Although the pandemic had plenty of downsides for us humans, our pets have been having the time of their lives! What more could they ask for than having their parents constantly home, giving them all the love, attention, and walks around the neighborhood? For some puppies, having their parents home with them is all they’ve ever known. So as kids prepare to go back to the classroom and parents return to the office, where does that leave our four-legged friends?
Many experts predict that when owners head back to school and work, it will cause a significant increase in the number of pets experiencing separation anxiety. The good thing is that there are plenty of things you can do to smooth your pet’s transition back to solo time.
First Things First: Recognizing Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is an umbrella diagnosis for dogs who display anxious or problematic behaviors when left alone or separated from the person to whom they are most attached. Some of those behaviors include constant barking, urinating in the house, excessive panting & pacing, destructive chewing and/or escape attempts. Unfortunately, there is no conclusive evidence showing exactly why dogs develop separation anxiety. However, there is a list of situations that have been associated with the development of it. This could be a change in guardian, schedule, residence, or household family members.
Treating Separation Anxiety
When treating a dog with separation anxiety, the goal is to resolve the dog’s underlying anxiety by teaching them to enjoy, or at least tolerate, being left alone. This is accomplished by setting things up so that the dog experiences the situation that provokes his anxiety, namely being alone, without experiencing fear or anxiety. Here are some ways you can help set your pup up for success when you go back.
1. Establish a Routine
Dogs feel best when they know what to expect from their environment, especially when it comes to safety and access to food. Think back to first potty training your pup – consistency was key. Start easing your pup into their new routine now. Start feeding them and taking them for walks at the times you usually would before and after work. During the time you would be at work or school, separate from your dog from the rest of your family for a couple of hours so they can get acclimated to not being in your presence. If you really want to get ahead of the game, you can go as far as running through your morning routine. Get ready, pack your work bags, and drive around the block for a bit. That way it won’t be as big a deal to your dog to see you go when the actual day arrives for your return to the outside world.
2. Social Distance from Your Dog
If your dog is constantly by your side, begin encouraging a sense of independence. Have them spend more time in their own bed, outside in a fenced yard by themselves, or in their crate while you perform a task that draws your attention away from them. When your dog settles down and relaxes, wait a couple of minutes, and then praise them and give them a treat.
3. Interactive Toys
Puzzle toys and chew toys can help keep your dog stimulated throughout the day. This can prevent them from becoming bored and reverting to those separation anxiety key behaviors. Also, it helps distract them from the noises and activities going on outside of the house.
4. Plenty of exercise
Make sure you are providing your dog with plenty of exercise before and after work hours. Exercise will help your dog burn off excess energy and help them stay relaxed and calm through the day.
5. Try alternatives
a. CBD Product
Like humans, when dogs are stressed, it increases their hormonal secretion of cortisol and adrenaline. When this happens, their primitive fight-or-flight mechanism is unnecessarily activated and anxiety results from their brain’s inability to make sense of the entire situation. Cannabidiol, aka CBD, works on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) which all mammals have. It plays a role in homeostasis within our bodies, which means it works with other systems and processes to address any imbalances. It counteracts separation anxiety caused by a cortisol and adrenaline imbalance to bring about a state of calmness. There are many kinds of CBD out there, brands and forms like treats, capsules, oils, and creams. It’s important to find which product works best for your dog. If you are interested in hearing more about CBD or want to pick up some products to try out – be sure to come by the Stop & ask our staff!
b. Doggie Daycare and Training
If you feel desensitizing your pup on your own is not helping, you can always ask others for help! Doggie daycare is a great option that allows your dog to get the socialization and exercise it needs. The other positive benefit from using The Dog Stop daycare services is that we provide temperature controlled indoor/outdoor play areas that are constantly under supervision by an American Association of Canine Pack Handlers trained canine companion. The other alternative is to enroll your pup in training classes. Trainers can work with your dog and teach them to settle comfortably from cues. Also, they can teach you different methods and tricks like knowing what attention-seeking behaviors are and how to handle them. Click here to find a Dog Stop training facility near you!
The above methods can help ease your dog’s separation anxiety, however, the most important factor is for you to remain calm as well. Dogs often follow their owner’s lead and will pick up on your mood and cues about how they should feel in certain situations. The more you stay relaxed and behave like everything is normal, the more likely your dog will be to follow your lead and accept it when it’s time for you to go!
The Effects of Summer Weather On Your Pet
As we enter the thick of summer, the sun is shining brighter, and days are getting hotter. A big question pet owners have is “how hot is too hot for my dog?” Well, just think how hot that blacktop driveway or the sandy beach is for your bare feet – hot!!! If it is too warm for our bare feet, it is also too hot for our furry friends and their paws.
Dog’s paws are extremely sensitive and heat-retaining surfaces can potentially burn the pads when too hot. Heat-retaining surfaces include asphalt, concrete, brick, decks, sand and AstroTurf. Nearly all these surfaces can get dangerously hot in a short duration when the weather conditions are right. And contrary to belief, the most dangerous surface temps occur on a typical summer day rather than those 90°, extreme humidity days. The hottest surfaces are produced when the weather is sunny and in the mid-80s with low humidity and calm wind.
According to a study by The Journal of the American Medical Association, when the air temperature is at 77°F, the temperature of pavement is exponentially hotter at about 125°F! This is hot enough for skin destruction to occur in less than 60 seconds. When the temperature of pavement reaches 135°F, you can actually fry an egg on its surface in about 5 minutes.
Another factor to keep in mind is humidity. According to Dr. Barry Kellogg, VMD, of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association “Animals pant to evaporate moisture from their lungs, which takes heat away from their body. If the humidity is too high, they are unable to cool themselves and their temperature will skyrocket to dangerous levels—very quickly.”
How To Protect Your Pup
To protect your pet and beat the heat, the best way to avoid the outside on the hottest times of the day. Instead, consider taking walks during the sun rising and setting hours when temperatures are cooler. Also, adjust the intensity and duration of your dog’s exercise in accordance with the temperature and humidity.
The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends testing the surface temperature by placing the back of your hand against it and hold it there for 7 seconds. If your struggle to keep your hand on the surface, then it is a sign that it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. Also, a good rule of thumb to prevent heat injuries is to stick to natural grass rather than exercising your dog on heat-retaining surfaces.
Monitoring and doing regular health test/screenings is another way help keep your pet safe. Taking a dog’s temperature will quickly tell you if there is a serious problem. Dogs’ temperatures should not reach over 104 degrees. If you find burn blisters or pieces of missing paw pads, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.
Lastly, there are many products you can invest in that help keep your pet safe in the summer. Our Dog Stop locations carry many of these products including dog booties, cooling vest & pads, and topical ointment such as Musher’s Wax for added heat protection. The Dog Stop’s doggie daycare is also a great alternative that helps your dog stay active and socialized during these hot summer months, while also keeping them safe and monitored in temperature-controlled settings.
Boarding your dog for the first time can be stressful and emotional. It can also put a damper on your travels, worrying about whether your dog will be happy and properly cared for. The key to making sure both you and your pup have an amazing experience, is doing your research and knowing what to expect.
If you are considering boarding your dog for the first time, here are some insider tips to make sure you and your dog are stress-free while you are out of town.
Picking The Right Facility For Your Pup
Every pet is an individual and it takes special consideration when determining what type of facility is right for them. Before picking a boarding facility, it is important to take your pet’s needs into consideration. Do your online homework to find a facility with good reviews that offers the services your pet requires. For example, if you have a high energy dog, daycare and enrichment programs are important or if you have a dog with severe health issues than a veterinarian office might be a better fit. After, you have found your top choices, be sure to tour the facilities and meet the staff. Ask questions while you are there about routines, requirements, cost, and any concerns you may have.
Book Your Appointment in Advance
Getting your dog acclimated to their new friends is a process. When you find your perfect facility, it is likely others found it too! Do not risk waiting till the last minute and finding out they have no availability. Book your dog’s staycation at least a month in advance to assure they have spots available. Especially if it is over a holiday.
Be Open and Honest About Your Dog’s Behavior & Needs
Dog care facilities are dependent on the information you provide them with to help care for your dog in your absence. Be sure to provide the facility with a complete health and medical history, as well as any behavior quirks. If your dog is reactive on-leash, gets along better with smaller dogs, or sometimes has minor seizures, these are all important things to tell the facility before you leave your dog. Because these dogs are going to be temporarily living in close quarters with one another, all boarding facilities require vaccinations. Be sure to update your dog on all vaccines, especially Bordetella, Rabies, Parvovirus and Distemper.
Try Out Daycare Before Their Stay
Familiarizing yourself and your dog with your facility of choice helps you, your dog, and the team who will be caring for them! Before their staycation, try them out in daycare a few times to better acquaint them with the facility, the staff, and the regular daycare dogs. This also helps to get them accustomed to the daily routine like the feeding schedule and knowing that you will be coming back for them. The Dog Stop offers your first days of daycare free for this very reason, as well as to be sure your pup is a good fit before you invest in it.
What To Pack
Always check what the facility provides for your pup – bed, blanket, food, etc. and what you can bring – toys, bed, blanket, food, treats, bones, leash, harness, etc.
The biggest item to bring is food. It may be tempting to use the facilities food because it is usually included in the boarding fee, but upset stomachs are not fun for anyone to deal with. Your dog is already being put in a new environment that may be stressful for them, adding a different diet can cause more issues. Put the food in a re-sealable container or plastic bag and bring enough for the duration of your dog’s stay. Leave instructions as to how much kibble your dog gets per day and what time of day they usual eat.
Things to leave with your pet usual varies. Everyone wants to make their dog feel at home, but a favorite toy or blanket should be brought with caution. It may not be a good idea to bring toys that would pose a choking problem, like rawhide chips or ropes. It all depends on your dog and how well they do with these items at home. If your dog has ever had an issue with these things, it would better to leave them at home.
Update Contact Information
Make sure you provide the best contact information on file & a good alternative form to be contacted in case emergencies. If you are traveling to a place with limited phone reception or opportunities to take a phone call, you will want the staff to have a way to contact you, and that’s usually email. Other alternative forms could be leaving the phone number of the hotel/resort you are staying at or that of a local family member that knows your pup. Dog care facilities often use email to distribute essential information such as holiday hours, vaccination reminders, and report cards (you don’t want to miss these!).
Upgrading Their Stay For The Best Experience
If the facility provides extra treats or activities for your pup’s first stay, spoil them with one! Not only will this help them enjoy their stay more, but it will also make you feel more comfortable about leaving your little one too. Most facilities offer additional activities and services for a charge. For example, The Dog Stop offers Dog Stop Delight that include peanut butter kong treats, cuddle time, leash walks, and more. If you are going for an extended period of time, it could also be nice to book their grooming appointment during their stay. This way, they are guaranteed to come home smelling fresh with their hair and nails done. Lastly, some facilities offer training and enrichment programs which are also smart to take advantage of!
Get The Most Out Of Your Facility
Now that you have your dog’s staycation all squared away, be sure to check with your facility to see what other perks they might have available. Sign up for email updates, reward programs, and find out if they partner with any other local businesses. The Dog Stop has both a ReTail and ReFurral Rewards program that allows you to earn FREE daycare and boarding whenever you shop at the Stop or refer a new friend! Also, some facilities have pup cams that allows you to check in on your pup while your away. Finally, see if they have any technologies that make booking in the future easier – an app, text message updates, etc.
Hopefully, the above information has helped prepared you for boarding your pet. Your pup will have a great time during their first boarding experience, and if you use these tips to than you’ll feel ready, too! Now, go enjoy your vacation knowing that your dog will be having a wonderful time as well!
If you need boarding for your dog, The Dog Stops welcome you to schedule a tour of our facility and see if we’re the right fit!
What is World Spay Day?
World Spay Day is an annual campaign that aims to decrease stray pet populations by increasing awareness of the importance of spaying and neutering programs. It is an opportunity to educate pet owners and caretakers on the importance and benefits of sterilization. It joins everyone around the world in one single effort to help control pet overpopulation and decrease the number of homeless and euthanized animals in our areas.
Who Started World Spay Day?
In 1995, actress Doris Day’s organization, Doris Day Animal League, founded Spay Day USA to bring attention to the pet overpopulation problem in the United States. The movement took off and spread globally, eventually merging with the Human Society to become World Spay Day. It is now celebrated annually across the globe on the fourth Tuesday in February.
5 Benefits of Spay/Neutering Your Pet
- It will help your pet live a longer, healthier life
Spaying and neutering limits your dog’s chance of developing certain cancers and infections, such as testicular or ovarian cancer.
- Curbs unwanted behaviors
Getting your pet spayed/neutered reduces those behavioral issues associated with the mating instinct. Your pet will be less likely to spray strong-smelling urine all over the house and mount other animals, people, and inanimate objects. For females, it eliminates their heat-cycle and males, it help decrease the urge to roam away from the home.
- Reduces long-term pet care cost
The cost of your pet’s spay/neuter surgery, especially with low-cost clinics now available, is a lot less than the cost of caring for a litter or the long-term medical issues that arise in unaltered pets.
- It is good for the community.
Stray animals pose a real problem to many communities. They prey on wildlife, cause car accidents, and frighten children. Spaying and neutering packs a powerful punch in reducing the number of animals on the streets.
- It helps fight pet overpopulation.
Every year, millions of animals are turned away or euthanized at shelters across the country due to overpopulation. Although it is not the sole reason, unplanned litters attribute to these high numbers. Spaying and neutering helps reduce the number of strays and unwanted animals.
How You Can Celebrate World Spay Day
There are several ways you can get involved and support the World Spay Day cause. The first way is to make sure your own pets are spayed and neutered. You can help raise awareness for the holiday by sharing information about the cause on social media and educating others on the importance of spay/neutering. Lastly, you can raise money for various local spay and neutering programs or national organizations like the Humane Society.
What Is Kennel Cough & How Is It Spread?
Canine Cough, commonly known as Kennel Cough, is an upper respiratory infection that is easily spread from one dog to another.
Your dog is more likely to contract Canine Cough in a large group of his peers, much like common illnesses in humans. A simple walk down the street after an ill dog passing or drinking from a communal water bowl can also infect your pup with this serious sniffle.
For more information on symptoms and treatment for Kennel Cough, check out our blog What is Kennel Cough?
How Do We Protect Our Pups From Canine Cough?
Short of keeping our dogs locked inside forever (2020 taught us just how much fun that is!), we can only do our best to be knowledgeable and diligent pet owners.
Tip 1: Keep Up To Date On Vaccinations!
Fortunate for us, there is a vaccine that can help your favorite four-legger fight off this pesky infection: the Bordetella vaccination. This vaccination will do its best to wage war on as many versions of Canine Cough as it can. Although, no vaccine is perfect. There are some strands of Canine Cough that are too strong for even the best of vaccinations.
Most Bordetella vaccinations are effective for a year. Some vets will recommend getting the vaccine every 6 months for a little extra boost. Here at The Dog Stop, our policy is to get vaccinated every 6 months.
Tip 2: Feed A Healthy Diet
A healthy pup starts at meal time! A strong immune system is key to fighting off Kennel Cough. Without proper nutrition, a weaker immune system can leave your pup more vulnerable to communicable diseases.
What foods dogs can & cannot eat this holiday seasons gives a quick look into what a healthy diet may consist of.
Tip 3: Be Mindful Of Where You Spend Your Time
Dog parks can be a great resource for those of us not blessed with a big yard of our own. However, there is no way to guarantee that your pup’s park friends are fully vaccinated and healthy. Dog parks are a high-risk environment for the spread of illnesses in our dogs.
A better outlet for your pup is a walk in a controlled environment, puzzle time at home, or play time at The Dog Stop. Here we make sure all of our visitors are current on vaccinations and maintain high standards for cleanliness.
Tip 4: Listen To Your Pup
As pet parents, we are obligated to learn our dog’s language and their nuances that are unique to them. Ask yourself: Is your usually laid-back pup suddenly pacing? Has their tolerance turned into irritability? Is your wild pup sleeping more often?
The signs that your pup might not feel their best are not always obvious but sometimes it can be a sign of something more and you may need to consult your vet.
Tip 5: Know Your Dog’s Risk Level
Certain dogs are more likely to contract Canine Cough than others.
These consist of:
- Puppies who have yet to develop their full immune defenses.
- Senior dogs whose age hinders their ability to fight illnesses
- Dogs with pre-existing conditions that negatively affect their immune system
If your pup falls into any of these categories, you may need to reevaluate their participation in group play. Your answer could be to find a more suitable one-on-one care option (hint hint: we offer that too!)
And please know that no matter what you – or your favorite team of pet care professionals – do, there is still a chance that your pup will come down with Canine Cough or any other illness.
With Thanksgiving and Christmas not far around the corner – it’s time to amp up the food offerings and indulge! While it might seem like a good idea to also treat your dog to some of your favorite holiday season foods, be careful. Some foods can cause serious upset to the health of your pup, so take caution by reading below the foods that your dog can and cannot eat.
What foods your dog can eat
Despite popular belief, dogs are actually omnivores, meaning that they do well on both meat and plant-based food groups. While the following foods are fairly safe to feed your dog, we would advise against overfeeding. For more information on the ideal diet for your dog, check out our blog on the best food to feed your dog.
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Pumpkin
First on the list as an obvious food for the holiday season, pumpkin! This particular winter squash keeps the GI tract healthy and happy with a rich blend of soluble and insoluble fibers. It also helps with inflammation, urinary tract health, digestive upset, and skin and coat health.
Feeding tip: dogs can eat pumpkin flesh and seeds, just be sure to remove the skin before feeding them.
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Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes contain beta-carotene, vitamins A and C, potassium, fiber, and many other much-needed nutrients. They help promote healthy skin, coat, nerves, and muscles.
Feeding tip: Make sure the sweet potato is cooked and the skin is removed. Skins can be hard for your dog to digest – so be sure to remove them.
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Apples
Apples are full of vitamins A and C and contain lots of great fiber which can help with your dog’s digestion. Aside from this, apples are a great way to clean your pup’s teeth and freshen breath! Perfect timing, especially if they’ll be giving a lot of kisses out this holiday season!
Feeding tip: Best to remove the seeds as a large amount can be toxic.
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Turkey Meat (no bones, skin, or fat)
Your dog’s ultimate dream dish if it’s just the meat itself! Turkey bones can splinter, causing intestinal obstruction or internal bleeding. The turkey’s skin is usually prepared with added seasoning & ingredients, which can cause gastrointestinal upset. Lastly, fatty meat can lead to pancreatitis in dogs. So remember, when giving turkey to your dog, just give them the meat.
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Green Beans
Green beans contain plenty of plant fiber, manganese, and vitamins C and K, all of which are good for dogs.
Feeding tip: dogs can eat green beans raw, cooked, or steamed. Just ensure they are plain without any additional seasonings or other ingredients.
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Carrots
Carrots are full of beta-carotene, vitamins, and fiber. They are also high in antioxidants, which are beneficial for pets with cancer. Some vets even recommend frozen carrots for teething puppies!
Feeding tip: dogs can eat carrots raw or cooked, just cut them into smaller pieces to prevent choking (especially in small dogs).
What foods your dog can’t eat
Most of the foods below are dangerous for your dog to eat. So make sure to watch the kitchen and dining table in case they leap up and eat any of these items. If you realize they’ve eaten any of these foods, get in contact with your vet as soon as possible.
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Garlic, Onions, Scallions & Chives
Part of the allium family, these are highly toxic to dogs and can cause elevated heart rate, anemia, and general weakness. They can also damage the red blood cells and cause gastrointestinal upset, breathlessness, diarrhea, and vomiting.
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Baked Goods & Artificial Sweeteners
Xylitol can be found in some baked goods, especially in diabetic and keto recipes. If a dog eats them, it can result in low blood sugar and could cause liver failure. It is highly toxic and can even be fatal for dogs.
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Raisins and grapes
Even small amounts of raisins or grapes can cause major health concerns such as vomiting, diarrhea, and severe gastrointestinal upset to kidney failure.
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Chocolate
Chocolate is a well-known toxin to most dog owners. It can cause several health issues within a dog, including overstimulation of their heart and slowing down their metabolic process resulting in diarrhea, vomiting, and seizures. While no chocolate is good for your dog to eat, the variety to be extremely mindful of is darker chocolate as these contain higher concentrations of cocoa.
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Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nuts cause severe reactions within dogs such as muscular weakness, disorientation, depression, tremors, and abdominal pain.
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Raw Yeast Dough
Dough causes various symptoms such as vomiting, disorientation, and abdominal pain in pets. Also, it can ferment, producing alcohol and possible ethanol poisoning.
The holiday season can be a fun and exciting time, but make sure to be mindful of these foods around your dog. Aside from indulging, take some pictures with your dog, maybe even treat them to daycare. Most importantly, be sure to share this article with all your fellow pet parents in preparation for Thanksgiving and Christmas!
Clicker training is part of the positive reinforcement method that uses a marker to let your pooch know precisely when to do the things you want them to. The training uses a marker that creates a sound as a way to mark a moment.
This clicker can be anything from a noisemaker device to snapping your fingers to blowing a whistle. However, it should be a sound that is distinct from what you used to communicate with your pooch. Something that your furry friend is not familiar with yet.
The click sound should always be followed by a reward. In doing so, your dog will understand that the sound will grant them a reward. An example would be when you teach them the basic commands such as to ‘sit.’ Instruct your dog to sit, and at the exact moment their butt hits the ground, do the click, and follow it up with a reward.
Bite inhibition refers to the dog’s ability to control the pressure of their mouth when biting.
Canines bite for many reasons, and we all know that they do it often. Pups can bite when they’re feeling threatened or when they’re playing around. Teaching your dog proper bite inhibition can help keep them safe and others around. When your pooch has already mastered the bite inhibition technique through training, they’ll know how much force to use when they bite in different circumstances. In other words, they’ll know when it is okay to bite hard or soft to the subject of the bite.
Both positive reinforcement and negative punishment are commonly used when training your Fido bite inhibition. Both reward and punishment are used to encourage good behavior and prevent bad ones.
Lyme disease or Lyme borreliosis is one of the most common canine illness that is caused by ticks. The illness can be transmitted to both humans and animals. The bacteria agent that causes the infection, called Borrelia Burgdorferi, can transmit to dogs via an infected blacklegged or also known as the deer tick, commonly found in tall grasses, thick brush, and woods. The tick can latch onto the different parts of a dog’s body.
Lyme disease symptoms include fever, general discomfort, lack of energy, loss of appetite, and joint pain. Dogs may not feel the symptoms for weeks or even months after getting bitten. Some canines may also show no symptoms.
Lyme disease can be diagnosed by physical signs and tests such as the C6 blood test and Quant C6 test, which uses urinalysis to detect antibodies. Test results may take weeks.
Treatment for Lyme disease is primarily antibiotics and therapies to relieve some of the symptoms. You can prevent your pooch from getting Lyme disease by visiting the vet regularly to check for ticks, inspect your dogs after walks in the woods or grassy spots, and get vaccinated.
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by the Leptospira bacteria, which can seriously injure the liver and kidney. Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease(can spread from animals to humans), which are found in soil and water. The most common reservoirs of the disease are wild animals such as rodents.
Dogs can be infected by contact of their abraded skin and wounds with infected water and soil, through a bite from other animals, and by eating infected source.
Signs of Leptospirosis in dogs vary. Clinical signs usually show in the first week after infection. Some can show mild to no symptoms, while others may experience severe illnesses and even death.
Common symptoms are fever, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, Jaundice(yellowing of the skin), dehydration, or inflammation in the eyes. If not treated, the disease can lead to kidney and liver failure and severe lung disease.
Treatments for Leptospirosis are antibiotics and supportive care.
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