Whisker Therapy

I’ve trained, worked with and lived with German Shepherds and German Shepherd puppies for decades.

I KNOW the struggles and the joys, first hand.

And, let me assure you that if you train your German Shepherd incorrectly, or neglect training completely, you will end up with an aggressive dog or a fearful behavioral mess.

Most dog training programs, as of late, completely ignore Impulse Control, which is essential for a high drive, biting puppy that is expected to become a good canine companion.

Traditional Methods Don’t Work

German Shepherd Dogs are very emotionally sensitive dogs.

They have been bred to be emotionally and intellectually connected to their trainer so that they can be efficient dogs for police, military and other K9 training.

As such, traditional, correction based training can completely emotionally shut down, over stimulate, or create fear in this breed.

Meaning, leash corrections will make some German Shepherds afraid of training and making mistakes; and it can make other with stronger personalities lash out in aggressive behaviors trying to bite their owner for using the leash incorrectly or introducing pain.

Training Classes Don’t Work

Taking a new German Shepherd puppy or new dog to obedience classes before training them at home, is ineffective.

Puppies need to learn obedience and impulse control in a boring and distraction-free environment.

Taking puppies, who haven’t received any kind of training, to “puppy class” and expecting them to learn new concepts is like taking your 2^nd grader to Chuck E. Cheese with his friends and expecting to sit him down and teach him a new math concept.

It isn’t fair!

It also isn’t likely to be effective at all!

The excitement level pushes the puppy WAY over his threshold and he ends up frustrated and you end up angry.

Even if you can get some basic focus, this environment is not conducive to learning, much less fair.

Don’t get me wrong!  I am ALL ABOUT dog obedience classes, but I want my dog to learn at home and be set up for success when I add that kind of stress and distraction!

No, Obedience is NOT Enough

Puppies and adult dogs who have never learned it, need Impulse Control!

I have had friends, whose dogs have won obedience titles and trophies and look AMAZING on the field, but who would steal food off the table or knee cap you going down stairs.

It was like they learned obedience “conditionally’.

They were obedient in certain circumstances and certain conditions, but had no idea how to cap their “drive” or control their basic impulses.

The majority of our German Shepherd Dogs aren’t going to be working dogs living in kennels.

Most of us want a good companion.

But, our dogs’ brains are wired differently.

They get too impulsive or too excited and have a hard time controlling themselves.

Does Your Dog Get Impulsive in These Scenarios

1. Being TOO excited to see YOU
2. Being TOO excited to see other DOGS (or animals)
3. Being TOO excited to eat
4. Being TOO excited to play
5. Being TOO excited to chase
6. Being TOO excited to greet guests
7. Being TOO excited to let loose

So, we are going to show you a SNEAKY little game that your German Shepherd Puppy needs to learn in order to begin containing his excitement when faced with any of the situations in the above list!

What I’m talking about…

Not raising a spoiled brat that none of your family wants to be around.

These dogs:

• Bark all the time and fail to be quiet
• Steal food
• Jump on people
• Invade your space

The list is endless, but you get the picture.

So one of the first simple games you can teach is Door Darter Game.

Here’s a little video that shows you the first steps for how to train your dog this game:

And if you haven’t done so already, click here to download The Door Darter Game Cheat Sheet, so you can start transforming your dog’s ability to control his Impulses today.

Or if you’re the kind of person who just likes to cut to the chase, you should check out the course we offer below…

But, the thing is…

This one game, isn’t enough to raise a polite K9.

Trust me!

I have lived with these guys and Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds for decades.

I KNOW the biting, first hand.

I understand that these breeds have a serious lack of impulse control genetically.

These genetics, help the German Shepherd be an amazing police K9 but make it miserable to live with a puppy that lacks bite inhibition!

These guys need to learn, from an early age that biting and snatching isn’t a part of family life!

And we have created a game to help stop your German Shepherd puppy from snatching things from your hands.

 

Click here to download the next step of the Stop Snatching Things From My Hand Game.

But I GOTTA WARN YOU!

Raising this kind of dog isn’t easy!

If you don’t follow some basic rules and ideals you will set yourself and your dog up for failure!

And, the good news is, that if you are consistent you will see immediate results.

Here are the top 10 BIG MISTAKES people make with their German Shepherd Puppies:

1. Lack of Socialization

Your puppy is only young once.

You have a limited amount of time to expose him to the world while he is learning to freely accept the things around him.

Skittish German Shepherds are abundant, and no one wants a 90 pound dog that lacks socialization that can lead to aggression. 

Nor does anyone want a large dog that runs from everything he visually doesn’t understand (things in his environment that can scare him).

We all want a confident dog!

But, you need to take the steps to give your puppy the training to achieve that confidence.

And, remember; with socialization you have a limited amount of time before your dog is older and less able to socialize without some resistance.

Be sure not to just turn him loose at the dog park or with children you don’t know.

It is crucial to control his social experiences and make them positive.

Socialization doesn’t mean “reckless abandon” or he might have a negative experience that could carry him through life.

Check out these free articles for more information:

https://thedogtrainingsecret.com/blog/socializing-play-interaction/

https://thedogtrainingsecret.com/blog/importance-humanpuppy-socialization-dog-training/

https://thedogtrainingsecret.com/blog/7-dog-socializing-pitfalls-avoid/

2. Lack of or Resistance to Crate Training

I can’t tell you how many people “try” crate training for the first 2 nights and then simply “give up”.

Or that amount of people who simply refuse to crate train!

It astounds me!

In order to have a well developed, well socialized and good canine companion, you need a dog that is happy in a crate.

Why?

Because at some point your dog will be in a crate: at the vet, the groomer, or pet sitter’s home.

He can’t avoid being in a crate for the rest of his life.

And, wouldn’t it be nice if you gave him the skills to not be bothered no matter where he is at?

I work at a veterinary clinic and occasionally take my dogs to work.  My Fury is so comfortable in a crate or cage that she flips upside-down and sleeps.  Not a stress in the world.

I also crate them when we go to sporting events.

I have competed in agility, obedience, dock diving, lure coursing, and protection sports and there isn’t a single venue where having your dog out of a crate all day is appropriate.

Crates also give me more options to travel.  Not only will some family only allow me and my dogs to visit if they are crated when I am gone, some motel/hotels that don’t allow pets will allow your dog with a crate too.

There really isn’t any reason NOT to crate train.

Remember all puppies will throw a fit for a few nights, just like all babies have trouble transitioning from a crib to a bed or just out of their parent’s bed.

However short term fits are better than a lifetime of chewed articles and a dog that has some separation issues because he is never alone and never expected to do things he doesn’t want to do.

After all, life is full of things we think we don’t want to do, but then realize we actually like them or see the benefit to them.

Imagine if we allowed children to just decide they didn’t want to go to school, because they didn’t like being away from home or just couldn’t get along with the other kids.

Don’t allow your puppy to dictate how you will live your life, or what kind of dog they end up being.

Because if your puppy is in charge, he will eat cake for breakfast every morning

Need help crate training, click here.  https://thedogtrainingsecret.com/blog/crate-training-basics/ and

https://thedogtrainingsecret.com/blog/top-5-reasons-dog-crate-train/

3. Not Teaching Leash Manners at Home

I think people are under the impression that puppies break from the womb with an understanding of leash manners and training.

It is as if, leashing them at home and around the house isn’t even considered.

Usually, the first time they are introduced to a leash is when the person is trying to walk them outside.

Some puppies buck and resist the leash.

Most German Shepherd puppies, however, are confident and more likely to pull on the leash toward things that excite them.

Neither of these behaviors is ideal.

One of the most important skills you will need throughout the life of your dog is appropriate leash manners.

Ironically, I worked with a lady, years ago, whose 2 German Shepherds had pulled her down and broke her arm in 2 places.

It is sad that she didn’t teach and instill better understanding of the leash and training in her German Shepherd puppies so that she wouldn’t later have to endure the pain and physical therapy of a broken arm.

The best place to learn, new and important behavior is at home!

Leash manners and training is no different.

When I trained Service Dogs for people with disabilities we would tether those puppies and adult dogs to us in the home.

This tether allowed us to keep bad behavior, like stealing items or jumping on the counter, from ever really happening consistently.

It also, ironically, taught the dog to respect and not pull on the leash!

4. Creating Possession Aggression

Did you know you can actually create a dog that has possession aggression issues?

And, German Shepherd Dogs, like similarly trained protection dogs are genetically more predisposed to be possessive.

The drive to possess an item is actually something that many breeders breed for, sounds crazy right?

Until you realize that these highly trained K9s need to want to “possess” the bad guy in the bite suit.

I have seen puppies literally wrap their arms around an item and try to swallow it, which is a highly desirable trait in these protection dogs.

So, chances are, your dog is already predisposed to some of these feelings.

Now, if you do the wrong things, you will strengthen this bad behavior.

The difference is that your dog isn’t likely to chase and capture bad guys, instead he is going to threaten to bite YOU or your children!

So First off

Don’t CHASE Him!

Read this https://thedogtrainingsecret.com/blog/refuse-chase-dog/

Do Not Reprimand Him and Take Things Away

I know that sounds odd, if he steals things, shouldn’t you reprimand him and take them away?

No!

You should put up your important things, and if he grabs something he shouldn’t have, you should exchange it for something better.  Read this for a different take on this problem https://thedogtrainingsecret.com/blog/teaching-thief-retrieve/

If you are always getting in his face and stealing the things he thinks he has worked for as he gets bigger he might just challenge you and your children.

Don’t put yourself in that predicament.

Read this to understand more about possession aggression https://thedogtrainingsecret.com/blog/possession-aggression-dogs/

It is easier to exchange and item and avoid conflict.

5. Not Building Drive and Learning to Control it

German Shepherd Dogs typically have an incalculably high prey drive.

Remember that description of the K9 chasing the bad guy?

German Shepherd Dogs easily learn this game because they have a high prey drive.

Chasing the man, is like chasing a bunny or a cat.

It is a genetic instinct in many of these K9 chosen breeds.

Most people think that in order to control their dog’s prey drive, they should teach their dog to ignore it all together, which is practically inconceivable!

The best way to teach your dog to control his instincts is to BUILD them and then add control!

The Border Collies in Scotland, don’t chase sheep at their own whim, they also don’t kill them.

Their prey drive is built and then they are taught if they want to play with the sheep; that they must learn to control it!

I use a ball on a string to build my dog’s prey drive.

Then I can use that ball as a reward for good behavior.

Learn how to build your dog’s drive and then teach him that obedience will bring about the “chase” game that he desires.

https://thedogtrainingsecret.com/blog/building-dogs-drive/

Check out how easily this little boy controls his Belgian Malinois (much like a German Shepherd) with a toy  https://thedogtrainingsecret.com/blog/joys-positive-reinforcement-drive-training/   His obedience is simply amazing!

6. Not Rewarding Your Dog for Focus on YOU

There are very few puppies who don’t lovingly look up at their owners when they are out and about.

There are even fewer German Shepherd Dog puppies that don’t.

German Shepherd Dogs have been bred to care about their human companions.

They bond fast and hard.

The problem is that most people don’t notice or pay much attention when their dogs look up or back at them.

I reward any eye contact or focus on ME.

I want my dog checking in and paying attention to what I am doing.

I also want him ready for the next command.

If I ignore him, then he will search his environment for more exciting and stimulating things.

Let’s face it, after a while my dog is going to realize I am not THE MOST exciting thing in his world.

I mean, how can I compete with a squirrel or the neighbor kid?

Unless, I reward him and play with him and convince him early on that “I” am KING and have everything he needs to keep him happy.

He also needs to know that I am reliable.

If he does what I like or what I ask, he will be rewarded handsomely.

He may never catch a squirrel, but he can count on the fact that if he leaves that stinky squirrel, I will throw his ball and play with him!

Reward your dog for looking at you.

Reward your dog for paying attention to you.

Reward your dog for choosing to be at your side!

And, better yet, teach your puppy eye contact and focus.

7. Allowing Young Puppies or Adults to Run Free Off Leash

THE fastest way to teach your dog that you aren’t the most exciting thing on earth, is to let him run, alone off leash.

I think we can agree, that being off leash and chasing wild animals at will, eating wild animal poop and all around exploring on your own is the best thing on earth!

I mean, who doesn’t want to run around with a little reckless abandon, every now and again?

But, if you allow your German Shepherd puppy to run off leash without the obedience to back it up, you will struggle with his obedience for years to come.

Again, whether it is true or not, I want my dog to think that I am THE BEST thing on earth.

And, I simply cannot compete with wild critters and exciting smells.

Don’t worry!

That doesn’t mean that your German Shepherd will never be able to be off leash; the opposite is true.

You just need to control his environment, play with him and build his drive for toys and games, and then teach him obedience.

So, when he goes off leash, he will have the obedience background to leave whatever distraction may crop up.

I have called my dogs off baby bunnies and opossums among other exciting things.

The reason I was successful, is because my dogs know if they listen and obey they will be rewarded (mostly with a game of ball which is their favorite thing).  They never learn how fun chasing bunnies can be if they don’t listen.

And, let’s face it, bunnies are more rewarding than me… I just want to be smarter than my dog and never give him the opportunity to figure that out.

Want more?

Read this https://thedogtrainingsecret.com/blog/rewarding-lesson-letting-dog-run-free/

8. Creating Leash Reactivity and Aggression

Have you ever heard someone say, “He is only dog aggressive on leash.”

Have you ever wondered why that phenomenon even exists?

Most often it is because people inadvertently, create it.

Again, manners and especially leash manners should be taught at home.

Tether your dog to you, early on, to avoid bad behavior and teach some leash respect and manners.

Never allow your German Shepherd puppy to get in the habit of pulling you to and fro when he is on the leash.

The next thing to remember is Don’t Over-React.

A lot of times when the human is walking their dog and they see something the dog is likely to react and pull toward, the human stiffens up and pulls the dog in closer.

The human’s heart rate is likely to raise and they may yell, correct or even hit their dog.

This teaches the dog that “other dogs or people” or whatever the distraction is, brings pain and makes his human act fearful and odd.

The dog associates the “thing” with something negative and so he connects negatively and emotionally to it each time he sees it.

He begins to get defensive and even aggressive whenever this new “trigger” comes into his view.

As people, we think reeling our dogs closer and correcting them when we see other dogs or people is what we should be doing; but you are only negatively conditioning the “thing” for your dog.

In essence, you are creating reactivity, fear and even aggression.

It is a lot easier to give your dog coping mechanisms and obedience so that he can ignore anything that comes into his environment without becoming fearful or forging any king of negative emotion to things.

9. Too Much Exercise

I am a proponent of exercise!

Puppies NEED exercise!

But too much demanding and monotonous exercise can be dangerous of German Shepherd puppies.

German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia and other degenerative joint diseases, genetically.

And, there are two big factors in degenerative joint disease; genetics and over exercise when the puppies are developing.

You can’t help genetics, but you can search for the best genetic candidate who has been certified to have excellent hips.

You have a better chance of avoiding genetic hip dysplasia and joint disease if both parents have “excellent” OFA certified hips.

And, you can avoid demanding, monotonous exercise (regular exercise on soft surfaces will not hurt).

Years ago, when agility was taking the world by storm, people began training their puppies earlier and earlier for agility trials.

They soon found that a large number of those puppies who started out young, were developing shoulder, hip and spine problems.

The pounding of the shoulders coming off of the A-Frame and Dog Walk.

The impact of the hips that continuously caught the dog over jumps.

And, the way the spine curved around the weave poles created permanent damage and curvature.

We realized, what we did while our puppies developed into adults was important!

It was crucial to allow the body to form before adding strenuous exercise regiments.

I love teaching my dogs to pull tires and trikes; but I wait until they are adults and they have been cleared through x-rays to do so.

Don’t avoid exercise completely!

That will create a whole other problem with lack of socialization, exposure and needed exercise.

Puppies can run on soft grass, they can calmly climb stairs and they can go on long walks.

But avoid rigorous running on hard surfaces, consistent jumping or anything else that will specifically stress joints.

10. Creating Potty Training Problems

Potty training is serious business!

More dogs are dropped off for euthanasia at shelters for potty training problems than any other issue!

So, first off, take it serious!

You want to think “prevention”, rather than just dealing with the problem.

I’ve heard people say “It’s easier to just clean it up”. And many want to rely on “potty pads” (which I personally think are counterintuitive).

But these both set your dog up for failure!

Thankfully, most German Shepherd puppies are fairly easy to potty train, but remember it is really all about YOU!

You need to get him outside every 2 hours!

You need to get him out after he wakes from a nap and after he eats or drinks.

And, be sure to keep your puppy with you!

If he is in the same room with you all the time, you will notice if he begins to sniff or squat so you can get him outside.

When he is not with you, he should be in his crate.

Also, go outside with him to make sure that he is getting his business done!

Many times puppies get outside and get distracted with everything going on outside that they forget to go potty.

You need to know what your puppy is doing and what his potty schedule is like so that you can set yourself and him up for success!

Puppies are sooooooo exciting!

Heck I am excited for you, since I am, after all, a German Shepherd fan!

Your life is about to be enriched in a way that only a great and loyal dog can do!

And, because you have spent this time, reading and studying and doing all that you can to set your pup up for success I know that you will both be successful!

You know what to do and what not to do!

And, we will be here to support you and your new little bundle of joy every paw step of the way!

The post German Shepherd Puppy Training appeared first on TheDogTrainingSecret.com.

via Whisker Therapy

via Whisker Therapy

Your dog’s adorable belly does much more than process food. Under all that fur lies an entire army of microorganisms known as the gut microbiome.

Your dog’s stomach and intestines are home to trillions of tiny bacteria that help manage weight and maintain immunity. Caring for these bacteria is just as important as caring for your pup’s ears, eyes, and skin – even more so! After all, good gut health is essential for your dog’s overall health and well-being.

That’s why NomNomNow created their Gut Microbiome Testing Kit. It allows pet owners to learn about the bacteria within their dog’s gut, and improve their health and happiness through positive lifestyle changes.

What is the Gut Microbiome?

The term “gut microbiome” refers to the unique colonies of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes found within the digestive system. These miniature habitats are different in every animal, but their purpose is the same.

They aid in digestion and help your dog extract vital nutrients from food. In addition to these crucial roles, your dog’s microbiome also supports immune function, protects against pathogens, and even affects mood.

What Happens When the Microbiome is Out of Balance?

Your dog’s gut microbiome is easily impacted by stress, environmental factors, and poor diet. When the delicate balance is off, your dog may experience digestive disorders like inflammatory bowel disease, or even problems with overall health such as allergies, diabetes, depression, and anxiety.

What Does the NomNomNow Microbiome Testing Kit Do?

The NomNomNow Microbiome Testing Kit is a simple DIY test that shows the types of bacteria within your dog’s gut. The kit can detect more than 65 different types of bacteria and their levels.

Your dog’s individual results will explain which kinds of bacteria are too high, which are too low, and which are in the optimal range. You will also receive an explanation of how each type of bacteria impacts your dog’s health.

How Does It Work?

The NomNomNow Microbiome Testing Kit comes with 2 swabs and 2 vials. Simply follow the easy instructions for collecting your dog’s stool sample, seal it up in the self-addressed envelope, and send it off to the NomNomNow laboratory!

The technicians will analyze your dog’s sample within a few weeks and notify you by email when the results are complete. The extensive report will help identify areas of concern and possible improvement in your dog’s gut microbiome.

What If Your Dog’s Results Are Not Ideal?

Chances are your dog’s gut microbiome has room for improvement – but hey, nobody’s perfect! The testing kit results help you enhance your dog’s digestive and overall health through simple lifestyle changes.

Probiotics

NomNomNow offers full spectrum probiotics for dogs to help regulate and maintain optimal digestive health. Made from human-grade ingredients, this blend of probiotics and prebiotics was formulated by NomNomNow’s veterinary nutrition and microbiology team. Each serving contains 20 billion cultures and 7 full spectrum probiotic strains.

NomNomNow Food

NomNomNow began from a desire to help pet parents improve and prolong their companions’ lives through fresh, high-quality food. The recipes are veterinary-formulated by Dr. Justin Shmalberg, a professor at the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

Based on your pup’s size, weight, breed, age, activity level, and specific health needs (allergies/medical conditions), you will receive fresh, individually portioned meals delivered to directly to your door. All NomNomNow recipes:

• Exceed AAFCO standards for dog food formulation for all life stages
• Are made with real, whole food ingredients good enough for you to eat
• Perfectly portioned and personalized for your dog’s weight goals

Customers report smaller stools, more energy, shinier coat, improved allergy symptoms, healthier weight, fewer vet visits, and much more since switching their pets to NomNomNow!

The NomNomNow Microbiome Testing Kit helps identify digestive imbalances, while the company’s probiotics and homemade diets help achieve and maintain optimal health. Even if your dog’s gut microbiome is in top notch condition, switching to NomNomNow can help make sure it stays that way!

The post The NomNomNow Microbiome Testing Kit Promotes A Healthy Gut & A Happy Dog appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

via Whisker Therapy

Sometimes it’s really difficult to say no to your dog – especially when he pins his bottomless brown eyes on you as you eat dinner. How can you deny that face? Well, in some cases you absolutely must turn your dog down. There are some foods that you should never feed your dog. Keep this list in mind the next time your pup points his puppy dog eyes at you. Now, you’ll know what is most dangerous to him. Keep in mind – these are only some of the foods your dog should never eat.

The Food You Should Never Feed Your Dog

1. Alcohol. You probably know not to give your pup alcoholic beverages, but we want to reiterate how harmful it can be for your dog. Alcohol has the same impact on a dog’s liver and brain that it does a human. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma, and even death.
2. Avocados. Some fruits and vegetables are completely okay for your dog to consume. Others are not so safe. Some say avocados are safe. Others say avocados are not. Some say just a little is fine. Bottom line, keep your pup away from avocados. This fruit has persin, a fungicidal toxin, which can cause serious health problems in many animals. The Merck Veterinary Manual says dogs are more resistant to persin than other animals, but it could still cause harm. Keep your pup away from avocados.
3. Candy, Chewing Gum, Toothpaste, and Mouthwash. Many of these foods contain xylitol, a sweetener that can cause insulin release in many species. An increase in insulin leads to hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). What this means practically for your pup: vomiting, lethargy, loss of coordination, and even seizures. These items are a no go for dog consumption. Some sweet treats also contain Xylitol, which can be deadly to dogs. One family had to suffer a tragic loss before learning this.
4. Chocolate, Coffee, and Caffeine. These three things speed your dog’s heart rate and stimulate the nervous system.  They contain methylxanthines which can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, seizures, and even death. Note: dark chocolate is more harmful than milk chocolate. The amount your dog ingested and your dog’s weight and these other factors determine how sick your dog may become.
   
5. Cooked Bones. We’ve told you about the potential dangers of consuming cooked meat bones. Bones are not as easily digestible. It’s not difficult to snap or splinter the bone into smaller pieces and/or jagged edges. This makes for a choking hazard for your dog. The bone could get stuck in your dog’s throat or even damage the gastrointestinal tract.
6. Garlic, Onions, and Leeks. These foods are particularly harmful to your pup. It doesn’t matter if they are cooked, raw, powdered or within other foods. They can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage. Cats are more susceptible to illness, but if a dog consumes enough of any of these foods, it can lead to negative consequences.
   
7. Grapes and Raisins. These foods can be highly toxic to dogs. And for some reason, dogs are extremely attracted to the sweet fruit. In 2016, the Animal Poison Control Center received more than 3,700 calls involving grapes and raisins. Research has yet to prove why grapes and raisins are so potentially harmful to dogs. But we know this for certain: it is critical to get your dog treatment if you find that he consumed grapes or raisins.
8. Macadamia Nuts. Like grapes, there is no research to indicate why these nuts are so harmful to dogs. However, you must be vigilant if you have macadamia nuts near your pooch. They can be extremely toxic to your pup, causing weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia. These symptoms typically appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last between 12 and 48 hours.
   
9. Raw/Uncooked Meat, Eggs, and Bones. These uncooked foods can have bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli which causes food poisoning. Have you ever had food poisoning? It is not pleasant and your dog can have similar uncomfortable symptoms like vomiting, fever and enlarged lymph nodes.
10. Salt and Salty Snack Foods. Large amounts of salt aren’t good for a human or dog diet. However, loads of salt is even more concerning for dogs. Eating lots of this mineral can lead to sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms of the disease include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, increased temperature, seizures, and even death. That means don’t share your potato chips or salted popcorn with your pup.

What To Do In Case Of An Emergency

If your dog consumes some of these unhealthy-for-dogs human foods, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away. There are risks with eating food that doesn’t mesh well with a dog’s biology, and you can’t treat the harmful effects at home.

Treatment varies depending on what your pup consumed, but oftentimes your vet will induce vomiting. 1800PetMeds explains some forms of treatment, “For pets that shouldn’t or can’t vomit, your veterinarian may give your pet an anesthetic to flush the stomach. Gastric flushing removes a large amount of material and removes materials that are slow to exit the stomach. Veterinarians will not use this technique with convulsing pets, or with pets that swallowed caustic materials such as bleach or petroleum products.”

You can’t be around your pup at all times, so you may not catch your dog in the act of eating something she shouldn’t. Your job is to notice any changes in your dog’s behavior. If she begins to show signs of lethargy, start vomiting, have loss of coordination, or the other symptoms we mentioned, take your dog to visit her doctor.

The post 10 Foods You Should Never Feed Your Dog appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

via Whisker Therapy

The Global Pet Expo, the pet industry’s largest trade show, recently took place in Orlando, Florida. A major highlight of the show is the annual competition among pet care start-ups for the coveted Pet Care Innovation Prize. Five contenders made their case to an audience of pet care leaders at Purina, retailers, and investors. GuardianVets came out on top, winning a cash prize and the opportunity to work with Purina on a project.

GuardianVets offers veterinary practices after hours client support for dog mamas and papas in need of answers. They are a triage service, helping callers determine if their fur baby needs to visit an ER or if treatment with their regular vet during normal business hours would be okay.

This might be a scene scarily familiar to those of us sharing our lives with dogs. It’s the middle of the night, and your pup gets violently ill. It’s Sunday afternoon, and your poor little pooch cuts open her paw pad. It’s bleeding, a lot. 

What do you do? Should you rush to the emergency vet and drop a fortune on care that may be entirely unnecessary?  Do you wait – wondering if this is something that requires immediate care? Sometimes, it’s obvious. Other times, it’s not so cut and dry. GuardianVets is a phone call away when you need expert advice anytime your primary vet practice is closed. They provide peace of mind and clear direction for your dog’s medical treatment.

Here’s How It Works

Your vet clinic partners with GuardianVets. Once everything is set up, GuardianVets answers anytime you call your vet clinic outside of normal business hours. They help you determine if your dog should seek emergency care and if not, they can set up the earliest available appointment with your pup’s primary care provider.

How do you know you’re going to get qualified advice? GuardianVets work with an exceptional team of fully licensed veterinarians, vet nurses, and vet techs that are actively practicing in general and emergency clinics. They also follow a strict triage protocol to determine if you should take your pup to the ER or if the visit can wait. GuardianVets team doesn’t diagnose. They simply determine if immediate care is needed.

If this sounds like a service that you would like to have available to you, GuardianVets makes it super easy to nudge your primary care vet in that direction. You can fill out a simple form on their website. It will connect GuardianVets with your local vet clinic. Or you can just tag your home clinic on the GuardianVets Facebook page and the team will take it from there.

With its unparalleled customer support system and unique model that helps vet practices better serve their clients it’s easy to see why this amazing start-up took the grand prize in Pet Care Innovation.

Pet Care Innovation Runner Ups

The other four companies were winners as well, getting cash prizes for their ideas. These included ways to help pet families care for, feed, have fun with, or better understand their furry loved ones.

• Shameless Pets is working to reduce waste and feed dogs healthier foods by sourcing ingredients from up-cycling to create delicious and nutritious treats. They use at least 20% upcycled ingredients in all of their treats saving 1 pound of food waste for every 12 bags of treats they produce. Further, all ingredients are sourced in the USA and treats are all natural and grain-free. Woof!
• Another finalist keen on making the world a better place is Bond Foods. They produce real animal proteins for pet foods, biologically made without slaughtering a single animal. What?! The magic of science and kindness comes together in beautiful harmony with this start-up. Bond Foods is perfect for anyone discontented with traditional meat production. They offer honest pet foods that dogs and cats will love and thrive on.

• For those cat lovers in the crowd, you can now trace the genealogy of your feline friend with the help of start-up Basepaws. Like the commercially available canine counterparts, Basepaws allows you to easily collect your cat’s DNA at home and then send it in to discover all kinds of interesting and medically relevant information about your feline friend. It’s the cat’s meow.
• PlayDate is entering the pet industry first with a line of toys that help dog parents play and interact with their pups while they are away from each other. Available for preorder now, their PlayDate Smart Ball is remote controlled from your phone. You can remotely roll it around and play with your pup while you take a short break from work. Housed with a camera, you get a view of your pup running, pawing, and biting at the ball. How fun is that?

You’re the Real Winner!

The judges sure had their work cut out for them at this year’s Pet Care Innovation Prize. With creative minds at start-ups like these, our furry friends are in for a bright future!

The post The 2019 Pet Care Innovation Prize Winner Could Save Your Dog’s Life appeared first on iHeartDogs.com.

via Whisker Therapy