When a pet is begging for food, it is sometimes hard to resist giving them a little taste of your meal. Dogs aren’t known for being picky about their food, eating the same kibble day after day with relish. However, owners of spoiled pooches want their pets to have the best possible culinary experience, especially for those rare finicky canines. Though pets of all kinds are known to beg, dogs tend to do so most often. There are several human foods that can be given to dogs occasionally. Now, researchers reporting results from a pilot study in ACS’ Journal of Agricultural…
Author: kaitech
Dog’s name and age: Summit, 1 year Nicknames: Summy Adoption Story: We went to the local SPCA to inquire about puppies and found Summit, who had been abandoned along with his seven siblings. Upon meeting this 3-month-old puppy, we knew we had found our newest family member. Two days later, we brought him home! I completed chemotherapy, and it felt like I had climbed the “summit” of a lifetime. This notion stuck with me until we looked at the small puppy, and I thought Summit would be the perfect name. He came when I needed a companion, and I knew he would love…
Summer typically brings lots of fun and outdoor adventures, which most of us look forward to, but with it comes a higher abundance of pesky insects and parasites that may impact the wellbeing of our pets. We try to avoid using toxins in/on our pets (and in our own environments), but in some cases, we may need to choose our battles based on how difficult the flea/tick problem is to tackle. Fortunately, in many geographical regions, the use of pharmaceutical flea and tick products can be avoided through much of the year and minimized to only a few times of use during…
If you have never heard of Sergio, the wee little Chihuahua, who lives in Westchester, you will now. This little guy, who is very fit at 6 pounds, was rescued several years ago by Jeanmarie Daly. Of course everyone thinks their dogs, especially Chihuahua owners, are the absolute best of the breeds, but there’s something rather different and extra special about Sergio. He attends French classes. “Oui” you read that right, French classes! Sergio’s neighbor who lives in the same apartment building is a French teacher at Ardsley Middle School for 7th grade 11 and 12-year-old students. However, all of…
Let’s face it, some dogs stink. For large dogs, it can be challenging to bathe them in a traditional bathroom setting and bathing small dogs? Well, that’s even worse, with pet owners often resorting to the kitchen sink. For many dog owners like myself, bath time at home translates to big backaches, cramped spaces, and lengthy clean-up. Many dogs do not need to be bathed often, but some dogs like to roll in the mud (let’s be honest, much more offensive things), while others have fur that requires more maintenance. So, wouldn’t it be nice to have a dedicated area…
Less than 25% of people who start a diet and exercise routine stick with their plans for more than a month, but it’s a little tougher to skip your jog if your dog is waiting for you by the door. Dogs make wonderful walking and exercise buddies. Partnering with your dog when implementing healthy habits can add motivation and will make you both happier and healthier. “A balanced diet and regular exercise are extremely important for pets, just like they are for humans, and many of the health benefits of a healthy lifestyle are the same,” said Dr. Arielle Markley, a veterinarian…
Chocolate-coloured Labrador Retrievers have, on average, 10% shorter lives than black or yellow Labradors, according to a study we co-published in Canine Genetics and Epidemiology. Ear infections and skin diseases are also more common in chocolate Labradors than non-chocolate Labradors. We looked at the UK veterinary records more than 33,320 Labrador Retrievers through the VetCompass program. We then extracted data on death and disease from a random sample of 2,074 (6.2%) of these dogs. Read more: Is your dog happy? Ten common misconceptions about dog behaviour Some diseases were far more prevalent in chocolate dogs. The prevalence of pyo-traumatic dermatitis…
When it comes to treats you can share with your dogs, fruits are a delicious and nutritious choice for both people and pets. Many fruits work well as easy, simple treats in addition to your dog’s healthy diet, but what about pineapple? There’s good news for pineapple lovers who are curious if this tropical delight is safe for dogs. I’m happy to report that pineapple is a healthy, sweet, perfectly safe treat for dogs—with moderation. Let’s dive into the benefits and cautions of pineapple for pups. Are Pineapples Safe for Dogs? Let’s start with some positive aspects of pineapples. Pineapple…
Stable, loving, secure family relationships are vital for child development and well-being. But many children who enter the foster care system have early experiences of neglect, suffering, hurt, and loss, and been deprived of secure parenting. A key part of fostering is the idea that warm, nurturing relationships with foster families can help to change the developmental course of children who have suffered inadequate early care. But by the time they enter foster care, many children have already deeply internalised early experiences of neglect. This frequently means that they bring negative expectations, fear, anxiety, and resistance into potential new relationships,…
Canine arthritis cannot be cured, and it’s not always possible to prevent it, especially as your dog ages. There are, however, things you can do at home to help ease or even delay its onset. Weight management, supplements, gentle exercise and regular veterinary care make a difference. Paying attention to subtle signs of canine discomfort and making adjustments to your dog’s home and treatment as needed will help you help your dog. Maybe you’ve noticed that your dog has lost a certain spring to her step. Does she seem reluctant to engage in the activities she used to love, like…