Qualities of a Fantastic Pet Sitter

When it comes time to find the perfect pet sitter, you want to ensure you chose right. After all, we’re talking about your beloved four-legged friend here. While you’re on vacation or a business trip, a pet sitter will watch over your dog or cat, feed and water them, and manage daily walking schedules and clean-up. It’s a lot of work. It’s also a lot of responsibility. Here are a few qualities that make a fantastic pet sitter!

Honest

The best type of pet sitter imaginable is one who is honest, trustworthy, and passionate about their role in your home and your pet’s life. A dishonest pet sitter is one who does not care about the job. It’s nothing more than a paycheck at the end of the day. You don’t want this type of person caring for your furry friends.

If something were to go wrong, the honest, passionate pet sitter will do everything in their power to right the situation.

Insurance

To ensure the utmost safety and security of both you and your pet, you’ll want to ensure your chosen pet sitter has insurance, licensing, and is bonded. A pet sitter with all of these factors will show that they are serious about their duties. Their business is designed to provide expert pet sitting services. With a thorough guarantee in place, you can rest a little easier while away from home for the time being.

Thorough Understanding of Pet Behavior

Now, your pet sitter does not need to be a highly-trained veterinarian or hold a doctorate of any type. They should, however, understand pet behavior. The right pet sitter for your household is friendly, understanding, and knows when your dog is feeling anxious. Ideally, your pet sitter will be familiar with your dog a as a whole – their personality, likes, dislikes, and fears before they pet sit in your home for any considerable amount of time.

Prepared for Emergencies

Just like with children, pet emergencies can crop up at any time. You need someone who is prepared and level headed throughout any ordeal. If something bad does happen, your pet sitter must know basic medical training for pets. This training should include first aid and CPR.

Furthermore, they should be able and willing to follow any instructions you leave behind regarding emergencies or how to properly care for your pet, including medications and routines.

Flexibility

Lastly, your pet sitter should be flexible. It is a simple quality but one that makes a significant difference in the day to day tasks of a pet sitter. Do not hire a sitter that has a long list of tasks they refuse to complete, such as mess clean-up.

With these five qualities in mind, you’ll be on the path to finding the perfect pet sitter to meet your needs and that of your beloved pet, too!

Tips On How To Get Rid Of Hot Spots In Dogs

When human beings claim to suffer from painful discharge and bad odor, they need not forget that animals; especially dogs also find themselves in the same situations. Veterinarians are trying every attempt to find the most effective ways of relieving dogs from hot spots; the painful and inflamed areas on the skin of the dog.

Just like allergy in humans, hot spots result from allergic reactions when the dog’s skin gets infected by bacteria. This causes the skin to break thus leaving painful wounds. Some of these infections result from flea bites, scrapes, scratches and gland problems among others.

But suppose your dog yells now and then due to the pain suffered from these hot spots, how do you get rid of them? The following are some of the ways you should employ and your dog will no longer have sleepless nights.

1. Ensure It Has Access To Fresh Air

Hot spots are painful, and they can be made worse if the dog is locked up in a place where it has no access to air. The long hair makes the moist red areas not to dry, thus making it take ages before getting healed. If your dog has a hot spot, it will show it by paying too much attention to the infected area, so, be keen to check and determine its size.

Ensure that you trim the long hair to clear the irritated skin to make it dry. Trimming the hair prevents it from overgrowing, and by the time it grows again, the wound will have healed.

2. Use Baby Shampoo Rather Than Other Chemicals and Fibers

If the skin is itching, it’s very sensitive to various fibers and chemicals. However, you don’t need to use chemicals to clean the dog’s skin. Just use the baby shampoo to protect the skin from further damage. Also, use a cotton ball to apply the shampoo.

But you need to be careful not to rinse the skin after the message. The skin needs to absorb the shampoo so as to facilitate the healing and cool the skin irritation.

3. Use Cortisone Spray and Be Selective On Lotions

The irritating hot spots on dog’s skins are so sensitive to various creams and lotions, despite the fact that they are somehow tender and warm to touch. Instead of going for many lotions and creams, just try cortisone spray to cool the skin. This also applies as a kind of medication, and it prevents the dog from keeping on scratching the irritated area.

4. Prevent The Dog From Licking and Scratching The Damaged Area

Most dogs have the instinct of scratching and licking the damaged skin. The dog doesn’t know that this can cause further damage to the skin, but if you let him do it, the hot spot may take ages to heal.

You can prevent the dog from licking the moist area by tying a funnel collar around his neck, to prevent him from accessing the skin. This will prevent him from further injuring himself. You don’t need to worry about the cost, the collar funnel is relatively cheap and you can get it from your vet. Be keen to choose the right size for your pet so that it’s neither too tight nor too loose.

5. Treat The Hot Spot With Tea Bag Cure

The tannic acid found in tea has the ability to treat and draw out bacterial infections. If you are lucky to either get green or black tea, then your dog will definitely get cured. Just seep a single tea bag of either of the two in a cup of water and remove it.

After the tea bag has cooled down for some minutes, soak it directly on the hot spot. Repeat it several about 5 times a day for one week, and at the long last, the hot spot will heal.

6. Treat him on a quality dogs food

Your dog may just be suffering from food allergies. If you’re his current foods are not making things better, switch him to quality dogs food. For instance, you can pick the Blue Wilderness from your vet or the pet stores. The dog only needs to eat just a small amount of these foods due to their high quality.

7. You can even change the vet

Some of the vets are just good at treating symptoms rather than finding the cause of the hot spots. Your vet may be treating the dog without even knowing that these hot spots are caused by the poor immune system of the dog. If the condition rises far beyond the vet’s ability to treat, consider engaging another vet.

8. Trim your dog’s toenails

The itching will make your dog scratch his skin every time an irritation occurs. Try trimming his nail to prevent him from having a ready way of scratching the infected area.

9. Treat your dog using antibiotics

Vets usually prescribe oral antibiotics for hot spots treatment. Depending on the nature of the skin damage, you are supposed to treat your dog using oral antibiotics for 3-4 weeks, and if the damage is extreme, extend the treatment to 6 weeks.

The pain can also be relieved by treating the dog with a short course of corticosteroids, due to the inflammation on the skin. Antihistamines can also be used to relieve itchiness and pain.

10. Focus on fleas eradication

Fleas will lay on the grass waiting for your dog. If you have been applying chemicals on this grass after every 4 weeks, adjust it and do it after every 3.5 weeks. Fleas are dangerous and a couple of them is good enough to make your dog yell in pains throughout the night.

11. Try to keep him indoors

The dog can get tormented by many things outdoors; heat, mosquitoes, grass, and fleas, they will reproduce when your dog stays outside for long. Keep the dog indoor and let him cool the skin.

12. Apply steroids

The pill form may not work well for your dog, but be sure that shots will actually help. Although there will be a risk to the dog’s kidneys, the proper application will see him living for more than 12 years with just 3-4 shots a year.

Hot spots are painful to a dog, and since you love your pet, it’s the high time you make limitless attempts to save him from the pain and agony that comes with these skins irritations. Try these 12 tips and he will definitely live a happy life.

Melatonin: A Natural Supplement for Anxiety and Other Conditions in Dogs

While melatonin is often recommended as a sleeping aid for humans, it has numerous benefits for our canine friends as well. From anxiety, hyperactivity and general restlessness to hair loss, this naturally occurring neurohormone can help pet owners treat these perplexing conditions at home.

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone found in the body. Secreted by the pineal gland, it helps set the sleep/wake cycle in humans and animals alike. Our bodies are designed to create more melatonin at night and then decrease production during the daytime. Hence as a hormone, it helps with the circadian cycle by establishing sleepiness and then maintaining the sleep state.

Melatonin can also be purchased as an over-the-counter supplement. This is the product both humans and dogs can take to treat numerous conditions.

Is Melatonin Safe for Dogs?

While melatonin for canines is not yet FDA approved, it’s considered to be a safe, effective supplement for most dogs. However, pet owners should still always consult with their veterinarian before starting their dog on melatonin, in regard to efficacy, dosage, and possible contraindications.

Melatonin should not be given to pregnant dogs or young puppies. And as with all supplements, owners should take into consideration other medications their pets are already taking.

Natrol time release melatonin. (Photo by Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

How Does Melatonin Work in Dogs?

Melatonin acts as a calming agent in dogs due to its sedative-like nature. Since dogs already produce melatonin naturally, the supplement simply boosts their intake of the hormone and helps to calm them down.

What Is Melatonin Used For?

As previously mentioned, melatonin has multiple uses for dogs. Listed below are some of the conditions melatonin is said to treat and how it’s alleged to work.

• Separation anxiety

This is a form of intense anxiety exhibited by some dogs when their owners leave the room or house. This can be demonstrated by non-stop barking, hyperactivity and destructive behavior. Melatonin’s calming effect should help most dogs with this condition.

• Canine phobias

Whether it’s the sound of fireworks or a fear of strange places, canines can develop an intense fear that leads to trembling, drooling, and other undesirable behaviors. The soothing properties of melatonin are considered by many to be an appropriate remedy for these situations. During treatment or recovery from serious injuries, melatonin is often used to keep dogs calm.

• Insomnia

Just like humans, on rare occasions some dogs have issues settling in and falling asleep at night. As previously mentioned, melatonin is a necessary part of the sleep cycle process. By supplementing their intake of the hormone, dogs will often slip into deeper, more sustainable sleeping patterns.

• Cushing’s disease

One of the most common endocrine disorders found in canines, Cushing’s disease is the result of an overproduction of cortisol in the body. This disease is typically exhibited by increased appetite, thirst, and excessive urination. Melatonin in this situation is used to help inhibit cortisol levels in the body, hence better controlling Cushing’s disease.

• Alopecia

This is another endocrine disorder that can result in partial baldness or even a complete loss of fur. Unlike Cushing’s, however, melatonin is used in this case to improve the quality of a dog’s coat and is believed to help stimulate coat growth.

What Are the Side Effects of Melatonin Usage in Dogs?

While melatonin is generally considered to be safe, as with any supplement there are possible side effects. Although rare, owners might witness the following complications:

• Confusion and sleepiness

Due to the sedative quality of melatonin, dogs may appear confused or disoriented.

• Upset stomach
• Tachycardia: Tachycardia is defined as an unusually high heart rate.
• Itching

While most side effects are mild, owners need to be aware of these conditions when giving melatonin to their dogs. If any side effects are noted, owners should immediately stop using the supplement until discussing the situation further with their veterinarian.

Where Does an Owner Obtain Melatonin?

Melatonin is an over-the-counter supplement, although some veterinarians will also provide it to their patients. Be advised that certain companies use xylitol, an artificial sweetener often found in gum and other products, in their melatonin. Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs, so always read the entire label of any melatonin product you’re giving your pet and if you have any doubts whatsoever, be sure to consult a veterinarian for advice.

What Is the Dosage for Melatonin in Dogs?

Melatonin is available in multiple forms, from pills to liquid to crushed powder. The appropriate dosage varies depending upon the size of the dog. Typical dosages are as follows:

• Under 10 pounds: 1 milligram

• 10 to 25 pounds: 1.5 milligrams

• 26 to 100 pounds: 3 milligrams

• 100 pounds plus: 3 to 6 milligrams

Melatonin can be taken on an empty stomach, however, if any stomach distress is noted, it’s recommended to consume it in conjunction with a full meal. Dosages should not be given more than three times a day and the results should be noticeable within 10 to 15 minutes of administration. Results typically last for approximately eight hours.

Giving your furry friend melatonin is a natural way to treat many different canine issues. For owners who prefer to avoid giving their dog pharmaceuticals, the supplement should offer relief for both owner and canine alike.

How To Train Your Dog To Not Eat Cat Food

Dogs and cats share a very strange relationship. Most of us have gained knowledge about them probably through an old cartoon or the various children’s playbooks. In reality, challenges are very different than what we used to see on TV. There would have been times you may have felt something wrong, especially when it comes to their food.

Even after maintaining a balanced and adequate diet for both of them, if you feel your cat has lost some weight. And at the same time, your dog has been putting on some extra pounds. Then there is a chance of theft in the house of the infamous burglar itself. Your dog is probably eating cat food.

This habit is very unhealthy for both the animals as one can be eating more than necessary and the second one may suffer from malnutrition. There are even chances of your dog getting sick and suffer from vomiting, diarrhea or any other stomach related issue.

Starting Point

The most basic thing as an owner will be to train your dog and cat for the most basic of instructions. For example, if you see your dog snooping into the cat’s food space, then you need to have a definitive action or a command. This will be an indication for the dog that he is doing something wrong.

The best call is to have your dog’s training started at an early age. Puppies understand commands and instructions better as they are more receptive. It is very difficult for an old dog to change his bad habits.

You may also like: top 7 best cat food for hairballs on the market.

Ground Rules

Before entering any playground it is necessary to lay down the ground rules loud and clear. Therefore before getting started with the training, you will need to have a clear distinction on a few things for sure.

1. Very different looking food bowls for the dog and the cat.

2. A distraction-free zone for food.

3. Some treats for your dog or dividing his favorite food into parts.

4. Positive attitude and ton loads of patience.

5. Time out of your daily routine for daily training.

Now you are ready to start the training by selecting any of the below methods

The Leave It Method

1. Treat Lure – You can start making your dog follow your instructions, as you will be giving him a treat for leaving alone the cat food. This will assert your status as the leader on the dog and make him believe that he needs to follow your instructions at all times.

2. Leave It – This command should get embedded into the mind of the dog. Issuing a demand does not need you to shout at him, which can have an adverse effect. It should be assertive at the same time he should be able to understand it and follow.

3. Tempt him – Tempting your dog with a treat, will make him excited, but don’t make it easy for him to get it, so he can give up on it. Just let him have a sneak peek by letting him lick and smell it.

4. Reward – Just as he gives up the treat you should praise him and reward him with the bigger treat. This will make him understand that leaving one good thing can lead to an even better one. A 10 min routine every day is enough to make him habitual to him.

5. Cat Food – It’s time to introduce cat food into the mix and try the �leave it’ command on it. As he follows the command, you should reward him with a treat. After a reasonable number of successful commands, you should gradually reduce the treats as well till the time of no rewards.

The Habit Breaker Method

1. Elevate cat food – You can keep the cat food at a higher place where the dog cannot reach it. When the dog will not be able to see the thing, he will eventually start to get his mind away from it.

2. Move cat food – You can move the cat food to a different location like another room which should only be accessible to the cat to consume.

3. Don’t forget the cat food outside – Get your cat to follow a habit of eating according to a schedule. As soon as the cat’s eating time gets over, you should pack the cat food away in a cupboard.

4. The Baby Gate – These gates are very convenient and easy to install. Make sure that only your cat can go into space where you need to feed it and avoid your dog in the process.

5. Consistency – You need to be alert in snatching the cat food away from the dog before he tries to eat it. Consistency is the key with this habit, which will make your dog understand that this is a NO situation. His habit will eventually fade away due to this.

The Entice & Deter Method

1. Change his food – One reason for eating cat food instead of his own can be that the dog doesn’t like his food. You should definitely try and change his meal and try different options for it.

2. Routine – With the above new food options available with the dog, start feeding them both at the same time. With added taste to his own food, the dog will not go for the cat food.

3. Physical Barrier – While your dog and cat feed you can act as a physical barrier between the two. With this, you will be able to stop your dog from going towards the cat food. Saying NO will work here and make him understand it is wrong to do so.

4. Rewards – When there is a NO, there should be a reward. You can praise him when your dog moves away from that space when you ask him not to. Play with him to make him feel, he did the absolute right thing.

5. Final line – Eventually you can stop being the barrier and just work your magic with the NO command. He will slowly start to follow it and understand the right thing to do to keep you happy. That would be to stay away from the cat food.

Go for the method that you feel will be suitable for you and your dog. Train him to be obedient and save the cat food.

How to Know When It’s Time to Euthanize Your Pet

Saying goodbye to a lifelong friend of the furry kind might be one of the hardest things you’ll ever have to do. So it’s no wonder why most, if not all, of us want to extend the lives of our beloved pets even when it seems the end might be inevitable.

In some cases though, euthanizing your pet might be a better solution. Of course, it is a bitter pill to swallow, but watching your pet endure the pain of disease and deterioration might be far worse than the not having them around.

Guaranteeing your pet’s health during his younger years can help extend his life and reduce the chances for certain types of disease. So be sure to take him to a holistic pet hospital regularly for check-ups, vaccinations, and immunizations that are necessary for his overall wellness.

Remember though – euthanasia is irreversible. So you need to make sure it’s the better choice before you jump to a decision. Not sure how to tell when to pull the plug? This short list should shed some light on the matter.

1. Inability to Eat or Keep Food Down

Dogs will typically throw up even on healthy days. But the inability to eat or keep food down in the presence of a known disease or illness should be the first sign that your pet is struggling more than he’s letting you see.

Lots of factors can come into play to explain why your pet just can’t seem to eat. In sick animals, it could be a sign of organ failure or significant intestinal protein loss.

2. Severe Incontinence

Even housebroken pets will have an accident every now and then. However, if your pet has totally lost control of his bowels and bladder, it might be a sign that his illness has progressed to later, more severe stages.

Incontinence can be taken as a sign of nerve damage. As his body continues to fail and deteriorate, certain functions will wear away. Failing to control bladder and bowel functions might be a sign that he’s nearing the end. At this point, you may also want to inspect the stool for texture, foreign contents, and blood.

3. Chronic Pain

Pain in pets can stem from a number of causes. You should be careful and attentive if you want your pet to be healthy even when you are away. But if you’ve noticed that your furry friend has been showing signs of pain for several days or weeks, then you may want to rush him to a holistic pet hospital.

Some markers of pain in pet dogs include whimpering, refusal to move, defensive behavior, and general lethargy. If you know that your pet is sick, then pain could be a sign that he’s in the later stages of the illness.

4. Difficulties With Standing or Walking

Limping shouldn’t be a cause for alarm if your pet isn’t sick. But if they’ve been diagnosed with disease and they start showing signs of difficulty with ambulation, then you might want to discuss euthanasia with your veterinarian.

Difficulty walking and standing are signs that your pet is experiencing pronounced pain, usually in the abdomen. Observe your pet when he starts to show this sign – if they go from limping to refusing to stand or walk at all, it might be time to bid farewell.

5. Lethargy and Loss of Interest

In their effort to overcome pain, weakness, and that overall feeling of unwell, pets will reduce their activity levels. This helps them regulate what little energy they have, so they can stay awake and alert during times of disease.

So any sick pet will seem to move particularly slow, and may sometimes even refuse to move at all. You’ll also notice that your pet might lose the motivation to do things that he used to enjoy. For instance, his favorite toy might no longer spark his interest.

6. Difficulties with Breathing

In the face of disease, your pet will degenerate over just a short period of time, depending on the illness he has. During the late stages of any disease, your pet might show signs of difficulty breathing.

Labored breathing, pathological lung sounds, and frequent coughing are some signs that your pet is exerting extra effort to inhale and exhale. You can assist them at this point by elevating the head and making sure there isn’t anything obstructing his nostrils.

If your pet is suffering from disease and you feel he’s nearing the end, don’t leave him to suffer. Euthanasia might seem like a painful last step, but with the help of an experienced veterinary professional, you can welcome the change with an open heart and mind, knowing your beloved pet has successfully and happily passed the rainbow bridge.

How to Choose the Best Travel Dog Bowl

Going on an adventure is fantastic. You know this for a fact. Heck, everybody does! But do you know who else thinks traveling is excellent?

Your best friend.

No, we’re not talking about a buddy you grew up with or your sister from another mother. We’re talking about that warm and furry little bundle of loyalty looking at you while you read this. ( who’s probably wishing for a treat in a travel dog bowl) .

Fido. Benji. Alphonse.

Man’s best friend has many names, but let’s go with the universally accepted one: dog. Born curious, dogs like to travel because they go wherever you go. It’s that pack mentality at work!

Speaking of packs…

You Should Pack for your Dog, too.

If you’re taking your dog with you on a trip, you have to pack for you and your dog. A travel dog bowl for water and food is essential to keep your pooch happy and fed. Your dog eating out of your own mess kit won’t work as well as you might think it will!

Dogs need specialized gear so they can feed and hydrate properly. The last thing you want on the trip with you is a sick puppy. Plenty of things can go south if you fail to pack for your pooch.

Your dog could:

• Drink from a dirty and polluted water source filled with contaminants. This will make your dog sick, and fast.
• Get bacteria or germs when he eats food out of the ground.
• Eat whatever she comes across if she’s hungry. This could include rotten food on the trail.
• A travel dog bowl is a must-have accessory in your adventure gear if Fido’s going with you. Here’s how to choose the best one for your best friend.

Choosing the Best Travel Dog Bowl

When it comes to choosing a dog bowl for travel, you can get tripped up by the myriad of choices out there. A good rule of thumb is to establish a set of simple requirements so you’ll only end up with the best.

Let’s say you’ve narrowed your choice to two bowls, but can’t seem to decide on what to buy. What should you pick? This is where your requirements would come into play. Here’s an example:

1. The travel dog bowl must be safe enough even for human use.
2. The bowl should be sturdy and leak free.
3. The dog bowl should be lightweight and portable.
4. The travel dog bowl should be collapsible and easy to clean.

By using a set of guidelines, you’ll be eliminating everything that can harm your dog or give you a hard time when packing. You can add more or replace anything on the suggestions above. Use it as your basic template when you go out and buy a dog bowl for travel.

Main Types of Dog Bowls for Travel

There are many types of travel dog bowls out in the market. Let’s take a gander at the most popular ones, shall we?

Silicone Dog Bowl

Most silicone dog bowls are made from BPA free, food-grade materials and are dishwasher safe. The containers are easy to clean and resistant to stains, scratches and bacteria buildup. Silicone is soft, lightweight and pliable, making it the perfect material for collapsible bowls. Travel dog bowls made from silicone fold flat, making them easy to carry around or pack in a bag.

Pros: Folds flat, lightweight, BPA free and easy to clean.

Cons: Your dog can easily chew it up.

Fabric Dog Bowl

If your dog loves to chew up silicone, your next option is to go fabric. Yes, we know what you’re thinking: how can fabric hold food and water? Fabric dog bowls for travel are cool pieces of kit. Fabric dog bowls are made from high-density Nylon and polyester. These bowls are the lightest and most portable of all travel dog bowls.

These bowls can fold flat or collapse onto itself. Some even come with drawstrings so you can store dog food in them. The main gripe about fabric dog bowls is that it takes some time to dry. There also have been instances of water leaking out when used too long, so make sure to get one that is waterproof.

Pros: Lightest travel dog bowl, ultra-packable because it collapses and folds.

Cons: Takes time to dry, some models are prone to leakage.

Stainless Steel Dog Bowl

Classics never die, and the old reliable stainless steel dog bowl for travel is alive, well and ready to go. Stainless steel is the go-to material for home use dog bowls, so it stands to reason that it’s the best for travel, too.

Stainless is ultra durable, easy to clean and impervious to scratches and bacteria. It’s lightweight, but not as light as silicone and fabric dog bowls. If you’re going for a stainless travel dog bowl, choose a no-spill one.

Pros: Solid, durable, scratch proof, easy to clean, bacteria resistant.

Cons: Doesn’t collapse or fold flat, heavy.

Plastic Dog Bowl

Plastic dog bowls are the cheapest ones you can buy for travel. These are lightweight and solid enough to take a beating. Plastic containers aren’t the lightest, nor do they fold flat or collapse like an accordion for storage.

We don’t recommend getting plastic dog bowls because not all use BPA, BPS, and phthalate-free materials.

Pros: Lightweight, affordable.

Cons: Prone to scratches and chew marks, which are home to bacteria. Some models use BPA and other hazardous materials.

Key Points when Choosing a Travel Dog Bowl

Always Go For Quality

• Not all travel dog bowls are created equal. Your primary consideration should always be quality. How much do you love your dog? If you answered too much, then you should get the best for him no matter what.
• You can be prudent, but the saying “you get what you pay for” is almost always the case when it comes to pooch gear. Cheap ain’t gonna cut it. Get the best, even if it means paying a bit more. It’s the right thing to do.

Where are you going?

• What type of traveling is in store for you and your pet?
• This is a critical question to answer because not all trips are the same. A day trip to the beach isn’t the same as a four-day hike across the countryside. Once you know where you’re heading off to, it’ll be easier to decide what type of dog bowl to get.

Watch the Weight!

• One of the primary considerations when choosing a dog bowl for travel is weight. Lugging around a heavy pack isn’t fun, which is why getting the lightest travel bowl is, so you and your dog don’t get weighed down.

BPA Free or Bust

• Always go for a travel dog bowl that is BPA, BPS, and phthalate free. These chemicals can wreak havoc on your dog’s health. When choosing a container for your dog, you have to make sure that even you can use it.

Off You Go!

There you have it, folks. Choosing the best dog bowl for travel isn’t hard if you go out there with a few basic guidelines. Remember, if it’s good enough for you, it’s good enough for your dog. If you are having trouble choosing, check out DogLab’s review of 32 different travel bowls!

Happy trails!

What Happens When a Dog Eats Coffee?

Most of us just can’t even imagine a day without having coffee in the morning. And if you are a coffee person, it’s quite normal for you to drink 3-4 cups in a single day! I mean, for coffee lovers like us, it mostly stands for energy, inspiration, creativity and many more.

But what about our pets? Do they feel the same level of craze as we feel for coffee? Well, the craze part is normal, but the main question is, is the coffee good for your fluffy dog friend?

Many of you aren’t actually aware of what happens when a dog eats coffee. That’s why some owners aren’t careful enough to keep their canine friend away from coffee. To let you know the circumstances, I’ll be filling you in on what will happen if your dog eats coffee.

So, let’s get started!

Can They Eat Coffee Beans or Drink it?

The obvious answer would be NO. Your dog should never ever consume coffee in any means. That being said, we all know how dogs can goof around and do stuff that they aren’t supposed to.

But as an owner, you would have to take care of your dog and be there in case of an emergency. Consuming coffee is one of those scenarios. It’s because coffee can be really toxic for your furry pet. So, when we can enjoy the wonderful blessing of coffee easily, our pets cannot.

When it comes to coffee beans, a mere two teaspoon could be toxic for your dog and can lead be many other health complications.

I’ll be sharing all the details on this. Hopefully, you’ll be able to avoid any kind of bad situations in the future.

Do you like coffee? You may also like Daily Cupo!

Why is Coffee Poisonous for the Dog?

Coffee is a wonderful stimulant for us and helps us work throughout the day without feeling tired.

However, for dogs, coffee does the exact opposite. It can cause some serious damages to their internal organs right after it’s consumed. Let’s see what they are:

Heart:

After the caffeine gets mixed in the bloodstream, it slowly increases the heart rate of your dog. The excessive heart rate increase makes the heartbeat in a hazardous way. The worst part is that the heart starts to beat irregularly after some time.

According to a study, only 25mg of caffeine can make your dog’s heart go into ventricular fibrillation. V-fib is not a good heart rhythm and increases the change of cardiac arrest to a great extent. So, your dog could have a heart attack if he consumes too much and is left untreated.

Kidney:

Caffeine puts too much pressure on the dog’s kidney. These are closely related to the bladder and coffee consumption could make them pee a lot than usual. This could result in possible dehydration, which will further stress the kidneys.

If the dog overeats coffee, then his kidneys could even fail along with renal failure.

Central Nervous System:

Coffee will excite your dog too much, and it will affect the CNS pretty badly. If you see your dog acting really restless and run around like crazy, then it already affected his CNS.

It could result in pacing, muscle tremors, seizures and the most dangerous one – coma. The dog’s body will try to reject the toxicity, which will make him vomit and induce diarrhea. If it reaches the lungs, then it can paralyze them and make him stop breathing.

What’s the Lethal Dose Rate?

Dogs can absorb coffee really fast, faster than us. That’s the irony. But the issue is, what amount can be lethal for your dog? According to doctors, the toxic dose for your dog is 140mg per kg. This means that, if your dog has a weight of 3kg then it would only need 420mg.

This might seem like a lot to you, but it’s not that much for your dog. A strong full jug of coffee will have 140mg caffeine in it. Do remember that it will depend on your dog’s weight. So, if you have a small dog, then it would take less caffeine to toxicate him.

However, don’t think that your dog is safe as long as it’s lower than the lethal amount. With a smaller dose, your dog will start to show neurological and minor symptoms that can make him sick.

So, stay alert at all times.

Major Symptoms of Coffee Poisoning

You can’t watch your dog 24/7. There might be some time where your dog could sneak in and eat coffee beans. Sometimes coffee grounds are too tasty for your dog, and he could go through the trash to eat it. So, how will you ever know if your dog is in distress before it’s too late?

You should look out for these symptoms. It could occur within minutes or could take twelve hours to develop. Either way, always keep a close eye on your dog.

• Fever
• Hyperactivity
• Panting
• Increased urination
• Vomiting
• Pacing
• Diarrhea
• Increased blood pressure
• Pupil dilation
• Muscle tremors
• Bloating
• Unquenchable thirst
• Seizures
• Fatigue
• Coma

If you see your dog having a seizure, then the dose could be lethal. You should go to your vet immediately. In fact, if you see any of these symptoms go to your vet and treat your dog.

Treatment Process

Regarding coffee consumption, you’ll have to seek help immediately. If you want treatment to be effective, then it should be done within 2 hours of consumption. This is kind of time-sensitive task. The more you wait the least likely your dog will survive.

So, upon noticing rush to your vet as fast as you can. After that, the vet might induce vomiting to get rid of the coffee from the stomach. Once the vet makes your dog vomit, he might give your dog charcoal. What activated charcoal does here is that it absorbs any toxin that is in the bloodstream.

Even if you don’t know what caused the poisoning, activated charcoal will help. After that, your dog will get IV fluids to deal with dehydration from the vomiting. If everything goes smoothly, it could take a day to get all the caffeine out of his system.

So, be prepared for that from beforehand.

Preventing the Disaster

Obviously, prevention is the smart choice. If you are a coffee lover you should always store your coffee in a safe place where your dog won’t be able to reach it. Also, avoid throwing your coffee in the garbage.

Also, make sure your dog doesn’t drink the coffee you just made for yourself in the morning.

In The End

As an owner, it’s your responsibility to safeguard your dog in every way. So, always be prepared for the worst and keep a close eye on your pet. You might think that small dosage won’t harm that much, but beware because dogs are oversensitive when it comes to caffeine.

Coffee might be your best friend but not your dogs. That’s why make sure your dog never consumes coffee in any way.

Can Dogs Eat Pickles?

Because of their popularity as a companion, few people know that gherkins are considered healthy foods. But can dogs eat pickles as humans can, and are gherkins safe for dogs? What are the health benefits of dog marinades and are there any side effects? Let’s take a look.

If you’re wondering “can I give my dog pickles,” the answer is: it depends. Gherkins (or pickled cucumbers) are not toxic to dogs, but they are also not the safest treatment.

In general, gherkins are not overtly harmful to dogs, but they are not necessary for dogs either. And although they can have health benefits, it’s not just about giving dog pickles that every pet owner needs to know.

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What are pickles?

Gherkins are vegetables that have been stored in salt water or acidic liquids for long-term preservation from deterioration.

The term “pickles” can refer to several different vegetables that have been pickled. However, cucumber is the most common vegetable associated with marinating, which is often marinated in dill brine, garlic, and spices.

As such, most people refer to “pickled cucumber” by mentioning pickles. This is what we will cover in this article about the benefits and side effects of pickles for dogs.

Here is what gherkins (or pickled cucumbers) look like

What do pickles look like

This miracle food dates back to 2030 BC BC where early travelers discovered pickled cucumbers with just two ingredients: salt and water.

Can dogs eat pickles? 6 potential benefits and 5 side effects
Pickles are not toxic to dogs. However, they are not a recommended treatment for your dog, and there are a few reasons for this.

That said, pickles have healthy nutritional benefits for them. They are an excellent source of several vitamins and minerals:

– Vitamin A
– Vitamin K
– Potassium
– Magnesium
– Calcium
– Iron
– Fiber

In theory, these vitamins and minerals would be a great pleasure to give pickles to dogs. So let’s first explore the potential benefits of pickles for dogs.

6 Potential Health Benefits of Dog Gherkins

1. Vitamins A and K.

Vitamin A promotes healthy eyes in dogs, while vitamin K helps regulate normal blood function and strengthen the bones of the dog’s body.

2. Potassium.

Potassium is an important electrolyte mineral that helps maintain cardiac function, digestive health and overall well-being in dogs.

3. Magnesium.

Magnesium is another essential mineral needed for proper heart function, bone health, calcium absorption and nervous system regulation in a dog’s body.

4. Calcium

As with humans, calcium is also essential for strengthening bones and teeth in dogs, as well as the health of the dog’s coat and nails. This mineral also promotes nerve function, digestion, hormone release and healthy heart function in dogs.

5. Ironing

For dogs, iron associated with the consumption of protein creates hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the red blood cells of the dog’s body. It is also necessary to help some enzymes work properly in dogs.

6. Fiber.

The fibers regulate the digestive system in dogs, which promotes the strengthening of the immune system. It can prevent fat gain, constipation, and bloat in dogs.
“So can I give my dog ​​pickles then?”

Technically, you can, but do not rush to turn your dog’s meal into a pickle festival.

In theory, it looks good. However, once the cucumber has been “marinated”, the vegetable loses a lot (though not all) of its nutrients. In order to provide your dog with most of these nutrients, it is always best to give non-pickled cucumbers instead.

Why are pickles not a good snack for dogs? Because they may contain other toxic or unhealthy ingredients for dogs. Let’s take a closer look.

Can Dogs Eat Pickles – 4 Important Safety Instructions

More on Pickles for Dogs
4 Important Safety Precautions
Pickles may not be toxic to dogs, but that does not mean they are completely safe.

Due to the stripping process indicated in the studies and the foods contained in marinating, pickled cucumbers can harm your dog’s health.

Here are the reasons why:

1. Pickles contain large amounts of sodium.

Pickles are extremely salty because they are kept in a sour brine that consists almost entirely of salt. Salt does not add anything to your dog’s diet.

In fact, salt (or sodium) promotes dehydration and excessive thirst in dogs, as in humans, which can lead to frequent urination.

High blood pressure can also result from feeding your dog too much pickle. Therefore, if you must give your dog pickles as a treat, feed them in very controlled quantities.

2. Excessive salt can cause pancreatitis.

There are more problems with pickles and salt for dogs.

Dogs that regularly consume high-sodium foods, such as pickles, can develop pancreatitis, an inflammation of the canine pancreas. The pancreas becomes unable to function properly and breaks down sodium and fat.

This condition is very painful for a dog. The stomach becomes painful and painful and the dog can walk in a hunched way or refuse to move. Vomiting may occur if the dog tries to eat.

Canine pancreatitis is very common and often results from a poor food choice.

A dog with pancreatitis must be hospitalized and given intravenous infusions, pain relievers, and antibiotics to treat the disease. Prompt treatment for canine pancreatitis usually leads to complete healing, although the dog should avoid foods high in sodium to prevent the disease from recurring.

3. Pickles may contain spices that are forbidden to dogs.

Today’s stripping process has “improved” and contains more than just the three ingredients. It can often include garlic, white vinegar, and onions, which should not all be in your dog’s food as they are toxic to dogs.

Garlic is toxic to dogs. It causes vomiting, gasping, high heart rate, blood in the urine and weakness in the dog when consumed in small amounts.

White vinegar can cause gastrointestinal disturbances in dogs, including diarrhea, gas, and vomiting.

Onions are toxic to dogs and can cause a disease called hemolytic anemia. The red blood cells are damaged by the toxicity of the onion and burst. If the condition is very advanced, the dog will require hospitalization and blood transfusions.

Of course, look at the list of ingredients before choosing pickles for dogs. Ideally, it is best to avoid them completely, but if you must, always pick pickles that contain nothing but the three main ingredients.

4. Even without accompanying spices, pickles can cause digestive disorders.

Spices are not the only reason that gherkins administered to dogs can cause stomach upset.

The more you feed your gherkins, the more likely they are to cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs, including diarrhea, constipation, and stomach upset.

In the end, this is not worth the risk of giving dog Pickles.
Are there any real side effects of giving pickles for dogs?

Pickles themselves have no side effects in dogs, except the precautions above, unless they are administered to an excess dog. However, it is always best to give your dog fresh cucumbers and avoid pickles.

Are there any real side effects of giving pickles for dogs

Summary:

Can I give gherkins to dogs?
Technically, you can give gherkins to dogs if they do not contain any additional ingredients.

However, it is not recommended and it is better to opt for cucumbers instead.

Although pickles alone are not toxic to dogs, their presence can be dangerous. High levels of sodium and ingredients such as onions, vinegar, and garlic, which are often used in marinating, can have disastrous effects on your dog’s health.

Better alternatives exist if you want to give your dog a healthy snack.

How to Help an Anxious Dog Sleep Better

Even if you have tons of love for your pooch, his anxiousness in the middle of the night isn’t particularly helpful to your sleeping pattern. In this case, the chances of you getting a good night’s sleep depend greatly on helping your canine fall into deep slumber.

A restless dog can be a nuisance especially when you want good quality sleep after a long day at work. To handle this situation and enjoy a quiet night, here’s what you can do:

1. Create a Good Sleeping Environment

It helps to make sure that your beloved pooch has his own comfortable place to sleep in. Instead of snoozing on your sheets, he should be sleeping on a good quality dog bed complemented with a warm blanket. The location of the bed should be as peaceful and quiet as possible to help your pup drift off to peaceful slumber.

• Consider buying a thoroughly cushioned bed as padding can make your dog more comfortable through the night. Introduce your pooch to his new bed by leading him there with treats.
• Place the bed in a warm but well-ventilated location. Your dog should be comfortable enough not to feel too cold or too warm.
• If you can’t find a low-lit area to place the bed, consider using blackout curtains to keep light levels down during the day.

2. Develop a Routine

Setting up a consistent daily routine will help your furry friend recognize when it’s time to hit the sack. Before and after you go to work, try to take your dog for a walk at the same time each day. Then, do the same with his mealtimes and feed him a few hours before bed to help him digest the food.

Stick to a routine so that you can keep the hour before bedtime as calm as possible for your dog . Avoid any exciting activities and giving excessive treats, and ensure your pup has done his business before bed so he won’t need to come out in the middle of the night.

3. Give Plenty of Exercises

Exercising your anxious dog during the day can lead to an evening of uninterrupted slumber. Depending on your pup’s size and breed, he should spend at least 30 minutes to two hours a day for exercise. Generally, the larger the dog is, the more exercise he will need.

A simple long walk for a few hours before bedtime is a good way to ensure good sleep for both you and your dog. You can also let your pup play with his dog toys, but do this inside a pet play pen if you don’t want your dog destroying furniture.

4. Check For Any Medical Condition

If exercising doesn’t work and your pooch is still restless at night, consider helping him with some approved calming aids. These are easy to find, but it’s crucial that you get your vet’s approval first. Canines have a different bodily system and they may be affected distinctly by calming aids.

A dog struggling to snooze may be suffering an underlying health condition. This is usually the case for an older dog who didn’t usually have problems sleeping. Take your pooch to the vet and discuss any changes in his appetite, behavior, movement, and sleeping pattern.

5. Examine your own sleeping habits

Are you sure you aren’t a bad sleeper? Having poor sleeping habits yourself can affect your dog as well. By being consistent with your own sleep schedule, you can help your pooch with his. For instance, if you go to bed at 2 a.m. one night then 10 p.m. the next day, your dog won’t recognize when the right time to sleep is.

Give your dog comfort

A dog who’s full of anxiety and can’t fall asleep, sometimes, only needs your love and comfort to feel relaxed. Try to sit with your dog and invite him to lay beside you. Pet your pooch and speak to him in a calm tone so that he’ll feel at ease.

If your dog isn’t sleeping well or is out of character at night, do something about it. Keep in mind that problems won’t go away if you don’t find out the root cause.

AUTHOR BIO

Farah Al-Khojai is the Managing Partner of Pet’s Delight. A passionate entrepreneur, Farah holds a Bsc in Government from the London School of Economics. She is always on the lookout for new opportunities to develop and grow the pet and equestrian retail and wholesale market in the UAE and beyond, and is proud to be at the helm of the first and the largest pet care provider in the market representing world-class brands including Orijen, Applaws, Hunter, Savic, Flamingo, Ruffwear and Rogz.

Treating Tapeworms in Dogs and Cats: What you need to know

Intestinal parasites can cause a huge amount of distress when it comes to our beloved pets. There are many parasites including whipworms, hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms. Even though they can cause a lot of distress still there are lots of ways to treat your beloved pet.

If you are worried that your favorite pooch might have worms, then don’t worry. I’ll be giving you all you need to know about treating tapeworms in dogs and cats here. So, just stay tuned and follow the instructions accordingly. Your pooch will be happy in no time!

A Look inside Tapeworms

Let’s start with what tapeworms really are. Basically, they are one of the most common worms found in cats and dogs. Not that they are untreatable, but they are one of the most difficult to figure out.

If your pet is suffering from tapeworms, it can become really hard to figure out the symptoms as in most cases they aren’t so apparent.

A tapeworm is usually a flat, long worm that looks a bit like ribbons. This worm will attach itself to your pet’s small intestine. The worst part is that these parasites can be very long up to several feet.

However, they have segments that sometimes can leak or be visible in feces, so the next time you see it, go to the vet right away.

Usually, tapeworms are seen in cats who eat mice or dogs that accidentally ate rabbit or some kind of rodent carcass.

In any case, some form of untreated meat can be the cause of tapeworms or another type of worms in pets.

What Are The Symptoms?

Every kind of worm is different from each other. While tapeworms are longer and ribbon-like, roundworms can be easy to spot. Other worms such as whipworms or hookworms are practically invisible as they are really small in sizes.

In most cases, your pet won’t be showing any prominent symptoms, however, in some cases you might see these signs:

• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Pale gums
• Dry fur
• Itching problem
• Weakness and slow growth
• Breathing issues

Humans can also be affected by roundworms, and it can get fatal very fast. So, you should always check for any of these symptoms.

What Are the Main Cause of Worms in Dogs and Cats?

Tapeworms are mostly a common occurrence if your pup has a taste for untreated meat especially rodents. Rodents can carry this worm, and after eating, they can infest your pet’s body too.

However, these worms are more of a segmented type, so you would be able to see it with the naked eye. They are mostly seen in the pet’s fur and the anus area.

Roundworms, on the other hand, can be inherited from the mother. If the mother is infected, then the babies can get infected right in the utero. These worms can also pass through the milk. They usually infest the intestines and can be as big as five inches. The feces will include their eggs, so be sure to separate your infected pup from other pets in the house.

Hookworms are quite common when it comes to dogs. Cats can have them too, but they are pretty persistent in dogs. These worms can consume a great load of blood so, they can get very deadly for puppies.

If your dog is feeling weak and out of mood then mostly he might be infected with whipworms. They are really small and very hard to diagnose.

What Is The Treatment?

Only tapeworms can be treated with only one deworming treatment. Other worms require more treatments, usually two. That’s because in most cases, the first dose of treatment kills the adult parasites and the second treatment kills the remaining eggs and babies.

Treatment for Tapeworms

Tapeworms don’t have any migrating larval stage unlike other worms like whipworms or hookworms. So, that’s why they don’t require any second treatments. Any tapeworm dewormer medication from the vet will get rid of them.

It practically removes the protective coating and then dissolves them in the intestine. They can also get rid of any eggs remaining in the pet.

You won’t typically see any tapeworms in the feces after the deworming as it gets dissolved. Though if they’re not gone, you’ll see segments in the anus region. Sometimes if your pet gets too many tapeworms, it might vomit them up.

Treatment for Other Worms

All other worms like whipworms or hookworms require a bit extensive treatments. All of them seem to produce migrating larval stages that can move on to a new host. For hookworms and roundworms, you’ll need a second dose within three weeks of the first treatment. It can sometimes go up to another dose.

For whipworms, you’ll have to get the second treatment in 72-75 days.

If you have other pets in the house, then you should definitely keep everything in check. Sandboxes need to tend to more often. You should always change the sand entirely to contain the infection from other pets.

Natural Remedies

Some foods can get rid of tapeworms without any drugs. However, they may not be able to get all the way through. Before using these foods, always check with the vet and only give them when he allows it.

• Fermented vegetables can help reduce the infestation.
• Fresh fruits such as pineapple or pomegranate or papaya can do the trick. However, a small dose is recommended.
• Coconut Kefir is a treat (non-dairy) that can help out in this case.
• Vegetables such as parsley, garlic, cucumber, carrots, squash, fennel, or watercress can help.
• Coconut oil, cider vinegar or bone broth can treat it.
• Spices such as wormwood or turmeric and seeds such as pumpkin or papaya will do the trick.

Deworming with Dewormers

As I said before the most effective treatment would be dewormers. You should always go for the best dog dewormer so that your pooch can be healthy and energetic like before.

Many veterinarians will prescribe certain dewormer. However, you can also find them online. These products will get rid of the worm situation within a few weeks.

In The End: Prevention Is the Key

I know how tapeworms or any other worms can disrupt the health of your beloved pets. That’s why you should always check for worming situation whenever you notice anything out of place.

Our pets deserve all the love and care in this world. So, it’s to avoid this situation from the start. You should check all the litter boxes at least once a week. Make sure your dog doesn’t get in contact with any kind feces in other areas.

Prevent your pets from eating dead animals and make sure they live in a flee-clean zone.