k9healthsolutions.com Blog

Clipping your dog’s nails can be more than a challenge. No matter what, it seems to be an unpleasant experience for both dog and owner. Because it’s something that needs to be done, here are a few tips on how to make the process less painful for both of you.

-Using the correct nail clipper can make all the difference. There are guillotine and plier-style nail clippers. Choosing one really depends on personal preference. Be sure to acclimate your dog to the clipper before using it. Simply letting her see and smell the tool can create a more comfortable feeling. Also, be sure to use a soothing tone of voice when attempting to clip her nails so she knows there is nothing to be afraid of.

-Grasp the paw from the ankle up in the palm of your hand and always make sure your hand is facing in the same direction as the paw, away from the dog. Don’t hold the paw between the pads because this often causes dogs to involuntarily jerk. Make sure your grip is firm yet gentle.

-If your dog has light colored nails your job will be a lot easier because you will be able to see the quick – the part of the nail that supplies the blood vessel and nerves – of the nail, which looks like a tiny tube inside the nail center. When you see this, do not clip the nail any farther! If your dog has dark nails you will not be able to see the quick so you will need to be more careful while clipping. Keep styptic power or cornstarch available in case of bleeding. File your dog’s nails immediately after clipping.

-Reward your dog with praise and a treat after her nails have been clipped!

Spring is the perfect time of year to find new hiking spots to take your pooch. They love exploring the local wilderness just as much as we do, but it’s important to remain safe while hiking in new territory.

-Leave the flexi-leash at home and opt for a more traditional leash that won’t become tangled in trees and brush. If you’re dog can be trusted to go off leash, make sure pets are allowed in the area you are hiking. Always have a leash on stand-by in case you encounter people or other animals.

-Make sure your dog’s ID tags and vaccines are up to date and be sure to have him micro-chipped.

-Be respectful of your surroundings and pick up after your dog. It is tempting to keep moving when you’re in a secluded area, but other hikers will appreciate your respect of public areas.

-Bring enough water to keep both you and your dog hydrated throughout your hike. Refrain from allowing your pup to drink from puddles, ponds, lakes or streams because you never know what could be living in the water.

-After your hike, check your dog thoroughly for ticks and other insects. Pay special attention to his ears, belly and skin folds or crevices. If you do find a tick, treat the area with rubbing alcohol after removal. Wash the bite area and keep an eye on it for the next few days and report to your vet if irritation persists.

Separation anxiety is a common issue for many dogs. It is an emotional disturbance where the dog is frantic when left alone, even for short periods of time. Owners are sometimes at fault, unknowingly training their dogs to be anxious. This is done by over-nurturing them with constant physical contact and conversation, causing the animal to fear being left alone.

Wean your dog from constant attention by changing a few small things. Do not sit and absentmindedly pet him but make him earn your attention. Teach him to happily sit across the room from you and do not let him lean on you or lie on your feet.

Teaching your dog to sleep in his own space is a major proponent of resolving separation anxiety issues. Giving him his own “bed” instead of allowing him to share yours will help develop independence and self-reliance. Crate training your dog can also be a big help. Crate training allows your dog to be in a safe, confined place while you are gone. He won’t feel responsible for the entire house and can relax. You can start by teaching him to be in the crate while you are there, as you come and go from the room many times.

Although it may be difficult, when you get home, ignoring your dog until he calms down then quietly saying hello and giving a quick pet will help with separation problems. Leaving the TV or a radio on when you go to work will make the house seem less empty. A recording of your voice on it can help as well.

If all else fails, you can contact your vet about medicating your dog while he gets used to being left alone.
Depending on the dog and the level of anxiety your vet can help you decide the best way of medicating. Be patient and allow time for your dog to adjust to being left alone and you will eventually have a well-adjusted and happy pet.

With a life cycle ranging from 16 days to 21 months, fleas can easily become an ongoing problem for your dog. If you think your dog has fleas it is important to treat as soon as possible. If left untreated, fleas can cause serious complications such as anemia, significant blood loss or a severe allergic reaction.

You should contact your vet immediately to confirm the diagnosis and figure out the best treatment options for your dog. Self treating your dog is not recommended as certain products in combination can be toxic.

To prevent fleas in the future you can use a flea comb on your dog and wash his bedding once a week. Using a flea repellent is a great way to prevent fleas as well. Using a natural flea repellent such as NomOflea is a good choice. NomOflea is made from all natural therapeutic oils. These oils were chosen from specific plants in order to provide flea repellent as well as skin nourishment to your dog. You get the best of both worlds when treating your dog for fleas.

As more and more people become educated on reducing their carbon footprint, they’re also evaluating the carbon footprint of their pets too. While they may seem small, dogs can emit a carbon footprint just as large, if not larger, than the cars we drive! To help reduce the size, follow these simple tips:

Get your next pet from your local animal shelter. By doing so, you are reducing the overpopulation most shelters face and decreasing the demand on pet stores for new dogs. Also spay or neuter your dog to help reduce overpopulation later down the line.

When selecting your dog’s food, choose something organic. Organic food is more eco-friendly because of its lack of chemicals, which is better for the environment and the health of your dog. Try to choose a brand that has recyclable packaging as well.

Choosing biodegradable bags to help with dog clean up outside is another easy way to reduce your dog’s footprint. Leaving waste behind is not a safe option, it can pass germs and parasites onto other dogs and people; switching your clean up bag to one that is biodegradable is best.

Giving your dog toys made from recycled goods and keeping up with chemical free flea treatments are also important steps to reduce your dog’s carbon footprint. Using an all natural shampoo can help considerably improve your dog’s health and reduce their carbon footprint.

Most dog owners are aware of the importance of good dental care for their dogs. To help make sure you aren’t missing anything, here is a brief refresher on the most important things to know about your dog’s teeth and gums:

Dogs don’t get cavities. While this is a good thing, it doesn’t mean their mouth should be neglected. All dogs are still susceptible to plaque and tartar build up, halitosis and gum disease. Take a good look at your dog’s mouth. Does he have bad breath? Puffy or bleeding gums? Loose or missing teeth? If you answered yes to any of these questions, your dog could have a serious dental problem.

The best thing you can do to help prevent these problems is to brush their teeth daily with a special toothpaste designed for dogs. Also, give your dog certain treats designed to help reduce plaque and tartar build-up. Nubonubs are a great option and can be found on our website.

To be sure your dog has the best care, take him to a veterinarian for more tips and a specialized plan. Your dog will thank you for it!

Looking to add a new dog to the family? Why not check out the American English Coonhound, the Finnish Laphhund or the Cesky Terrier, the three latest additions to the American Kennel Club’s canine list.

The American English Coonhound is said to be an active and alert dog, previously bred for hunting and fast speed. These dogs are very affectionate and require minimal upkeep from their owners.

Finnish Laphhunds are known as calm dogs that are eager to learn, making them great family pets. Originally bred for herding in the arctic-circle, these dogs shed their thick coats seasonally.

The Cesky Terrior is the smallest of the three additions, but they make up with intelligence what they lack in size. Ceskys are energetic and friendly dogs that are easy to train and are loyal to their owners.

With three such diverse breeds, you’re bound to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle. Check out the American Kennel Club list for more information, then stock-up on great dog food and treats here for your brand new pup!

http://www.akc.org/news/index.cfm?article_id=4432

Now that the weather is warm, it’s the perfect time to get you and your pooch back in shape! First try the most common method used by dog owners: Go for a long walk. Later, once you and your dog are ready, amp it up a notch by jogging or running a familiar path.

If you’re looking for a change of scenery, grab a big bottle of water, some comfortable shoes and take your dog for hike in the nearby hills or mountains. It will give your dog a chance to explore and will give you a boost of confidence when you reach the top.

To get out of the heat, take your dog to a river, lake or beach that is pet friendly. Most dogs love to swim and you’ll get a needed change in your work-out routine. Want something lower impact? Take your dog to the local dog park in the evening and toss a Frisbee around. Your dog will be entertained and you’ll still get a decent workout.

Summertime is full of excitement. Great vacations, cook-outs, and even the not-so-fun thunderstorms that tend to pop up on a regular basis. Many dog owners find that their brave and fearless dog has become a – gasp! – scared-y cat when thunderstorms roll their way. Here are a few tricks to help soothe your dog during thunderstorms:

Comfort your dog, but don’t coddle him: It is ok to give your dog a pat and reassure him, just don’t over-do it. Handing out treats to stop howling and whining during a storm can reinforce that negative behavior you’ve been working so hard to stop. On the other hand, make sure you do not ignore your dog either. The tough love approach can back-fire and fuel his fear even more.

Allow your dog to hide: Give your dog one space to hide (preferably a crate), where he already feels safe. This will allow his fears to slowly subside over time.

Desensitize: On non-rainy days play the sound of thunderstorms lightly as background noise while playing with your pup. This will give your dog a chance to grow used to the sound gradually instead of being shocked by it when a storm does pass you by.

Speak to your veterinarian: Your veterinarian will be able to help you more thoroughly assess this problem. They may be able to provide you with more in-depth suggestions specific to your dog’s needs and could also provide your pup with medication as well.

With the summer sun also comes heat waves and scorching temperatures. Make sure you protect your dog from the summer rays by following the tips listed below:

• Keep your dog hydrated by providing adequate amounts of water both inside and outside. If you plan on leaving your pup outside for a long period of time, make sure that in addition to water, there is also plenty of shade and ventilation, especially if you crate them outside.
• When planning your exercise or play time, opt for early morning or evening. You’ll get more out of your time spent outdoors if you avoid peak hours in the sun.
• Make sure your dog is well groomed. Brush them often to remove shed hair and keep them trimmed appropriately.
• Do not leave your dog in the car! We see reports of this every summer. Your dog is more likely to suffer from heat exhaustion in your car than anywhere else. If you know you’ll be running errands or making stops, it’s better to leave your pup at home. Depending on the temperature outside, the temperature inside a vehicle, even with the windows cracked can exceed 120 degrees in a matter of a few minutes and this can be deadly to your dog.
• Just like people, dogs need to be protected from the sun. Protect their noses and use sunscreen on other exposed skin or places with thin or light colored hair. *****Be sure to ask your vet which brand they recommend

When in doubt, the best thing you can do for your dog during summer heat is to keep him indoors until the sun starts to go down.