March is Pet Poison Prevention Month. There are many foods, chemicals, and other materials around your house that are safe for you but not for your pets. Print this one-page at-a-glance guide and hang it on your fridge for a year-round reminder of the foods and substances to keep away from your pets.
Foods & Beverages
Alcohol
Chocolate
Coffee / Caffeine
Citrus leaves, peel, seeds, and stems
Coconut and coconut oil
Grapes and raisins
Avocados
Macadamia nuts
Milk and dairy
Nuts
Onions, garlic, and chives
Undercooked or raw meat
Raw eggs
Bones from meat
Snack foods
The sweetener Xylitol found in candy, gum, baked goods and tooth paste
Yeast dough
Common Plants
Aloe Vera
Baby’s Breath
Ivy
Hostas
Sago Palm
Tomato plants
Poinsettia
Lilies
Gladiolas
Carnations
Begonias
Tulips
Daffodils
Mums
Ivy
Wisteria
Lantana
Yew
Azaleas
Hydrangeas
Boxwoods
Elephant ears
Angel trumpets
Castor bean
There are over 1,000 plants poisonous to pets. These are some of the most common. A best practice is to assume all plants are poisonous and to research the effects on pets before putting them indoors or growing them outdoors.
Other Indoor & Outdoor Poisons
Human medications
Overdose of pet medications
Insecticides
Rodenticides
Fertilizers
Weed killers
Cocoa mulch
Compost piles
Antifreeze
Pool cleaning chemicals such as chlorine
Self-cleaning oven odors
Lead paint chips
Linoleum
Indoors cleaning chemicals
Bleach
Detergent
What to Do if Your Pet is Poisoned
If your pet is poisoned, you need to be able to tell the emergency specialist what your pet ate, when (i.e., how long ago), and how much of the substance your pet ate. Do not wait until your pet starts to exhibit signs of poisoning before you call for help.
Signs of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, bloody stools, lethargy, poor appetite, irregular heartbeat, nosebleeds, or inability to use the restroom. Exhibition of these signs could indicate your pet has ingested poison without your knowing.
Emergency Numbers:
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline: 888-426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline: 800-213-6680 or 855-764-7661 (You will be asked to pay a consultation fee)
Do not ever attempt to self-treat your pet without talking to a poison control specialist first. Specifically, do not try to feet your pet milk, food, salt, oil or other home remedies, according to Pet Poison Helpline. Do not attempt to induce vomiting with hydrogen peroxide, milk of magnesia, or some other method without consulting a poison control specialist or your veterinarian first. Any effort made without the oversight of a professional could make matters worse.
After consulting with a professional, if an examination following a poisoning incident is needed, take the package or some of the poisonous substance with you to the veterinarian’s office if possible.
In addition to keeping dangerous substances out of reach, feed your pet well. If your pet is full and content as a result of a fulfilling, all-natural diet, like the ones supported by Wellness Pet Foods, then they might be less likely to sample poisonous foods, plants, and other chemicals when they encounter them.
National K9 Veteran’s Day is March 13, which is the US Army K9 Corps’ official birthday. Brave, wise, and compassionate dogs routinely serve alongside military and law enforcement. This year, we’re celebrating by recounting some of history’s and modern day’s most inspiring K9 Veteran stories.
1. Sallie Ann Jarrett, the Civil War Guard Dog
The Pit Bull Terrier Sallie Ann was raised alongside the soldiers of the 11th Pennsylvania Infantry in Philadelphia. The warm air was balmy the summer of 1863. Rains made the grounds muddy and hard to traverse. Rivers were swollen, and tensions were high as the soldiers marched into one of the American Civil War’s most pivotal battles: The Battle of Gettysburg. Alongside the war-weary soldiers, Sallie Ann Jarrett trampled along playfully, yipping and chasing game…distracting the soldiers from the reality of war and the possibility of their own mortality. It was the first day of battle at Gettysburg, and as the gunfire began, Sallie Ann and her regiment became separated. Many assumed that Sallie Ann had gone the way of many of their brethren soldiers and was dead; however, Sallie Ann wasn’t dead; rather, several days later, she was found steadfastly protecting those in her regiment who were dead and wounded. A monument bearing Sallie Ann’s image was erected in Gettysburg. Sallie Ann faithfully served her country and its men until the Battle of Hatcher’s Run in February 1865 when she was shot and killed. Rest in peace, brave girl. We salute you.
2. Sergeant Stubby, the Stray-Turned-WWI K9 Veteran
Sergeant Stubby in uniform
With his big, soulful eyes, terrier mix Stubby looks more like Little Timmy’s trusty sidekick, but Stubby’s sidekick duties were fulfilled with GI Joes training in New Haven, CT. From Connecticut, Stubby made his way to France as part of the 102nd Infantry, 26th Yankee Division. Stubby served his unit well by rounding up German spies, finding missing soldiers between trenches, and detecting pending gas attacks. When he wasn’t saving lives, Stubby kept everyone’s chins up making him the ultimate wartime pal. After World War I ended, Stubby was given a medal, led parades, met presidents, and was made the mascot of Washington D.C.’s Georgetown University. Stubby’s the heroic stray that wandered right into America’s hearts.
3. Smoky, the Yorkshire Terrier from a Foxhole in New Guinea during WWII
Despite being only four pounds, Smoky, the Yorkshire Terrier that was adopted by soldiers after they found her in a foxhole in New Guinea paid their kindness back 70-fold. Specifically, she ran phone wiring 70-feet underground enabling essential communications between outposts. After her time in active combat, Smoky served as a therapy dog at Australian Army and Navy / Marine hospitals giving her the distinction of being the first therapy dog. Smoky passed away in 1957 but is memorialized with a statue in Cleveland, OH. When it comes to bravery and loyalty, Smoky proves size doesn’t matter.
4. Dexter, the Sharp German Shepherd from Iraq
Dexter being welcomed home
Dexter, the German Shepherd, is a Navy Veteran who served with handler Petty Officer 1st Class Kathleen Ellison. Dexter has the distinction of being the first military K9 to get an American Legion Post 703 membership card. The honor is much-deserved as Dexter saved multiple U.S. servicemen and women’s lives in Baghdad when he detected explosives in a garbage truck’s gas tank. The garbage truck was targeted at a mess hall where countless men and women were dining. After his tour in Iraq, Dexter was rewarded in an award ceremony with a giant bone and a 2-pound steak. Dexter retired in a community of other retired K9 Veterans where constant care is provided. It was a much-deserved quiet end to an impressive career.
5. Rex, the Best in His Class in Operation Iraqi Freedom II
German Shepherd veteran, Rex
During training, German Shepherd Rex was best in his class; he handled his first mission like a pro—not barking at stray dogs in Baghdad while on an overnight mission to flush insurgents out of a building stocked with munitions and explosives, obeying orders, and not yelping and giving away the team’s position when cut by wire fencing. That mission was a success, but on a later mission during his third tour, things didn’t go so well. Rex and his handler reached a checkpoint when their worlds were literally turned upside down. As they moved through the checkpoint, an improvised explosive device buried deep underground triggered and exploded literally blowing Rex and his handler up. The pair flew an estimated 30 feet and miraculously, survived with only minor wounds. In his career, Rex spent 25 months detecting countless explosives and munitions and saving multiple lives by doing so. The love, sacrifice, and service of K9 Veteran blow us away, and we couldn’t be more impressed by these and other four-legged heroes this K9 Veteran’s Day. These and other K9 service dogs deserve to be celebrated every day. In fact, all dogs do, which is why Wellness Pet Food continually makes all-natural dog foods that will ensure your dog, the hero of your heart, is strong and healthy and ready to fight another day.
When pet owners travel, they cannot always take their four-legged family members and when such occasions arise, pet owners need to be able to have a reliable caretaker available for their pets if they do not want to board their pets. Many pet owners rely on neighbors to watch their pets while they are away for extended periods; however, a neighbor, friend, or family member usually don’t have the time to spend taking proper care of your pet, which is why you should consider hiring a professional pet sitter.
Understand how to recognize when a cat, dog, or other type of pet is ill or has a parasite
Are familiar with ailments common to certain breeds
Have experience walking pets on leashes and know what kind of leash and harness is appropriate for different sizes of dogs
Knowledgeable in pet first aid
Often are trained to respond if there is an accident or unexpected loss.
Professional pet sitters also conduct themselves as professionals; for them, pet sitting is a business, which means whatever schedule you and the pet sitter arrange for your pet’s care, they adhere to. Truly dedicated professional pet sitters will also send you photos of your pet while you are away, which gives you peace of mind.
When to Hire a Pet Sitter
Any time you leave your pet for an extended period (overnight or longer), you need to make arrangements for your pet’s care. Animals not only need to be fed and cleaned up after, but they also need exercise and socialization. Some busy pet owners even hire pet sitters to walk their pet during the day or in the evenings before they arrive home from work to ensure their pet gets regular exercise and interaction. Additionally, some pet owners will take their pets with them when they travel and will hire a pet sitter to help care for their pet while they are traveling.
Why You Should Hire a Professional Pet Sitter
As noted, friends, family, and neighbors might not have time to do more than drop in once a day and check on your pet whereas a professional pet sitter will. They also might not have the expertise necessary to realize if something isn’t right about your pet (i.e., they seem ill, are not eating properly, are scratching excessively, etc.). Perhaps more importantly, these people might not be accessible if you have to leave town due to emergency circumstances. By having a pet sitter (or two) available, then you know you will be able to hire someone who can reliably take care of your pet in a pinch.
How to Find a Professional Pet Sitter
When it comes to finding a certified pet sitter, there are many ways to find someone. Here are a few options :
ask friends who have hired pet sitters for recommendations
ask your veterinarian for a recommendation
search online at sites like Pet Sitters International, PetSitter.com, Rover.com, and Care.com to list a few
When you find someone, ask for their resume.
Confirm that they have a certification (if that is important to you). Discuss the specifics of the care they will provide.
For example, ask how long they can visit with your pet and how often.
Find out their typical schedule of availability; some pet care professionals are full-time while others do it part time because they love pets.
Discuss emergency care plans and confirm that the person you are hiring is physically fit enough to properly care for your pet (this is important if you have a large dog).
Confirm they are comfortable administering medication to your pet.
Lastly, create a contract for long-term care provisions to cover both of your interests in the event that something happens to your pet or the provider while taking care of your pet.
Professional pet sitters work in almost every city throughout the country and around the world making it easy for you to have or to find an experienced pet care provider for when you’re working long hours, are away from home, or are traveling and have your pet with you.
What you feed your pet is as important as who is taking care of your pet, which is why we at Wellness Pet Food aim to create all-natural pet foods that ensure you don’t have to worry if your pet is getting the right nutrients. When they eat Wellness, you know that they are.
If you had to name one “human” food that your pup consistently drools over, would it be peanut butter? For Dakota, peanut butter is right there next to cheese!
As a spoiled pup, Dakota expects a nightly snack before bed time. We decided to include our CORE 100% Freeze Dried into a delicious frozen treat. Check out this super easy recipe below!
Ingredients: 1/4 cup smooth natural peanut butter 1/4 cup almond or chickpea flour (plus extra for coating) 2oz bag CORE 100% dog treats, any flavor
Directions:
1. Mix peanut butter and flour in a medium bowl, eventually working by hand to incorporate all flour.
2. Separate dough into 8-10 even pieces.
3. Roll each piece of dough into a ball, then flatten and place one meat chunk into the center. Cover and roll again until meat chunk is no longer visible.
4. Roll truffle in flour for a powdered finish.
5. Place in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week.
This year, you may be working towards some health and fitness goals. But what about Sparky? You may not know, but our dogs and cats are now larger than ever before. What we may consider cute and cuddly is fast becoming an alarming statistic.
54% of dogs and 59% of cats are classified as overweight or obese, making diabetes more common.
A few simple changes can help your pet be in their best health so they can share many more years of wags or meows with you. Here are my top tips:
Take your pet to the vet for their annual checkup.
This is the best way of having a complete nose-to-tail health check to get the expert’s opinion of what your dog or cat’s current health is and if they need any area of particular focus to help them be the best they can be. A good idea is to tie this in with your pet’s annual vaccinations.
Just like us humans, pets feel their best when eating well and staying active.
The same goes for Sparky. Make 2018 the year to feed your pet better. You will see the difference in their well being and in many cases what may seem like it costs more in the beginning will save you more in the long run with vet bills.
What should you look for in a pet food brand you may ask?
Natural whole food nutrition is the way to go. Fresh, real ingredients that avoids all the “nasties”. Look for fresh meat as the first ingredient with named protein meals like turkey meal or chicken meal but avoid any with by-product meals. Let me explain the difference – chicken meal is cooked chicken meat and some bones (like a chicken drumstick or wing) that is then refined into a highly digestible, concentrated source of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals. By-product meal on the other hand can include non-digestible parts like beaks, feathers and feet. It naturally is a cheaper ingredient for the manufacturer but really not the best way to feed dogs or cats.
Grain Free nutrition is a great choice due to two key benefits. The first is if your pet has a digestive or skin upset, in many cases switching to grain free can help alleviate those issues. The second is when you select a grain free food that has increased protein levels you’re getting a more concentrated formula with an overall lower carbohydrate amount. I like to call this grain free the right way, not the easy way. You will feed less, the nutrition is superior and the impact on pets’ health is often visible to most pet owners in as little as 2-3 days with a change in their pets’ stools and then 4-6 weeks later in their coat.
If you are mixing wet and dry, don’t feed them the very best dry and then buy the wet from a grocery store. Flip the tin over and look at the ingredients–you’ll likely be quite disappointed.
Photo via @an.amalgam
Apply the same principles to what you are feeding with dry to wet. Look for named protein sources and avoid artificial colors and ingredients and by-products. Whilst changing a cat’s wet food may initially be stressful with a fussy cat, don’t fret. There are natural superior brands like Wellness that have over 100 products in every flavor and texture imaginable to satisfy your cat. Wellness is actually the leading natural wet cat food brand!
Find the right life stage and lifestyle product for your dog or cat. A Chihuahua has very different needs than a Great Dane, and a 15-year-old Jack Russel is using a lot less energy than a rambunctious 1-year-old Labrador. Remember too–1 in every 2 dogs is overweight and in need of shedding some pounds, so a healthy weight food could indeed be best for your pooch!
My recommendation is Wellness CORE
This brand is a grain free low carb natural diet packed with protein from fresh, wholesome ingredients you recognize and will want to feed your pet. On top of that, with one of the largest wet food offerings and 100% freeze dried meat treats, you can be assured that you are doing the very best for their health.That’s the Wellness promise.
Photo via @thechesnutmutts
Finally, get moving!
When people put their dog on a new health focused diet, they themselves lose 3% of weight!
Sometimes it may be chilly, but year-round walks with your dog will keep both of your waists trim!
For cats, exercise is more challenging, but playing more games around the house is a great start. Another idea is to move their food bowl around the house to get them moving.
Looking for a classic recipe that everyone loves? Check out our healthy version with just a few short ingredients. Guaranteed to make your pup lick her lips!
1. Add 2 oz (1/2 package) Pure Rewards to food processor and puree or grind for 30 seconds or until a rough, flaky powder is formed (some small chunks of remaining meat are okay!).
Wellness CORE Pure Rewards in food processor.
2. Lightly grease foil on a cookie sheet with the olive oil to prevent sticking, then spread sweet potato dices in an even layer. Cook at 375 for 40 minutes or until sweet potatoes are soft.
Cubed sweet potato chunks on baking pan.
3. While still warm (but not hot), puree sweet potatoes in food processor.
Sweet potato after processed.
4. Mix 1/4 cup sweet potato puree and ground Pure Rewards by hand, then roll into 1 inch diameter balls. Place meatballs on cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 15 minutes.
Those look extra tasty, Mom!
Let cool completely, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
From the day you bring your puppy home to the day you celebrate their first birthday, your new puppy’s growth and development is nothing short of impressive. Starting as a tiny bundle of fluff that can barely open his eyes and growing into a whirlwind of puppy energy that never seems to sit still, a puppy in their first year achieves what it takes humans over 15 years to accomplish!
Needless to say, the first couple years of your pup’s life are pretty important! Knowing what to expect as your puppy develops will prepare you for the challenges ahead, and ensure your pup grows into a well-adjusted adult dog. Just like humans, remember, each puppy is an individual. No two puppies will grow exactly the same, even if they were from the same litter. Hence, don’t fret if your pup doesn’t hit milestones by a set date.
One important consideration—when it comes to puppies, size really does matter! Large and giant breed puppies develop and mature much slower than smaller breeds. Small and medium size breed dogs reach adulthood at one year. Large breed dogs take 18 months (24 months for giant breeds) before they reach maturity:
So what are the key stages of puppy growth and development?
Neonatal Period: (0-2 weeks)
Born with their eyes and ears closed, here is what to expect with newborn dogs:
Can touch and taste at birth but not much else, very dependent on mother
At around 5 days old they start a slow crawl
By day 10-14 their eyes open with poor vision at first. The majority of their day is spent sleeping with complete dependence on mum whose role includes taking care of all their physical, emotional and social needs from helping the puppies find milk, to keeping them warm and even helping stimulate the pups to urinate and defecate.
Transitional period (2 to 4 weeks)
Puppies start to stand and try walking
Sense of smell develops
By week 3 their ears open so hearing develops. They will wag their tail, start to bark and those first sharp little teeth can start to appear.
By the end of the transitional period, puppies should be able to use the bathroom on their own, see quite well and have truly doubled if not tripled their birth weight. A puppy’s day at this age is still closely tied to mum for nutrition but more active with bursts of enthusiastic play with their siblings followed closely by complete exhaustion and short naps.
Socialization period (4 to 16 weeks:
During these 3 months, a puppy develops their social skills and learns all there is to know about their environment making it one of the most influential periods of your puppy’s life. Much of what they learn in this period will stay with them through their entire life.
Introducing puppy to an adult dog
Tips for Socialization period:
Ensure they encounter many people, objects, sounds, dogs and situations which they may encounter in later life
Teach puppies to be content when be home alone
Do plenty of practice runs travelling in car
Vet Visit- first vaccination from 6 weeks, with follow-ups 2-4 weeks later.
Playtime with other dogs
A puppy’s interest in mum’s food starts around 4 weeks of age and progresses to be eating several small meals of their own by 6-8 weeks of age.
Practicing leaving puppy home alone
Puppy Firsts:
Selecting the best quality natural puppy nutrition is so important during this period to ensure that pups have the energy and nutrients needed to thrive. My recommendation is always Wellness CORE Puppy – a grain-free, meat- rich balanced natural brand that score 5/5 in most pet food reviews. It’s a great choice to give them the best start in life!
Lots of firsts also happen in this period—they are often adopted into their forever home from 8-12 weeks of age and housetraining often commences at the same time. Basic training can commence at 8 weeks and they should be able to easily understand simple commands such as come, sit and stay with puppy preschool from 12 weeks of age helping consolidate their training and socialization skills.
Juvenile period (4 to 6 months):
Puppies are now in their prime and a complete bundle of enthusiasm. They’re desperate to play and will seek out attention every chance they get. They exhibit an innate curiosity and “zest” for life, enabling them to take on just about everything that life throws at them. Like most adolescents, puppies in this period are highly influenced by their playmates (both dogs and people), and during these 2 months they’ll begin to understand and use ranking in terms of submission and dominance.
Keep puppies occupied during teething with chew toys
Milk teeth start falling out as adult teeth come through. They’ll need a good supply of appropriate chew toys to ensure they can relieve the teething discomfort. And chew toys will help save your furniture from some serious damage! 6-7 months: Puppies’ hormones will kick in as they reach sexual maturity. If your pup has not been neutered yet, now is the perfect time to discuss the options with your veterinarian.
Adolescence Period (6 to 18 months):
Puppies in this period are best described as teenagers who have endless amounts of energy but are starting to learn the art of matching that energy with some manners and self-control. Self-confidence levels will be high and a strong pursuit for independence will often be paired with an innate desire to be all grown up. One of the biggest responsibilities for puppy owners in this period is to ensure that all the puppy has learnt up to this point is further built upon with more training, socialization and consistency. With persistence, patience and a whole lot of love, you’ll quickly see the worst adolescence challenges pass quickly and a well-behaved adult dog will emerge on the other side.
Practicing leash walking
If not neutered, you may start to notice sexually motivated behaviours from 6-7 months such as mounting and marking. From 7 months of age in small and medium breeds their rate of growth will start to slow down and have reached their full height. Large and giant breeds will approach their sexual maturity closer to 8 or 9 months and only start to slow down their rate of growth closer to 12-18 months of age.
Adulthood (12 to 24 months):
You made it! Give yourself a pat on the back. Your pup is now a fully-grown adult and hopefully, a well-behaved member of the family. All that hard work training, socializing and bonding with your pup over the past year will have truly paid off. Don’t forget now is the time for their annual vaccination booster and also a great opportunity for an annual health check up with your veterinarian! With a lifetime of unconditional love ahead of the two of you, it simply doesn’t get any better!
New pet parents, are you interested in trying Wellness CORE Puppy for your new four-legged family member? Sign up at wellnesspetfood.com/newpet.
Meet dog lover and M.B.A student, Sarah! Sarah, originally from Connecticut, joined the WellPet Marketing team for six months in 2017 so she could learn the pet industry while working on her Masters in Business Administration. What we didn’t anticipate is how much she taught us!
Sarah with her golden doodle Ace
First Name, College & Program, WellPet Department Sarah, Northeastern University D’Amore-McKim School of Business, Marketing
Why did you choose WellPet for your Co-op/Internship? I chose WellPet because of the culture that was explained to me and the people I met with. I love the industry, and I love marketing so I thought it would be a great fit.
Any pets in your life? Yes, Ace, my 2 ½ year old golden doodle.
How did WellPet complement your education? I learned a lot from different departments that helped me to narrow down what I’m interested in doing. I loved learning about the different aspects of marketing from different people.
Describe a Wellie: Not only an employee but someone who has the WellPet spirit and is passionate about working here.
What was your favorite Wellie day? All of the Take Your Dog to Work days each month – especially the Halloween one where Ace dressed up as a hot dog.
Professionally, what did you find most useful about your Wellie experience? Working with knowledgeable people. Access to a lot of different people, even Camelle and Lisa being in meetings and learning from them. Working on projects people care about, and feeling like I was making a difference.
Do you see yourself as a future Wellie? Yeah, definitely. I love the people, so passionate about the industry and the work we do, it’s exciting to be here.
What advice do you give future Co-ops/Interns? Get to know people and learn about them – it was fun to socialize and make friends who I’ll keep in touch with even when I leave.
In 2017, the top diagnosis made by US Veterinarians for dogs was dental disease, a problem so widespread it now affects 4 out of 5 dogs over three. Contributing to this epidemic is the lack of daily dental care for dogs, the increase of small breeds and older dogs that are more predisposed to dental issues and the assumption that visible signs of dental disease, like bad breath, are normal.
Dog owners used to believe that occasionally giving a dog a bone to chew was all the dental care dogs needed. Today, we know so much more about the importance of oral care for dogs and understand that a dental health program that includes both professional veterinary care as well as at-home daily dental care is crucial to a healthy mouth and a happy dog.
There are a lot of factors to consider when deciding upon oral care for your dog. Here’s the latest scientific evidence and everything you ever wanted to know about your dog’s teeth, including those questions which you may have been too afraid to ask before:
Are People Dental Issues the Same as Dog Dental Issues?
Tooth decay is not common in dogs: Dogs do not typically develop cavities from tooth decay like people because of the shape of their teeth, the pH of their saliva, the type of bacteria in their mouth and the types of food they consume.
Periodontal disease is very common – 4 out of 5 dogs! Dogs are very susceptible to periodontal disease and tooth loss.
Periodontal disease affects not only the gums, but the supporting structures of the tooth. It is caused by a buildup of plaque and tartar on the surface of the teeth and under the gums. Plaque is the soft, clear or cream-colored biofilm deposit that naturally forms on pets’ teeth. Plaque is made up of large amounts of bacteria with additional particles of food, protein and cellular debris. If plaque is not removed by brushing or active chewing, minerals, primarily calcium, in the dog’s saliva stick to the plaque biofilm and it develops into tartar.
Tartar is the hard yellow/brown material that resists removal and is found below and above the gum. As plaque and tartar levels increase on the teeth, bacteria accumulate around these deposits causing periodontal disease to intensify and cause associated periodontal inflammation visible most frequently at the gum line.
How Do I Know if my Dog Has Dental Disease?
That doggy breath is your biggest clue! Periodontal disease in dogs causes inflammation of the gums, infections, mouth pain and loss of teeth. If a dog is suffering from dental disease, owners will notice that their dog has bad breath, discoloured teeth, red and inflamed gums and may show a reluctance to eat or pain while eating.
Flip your dog’s lip and have a look at their teeth. What can you see? Do your dog’s teeth look pearly white or slightly discoloured with some yellowing visible? Or do you see a case of significant brown deposits sitting on the molars combined with red and inflamed gums?
If you see any brown deposits or red gums, contact your local veterinarian. Your vet is the expert when it comes to dental health so make the first step to improving your dog’s dental health. A quick phone call to book your dog for an annual health and dental check could do just the trick!
What Can I Do to Help My Dog?
Regular checkups with your vet are essential to a healthy dental routine but like people, dogs need to have their teeth cleaned at home every day. Plaque accumulates every minute of your dog’s day and within just 48 hours this plaque starts to harden into tartar, which is much tougher to remove. When the surface of a dog’s teeth is mechanically abraded (scrubbed!) with a toothbrush or dental chew, this helps remove plaque buildup and reduces the overall progression of dental disease.
Have you brushed your dog’s teeth today?
After a professional veterinary cleaning of your dog’s teeth, brushing your dog’s teeth is the next best option to promote your dog’s dental hygiene. However, we understand brushing a dog’s teeth is often not easy or enjoyable, for you or your pup! It’s estimated that only 2% of dog owners brush their dog’s teeth.
For the 98% of us that don’t brush our dog’s teeth, the easiest way to help remove plaque and tartar from your dog’s teeth is to give them a scientifically proven dental chew like WHIMZEES are 80% more effective at reducing plaque than leading competitors and have a 3x longer chew time to help clean those hard-to-reach places (January 2017).
Available in sizes XS to XL, unique shapes such as Alligators, Hedgehogs and the latest evolution of the toothbrush, Brushzees, there’s sure to be a WHIMZEES to keep your dog happy and your dog’s mouth healthy.
A well-trained puppy with great social skills in guaranteed to have a great social life because good manners opens doors ensuring he will be welcome everywhere.
Start Training Early
It’s important to start young. Dog trainers say that the puppy stage between five weeks and twenty weeks is critical because that’s when the dog sets its attitudes towards how it reacts towards other dogs and people. Positive interactions and experiences at this impressionable age means you are giving your dog great social skills that it will be able to carry forward into adulthood.
A good book on raising puppies will offer lots of excellent tips but it’s also a great idea to enroll him in a puppy class with a professional trainer. Not only will your pooch learning the basics but it’s a great opportunity to make friends with other dogs in his class.
Stay Consistent
When it comes to training, puppy basics actually apply to the person on the other end of the leash too. So, it’s important to be consistent and re-enforce what you have learned in class in your home environment. This means that one member of the household must be the designated in-house trainer.
Re-enforcement and encouragement should be in the form of verbal praise such as phrases like “good job!” and “well done” and further reinforced with a yummy training treat. Remember treats have calories and should be a portion of your dog’s daily diet. So be sure to manage the calorie count! You can treat with small chunks or carrots, celery and cucumber too.
Reward for a Job Well Done
Toys also make great training tools to teach young puppies basic commands and good manners. It’s a good idea to let your puppy “audition” a variety of different toys in order to select a favorite. Then when you bring it out, he will automatically be keen to play – and learn.
The texture of the toy is very important. So is the shape and any sounds it makes. It also needs to be lightweight and the right size so that your puppy can comfortably pick it up and carry it around. Fortunately, many toy manufacturers spell out the elements and benefits of their toys on the packaging and this will help with your final selection.
Socialize Your Puppy
Taking your puppy with you to a variety of different places is a great way to socialize him and make him feel really comfortable around both other pets and people.
Dogs are very empathic creatures so, they can read your feelings. That’s why it’s important not to be nervous when taking him out and out to test his skills. He will quickly know whether you are or aren’t in control!
Of course, there are going to be puppy accidents and he’s going to try and win you over with those big doleful puppy eyes, but it’s important to be firm, with an understanding tone in your voice and always remain positive. Puppies are no different to children, they know how to subtly manipulate you.
Your local pet boutique or pet supermarket is a great place for an outing to meet other dogs and owners. Because people come and go, it’s never too overwhelming for a young dog. Just walking around is a great way for a puppy to learn about new smells, noises and even about walking on slick store surfaces.
Some stores actually host play date afternoons, giving puppy owners the opportunity to meet and mingle – and talk about their pups and make new friends on both ends of the leash.
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