Whisker Therapy

If you frequently board or travel with your dog, you may have noticed that he’s prone to diarrhea during or immediately after these experiences. These stressful situations can easily upset your dog’s digestive system. Sure, you can add pumpkin to your dog’s diet for a few days to help get things back to normal, but wouldn’t you prefer to try to avoid your poor pup suffering from diarrhea in the first place? Luckily, there is a supplement you can give your dog that may help prevent yucky poops. The answer? Probiotics.

What are probiotics?

According to WebMD:

“Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are good for your health, especially your digestive system. We usually think of these as germs that cause diseases. But your body is full of bacteria, both good and bad. Probiotics are often called ‘good’ or ‘helpful’ bacteria because they help keep your gut healthy.”

We’ve known for a while now about the benefits of probiotics for people. They can help to replace the good bacteria in our gut after we’ve been taking antibiotics – which don’t differentiate between good and bad bacteria – and they can help balance the good and bad bacteria in your digestive system on a regular basis to keep your body working the way it should. Probiotics also help food move through your digestive system by affecting nerves that control gut movement.

Now, growing evidence is showing that probiotics can be effective for dogs, too. According to PetMD:

“In a peer-reviewed journal, Marcella D. Ridgway, VMD, MS, DACVIM notes that there is growing evidence that supports the use of probiotics for dogs. She states that giving your dog healthy bacteria may positively impact chronic GI abnormalities, obesity, liver disease, and mood and behavior disorders. A daily probiotic supplement may also provide some ancillary benefits for dogs such as better skin and coat appearance, a reduction in gas, improved breath, a reduction of allergy symptoms, a reduction in yeast-associated disorders, and help in regulating bowel function.”

One thing you may not realize is that the majority of your dog’s immune system lies in his gut – 70% of all immune cells live in the gut. So taking care of your dog’s digestive system can not only help prevent stress-related diarrhea, but it can positively impact his health as a whole and strengthen his immune system so that he’ll be more resistant to picking up bugs while interacting with other dogs.

How does stress affect your dog’s digestive system?

Stress makes dogs more prone to irritable bowel syndrome, which is typically marked by blood or mucus in diarrhea, and it can also weaken a dog’s immune system to make them more susceptible to diseases such as the coronavirus, which can cause runny orange or yellowish-green diarrhea.

How do probiotics affect stress diarrhea?

A study published in 2012 showed that dogs who were given probiotics before and during a stay in a kennel showed significantly fewer signs and episodes of diarrhea than dogs who did not receive probiotics. The abstract concludes with:

“Supplementing healthy dogs with [probiotics] prior to and during kennel relocation…supported optimal stool production and may help to prevent stress-related gastrointestinal upsets and diarrhea.”

Pronine™ Flora 4-in-1 Canine Probiotic, Prebiotic, Digestive Enzyme, Herb Supplement (60 ct)

If you’re ready to try probiotics for your own pup, Project Paws® Pronine™ Flora is the most complete digestive supplement available for dogs! The 4-in-1 formula provides maximum benefit while saving you money. It contains probiotics, prebiotics, digestive enzymes, and gut-soothing herbs, perfect for preventing stress diarrhea in your dog when you board or travel with him. It’s veterinarian recommended and has a tasty chicken liver flavor your dog will love. Better than that, each purchase provides 14 meals for dogs in shelters!

Learn More About the Probiotic Formula Recommended by iHeartDogs

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.

(H/T: WebMD, PetMD, Cuteness, Vancouver Sun)

via Whisker Therapy

While most dog lovers love all dogs, we’d be lying if we said that we didn’t secretly (or in some cases, not so secretly) have a favorite. It’s not that we are selective, but it’s just that certain dog breeds pull at our heartstrings a little bit more than others. With our favorite breed often comes stereotypes, and certain characteristics that many owners hold true. To have a little fun, we’ve come up with a list of some popular dog breeds–so now you can see what your favorite dog breed says about you!

Golden Retriever

For Golden lovers, you are as friendly as can be. Typically you mesh well with all types of people, and you are always happy to meet someone new–because you have no doubt that you will get along as you’re openminded! You would do anything for your family or friends, because that’s the just the sort of kindhearted person you are.

Doberman

You are highly intelligent and protective of those you love. Sometimes people are quick to judge you, but really it’s because they just don’t understand you the way others do. To some people, you can come off as a bit intimidating–but if they were to get to know you, they would see that you’re a total sweetheart deep down.

Poodle

You love meeting new people, and you are well-received by others. Sometimes people might think you have an air about you, and you exude confidence–especially in the way that you walk. But don’t let that refined nature be deceiving, you know exactly how to let your hair down and have a good time.

Great Dane

Just like a Great Dane, you are gentle and kind. No matter who you meet, you treat all with compassion and sometimes you can be a bit of a pushover. People recognize you as the strong and silent type.

Pug

You are sprightly and full of energy, and there’s never a dull moment with you! People are naturally drawn to you for your playful nature and kindred spirit. Even though you like to play, you’re big on cuddling and love your beauty sleep, too.

Boston Terrier

You may have a tough exterior, but you are actually very sensitive. You make friends easily and you’re a great listener–and people naturally feel like they can confide in you because you always greet them with a smile.

Beagle

People know you as being the happy-go-lucky type. You enjoy learning new things and don’t get bored easily–because you can always find something to keep yourself busy. But because you can be overly curious at times, you can get yourself into trouble with your mischievousness.

Chihuahua

Regardless if you are male or female, you have a big personality that can take up a whole room. You can be a bit bossy, but you don’t mean to be! You also have no problems sticking up for yourself or taking charge. If someone hurts your feelings, you can get pretty defensive about it–and snap! So others definitely don’t want to get on your bad side.

Labrador Retriever

It’s easy for people to let their guard down around you, because you have an inviting personality. You don’t take life too seriously, and enjoy taking each day at a time. People know that you’re calm, cool and collected, and you don’t let the little things bring you down.

Dachshund

You’re quirky and there is no one else in this world quite like you! You love being an original and wouldn’t be one to fall in line with others. You are very sociable… and you don’t mind one bit being the center of attention.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Being alone for extended periods of time is not for you, because you can become lonely easily. You wouldn’t say that you are shy, but you are naturally reserved around those that you do not know. For those that you do, you are very loving–even when you are a bit neurotic at times.

Pit Bull

You don’t judge others because you know exactly how it feels to be unfairly judged. Gentle when you need to be, and tough when you have to be, you are great at assessing situations. For those who judge you they should know, you don’t have a mean bone in your entire body–because you’re a lover, not a fighter.

Husky

You are a natural born leader, strong, and have no problems showing others the way. Strong-willed and undoubtedly determined, you have no problems getting what you want in life–because you can do it all by yourself! Being active is very much your thing, because you’re not one to be known as a couch potato.

Mixed Breed

There are no frills about you, and you enjoy living life to the fullest. Spontaneity is your thing, and you don’t like to plan things too far in advance… because you may change your mind when it comes down to it. You have an undeniable pizzaz about you that draws people to you, and you have the ability to make friends with all types of people easily.

Corgi

For those who love Corgis, you are fun-loving, aren’t one to miss a meal, and at times you can be a bit stubborn–but hey, only when you know you’re right about something. People enjoy being around you–because you’re the life of the party!

German Shepherd Dog

Smart and very athletic, you aren’t afraid of hard work. People rely on you because you are trustworthy and strong–and very dependable on many levels! Sitting around is not for you, because you are a busy bee that needs a sense of purpose.

Bulldog

You are charismatic and have a very laid-back personality. You’re not a materialistic person whatsoever, and you enjoy just hanging out with family and friends. You’ve got a great sense of humor and can mesh with just about anybody–but don’t let the niceness fool anyone, you definitely have an occasional grouchy side.

Dalmatian

You enjoy being on the go, and crave discovering new thing. Life is all about adventure to you, and your always getting out there and chasing your dreams. For you, the world is your oyster.

Boxer

You can find humor in all of life’s situations. You are playful and a total jokester with your friends; sometimes have trouble keeping a serious face. Everyone knows you as a happy person and you don’t have a fake bone in your body–what you see is what you get.

Schnauzer

Not one to be shy, if you have a problem with something you will not hide your feelings about it. You have a bold personality and a zest for life; you don’t concern yourself with the opinions of others.

Yorkie

You have a lot of sass, and won’t put up with someone trying to tell you what to do. In other words, you can’t be tamed! You are devotedly loyal to those you care about, and prefer companionship over solitude. You are open-minded, but you aren’t crazy about change.

Rottweiler

You are strong and resilient, but sadly many assume that you are as tough on the inside as you are on the outside. If people take a chance and get to know you, they will quickly learn that you have a gentle spirit and a heart of gold.

Border Collie

Lovable with endless energy, you are not one to sit around on the couch watching TV for hours on end. You prefer to keep yourself busy or entertained, and you aren’t afraid to work for something that you want in life. People like you for many reasons, and you pride yourself on your smarts.

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Liz Haslam’s life has always revolved around dogs. Growing up, her mother bred West Highland Terriers, and her father owned an animal food business. As she got older, she knew her home wouldn’t be complete without the sound of paws padding down the hall, and she eventually found her passion working with rescue dogs.

Unfortunately, after years of living in a home filled with pups, Liz’s husband wanted to take a break from rescuing. When he gave her the ultimatum of, “it’s me or the dogs,” Liz knew what she had to do.

After a 25-year relationship, Liz’s husband packed his bags and left. Liz told Express.co.uk,

“He’d got to the point where he’d had enough and wanted to slow down. But I wasn’t prepared to give it up. So he decided to go.”

Liz and her husband married in 1991 and moved to a home in Suffolk seven years ago. Determined to make caring for dogs a big part of her life, Liz decided to use their half-acre of land to start a dog boarding business. That idea eventually evolved, and she’s now the proud owner of Bedsforbullies, a sanctuary for rescued Bull Terriers.

Liz takes in as many rescue dogs as she can and does whatever it takes to help them find better lives. She fosters the dogs with nowhere else to go and keeps them healthy and happy while they wait for forever families to finally find them.

There’s a lot of joy and reward that comes with running an animal rescue, but it isn’t all tail wags and belly rubs. Liz told reporters that she doesn’t get days off, and she’s usually on her feet until 11:30 every night. It’s hard work caring for a large pack of rescue dogs, but Liz sees it as her responsibility. She said,

“I took the dogs in, I can’t just stop.”

When her husband left, Liz knew she made the right decision. The former couple hasn’t spoken in the year and half since the ultimatum, and in that time, Liz has taken in even more dogs. Her pack is always growing, and she often brings in dogs that need special homes or came to her badly injured or mistreated.

There’s Shelby, a Bull Terrier that struggles to trust men and is also deaf, and Ted, a 10-year-old senior that prefers to be the only pet in the house. There are several dogs currently looking for new homes, and Liz is determined to help them even if it means doing it without her husband.

Soon it might also mean doing it without a place to call home. Bedsforbullies recently received notice from their landlord that the land where Liz and the dogs live will soon be sold with plans to redevelop the property. The Beds for Bullies team is scrambling to find a new place where the dogs can receive specialized care. They’ve started a GoFundMe page to help the nonprofit with relocation costs.

If you live in the UK and are interested in giving one of the Bedsforbullies dogs a good home, check out their Facebook page.

Do you think she made the right decision?

h/t: Express.co.uk

Feature Image: Screen shot / Daily Express via Facebook

via Whisker Therapy

Sasha the Pit Bull and baby Masailah have a very special bond. Born just days apart, the pair have spent the past eight months growing up together. So when Sasha sensed impending danger in the form of a rapidly spreading house fire, it’s no wonder her top priority was saving her best friend.

Sasha was in the backyard of the Chai family’s Stockton, California home when the frightening scene began to unfold. The neighboring house was engulfed in flame and the fire was spreading their way.

Latana Chai, Masailah’s mother, was alerted to the drama when Sasha began to cry and scratch at the door.

“I heard like a loud bang and I was like ‘what’s going on,’ and I heard Sasha crying, and she kept jumping at the door.”

Once inside, Sasha barked frantically, and Chai went outside to investigate. Seeing the spreading fire, she hurried to the baby’s room to find that Sasha was already attempting to save Masailah.

“I ran into the room and I see Sasha – she has my baby like by the diaper – just dragging her off the bed trying to get her to safety.”

Thanks to Sasha’s early warnings, the entire family made it out safely. Chai credits the dog’s actions with her love for baby Masailah and the unbreakable bond they share.

She’s always been a part of the family,” Chai said, “Now she just gets steak!”

 

H/T & Featured Screenshot via WTHR News 13

via Whisker Therapy

When you’re happily in a relationship and facing the exciting milestone of adding a dog to the family, it’s hard to plan for the depressing “what if”: If you and your partner splits up, who gets the dog?

But sadly, it’s a common reason for nasty pet custody battles, the same pets that were welcomed with open arms into a couple’s life while they were still happy. At best, the pooch gets to live with the human who can provide the most adequate care, but at worst, their world gets turned upside down and they’re brought to a shelter. But when both humans are battling it out trying to keep the dog, how do they reach a resolution?

When it comes to divorce, things can get especially sticky. According to an article by HuffPost, dogs are considered “property” in all states except Alaska and Illinois (in which a judge can award full or joint custody, like with children). In the article, Molly Rosenblum, a Las Vegas family law attorney, explained:

“Our judges don’t care, and the law tells them they can’t care.”

Oftentimes, the solution is to sell the dog and split the profit, as if pawning off a piece of antique furniture. In cases like this, couples are really forced to figure something out, unless they both want to lose the pup forever. HuffPost outlines one particular incident:

There’s really no simple answer to this tough scenario, and the best thing to do is to plan ahead. Married couples should specify custody arrangements in pre-nuptial agreements, or at least be willing to come to a custody agreement if things go awry.

But couples who get a pooch together and aren’t married are really treading in unchartered territory. Without the formality of divorce proceedings to split assets, what should they do?

A story by BarkPost outlines a list of considerations for dating couples when they’re faced with the question, “who gets the dog?”

Assuming that both parties truly want what’s best for the pup, they need to consider who’d be best to provide for, and have time for, the pet. And, in the interest of the four-legged family member, it’s important to remain civil, especially if joint custody is arranged. If your partner is being uncooperative, it might be time to talk to a lawyer. In the case of the BarkPost author, she and her ex each decided to keep one of their two dogs.

While it may seem natural to split up animals in multi-pet households, there come even more questions: who gets which pets, and will it be more detrimental to separate them than to keep them together? There’s no right or wrong answer; it really depends on every individual situation.

Other things to consider with deciding pet custody:

• Who will be able to keep the dog’s routine as normal as usual? (If one person is moving out, consider whether it’s best for Fido to stay “home.”)
• Is one of you more likely to take him to the same vet / groomer / dog park, etc. to keep his life as stable as possible?
• Who’s most likely to be able to afford surprise vet bills? Or…
• Are you and your ex willing to share costs?
• Is the dog okay traveling frequently if you decide to share custody?
• Who has more time to spend with the pooch?
• Who’s willing / able to provide adequate exercise?

In the midst of the stress, pain, and hurt of a breakup, it can be hard to step back and really decide what’s best for the dog — not for each person. If both people can put their dog’s interests first, they should come to some sort of agreement. After all, our pets are the innocent ones in this scenario who don’t have a choice.

Getting a dog with the person you love is exciting, but if you really want what’s best for everyone, work out a “what if” plan — and put it in writing — before bringing a new pet home.

Have you ever been in this difficult situation? What was the solution? Tell us in the comments below! 

via Whisker Therapy