Luckily there are a few methods that make getting your dog to take their pills easier. From using pill pockets to going with the cheese trick, here’s 7 tips to get your dog to take their medicine.

1. Wash Your Hands

First things first, you’re gonna want to wash your hands if your dog is already on to you and knows you’re trying to get them to take their pills. A dog’s sense of smell is way better than ours, so if your dog is already suspicious of those pills try to wash off as much of the scent as possible.

2. Pill Pockets

Pill pockets are treats that you can mold around pills, so the treat itself is completely covering the pill. They come in a variety of sizes and flavors, and are available at most stores. I’ve had good luck with Greenies brand, which can accommodate a couple capsules at a time.

3. Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is great for getting your dog to take their pills because it’s stickyness makes it less likely your dog will be able to easily spit the pill out. Just be sure the peanut butter does not contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can be deadly to pets.

4. Cheese

Cheese is another great option for giving your dog pills. It’s easy to shape, and you can hide their pill completely inside a small piece. And since most dogs absolutely love cheese if your dog gets excited enough for their treat they might just swallow it without even noticing the pill inside.

5. Sausage/Hot Dogs

Using hot dogs or sausage is another go to for me when it comes to giving my dog her pills. She loves hot dogs that the smell and anticipation of being given a bite means she swallows it immediately, not even noticing the pill I hid inside.

6. Canned Food

If your dog is like mine who normally eats dry food, chances are they absolutely love canned food. If that’s the case you can hide their pills right in one of their regular canned meals. Of course if your dog is the suspicious type this might not work, but for those who are overly enthusiastic about canned food they might just gobble the whole thing up.

7. Use a Pill Pusher

If you’ve tried all those other methods and your dog still won’t take their pills you can opt for a pill pusher. It’s basically a syringe that you use to get the pill deep down your pet’s throat. If you’re uncomfortable with that process there’s no harm in calling your vet for advice. They can likely talk you through it over the phone or give you a demonstration.

Remember to Switch Up Your Methods

If your dog is going to be taking pills for awhile the most important thing to keep in mind is that you’re probably gonna have to switch up your methods.

If you use cheese for 3 days in a row, they might grow wise and spit it out on day 4. So to ease those suspicions use different methods before they catch on.

What’s Your Favorite Method?

Did I leave out any of your favorite methods for getting dogs to take their medicine?

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It’s important to keep an eye on your dog, and do your best to ensure they leave their wound alone during the healing process. Easier said than done — I know, but there are some tips that make it a bit easier to manage. Here’s how to keep your dog from licking their wounds.

Why Do Dogs Lick Their Own Wounds?

Before we get into how to stop your dog from licking their wounds let’s take a quick look at why they’re doing it to begin with. Understanding the why can help make the recovery process a little easier, since you’ll know what to look for and understand why your dog is so insistent when it comes to getting to that wound.

Wound licking is an instinctive response in dogs, and it’s one that’s found in many other animals. Their mouth is the only tool they have at their disposal to try to clean up wounds. They can’t go to the medicine cabinet and grab some disinfectant, so they use the only thing they’ve got — their mouth. It’s the only way they know how to help themselves heal.

Why licking? Well, saliva contains some beneficial materials that can help promote healing. It contains a protein called tissue factor (also called platelet tissue factor) that can help promote blood clotting. Dog saliva also contains Opiorphin, which has a pain reducing effect.

The belief that wound licking can have some curative effects has been around for ages, and in the past we utilized dogs to help heal some of our own wounds. The Egyptians believed that being licked by a dog, especially on an open wound, helped aid in recovery and even cure some illnesses. In ancient Greece, dogs at the shrine of Aesculapius (a hero and god of medicine) were trained to lick patients. And in Armenian culture Aralezes (dog-like creatures or spirits) descended from the sky to lick the wounds of the fallen so they could resurrect.

We don’t use those methods anymore thanks to modern medicine, but our dogs still do. And while licking minor wounds may not cause much of a problem for your dog, there are serious risks when it comes to larger, deeper wounds.

The Dangers of Wound Licking

Although some of the bacteria in dog saliva can be beneficial to healing, licking a wound can also cause adverse reactions and delay the healing process. Harmful pathogens can get inside a wound as a result of licking, and that risk is higher when dealing with a big wound.

When it comes to surgical wounds licking can break down your dog’s stitches, causing their wound to re-open. That increases their risk for infection, including secondary infections and tissue destruction.

How to Keep Your Dog From Licking Their Wounds

When it comes to keeping your for from licking their wounds you have a few different options, from the traditional E-collar to using distraction techniques. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of each of these methods.

Elizabethan Collar

The Elizabethan collar is commonly referred to as the cone of shame or e-collar (not to be confused with an electric training collar) is a protective medical device that prevents animals from licking or scratching wounds. It’s a flexible plastic cone that’s attached to your dog’s collar or neck, and the cone itself acts as a barrier.

If your dog is going to be having surgery chances are your veterinarian’s office will be sending them home with an e-collar. Don’t be afraid to ask your vet any questions you have about the collar, including how often they have to wear it and whether it’s OK to remove during feeding. And remember, follow their instructions when it comes to how long it needs to stay on for to ensure a safe healing period for your dog.

E-collars come in a lot of different sizes, so if you’re purchasing one yourself it’s important to get a good fit. Make sure the cone itself is short enough to allow your dog to eat and drink (but not so short that they can access their wound with their mouth), and that the collar part can be tightened enough that your won’t be able to wiggle out of it.

Pros: The most reliable method for keeping your dog, especially a determined dog, from getting to their wound. For that reason an e-collar is the way to go when your dog is going to be left alone for any period of time.

Cons: Can be stressful for dogs to get used to, and makes navigating around the house and eating and drinking a bit challenging.

How to Help Your Dog Adjust to Wearing an E-Collar

When it comes to helping your dog adjust to wearing an e-collar I’m not going to lie — it’s not fun, and it’s something I always feel guilty about. They are restrictive, but that’s why they’re the safest option when it comes to preventing your dog from licking their wounds. If you feel guilty about your dog having to wear an e-collar remember that it’s in their best interest, and that it’s only temporary. It prevents them from inadvertently delaying the healing process by re-opening up their wound or causing infection.

Since the cone itself is wider than their head and because it restricts their peripheral vision it’s not uncommon for dogs to bump into things as they adjust to wearing it. Ensure that your dog has a wide enough path to comfortably navigate around the house. Stairs and doorways can be particularly tricky, so remember to take it slow and encourage them as they adjust to navigating around.

You’ll also need to help your dog adjust to eating or drinking. If your dog’s bowls are against a wall you’ll want to move them so your dog’s cone won’t be hitting the wall each time they go to eat or drink. Depending on the bowl you use your dog’s e-collar may rub against the edges when they try to eat. You can try using a bowl that’s more shallow, or you can try adjusting the height of it to see if that helps. If that doesn’t work you can remove their e-collar when it’s time for dinner. Just remember to put it back on when they’re done.

Dogs generally get used to wearing an e-collar after a day or two, but if your dog is really upset or nervous you may want to consider one of the other options below, such as an inflatable collar that’s a little less intrusive.

Inflatable or Soft E-collars

If you’re not a fan of traditional e-collars you can opt for a softer, inflatable option. They mimic the shape of traditional e-collars, but they’re not quite as restrictive.

Keep in mind that inflatable collars aren’t big enough to keep your dog from licking wounds that are easy to reach on their paws or legs. They might be a good option when you’re at home with your dog and can keep an eye on them, but make sure it’s going to be restrictive enough to work before leaving your dog alone with one.

Pros: Depending on how flexible your dog is, and where their wound is, inflatable options can be just as reliable as a plastic e-collar when it comes to preventing your dog from messing with it’s wound.

Cons: Although they’re more comfortable than a plastic e-collar, they’re probably not going to be able to restrict your dog from getting to an ‘easy to reach’ incision site such as one on their lower leg for most dogs.

T-Shirt

A good old t-shirt can be a good option when it comes to keeping your dog from licking it’s wounds if they have an incision on their belly or side. As with an inflatable e-collar though just how well it works depends on your dog, and whether you’re going to be around to supervise them.

I would not recommend using a t-shirt if your dog is going to be left alone while you go to work since a t-shirt is easy for them to get around. However, for evening cuddles or or walks when you’re with your dog they can be a great option that’s not quite as uncomfortable as a plastic e-collar.

The one downside to a t-shirt is that unlike an e-collar it will have to be changed every couple of days, especially if it gets wet. But if you’re going to be home with your dog as they recover and can keep an eye on them to make sure they leave the shirt alone, it can be a good, less restrictive option.

Pros: Much less restrictive than a e-collar, and good for periods of time when they’re supervised.

Cons: Not nearly as restrictive as e-collars, not recommended for use when your dog is home alone.

Distraction Techniques When You’re Around

A nice little dog life hack for preventing your dog from licking their wounds is to give them something mentally stimulating to do as they recover, such as a stuffed kong.

Kongs are especially nice for surgery recovery because unlike some treat dispensing toys they don’t require your dog to get up and move around. So if your dog is recovering from surgery you don’t have to worry about them playing too rough and possibly irritating the incision site. And if you freeze some treats inside it’ll keep your dog busy for even longer.

Pros: A really nice way to give your dog something mentally stimulating to do as they recover.

Cons: On it’s own, a toy or distraction method isn’t reliable enough to ensure they’ll leave their wounds alone. Only use under supervision.

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But have you ever wondered why dogs get so excited about going for a walk? What is it about walks that are so enriching for dogs? Today we’ll take a look at the daily dog walk, and why it’s such a crucial part of your dog’s routine. Here’s 5 reasons to walk your dog every day.

You Dog Needs Physical Exercise

First and foremost, walking your dog every day is a great way to help your dog stay fit & active. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of your dog developing a number of health related conditions such as hypertension, liver disease, and diabetes. One of the easiest ways to keep your dog fit is by walking them every day.

Walking also helps preserve your dog’s muscles and joints, and it’s a great way to help shed some extra pounds if your dog is overweight. And the regular cardio that a daily walk provides can improve mood and energy levels.

Walking is Great Mental Exercise

The benefits of walking your dog every day go well beyond just physical too — it’s important for their mental health and well being. The daily walk is the one time a day your dog gets a chance to explore the neighborhood and find out what’s going on in the world around them.

Unlike us they can’t just sit down at anytime to read the paper — they need to go outside to find out what’s going on in the world around them.

And since dogs explore with their nose don’t forget to give them a chance to use it. When you’re out on your walk give them some time to sniff around for some extra mental stimulation and enrichment.

I always set aside a few designated “sniff breaks” for Laika on our walks. I give her the cue “go sniff” and let her do her thing. When it’s time to head back I use the “let’s go” cue and we’re back on the trail.

To keep your dog walks fun remember to switch up your routine once in a while by going to a different neighborhood, or checking out a new park or trail. Once a week I like to take Laika to a local park or trail to explore; it helps keep things exciting for the both of us.

For more mental stimulation remember to give your dog some time to sniff around & explore on walks.

Walking Can Help Boost Your Dog’s Confidence

Another reason to walk your dog every day is that it’s a great for building confidence. Having a daily routine will help boost your dog’s confidence, and your daily walk is a big part of that structure.

A daily routine will give your dog structure and stability, and that level of predictability goes a long way to boosting confidence, especially in shy or fearful dogs. One of the best ways to keep your dog happy and confident is by creating a daily routine for your dog that includes fun activities such as the daily walk and interactive play.

Tip: If you’re looking for more activities to add into your dog’s daily routine be sure to check out 33 ways to keep your dog busy indoors & 26 boredom busters for dogs.

It Helps With Socialization

Walking with your dog will help with also help with socialization by exposing them to different people, dogs and situations. Although the majority of socialization happens when your dog is a pup it’s important to keep up on those skills by continually introducing your dog to new people and situations.

Switching up your route, such as going to a different neighborhood, trail or park, will give your dog a chance to experience a variety of environments and situations. For shy or fearful dogs remember to take it slow to avoid over arousal.

Walking With Your Dog Strengthens Your Bond

Another reason to walk your dog every day is that it’s a great way to reinforce the bond you have with your dog. It’s one relatively easy thing you can do each day that brings your dog so much joy.

Spending quality time with your dog makes that bond stronger, and the daily walk is one of the most rewarding activities around. Trust is a big part of the bonding process, and by walking your dog every day you’re showing them that you’re someone they can depend on and trust for their daily needs.

Tip: Be sure to check out 10 ways to bond with your dog if you’re looking for more tips on creating a strong bond with your dog.

What Is Your Daily Walking Routine?

Do you walk your dog every day? How often do you switch up your route? Do you let your dog take sniff breaks? Let me know in the comments below.

Recommended Reading

• 10 Dog Walking Tips Everyone Should Know
• 5 Ways to Motivate Yourself For a Dog Walk
• 10 Tips for Walking a Reactive Dog

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1. Check With Your Before Changing Your Exercise Routine

When it comes to exercising a senior dog it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with your vet before changing up their routine. And be sure to write down your questions and concerns before the appointment to make sure you don’t miss anything; I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve said “I forgot to ask about that” after an appointment.

Your vet will be able to access your dog’s condition and help you come up with an exercise routine that’s well suited for your dog.

2. Enjoy A Daily Walking Routine Together

A daily walk is recommended for all dogs, and senior dogs are no exception. Your older dog might not be able to go on a four hour hike with you anymore, but they can still enjoy a nice stroll around the neighborhood. If things start to get a little mundane you can make your dog walk more fun by letting your dog be the navigator or taking regular sniff breaks.

If your dog is out of shape or has any mobility issues remember to take it easy by sticking to flat surfaces (such as a neighborhood walk versus a hilly trail) and increasing your distance over time.

Tip: If you’re having trouble sticking to a regular routine here’s some tips on motivating yourself to walk the dog.

3. Take It Slow When Starting a New Routine

When it comes to exercising a senior dog remember to take it slow when starting a new routine. Like us, our dogs can over exert themselves when exercising, and that’s especially true for dog’s that are out of shape to begin with. Remember to take it slow and increase their activity over time to help avoid injuries.

If you’re starting a new walking routine with your dog start on a flat surface and slowly increase the distance and/or pace over time.

If you’re adding in some new activities to their routine (such as swimming or a game of fetch) keep track of how long they’re active for, and whether or not they’re showing any signs of discomfort afterwards. After a few sessions you’ll have a pretty good idea of how much activity they can handle, and you can start building that up over time.

When it comes to adding exercise to your senior dog’s routine remember to take it slow. Endurance & stamina are built up over time. Progressive increments can help your dog avoid injuries & over exertion.

4. Give Your Dog a Warm Up

One of the most important parts when it comes to exercising your dog is to start with a warm up. My dog Laika is really stiff in the morning due to her arthritis, so before we venture out on our morning walk we take a few quick laps around the yard to help loosen her up.

If your dog has any mobility issues such as arthritis start your exercise routine with a 2 or 3 minute walk around the yard to help get them moving.

5. Stick To Low Impact Exercises

80% of dogs have arthritis by the time they’re 8, so managing canine arthritis is something many of us will have to do at some point in our dogs lives.

It’s not a diagnosis anyone is happy about, but it doesn’t mean all the fun activities you once enjoyed are over. Low impact exercises, such as walking and swimming, are great for dogs with mobility issues such as arthritis.

If your dog has any mobility issues stick stick to low impact exercises such as swimming, walking, indoor games and gentle play sessions. Those types of activities can help keep your dogs muscles strong while being easy on their joints.

Dogs with mobility issues should avoid high impact exercises such as jogging or intense games of fetch that rely on running and jumping.

6. Add Some Mental Exercise To Your Dog’s Routine

One way to keep your dog active in their older years is to supplement their exercise routine with some added mental stimulation. Simple nose work games such as find the treats or a quick game of hide and seek will keep your dog’s brain engaged while also encouraging them to be active indoors.

Throughout the day add in a few extra games and activities for your dog to enjoy indoors. A few easy ways to give your dog some more mental stimulation is by using a food dispensing toy, a stuffed Kong, playing a game of hide and seek or letting them sniff around and explore while out on your daily walk.

Add in some mentally stimulating games to your dog’s routine to help keep them fit and active. Using food dispensing toys, playing nose work games and letting your dog take “sniff breaks” on walks are good examples of some of the mentally stimulating activities you can add into your dog’s routine.

7. Watch For Signs of Pain in Your Dog

When starting any new exercise routine with your dog be sure to watch out for any signs of discomfort or pain such as limping or wanting to stop or slow down. If your dog exhibits any signs of discomfort give your dog time to rest and adjust your routine as needed.

Dog’s don’t typically whine or cry when they’re in pain, so it’s important to keep track of their body language and behavior when starting a new exercise routine. If you have any questions or concerns consult with your veterinarian; they’ll be able to point you in the right direction when it comes to accessing what level of activity is appropriate for your dog.

8. Be Consistent With Your Routine

When it comes to exercising your senior dog remember to be consistent; a 20 minute walk each day is better than a 2 hour walk on the weekend. Dogs that don’t get regular exercise are more likely to injure themselves over dogs who get regular exercise every day.

And when I say be consistent I don’t mean you have to do that exact same thing everyday (although if it’s enjoyable there’s nothing wrong with that), it’s more about keeping track of the intensity and amount of exercise your dog gets everyday.

The routine itself can be mixed up to keep things fun and interesting. You can take a new route for your daily walk or play fetch at the park rather than in the backyard. If doggie brain games are part of your routine alternate them; play find the treats on Monday, hide and seek on Tuesday and trick training on Wednesday.

9. Have Some Massage Time After Exercise

A nice 10 minute dog massage can help soothe your dog’s muscles after exercising by decreasing stiffness and pain, lowering blood pressure and improving circulation.

Using a flat palm I use gentle, slow strokes with my dog Laika. She absolutely loves it, and it’s an easy way to help her calm down and relax after exercising.

If you’re not sure where to start here’s an article to help get you started: Dog massage: techniques you can do at home, and here’s a good video that goes over some of the basic dog massage techniques:

10. Find a Routine That Works For Your Dog

When it comes to exercising a senior dog finding the right balance is key. If your dog is used to going for a 20 minute walk each day try adding an extra 5 minutes to the routine, or add in a quick gentle play session every evening. Keep track of your dog’s behavior afterwards watching out for any signs of pain or discomfort, and slowly increase their activity over time.

For dogs with mobility or joint issues such as arthritis you’ll want to stick to low impact exercises such as walking and swimming. For my dog with arthritis the right balance for us has been a combination of low impact exercises plus plenty of mentally stimulating games.

Write down how much exercise your dog is getting every day, and adjust as needed. If your dog is showing any signs of discomfort slow down a bit and readjust. And as always if you have any questions of concerns don’t be afraid to check in with your veterinarian.

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Since I give my dog people food from time to time I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to look up which foods are good or bad for dogs years ago. So for convenience I’ve made a handy little list of the major foods to avoid feeding your dog. Here’s 21 human foods that are toxic to dogs.

Alcohol

When it comes to alcohol ingestion it’s not just drinks you need to worry about — fermented food products such as bread dough & rotten apples can cause alcohol poisoning in dogs (commonly referred to as ethanol poisoning). Alcohol ingestion can cause diarrhea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death in dogs.

Apricot

The stems, leaves and seeds of apricots contain cyanide which can inhibit appropriate oxygen uptake. When ingested by dogs in toxic amounts it can cause dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, panting, bright red gums, shock, and even death.

Avocado

Avocado contains a toxin called persin that can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats. And the large pit they contain can cause an obstruction if swallowed. Although avocado poisoning in dogs and cats is generally mild, it can be deadly to birds and some large mammals such as cattle and horses.

Caffeine

Dogs are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine than humans, and even a moderate ingestion can cause death in small dogs. Common items that contain caffeine include coffee, soda, tea, energy drinks and diet pills as well as coffee grounds and tea bags (important to note for dogs who have a habit of rummaging through the garbage).

Symptoms of caffeine toxicity in dogs include restlessness, hyperactivity, tremors, abnormal heart rhythms, seizures and collapse. Symptoms usually begin within 1-2 hours of ingestion, and they can last for as long as 12 hours.

Candies & Gums

Many candies and gums contain an artificial sweetener called xylitol that’s highly toxic to dogs. Just a small amount can cause severe complications including hypoglycemia, seizures, liver failure or even death. Popular brands that contain xylitol include Orbit, Mentos, Ice Breakers, Nicorette and Trident (here’s a more comprehensive list).

Symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs include vomiting, decreased activity, weakness, staggering, collapse and seizures. If you suspect your dog has ingested any candy or gum that contains xylitol contact your veterinarian immediately.

Cherries

Another human food that is toxic to dogs is cherries. The stems, leaves, and seeds of cherries contain cyanide, and the pits can cause intestinal obstruction in dogs. Symptoms of cherry toxicity in dogs include dilated pupils, bright red gums, difficulty breathing, panting, shock and death.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs. Cocoa powder, baker’s chocolate and dark chocolate contain the highest levels of theobromine and caffeine, and the clinical signs of poisoning depend on the amount and type of chocolate ingested.

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, pacing, tremors, seizures, abnormal heart rate and death. Symptoms can take anywhere from 6-12 hours to show up, and they can last as long as 72 hours, so if you suspect your dog ate chocolate contact your veterinarian.

Coffee

Dogs and more sensitive to the caffeine found in coffee than humans, and as mentioned above moderate ingestion of caffeine can cause poisoning or even death in some cases. Clinical signs of caffeine poisoning in dogs include hyperactivity, vomiting, elevated heart rate, tremors, seizure and collapse.

Garlic

Garlic is part of the Allium family (that also includes onions, leeks & chives) that contains n-propyldisulfide and thiosulphate, both of which are toxic to dogs. In large doses garlic can cause oxidative damage to the red blood cells which can lead to anemia.

Symptoms of garlic poisoning in dogs include vomiting, bloody urine, weakness, panting, elevated heart rate and collapse.

Grapes

Grapes and raisins can cause toxicity in dogs, though the exact substance that causes the reaction is unknown. Symptoms of grape poisoning in dogs often occurs within a few hours of ingestion and they include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, dehydration, loss of appetite, increased thirst and abdominal pain.

In some instances grape poisoning has caused severe kidney damage leading to sudden kidney failure. If you suspect your dog has ingested grapes or raisins contact your veterinarian.

Hops

Hops is a plant that’s toxic to dogs, and it’s used for brewing beer and can be found in some herbal medicines. The symptoms of hops toxicity in dogs include vomiting, hyperthermia, increased heart rate, panting, anxiety and abdominal pain.

Macadamia nuts

Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs. Although they’re not common as a standalone snack they can be found in some baked goods such as cakes, cookies and muffins.

Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin that adversely affects the muscles, digestive system and nervous system of dogs. Symptoms of macadamia nut poisoning in dogs include weakness, depression, vomiting, ataxia, tremors and hyperthermia.

Mushrooms

Certain mushrooms are toxic to dogs, including some of the common ones found throughout North America. Symptoms of mushroom poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, abdominal pain, drooling, seizures and coma.

If you believe your dog ingested mushrooms contact your veterinarian, and if possible bring a sample of the mushroom for identification.

Onions

Onions contain n-propyldisulfide and thiosulphate, both of which can be toxic to dogs. In large doses onions can cause damage to the red blood cells leading to anemia. Symptoms of onion toxicity in dogs include vomiting, bloody urine, weakness, panting, elevated heart rate and collapse.

Pitted Fruits

Although certain fruits are good for dogs in moderation it’s important to remove the seeds, leaves and pits before feeding them to your dog. Many fruit seeds and leaves are toxic to dogs, and the pits in fruit can cause an obstruction if swallowed.

Raisins

One of the more common human foods that are toxic to dogs is raisins. Raisins (and grapes) can cause toxicity in dogs, though the exact substance that causes the reaction is unknown. Symptoms of raisin toxicity in dogs often occurs within a few hours of ingestion.

Symptoms of raising poisoning in dogs include diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, dehydration, loss of appetite, increased thirst and abdominal pain. In some instances raisins can cause severe kidney damage in dogs, leading to sudden kidney failure. If you suspect your dog has ingested raisins contact your veterinarian.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb contains soluble calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to dogs. Ingestion of rhubarb can cause a sudden drop in calcium in dogs that can lead to acute kidney failure. The symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, weakness, bloody urine, tremors and changes in thirst and urination.

Salty Snacks

Salt is toxic to dogs, so when it comes to giving your dog a treat avoid salty snacks such as chips and pretzels. Dogs can generally tolerate moderate levels of salt if they have access to plenty of fresh water, but high levels can lead to salt toxicity (which can also develop after dogs spend time in the ocean which contains 3.5% sodium).

Symptoms of salt poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, elevated temperature, seizures, tremors, coma and death when left untreated.

Star Fruit

Star fruit contains soubule calcium oxalate crystals which are toxic to dogs. Ingestion of star fruit can cause a sudden decrease in calcium that can lead to acute kidney failure. Symptoms of star fruit poisoning include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, lethargy, bloody urine, tremors and changes in thirst and urination.

Xylitol

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that’s highly toxic to dogs. Small amounts of xylitol can cause severe complications for dogs including hypoglycemia, seizures, liver failure or even death. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs include vomiting, decreased activity, weakness, staggering, collapse and seizures.

Xylitol is used in many gums, candies, dental products, chewable vitamins, fruit drinks and baked goods — it’s also found in a few brands of peanut butter.

Ingestion of xylitol is a medical emergency; if you suspect your dog has ingested xylitol contact your veterinarian immediately.

Yeast (Bread Dough)

Yeast, the kind that’s found in unbaked dough, is toxic to dog, and can even lead to life threatening complications.

Ingestion of yeast can cause two serious issues for dogs: it can cause a life threatening condition called bloat, and it can lead to alcohol poisoning.

Yeast rises in warm & moist environments, so when a dog ingests yeast it causes their stomach to expand. That increase in pressure and size can lead to bloat (also known as gastric dilatation and volvulus), a rapidly progressive life threatening condition. Signs of bloat include vomiting, a distended stomach, an elevated heart rate, weakness, collapse and death.

Yeast produces ethanol during fermentation, and that ethanol get quickly absorbed into the bloodstream of dogs. Complications from alcohol poisoning in dogs include tremors, disorientation, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, and respiratory depression. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning in dogs include attempts to vomit, drooling, hyperactivity, weakness, staggering and decreased reflexes.

Ingesting yeast can be life threatening to dogs, if you suspect your dog has eaten yeast contact your vet immediately.

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Resources & Additional Reading

• List of Poisons – Pet Poison Helpline
• Poisonous Household Items For Pets – Vetstreet
• People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pet – ASPCA

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Why do some dogs eat so fast? Some dogs eat fast because they feel like their food will get eaten up by someone else if they don’t get to it first, some eat fast due to certain medical conditions or medications, and others eat fast due to excitement. (If you have multiple dogs and one of them is a fast eater I recommend separating them for mealtime; it should help cut down on the feeling that dinner time is a competition.)

Regardless of why your dog is eating fast there is a valid reason to be concerned — it can be dangerous to your dog’s health. Fast eating can lead to stomach upset, gagging, choking, vomiting and a life threatening condition called bloat. (Large, deep chested breeds such as Great Danes are especially susceptible to bloat)

If you’re concerned about how fast your dog eats there are a few things you can do to help slow them down. Here’s 3 ways to slow down your dog’s eating.

Use a Food Dispensing Toy For Their Meals

Food dispensing toys are awesome for keeping your dog mentally stimulated, but when it comes to feeding your fast eating dog they come with an added benefit — they make it impossible for your dog to scarf down their food. Food dispensing toys (sometimes called treat dispensers) are designed to only let one or two pieces of food come out at a time.

They’re available at most pet stores (and on amazon), and they’re easy to fill up, use, wash and reuse the next day. My favorite is the Bob A Lot because it’s pretty heavy duty and the hole is adjustable. You simply fill it up with your dogs meal, hand it over to them and encourage to engage with it. As they roll it around the food will start to spill out.

It takes my dog about 10 minutes to finish her dinner out of the Bob A Lot, compared to the 30 seconds it would take if I just put it in her bowl. It’s an easy way to slow down her eating, and the best part is she really enjoys it. As soon as I pick it up she starts dancing around and getting excited.

When it comes to picking a treat dispenser for your dog there’s a few things to keep in mind. Is the toy you’re looking at going to be tough enough for your dog? Some toys (especially the ball shaped ones) are made of soft plastic that probably won’t hold up very well if your dog is a big chewer. Will your dog’s food fit through the hole, or is it adjustable? Is it easy to wash and/or dishwasher safe? If you answered yes to all three of those you’ve found a good one.

Buy or Make a Slow Feeder Bowl

There’s a lot of dogs that eat fast, and if you had any doubt about how common it is check out just how many different slow feeder bowls there are on amazon. They come in so many shapes and sizes, but they all have one thing in common — they’re designed with ridges inside to make it hard for your dog to gulp down their food.

If you’re looking for a quick and low effort way to help slow down your dogs eating a slow feeder bowl can help. You fill it with your dog’s food just as you’d normally do, and the bowl itself does all the work. The raised ridges act as obstructions, and they help slow down your dog’s eating.

When choosing a slow feeder bowl for your dog it’s important to remember that some are a lot more complex than others. Depending on how fast your dog eats, and how good they are at solving puzzles you might want to opt for a more complex one. A bowl with just 3 solid raised ridges in the middle won’t slow down your dog nearly as much as one with a more complex maze design.

If you want a pretty easy DIY option try feeding your dog out of a muffin tin. Spreading their food out between each muffin “hole” should slow down their eating. If it doesn’t slow them down enough you can make it a bit more challenging by adding some tennis balls on top.

Turn Mealtime into Game or Training Time

If you have a few extra minutes during your dog’s mealtime one of the best ways to slow down their eating is to turn it into a game or training session. You just measure out your dog’s meal as normal, and set it aside for the game or training session of your choice.

One of my dog’s favorite food related games is a nose work game called “find the treats.” While my dog is in a stay position I’ll go around the house and hide pieces of her food. (if your dog is new to this game start with “easy” hiding spots that are in plain sight) Once they’re all hidden I’ll tell her to go “find the treats” and encourage her as she finds each one. It’s mentally stimulating for her, and it prevents her from being able to gobble up her food in one gulp.

Using your dog’s food as a reward in training sessions is another way to help slow down their eating. You can work on some cool new tricks with your dog such as weaving through legs, or just brush up on the basics. Using your dog’s food as a training reward not only helps slow down their eating, it can help boost their confidence, keep them mentally stimulated, and improve their focus.

Is Your Dog a Fast Eater?

Does your dog eat too fast? What methods have you used to slow down their eating?

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Yes, if we want to lose weight we need to burn more calories than we consume, but weight loss isn’t just about eating less and exercising more; it’s about finding the balance that’s right for you which includes making diet and exercise changes when needed.

And the same is true for our dogs. To help them lose weight you need to help them burn off more calories than they consume, but to maintain that weight you’ll need to find a balance that’s right for them.

My dog started gaining weight a few years back, and I tried many methods. Some worked, and some didn’t. The good ones that worked are the ones I’m going to share today. They not only helped her lose weight, they helped her keep it off in the long run. Here’s 5 tips to help your dog lose weight, and help keep it off in the long run.

Feed Less & Always Measure

Now the first part of this is pretty obvious — if your dog needs to lose weight they should be eating less. But the second part about measuring your dogs meals is often overlooked, yet without measuring it’s tough to gauge results. If you’re going to be cutting down on how much your dog eats the only way to know for sure how well it’s working is by measuring out all of their meals and keeping track of their progress.

If you’ve been feeding the same amount of food for awhile and your dog needs to lose some weight cut down on their portion size a little (when Laika needed to lose a few pounds I’d cut 5% at a time). Get out a measuring cup or scale and start measuring every single one of your dog’s meals. For 3-4 weeks keep track of their weight, how much food they’re eating, and adjust accordingly.

When it comes to portion size it’s easy to overestimate how much our dog’s need to eat, and unfortunately dog food labels aren’t an exact science. They’re based on your dog’s size and age, but they don’t take your dog’s activity level into account. A Border Collie that works on a farm will need more calories than a Cocker Spaniel who snuggles all day — yet if they weigh the same the label on your dog food will recommend the same amount of food for both. When it comes to keeping your dog fit it’s important to measure out their meals until you find the amount that’s right for your dog.

If you’re not comfortable with changing your dog’s diet, or you’re not sure how much to decrease their meals by, consult your veterinarian.

Give Your Dog More Exercise

We could all use some more exercise, and our dog’s are no exception. When it comes to helping your dog lose weight a couple of extra exercise sessions every day can have major results. And I’m not taking about taking your dog out for a marathon run either — there’s plenty of simple ways to ensure your dog’s getting more exercise each day. Two 5 minutes sessions of tug or fetch each day can help your dog burn off a lot of calories.

If your dog isn’t in very good shape to begin with remember to start out slowly. Stick to low impact exercises such as swimming and walking until they build up their endurance again. Rather than taking your out of shape dog for a 8 mile hike on the weekend try extending your daily walks by a few extra minutes each day. And rather than switching your leisurely walk into a run try upping the pace. A brisk walk is a great way to help burn off calories for dogs and humans alike.

Some of my favorite ways to exercise my dog include going for our daily walk, playing fetch or frisbee, playing tug of war, swimming, hiking, using a flirt pole, and playing some nose work games such as “find the treats.” There’s a variety of ways to get your dog up and moving each day, including plenty of indoor games & activities.

Adding in a few extra activities to your dog’s daily routine, such as a game of fetch or tug, will help your dog burn off a lot more calories. And since they’re a fun part of the day it’s easy to keep it up in the long run.

Skip Out On All The Extra Treats

It’s tempting to give into your dog every time they beg for food, but if your dog needs to lose weight you’ll need to consider cutting out all those extra scraps and treats. Those calories add up quickly, and they’ll negate all of the other weight loss strategies you’ve been using. If you’ve changed your dog’s diet and exercise routine and they’re still not losing weight it’s time to start cutting down on all those extra treats.

If you use treats for training, or if you want to give your dog some snacks throughout the day start measuring them out. Use less of them, and break them into smaller pieces. Count any treats you give your dog each day towards their total caloric intake, and watch the results.

Laika’s pretty easy; she’ll gladly work for her regular food when it comes to training. So when I’m going to work on some training I’ll just subtract some of her regular food for the day and set it aside for training.

Another tip to help your dog lose weight is to find a fruit or veggie that your dog really loves and use those as treats. They contain less calories than store bought treats, but they do contain a lot of natural sugar and fiber — so remember to use them in moderation. Some popular options that are safe for dogs include carrots, sugar snap peas, green beans, apples (without the seeds), seedless watermelon, bananas, strawberries, broccoli and pumpkin.

Feed Your Dog Multiple Times a Day

Do you feed your dog one big meal a day? One easy way to help them lose weight is to split their food into two or three smaller meals throughout the day.

Like us our dogs have a simple stomach structure, and after about 8-10 hours of eating it’s empty and they’re hungry again. Feeding your dog multiple times a day mimics their natural habits, and it helps keep their metabolism stable.

An easy schedule to follow is feeding your dog once in the morning, and once in the early evening. Eating at different times will give your dog a chance to burn off some of those calories between meals. It also prevents them from having to digest a full day’s worth of food all in one sitting, and can help prevent larger dogs from getting bloated.

Have Your Dog Work For Their Food

I know what you’re thinking — making your dog work for their food seems pretty mean. We’re their caretakers after all, and we’re responsible for providing them with food & shelter; why should they have to work for it? Well the truth is most dog’s don’t mind working for food out of a puzzle toy or treat dispenser; most find it quite engaging. Their wild ancestors had to hunt for each of their meals, and using a food dispensing toy is an easy way to let them use some of their natural scavenging abilities.

You’ve got plenty of options when it comes to having your dog work for their food, from DIY food dispensers made out of PVC pipe or a plastic container, to store bought puzzles. My personal favorite is the Bob-A-Lot (available from Amazon) interactive dog toy. It’s easy to fill, dishwasher safe, and it keeps my dog busy for 15+ minutes as she works at eating her meals.

Using food dispensing toys will give your dog plenty of mental stimulation, and they’re an easy way to get your dog up and moving. So rather than thinking of it as having to “work” for their food I like to think of it as a fun and way to keep my dog busy and entertained during mealtime.

If Your Dog Still Isn’t Losing Weight (or Gains Weight Suddenly)

Most dogs gain weight gradually, especially once they’re out of puppyhood, but sudden weight gain can be the sign of something serious. While transitioning your young dog to adult food can help in some instances, it’s important to keep track to make sure they’re not gaining weight at an alarming rate.

Certain medical conditions, such as hypothyroidism, diabetes and Cushing’s disease can cause your dog to lose weight, making it nearly impossible to keep them trim. If your dog has gained a lot of weight recently, or if you’re struggling to keep them fit it’s time to take a trip to the vet.

How Do You Maintain a Healthy Weight For Your Dog?

Have you ever had to help your dog lose weight? What methods did you use? Do you have any favorite tips for keeping the weight off in the long run?

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When my dog got fleas a few years back I panicked. After 20 years of owning pets I’d never had to deal with those pests before. I went to the store, bought a bunch of products and got to work. After each treatment I’d let out a sigh of relief, and yet a few days (or weeks) later the fleas would be back.

After learning a little bit more about their life cycle I started to understand why they have a tendency to keep coming back, and how to effectively get rid of them. Here’s 3 reasons why fleas are so hard to get rid of, and what to do if you find fleas on your dog.

Fleas Can Lay Up to 50 Eggs Per Day

The main reason fleas are so hard to get rid of because they reproduce (lay eggs) like crazy. An adult female flea lays 20-30 eggs on average per day, but they can lay up to 50. So when it comes to getting rid of fleas just treating for the adults isn’t enough — you also need to treat the environment to get rid of all those eggs they left behind.

In order to lay eggs a flea must have access to food, and in the case of fleas that means the blood of their host. Flea eggs have a rounded oval shape with a smooth surface. When they’re first laid they’re wet and sticky, but they quickly dry out. And since fleas only lay eggs on their host (usually our pets) those eggs end up falling off all over the place.

This is why fleas are notoriously hard to get rid of. We treat our pets for adult fleas when we see them, but forget about all those eggs they’ve left behind. And after a couple weeks those eggs hatch and the process starts all over again.

When you have fleas in your home you need to get rid of them at all life stages, including their eggs. Flea eggs fall off their hosts, leading them to get stuck in carpets, in cracks and crevices, in pet beds and under furniture. This is why repeated vacuuming and cleaning your floors is necessary when getting rid of fleas in your home — especially in areas where your dog hangs out a lot.

Cat fleas are highly reproductive. A single healthy female produces an average of 20-30 eggs per day, roughly one egg an hour. – How Many Eggs Do Fleas Lay?

There Are 4 Stages in the Flea Life Cycle

Another reason fleas are hard to get rid of is due to their life cycle, and that cycle happens without us even noticing. We use treatments that are effective for killing adult fleas, but those treatments don’t necessarily work on the other 3 stages of their life cycle.

Fleas have 4 stages in their life cycle — egg, larva, pupa and adult. The egg stage lasts anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks. The larva stage develops over a couple of weeks by eating “flea dirt” (adult flea poop) and other organic material it finds in the environment. The pupa stage, often called the cocoon stage, lasts for a couple days to a couple of weeks. If the environment isn’t right for the pupa to emerge as an adult the cocoon can protect the developing flea for months or years in certain instances.

As mentioned above a female flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day, so it’s important to repeatedly clean and vacuum your floors when trying to get rid of fleas. If any eggs get left behind they can hatch into adult fleas, and your infestation can start all over again.

If you neglect to treat the pet’s environment (the premises), you will miss more than 90% of the developing flea population — the eggs, larvae and pupae. – Ridding Your Home of Fleas, University of Kentucky

Not All Flea Treatments Work The Same

When it comes to picking a flea treatment you have a ton of options. There’s prescription medications, IGRs (insect growth regulators), sprays, foggers, collars and spot on treatments. And while having all those options is good it does make the process of trying to choose the right one confusing to say the least.

I’m not here to tell you what treatment to use to get rid of fleas, but I am here to tell you that the vast majority of them don’t disrupt the flea life cycle completely. IGRs for example will kill adult fleas, eggs and larva, but they don’t effect the pupa stage. Those pupa can hatch, and a few weeks after using an IGR you may notice fleas starting to show up again. That doesn’t mean IGRs and other flea treatments are useless because they don’t kill fleas at all stages of the life cycle — it just means you’ll also have to treat your environment with something that works on pupa.

So how do you treat the environment? A lot of cleaning and vacuuming. It sounds simple I know, but it is effective at picking up all those nasty little eggs, larva & pupa those fleas have left behind. As soon as you’ve treated your dog for fleas it’s time to start cleaning your floors, focusing heavily on the areas and/or upholstery where your dog spends a lot of time.

When getting rid of fleas remember to treat your dog and the environment. Many flea treatments only focus on eliminating adult fleas rather than disrupting them at all stages of their life cycle.

How to Get Rid of Fleas

Fleas are so hard to get rid of because we tend to only focus on eliminating the adults. To get rid of fleas you need to treat your pet and the environment. So that means finding a treatment for your dog that kills adult fleas, and then eliminating all the eggs, larva & pupa they left behind.

The best way to get rid of fleas is to pick a treatment for your pet to eliminate adult fleas, and then work on treating the environment. And in most instances that can be done with a little elbow grease. If you vacuum enough and clean the areas where your pet likes to hang out you might not have to treat your home with any additional treatments.

After treating your dog for fleas, consistent vacuuming will help eliminate all those eggs, larva & pupa they’ve left behind. Focus on areas where your dog spends a lot of time such as the couch or their bed. Vacuum under furniture as well since a lot of flea larvae and eggs can be found at the base of furniture. You’ll also want to wash any bedding or blankets your dog has come into contact with in hot, soapy water.

When we had fleas I vacuumed three times a day for a couple weeks. Flea eggs can take 2-3 days to hatch, so consistently vacuuming for a couple of days will help ensure that you’re getting rid of fleas at all stages of life.

Because pupa can lay dormant for months it’s important to continually treat the environment. Repeated vacuuming is recommended to remove flea eggs from your carpets & floors. Make sure to empty your vacuum immediately afterwards and take it outside — those eggs can hatch while inside your vacuum bag.

If your dog is experiencing extreme itching or any hair loss I make an appointment with your veterinarian. Some dogs are allergic to fleas, and can have severe reactions to a flea infestation.

Conclusion

If you have fleas in your home you have my permission to freak out a little. I know I did. But don’t fret too much — you can get rid of them as long as you remember to treat your home as well as treating your dog.

If you spot fleas on your dog remember that only a small proportion are on your dog at any given time. The eggs, larvae, and pupa are actually found on the ground, often embedded in carpet and other places where your dog spends a lot of time.

Instead of just focusing on the visible fleas you need to eliminate all those little nasty eggs, larvae & pupa they left behind. If you’re only killing adult fleas it’s just a matter of time before all the eggs hatch into a whole new infestation.

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Over half of American dogs are overweight. And carrying extra weight around puts them at risk for developing health issues such as hypertension, diabetes, osteoarthritis and liver disease.

That’s the bad news. The good news is we control one of the biggest factors that contribute to our dog’s weight — their food.

Over Half of American Dogs Are Overweight

It’s not just Americans that are suffering from an obesity epidemic — it’s affecting our dogs as well. If your dog is overweight you’re certainly not alone. An estimated 54% of American dogs are overweight.

It’s a problem that tends to come on gradually, and when you live with your dog everyday it’s easy to miss those changes in their weight.

And have you ever met a dog that didn’t love treats? It’s so easy to overfeed our dogs because they love food so much. And who doesn’t want to make their dog happy by giving them something they love? I know I’m guilty of it. But unfortunately for our dogs all those extra calories add up pretty quick.

And while exercise can help your dog lose weight it’s only half of the equation. If you ate nothing but high calorie junk food all day you’d struggle to keep the pounds off, regardless of how much you exercise. And the same is true for our dogs.

It’s hard to keep our dogs fit and lean if they have a poor diet to begin with. I recommend reading “Your Dog Can’t Out Exercise a Poor Diet” for further information on burning calories and the importance of understanding basal metabolism.

Keeping our dogs lean and fit is our job, and one of the ways we can do that is by controlling the amount of food they get each day. Each dog is different, and it will take awhile to find the balance that’s right for your dog. But coming up with a personalized diet that keeps your dog lean can add years to their life.

The results of feeding your dog less are pretty remarkable. Researchers found that feeding a dog less can increase their lifespan by 25%, increasing a dog’s median lifespan by 1.8 years.

Be Careful With Dog Food Instructions

First things first let’s talk about dog food labels. They’re good for giving us a pretty good estimate of how much our dogs should be eating based on their size, but they don’t take your dog’s activity level or age into account.

Every dog food has their own recommendations on proportion sizes based on a dog’s weight. But there’s a problem with those estimates — they’re quite varied and not exact. Some brands tell you to feed 1/2 – 1 cup per 20 pounds — and that difference alone is 50%. And when we’re talking about an 80 pound dog that’s a difference of 2 – 4 cups. So if you feed on the high end your dog could be eating 50% more every single day than someone who sticks to the low end.

How to Decrease Your Dog’s Food Intake

The key to decreasing your dog’s food intake is to do it slowly and accurately. That means using a measuring cup or scale and measuring out every single meal your dog eats.

If you’re currently feeding your dog what their food label recommends and they’re still gaining weight (or need to lose a few pounds) try decreasing their meals a little bit at a time. I’d start with a small decrease (5 or 10%) and keep track of their weight for a week or two. If they’re still not losing weight decrease it a little more.

The goal is not to decrease all of their food intake by 25% at once, it’s to find the amount of food that’s right for your dog. Your dog’s age, health and activity level are all factors that go into figuring out how many calories they should be getting daily.

When my dog started gaining weight a few years back I did this tactic. She started gaining weight when she was about 2 years old, despite not changing her diet or exercise routine. It wasn’t too fast but it was almost two pounds a month. In a year she could have potentially gained 24 pounds, which for her would have been quite alarming. Obviously something was wrong; she was still an active dog yet she was getting chubby.

Rather than switching to a diet dog food I made some adjustments to the amount I was feeding her. According to the dog food label she should be eating almost 4 cups of food a day because she weighs 70 pounds. Obviously that wasn’t working for her anymore so I made some adjustments and slowly started decreasing the amount she got.

It was pretty easy because she eats the same kind of food everyday. I got out a measuring cup and started decreasing her food intake by 5% at a time and started keeping track of her weight. To keep track of her weight I’d take her to the vet’s office for a quick weigh in once a week. (I couldn’t get my big dog to sit on our small scale, and I struggled trying to pick her up and get an accurate weight)

She didn’t lose much weight with a 5% decrease in food, so over the a few months I kept decreasing it 5% at a time until we got to the amount that was right for her. And that amount ended up being 25%. To say I was shocked was an understatement. I certainly didn’t think I was overfeeding her to begin with, but that 25% decrease is what has helped keep her trim over the years.

So be cautious when you read dog food labels — they’re a good estimate, but they’re not exact.

Feeding Your Dog Less Can Increase Their Life Span

A study was published in 2007 that looked at the long term effects diet restriction can have on the life span and age related changes dogs experience. The research was conducted over two decades with 48 Labrador Retrievers as the subjects.

Dogs were paired off at 8 weeks of age; one of the dogs would be fed 25% less food than it’s pair mate for the duration of it’s life. Serum biochemical analysis were performed, body condition was scored, and body composition was measured until the dogs reached 12 years of age.

The dogs who were food restricted weighed less, had lower body fat content and lower serum triglycerides, triiodothyronine, insulin, and glucose concentrations. The median life span for the dogs who ate 25% less were found to be significantly longer. The clinical signs of chronic diseases were also delayed for the restricted diet dogs.

The results suggest that the 25% reduction in food intake increased the median life span of the dogs by almost 2 years (1.8 average) and delayed the onset of chronic diseases.

This study was conducted after researchers found that there was a significant decrease in the onset of orthopedic diseases in Labrador Retrievers that were given a 25% reduction in their food intake.

Your Dogs Diet Should Be Personalized

The science of human diets is lacking when it comes to essential information, so why would we expect our dogs nutritional information to be any better? Unfortunately it’s not. Most food recommendations are always based on observational results. Although they may provide some useful information they’re not one size fits all.

The diet that works for the working Border Collie is not the same diet that will work for the Schnauzer, even if they weigh the same. If you owned both and followed your dog food label instructions they’d be getting the same amount of food. You’d probably start to notice a difference in their weight after awhile.

Diets should be personalized to meet the specific needs of the dog. One of the first places to start when making a change in your dogs diet is with a trip to the veterinarian. They can properly evaluate your dogs current condition and come up with a goal for your dogs ideal weight.

What to Do If Your Dog Needs to Lose Weight

With so many different varieties of dog food available it can be a bit overwhelming. If you’re already feeding a high quality dog food you don’t need to necessarily change the brand; you can change the amount you feed.

Feeding your dog less is the goal, so don’t forget to count all treats when it comes to measuring your dogs daily caloric intake. And be sure to measure your dog’s food intake each day, whether by a measuring cup or scale. Us humans think we’re pretty good at estimating amounts, but we’re usually pretty bad at it. If you want to come up with a personalized diet to keep your dog lean you’re going to need to accurately measure out all of their meals and keep track of their weight.

We owe it to our dogs to keep them fit, they don’t know that their excess weight is unhealthy. I went through it with my own dog much to my surprise. Turns out feeding Laika 25% less helps her stay lean and fit.

Eating right and staying active aren’t just rules for a diet; they’re key to your dog’s overall wellbeing. Keeping your dog fit and lean increases the chance of your dog living a longer, healthier life.

The post Feeding Your Dog Less May Lead To A Longer Life appeared first on Puppy Leaks.

Brushing your dog’s teeth isn’t the funnest activity in the world, nor is it going to be the highlight of your day, but it isn’t that bad  — I promise. To put it in perspective I’d rather brush my dog’s teeth 20 times than clip her nails once. Whoever invented meat flavored doggie toothpaste (yeah they exist, and there’s a wide variety to choose from on amazon) did us all a huge favor.

Tip: If your dog isn’t used to having their teeth brushed, or if you’re not sure where to begin be sure to check out this quick guide to get started.

The Benefits of Brushing Your Dogs Teeth Every Day

Oral health is often overlooked when it comes to taking care of our dogs, yet it’s such an important aspect to their overall well-being. I certainly didn’t pay much attention to my dog’s teeth until Laika started developing a lot of tartar buildup at a young age. When she was a year old she was already showing the early signs of dental disease. I didn’t believe it when our vet pointed it out, but sure enough her teeth were already pretty rough.

I’ve always had dogs, and to be honest I never brushed their teeth. Sure their teeth got a little worse as they got older, but they didn’t accumulate plaque and tartar like Laika does. When it comes to your dog’s teeth a daily brushing is recommended, but keep in mind some dogs accumulate plaque faster than others. (smaller dogs are more prone to developing buildup)

I brush Laika’s teeth every day because she’s apparently a plaque building machine. Because she accumulates so much of it I made a habit of brushing her teeth every evening. That works for us, and it helps keep her teeth under control. You know your dog best, and if you can’t fit in a daily brushing, or if your dog doesn’t seem to accumulate much plaque, do it a couple times a week instead.

Although veterinary dental specialists would prefer that all owners brush their dogs’ teeth, the fact is that some dogs need it more than others. – Whole Dog Journal

Daily brushing doesn’t guarantee that your dog will never have dental problems, but it can prevent the majority of them. When it comes to oral care a little prevention goes a long way. You can help prevent serious issues like periodontal disease from developing by taking a few extra minutes each day to brush your dog’s teeth. Here’s the benefits of brushing your dogs teeth everyday.

Did you know this little booger accumulates plaque like crazy? Well she does, and that’s why we’ve made daily brushing a habit. Now it’s not exactly fun and exciting, but it’s not too bad once your dog is used to it. Meat flavored toothpaste is a big help indeed.

To Prevent the Buildup of Plaque and Tartar

The biggest benefit of brushing your dogs teeth everyday is preventing the buildup of plaque and tartar on their teeth. Just like us, daily brushing is recommended to help prevent dental issues from developing. And the only scientifically proven way to decrease the buildup that causes most dental diseases is by brushing your dogs teeth regularly.

Plaque is a sticky substance that forms on your dog’s teeth after eating. As plaque accumulates and begins mixing with saliva and bacteria it hardens and turns into tartar. And when it comes to teeth tartar is the real bad buy. If left intact tartar can spread under the gumline, leading to gingivitis and periodontal disease. Over time periodontal disease causes the gums to pull away from the teeth, leading to many dental issues such as irritation, swelling, infection, loose teeth and bone loss.

The good news is that by brushing your dog’s teeth everyday you can help prevent tartar from forming on your dog’s teeth. It takes approximately 36 hours for plaque to harden and turn into tartar. So brushing daily removes plaque from your dog’s teeth before it has a chance to harden and form tartar buildup.

If you can’t fit brushing your dog’s teeth into your schedule once a day twice try doing it twice a week. When it comes to oral care prevention is key. Once plaque has hardened into tartar it’s really hard to remove, and often calls for a professional dental cleaning.

As you care for your dog’s mouth, look for warning signs of gum disease such as bad breath, red and swollen gums, a yellow-brown crust of tartar around the gumline, and pain or bleeding when you touch the gums or mouth. – Pet Education

Dental Disease Can Cause Serious Health Problems

Dental health isn’t necessarily the first thing we think of when it comes to keeping our dog healthy, but it’s such an important part of their well-being. Ignoring dental issues, even if they seem minor, can lead to serious health problems.

While some minor gum inflammation and other symptoms of periodontal disease may seem relatively minor keep in mind they do cause discomfort. When they’re left untreated they do progress and can end up causing tissue and bone destruction. Untreated dental problems in dogs lead to serious health complications including liver and kidney problems. In severe cases they can lead to diseases such as sepsis, bone infections and liver abscesses which can can be fatal.

By brushing your dog’s teeth everyday you can help cut down the risk of your dog developing serious dental issues caused by periodontal disease. And by checking your dog’s mouth everyday you can catch any problems or changes early and have them checked out by your veterinarian.

Addressing problems when they are minor and preventing the health damaging effects of bacterial contamination and systemic toxin release are immeasurably beneficial to the dog’s long-term health status. – PetMD

Dogs Can Be Good At Hiding Dental Pain

One of the biggest benefits of brushing your dog’s teeth regularly is that you can catch dental problems early. The majority of dogs are good at hiding pain, and that includes any discomfort they may be having in their mouth. Their natural instinct is to hide pain, which is why it’s important to keep an eye out for any changes in their behavior if you suspect your dog is in pain.

Common symptoms of dental pain in dogs include:

• Loss of appetite
• Trouble eating
• Red/bleeding gums
• Loose teeth
• Nasal discharge/sneezing
• Bad breath
• Excessive drooling

Since your dog isn’t likely to let you know that they’re experiencing dental pain it’s important to keep an eye on their mouth and teeth. By brushing your dog’s teeth everyday you’re not only preventing harmful buildup from developing, you’re also able to spot any changes early.

If you do notice any changes in your dog’s mouth such as bleeding gums or loose teeth make an appointment with your veterinarian to have it checked out.

The majority of dogs are good at hiding pain — they’re stoic like this guy. If you notice any changes in your dog’s behavior it’s worth investigating. If you can’t determine what’s causing the change consult with your veterinarian. (don’t just consult Dr. Google when it comes to your dog’s health)

85% of Dogs Over the Age of 4 Have Periodontal Disease

Roughly 85% of all dogs over the age of 4 have periodontal disease. You can cut down on the risk of your dog developing the disease by cleaning their teeth everyday.

Do you brush your dog’s teeth everyday? If not you’re certainly not alone. The majority of us don’t, and many of us (my former self included) underestimate the importance of our dog’s oral health. By brushing your dog’s teeth everyday you can help prevent the buildup that leads to most dental issues and diseases.

By three years of age, most dogs and cats have some evidence of periodontal disease. – AVDC

Preventing Dental Problems Can Save You Money

I know sitting down to brush your dog’s teeth isn’t something that makes you jump for joy — but what if I told you it can save you a lot of money in the long run. Now I’m not saying that brushing your dog’s teeth will prevent any health issues from arising, but you can catch them early.

By brushing your dog’s teeth everyday you can prevent and detect dental problems before they get serious. When left untreated dental issues in dogs lead to major health problems that cost a lot of money to treat.

On top of the costs associated with treating serious issues caused by periodontal disease a teeth cleaning alone can be quite expensive. Because professional teeth cleanings usually require anesthesia for dogs it can be quite costly. On average you can expect to pay at least a couple hundred dollars to have your dog’s teeth professionally cleaned. That cost can rise if your dog is large or if a deep cleaning or any extractions are needed.

Proper dental care can detect dental disease that not only affects the mouth, but can also lead to more serious health problems such as heart, lung, and kidney disease. – AAHA

Regular Dental Care Will Freshen Your Dogs Breath

We all love puppy breath, but when it comes to adult dogs — well that’s another story. Some dogs have pretty bad breath, and that’s often caused by dental or gum disease in dogs. By brushing your dog’s teeth everyday you can help prevent buildup on your dog’s teeth, and you’ll also be able to keep their breath smelling fresh.

If your dog has really bad breath, or if there’s any sudden changes in smell consult your veterinarian. In some instances bad breath in dogs can be a sign of medical issues such as diabetes and kidney issues.

Not All “Dental” Products Help Reduce Buildup

There are a lot of doggie dental products on the market, but unfortunately not all are proven effective. And you’ve probably heard that dry dog food, aka kibble, helps reduce tartar buildup — well unfortunately that’s not true either.

If you’re interested in getting some products that have been shown to help reduce buildup check out ones that have been approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). Their list contains products that have been shown to help reduce either plaque and/or tartar.

You Can Spot Changes/Issues Early

You know your dog best, and as with anything you do on a regular basis you’re going to notice when things start to change — and this includes dental issues.

Periodontal disease can be prevented and treated when caught early. When you brush your dog’s teeth everyday you’ll be able to spot and take note of any changes in your dog’s mouth. If you notice anything unusual make an appointment with your veterinarian before it becomes serious.

If You’re Not Comfortable Brushing Your Dogs Teeth

Some dogs are easier than others when it comes to brushing their teeth. And when it comes to plaque and tartar buildup some dogs accumulate more than others. If you’re not comfortable brushing your dogs teeth you can opt to have them professionally cleaned.

While a professional teeth cleaning can be costly it can save you money in the long run by preventing health problems associated with dental disease. For most dogs an annual dental cleaning is recommended. Most veterinary clinics offer dental cleanings, and routine cleanings generally take 45 minutes to an hour.

Please share with your friends

Do You Brush Your Dogs Teeth Every Day?

How often do you brush your dogs teeth? Does your dog love all those meat flavored toothpastes as much as mine does? Do you have any favorite doggie dental products?

Resources & Recommended Reading

• Do I Need to Brush My Dog’s Teeth?
• Brushing Your Dogs Teeth in 4 Easy Steps
• Training Your Dog to Accept Teeth Brushing
• 10 Tips for Dogs Who Hate Teeth Brushing

Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian. This article is intended for informational purposes only.

The post The Benefits of Brushing Your Dogs Teeth Every Day appeared first on Puppy Leaks.