Winter Care and Safety Tips for Your Dog

There’s much talk during the summer months about the importance of protecting your dog from the blazing sun and how to keep it from suffering the ill effects of heat stroke, dehydration or worse. However, it is equally important to keep your dog warm during the freezing winter months. Frostbite, hypothermia and even death are real dangers to your dog as the snow piles up and the mercury drops.

It is generally assumed by many that, because of their furry coats, dogs are impervious to the cold and can take whatever winter dishes out. But not all dogs are tolerant to the cold. Puppies, smaller dogs and older dogs should not be left outdoors when the temperature falls below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The acceptable temperature range for all dogs depends greatly on age, health, breed and degree of acclimatization; consult your veterinarian about your dog’s specific cold-weather needs.

When any dog is exposed to the cold for too long, frostbite can set in. Frostbite occurs when a dog’s ears, paws or tail get cold enough that ice crystals form in the tissue and causes damage. If you think your dog has frostbite, bring him into a warm area and soak the affected areas with warm water for about 20 minutes. In the meantime, contact your local veterinarian immediately.

Hypothermia, which occurs when the dog’s body temperature goes below normal as a result of prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, is another very real danger during the cold winter months. Symptoms of hypothermia typically include shivering, lethargy, a low heart rate, slow breathing and unresponsiveness. If you notice any of these symptoms, warm the dog immediately and contact your veterinarian.

If your dog needs to stay outside for long periods of time, make sure he has a dry, warm and draft-free doghouse. And just like Goldilocks looking for a bed, the doghouse should be just the right size in order to provide warmth and comfort. If the doghouse is too large, it will not maintain the appropriate temperatures. But if it is too small, your dog will be unable to move around, thus limiting his circulation and reducing his ability to keep himself warm.

If you don’t have a doghouse and have to use your garage for shelter, check for antifreeze spills and other dangerous elements within the dog’s reach. Antifreeze tastes sweet, and some forms of it are toxic to animals.

A dog’s internal system works extra hard in the cold to maintain appropriate body temperatures. As such, he needs extra fuel to burn and generate heat. Also, remember to provide plenty of fresh drinking water and keep it from freezing. It is just as easy to get dehydrated in the winter as it is in the summer if proper amounts of water are not consumed.

Try to keep snow from building up along fences so it does not provide artificial steps that will allow your dog to get out of the safety of your yard. If he does get out, remember that ice-melting chemicals commonly used on public streets can irritate and burn your dog’s paws. Be sure to rinse off his feet after being exposed to such chemicals.

Winter months can be just as hazardous to your dog’s health as the summer months. But by taking the right precautions and using good old common sense, you can help protect your dog from the dangers that can accompany the harsh winter climate.

Removing Your Dog's Tear Stains

Removing Your Dog's Tear Stains

Does your dog have reddish tear stains around his eyes? Unfortunately discharge from a dog’s eyes and tear stains can be common problems among certain breeds. What causes these stains and what can you do about them?

Causes

Generally, tear staining is caused by excessive tearing. This could occur because your dog’s eyes are irritated or because your dog’s tears are not draining properly. There are many reasons your dog’s eyes may be tearing, including genetics, health, diet, fleas, bacterial infection, ear infections, cutting teeth (in puppies), irritation, high mineral content in the dog's drinking water, blocked tear ducts, etc...

You need to get to the source of the excessive tearing or the problem will just keep reoccurring. When the area around the eyes stays moist due to excessive tearing, red yeast bacteria starts to develop producing the staining you see.

Does your dog tear up more during the summer? After eating? If so, your dog’s tear stains may be due to allergies. Is your dog’s eyes tearing due to a bacterial or yeast infection? This is definitely more serious and requires a vet’s attention.

Breeds

Regardless of the breed, white or light-haired dogs seem to have more visible tear staining as well as dogs with long hair on their faces. 

According to WebMD, short-nosed dog breeds, such as Shih-Tzu, Pekingese, Maltese, and Pug, are prone to excessive tearing because they often have shallow eye sockets or hair growth in skin folds around the eyes that cause problems. Also, Cocker Spaniels and Poodles are more likely than other breeds to have blocked tear ducts.

Eliminating Tear Stains

Although those reddish-brown stains can seem unsightly, there are certain remedies that may minimize their appearance. These include:

Antibiotics. The antibiotics tetracycline and tylosin are sometimes used to address tear staining, as they reduce or eliminate the likelihood that tear stains will form. This requires a prescription by a vet. However, the prolonged use of antibiotics can lead to the development of drug-resistant bacteria, which would be far more dangerous to your pup than a few unsightly stains. If you give your dog antibiotics, carefully follow the instructions provided by your vet.Whitening products. Swabbing the stains with whitening products, prescribed by your vet, or using special grooming products designed for pet fur may help with tear stains.Regular washing of your dog’s face.

There are many home remedies and commercial products that address this issue. However, make sure to eliminate any medical reasons before you try and fix the problem yourself.

How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?

How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog?

How often should you bathe your dog? Should your dog be groomed once a week, once a month?  The answer to this question depends on the breed, the environment, your dog’s level of activity and any skin issues. Just like humans, dogs can get stinky! Remember, the only sweat glands on a dog are between their paws. There are some dog owners who never bathe their dog (not advised), but their dogs do not have an unpleasant odor. If you find dog cleaning to be too difficult, make your life easy and take your dog to a dog groomer – they even have mobile dog groomers that will come to your home!

Shampoo

We suggest you wash your dog at least once per month using a dog shampoo. If you’re going to bathe your dog more often, use a moisturizing shampoo or a soap-free shampoo so your dog does not itch. There are shampoos that keep a dog’s coat brighter, help shedding or even moisturize the dog’s skin. You’ll be amazed when you go to a pet store … there are as many different dog shampoos as we humans have! Many shampoos meant for people are too harsh for a dog.

Breed

Your dog’s breed can depend on how often he should be bathed. Certain dogs benefit from bathing while other breeds can develop skin problems from too many baths. If you have a hairy dog, like a spaniel, baths should be scheduled once every two months or so. Different breeds may go as long as six to eight months.

Environment

Is your dog an indoor dog or an outdoor dog? If your dog rolls around in the mud or likes to swim in ponds, he might need a bathe more often. Keeping a white dog clean requires frequent bathing if he runs outdoors a lot.

Type of Coat

Is your dog a short-haired dog or a long-haired? Long-haired dogs need bathing more frequently, because dirt can get caught in their fur. Dogs can benefit from frequent brushing to loosen any dirt and keep the fur from flying all over you!

Some dogs are afraid of baths, so try and make the experience as enjoyable as possible. It might be best to choose a room with a closed door when you bathe your dog, not only to prevent him from escaping, but to save your house from flying water. You might want to invest in a detachable shower spray nozzle which makes washing and rinsing much easier.  Or depending on where you live and what kind of dog you have, it might be best to give your dog a bath outside.

 

Does Your Dog Have Separation Anxiety?

Does Your Dog Have Separation Anxiety?

Does your dog bark or howl incessantly when you leave? Does he engage in destructive behaviors?  Just like babies who cry when they leave their mother’s arms, some dogs do not like being left alone. They get stressed and can suffer from Separation Anxiety. they need ot be shown that it’s okay for you to go and that inevitably you will come home!

Here’s a short quiz to determine of your dog suffers from separation anxiety:

Does your dog …

Show signs of agitation when you are getting ready to leave?Constantly follow you around the house as you go from room to room?Persistently bark, howl, chew or whine when you leave?Urinate or defecate in the house only when left alone?Seem anxious or depressed prior to your leaving?Try and prevent you from leaving?Try and escape by digging or chewing through doors and windows?Pace back and forth or around and around in circles?

Causes of Separation Anxiety

Separation Anxiety in dogs has several causes, one being incorrect conditioning by owners, where puppies are over-indulged, and never given the chance to become accustomed to being left alone. Over-indulging a puppy also includes allowing him into the house the moment he cries to be let in or immediately after you arrive home. 

Other causes of Separation Anxiety include:

Being abandoned by its original owner.A major change in schedule. If you used to work out of the house and suddenly get a new job outside of the home, this can trigger a dog’s separation anxiety.Moving to a new home.

It’s important that you rule out any medical condition for your dog’s behavior such as incontinence. Generally, we relate Separation Anxiety to behaviors that occur only when the owner is away, not when you are home. If your dog barks uncontrollably or has housebreaking issues, this is a matter of dog training versus Separation Anxiety.

Overcoming Dog Separation Anxiety

Because it can be painful to watch your dog suffering from Separation Anxiety, here’s some tips to help him / her overcome their anxiety and be more relaxed.

Before you leave the house, take your dog for a walk if possible. This will help to tire him out. When you get ready to leave, try not to exhibit any guilty or nervous feelings. You want your dog to know you are the leader and are calm and assertive.Provide your dog with his own place of safety when he is apart from you. A small room, kennel (see: Crate Training), or other quiet place will help him feel secure. Practice locking your dog away from you and out of sight in his safe place when you are home. It is important he feels relaxed in his safe place when you are home as well as when you are gone.When you leave the house, give your dog a favorite toy stuffed with food that will take him at least 20 to 30 minutes to finish. Your dog might like a KONG®stuffed with yummy frozen food. When you come home, remove this toy so he begins to associate your leaving with something enjoyable.If your dog suffers from more severe separation anxiety, you might need to take it in steps. Start with shorter separations and gradually increase the time over many weeks of daily sessions.

Helping your dog to overcome Separation Anxiety can be tricky, because the last thing you want to do is induce more fear. Bark Busters dog behavior experts are experience in helping dog owners with strategies for dog separation anxiety training … both you and your dog will be less anxiety.

Understanding and Managing Senior/Older Dogs

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Understanding & Managing Senior/Older Dogs

In support of November's National Adopt-a-Senior-Pet Month, Bark Busters wants to share tips on Understanding and Managing Your Older Dog.

Our dogs give us so much throughout their lives, including love, companionship, loyalty and protection. As dogs age (in general, dogs aged seven years or more are considered senior), they rely on us to provide a little extra patience, attention and care to accommodate their changing needs.

By letting your senior dog set his own limits, he will help you understand his new needs for care. Avoid pampering him, and allow him to maintain his independence and dignity wherever he can.

Have your veterinarian examine your dog to rule out any age-related underlying health problems. Ask your vet about what to expect with your aging dog and how you can help your dog continue to feel relaxed and comfortable; for example, canine massage, aromatherapy or a specially tailored training program.

Below are some tips for understanding and managing the changing needs of your senior companion:

Loss of hearing

Age-related deafness in dogs is relatively common and is often one of the first changes owners often recognize in their senior dog.Tune in to his other senses, like sight and smell, to communicate with him. Introduce hand signals to convey simple commands. Be sure they are always consistent, obviously different from other signals, and visible from a distance.Try to get your dog’s attention with a high-pitched whistle or a handclap.If your dog is totally deaf, try using light to communicate with him, such flicking a lamp on/off or using a flashlight.

Loss of sight

As dogs age they can develop sight-related issues, such as cataracts.Dogs with poor or no vision can learn to adjust quickly if they continue living in familiar surroundings. Avoid rearranging your furniture so your dog can continue to navigate in your home.Use your voice to guide your dog to you.

Sleeping habits

Realize that your senior dog will likely sleep longer and more deeply.A senior dog may startle more easily if his hearing and sight aren’t what they used to be.To awaken a heavily sleeping dog, gently stroke his shoulder or place your hand by his nose to let your scent gently rouse him.

Stiff joints

Allow your dog a little extra time in the morning or after a nap to stretch his legs and work out the stiffness in his joints.Avoid fawning over your dog or coaxing him with treats to get up. He’ll get up to go outside as best as he is able.

Less able to cope with stress or changes to his routine

All dogs, but especially older dogs, thrive on structure and routine. Keep your senior dog’s routine in place as much as possible to keep him stress free.Separation anxiety, aggression, noise phobias, and increased vocalization can develop or worsen in older dogs.

Increased sensitivity to temperature

Because he may feel the heat or cold more intensely, your dog may change his usual sleeping locations.Place thick, soft beds in his crate and around the house so he can nap more comfortably.

Visitors and household activity

Elderly dogs may not enjoy the extra hustle and bustle around the holidays or if workmen come to your home.If your aging dog is cranky around visitors, lead him to a quiet place in your home where he won’t be bothered and can feel secure. Be sure he has a soft bed to lie on.

Children

Remind children to be respectful of your older dog. Because of their achy joints and loss of hearing or sight, older dogs are sometimes more wary of children and their high-energy activities.Always provide supervision when dogs (of any age) and kids are together.

Avoid discipline for aging-related behaviors

Your aging dog can’t help himself if he accidentally soils in the house or is crabby around children.If he makes a mistake, just tend to the situation—i.e., take him outside to toilet more frequently or guide him to his quiet place in the house—and take steps to avoid such occurrences in the future.

Increased dryness of his coat and skin

Brush your dog’s coat more often to help stimulate the production of natural oils in his skin, and use a shampoo specially formulated for dry skin.Ask your veterinarian about dietary supplements (such as fish oil) to help his skin and coat.

Changing dietary needs

As his body ages, your dog will need different amounts of proteins and other nutrients.  Talk to your vet about feeding your dog a “senior” formula or one which can meet your dog’s changing nutritional needs.Avoid letting your dog gain weight. Excess weight can put strain on joints and internal organs. Keeping him trim will keep him healthy and comfortable in the years ahead.

Barriers for safety and protection

A secured baby gate will prevent your unsteady older dog from risking a fall on stairways and will protect areas of your home from toileting accidents.

Keep his mind, body and spirit sharp

Take time to work with your dog on basic obedience a few times a week to help keep him in shape both physically and mentally.Take him on shorter walks and outings to keep him active and encourage his sense of fun.Never push your dog to exert himself more than he is able. Watch his body language and breathing patterns for signs that he may be getting tired.

Many people think that bringing a puppy into the home will help make your older dog feel young again. While this may be true in some cases, remember that your senior dog may not be able to handle stress or new situations very well, and a puppy brings new levels of activity and changes to routine that affect everyone.

However, if your senior dog still enjoys relatively good health and is sound in mind and spirit, a puppy may brighten his days. In fact, some dogs are happy to step up to the task of teaching a new pup the rules and routines of your household.

Your aging dog deserves your unflagging affection, understanding and love. As you continue to care for him, remember that you are giving back to him as much as he has been giving

Helping Your Dog Recover From An Injury

Helping Your Dog Recover From An Injury

Whether your dog is recovering from an injury, illness or surgery, it is important to look after his needs, ensure he has the time to recuperate fully, and follow the veterinarian’s instructions. Sometimes this is harder on dog owners because you feel sorry for your dog, but consistent rules and guidance are what our dogs need from us for a safe and speedy recovery.

Keeping your dog calm and stress free

Just like with humans, your dog will need rest to heal from his dog injury. During the recovery process, your dog may seem more sluggish than usual and may be sleeping more. Don’t worry … this is normal and helps your dog conserve energy, mend tissues and reduce the likelihood of re-injury. If your dog had surgery, he may still be feeling the effects of the anesthesia and most dogs will be very tired and somewhat disoriented for the first 12 hours or so after being released. Different breeds and dogs will react differently.

As a loving dog owner, you can help your dog recuperate by minimizing distractions, such as children playing, visitors, and other pets that could make the injury worse. This may mean keeping him in a separate room, pen or crate. If your dog is confined to a crate, give him a toy such as a classic KONG® stuffed with frozen food to keep him busy and distracted from his injury.

Remember, your dog doesn’t understand that they are not to run and play because this could complicate their injury. Talk to your vet so you know exactly what to expect and what is “normal” as your dog recovers from his injury.

Medical needs

Spend time with your dog on a daily basis stroking and gently grooming him, looking for any changes in his skin or coat, unusual discharges or swelling from the injury. Check with your veterinarian to see if gentle massage is ok. This can increase circulation to any wounds and help in the healing process. Monitor his eating habits and notify your veterinarian immediately if your dog experiences any vomiting or diarrhea. Make sure that you strictly follow the guidelines provided by your veterinarian when giving any medication to your dog, including completing the prescription entirely.

Dressings

Bandages, splints, casts or other dressings may be required to help stabilize a healing fracture or surgical procedure and protect the wound from infection. Dressings can also provide protection from your dog's natural tendency to lick a wound. Many vets will use a cone around a dog’s head to prevent licking. 

Helping your dog get back to normal

Since you may have had to put your dog’s exercise routine on hold while he is recovering, know there may be some hesitation on his part in getting back to a normal routine. Take it easy at first. There’s no rush, otherwise you may be risking further injury and complications.

Walking is a great way for you and your dog to reconnect and bond. Twice daily outings, perhaps to his favorite place, will have him feeling better in no time!

 

Indoor Games for Your Dog

All dogs need exercise, even when there is inclement weather or you just don’t feel like going outside. Try playing some of these indoor games with your dog to keep him healthy and happy. In addition, playing with your dog, like training him, enhances the bond you share and helps him keep his focus on you!

You can change these games depending on how your dog is best motivated: praise/belly rubs, favorite toys, items to fetch, or treats. If you do use treats, one way to keep your dog from gaining weight from too many snacks is to use some of his mealtime kibble to play the games. As with any activity, keep each session short and fun! It’s better to end the game before your dog gets bored or overly excited.

WHERE’S THE TREAT?
Start with 3 or 4 buckets (old cups or margarine tubs would work too). Show your dog that you have a treat or a favorite small toy. Put your dog in a SIT/STAY or DOWN/STAY about 10 feet away, then make sure he can see you as you place his prize under one of the buckets. Then say WHERE’S THE TREAT? and encourage him to smell the buckets—give him lots of praise when he paws, sits beside, or barks next to the correct bucket, and then lift it up so he can claim his reward. You can up the difficulty level by changing the position of the buckets after you place the treat or pretending to put treats under multiple buckets.

NAME THAT TOY
Gather a group of toys that are noticeably different (for example, a stuffed duck, pig and shark). Hold a toy up for your dog to sniff and see, get him excited, and toss it, saying WHERE’S YOUR SHARK? When he comes back with it, give him lots of praise, then do the same with the pig, then with the duck, etc. Repeat again and again, and be consistent with your naming. Once he has mastered a few names, set out multiple toys and tell him which to get.

FIND IT!
Put your dog in a SIT/STAY. Show your dog a toy or treat and put it on the floor so the dog can see it. Say FIND IT! Naturally, your dog will enthusiastically—and hopefully, easily—find the toy or treat. Make the next prize a bit more difficult to locate, say, behind a chair. Continue to vary treat placement, or, for a real challenge, set up a roomful of hidden delights in advance. Watch your dog as he searches, and tap your foot and give an OOH or gasp to get him excited about the ones he’s missed.

STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN
Settle in at the bottom of the staircase, putting your dog in a SIT/STAY next to you. Throw your dog’s favorite toy to the top of the stairs. Say FETCH or GET IT. After he dashes up the stairs and grabs the toy, call him to COME, ask him to DROP or RELEASE, and repeat as above until your dog slumps to the floor in giddy exhaustion. (Note that this is not a good game for puppies, as their joints are still developing, or dogs prone to injury.)

RECALL REPRISE
Enlist a significant other or child to help with this game. Each person grabs a handful of treats or kibble. Stand a couple of feet apart. One person calls the dog to COME. When he does, he receives praise and a treat. Then the other person calls. Praise and treat. Both people take two steps backwards. Repeat. Every fourth or fifth time, use praise only. See how far apart (Different rooms? Different floors?) you can venture. For even more fun, have three or more people in different rooms calling the dog.

CLEAN UP!
Teach your dog to CLEAN UP after playtime by picking up his toys and putting them back in the toy box. Have your dog pick up a toy while you hold the toy box up to him. Tell him to DROP IT. When he does, give him lots of praise. Repeat with the next toy. Once he gets the idea, put the toy box on the floor and guide the dog over to it and say DROP IT. Keep it fun and simple, and use the same words each time for every command.

COME WHEN CALLED
Call your dog to COME, put him in a SIT/STAY, and then move away from him. After a minute or so, call him to COME again, and repeat. Try to increase the distance you move away and the length of time you wait before calling your dog to you. This game is great for dogs with attention-seeking behaviors, as it teaches them to wait for your commands.

CIRCUS CLOWN
If your dog likes to jump, you can burn off a lot of his energy by teaching him to jump over and through things. Start with your dog on a leash. Place a pole or stick just barely off the ground, and have your dog walk over it. As you raise it each time, you will need to move him back and let him get a running start. Give him lots of praise every time he jumps over. Once he masters the pole, try a Hula-Hoop!

HIDE & SEEK
This old standby is still loads of fun for you and your dog. Have your dog STAY in one room. Go into another room and hide. Call your dog. Try not to give away your location by laughing! Kids love to play this game with the family dog.

WORK FOR YOUR DINNER
Remember that dogs use about the same amount of energy when they are challenged mentally as physically! Treat-rewarding puzzles, such as the Buster® Food Cube, Canine Genius® connectable toys, or the Wobbler by KONG®, make your dog work for his treats—or you can use kibble with the toys to feed your dog his entire meal.

In addition to the games above, the book Training Dogs the Aussie Way by Bark Busters founders Danny and Sylvia Wilson contains about 20 pages of tricks to work on with your dog (available from your local Bark Busters trainer or at BarkBusters.com). Remember that basic obedience is the foundation for having fun with your dog—games and tricks should be a fun and rewarding bonding experience, not a stressful time, for you and your dog.