With the endless stream of dog food recalls we’ve witnessed over the years, it comes as no surprise that consumers are just not trusting pet food companies as they used to. Contaminated food and poisonous ingredients are some of the top concerns.

Adding another layer to the problem, some important ingredients claimed in the ingredients list of your pup’s food are very likely to be completely innacurate.

Which particular nutrient is this? Omega-3 fatty acids. 

A majority of dog food brand labels claim to have Omega-3 DHA and EPA in their formula. Pet food companies market this nutrient due to it being absolutely essential for dogs’ health. Specifically, Omega-3s help support the immune system, brain health, joint health, and skin and coat health.

Even more important is that dogs’ bodies are incapable of producing Omega-3’s on their own. Therefore, they must obtain it via their daily diet.

Introducing the Behemoth Creating (Destroying) Dog Food

To comprehend why dog food companies would lie to us, let’s take a look at the way kibble is produced.

Behold, the extremely creepy device below. This thing is called an “extruder” and is used in the manufacturing of dry dog food. How is it done? The “food” mixture is forced through the machine at extremely high temperatures. The steam cooks the mixture and then “extrudes” it through a small hole, by which it is formed into the well-known kibble shapes we see in dry dog food bags.

Source: Youtube

The problem here is that Omega-3’s are highly susceptible to heat, and break down easily, becoming useless during a high heat manufacturing method such as through the extruder.

It’s a wonder how any nutrients survive this process, let alone fragile omega-3 fatty acids, right?

This is apart from any notion that pet food companies are lying to us about the ingredients lists. They are being dishonest about what is biologically available to your dog in the kibble after the harsh manufacturing process.

The Next Challenge: Spoiling

Yet, if the omega-3 fatty acids were to miraculously survive the intensity of high-heat extrusion, their next obstacle comes from the risk of spoiling. Remember we said they were fragile? Once omega-3 fatty acids come into contact with light and oxygen, they have a tendency to quickly become rancid.

From the very moment that we rip apart that bag of dog food kibble, letting air and light in, the expiration of the product’s omega-3 nutrients has already begun. Keeping your food in an airtight container will help, however it is just impossible to prevent the fatty acids from coming into contact with these elements and spoing.

 

If Omega-3s Aren’t Bio-Available in Dry Dog Food, Where Can They Get It?

Many health conscious pet parents have resorted to supplementing their dog’s supply of omega-3s, due to the difficulty in obtaining enough omega-3 fatty acids from their food supply.

However, this then begs the question, if omega-3s cannot survive dog food manufacturing, what is the potency of an omega-3 supplement?

Unfortunately, there is no good answer as they vary greatly from one product to the next. Many omega-3 soft supplements are also made through a heat-based extrusion process, rendering the potency next to none.

Here are some helpful tips for selecting a quality omega-3 supplement for your pup(s):

#1 – Go with cold-press manufacturing: If you go with an omega-3 soft chew, choose one that boasts a cold-press extrusion process. This will not damage the ingredients with heat during processing. The whole thing is done at low temperatures, preserving the bioavailability of the omega-3s. This kind of manufacturing is expensive, so not nearly as many companies use it as a result, but its absolutely vital for the product’s efficacy.

#2 – Choose low-mercury fish sources: In recent years, consumers have become increasingly aware of pollutants such as mercury in the world’s fish supply. We’d highly recommend choosing supplements with omega-3s sourced from smaller fish species (like anchovies and krill) which are lower on the food chain. Because of their position in the chain, and their shorter lives, they tend to have significantly less heavy metals stored in their bodies as compared to larger fish.

#3 – Be Wary of Spoiling: If you use supplements in liquid form, be careful the product does not become rancid. Liquid supplements in plastic bottles are particularly prone to spoiling, so we recommend choosing glass bottles instead. If you do choose a liquid form, buy small bottles instead of large ones to reduce the chance of you having to throw out the bottle due to spoiling and wasting money.

The Bottom Line

Simply: Do not let yourself be fooled by packaging that states all your dog’s nutritional needs will be met by a bag of processed dog food. Talk to your vet, and determine if omega-3 supplements are right for your dog.

If Omega-3 supplementation makes sense for your dog, we’d encourage you to try our Pure Antarctic Krill Sticks. These sticks have way more bio-available omega-3s than fish oil supplements and blow kibble completely out of the water.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional. 

Featured Image Credit: Lisa Yarost

via Whisker Therapy

This week, San Francisco train commuters may have been running late, but it was all for the sake of saving a dog!

Just after 8 am, the Bay Area Rapid Transport train, or BART, came to a stop when an energetic Pit Bull somehow found his way on the tracks. But rather than cooperate with the police and personnel who tried to get him to safety, the pup decided to treat the situation like a big game of keep-away!

The infamous @SFBART dog running on the elevated tracks between Coliseum and Fruitvale. http://pic.twitter.com/HKDHalYEXx

— Jon the Peck (@FluxSauce) September 27, 2017

While some commuters were irritated by the slow-down, most were much more concerned about the dog’s safety. Luckily, BART staff decided that the “major delays” were a small price to pay in order to rescue the mischievous mutt.

Caption contest! A dog made its way on the @SFBART tracks today in Oakland … (📷: Christopher Perrius/KQED) http://pic.twitter.com/ztCjeomOH8

— KQED News (@KQEDnews) September 27, 2017

The power was shut off on the tracks as they tried to close in on the canine-at-large.

http://pic.twitter.com/HlFIVB9KXl

— Salim Tarazi (@starazi) September 27, 2017

After multiple failed attempts to capture the Pittie, BART staff decided to slowly run an inspection train on the tracks in hopes of herding him toward rescuers.

Finally, the mutt lost his mojo and after an almost hour-long chase, Officer Tanzanika Carter caught the tired pup!

After 45 mins the dog has been rescued at Fruitvale BART! What a ruff morning! @SFBART @SFBARTalert http://pic.twitter.com/T8AWvRahKI

— Samantha Gonzalez (@samraego) September 27, 2017

Thank you Sgt. Carter for saving this sweet pup. The dog has been taken to Oakland Animal Control. No tags. http://pic.twitter.com/9zrBSLIx9F

— SFBART (@SFBART) September 27, 2017

Unfortunately, the dog had no form of identification or microchip on him. He is currently at the Oakland Animal Shelter, where his family is encouraged to claim him. If they don’t turn up, he’ll be looking for his forever home.

Given his stint in the spotlight, we’re sure someone would adopt him in no time.

#OaklandLostFoundPets Found – see profile for details: https://t.co/yuCwfHhbdY http://pic.twitter.com/irsSixXcq3

— OaklandAnimalShelter (@oaklandsanimals) September 27, 2017

We’re so glad this pooch is safe and sound. And for everyone who was late to work that day? We hope their bosses were able to understand!

(h/t: The Dodo)

via Whisker Therapy

At 146 pounds, a chocolate Labrador named Shiloh was twice the average size for his breed. A lifetime of being fed oversized meals and a Lab’s natural urgency to eat everything in sight forced this fun-loving family pet into a sedentary lifestyle. He lost his zeal for playing fetch and couldn’t walk more than a few dozen feet without having to stop and rest. At seven years old, his life expectancy was drastically shortened, and he needed an immediate change.

The help Shiloh needed came in the form of a new family. His original owners put him up for adoption, and Heidi Fiore from Massachusetts fell in love. Fiore and her family officially welcomed Shiloh home in October 2016, and they knew their first priority as pup parents would be to help their new dog lose weight.

They talked to a veterinarian and established a strict diet and exercise routine. Fiore changed Shiloh’s food to cut down on calories and committed herself to taking Shiloh on two walks a day. At first, Shiloh was reluctant to change. He protested exercise and would lay down during walks and refuse to move. It wasn’t always easy, but almost a year later, Shiloh has made an amazing transformation. Fiore announced on Shiloh’s Facebook page,

“He did it!! Shiloh has lost 60 pounds and reached his goal weight (that the vet set for him) of 85 pounds. It took 10 months and lots of walks (day and all hours of the night)!! Amazing transformation and we are so proud!”

With less bulk weighing him down, this formerly pudgy pup is experiencing all the things he used to miss out on. He loves going to the beach with his family and playing with his human siblings. He walks two miles a day without complaint and can easily jump in and out of the car on the way to dog-friendly adventures.

Fiore says he hasn’t lost his appetite and treats himself to the occasional cheat day in the neighbor’s trash, but his tremendous progress has been a continuous trend over the last 11 months.

Shiloh’s incredible weight loss is thanks to his new family’s commitment to giving him the life he deserves. Now eight years old, he’s expected to live a long and healthy life with the people who love him.

via Whisker Therapy

Researchers at the University of Arizona (UA) may  have discovered a link between a hormone called vasopressin and leash aggression.

Evan MacLean is an associate professor of anthropology and the director of the Arizona Canine Cognition Center in the UA School of Anthropology. He wanted to study why some dogs are aggressive toward others when they are out on a walk. According to MacLean:

“Dog aggression is a huge problem. Thousands of people are hospitalized every year for dog bites, especially kids, and aggression is one of the main reasons that dogs get relinquished to shelters. If there are ways to intervene and affect biological processes that produce aggression, that could have a huge benefit both for people and dogs.”

The study used leash-aggressive dogs in one group and non-aggressive dogs of the same breed, age, and gender in a control group.

Many of the aggressive dogs barked and lunged at a fake dog with audio of a barking dog. These dogs were found to have higher levels of vasopressin than dogs who didn’t react. This indicates a link between vasopressin and aggression, although it’s not enough to prove that one causes the other.

If it turns out that elevated levels of vasopressin do lead to higher levels of aggression, then drugs that target vasopressin may be used to help treat aggressive dogs.

In the meantime, training is still the best way to help your dog overcome his leash aggression.

(H/T: KVOA)

via Whisker Therapy

Oklahoma City dog groomer Norma Poe, who owns All Paws Grooming by Norma, just wants to be paid for the work she did grooming 2 Schnauzers.

The owner of Lola and Max has written bad checks to several other groomers in the area, and Poe didn’t want to be the next victim. When Poe refused to hand over Lola and Max to their owner until she paid the $170 owed for the current grooming and a past due balance, the owner put her foot through the glass of the storm door to try to come in and take her dogs by force.

Poe had planned on keeping Max and Lola and charging a $25 per dog per day boarding fee until their owner paid Poe what she owed, or the civil case would go to court next month. The owner told the police the dogs are service dogs, so Poe was forced to relinquish them.

Poe filed a civil lawsuit and a victim protection order because she is afraid the owner will come after her in retaliation for trying to keep her dogs until she was paid. She is now seeking $365 to cover the grooming and boarding charges along with the cost of replacing the broken door.

On Facebook, Norma said:

“The owner has gotten away with giving bounced checks [to] two or three other shops!!! If I don’t stand up who will? Are we as groomers supposed to sit down, accept that life can run over us, and put our livelihood in a bind because someone refuses to pay us?!?! No!!! This is how I pay my bills, this is how I buy diapers, this is how [I] feed my family!!!… Stand up for what’s right no matter how wrong it makes you feel!!! If it’s not right be the one who stands up!!!”

We are choosing not to release the dog owner’s name since she has not been formally charged with a crime.

(H/T: All Paws Grooming by Norma, OKC Fox)

via Whisker Therapy

It isn’t working!

It is making your aggressive dog worse!

You can do it and I will explain why it is so important.

I have said this before….

And, I will say it again…

Stop Walking Your Aggressive Dog!

Not permanently!

But for a little while, while you are teaching your dog some new obedience skills and teaching him coping skills. Walking him and allowing him to continue his aggressive ways is setting back your dog training.

I promise that it will change your dog’s behavior, for the better!

People are always horrified.

How on earth will their dog get exercise if they aren’t walking them?

Yes, dogs need exercise, but in all honesty, walking isn’t the best way to exercise your dog anyway.

Mental stimulation is actually more exhausting for your dog than even physical exercise can be!

Dr. Ian Dunbar, a world renowned dog behaviorist, guarantees it!

That means teaching your dog a new cue, or command, or trick, will make your dog more tired than a little stroll around the neighborhood, anyway!

And, training with your dog is better for his behavior!

Teaching New Behavior

I like a dog that pays attention to me, on command.

If I am walking, and I see a child or another dog coming our way, I want to tell my dog to go into heel position and look up at me.

This keeps my dog from being aggressive or reactive.

This also keeps him from pulling on his leash, at all, even if it is just in an excited manner.

Instead of paying attention to these distractions (which is what any normal dog would do), he looks away from the distraction and up at me for reward.

Now, it is important to note that the reward I have has to be greater than the distraction.

For instance, my dogs like their toys WAY more than they enjoy looking at kids or other dogs.

They KNOW that if they ignore distractions, I will play with them and for them that is the best thing ever.

I have taught my dogs how to act around distractions.

I am not walking them past these distractions and waiting for them to “react”.

Thankfully, for us both, I am a dog trainer, so I kept the bad behavior from ever happening.

But, not everyone is a dog trainer.

And, many people have dog aggressive or reactive dogs, or just dogs that pull on the leash.

The dogs have been doing it for so long that it is a self-rewarding habit.

Yes!  Aggression can be rewarding for the dog.

The adrenaline is addicting.

Have you ever gotten so mad at someone that you threatened physical violence, and had that person back down?  The feeling is kind of a rush.

Which is why it is so difficult to cure or deal with for dog owners.

Which is also why you need to stop walking your aggressive dog.

You need to break the cycle of addiction and adrenaline while you are introducing new training and coping techniques.

And, let’s face it, your dog isn’t going to be able to complete a new behavior or coping mechanism while he is in the throws of aggression.

By allowing him to continue to get aggressive, you are losing the battle and the war.

He can learn new behaviors and he can learn to control himself, but you are setting him up for failure if you continue to walk him and allow him to get aggressive while you are trying to teach these new behaviors.

Think of him as an addict.

As an addict he can work on new behaviors and rehabilitation, but he can’t do it while he is still getting the drug.

We want to completely AVOID his aggression from here on out by teaching him to do something else!

It’s Not So Bad

Missing a few weeks or walks isn’t so bad.

What’s worse is getting frustrated at your dog while you are actually fueling his addiction.

And, if you MUST walk him, at least do it early in the morning or super late at night when other dogs, or whatever his trigger is, are less likely to be out.

Or, drive to a secluded spot.

I have driven hours to train my dogs or to let them swim in the lake or pool.

I could certainly drive into the country to walk my dog.

Trust me, your dog and your dog training consistency is worth a little added exertion.

And, if you need other ideas, check this article out.

The Good News

The good news is that teaching eye contact and focus, and finding heel, and teaching your dog to play will all be mentally stimulating and exhausting!

And, it will be valuable dog training that you can use as you slowly begin to add distractions to your dog’s environment and get back to your walking regimen.

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Whether happy-go-lucky, enthusiastic, mellow, or mopey, dogs have personalities all their own. No two are the same, and yet every dog lover has heard about breed stereotypes. From “vicious” Pit Bulls to “dimwitted” Great Danes, few breeds have avoided being pegged with an unfair typecast. They’re dubbed aloof, yappy, or lazy, but breed isn’t the only defining factor in a dog’s personality.

If you own any of these dogs, you know you can’t always believe what you hear. Here are the most popular dog stereotypes that deserve to be busted.

#1 – Great Danes are dumb

Great Danes might have gotten away with not having this stereotype if it wasn’t for that meddling Scooby-Doo. Great Danes are huge and sometimes amusingly clumsy when they’re still learning how to work their over-sized limbs, but Scooby’s doltish personality doesn’t do the big breed justice. Great Danes respond well to proper training and have been taught everything from “sit” to “unmask that monster.”

# 2 – Poodles are prissy

In movies, the Poodle is the prim, feminine dog that doesn’t want to break a nail or get her paws dirty. The traditional poofy hairdo puts them in that rut, but in real life, Poodles love to hike, swim, and run. They’re great dogs for active families, and despite what animated movies want you to believe, they come in both male and female.

#3 –  Pit Bulls are aggressive

Pit Bulls are an example of an unfair stereotype threatening the well-being of an entire breed. Staffordshire Terriers, Bull Terriers, and all the other breeds collectively called “Pit Bulls” are powerful, well-muscled animals. They’re big and strong, and they’re also loyal and affectionate. They’re often called “nanny dogs” because they’re kind and gentle toward children.

#4- Collies don’t like kids

While Lassie had a great relationship with her underage owner, the breed in general has a bad reputation for not being good with kids. People warn families with young children that a Collie won’t be a good fit, and some expectant parents even rehome their Collies already expecting the worst. While herding dogs do tend to “herd” those around them out of instinct, Collies are affectionate and protective toward their people.

#5 – Chihuahuas are spoiled

The Hollywood elite who buy their four-pound Chihuahuas diamond-studded collars and tote them around  in designer purses are to blame for this stereotype. These small canines are a popular choice for people who like to dote on their dogs, but that doesn’t mean the breed is soft or spoiled. Chihuahuas can be as rough and tumble as any other dog, and don’t be surprised when one goes for a hot dog in the trash over an overpriced meal served on a silver platter.

#6 – Dobermans are mean

Averaging 70 pounds of well-defined muscle with long muzzles and big chests, there’s no doubting a Doberman can be intimidating. But behind that impressive physique is a loyal, eager-to-please dog. They’re often trained as guard dogs, and they’re good at their jobs. Whether they’re trained in protection or not, Dobermans love to show their favorite people how much they care for them.

#7 – Rescues have behavior problems

Usually mixed breeds with no clear heritage, some people assume the dogs waiting for homes at the local shelter come with bags of behavioral problems. Many have troubled pasts full of neglect, abandonment, and cruelty, but with an adjustment period and proper training, they can be valued family members and the most loving companions in the world. A dog doesn’t need a pedigree to be trained and well behaved. Dogs from shelters have gone on to be respected police dogs, therapy dogs, service dogs, and beloved family pets.

via Whisker Therapy

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Cancer. It’s one of the scariest words any pet owner could hear in relation to their beloved fur child. Unfortunately, some dog breeds are far more likely to get cancer than others. Any dog owner should be vigilant about their dog’s health, but owners of dog breeds on this list should be aware of any symptoms that could point to cancer, since early detection is crucial for any hope of successful treatment.

Here are 7 dog breeds that are more prone to cancer.

#1 – Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are the third most popular dog in the United States. Unfortunately, they top the list of breeds prone to cancer. Nearly ⅔ of all Goldens die from cancer, a rate far higher than the next breed on the list. Goldens are especially prone to lymphosarcoma (cancer of the lymphatic system), osteosarcoma (bone cancer) and hemangiosarcoma (cancer of blood vessels).

#2 – Boxer

Behind Goldens, Boxers are the second most likely breed to succumb to cancer. More than 1/3 of Boxers will develop cancer in their lifetime. Brain tumors and mast cell tumors are more common in Boxers than in any other breed.

#3 – Rottweiler

Many large and giant breeds are at risk of developing osteosarcoma (bone cancer). Around 1 in 10 Rottweilers will develop osteosarcoma, and it is usually fatal. The site where previous broken bones have healed seems to be at higher risk for developing bone tumors, so it’s imperative to make sure that large breed dogs grow at an appropriate pace and extra care is taken to prevent broken bones.

#4 – Great Dane

While Great Danes also suffer from other health issues that may shorten their lifespan, cancer is still the top killer of this giant breed. Osteosarcoma is the most common culprit.

#5 – Doberman Pinscher

Dobermans are especially prone to mammary cancer in females and prostate cancer in males. Spayed dogs are less likely to develop mammary cancer. Dobies are also prone to bone cancer.

#6 – German Shepherd

German Shepherds are the second most popular breed in the United States. Unfortunately, they are also one of the breeds most likely to die from cancer. They are especially prone to hemangiosarcoma.

#7 – Bernese Mountain Dog

These fluffy giants are prone to many health problems, not the least of which is several varieties of cancer. Bernese are most likely to develop mast cell tumors and bone cancer.

 

Regardless of whether or not your dog’s breed is on this list, any unusual symptoms should be discussed with your vet. Some cancers are treatable if caught early enough.

 

(Sources: Pet Plan, All Boxer Info, Universities Federation of Animal Welfare, PetMD, iHeartDogs, Dog Cancer Blog)

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It baffles us that there could be anyone out there who doesn’t like dogs, but they exist. THEM. Those who don’t melt at the sight of a wiggly tail and wet nose. Who come over to visit and ask if you can put your dog in another room and are never being invited over again. That’s the dog’s chair anyway. Get out.

These people may think we’re crazy for spending money on toys, treats, and healthcare on our fuzzy friends, but we know that THEY’RE crazy for not being able to find the joy in wet puppy kisses and trips to the dog park. We don’t understand you, dog-haters, and quite frankly, we feel sorry for you–because you’re missing out on a lifetime of endless love and loyalty that only a dog can give.

Science argues that it may not be their fault, and they may just be pre-disposed to be happier without the company of dogs. Researchers found that people who are raised in families that keep pets tend to grow up and keep pets themselves – and so on for generations. Given the results of the study, the researchers believe that genetics may be a factor in whether or not you like dogs. It may be in your DNA.

According to Dr. John Bradshaw, a professor in Anthrozoology, it’s likely that once upon a time, long, long ago, early people began domesticating dogs, and around the same time, breeding livestock. This would be about 10,000 years ago.

Man trains his dog for a job, breeds it selectively to make it better at that job. He keeps it in his home to keep it from breeding with undomesticated dogs, and while it’s there, forms a bond and a friendship. Man begins to think of dog as his friend, not like the livestock outside, and learns to love the dog. This love is so deep, it etches itself into our DNA and gets passed down for generations as people continue to make dogs a part of their lives.

But it’s likely that, as this love story took place, SOME people may have realized that it was easier to survive off domesticated dogs and the people who cared for them rather than hunt wild animals. They never knew them as companions, and that love of dogs never had a chance to write itself into their genes. They had children who never knew dogs, and they’ve missed out ever since then.

Dr. Bradshaw also notes that those with a love of nature are also more likely to love pets, but that’s a different story.

It may seem far-fetched, but it would explain how someone can look into your dog’s eyes and not want to just hug them forever. That we may be pre-disposed to love dogs doesn’t make our bond with our pet any less special, I prefer to think it makes it even better that our ancestors were friends.

And you non-dog-lovers? This doesn’t make you any less weird.

You can read John Bradshaw’s article here, and learn more about why we love dogs in his book.

H/T: theconversation.com

via Whisker Therapy

Many of us are affected by the changing seasons, especially if it includes a sudden and drastic change in temperature. One of the most common symptoms we get is dry, itchy skin – and it can happen to our dogs, too!

Our poor pups can’t slather on lotion or tell us that they’re uncomfortable, so it’s up to us to watch for the signs. Maybe you’ve noticed your dog excessively itching, or seen white flakes on their skin. Perhaps their coat is starting to look dull, or they’re shedding more than usual. The problem is, the more they scratch, the more irritation occurs. Eventually, an itchy spot can become an open wound that’s susceptible to infection. If your dog has been scratching, it may be time to consider adding a supplement to his diet.

First off, always consult with your vet to rule out medical issues. But if your dog has a simple case of dry, itchy skin, a few natural ingredients may be all it takes to alleviate these symptoms. That’s why iHeartDogs worked with a holistic vet to develop delicious soft chews with a blend of fatty acids and oils in each bite.

Project Paws® Omega-3 Select Skin & Coat Chews contain essential omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (EPA, DHA, and GLA) to help support skin and coat health, joint health, heart health, immune system health, cellular health, and brain and eye development and maintenance. They work quickly to support a soft, silky coat, minimize normal shedding, and maintain the skin’s normal moisture content.

This unique formula contains EPA and DHA from krill, anchovy oil and DHA Gold, GLA from borage oil and evening primrose oil, vitamin E from black sesame seeds and strong antioxidants and zinc from polygonum root makes these chews the most comprehensive skin & coat supplement on the market.

You can also give your dog the benefit of these healthy ingredients with fun-to-chew, multi-beneficial krill sticks. These treats act as an Omega supplement, which benefit a pup’s whole body. They support skin and coat health, joint health, heart health, immune system health, cellular health, and brain and eye development and maintenance, as well. Our Krill Sticks have dental benefits as well, featuring a scrubbing texture and antimicrobial peppermint oil.

Pure Antarctic Krill Sticks: World’s First Omega-3 + Dental “Stick” (7-10 ct.),  $19.99–$29.99. Each purchase provides 14 meals for hungry shelter dogs.

Omega-3 Select Skin & Coat Soft Chews with Krill Oil (60 ct.), $17.99. Each purchase provides 14 meals for hungry shelter dogs.

 

The solution to your dog’s discomfort can be this simple, so don’t let your pet suffer in silence.

 

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.

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via Whisker Therapy

via Whisker Therapy

It’s common knowledge that cats love to nap, and the fact is, dogs do too! Believe it or not, dogs tend to spend about 12-14 hours a day sleeping … and even more for puppies and seniors! However, too many Z’s can be a sign of an underlying problem. So, how do you know how much sleep is too much for your dog?

The quickest and simplest answer is this: you know your dog best, so trust your instincts. You may not be home with them all day long (lucky you if you are!), but chances are, you know their patterns inside and out. For instance, your pup may be groggy in the morning, but bursting with energy when you come home from work in the evening. Or maybe they spring out of bed at the crack of dawn, then remain calm throughout the rest of the day. Whatever the case, if your dog starts snoozing the day away, or the promise of a walk or play session doesn’t excite them like it used to, something could be amiss.

Changes like this should always be brought up to your vet to rule out any medical issues. However, there’s a strong possibility that your older dog just has stiff, achey joints.

As dogs age, most of them will start to experience some joint pain – just like us humans! Only, our dogs can’t pop an aspirin and continue on with their day (in fact, aspirin and similar medications are very toxic to canines!). Instead, they’ll avoid what hurts them, like the activities that they used to enjoy so much. The problem is, once they become sedentary, it only makes matters worse.

But here’s the good news: the solution can be quite simple! If you determine that this is the cause of your dog’s drowsiness, you can help them by adding joint-supporting supplements to their diet. Effective supplements will include vitamins and minerals that help reduce inflammation, improve flexibility, and strengthen cartilage and joints. Plus, they have to be delicious enough for your dog to want to eat!

Once your buddy is feeling better, they’ll be more likely to enjoy some of the activities that they used to, which will only improve their joints and help alleviate pain. After all, no matter how old our dogs get, they’ll always have the heart of a puppy!

We at iHeartDogs know that our customers love their dogs forever, and always strive to make their lives as happy and healthy as possible. That’s why. along with vets, we developed a line of joint supplements just for adult to senior pooches.

Advanced Hip & Joint Chews, $29.99 (120 ct)

These are formulated with 8 powerful active ingredients including glucosamine, chondroitin, natural herbs and vitamins to help reduce inflammation, improve flexibility, and strengthen joints. Each purchase feeds 14 shelter dogs.

Hypoallergenic Hip & Joint Soft Chews, $39.99 – 64.99 (120-240 ct.)

These chews are grain free, gluten free, and soy free. They contain glucosamine, chondroitin, fatty acids, and more in order to support normal joint function, flexibility, and healthy joint cartilage. Each purchase feeds 14 shelter dogs.

Bone Broth Powder for Dogs, $24.99 (40 scoops)

This blend is rich in glucosamine, collagen, amino acids, and minerals. Sprinkle it onto your dog’s food for a delicious topper with multiple benefits: it supports digestion, gut heath, the immune system, and of course, joints. Each purchase feeds 7 shelter dogs.

 

Pure Antarctic Krill Sticks, $19.99 – $29.99 (7-10 sticks)

These sticks are loaded with omega-3s, which help support healthy joint function. Other amazing ingredients make these sticks stand out from fish oil supplements – plus they’re even good at scrubbing away plaque from teeth! Comes in Minis and Large sizes. Each purchase feeds 14 shelter dogs.

 

No matter how long our dogs are alive, their time with us is always too short. That’s why it’s so important to get the most out of the precious years that we have together.

 

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.

via Whisker Therapy