Ways to make your dog happy for life - a short guide

If you’re looking for some new ways to stimulate your dog senses or want to make sure he has a healthy, happy life, here are some tips and trick how to do it.  Remember that happy dog is a friendly and more lovable member of your family.

So here is a list of things that you can do to make your dog happy. Fist of all you can go for a ride in the car together. Dogs love to travel and be all the time with their owners. But remember to keep your dog safe during this trip and buy him special bed designed for car transportation.

Transporter - car bed for dogs

Moreover, try to exercise and play with your dog as much as you can. For example, you can go to the local park and play Frisbee with him. Dogs love it and we all get plenty of exercise.Both of you will feel better and have lots of fun. You can also take a daily walk together.

Furthermore, keep fresh water available for your dog so he has good clean water when thirsty. Keep in mind to change the water daily.

Take care of your dog health by making sure you have scheduled regular checkups in vet office for your dog every 6 months.

What is more, make sure your dog is always safe. This can be with an identification tag snapped on his collar, a microchip for locating him if he became lost or is stolen.

Feed your dog properly and say no to sweets. Even though your dog is part of your family, he does not need his own Easter basket. In fact, desserts such as chocolate can seriously harm dogs. And as we speak about eating - brush your dog teeth. Regular dental care can prevent gum disease, tooth loss, and doggie breath. It can even lengthen your dog's life.

Why dogs that are keep outside are a little miserable?

As a new dog owner you may be considering keeping your pet outside the house. This is not a great idea as dog who’s kept outside experiences social isolation and he is animal born to be part of a social structure, a pack or a family.

The experts say many of dogs that are keep outside will never really bond with owners who interact with them so little.When cute puppy grow older, and and your children grow tired of the care they promised to provide or the neighbors complain abou the noise, people very often decide to dump the dog rather than solve the problem.

When you keep a dog outside you don't get the benefits of companionship from your pet. You don't even get much protection from outside intruders. As such dog barks at almost anything he sees. So you couldn't tell from his sound whether the dogs are barking at.

Moreover, outdoor dog often become a problem to his owners. Bored and lonely, such dog develop any number of bad habits. For example he dig craters in the yard or bark endlessly day and night. What is even worse, sometimes, without the socialization that dog need, he become aggressive, ready to bite anyone who comes into their territory.

So if you're considering getting a puppy with the intent of keeping him exclusively outside, you should reconsider your choice. For those who love pets, a pristine home is nothing compared to the pleasures of living with an animal who's really bonded to you.

Those of you who want to keep a dog outside because of home members allergies also can find solution. It won't be easy but an allergist may be able to help, along with attention to keeping the house and pets cleaner, using air cleaners and special bed for dogs that is very easy to clean.

Easy to clean dog's bed made of synthetic leather that is non-porous and does not absorb smells

You may believe - it's worth the effort. Once you have a dog you can welcome into your home and your heart, you'll start to live a different life.

Source: e-doggy.co.uk

Dogs need discipline, not punishment - how to correct your dog behaviour

Sometimes you need to correct your dog behaviour. But you need to remeber that dogs are not humans and they don’t have a logical sense of history. To dogs, a punishment relates to current activity. When your pet runs to a door to greet his owner and is punished for a mess done hours before, the pet understands only that he was punished for running to the door to greet you. He will curb the current behavior  - not the behavior for which he was punished.

There is no single dog who wouldn't want to please his owner. For example if you’ve ever gone to a pet store to view the puppies, you’ll realize that they want to please everyone. Puppies will exhibit happy exuberance for people unless they have learned through experience that punishment will be their reward for the attempt.

Dogs dont have special powers neither they can read minds. Our pets can only interpret expressions and body language. If your dog is used to having a happy owner greet him with a smile and a pleasant voice, he’ll turn himself inside out to express his joy. He will recognize mood and body language of his owner.

So now you know that when you want to discipline your dog you need to do it while they are doing the bad behavior and not after they’ve quit, because you can get different results that you want.

Here are some simple ways to discipline your dog. First of all try to distract your pet. Make a loud noise to distract your puppy from whatever they are doing. A loud yell or a slap on the table. This should startle him and focus his attention on you.

Next you can grab the fur under his ear on his neck and shake. This works best if you catch them in the act and the scruff-shake is a surprise.
Another method is to push the dog over (quickly but gently) either on to his side or onto his back and lean over him. This reinforces that you are dominant.
Last but not least - isolation. Say no to your dog and then ignore him. Dogs are very social and they won’t like it that you aren’t paying attention to them.

Teaching your dog to eliminate in a specific place

You can get rid of a yellow-spotted, burned grass lawn and reduce the odds of stepping in dog poop if you just have a designated place that your dog can treat like his own bathroom. It doesn't matter if you have a puppy or older dog, you can easily teach him to go in one area if you practice patience and consistency. You just need to keep in mind that when you’re teaching your dog where to go, you’re also teaching him where not to go.

First of all, you need to clearly define the area you want your pet to use. To do this you can use wire garden fencing, rope or even a circle of stones. By giving your dog a physical landmark will help your dog remember and develop his new habit. After you’ve created your bathroom area, take your pet on a leash directly from the house to the area every time he needs to go. Moreover you can give him a command, like "go pee" or something simillar. When he does, generously reward him.

After few weeks of taking him on the leash, try escorting your pet off leash to designed area. If he gets off track try to clap your hands to get his attention and guide him to his “bathroom”. Remember to always praise him, when he goes to the right direction.

Once your dog has mastered the way to his bathroom are, it’s time to graduate to unescorted. When it’s time for him to go, open the door, give the command, and let him go on his own.
If he doesn't go where he should, go outside, clap your hands and verbally correct him. When he gets to his designated area and does his duty, give your pet positive affirmation and reward.

To teach your dog this you need to be very patience and consistent, and always reward the positive behavior. Don’t be discouraged by initial setbacks. Housetraining your pet is a process and part of being a responsible owner.

Source: e-doggy.co.uk

Does a cold, wet nose mean your pet is healthy?

A cold, wet nose is just one sign of wellness in dogs and should not be considered as a main indication of overall pet health. You may easily find a healthy dog with a warm dry nose. On the other hand a sick pet can also have a cold, wet nose. So the common belief that a healthy dog has a cold, wet nose and a sick dog has a hot, dry nose is false.

The temperatures of dogs' noses fluctuate day to day so it's very difficult to say exactly why as it could depend on environment or other factors. You need to remember that dog can be perfectly healthy and have a warm, dry nose or be really sick and have a cold, moist nose.

The moistness of your dog's nose is also not an indicator of health. According to experts very dehydrated dog can have  dry nose but dogs can have moist noses because they're healthy, and they can have moist noises when they have a nasal disease. So nose moistness is not a reliable sign.

Moreover, moist noses are also one of the ways that dogs can regulate their body temperature and cool down. Unlike humans, dogs don't have sweat glands. They secrete sweat from the pads of their feet and their noses.

Whenever your dog has a dry nose and is showing signs of illness or pain, you should take him to see a veterinarian. Similarly, unwell pets with cold, wet noses should also have a veterinary check-up.
If you notice any unusual nasal discharge it's also smart to visit your vet.

As you see dog's nose is not such indicator of his health. It's better to look for symptoms such as not eating, not drinking, or behaving oddly.

Source: e-doggy.co.uk

Dog snoring and his health

Does your dog’s snoring won't let you sleep at night? In this article we will discouss why your dog is snoring and can this be dangerous to his health.

You need to know that dog’s snoring, is more than an annoyance. It may be an indication of a wide range of health problems. If your dog began to snor recently you probably need to visit a vet. Any change could indicate some problem. If it’s not a new problem but is progressing, your dog should also see a veterinarian.

Here are the most common causes of dog's snoring.
First, your dog might have a temporary inflammation in its nose. Dogs can catch upper respiratory infections or even suffer from allergies.
Next are fungal diseases like aspergillosis - caused by a mold found in hay, grass clippings and similar environments. Left untreated, this fungal disease can cause discomfort, loss of appetite and serious health problems.
Foreign bodies or tumors are another cause of snoring. Your dog could have inhaled something that is blocking its breathing.

Moreover dental problems like bad teeth can cause your dog to snore. Left untreated, dental problems can become a source of infection for the whole pet body.
Obesity also can cause snoring. Obesity is not only humans problem, it may cause breathing difficulties also in dogs.
You need to keep in mind that some breeds with very short noses, such as English bulldogs and pugs have a natural tendency to snore. But it’s a good idea to check with your veterinarian to make sure the snoring is normal and not an indication of a health issue.

And how to help your dog and yourself with this problem?
Because snoring can be related to so many different causes, it's very important to evaluate why your pet is snoring. If your dog new habbit is bothering you it would be good idea to take your dog bed, or buy him new one and move it into another room, where his snoring won't be heard and install camera or smartphone to record sounds he makes. It could be very helpfull for your veterinarian to evaluate cause of snoring. You can also keep a pet diary to note changes in his behavior and show it to a vet.

Moving your dog with his bed to another room could be salvation for your ears ;)

Remember - you can't simply tolerate your dog’s snoring as it can really decrease your dog’s quality of life and yours as well.

Can all dogs swim?

Dogs, like every other animals are born with strong natural instincts like barking. Some people may also think that swimming is a skill that all dogs naturally have. But swimming isn't necessarily all dogs ability. While many pooches are perfectly amphibious, many dogs tend to sink like a sack of bricks. For these dogs, keeping their heads above water is not an easy thing to do, sometimes even impossible.

When it comes to swimming, we can split canines into 3 categories. There are dogs that can swim, dogs that can be taught to swim and dogs that should steer clear of all aqueous environments. Water spaniels, golden retrievers and English setters fall into the first category. They are excellent swimmers. It's because of their strong limbs and some genes. Many were bred specifically for things like water rescue.

And we have also some others breeds like bulldogs and boxers. There simply isn't enough thrust from their short legs to keep them afloat. Breeds that have short faces, such as the pug, also have a very hard time swimming since they fatigue easily.

Furthermore, some dogs may have the physical tools to swim, but have some kind of a mortal fear of the water. These animals tend to panic when submerged. For a dog in water, panic quickly leads to fatigue, and that makes drowning much more likely.

Remember that if your furry friend isn't a dog version of gold medal swimmer, don't despair. You can still enjoy fun with a land-loving lapdog. Instead take him to you car, put in safe carbed and go for a trip somewhere where are no lakes and rivers ;)

What your dog is trying to say - dog tail language

The most common misinterpretation of dogs is the myth that a dog wagging its tail is happy and friendly. Although it may be true in some cases, other wags move can mean fear, insecurity or even a warning that if you approach you can be bitten. You can say that, tail wagging serves the same communication functions as a human smile, greeting or a nod of recognition. Nods and smiles are social signals and are thus reserved mostly for situations where somebody is around to see them. For dogs, this same can be said about the wag.

When not wagging, dog tails may be in one of 3 positions: up high, horizontal to the ground or down/between hind legs

Let's check what this position means - first up high
Dog that his tail in the up high position, is confident, powerful, and secure.  In fact, this position indicates a dominant pooch with an alpha streak.  Alpha dogs are commanding, take charge creatures. Self-assured, the dominant, tail up dog communicates power and control via body language.

Horizontal to the ground position
Dogs with their tails held straight out in the horizontal to the ground position indicate neither clear dominance nor submission.  Their unrelaxed position indicates curiosity.

Down/between hind legs position
Just as up high position means dominance, the inverse position indicates the exact opposite emotion. With his tail in the down dog communicates an understanding of another’s dominant position and his submissive one.

So now when we explain what non-moving position of dog tail means, lets take a look at wagging tail position
In recent years, with increased observation of the link between action and right and left brain reactions, scientists have been able to isolate certain prevalent characteristics to help shed some light on this issue.

There are studies that demonstrated that lopsided tail wagging links to right or left brain relationships. Scientists involved in the studies determined that a right wag tail position indicates happiness and playfulness because the left brain controls the right side of the body as well as energy and engagement responses.  According to these scientists a left wag tail position indicates restlessness and insecurity.

Help your dog survive hot summer

You may think you feel hot on a summer day, but you should consider a heat wave from your dog's perspective. Dogs have no more layers to take off and are still stuck in a fur coat. This could not only be uncomfortable, but also very dangerous.

If your dog is very active animals, your biggest summer concern could be the threat of heat stroke. Unlike human, dogs are not capable of sweating profusely to regulate their body temperatures. Moreover, temperatures close to the ground can be a few degrees hotter than what is officially recorded. That way, small dogs are at a high risk for heat exhaustion.

So make sure your dog has plenty of shade and fresh drinking water. A place for cooling down is always appreciated by dogs. Most importantly - do not leave pet alone in the car.You should also remember that not all dogs respond to the heat the same way. For example, older dogs and puppies have a harder time regulating their body temperature.

Keep your pet wet
Water is a dog's best friend during hot summer days. By getting your dog wet you will have great solution to minor overheating. Afterward, let your pet rest in the shade or in air conditioning. For more serious overheating, wet him down and don't hesitate to get him to a vet immediately.

Rearange your walking schedule
Your dog may loves lunchtime walks during winter or autumn, but not so much during the summer. So during the sammer you should walk your dog early or late in the day, when the weather has cooled off.

Ways to Help an Arthritic Dog

Sometimes it happens. The easy run becomes a stiff walk. The jump to a favorite chair is no longer possible. Lying down is accompanied by a deep groan. As our dogs age, things that were once second nature become an effort. Today, thanks to advances in veterinary medicine and companion animal care, many dogs are living much much longer. On the downside, that longevity also increases the odds that they’ll suffer from some form of degenerative joint disease (DJD), or osteoarthritis. There are several types of canine arthritis and we will discuss the method to fight with them.

First, and the most obvious is to take your dog in for regular checkups so that your veterinarian can monitor your pet’s arthritis and make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

Another advice is to keep your dog slim. This can help by decreasing the load on his joints. You should feed your dog the right amount of high-quality food.

Next - controlled exercise. Make sure you carefully monitor your dog while he plays, walks, or runs. If possible, find a soft surface for activity. As much as possible, keep your dog warm and dry, since cold and damp conditions can aggravate arthritis.

Consider investing in a good dog bed. The ones with VISCO - an orthopaedic foam mat that is dedicated to dogs with arthritis and health problems referring to bones and joints - is a must. The mat’s features will allow your dog to move without any pain and throughout the day.

Mattress with orthopaedic VISCO mat

Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation to a professional animal massage therapist, as massage can increase your dog’s flexibility, circulation, and sense of well-being.

Last but not least - acupuncture.  You may think that is just for people, but is not. This painless technique has shown some success in animals suffering from arthritis.

Is it possible to keep a clean house with dog? Few tips for you!

Living with a dog or dogs doesn’t mean your house has to look and smell bad. Perhaps you don't want to spend entire day cleaning. Here are some tips how to clean up in the quickest way possible and how to prevent a mess.

First of all, manage your dog hair. One of the most persistent issues pet owners face is animal hair. They are everywhere - on floors, furniture, and clothing. Place an old towel or sheet wherever your puppy likes to rest, and periodically shake it outside to remove most of the hair before tossing it in the washing machine.

If you need to get rid of hair in a hurry, go for the vacuum.
It works tons better than a broom. These little cloths grab hair, dirt, and dust, and other dirt quick, and you just throw away the cloth when you’re done.

For hair on your clothing, it is best to use a tape roller. Loop a ribbon through the handle and hang one from the doorknob inside closets throughout the house so they're always available to use. For furniture, use the hand vacuum.

Keeping your dog paws clean
Stop muddy paws at the door. Place mats at both the outside and inside of every door. They really help cut the dirt down. Be sure to get a washable mat.

Another way to keep the mud out - pet wipes. It only takes a few seconds and you’ll be amazed to see how much dirt comes off your dog’s paws when they come in. Most dogs don’t seem to mind the routine.

Work quickly on stains

When accidents happen, clean them up as soon as they happen. If you leave a mess, it will spread, stain, and smell. Also your dog will want to come back to that spot and use it again thinking that’s his toilet.

Moreover -buy right furniture. For furniture that repels hair, resists tearing, and can be cleaned easily, look for top-grain, semi-aniline leathers. Scratches are disguised on such pieces because the hide is dyed through and then treated for additional protection and color consistency. You can also buy your dog one of our easy to clean and hygenic beds or pillows to make cleaning much easier task.