Cancer is an unfortunate reality that many people with dogs must face. The scary truth is, the disease is quite common in pups. The Flint Animal Cancer Center at Colorado State University projects one in four dogs will experience the disease. Dog cancer is a serious issue facing all dog lovers.

In simple terms, cancer is a disease where some of the body’s cells divide without stopping and spread into surrounding areas of the body. Cancers can form solid tumors, which are masses of tissue. The tumors are malignant and can invade nearby tissue, or spread throughout the body, traveling via blood.

Cancer is equally life-threatening to both dogs and humans. That’s why it is important to learn about the disease and monitor your dog’s health.

Signs and Symptoms of Canine Cancers

The Flint Animal Cancer Center found that cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs, with as much as 50% of pups dying from the disease. Similar to humans, early detection is important so treatment can get started before the cancer has a chance to spread throughout the body. Keep in mind possible signs of cancer don’t immediately indicate cancer, but they’re definitely a reason to get to the vet:

• Collapsing – If your dog is weak, lethargic, or frequently collapsing, make an appointment to see the doctor immediately. “I see this particularly in large breed dogs—even if they fall down and seem better the next day, bring them in because it could signal a tumor of the spleen,” Dr. Jake Zaidel, DVM, of Malta Animal Hospital told Reader’s Digest.
• Unusual lumps and bumps – Cancer can cause tumors to build inside your pup’s body. Abnormal lumps or swellings that persist or grow are a symptom of cancer and should be checked out.
• Abnormal discharges – Bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea, or having any other types of unusual discharge are signs something is amiss. Ask your doctor for their input.
• Weight loss/lack of appetite – If your pup was once a voracious eater and suddenly isn’t hungry and starts to shed pounds, it could be a sign of illness.
• Trouble breathing, urinating, defecating, eating or swallowing – When common daily behaviors become a struggle, it could be a symptom of the disease.
• Pain – Watch to see if your dog becomes more sensitive to touch. Your pup might also limp (although this can be a signal of arthritic issues or joint or muscle diseases) when playing, walking, or running.

Common Types of Dog Cancer

Cancer is most prevalent in senior dogs. The American Kennel Club’s Canine Health Foundation estimates one-third of dogs over seven will experience cancer in their life. Cancer comes in all types like carcinoma, sarcoma, melanoma, lymphoma, and leukemia. It can occur at any age, to purebreds or mixed breeds.

According to the American Animal Hospital Association, these are the six more common types of cancer in dogs:

• Lymphoma. This cancer occurs in cells in the lymph nodes or bone marrow. It is most often diagnosed in dogs 6 to 9 years old. It affects the dog’s immune system and can spread rapidly. One of the first signs of lymphoma is often painless, swollen lymph node in the neck or behind the knees.
• Hemangiosarcoma. This is a cancer of the blood vessels. It is most commonly seen in a dog’s spleen, liver, and heart. Hemangiosarcoma is often found large breeds like German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers.
• Mast cell tumors. The first sign of this cancer is typically a lesion on the skin. Mast cell tumors are an extremely common form of cancer in older dogs and mixed breeds. It is also prevalent in Boxers, Boston terriers, Labrador retrievers, Beagles, and Schnauzers.
• Melanoma. Skin cancer is sometimes found in a dog’s nail beds, footpads, and eyes. However, the majority of these aggressive tumors start in the mouth or around the lips. One symptom of melanoma is a swollen paw, an eye that drains, or a sore close to or in the mouth.
• Osteosarcoma. This is bone cancer. It often affects large breeds between 4 and 7 years old. Some of the most commonly impacted pups are Great Danes, Irish Setters, Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers.
• Mammary cancer. The American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) says mammary tumors are more common in female dogs that are either not spayed or were spayed after two years old. A symptom of this cancer is a small nodule on or around the dog’s nipple or a painful tumor around the nipple.

Prevention

As with any type of cancer, the best way to beat it is early detection. Be mindful of changes in your dog’s behavior. If you notice abnormalities, do not wait to call your vet. Unfortunately, there aren’t clinical trials or statistical studies that prove you can prevent cancer in at-risk dogs. Stacey Hershman, DVM, a holistic housecall veterinarian told Whole Dog Journal, “But common sense and clinical experience make a strong case for avoiding anything that exposes an animal to known carcinogens or weakens the immune system.”

The best prevention is giving your dog a healthy lifestyle. Make sure your pup eats the right foods, gets enough exercise, breathes clean air, drinks clean water, and stays away from harmful substances. Poor oral hygiene has also been linked to some cancers, so be sure to keep your pup’s teeth clean.

 

The Revolutionary Way to Clean Your Dog’s Teeth They’ll Actually Love!

 

Treatment and Costs

There are many different types of cancer treatments for dogs. Some of them are:

• Surgery
• Radiotherapy
• Systemic chemotherapy
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Immunotherapy

Researchers are also developing new drugs to heal dogs. For examples, the Yale School of Medicine developed a new vaccine that may treat canine cancer. They are working with the Veterinary Cancer Center to test the vaccine on patients.

All those treatments sound expensive, right? There’s no way around it, treatment incurs a cost. We can’t provide you with a definite number, but here are some estimates provided by the National Canine Cancer Foundation. “An initial visit to confirm a cancer diagnosis can be upwards of $200. Major surgery….can start at $1,500. Chemotherapy treatments might range from $200 to $2,000. Radiation therapy can range from $2,000 to $6,000 or higher. You’ll also need to factor in additional medications that might be needed—such as pain relievers or antibiotics—which could cost another $30 to $50 per month for an indefinite period.”

Early Detection Is Key

The most important advice is this: know your dog’s regular behavior. If you notice changes or the symptoms mentioned above, it’s time to talk to the doctor. Do not delay.

The post Canine Cancer – What You Can Do To Protect Your Dog appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

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You want your dog to be in the best health possible – so that means regular visits with a doctor you trust. But how can you pick the right veterinarian for your dog? There are often many choices, and it’s difficult to determine who is the best fit for your pooch. These are some simple steps to select a good medical provider for your loved one.

Selecting a doctor for your dog is a critical decision because, as we mentioned, you want the best for them. Think about it this way: how would you find a doctor for yourself? You can apply most of the same methods when researching and determining who will provide regular care to your dog.

Before You Meet The Vet

Don’t rush to Google and call the first hit when you search [your town] + [veterinarian]. Try some of these small steps to find some reputable nearby doctors.

Tap your network. Look to those around you for input. Talk to people you trust and ask how they like their vet. Dr. Patricia Patterson, Staff Veterinarian of the Best Friends Animal Society told PetMD, “I always tell people to go with word of mouth. Ask friends, relatives, neighbors, local shelters or rescues who they use.” This way you’ll get to ask the questions that are most important to you, instead of scrolling through what’s important to others.

Get a vet-approved referral. If you move out of the city or state, away from a doctor you and your pup love, ask if they have any recommendations. Just like you have a personal network, your former vet has a professional network that could be a good resource.

Google cautiously. An Internet search can tell you the doctors that are nearby and show reviews from other patients. Don’t put too much stock in feedback from these websites. The American Veterinary Medical Association offers this advice, “…although online review sites can be valuable for picking out a restaurant, we don’t recommend you rely on them when choosing your veterinarian because the reviews may not reflect the average client experience. Personal references, such as the others we’ve listed here, are more reliable sources for finding a veterinarian.”

Check the accreditation. When you’re looking at potential offices, figure out if they are accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). The accreditation means the animal hospital meets high veterinary care standards. They voluntarily complete an extensive evaluation of their services and equipment. Then an AAHA consultant evaluates the hospital to make sure it meets their high standards. You can find animal hospitals with AAHA accreditation with this site locator.

Learn the details. When you narrow down the list of veterinarians think about some key factors: where is the office located? What are the office hours? If you prefer to communicate via email, will they respond promptly? Are appointments required?

When You Visit The Office

Now you’ve selected your vet’s perspective doctor. Consider each of the following elements.

Beware of table stakes. Take a look around the waiting and examination rooms. You want to see a place that is neat and orderly. If you smell unpleasant orders, that can be a bad sign. Note how you feel in the environment. If you get good vibes, that’s a positive sign (but not the only data to rely on).

Meet the professional staff. A veterinarian’s office isn’t just about the doctor. If you find the receptionist unpleasant or they don’t return phone messages, it could be uncomfortable bringing your dog into the office. Take note of the vet techs. They will work closely with the doctor and your pup, so you need to like them, too.

Learn about all doctors in the practice. Some offices have more than one vet. If you have your heart set on one specific doctor, ask if you are able to request appointments with them.

Ask about the services (and costs). Find out what can be done in the office. For example, do they provide emergency services? What about X-rays, ultrasound, bloodwork, and other diagnostics? Ask about general costs for services. You’ll want to know if the office takes pet insurance, or offers payment plans for costly medical care.

During Your Visit With The Vet

When you are in the examination room with the doctor and your pup it’s time to think about these critical components.

Schedule a meet and greet. Hopefully, you aren’t in the position of needing care immediately because your pup is sick. If you can, make an appointment to get to know the doctor before critical care is needed. It will be easier to evaluate the doctor in a calm situation.

Observe the doctor’s bedside manner. Some dogs are terrified of visiting the vet. If your pup is scared, take note of how the doctor handles the anxiety.

Consider your philosophies. How do you feel about euthanasia, cancer care, chronic disease planning, and spaying and neutering? You’ll want to discuss these issues with your doctor to make sure you are in alignment when it comes to care. In her interview with PetMD, Dr. Patterson said, “I would have an idea of what my principles and overall ethics on animal care are, and then I would ask the veterinarian and staff what they think.”

 

Pick the vet that’s right for you and your dog

No two dogs or two humans are exactly alike. What may be a good choice for you and your dog, may not be a good choice for your friend and her pooch. With a little bit of homework and thoughtfulness on your part, you’ll be able to find the best caregiver for your pup. Most importantly, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. After all, this person will be caring for a beloved family member, so do what’s best for you and your furry friend.

The post 4 Simple Steps to Choosing the Right Veterinarian for Your Dog And You appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

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There are many things to consider when considering getting a new puppy. At iHeartDogs.com, we believe adoption is the best option! Many of us are dead-set on certain breeds. Others aren’t quite sure. Regardless, cost is always a factor when deciding to add a dog to your home.

There are many things that bring up the cost of the dog outside of the purchase price – and these include crates, toys, beds, kennels, food, and health issues. While health testing is at an all-time high for breeders who are working hard to eliminate the problems in their breeds, there are still many people out there who simply don’t know or don’t care about how health problems can affect our lives as well as our dog’s. Below we’ve compiled a list of the most expensive dog breeds to have based on these criteria, and came up with the conclusions from our active, personal experience in showing and training dogs, as well as conversations with excellent breeders and veterinarians.

#1 – English Bulldog

English Bulldogs are gaining popularity by the day, and their silly personalities are likely the reason why. But this breed comes at a cost, and we’re not just talking about the up-front purchase price of a puppy – which can reach up to $3,000 alone. English Bulldogs are prone to a multitude of health problems, which means excess trips to the veterinarian and more medical bills than your average breed. English Bulldogs are at high risk for heart conditions, hip and elbow dysplasia, cancer, multiple eye problems, allergies, skin issues, and even hyperthermia (over-heating). Despite their health concerns, English Bulldogs live roughly 8-10 years, which means there’s a chance you’ll be stuck with veterinarian bills for quite a while.

 #2 – German Shepherd Dog

One of the most popular dogs in the world also happens to be one of the least healthy. It’s unfortunate, but true. A well-bred German Shepherd can be difficult to find, and you’re likely to spend around $2,500 regardless of bloodline. Like the English Bulldog, German Shepherds require more than just the purchase price of the puppy. It’s not uncommon for them to have allergies, gastrointestinal ailments, bloat, cancer, Degenerative Myelopathy, and have hip and elbow dysplasia. In fact, their decreasing health is part of the reason for their decline in work fields such as police, military, and search and rescue.

#3 – French Bulldog

Just like their English cousins, French Bulldogs often have a multitude of ailments in just one specimen. Although their temperaments are typically wonderful, their physical health results in veterinarian bills that increase over time. A French Bulldog puppy is also not a cheap purchase, so keep these costs in mind when considering your next pet.

#4 – Chow Chow

This Chinese breed is one of the oldest dog breeds in existence today, as confirmed by DNA tests studying these dogs and other breeds and their ancestors. Originally developed as a multi-purpose working dog, Chows have excelled at herding, hunting, guarding, and pulling. Due to the age of the breed, many changes have been made, some better than others. The breed is prone to certain health issues, such as multiple eye problems, cancer, diabetes, canine pemphigus, and autoimmune diseases. Not only do their health problems cause concern, their thick coats cannot go ignored. Not only are Chows more prone to having flea infestations (they will likely be infested before you realize they have fleas, because they are so hard to find in their coats), they need regular and frequent grooming to ensure they don’t get matted hair and infected skin. With Chows, your overall cost will be the purchase price, the cost of grooming over the lifetime of the dog, and any health issues that may have popped up.

#5 – Tibetan Mastiff

Tibetan Mastiffs are large guardians, with thick coats and stubborn temperaments. While health issues don’t pop up as often in this breed, they are still there and are something to be aware of. Skin problems, allergies, eye conditions, hypothyroidism, cancer, and epilepsy are a few of the major problems. Of course, as with any large breed, hip and elbow dysplasia should also be of concern. Like the Chow Chow, the Tibetan Mastiff has a thick coat that can also more easily harbor fleas and mites, though a careful parent will be able to avoid infestations. Frequent, regular grooming is a must to prevent any matted fur and skin infections. Let’s not forget the recent story of the Tibetan Mastiff puppy that sold in China for $2 million, although the breed sells for far less elsewhere!

#6 – Irish Wolfhound

The Irish Wolfhound is the largest dog breed in existence, and their size must be taken into consideration when thinking about purchasing a puppy or adopting an older dog. Large dogs need more food, larger crates, beds, kennels, and toys. They are often more expensive to board at a kennel if you’re going out of town, and even regular medication for simple ailments or procedures are going to cost more money. Unfortunately, large dogs are typically prone to more health issues than smaller breeds, and Irish Wolfhounds are no exception. Ailments found in the breed are hip and elbow dysplasia, cardiac diseases, bloat, and eye conditions.

#7 – Great Dane

Another large breed like the Irish Wolfhound, the Great Dane comes at the same cost of every extremely large dog breed there is, including more food and medication, dog crates and beds, and boarding costs. Heart conditions, hip and elbow dysplasia, and bloat are common ailments in the breed that can result in expensive treatments that last the lifetime of the dog. These gentle giants have a personality that’s loved by many, and have been bittersweetly nicknamed “The Heartbreak Breed.”

#8 – Rottweiler

These beautiful guardians can be quite expensive to purchase, as a puppy or as an adult dog. Because many are bred for working ability and show quality, the cost of the breed has gone up substantially. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean you’ll find yourself with a healthy pet, as there are many conditions that Rottweilers are predisposed to, and most not at fault of the breeder. The most common ailment in Rottweilers is cancer, which comes with extremely costly treatments should parents choose that route for their dogs. They are also prone to hip and elbow dysplasia and bloat, common in most large breeds. Eye and cardiac issues are also of concern, and the breed has been found to be very susceptible to contracting parvovirus as puppies. While the Rottweiler is a loyal and loving companion, the ailments found in the breed are unfortunately very expensive to treat.

#9 – Bernese Mountain Dog

Not only are these gentle giants prone to the vast majority of issues that all other large breeds have, they have thick coats that require regular grooming. While the coat needs only weekly brushing, their ears require special treatment as they can trap bacteria and become infected if not regular cleaned. Bernese Mountain Dogs have one of the highest incidences of cancer in all dog breeds, and parents of this breed report almost three times as many musculoskeletal problems than other breeds. Because of these issues, Bernese Mountain Dogs may face early loss of mobility and a decreased lifespan.

#10 – Basset Hound

Bassets are a large breed in a smaller body, because of their shortened legs. Because of their dwarfism, they are typically kept and treated as larger breed dogs, such as bigger meals and more expensive medications. Unfortunately, this also means they are prone to the same ailments that large breeds can have. Bloat is common in Bassets, and their large ears are also more likely to become infected with bacteria and/or mites. Their droopy eyes can become infected if not kept clean, as well as the folds around their mouths and faces. As with other breeds, hip and elbow dysplasia are also concerns.

The post The 10 Most Expensive Dog Breeds To Own appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

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One Dog Treat Company Believes That If Its Not Good Enough for Humans, It’s Not Good Enough for Dogs

We have to admit, we were a bit skeptical. A dog treat that both humans and dogs could eat, that actually tastes good?

But from the moment you tear open the bag and get a whiff of the smell, you begin to understand.

My 13 year old Siberian Husky is as picky as a cat when it comes to food and treats. I didn’t think she’d even give them a sniff.

But to my surprise, she couldn’t get enough. Her Riley’s treat has become a bit of an evening dessert routine now. After she cleans her dinner bowl, she’ll find a Rileys treat appeared in the bowl later in the evening. (She loves the Peanut Butter flavor best.)

Top 5 Things We Love About These Treats

1. Only 6 ingredients, and all of them are human-grade and non-GMO
2. They contain absolutely zero wheat, corn, or soy which are common allergens
3. No added sugar, salt, preservatives. No artificial colors or flavors.
4. They are certified organic and vegan
5. They smell like fresh baked treats out of the oven!

The Top 1 Thing We Do Not Love About These Treats

1. They may disappear fast, because humans or dogs can eat them! (they taste like a lightly sweetened cookie or granola bar)

Pro-Tip: Do not eat them with your dog present. They may give you a dirty look 🙂

 

Take a Look at These Pups and People Enjoying Them!

 

For a Limited Time, Buy 2 or More Bags & Save 20%!

There’s 3 tasty flavors to choose from: peanut butter & molasses, sweet potato, and pumpkin coconut, both available on Amazon Prime

Each Bag of Treats Has a Hidden Bonus: It Feeds 5 Shelter Dogs!

Through our exclusive partnership with GreaterGood.org, each bag of treats you purchase on Amazon Prime will provide 5 healthy meals for shelter dogs across the country!

 

Shop All the Riley’s Flavors on Amazon Prime!

 

 

The post These Human-Grade Dog Treats Went Viral and Taste Amazing to Pups & People appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

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To obtain the rank of Eagle Scout, a boy scout must complete a project that benefits his community. This requirement has encouraged thousands of young men to give back in creative ways that have touched hundreds of lives.

One young man in Utah chose to use this opportunity to complete a project near and dear to his heart. Chance Call has always had a soft spot for pets. Like many of us, he would love to give every single shelter dog a home, but is unfortunately unable to open his home to the millions of pets in shelters nationwide. His project, though, is going to give the next-best thing: a comfortable bed!



Shelters often operate at or over capacity, and on very tight budgets. When prioritizing necessities, comforts like beds and blankets come in way after things like food, medicines, running water and electricity. Some dogs may have nothing but a cold, concrete floor.

Chance told FoxNews:

“I made these beds to help them be more comfortable and more relaxed. It feels really nice.  I know there are a lot of animals that don’t get a house.”

Chance raised funds for his project, then gathered a group of friends, some PVC pipe and fabric and got to work! With over $3,000 and 120 hours of labor, Chance and his friends put together 150 beds to be distributed to Davis County Animal Care and Control for the pets in their facility!
The beds may not be a home – but they’ll provide a lot of comfort to dogs who are still waiting for their families to find them! The beds will be distributed on April 1st, and Davis County Animal Care and Control is excited to recieve them!

You may not be able to bring every dog home, but you can make a big difference in a lot of lives. Thank you for your hard work, Chance!

You can give a little comfort to a shelter dog too! Check out our buy a blanket/give a blanket program – Give Warmth!

H/T:FoxNews.com

 

 

The post Teen’s Eagle Scout Project Provides Beds for 150 Homeless Dogs! appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

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Dogs need lots of mental and physical stimulation. Not only does this keep them healthy, but it prevents them from getting into mischief in your home when you aren’t around. For pet owners who work long hours, consider the benefits of doggy daycare. Dogs that go to doggy daycare get to play and exercise, build socialization skills and have less separation anxiety compared to their non-daycare counterparts.

Pet owners may have different reasons for putting a puppy or dog into dog daycare, but the results are almost always positive. Reputable dog daycare facilities will conduct a meet and greet evaluating your dog’s temperament. No one wants your dog to be miserable at dog daycare. Unhappy dogs lead to aggression and possibly injury.

The majority of dogs pass temperament tests, don’t experience separation anxiety while at daycare and generally love the experience. In fact, most dogs start to recognize the days when they get to go to their playgroups and can’t wait. If your dog’s enthusiasm isn’t enough to convince you to take him, consider all the benefits of dog daycare.

Benefits of Doggie Daycare

There are many reasons to get your dog out of the house and out to his playgroup. The price of doggie daycare is well worth according to most pet owners. Don’t believe it?

Here are 14 reasons to consider putting your pup in doggie daycare:

Safe Environment for Play

Giving your dog a safe environment to play is top priority. When at a dog boarding or day care facility, your dog is not just in play areas designed for dog play, his play groups are structured with other dogs that play like him. The entire time your dog is interacting with other dogs, he is being supervised in a safe environment where he can have fun being a dog.

Release Pent-Up Energy

You know what it’s like when you arrive home from a long day at work. Your dog is so excited to see you and get outside. When your pup has spent the day with friends, he is more likely to want a nap while you make dinner than demand an hour walk. Let him get that energy out so you can settle in at home and then spend quality time with him later.

Develop Socialization Skills

 

Dogs are pack creatures and need social interaction. Puppy play groups helps dogs develop positive behavior skills. Some dogs take some time to adapt to the daycare pack but once they do separation anxiety lessens. Dogs become more social and have less anxiety not just at the boarding facility but also at home.

Make New Doggie Friends

Forget a petty sitter, give your dog a real canine companion at dog daycare. He will find new canine friends with the same play style. It also builds strong socialization skills that will help you when you take him to the local café, a wake at the park or to play at the dog park.

Overcome Dog-Mom Guilt

Forget scheduling your entire day to make it home early or for lunch to spend a bit of time with your dog. Alleviate dog-mom guilt knowing your puppy is having fun at his doggy play group. You can enjoy a lunch with friends while he enjoys exploring the dog play areas at day care with all his pooch pals.

Controlled Play Areas

When your dog is at doggy day care, he is always being monitored by staff members. This means someone is always there to prevent trouble from starting and deal with any emergency that might arise. Canines are social animals but left unchecked can find trouble. By keeping playtime controlled, everyone is kept safe while boredom and destructive behavior is curbed.

Affordable Pricing

Most doggy daycares have affordable pricing tiers making it possible to take your dog often. Pet owners appreciate loyalty programs and punch cards that discount frequent visits or include boarding facility options as well for extended stays when you are out of town. If you are concerned about pricing, talk to the doggy daycare facility to see what pricing options are available. You might be surprised.

Pet Care for Healthier Dogs

Doggy daycare is a type of pet care that isn’t health care per se, but does help to keep dogs healthier. They get more exercise, are less likely to eat things that can lead to poisoning or obstruction and improve mental capacity. Dogs come home from doggy day care exhausted and ready to cuddle with you on the sofa.

More Comfortable Bladders for Small Dogs

While your dog might be willing and able to hold, it isn’t always healthy for him. Leaving your dog at home for extended periods of time can lead to bladder or kidney infections, especially in older or small dogs. Staff members make your dog gets to go potty several times a day. Your dog’s health is worth it.

Big or Small Dog Play Areas

Your dog’s temperament determines where he will spend his play time while in pet care. Small dogs are kept in the small dog area while big dogs romp amongst themselves. Staff members are trained to recognize anxiety or aggression in dogs. They will make sure that shy and scared dogs are not put in with the rough-n-tumble crowd.

Stop Destructive Behavior at Home

You’ll find less unwanted chewing than when leaving your dog at home all day. When dogs are given a fun environment and outdoor play areas to enjoy, the dog’s overall behavior improves. Even if you only take your dog to daycare twice a week, he’ll be less likely to chew, mark or bark all day long. If you’ve been told that your dog cries, howls or barks all day while you are away, doggy daycare is a positive solution.

Outdoor Play and Fun

When you leave your dog at home, chances are he is on the sofa for the day just waiting for you to return. Many doggy daycare facilities have indoor playrooms and outdoor play time when weather permits. Getting outside in a safe environment with other dogs gives your dog mental stimulation and gives him friends to work on his social skills.

Gives Dogs a Routine

If your schedule is unpredictable, you can provide a clear routine for your dog. Dogs like routine and habits and are less likely to experience anxiety and separation anxiety when they have regular routines. While at doggy daycare, your dog will have specific routines for play, potty and feeding.

Prepares Dogs for Overnight Dog Boarding

Dogs that go to daycare do better when owners are out of town and have to keep the pups in boarding facilities overnight. By socializing your dog and creating happy habits away from home, your dog is more likely to adapt to extended stays away from you.

Dog Owners, Dog Kennels and Dog Daycare

Pet owners are the only one who can determine the total value of doggy daycare. Many owners see their slightly lethargic and overweight dogs drop weight and become enthusiastic partners for longer evening walks and weekend adventures. Find a dog daycare that makes you feel comfortable and gives you peace of mind. You’re leaving your dog in someone else’s care.

Check facilities for reputation and ask for insurance. They’re going to ask you for vaccination records as well. Dog daycare has to mutually work otherwise dogs become depressed or aggressive. No one wants a serious incident to happen. You want to make sure the kennel is a good fit for your dog.

 

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Janet Turner has turned her passion for rescue into a movement. She’s bringing awareness and raising funds for worthy pet rescues with #RunningForRescues, and her best friend, Gordon, has her back!

Janet Turner has many loves in her life. She has a house full of pets, including a few with special needs. Not long ago she adopted a dog named Molido from the Soi Dog Foundation in Phuket, Thailand. Molido was a street dog who was found in terrible condition by tourists. She lost the use of her back legs, but now lives happily with Janet. Her second special needs dog, Gordon, who also has no use of his legs, was adopted two years ago and accompanies Janet while she does one of the things she loves most: running. Sam, Leftee, and a cat named Carter round out Janet’s pack.

Janet has been running since she was 13, but it was only recently that she realized that she could combine her sport with her passion for animals to make a difference in the world. She tells iHeartDogs,

“I had run the Chicago Marathon and fundraised for one particular organization. I saw that I was able to advocate and educate well enough that I could raise money for animals.

“I found there were many organizations that were hurting. I thought why just have the mindset that you just want to help one, when you could help many and make a bigger impact on communities? I prefer fundraising for the little guy if you will. I prefer new rescues up-and-coming and shelters that get very little foot traffic in their areas.”

“I coined the phrase #RunningForRescues because I didn’t want to just run for one particular organization. I wanted to be able to support many organizations and I felt that I needed to pull away and let folks know that I was interested in supporting lots of folks. I didn’t want to tie up all the donations for one place when I could share the love. “

Janet’s goal is to help as many rescues as she can, spreading the word about helping out the little guy – the small local rescues who are doing something wonderful for pets on a small scale. They may not get the attention that bigger organizations get or help as many animals, but by raising awareness they can help the pets in their own backyards – and that’s important too!

Janet especially loves showing support for the rescues where she found her family. One of the first marathons she did in support of a rescue was the Marshall Marathon in Huntington, West Virginia for the Humane Society of Pleasants County, where she adopted Carter.

“That’s where my journey began in trying to help animals. I had initially volunteered at the shelter on Saturdays. And  that truly is how things really got started and progress towards what we are doing today.”

Janet runs because she loves it, but she also does it for the causes she loves. She has raised thousands of dollars for worthy rescues – far surpassing her original goal.

“I initially absolutely surpassed my financial goal. My goal was $1,500 and I raised over $6,000 and I ended up raising over $16,000 in 22 months.

“My next goal is coming up in May. I am fundraising for a dog rescue out of California by the name of SOS Dog Rescue- Strength of Shadow. It is a new and up-and-coming rescue and they just recently purchased the Shadow Ranch.

“I am organizing a running team for SOS. The charity coordinator has been gracious enough to allow SOS to become a charity partner for the race. This is going to open the doors for the rescue in getting more people interested in supporting them. So, this particular goal is a step further than what I had been doing. This particular fundraiser will have a long term effect. Through future racing, SOS will continue to benefit not just in 2020.”

While fundraising for rescues Janet found that her cause was making a difference in her life, too. As an unexpected bonus, she saw herself growing as a person.

“Not only did I have a financial goal, I had a goal to grow as a human. I was a very shy and awkward on social media. I now have definitely surpassed any expectations of what I thought I would look like in the beginning to now.

“I do live videos frequently and very rarely am I nervous. I became much more confident person and really discovered that I was a very passionate about animals. I’ve always loved animals but I had no idea I was so passionate about them. I was extremely proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and sometimes in life we have to do that to be able to make a difference.”

#RunningForRescues is a one-woman-movement, but Janet has never been on this journey alone. She’s always had supporters, and most importantly: her pack. Gordon accompanies Janet on her runs sitting in a backpack she carries with her. He may not be able to run on his own, but Janet says he loves to be with her.

“I enjoyed running with my late dog Moose and I knew that I wanted to run with Gordon before I adopted him. I purchased a backpack for him to ride in due to the fact that he was a paraplegic and would not be able to run by my side. Gordon absolutely loves being with me whether it in a backpack or just hanging out at home.”

Janet is only getting started. She has big plans coming up and is taking #RunningForRescues international – starting with the rescue that connected her with Molido, the Soi Dog Foundation.

“Not only am I going to run a race for them, I have plans to go visit them and volunteer for a week to let them know how much I appreciate what they’ve done for myself and for Molido.”

You can become a part of Janet’s team by supporting her work as she continues #RunningForRescues! Learn more about her cause and her pack on Facebook!

H/T: Dogster.com
Featured Photo: G-Dog Gordon/Facebook

The post This Woman is #RunningForRescues with Her Disabled Dog appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

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A Simple, Natural Solution for Your Itchy Dog

When the days start getting longer and the sun seems to shine just a little brighter, I know summer is approaching. More importantly, it’s pool time. Countless hours in the pool with my two favorite fur balls. In and out of the pool, chasing a ball or some improvised chew toy. Their coats hold so much water, that each time they get out of the pool, I swear I see the water level drop an inch. I love it. What I don’t love is what it does to my skin…and theirs. The water and chlorine are brutal, causing horribly dry skin. This always leads to licking. Then scratching. Then chewing. All – not good.

Medically known as canine atopic dermatitis (CAD), dry, itchy skin can be a major issue for dogs. If left untreated, it can lead to lesions, hair loss, or bacterial infections. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a hypersensitivity to allergens.

3 Most Common Canine Allergies

• Food
• Environmental
• Contact

Allergies are a hypersensitive and damaging response of the immune system to external allergens, such as pollen and food. It’s the same for humans and dogs. However, with dogs the signs and symptoms may go unnoticed because our furry friends can’t tell us what’s wrong. So as the leader of the pack, we need to be hyperaware of what to look out for.

Common Signs of Canine Allergies

• Scratching and biting on skin
• Excessive licking
• Watery eyes
• Paw chewing or licking
• Nasal discharge
• Breathing problems (very serious!)

Fortunately, there are many ways to help boost your dog’s immune system and fight the itchy and dry skin. Some studies have shown promise with Omega-3 supplementation in the diet of dogs suffering from allergies. And although simply giving your dog a supplement is unlikely erase the symptoms, (always consult your vet for a complete treatment plan) there is pretty clear evidence that Omega-3 fatty acids provide benefits to the immune system, and many dogs are in fact deficient in Omega fatty acids due to the fact that dog’s cannot produce them on their own. 

A Problem: Dogs Can’t Produce Vital Omega Fatty Acids

There are many sources of Omega fatty acids. Some believe that dog food delivers all the dog needs. Unfortunately, because Omega’s are susceptible to heat, most of the benefits become biologically unavailable to your dog due to the cooking/treatment temperatures of dog food. This is why many dog owners have turned to a supplement to provide their dog’s daily needs of essential fatty acids.

My dogs love our Omega-3-6-9 Select chews from Project Paws. I like them because they’re made from krill, which have some of the highest concentrations of Omega’s of any marine animal. Also, because these are tiny creatures with a shorter lifespan, they don’t contain the high level of toxins like fish. They’re also available in two sizes: one for small and large dogs. I love them because like all of our products sold on iHeartDogs.com, each purchase of Omega-3-6-9 Select chews provides meals for 14 shelter dogs!

The key to remember: Your dog needs Omega fatty acids (supplement, fish meat, whatever the source). So whatever you choose, just make it part of a healthier, happier lifestyle for your dog. It definitely made a splash with mine. Or was that the pool?

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. 

The post Dropping This In Your Dog’s Food Bowl Could Help With Painful Skin Itchiness appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

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I have been a veterinary technician for over 20 years.

I got into this industry because I was good at dog training and dog handling.

I started as a receptionist but quickly worked my way up to handling bad dogs.  Thankfully I had the ability to handle the really bad and aggressive dogs.

I love both my veterinary technician job and my job as a dog trainer, and thankfully I am given a voice to help others who may run across similar training and health issues with their dogs.

Here’s how to stay calm in dog emergencies.

Make an Emergency Kit

 

Make an emergency kit for your dog!

Thermometer (normal temperature for a dog is between 100 and 102.5 one of the first things to do in an emergency is to take your dog’s temperature rectally.  This information is vital to your veterinarian)

Clippers (something to shave a minor wound or infection)

Scissors (something clean to help trim damaged skin i.e. paw pads)

It should include mild soaps (more on this later)

Betadine

Sterile gauze pads

Nonstick gauze pads

Rolled cotton for bandaging

Vet-wrap (for bandaging)

Elastikon (sticky bandaging that will help hold a bandage in place)

Sticky cotton tape

Neosporin

Silver sulfadiazine cream (great for burns and most skin damage)  click here to find out more from the Mayo Clinic

Manuka honey

Saline solution

Gloves

Tongue depressors (these are great for applying ointments without having to touch the skin directly)

A muzzle (just in case)

Elizabethan Collar in your dog’s size (to keep your dog from licking.  Dog saliva can create infection)

Tourniquets

Heating Pad (make sure the skin never gets too hot or burned)

Fan

A Cold pack

A warm pack

Treating Minor Wounds on Dogs

 

The first thing to know is how to treat minor wounds on dogs.

Minor wounds come in the form of scrapes, bruises, ripped paw pads and cuts, among some other negligible conditions.

Scrapes and abrasions

Scrapes and abrasions can happen when your dog runs through a wooded area or scrapes his fur and skin on things like rocks or other things in his environment.  Manuka honey may help some small wound healing process.

Bruises

Bruises which are simply damaged small blood vessels that bleed under the skin can appear a day or two after a scrape or cut.

Ripped Paw Pads

Ripped paw pads can range from small rips and little damage to bleeding paws.  If there is active bleeding you should seek the help of your veterinarian.  If the damage is a small injury and the rip is negligible or not tender to the dog, the damaged tissue paw pad can usually be trimmed back so that it doesn’t tear and create more injury.

Imagine damaging your own skin, the damaged skin has died and is no longer painful; but when pulled or caught it damages the surrounding tissues which are still sensitive and alive.  Trimming the dead tissue can help the healing process of the alive tissue.

Vet wrap can be helpful, but make sure you don’t wrap it too tight!!!  Click here to see how to appropriately vet wrap a wound

Cuts

Cuts can happen anytime your dog receives damage to his skin by either something sharp or something blunt.  Cuts can range anywhere from minor in both length and depth to seriously life threatening when they are deep or cut a major vein or artery.

First Things First

Assess the area!

If the your dog has incurred an injury the first thing to do is assess the area and the damage.

For many dog owners, they have a hard time dealing with the pain and wounds of their dog, however if you are going to either help your dog yourself or take your dog to the veterinary clinic; it is best to assess the damage and be prepared and in the know.

Shave

One of the best ways to assess a small wound is to shave the damaged area.

It may require you and a friend, a neighbor or a family member; but shaving will help you discover how much area has been injured.

Many dogs come into our veterinary hospital with a small wound only to have us begin shaving and realize how much more of the surrounding skin and tissue is suffering from infection or rashes.   Many times these infections will require antibiotics prescribed by your veterinarian in order to help your dog recover.

By shaving the area, you can see how much of the skin is affected and shaving helps to clean the wound.

Fur, simply by it’s nature, holds bacteria and can keep the skin from breathing adequately.  Shaving the fur can help you to clean and sanitize the wound care area.

Shaving also keeps the area dry.  Often time drying the wound is preferential to using ointments.  Ointments can keep bacteria closer to the skin and inhibit the healing process.  Just like our own wounds, sometimes letting them dry out and form a scab is better than keeping them open and oozing with ointments.  If in doubt as your vet!

Be sure to shave in the direction of the wound and don’t run the clippers too close to infection or a laceration or cut.  By doing so, you can inadvertently make the wound bigger or create more bleeding and damage.  You certainly don’t want to make the pain or injury greater.

If the wound needs to be clipped closer to the skin or against the grain of the fur, allow your veterinarian and his/her veterinary technicians to use his/her skill and medical knowledge to do so in their treatment area.

Clean the Area

If the wound is something you feel you can touch and deal with after shaving, the next best thing to do is to clean the injured area.

Be sure to use a mild soap and warm water.  Wound care is important!

Cold or hot water can shock the area and cause more pain.

Harsh chemicals like peroxide, isopropyl alcohol or strong soaps can damage the tissues that are trying to begin the healing process.  Inappropriate wound care and treatment can hurt your dog.

In veterinary medicine we often use diluted chlorohexidine soaps and solutions.

We often also use betadine solutions.  Both are gentle on the skin, tissue and wound; but dilute chlorohexidine is less likely to stain clothing and is easier to use click here for more information.

Know Your Wounds

I will mention this again, because it is so important, many wounds do better if they can dry out a bit and heal.

After having a piercing, it is recommended that you clean the area about twice daily and let it dry.  Putting ointments like Neosporin on puncture wounds can actually help bacteria breed.

In some instances your dog may need some prophylactic antibiotics, prescribed by your veterinarian so that the area can also be treated by a cream like silver sulfadiazine without creating an issue.

If you are in doubt ask your vet!  It is sometimes difficult for me to assess just what a dog wound might need and I have worked in this industry for over 20 years.

Complicated Wounds

Treating complicated wounds can be more difficult and may need to be assessed by your vet.

Puncture Wounds

Puncture wounds usually need prophylactic antibiotics.  Bacteria and debris on the puncturing instrument can cause serious infection and abscesses to form under the skin.  Treatment of puncture wounds and exploring them and their length is important.

Make sure you utilize an Elizabethan Collar because dog saliva can spread bacteria and make wounds more severe.

Bite Wounds

Dog bite wounds may also need very specific care.  Most need prophylactic antibiotics to reduce the chances that infections will spread and abscess.  Depending on the size of the dog bite wound a drain may need to be applied to help infection to safely drain out of your dog’s skin.

Cat bite wounds are seriously dangerous.  Cats have a large amount of bacteria that live their mouths.  In veterinary medicine we joke that they are like Komodo Dragons.  Most of us that work in this industry would rather be bitten by a dog than by a cat.  I have had several coworkers that have had to be hospitalized on IV antibiotics after a cat bite.  Thankfully cats don’t often bite dogs (not as often as dog to dog bites).

If you don’t know what bit your dog but you assume it is an animal bite of some sort, be sure and take him to the vet to be on the safe side and to be treated with antibiotics as a precaution.  Even if you aren’t quite sure it is an animal bite; it is better to be safe.  Let your vet figure out if he thinks it is an animal bite or not.  We are always trying to assess wounds for tooth punctures.

Lacerations

We usually lacerations in the veterinary world are considered bigger than “cuts” and can have jagged edges.  Typically most lacerations are not caused by very sharp objects; creating that jagged edge.

Many lacerations need to be surgically sown up by your veterinarian, and wound closure may be very difficult.  Any laceration should be assessed as quickly as possible so that it can receive proper treatment.

The older the laceration the less apt wound closure can be safely achieved.

Old wounds often become necrotic around the edges and their treatment cannot be closed safely, surgically.  Often times the area needs to be cut back into undamaged and alive tissues (surgical debridement) so that they can be surgically sown or stapled and the tissues can heal.

Make sure you don’t allow your dog to lick.  Dog saliva can damage skin and affect wound closure and healing.

Otherwise we have to allow them to heal by “second intention” meaning what we would have sown shut will have to heal on its own and form granulation tissue.  This typically takes much longer and may need an extended treatment of antibiotics to keep infection from spreading and killing tissues that are trying to heal.

Old wounds can also encourage infestation of maggots, especially in hot weather.  Maggots can cause severe tissue damage and necrotic tissue, so do your best to assess your dog after long periods of time outside.

Dangerous Wounds

Bleeding

Bleeding can come in many forms.

You might find a few drops of blood, or your dog might be hemorrhaging from a vein or artery.

Obviously, a few drops of blood is less scary and you can take your time to begin your assessment process.  Honestly, fresh blood and bleeding is better than finding an old wound, because again, fresh wounds are easier to suture, treat, and treat with prophylactic antibiotics as well as ointments that might assist in healing.

If your dog is bleeding more than you are comfortable with, but is not actively hemorrhaging you can bandage the area before heading to your vet.

One of my dogs cut her foot on sharp metal lawn edging.  Her foot was bleeding a great deal and the injury was deep, but I wasn’t worried she was going to bleed out before I could get her to the vet.  I was able to use some nonstick gauze pad, rolled cotton, vet-wrap, and elastikon to bandage her and get her to the vet for sutures and assessment.  She needed 5 sutures and was losing blood fairly rapidly!  Bandage changes should be done every 2-3 days to assess healing.

Bleeding Heavily

If your dog is bleeding heavily a tourniquet may be your only option.

Again, take a brief moment to assess the area and damage.  A cool head is required even in serious emergencies.

It is also important to make sure the tourniquet is applied correcting, above the wound and on the legs or paws and that it is not left on too long!

A tourniquet should not be left on for more than 10 minutes!  If you must apply the tourniquet release and reapply.  Tourniquets left on too long can create permanent damage.

Summary

In short it is best to prepare yourself mentally and physically for a probably emergency or wound incurred by your dog.

Set up an emergency kit and work toward getting the items on the list.  Be sure to put an e collar or “cone” collar on your list.  Many people like the Kong Cloud

Get comfortable taking your dog’s temperature and assessing what he looks like normally, so that you can better assess when he is distressed.

Look your dog’s body over when he has spent time outside.

If you see blood take some time to try and find its source so that you can help your vet.

If you can, shave and clean the area prior to your arrival at your vet; this will help your veterinarian immensely.

Keeping a cool head during an emergency or even when dealing with a wound can mean the difference between life and death.

Do you have any other first aid tips?  Please share them in the comments!

The post Keep a Cool Head and Know How to Treat Wounds on a Dog appeared first on TheDogTrainingSecret.com.

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