Dog wellness is so much more than a physically healthy animal. Besides exercise and nutrition there are social and responsive even intellectual aspects to wellness that apply to our furry four-legged friends. When you think of sleep, water, optimum nutrient requirements, stress and recreation, medical care, relationships with its owner and others, you start getting a more comprehensive idea of what dog wellness entails. Below you will find a list of 101 dog wellness tips for real dog lovers that you can’t miss. They will point you to valuable articles that offer greater insight. But if ever wanted to know how better to care for you pooch, dig right in and enjoy these bones. Leave your comments and further ideas if more tips come your way. Enjoy!
Dog Wellness Tip Categories
- Dog Befriending Tips
- Dog Safety Tips
- Dog Nutrition Tips
- Dog Health Maintenance Tips
- Dog Rescue Tips
- Dog Monitoring Tips
- Dog Coat Care Tips
- Dog Urine, Droppings & Dwelling Tips
- Dog Tricks & Play Tips
- Dog Loss Tips
Tip Category I: Dog Befriending Tips
Tip 1) How to Read the Attitude and Body Language of a Dog
Dogs communicate differently from humans. We communicate by words, but dogs communicate by body language. A dog communicates aggression by growling, bearing its teeth, and snapping or biting if those warning signs are not observed. The aggression may come from protecting its territory or from fear when a dog is pushed outside of its comfort zone. When dogs communicate fear by avoiding eye contact, crouching low, trembling or shaking, or tucking their tails, you should give the dog space, as it could quickly move to the aggressive side. In sum, watch the whole dog and know the context of the situation. Treat the animal with respect.
Tip 2) Giving a Dog Sufficient Space When First Meeting It
When you first meet a dog or are reintroduced to one, move slowly. Even if you’re very eager to meet the dog, slow down and stay calm. Do not move too close to the dog before you have the owner’s permission to introduce yourself to the dog. You should stay at least four feet away from the dog until the owner gives you the okay. Give the dog a reason to learn to trust you. Slowly get down on the dog’s level and speak softly to it. Reach out your hand and position it under its mouth. Give the dog the chance to come to you and smell it. The dog accepts you if it licks your hand.
Tip 3) What Movements to Avoid When First Meeting a Dog
Quick, sudden movements will scare a dog, even if it knows you well. It is best to let the dog guide your interactions. Just like humans need time to adjust to a new face, dogs need the opportunity to warm up as well. Slowly moving toward the dog once the owner has given permission and then stopping and waiting for the dog to respond is your best option. If a dog does not want to move toward you, don’t force it. Otherwise, you will spook it, may get bitten and hurt. If you are polite to a dog, within 30 seconds you will know if the dog wants to meet you.
Tip 4) Don’t Stare at a Dog
Even though we communicate differently from dogs in that we use words and they use body language, dogs and humans communicate similarly with eye contact. Both humans and dogs who are shy look away. But confident and assertive humans and dogs are unafraid of making eye contact. We’ve been told from when we were little, “Don’t stare at a dog,” and that can seem odd because we’re just trying to be friendly. But think about it. Humans don’t like when other humans, especially ones who they don’t know, stare at them. Make eye contact with the dog, but don’t stare.
Tip 5) Safe Ways to Touch a Dog When You First Meet It
Do not reach out to touch the dog. Let the dog approach you first. If the dog seems friendly, feel free to extend your hand for the dog to come toward you and touch your extended hand. One animal behaviorist described meeting a dog for the first time as dating; you need to greet and meet at the dog’s pace, even if you’re an experienced dog handler. If a dog is friendly, feel free to be friendly and slowly begin touching the dog in other areas besides its face. For example, if a dog puts its head underneath your hand and is happy, you can gently move your hand down and begin petting the dog’s back.
Tip 6) Signals Dogs Give Humans to Communicate with Them
A recent study by Hannah Worsley and Sean J. O’Hara discovered 19 different referential signals that dogs will use to communicate with humans. These include back leg up, chomp, crawl under, flick toy, front paws on, head forward, head rub, head turn, head under, hind leg stand, lick, jump, nose, paw, paw hover, paw reach, paw rest, and shuffle. In order to communicate a desire to be scratched, given food or drink, allowed to go outside, or given a toy or bone, most dogs will lick, nose, paw, or turn their head. Keep attentive to these signals to enjoy your encounter with any dog.
Tip 7) How Much Time You Need to Give a Dog When You First Meet It
Dogs need time to adjust to meeting a new human being, especially for those that are introverted. Waiting for a dog to come to you may feel long if you’re impatient. But 30 seconds is sufficient, if you stay calm and quiet. If a dog doesn’t reach out to you within that time, it does not want to get to know you right now. It may open up later, but it is not comfortable with the current meeting situation. That’s fine. A dog wants to feel safe when greeting you. Just give the dog space and wait for another time.
Tip 8) What Voice to Use When You First Meet a Dog
It goes without saying that when we humans meet another person for the first time, we are calm and collected. We don’t scream or squeal. But this courtesy goes out the window when we see a cute dog. Don’t do it! Speak in a calm, friendly, and slow voice. Speaking monotone to a dog is better than a lot of vocal variety; it is less threatening. Also, don’t speak in baby talk. Some dogs may find that aggressive, and a recent study found that puppies are the only ones who really love baby talk. Older dogs don’t seem to care.
Tip 9) How to Give a Dog a Treat
First, remember that when you give a dog a treat, it should be in between meals, not right before or right after one. Second, consider the context of giving your dog a treat. Treats are tools of reinforcement. You are strengthening whatever behavior the dog performs before receiving the treat. If you give a dog a treat to get it to continue barking because you find this behavior cute, for example, then you may intentionally be encouraging that habit. You won’t be able to shut up the dog when it wants a treat. Finally, you should give a dog the treat at its level—the dog shouldn’t have to jump to get the treat. Otherwise, you’re encouraging lunging to get what it wants. Use several small treats instead of one big one.
Tip 10) The Dos and Don’ts of Picking Up Small Dogs
For any dog, it needs to feel secure when it is being picked up. You can accomplish this by picking up small dogs of less than 25 pounds by placing your arm underneath its chest and bringing the dog close to your chest. A dog may wait to place its front legs on your other arm. You should not pick up a dog by its legs—you should especially watch children, as they love to pick up a dog by its front legs, you should not “scruff” a dog because that is the way mothers carry puppies for a brief period of time, and you should not pick up a dog by its collar or tail.
Tip Category II: Dog Safety Tips
Tip 11) How to Travel Safely with Dogs
If you must travel with your dog via airplane there are steps to follow. Have it fly in the cabin with you if at all possible. It can be very dangerous for a dog to travel in the cargo hold, so make sure that it is a direct flight and that the captain knows you are flying with a dog if you must send the dog to the cargo hold. If you have a small dog, you can get it accustomed to a dog carrier backpack for several days before the trip, so it won’t become anxious while inside the aircraft, and then bring it into the plane to keep with you. Some airlines allow you to keep the dog on your lap, just like a baby. You may, however, need to give your dog a sedative before the flight to ensure it remains quiet and does not become agitated.
Tip 12) How to Travel Safely with Dogs in a Car
Traveling by car is the safest way to travel with dogs. Make a lot of stops so that your dog can get out, stretch its legs, and use the bathroom. Don’t let the dog roam in the car. The safest place for a dog is in a crate that is secured by a seatbelt or other restraining device. Be very careful about leaving a dog alone in a car: “On an 85-degree day, even with the windows slightly open, the temperature inside your car can reach 102 degrees in just 10 minutes.” Keep your car from becoming a dog death trap.
Tip 13) How to Safely Walk a Dog
First, find a leash that works for you, whether it’s chain, flex, leather, or nylon lead. Do remember that flex-leads may not be safe in a high-trafficked area. They don’t allow instant control. Second, make sure that you can command control your dog. If your dog pulls too much and won’t respond to your voice commands, some extra training along with a special collar might help. Be aware where your dog is walking; you don’t want your dog eating plants that would be harmful. Finally, be sure you always bring doggie bags and water (if it’s a long walk)!
Tip 14) Safe Temperatures for Dogs
As a general rule of thumb, if the temperature is too hot or too cold for a human, it’s too hot or too cold for a dog. Dr. Kim Smyth put together a helpful chart for assorted dog sizes in warm weather. Remember that you may also need to factor in wind chill (for cold weather) and humidity (for hot weather). The thermometer might read 80o F (27o C), but with humidity, it might be 96o F (35o C). One is a perfectly safe temperature, but the other is not! You should especially consider brachycephalic dogs like Boston Terriers and Pugs who have short snorts or elderly or obese dogs. Beware that a dog’s paws need protection against the extreme elements. This is easy to overlook!
Tip 15) Food Safety for Dogs
Some human food is safe for dogs; others is not. The following is an extensive (but does not claim to be exhaustive) list of foods dogs should not eat: alcohol, chocolate, garlic, grapes and raisins, macadamia nuts, nutmeg, onions, raw yeast dough, and xylitol (sugar substitute found in chewing gum and candy). Almonds, avocados, cashews, cheese, cherries, cinnamon, honey, milk, peanuts, salt and salty foods, and tomatoes should be limited. You also should be careful about coffee. It may be fun to let your dog lick out your coffee mug, but caffeine is dangerous for your dog too.
Tip 16) Water Safety for Dogs
Although we often give dogs water from the tap while we drink bottled or filtered water, dogs have a generous portion of water in their bodies just like humans. Dogs should drink the same quality water that humans do. Additionally, remember to make sure that your dog frequently has water available to it to drink. If you want to test to see if your dog is dehydrated, test its gums. Expose the gums and place your finger on the gum and press flat into the gum. When you release your finger, blood should return in less than two seconds. If it doesn’t, then your dog is likely dehydrated. You can also use gum moisture to check for hydration.
Tip 17) Keeping Your Dog Safe from Parasites and Pests
Spring and summer are the most likely months for parasites and pests to bother your dog. Fleas, of course, are the most common, and they can affect your dog even in the winter. Using a flea medication or shampoo will keep the fleas away from your dog. But a natural flea repellent involves mixing garlic in raw meat balls, except you must know the right proportions. You should also frequently check your dog for ticks and use a tick medication that kills parasites before they harm your dog. Finally, you may need to treat your dog for worms. If you took the dog to the vet as a puppy, he likely dewormed your dog. But foundlings and adult dogs may also get worms, and you simply need to take your dog to the vet to check it out.
Tip 18) Keeping Your Dog Safe from Electrocution
Dogs, especially puppies, love to chew on anything and everything, and that may include electrical cords. You should always be vigilant to see if this may be a problem with your dog. If you notice burns in or around your dog’s mouth or if the hair around the mouth is singed, your dog may have been experimenting with the wiring leading to electrical injuries. You may also notice shortness of breath. If you notice any of these symptoms, be sure to take the dog immediately to the vet.
Tip 19) Safe Interactions Between Dogs and Kids
First, consider the type of dog your child might interact with. If it is an older dog, a guard dog, or an aggressive dog, it likely will not do well with small children. Second, remember that dogs operate in a “pack” mentality. A pack dog likely views children as lower in the pack. As a result, a dog may do something as small as not listen to a command from a child or something as big as bite a child near its toys. You likely will need to crate your dog when children are around or seek professional help if these problems exist. Finally, adults should always be vigilant when children play with dogs to observe their interactions and make sure that the dogs do not find offense in the children.
Tip 20) Safe Interactions Between Dogs and Other Animals (Especially Dogs)
If you have a dog that is anti-social, you should be particularly careful when introducing it to another dog. You should also consider if both dogs are spayed/neutered, as that sterilization can alter canine interaction. Make sure you allow the dogs to meet in a neutral location. A pet store may be an ideal location, as your dog is likely used to seeing other animals there. Introduce the dogs while they are on leash and make sure the leads are loose. If either dog lunges toward the other or snaps at the other, you might want to reconsider the introduction. If everything seems fine, allow them to interact and give them space while still keeping a close eye on both dogs. If everything goes well, be sure to praise the dogs for a good interaction!
Tip Category III: Dog Nutrition Tips
Tip 21) Fresh Food Safety for Your Dog
Many fruits and vegetables are safe for your dog, but some are not. Be sure to remember which ones benign and which ones are hazardous. The following fruits and veggies are safe for your dog: apples, bananas, blueberries, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cantaloupe, carrots, celery, cranberries, cucumbers, green beans, mangoes, oranges, peaches, pears, peas, pineapple, potatoes, raspberries, strawberries, spinach, and sweet potatoes. However, these fruits and vegetables are unsafe for your dog: asparagus, avocado, cherries, grapes and raisins, mushrooms, onions, and tomatoes.
Tip 22) Processed Food is Not Safe for Your Dog
Like processed food for humans, processed food for dogs is full of corn and preservatives. Processed food for dogs may also include a variety of animal parts that though unsafe for humans to eat, they’re legal for use in dog food. They include 4-D meats (dead, disabled, diseased, and dying). The impact caused when a dog switches from a processed food to a raw food diet is drastic. Although processed foods say that they preserve a lifetime of health, they in fact harm the dog. Many veterinarians state that kibble and canned dog food are the number one cause of death and illness in dogs. Nevertheless, canine species are very adaptable in their eating habits to the environment that they frequent, though the primary component of their diet has typically been animal protein without dismissing some plant sources as well. So, feed them meat and be judicious about feeding them carbs.
Tip 23) Home-Cooked Food is Safe for Your Dog
Not only is home-cooked food safe for your dog, it is also cheaper than most commercial dog food. You personally can ensure that your dog is getting the key nutrients it needs: fresh meat (beef, chicken, and lamb is the best) and vegetables (avoid spicy or starchy vegetables). Natural food is best whether it is cooked or raw. The easiest way to calculate how much food your dog needs is by figuring out forty percent of its body weight. This amount in ounces is the amount of food your dog needs to eat every day.
Tip 24) Meats to Feed Your Dog
It is important to get the freshest meat possible for your dog. Beef, chicken, fresh fish, lamb, turkey, and venison are all great options of meat for your dog. They are rich in protein and high in vitamins and minerals. Some are even low in fat like lamb and venison. You should avoid pork, which is high in fat even if easier to digest, and canned fish. And if you’re in Australia, kangaroo meat is always a great bet!
Tip 25) Bones to Feed Your Dog
Do not feed your dog cooked bones. If you’re feeding your dog the bones from Sunday’s roast or heat dried bones, all the collagen fat and minerals are gone, making the bones brittle and increasing the possibility of your dog ingesting splinters. On the contrary, the fresher and meatier the bone, the better! Fresh, meaty bones will clean your dog’s teeth and provide vital nutrition for your dog. The general consensus of how much bone you should feed your dog is roughly 10% of its diet.
Tip 26) Why a Vegan Diet Really Isn’t the Best for Your Dog
For most dogs, a vegan diet is not the healthiest, but, for some, it is. For dogs with food allergies, a vegan diet may be an excellent option. However, for the majority of adult dogs, they need some animal proteins in their diets. Even so, veterinarian Dr. Michael Fox says that dogs can benefit from a weekly vegan meal to detox. Before you switch to a vegan diet in the rare case of a food allergy, make sure that your dog is getting a sufficient amount of amino acids, minerals, protein, and vitamins.
Tip 27) When Does My Dog Need a Grain-Free Diet?
The answer is hardly ever. While a diet heavily centered on meat is definitely the best diet for most canines, dogs do not have difficulties digesting grain on the whole. The one exception is the Irish Setter, although only reported in Irish Setters in the United Kingdom, due to a congenital disease, making it challenging for the Irish Setter to digest gluten. Some dogs may indeed have food allergies due to corn and other grains, but it is much less common than people think. Beef and dairy are much more common allergies.
Tip 28) Safe Liquids for Your Dog
Water obviously is safe for your dog but remember to give your dog as fresh and clean water as you would want for yourself. What else can you safely give your dog to drink? Pure fruit juice and milk are safe for dogs, but in small quantities. You should avoid coffee, pop, and tea due to the caffeine, fruit juice with hidden additives and sugars, sugary drinks, particularly if they include the sweetener xylitol, and alcohol, which can be toxic, especially to small dogs due to their size.
Tip 29) Poison List for Dogs
For a complete list of toxic items for your dog, check out the Pet Poison Hotline. The following household chemicals are very dangerous for your dog: anti-freeze, cleaning products, de-icers, detergents, fertilizer, heavy metals, insecticides, and rodenticides. You also shouldn’t use a fabric softener sheet to control dog hair because the chemicals in them are hazardous for your dog. More importantly, be careful about the plants you let your dog near. The following plants are the most poisonous for dogs: aloe vera, asparagus fern, corn plant, dumb cane, elephant ear, ivy, jade, philodendron, pothos, sago palm, and ZZ plant.
Tip 30) Treats to Give Your Dog
First, make sure that treats are not more than 10 percent of your dog’s diet. You can easily calculate the amount of calorie intake based on the dog food package. Just multiply it by 0.1, and you’ll have the number of calories your dog can have from treats. But remember that the 10 percent includes treats and snacks in your dog’s diet, so you may need to subtract some dog food calories. There are a wide variety of websites out there that recommend the best dog treats. Purina Alpo Variety Snaps and Liver Treats are great for small dogs, while dental chews are especially good for older dogs to help with bad breath!
Tip Category IV: Dog Health Maintenance Tips
Tip 31) Ways to Elongate Your Dog’s Life
You can find a variety of different articles about how to give your dog a long and healthy life. What is good for humans is good for dogs: eat healthy, exercise daily, stay mentally alert, surround yourself with positive, healthy people, and keep an eye on your health. And like humans, the health and lifespan of a dog can be greatly increased by brushing those teeth and giving your dogs dental chews! Finally, as is no surprise, studies revealed that obese dogs live shorter lives than those that hold a healthy weight. Additionally, dogs that learn to deal with separation anxiety also have a far better chance at a longer life, as severe separation anxiety can lead to behavioral problems that can prove self-destructive.
Tip 32) Cleaning & Grooming Your Dog
Keeping your dog clean is a vital component in helping your dog live a long and happy life. First, you should bathe your dog whenever it smells weird or has a dirty coat. You shouldn’t bathe too frequently because that can dry out the skin, but it’s important to bathe dogs regularly to clean the skin and coat and remove loose hair and debris. Make sure that you take the time to brush out your dog’s coat after the bath. You may need to use treats if your dog doesn’t like having its matted hair brushed out. You also may need to brush more regularly depending on the breed of dog. Smooth, short-coated dogs can go a couple weeks without a brushing, while a long-coated dog like a Border Collie needs to be brushed every week. Finally, make sure that you regularly take your dog to the groomer (or carefully groom it yourself).
Tip 33) Cooling Your Dog Down
If you notice excessive panting on a hot, summer day, your dog may be suffering from heat stroke, and you need to cool it down. However, beware of cooling down a dog too quickly! Some ways that you can safely cool down a dog include giving your dog cold, fresh water to drink (but not ice water in a situation like this), having your dog stand in a pool of water (because dogs only sweat in their feet and mouth), placing a fan in front of your dog or taking it inside an air-conditioned area, and placing a wet towel (cool, not cold water and lukewarm for small dogs) on your dog. Make sure that you dry your dog once its body has reached a normal temperature.
Tip 34) Ways to Exercise Your Dog
Of course, walks are undoubtedly one of the best ways to exercise your dog. But if you aren’t able to walk your dog some days, here are some other ideas: encourage nose work, play fetch, and teach your dog a new skill. If you want something fun to exercise your dog, you can also play hide-n-seek, run up and down the stairs, take your dog swimming, and teach your dog to pick up its toys. Veterinarians recommend that dogs get aerobic exercise that causes them to pant, such as fetching, running, or swimming, and at least a 30-minute walk daily.
Tip 35) Allergies & Dogs
Just like humans, dogs can have a variety of allergies from ragweed and pollen to medications and vaccinations to food allergies. The most common dog allergen is Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD) when a flea bites a dog, and the most common food allergies include beef, chicken and chicken eggs, corn, dairy, lamb, pork, and wheat. Some dogs are more prone to allergies than others, including Dalmatians, English and Irish Setters, English Bulldogs, Lhasa Apasos, Miniature Schnauzers, Pugs, Retrievers, and Scottish Terriers. Your dog likely has an allergy if it is scratching and itching a lot. Pay attention if you notice any unusual symptoms to figure out what is going to be the best way to proceed whether it is going to the vet or changing your dog food. Finally, frequent bathing can help prevent some allergies, so be sure to stay on top of that.
Tip 36) Dental Health for Dogs
Just as dental health plays a leading role in the overall health of a human being, dental health is very important for dogs. Any preventive measures like brushing your dog’s teeth daily and giving your dog dental chews you can do at home will benefit your dog a lot. You should take your dog into the vet at least once a year to check for dental health. If you notice abnormal chewing, bad breath, bleeding in the mouth, broken and loose teeth, discolored teeth, extra teeth, pain in or around the health, reduced appetite, and swelling in the mouth, you should soon take your dog to the dentist. Often, anesthesia may be necessary to perform dental procedures because it will give your dog a better cleaning.
Tip 37) Dog Insurance: Is It Worth It?
If it would be a struggle for you to pay for an expensive surgery for your dog from your savings account, you might want to consider pet insurance. But if you would be able to afford an unexpected $4,000 surgery for your dog, you probably are fine without it. Dog insurance may seem like a rip-off. You can expect to spend about $500 per year on a policy, so that could be $5,000 during the life of your pet. But you’re covering for the unexpected. If you do decide to get insurance, be sure to shop around. You’re managing health risk with your dog. There is a variety of policies to suit diverse needs, so make sure that you buy a policy that is best for you and your dog. If you are really disciplined, self-insuring might be the best option. Just open a savings account and deposit the amount that you would pay for a premium into that account and only use that savings account for extraordinary circumstances.
Tip 38) Inoculation for Dogs
If you want to prolong the life of your dog, inoculation is one of the best ways. With an inoculation, your dog is best prepared to fight the disease, as its immune system has already been introduced to something that looked like the disease-causing organism in the inoculation. Several core vaccines include canine hepatitis, canine parvovirus, distemper, and rabies. In almost every single state, a rabies vaccine is required a minimum of every three years and sometimes even year. While some dogs will suffer mild symptoms from immunizations, most dogs will not experience any adverse effects from a vaccination.
Tip 39) Diet Supplements for Dogs
If your dog is getting sufficient nutrients from its current diet, a dog diet supplement is not needed. In fact, it might be harmful because your dog might get excess nutrients that it does not need. Extra calcium might cause skeletal issues, excess vitamin A can cause dehydration, and too much vitamin D can cause a dog to avoid eating. However, if your dog’s diet has some nutritional gaps, raw food dog diet supplements are a terrific addition. Glucosamine is the most popular supplement to give a dog for arthritis. There is no clinical research that confirms its effectiveness in dogs, but many individuals believe that glucosamine is quite helpful for their arthritic dogs.
Tip 40) Holistic Veterinary Care for Dogs
By treating the whole body, holistic veterinary care is great for preventative care and effective for long-time illnesses like heart disease. It seeks to provide a combination of alternative and conventional therapies to take the whole dog into account from environment to genetics to medical history. The idea is to find the root cause and not just treat the symptom. You might even be able to add some homeopathic methods to your personal dog care.
Tip Category V: Dog Rescue Tips
Tip 41) Dog Adoption
You can save a dog’s life by adopting instead of buying a dog. Every year, 2.7 million dogs and cats are euthanized that could join any cheerful home. By choosing adoption, you are fighting puppy mills, you are helping more than one animal, and you are saving a homeless dog and changing its life. You even get to select the age of your dog. Additionally, dog adoption may even cost less because the cost of neutering/spaying, first vaccinations, and sometimes even microchipping is included in the adoption price. It can cost $500-$1,000 or more to purchase a dog, but only $50-$200 for adoption. Finally, you can support your community by adopting a dog at your local humane shelter.
Tip 42) Spaying/Neutering Your Dog
Given the extreme overpopulation of dogs and the unfortunate necessity of having to euthanize at least two million animals a year, it is important to spay or neuter your dog to prevent dog annihilations. If you have more than one dog in your house, spaying or neutering your dog can help all the dogs get along better. Spaying your dog also prevents the messiness of a dog in heat. Finally, spaying or neutering your dog can help reduce cancer prevalence in your dog and can improve its overall behavior.
Tip 43) Housetraining Your Dog
First, think about how you’re communicating with your dog. There is a method to housetraining your dog. Don’t punish your dog if you don’t see it have an accident and praise your dog when it does the right thing. Depending on the temperament of your dog, there are a couple different housebreaking methods: 1) crate training (whenever you can’t keep an eye on your dog, put it in the crate, as dogs often do not defecate where they sleep, and your dog will soon learn to wait to relieve itself), 2) constant supervision (keep a close eye on your dog and send it outside whenever it does the “potty dance”; the dog will quickly learn the proper behavior), and 3) starting inside (teaching your dog to pee on papers inside and then move to outside training). Remember to be consistent and simple in your verbal cues.
Tip 44) Socializing Your Dog with Other Pets
When introducing your dog to another pet, be very careful about the first impression. Carefully plan their first meeting; do not let the newcomer, such as a cat, just roam freely in the house. Make sure that both the dog and the cat have separate rooms to go to for space, and do not allow the dog and cat to be alone together when you are gone. After you have continued this routine for several days, both animals should be accustomed to the other’s scent. If the dog is aggressive or takes an interest in the cat when separated, you may need to extend the separation time or even call a professional. But if the dog or cat seem okay with one another and are not aggressive or fearful, you’ve successfully socialized your dog and cat!
Tip 45) Setting Up a Routine with Your Dog
Just like humans thrive on structure, so do dogs require a schedule! Having a schedule is extremely important for a dog, but what the routine looks like will vary from one dog to another. No matter what routine you craft for your dog, however, it should include all of the following elements: comfort of the indoors, food, opportunities to use the bathroom, play, quality time, sleep, and water. Most dogs would enjoy getting up early and going for a walk, having plenty of time to nap (and play!) during the day, and some quality time in the evening with the family.
Tip 46) How to Bond with Your New Dog
It will take time to bond with your new dog, especially if you got it at a shelter. Remember that as with any relationship, communication with your dog is essential. Make sure that your commands are always consistent and clear, simple and sympathetic. It takes time to establish trust, so just go with the flow and accept that bonding with your dog is a new adventure for both the dog and you. You should take your new dog for lots of walks and, most importantly, play with your new dog! After just a little while, you will have found your new best friend!
Tip 47) Does Obedience Training Actually Work?
Yes, it does! What can you expect from obedience training? Expect it to give you and your dog the opportunity to get to know each other to exercise your minds. In the class that will likely last six to eight weeks and happen once or twice a week, your dog will learn good behavior and manners and how to interact well with other dogs and people. Don’t forget to practice at home to give your dog extra reinforcement. At the end of the obedience training (you may even have a graduation!), you likely will be closer to your dog and be more likely to enjoy one another’s company. That pesky, impolite behavior from your dog might be gone with the right training!
Tip 48) Introducing Novelties and Toys to Your Dog
Toys are a wonderful way for your dog to blow off steam. By constantly having a variety of toys available, playing “hide and seek” with the toys, rotating toys, and selecting interactive toys, you will get the most out of your dog toys. Make sure that you get the right-sized toys for your dog and that they aren’t too small or too big and that you are aware of your dog’s ability to destroy toys and don’t allow it to swallow any pieces it tears off. Finally, have three types of toys: comfort toys (like a soft and/or stuffed toy), distraction toys (chew toys, puzzle toys, or food delivery toys), and interactive toys (fetch or rope toys).
Tip 49) How to Train Your Dog for Alone Time
Most are very social, but some dogs do need alone time. It is important to train your more gregarious dogs for alone time, which you can accomplish in a couple steps. First, just pretend to leave but then come back. Second, actually leave and slowly increase the amount of time you are gone. Third, stay calm with entrances and exits. Be sure that you exhaust your dog before leaving and give your dog a hard chew toy and a piece of clothing that smells like you when you leave. By taking the time to slowly warm up your dog to being alone, your dog will likely catch on quickly!
Tip 50) How to Settle A Dog Down for Nighttime
If you have a very active dog or an energetic puppy, it might be hard for you to get your dog to settle down for the night. Before starting your doggy bedtime routine, make sure your dog is tired (either by going for a calm walk or playing ball), and, most importantly, ensure that your dog has used the bathroom. Right before going to bed, calmly speak to your dog and massage your dog gently, rubbing its chest, massaging its ears, and stroking the side of your dog’s fact and body. It may also be helpful to let your dog, especially if it’s a new dog, sleep in your bedroom so that it does not have anxiety due to being separated from you.
Tip Category VI: Dog Monitoring Tips
Tip 51) Microchips: Pros and Cons
Depending on your goals, a microchip may or may not be a promising idea for your dog. A microchip is a simple procedure that places a chip inside your dog, which will help you find the dog if it runs away. Make sure that you register the microchip and keep it up-to-date if and when your information changes in the event that you will need to use the microchip. While universal scanners have become more common, it is not a guarantee that a scanner will necessarily find the microchip information—it might not be scanned correctly, not all scanners pick up every single microchip, some microchips are harder to scan than others, and microchips sometimes migrate. It is important to remember, though, that microchips do have health risks (as confirmed by scientific studies) and may stop working or be expelled from the dog’s body. Be sure that you carefully weigh the pros and cons before getting a microchip.
Tip 52) Dog-Proofing Your Home
As with young children, it is important to consider potential dangers for young puppies and even older dogs in your house. Keep food and medications out of reach, and make sure the toilet lid is closed, as dogs love to drink toilet water. Ensure that your dog cannot get to dangling wires or poisonous household plants. Make sure that laundry and shoes are hidden, as dogs love to chew on such items. In sum, think about all the implications of what you have out. If it could hurt your dog, move it!
Tip 53) Including Your Dog in Your Last Will and Testament
As adults, it’s important to think about what happens when we die, but one area often unconsidered is what happens to our dogs when we pass away. Thus, you need to make sure that you identify a caregiver for your dog in the event that you pass away before it. It should go without saying but be sure to ask the potential caregiver if he or she will care for your dog in the event of your death. Also, make sure that you include a brief list about your dog’s likes and dislikes for the caregiver. If you can’t think of a close family member or friend, designate a charitable organization like an animal rescue organization or a local no-kill shelter. Finally, you can leave money to your dog if you so desire. Just designate the money to the caregiver “for the care” of your dog or you can establish a trust in some states.
Tip 54) Identity Tags for Your Dogs
Even if your dog has a microchip, it’s important to make sure that your dog still wears an id tag, as it’s easily visible in the case of an escaped dog. Other people can effortlessly track you down as the owner of your dog, and you can clearly identify the owner of a lost dog in your neighborhood. You don’t even need to spend a lot of money. Just get a cheap tag and write your information with a sharpie.
Tip 55) Preventing Your Dog from Escaping
First, think about why your dog might escape: it could be due to fear, isolation and frustration, separation anxiety, or sexual roaming. Knowing the reason why can assist you in preventing escape, whether through more walks or spaying/neutering your dog. Second, know how your dog might escape—either through climbing/jumping or digging—and make necessary adjustments. Ultimately, you need to dissuade your dog from escaping by giving it less reason to do so by making it more difficult to escape.
Tip 56) Preventing Dog Theft
It’s important to take preventive action to avoid someone stealing your dog. Avoid leaving your dog alone outside your home, even for short periods of time, in the car (which is also dangerous due to heat concerns), and outside a store as you go in. Using a leash when you’re out and about and locking your gate are easy prevention steps, as is taking note of strangers who seem just a little too interested in your dog. Finally, a microchip may help in the event that a thief removes the dog collar.
Tip 57) The Use of a Pet Cam for Your Dog
Pet cameras are becoming more popular for dogs, and you might want to consider several reasons to get a doggy cam for yourself. They are especially helpful if you work full-time and can’t come home during the day. A pet cam can give you the opportunity to interact with your dog, as many have two-way audio, allowing you to speak with your dog. This ability to interact means that you can spend more quality time with your dog even when you’re away. A pet cam can also help with training, as you’ll see exactly how your dog is getting into trouble, and it also gives you the ability to check on your pet’s health.
Tip 58) Top Disease Symptoms for Dogs
Since your dog can’t speak to you, it’s important to watch out for its health. The following symptoms are the 10 most common dog disease symptoms that you may observe (although this list does not claim to be exhaustive): appetite change; bad breath; change in activity level; coughing or sneezing; dry or itchy skin; dry, red, or cloudy eyes; excessive drinking or urination; frequent digestive issues; sleeping changes; and stiffness in your dog’s legs. If you notice these symptoms, be sure to contact your vet immediately.
Tip 59) Apps for Dogs and Dog Owners
In today’s world, technology is ubiquitous, and there are now a variety of doggy apps available that either help you take care of your dog or just are of interest to your dog. Tagg helps you track your dog if it likes to roam, while Pet Services Finder by PetMD gives you information about all the pet-related services near you from dog parks and groomers to dog sitters and veterinarians. iCam, Pet First Aid, Pet Phone, and Spending on My Dog might also be good apps for you as an owner. If your dog likes weird noises, it might enjoy Dog Boogie and iSqueak. On the other hand, if your dog is bored, Games for Dogs or Pet Tunes Canine Music might provide the perfect activity for your furry best friend. Of course, there are a host of other apps available to you; just look online.
Tip 60) Keeping a Dog Journal/Record
It might be worthwhile to keep a journal or record on your dog where you can record daily activities, humorous events, and important moments. First, you need to decide the format: you could use a bullet journal, a scrapbook, or even the computer if you’re more technologically inclined. Second, think about what you want to include in the journal. For those who are more creative, it might be a excellent place to talk about your dog and maybe even draw pictures. From the practical standpoint, a journal is great for tracking food intake and health patterns. Finally, consider how frequent you want to write in it. Depending on your goals, every day might be best, or you might be able to spread it out a bit more.
Tip Category VII: Dog Coat Care Tips
Tip 61) Conditions of a Healthy Dog Coat
Although coats vary from dog to dog, there are several indicators of a healthy dog coat and skin: a shiny and smooth, not brittle and coarse, coat and clear and supple, not bumpy, flaky, or greasy skin. For healthy dogs, their skin should be almost completely covered with fur. You will quickly know if your dog is unhealthy or not getting the nutrition it needs by looking at the coat. If the dog’s diet is not sufficient, it will have a dry, dull hair coat and shed extensively.
Tip 62) Dog Hair Loss
Many dogs go bald. They lose their hair due to excess scratching and itching, but there are also seven other causes of hair loss in dogs (the following list does not claim to be exhaustive): Addison’s disease, Alopecia X, Cushing’s disease, drug or vaccine reactions, genetics, hypothyroidism, and pressure sores. In any case, be sure to take your dog to the vet to get it checked out. Since it could be a more serious condition, it’s important to get that fixed.
Tip 63) Fur Clean-Up
If you have a dog that sheds a lot, it can get overwhelming always to be cleaning up fur. How can you make the dog hair pick up job easier? Consider putting a blanket on the furniture that your dog loves to sleep! But if you find yourself cleaning up fur, here are some easy tips: alternate vacuum directions, consider using a humidifier to keep hair from sticking to surfaces, dampen and lightly sweep carpet before utilizing a vacuum, use damp rubber gloves on upholstered furniture, use a role of tape to pick up excess hair, use a rubber broom to pick up hair on tile or hardwood floors, try a dampened mop for hardwood or vinyl floors, try a dryer sheet to clean up hair, and try a window squeegee on carpet.
Tip 64) How to Make Sure Your Dog Has a Shiny Coat
Often the reason why your dog has a dull coat is due to a poor diet. Thus, it’s an easy problem to fix! Here are just a few natural ways to encourage a healthy, shiny coat for your dog: bathe and brush your dog regularly; feed your dog tuna, salmon, and sardines; give your dog an oatmeal bath; keep your dog protected from outside elements; stir a little oil into your dog’s food; and try some herbal remedies. Omega-3 fatty acids that come from fish are extremely helpful!
Tip 65) Benefits of Oatmeal Baths
Dogs are plagued by a variety of skin conditions, including less severe ones that you can treat at home with an oatmeal bath. You can either make an easy recipe yourself or buy a premade oatmeal bath product. After you start giving your itchy dog an oatmeal bath twice a week, you’ll start to see some impressive results: a cleaner, softer, and shinier coat, a decrease in pain due to the anti-inflammatory properties in oatmeal, more moisturized skin from the vitamin E in the oatmeal, and relief from the plaguing skin problems.
Tip 66) Herbal Remedies for Your Dog
For ailments that are not severe, you can try some herbal remedies at home on your dog. There are a variety of examples online; here are just a few. Although aloe vera is dangerous for dogs to consume, it can be applied topically to treat minor burns and scrapes. Just make sure that your dog does not lick the area. Ginger made into tea or tincture is great for treating your dog’s upset stomach. Finally, milk thistle helps protect your dog’s liver against damage, especially important if your dog has been given medicine that can affect its liver.
Tip 67) Best Dog Shampoos
Depending on diverse conditions, a dog will need a different type of shampoo. You can do a lot of research online to find the best one for your dog. At the very minimum, remember to not use human shampoo for your dog because humans and dogs have distinct skin pH levels and dogs have more sensitive skins than humans. Choosing a natural shampoo like Earthbath All Natural Shampoo is going to be best because it will be easy on your dog’s skin.
Tip 68) Should I Use a Dog Conditioner?
First, consider what a conditioner does: it seals the hair cuticle and restores elasticity, hydration, and moisture. Conditioners can also help with damaged hair, and even with healthy hair, conditioners will give hair a more lustrous appearance and feel. There are five reasons your dog may especially benefit from a conditioner: if your dog has itchy skin, if you wash your dog frequently, if your dog does not have an undercoat, and if your dog has a long coat.
Tip 69) Dog Bows
If you want to glamorize your dog after shampooing and conditioning its hair, you should consider dog bows. There are a variety of websites that can teach you how to make a bow if you don’t want to buy one. To successfully put a bow in your dog’s hair, use a grooming band to make a small pony tail. Next, click the barrette with a bow just below the band loops. Be sure that the barrette isn’t too heavy. Finally, you can use “bow gel” to hold the bow in place. If you have a male dog, you can still use a bow; just place the bow on the collar so it’s a bow tie!
Tip 70) Dog Spas
We all know that dogs should go to the groomers regularly to keep up a healthy coat, but what about a dog spa? Depending on how much you want to pamper your dog, you can find hair color and nail painting among a plethora of other services at the dog spa in your area. Prices obviously vary, but you’re looking at spending $30 to $80 per visit. Here’s just a small sample of some of the more obscure services: blueberry facial, breath refresh, and paw balm application. If you want to splurge on your dog, a day at the dog spa might be a great option.
Tip Category VIII: Dog Urine, Droppings & Dwelling Tips
Tip 71) Urine Color in Dogs
If your dog is healthy, its urine should be transparent yellow; veterinarians call this healthy urine “straw yellow” or “pale gold.” As long as the urine is yellowish—even if it varies slightly day-to-day, everything is fine with your dog. If the urine is dark yellow, your dog is dehydrated. If you see orange colored urine from your dog, you need to take your dog to the vet immediately as it could be the result of liver disease, damaged red blood cells, or other ailments. Red or pink colored urine usually indicates a urinary tract infection. Finally, see a vet immediately if you notice black or brown urine, as something serious has happened.
Tip 72) What Your Dog’s Poop Can Tell You about Its Health
When you first get a dog, take careful notice of its normal poop: it should be firm and a little moist. If you observe white, chalky stool, your dog might be getting too much calcium and is at risk of constipation, meaning that it cannot evacuate its bowels without assistance. White or tan specks might indicate worms, so see a vet immediately. Black, green, or red stool often indicates bleeding and also requires a vet visit. Soft, loose stool is okay, as long as it is temporary; it could be due to a diet change. Greasy and gray poop may indicate too much fat in your dog’s diet. You may notice other variations in a dog’s excrement. Be sure to notify your vet of anything unusual.
Tip 73) How to Keep Your Dog’s Odor Under Control
If you live with a dog, your furniture is going to have at least a faint dog smell. When your family comes to visit, here are some simple steps to eliminate dog odor: take all the furniture apart (blankets and pillows, etc.) and vacuum or wash everything, wash linens with oxy powdered laundry detergent and apple cider vinegar, and sprinkle baking soda liberally on beds, carpet, and furniture that you can’t wash. And you might want to consider renting a carpet cleaning machine and using a perfumed product that is safe for dogs every so often!
Tip 74) Disposing of Your Dog’s Waste
Unlike horse and cow manure, dog waste cannot be used as fertilizer, so you need to dispose of it properly. Can dog poo decompose? Interestingly, you can compost dog waste, but it has to maintain a temperature of 165-degree Fahrenheit for five days to properly sterilize the manure, which is unrealistic for many backyard compost systems since dog poop carries disease. Thus, you’re left with picking it up yourself, which you need to do on a regular and sanitary basis, especially if your dog poops when you go for a walk. The safest way is to scoop the poop into a bag and then double-bag it before disposing of it in the trash can. Nevertheless, look in having someone pick up it up for you, as dog poop is being turned into electricity these day.
Tip 75) If You Want a Fancy Poop Bag…
For most people, a simple sandwich bag or grocery bag is sufficient, but if you can’t stand the smell of your dog’s poop, you might want to consider another alternative like a scented doggie bag. For example, Earth Rated Dog Waste Bags are lavender-scented. Additionally, if you are very environmentally conscious, you could even consider a biodegradable dog poop bag like Pogi’s Poop Bags and BioBag Pet Waste Bags.
Tip 76) Benefits of Artificial Turf for Dogs
Artificial turf may be cost-prohibitive for some people, but if you’re willing to drop a couple thousand, artificial turf may be a great fit for your dog. First, dogs can be hard on lawns, which is resolved using a synthetic lawn. Second, it may help with your dog’s urine and droppings because you can designate a small area of the lawn as a toilet for your dog. Finally, it’s easy to clean and deodorize. Make sure that the artificial lawn you get is non-toxic—most are—because you want it to be safe for your dog.
Tip 77) How to Get Your Dog to Use a Dog House
Like humans, dogs respond differently to dog houses. If you must deal with a dog that doesn’t like its dog house, the following tips could help: don’t make your dog feel like it is banished, feed your dog in the house, give your dog time to adjust to the new house, let your dog have a companion if you have another dog, make the house into a positive experience (this is easily accomplished by getting a house that fits your dog), and place familiar objects in the house. If you still feel like you’ve tried everything, just try to figure out how to make your dog feel safe and comfortable in its house.
Tip 78) Indoor and Outdoor Dog Play Pens
Dog play pens are a great alternative to dog crates if you want to give your dog a little bit more space, especially pertinent if you have a large dog. An indoor play pen—or even partitioned-off area in your house with a gate—allows you to ensure that the dog is not destroying the house and gives you the ability to separate your dog from guests or children. If you find that your dog moves the play pen around, just use heavy objects to anchor it down. An outdoor play pen can be great to allow your dog to play outside and keep them safe from predators if you have small dogs. Make sure your dog always has access to food and water and is not in direct sunlight.
Tip 79) When to Use a Dog Crate
First, make sure that you get a crate that fits your dog; it should be enough room for a dog to move around but not enough that it can poop in one area and still have room at the other. To get the dog to use the crate, don’t always crate them when you are departing. And leave a dog toy. Thus, you should keep the door to the crate open and let your dog use it voluntarily if your dog so desires. Crating your dog is great for when you are cleaning and don’t want your dog to accidentally ingest chemicals or if you need to protect your belongings while you’re gone.
Tip 80) Why You Need a Dog Bed
Dogs need a safe place they can go. This type of doggy safety is best accomplished by a dog bed. There is a variety of benefits from giving your dog a bed: it gives your dog insulation during the winter and a sense of belonging, it improves your dog’s sleep quality and overall health, and it provides your dog with a comfortable place to rest. Make sure to get a bed that is the right size for your dog, even when it stretches out, and remember that different weather may call for a different type of bed—pillow beds versus elevated beds, for example.
Tip Category IX: Dog Tricks & Play Tips
Tip 81) Pros & Cons of Dog Parks and Dog Runs
First, you should think about the personality of your dog. If it’s very shy or doesn’t like other dogs, carefully consider taking your dog to a dog park. Make sure once you get to the dog park that your dog is interacting well with other dogs. If they are painful and jumping around and interacting politely, everything is going well. Beware when you start to see signs of aggression: arched neck, staring, and “t” position. In the end, make sure that the dog park experience is positive, not negative. Try to avoid situations where your dog becomes afraid of other dogs for life.
Tip 82) Taking Your Dog to the Pool or the Ocean
This should be obvious, but you need to make sure your dog knows how to swim before putting it in a pool (and watch your dog once the dog is in the pool!). Make sure that your dog is going to listen to you if it goes in too far and consider getting your dog a life vest. You should also know what you need to do to perform pet CPR in the unfortunate event that you need to use it. Finally, ensure that your dog doesn’t drink the chlorinated water and rinse with clean water after the pool.
Tip 83) What Toys You Should Get for Your Dog
Dogs like noisy toys. The more noise it makes (and more annoying for you!), the better. Dogs want a toy that can be torn apart or at least is soft enough that it is movable, a toy that tastes like food or has food in it, and a toy that is new or that they haven’t seen in a while. And, while this isn’t a toy you can always give your dog, they love when you play with them. So, take the time to play tug-of-war with your dog!
Tip 84) Why You Should Walk Your Dog
Walking your dog has a plethora of benefits, including, but not limited to, the following for your dog: confidence, fulfillment, health, socialization, and structure. You can even profit from the love that dogs have for walking. Dogs love the opportunity to explore the great outdoors and sniff, see, and hear all the wonders of the natural world. Make sure that you take your dog to an assortment of locations to vary your daily or weekly walk. Most dogs are grateful for the exercise and time with you, their owner, that they get from a walk.
Tip 85) Should I Board or Hire a Pet Sitter for My Dog?
When we think of boarding a dog, we normally have a more traditional idea where dogs have to spend long hours in crates. Nowadays, dog kennels are much more like resorts; your dog may have group time, daily hikes, a massage, and even its own room. A quick visit to the facility you might want to board your dog at will let you know if a kennel is a clever idea. A pet sitter, provided it is a responsible individual, is likely always going to be a better option, as that person will have his or her sole focus on your pets. Just make sure that he or she is prepared to deal with all animal issues by dog training and insurance that might arise, and don’t be afraid to reach out through email, phone, or text.
Tip 86) Indoor Games for Your Dog
If you find yourself inside with your dog during a rainy day, there are great indoor game ideas to play with your dog. Here are just a few: search and sniff to ride treats or toys throughout the house, give your dog a kong ball with a treat or two in it, play tug-of-war with your dog, give your dog a puzzle or interactive feeder, roll a ball down a straight hallway (your dog can run, and your house won’t get torn up!), throw a ball up and down the stairs for the dog edition of stair master, and watch Netflix with your dog and give it a nice massage!
Tip 87) Outdoor Games for Your Dog
You have some free time, and you want to play outside with your dog. What can you do outdoors with your dog? Here are some suggestions: create an obstacle course for your dog (most dogs love agility games and jumps), digging in the sandbox (most dogs love to dig), hide toys throughout the yard (dogs especially love when you hide treats in those toys), play fetch (dogs love retrieval games!), and stay cool in the pool (shallow pools are a terrific way to play outside in the summer). If it’s the winter, playing in the snow with your dog is always a great bet, as is playing in the leaves in the autumn.
Tip 88) Taking Your Dog on Vacation
If you and your family are planning a road trip or a trip to the beach, you might want to take your dog along. It can solve some problems like who to leave your dog with, and it can give your dog the opportunity to see new sights and smell new smells and to spend time with you when you have extra time. However, you need to factor in a couple considerations: find an accommodation that will accept pets, make sure you have room for your dog’s stuff and that your dog can travel in the car for a longer duration of time, think about how often you will go out and make sure that you won’t have to leave your dog in the car for prolonged periods of time.
Tip 89) Community Events for Your Dog
If your dog is more gregarious, there is a variety of different events that your community might have from classes to puppy pool parties to free ice cream days for your dog. Apartment complexes have even started to foster events for dogs and their owners like “yappy hour” and doggy Olympics. Getting involved in your community with your dog is always a great idea because you will have a talking point (your dog!) when you meet new people and even if there is no one else to talk to, you’ll have your best friend with you.
Tip 90) Community Events That Aren’t Designed for Your Dog
Some events in the community, however, aren’t going to be the best fit for your dog. If there are a lot of people or a lot of noise, you might be better off keeping your dog at home. You need to be especially aware of dogs and fireworks. Often, dogs should stay far away from fireworks because they incite fear. Your dog doesn’t like the noise, doesn’t like the unexpectedness of fireworks, present a threat to your dog, and makes your dog feel trapped and vulnerable. You’re probably better off leaving your dog at home for Fourth of July. For small ones, like Chihuahuas, prone to heart problems, maybe giving them a little bit of a tranquilizer might be sufficient to keep them from keeping constantly alert to the sudden noise and mayhem that would panic them for endless hours.
Tip Category X: Dog Loss Tips
Tip 91) Dog Aging Tips
When your dog starts to reach 7 to 8 years of existence, depending on the size and type of dog, you will start noticing the dog age. Its breath will start to smell more, it may be harder for your dog to walk, your dog will develop gray hair, and your dog may start to grow lumps. Make sure that you schedule regular visits with your vet, keep your dog at the appropriate weight, feed the dog a high-quality diet (don’t be cheap with food!), continue to take your dog for walks, brush your dog’s teeth, and make sure that your dog has whatever special accommodation it needs (bedding, ramps, rugs, etc.). Age and death come to us all. Dealing with this reality and not denying it will better prepare you to say good-bye to your dear friend.
Tip 92) Blindness in Old Dogs
As your dog gets older, its vision will slowly start to decrease, likely due to cataracts. Fortunately, dogs even in old age rely less on vision than humans do and can instead use their sense of smell and hearing to remain connected to their immediate environment. Even when dogs go deaf and have vision issues, they will likely retain a good sniffer, which will help them function in their old age and recognize you. When you start to notice that your dog’s sight is fading, there are some ways you can help: keep your dog in a familiar environment (don’t move furniture or its food and water bowl), help your dog with stair climbing (you might need to add textured mats to the top and bottom of the stairs), take advantages of your dog’s other senses, and don’t take your pet by surprise.
Tip 93) Arthritis in Dogs
Just as humans get older and develop arthritis, almost all dogs will as well. Fortunately, there are a lot of ways to reduce joint inflammation and pain for your older dog, but be sure to check with your vet first: NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), other pain relievers (like tramadol and gabapentin), steroids, and supplements like glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E. Make sure that you also make adjustments in your home to make it easier for your pet to get on the furniture or have a soft place to nap.
Tip 94) Putting a Dog Down
Putting your dog down or “to sleep” is one of the hardest decisions you will ever make with your animal. It’s important to consider all factors when deciding if you should euthanize your dog. Has your dog lost its ability to function in life? Is the dog in crippling pain despite medication? Does your dog need an extremely expensive treatment that you can’t afford and may even prove futile? What is the ethical standard that served as only hope for animals? This is a hard decision that will lead you to dig deep into your values and their basis. Don’t rush into it. Ponder the lesson that is hidden in this separation experience that may one day apply again to your own life and those others who you love.
Tip 95) Burying Your Dog
If your dog has died and you want to inter your friend, be sure to do a little bit of research before burying your deceased dog at your house. First, regulations for dog burial vary from place to place, country to country, state to state, city to city. So, check the laws for your particular city. Most often, it is legal to bury your dog at your home, but any non-cemetery or non-home location is not legal. In cities like Los Angeles, for example, you cannot bury a dog anywhere except in a pet cemetery. Also, don’t forget to think about the coffin or burial container you want to use to bury your dog and how it can be most meaningful to you and your family.
Tip 96) Dog Cremation
A lot of people want to cremate their dogs because they have grown so close to them and want to keep a memory or memento of them. You have three different options available for dog cremation: private cremation ($200-$400), semi-private cremation ($175-$200), and communal cremation ($50-$150). You need to make sure that you know what container you want to put the ashes in, especially if you cannot avoid a coffin. For a small dog, a cigar box or lunch box will be a good fit; for a medium dog, a laundry basket or cardboard box will work out well; and for a large dog, you’ll need a barrel or chest.
Tip 97) Should You Have a Funeral or Memorial for Your Dog?
Just as a funeral for a loved one gives friends and family the opportunity to mourn, support each other and reflect on the life of the deceased, a dog funeral will give you the opportunity to grieve and think about all the good times you experienced with your friend and be thankful for it. There’s no need to spend lots of money on a ceremony; you can keep it simple. It may be beneficial to you to have a pet memorial ceremony because it’s a way to say goodbye and it will create a good last memory of your dog for everyone involved.
Tip 98) Ways to Memorialize Your Dog
After your beloved dog has passed away, you may experience difficulties letting go. Most likely you will want to remember your dog’s life. If you choose to cremate your dog, an urn may be a nice memento. Others may prefer a headstone, an engraved plaque, or a special window decal. A scrapbook or a painting would give you a good opportunity to reflect on good memories of you and your dog. Some people may even want to stuff their dog through taxidermy. It’s important to know yourself and figure out how you want to remember your pet.
Tip 99) What to Do with Mementos of Your Dog
When your dog dies, you’ll be left with all the toys it used to play with. You should consider putting together a DIY project to create a lasting memory of your dog. A bookshelf shrine with toys, pictures, and other mementos of your dog may be great for you. You also can easily change your dog’s collar into a bracelet. Finally, consider making a toy shadow box of your dog’s toys. You could even spell out your dog’s name in toys!
Tip 100) Life After Your Dog Dies
First, make sure you give yourself time to grieve. For some people who are very close to their dogs, it may be harder losing a dog than even losing a distant relative or friend. Make sure that you talk with people and journal if you need to. If you need professional help, reach out to your vet and ask for information on pet-loss support group. Most importantly, take time to remember the good times you had with your dog.
Tip 101) Getting a New Dog After Your Dog Dies
You’ll likely want to get a new dog after your dog passes away to help the grief go away, and that’s a normal feeling. But you probably will want to wait a little bit before you do that just to make sure you’ve had time to grieve. You should wait to get another dog until you have a sense of peace about your previous dog’s death. Also, don’t forget to consider the needs of your household and other pets at home. Make sure that it’s going to be a promising idea to get a new dog. Finally, take into consideration that if your previous dog was especially older when it died, it’s going to be radically different getting a brand-new puppy. Make sure that you are ready for the new array of energetic life moments and personality changes that a new and young dog will bring. And sooner rather than later, you’ll begin to love your new dog just as much as you loved your old dog. You will have a new friend to love that will love you right back. Do enjoy it and share the love!