One of the best things you can do for your dog once arthritis has been diagnosed by your vet is to modify their lifestyle and exercise routine. Changing a few small things can have a huge impact on their wellbeing and happiness.

Exercise for an arthritic dog can help in many ways. Managing weight is the main reason, as dogs that don’t have exercise regularly do tend to put on weight. This is in turn increases the weight on the joints and can even cause more pain and swelling. Even if a dog is at the correct weight the constant exercise can help to keep the weight under control and thus reduce any extra pressure on the joints.

Exercise for an arthritic dog can help to increase flexibility and this strengthens the muscles around the joint and increases the dog’s endurance. So for example, if dog is just lying in one position, because of the pain, the joints can become stiff and this can increase the arthritic pain. Such regular exercise can also help a dog to sleep better and this in turn will lead to rested muscles.

When you are exercising an arthritic dog, it is better to go in for more number of short walks every day instead of the one long walk that the dog may be used to in its daily routine. Two 15 minute walks a day are ideal and if the dog feels it needs to rest in between, it should be allowed to do so to recover.

Rehabilitation specialist and ‘A Walk in the Park’ expert, David Prydie offers his top tips to readers:

“Exercise is an important part of treating arthritis in dogs. It helps prevent muscle wasting and promotes joint health. Exercise must be tailored for each individual dog in terms of size, age and stage of the disease. Here a few simple tips and stretches that can be done to make the life of an arthritic dog just that bit better.”

Tips:

• Warm your dog up with some simple stretches before you go for a walk.
• After a walk make sure you give your dog a chance to cool down, wait for the dog to stop panting and repeat the simple stretches.
• Go for more frequent short walks rather than one big one.

Stretches

• Using low calorie treats encourage your dog to turn its head round toward its flank in order to encourage spinal movement. Introduce this exercise slowly and do not force your dog to move if it is reluctant to do so. Repeat 5 times on both sides
• Encourage your dog to take a treat from above its head and then from between its front legs to encourage gentle neck movement. Repeat 5 times.
• Ask your dog to sit and then stand and then sit again. Reward each time and repeat 5 times.

Every dog knows its own limitations, so take a cue from the dog. Avoid any climbing or steep roads on your walks. Also consider finding your nearest hydrotherapy pool. Swimming in a warm pool can be fantastic for dogs with joint problems.

You can also encourage the dog to play games of fetch, hide and seek or even with a football as long as you stop as soon as the dog indicates its discomfort.

Watch our video with more top tips courtesy of www.awalkinthepark.co.uk

Article Brought To You By Canine Arthritis Awareness Month

How Much Exercise Should You Give an Arthritic Dog? is one of many dog tips courtesy of DogTips.co. Want more? Get daily dog tips by email.

Veterinary care for dogs has advanced greatly in recent years which allows us as dog owners to investigate treatments that can help ease the joint pain and give your dog a better quality of life.

Rehabilitation specialist and ‘A Walk in the Park’ expert, David Prydie, offers his top tips to dog owners who feel their dogs may be suffering from canine osteoarthritis.

“Once your dog has been diagnosed with OA there are some simple adjustments you can do to make your dog’s life easier.  Dogs, especially those with arthritis, often find laminate or smooth floors difficult to deal with.”

David continues, “Organise mats or runners so the dog can get around without the fear of slipping or falling.  Use ramps to help your dog when it needs to go up and down steps and or get in and out of cars.  Where appropriate consider the use of harnesses and lifting aids. Consider the use of a coat for your dog in winter, if appropriate.”

Expert Tails Case Study: Fiona Whiting

Mac, a 9 year old German Shepherd, joined the Whiting family as an 8 week old puppy and for most of his life had been an active and energetic dog.  18 months ago Mac developed a slight limp which failed to clear up and eventually lead Fiona to take Mac to the vet.
Acutely aware that, as a breed, German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia and canine OA, Fiona’s suspicions were confirmed when the vet diagnosed both ailments. Now on medication Mac’s diet is carefully monitored and he is limited to one short walk a day. Fortunately Fiona has a large garden so Mac is still able to enjoy spending a lot of time outdoors.

If you feel your dog may be suffering from arthritis, book an appointment with your vets. After a consultation where your vet will aim to rule out alternative problems which could be causing discomfort, you can then start to plan ahead to give your dog the best quality of life possible.

Watch our video with more top tips courtesy of www.awalkinthepark.co.uk

Article Brought To You By Canine Arthritis Awareness Month

Living With an Arthritic Dog: How to Make Your Dog’s Life Easier is one of many dog tips courtesy of DogTips.co. Want more? Get daily dog tips by email.

The following are the top 5 common dog ear problems.

Allergies

An allergy is often caused by environmental irritants like dust or pollen. Or it caused by food ingredients. Symptoms of an allergy can be itchiness, inflamed ears, and paws. Feeding your dog with food low in allergen will help in preventing allergies. Low-allergen foods do not contain soy, corn, and wheat. Keeping the environment free from dust would be beneficial too. Consult a veterinarian if your dog happens to experience chronic ear infections, as they are experts in determining the cause of the recurring problem.

Ear Infections

Dog ear infections are commonly caused by ear mites, hygiene problems, obscene or warm environment, bacterial infections, and food allergies. Floppy-eared dogs are more likely to experience ear infections and can be a recurring problem. A warm and moist atmosphere caused by the ear flaps would be an ideal place for yeast and bacterial growth. A dog with an ear infection may experience noticeable ear wax discharges. It looks rusty or yellow ear discharges which has an unpleasant odor.

Debris in ears

Dogs’ ear debris must be removed regularly as part of hygiene. Common debris inside a dog’s ear can be foxtails, plant awns, and others. It is advisable to inspect the inner area of the dog’s ear for any possible debris. A regular ear cleaning would be necessary for debris prevention. Debris in a dog’s ear can be bothering and may lead to ear infection.

Parasites

Parasites like to live on your dog’s hair, skin, and even inside their ears. Many of dogs’ diseases are caused by dog parasites. Fleas, ticks, and mites suck your dog’s blood which affects their health. If a dog is constantly itching or scratching and experiencing hair loss, it is possible that there are parasites living on the dog’s body. It must be treated as soon as possible before it leads to a serious problem.

Trauma

It is commonly called dog ear hematoma. It is a type of ear injury that causes swelling. An ear hematoma can be unbearable for a dog. This serious ear problem can be treated through a surgery; however, if it is untreated it can lead to disfigurement of dog’s ear and nearby areas.

For more information on how to care for your dog’s ears, we recommend you take a look here: Ear problems in dogs.

5 Most Common Dog Ear Problems is one of many dog tips courtesy of DogTips.co. Want more? Get daily dog tips by email.

The first few days a puppy is in his new home can be trying for both the puppy and the new owner because both are trying to adjust to a new situation. After all, the puppy finds he has been suddenly taken from his den and litter mates and is expected to immediately accept a new, foreign way of life. However, with patience and a sense of humour on the part of the new owner, the first few days can be accomplished with good feelings on both sides.

Breeders and behaviourists generally agree that seven weeks of age (forty-nine days) is the ideal age for a puppy to go to his new home, with six to eight weeks being the most desirable age range. The six- to eight-week old puppy still needs a lot of rest and will take morning and afternoon naps. For the first day or two, however, he might be very excited and spend much of the day in motion, checking out his new home. As long as he is not hurting himself or anything else in the environment, let him investigate wherever and whatever takes his fancy.

If the puppy is eight weeks old when he first comes home, be very patient with him. This is the fear period and sharp noises or harsh treatment will leave him with fear which may take months to overcome. Let him take his time getting acquainted with everything and do not take him to places where he will be subjected to loud and frightening sounds or activities. If possible, trips to the veterinarian should be arranged either before or after the eighth week.

This Article Has Been Brought To You This Month By

If the puppy is ten to twelve weeks old when you first bring him home, he will be more rambunctious, especially if he is one of the larger breeds, and he will sleep considerably less during the day. However, he is at an age where you can get his attention quite easily and where he will want to please you and stay close to you.

Common natural behaviours you will experience include:

- Howling
- Nipping / mouthing
- Crying
- Soiling indoors
- Chewing

Believe it or not, many new owners panic when their pup starts to display one or all of these behaviours. In fact, some owners get so spooked, they convince themselves they have acquired a ‘naughty’ dog and may even return it to the breeder. Relax. All of these things are normal and expected. Puppies play, the mouth, they whine, they howl, they chew. In the early days it’s simply a case of managing and minimising the risks.

You can cure your puppy biting (www.puppybiting.co.uk).
You can cure your puppy’s howling (www.dogadvice.co.uk)
You can housetrain your puppy very easily (www.k9magazine.com)
You can stop your puppy chewing (www.dogtips.co)

Enjoy your puppy, don’t stress and be prepared to spend some time digesting high quality advice and information on how to shape their behaviours.

Don’t forget, you’ll get even more peace of mind by insuring your pup with a reputable provider – so tick that job off as early as possible.

>> Highly Recommended: Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance – £7,500 Vet’s Fees & Up to 25% online discount.

Bringing Your New Puppy Home is one of many dog tips courtesy of DogTips.co. Want more? Get daily dog tips by email.

In this guide we’ll explain what some of the potential problems blood in the urine can be an indicator of.

• Urinary Tract Infection or UTI – These are the effects related to urinary tract infection in the dog. When a urinary tract infection already exists, it can get worse because it spreads to different areas of your dog’s urinary system. The infection can spread and can cause inflammation to the dog’s kidneys, bladder, prostate, and urethra.

• Bladder Infections or Bladder Stones.

• Kidney Stones. This is caused by the minerals and crystal increase which affects the dog’s urethra.

• Urinary Tract Tumours. A urinary tumour can cause blood discharges through the urine.

• Swallowing Toxic or Poisonous Materials. Blood in the dog’s urine can be caused by poisoning. Chemicals found in insects and rodent’s poisons are a few known causes of such poisoning.

• Internal Bleeding.

• External Injury or Trauma. A dog that has suffered a physical injury can be affected by trauma. Trauma can very be often almost unnoticeable to the eye. If your dog is suffering with trauma, though physically well to the naked eye, blood in the dog’s urine can be an indicator that all is not well.

• Diseases transmitted from Ticks. Babesiosis, Lyme, and other diseases causes by ticks can result in bloody urine in your dog.

• Prostate Gland Infection. This infection only exists in male dogs. Frequent or difficulty in urinating or pain when urinating are some of the known symptoms.

• Uterine Infection. This infection commonly happens in female dogs. If your female dog’s urine is mixed with blood, she may have a uterine infection. It can also exist when your dog is currently on her heat cycle or if the dog has recently given birth.

Physical examination of your dog’s stomach and kidney’s health history are the primary steps your vet will undertake when diagnosing the problem. A urine test is also essential in identifying if your dog’s kidney and bladder are working properly.

If you suspect that your dog has kidney stones, it needs to be treated as soon as possible.

Other diagnostic tests such x-rays and ultrasound may be carried out by the vet when checking the health of your dog’s urinary system.

Possible Treatments

Antibiotics – Kidney stones and urinary tract infections in dogs can be treated with antibiotics.

Surgical Operation – Performing surgery is generally the last option in most situations, but blood in the urine is often serious enough that surgical intervention may be required if the condition your dog is suffering with has progressed.

In all cases, should you spot blood in your dog’s urine you must get him or her examined by a vet as soon as possible.

I Found Blood in My Dog’s Urine, What Does It Mean? is one of many dog tips courtesy of DogTips.co. Want more? Get daily dog tips by email.

About Skin Allergies in Dogs

Some dogs are allergic to components in their diet. A food allergy can emerge early in life; usually the offenders are beef or soy products. The best way to determine if diet is causing an allergic reaction is to feed hypo-allergenic food for several weeks and see if the signs regress. To be altogether certain of a food allergy, you’d need to challenge the dog with the prior food and see if the signs recur.

Types of Skin Allergies in Dogs

Another common allergic condition is known as atopy. Atopy refers to an inhalant allergy or a reaction to environmental components. Molds, plants, dust, even furniture stuffing fall into this category. Signs of atopy may be seasonal. The only practical way to discover what’s bothering this allergic dog is to ask a veterinary dermatologist to conduct an intra dermal skin test, much as is done with human allergy sufferers.

Then you can try avoiding offensive material, or attempt hyposensitisation. These problems are also best discussed with a qualified dermatologist.

A few comments about some common dog allergies: many dogs are sensitive to flea collars, flea bites or dyes in plastic food dishes. These things are easily identified and corrected. If a flea collar irritates your dog’s neck, remove it and wash the area thoroughly with a mild shampoo. Switch to another type of product. And if your dog’s red, irritated nose is caused by an allergy to dyed plastic by replacing the plastic dish with metal or glass. If it’s an allergy, the condition should be resolved.

Hot Spots in Dogs

One of the most common summertime complaints seen by veterinarians are hot spots – round hairless patches of tender, red, oozing skin which seem to erupt overnight. They are usually found on the rump, although they may appear anywhere on the body. Hot spots are especially prevalent in heavy-coated breeds and in any dog with skin allergies.

Symptoms of Hotspots in Dogs

Hot spots probably begin as a focus of irritation caused by a flea bite, impacted anal sacs or other small annoyances. However, the more the dog licks and chews at the spot, the worse it feels, so the more the animal licks and chews. A small problem explodes into a large one. These lesions need to be treated promptly before you have a dog in agony.

Treatment of Hotspots in Dogs

Treatment of a hot spot begins with clipping away the surrounding hair and cleaning the surface of the wound. The area is then covered with a soothing spray, liquid or ointment. The veterinarian will attempt to find and eliminate the source of the complaint.

Your dog may need to wear an Elizabethan collar (a plastic contraption similar to a lampshade) around his neck, to prevent it from attacking the area further, until the skin begins to heal. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed as well.

Skin Allergies and Hotspots in Dogs is one of many dog tips courtesy of DogTips.co. Want more? Get daily dog tips by email.

But there are ways that every dog owner can reduce their veterinary expenses, from simple practices that you can do at home to smart money saving exercises that could be worth thousands of pounds. Holly Kernot explores the best ways to reduce that vet bill.

There are a variety of basic health checks and routines you can adopt in order to ensure your dog stays in optimum health.

Basic Health Checks.

Performing a regular health check on your dog will enable you to keep on top of any new or recurring health issues. Potentially serious and costly health problems can be nipped in the bud before they escalate into something all together more sinister, which ensures that your dog will be getting a good level of health care and also, enables you to avoid costly vet bills.

Become familiar with your dog.

Become familiar with your dogs, and regularly check their body for any lumps which may have formed. When at the vets, as them to help you identify the signs of a dangerous lump, and what does not constitute as anything to worry about.

Grooming.

A healthy dog has a shiny coat, and you can help maintain this by partaking in a regular grooming exercise. Regular grooming gives you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with your dog and to carry out these checks.

Regular grooming not only removes unwanted hair and reduces the chances of the coat becoming matted, but can also indicate to you the tell tale signs of skin conditions such as dermatitis, which can be costly to treat.

Dermatitis is often indicated if your dog is scratching himself a lot, or if sores or rough areas appear on the skin. If this is the case, a vet should be consulted immediately.

Bathing your dog on a regular basis can ensure your dogs coat stays healthy, using specialist dog shampoo to remove unwanted dirt and grime. Trim those nails.

Dogs nails do need trimming, and vets and grooming parlours do offer this service, but to save money, many owners buy clippers and do it themselves. However, if you exercise your dog regularly, on the pavement, this will keep the nails short anyway.

Dental Care.

As your dog is a carnivore, it is vital his teeth are kept in top condition.
Keep a close eye on your dog’s mouth and conduct basic health checks to ensure there is nothing wrong. For example, smelly breath, red gums which are swollen and teeth that are loose could all be potential indicators of gum disease. Changes in physical behaviour such as a loss of appetite or unusual chewing habits are all causes for concern. [According to Theresa James, of Dog Supplies Advisor.com.]

Vets do conduct teeth cleaning within the surgery, but to compliment this treatment and to maintain optimum oral health, you could invest in a specialised tooth cleaning kit for dogs, consisting of a toothbrush and toothpaste [poultry flavour available!] [Seek veterinary advice before starting programmes]

Ear Checks.

A dog with healthy ears can be identified as having odour free ears free from dirt and grime. If your dog is shaking his head or partaking in a lot of ear scratching, it could indicate there is an infection of some kind, such as haematoma of the ear flap, which is a build up of blood in the ear area, caused often by infection or mites.

Scratching of the ears can also indicate mites, which should be treated by a vet.

Eye Checks.

It is important to look out for changes in your dogs eyes. A clouded eye lens could indicate the presence of a cataract, while a an inflamed membrane covering the lining of the eye lid [and the eye's white area] could signify conjunctivitis.

Exercise.

A good exercise regime is an excellent way to avoid obesity and mobility problems, which can both lead to serious and costly ailments. Ensure that the exercise regime that you provide for your dog is suitable to his situation. Over exercising a young puppy can lead to joint and ligament issues, which can last for a lifetime. Be especially aware when exercising puppies, as they will always be willing to go an extra mile despite what their bodies are telling them.

All dogs need exercise, so why not go to the park for free! Your dog will love socialising with other dogs, going out with their pack [that’s you] and their favourite games, such as fetch.

The benefits here are two-fold. You both get a good workout and your dog can behave in a natural way, chasing, hunting and ‘killing’ something [the ball in this case]. Providing your dog with toys does not have to be an expensive hobby, according to student dog trainer Alison. She says: ‘‘Dogs need playing with, but don’t buy expensive toys, an old T. shirt or piece of string can be a good toy.’’

Having said that, do not over exercise an old dog as this can lead to joint problems which can be expensive to treat, so change your exercise regime so it is delivered in smaller sessions which are manageable for your dog.

Avoid walking your dog in the height of the day, as the hot tarmac underfoot can be painful on paws!

Food.

A balanced and nutritionally rich diet can be the difference between good health and poor health. It is the key to your dog enjoying an optimum quality of life. But good food does not necessarily need to be expensive, all natural diets, for example, can be prepared relatively cheaply if you have the time and inclination. Life stage foods are also an excellent way for an owner to deliver the optimum nutrition to their pet.

According to Alison: ‘‘It’s a false economy to buy cheap food, it’s full of additives which can lead to dogs chewing and digging in the house [which in turn can be expensive if anything needs to be replaced] and can ultimately lead to behaviour problems.

She goes on to say: ‘‘Don’t be bamboozled by the food that vets sell, they can be keen to recommend food to owners which is only available from them and can be expensive- ask why they recommend it and check other good foods for ingredients.’’
Don’t over feed your dog, as this can lead to obesity and further health related problems.

Insurance.

Pet insurance can be a real benefit when it comes to the long term savings on veterinary bills. Sainsbury’s Pet Insurance covers up to £7,500 vet’s fees per condition (option 2).  Plus you could get up to 25% online discount and double nectar points on Sainsbury’s shopping for 2 years! Click here for more information.

Flea and worm treatments.

It is possible to buy flea and worm treatments online or from other retailers other than the vets. By regularly cleaning your dogs bedding, you can reduce the risk of fleas.

The RSPCA website asks the following questions to determine if your pets have fleas: ‘‘Is your pet scratching? Can you see tiny brown specs in it’s fur, are there small brown insects scurrying about, do you have unaccounted for insect bites yourself?’’

Shop around for a vet.

Most dog owners go on recommendations from other owners as to which vets they use. If you do not know any other dog owners, ring around some local practices and see how much an initial consultation would cost, and what facilities are available at the vets. For example, some have dog grooming sessions and hydrotherapy pools available. The mistake many people make is to simply register with the nearest practice. Vets can charge what they want and there is often a large discrepancy between surgeries’ fees, so make sure you are getting value for money.

Look out for symptoms.

Symptoms of diabetes for example, can include your dog being more thirsty than usual, urinating more frequently, having a change in appetite and a loss in weight. If you suspect diabetes, go to your vet immediately.

While obesity can be recognised if you cannot feel your dogs ribs through his coat, this disease can lead to heart disease and diabetes so prevention is most definitely preferable to cure.

There are numerous ways you can ensure that you are not paying over the odds for veterinary services. By being diligent and keeping an eye on your dog’s general well being, you can ensure that any visit to the vet is justified. By ensuring that you are getting a good deal from your vet, you’ll never be in the sticky position of having to shell out more than is fair for treatment.

12 Ways to Lower Your Vet Bill is one of many dog tips courtesy of DogTips.co. Want more? Get daily dog tips by email.

Puppy Socialization Can Start Early

Proper early socialization of your puppy can have the positive lasting impact over the course of your dog’s life. It really is THAT crucial.

Socializing your puppy is such a critical part of raising a well adjusted dog. Through early puppy socialization, your young dog can learn to fit into society, learn to live with humans and also with other dogs. This leads to a calm, adaptable dog who isn’t fazed by what they encounter in day to day life.

If dogs are not correctly socialized, they may develop inappropriate behaviors when exposed to new situations or new dogs and people. This can include being overly aggressive or fearful in unfamiliar circumstances. Puppy socialization can help your pup adjust to the world around them at an early age.

When Does Puppy Socialization Begin?

Socializing starts when a puppy is still with its mother and with the breeder. A puppy first learns canine body language and pack structure from around three to four weeks of age, while playing and interacting with its litter mates. It is important that a breeder handles her puppies and plays with them regularly, to give them positive early experiences with people.

The ideal time to bring your new puppy home is when he is eight weeks old. The period from eight to twelve weeks of age is very important for socialization, as your pup is very open to learning and enjoying new experiences. It is vital to take advantage of this stage of your puppy’s social development.

Quick puppy socialization tip: It’s a good idea to invite friends and families to your house to visit, bringing with them their well behaved dog. You can also introduce your puppy to calm, well-mannered children. This type of puppy socialization strategy can allow your pup to learn in a relaxed, informal way.

Puppy Socialization Classes

Puppy preschool is also very important for your young dog. It allows puppies to meet and interact with other dogs of a similar age and level of development, as well as learning some basic obedience commands.

This improves the communication skills of your puppy, as well as enhances the bond between dog and owner. It also allows your dog to sniff and explore in a safe and supportive environment.

Other options for socializing your dog can include going to dog friendly places such as off-leash parks and beaches. It is vital to make sure that your puppy is up to date on its vaccinations, as there may be an increased risk of disease in these places. Also, you need to remember that the other dogs which are there may not necessarily be under complete control.

There may even be under-socialized dogs who may frighten your puppy and set it back in its learning. It may even be better to keep your puppy away from these areas until he is more mature and better able to cope.

It takes a lot of work and effort to socialize a puppy well, but it is an investment in his future, and will help him to fit into his world. Doing a good job will lead to a well adjusted and happy companion who can take anything in his stride.

What’s The Most Important Word to Teach Your New Puppy?

The most important word you can teach your puppy is his name. Getting him to recognize and respond positively to his name can really help during the socialization process.  Use your pup’s name in a positive context 100% of the time. Don’t scold them using their name, use the word “No!” instead. Their name should evoke a positive response.

The capacity to learn is born in every puppy, to a greater or lesser degree. Your puppy starts learning the moment he enters your house. (He starts learning about you and soon picks up on all your varying idiosyncrasies – whether you realize you have them or not, mark my words – your puppy will!). His capacity to learn grows as he does and is fully developed at the age of about a year. Although he’ll stop physically growing, he never stops learning and the early puppy socialization steps you take from day one can act as the building blocks to having the most well mannered, well behaved dog over the lifetime of your pet.

Puppy Socialization Experiences From Owners

How are other dog owners socializing their puppies?

A question from a puppy owner on the best methods for deploying a puppy socialization strategy that works, elicited some excellent advice:

Get the pup as much exposure to as many different things as possible (without scaring it )

Elsie is just coming up to 16 weeks now.

As a rough guide, she has been coming out with us (carried until she could go down) from 8 weeks old to shops especially garden centres and pet stores which are great for meeting people and seeing different things. She has met horses, cows, dogs, cats, alpacas, sheep, pigs, ducks, geese, chickens and been exposed to cars, lorries, buses, motor cycles, pedal cycles, boats, chainsaws, tractors, JCBs, pony & trap, carriage and four, . . the list is endless.

However she is now, at 16 weeks happy and content in more or less any situation she finds herself in.

She has also learnt to recall (instantly – but I know we will need to keep working on that to keep her focussed as she grows) she sits and waits for her dinner and also will sit when asked now.

Interesting Puppy Socialization Disease Query:

What are the risks of puppy infections vs reward for early socialization?

Today I visited a dog training establishment to observe some puppy socialisation. When I said that it would be another 3 weeks before my puppy was fully protected from her jabs she suggested that, in her opinion, the benefits of early puppy socialisation outweighed the risk of picking up an infection.

I make an assumption that the puppies attending will all have been inoculated (you don’t spend money for socialisation and training and not do basic health care), but the field is used for lots of dog work. At my vets there is a sign saying puppies that haven’t completed their jabs should not be allowed down on the floor for risk of infection.

Any comments/feedback appreciated.

BTW it was really nice to see loads of pups out having fun together…the younger/less sure pups were kept seperate from the older more boisterous one’s.

–
A great question. Answered succinctly…

More dogs are put to sleep due to behavioral problems than all other illnesses put together.

To me it is a no brainer IF the environment is safe. My dogs come home at 7 weeks go on the ground immediately and do not have their first vaccination for a couple of weeks.

None have contracted any diseases.

Puppy Socialization Checklist: To achieve the best early puppy socialization results, be prepared to let your puppy get exposure to many new things, new people, new dogs. Be patient but be focussed on the fact that you can’t rewind the clock. Puppy socialization is absolutely crucial for the long term benefit of you and your dog.

Why Is Puppy Socialization So Important? is one of many dog tips courtesy of DogTips.co. Want more? Get daily dog tips by email.

Our well kept lawn is now looking more like a patchwork of green and brown circles because our beloved dog has seen fit to create their own little patterns.

Of course, it’s really not their fault. I’m positive if your dog knew how, he’d process his internal chemicals to such an extent that instead of killing our lawn, his toilet trips were able to grow us a beautiful little flower to remind us just why we love him so much!

In reality, dog owners with ‘doggy patches’ all over their grass is a problem we can solve with just a few simple steps.

How to Stop Dog Urine Killing Your Lawn

Bev McDonald offers her insight in to how she tackled this common canine problem….

It never fails, my two dogs – both lovable and protective Rottweilers – seem to enjoy urinating in the same spot of the backyard, day in, day out. Whether it’s morning, noon or night, it’s down the steps and to the right, donating copious amounts of healthy, adult dog urine in an approximate 4-square-foot area.

The result is a large patch of brown, ugly, burned-out lawn that surrounds the bottom step of the deck. For my nicely landscaped backyard, the large urine burns are rather unsightly.

I realized that unless some serious changes are made (and getting rid of the dogs was NOT an option), then these spots were not going to go away on their own, so I had to start my research and will not share with you what I learned to keep my grass green and my dogs happy and to try and prevent dog urine killing my lawn.

Why Dog Urine Turns Grass Brown

It’s no secret that urine burns grass, as well as many types of shrubs, annual flowers and perennial plants. What causes the burn is nitrogen. When a dog eats a meal, the protein in the food is metabolized. A byproduct of metabolized protein is nitrogen.

The kidneys are responsible for the collection and secretion of many of the body’s unwanted excesses, including byproducts of metabolized foods, such as nitrogen. So, if all is going well with the dog’s bodily functions then excess nitrogen will be flushed out of the dog’s body through his urine.

Here is where things get a bit tricky: Those who work with lawns and plants know that nitrogen is used as fertilizer. So what’s so special about the nitrogen in dog urine that causes it to kill everything green it touches? The secret is in the solution, so to speak.

With fertilizers containing nitrogen, a small amount goes a long way. If you’re using a rotary spreader (which is used to fertilize the lawn), spilling a pile of fertilizer in one spot would be similar to a pool of urine. The concentration would be too high and would kill the grass below.

Once grass is dead from nitrogen burn there’s not much you can do to revive it. If you want healthy green grass, you’re going to have to replant this area. You’ll need to rake up the dead grass and plant new seed.

Replanting dead areas, however, is somewhat of a “band-aid” approach. If you don’t get to the root of the problem (dog urine), you’re likely to wind up with more dead patches of grass all over the lawn.

So, without further ado here’s my top tip to stop dog urine destroying your lawn…

put a small blob of tomato ketchup in their food every day and watch what happens.

Sounds simple, yes? It is! Try it and observe.

So if you’re having similar problems with dog urine killing your lawn, now you have a workable solution that you can implement very easily.

Dog Urine Killing Lawn? is one of many dog tips courtesy of DogTips.co. Want more? Get daily dog tips by email.

When was the last time your heard a burglar alarm and immediately dropped what you were doing to call the police? More often than not, the shrill, incessant droning of a burglar alarm is the result of somebody forgetting to let the cat out, a large insect disturbing the sensor or simply a power cut. Very rarely are intruders apprehended on the presence of an alarm sounding, so those of us who wish to add an extra element of security to our homes need to think past the burglar alarm systems of old.

For many of us, our dog constitutes a significant part of what we consider to be our house hold security, but if it is our dog that appears on the shopping list of a burglar the ‘beware of the dog’ sign will only serve as confirmation that the goods are inside. A dog being stolen to order is becoming more common, especially where rare pedigrees are concerned. This does not mean we all need to shell out thousands on hi-tech intruder systems and James Bond style gadgets. Any police officer will tell you that your common sense is your best weapon against crime.

We also need to be aware that dogs don’t need to be in the garden to be tempted by an escape. A front door left open for a couple of seconds could be enough time for a bored dog to nip out in search of some fun only to get lost or worse, hit by a car.

Effective home security relies on common sense more than anything. Are points of entry such as doors, windows and skylights blatant adverts to burglars that your home could easy pickings? The most common point of entry in instances of breaking and entering is a ground floor window, at the rear of a property.

Secure Windows

Double glazing is an obvious security enhancement, but there is usually one window that provides the weak spot. Does your downstairs toilet have double glazing, or does it have that frosted glass that obscures the view inside? If it does, that is where your burglar will try to get in first. Nine out of ten double glazed windows are as useful as no double glazed windows from a security point of view.

If a window can’t be easily smashed, it can often be levered or ‘jimmied’ open. John Davies of Everglaze explained why their windows offer an extra element of security. “In independent tests, PVCu used in windows and doors has proven to be the most resistant of materials against break ins. This coupled with state of the art locking systems mean that you can have peace of mind as well as beautiful windows.”

Doors

Doors to the rear of your property are also commons means of break ins. Doors with glass panelling are the most popular for thieves, whereas doors with ‘yield’ locks are the biggest deterrent according to Home Office figures. Janette Taylor of Kershaw’s Door Warehouse explained how to pick a secure door for keeping dogs in and thieves out. “A solid timber fire door is the most secure door you can get aside from the steel ones you see on army bases and in prisons.

The solid timber doors are not that attractive though, but we work by the rule that the door with the least amount of panels is the most secure, a solid timber fire door is one piece of wood, so it has no weak spots. If you want something a little more pleasing to the eye but still relatively tough and resistant, go for a four panel door with mortice and tennon joints.

These are normal looking doors with reinforced joints at the hinge and handle. As far as keeping dogs inside you could go for a concealed door closer. The tension of the springs governs the time it takes for the door to close, but you are really better off making sure your dog is safely inside before you open the door, some of those door closers snap shut very quickly”

General Household Security

Dogs have been known to escape through ground and first floor windows. There are sophisticated locking systems available that allow a window to be partially open and locked at the same time, if you wish to allow in some air whilst ensuring the window will not be nudged open.

Elaborate camera and panic systems are effective in identifying intruders and alerting the police, but they very rarely ensure your stolen goods are returned. Whilst being effective in improving the percentage of burglars being caught, once your home has been breached any security measures you have taken become redundant.

Top Home Security Tips for Dog Owners:

Make your house unappealing to intruders by keeping it well lit.

Make entry difficult by having solid or at least near solid doors.

Ensure all ground floor windows are double glazed, or at least have modern locking systems in place.

Don’t leave tools for a burglar in a place where they are visible. Ladders, house bricks and even skipping ropes have been used to break into houses.

All of the above are useless if you don’t use your common sense.
Lock doors, close windows and ensure your house does not become a soft target.

Dog Proof Your Garden

One thing that strikes fear into any dog owner is the thought that their dog may escape from the garden. This is why dog owners take certain precautions such as locking the gate, accompanying their dog when he is in the garden and in some cases actually keeping the dog on lead whilst he goes for a quick stretch outside. There are obvious risks and easily imagined worst case scenarios every time your dog scratches at the back to door to be let out.

With some careful planning and a little elbow grease, your garden can be escape proof and more importantly it can be intruder proof. The last thing you want to do is spend money ensuring your dog stays on the right side of the fence, only for someone to hop over and steal him.

Your garden need not like a fortress either. Stylish and attractive features can be made out of the most practical and functional elements of a garden. Ensuring that your garden combines security with style and aesthetics is not an easy combination, but it is possible.

There are three main areas that provide security within your garden, the perimeter (fences and walls), the landscape (the layout, position of trees, ponds and other features) and the lighting (Deliberate lighting such as motion activated security lights as well as strategic positioning of trees and walls to allow for more light). Each of these three areas provide focal points for any garden, adding character and charm as well as serving a practical function.

The Perimeter

A determined dog can dig under a fence or even negotiate his way over one. Since an overly tall fence may look displaced in some gardens, consider making access to the fence less tempting to a dog. Water features such as ponds and waterfalls can prevent a dog getting sufficient access to a fence to facilitate an escape. Bushes and shrubs can perform a similar function whilst being cheaper and providing colour.

If you want to keep your dog away from certain parts of the garden, a fence with weld wood panels (From £92.25 for 1.2 metres) is a good option. Louise Tomlin of Jacksons Fine Fencing explained “The weld-wood panel fences are an excellent idea for dog fencing. They don’t make your garden look like an industrial site and are a great plant support providing an easy surface for climbers to grow”

It imperative for the secure garden that the fence goes far enough into the earth to prevent a dog from digging out.

The Landscape

Restricting a dog’s access to points of exit is key to achieving a secure garden. A well positioned pond or rockery can be more effective than an imposing fence or wall. Combined with an effective wall they can be doubly effective. The trick is to think like a dog. How would your dog try to escape? A rockery elevating a dog half way up a fence can do more harm than good in preventing an escape, and can also allow for ease of access for any would be intruder.

Tall trees provide an extra element to your perimeter. But they also reduce the amount of light getting into your garden. A dark, concealed fence is an ideal entry point for an intruder, whereas a pond positioned underneath the lowest point of any fence or wall provides an extra obstacle for any intruder or potential escapee.

The Lighting

Lighting is a key element to the security of both house and home. Placing motion detecting lights strategically around your garden (the cost of which obviously depends on the size of your garden) can ensure that any intruders are deprived of the cover of darkness. Lighting does little to prevent a determined intruder, but it is often used as a deterrent to the opportunist.

Clever lighting adds style and beauty to any garden. Consider placing upwards pointing spot lamps underneath a tree or in a border. Make your garden look twice the size by arranging your lighting in the corners of your garden or at any elevated points such as a rockery or raised decking.

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How to Dog Proof Your Home is one of many dog tips courtesy of DogTips.co. Want more? Get daily dog tips by email.