It is normal for us to put our food on our tables or kitchen counters. That’s how we do things in our house. We could just leave them without any worries. But if you have a pet dog, there is a fat chance that the food you stalled there can disappear. Is it a form of magic? Or is it just your dog playing naughty on you?

I am pretty sure that your dog has done this deed once or twice. Once the dog gets comfortable in your home, your fur friend would suddenly hop to every part of it. From your furniture down to your small appliances, these creatures won’t let them leave unscathed. Of course, this happy and lively side of your dog is amusing to watch. But too much of it can disturb the tidiness of your abode.

Fortunately, this habit of theirs can get tamed. If you can teach your dog where to eat the dry dog food or where to potty, then you can show this trick, too. In fact, you can already learn the basics here. Let’s start now!

Counter Surfing

That daily activity of your dog in which he loves to dwell and hop on your furniture is called counter surfing. Usually, they do this on your kitchen counter when there is food place on there. Since they love munching so much, they would do everything to get their share. Of course, your dog will never realize that this is bad.

If the dog is agile or big, counter surfing is too easy for them. The dog can just reach any home furnishing that you have. If the dog is fast, your fur buddy can just bounce their way there. If they are big, they would only have their legs prop to the table or counter. After these incidents, you’ll notice that your dinner or breakfast is not there anymore. Your dog is smiling, but you are not. So should you hurt them? Of course, not. That’s not gonna solve anything.

Why Counter Surfing Happens

Your pet dog counter surfs because of a learned perception. During their tenure to your house, they have realized that your kitchen counter is a repository of delicious stuff. On the other hand, they usually hang out on your couches or chairs not because they are comfortable there. Instead, they concluded that these places are where you typically stay. Dogs would love to get close to their owners, so it is a given that they will chase and wait for you there.

If you remain complacent to these behaviors that are being exhibited by your dog, they will grow accustomed to it. Without apprehension, your dog would see that what they are doing is just okay and permitted. Take note that dogs are optimistic. They would only think that all of their activities are acceptable if you don’t correctly guide them.

How To Keep Your Dog off Furniture and Counters

Keeping your dog away from the restricted places in your house is one of the most significant travails that you can experience. But just like all problems, this one has several solutions. Here are some of them that you can try:

• Don’t place food or any moving objects in your furniture or counters. Never store the favorite toy of your dog on places that you don’t want to get breached in the first place. Otherwise, they would still surf their way there, and there is nothing that you can do. If these items are present, then your dog will realize that there is no point in going to those places.
• Always wipe and clean your kitchen table and counter once you are preparing your food. In this way, no residues or scent can attract your dog. As I said earlier, the more appealing the place is, the more they want to go there. If there is no reward, then they won’t do it. In time, they will learn that these parts of your house are not suitable for them to stay.
• But still, the most efficient way to hamper counter surfing is by shutting those restricted places. If you are cooking in your kitchen, you should close its door or put a crate in where they cannot pass. I know that this is impossible to your living quarters since it is an open space. However, you can always do this with your kitchen. And it is essential that you should do this. Family food should not be mistaken for dog food. That’s a covenant that you should maintain.

The “Off” Command

You can do this trick to save your home furnishings from your dog.

1. First, when the dog jumps to your counters, you have to put a treat right directly through his nose. That will get his attention. Once you had it, you can use the reward to lure away the dog from the cramped place and down to the floor. After this, you should say “off.”
2. If the feet of the dog reach the ground, say “Yes” and give the treat. Just continue this exercise consecutively until your dog get conditioned to the “off” and “yes” commands. If your dog does not jump out immediately, then you have to lure your fur friend with the treat continuously. Some dogs would learn quickly while others have a long learning curve. Just don’t give up on them.

Conclusion

Teaching your dog how to avoid counter surfing your furniture and tables is a necessary thing. That preserves the sanctity and cleanliness of your home, which would contribute to its livability and conduciveness.

We all love our dogs. As much as possible, we don’t want to restrict them on their activities, as they are already a part of our family. But if they are too impolite or messy, it is the time that you should train them. When you make these correctional approaches, they will not harm your relationship with your pet. Instead, your furry friend will realize that it is just another way of showing love.

Author Bio:

Hi, I’m Lucy Sheppard, founder of Petsinlive– A pets product review website where assists you in making a better and well-informed decision.

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Guest Post by: John Howes of PetCareUp.com

Fleas are small insects that grow on dogs and cats. They are dark brown in color and thrive on eating the blood of the host animals. Fleas cannot fly as they don’t have wings, but they can jump with their strong back legs.

Your dog may get infested with fleas when he comes into contact with other flea infested animals or from environment that contains flea.

They love hot weather in summer time when the temperature become above 65 degrees. Fleas bite on host animals which causes itching and also may cause inflammation and hair loss.

Flea treatment for dogs

Before starting flea treatment you should know at first how to get rid of fleas on dogs. Fleas can be treated with medications or with natural home remedies.

Most of the medications contain chemicals that may cause side effects to your pet. You should read the labels and instructions carefully.  You can use any of the following flea medication according to your dog’s condition. You may also consult with veterinarian before going for any medication. But, start the treatment immediately after your pet gets infested with fleas.

Flea shampoo

You can use normal dog shampoos as they also kill fleas. But, if you want more effective treatment or your dog is seriously affected with fleas then go for flea shampoos. Flea shampoos are medicated shampoo. Keep in mind that flea shampoos are not for long lasting control. These can only kill the adult fleas and last for 24 hours.

Flea powder and spray

Flea powders and sprays provide protection for few days to one week. These effectively kill the adult fleas and few of them also inhibit the growth of flea eggs and larvae. These are effective and easily available.

Spot-on treatment

This is a concentrated liquid that is applied on the back of a dog’s neck. Spot-on treatment effectively works about one month and kills the adult fleas. Some of the ingredients of spot-on treatment prevent the larval development and also inhibit the eggs to form larvae.

Oral medications

These are administered orally and reach the bloodstream of dogs within an hour. After that if a female flea ingests the blood of that animal, it will lay eggs that will not be hatched. This medication will not kill the adult fleas. The main purpose of this treatment is to break and stop the lifecycle of fleas.

Medicated dips

Flea dips are applied on dog’s coat after flea infestation when it is absolute necessary. These are strong chemical rinses and also used to get rid from mites and ticks. These medicated solutions last for 1 to 2 weeks and effective for adult fleas. The solution should be left on the dog.

Flea collars

Flea collars release a toxic gas and then the gas is absorbed by the flea affected animal’s subcutaneous fat layer. The gas works by killing fleas only around the dog’s head and shoulder. High quality collars work great and can give prolonged protection against fleas like for few months. Flea collars are effective for killing adult fleas.

Flea infestation is annoying both for you and your dog. But, there is solution too. You can easily control this problem. There are a variety flea medications are available in the market. You can consult with a veterinarian before trying any medication. Try to use any of medicine in moderation as chemicals have side effects.

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Guest Post by: Allivet.com

Heartworms are transmitted to dogs through mosquito bites. In many cases, these organisms can be dealt with through a complex course of medications, but the treatment process can be long and intense.

The best way to deal with heartworms in dogs is by taking preventative action, such as giving your dog Heartgard Plus Chewables for Dogs and watching for the symptoms of a heartworm problem.

Once these parasites find their way into your dog’s lungs, a range of symptoms can occur. Noticing there is a problem early on increases the chances of your dog making a full recovery — so watch out for the following telltale signs of a heartworm infection.

1. A dry cough

Once heartworms arrive at the lungs, they begin to multiply. In just a matter of weeks, an infected dog will develop a dry cough, which will be particularly noticeable during and after exercise. If the infection is serious, even light exercise will often cause a dog to faint.

2. Weight loss

As the flow of blood around a dog’s heart and lungs becomes impeded by the presence of heartworms, everything becomes exhausting — including eating. If you notice that your dog has lost its appetite and dropped a few pounds very quickly, heartworm disease could be the cause.

3. Breathing problems

Restricted blood flow around a dog’s heart and lungs will eventually lead to a shortage of oxygen. To compensate for this, the infected dog will breathe heavily and pant more — even during times of inactivity. The problem can be further complicated by the build-up of fluid in and around the lungs, which makes oxygenation of blood increasingly difficult.

4. Apparent allergic reactions

What might look like an allergic reaction to you could be a symptom of a heartworm infection. Seizures, nose bleeds and the various symptoms of an asthma attack might all be related to these potentially deadly parasites. Although your dog might be prone to allergic reactions, it’s always best to get it checked out by a vet — particularly if other symptoms of heartworms are present.

5. An enlarged chest

As the number of heartworms inside a dog increases, its chest may start to bulge. Also, an infected dog’s ribs may seem to protrude. One of the causes for this bulging appearance might be the weight loss caused by the infection. However, an enlarged chest may also be the result of an accumulation of fluid around the lungs.

6. Tiredness

No one knows your dog like you do, so you’ll know when he or she is struggling with activity. Infected dogs sleep a lot, and they often resist going out for walks. You might find that your dog wants to rest after every few steps, or that he or she just isn’t as enthusiastic about games as usual. If your dog generally seems lethargic and out of sorts, make an appointment with your veterinarian.

7. Collapse

When heartworms have multiplied to the extent that they block the normal flow of blood, a dog is likely to collapse. In many cases the dog goes into shock, which means the only viable option is surgery — which involves “pulling” the worms out through a major vein.

The final stages of heartworm disease are some of the most distressing. Infected dogs often experience blindness and lameness as a result of worms moving to other areas of the body. But with the right preventative medications, regular checks and vigilance on your part, any heartworm infections your dog experiences can be treated before they cause any serious problems.

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A recent study done by The Journal of Animal Physiology found out that various dog food brands contained beef, soy, and poultry in detectable amounts. This outlook into pet foods has been triggered by the various pet food recalls in recent times. This has left many pet owners wondering whether they are feeding their pets the right food. Since the 2006 recall, serious pet owners resulted to feeding their pets with home cooked meals.

Preparing home-cooked meals has many benefits. Besides, home cooked meals give your dog something to be happy about. Generally, a dog that feeds on home-cooked meals is more healthy and happy than a dog that feeds on packed foods. Here are the top five awesome health benefits of home cooked meals for your dog.

1. Better Gut Health

Commercial dog foods mostly contain fillers and preservatives that affect the gut balance of your dog. Furthermore, the lack of moisture makes the dog suffer from various gut-related diseases. If your dog starts experiencing chronic vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue or obesity, they are all likely signs of unhealthy dog food.

Cooking your dog fresh homemade foods helps restore the gut system to a natural balance. The dog gets more moisturized food, and you get to eliminate fillers and preservatives. The nutrient levels of a home cooked meal are also higher than that of commercial foods.

2. Healthy Skins

Is your dog’s skin worn off? If your dog’s skin is too dry or looks worn off, chances are that you need to start feeding it homemade food. The skin of your dog, just like yours, thrills under various nutrients and moisture. Dogs foods are mostly dry and do not help in supplying the dog with moisture. A dog, unlike human beings, loses much of its moisture on a sunny day by cooling its body through mouth evaporation. Any dog that does not get sufficient supply of moisture, both from food and water, is bound to have a dry skin. When the skin gets dry, it is likely to develop further complications.

3. Stronger Teeth

Every dog needs to have strong teeth. Its teeth are the only weapon it can rely upon. Unfortunately, commercial dog foods do not aid in strengthening the teeth. As a natural predator, the teeth of a dog are made to tear into flesh and chew. The idea of your dog feeding on beef supplements, that have already been processed, just serves to make the teeth weak. As a result, the dog becomes less aggressive. If you rely on your dog for security at any level, then feeding it an all-natural homemade meal will help strengthen its powers.

4. Improved Kidney Health

A dog that suffers from kidney disease needs food that is less toxic with plenty of water. A dog that feeds on natural homemade food tends to spray more often than a dog that feeds on commercial foods. If your dog is having kidney problems, feeding it homemade foods will help in reducing the symptoms. If well managed, you could increase the life of your dog by several years when you feed them with well-prepared homemade foods. If your dog is experiencing spraying issues, you should have them checked for kidney disease and start feeding them homemade foods.

5. Mental Health.

One of the key factors that cause a dog to be frustrated or irritated is feeding it food it does not like. If you feed your dog with well-cooked homemade foods, the dog will be generally jovial and playful. A happy and playful dog engages in more physical activities. When the dog is active, the brain releases chemicals that are responsible for changing its mood and releasing it of anxiety. A dog that feeds on homemade food is generally stress-free and more interactive. It is also not easily agitated and is always friendly to you.

Bottom Line

Just like human beings, dogs greatly benefit from feeding on natural foods. When you prepare good and tasty meals that are well balanced for your dog, you give it a chance to live long and happily. Every dog that feeds on natural homemade foods has a healthier skin, less digestive problems and is generally happy. Therefore, it is only reasonable for you to prepare well-cooked food for your dog if you value it. You can try any of the best known homemade dog food recipes and find out what your dog loves.

Author Bio: June is the founder of TobysBone, where she shares her passion for writing and love for dogs. She wants to help you deal with your dog’s behavior issues, grooming and health needs, and proper training. Through her blog, you can find informative and reliable posts, tips and tricks, and a lot of interesting reads that will help you maintain a close bond with your furry companion.

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There is something so special about coming home to the unconditional love of a four-legged friend. The excited barks, intrusive hugs and cuddles, slobbery kisses and continual acceptance permits more than just a good feeling. In fact, developing a relationship with man’s’ best friend can be one of the best things you do for your health and mental well-being. Below are five healthful reasons you should own a dog.

photo credit: agnesliinnea

5 Healthful Reasons You Should Own a Dog

• Stress relief: The seemingly simple acts of cuddling, petting and gazing into your pooch’s eyes can trigger the release of oxytocin (aka the love hormone) in the brain, helping you feel less anxious and stressed. The companionship, trust, and love of just being around a dog has therapeutic abilities and can be especially helpful to those suffering from PTSD and autism.
• Social interaction: According to a study published at NCBI, social interaction can make you feel better inside and out, dogs can certainly be a social icebreaker. Taking your canine out for walks, hikes and strolls around the dog park can help start conversations with other dog-lovers. You can also meet new people when you take your dog to the pet stores, pet/owner related classes and other such pet-events.
• Physical health improvements: Jogging, walking and playing with your fur-baby regularly can drastically improve your physical health. Exercising with your pal can improve the integrity of your joints and muscles as well as help you detox harsh toxins and burn calories. And according to the American Heart Association, dogs can also help lower blood pressure levels as well as triglycerides and cholesterol levels, which can make the heart healthier while decreasing the risk of stroke and heart disease
• More meaning to your life: Caring for a dog can drastically improve the quality of your life. Because you now have a furry friend that needs, wants and values you, you will start to feel more important and want to do more productive things with your time.
• Combatting Depression: Dogs have the almost-magical ability to ward off symptoms of depression. A study posted on the Animal Society Institute states that people with dogs laugh more than people without. Additionally, interacting with your pooch can be the perfect distraction to your emotional woes. Doing so can help release good-mood endorphins, reducing tension and positively alter your mood.

Finding a Dog that is Right for You:

There is no one size fits all when it comes to dog-ownership, therefore, it is important to step back and look at your lifestyle to make the right choice between breed, activity level, age, and size of the dog. Consider factors such as your current finances, the size of your house or apartment, the other members of your household and your available time. If you have a busier schedule you can always hire a dog walker or a pet sitter to take care of your dog when you are away.

Additionally, when you narrow down your preferred dog-breed choice, you should start looking in places such as shelters and rescue organizations to find your new pet-friend as rescuing a dog will help save a life and cut down on puppy-mills.

So, as you have learned, owning a dog can truly add meaning and longevity to your life, the unwavering love you will receive from your dog-friend is something that can inspire hope, compassion, and self-confidence. However, that love must be returned. It is important to show your dog that you value them also. Therefore, you should treat your dog well by feeding him/her with high-quality food, grooming regularly, playing with them often, and by sporadically spoiling him/her with treats, toys, and love.

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In order to keep dogs healthy, you need to feed them the right amount of food.

Determining how much to feed your dog will depend on a few factors …

-The type of food dogs are fed
-How many times a day they eat

-Their size

-Their metabolic rate

-The amount of exercise they get

On most dog food bags there is a suggested feeding label that you can refer to in order to help you decide how much to give. Most of the time the amounts on the table are how much your dog should have in 24 hours (not each feeding if you feed them multiple times a day.)

Puppies will need more feedings in a day than an adult dog will. Puppies should have 3+ feedings, while adult dogs should only need 2 feedings each day. Portion control is as important for dogs as it is for humans. Measuring makes it easier to know how much your dog is eating, which helps control your dog’s weight

Another thing to take into consideration is your dog’s lifestyle. If you have a very active dog you could give them more than you would want to give a dog that is inactive.

You will want to keep an eye on your dog to make sure they are not gaining or losing too much weight. If you notice that they are, you will want to adjust how much you are giving them each day.

Experts recommend that you do not just leave your dog’s food bowl out all day. By putting their food out at the same times each day, it teaches them that there is a meal schedule and that this is when they should eat. Not only does this also aid in house training your puppy by knowing when they need to go to the bathroom, but it will let you know if your dog is not feeling well and not eating. Most puppies will need to be taken out 20-30 minutes after eating. If you leave their food out all day, you will not really know when they eat throughout the day.

Unlike humans, dogs are quite happy eating the same thing every day. Changing their food too often can upset their stomach and cause diarrhea. There are some human foods that you can feed your dog, or give as a treat, but at the same time there are some that are very harmful and should be avoided.

These are foods that should be avoided:

Raw meat

Peaches

Plums

Anything with caffeine

Garlic

Onions

Grapes

Raisins

Dairy products

Chocolate

Any dairy product

Avocados

If you have any concerns or questions your vet can also help in the process of deciding which type of food, and how much is best for your breed and size of dog.

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There are many different vaccines that will protect your dog from different illnesses. There are risks and benefits to having your dog vaccinated, and you along with your vet, will have to determine what is best for your breed of dog. Vaccines help the body’s immune system prepare to fight off diseases.There are some vaccines that are important for all pets to get. Each state has its own laws on administration of the rabies vaccine. Some require yearly rabies vaccination while others require it every three years. In almost every state proof of rabies vaccination is mandatory.

Risks

Just like humans, when your pet is vaccinated for a disease it stimulates their immune system by injecting the disease or virus into their system. Because  of this, your pet may experience symptoms like fever, soreness from the injection or even allergic reaction.

Why

Why is it important for puppies to get vaccinated, and what vaccinations do they need?

DA2PP is a vaccine that protects against several viruses including Distemper and Parvovirus. Distemper causes respiratory and neurological signs while Parvovirus manifests as a severe gastrointestinal disease. Puppies are very susceptible to these viruses. They need to receive these in a series of vaccines starting at about 8 weeks and then repeating every 3 weeks until they are 16 weeks. At 16 months it is renewed, and then again every 3 years.

Rabies is a fatal virus that attacks the nervous system and brain that can affect all mammals including humans.

There are 2 other vaccines called Leptospirosis and Bordetella (Kennel Cough). Whether or not  a puppy needs these vaccines will depend on their lifestyle. The risks associated with these should be discussed with your vet.

How often should my adult dog be vaccinated, and what vaccines does he need?

The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends that adult dogs receive the Rabies and DA2PP vaccines. They should get the DA2PP every 3 years if they received them as a puppy. How often your dog’s receives the rabies vaccine is determined by local laws. Just like with puppies, the need for Kennel Cough and Leptospirosis vaccines will be determined by where you live and what your dog’s lifestyle is. There are a number of do-it-yourself vaccination kits you can purchase, but there are real advantages to taking your dog to your veterinarian for their vaccines.How often should my adult dog be vaccinated, and what vaccines does he need?

When it comes to your dog, the  most important thing you can do for him is to make sure that he gets his shots. Many of the most dangerous diseases we know of can be easily prevented with simple vaccines.

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If you have a feeling that your dog can pick up on your moods, because you notice that they lighten up when you are happy and try to console you when you are feeling sad, the good news is, you’re probably right!

For the first time in history, researchers have demonstrated that dogs do actually recognize humane emotions by combining information obtained from different senses – a talent once thought to be possessed only by humans.

The research was undertaken by psychologists and behavior specialists at the University of Lincoln in the UK and the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil, and published in the journal, Biology Letters.

The researchers showed 17 dogs images and sounds which expressed combinations of happy and angry expressions in humans and dogs. While the photos were shown to the dogs, the corresponding sound recording was played to them (comprising human voices and barks). The researchers noted that the dogs spent much more time looking at the images when the sound recording corresponded to the emotional state on the picture. This was true for both the images of humans and dogs.

The study showed that a dog can collate sensory information from two different sources to formulate a coherent understanding of emotion. Importantly, the dogs in the study had received no prior training in understanding emotions, suggesting that their ability to make coherent sense out of several cues, is instinctive.

A previous yet equally fascinating study had previously shown that dogs can tell the difference between happy and angry human faces. Published in the journal Current Biology and undertaken by scientists at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, the study involved training dogs to discriminate between photos of the same person making happy or angry faces. In all cases, the dogs were presented with only the top or bottom part of the face. After training the dogs using 15 picture pairs, their ability was tested using:

• the same half of the faces they were shown, but of different faces
• the other half of the face they were shown during training
• the other half of the new faces
• the left half of the faces they were shown during training

The findings showed that dogs were able to select the aggressive or happy face more often than they would if they had to randomly pick these faces. Not only were the dogs able to recognize the expressions in faces they knew; they were able to adapt the cues they observed to the faces of total strangers.

The scientists also found that dogs tended to respond better to happy faces than to angry ones; they took longer to learn to associate an angry face with a food reward, suggesting they had previously learned to avoid people who are angry or in an aggressive mood.

The studies show that the bond between humans and dogs is indeed an extraordinary one. We already know that having a dog benefits us in many ways, for instance, by helping keep asthma at bay

in little children. However, the new findings show that there are important emotional bonds which are formed as well. It is not uncommon to read that dogs are being relied upon to help patients affected by stress – everyone from military vets battling Post traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), to individuals recovering from drug or alcohol addiction in inpatient centers. Dogs have been found to significantly lower levels of stress hormone, cortisol, in human beings. Dogs are also helpful in mindfulness training; the latter emphasizes the importance of remaining ‘in the present moment’, instead of giving in to the fight or flight response by escaping (physically or through drugs and alcohol), or succumbing to depression, anxiety, or even a full-blown panic attack.

The fact that dogs can read our emotions and react accordingly suggest that their stress busting benefits can be attributed to the deep connections with form with them. As pet owners, we should also be aware of the way our expressions and tone of voice affect our dogs. We should aim to reduce stress and aggression within the home, to benefit our pets as well as ourselves. Most pet lovers can instantly senses when their pooches are suffering from stress – dogs may shake, leave the room, avoid eye contact or take on a fearful expression. It is important to try to read their emotions as well as they read ours.

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Every year, millions of unwanted pets are euthanized. By having your dog or cat spayed or neutered, it will prevent unwanted litters, protect them from some health issues, and may reduce many of the behavioral problems associated with the mating instinct. It will also make them less likely to roam, and more happy to stay at home.

Benefits of spaying and neutering

Spaying your female dog or cat can protect them from health problems such as uterine infections and breast tumors, which can be malignant or cancerous. Spaying them before their first heat is the best protection.

Neutering your male pet can also lessen its risk of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate gland) and testicular cancer.

Spaying or neutering your pet will not have any effect on your pet’s intelligence or ability to learn. In fact most pets will behave better after this procedure.

Are there any risks associated with spaying or neutering?

Reproductive hormones are what cause mating behaviors that many pet owners are not fond of, but these hormones also affect your pet’s overall health and can be beneficial. When you removing your pet’s ovaries or testes you remove these hormones, and that can result in increased risk of health problems. Some of those health problems are urinary incontinence and even some types of cancer.

Surgery

Spaying and neutering are major surgical procedures, but they are also the most common surgeries performed by veterinarians on cats and dogs. Like any surgical procedure, it is associated with some anesthetic and surgical risk, but the chance of complications is very low.

Before the procedure, your pet is given a thorough physical examination to ensure that he/she is in good health.  You will be given medications to minimize pain, as well as being asked to keep your pet calm for a few days after surgery as they heal.

Recovery

It is a good idea to have a quiet place for your dog or cat to recover inside and away from other animals.  You should keep your pet from running around and being too active for about 2 weeks, or whatever time frame your vet suggests.  Don’t let your dog or cat lick the incision site. Doing this can cause infection.  Try not to bathe your pet for around 10 days after surgery.

You will need to check the incision every day to make sure that there is not any redness, swelling or discharge. You will need to contact your vet as soon as possible if you notice any of those things, as well as if they are lethargic, have decreased appetite, are vomiting or have diarrhea.

As always it is best to speak with your vet as to what is best for you and the health of your pet.

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There are many ways to tell if your pet has some excess weight that he or she could lose.  

-You can take your pet to your vet. They will know and be able to tell you what to do if your dog is overweight.

-From home you can stand above your pet looking down. If you cannot see or feel their ribs when touching their sides they are probably overweight. Dogs should have a nice taper at their waist. If they are oval shaped they are too heavy.

-You can go online and search for a body condition scores. This will show you a chart of what your pet should look like when they are at a healthy weight.

Just like humans, dogs can have many health problems if they are overweight. Dogs that have an ideal body weight live 15 percent longer, and with less disease, than overweight dogs.

Some of these health problems could include:

-Diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes)

-Arthritis

-Heart disease and increased blood pressure

-Difficulty breathing and decreased stamina

-Decreased immune function

-Skin and hair coat problems

-Decreased quality and length of life

-and even some cancers

If your dog is overweight here are some suggestions to help get them back in the normal weight range.

-Ask your vet for a diet plan that would be good for your specific breed of dog.

-Go for a brisk walk for 12-15 minutes a day.

-Make sure that your dogs gets 15 minutes of active play time twice a day.

-Measure your dog’s food out; they should not have an unlimited supply of food all day.

-Don’t give into begging. If you have determined how many calories your dog needs each day and measured it out, then don’t give them more.

-Reward your dog with play time or a new toy, rather than treats. Try and keep treats to a minimum.

Results will not happen overnight, but if you follow these tips and suggestions you will start to see improvement in your dog’s weight.

photo credit: Obese canine from New Orleans via photopin (license)

photo credit: I know I shouldn’t eat this, but… via photopin (license)

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