What Are the Best Foods for Your Dog
What You Should Know about Retractable Leashes for Your Dog
Dog Parks and Safety: What You Need to Know

What Are the Best Foods for Your Dog

When you have a dog, you want to make sure to do everything you can so that he has a long, healthy and happy life. Making sure your dog has the best food is part of keeping him healthy. There’s often a debate on whether dog food or human food is good for your best friend. There are human foods that are not good for your dog. But some are. According to the article, “12 Healthiest Human Foods for Dogs,” at Cosmic Pet, “many human foods are perfectly safe and even healthy for dogs to eat as an occasional treat.” It’s a good idea to check with your veterinarian first. According to the article, some of these foods are: • Peanut butter in moderation • Carrots, both raw and cooked • Cheese, as long as your dog is not lactose intolerant • Plain yogurt without artificial sweeteners and added flavors • Blueberries • Plain chicken • Salmon, but not raw According to the article, “Nutrition – General Feeding Guidelines for Dogs” at VCA Animal Hospitals, “Because of the dietary needs of dogs, both their tooth structure and intestinal tract have become adapted to an omnivorous diet.” Dogs can have a diet that is a mix of plant and animal foods. “The source of the proteins and fats is less important than the quality and digestibility of these essential components of the dog’s diet,” the VCA Animal Hospitals article said. As part of a dog’s diet, there are certain requirements including six basic nutrients that are “water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins,” the article said. Regarding dog food, make sure it’s the highest quality food that you can find and afford. Also, speak with your veterinarian for advice about good dog food. A good food should include “real, recognizable, whole-food ingredients,” the VCA Animal Hospitals article said.

What You Should Know about Retractable Leashes for Your Dog

Many people use retractable leashes on their dogs, but there is some controversy over them. Some people believe their dogs have more freedom with a retractable leash and that the leash offers convenience, but there can be a lot of dangerous issues as well. Many dog trainers refuse to have them in training classes, according to the article, “Are Retractable Leashes Good or Bad?” at Preventive Vet. “Retractable leashes are not ideal for safe and effective leash handling by the human,” the article said. “And leash handling skills are crucial for safety, effective loose leash walking training, or other issues like leash reactivity.” Retractable leashes are bulky in the handle and area for the cord. The leashes can also cause injuries, the article said. Injuries include: • Cuts and burns on fingers and legs • Amputation of fingers on humans • Facial and eye injuries • Shoulder or neck injuries to dogs There are some serious dangers that retractable leashes can cause dogs. According to the article, “Retractable Leashes: Dangerous And Deadly For Dogs And Humans” at DogTime, “When the leash runs out of line, there is a sudden jerk on the animal’s neck that may cause neck wounds or burns, lacerated tacheas, or spinal injury.” There have also been instances where dogs have been hit by cars when running off but still attached to their leash. “There have been cases of dogs getting twisted in the cord and having a tail or leg amputated by the deep cut made when the cord retracts,” the DogTime article said. The retractable leash will teach a dog to pull. Dogs learn fast “that pulling extends the lead,” the DogTime article said. “Dogs should learn to walk politely on a regular leash and stay close enough to their humans to be safe.”

Dog Parks and Safety: What You Need to Know

People take their dogs to dog parks and let them run free with other dogs, many of whom are strangers. While parks can be great for dogs, it’s the dog park that can be negative. According to the article, “The pros and cons of dog parks: Are they safe?” at Vetster, there are good and bad to dog parks. The pros include: • Your dog can learn and practice social skills • Great exercise for your dogs • Mental stimulation The cons include: • Spread of disease or parasites • Dog fights • Injuries When it comes to cons and the spread of disease, it can happen anywhere but especially when dogs come together in an open setting. Some of the contagious diseases that can spread at a dog park and are spread from dog to dog through air or feces include: • Canine distemper • Kennel cough • Canine influenza • Parvovirus Additionally, there are internal and external parasites that can spread including worms, giardia, fleas, and ticks. A monthly treatment plan can prevent many of these parasites. While fights and injuries can happen at your local dog park, there are concerns that a large dog will play rough with a small dog. If your dog is one who doesn’t like being around multiple others, a dog park is most likely not for your dog. According to the article, “The Do’s and Don’ts of Dog Parks” at Pet Health Network, start by ensuring “your dog is at least 4 months old and current on all vaccinations.” Other important do’s and don’ts include: • See the other dogs before you enter. • Watch your dog at all times. • Your dog should be under your voice control so that he comes when called. • Read your dog’s body language. • It’s best to leave if you see people who don’t have their dog under control.

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Your cat’s safety is also at risk when outdoors, the American Humane article said. Concerns include:

• Getting hit by a car
• Wild animals and loose dogs
• Poisons and toxins, such as antifreeze and rodent poison

Cats can be happy indoors, and they will be healthier and safer as well, according to the article, “10 Reasons Why Your Cat Should Be an Indoor-Only Cat” at PetHelful.com. Your cat can enjoy fresh air if you buy a harness. Or you can get a stroller designed for cats, according to the article. “Be sure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations and flea prevention before taking them outside, even with a harness and leash or inside a pet stroller,” PetHelpful.com said.

Valley Fever in Dogs and What You Should Know

If you live in the Southwest, you’ve probably heard of Valley Fever. Humans and dogs (and other animals) can contract it. If you plan to travel to the Southwest or plan to move there, you should know about the disease that can be severe in dogs.

The disease is most prevalent in south-central Arizona and “is caused by infection with a type of fungus called Coccidiodes immitis” according to the article, “Valley Fever in Dogs: Everything You Need to Know,” at PetMD.com. “The condition may also be called coccidioidomycosis, California disease, desert rheumatism, or San Joaquin Valley Fever.”

According to the article, “Coccidiodes organisms live in desert soils and produce long filaments that contain infectious spores.” When dogs dig or when there is construction going on, soil is disturbed, and that is when the spores are airborne and inhaled, the article said. Dogs are often diagnosed with Valley Fever because they play, mess around, and sniff dirt.

The PetMD article points to symptoms limited to the lungs, including:

Declawing Cats and Why It’s Not Ideal for Them
Treat Enrichments and Fun Games to Keep Your Pets Mentally Stimulated
The Importance of Grooming Your Pet Regularly and Trimming Their Nails

There’s some controversy around the declawing of cats. Some think it’s OK for indoor cats. Some believe a cat may scratch a person or their child or ruin clothes or furniture. However, declawing a cat is cruel and unnecessary. According to the article, “Is Declawing Cats Bad?” at Petfinder.com, a cat’s claws are important. Not only are a cat’s claws for defense, they help a cat “to establish footing for walking, running, springing, climbing, or stretching,” the article said. A cat also needs to scratch as “it pulls off the old outer nail sheath and exposes sharp, smooth claws,” the article said, while it enables the cat’s need to mark territory. When declawing a cat, there is a standard operation whereby the claw is removed as well as the “last bone of the toe.” The procedure is typically done on a cat’s front feet, and according to the article, it is “comparable to the removal of the fingers of the human hand at the last knuckle” and there is a lot of pain involved. According to the article, “Declawing: The Medical Facts” at PetHealthNetwork, after healing, there are some things to watch. While the following may not happen to every cat, the effects are something to be aware of, including: • Back and joint problems • Severe pain after surgery • Problems with the litter box whereby a cat may have trouble walking on litter • Personality differences • Declawed cats should never go outdoors There are things you can do as alternatives to declawing, according to the PetFinder.com article, including: • Get your cat a scratching post. • Keep your cat’s nails trimmed. Before you decide, do your research. For those wanting a declawed cat, you can go to your local shelter and adopt a cat who is already declawed. When the weather gets warm and the temperature heats up, it’s not always the best idea to take your pets outside. There are things you can do inside to mentally stimulate them. Fun games and treats can keep your pet happy and prevent boredom. According to the article, “Easy enrichment ideas for pets” at The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), get your pet ready for fun with a scavenger hunt. “Hide some treats in sneaky spots around the house and let your dog use their strong sense of smell to find them,” the article said. Other things you can do with your pet, according to the HSUS article, include: • Rotate toys. Help make it more exciting and “refresh their collection by choosing three or four ‘new’ toys and put the rest away,” the article said. • Solve puzzles and keep your pet’s mind busy. • Training. It builds skill and you get to bond together. • Play games, such as fetch, tug-of-war, and hide-and-seek. Step outside the box and do something out of the ordinary. Try an obstacle course, get a box and build a fort for your cat, and more. There are other “fun and engaging activities that will allow your dog to explore their own home,” according to the article, “Dog Enrichment” at Animal Friends. According to Animal Friends, you can try the following: • Blow bubbles. Check out Pet Qwerks Incredibubbles for Dogs, which are great for everyone in the family and are non-toxic. • Take a paper towel tube and use it as a puzzle feeder. “Cut random holes in the tube, add some treats to the tube, and press in the ends to close,” the Animal Friends’ article said. There are so many games and ways to be creative to help spark your pet’s mind. Have fun together! We love our pets, and one of the best ways to show it is by ensuring they are groomed regularly. Grooming is not simply so your pet looks great, it’s also important for their overall health. “Grooming is an integral part of your dog’s health and well-being and even a short-coated dog can suffer from a lack of grooming,” according to the article, “5 Reasons Grooming Is Vital To Your Dog’s Health” at iHeartDogs. You may want to groom your dog yourself or take your dog to the groomer. Just get it done. “The amount of grooming your pooch will need will depend on their coat type, but adequate grooming is important for all dogs,” the article said. According to the iHeartDogs article, some of the top reasons to groom your dog include: • Grooming helps prevent fleas and ticks. Bathing will help you spot them so you can get rid of them. • A good grooming helps alleviate discomfort. Brushing your dog can be like a massage and helps stop matting on those dogs with a longer coat. Don’t forget you’re also removing dirt. • Trimming nails. Long nails are uncomfortable and unhealthy. • A good groom helps keep ear infections at bay. • Grooming helps you spot anything out of the ordinary on your dog. If you decide to get your dog groomed professionally, ask friends and veterinarians for references. A professional will know what to do whereas you may not have the tools or experience. “Grooming your pets isn’t just for show; it’s a responsibility all owners should take seriously to keep their pets healthy, clean, and protected from what could be a very hairy situation,” according to the article, “Hair Comes Trouble: Why Pets Need Regular Grooming,” at the ASPCA.