As pet owners, we have a great responsibility to keep our pets healthy. That includes the right diet, plenty of play and exercise and proper treatment for pests. Unfortunately, our pets are susceptible to pests such as fleas, ticks, and worms. We, as pet owners, need to ensure that our pets get the proper treatment for these parasites.

Types of Parasites

Roundworms are the most common internal parasite in cats and dogs, they are also known as nematodes. They usually infect your pet through feces. An infected pet can shed the roundworm eggs in the feces and other pets can get infected by sniffing or licking the infected feces. The roundworm then goes through the body of the pet as it grows from the egg to the larva to the adult roundworm. This is especially dangerous for the female pets, as the roundworms can be transferred to the young through the placenta. The eggs can also be spread to the mammary glands and passed through the young through the mother’s milk. Dogs mostly get roundworms as puppies.

Roundworms can be dangerous for our pets. Since the roundworms eat the food that is in the intestines, they prevent the young from getting the proper nutrients from the food. The roundworms can also become encased in cysts in the animal’s muscles leading to issues. In puppies, some signs that they may have roundworms might be stunted growth, a potbelly, and recurrent diarrhea. Roundworms can also be passed on to humans; children are especially susceptible to roundworms.

Tapeworms are another parasite that can infect your pets. Tapeworms are also ingested by your pets and eggs develop in the intestines of your pet. The tapeworm deprives your pet of nutrition by absorbing the food in the intestines through their skin. It is hard to detect tapeworms in your pet until the tapeworms absorb enough nutrients to make your pet ill.

Another worm that can infect your pets is the hookworm. They live in the gut of your pet and hook their teeth into the intestinal wall. Hookworms, when there are many, can cause anemia because they will suck the blood from the intestinal wall. In some severe cases, hookworms can cause death.

Still another type of worm is the whipworm. Read more about the whipworm here: https://www.petsandparasites.org/dog-owners/whipworms. They are only found in dogs. They also live in the gut of your dog where they quickly multiply. Whipworms can cause malnutrition, diarrhea, frequent stools that have blood and mucus.

Heartworms that usually cause heartworm disease – it does not live in the intestines of your pet. As the name suggests, the worm lives in the chambers of your pet’s heart. Cats can get heartworms, but they are more likely to be found in dogs. These worms can cause death in your pet.

These worms can also infect humans, especially children. They can cause similar issues in humans as they do in pets. Children can swallow roundworm eggs, causing damage to lungs, liver, and other organs. It can also affect the eyes, sometimes even causing blindness.

Hookworms can be picked up by walking barefoot in areas where pets have left their feces. Hookworms can cause a skin infection with red, spidery lines that are very itchy. Heartworms can be transferred to humans, but usually are not serious.

Tapeworms can cause Hydatid disease. This disease causes cysts of varied sizes that are filled with fluid. These cysts can be found in the liver and lungs, as well as other organs. Another type of tapeworm can develop cysts in the brain, which can cause serious illness.

There are products that can be used to treat and prevent worms such as Milbemax dog wormer which can be effective in treating all the above worms, see your veterinarian for suggested treatment. Treatment varies depending on the age of your pet.

Fleas and Ticks

Fleas and ticks are other pests that can bother your pets. Both pests feed on the warm blood of your pets. They are more common in warmer months but can be found at any time.

Pets that have many fleas can get anemia – this is a drop in red blood cells. Of course, puppies and kittens are most susceptible to anemia. Pets can get fleas from being outside in the yard. Fleas can lay up to 40-50 eggs per day, this can soon lead to an infestation in your yard, making it easy for your pets to be infested, as well.

You can tell if your pet has fleas if you see constant licking and scratching, you might also see white specks on your pet’s skin that could be flea eggs, or dark specks that could indicate flea droppings. You can find more information here. You may also see “hot spot” or scabs. Another way to find fleas is to use a fine-toothed comb and comb your pets. Good spots to check would be the belly and behind the neck.

Ticks are easier to be seen on your pets. They usually hide ears, eyes, neck, ears, and paws. Ticks carry disease, so it is best if you remove them as quickly as possible. The best way to remove a tick is to wear gloves and use a pair of tweezers. Grab the tick with the tweezers near the head of the tick and pull straight out. Do not worry if you leave the head of the tick – it rarely causes problems.

Pets get ticks from the yard and from walking in the woods. Ticks wait on tall grass or branches and catch a ride on your pet as they walk by. The are most common in warmer areas but can also be found in wooded areas in the northeast.

You can stop fleas and ticks by using a variety of preventatives. You can use a flea shampoo, but dish soap is just as effective and less harmful. Some flea shampoos for dogs can be deadly to cats, so be careful. Flea and tick collars can also be effective to keep these pests off your pets. There are also tablets that can help your pets. Some tablets can be given daily, while others are given monthly.

Your pets are important parts of your family, proper care means they can live many happy years with you!

The post Flea, Tick and Worm Treatment for Cats and Dogs appeared first on Wag The Dog UK.

Working and following orders

As your dog acquires the actions for which they were bred, this is known as instinctive learning. Adaptive learning refers to your dog’s ability to solve difficulties by learning from its surroundings and the environment.

You need to focus on training that incorporates obedience tactics and the exact actions you desire from your dog to get them to be obedient. Aversive and merit training have both been shown to be effective. If you want your dog to be a loving pet, though, you should use reward-based obedience training. Your dog will not acquire fear-based reflexes as a result of this strategy.

Only the behaviors you intend your dog to adopt are rewarded with reward-based systems.

Reward-based training utilizes treats to motivate your dog to accomplish what you want. To reinforce that the behavior was positive, treats, stomach rubs or even other dog-pleasing activities are employed.

Obedience Training Has Its Benefits

Dogs are intelligent enough to understand the behavior you desire. In fact, learn about engaging your dogs’ intelligence during training at http://www.braintrainingfordogs.promo, and the Brain Training For Dogs system. They’re also astute enough to figure out how much they could get away with.

You need to focus on training that incorporates obedience tactics and the exact actions you desire from your dog to get them to be obedient. Aversive and merit training have both been shown to be effective. If you want your dog to be a loving pet, though, you should use reward-based obedience training. Your dog will not acquire fear-based reflexes as a result of this strategy.

Dogs are intelligent enough to understand the behavior you desire. They’re also astute enough to figure out how much they could get away with. If you’re trying to figure out how to teach a dog with certain behavior, you’ve come to the right place.

Effectively Manage Consequences

When you use reward-based instruction, your dog must learn that acting in a fashion you don’t like has repercussions. When they’re doing something incorrectly, the repercussions are withholding their prize.

A dog that jumps up to welcome its people as they enter the house, for example, might be harmful to an elderly person. If they leap up at you, don’t welcome them or pay attention to them to teach them not to. Turn around and go straight out the door, repeating this process until the dog does not leap up. While you’re doing this, keep the treat in your palm.

Give the treat when the dog doesn’t leap and continue the activity until your dog doesn’t start jumping when you come in. This is something you should attempt with everyone your dog gets thrilled and see when they arrive at your house. This guarantees that your dog receives a reward for good conduct.

Developing New Skills

Remember that your dog has the span of attention and IQ of a two-year-old while you’re teaching them anything new. Short and to-the-point training sessions are recommended. Keep them to a maximum of 15 minutes. So that they don’t become confused, and concentrate on one activity or behavior at a time. Make sure you’re using the same instructions to achieve the desired results.

Your dog may not comprehend if you’re using the term but put it in different words every time you speak it. If you want to teach your dog to lay down, for example, saying “Lie down” one time and then “Fido, lay on the floor or no reward” later in the day will confuse them. They could be at a loss for what to do.

Dog Obedience Training for Beginners

In dog training, there are 5 basic commands that every dog should be able to learn. Detailed instructions on training to perform the fundamental commands, and tips to ease training troubles can be found here.

They are as follows:

• Come
• Heel
• Sit
• Stay
• Down

Pay Attention to Your Dog

Learn to pay attention to your canine companion. Do not force your dog to say hi to another dog, creature, or human if he looks to be uncomfortable. He’s expressing his dissatisfaction with the situation.

Don’t be stingy with your affection. Most individuals aren’t shy about expressing their dissatisfaction with their pets, but they tend to overlook the positive aspects. Big blunder! When your dog is doing the right thing, make sure you reward him with lots of attention.

The post The Benefits Of Brain Training For Dogs appeared first on Wag The Dog UK.

Taking care of an animal provides a person many opportunities to exercise, go outside, and meet new people. Regularly walking and playing with pets helps reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which keeps a person healthy.

However, the loss of a pet is painful for owners because they have lost a loyal companion and a devoted friend that brought them joy. More so, this event can become devastating and traumatic for some individuals. In turn, they might not be able to proceed with their career endeavours and nurture their relationships.

Regardless of the reason for death, pet owners have to learn effective ways to remember their pets. So, this article will provide you with four tips on commemorating your pet after they’ve passed away.

• Pet Cremation

Many families view their pets as members of their teams. This scenario occurs once an animal has been with them for a significant period of time. With that, you might consider dog cremation as an option to show respect to the remains of your pet.

A cremation service provider will place the ashes of your pet inside a vessel of your choice. Then, they’ll provide you with a loving keepsake that will help you and your family remember your pet. More so, they can arrange a suitable time to return your pet to your home, which gives them the heartfelt farewell they deserve.

You may also consider other cremation options when it comes to the disposal of remains. You can scatter the ashes in your pet’s most favourite location or in a pet cemetery. Alternatively, you can use the cremains to create accessories as you pay tribute to your pet.

Another way to commemorate your pet using their ashes is by turning them into diamonds. You can ask your cremation provider if they can provide this service. Ideally, they’ll offer a wide selection of sizes, cuts, and colours so you can customize this product.

If you like tattoos, you might want to consider getting an image of your pet tattooed on your skin. You can ask a tattoo artist to mix the ashes of your pet into the ink. Doing so will make the tattoo even more special.

• Create A Photo Pendant Necklace

Another special way to honor the life of your beloved pet is by printing an image of your pet. You can attach it to a pendant and engrave the name of your pet alongside the jewelry. Doing so enables you to remember your pet wherever you go.

You can follow these four steps to attach the image of your pet on a pendant:

• Scan the image into the computer. Then, size it to 1½” x 1” and print it out on paper. After this step, you should cut the picture and name of your pet and glue the materials together using a glue stick.
• Cut a slide in half using a cutter and clean the pieces with a glass cleaner. Next, you should sandwich the photo between the two pieces of glass. Then, clamp the piece and put flux on the top edge.
• Create two mini wire hearts using the silver jewelry wire. Do this step while shaping the wire around pliers. Then, solder a heart to the lower left corner of every side of the pendant. 
• Attach the chain to the wire string. Using two beads, do this step next to every jump ring on the pendant. Finally, close it with the pliers and add a lobster clasp.

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• Plant A Flower In Your Garden

Another way to commemorate your pet is by planting a flower in your garden. Doing so symbolizes the life of your pet, which will provide you with a daily reminder of the memories they shared with you.

Having flowers around your garden significantly improves the moods of your family members and visitors. In addition, these ornamental plants can boost the levels of positive energy around the house. 

In turn, everyone will feel secure and relaxed. That said, you can plant a seed on top of their remains or cremains in a special location.

• Dedicate A Funeral

One of the most powerful ways to deal with the loss of a pet is by dedicating a gathering to pay tribute to the presence of your companion. You can have a mini ceremony in the garden with your immediate family. Alternatively, you may hold a bigger event to enable everyone who knows your pet to bid farewell to your pet.

There’s no specific guideline you must follow, so you should plan a pet funeral that suits your budget. You can enlist the assistance of a pet funeral service. In most cases, you can have a do-it-yourself (DIY) pet funeral to save money.

Key Takeaway

Losing a beloved pet is challenging. However, you may consider these four tips that will help you pay tribute to your pet. In turn, you’ll receive regular reminders of the good times you’ve had with them, even if they won’t be around anymore.

The post 4 Special Ways To Remember Your Pet appeared first on Wag The Dog UK.

When I think of my pets, current and past, I smile over the places I have uniquely kissed each of them.

I still feel against my lips the fur of those that have left this life. I can still see and feel their responses to my loving pecks placed upon them.

Beside my bed, framed on the wall, is a drawing I composed of my cat Forest’s nose, cheeks and lips. I see it when I go to sleep and when I wake, just as I see his real pink nose beside my pillow as he sleeps beside my head. I kiss him on this pink nose, and he pushes it against my lips wanting more. That wet nose and his cheeks just beside his eyes are the places I often plant my kisses.

When I kissed my cats Jack Sparrow and Joan of Arc on the nose, they purred with whiskers flaring forward and eyes wide, begging for more. Last year I lost them both at ages 17 and 20.

My Brittany spaniel, Speckles who died in 2007 always received a kiss on the temple. I treasure an image I took of him as I kissed him on his grey head a few months before he died.

Next came my dog Trucker who died in 2017. I remember his brown eyes that showed exhaustion and worry when I adopted him. I often kissed his closed eyelids as he relaxed in my hands.

Then came Angel, my adopted senior dog who is now 15. She also receives kisses on the temples. However, the spot I am drawn to is her forehead, that unique sloping area between the eyes. It’s a space not easy to plant a kiss straight-on unless you position your lips and chin just right.

Recently, I received a gift from a friend that depicts this kiss that I give to Angel. It is a carved wood statue of me and Angel as I am on my knees, kissing her on the forehead. That piece sits on the top of my refrigerator, beside her cookie jar full of treats, so I always see a reminder of our bond.

I’m not the only one drawn to kiss that little slope between Angel’s eyes.

Angel and I took a walk one evening and met two little boys maybe ages 5 and 7. They hurried across a yard asking, “Can I pet your dog?”

When I first adopted Angel, she seemed shy when children approached her. Quickly she learned to accept their affection. Now she is drawn to children, and vice versa.

The littlest boy asked me, “What is her name?”

I told him, “Angel.” That made him laugh and say, “Because she looks like an angel.”

He asked me, “Can I give her a kiss?”

I had no idea how she would react when I said, “Yes.” Magically, he was drawn to the same place that I kiss her. He put one hand on each side of her face, holding her gently, and kissed her in the middle of her forehead.

Angel seemed to smile, and I had tears in my eyes.

Another neighborhood boy, Oliver has formed a beautiful bond with Angel. In the summer he watches for her when I take her for a walk. Angel always wants to walk up to him. He pets her, hugs her, talks to her gently and kisses her on the head or temple.

I believe that pets learn to associate a kiss with affection and love. They obviously do not know the nuances behind a human kiss, but they can tell if it comes with adoration.

I came across information online that explained places on the body where people plant a kiss, and what those kisses mean. Even though these definitions are human focused, they apply to the kisses I place on my pets.

• A kiss on the forehead is an expression of friendship and admiration.
• A gentle kiss on closed eyelids (known as an “angel kiss”) shows that you love someone deeply.
• If you hold someone’s face gently in the palms of your hands while kissing them, it means you want to keep them safe.
• A kiss placed on the top of the head is a protective, nurturing sign.
• A peck on the nose means you like someone and think they are cute. This kind of kiss is guaranteed to make you smile.
• Placing a kiss on someone’s cheek is a friendly greeting.
• A kiss on the temple means someone wants to protect and care for you.

I can relate to a quote I saw on social media about kissing your pets. It said, “Before you go to bed each night, give each one of your cats two kisses. One kiss for your cat and the other kiss for a kitten or cat who has no one to kiss it goodnight.”

I routinely find myself kissing Angel or Forest and saying, “I love you” followed by additional kisses and speaking the name of each of my pets that have left this life. It amounts to six more kisses that my pets accept with contentment. Somewhere, I believe, their spirits still receive my love.

If your dog or cat is accepting, shower them with smooches. It’s part of your extraordinary bond and shows that you love them.

The post Our bond sealed with a kiss appeared first on Wag The Dog UK.

As dogs grow older, they often go through many changes. For them to stay healthy, you should be aware of their changing needs. As a result, it’s crucial to adapt their diets to their age.

Other than normal changes like a less active immune system and slower metabolism, older pets frequently have concurrent health issues like kidney disease or osteoarthritis. It means that feeding them a proper diet is critical, but it might not be easy.

If you don’t know where to get started, below are some of the tips to feed senior dogs:

• Feed Your Senior Dog With Probiotics

It’s essential to feed your dog a high-quality and well-balanced diet. It means using food without artificial colors, chemical preservatives, low carbohydrate content, and quality meat-based protein. Not only can it eliminate or delay age-related illness, but it also may help prevent constipation which older dogs are prone to.

To boost your senior dog’s immunity, it’s crucial to find the right dog probiotics, which are loaded with good bacteria and produce neurotransmitters necessary for brain health. Probiotics also help with the uptake of critical minerals and vitamins. They may even synthesize essential hormones like serotonin.

Daily probiotics are recommended to keep your senior dog’s digestive system in tip-top shape. It can be added to your dog’s dinner or breakfast.

• Choose The Right Dog Food

All major dog food brands offer specialized senior dog foods. These are formulated to suit the changing eating habits or nutritional requirements of your dog. More often than not, senior dog foods are packed with quality protein and designed to be easy to digest and chew.

Senior dog foods also contain a balance of nutrients that will help keep your dogs healthy and happy. They also contain a good combination of fatty acids and antioxidants to support your dog’s immune system and joints.

• Keep Your Senior Dogs On A Specific Diet

If your dog is suffering from health problems, caring for them and keeping them well-fed can be a challenge. Part of managing issues such as kidney disease, heart disease, and diabetes is done by feeding your pet specific diets made to help with such problems. Depending on your dog’s underlying illness, such diets have less protein and can be low on sodium.

Unfortunately, it can be hard to convince senior dogs to eat special diets. As chronic issues and age progress, they might get fed up or lose appetite with eating that kind of food often.

Although dietary management is hard, never give up on it easily. If you’re struggling with it, ensure that you approach your vet with your concerns and help you determine the perfect balance suited for your senior dog.

• Include A Joint Supplement In Your Senior Dog’s Diet

Like older people who experience joint issues, senior dogs are also at risk of pain and arthritis. While many commercial dog foods are formulated to support joint health, additional dog supplements are appropriate.

At present, there are several types and brands of joint supplements. Due to this, it can be overwhelming to select one. To make it easier, you may choose a product that contains ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin as they promote healthy joints.

• Serve Wet Dog Food At Room Temperature

If you want to bring out the smell and taste of your senior dog’s food, make sure to serve it at room temperature. Keep in mind that when you store senior dog food in the fridge, never serve it cold and wait until it has the right temperature. If you want to save time, you can microwave wet food to warm them.

• Give Your Senior Dog Vegetables And Fruits

All dogs can benefit from eating vegetables and fruits, especially obese dogs. With that in mind, don’t forget to add fiber to your dog’s meal in the form of steamed fresh green beans and wheat bran.

• Feed Your Dog In A Quiet Place

During your senior dog’s mealtime, feed them in a quiet place so they can eat peacefully without dealing with any interruptions. If you have several dogs, feed them separately. This will help you prevent them from snatching food from the other dogs.

• Never Overfeed

Senior dogs can be prone to weight gain. Therefore, it’s crucial not to overfeed them. If you’ve changed your dog over to a new food, make sure to follow the product’s feeding guide at first. Always monitor your dog’s condition as time progresses. Then, adjust the amount to keep their ideal weight. As an essential part of their diet, your dog will need clean drinking water throughout the day.

Conclusion

Since senior dogs have a slower metabolism, it isn’t unusual for older dogs to put on some weight. While weight gain is expected, gaining too much can be a problem. Canine obesity may result in some serious health problems, particularly as your dog gets older. If you’re worried about your dog’s weight, contact your vet to get recommendations regarding your older dog’s changing metabolism and changing lifestyle.

The post 8 Tips For Feeding Senior Dogs appeared first on Wag The Dog UK.

A lot of owners started caring for their canines when their pets were just pups. For years, they see their dogs grow and develop personalities. Thus, it’s heart-wrenching for dog lovers to see their pets become handicapped or begin the journey into their twilight dog years riddled with age-related illnesses. But this is an inevitable course of a dog’s life, and pet owners should prepare for it and make the best out of the remaining years their beloved senior or handicapped dogs have.

If you find yourself caring for a disabled or aging dog, you may consider providing your pet with a wheelchair if the vet recommends its use. Your beloved pooch might struggle at first. It may take time for your dog to adjust. 

It’s a good thing that dog wheelchairs are available in many sizes ranging from extra small to extra large. This way, you’ll surely be able to find a device that is appropriate regardless of the size, type, and weight of your pet. 

To help you decide on whether to provide a wheelchair for your dog, here are some of the ways this equipment could improve the life of your aging and handicapped pet:

• Enable Mobility

One of the things that handicap, injury, or aging can rob away from your dog is mobility. When you start to notice that your beloved pet is limping, inactive, or sometimes showing mood changes, they may be in pain and frustrated that they cannot do even the simplest things like walking to the door to welcome you when you get back from work. A well-fitted wheelchair is one thing that will help enrich the life of your handicapped dog. This mobility aid will give them the ability to at least move from one place to another easily.

• Provide Support

If only your handicapped or aging pet could talk, they would probably tell you that pain and discomfort are two things that dictate the course of their lives. So, as a good dog owner, pet care awareness is one of your responsibilities.

If you’re seeing subtle signs of ache and discomfort in your senior or handicapped dogs, you should consider buying them wheelchairs. This device could surely improve mobility and also offer ample support to minimize pain and discomfort. Since dogs cannot use canes like people, a wheelchair would be a great help to ease soreness and throbbing aches caused by hip dysplasia, weakened bones, and other age or injury-related conditions.

• Boost A Dog’s Physical and Emotional Health

Dogs, like people, could also experience depression and sadness when their quality of life is affected by immobility due to injury, paralysis, or old age. If only your pet could talk, they would probably air their frustration that they can no longer walk in the park with you, fetch the stick or ball for you, or play and run around freely because of their condition.

With the help of a wheelchair, your dog would be able to run, walk and exercise. These activities are essential for their overall physical health and posture. Most importantly, giving dogs the gift of mobility through a wheelchair can also improve their mood and may even reduce their frustration from their waning agility and strength because of old age, paralysis, injury, or disability.

• Enhance Your Pet’s Confidence

Put yourself in your pet’s shoes. If you lose your ability to walk or move around, you will probably feel depressed, and your confidence will be affected. You probably wouldn’t want to mingle with friends or go out because of the awkward way you walk or move.

Even if dogs couldn’t talk, you’ll notice subtle signs of your beloved pooch’s dampened desire to play and interact like before. You could boost their confidence by giving them back independence to walk and move as they please. Paralyzed, aging or injured dogs can achieve greater mobility through the use of wheelchairs.

• Prevent Further Injury

Another main reason you should consider buying a dog wheelchair for your beloved pet is to help reduce and even prevent further injuries. Dogs that limp or can’t use all their legs properly are prone to slipping, skidding, and falling. And the more they fall or slip, the more they exacerbate their injury or condition.

With the help of a dog wheelchair, you can help your dog maintain proper balance when moving, running, and walking. If your beloved canine friend suffers from degenerative conditions, such as arthritis, muscle atrophy, hip dysplasia, a mobility aid might help slow the progression of their disease.

The Bottom Line

It’s genuinely heartbreaking for dog lovers to see their pets suffering from immobility due to accidents or age-related conditions. However, age or handicap should not prevent your canine friend from enjoying the rest of their life. Through the help of a comfortable and properly fitted wheelchair, you can gift your dog with the semblance of a normal life.

The post How Dog Wheelchairs Can Improve The Life Of Aging And Handicapped Pets appeared first on Wag The Dog UK.

Having a dog with you can bring joy inside your home. Nothing feels better knowing that someone will always be on your side and do everything they can to cheer you up. With that, as a dog owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure that they’re healthy, happy, and well. While you can always feed them with proper meals and ensure that they get the exercise they need, there might come a time wherein they need to seek professional help.  

As a dog owner, you should ensure that your pet has enough meals during the day. Along with this, it would be beneficial if you could feed them with the right nutrition, of course, according to their age and weight. Moreover, you shouldn’t forget to take them for daily walks, especially if you don’t have a yard to let your dog roam around with.  

No matter how careful you try to be, dogs can get sick as well. While doing home remedies might be helpful, there might be cases wherein you need to bring them to the vet. Moreover, listed below are the warning signs you need to look out for if you need to drive your dog to the vet:  

• Avoidance To Eat  

You can’t expect your dog to be overly excited with their food all the time, especially if the temperature outside is warmer than usual. However, if your dog has no complete reason to skip a meal, you may want to alarm yourself about bringing them to a vet.  

When you notice that your dog changes their eating habit, such as being disinterested in any meal, including their favorite snacks, you should observe them for the whole 24 hours and see how they would respond to every mealtime. If an entire day has passed and they still choose not to eat, you should immediately bring them to the vet to make a proper diagnosis about your pet’s condition. 

For your dog’s health, it’ll only be wise if you could bring them to the best vet near your area. This way, you can ensure that they can have the right treatment they need. You can look for vet clinics online, like Sunnysidevetclinic.com, and try to check out reviews about them so you can end up with the right clinic or health practitioner.  

• Change In Water Consumption  

Your dog should be drinking water regularly to keep their body hydrated all the time. With all of the movement they do for the whole day, you can just expect how thirsty they could get. However, you should be mindful of how your pet consumes water.  

While it’s normal for your dog to consume as much water as they’d like, if you notice that they’re drinking an excessive amount of water, it could be a sign for you to bring them to the vet. However, you should also check first the current temperature of the environment. If the weather is too hot, you might want to turn down the heat inside the room and try to give your dog colder water. But, if the temperature is all right, but your dog still drinks excessively, you should immediately bring them to the vet. 

On the other hand, if you notice that your dog doesn’t like to even get near their bowl, you should alert as there’s something wrong. When your dog doesn’t drink water, they might not be able to urinate as often as they’re supposed to. Along with this, it could a sign that they’re having a digestive issue.  

To avoid further complications, you should immediately bring your dog to the vet, especially if the habit has been running for more than a day.  

Border collie Australian shepherd dog canine on brown leather couch under blanket looking sad bored lonely sick tired exhausted hopeless

• Lethargy Or Lack Of Energy 

Depending on your dog’s breed, some may be more playful than others. However, if you notice that your dog lacks energy intensively, you should consider taking a day off and bringing them to the vet.  

Ideally, your dog should respond to your commands or your presence. If your dog doesn’t get up on their feet every time they try to wake you up when your alarm goes off, you should be cautious about their actions and observe them for the whole day. Preferably, your dog should be excited when you put food into their bowl, take out their favorite toy, or take them for a walk. However, if nothing seems to interest them, you should bring your dog to the vet right away.  

A lethargic dog can indicate that they feel unwell or have a medical condition that causes them pain. To prevent any further damage, you should bring them to the vet for proper medication and treatment.  

• Obvious Sign Of Pain  

Once you start playing with your dog and notice that they don’t feel comfortable moving their feet or any part of their body, you shouldn’t hold back; rather, bring them to the vet immediately.  

As you observe your dog, try to feel their body by doing a soft pushing motion to every part of their body and waiting for their reaction. If your dog squeals in pain, given that you only pressed it lightly, you should bring your dog to the vet as it could be a sign of injury or illness.  

Apart from checking any physical pain from your dog, you should also observe how your dog walks on their feet. If you notice that they’re not properly walking as they tend to lift a paw or two, it could be a clear indication that they’re in pain. While allowing them to rest would benefit them, seeking professional help can guarantee their health. 

The earlier you can bring your pet to the vet, the better. Early treatment will help your dog feel better and get back on their feet as early as possible. 

• Coat And Skin Changes 

Ideally, your dog should have a smooth coat, with a little bit of shine. However, this may vary depending on your dog’s breed. You can’t expect a Golden Retriever to have intact fur as they shed heavily. Apart from eliminating their usual coat appearance, you should be on the lookout for fur changes.  

While dog coats vary, your dog fur should be intact and not have any blank batch due to shedding. When you notice that a part of their body keeps on losing its fur, it could be a sign of skin infection that you need to address immediately. 

Moreover, if you notice that your dog scratches their body more often than usual, you might want to inspect and look for the area where they usually graze their body. When you observe any redness or slight rash, bringing them to the vet would be a good idea. 

Upon the onset of a skin problem, you should treat it away as it be infectious. With that, it may harm other members of the family, which can be dangerous, especially if you have children around.  

• Continuous Vomiting 

While it may be normal for your dog to vomit occasionally, you should be aware if they frequently vomit during the day. Sometimes, dogs vomit to get rid of something in their body that they don’t like. While vomiting can be quite alarming, you should try to be calm first and observe their behavior throughout the day.  

Moreover, when you notice that your dog is vomiting more frequently than usual, has a fever, or their vomit includes blood, you shouldn’t hesitate to bring them to the vet immediately. When you choose to postpone your trip to the vet, you could put your dog’s life at risk, along with the possibility of developing dehydration or diarrhea.  

• Irritated Eyes 

Ideally, your dog’s eyes should look a little teary, which indicates that they still have enough water to hydrate their eyes. However, your pet’s eyes shouldn’t be too watery or have excessive discharge. Furthermore, their eyes should have a solid color as cloudy eyes could indicate an infection, which might require surgery.  

When you notice that there’s something odd with your dog’s eyes, you should bring them to the vet, no matter how playful they seem to be. Even if their eyes don’t physically hurt them, treating them would be better rather than allowing the infection to stand still and damage their eyesight.  

• Sudden Weight Loss 

Even if you’re feeding your dog properly and they seem to be in a great mood all the time, you should consider bringing them to the vet if you notice weight loss.  

If you didn’t put your dog on a strict diet, they shouldn’t be losing any weight at all. Ideally, if you notice that your dog is getting lighter and lighter, you should bring them to the vet to conduct a proper lab test. This way, they can determine if there are internal issues that your dog is having, not making them gain or even maintain their normal weight.  

Conclusion  

Taking care of a dog is a huge responsibility that you should never take for granted. While you can always observe your dog’s behavior at home, if you notice that it’s more serious than how you expect it to be, bringing them to the vet would be the best choice.  

As a dog owner, you need to be aware of every change they have with their bodies as your dog can’t speak for themselves. All they can rely on is your observance of their health.

The post 8 Warning Signs You Should Take Your Dog To The Vet appeared first on Wag The Dog UK.

The American Staffordshire terrier, also commonly referred to as AmStaff, is a bull-type terrier that’s usually 17 to 19 inches in height at the shoulder. They’re muscular and stocky, with a broad head, and well-defined jaws. AmStaffs are known for their confident, smart, and brave nature. They also move with gracefulness and agility. When bred and cared for responsibly, this breed can be a trustworthy and loyal friend that you can count on until the end.

It’s no wonder pet lovers are in love with American Staffordshire terriers. If you’re one future AmStaffer (what they’d usually call an owner of an AmStaff), you first need to familiarize yourself with how to care for this dog breed. After all, dogs aren’t created equal and each breed requires specific care and tending.

Feeding Your AmStaff

Your American Staffordshire terrier should be fed at least two small meals throughout the day. This will ensure that your puppy won’t get bloated, which happens when a dog accumulates air in its stomach because of hurried eating. You don’t want their stomach to become obstructed as that can quickly turn fatal. 

Since AmStaffs are a big breed with a high energy level, you have to make sure they eat equally high-quality food to keep up with their active and energetic movements. They need protein as their main source of energy, which they can get from meat and vegetables. 

As your puppy develops and grows, they need proper nutrition but make sure not to overfeed them or they might gain weight at a young age. Being overweight can be risky for puppies as that may invite several health issues, such as hypertension or heart disease. Feeding them should be according to their size, age, and level of activity.

Sleeping And Resting Situations

Your AmStaff puppy needs a quiet and comfortable spot so they can rest and/or sleep when they need to. They like it better when they’re sitting or sleeping off the ground or floor, so it might be a good idea to buy them a bed. You can search online for quality dog beds for your little buddy. If you’re handy, you may also make one for them out of a wood box. To make the bed more comfortable for your American Staffordshire terrier, you can cushion it using a small pillow or clean comforter.

You can place their bed in an area that’s not often crowded or loud. Additionally, remember to frequently wash their beddings to prevent their bed from smelling. During the summer season, make sure they have enough cool water to drink. 

If you ever need to go out of town or leave without them, find a pet sitter who can take care of your dog while you’re gone.

Grooming

Grooming guidelines for an AmStaff puppy are generally similar to what you’ll usually do for other dog breeds. Frequent coat brushing will help reduce shedding while also keeping their fur clean and neat-looking. 

Here are some grooming tips for your AmStaff: 

• Softly clean and buff their coat using a damp towel to make them shinier
• Brush their teeth once a week 
• Bathe when necessary, such as when they start having a ‘doggy’ smell
• Check for fleas and ticks daily during warm weather
• Trim their nails regularly

When it comes to grooming, AmStaffs are generally low maintenance. You can even bathe them only a few times a year, which is a good thing if you’re often busy and can’t find time to do so. You can also have the option to have them groomed by a professional dog groomer. 

More Care Tips

As with other puppies and dogs, you should bring your AmStaff to a veterinarian for vaccinations against diseases, like parvo. It’s also recommended to give them regular checkups so you and their vet can monitor their development while also being able to watch out for early signs of conditions, such as deafness, cataracts, and arthritis. 

For days or hours when you’re not around to give your puppy company, leave them an interactive toy and treats that can keep them entertained, such as chew toys and balls that hold treats inside. Also, take note that the AmStaff Terrier breed needs to have physical activity so they can remain healthy and energetic. Hence, playing with them outside will make a big difference, as well as walking them down the street every day.

Conclusion

American Staffordshire terriers are relatively easy to care for. With puppies, though, there are some considerations that you need to take to ensure that they grow and develop healthily, such as their watching food intake, scheduling vaccinations, and monitoring their amount of physical activity. Knowing these guidelines can help you care for your newest pack member until the time they’re fully grown.

The post How To Care For An American Staffordshire Terrier Puppy appeared first on Wag The Dog UK.

Although dogs are similar in a way, they also have several differences. One distinction you should recognize is, each dog has their preferences when it comes to food. 

Your friend’s retriever may not like your shepherd’s diet, the same way your dog won’t like a pug’s diet. As their owner, it’s up to you to create the perfect diet for your dog. But although you may want to give the best for your little friend, not everyone has the funds to do so since the most nutritional ingredients often have a relatively high price. 

On the bright side, there are several compromises you can make to create a budget-friendly diet that still offers excellent nutritional value. On that note, below are a few tips to get you started. But if you’re not necessarily on a tight budget, you can learn more here. 

• Check Your Dog For Allergies

When creating a diet for your dogs, you must always remember to avoid ingredients that can trigger their allergies. If you’re still unaware of your dog’s allergies, your best bet is to visit the vet. This is highly crucial since those on a tight budget often purchase the cheapest ingredient they can’t find without any regard to the potential consequences. Regardless, this will mark the beginning of your quest to create a budget-friendly diet for your dogs. 

• Consider Getting Meat Meals

Despite being a bit more expensive than you can afford, not including meat in a dog’s diet is a bad idea, especially since protein is essential for dogs. 

On the other hand, cheap meat meals are made of ingredients inedible to humans, such as euthanized pets and leftovers from slaughterhouses. While it can be a bit distasteful, dogs are capable of processing such foods. So, if you want to get steaks and fillets for your dog but you lack in funds, don’t shy away from meat meals, although you still have the option to include ingredients rich in protein, such as bananas and berries. 

• Choosing The Grain For The Diet

Grains are perhaps one of the cheapest yet nutritional ingredients you can incorporate into a dog’s diet. Hence, it’s the perfect component of a budget-friendly diet. 

Of course, this is only viable if your dog isn’t allergic to a particular gain, which further emphasizes the importance of checking for allergies. It’s also worth noting that different grains have varying nutritional value. If you’re looking to incorporate grains into your dog’s diet, you might as well go for the high-quality grains, such as oatmeal, barley, and brown rice. 

While you can opt for corn and wheat to reduce the costs, the nutritional value of these grains isn’t worth their price, so it’s best to stick to the previously mentioned ones. 

• Consider Including Yogurt For Digestive Problems

Certain dog breeds are susceptible to digestive problems. Examples include German shepherds, Great Danes, and golden retrievers. That’s why when feeding these dogs, owners usually have probiotics in their diet. Alas, probiotics are a bit expensive for those on a tight budget. 

Although it’s not a necessary component of a dog’s diet, it still goes a long way in saving you money for treating digestive problems like inflammation and infections. 

Lucky for you, several ingredients contain a decent number of probiotics. One excellent example is yogurt, which is fantastic news since these products are generally affordable, although you need to choose which type of yogurt to use. As always, expensive ingredients aren’t necessarily a better choice. 

Perhaps the best type of yogurt you can get for your dog is unsweetened ones since artificial sweeteners like xylitol are usually harmful to dogs. 

• Avoid Foods Containing Potentially Harmful Ingredients

It’s a given you must avoid ingredients your dog is allergic to. For example, if they’re allergic to wheat, the safest choice is to avoid grain ingredients in general. 

However, certain ingredients can be potentially harmful despite not being an allergen. One great example is artificial dyes, mainly because they’re already proven to have long-term effects on a dog’s health. Unfortunately, budget-friendly dog foods often contain such ingredients. As such, it’s always a good idea to read the ingredients of a product’s labelling. 

If you find ingredients like tartrazine, you might want to avoid such products. Other ingredients that shouldn’t be on a dog’s diet include the following: 

• Chocolate 
• Avocado 
• Artificial Sweetener 
• Grapes 
• Alcohol 

Final Words

The essence of creating a diet for dogs is to provide them with the necessary nutrition they need to stay healthy. It doesn’t need to be expensive, so a budget-friendly diet doesn’t necessarily have higher nutritional value. Nevertheless, with these tips, it should be a lot easier to create a suitable diet that doesn’t put a dent in your wallet.

The post How To Create A Budget-Friendly Diet For Your Dogs appeared first on Wag The Dog UK.

As a dog owner, you may want to snuggle with your dog while the both of you are sleeping. However, this isn’t always true. Sometimes, when you want to take your dog for a car ride or just simply let them rest in the living room, you want them to feel comfortable. One way of achieving such a goal is to invest in quality dog beds.

However, with the variety of options available, it may be difficult to choose the right bed for your dog. Fortunately, this article will offer some tips so you’ll be able to find one that suits your beloved canine. 

Here are important considerations to keep in mind when finding the best dog bed: 

Determine Your Dog’s Sleeping Style

Choosing the right bed for your dog should be based on your dog’s sleeping style. Having a bed that doesn’t compliment your dog’s sleeping position may only result in a waste of money on your part. 

Hence, try to take note of whether your dog sleeps sprawling out or prefers to curl up like a cosy ball. Moreover, there are also some dogs who like to burrow as a form of security, while there are others who want to lean against something, preferably a pillow. 

Choosing The Right Bed

After knowing your dog’s sleeping position, now’s the time to shop for the right bed. Fortunately, the variety of dog beds available in the market guarantees you that there’s a bed suited for your dog, regardless of size and sleeping position.

Here are some types of dog bed you can choose from:

• Orthopedic: An orthopedic dog bed is usually a mattress type that offers orthopedic support. This type of dog bed is perfect for senior dogs or those who are experiencing joint pain. Additionally, an orthopedic bed is perfect for thinner breeds and those who have a prominent bone structure since it’s capable of giving extra cushioning, helping your dog avoid painful pressure points. Also, since orthopedic dog beds provide more room compared to other types, it’s perfect if your dog prefers to sleep sprawling out.
• Bolster And Doughnut: As the name suggests, this type of dog bed is often oval or round and has a cushion on both the bottom and the raised side. Your dog will surely love this type of bed if they want to lean on something as they sleep, as well as if they want their heads to rest upon something. Furthermore, smaller breeds would also prefer a bolster and/or doughnut type since it’s cosy and its shape will help retain your best friend’s body heat. This is why a calming dog bed usually comes in a bolster or doughnut shape due to the comfort it brings
• Heated: Since it’s heated, your dog will surely love the warmth and cosiness that this dog bed brings. Also, it’s beneficial for older dogs and those who have joint pains as the gentle heat may soothe and reduce any stiffness. Since smaller dogs will easily lose control of their bodies’ temperature, they may also benefit from a heated dog bed. 

Determine The Size Of The Dog Bed

To determine the size of the dog bed you should get, it’s important to weigh your dog first. Then, refer to this guide: 

• Small beds are perfect for dogs that weigh 40 lbs.
• Medium beds are for medium-sized dogs, which are around 60 lbs.
• Large dog beds are perfect for heavy dogs, which are around 120 lbs.
• Extra-large dog beds are suitable for dogs that weigh 120 lbs and above.

After determining your dog’s weight, it’s time to measure them. This measurement will determine the required surface area of your potential dog bed. It’s best to measure your pooch while they’re sleeping since, obviously, they’ll be using the dog bed while they rest. 

If your dog sleeps sprawling out or loves to sleep on their back, start measuring from the tip of your dog’s nose, all the way to their rump. Then, measure from the crown of their head to their pads. If your dog curls while sleeping, measure their diameter from side to side, then from top to bottom.

In addition to your dog’s weight and height, it’s also important to consider your living space. Surely, you wouldn’t want a dog bed that’ll stand out like an eyesore. Hence, consider where you’ll be placing the dog bed, whether it’s in your car or in your living room. 

However, your interiors should only be a secondary consideration. To make your dog happy and comfortable with their bed, always rely on their weight and dimensions. 

Final Words

In addition to bringing comfort, there are still plenty of benefits you can gain when you invest in a dog bed. Nevertheless, with the tips mentioned above, you’ll surely find the right dog bed for your beloved pooch, allowing you to give them the tender loving care they deserve.

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