pet food and comparing the lower-cost foods to the premium foods. The process takes just seconds and could make a difference in your pet’s life.

Article written by Author:  The Dog Daily Expert