Dogs Cats and Wild Animals Blog

Don't Be a Nasty Dog Owner

4/15/2019

Curious Dog

Dog ownership is a beautiful thing. You have an animal to call your own that you care for just as you would a human. The good thing about dog ownership is that dogs can show equal and often times much more love than many owners. But having a dog is not all about huddles, kisses and tail wags. You have to be able to take on the shitty part of dog ownership (Literally) So here is what all dog owners should do when their dog does the number 2.

1. Ensure That You Are Prepared For Poop
Come on now, if you feed your dog, chances are that after your dog absorbs all the energy from the food you gave him/her, it will want to poop out waste. So you as the dog owner must ensure that you are ready for the poop. Ensure that you have a place designated for your dog to do his thing if the animal is an indoor only animal. So you will be sure to have a dog indoor potty solution. Many dog owners have a designated artificial lawn area which the dog sees as a natural way to go release his/her self. These are easy to set and disposal is as simple as saying your ABC's.

2. Pick up The Poop Wherever Your Dog Poops
Not because your dog didn't poop in your yard means that you should just look down, look up and move right along. You simply cannot have your dog poop on the sidewalk, someones, driveway or someone else's lawn and leave it. Ensure that if you always have plenty dog poop disposal bags ready for when you dog just wants to let loose while walking or jogging.

3. Clean Dog Poop Immediately
Your fence cannot block old dog poop scent from flowing into your neighbors home while enjoying a nice slice of potato pudding. Don't let dog poop fester around your home. There are a few bad things which can happen as a result of this.

You dog eats the poop and becomes ill
Flies will develop because of the lingering poop and
Your neighbors will call health inspector and you will have to handle what else flows from that.

4. Keep Your Home Clean
You simply cannot have a healthy dog while you have rats and roaches keeping concerts in your kitchen and yard. Ensure that your living area is free from anything which can cause illness to your pet. Remember rat urine and rat bites can cause leptospirosis in both dogs ad humans alike.

5. Keep Your Dog Clean
Nature takes care of it's own. But the problem is that when you domesticate and animal, it is not nature that is the default nurture but you. Ensure that your dog is bathed and free from all parasites such as ticks and fleas which can cause your dog to also fall ill. Keeping your dog groomed is very important in keeping the dog hygiene friendly as long tangled dog hair is a calling trap for dirt and everything else .

Once you follow these 5 simple steps, no one will be able to call you a nasty dog owner. Woof! I am out.

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Traveling Safely With Your Dog On Board

4/15/2019

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Traveling Safely With Your Dog

Around 84% of dog owners drive with their furry friends in their car without restraining them, according to the American Automobile Association. Safer America, meanwhile, notes that there were over 17,000 crashes in just the first half of 2018, and many of these occurred while pets were in the car. Driving with unrestrained pets is dangerous for two reasons: the distraction they pose to the driver, and the damage they can suffer if the driver brakes suddenly or is involved in an accident. Keeping passengers and pets safe is actually a lot easier than you may think. Just follow these tips to ensure Fido is as comfortable, warm (or, in the summer, cool) and happy as everyone else in the vehicle.

Choose The Right Vehicle
If your dog will be traveling with you every day to work or every time you drop or pick up your kids from school, keeping this consideration in mind when choosing your car or truck is key. Your dog should travel in a restrained crate, so there needs to be enough space for this purpose. Did you know that the majority of car accidents occur within a five-mile radius of your house? Therefore, even if you don’t complete major distances every day, opting for a sturdy, sufficiently spacious car is vital.

What Are The Main Risks For Dogs Traveling In Trucks?
If you have a truck, your dog should travel up front. Dogs placed in the bed of a truck can easily fall out. If the dog’s leash is tied to the truck and it falls out, there is a big choking risk, owing to the amount of pressure placed on the neck. Interior travel will keep your pooch safe from flying objects and ensure it is not subject to harsh wind or too much sun. You can use a vehicle barrier if you drive an SUV or van, but your dog will still need to be secured to minimize injury.

What About Cars?
The biggest risk for untethered dogs in cars is the impact they can suffer in an accident, or when you brake suddenly or take a harsh curve. Dogs can also pose a risk to passengers in the event of an accident, since the force of their impact (especially at high velocities) can be considerable. There are two main options you can choose for cars. The first is a secured crate, which will need to be tethered to the car. Companies like Pet Buckle sell tethers that latch to D-rings found in SUVs, minivans, etc. - you will need to tether both ends of a crate to prevent it from becoming a projectile danger in the event of an accident. You can also use seat belt anchors to secure your dog, even if it is not in a crate. Your dog will need a good harness for this purpose; the neck itself should not be tethered to a seat belt.

You may need to experiment with different tethers or dog seat belts if your pooch is a frequent traveler in your car. Crates should be firmly attached, with at least two tethers to keep them in place. Because crates and pets themselves take up considerable space, safety begins with vehicle choice. Make sure yours fulfills the needs of you, your family, and your pet.

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Foods That make Your Dog Sick

4/7/2019

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Many people will normally give their pet dog food which they may be snacking on or scrapes from around the table. But not all foods can be eaten or should be eaten by your dog. Here is a list created by Sarfaraz Nasir, a development officer for Petboro Pet Resort and Kennels in Bangalore, India. He provide home cooked food to all our canine guests when they vacation with him

1. Chewing Gum - Most chewing gum contains a sugar called Xylitol which has no effects on humans. However, it can cause a surge of insulin in dogs that drops a dog's blood sugar to dangerous level. If your dog eats large amount of gums, it can damage liver, kidney or worse.

2. Candy - Many of the candies also contain Xylitol, the same type of sugar as Chewing gum. So, keep candies and chewing gums away from the reach of your dogs and puppies.

3. Chocolate - Chocolates are considered poisonous for dogs. Chocolates contain caffeine and theobromine which can be toxic for your dog. Chocolates can cause panting, vomiting, and diarrhea, and damage your dog's heart and nervous systems

4. Corn on the cob - Dogs can eat Corn, but not the cob. Most dogs cannot digest cob easily, which can cause intestinal obstruction, a very serious and possibly fatal medical condition if not treated immediately.

5. Macadamia Nuts - Macadamia nuts also known as Australia Nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs.

6. Mushrooms - Mushrooms are tricky. While some types of Mushrooms are fine, others can be toxic for dogs. Some types of mushrooms can cause serious stomach issues for dogs. As a cautious dog owner, you should try to avoid giving mushrooms to your dog.

7. Tobacco - Never give tobacco to your dog. The effects of nicotine on dogs are much more worse than humans. The toxic level of nicotine in dogs is 5 milligrams of nicotine per pound of body weight. In dogs, 10 mg/kg is potentially lethal.

8. Cooking dough - Raw bread dough made with live yeast can be hazardous if ingested by dogs. When raw dough is swallowed, the warm, moist environment of the stomach provides an ideal environment for the yeast to multiply, resulting in an expanding mass of dough in the stomach. Expansion of the stomach may be severe enough to decrease blood flow to the stomach wall, resulting in the death of tissue.

9. Rotten food -Spoiled food have mold and other bacteria which can cause serious damage to your dog's health.

10. Cooked Bones - While raw bones are beneficial for your dog's teeth, cooked bones can be dangerous for your pup. Cooked bones are more brittle, which means it is highly likely they might splinter and cause internal injury to your dog.

11. Cat Food - A little cat food eaten by your dog may not be an issue. However, you feed cat food regularly to your dog, it can cause some health issues. Cat foods usually have higher level of protein and fat which are not healthy for dogs.

12. Fat Trimmings - Meat fat trimmings, cooked or raw can cause pancreatitis in dogs.

13. Liver - Feeding liver occasionally might be OK, but do not feed too much liver to your dog. Excessive consumption of liver can adversely affect your dog's muscles and bones.

14. Yeast - As mentioned earlier, too much of yeast could rupture your dog's stomach and intestines.

15. Dairy Products - Some dogs would be fine with dairy products. However, dogs generally have relatively poor levels of tolerance to lactose which is found in milk. As a result, it can cause diarrhea and other digestive issues.

16. Alcohol - You should not even let your dog taste any kind of alcohol, let alone consume it in large quantity. The main ingredients used in beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages are toxics and dangerous for dogs. Alcohol can cause poor breathing, abnormal acidity, intoxication, lack of coordination and even coma and/or death for a dog.

17. Coffee - Too much Coffee can be poisonous for your dog. Common signs of a coffee overdose include vomiting, tremors, restlessness and rapid heart rate. In severe cases, seizures can appear. It's possible for dogs to collapse if high amounts of caffeine have been consumed.

18. Milk - Many dogs especially puppy drink milk. Most dogs may not experience any issues with milk, but some dogs may be intolerant to lactose found in milk. Dogs allergic to lactose may experience upset tummy and other allergic reactions after drinking milk.

19. Citrus Oil Extracts - Oil extracts from citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and limes can cause irritation in your dogs digestive system especially if consumed in large quantities. Dogs may experience diarrhea, vomiting, drooling, and trembling.

20. Apple Seeds - Apple seeds contain amygdlin, a form of cyanide. It can hinder blood from carrying oxygen throughout the body. Keep your pup away from apple seeds.

21. Avocado - Avocado fruit, its pit and plant are toxic for dogs. Avocado damages heart, lung and other tissue in dogs in addition to stomach upset, vomiting and pancreatitis.

22. Grapes & Raisins - Dogs usually get allergic reactions after eating grapes and raising. Dogs may experience vomiting, fatigue, diarrhea, and possibly kidney failure.

23. Onions - Onions are dangerous for dogs. Try to avoid feeding onions (raw or cooked) to your dog. If the dog eats a small amount of onions every day for many days, it may gradually develop anemia over weeks to months.

24. Chives - Chives can cause hemolysis, anemia, or hemoglobinuria in your dog. Some of the symptoms of too much chives consumption include weakness, lethargy, pale mucous membranes and discolored (red to brown) urine.

25. Peaches - Dogs may not experience any issues if they just consume peach flesh. However, pits of peaches are toxic to dogs. They may cause your dog to experience dilated pupils, dizziness and excessive drooling.

26. Plums - Stems, leaves, and seeds of plums are toxic for dogs. Dogs may experience brick red mucous membranes, dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, and shock.

27. Tomato Leaves - The leaves of a tomato plant contain the glycoalkaloids alpha-tomatine and dehydrotomatine which are toxic for dogs. Some of the symptoms of eating tomato leaves include; drooling, stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting and changes in his behavior. Tremors or seizures could also occur if your pup has consumed too much tomato leaves.

28. Human vitamins - Some human vitamins can be toxic for pets, in particular those that are fat soluble like vitamins A, D and E. Also, iron tablets can damage the digestive system lining, and prove poisonous for the liver and kidneys of your dog. So, keep your vitamins away from your dog especially puppies.

29. Human Snacks - Some of the human snacks might use ingredients such as onion and garlic powder, raisins, chocolate which could be toxic for dogs. Try to give your furry friend snacks and treats made just for them instead of sharing yours.

30. Baby Food - Many individuals endeavor to give infant nourishment particularly to puppies when they are not feeling admirably. Child sustenance are not awful when all is said in done. Be that as it may, you should ensure the infant nourishment you are giving does not contain any onion powder. Additionally, infant nourishment don't contain all the vital supplements for a sound puppy.

31. Raw Fish / Fish in general - Some amount of fish in your dog's diet may not cause any issues. However, If fish are fed exclusively or in high amounts to your dog can result in a thiamine (a B vitamin) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death.

If you have accidentally fed any of these foods to your dog and the dog becomes ill, seek veterinary assistance immediately. Remember, we love dogs!

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Tips To Keep Your Dog Cool In Summer

4/2/2019

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Dog Hot

Summer can be quite a heat hoarder. We humans sometimes find the summer heat quite unbearable, then you can imagine the poor dog at the mercy of the sun. But the good news is that there are a lot of stuff you can do to keep your dog cool in the summer. Check out the list below.

1. Let the Dog Stay Indoors Mostly
We all know dogs like to roam and run free especially if you have a big yard. But with the blazing heat pouring down, it is better for the animal to spend less time running in the heat outside and more time indoors keeping cool by the air conditioner.

2. Groom the Dog
If your dog has too much fur, chances are it will hold more heat in and will not allow for air to pass through easily. Ensure that the animal has on moderate amount of fur to allow good air flow to the animal’s skin.

3. Give Your Dog Bath
Not to say that has your dog pants you full a tub and throw the poor dog in, just ensure that the dog gets enough bath especially when the temperature is very hot. A nice cool bath can work wonders for your dog on a hot sunny day.

4.Keep Your Dog Hydrated
To keep your dog cool in summer, ensure that the dog has plenty of fresh cool water. One problem with many dog owners is that they catch water in dog water bowls and then leave that water to boil in the sun. When the dog is thirsty and wants to drink it simply cannot drink the water because it is way too hot. Keep the water bowl indoors or in a place of shade if it has to be outdoor.

5.Don’t Go For Long Dog Walks
Having your dog suffer from a heatstroke is not a sight any dog owner who loves their pet wants to see. When the temperature is blazing like hell fire outside, it is wise not to take your dog for any walks at all until those temperature subside. If you do have to take your dog out, drive the animal to a park with plenty of trees to provide shade and ensure that you pack enough water.

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5 Things to Think About When Welcoming a Puppy Home

3/5/2019

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Puppies – they’re fluffy, fun and full of love. But for every inch of cuteness, puppies are also darn hard work. They demand time, money and (above everything else) plenty of love and affection. So there’s actually plenty to consider (and prepare) if you’re soon to welcome a new four legged friend into your home.

1. Get ready for the nipping, chewing and biting.
Puppies have are incredibly inquisitive nature (and by virtue of this, they also have an appetite for chewing on sofas, shoes and just about anything else that takes their fancy).

At first, they’ll explore their boundaries by chewing up your personal items right in front of you. And as they gradually begin to learn that this behavior is met with a firm “no”, they’ll move on to chewing things out of your sightline (so you’ll need to keep a beady eye on them at all times – or move things out of their reach!).

It’s important that you hop onto this behavior while they’re in the act. Dogs can’t comprehend being disciplined for things that have happened a while back (even with you pointing at a slobbered up, chewed up shoe).
You could also try dousing your items with bitter apple spray, which is odorless, but leaves an unsavory tangy taste in the mouth.
Finally, bear in mind that dogs don’t chew and bite things to be naughty. They could also be teething, and it can be a sign of malnutrition or hunger.

2. Puppy-safe zone your home.
While your new recruit is in training, you may want to consider zoning your house off. Many new dog owners buy baby gates and play pens, which protect certain rooms and create a safe space while they’re home alone.

3. Feed me, feed me! – How much?!
Puppy tummies are rumbling for food practically all the time. In fact, they actually need feeding as much as four times the amount as a fully-grown adult dog! But this isn’t so surprising when you consider that pups should be gaining at least one to two grams per adult pound per day.
There are special formulas of dog food for pups – and with good reason, too; they are enriched with vitamins, minerals and fats, as well as including a higher protein content.
You should also do your research into the breed of your dog, as some have unique dietary needs compared to others.

4. Walkies!! – How often?”
Pups generally require around 5 minutes of exercise per month of age until they’ve reached adulthood (at which time they’ll be able to get out and about for longer periods).
Some breeds – like huskies, border collies, boxers and dalmatians – will require more exercise than most (so it’s well-worth doing your research before deciding which breed you can commit to).
You’ll also need to bear in mind your pup’s jabs. Most vets don’t recommend letting your pup out until one week following their second jab. But don’t worry – if they’re yet to be fully inoculated, you can still play with them and exercise them at home.

5. Goodbye, farewell – is this forever??!?!
Puppies can be notoriously prone to separation anxiety. Training is the first step to showing your dog that you WILL return. This simply involves leaving them in a safe room, saying goodbye, and waiting outside. Do not return until your pup has stopped whimpering or barking. Once they’ve calmed down, enter the room, praise them and give them a treat.
Repeat this process over and over until they know that:

There’s no need to shout and stress
You ARE coming back
It’s far better if they remain calm and collected

FOMO bones also help when the time comes to actually leave them all alone. With all-natural CBD, your dogs natural levels of calming cannabinoids are about to get a welcome boost.
FOMO Bones contain passion flower (for topping up their GABA, which can become depleted in stressful situations); Valerian Root (a herbal plant with mild sedative properties) and Chamomile (the white flower known for soothing nerves and lulling you to sleep).

This article by Jennifer is originally published at FOMO Bones.

Author bio: Jennifer is the voice behind the FOMO Bones blog. She's pretty sure in her past life, she was a Great Dane. However, we peg her as more of a labrador. Regardless of her breed, she's a dog enthusiast who has 15 years experience training dogs and owners.

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7 Steps To Build Confidence In Your Dog

3/2/2019

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Build Confidence in your Dog - FOMO

From petrified pooch to confident canine – In seven simple steps
Oh Fido. It’s tough to see him frightened and not really have a clue as to how to help (or what he’s even scared of). From jumping at the slightest sound, to following you EVERYWHERE, and showing tell-tale signs of fear (such as a dropped tail, crouching and panting), it’s always pretty clear when you’ve got a nervy canine on your hands. The question is, what can you do about it? And the answer, is to follow these seven simple tips.

1: Begin with firm foundations - Set up good obedience during walks.
Sit, stay, heel – these are the basic commands that your dog should know (and obey) during your walks. These cues, and the consequent treats that follow (such as being handed a ball or toy) are essential distraction techniques for when you spot a hazard looming. Speaking of which…

2: Worried during walks? Distract your dog
A cautious, concerned canine during a walk can lead to disaster around other dogs or unpredictable people. The solution? Distraction. By giving your dog something to do while walking (like chewing a bone or carrying your bag), you give him something to focus on. In doing so, he’ll hopefully remain distracted on what he’s ‘doing’, rather than what may happen (and being hyper-sensitive to all that’s around).

3: Switch items from scary, to something to salivate over
If your dog is scared of certain items, try ‘exposure management’. This might sound rather technical (and a little intimidating), but it’s actually really straightforward.
Simply take the item that your dog is afraid of, and place something on it that your dog loves (treats usually work best!). So if Sammy’s scared of skateboards, place a few treats on the top and encourage him to explore. Once he’s comfortable with that, move on to pushing the skateboard slightly (with items such as this, which are common in parks) it’s usually the movement that dogs are uncomfortable with. Remember, with exposure management – slow and steady wins the race.

4: Seek out fresh new places where your dog can taste success
Practicing and repeating problem behaviors only reinforces them. Staying cooped up inside isn’t helpful for anyone – not for humans, not for dogs. Getting out and about to new places can allow your dog to explore, and be fascinated, by the new smells and sights around him.
This may not necessarily mean a walk in a forest (some dogs aren’t comfortable out in the Great outdoors); it may mean a late-night wander in a dead-quiet park. But no matter the environment, it’s the newness of the place that will encourage his innate curiosity to explore.

5: Sign up for agility training
Agility training involves plenty of physical effort and dexterity on the dog’s part. And yet agility isn’t really the key skills being learned.
By showing them how to complete new tasks, and with your dog gradually working towards getting it right every time, their trust in you grows and their confidence in their own abilities increases. With each tunnel, pole or hoop successfully navigated, they’ll learn that what once seemed insurmountable, can be mastered. And so their confidence will (hopefully) grow and grow.

6: Have a trial run with another dog
For dogs that don’t fear (or show aggression) to other dogs, a more confident canine pal can prove to be a real behavior-changer.
After all, dogs (much like humans) observe the actions and interactions of others, and can mirror behaviors that they come to see as appropriate.
A key pointer here is that some companionship are more effective than others, and it may take a few trial play dates to discover a dog that’s a natural, positive fit with yours.

7: Harness the targeting technique
Targeting is the practice of touching a specific part of your dog’s body to re-direct his attention to you. This becomes more effective than simply calling his name during a frightening experience, as it’s used less often.
To train him, hold a treat in your hand. Once he begins to sniff around it, say ”nose” and pass him his treat. Regularly practicing this will show your dog that bumping his nose on your hand, and giving you his focus, will result in a yummy treat being given.
Alaskan Husky struggling with dog anxiety? Stressed out St. Bernard? We’ve got just the thing. 100% natural CBD dog treats, that are packed not just with stress-exterminating cannabidiol, but also with plenty of good stuff to boot (good stuff such as potatoes, natural bacon flavoring, whole peas, sweet potatoes, potato starch, dried plain beet pulp, mixed tocopherols, carrots & rosemary extract.

This article by Jennifer is originally published at FOMO Bones.

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