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 who are surrendered due to behavior and ultimately euthanized.  Let us now move on to tip number six.

6. Start your own dog-owners group

If there is nothing in your area that suits you and your dog, why not think about starting your own group? You could meet at a local dog park or beach. You may choose to limit your group to one breed.  In fact, Dr. Harvey BVSc (Hons), knows of “…a very successful local group of toy poodle owners who regularly meet at a local park and babysit each other’s dogs when they are on holiday” (Harvey, 2011).  To find like minded people, put up fliers in local pet shops, vet surgeries and humane societies. You may choose to arrange day trips together or even camping weekends. Another local dog owners group near Dr. Harvey has had several fun camps at a farm on the bank of a river, it’s a nice way to spend a weekend and the dogs love it (Harvey, 2011).

7. Get your dog involved in dog therapy

No, I do not mean therapy for your dog.  Therapy dogs spend time visiting people in hospitals, nursing homes, and other institutions. These dogs tend to lift the mood of the places they visit, and they improve the psychological well being of the residents.  It is well known that a dog is an ice breaker when we meet people; this applies particularly well with the mentally ill (Harvey, 2011).  Mentally disabled people have been known to be more outgoing and to initiate interaction and conversation when they are with a therapy dog (Harvey, 2011).  Grooming and walking a dog is also a gentle means of starting physical therapy with a patient (Harvey, 2011).  Being a therapy dog is enjoyable for the dogs as well for they receive lots of attention, pats, and even some treats.  There is also a sense of satisfaction for the owner in that they are performing a very useful public service.  A dog’s breed is not an important issue when it comes to becoming a therapy dog, however temperament is critical.  Most pet therapy organisations will ask that your dog at least complete a “Canine Good Citizen” test prior to starting as a therapy dog (Harvey, 2011). There are national and state organizations who manage  pet therapy services.  One of the better known groups is the Delta Society (http://www.deltasociety.org/).

8. Go on a hike with your dog

For me personally, there is nothing more enjoyable going for a hike in the great outdoors, and it can be even more fun with your dog. While there are many nature reserves where domestic animals are not allowed, there are plenty of other parks and wildlife areas where you can walk for hours along trails, exploring the terrain.  If your dog has a tendency to chase wildlife, I would suggest you keep him on lead.  I would also recommend taking snacks and drinking water for both of you for longer adventures.  If your dog (or you, for that matter) are not used to walking long distances, you should start with short walks and build up to half day or even full day hikes. There are companies who specialize in items such as protective boots and hydration backpacks for your dog to wear on the longer hikes or those with rougher terrain.

9. Encourage your dog to play with his food

If your dog is fed dry food or canned food, you’d notice that their dinner is gone very quickly.  Some dogs almost inhale their food, like Hennessey and Cooper do in my pack.  Compare this to the dog in the wild that hunts and kills its prey. It takes time to gnaw on the bones, and it is a satisfying meal. Although veterinarians now advise that dogs not be fed raw bones because of the risk of tooth fracture or intestinal obstruction (Harvey, 2011), you can still make snack-time fun for your dog. Put his kibble into an interactive toy such as a Kong’s® Stuff-A-Ball or the Wobbler ®, and he will spend hours playing with it while he gets his meal – simply stuff them with liver treats, peanut butter, or other suitable treats.  In summer you can even freeze them for a cool treat.

10. The Home Alone Dog

As the cost of living continues to rise, more and more families find it necessary to have both “mom and dad” employed.  Unfortunately, it leaves our companion to spend a lot of its day alone in the house, crate, or backyard.  (It is also leaves it up to the dog to find a way to amuse itself.  Just ask the former down pillows I once owned when it was only Penelope, before the pack.)   Outside, dogs are left to dig holes, pulling laundry off the line, and bark at the neighbors – but can we blame them?  Dogs are pack animals and are not meant to live a solitary life.  So, what are our options? If money is no object, you could always get a companion dog – two dogs are usually happier together than one. Do be sure that if they are of different genders that you get them neutered.  However, you may also have twice the holes or twice the amount of laundry off the line if you have two young dogs.  Always consider rescuing an adult dog that has been assessed by a reputable rescue group and is out of the challenging puppy stage.   Another option is to use a doggy daycare facility. These centers are set up to stimulate and socialize your dog while you are at work, and your dog would enjoy meeting the other dogs, playing with the toys and generally having companionship during the day. One place near us, Premier Pet Resort & Day Spa is a great place  your four-legged friend.  They have packages with playtimes, treats, and one-on-one attention.  They even offer luxury suites where dogs can watch pet-related movies and owners can check on them via web-cam.  However, daycare centers for dogs can be an expensive option if you were to use it daily.  Another option, if you know another dog owner, is to share dog-sitting time with him or her on a regular basis.  If doggy daycare is not feasible, then please leave your dog with some appropriate toys.  Again Kongs®, like the Air Kong Sqeaker® are fantastic.  (Editor’s note: Jasmine, who is 46 pounds, really loves her Kong®.)  There are are also doggy DVD’s available to keep your dog entertained!

If you have a dog, you are morally obligated to look after its needs – and that includes making sure it is stimulated and not living a life of boredom.  By following some of these suggestions, you will find you have a happier dog, a much better relationship with it, and fewer problems with undesirable behavior.

Until next time, may your dog be happy and healthy.

~ Eva Marie

(Editor’s note: Unfortunately, behavioral issues is one of the primary reasons an owner surrenders a dog.  “The number of dogs and cats annually euthanized in the United States has been between 5 million and 17 million nonhuman animals” (Lepper, Kass & Hart, 2002, p. 29, para 2); and as Dr. Harvey noted above, “behavioral problems now a leading cause of the euthanasia of dogs.”  It does not have to be this way.  Cesar Milan (2007) wrote in his book, Be the Pack Leader, that although many shelter animals  likely have some sort of “mental baggage”, he believes “….with the right leadership, 99 percent of them can be totally rehabiliated” (p. 293, para 1).   I personally agree with him.  It does not have to be this way and it starts with each one of us doing our part by taking care of the animals we’ve adopted into our families – both physically and mentally.)

REFERENCE:

Harvey, A. Dr., BVSc (Hons). (2011). Looking after your dog’s mental health.  Website: http://www.Vetwriter.com.

Lepper, M., Kass, P.H., Hart, L.A. (2002). Prediction of adoption versus euthanasia among dogs and cats in a California animal shelter.  Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 5(1), p. 29-42.

Milan, Cesar. (2007).  Be the Pack Leader. New York: Random House Publishing.
The Legal Notice:
The Publisher has strived to be as accurate and complete as possible in the creation of this post, notwithstanding the fact that she does not warrant or represent at any time that the contents within are accurate due to the rapidly changing nature of veterinary medicine.  The Publisher will not be responsible for any losses or damages of any kind incurred by the reader whether directly or indirectly arising from the use of the information found in this report. This report is not intended as a replacement for veterinary advice.  All readers are advised to seek services of competent veterinarian should they be concerned about any aspect of their dog’s health.  Reader assumes responsibility for use of information contained herein. The author reserves the right to make changes without notice. The Publisher assumes no responsibility or liability whatsoever on the behalf of the reader of this post.

Back in October, I launched a mobile version of the OpulentPet.com website for our readers to enjoy on mobile devices.  While the service has been wonderful, I received negative feedback on having to install a third-party app to bookmark the mobile version of the site.  With that, I searched for alternatives and found a better tool for managing this task.

Now when you visit OpulentPet.com on your mobile device, you will automatically see the mobile version.  There are no apps to install.  First time users will see a popup menu like this:

Once you close this message, you will be taken immediately to the mobile web-app:

I hope you enjoy the new mobile version   …and remember, to switch back and forth between the mobile and desktop versions of the site on your mobile device, simply select the on/off switch at the bottom of the screen.   As always, if you have any suggestions on improving the site, please contact me here.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your four-legged friends!

~Eva Marie

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 are thought to have the mental ability of a four year old child, and a bored four year-old can get into a lot of mischief! With behavioral problems now a leading cause of the euthanasia of dogs, it’s important that we take steps to keep our dogs mentally stimulated, and there are plenty of fun activities available for you and your dog to try.

1. Obedience Training
Going to an obedience class is a great idea for dogs of any age. Learning obedience exercises is not only mentally stimulating, but it’s a lot easier for a well mannered dog to enjoy many of the other activities listed in this report. Also, most dogs love the social outing – meeting new people and dogs, and having a play after the class has finished. Even when your dog is trained to your satisfaction, it will enjoy going to class with you, and a good instructor will work with you to keep your dog learning new skills. When choosing an obedience class, speak to your local vet or humane society for recommendations. You should avoid clubs who use check chains or compulsion training, and instead look for a trainer who uses food, positive reinforcement or clicker training. Dogs learn very well with positive methods and it won’t be a lot of fun for your dog to be checked with a chain for the duration of the class. Keep in mind that some obedience classes train dogs to succeed in obedience competitions, and that may be more than you need for what you want to do with your dog. There’s nothing wrong with that, but if that’s not what you want, find a club that teaches good manners rather than perfect heeling routines.

2. Trick Training
This fun activity needs no special equipment. There are any number of fun tricks you can easily teach your dog – roll over, play dead, speak on command, say their prayers and so much more. Spending time with your dog having fun and learning fun tricks not only keeps your dog’s mind active, but really enhances the relationship you have with your dog.

One of the best ways of teaching a dog new skills is with clicker training. This is the same method that’s used to train dolphins and other wild animals, and is very powerful. It is so easy to use and one of the best sites to learn how to use it is Karen Pryor’s clickertraining.com – there are downloadable videos and books with plenty of ideas for tricks for you. Check out the Fun & Handy Tricks page. There are also techniques for training specific behavioral responses. For specific ideas on what you can teach your dog, have a look at the Training the Behaviors You Want page. This site has a video collection available too on a variety of training issues.

3. Dog Agility and Treibball
Dog agility is a fun, fast sport which involves your dog learning new skills and racing the clock. This is where your basic obedience training comes in very handy. With both these sports, you’ll probably find it more fun if your dog isn’t a couch potato. Dogs with high energy really enjoy these activities. In agility classes you teach your dog to negotiate obstacles such as jumps, weave poles, tunnels and teeter totters. The dog then has to complete a course of obstacles accurately and within a set time. Dogs of all sizes from Mini Poodles to Rottweilers love the sport. There are agility clubs in most countries of the world. For more information, you can browse the Dog Agility page. Another sport good for dogs of all ages is treibball which “…adapts some of the exercises from conventional herding and applies the exercises to a teamwork-based sport that teaches dogs to “herd” inflatable exercise balls into a goal, following directions from the handler. There are a number of variables influencing the tenor and difficulty of each treibball competition; the variables depend on the competition level and the trialing venue.”

4. Frisbee®*
This is another fun dog activity that needs no special equipment. It’s really cheap – if you have a Frisbee ®* then you can play this game. It’s also a very portable game – you can play at the beach, in the park, in your backyard, or anywhere. It’s fast and your dog can really get skillful at making those tricky catches, and it really impresses passers by! It’s not hard to teach your dog to play, and again, an enthusiastic energetic dog tends to enjoy this sport more. Check out the Kong Rubber Flyer – a flying disc designed for a dog.
* Frisbee® is a Registered Trademark of © 2004 Wham-o Inc. All Rights Reserved.

5. Off Leash Dog Parks
Many areas have parks set aside for dogs to run off leash. This is a great way to let your dog stretch out and really run, as well as meet and greet other dogs.  It allows your dog to express its normal play behavior, and is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Off leash parks suit dogs of any temperament – even the laid back relaxed canine enjoys a stroll and a sniff. Your local council or county should have information on where off leash parks are located in your area. I would recommend that your dog is current with immunizations, it is relaxed and well socialized with other dogs, and that you carry a plastic bag to clean up any droppings. Again, basic obedience is really useful; I have seen people have to spend an extra half an hour at a park trying to get their dog to come when called!

Well, that concludes part one of this article.  I will finish up part two and post it shortly.

Until then, may your dog be happy and healthy.

~ Eva Marie

REFERENCE:

Harvey, A. Dr., BVSc (Hons). (2011). Looking after your dog’s mental health.  Website: http://www.Vetwriter.com.

The Legal Notice:
The Publisher has strived to be as accurate and complete as possible in the creation of this post, notwithstanding the fact that she does not warrant or represent at any time that the contents within are accurate due to the rapidly changing nature of veterinary medicine.  The Publisher will not be responsible for any losses or damages of any kind incurred by the reader whether directly or indirectly arising from the use of the information found in this report. This report is not intended as a replacement for veterinary advice.  All readers are advised to seek services of competent veterinarian should they be concerned about any aspect of their dog’s health.  Reader assumes responsibility for use of information contained herein. The author reserves the right to make changes without notice. The Publisher assumes no responsibility or liability whatsoever on the behalf of the reader of this post.

Update 11/24/11:   I have moved from using a third-party app to host my mobile version to a responsive mobile theme that requires no application installations to view.  To learn more, read my latest article here.

I’m always looking for additional ways to keep in touch with our readers to suit their needs or preferences.  With that in mind, I created a new app for both Android & iPhones, thanks to a terrific company called Bloapp (pronounced with a long “o” and silent “a”).  Now it is even easier to stay up-to-date with the latest news from OpulentPet.com via our new app.

To add our blog’s app to your phone, follow these easy steps:

1. Download the Bloapp app (by searching for “bloapp”) from the appropriate iPhone or Android market.  (See below for links directly to the Bloapp app in both markets.)
2. Once the app is installed, open it up and select the QR Scanner button (mine is located by pressing the menu button on my phone once the app is open).  The camera will start with a barcode line – simply snap our QR code (3D barcode shown below).
3. It will locate our app and ask you if you want to bookmark it.  Select ‘yes’ and that’s it!

3. Note: Alternatively you can search for OpulentPet.com using the search function inside the bloapp app.

1.  iPhone app: http://itunes.apple.com/my/app/bloapp/id436962200?mt=8
2. Android app: https://market.android.co/details?id=com.infindo.bloapp.activities

I hope you enjoy it!  I’d love your feedback, so please feel free to drop me a note at evamarie@opulentpet.com or here.

~ Until next time, may your pups stay happy & healthy!

Eva Marie

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 and are always there when you need them. Just make sure they are low fat, and do not give your dog too many of them, or you’ll undo all your good work.

Fruits and vegetables are ideal, because they are not fattening, and they can be filling. Canned green beans, berries, banana slices or diced steamed carrots are easy to use. Baby carrots only contain around 4 kcal each, and are quite palatable to dogs.

Another good idea is to buy some corn kernels and pop them. These are not fattening, and they are extremely convenient to use. Make sure you pop your corn kernels with air or on the stove top rather than with the microwave, and do not add any butter or salt.

If you have some time on your hands, buy some prescription low calorie canned food, and slice it thinly. Dice it up, and lay it on a baking tray, then dry it in a slow oven. Or as an alternative, you can buy the pre-dried chicken breast slices.

An important point to note: human diet cookies and similar products are not good for your dog. Many of these products contain an artificial sweetener called xylitol. If your dog eats this, he may experience a sudden drop in blood glucose, leading to vomiting and seizures. This can be managed with prompt veterinary care and intravenous glucose. However, if he survives this, the xylitol may also cause fatal liver disease and internal bleeding.

No matter what treats you give your dog, they should be limited to no more than 10% of his total daily calorie intake. Treats should be given very occasionally, and not as part of his regular food. Controlling your dog’s treat intake is one of the most challenging parts of his weight loss program. Choose your treat carefully, and you can still give him something yummy at bedtime or when you are curling up on the couch together.

Why not skip treats altogether, and reward your dog with your attention and time. Brush his coat, massage his body or take him for a walk – these are all ways of showing your dog that you care, and they have no calories at all!

~ OP Staff

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 pet dogs, and they are suffering from the same diseases as overweight people. While there are some health issues that can cause obesity in dogs, food intake is the biggest factor in your dog’s increasing waist line.

How much should you feed your dog? There is no straightforward answer to this. It varies depending on your dog’s age, how active they are and their own individual metabolism.

If you are raising a puppy, then obesity shouldn’t be an issue. Choose a nutritionally balanced puppy food, and feed according to directions on the pack.

Adult dogs can be fed once or twice a day. The recommendations on the bag of kibble are often very generous, so feed your dog to condition. This means that if he is looking a bit lean, give him more food, and if he is getting a bit generous around the middle, cut back on how much you put in his dinner bowl. If you’ve chosen the home-made diet, it is more difficult to work out how much to feed your dog, so you will need to keep a careful eye on his waist line and adjust how much he eats as necessary.

One of the worst ways to feed a dog is putting food in his bowl, and letting him graze all day. You have no idea how much he is eating over the course of a day, unless he eats everything in his bowl. Measure out his food using a measuring scoop, and remove any food he hasn’t eaten after 15 minutes. This way you can control the amount of calories he eats.

To start your dog’s weight loss journey, cut back his food intake by one quarter.1  It sounds like a lot, but it won’t hurt him at all. Watch his body condition, and if he isn’t losing enough weight, then reduce his meals a little further.

And of course, an important part of cutting back your dog’s calorie intake is to stop those between meal treats, or table scraps. Many people like to give their dogs a treat just to show how much they love them, but in reality they are actually harming their dog and taking precious years off his life. As my vet noted, there are many other ways of showing affection, from brushing their coat to massaging their back and legs. Spending quality time with your canine best friend is also so much better for him than giving him a few extra pounds around his middle. So take him for a walk (or run), throw a ball, or play chase in the backyard. Your dog will thank you for the attention with extra love and it will improve his health through exercise, rather than ruining it through too much food.

~ OP Staff

Reference:

1 Harvey, A. Dr., BVSc (Hons). (2011). How much to feed your dog.  Website: http://www.Vetwriter.com.

As I recently discovered during Hennessey’s latest check-up, it is important to learn to recognize whether or not a dog needs to lose a few pounds. Keep in mind that that dogs, much like humans, come in many different shapes and sizes. You should be familiar with what’s normal for your particular breed of dog.  Generally speaking, however, there are several indicators that you can watch out for to make sure that your dog is not obese or overweight.

 First, keep an eye out for increased fat over your dog’s ribcage. If you run your hand over his ribs you should be able to feel each rib distinctly. There should be some fat covering the ribs, but not enough to make it difficult to actually feel them.

 After checking the ribcage the next thing you should look at is your dog’s waist. It should be very easy to visualize his waist.  Stand above your dog and look down at him while he is standing on all four legs. Look at the area between the ribs and the hips. Your dog’s waist should be easy to see as a narrowing of his body. If you cannot see the waist at all, he is overweight. If the area where the waist should be is actually wider than his ribcage or hips, then he is more than likely obese.

 Another simple way to gauge whether or not your dog is suffering from obesity is to run your hands over his body. As you do this, pay attention to what you are feeling. Can you feel his hips, spine or shoulders? Much like the ribcage, you should generally be able to feel these bones under a thin layer of fat. If you cannot feel them, there is a very good chance your dog is overweight.

 The final method to assess whether or not your dog is overweight is to look for an abdominal tuck. All dogs should have an abdominal tuck. Look at your dog from the side, and you should see a narrowing upwards of the underside of his body, just after his rib cage. Keep in mind that how obvious the abdominal tuck is can vary greatly from one dog breed to the next, and with gender – female dogs that have had puppies may have some loose skin which can disguise their tucked up tummy.

 Many dog owners aren’t objective when evaluating their dog’s body condition. They blame the expanding waistline on “big bones” or “lots of hair”. Don’t make this mistake – be realistic and if your dog is a bit generous around the middle, then take steps to remedy the situation.  Putting your pooch on a diet is not always easy, but with a little knowledge and strength to resist those beautiful eyes staring up at you; your dog can lose weight.  To learn more about safe dieting for dogs, check out this nifty ebook, Dog on a Diet

~ OP Staff

REFERENCE:

Harvey, A. Dr., BVSc (Hons). (2011). How to tell if your dog is overweight.  Website: http://www.Vetwriter.com.

Okay folks, I’m piping up again because I’ve got something to say about a topic near and dear to my heart – food.  I love food.  Let’s face it, what dog doesn’t?   Wet food, dry food, treat food….it all gets equal treatment in my book!  Well, my mom took us all to the vet this past Saturday for our annual check-up and shot updates (hate those!)….anyway, the vet tells my mom that I’m overweight and need to lose about 3-4 pounds!  Can you imagine?  I mean, I’m not that big to begin with… well, okay, at least in the height category.

Well when my mom realized I was heavier than I’m supposed to be, she started working on some articles to help other people learn more about obesity in dogs, its potential consequences, and what can be done to help those of us who need to shed a little more than hair during the summertime.  ;o)

So if you’ve got a special companion in need of losing weight, please check out mom’s articles listed under the Pet Advice/Diet & Nutrition section of our website – or simply click here.

May your chow bowl always be full.  (…okay, mom….reasonably full)

~Hennessey

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 weight range. What can be done to improve the situation?

Obesity in dogs has many causes, but it’s safe to say that the biggest contributing factor is an owner who overfeeds their four-legged family member. Veterinarians and dog owners were surveyed in Australia and the results were interesting. Just 3% of obese dogs were in that condition because of medical issues, the remaining 97% were thought to be overweight because of their owners. These dogs were just fed too much, and didn’t get enough exercise.

There are many health issues in dogs that are associated with being overweight such as diabetes and arthritis. Perhaps the most significant effect is that it can reduce your dog’s lifespan. That’s right – lean dogs live for up to two years longer than overweight dogs, and they don’t develop age related conditions like arthritis until they are older. Isn’t this a good reason to trim your dog’s waistline?

How do you help your dog lose those extra pounds? Just like weight loss in people, it’s not easy.

First, cut out your dog’s in-between meal treats. That toast crust after breakfast isn’t big, but he doesn’t need it. Next, cut down on the amount of food he is eating. This isn’t easy because nobody likes to think they are starving their beloved pet. However, keep in mind that you are doing him a favor, and because of your efforts, he’ll enjoy a longer and healthier life. Part of giving your dog the very best is monitoring his waistline. Finally, increase the amount of exercise your dog gets. Go for one or two extra walks a week, or take him swimming on the weekend.

Your biggest ally in your dog’s weight loss journey is your veterinarian. They can offer encouragement and support, and regular weigh-ins. They can also prescribe medication for your dog that will help with his weight loss, if your best efforts aren’t working. Take advantage of their services as you help your dog lose weight, live healthier and live longer.

~ OP Staff

REFERENCE:

Harvey, A. Dr., BVSc (Hons). (2011). Dog Obesity Statistics. Re-printed and edited with permission.

 
I recently received a helpful list of property laws explaining how ownership of an item takes place in the dog kingdom. As the alpha dog of the OP Pack, I decided it would be in everyone’s best interest for me to share this list with you. We hope it will help settle (or prevent) any disagreements over property rights in the future. Please feel free to email me at Ashley@opulentpet.com if you have any questions

Until next time,

~Ashley

DOG PROPERTY LAWS

1. If I like it, it’s mine.

2. If it’s in my mouth, it’s mine.

3. If I can take it from you, it’s mine.

4. If I had it a little while ago, it’s mine.

5. If it’s mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way.

6. If I’m chewing something up, all the pieces are mine.

7. If it just looks like mine, it’s mine.

8. If I saw it first, it’s mine.

9. If you are playing with something and you put it down, it automatically becomes mine.

10. If it’s broken, it’s yours.