With so much activity happening around the home and winter weather being unpredictable, it’s easy to forget parts of your dog’s wellness routine. In order to make this holiday season easier for dog owners, we’ve put together a list of tips for keeping your hound healthy.

Prioritize Play Time

Play time is important for dogs any time of year, but especially in the winter when going on walks and going to the park may be impossible. If you can get out and go on a walk or to the dog park, that may be best. If you can’t be outside due to snow or ice, some communities also have indoor dog parks. 

Another great option is to prioritize play time in your home. Simple games of tug of war, short-distance fetch, and chase are great ways for your dogs to get some exercise while staying in the house. You can also try boredom buster activities like dog puzzles or scent games. Lots of indoor play time leads to a happier, healthier pup because it mentally stimulates them and also prevents obesity and other health problems associated with a sedentary lifestyle. 

Regularly Track Their Health

It can be easy to forget vet appointments, regular vaccinations, and daily medications during the busy holiday season. Consider placing a pet medical and medication tracker on your fridge so the whole family can keep up with Fido’s wellbeing. A medical tracker is also a great way to prevent incorrect dosing and ensure your pet is getting the right amount of medication everyday.

If you plan on traveling with your pup during the holiday season, it is also important to make sure they’re healthy enough to travel. Make sure to take your dog to the vet before extensive traveling to make sure they are in tip-top shape and are up to date on vaccinations. Dogs can get sick from travel much like humans can, so make sure to monitor their health throughout the season.

Watch What They Eat

The holidays are filled with yummy foods, but not all of these foods are good for dogs. In fact, some of them are toxic. Consider keeping a printable of foods your dog can and can’t eat on the fridge during family gatherings. This will prevent well-meaning family members from feeding your pup their leftovers that may include garlic and onions, which are harmful to dogs.

Some of the most common holiday foods that are toxic for pups include raisins, onions, and Halloween candy like chocolate. Foods like chicken, sweet potatoes, and carrots are safe for your dog if you want to feed them their own fancy holiday feast.

Invest in Pet Insurance and Prep for Caretakers

Pet insurance is a great investment to make when your dog is still a puppy. It can come in handy in the event of an emergency or for a regular vet visit. If you get pet insurance when your dog is still a puppy, they’ll be more likely to cover a healthy dog that hasn’t developed pre-existing conditions. If you wait until your pup is older and has developed health conditions, that care unfortunately won’t be covered by pet insurance in most instances.

If you do have pet insurance, make sure to let your holiday pet sitter know. Leaving your dog with a caretaker over the holidays can be hard, but if it’s something you decide is best, you want to make sure the caretaker knows everything about your animal. Consider leaving them a pet health profile with emergency contacts, as well as general information about your pet.

Pets are family, so we want to treat them as such. Their health and wellness should stay a top priority all throughout the year and especially during a hectic holiday season. Thanks to The Zebra for providing these printables that can help us keep up with our pet’s health during the crazy holidays.

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To pay homage to both American Heart Month and Valentine’s Day, here are some top tips for caring for and improving the health of your beloved dog’s heart.

1. Feed your dog a healthy diet

Just like us, a healthy body starts with a healthy diet. A healthy diet plays a major role in your dog’s organ function, the quality of their skin and coat, their joint health, and, of course, their heart health. Avoiding obesity is also key to maintaining heart health, so providing a high quality, balanced diet for your pooch is paramount. For heart health in particular:

Reduce the sodium 

Heart problems can be caused by having too much sodium in your dog’s diet. Studies show that a maximum sodium level of 1.8% should be included in the diet of healthy dogs, and those suffering from heart disease should consume even less. 

Check the sodium content of your pup’s food and treats to ensure that they aren’t consuming too much.

Ensure that they are getting enough Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Making sure that your dog is getting enough omega 3 fatty acids is a great way to support their heart health. Research has shown that supplementing omega 3 into their diet decreases the production of inflammatory hormones and can improve their appetite.

According to Tufts University, the current recommended dose for dogs with heart failure is 40mg/kg EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and 25 mg/kg DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) daily. There are very few commercial dog foods that provide this dose, making supplementation necessary.

One of the easiest ways to ensure that you are giving your dog sufficient nutrients and omega 3 fatty acids is to supplement their diet with a multivitamin. These doggie supplements come in a range of yummy flavored treats that your dog will happily gobble up every day without knowing they are being given a blast of goodness!

Consider using probiotics

We are all familiar with the concept of using probiotics to support our own gut health, but the same is true for our furry friends. The bacteria in your dog’s gut can influence their overall health and wellbeing both physically and psychologically, so maintaining the good bacteria in their tummies is important. Some research also suggests that an imbalance of bacteria in a dog’s gut can impact their heart health, with repopulating their gut with good bacteria reducing inflammation and blood pressure. Probiotics come in easy-to-use powdered form that can be sprinkled on your dog’s regular food.

2. Prioritize exercise

Even if your dog easily maintains a healthy weight, just like us, that doesn’t necessarily indicate fitness or great heart health. Ensuring that they get plenty of exercise daily is essential for protecting their hearts from disease. Thankfully, they don’t usually take much convincing to engage in some cardio! The trick can be to keep it varied for us – anything from walking, running, hiking, chasing a ball on the beach – whatever gets their hearts pumping!

3. Attend regular vet checks

For every one of our years, dogs age between four and nine years, and this faster aging can be all too easily overlooked – but, imagine going that many years without a medical checkup for ourselves! Bi-annual check-ups with a vet is ideal, especially for older pooches. Ultimately, prevention and early detection of issues is the optimal way to care for your pet.

4. Don’t underestimate the importance of dental care

Dental disease in dogs tends to show up between ages four – nine, and surprisingly, has a strong correlation to heart disease. The buildup of plaque and any infection in a dog’s mouth can actually contribute to congestive heart failure by entering their bloodstream. Maintain a healthy routine for your dog’s dental care and consult a vet if you notice any signs of problems such as sore gums, bleeding or bad breath etc.

5. Treat for heartworm disease

Heartworm disease can be transmitted by mosquitoes and lead to heart failure if not treated quickly – and even then it can still lead to permanent heart damage. Thankfully, it is easily prevented with a simple topical product or pill administered monthly.

6. Know the signs of Heart Disease

Most cases of heart disease in dogs develop as a result of injury, illness, infection etc. as opposed to any genetic causality. Signs to be aware of can include:

• Shortness of breath
• Dry cough after exercise 
• Rapid weight loss
• Fatigue
• Cough that is worse at night
• Fainting
• Pale gums

These and any other unusual signs and symptoms should prompt a timely visit to your local vet to check your dog’s health.

As you can see, there are a number of ways that we can prevent heart issues for our special pets and ensure their optimal health overall, too. And similarly, loving and caring for our four-legged friends has a positive impact on our own heart health too. 

What better reminder than Valentine’s Day and Heart Health Awareness Month to ensure that you are taking great care of your and your loved ones’ hearts – including your precious pooch’s!

About the Author:

Emma is a professional writer and blogger, with two furry friends and a lot of pet behavioral and pet health knowledge to share. She has written for numerous big animal magazines and health sites, and is a regular contributor to The Catington Post.

What stages do puppies go through?

The stages of puppy development are often broken up into weeks. Puppies will go through a growth spurt every two to four weeks and experience a cognitive leap into new understandings of how the world works and what they can do with their bodies. The gap between these leaps begins increasing as they start growing and learning more complex tasks.

Most dog experts split their growth stages up into the following categories. 

Birth – 2 weeks 

The newborn stage; in this stage, your puppy is dependent on their mother to meet all their needs. Puppies are born not be able to see or hear; the only senses they have are touch and taste. They will ‘root’ for their mother by pulling themselves along with their front limbs.  

Newborn puppies communicate with high-pitched squeaks and yelps. The mother will care for every need, from feeding to cleaning. If you plan on bonding with your puppy, it is the perfect time to familiarize them with your scent. Handle them carefully. Remember they will sleep a lot during this stage.

2 – 6 weeks 

The transitional stage, This development stage starts at about two weeks of age; the puppy’s eyes open, and their hearing develops. Pups become aware of their surroundings, not just their mother and littermates. Puppies between 2 and 4 weeks old will take their first steps. 

They discover playing and can leave their bed/sleeping area to relieve themselves. Puppies’ milk teeth start to form, and they should start to experiment with solid food. Try interacting and calling them; they will soon learn the sound of your voice. This stage is the first where they begin to interact with the world beyond their mother. 

6- 8 weeks 

New beginnings and socialization. Your puppy is developing at a rapid rate. They have figured out that they are a dog  by now. Eight weeks is the ideal age for a puppy to go to a new home or stay with you and build on your loving bond. 

Research has calculated that relocating a puppy to a new home is ideal on the 49th day. This is ideal for the puppy to learn and begin puppy training for manners and potty habits. This time is crucial as they can adapt to changes and cope with minor stresses. Your puppy will also be able to wean off his or her mother’s milk at this stage. 

8 – 12 weeks 

Fear stage. This stage is known as the imprint or fear stage. Your new puppy can form associations with objects. This stage is where fear is born and bred in a dog. Pups at this stage should be handled with care, and it is best to avoid any scares. 

During this stage, you should focus on creating as many happy moments and positive experiences. Positive reinforcement at this stage is vital to a happy dog. The same soft cooing that soothes a baby works well for puppies too. Make sure to encourage them and foster an internal sense of security in your puppy, especially at the end of this period. 

3 – 6 months 

This period marks the end of the fear period; puppies are a bundle of energy at this age. The fear they felt in the last stage is replaced with abundant curiosity; they become explorers and discover chewing art. At 16 weeks, puppies may develop itchy gums from adult teeth, so this is the perfect time to get your pup plenty of chewy toys. 

This stage is vital in training and keeping a routine. Your dog will be testing boundaries with their boundless energy. Maintaining a calm and collected training schedule is a good idea. It would be best if you neuter your dog around the six-months of age mark; this prevents hormonal fluctuations that can cause issues later in life. 

6 – 18 months

Any training that has been before this point has all been in preparation for this stage. If you have cemented in training, this stage will not be too hard to get through. Puppies become instinctual creatures at this phase. 

Their sense of independence skyrockets and they will not need you as much anymore. They will want to explore independently, so keep them on a tight leash. Puppies need to be guided and encouraged to stay by your side. 

Another fear stage might develop again during this period. It is essential to maintain a routine and consistency in your puppy’s life. With the right guidance, they will mature into mature, and house trained adult dogs. 

18 months and beyond

This is the springboard stage before adulthood. You should reinforce house training and good social skills in your dog. They develop self-control during this period. Your dog’s personality should be evident at this stage – cute!

This stage is all about bonding with your dog and developing a routine around their favorite activities. You will learn how your dog likes to do things and develop a routine from there. 

Fostering safety and happiness

There is no doubt that puppies are clumsy and boisterous. Much in the same way that we baby proof our homes for new babies, you should do the same for puppies. They often have boundless energy and can tear through a house pretty quickly. That being said, there’s no better feeling than inviting a new pooch into your home and into your heart. Keep in mind your puppy should be handled with care, especially during the fear stage. Try setting up some home solutions to prevent falls, such as ramps for climbing onto furniture or baby gates to keep them out of the kitchen or other areas that are not safe. 

About the Author:

Emma is a professional writer and blogger, with two furry friends and a lot of pet behavioral and pet health knowledge to share. She has written for numerous big animal magazines and health sites, and is a regular contributor to The Catington Post.

BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital, which has over 90 pet hospitals in 26 states, has observed an alarming 70% increase in the number of parvovirus cases and hospitalizations amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

While data is still being analyzed, financial strain on pet parents, delayed vaccinations and routine vet visits, and increased exposure to outdoor environments are are possible causes of the 70% spike in cases.

Analysis of data from BluePearl’s more than 90 pet hospitals showed a 70% increase in the number of parvovirus cases relative to ER cases in 2020 as compared to the same time periods in the past five years (2015 to 2019).

Parvovirus, or parvo, is a highly contagious, potentially deadly disease that attacks the gastrointestinal tracts of infected canines. While puppies are most at risk for contracting parvo, any unvaccinated or partially vaccinated dog can contract the disease through dog-to-dog contact and contact with contaminated stool, environments, or people. If left untreated, most parvo deaths occur within 48 to 72 hours. However, survival rates can approach 90% with proper treatment.

“We are in the very early stages of analyzing this data; looking for possible causes of the increase and determining what the implications are for this and other preventable companion animal diseases,” remarked James Barr, DVM, DACVECC, Chief Medical Officer, BluePearl Pet Hospital. “Parvo outbreaks pose a serious threat to our canine friends but skipping routine vaccinations could also put human health at risk through the possibility of rabies exposure. As invaluable sources of emotional support as well as sentinels and potential vectors of infectious disease, it is vital pets receive all preventative care vaccines, and owners adhere to the timing requirements of those vaccines.”

Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, many people turned to animals for companionship. This resulted in significant fostering and adoption of shelter animals. Some of these shelter animals may have been released without completion of their vaccination series. Stay at home orders also prompted a trend in people spending more time outdoors, which could have increased environmental exposure (i.e. dog parks). Other possible causes for the uptick include disruptions in the timing of or prevention of puppies receiving full vaccine series, resulting in incomplete immunity, and financial hardships, such as job loss, preventing or delaying owners from seeking routine vaccinations.

“If the U.S. continues to see COVID-19 cases increase or a second wave, this may exacerbate these trends and further harm our pets,” explained Lenore Bacek, DVM, MS, DACVECC, Clinical Programs Manager, BluePearl Pet Hospital. “To prevent further increase, and to ensure this does not happen again, veterinary hospitals and related businesses must continue to be recognized as essential services. Owners must also be vigilant not to bring their dogs or puppies to dog parks or other high traffic areas until fully vaccinated. As we delve deeper into this data, we hope to better understand the complexities of this parvovirus outbreak, as well as shine light on the value veterinary medicine brings to public health.”

While dogs and puppies may begin showing signs of parvovirus between three to ten days after exposure, they are often contagious before visible symptoms. If you suspect your pet has parvovirus, immediately isolate your pet and contact your primary care veterinarian.

About BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital

Founded in 1996, BluePearl is one of the largest specialty and emergency veterinary practices in the U.S. today. BluePearl has more than 90 hospitals in 26 states that together employ 5,900+ Associates, including 1,160+ veterinarians, 1,650+ veterinary technicians, and 3,000+ other professionals. Each year, our compassionate teams provide high-quality care for over one million pets and their families. BluePearl clinicians also participate in clinical studies to discover new treatments and procedures that improve pet health. As part of the Mars Veterinary Health family of brands, BluePearl is committed to its purpose—A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS®—because pets make a better world for us. Learn more at https://bluepearlvet.com/.

What is swimmer puppy syndrome? What causes it, and how can you tell if a pup has it? What can be done to treat swimmer puppy syndrome, if anything, and what is the prognosis like? The good news is that there’s hope.

What is swimmer puppy syndrome?

Puppies that are physically unable to stand and walk normally are called “swimmers” as they paddle their legs like sea turtles do when stranded on high ground. A swimmer puppy typically lies flat on its chest and belly, with its hind legs extended behind and its forelegs extended to the front and / or sides.

Prolonged inability to stand and walk flattens a swimmer pup’s thorax, causing problems with breathing and preventing the puppy from eating properly. In newborn pups with swimmer puppy syndrome, milk is often regurgitated.

Swimmer puppies often experience difficulty with the entire digestion process; many have difficulty eliminating and develop constipation as a result. Without treatment, a swimmer puppy is also at risk of developing painful joint deformities caused by holding their legs at abnormal angles for long periods of time.

Symptoms of swimmer puppy syndrome

Besides paddling their legs like little turtles or pulling themselves along on their bellies like snakes, how can you tell if a puppy is a “swimmer?” There are a few things to look for:

• The puppy’s chest will appear flattened rather than rounded.
• You’ll probably notice that the puppy has some difficulty breathing.
• Swimmer puppies are often lethargic.
• By one week of age, the pup’s legs will usually appear to be permanently splayed to the sides, no matter how the puppy is held.
• By three weeks of age, the puppy will not be developing the ability to stand and walk like its littermates.

If you notice any of these syndromes or have even the slightest suspicion that a puppy is a “swimmer,” then call your veterinarian ASAP. The sooner treatment can begin, the better the puppy’s outlook is likely to be.

What causes swimmer puppy syndrome?

Small and dwarf dog breeds are more prone to swimmer puppy syndrome that large breeds. Since this condition isn’t common, little research has been conducted to determine the cause. Some veterinary experts believe that the issue is hereditary, while others point toward environments that prevent puppies from moving enough to develop their muscles properly. Others believe that swimmer puppies are born with congenital defects that occur prior to birth.

Whatever the cause of swimmer puppy syndrome, the good news is that this condition is often treatable.

How is swimmer puppy syndrome treated?

Once upon a time, the only “remedy” for swimmer puppy syndrome was humane euthanasia. Today, these puppies aren’t hopeless cases.

Many veterinarians are willing to intervene and give the puppy a chance at having a happy, healthy life as there are quite a few treatments for swimmer puppy syndrome. Your vet will be able to determine whether these or other options are viable, as every individual is unique.

• Use a harness or sling to suspend the puppy for up to 20 minutes at a time, up to four times per day. This treatment is intended to strengthen muscles while taking pressure off the chest and abdomen.
• Have your veterinarian show you how to hobble or tape the puppy’s legs into the correct position. Every case is different; however, this is normally done gradually, for just 15 to 20 minutes per day, and only 3 to 4 times per day at first. It’s usually paired with the harness or sling method, with the puppy’s paws lightly touching the ground but not supporting the pup’s weight at all.
• Avoid slippery surfaces that prevent the pup from gaining traction.
• Make sure that bedding is fluffy and soft, so the pup’s thorax isn’t as tightly compressed as it would be on a hard surface. You can also create a soft vest for the pup to wear by cutting leg holes in an old sock and stuffing the sock with fluffy material to keep the chest elevated.
• Encourage the puppy to sleep on its side rather than resting on its abdomen. When you are with the puppy, help it change positions while nursing and sleeping.
• Use a soft toothbrush to tickle the puppy’s paw pads at least a few times per day. This gentle stimulation can help with nerve development and encourage the puppy to move its legs more, as well as to exert more force with each movement.
• Massage the puppy frequently, particularly after feeding. All-over massage can help stimulate muscles and nerves while aiding the digestion process.
• Stand the puppy up and use your fingers to gently encourage “walking” motions with the legs. You can also encourage these movements while the puppy is suspended in a sling.
• Ensure that the puppy is being fed adequately, but not over-fed. Excess weight makes recovery more difficult.
• Keep the puppy clean. Because swimmer puppies aren’t able to relive themselves properly, they’re prone to lying in their own waste. This can lead to painful lesions and cause complications with treatment. Apply a moisture barrier cream or unscented baby powder to help prevent irritation, if your vet approves.

Conclusion

It takes time and dedication to treat a pup with swimmer puppy syndrome, but a positive outcome is often possible.

Emma Williams is a professional writer and blogger, with two furry friends and a lot of pet behavioral and pet health knowledge to share. She has written for numerous big animal magazines and health sites, and is a regular contributor to The Dogington Post.

From precautionary interior design hacks to fostering a calm environment and discussing important safety advice, we’re here to offer a range of tips to ensure your dynamic duo are brought up in a safe, fun and harmonious environment that benefits the whole family.

Set some boundaries

Puppies and toddlers love to explore – it’s in their nature and is all part of them growing up and learning about the world around them. However, it’s essential to set boundaries for both toddler and pup to prioritise safety, as well as keep some order within your household.

With kids, the addition of stair gates can be a blessing for parents who want to confine their wanderings to certain areas of the home that are child-friendly – and these techniques can be used for your puppy, too. Depending on the size of your puppy, you may be able to use your child gates as physical barriers to keep them contained in one area – perfect for when you need some quiet time for your child’s afternoon nap.

It’s also a good idea to invest in a dog crate for your puppy as early as possible, not least this will provide a secure sanctuary for them to retreat to for a little down time, but it will also serve as a helpful training tool as they get more responsive to commands. As part of the crate integration, you should teach your pup and child to understand that this is a quiet and calm space just for the dog – ensuring the two parties respect this protocol to avoid any potential friction.

Combat the chew

While dogs and humans develop on different timescales, it’s inevitable that you’ll spot similarities between each of their milestones – and one that no parent or dog owner relishes is teething.

Thankfully, it’s unlikely you’ll find your toddler gnawing their way through a table leg or your favourite pair of shoes, but having suitable teething toys, gels and cooling foods to hand will help to ease the discomfort. For your little chewy pooch however, anything is fair game – and sometimes even the most unlikely items fall victim to their razor sharp teeth.

With this in mind, where possible, limit the amount of time that your pup is left on its own and able to get into mischief, but also consider storing away or upgrading pieces of furniture that could be a prime target. For example, opting for a stylish occasional table with metal legs instead of wood will make it a less attractive chew toy – and the easy wipe clean surface will mean you can stay on top of germs and prevent painful splinters from exposed wooden shards, too.

It also goes without saying that you should keep human and dog toys separate from each other, as to the untrained eye (or a curious toddler or puppy), there’s often little difference between them. Firstly, you don’t want your child to get poorly from sucking on a dog toy and secondly, you don’t want a poorly pup who’s been too enthusiastic with a child’s toy and ingested some of the pieces. If your little ones do like to play happily together, one way to ensure they stick to their own toys is to give your pooch a tasty treat like a Kong.

Safety first

Talking of pups and toddlers playing together, it is possible to happen without incident, but with figures in the United States suggesting over 50% of dog bite injuries involve children, you should always be aware there is a risk of your dog lashing out – even if unintentionally.

Whether it’s an unexpected high-pitched squeal of joy, a pulled tail or over-zealous cuddle, there may be times when your puppy finds your baby or toddler’s behavior frightening or possibly too exciting, which could cause them to react negatively or become a little boisterous in their mode of play.

From as early as possible try to teach both your pet and your child how to play together safely and the correct way to interact with each other. While your child may have the strength to pick up a small dog and give it a good cuddle, your puppy may not enjoy the smothering so monitor their time together and encourage them to play gently – separating them if things get a little rough.

It’s also important for both pets and little ones to recognize when the other isn’t in the mood. For instance, if your dog’s resting after a long walk or eating, tell your child to leave them in peace or put them in separate rooms. Teaching your child to be considerate of your puppy from a young age will naturally influence their interactions with other dogs who may not be as placid and tolerant as their own furry friend. Find out other helpful hints on child and dog safety here.

To many, having a puppy and a child coexisting in one house at the same time may seem like too much of a handful, but for those who are undeterred, it can form a magical friendship and bond between the whole family. Of course, there’s no denying that caring for two little creatures is never going to be a walk in the park, but we hope with these tips, you’ll find managing double the trouble, no trouble at all.

Author bio: Angus Ponsford is the Director at Ponsford Ltd, an independent, family-run furniture retailer that boasts a huge selection to suit every style and budget.

Like the human flu that affects so many each year, the dog flu is highly contagious with the potential to spread very quickly among dogs, especially those that frequently socialize with others at dog parks, daycares, in shelters and boarding facilities.

As of last week, veterinarians in 46 states across the country confirmed cases of either the H3N8 strain, the H3N2 strain, or both.

So, we asked Dr. Gary Richter, a Veterinary Health Expert with Rover.com, the nation’s largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers, what pet parents need to know to best protect their pets this flu season.

Is the canine flu dangerous? Is this year worse than others?
The canine flu isn’t any more dangerous this year. However, it does seem to be spreading more than usual due to owners traveling and socializing more with their dogs. The popularity of social spaces for dogs, like parks, dog runs and kennels, creates environments where the virus can spread to a lot of dogs very quickly. Most dogs will recover, but canine influenza can be lethal in a small number of patients, similar to the human version of the flu.

What are the flu symptoms to look out for? 
Coughing, mucous discharge from the nose and eyes, fever, and general lethargy are the main symptoms to look for.

How can owners avoid canine flu?
Avoiding large groups of dogs is the best strategy. Indoor areas with a high concentration of dogs are the most likely places to get the virus, but outdoor play areas can also be a place of transmission. Spaces with lots of dogs should be avoided if your dog isn’t vaccinated.

What are the pros and cons of getting a flu shot for your dog? Is it too late now?
The simple answer is no, it is not too late to vaccinate a dog for canine influenza. At best, the vaccination will help prevent disease transmission and it can also lessen the symptoms if a dog is exposed. While any individual dog can have an adverse reaction to a vaccine, the risk is outweighed by the potential consequences of contracting canine influenza.

Whether or not to vaccinate your dog should depend on the following factors: geographic location and prevalence of the disease locally, the overall health of the dog, and the lifestyle of the dog.  Dogs that are not in high risk environments, live in areas of low disease prevalence, or those with a previous history of vaccine reactions should consult with the veterinarian to determine what the best course of action should be.

When is it time to go to the vet? 
Any dog that is coughing, sneezing, and/or has nasal discharge should see their veterinarian. The symptoms of canine influenza can initially look very similar to kennel cough. There is a laboratory test that can confirm the diagnosis.

How will my dog be treated by a vet?
Dogs with influenza are frequently put on antibiotics to prevent or treat secondary bacterial infections.  Animals with severe symptoms may need to be hospitalized and put on IV fluids and medication as supportive therapy while they are recovering.

Dr. Gary Richter, M.S., D.V.M., C.V.C., C.V.A., is a graduate of the University of Florida with a B.S. in animal science, an M.S. in veterinary medical science, and a doctorate of veterinary medicine with honors. Since 2002, he has been the owner and medical director of Montclair Veterinary Hospital in Oakland, California, and he launched Holistic Veterinary Care in 2009.

Rover.com® is the largest network of 5-star pet sitters and dog walkers in North America. Serving pet parents across the U.S. and Canada, Rover connects dog owners with trusted pet care whenever they need it. Millions of services have been booked on Rover, including pet sitting, dog walking, in-home dog boarding, and doggy day care.

So the question arises again, “Is Pet Insurance Worth It?”

None of us like paying insurance premiums. Pet insurance is no different in that regard. In general, insurance is not something to enjoy like a new product or an activity. Insurance protects us from unforeseeable events. It mitigates people’s risk and exposure. So maybe we can’t enjoy it like an activity, but it certainly gives us peace of mind. And peace of mind is most definitely worth something.

American’s spend over 60 billion dollars a year on their pets. Pet insurance premiums make up about 750 million of that. Only 1 percent of pet purchasing dollars is going towards pet insurance.

If you think of that in terms of people’s health insurance and car insurance, it crazily and scarily low. The pet insurance market is vastly undeserved.

Naphia reported over 1.6 million pets were insured at the end of 2015 in North America. Yes, up 12.0% from 2014, but overall a very small number when you consider the U.S. alone has approximately 80 million pet owners according to the American Pet Product Association.

Pet Insurance company, Embrace, says these numbers are overstated as it would imply a more robust pet insurance industry.

It’s interesting with so many people considering pets as members of our family, the numbers of pets with pet insurance is almost nothing. Unfortunately, as the numbers suggest, too many of us are ill prepared when disaster strikes. And as a result, too many of us are forced to put our pets down.

As people we recognize that health insurance saves lives. The same is for our pets.

The best time to get pet insurance is when our pets are young. Pet insurance companies don’t cover pre-existing conditions. Furthermore, the first two years of your pet’s life can be as expensive as when they’re over 8 years old. Puppy’s can be very curious. As a result, they are more susceptible to danger.

Here are some questions to ask yourself when buying pet insurance:

1. How much can I afford to pay ?
2. Can I afford a disaster on my own ?
3. Are there dollar caps based on incidents ?
4. Will routine care be covered ?
5. What are the waiting periods before coverage starts ? -Keep an eye on this one. The last thing anyone needs is to find out you’re not covered when you thought you were.

Your pet insurance plan should cover these categories — Accidents & Illnesses, Hereditary, Congential, & Chronic Conditions, Diagnostic Tests, Emergency Care, Hospitalization, Specialist Care, Prescriptions and Surgery.

Here’s a breakdown of the 10 best Pet Insurance Companies from top to bottom: https://www.consumersadvocate.org/pet-insurance/best-pet-insurance

Overview of factors to consider when buying Pet Insurance: https://www.consumersadvocate.org/pet-insurance/compare

About the Author:

My name is Scott Smith. I am pet editor for ConsumersAdvocate.org. I’m also a content creator and social media expert. I know how build communities and keep people engaged. It’s really not rocket science. It’s about being authentic. I never lose sight of the fact that behind all these profile pictures, avatars, images and platforms are real people just like you and I. Over the past 5 years I have struck a chord with people from all over the world.

I write across a vast array of topics and not even limited to that. Just as life is fluid, so is my writing. I also run a very large social media community called, “Everybody Loves Sammy” or ELS for short. I created this community about 5 years ago and we’re known all over the world now. Sammy is one of my 6 dogs. “Everybody Loves Sammy” is just the name now. The community itself is about animals and people from all walks of life My community is known for our animal loving, inspirational, motivational, psychological, funny and introspective posts.

Teena Patel, LLA CPDT 

Is it Natural for My Puppy to Cry?

If you have asked your trainer or gone to website to find out why your puppy is whining or crying, you probably haven’t received a straight answer. Usually, you will hear that it is okay for a puppy to cry for the first several days or weeks, as long as you have made sure to take care of his physical needs. You also probably have heard that it is natural for a puppy to cry at night because it has been “separated from the pack” or because this is how puppies get the attention of their mothers under natural conditions. In truth, there is no need for your puppy ever to cry or to whine if you understand his basic nature, and how you can work with your puppy instead of against his instincts and needs.

Why Do Puppies Cry?

Puppies can cry for many different reasons, but it is important to understand that for the most part these reasons are a result of living in a human rather than in a canine world. In a natural setting, all of a puppy’s basic needs are met without needing to cry. The puppy’s food is accessible at all times from its mother. Contrary to common belief, puppies that are with their mothers do not need to whine to get their attention, but rather simply approach them to feed. When they are out in natural spaces, puppies also poop and pee whenever they have to go When puppies need physical comfort, they lie down with their mothers and littermates and press up against them. When puppies feel the need to exercise, move, and play, they do so spontaneously and have a large number of playmates present at all times.

Now compare the puppy living under natural conditions with one that you have brought into your home. You are training your puppy only to pee or poop outside, meaning that he must gain your attention to get out when he needs to go. You provide food to your puppy at your convenience not his. He is separated physically from the comfort of mother and littermates. His space to roam, play, and explore is controlled by you. All of these limitations on the puppy can lead him to cry or whine unless you create an environment for him that meets his needs.

Usually the biggest challenges for new puppy owners come at night, and it is during these hours that crying is most common for puppies. So here is what you need to know.

Should I Crate My Puppy at Night?

If you tell most trainers that you want your puppy to sleep with you instead of placing him in a crate, they will say: don’t do it. They give lots of reasons for this such as the puppy will not be comfortable because of having “too much space”. Another common refrain is that the puppy will get “in the habit” of sleeping with you, and that having a fully grown dog of 60-70 pounds in your bed ultimately will make you very uncomfortable. A third reason often given not to let your puppy sleep with you at night is that he will never become accustomed to staying in the crate when you need him to do so. But like so much else that you commonly hear about puppies, these claims are largely baseless, and there is no need to crate your new puppy at night. In fact, there are many benefits for going another way.

The Benefits of Having Your Puppy Sleep with You

Perhaps the most common reason that puppies cry is that they are missing the warmth and physical contact from their mothers and littermates that they are genetically programmed to expect. The easiest way to provide this comfort and eliminate crying is to allow your puppy to sleep with you in your bed. Puppies at  are not concerned about open spaces but rather about having consistent, warm touch. This offers them a feeling of security, a sense of belonging, and ultimately of cooperation with their owners.

In addition to providing emotional comfort to your puppy, having him sleep with you eliminates one of the other major reasons for crying or whining behavior, namely getting your attention to go out to pee. Your puppy also can go to get water or food in the middle of the night if he needs it without ever having to wake you.

The “Bad Habit” Myth

Concerns about your dog getting into the “bad habit” of always wanting to sleep with you are highly overblown. Most dogs, as they grow older, seek more personal space and do not like to be touched or to be in too close proximity to others when they are sleeping. Touch ceases to be an emotional need for them. This transition usually begins by 16-18 weeks. By this point, your dog likely will not want to sleep with you in your bed, although he may want to be nearby in your room.

In a similar way, letting your puppy sleep with you at night also doesn’t mean that you can’t teach him to be crated. You can still crate him at other times of the day while you are home. For example, you could put your puppy in his crate every time your family sits down to eat dinner or when you are watching television. The puppy will become accustomed to being in the crate while you are in the house, and so when you need him to go inside, he will already have practice doing so.

What if I Want to Crate My Puppy at Night?

If you still want to crate your puppy at night, you can alleviate some of his anxiety by making his create as comfortable as possible with fluffy blankets and by putting something of yours inside, such as an old shirt, so that he can smell you at night. You should also keep his crate nearby your bed. The reason for this is not, however, so that you can hear him cry at night for you to let him out to pee. This is a common misperception that actually does lead to bad habits. You should keep him nearby you so that he can hear you at night and feel calmed by your presence.

A Big Crate for a Small Dog

Most dog trainers will tell you that you should get a small crate for your puppy so that he can feel comfortable in his cozy and tight surroundings. This recommendation is based on the idea that dogs are “den animals” and require a closed environment to feel safe and secure. As we have seen, this idea is only partially true. But even more importantly, keeping a puppy in a small crate means that he has nowhere to pee, and cannot get water and food if he is hungry. By placing these environmental constraints on your puppy, you are ensuring that he must cry or whine to get your attention to let him out.

The solution if you choose to crate your dog, is to get a very large crate for him. You should divide the crate into two unequal parts using a barrier. The smaller section is where he will sleep. It should be just large enough for him to get up and turn around without touching the sides of the crate. You should make this side as comfortable as possible. Your puppy will not poop or pee here because dogs require room to move around when relieving themselves, and will not go in a cramped space unless there is an emergency.

You should cut a passage into your barrier between the two sides of the crate, making sure that you smooth out any rough spots in the opening. The larger side of the crate should be empty of anything that might be of interest to your puppy. You can put down a layer of sod on this side to replicate the outdoors. The result will be that your puppy will sleep on the small comfortable side, but be able to get up in the middle of the night to pee on the larger side without ever disturbing you. You can further ensure that your puppy will not cry or whine because he is hungry or thirsty by placing his water and food bowl inside his sleeping crate.

Your Puppy, Your Responsibility

Ultimately, whether your puppy cries is up to you. By bringing a puppy into your home, you have taken on the responsibility of creating an environment that maximizes his opportunities to succeed. This is crucial not only to meet his immediate physical and emotional needs such as eating, peeing, and close contact, but also to provide for his emerging emotional, and innate needs as he grows and gains confidence, and begins to explore the world around him.

Teena Patel, LLA CPDT, has a bachelor of science degree in comparative psychology and an MBA.

Teena is founder of the Country Day School at the University of Doglando, a 4 acre educational and enrichment center in Orlando. Teena is inspired by the idea that responsible pet-ownership requires a focus on the whole dog and teaching life skills rather than amusing tricks. She has developed new training methods to teach people how to interact positively with their animals starting most critically when they are puppies, and to integrate them fully into their lives. She brought this new model to Doglando, where a staff of professional trainers engage with their canine students of all ages throughout the school day to encourage positive behavioral outcomes. Patel has earned a national reputation for her innovative approach to training and dog care, and routinely consults around the country on her philosophy of enrichment, education, and improving dogs’ behavioral health.

by Teena Patel, LLA CPDT 

What New Puppy Parents Need to Know About Doggy Day Care

As the holidays approach, thousands of American families are considering adopting a puppy. It’s an exciting time, and parents are eagerly awaiting their children’s squeals of delight when they first see the wriggly balls of canine cuteness and energy. But soon, the kids  are back in school and parents are back at work, and the new puppies are left on their own at home, where they become bored, lonely, and perhaps destructive.  

Dog day care facilities offer to fill that gap, and they’ve become incredibly popular. They  promise socialization and exercise during the day, and tired, happy puppies at home during the evenings. Inspired by these assurances, U.S. dog owners spent 2.5 billion dollars in 2015 on day care and boarding services for their pets, representing an almost 400% increase in the past 20 years.

Are dog day cares good for my new puppy?

Without realizing it, however, both puppy owners and dog day care providers often do far more harm than good. Confined within small spaces fitted with artificial surfaces and crammed with hard plastic play equipment, puppies experience social and physical frustration rather than play, proper socialization, and healthy movement.

Perhaps even more damaging, the environment of the dog day care facilities unknowingly stunts the development of puppies’ emotional maturity. This sensitivity plays a crucial role in a puppy’s ability to grow up as a confident, resilient, robust, socially adept, and cooperative dog that can live in a spirit of mutual respect with its human family.

Before you decide to send your new puppy to a care facility, there are some important factors you should keep in mind both about your pet, and the center that you trust to care for him. Most importantly, you need to consider whether this facility can provide an environment that teaches your dog lessons that are both appropriate and healthy for a puppy at his stage of emotional and physical maturity.

Why would my puppy have a tough time in doggy day care?

First, most puppies are forcibly weaned, and then separated from their mothers and litter mates so that they can be sold at 8-weeks of age. Thus, they lose very important elements of socialization and emotional development that they would have acquired naturally, if left undisturbed, through interactions with their mothers and fellow puppies.

For example, puppies that wean naturally are still suckling as their teeth grow in. When they suckle too hard or bite their mothers use a range of physical responses to teach the puppies that this behavior isn’t acceptable.

In short, the mothers teach the puppies how to use their mouths “politely”. Puppies learn how to be mindful of others, and as a result they can relate much more effectively to both other dogs and people. When this developmental milestone is achieved, training becomes so much easier, and puppies can learn how to live as part of a human household.

The importance of environment in dog daycare

When puppies don’t have the opportunity to gain these developmentally appropriate skills (because of early separation from their mothers), their new owners are faced with an important obligation: They must provide an environment, meaning everything that surrounds the puppy, that places them on the path to success.

As you consider day care centers for your puppy, there are many questions you should ask to determine whether this facility will provide an environment that promotes:

– Proper emotional development

– Healthy interactions with other dogs

– The opportunity to learn the skills that the puppy will need for life in the human world

Should puppies be placed with older, larger dogs in day care?

First, access the facility’s policy for housing puppies with other dogs. In most day cares, puppies are placed either with other puppies alone or with a mixture of puppies and small dogs. The theory is that placing puppies with larger and older dogs will put them in danger.

However, separating puppies like this has a highly negative effect on their overall development. When puppies are placed together without supervision they rampage and then crash. They do not learn positive skills, and instead have their negative behaviors such as nipping, barking, and aggression reinforced.

The situation is even worse when puppies are placed with older small dogs that do not have the physical size to brush off the excessive and unwanted attention from the frisky pups. The older dogs often resort to more aggressive responses, including biting, to drive away puppies that have not learned politeness.  What puppies need is interaction with dogs of different ages and sizes to teach them lessons about sociability and politeness… behaviors that puppies would have learned from their mothers if allowed to wean naturally.

But, on its own, mixing in puppies with older dogs of different ages and sizes is not a sufficient environmental stimulus to help puppies develop in positive ways. The second question that should be asked of any dog care facility is, “How much, and what kind, of open space is available to my puppy?”

There’s no way around it – dogs need space to be dogs

Dogs need space. By nature, dogs do not like picking fights, or engaging in highly stressful or aroused environments. They would rather move away than continue in a confrontation.

However, when they are not given the opportunity to escape, it is normal under confined and highly stressful conditions for most dogs (some breeds more than others) to seek to control their environment, even if this includes engaging in very aggressive behavior. In fact, this is a major reason why most dog day cares will not put puppies with older dogs.

As a rule of thumb, a facility should have sufficient open, outdoor space to permit each dog to run at full speed and come comfortably to a full stop without encountering physical obstacles or colliding with other dogs. At The University of Doglando, we have four full acres of space that is all available to the dogs at all times. With no more than 60 dogs staying with us at any one time, they have complete freedom of choice about whether to interact with other dogs, or to go lie down alone. The result is a far less stressful environment where we have not had a single fight between dogs, including puppies, since we opened ten years ago.

A very important consequence of this open environment for puppies is that they learn that other dogs have a choice whether to interact with them, or simply to walk away. Puppies quickly understand that, to have the interactions they want, they need to behave politely and be mindful of the other dog. This is a crucial milestone that prepares puppies for the training they need to integrate themselves effectively into the life of a human family.

Is your puppy learning anything in doggy day care?

A third crucial question that puppy owners should ask is what lessons their puppies are learning during the day.

Most dog day care facilities, as the name implies, generally do not provide training. They focus solely on the care of the animals by ensuring that they are fed, get bathroom breaks, and have some degree of exercise.  The staff in these facilities do not take the opportunity to engage deliberately with the dogs to facilitate their acquisition of new skills. As a result, your puppy won’t learn how to interact harmoniously with other dogs, with the staff of the day care, and with you, its owner.

In fact, rather than teaching new skills, the staff at dog care facilities inadvertently teach lessons, mostly through invasive and intrusive actions. As a result, the dogs often learn undesirable behaviors.

For example, dog day care facilities frequently squirt dogs with a hose or shake a noisemaker to get them to stop barking. In this scenario, dogs, including puppies, are taught to give up any responsibility for self-control. They learn that they will only stop behaviors when compelled to do so by a human. In other cases, dog care centers train their staff to use their own bodies to control movement and block dogs. These physical interventions often lead to staff being bitten or injured.  That’s because, through experience, dogs learn that they can use their body and strength against humans.

Our dogs are always learning

These negative lessons are the natural consequence of a failure to understand how dogs learn. Thankfully, a properly designed environment, including a well-trained staff, can promote the types of learning that will prepare puppies to live with their families.

In contrast with the traditional model, when a puppy is introduced at the University of Doglando, careful and calculated measures are taken to ensure that he is engaged in environments that are designed to specifically elicit the behaviors we want to encourage. These behaviors include sitting at doorways, off leash recalls across the four acres of our facility, swimming, and sitting still for grooming.

At Doglando, the puppy has all the space he needs to explore, build confidence, and interact with other dogs. Just as importantly, the staff is trained in when to allow dogs to interact with each other, and when to become engaged by eliciting, and then reinforcing, a desired behavior. With this system, basic physical needs are met, but new puppies and adult dogs alike are also engaged in positive learning, both passively and actively, throughout the day.

Teena Patel, LLA CPDT, has a bachelor of science degree in comparative psychology and an MBA.

Teena is founder of the Country Day School at the University of Doglando, a 4 acre educational and enrichment center in Orlando. Teena is inspired by the idea that responsible pet-ownership requires a focus on the whole dog and teaching life skills rather than amusing tricks. She has developed new training methods to teach people how to interact positively with their animals starting most critically when they are puppies, and to integrate them fully into their lives. She brought this new model to Doglando, where a staff of professional trainers engage with their canine students of all ages throughout the school day to encourage positive behavioral outcomes. Patel has earned a national reputation for her innovative approach to training and dog care, and routinely consults around the country on her philosophy of enrichment, education, and improving dogs’ behavioral health.

The top two challenges for puppy owners are housebreaking and puppy biting. Everyone acknowledges that it is normal for puppies to bite and chew, but they are always blown away by HOW MUCH they incessantly bite and chew. Many owners are shocked, because they thought they signed up for a cute little puppy and they got a T-rex dinosaur who is always on the attack.

So here are three reasons why puppies bite, and how to solve them…

Teething:  Just like babies, puppy’s go through teething as their new teeth come in. Some owners forget this concept. This is the reason why your puppy seeks out cold hard items to chew on…the steel legs of a chair, iron base of a table, knobs of a kitchen draw, etc.  

So in order to help relieve your dog’s teething gums, provide them a suitable cold item for them to play with. A Kong toy stuffed with wet dog food or a little creamy peanut butter and frozen, is my typical go-to. Some companies sell products specifically designed for this purpose. The key is the cold.

Pent Up Energy:  I tell puppy owners all the time, as soon as you let your puppy out of the crate, take them immediately outside to go to the bathroom and tire them out. I feel it’s important to preemptively drain their energy in a productive manner. This will help to “take the edge off” of their biting/chewing and also help to develop the bond between you and your new dog. Take your dog to the bathroom, on a short walk, light play session and a little obedience training – this will go a long way. A puppy with too much pent up energy will no doubt get into mischief. It is better to be proactive in relieving their energy, then it is to wait until they start getting into trouble.

Overtired:  This is a big one that is so often overlooked. Most owners get the concept of tiring their dog out, but they forget that puppies need a lot of sleep. Most of a puppy’s day is sleeping. Just like a small child, an overtired puppy is more likely to not listen and get into a chewing frenzy. If you feel like your dog has been sufficiently tired out, but they are still going at a 100mph, it is time to have them relax.

This is when I use their crate as a safe place for them to feel secure and sleep. The crate is never a punishment, and they will not interpret it as such. Proper crate training is essential and one of the first things I do with all puppies and adult dogs. Puppies will often “go-go-go” even when they are tired. They don’t always appropriately self-regulate, electively choosing to sleep.  Sometimes we need to act as the thinking adult humans that we are, and help them make the right choices.

To recap…

Puppies bite, chew, and are A LOT of work. If your lifestyle can not handle this, do not get a puppy. Instead, adopt a dog who is 6+ months old. You will have an amazing dog without the hassles, headaches, and extra work of a puppy. However if you do choose a puppy, make sure to give them suitable cold toys for their teething, preemptively drain their energy, and then let them get the adequate sleep they require at this age. It is a very simple formula that will help both you and your dog.

Putnam Dog Trainer Steve Reid of S.R. Dog Training is the best choice for puppy training and dog training in Westchester NY and Connecticut.  Read more at www.srdogtraining.com and www.Facebook.com/SRDogTraining.

Only 20% of dog owners have a Dog First Aid Kit on hand. Even fewer are trained to give CPR. As dog owners, many of us would do anything to protect our dogs, or save their lives in an emergency. Being prepared is the first step!

[Via: Carrington College’s Veterinary Tech Program ]