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Category: Dog Health

Pet Insurance: A Must or Pass?

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Rethinking Pet Insurance

If you don’t have it, you’re not alone. Only three percent of pet owners have pet insurance, according to the American Animal Hospital Association, which seems astonishingly low when you consider that 88 percent of us consider our dogs members of the family.
Not surprisingly, the end of your dog’s life is the most expensive because that’s when he’s most vulnerable to arthritis, diseases of the heart, liver, and kidneys, and cancer. And treatment costs aren’t cheap. A support harness, ramp, and a year’s supply of medication for an arthritic dog can set you back $500. Radiation therapy for cancer can climb to about $5,000.

 

On average dog owners wind up spending somewhere around $1,500 a year on health care for their dogs, according to a survey by the American Kennel Club. And one out of three dogs needs some kind of emergency treatment at some point in his life.

So why don’t more people have pet insurance? dog sitters near me Elk River, doggy day care Elk River, indoor dog kennels Elk River, overnight dog boarding Elk River, overnight dog care Elk River, puppy daycare Elk River, dog boarding Otsego, dog boarding Rogers, boarding kennels Elk River, canine massage Elk River

Here are the most common reasons given for not buying pet insurance.

“I don’t know which policy to buy.” This is a reasonable complaint. Most people’s medical point of contact is a vet, and most vets don’t make it their practice to recommend specific health insurers. To find the right plan for your dog, start here.

“I’m worried it won’t cover all my dog’s health costs.” Different plans offer different kinds of coverage, and many plans cover quite a bit, especially if your dog is under a certain age. It’s almost impossible, however, to find a plan that covers everything. Still, almost everything is better than nothing, right?

“It’s too expensive.” Depends on what you mean by “expensive.” Spending $1,500 for an MRI to see if your dog tore his ligament while catching a frisbee, and then another couple thousand for surgery to repair the damage–that seems expensive. Spending around $30 a month for a premium? Not so much.

“I’ll get to it–tomorrow.” But by then it may be too late. Plus, not all companies offer coverage after your dog reaches a certain age.

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  • Not all companies offer plans for senior dogs; VPI, the largest insurer of pets by far, doesn’t offer enrollment to dogs over 10 years old.
  • Not all plans cover cancer. Considering cancer kills about half of all senior dogs, it’s a good idea to check that your plan includes this coverage before signing the dotted line.
  • It won’t cover preexisting conditions. If you present a big bill to your insurance company, you’ll probably need to turn over all your vet records to prove this isn’t a condition you’ve known about for a long time.
  • Shop around. Our comprehensive article on pet insurance will help you get started.
  • This Old House has published their list of the best Pet Insurance Companies for 2022.

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*Re-posted by: https://dogtime.com/dog-health/dog-alternative-health/1064-rethink-pet-insurance

Your Pet Will Get a Treat and You Will Get a Treat

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9 Best Homemade Dog Treats For Spoiling Your Pup

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#1 – Glazed Pumpkin and Peanut Butter Biscuits

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Biscuit ingredients

1 cup pumpkin
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 eggs
1/4 cup oil
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda

 

 

Glaze ingredients

2 tablespoons bacon grease, coconut oil, chicken fat, or any other fat that will solidify at room temperature, melted
1/4 cup smooth peanut butter

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine pumpkin, peanut butter, eggs, and oil in a bowl. Add in baking soda and whole wheat flour. Stir until a stiff dough forms. Knead dough or mix just until flour is incorporated.
Roll out dough with a rolling pin and use a cookie cutter to cut out dog bone shapes, or just bake into little circles like cookies. Bake for 15 minutes.
Whisk the bacon grease and peanut butter until very smooth. Drizzle over the treats and cool till glaze hardens (it does best in the fridge or freezer).

#2 – Peanut Butter Coconut Oil Treats

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Ingredients

1 cup all-natural peanut butter
1 tablespoon unprocessed coconut oil
1 teaspoon cinnamon
silicon paw print tray

Instructions

Be sure the coconut oil is in liquid form. If not, place coconut oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat and cook until melted.
Add peanut butter and cinnamon. Stir until mixture is completely smooth and thoroughly mixed. Mixture should be thick, but pourable.
Pour mixture into tray and freeze until set.
Carefully remove from tray and store in air-tight container in freezer (they soften quickly).

Recipe Notes

These were made for dogs in the 10-15 pound range. Adjust the amount of coconut oil accordingly. Rule of thumb is that you use 1 teaspoon of coconut oil per 10 pounds of your dog’s body weight.

#3 – DIY Frozen Watermelon Treats

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Watermelon and popsicles are both staples of a hot summer day. Your dog should be able to enjoy those things, too! These watermelon pupsicles are simple and your dog will love them.

Ingredients

A quarter of a watermelon [preferably seedless]
One can of coconut milk

Instructions

Scoop out about 1/4 of the melon
Blend together with the can of coconut milk – add more watermelon if you want a darker pink.
Pour into ice cube tray and freeze

#4 – Valentine Hearts Chicken Treats

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For the baked treats you need:

Silicone Heart Mold
1 cup cooked, finely diced chicken
1/2 cup rice, cooked & mashed
3 tablespoons rice flour
1 tablespoon parsley
1 egg

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Mix together all ingredients and stir well. Spoon into silicone molds. Bake for 20 – 30 minutes, until tops are golden brown. Allow to cool and remove from molds. Store in fridge.

For the frozen treats you need:

Silicone Heart Mold
1 cup cooked, finely diced chicken
1/2 cup rice, cooked
1 cup chicken stock
1 tablespoon parsley

Directions

In a blender or food processor, blend together all ingredients. Spoon into the silicone molds and place in freezer until solid.

 

If you’re looking for a recipe that both you and your dog can enjoy, this recipe fits the bill! For those who don’t like the spices in the dog version, you can easily make half the batch with the dog spices and half with spices you’ll enjoy which may not be as dog-friendly.

Ingredients

1 Sweet Potato
1 tbsp Coconut Oil (melted)
Spices – Turmeric, Cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F
Wash and peel the sweet potato
Cut the sweet potato into evenly sized long skinny (fry shaped) pieces
Coat with oil and spices – Mix in a large bowl or Ziploc bag
Place fries on baking sheet in one layer
Bake for 15 minutes
Flip over fries for even baking
Bake for another 10-15 minutes
Let cool before giving to your dog!

Other dog-safe spices you can use in this recipe include:

Basil
Cinnamon
Coriander
Dill
Garlic (in small amounts)
Ginger
Marjoram
Oregano
Parsley
Rosemary
Sage
Tarragon
Thyme
Turmeric

#6 – Ginger Apple Treats

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Ingredients

1 cup brown rice flour
½ cup apple, finely diced
⅔ cup Greek yogurt (plain)
½ tsp fresh ginger (finely minced) or 1 tsp ground ginger
1 tablespoon coconut oil

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Stir together until well combined. If necessary, thoroughly mix together with hands.
Turn mixture out onto a floured, flat surface and roll out with a rolling pin to approximately ¼”.
Cut into desired shapes and place on a baking sheet coated with nonstick spray.
Bake for 25 minutes, until golden brown.

#7 – Peanut Butter Pumpkin Treats

Nothing says fall like pumpkin treats. Pumpkin is also great for doggie digestion! Your pup will love these peanut butter pumpkin dog treats, and you can adjust the recipe to include or exclude grains as you see fit.

Ingredients

1 cup pumpkin puree
2 eggs
1/2 cup oats (optional if your dog is on a grain free diet, sub an extra 1/4 cup grain free flour)
3 cups whole wheat flour, brown rice flour, or gluten-free flour
3 tablespoons of all natural peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

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Preheat oven to 350°F.
In a small bowl, stir together the flour, oats, and cinnamon.
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin and peanut butter until combined. Stir wet ingredients into dry.
Pour onto a floured surface and roll dough out to 1/2 thick. Cut out using cookie cutter.
The dough will be a little sticky, a dusting of flour for your hands and the rolling pin will help! Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown.
Place on cooling racks and let cool thoroughly. They will harden as they cool.

#8 – Salmon & Sweet Potato Treat

Not every dog can eat or enjoy crunchy dog treats. These soft treats are perfect for dogs with dental problems, small mouths, or who just don’t like crunchy dog treats.

Ingredients

1 can salmon

1 medium sweet potato, baked in the skin

2 eggs

1/3 c. coconut flour

Coconut oil for greasing a pan

 

Directions

 

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.

In a medium bowl, stir together coconut flour, eggs, and salmon. Allow the mix to “rest” for 10 minutes while the coconut soaks up the moisture. Remove the sweet potato from the skin and stir into the salmon mixture.

Grease a 9×9 cake pan or 9″ pie plate with coconut oil.

Press mix into the pan.

Bake for 60 – 70 minutes

Allow to cool and slice into squares. If you want a crunchy treat, you can return the squares to the oven on a baking sheet and bake at 150 for 3 -4 hours.

#9 – Heart-Shaped Cranberry Cookies For Dogs

These adorable cookies are a delicious way to show your dog how much you love them.

Ingredients

2 Eggs
1.5 Cups Almond Flour
1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil
3-4 Tablespoons Coconut Flour
1/2 Cup Dried Cranberries

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Preheat oven to 325 degrees
Beat the eggs and set aside
Combine almond flour, coconut oil, and dried cranberries in a bowl.
Add in the eggs and knead the ingredients with your hands. Dough will be wet and sticky.
Add in the coconut flour one tablespoon at a time to achieve a consistency that is easy to roll out and not overly sticky. This should take approximately 3-4 TBSP.
Roll out the dough and cut out the treats using heart-shaped cookie cutters.
Place the treats on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 15-18 minutes or until crisp.

To schedule doggy daycare, overnight dog boarding, grooming or canine massage, pre-register online at https://www.dakotahsdoggydaycare.com or call us today at 763-777-9590.   

 

Re-posted by: https://iheartdogs.com/9-best-homemade-dog-treats-for-spoiling-your-pup/

Doggy Dental Care: A Mouthful of Tips

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Unfortunately, many pet parents never look inside their dogs’ mouths. That’s a shame because up to 80% of adult dogs have significant oral pathology.

A dog’s mouth is the ideal incubator for all kinds of bacteria to thrive, partly because the mouth is warm and moist and has nutrients present for organisms to grow on. Many of these bacteria are normal and healthy. However, once plaque and tartar form on the teeth, things can get out of balance quickly. If pathogenic organisms proliferate, it’s big trouble for your canine pal.

Poor Dental Health Means Poor Overall Health

Foul breath can be one indicator of a problem, but the effects of poor dental health go far beyond “doggy breath” and present a major risk to your dog’s overall health and longevity. Oral health issues can lead to heart, liver, and kidney disease. That’s because the toxins from periodontal disease are absorbed into animals’ blood streams.

As the kidneys, liver, and brain work to filter the blood, small infections occur causing permanent and sometimes fatal organ damage. Many pet parents seem surprised when a routine veterinarian exam points out to them that their dogs’ teeth are loose or sore, the gums are infected, or the tooth sockets are rotting. These conditions can be extremely painful for the animal. That’s why it’s so important to keep up with dental and regular veterinary checkups.

Do not neglect at-home care either. One veterinarian who specializes in canine dental care explains it simply, saying “When a client asks me how long their puppy will live, I usually respond 15 to 17 years if you brush their teeth daily–11 to 13 years if you don’t.” That’s a powerful statement bluntly pointing out how important proper dental care for your dog really is.

Your Dog Needs Professional and At-Home Teeth Cleanings

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Having your veterinarian treat existing periodontal disease and giving your dog proper home hygiene care will make all the difference. Most dogs respond well due to decreased pain and infection. Anything you can do to prevent oral issues is well worth the time and effort.

A 1996 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry recommends daily tooth-brushing irrespective of the dietary regime your dog is on. How do you get started? Begin a dental care routine as early as possible in your dog’s life so they get used to it. Most veterinarians are happy to provide brushing lessons, and they often carry brushes and toothpastes made specifically for dogs.

Choose the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste

Be sure you select a brush size that is appropriate for your pet’s mouth and make sure it has soft bristles. Some dogs can’t tolerate a brush. If that’s the case, there are alternative cleaning tools you can use. Consider a finger-tip brush or gauze wrapped around a finger instead.

Do not use human toothpaste! It’s not tasty to dogs, but more importantly it’s sudsy and meant to be rinsed out and not swallowed. Pet toothpastes formulated for dogs are enzymatic, meaning that they offer greater cleansing action on both plaque and food debris, and can be swallowed. Most dogs prefer meat-flavored toothpastes such as beef or chicken. Start with a small sample to find a flavor your dog likes.

Start Your At-Home Care Routine

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Add the brush or cleaning tool once you feel comfortable and your dog knows what to expect. Don’t worry too much about brushing the inside of the teeth by the tongue, as that area is cleansed with saliva. Brush gently with strokes starting at the gum.

Focus On Diet and Safe Chews

Bones and chew toys can also help keep teeth clean. Kong dental toys are durable and not consumable. Just be sure to choose a size appropriate for your dog. There are also a variety of biscuits and treats for tartar control, like Greenies, but be mindful of the calories and your dog’s overall weight when you use them.

Some dog foods are formulated to promote good oral health. Homemade dog food can also be beneficial if prepared properly. Check with your veterinarian to formulate an appropriate diet for your dog’s oral health.

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To schedule doggy daycare, overnight dog boarding, grooming or canine massage, pre-register online at https://www.dakotahsdoggydaycare.com or call us today at 763-777-9590.   

 

 

 

*Re-posted by DogTime at: https://dogtime.com/dog-health/33903-proper-dental-care-can-help-dog-live-longer-healthier-life; Picture Credit: Getty Images

Flea and Tick Awareness

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Few dog owners are fortunate enough to avoid an eventual run-in with fleas, the most common dog parasites. Even with regular bathing and grooming, the tireless critters can find their way to the tender flesh of unsuspecting dogs (and dog owners). The bloodsuckers not only don’t pay rent, they cause itching and can transmit diseases to their hosts.Happily, controlling fleas has become much simpler, safer, and more effective in the last few years. New products that break the flea’s reproductive cycle make it possible to keep the little biters at bay without exposing your dog to toxic chemicals.

Symptoms

Your dog’s continuous itching and scratching will probably be your first clue that he’s got fleas. If you look closely, you may actually see the little dark brown bugs. More likely, though, you’ll see what look like black and white specks. The black specks are “flea dirt,” or flea feces. The white specks are flea eggs. If you do see actual fleas, they won’t be easy to catch because they move fast and can jump farther than you’d think their tiny legs could take them.

If you think you’ve spotted some but aren’t quite sure, run a flea comb (a fine-toothed comb) over your dog’s back, groin area, haunches, and tail. These are the places fleas like most.canine massage Rogers, dog boarding Ramsey, dog boarding Zimmerman, canine massage Elk River, canine massage Zimmerman, canine massage Otsego, canine massage Ramsey, dog boarding Otsego, dog boarding Rogers, dog grooming Otsego, dog grooming Ramsey, dog grooming Rogers, dog grooming Zimmerman

While some dogs experience nothing more than itching, others can develop flea allergy dermatitis. Heavy infestations can be serious enough to cause anemia. Some fleas carry diseases, such as typhus and tapeworm infections, that can be transmitted to your dog.

Flea basics

To really get rid of fleas, you have to disrupt their life cycle. Fleas thrive in moist, humid environments — that’s why they’re a much bigger problem in the summer than in winter.

An adult flea can live for four months on the body of a dog, but it’ll die in a couple of days without its canine host. After a nice meal of blood, fleas mate on the dog’s skin. The female can produce as many as 2,000 eggs during her short lifespan.

Those eggs fall off and hatch all over the house — in the carpet, on the couch, under the covers. Eventually those newly hatched fleas will need to find a host of their own, and the whole cycle starts all over again. So it’s not enough to kill the adult fleas; you have to get rid of all the eggs and larvae, too.

How to prevent fleas

New products are less toxic than older remedies and have made it easier to protect your dog from fleas. Some of these options can be pricey, but the upside is that they work.

  • Three types of control. Different vets like to use different products for controlling fleas. The most popular choices generally include spot-ons, which are dabbed between a dog’s shoulder blades each month; pills, which are also effective for a month; and sprays for the yard, which can work for up to three months.
  • What doesn’t work. It’s generally agreed that collars don’t work well, particularly pricey electronic flea collars. Products using only permethrin as the active ingredient usually don’t work well, because fleas have built up an immunity to this insecticide.

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  • Adams: A spot-on liquid that contains the active ingredients etofenprox and s-methoprene; it kills fleas, ticks, flea eggs, flea larvae, and kills and repels mosquitoes.
  • Advantage: A spot-on liquid that contains imidacloprid, kills fleas currently on the dog within 12 hours; it’s also waterproof.
  • Capstar: Has nitenpyram; is a once-a-day pill.
  • Frontline Plus: A a spot-on liquid that contains the active ingredients fipronil and S-methoprene; kills fleas at all stages in their life cycle within 24 to 48 hours; is waterproof.
  • K9 Advantix: A spot-on liquid that has imidacloprid and permethrin.
  • Program Tabs: Monthly pills with lufenuron.
  • Revolution: A spot-on liquid that uses selamectin; is waterproof.
  • Sentinel: A monthly pill that combines both a flea killer and a heartworm preventative.

If it’s not working

If, despite your best efforts, your dog’s still a flea magnet, here’s what you need to know to get rid of the infestation.

  • Treat all your pets. If you have more than one animal in the house, you’ll have to treat them all to be truly rid of fleas.
  • Treat your house. Foggers and sprays are an effective way to control fleas indoors. Most experts recommend sprays, because foggers can miss crevices where fleas hide. Choose only safe, nontoxic insecticidal sprays for indoor use. It’s also a good idea to vacuum thoroughly each week, being sure to get under cushions — a favorite flea hideout.
  • Treat your yard. If you think your yard is where the fleas are coming from, you’ll need to treat it, too, with a spray product that kills fleas but is safe for pets and people.

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Some of the effective flea control products are only available at a veterinarian‘s office. Those that are combined with heartworm preventive require a prescription.

Bottom line: Fleas are not only annoying, they can harm your dog’s health. By sticking to a regular flea control routine using the newest products, you can keep your dog comfortable and safe from most flea troubles.

To schedule doggy daycare, overnight dog boarding, grooming or canine massage, pre-register online at https://www.dakotahsdoggydaycare.com or call us today at 763-777-9590.

 

*Re-posted by: DogTime at https://dogtime.com/flea-control

Keep Your Dog Healthy

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As your dog’s caretaker, you want your beloved pooch to live a long, enjoyable life. This means keeping your dog healthy and happy for as long as possible. Giving your pup a wholesome, nutritious existence may sound daunting, but you’ve got the skill set and capabilities to do it easily.

These are some of our favorite ways to keep your dog healthy and happy. For more tips, talk to your dog’s veterinarian (hey, that might even make the list!).

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  1. Get outdoors to get fit with your fur baby.

In 2017, a survey from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found that 56% of dogs in the US are overweight or obese. Scary! If you don’t want to put your dog at risk of disease you’ve got to keep her active. The great thing about having a dog is you can join in on the fun. Go for a hike together. Camp outdoors for a night in the wilderness. If you’re not afraid of a little water, try paddleboarding or just a trip to the doggy beach.

  1. Exercise your dog inside.

Even if the weather outside is frightful or you don’t have the time to take your pup for an extensive walk, your dog still needs exercise. Luckily, you can work him out indoors. If you have a treadmill at home (yes, yours), your dog can be trained to use it, too. This is a good option for dogs that need lots of activity. You can play fetch with your dog inside and even set up indoor obstacle courses to keep their mind and body occupied.

  1. Pick your pup’s food wisely.

dog boarding Rogers, dog grooming Rogers, dog grooming Zimmerman, canine massage Otsego, canine massage Ramsey, canine massage Rogers, dog boarding Otsego, dog boarding Ramsey, dog boarding Zimmerman, dog grooming Otsego, dog grooming RamseyDogs are carnivores, but they need more than just meat to live a healthy life. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, there are six basic nutrients your pup needs: water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. Every dog’s dietary requirements are different, so the best approach to picking food is checking with your vet.However, you can follow these guidelines when you’re at the food store. Select items with real, recognizable, whole-food ingredients. If you don’t know the majority of listed ingredients, this food isn’t right for your pup. Avoid corn and wheat gluten. Look for food that doesn’t have chemical ingredients like Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA), Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), and Ethoxyquin. Try to stay away from food dyes like Blue 2, Red 40, and Yellow 5 and 6.

  1.  Develop a relationship with a vet you trust.

One way to give your dog the best health possible is with regular visits to a doctor. Think about it this way: how would you find a doctor for yourself? How do you want to be treated by your doctor? You can apply most of the same methods when researching and determining who will provide regular care to your dog.Tap your network to find who your friends and family use to treat their pups. Make sure the doctor is accredited and they maintain a clean and orderly office. Observe how your dog reacts to the vet and the doctor’s bedside manner. Once you find a doctor you and your dog like, don’t miss an annual visit.

  1. Make sure your pup is up-to-date on his vaccines.canine massage Rogers, dog boarding Otsego, dog boarding Ramsey, dog boarding Zimmerman, dog grooming Otsego, dog grooming Ramsey, dog boarding Rogers, dog grooming Rogers, dog grooming Zimmerman, canine massage Otsego, canine massage RamseyMaybe you moved to a new city and need a new vet, or maybe you’ve decided to select a new doctor. No matter the reason, it is your responsibility to be aware of your dog’s vaccines and their schedule. Know the essential vaccinations (think: rabies, distemper, and parvovirus) and make sure you have a digital or physical record of your pup’s latest shots. Many groomers and doggy daycare centers require records from the vet to service your pooch.
  1. Don’t forget heartworm treatment.

Unfortunately, heartworm is a disease that is nearly impossible to prevent without medication and deadly, if untreated. It is caused by the bite of an infected female mosquito. This is the only way your pup can get the disease. Since symptoms are sometimes slow to show, it is extremely important your dog visits her vet annually for a simple heartworm blood test.The best way to prevent the disease is by prescriptive medicine from your vet. There are different types: a monthly chewable pill (in a flavor your dog will love), topical “spot on” medications, and an injectable that is given every six months. This is what you need to remember: make sure you give your pup their heartworm medication on time. Confirm that whatever medicine you give is specifically for heartworm (that’s where the vet prescription is key). This is one monthly appointment you shouldn’t miss.

  1. Don’t lose that loving feeling.dog boarding Rogers, dog grooming Rogers, dog grooming Zimmerman, canine massage Otsego, canine massage Ramsey, canine massage Rogers, dog boarding Otsego, dog boarding Ramsey, dog boarding Zimmerman, dog grooming Otsego, dog grooming Ramsey

Well, we know there’s no way you’ll ever stop loving your dog. But, one way to keep your pup happy and healthy is to be demonstrative with your affections in a way your dog understands. Gaze deeply into her eyes. Dr, Brian Hare, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at Duke University wrote in his NY Times bestselling book, The Genius of Dogs that when your dog stares at you he is “hugging you with his eyes.” Lean into your dog (gently!) to show her your trust. And if you don’t mind an extra set of paws in the bed, let your pooch sleep with you.

 To schedule doggy daycare, overnight dog boarding, grooming or canine massage, pre-register online at https://www.dakotahsdoggydaycare.com or call us today at 763-777-9590.   

This article is provided courtesy of https://iheartdogs.com/blog/.  To read the original article, Click Here.

Help Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety

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This article is provided courtesy of https://dogtime.com.  To read the original article, Click Here.

It’s so hard to spend time away from our dogs. Perhaps most—if not all—pet owners would probably say that they would bring their dogs with them everywhere if they could.

Some dogs don’t take well to being left alone. Maybe your dog becomes extremely nervous or acts out when you leave. This may no longer be a case of your pup missing you—it might be separation anxiety.

Like in people, dogs can experience distress when they’re in unfamiliar situations. Known as acute anxiety, somecanine massage Elk River, canine massage Otsego, canine massage Ramsey, canine massage Rogers, canine massage Zimmerman, dog boarding Otsego, dog boarding rogers, dog grooming Otsego, dog grooming ramsey, dog grooming rogers, dog grooming Zimmerman, boarding kennels elk river dogs can appear on edge around strangers and may appear unfriendly or unsociable. What people don’t know is that some dog breeds may be genetically predisposed to this condition.

According to veterinary behaviorist Dr. Lisa Radosta, up to 40 percent of dogs may suffer from separation anxiety. That’s why some owners resort to behaviorists to slowly rid their dogs of the condition.

Some behaviorists use touch therapy to let the dog open up to their environment. It can help foster their comfort and sense of well-being.

If your dog has separation anxiety, it may not be your fault as the owner, so don’t let that get in the way of your bonding.

“A lot of dogs are born just like this. People blame themselves. They really blame themselves, like they must have done something wrong,” said Radosta in an interview.

Behavior training may not always be enough. Love and affection for your pooch adds another layer of therapy. The bond between dog and owner can be the difference in alleviating the stress they feel with this anxiety.

If your dog suffers from mild separation anxiety, try counter-conditioning. It’s an old trick in the behavioral book wherein you associate a bad situation–such as your leaving the house–with a good outcome–like getting a treat. This technique usually works for mild cases of separation anxiety.

More severe anxiety requires more training, such as weaning your dog off your presence slowly. Try simple tricks, such as appearing to leave by getting your coat or bag and heading to the door but not stepping out of the house. These tricks usually require a slow progression, so when they become accustomed to one of your behaviors, it may be time to move forward to a new one.

Does your dog have separation anxiety? Do you think they need a pet behaviorist to help them out? Share your experience in the comments below!

To schedule doggy daycare, overnight dog boarding, dog grooming or canine massage, pre-register online at https://www.dakotahsdoggydaycare.com or call us today at 763-777-9590.