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Daily Cuteness: Miniature Poodles

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DAILY CUTENESS: WEST HIGHLAND TERRIER

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Why Do Dogs Drool? The Pawsome Truth Behind Those Slobbery Kisses

Hey there, fellow dog lovers! 🐾 Ever wondered why your furry friend leaves a trail of drool everywhere they go? Well, you’re in for a treat! Let’s dive into the fascinating world of dog drool and uncover the reasons behind those slobbery kisses.

The Science of Drool

First things first, drooling is a natural and normal behavior for dogs. Just like humans, dogs produce saliva to help with digestion. However, some breeds are more prone to drooling than others. Breeds like Saint Bernards, Mastiffs, and Bloodhounds are known for their excessive drooling due to their loose lips and large jowls.

Reasons Why Dogs Drool

Anticipation of Food: Just like Pavlov’s dogs, your pup might start drooling at the mere sight or smell of food. It’s their body’s way of preparing for a delicious meal.

Heat and Exercise: Dogs don’t sweat like humans do. Instead, they pant to cool down, which can lead to increased saliva production and drooling.

Excitement and Anxiety: Whether it’s a car ride, a visit to the vet, or meeting new people, excitement or anxiety can trigger drooling in dogs.

Dental Issues: Problems like gum disease, tooth decay, or oral infections can cause excessive drooling. Regular dental check-ups are essential to keep your pup’s mouth healthy.

Health Conditions: Certain health issues, such as nausea, poisoning, or neurological disorders, can lead to excessive drooling. If you notice sudden or unusual drooling, it’s best to consult your vet.

Fun Facts About Dog Drool

Did you know that a dog’s saliva contains enzymes that help break down food? It’s like having a built-in dishwasher!

Some dogs drool more when they’re happy or excited. So, those slobbery kisses might just be a sign of love!

In ancient times, dog saliva was believed to have healing properties. While we don’t recommend using it as a cure-all, it’s interesting to see how much our furry friends have been valued throughout history.

How to Manage Dog Drool

If your dog’s drooling is getting out of hand, here are a few tips to keep things under control:

Keep a Towel Handy: Having a towel nearby can help you quickly wipe away excess drool.

Regular Grooming: Keeping your dog’s mouth and fur clean can reduce the amount of drool they produce.

Hydration: Ensure your dog has access to fresh water at all times. Hydration can help regulate saliva production.

So, there you have it! The next time your dog gives you a slobbery kiss, you’ll know exactly why. Embrace the drool and cherish those wet, loving moments with your furry friend. 🐾

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Daily Cuteness: Belgian Sheepdog

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How To Stop Your Dog from Barking 

Hey there, fellow dog lovers! 🐾 If you’re reading this, chances are you’re dealing with a barking dog and looking for some effective ways to bring peace and quiet back into your home. As a dog trainer, I’ve seen it all, and I’m here to share my top 10 methods to help you stop your dog from barking. Let’s dive in!

1. Identify the Cause

Before you can effectively stop the barking, you need to understand why your dog is barking. Is it boredom, anxiety, territorial behavior, or something else? Observing your dog’s behavior and triggers will help you address the root cause.

2. Provide Mental and Physical Stimulation

A tired dog is a quiet dog. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Long walks, playtime, and puzzle toys can help burn off excess energy and reduce barking.

3. Teach the “Quiet” Command

Training your dog to understand the “quiet” command can be incredibly effective. Start by allowing your dog to bark a few times, then say “quiet” in a calm, firm voice. When your dog stops barking, reward them with a treat and praise. Repeat this process consistently.

4. Desensitize to Triggers

If your dog barks at specific triggers, such as the doorbell or other dogs, gradually desensitize them to these triggers. Start by exposing your dog to the trigger at a low intensity and rewarding them for staying calm. Gradually increase the intensity over time.

5. Use Positive Reinforcement

Reward your dog for good behavior. When your dog is quiet and calm, give them treats, praise, and affection. Positive reinforcement helps your dog associate quiet behavior with positive outcomes.

6. Create a Calm Environment

Sometimes, dogs bark because they’re anxious or stressed. Create a calm environment for your dog by providing a comfortable space, using calming music, or trying pheromone diffusers. A relaxed dog is less likely to bark excessively.

7. Avoid Reinforcing Barking

It’s important not to inadvertently reinforce barking. If your dog barks for attention and you give in, you’re teaching them that barking gets them what they want. Instead, ignore the barking and only give attention when your dog is quiet.

8. Use Bark Control Devices

There are various bark control devices available, such as ultrasonic devices or citronella collars. These can be effective in deterring barking, but should be used as a last resort and under the guidance of a professional trainer.

9. Practice Consistency

Consistency is key when training your dog. Make sure everyone in the household is on the same page and follows the same training methods. Mixed signals can confuse your dog and make training less effective.

10. Seek Professional Help

If you’ve tried everything and your dog is still barking excessively, it may be time to seek help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. They can provide personalized guidance and help address any underlying issues.

Remember, patience and persistence are essential when training your dog. With time and effort, you can help your furry friend learn to bark less and enjoy a quieter, more peaceful home. 🐶✨

Feel free to share your experiences and tips in the comments below. Happy training! 🐾

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Daily Cuteness: Icelandic Sheepdog

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Daily Cuteness: Boat Dogs

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Daily Cuteness: Australian Shepherd

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Summer, Dogs, Car Danger

Parked cars become ovens quickly

Cars magnify heat. When you step into your parked car on a hot day, the steering wheel and the seat feel like they’ve just emerged from an oven. This uncomfortable greenhouse effect can happen even when it’s cooler outside.

On a 75-degree day, the inside of a parked car can climb to 110 degrees in minutes. In 20 minutes on a 90-degree day, the same car can get up to 130 degrees inside.

Although we humans can sweat and regulate our body temperatures, this extreme heat can still be deadly, especially for infants and toddlers. Dogs have a harder time adjusting to heat than most humans, so being stuck in a hot car can quickly become life threatening.

When the temperature rises, dogs will try to cool off by panting, and their anxiety level will likely rise in relation to their discomfort. After all, imagine wearing a fur coat in a small, 100-degree room, not knowing where you are or where your friends are. Panic can easily set in, making matters worse.

Even if certain dogs seem to tolerate warmer temperatures, they may still suffer anxiety when left alone in a car.

Open window myth

Some people crack the car windows open, thinking this will relieve any issues their furry family member has.

However, an American Academy of Pediatrics’ study found: In terms of heat-rise over time, it makes very little difference whether a car’s windows are closed or partially open. In both cases, a car’s interior temperature can rise approximately 40 degrees within one hour, even when the exterior temperature is only 72 degrees.

Watching for heatstroke

Heatstroke can happen within 15 minutes. Canines that are either older or very young, as well as those with health problems, are more likely to succumb to heatstroke than dogs in prime health.

One of the first signs of heatstroke can be restlessness and discomfort.

Your dog may be panting or have trouble breathing, and start to cry or bark for help.

If confusion and disorientation set in, it is critical to get your pet to their vet right away.

If lethargy takes over, it may be too late for your dog to recover.

Always remember, when it’s warm outside and you need to go someplace that’s not pet-friendly, let your pal enjoy all the cooler comforts of home.

How you can save lives

If you see a dog inside a hot car, call your local police department.

5 Alternatives to leaving your dog in the car

Use a drive-thru for errands when available

Bring a friend who can play with your dog outside while you run your errand

Shop at pet-friendly stores where your dog is welcome to browse with you

Eat at an outdoor café where your dog can sit with you

Leave your dog at home where it’s cool and safe

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Daily Cuteness: Pekingese

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Daily Cuteness: Paw-some Adventures

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Daily Cuteness: Pit Bull

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Does Your Dog Have Seasonal Allergies?

Like people, dogs can be allergic to various materials in the air. These materials are called allergens. And for dogs sensitive to these airborne allergens, they can experience signs of allergies.

Humans with seasonal allergies usually have runny eyes, a runny nose or stuffy nose, a scratchy throat, and other upper respiratory symptoms. But most dogs with seasonal allergies have itchy and irritated skin. Since the symptoms show up in dogs' skin, the condition is called atopic dermatitis or atopy. 

What are the symptoms of seasonal allergies in dogs?

The symptoms of seasonal allergies vary depending on your dog and what they are allergic to. Most dogs will show signs of irritation in their skin, but they can have other symptoms. 

Twelve common symptoms of seasonal allergies include:

Licking their paws

Rubbing their face

Shedding excessively

Biting their coat or skin

Licking their anal glands

Rubbing their butt against the floor or carpet

Chronic ear infections

Red, waxy, smelly, or inflamed ears

Red, inflamed, or infected skin

Sneezing more than usual

Unusually dark or thick elephant-like skin

Discoloration of the itchy skin

The most commonly affected areas of a dog’s body are their:

Paws

Toes

Ears

Underarms

Groin

Muzzle

Dogs with seasonal allergies generally show symptoms between 1 and 3 years of age. If you notice these signs, make an appointment with your dog’s veterinarian. Early detection and treatment are vital to managing canine allergies.

What triggers seasonal allergies in dogs?

Seasonal allergies are triggered by something your dog is sensitive to in their environment. While many substances can trigger allergies in dogs, the most common allergens are:

Tree pollens, such as cedar, ash, and oak

Weed pollens, like ragweed in humans

Grass pollens

Mold spores

Mildew

Dust mites

Shed skin cells, like pet allergies in humans

Unlike humans who breathe in airborne particles, airborne allergens get into the dog’s skin. 

The skin is the first line of defense against foreign substances. If your dog’s skin can’t properly block the allergens, it triggers their immune system.

Once the allergens enter your dog’s body, their overactive immune system becomes inflamed. The inflammation causes itching and scratching, a telltale sign of dog allergies.

When are dogs most likely to get seasonal allergies?

Like humans, dogs experience allergies at different times of the year, depending on what triggers the allergic response. Some dogs have seasonal allergies that flare up once or twice throughout the year. Other dogs have year-round allergies. And like humans, some dogs’ seasonal allergies can develop into a chronic problem, becoming year-round allergies.

Allergies to tree, grass, and weed pollens are usually seasonal. So, you may only notice your dog showing symptoms at certain times of the year. 

If your pup is most affected during the spring and summer, allergies to weed, grass, and tree pollens might be to blame. Try wiping your pup’s coat and feet when you come inside. This will wipe off any pollen and allergens trapped in their fur. 

If your furry friend suffers year-round, molds, mildew, and house dust mites might be the offenders. 

How do you treat seasonal allergies in dogs?

Since most seasonal allergies are environmental, there is no permanent cure. But, there are treatments available to control the symptoms. The best treatment depends on the seasons your dog is affected by allergies, what they are allergic to, and factors such as your dog's age and commitment to the treatment plan.

Treatments for canine seasonal allergies often involve one or more of the following methods.

1. Avoid allergens

The best treatment for seasonal allergies is avoiding allergens when possible. This might not be the perfect solution for your dog though. Pollen and other airborne allergens can travel in the air for miles.

But, there are some things you can do to limit allergen exposure in your home:

Wash your dog’s bedding weekly in hot, soapy water, and dry on a hot dryer cycle to kill dust mites.

Vacuum soft surfaces, such as carpeting and couches, often.

If possible, use hardwood or linoleum flooring and washable area rugs.

Vacuum floors and carpets weekly.

Use a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency air (HEPA) filter.

If possible, use air conditioning rather than open windows during pollen season.

Give your dog hard, washable chew toys rather than plush toys.

If plush toys are a favorite, wash them weekly in hot, soapy water.

Use air conditioners on recirculation mode to cut down on humidity.

Use dehumidifiers to prevent mold in bathrooms, kitchens, and other damp spots.

2. Antihistamine treatment

Antihistamine medications block allergy symptoms. Examples of antihistamines used to treat seasonal dog allergies include:

Clemastine (Tavist)

Trimeprazine (Temaril-P, Vanectyl-P) 

Astemizole (Hismanal)

These medications are widely used, but they are not as effective as other treatments in providing short- or long-term relief. Though, they may offer some relief when used with other therapies.

3. Anti-inflammatory steroids

Treatment with steroid medications can effectively block the allergic reaction and stop the itch. Your veterinarian may prescribe medications like:

Prednisone

Prednisolone

Dexamethasone

There can be negative side effects associated with steroids. Side effects may be more likely with higher doses or long-term use of these medications.

Some side effects include:

Extreme hunger

Extreme thirst

Weakening of the immune system

Rise in blood sugar

Infections, particularly upper respiratory tract and urinary tract infections

The goal is to use other treatments with steroids to lessen or eliminate the need for steroid medications.

Omega-3 fatty acid supplements can improve the response to steroids in some dogs. In some cases, omega-3 supplements can stop the skin from producing inflammatory chemicals. Supplementing with omega-3s can lower the steroid dose needed to control symptoms.

4. Shampoo therapy

Bathing your dog with a hypoallergenic shampoo can soothe inflamed skin. Bathing and wiping down their coat and skin often also washes out any allergens your dog may pick up. 

Ask your vet for recommendations on which shampoo to buy. Some are available over the counter (OTC) while others require a prescription from your veterinarian. Your vet can also tell you how often to bathe your dog. The recommendations may vary by breed and skin type.

5. Allergy shots 

Allergy Shots — or allergen-specific immunotherapy (ASIT) — can be very effective for dogs with environmental allergies. Allergy shots focus on retraining your dog's immune system. 

This treatment is a good choice for dogs who have not responded well to other therapies. And it tends to work better in younger dogs.

Before beginning this treatment, your dog must be allergy tested by a veterinary dermatologist to find which allergens cause the reaction. Your vet then creates a custom allergy shot for your dog. You or your vet inject your dog with gradually higher doses until you reach a maintenance dose.

Treatment with allergy shots requires a long-term commitment from the owner. Additionally, allergy shots are not a quick fix. Most dogs and pet parents don’t see improvement for 6 months to 1 year.

Is it safe to give a dog Benadryl?

Although Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is not FDA-approved for animal use, it is generally safe to give a dog Benadryl. But, before reaching into your medicine cabinet, talk to your veterinarian about appropriate dosage and possible interactions. 

The dosing between humans and animals is very different. Giving your dog too much Benadryl can hurt them, as with many human medications. And there are certain side effects you should watch for.

Common Benadryl side effects that dogs can experience include:

Drowsiness

Dry mouth

Trouble urinating

Salivating more than usual

Fast heart rate

Rapid breathing

If your dog takes any other medication or has another health condition, Benadryl might not be recommended. Make sure to ask your vet first.

When should you see a vet about dog allergy symptoms?

Generally, you should see your vet if your dog shows any signs of allergies, including:

Appearing itchy

Getting repeated ear infections. 

Having inflamed, red, or irritated skin 

Environmental allergies don’t go away on their own and tend to worsen the longer they are left untreated. The earlier you begin a treatment program, the more likely it is to be successful.

The bottom line

No pet parent likes watching their canine companion suffer. But seasonal allergies don’t just get under our skin. They can get under our dogs’ skin, too! And like humans, dogs can react to seasonal allergens, like plant pollens, molds, mildew, and dust mites.

These allergens enter the dog’s body through the skin. So, while humans have more upper respiratory allergy symptoms, our dogs have more skin inflammation, itching, and scratching.

While there is no cure for seasonal allergies, many treatments are available. And the sooner the problem is addressed, the better the chance of controlling the symptoms. If you suspect your dog may have seasonal allergies, make an appointment with your vet so you can discuss available treatment options.

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HAPPY EASTER

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Daily Cuteness: Airedale Terrier

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HOW TO HELP YOUR DOG DEAL WITH SEASONAL ALLERGIES

For some people, seasonal allergies are a real pain. Whether you’re bothered by a runny nose, itchy eyes, or endless sneezing, it can be a tough time of year to endure.

Just like their human parents, some dogs suffer from the aggravating effects of seasonal allergies as well. Besides chemicals such as those found in household cleaning products, cigarette smoke and certain perfumes, dogs can also be allergic to natural, seasonal substances. This can include plant and tree pollens, mold spores, dust, feathers and fleas.

A dog’s allergy symptoms are generally similar to those experienced by humans: the immune system overreacts to one or more offending substances, leading to itchiness and irritation. Your dog may lick or scratch themselves, develop irritated eyes, or sneeze repeatedly. Some dogs experience itchy, swollen skin, while others suffer from diarrhea and vomiting. In certain cases, a secondary infection may develop.

Here are a few things you should do to help control any discomfort your dog may be dealing with due to seasonal allergies and reduce the risk of more serious problems.

ADAPT YOUR DAILY WALK ROUTINE

If possible, avoid walking your dog in the early morning or late afternoon, when pollen levels are typically highest. Steer clear of fields and parks where offending plants are common.

When you return home, wipe your dog’s body and paws with a moist cloth or a hypoallergenic, fragrance-free grooming wipe from your local pet store. This will remove excess pollen and other allergens from your dog’s fur and skin without the hassle of a full bath. Pay special attention to the paws, as the sensitive skin here is often affected by allergens.

Some pet parents soak their dog’s paws in apple cider vinegar to remove pollen and other substances. If using this method, mix 2 parts water with 1 part apple cider vinegar.  Another solution is to put boots on your dog’s paws to prevent them from stepping in irritants and then tracking them into your house.

CLEAR THE AIR… AND OTHER SURFACES

Inside your home, regularly change air filters to cut down on airborne allergens that enter through open doors and windows. Running an air conditioner or a dehumidifier will help remove moisture from interior air, making it harder for mold to grow in your home. Minimize the amount of time your dog spends in damp environments, such as basements, bathrooms, or laundry rooms, as these places are more susceptible to mold growth. Vacuum at least once a week, and remember to clean curtains and rugs that may have picked up dust and pollen.

Protect your dog from backyard dangers. Many popular veggies like onions, garlic, tomatoes, and chives are poisonous to dogs and should be fenced off to prevent your furry friend from getting into them.

DON’T SLEEP ON IT

It's important to keep the surfaces your dog sleeps on clean, as they can quickly become covered in allergens. To achieve this, wash them in hot water every week. To make the task easier, consider putting towels or blankets on top of beds and chairs, and make sure to keep any offending substances away from the surface underneath. Also, don't forget to wash any soft toys your dog plays with regularly.

JUMP IN THE BATH

To prevent dry and itchy skin in dogs, it is recommended to bathe them more often with the advice of a veterinarian. While washing their fur, use a gentle, hypoallergenic anti-itch shampoo that contains a soothing ingredient like oatmeal, aloe, or evening primrose oil. Some dog owners prefer to give their pets a 10-minute soak in a bath mixed with a gentle moisturizing oil.

SUPPLEMENT YOUR DOG’S DIET

Consider giving your furry friend a natural dietary supplement like fish oil or a fatty acid such as omega-3 or omega-6 oil to alleviate itchiness and promote healthy skin. Coconut oil has also been shown to be effective in suppressing allergic reactions and improving skin health. To ensure your dog's overall well-being, it is essential to keep their drinking water and bowl clean and free of any contaminants.

FURTHER TREATMENTS

If your dog is constantly licking, scratching, or chewing, and has red, irritated skin or hair loss, it's best to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Depending on the severity of the problem, a professional can provide more aggressive treatments such as antihistamines, steroids, or allergy shots, which are also known as immunotherapy.