10 ways to care for your dog’s mental health: Part 2

Sad Boy

  Note: This article is part 2 of 2.  You may read part 1 here. As I discussed in part one of this article, caring for your dog’s mental health will not only prevent issues between you and your four-legged companion, but on a larger scale, it will help to reduce the number of dogs [...]

10 ways to care for your dog’s mental health: Part 1

sad dog

  As dog owners, we are aware of the importance of keeping our dogs in good physical health. We feed a high quality dog food, we keep them clean and free from parasites, and we visit the vet when we notice any signs of illness. But what about your dog’s mental and emotional health? Dogs [...]

Low-Calorie Dog Treats

Meet Sarah

  We all love to give our dogs treats, and it’s no different when our dogs are on a diet. How can we treat our dogs so that they get something tasty, that won’t add inches to their waist line? Commercial low fat dog treats are simple to use. They do not require any preparation [...]

How much to feed your dog

Begging for donuts

Most dog-lovers have been guilty of feeding their precious pooch human food as treats from the dinner table at one time or another. I’m certainly guilty of that. However, after our recent vet visit, I’ve come to realize the importance of maintaining your dog’s weight. Obesity is one of the biggest health risks to our [...]

Dog obesity is bigger than you think

Overweight Dog

If you own an overweight dog, then you need to read this post. Glasgow University in Scotland conducted a study that suggested that as much as 60% of the pet dogs in that city were obese or overweight. In the United States, that figure is 35%; while 40% of Australian dogs are in the unhealthy [...]

Dog Disease and Nutrition

raw food diet

Nutrition is a very important part of keeping your dog in good health.  However, it may surprise you to learn that how and what you feed him can play a role in managing disease. One such disease that you’d be familiar with is diabetes. Diabetic dogs don’t produce enough insulin, so they cannot properly metabolise [...]

When to Use Clicker Training

Dog_Training

Reasons for using clicker training: Obedience. This method is ideal for training your dog in basic obedience, because it clearly communicates to him what you want him to do. Whether you are just looking for a better behaved companion around your home, or whether you want to compete in obedience trials, clicker training will help [...]

The importance of playtime

Playtime

Playtime for your dog is essential for a number of reasons, including: Provides some of his/her exercise requirements Provides some of his/her social needs Interaction between the owner and dog reinforces a positive relationship Interaction with other dogs improves social skills Alleviates boredom (which can lead to problematic behavior) “Taking your dog for a walk [...]

Pet Poison Hotline Information

Sick Dog

Let’s face it.  Our homes are filled with items that can poison our dogs.  Food, medicines, cleaners, and various chemicals are likely lurking in cabinets, on shelves and perhaps even counters, all posing a very real danger to your dog.  Many items are common household products, such as laundry detergents, cleaners and disinfectants.  Even some [...]

Select the right dog breed for you

Group of dogs different sizes isolated

When it’s time to choose a dog, it’s important that you give a lot of thought to what characteristic you want in your new companion. If you choose the wrong dog for your lifestyle, it’s quite likely that you’ll be disappointed and frustrated, and your stress levels will increase. Not only that, but the dog [...]