Everybody loves the lazy days of summer and enjoying the fun activities that go along with it. Our dogs are no different! All it takes is grabbing the leash or uttering of the words, ‘out or ride’ and it’s game on! Walks in the neighborhood or park, catching a frisbee or a stroll through downtown with you is the highlight of their day.

As the temperatures begin to climb, so does a lurking danger right under our feet that many dog owners might not expect. Those scorching hot asphalt roadways and concrete sidewalks rapidly begin to sear their paws with every step; leaving blistered paws with raw flesh prone to infection. So, how can you avoid those painful burns and blisters?

Function of A Dog’s Paw Pads

It’s a common misconception that our dog’s tough and calloused paw pads are a means to protection. But stop and think how ridiculous that rationale sounds for a moment… You might run around in your calloused bare feet all the time. But if you walk on the hot afternoon pavement with bare feet; you will inevitably either jump around like a jack rabbit trying to get to cooler ground or, end up with feet that closely resemble a medium rare steak hot off the grill. Your dog is no different.

In actuality, the primary function of paw pads is not meant to protect them from intense heat and cold. But rather to promote balance and stability, enhance traction, and act as a shock absorber to the bones and soft tissue – like ligaments and tendons. Additionally, dogs will sweat through their paws. At no time are they meant to withstand extreme surface temperatures.

Just How Hot is It?

Even Texas natives know that walking barefoot on asphalt or concrete on a hot day is a recipe for painful burnt feet. Common beach sand can prove astonishingly hot in the brutal afternoon sun. So, why would it be acceptable for our dogs?

Let’s consider for a moment the average summer temperatures in Austin are a stifling 95°.  Research has proven the temperature of a concrete sidewalk is a fiery 140°, while the asphalt is even hotter at 155°! What does that mean your beloved pet? Permanent damage and scarring after just one minute of contact!

When the air temperatures are a delightful 77° and breezy outside, the temperature of the asphalt under your dog’s paws is 125°. That intense heat is enough to destroy skin tissue after a mere 20 seconds of exposure.

Concrete vs Asphalt Temperatures 

Many dog owners are under the misconception that concrete is somehow safer than asphalt to walk on because it’s supposedly cooler. While concrete surface temperatures do tend to run slightly cooler than asphalt, it’s most certainly far from being safer. Concrete surface temperatures tend to run an average of 15° cooler than asphalt – varying a couple degrees depending on wind and shade. Even still, concrete is just as painful and destructive as asphalt.

To help you determine what the temperatures really are on asphalt vs concrete surfaces, here is a general guide by which to go by:

Air      Asphalt Concrete

80°     117°       98°

85°     130°     105°

90°     138°     123°

95°     155°     140°

* Please note these temperatures are intended to serve as only a generalized guide and may vary by a couple of degrees depending on direct sun and wind exposure. *

What is Considered Too Hot for My Dog’s Paws?

Now that you know just how hot asphalt and concrete can become, let’s discuss the type of carnage it can leave behind to your dog’s tender paws. Just imagine for a moment, an egg in frying pan… you can fry that egg in a matter of five minutes in a skillet at 131°. Keeping that in mind, think about taking your pooch for an afternoon stroll down the street on a gorgeous 85° day in downtown Austin. Now reference 85° with the temperature chart above. Get the picture? So, how do you know if it is too hot for your pet? There are a couple of ways you can gauge if these walking surfaces are too hot to walk on.

Check the Weather

The first is by looking up the air temperature outside before an outing and plan accordingly. Take into consideration whether it is an overcast or windy day and if the area you are walking in will be shaded or in direct light. When in doubt, don’t risk it! Stay on the grass or opt for a shaded walking area. Alternatively, you can wait until either early morning or later in the day when the sun is setting and temperatures have decreased to safe degree.

Thinking about taking your dog for a stroll in the nearest pet-friendly big box store? That’s a great idea to keep cool, get in some exercise and social skills! But remember; there’s pavement you will need to walk across in order to access the store. This might not be a problem if you own a ‘pocket pooch’ and can carry them from the car to the store. But for those who own the larger breeds such as a Mastiff… he might get a wee bit heavy to carry.

The 7 Second Rule

The seven second rule is very easy and basic, but an excellent way to determine if the pavement or sidewalk is too hot for your dog. Simply place your bare hands or feet onto the pavement for 7-8 straight seconds. If you cannot continually keep your hands or feet pressed firmly against the surface for the allotted time frame, than it’s its too hot for your dog.

Outdoor kennels with Concrete Floors

At Bed and Biscuit, we believe dogs are a part of the family and should be kept indoors. But we realize this is not always possible in every situation. That being said, even if the dog is provided with a doghouse or shade tree, the concrete can become your dog’s worst enemy.

If keeping your pet outdoors is unavoidable; please provide them with shelter from the elements, ample water and away from concrete/asphalt surfaces – which tend to not only radiate intense heat – but also trap your pet in their doghouse or leave burns and blisters about their bodies.

“If it’s too hot for your bare feet to walk on, than it’s too hot for your dog’s paws to be walking or standing on.”

Symptoms of Burnt Pads

Burnt pads can be a serious and painful injury resulting in many complications. Be sure to seek veterinary assistance immediately if suspect your dog has burnt pads. If you are not sure if your dog has burnt pads, pay mind to their behavior. Additionally, you can turn the paw over to closely examine them. Some signs of burnt pads can include:

• Limping or hopping on hot pavement

• Refusal to walk

• Darker coloring of pads

• Missing swatches of pad

• Blistering

• Redness

• Licking or chewing paws excessively

How to Keep Your Dog’s Paws Cool

This does not mean your dog needs to be housebound by any means. There are preventive steps you can take like walking on the grass or in the shade instead of the pavement. Venture out in cooler temperatures just after sunrise or before sunset. Maybe when it’s cloudy or after an afternoon thunderstorm.

Wearing protective boots is always a great alternative! In addition, using emollients like Musher’s Secret Paw Protection Wax or Paw Nectar will help heal, soften and protect your dog’s pads. However, emollient barrier waxes should never be a substitute for avoiding the hot pavement alone.

If you want your pooch to get in some exercise, play time and socialization while keeping them safe from extreme heat; may we suggest our doggie day care center? Our affordable Bed and Biscuit doggie day care service is the perfect solution for your furbaby to enjoy the beautiful Texas weather safely – while still benefiting from supervised playtime and socializing stimulation.

Original Source:

The post Dogs on Asphalt ? Avoid Burns and Blisters appeared first on Bed and Biscuit Austin.

Have you ever looked at a photo of you and your dog together, then get a freaky thought that you kind of look alike? You’re not alone! It’s not all that bad – provided your dog is not a hairless Chinese Crested. Of course, we know it doesn’t just end with looks. Sometimes, our dogs even act like us (or vice-versa)! They are either on a happy high, over-anxious, a lazy couch potato, neurotic, chilled out, or they are a snippity grump. It’s widely known that genetics are a key factor of personality traits within our children. But what about our dogs? Is it just our imagination, or are there scientific facts behind it?

Like Human, Like Dog – Fact or Fiction?

So, what do we know thus far about this crazy phenomenon? Well as for those creepy photos between you and your dog that take an uncanny twist of sibling-like resemblance – it’s not fiction that rooted in your imagination, and your spouse is not just picking on you. You and the dog really do bear similarities to each other!

The fact is much to the surprise of most pet owners, we actually tend to choose the pets that share similar physical characteristics of ourselves. This includes traits like: size and weight, shape of eyes and head, length of hair, etc. But it doesn’t end there! It goes on to include personality quirks as well.

Research Proves It!

There have been several studies completed throughout the years regarding how our personality and behavior affects our dogs. But it turns out our personalities as pet owners is not the sole influence! Close friends and relatives that your beloved Fido is exposed to most often, also affects their personality! That’s right… the annoying and lazy uncle Buck and persnickety sister Jane which frequently your house regularly can also affect his personality.

The most recent study regarding canine behavior traits is currently underway by Dr. Nicholas H. Doddman and Dr. James A. Serpell PhD of the Center for Canine Behavior Studies located in Salisbury, Connecticut. The study will take place over a course of two years to answer these questions and more. One of the major objectives of the study is to reduce dog euthanasia and surrender due to problematic behavioral issues by increasing our understanding in those behaviors.

Our individual personality, which defines the way in which we behave – and our emotional status – can drastically influence our dog’s personality. Canines have an extraordinary innate ability to sense our emotional state and respond accordingly – making them susceptible to our personality traits and idiosyncrasies. For example: if you’re a spastic control freak in a constant state of anxiousness, so is the dog. Whereas a laid back, easy going owner tends to have a relaxed and carefree pooch. Ultimately, you can affect these five major personality traits in your dog:

• Openness

• Neuroticism

• Extraversion

• Agreeableness

• Conscientiousness

Changing Over Time

In April 2019, a research study published by the Journal of Research in Personality, was conducted by the Department of Psychology at Michigan State University with regards to canine vs human personality traits. What they found was that not only is a dog’s personality traits directly affected by its owner/handler, but also that their personality traits change over the course of time as they become older through age, experiences and lifestyle change. Much like humans. You might also be surprised to learn there were no correlations as to specific breeds.

In addition, the study strongly suggests an alternate positive outcome is possible for dogs that have been surrendered to shelters for ‘bad behavior’, or that have succumb to negative influences throughout the course of their lives – rather than a bleak and hopeless doomsday future. Providing dogs with owners which have positive personality traits, ultimately has the potential to change that particular canine’s personality in a positive manner.

As with humans; personality traits can greatly influence chronic illness and disease, arthritis and obesity, diabetes and heart problems over time as well. An example of how our personality traits can affect the health aspect of your dog includes diet and exercise, depression and anxiety just to name a few. For instance, an energetic and excitable canine was less likely to develop hip dysplasia and arthritis.

What does all this mean in the broad spectrum? Well simply put, you can teach an old dog new tricks! However out of the 1,681 dogs studied, outcome gave further proof that the most influential time to train is from puppyhood to middle age.

The Pro’s and Con’s to Affecting Your Dog’s Personality

These aforementioned effects on our dog’s personality can prove to be an asset in some situations, bringing a soothing comfort to us when we need it most. There is no doubt within the dog-lover community that these canine creatures can offer up a healthy dose of zen just when we have reached our breaking point. Their goofiness can make us laugh, soulful eyes convert us to tranquil babies and give us the push needed to toss a frisbee after a long day at work.

A prime example of their positive influence would be emotional support dogs. Unlike professionally trained disability service dogs used to perform specific tasks like retrieving and protecting; emotional support dogs provide unconditional love and support and require no specific training. While some emotional support dogs can be trained for just such a service, there are many where it comes natural.

On the opposite end of the spectrum however; this tendency can spell behavior problems for your dog because we – as pet owners – don’t realize how we have influenced our pets’ personalities negatively. We see this quite often in the dog training business. Unfortunately, according to the Center for Canine Behavior Studies, this ends in four million pet surrenders and 2.2 million euthanizations annually due to behavior problems.

Taking Responsibility for Our Influence

As dog owners, we need to realize that we have a direct affect on our dog’s personality, as well as both their positive and negative behaviors in most cases. Much like Children Learn What They Live by Dorothy Law Nolte PhD, we have the ability to proactively and consciously determine the course of our pet’s demeanor.

Choosing a canine companion should be the start of a fun and fulfilling life together for both you, your family and four-legged furbaby. That being said, we should give pause for self-reflection prior to taking on ownership. Our pets are like our children in that we want to them to be the best they can be. Perhaps it is said best by the old saying, “I wish I could be the person my dog thinks I am”.

Take the time to enjoy the little things in life and don’t sweat the small stuff. We could learn a lot from our dogs. Life is far too short to be uptight, stressed out or sit around playing video games all day. Put the electronics away and toss the ball or frisbee around. Maybe go for that long walk down by the lake, have a picnic in the park and smell the fresh air. For more information on how you can make a positive affect your pooch’s personality, please feel free to contact our professional staff of canine trainers and handlers at the Bed and Biscuit of Austin and Lakeway, Texas.

Original Source: https://www.bedandbiscuitaustin.com/dog-behavior-training/much-affect-dogs-personality/

The post How Much Do We Affect Our Dog’s Personality? appeared first on Bed and Biscuit Austin.

Where does your dog sleep each night? A dog bed, a dog crate, or in your bed? Choosing where your dog should sleep is ultimately your preference, but you’ll want to carefully consider the pros and cons of each option when making your decision.

The Basics of Personal Choice

The debate as to where your dog should sleep is, without a doubt, a heated one among pet owners and trainers. But the reality of it, is that it depends on these very basic factors:

• Age

• Lifestyle

• Discipline

• Personality

• Physical abilities 

When we talk about these basic factors, they are not just for the dog — but for you as well! So, before we discuss where the family furbaby gets to sleep tonight, let’s take a moment to delve into why these areas matter.

Age 

As much as we hate to admit it, we all get old and our body doesn’t work like it used to. Dogs are much the same in this aspect. Their bones become brittle and soft tissues like muscles, ligaments and tendons are no longer in the prime shape they used to be. Thus, a senior dog trying to jump on or off a bed may do more harm than good.

Likewise, as we become older, moving around in bed or getting up for frequent nighttime potty calls can be a task in itself without finangling around the family dog that has taken over 3⁄4’s of the bed and blanket. And if you have multiple dogs…. Forget it! Sleep and bed space just isn’t happening.

Then there are puppies. Puppies are notoriously energy powerhouses and require frequent potty outings. There’s nothing worse than a 3 month old puppy chewing your ear at midnight and romping under your covers when you have to be up for work at four AM. The best place for that bundle of energy is in his dog crate.

Lifestyle

There’s a dog personality for pretty much every lifestyle out there. From family life with a house full of kids, the young fitness buff that loves the company of his/her dog during hikes and runs, to a single college student with frat parties every weekend exposing them to many people. The lifestyles vary greatly.

For the on-the-go dog owner, the dog may spend a lot of his time alone — hence cuddling at bedtime may be the perfect fit. While the family dog has it’s human pack around him constantly may relish some quiet alone time on a cool floor or in dad’s favorite recliner.

Discipline

Beware of those heartbreaking, mind bending puppy dog eyes! Maintaining a pattern of consistent discipline is a basic building block for dog owners.  It can also be the most challenging part of pet ownership for some. Regardless of where your dog sleeps at night, be consistent! Nothing is more confusing to a dog than inconsistent rules.

There also lies the question of establishing alpha within your family pack. Many trainers contend that in order to maintain an alpha position with your dog; he must sleep in his bed, crate or on the floor. The fact is, studies have shown there is no link to losing your dominant position. But while sleeping in your bed forms a closer bond, there has been concern as to whether or not sleeping with the owner can reinforce behaviors of separation anxiety in dogs when the owner is absent.

Personality

When it comes to sleeping quarters, we all have our own personality. Many of us like our bed space and blankets to sprawl out, while others sleep through the night without moving much. Sleeping habits matter a great deal when it comes to quality of sleep and whether or not your dog is a compatible bed partner. Is your dog a bed and blanket hog? Is your pooch up and down all night? Is your dog jealous of anyone sleeping with you? The answer to these questions will make a difference in your decision.

Physical Abilities 

The physical ability of both the owner and the dog is a major factor in considering where your dog lays his head at night. Dogs (and pets in general) have proven to be beneficial with the aging, mentally handicapped and disabled. But not always should that extend to sleeping arrangements.

Many dogs serve well as an emotional support for an individual, whether they are an official support service canine or just a family dog. It’s very common for these dogs to sleep in bed with them — or close by on the floor, crate or in their dog bed. While others do not have the physical ability to keep a dog safe or, the dog is not agile enough to negotiate a bed.

Whatever the case may be; never place a dog in a situation where it, or the owner, can be inadvertently injured. Both parties must be able to move when necessary without risk of harm to themselves or another.

Sleeping Arrangements

There is no right or wrong choice as to where in your house the family dog should sleep. But the most popular choices are your bed, the floor, his crate or in his dog bed. Now that we’ve explored some basic considerations, let’s have a closer look at the options.

Your Bed

Some dog owners love having their dogs sleep in their beds with them. If you have a large bed and your dog is well behaved and already house-trained, then sleeping in your bed may be a practical choice. This will also depend on your ability to get a good night’s sleep with your dog present – if you are a light sleeper and your dog frequently moves around, letting your dog in your bed might not work out so well.

If you choose to let your dog sleep in your bed with you, then your dog should be well house trained before he’s allowed in the bed. If your dog is still being house-trained, then it’s possible for him to relieve himself in your bed or in your room while you’re asleep. Keeping your dog in a crate while house training can encourage him to let you know when he needs to go out.

Many dogs can successfully sleep in their owners’ beds, but it’s important to keep an eye out for territorial behavior in your dog. Some dogs become possessive of the bed, displaying a stiff posture, growling, and even biting when asked to move or get off the bed. Some dogs may also become possessive over a certain person, acting aggressively when a spouse gets into bed. In situations like this, it is best to have the dog sleep in a crate or a bed of his own.

Dog Crates

Dog crates can be great options for many dogs. Having your dog sleep in a crate provides him with a secure place which is all his own. A crate also keeps your dog contained and safe during the night. This may be particularly important if your dog tends to get into things and explore. Crates are also highly useful for younger dogs and puppies still being house-trained. Even if you plan to let your dog sleep in your bed with you, establishing a positive association with the crate is sure to come in handy during times where you need to confine your dog.

Dog Beds

If you want something in between a crate and allowing your dog to sleep on your bed, then think about getting your dog a dog bed. You can put the dog bed on the floor in your room if you wish, so your dog is still close by but isn’t actually sharing your bed.

Whatever option you decide is right for you and your dog, stay consistent. Allowing your dog to sleep in your bed one night but not the next will only confuse him.

If you need help with establishing a sleeping protocol and training your dog on proper nighttime behavior, please give us a call; we’d be happy to help.

Original Source: https://www.bedandbiscuitaustin.com/dog-behavior-training/where-should-your-dog-sleep/

The post Where Should Your Dog Sleep? appeared first on Bed and Biscuit Austin.

Being able to read your dog’s body language is an important skill. Your dog’s body language can indicate when he’s comfortable, uncomfortable, threatened, or even feeling aggressive. Dogs use their body language as a communication tool, so in learning to understand your dog’s body language, you can better understand what your dog is trying to tell you.

Let Me Hear Your Body Talk!

In order to make an accurate assessment of what a dog’s behavior is saying, you should always encompass the entire body from the tip of the tail to their nose. After all, you wouldn’t be truly listening to another human being if you simply picked out every other word or ignored their body posturing, would you? Well, a dog is much the same!

Observing your dog’s overall body posture and stance is your first clue to how a dog is feeling. Be sure to pay heed if your dog’s body is stiff and tense. A stiff or tense body indicates that your dog is uncomfortable, fearful, excited, or on high alert. This tension is indicative to an anxious dog in a ‘fight or flight mode’. On the other hand, if your dog’s body is relaxed and loose, then you can be fairly certain that he feels calm and comfortable.

Bowing without growling, aggressive barking or raised hair; is often seen in playful or happy greeting behaviors. This type of body language is frequently displayed with humans and other animals — such as when Fido wants to initiate play with the family cat.

Hair of the Dog

Most folks would not think of the dog’s hair and whiskers as part of their body language. But in fact, the position of a dog’s hair can be a clear sign of what they’re feeling. Relaxed hair and whiskers generally signal a dog at ease. However, like a wagging tail, we strongly discourage you from relying solely on this body behavior to determine whether or not a dog is approachable.

Raised hair anywhere on their bodies are one of a dog’s warning signals to back off. This includes erect and twitching whiskers. Hair that is raised or erect and twitching whiskers mark the behavior of a tense and alert dog poised for an aggressive reaction. Stay clear and afford him his space.

I’m All Ears!

A dog’s ears is probably one of the most outward means of body language they use. They can vary from relaxed, perked, flickering back and forth to lowered. When your dog is feeling relaxed, his ears will be in their normal position.

Lowering of the ears means he is either happy and appeasing or, nervous. Pay special attention to other accompanying body language to determine which he is trying to tell you. Generally speaking, if a dog is nervous or submissive, he may flatten his ears back against his head and even cowl or hauch is back.

In contrast, when he gets excited or aggressive, he will lift his ears up and forward. When he’s trying to figure something out, his ears may flicker back and forth before coming to their final resolve.

Stiff Upper Lip

Typically your dog’s mouth will be slightly open and relaxed. A dog that suddenly tightens up and closes his mouth may be directing his attention to a sight, sound or activity. Pay attention to corresponding other behaviors to determine if he is feeling uncomfortable or threatened.

Licking their lips is another sign that dogs use to indicate that they are threatened or are feeling aggressive, and if provoked, a dog may lift up his lips to expose his teeth. This is not to be confused with the ‘smiling’ behavior. A closed mouth position with a tense jaw is a strong warning to back off.

Additionally, observe his jaw for tension or relaxation. Are they growling, is there tongue curled or relaxed, or are they panting excessively?

Those Soulful Eyes…

They say the eyes are the window to the soul. There’s a lot of truth to that cliche. Your dog’s eyes can tell you a lot about what he is feeling. Take a minute to casually observe your dog’s eyes while he is relaxed. If your dog is happy, he may squint a bit as he greets you after you’ve been out.

On the contrary, if your dog’s eyes are larger than normal, this can indicate that he is uncomfortable or even aggressive. For instance; if your dog is looking out of the corners of his eyes away from what he  feels as a threat, and you can see more of the whites of his eyes than usual, then he may be very tense and potentially aggressive. A hard stare that does not advert away can be deemed either offensive or defensive.

Remember: Never face off with a dog in a ‘staring contest’, as this is considered a challenge to a dog that can quite possibly result in getting bit. 

Tail Wagging Time

It is a common misconception that because a dog is wagging his tail, he is happy. While dogs do wag their tails when they are happy, they also wag their tails when they are nervous and apprehensive. Many a bite victim has been known to say, ‘but the dog was wagging his tail’. So it’s important to understand both the position and motion of the tail, as well as to understand the other body language that is going on simultaneously before making a determination.

A dog who is trying to intimidate someone may hold his tail high and rigidly, sometimes moving it back and forth in a wagging motion. This dog isn’t wagging his tail in a happy greeting; instead he is asserting himself.

With a dog who is nervous, he will typically hold his tail in a lower position than normal. If a dog is highly nervous or feels threatened, he may tuck his tail between his legs and up against his belly.

Rub My Belly

Who can resist a good belly rub, right? Well, sometimes it might be in your best interest while other times… please, feel free to rub away! We’ve all seen it —  the stop, drop and roll while they seemingly wait for the belly rub and scratch a special spot that makes their leg go 100 mph. But what if a belly rub is not what they are asking for, and how do you know the difference?

Dogs roll onto their backs to expose their bellies to us and other animals for several reasons. Often times, it is meant to show submission to another dog or animal, during play or courtship, and if they are comfortable with someone. The casual roll onto their back exposing their belly with a happy tail wag is a belly-rub welcoming invite.

If a dog abruptly drops and rolls over when you approach them, this signals submission. However, beware if it accompanies other body behaviors like a tail tuck, licking his lips or growling. These behaviors are a clear sign you would be well advised to leave the belly well enough alone. Never intentionally roll a dog over to rub their belly as it can surely make the dog anxious and fearful.

The Bottom Line

Original source: https://www.bedandbiscuitaustin.com/dog-behavior-training/read-dogs-body-language/

The post How To Read Your Dog’s Body Language appeared first on Bed and Biscuit Austin.

Trimming your dog’s nails may seem like an inconvenience, but it’s actually essential to your dog’s overall health. Here’s why trimming your dog’s nails is important, and a few different ways that you can make the process easier on you both.

Why Dogs Need Their Nails Trimmed

Just like us, your dog’s nails continuously grow and require proper trimming on a monthly basis. In the wild, your dog would naturally wear down his nails by traveling and hunting over different terrain. That’s not the case with domesticated dogs, since we’ve greatly changed their environments. Since domesticated dogs’ nails are not worn down enough naturally to keep up with their growth, we need to closely inspect and trim their nails for them.

If left uncared for, your dog’s nails can grow too long. You’ll notice this if you can hear every footstep click loudly as he walks across a hardwood or tile floor. On carpeting, their snails may get snagged or caught up on the pile. Nails that are too long can break, chip and splinter among other painful conditions. Arthritis can set in over time, creating a painful condition that needs veterinary attention.

Dogs can easily tear their toenails when running or playing — especially outside where terrain and obstacles can become a hazardous venue for your dog’s long nails. Additionally, nails left too long can make standing and moving painful and awkward for your dog. In extreme situations, the nails can continue to grow until they twist or curl around and become embedded in the pads of your dog’s paws.

Nail Trimming Avoidance Through Exercise

Trimming a dog’s nails can be stressful, so many pet owners tend to avoid it by using a ‘natural’ approach. The most popular is through a variety of daily exercise. Some examples of these types of activities are daily walks, jogging and biking with your dog. Because these activities are generally on done on hard, porous materials such as pavement or concrete; the nails wear down gradually.

Nail trimming avoidance through exercise sounds like a banner idea initially, but don’t grab the leash just yet. While it’s true these activities can wear down your dog’s nails naturally providing great exercise and socialization for your dog, there are some hidden health risks which are often not discussed from the dangers of heat stroke to arthritis.

Paw pads can succumb to painful abrasions or blistering, nails can wear down too far exposing the quicks, and their joints can become inflamed after repetitive pounding on hard pavement. Keep in mind this type of vigorous exercise can prove disastrous for dogs that are either a senior, arthritic, and have cardiac or pulmonary conditions. With this type of approach, moderation and frequent wellness checks with your vet are key.

We have seen mention by various websites that using a canine agility course can provide sandpaper-like quality on equipment – claiming it is beneficial to sand down a dog’s nails. As a responsible provider of canine agility training, we strongly advise against this. Agility courses require that a dog’s nails be trimmed prior to participation due to the risk of nail injury during course navigation. Risks associated with long nails are:

• Long nails can protrude over pads preventing their pads from gaining traction

• Long nails can cause toes to be jammed or broken on slatted course equipment

• When a dog attempts to grip with long nails, it puts unhealthy stress on nails and nail beds causing twisting and breakage

Different Trimming Methods

There are a variety of tools available to help you trim your dog’s nails. Traditional nail clippers come in a wide range of styles, so you can find the one that works best for you and your dog. When selecting a nail clipper, be sure to choose one only as big as needed – buying an oversized pair of nail clippers makes it more likely that you might slip and clip more than just the nail you had wanted to. Nail clippers have the ability to remove nail length quickly, but the drawback of removing too much too fast as well as twist or put pressure on the nail. For these reasons, many dogs fair better with a nail grinder.

Small pet nail grinders provide another option for trimming and maintaining your dog’s nails. The modestly-priced Dremel 7300-PT® comes in a rechargeable dual speed model to allow for fast and unobstructed nail trimming. Equipped with a grinding tool, a Dremel® can quickly and efficiently sand off some of your dog’s nail. This is advantageous because you can round and buff the edges of the nail for a softer finish, rather than dealing with the points that clippers sometimes leave behind.

Dremels® are paws down, the most favored trimming method for their ease and speed. Since scissors pressure is avoided as with nail clippers, painful and uncomfortable twisting of the nail is avoided. But it’s important to remember that you can over grind and expose your pup’s quick lickety split if you get carried away. So pay close attention. Avoid keeping the grinder wheel pressed against your dog’s nail for more than a few seconds as the nail will become hot and sensitive. Rather, take several short intervals on each nail and pay mind to how close you are getting to the quick.

The Nail Quick

Whichever method you use, be careful not to cut too much of your dog’s nail at a time. Dogs have quick in their nails, which contains blood vessels and nerves. The quick is sensitive and will bleed if cut. It can also be a bit tricky to see depending on the color of the dog’s nails. White nails are easiest to spot the quick while black nails are the most difficult.

Typically, you can spot the nail quick when looking from the side of the nail. It will appear as a slightly pink shadow inside the nail. Alternatively on black or dark colored nails, the quick will appear as a circular black spot in the center just past the nail pulp. Always begin by only cutting a very small amount of the nail at a tim_ e.

The rule of thumb is to remember before you settle in with your four-legged friend to trim up his or her nails, be sure to pick yourself up a container of Kwik-Stop Styptic Powder that will effectively be able to quickly stop bleeding in the event you accidentally clip the quick.

Trimming for Success

It’s important to introduce the process of trimming your dog’s nails as early on in his life as possible. Start by accustoming your dog to having his feet handled, and then gradually progress to handling just one paw pad and claw at a time. Make nail trimming a positive and enjoyable experience for your dog, and be sure to only hold nail trimming sessions during times when your dog is calm and focused. Give your dog treats whenever you expose him to the nail trimming process so that he associates nail trimming with a positive activity.

Trimming your dog’s nails is a task that you will have to do regularly throughout his life, so if your pet is proving challenging, consider enlisting professional dog training help to make the process easier on both of you. And, if you’ve never trimmed your dog’s nails before, ask a veterinarian or experienced dog person to show you how to do so safely the first time.

Leave It To The Pro’s

If trimming you feel uncomfortable trimming your pooches nails and prefer to leave grooming to the experts, then give Bed and Biscuit Austin a call. We offer affordable nail trimming services and luxury bathing to pamper your pet!

Original Source: https://www.bedandbiscuitaustin.com/dog-health/trimming-dogs-nails-important/

The post Why Trimming Your Dog’s Nails Is Important appeared first on Bed and Biscuit Austin.

If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard, then chances are that’s your dog’s favorite place to be. When your dog spends a lot of time in your backyard, it’s important to dog proof your yard as much as possible in order to keep your dog safe. Here are some tips to help.

Fencing in Your Yard

It’s easy to kid ourselves into thinking we’ll have “Rosco” on a leash before the door opens, or that they know better than to leave the yard without you. But the truth of the matter is, it happens much more often than you realize.

Few things in a dog owner’s life are as terrifying as watching either your dog dart out into traffic while chasing a ball or critter, or another person’s dog attacking your dog. Additionally, there’s the classic scene where your canine friend takes off just for the sheer fun of having you chase them in your bathrobe for all the neighborhood to see. If any of those scenarios sound familiar, than installing a fence is a viable solution.

Choosing the Appropriate Fence

The first step in dog proofing your yard is to install an appropriate, quality fence. Fencing materials can be wire or wood and vary greatly in height. Choosing the acceptable fencing size and material type will depend on your individual pet(s) size, personality and physical ability. You may have small, medium, large or giant breed dog. Like many pet owners, you may even have a combination of sizes in a multiple dog home. Additionally, you should consider factors like; do they dig holes, are they an escape artist and how high can they jump?

So, what do we mean when we say, appropriate? Simply stated, the fence needs to be high enough so your dog cannot jump out, get their head or limbs stuck, or be able to dig under. Remember that in addition to fencing your dog in, you are also fencing other dogs out, so choose a strong fence which fully encloses your yard. The fence should be installed so that your dog – or someone else’s – cannot fit underneath, over or through the fence. In households where there are multiple sized dogs, a taller wood fence might better fit the bill.

Available Help to Afford Fencing

We realize the cost of installing a fence can be a financial undertaking for many. The urge to tether your dog outside, even if only temporarily, might be tempting. But we caution you against this. As tethering a dog is not only inhumane, but it is also illegal in Austin, Texas. If you require financial assistance for appropriate dog fencing, please visit the Austin Animal Center website to download a fencing assistance application.

Make Sure Garbage Cans Are Not Accessible

Ingesting garbage can cause all sorts of health issues for dogs. If you keep your garbage cans in the yard, make sure that your dog cannot access them. For the ‘dumpster-diving’ dog, this can prove more of a challenge than for others. It is best to position the cans entirely outside of the area so that your dog (or others) cannot access in order to avoid any mishaps.

If you’re limited on space and have no other choice but to keep the trash receptacles inside their space, than it’s best to house them inside an animal-proof wood or plastic enclosure like these. An enclosure is a sure-fire way to pets and wildlife out of your garbage. They can be purchased at your local hardware store or if you fancy DIY projects, you can easily custom make your own!

Avoid Using Toxic Pest Control or Lawn Care Products

Many pest control and lawn care products are toxic to pets. So it’s best not to use any of these toxic products near the area of your yard where your dog is allowed. There are many eco and pet-safe alternatives available on today’s marketplace. You just have to look for them. Head to your local lawn and garden store and ask about 100% organic pet-safe products. Alternatively, you can search the internet for a broader selection.

Rodent Control Products

Please remember that rodent poisons are highly poisonous your dog or cat. It’s safest not to use such poisons anywhere on your property when you have a dog. Rather, opt for affordable pet friendly alternatives such as electronic deterrents and traps.Fence Out Your Pool

Pools are a great way to cool off in the Texas heat for everyone. But a conventional sized in-ground or above ground pool can spell disaster for your dog. Many folks have the misunderstanding that all dogs can swim. But in fact, dogs can easily drown. While it’s natural instinct for dogs to start paddling in a water, that does not mean they actually stay afloat or swim for any length of time.

If you have a pool in your backyard, make sure that it is fenced in and that your dog cannot get through the fencing. Just like a child, your dog should never be left near the pool unsupervised.

On days when he is allowed in the pool, be sure to bathe him afterwards to remove the pool chlorine from his coat.

Pool Alternatives for Your Dog

If your dog cannot swim, whether in a pool or other body of water, there are doggie life vest available at pet stores or other major online stores. Additionally, a safe and cool way for your dog to chill out in the hotter months is to get them a kiddie pool to lay or splash in. But be sure to supervise and that the pool is a depth for your dog or puppy.

Make Sure Flowers and Plants Are Dog-Safe

Do you have flowers in your backyard? Before you let your dog out to play, do a quick check to make sure that the flower and plant varieties are safe in case your dog ingests or plays in them. Common plants including daffodils, lilies, and azaleas, are toxic to dogs. Before planting anything or releasing Fido into the yard, be sure to review common toxic flowers and these poisonous plants.

Keep the Lawn Mowed

Due to the hot summers and mild winters Texas is known for, fleas and ticks thrive like crazy just waiting for a tasty host like your beloved dog to come sauntering by. Tick varieties of all types are the prime source for Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever and others, while fleas can cause a world of health problems including things like:

• Plague

• Anemia

• Tapeworms

• Bartonellosis

• Cat Scratch Fever

• Flea Allergy dermatitis

Flea and Tick Habitat

Fleas like moist and shady areas such as shrubs around the circumference of your house, piles of grass clippings and leaves. Ticks carried in by wildlife and rodents on the other hand; reside in tall grass, wooded areas and piles of downed trees and branches.

Minimizing the access of fleas and ticks to your dog begins with you, Ensuring your furry friend on a flea and tick preventative is great, but it’s simply not full-proof. Safely keep the wildlife out of your yard and create a barrier. Adding a little curb appeal can go a long way as well. Mow your lawn regularly, trim back shrubbery and immediately dispose of yard/tree debris can help to reduce the chance of your dog picking up fleas and ticks while your canine pet is out in the yard.

Bed and Biscuit Can Help!

Dog proofing your yard can take a little time and effort. But with some due diligence, you can make the yard a safe and happy place for your dog to enjoy. If your yard is not safe for your dog yet, then consider enrolling him in Bed & Biscuit’s Doggy Daycare. Our caring and dog loving staff will see to it he/she can get some exercise, social interaction and entertainment during the day while you’re taking care of business.

Original Source: https://www.bedandbiscuitaustin.com/dog-health/how-to-dog-proof-your-yard/

The post How to Dog Proof Your Yard appeared first on Bed and Biscuit Austin.

We all want our canine best friend to live happy, healthy lives forever. But the truth is, the large/giant breed dogs are more prone to health issues – giving them a shorter lifespan. To shed some light on this, we have put together a list of the top 10 common health problems in large dog breeds for you.

1. Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)

Canine hip joints are what is known as a ‘ball and socket’ style joint where the ball of the femur bone fits snuggly into the hip socket forming a joint, and surrounded by cartilage. In the case of large/giant breed dogs, there is a rapid increase of weight gain and overall size due to nutritional intake typically seen in larger breeds. This often leads to abnormal development of the hip joint – causing persistent wearing and rubbing of the skeletal ball and socket hip joint. As large/giant breed dogs grow, they may experience laxity of the hip joint causing pain, joint dysfunction and instability of the hip. Eventually the dog suffers from painful hip joint deterioration and arthritis.

Risk Factors

Although the cause of canine hip dysplasia is multifaceted and not selective to a particular breed or size; scientific research has proven genetics is the most single contributing factor. Other common risk factors also include types of activity and exercise, weight, nutritional intake or the lack thereof, individual growth rate and hereditary factors.

2. Elbow Dysplasia

The canine elbow joint is the first joint on a dog’s leg nearest the chest cavity, and consist of three bones; the radius, ulna and humerus. It is imperative these three bones align together perfectly for a normally functioning elbow. With elbow dysplasia; the dog’s abnormal growth rate and weight distribution will cause excess wear and tear due to deformities in the elbow joint, inflammation and osteoarthritis typically presented initially with clinical signs of lameness.

Risk Factors

Theories abound for the exact cause of elbow dysplasia, however hereditary factors and unnatural fast growth seen in large/giant dog breeds are major contributors. In fact, 80% of patients have been found to have elbow dysplasia in both elbows. Other significant risk factors have been linked to trauma, nutrition, and defective cartilage growth.

3. Arthritis

Simply put, arthritis is the inflammation of any joint resulting in pain and swelling. Common arthritis can affect any dog’s joints and bones – but especially in seniors and larger breed dogs. However, large/giant breeds are more susceptible to due to their patterns of growth rate and weight. Just as with humans, arthritis can cause moderate to severe pain and stiffness, limping, and mobility trouble.

Risk Factors

While arthritis is very common in seniors and larger breeds of dogs, there are many contributing factors that lead to increased risks including: Hip Dysplasia, joint infections, Elbow Dysplasia, Patellar Luxation, autoimmune disorders, previous fractures or ligament injuries, Osteochondrosis Dissecans (thickening of joint cartilage), diet, exercise and activity.

4. Cervical Spondylomyelopathy (CSM)

Known as Wobbler syndrome, this cervical spine disease affects the vertebrae alignment resulting in compression of the spinal cord and cervical pain found in dogs older than 3 years of age. Dogs diagnosed with CSM frequently display uncoordinated gaits in their rear hind quarters that progresses to the front legs as well. Effects are also loss of muscle mass and neck pain.

Risk Factors

While there have been many theories as the what causes CSM through the years, most have have fell by the wayside. In recent years, the rapid growth rate in giant dog breeds has been the favored proposed cause. In fact, over 50% of Wobbler Syndrome cases have been linked to Doberman Pinschers, Rottweilers, Great Danes, Dalmations and Weimaraners.

5. Dilated Cardiomyopathy

A common heart disease in large/giant breed dogs where the heart becomes weak and unable to sustain enough blood flow to the body; resulting in weakness and intolerance to exercise, breathing difficulty and coughing, and possibly a distended abdomen due to fluid build-up.

Risk Factors

Hereditary components have a direct correlation to dilated cardiomyopathy. Other factors include diet.

6. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a common condition that occurs when the release of T-4 and T-3 hormone productions are lowered by the thyroid gland frequently seen in medium to giant breed dogs. Hypothyroidism can affect mood and activity level, weight gain, vision and hair loss – including scaling and skin infections.

Risk Factors

Neutered male and female dogs,presence of a thyroid tumor and or cancer are among those with an increased risk factor for hypothyroidism.

7. Bloat (GDV)

Gastric Dilation and Volvulus Syndrome (GDV) or gastric torsion/bloat is a canine disease where the stomach dilates, then twists around in short radius. This prevents the dog from belching, vomiting and severs necessary blood supply to the stomach and spleen quickly leading to shock and death. Breeds that are deep barrel and narrow chested are more likely to contract the disease.

Risk Factors

While canine bloat has a strong hereditary link with emphasis on large to giant breed dogs, there are other dispositions posing increased risks. For instance; we know that males are twice as apt to bloat than females. Diets containing the first four ingredients of soybean meal or oils and fats stand to quadruple their chance of bloat.

8. Entropion

Entropion is when the part of the eyelid is transposed, or flipped inward causing the eyelid hairs to rub and irritate the cornea. In most cases, the dog is diagnosed by the time it is one year old. Entropion can cause intense eye pain, ulcers on the cornea, perforations, pigment change and vision changes. Squinting, hold their eye shut, drainage or discharge from the inflicted eye(s) or excessive tearing are all common reactions.

Risk Factors

While the genetic connection is a mystery, research has shown there is a hereditary connection among large/giant breed dogs as well as the flat-faced breeds like the Pugs and Pekingese. Just as with ectropion, an additional risk factor is associated with acquired ectropion due to spasm or trauma.

9. Ectropion

Opposite of entropion, the abnormal Ectropion is the eyelid deformity causing the edge of the eyelid to roll outward – resulting in the exposure of the inner eyelid tissue and the appearance of a droopy eye. Complications of ectropion can cause dryness, irritation, damage and scarring of the cornea along with frequent bouts of conjunctivitis.

Risk Factors

Congenital Ectropion is very common among large/breeds of dogs. However risk factors contributed to acquired Ectropion include:

• Hypothyroidism

• Facial nerve paralysis

• Neuromuscular disease

• Secondary scarring as a result of optic injury

• Chronic infection and inflammation to the optic tissues

10. Cherry Eye

Cherry eye is a slang term for the prolapse of the third eyelid gland in canines. A pink mass which projects from the eyelid is usually linked to congenital weakness from the gland’s appendage to the eye and can occur in just one, or both eyes.

Risk Factors

While Cherry Eye is not limited to large/giant breeds, it is linked to congenital weakness in the gland’s attachment of the dog’s eye found in short muzzled dogs and the larger breeds. Additional risks factors are previous head and eye trauma.

The Bottom Line

The average lifespan of large breed dogs can range from 6-14 years, depending not just on the breed but many factors including; genetics, living conditions, environment and overall care provided throughout their lifespan. Every dog is as different as its individual situation. Even dogs that are genetically prone to a condition or disease does not necessarily mean it is written in stone they will inherit the problem – much less die from it. If you have a large/giant breed dog, you should take preventative steps to have their health monitored regularly and treated accordingly.

Original Source: https://www.bedandbiscuitaustin.com/dog-breeds/common-health-problems-large-dog-breeds/

The post Common Health Problems in Large Dog Breeds appeared first on Bed and Biscuit Austin.

 Dog ownership can be challenging not just for us, but also for our dogs. Difficult choices often need to be made from veterinary care, housing locations, training and determining what to do with your dog while at work or going on vacation. Inevitably, crating or kenneling your pooch sends every dog owner’s mind reeling into worry overdrive with thoughts like, “Do dogs get bored in their crate or kennel?”

The answer to that question lies with you and your approach to the situation. Your goal is to comfortably confine ‘Jethro’ so he doesn’t eat your house and soil the floors without making him feel as though he’s been banished to doggy jail. So, let us take a look at some positive tips we can use to accomplish just that.

Crates vs Kennels

Firstly, what’s the difference between a crate and kennel? While crates and kennels are similar, they differ in a variety of ways from the amount of space they provide, purpose they are used to the amount of time in which your dog spends inside of them.

Crates

In general, crates are made of either wire or heavy plastic and are intended for confining your dog for a matter of hours and training. Both types crates can be used for transporting a pet to and from locations, but the overall functionality differs greatly. Each type has it’s list of pro’s and con’s.

Plastic

Plastic crates are known to be lightweight, highly transportable and can be broken down into two pieces for storage. The drawbacks are that plastic crates provide less ventilation, should not be used for extended hours of confinement, not really suitable for training and are less common with larger breeds.

Wire

These types of crates are favored throughout the dog owner community for their  universality. These crates are made with a heavy gauge wire design and extreme portability with a removable floor tray. Their open wire design allows for ample ventilation, visibility, storage and portability, and rugged durability. The wire crate is suited for training and containment purposes for up to 5 hours at a time depending upon the dog’s age. The downside is that the larger wire crates can be heavier than plastic.

Kennels and Pens

Language varies with the term ‘kennels’, as some folks consider kennels to be the same as a crate while others interpret them to be a cage used in boarding. The type of kennels we are referring to in this article are used for a boarding facility. Pens are often made from chain link fencing, metal siding, or wood and they are a intended to be a permanent structure. Neither a kennel or pen is used for training.

The Dog’s Perception

While some view the crate as doggy detention, our pup actually has the potential to nurture their natural den instinct, finding comfort and safety within its confines. It is just like how a baby finds comfort listening to your heartbeat because it reminds them of their mother’s womb. Crates and kennels are a dog’s safe space. Not a discipline.

We want to utilize this basic instinct to help entertain that fussbudget inside a crate. Remember a bored, frightened, or anxious dog spells disaster and danger in a crate – just as it would be if they were loose in your house. Proper crate training is vital to making it a positive, working experience each and every time.

Why Are Crates and Kennels Useful?

Providing a dedicated safe environment, with a custom entertainment doesn’t have to be rocket science. Crates are an excellent way to confine your dog in a vehicle for transportation and help teach your puppy basic potty training if you take care to let them out immediately after releasing them from the crate. In addition, crates can be soothing with mild cases of anxiety by providing the dog with a safe haven with which to retreat.

Under no circumstances should you ever utilize a crate as a source of punishment. As this will make the crate a negative space, rather than positive safe haven to relax. In addition, collars and tags can easily become snagged inside a crate or kennel and can lead to injury or death of the animal. For that reason, always be sure to remove their collar prior to putting your canine into a crate or kennel.

Crate appropriate toys are an excellent way to provide brain stimulation and entertainment for your bundle of furry fun. Take notice to what types of toys your dog likes and how long it keeps their attention.

What Type of Dog Do You Have?

Crating or kenneling your dog is a learning curve that will require your careful attention and diligence. While toys are great way to keep idle minds and chompers busy, you will need to be selective of the toy you choose based on the dog’s behavior and likes. There may be circumstances you will want to avoid giving your dog or puppy toys or, just certain types of toys.

An example of this is; if your dog wants to eat everything (and we mean everything), than maybe you should opt for food-stuffed Kong® rather than a toy that will be ripped to shreds and possibly result in a visit to the vet’s office.

The bottom line is every dog has their own personality, quirks, likes and dislikes. These things will all influence how you will choose to successfully occupy your dog (or puppy) in their crate or kennel. Some dogs destroy anything that isn’t nailed down, others are food or toy driven while some would rather sleep. What type of dog is yours?

The Destroyer

Do they tend to be a shredding machine, squeaker surgeon, part billy goat or vacuum cleaner? If so, avoid leaving those type of toys in the crate with them, as it poses a serious health risk. Plush and rope toys should ALWAYS be avoided inside a crate due to their proneness of becoming a choking and ingestion hazard during the crate time. Leave these types of toys for supervised playtime only.

Did Someone Say Food?

Are they food motivated? Durable treat dispensing toys can keep the minds of our fur babies stimulated. Always use size and strength-appropriate toys that match up to your power chewer. Toys designed for a Border Collie are no match for the powerful jaws of a Rottweiler.

Age Matters!

How old are they? As with humans, age influences the desire for certain types of toys which change over time. On one end, puppies and young dogs are fireballs of endless energy and curiosity. The toy(s) needs to match the attention span. An “escape artist” or puppy might benefit from a more socialized approach with a professional dog day care service.

Healthy Chompers

Are there dental issues? Loose or broken teeth and sore gums can turn the best intended chew toy into a painful, oftentimes bloody, experience. This greatly influences the type of toy. Your dog’s dental health should be regularly checked.There’s no doubt crates have their advantages. They’re an excellent training tool and many are portable. So, instead of ‘Jetro’ eating your house, try crating.

If your dog becomes a basket case of separation anxiety and/or will destroy their crate when left alone – possibly risking injury to themselves, you may want to put serious consideration into sending furbaby to the Bed and Biscuit Doggy Daycare for their own protection.

Doggy day care is an excellent way to take care of your dog while at work or daytime outings while getting socialization, playtime, comfort care, exercise and more. If you would like more information about daycare services, feel free to contact us at 512-343-0723.

Original Source: https://www.bedandbiscuitaustin.com/dog-behavior-training/dogs-get-bored-crate-kennel/

The post Do Dogs Get Bored in Their Crate or Kennel? appeared first on Bed and Biscuit Austin.

There are pet owners, and then there are those of us who just can’t settle for having only a dog as a pet. Take my friend for example; she’s not happy unless she has a miniature zoo at home. After all that one dog might find themselves lonely or bored, right? Or at least that’s what we tell ourselves and our spouses. But what if our idea of the ‘perfect addition’ terrorizes the dog or worse yet – is eatenby the dog?

Simply choosing the first bundle of cuteness you come across can spell disaster if you’re not careful. You should always take due diligence to find the right animal addition to your home for the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved. Not to mention your sanity! Which brings us to the challenging question of what type of animals will get along with dogs?

Consider Predatory Instincts

When pairing up pets of different species, you must first pay mind to the predatory nature of the beast. For example rabbits are a natural prey animal for a canine hunting breed much like mice are prey to a cat. Exercise a little common sense.

When we say “common sense,” we mean don’t try pairing up a greyhound with rabbit. That is a bloodbath waiting to happen. Retired racing greyhounds were originally trained to chase an electronic rabbit when they race. I don’t care how old, gentle and decrepit your retired greyhound is – putting a rabbit near them is the equivalent to putting a fresh steak in front of a hungry lion. It’s most likely going to get chased and eaten!

Breed Matters

Dog breeds can greatly influence a dog’s ability to get along with other animals. Breeds that are natural born hunters possess a prey drive leading to them to eat, chase or terrorize the animal rather than being a snuggle buddy. We see this in the aforementioned Greyhound. For this reason, small animals are generally best avoided. There are four breed groups that possess the prey drive which are hounds, terriers, herders and sporters.

Of course, there are exceptions to the rule. Your Australian Shepherd might adore the ferret. But his herding instincts might cause him to herd the ferret straight through your displayed fine china collection.

Are Dogs and Cats Enemies?

A common animal sidekick for dogs is quite often a cat. But that’s not to say all cats and dogs will get along. While dogs and cats can certainly become the bosom buddies depicted in the epic Hollywood film ‘Milo and Otis’, try to understand there can be a vast difference between the fantasy of film… and reality. Is there any truth to the age-old belief that dogs and cats are mortal enemies? The answer might surprise you. The reality is dogs and cats are actually not enemies at all, but rather tend to have frequent communication and temperament problems.

Communication Gone Awry

Personalities and temperaments can differ greatly between individual dogs and cats. But where reactions tend to get squirrely is when one of them starts feeling frisky. This is where communications and intentions are frequently misunderstood. The very nature of a dog is that of a social creature. They love to run, chase, jump and play. Cats on the other hand, are independent creatures that often act a bit snooty, serious and jumpy. It’s here that the communication between the two gets sketchy because the cat takes the dog’s playfulness as a threat. Before you know it, the fur begins to fly.

Dogs and cats can become the best of friends, and sometimes even snuggle buddies. We see this a lot when dogs and cats are raised together from a young age with personalities and temperaments seemingly syncing together. On the flip-side, animals of all types have temperaments and personalities that will not always mesh together. Occasionally, you will come across dogs and/or cats that are mortal enemies. For these, it’s best not to push a bad situation but rather opt for a different sidekick for your canine friend.

Small Animal Pet Alternatives

Pairing up Fido with the wrong sidekick can bring forth a nightmarish fiasco if you’re not careful. Alternatively, they can become unsuspecting BFFs. Knowing your dog’s personality, a little common sense, coupled with thorough research goes a long way. To help you with that, we’re going take a closer look at what you need to know. If cats are not a compatible option, you might possibly consider a small animal alternative. The most popular small critters folks are likely to choose are:

• Ferrets

• Hamsters

• Guinea pigs

• Birds

• Turtles

• Rabbits

• Reptiles

The aforementioned animals are generally kept in cages and accepted in many rental properties. Occasionally, a few are left to roam the house and use litter boxes much like a cat would. But even caged animals can be a temptation to the wrong companion if boundaries aren’t established from the start and strictly upheld.

Risks Associated with Small Animal Pet Companions for Your Dog

These small animals are generally dog friendly and very manageable. Although you should exercise extreme caution with reptiles – as many reptile species can be a bit temperamental. Iguanas, monitors and snakes are just such animals. While exotic and impressive, large snakes like boa constrictors and reticulated pythons can pose a serious threat to a small or medium sized dog causing injury or death when the reptile feels threatened. For this reason, large reptiles should be kept in a secure cage rather than left to wander the house freely.

The Importance of Proper Planning

Selecting a new pet to go along with a dog should never be a snap decision. It requires careful planning and consideration of the needs for both animals. As with all pets, if you are a renter you should ask your landlord which animals are accepted in your rental lease or contract prior to bringing home a new pet.

Furthermore, ask yourself what type of habitat will the animal be expected to coexist in with your dog such as whether they will be caged or roam free. Equally as important is will they have adequate space to dwell in? Space is one of those frequently overlooked factors. You – as well as your pets – should always have their own individual living space for play, sleep, and meals to avoid stressful and confrontational situations between animals.

Speaking of space… how is your dog’s behavior with food and toy aggression when other animals are nearby? If this question just made you cringe, you might want to give serious consideration to enrolling in dog obedience and behavior training before introducing a new face to your happy home. Simply contact us for ongoing classes today.

What are the age and activity requirements for both your dog and another animal that you are considering? Keep in mind that senior dogs much like us, tend to slow down and become a little less patient with age. The same can be said for other animals.

First Impressions Matter!

Introductions should be done slowly, with patience and in a neutral location with supervision. Your dog might handle it cool as a cucumber. However, most frequently he will beexcited and intrigued leading to smelling and nuzzling, tail wagging and drooling, and even pawing. This proves intimidating and scary to the other animal. Even if this introduction goes smoothly, remain astute with supervision for a long time to come.

It is important to remember this article is designed to be a general informational guide. While some dogs wouldn’t hurt a flea if they were basted with gravy and squeaked when you squeeze them, caution and supervision is always recommended.

Original Source: https://www.bedandbiscuitaustin.com/dog-health/animals-get-along-dogs-2/

The post Which Animals Get Along With Dogs? appeared first on Bed and Biscuit Austin.

Understanding the reasons why your dog shakes or trembles, and what you can do about it.

Turning to look and find your four legged best friend shaking can be a heart wrenching experience for most dog owners. But even as shocking as you may find it to be, it’s not uncommon. Dogs shake for a number of reasons. Some reasons are harmless while others of them are far more serious. Here’s what it may mean if your dog is shaking.

Emotional State

Dogs may shake or tremble when they experience extreme emotions such as fear and anxiety. Some dogs shake when they are truly scared – you may notice this behavior if a timid dog meets another dog on the street, or during a thunderstorm when your dog is afraid of the noises. This is also true of separation anxiety.

Dogs may shake out of excitement, too like seeing you walk through the door when you come home from work or meeting a new human. If your dog is really into a game of fetch, you may see him shake a bit as he focuses on the ball in your hand waiting for you to throw it. Dogs may also shake when greeting a loved one they haven’t seen in very long time. In these cases, shaking is a harmless behavior.

Exhaustion

Shaking may indicate more serious issues in your dog, like exhaustion. A dog who is truly exhausted may start to shake because of muscle fatigue. If you ever notice your dog trembling at the end of a long walk, you should immediately have him lie down and rest. Offer him some water and be sure to monitor him for additional issues.

Overheating

If your dog becomes overheated, he may shake from the stress on his body. It’s important to cool your dog down gradually right away and call your vet for instructions and further assistance. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can happen fairly quickly on hot days and when left unattended inside vehicles or closed up houses with adequate ventilation. If left unchecked, dogs can experience seizures and perish very rapidly because their bodies get too hot.

Feeling Cold

If your dog is too cold, his body will shiver to help create heat much in the same way that our own bodies shiver. In cases of shivering, we suggest that you dress your pooch in a properly sized dog sweater available at most pet stores and many animal oriented online retailers. While we discourage housing your pet outside, if you choose to do so please ensure they are provided with appropriate shelter to keep them warm in the winter and cool in the summer as well as dry. If your outdoor dog is cold, please bring them inside promptly and warm him up gradually. Refrain from putting them back outdoors until the weather warms up and they have the proper shelter to keep them warm and dry.

Shock or Seizure

Dogs which go into shock often shake. Shock is generally the result of a traumatic injury which may or may not reflect a noticeable injury site. This can be from excessive heat or cold as previously discussed or from such things as a bite from a venomous reptile or insect – or perhaps from being struck by a car in your absence.

Indication of Illness or Chronic Conditions

While shaking in response to fear and excitement are fairly common, other types of shaking can indicate serious physical issues in your dog. In addition to physical injuries; shaking can indicate physical issues other than those listed above including heart failure, low blood sugar, and even fever. These are the more ‘hidden’ causes that fly below the radar and often go unnoticed until tragedy strikes much like diabetes and heart problems in humans, these are often the silent killers in dogs as well. Annual veterinary check ups will aid thwarting off these diseases, but it’s not foolproof.

Distemper

There are many illnesses out there dogs are susceptible to. But that doesn’t mean there not avoidable or treatable. Distemper is just such an illness contracted through a virus and highly contagious. Normally offered with annual Rabies vaccinations, distemper can cause tremors and shaking within an infected pup or adult dog. It’s also one of the most common signs of distemper. Along with tremors and shaking, distemper can cause the following symptoms:

• Nasal discharge

• Pus-like eye discharge

• Fever

• Coughing

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Anorexia

• Lethargy

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately! Distemper can be treated with antibiotics, IV fluids, physical therapy, bronchodilators and more if caught in time.

Pain

Even in humans, pain can wreak havoc on the body. And our beloved canine friends are no different. Our bones creek, phantom pangs go awry and bodies aching all the time. Although our ability to show or convey our pain is much more complex and open than that of dog. That’s because dogs do not have the luxury of verbally telling you, ‘hey human, I’m really hurting”. Rather they might whine, pant a lot, lick a particular area incessantly, become lethargic or less active than normal, or even begin to tremble and/or shake.

Generalized Tremor Syndrome (GTS)

We’ve all seen it a time or two… that little white doggie shaking like a leaf for no apparent reason. I used to think it just a dog’s version of an inferiority complex when even my grandson’s Tonka truck is bigger than the dog. But in fact, GTS is a steroid responsive tremor syndrome seen in small white canine breeds like the West Highland Terrier and Maltese. More commonly, it’s called as ‘white shaker dog syndrome’ of which the cause is unknown.

Nausea or Motion Sickness

Nausea and motion sickness are the worst! I would rather have a toothache than hug a toilet or feel like I just off a Tilt-A-Whirl® amusement ride. Dogs truly aren’t much different than us in that aspect. Most dogs love nothing more than to go for a car ride, but there are a few that would rather be a couch potato than get car sick. Your dog may be one of them!

If your dog is experiencing a bout of nausea or motion sickness, he or she may not only drool and/or vomit but shake like a leaf as well. If they are shaking from motion sickness, simply don’t traumatize your dog unless absolutely necessary. In which that case, seek out your vet for canine motion sickness medication.

As for reasons of general nausea, it is not normal for a healthy dog to feel nausea or vomit. Therefore, underlying and more serious causes you are unaware of should be investigated by your local veterinary office.

The Bottom Line

Suffice to say, dogs shaking or trembling can be from a whole host of reasons. Once you have noticed that your dog is shaking, look for obvious signs of injury or illness – especially if it is sudden onset never encountered before in your pooch. If you find indications of injury or illness, stabilize them using basic pet first aid and call your vet immediately to seek further assistance.

If you can’t find an obvious reason for it, than you should take note of your dog’s behavior, any other unusual behavior and what is happening at the time – as well as recent events – and call your vet to make an appointment.

The bottom line to remember here is, even if you know that your dog is shaking because he’s cold or hot, it’s always a good idea to contact your vet to make sure that you’re taking the right steps in treating your dog or that you are not missing an underlying factor.

Original Source: https://www.bedandbiscuitaustin.com/dog-behavior-training/what-it-means-if-your-dog-is-shaking/

The post What It Means If Your Dog Is Shaking appeared first on Bed and Biscuit Austin.