Tag: Health

Enrichment For Dogs – 10 Ideas to Keep Your Dog Happy

Enrichment for dogs is SO important!

If you’re a dog owner, you know that your furry friend needs exercise, a healthy diet, and plenty of love and attention. But did you know that enrichment is also an important part of keeping your dog happy and healthy? In this blog post, we’ll discuss what dog enrichment is, why it’s important, and some easy ways to enrich your dog’s life.

WHAT IS ENRICHMENT FOR DOGS?

Dog enrichment is anything that stimulates your dog’s mind or body in a positive way. Just like people, dogs need stimulation and variety in their lives to stay happy and healthy. Enrichment activities can include things like training, feeding puzzles, chew toys, interactive toys, scent work, and more.

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WHY IS ENRICHMENT AND MENTAL STIMULATION SO IMPORTANT?

Enrichment is important for dogs because it prevents boredom, provides mental stimulation, strengthens the bond between you and your dog, and can help with problem behaviors. Dogs that are bored often turn to destructive behaviors like chewing furniture or digging holes in the yard. Providing enrichment activities can help keep your dog’s mind active and prevent these kinds of problem behaviors from developing.

Enrichment activities also provide an opportunity for you to bond with your dog. Training sessions are a great way to have quality time together while also teaching your dog useful skills. Feeding puzzles are another great way to bond with your dog while providing them with mental stimulation – plus, they’re a lot of fun!

EASY WAYS TO PROVIDE CANINE ENRICHMENT

There are lots of easy ways to add enrichment activities into your dog’s life. If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few ideas:

Take your dog for a walk in a new place – different sights and smells will stimulate their senses and make for an exciting adventure!
Buy or make a simple puzzle toy – there are tons of great options available online or at your local pet store. You can also easily make your own puzzle toy by putting some kibble or treats inside an empty water bottle or cardboard box.
Sign up for a training class – training classes are a great way to bond with your dog while teaching them useful skills. Check out your local humane society or animal shelter for affordable class options in your area.
Make homemade frozen treats – fill an ice cube tray with chicken broth or peanut butter mixed with some of your dog’s favorite kibbles for a simple and delicious treat that will keep them cool on hot summer days.

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Enrichment activities are an important part of keeping your dog happy and healthy. By providing enrichment activities for your dog, you can prevent boredom and destructive behavior, strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend, and give them the mental stimulation they need to thrive.

There are lots of easy ways to add enrichment into your dog’s life – take them for walks in new places, buy or make puzzle toys, sign up for training classes, play fetch, or make homemade frozen treats. By including enrichment activities in your dog’s life, you’ll be giving them the best possible chance to live a happy and healthy life!

DOG ENRICHMENT TOYS

Dogs need both physical and mental exercise in order to stay happy and healthy. Canine friends are known for demonstrating destructive behavior if they are not provided with some way of staying mentally stimulated.

Using dog enrichment toys can be a fantastic way for dog owners to provide their furry friend with the stimulation they need in a fun and engaging way.

An example of one is this ball, below, which allows dogs to work for the treats they are given.

Dog enrichment toys come in all shapes and sizes, from simple chew toys to more complex puzzle feeders. Choosing the right toy for your dog will depend on their individual personality and preferences.

Let’s talk about some of our favorite dog enrichment toys.

THE KONG CLASSIC DOG TOY

The Kong Classic Dog Toy is one of the most popular dog enrichment toys on the market. The Kong is a rubber toy that can be filled with treats or kibble, making it a great option for both mental and physical stimulation. Kongs come in different sizes to accommodate all different dogs, and they can even be frozen for an extra challenge.

Kong Durable Dog Toy — Shop Kong Durable Rubber Toys Here.

THE NINA OTTOSON PUZZLE FEEDER

The Nina Ottosson Puzzle Feeder is a great option for dogs who need a mental challenge. This toy requires your dog to use their nose and paws to figure out how to get to the treats inside. The Puzzle Feeder can be adjusted to different levels of difficulty, making it a great choice for both beginner and experienced puzzlers. Dog food puzzles provide mental enrichment which keep your dog mentally stimulated, while also allow adult dogs (and puppies) caloric intake to remain monitored!

THE CHUCKIT BALL LAUNCHER

The Chuckit! Ball Launcher is perfect for active dogs who live for a good game of fetch. The Chuckit! Ball Launcher makes it easy to throw the ball farther and faster, giving your dog an extra workout. This toy is also great for owners who have limited mobility, as it eliminates the need to bend over to pick up the ball.

SNUFFLE MATS

Snuffle mats are a great way to give your dog’s nose a workout. Snuffle mats are made from fabric and filled with treats or kibble, which encourages your dog to use their sense of smell to find the food. Snuffle mats can be used indoors or outdoors, making them a versatile option for all kinds of dogs.

Shop below:

FLIRT POLES

Flirt Poles are a great way to get your dog moving. This toy consists of a pole with a rope attached, which you can use to tease your dog and encourage them to chase. Flirt Poles are perfect for dogs who need an extra burst of energy, and they can be used both indoors and outdoors. If you have an active dog, investing in a flirt pole is something that will lower unwanted behaviors and let your dog get their physical enrichment as well as their mental enrichment.

HOMEMADE ENRICHMENT TO KEEP YOUR DOG ENTERTAINED

You don’t have to spend a ton of money on puzzle toys and enrichment games to keep your dog busy.

There are an abundance of ways that you can create your own enrichment games at home.

DIY toys are becoming more popular for social enrichment, cognitive enrichment and physical enrichment.

CREATE YOUR OWN FLIRT POLE

A flirt pole is a great way to get your dog moving and can be easily made at home with a few supplies.

You will need:

A PVC pipe (1/2 inch in diameter and 3-4 feet long)
A rope (approximately 6 feet long)
A knotted rag or toy

To make your flirt pole, simply tie one end of the rope to the PVC pipe and the other end to the knotted rag or toy. You can then use the pole to tease your dog and encourage them to chase. This is a great way to tire out even the most active dog and let your dog live happily doing things that attract their natural instincts!

TOILET PAPER ROLLS

Dog owners can provide enrichment with something as easy as old toilet paper rolls.

dog diy enrichment ideas paper roll puzzle

Toilet paper rolls can be filled with treats or kibble and then sealed shut with duct tape. Your dog will then need to use their nose to figure out how to get the food out of theroll. This is a great way to keep your dog’s mind challenged and active.

PLASTIC WATER BOTTLES

Another easy way to create enrichment for your dog is to stuff a small treat inside a plastic water bottle and seal it shut. Your dog will then need to figure out how to get the treat out of the bottle. This is a great way to keep your dog’s mind challenged and active.

HOMEMADE TREAT BALL

A homemade treat ball is a great way to provide both mental and physical enrichment for your dog.

To make a treat ball, simply take a small rubber ball (such as a tennis ball) and cut a small hole in it. Stuff the ball with treats or kibble, and then seal the hole with duct tape. Your dog will then need to figure out how to get the treats out of the ball by rolling it around. This is a great way to keep your dog’s mind challenged and active.

HOMEMADE PUZZLE TOY

A homemade puzzle toy is a great way to provide mental enrichment for your dog.

To make a puzzle toy, simply take an empty tissue box and fill it with treats or kibble. Your dog will then need to figure out how to get the treats out of the box by using their nose or paw. This is a great way to keep your dog’s mind challenged and active.

CARDBOARD BOXES

You don’t have to be a professional dog trainer to get a tired dog with household items like cardboard boxes!

Enrichment games can be easy and cheap.

Using old cardboard boxes, you can create a variety of enrichment games for your dog.

Some examples include:

Tunnel: Create a tunnel by joining two cardboard boxes together with duct tape. Your dog can then crawl through the tunnel to get to the other side.
Hide and Seek: Place your dog in another room while you hide food or treats inside a cardboard box. Your dog will then need to use their nose to find the treat. Hiding treats will keep your dog excited and break up your dog’s routine.
Obstacle Course: Create an obstacle course by placing cardboard boxes in different shapes and sizes around your home. Your dog will then need to navigate their way through the obstacle course. This is a great way to tire out even the most active dog!

MUFFIN TIN PUZZLE

Your dog’s mind will absolutely love trick training with a basic kitchen muffin tin.

Here’s how it works: place a treat in each muffin section and then cover the treats with tennis balls. Once your dog figures out that there is food under the tennis balls, they will need to use their nose or paw to remove the ball and get to the treat.

Muffin Tin Game Cheerful Hound 013 1200x1200

Using the muffin tin somewhat like a snuffle mat, this activity works like similar scent games or enrichment toys to help your dog sniff out the treats or food. Most dogs love to search for the hidden treats, and will feel exhausted and satisfied after this canine enrichment!

This is a great way to keep your dog’s mind challenged and active.

DOGGY ICE CUBES

Doggy ice cubes are a great way to keep your dog cool in the summer months.

To make doggy ice cubes, simply fill an ice cube tray with water and add a small toy or treat to each compartment. Freeze the tray overnight and then give your dog one of the frozen cubes. Your dog will then need to lick the frozen ice cubes until they can get the treat out.

Chippin’ has some treats that are high in protein and great for games.

Enrichment For Dogs - 10 Ideas to Keep Your Dog Happy 21 — Chippin’ Cricket Treats are known for being a powerful food topper for digestion- and dogs LOVE them!

Enrichment For Dogs - 10 Ideas to Keep Your Dog Happy 22 — Chippin’ Cricket Treats are known for being a powerful food topper for digestion- and dogs LOVE them!

PAPER TOWEL ROLLS

Canine enrichment CAN take place with a dog toy or physical exercise, but it also can be as simple as using something like paper towel rolls. If your dog loves dog toys that roll around and make noise, this is a great activity for them!

To make paper towel rolls, simply take an empty paper towel roll and stuff it with treats or kibble. Your dog will then need to figure out how to get the treats out of the roll by using their nose or paw. This is a great way to keep your dog’s mind challenged and active.

USING YOUR DOG’S FAVORITE TREATS FOR MENTAL EXERCISE

Make sure when you are substituting a dog toy for diy dog enrichment toys, you hide treats that your dog really loves.

Make sure that your dog likes the treats or food that you stuff in the toy. Try different kinds of foods to see what your dog is motivated by.

Great Dane Puppy Treats — Code HELLODANES10 for 10% off all Dr. Harveys products

rabbit product shot 0e868327e6c3f164e800cbe07820bc8d — Code HELLODANES10 for 10% off all Dr. Harveys products

You may be surprised at how much your dog will love a simple game of hide and seek with their favorite treats!

Ensuring that you are using something that your dog really enjoys will help increase the canine enrichment and keep the dog fully engaged.

YOUNG PUPPIES AND KEEPING YOUR DOG BUSY

Young puppies love physical exercise and canine enrichment!

There are an abundance of dog toys that are perfect for puppies including a snuffle mat, frozen toys, or chew toys.

Being intentional about keeping your dog engaged while they are young might even help to keep them out of trouble as dogs LOVE to keep busy and work hard.

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PUPPY TOYS THAT PROVIDE CANINE ENRICHMENT

Dog toys are not all suitable for a puppy. A dog starts off learning everything they need to know about life, and that includes learning how to bite and chew.

Puppies love to explore the world with their mouths, and they will mouth anything they can get their teeth on including your fingers, toes, clothing, and basically anything else they can find.

That’s why it’s so important to choose the right kinds of puppy toys that will not only be safe for them to mouth and chew, but also provide enrichment and keep them mentally challenged.

Here are a few great puppy toy ideas:

Chew toys: this could be anything from a Kong toy to a Nylabone to a rope toy. Just make sure it’s specifically designed for puppies and made of safe materials.
Snuffle mat: a snuffle mat is a great way to keep your puppy’s mind challenged while they search for treats.
Frozen toys: freezing a toy or treat is a great way to keep your puppy entertained and cool in the summer months.

Puppies need both physical and mental stimulation, so choose dog toys that will provide both. Canine enrichment doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, it just needs to be tailored to your individual dog.

SPENDING JUST A FEW MINUTES INVESTING IN YOUR DOG’S BRAIN

Merle Great Dane out on hike with its owner 1200x800 1 1

Canine enrichment activities can span anywhere from doing some training with toilet paper tubes and scent work, to dog sports to physical activity.

Here are a few simple ways to provide mental stimulation for your dog:

Take them for walks in new places – different sights and smells will stimulate their senses and make for an exciting adventure!
Buy or make a simple puzzle toy – there are tons of great options available online or at your local pet store. You

DOG ENRICHMENT CLASSES

There are many different types of dog enrichment classes available, from obedience training to agility courses. Enrolling your dog in a class is a great way to provide them with mental stimulation, while also strengthening the bond between you and your furry friend.

Dog enrichment classes provide an opportunity for your dog to socialize with other dogs, learn new skills, and burn off some energy all at the same time.

DOGS LOVE TO USE THEIR BRAINS

Most dogs love physical activity, but it is true that dogs also love to use their brains. If your dog enjoys environmental enrichment, they will probably love a good engagement activity as well.

Enrichment activities for dogs can be as simple or complex as you want them to be. If you’re looking for something simple, start with some basic obedience training or a game of hide and seek. If you’re looking for something more challenging, try enrolling your dog in an agility course or a nose work class.

You don’t have to spend a ton of money or time on enrichment activities for your dog – the most important thing is that you are spending quality time with your furry friend.

What kinds of canine enrichment activities does your dog enjoy? Let us know in the comments below!

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September 8, 2022

How Moldy Kibble Killed 2 Family Pets
This is a heartbreaking post. I’m sitting here on a Sunday night and my newsfeed is flooded with this story about how moldy kibble killed 2 family pets.

A family chose what they thought was high-quality, nutritious dog food. As a matter of fact, they paid a premium price for it, because they wanted something to support the needs of their working dogs.

Hours later, one dog was dead. After a visit to the ER, the second dog couldn’t be saved, either.

How did this happen? Why did it happen?

I’m going to dig into the how and the why below, because I want you to protect your pet from this fate.

It’s important to note that the food looked completely normal when they fed it to their dogs.

It was only after the dogs were dead that they stirred the dog food and found the mold.

What you see above is horrifying, but the owners should not be blamed. Mold spores can be present in food even if you can’t see them!

To get started, I’m also sharing the original post from the owner of the two beautiful dogs that were lost. If you aren’t aware of this tragic story, you’ll want to start there first.

As long as the social media post on this topic is live, it will show up below:

https://www.facebook.com/alicia.gutierrez.5477/posts/5450875231661866

Editor’s Note it is incredibly important to me that I share this story in honor of the two dogs that were lost. We do not blame the owners. Nobody should.

Their story should help save the lives of other dogs and we are sharing it for that purpose, not to shame the owners (as many of unfairly done).

The images below are from the original public Facebook post.

How Does Mold Get Into Dog Food?

There are three main ways that mold can get into your dog food (and potentially kill your pets, too).

Some of these avenues and the information in them may surprise you.

At this time we do not know what factors led to the deaths of these two beautiful dogs. It was likely a combination of factors, not any one single issue.

Unfortunately, these are risks we take just by owning dogs. Kibble is not inherently dangerous or unsafe! This is a rare situation.

Poor Quality Control & Food Science

There are 4 key things to look for in a dog food manufacturer. These things can help prevent formulation, food science, and control issues that lead to toxic food.

All four boxes must be checked below for a food company to be considered ethical, in my opinion:
- Do they staff at least one board-certified veterinary nutritionist (DACVN), or a veterinarian with a PhD in animal nutrition?
- Do they have an extensive and strict quality-control process, starting with hand-picked ingredient suppliers and strict policies for sourcing, transportation, and production?
- Do they own and operate their facilities, thus having full control over the process from start to finish? Where is the food manufactured?
- Do they participate in feeding trials and peer-reviewed research? Is the nutrient analysis substantiated in trials or just on paper?
Spoiler alert! I did a deep dive. The food brand that these dogs were being fed (Kinetic) could not check off a single one of those boxes, according to the information I was able to find.

“No recalls” may mean that the market share, quality control, and company standards are so low that the company just doesn’t know, or worse, doesn’t care when things go wrong.

The truth of the matter here is that there are 300-400 new dog food companies each year in the U.S. and only a handful of highly-qualified board-certified veterinary nutritionists, food scientists, and quality-control professionals to go around.

You do the math.

These are healthy, beautiful-looking dogs.

Poor Food Handling by Suppliers

Of course, it doesn’t matter how the ingredients and food were handled from manufacturing to shipped if the end supplier mishandles the food.

It could be a simple error; for example, a warehouse employee nicking a bag with a contaminated box cutter and then packing it to ship into a hot, humid area where it sits on a porch for a full day.

Or perhaps the pet food store doesn’t unload food off the back dock for hours and it sits in the heat after shipping from a company with so-so quality control protocols.

Of course, some things can go wrong from point A to point B, even when the food is made by the most diligent of manufacturers.

Choosing reliable and reputable food companies, in addition to sourcing your food from dedicated and professional retailers is key to minimizing these risks.

Poor Food Handling by Pet Owners

Another reason that mold can get into your dog’s food is improper handling at home.

One of the biggest mistakes that pet owners make is to dump their dog’s food directly into plastic or metal bins!

Here is a list of reasons why this common practice is dangerous:
- If you dump new food on top of old food, the old food at the bottom of the bin may never be eaten (and will thus be festering)
- Unless you are cleaning, sanitizing, and drying your bin between food bags, you risk contaminating your fresh bag of food with existing mold spores or parasites
- Dog food companies put a lot of science into the bags, which are designed to keep the food fresh. Why throw that away?
- Exposure to plastic may cause harmful chemicals in some plastic containers to leech into the food (especially when sitting in a warm garage, for example)
- Plastic causes fats and oils to oxidize, which will expedite the process of the food going rancid
- The residual and often then rancid fat and oils left inside of the plastic bin can cause all kinds of problems in new food dumped in later
In short, if you are going to use a plastic bin to store your dog food, do two things! Keep the food INSIDE of the bag it came in, and store the food in a cool, dry place.

What Food Brand Had Mold & Killed 2 Dogs?

It has become widely known that the owners of these two dogs were feeding Kinetic dog food.

Here is what we know about this company:
- They promote Kinetic as a ‘working dog’ brand and spend a lot of time supporting hunting dogs, sport dogs, and police K-9s by attending events to market their food
- The company does not staff a board-certified veterinary nutritionist; as a matter of fact, it’s unclear who formulates the food.
- The owners may be formulating the food. Their self-given job titles include things such as ‘sales, distribution, marketing, and nutrition‘.
- They have given k-9 nutrition talks but, as above, it’s unclear what (if any) legitimate credentials these guys have.
- They claim that the nutrition research and formulations they’ve created are a collab between dog trainers, breeders, kennels, and ‘nutritionists’. Again, where are the credentials? Was this research scientific?
- We cannot verify if Kinetic owns and operates its facilities. Chances are this food is co-packed.
- We can find no peer-reviewed research or feeding trials associated with their food or the claims that they make regarding its benefits.
This company is very, very good at marketing.

We’re talking, health nut wrapped up in a multi-level marketing company kind of marketing.

Tips for Choosing Quality Dog Food

I’m a big fan of food that is backed by legitimate science and research, not marketing claims.

If you can avoid the trap of being sucked into marketing, it becomes VERY easy to pick a nutritious, high-quality, and safe food for your dog!

Marketing vs. Nutrition

Ethical pet food companies will have a full-time veterinary nutritionist or at minimum, a veterinarian with a Masters in nutrition on staff to formulate the food. If you aren’t sure, call and ask.

Keep in mind that small pet food companies don’t often (if at all) have the budget or resources to attract highly desired nutrition professionals, scientists, and quality control experts.

These companies must rely heavily on marketing to sell their food because it’s all they have.

A common practice of small manufacturers is to create a recipe on paper and then pay consultants (often marketed as a “team of nutrition professionals” to check a box indicating that the food, on paper, meets minimum requirements for keeping a dog alive.

In other words, your dog is their feeding trial.

Many common marketing terms are unregulated. These terms have no legal definition and can be used by any dog food company:
- Holistic
- Super-Premium
- Wholesome
- No Fillers
- All-Natural
- High Performance
- Healthy
- Species Appropriate
- Biologically Appropriate
Of course, none of these things are ‘bad’. A holistic, wholesome, high-performance dog food sounds awesome. The problem comes with the fact that lacking a definition, those terms may be intentionally misleading.

Not to mention wild claims of longevity, or indicating that the food is anti-inflammatory or can prevent cancer.

If it’s hard to find out who is formulating your dog food and what their credentials are, where it’s manufactured, or what research has been done, ask more questions.

Look past the marketing and then choose something else.

My dog is not eating. What can I do?

So what is a good, sound alternative to Kinetic ‘performance’ food?

Any 30/20 Sport Formula from Purina, depending on breed size and age, would be ideal.

For example, Purina Pro Plan 30/20 Turkey, Duck and Quail Dog Food

This was created by a team of veterinary nutritionists and was fully researched and developed soundly in collaboration with Ducks Unlimited.

Photo by Shane Aldendorff on Pexels.com

How to Safely Store Dog Food

I recommend storing your dog food in the original bag in a cool, dry place.

That could be inside of a plastic bin, as long as the food stays inside its bag.

Use bags of food up as quickly as possible, without overfeeding your dog, of course. The longer a bag is open, the more likely it is to go rancid or become toxic.

Buy smaller bags if your dog doesn’t eat them fast enough.

Lastly, seal the bag up each time you open it!

Signs of Mold Poisoning in Dogs

If you are concerned that your dog has mold poisoning, we recommend calling the pet poison hotline. You can find more information about this here: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Signs of mold poisoning in dogs include:
- Coughing
- Lethargy
- Blood coming from the mouth or nose
- Runny nose & discharge
- Disorientation
- Vomiting
- Seizures
August 29, 2022

Do Dogs Have Nerves in Their Nails?

Do dogs have nerves in their nails?

This is a question that has troubled pet owners for years as many navigate nail trimming their dog’s nails.

But, the answer is yes! Dog’s nails have nerves in them. Thus, when a dog gets their nails cut, a dog owner should be aware of the anatomy of the nail and avoid cutting the part of the nail that contains the nerve endings.

DO DOGS HAVE NERVES IN THEIR NAILS?

Well, a dog has something called a ‘quick’ in its nail. When the nail is at the proper length, a dogs nails will not touch the ground. However, when the nails get too long, they will start to curve and touch the ground which can be painful for your dog. The quick is essentially the blood vessel that runs through the center of the nail.

If you were to cut into the quick, it would be painful for your dog and could start to bleed.

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The quick is the area of the dog’s nails which contain the nerve endings. When trimming nails, you want to be careful not to cut into the quick as it will cause your dog pain. However, if you do accidentally cut the quick while you are getting your dog’s nails trimmed, it is not an emergency.

DO DOGS FEEL PAIN WHEN GETTING NAILS CUT?

Yes, dogs can feel pain when getting their nails cut. However, the amount of pain they feel depends on how long their nails are and if the quick gets cut during the nail trimming.

A nail trim, however, should NOT produce a negative reaction and a dog should not hurt or feel pain while getting their nails cut. Nail clipping for some dogs, creates extreme fear as they are not used to having their feet touched and they have possibly had their feet or nail trimmed too short before, which can create a fear of nail clipping.

THE REAL PAIN FOR DOGS

More so than having to cut his nails, the pain for your pet will come when you DO NOT cut their nails.

If the nails are too long, they will start to curve and touch the ground which can be painful for your dog.

If your dog has nails that are too long, it can cause so many issues with their health such as:

Arthritis
Joint problems
Infections
Nerve damage
Conformation issues in the feet
Paw issues
Paw pain
Feet pain
Fear of having their feet touched

All of these health concerns can be avoided by simply keeping your dog’s nails trimmed.

Instead of delaying nail trims, practice nail cutting by getting a good nail grinder or clipper, some high value treats, and gently touch the dog’s four paws until they feel comfortable with their trimming or clipping.

Our recommended clippers for dog nails:

WHY DO DOGS GET SCARED WHEN YOU CUT THEIR NAILS?

If your dog won’t let you file their nails, it is likely that they are afraid of having their paws touched with a clipper or trimmer.

Some dogs automatically associate a nail grinder or clipper with a negative process, as they have likely had their nails trimmed too short before. This can create a fear of nail clipping that some dogs never get over. Some dogs also may associate nail cutting with negative because many dogs have sensitive paws which they don’t like being touched. Lastly, some dogs are afraid of unique noises like that of a nail grinder.

REASONS THAT A DOG WON’T LET YOU CUT THEIR NAILS

It isn’t fun
The noise is scary
They have hurt their nails before during nail trimming
They don’t like their paws being touched
They are afraid of the clipper or trimmer

The best way to combat this is to start off slow, get your dog used to the idea of having his nails clipped by letting them sniff the clipper or grinder, and then offering treats while you sit quietly with the grooming tool.

This calm activity can help your dog’s fear dissipate and create a positive association.

HOW DO YOU CUT AN UNCOOPERATIVE DOG’S NAILS?

Nail trimming requires a lot of patience to get your dog relaxed during the process. Do not ever rush your dog into nail cutting.

WHICH CLIPPERS SHOULD YOU USE TO DO NAIL TRIMS?

WHAT IS WRONG WITH MY DOG’S NAILS?

WHY DO MY DOGS NEED THEIR NAILS CUT SO OFTEN?

WHY WON’T MY PUPPY LET ME TRIM ITS NAILS?

TRIMMER SUGGESTIONS THAT WE LOVE

Instead, try to create a positive association with nail cutting and nail trims.

HOW TO CREATE A POSITIVE ASSOCIATION WHILE NAIL TRIMMING

You can work on creating positivity with nail trimming.

Play with your dog during nail trims. Dog play is important for your dog to understand that nail clippers aren’t scary.
Provide high value treats. Touch their paws, and then reward with a treat.
Practice touching your dog’s nails with things that aren’t scary, like simple human nail files.
Start with just one toe at a time- and make sure not to expect to get all of them done.
Use desensitizing if you are using a Dremel by allowing your dog time to get used to the noise of the nail cutting tool.

HOW DO I SEDATE MY DOG TO CUT HIS NAILS?

Some dogs will need to be sedated to get their nails clipped.

Long nails are a danger to your dog, and therefore sometimes it is necessary to get your dog to a comfortable and sleepy place in order to perform healthy nail cutting.

First, try to sedate your dog at home with items such as :

A Thundershirt- This can help to calm your dog’s anxiety.
Pheromone diffusers- These can help to create a calming environment for your dog.
Calming supplements- There are many supplements on the market that can help to sedate your dog such as CBD, Rescue Remedy, etc.
Use Benadryl or prescription items from your Veterinarian

If these items don’t work, you will need to speak with your veterinarian about fully sedating your dog to help their nail stay short.

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WOBBLERS SYNDROME IN DOGS

DOES IT HURT A DOG TO NOT CUT THEIR NAILS?

Nail cutting should not hurt your dog. The nail itself contains no nerve endings, so your dog will not feel pain when you cut their nails.

However, if you cut the quick of the nail- which is the pink part containing blood vessels and nerve endings- it will hurt your dog. The quick of the nail grows as the nail does, so it is important to only trim a small amount at

IS IT OKAY FOR MY DOG TO BITE THEIR OWN NAILS OFF?

Some dogs will start to bite their own nails or paws.

Typically, when a pet is biting their own nails, they are doing one of a few things:

Trying to trim their own nails down because they think they are too long
Attempting a process of calming themselves down (they might feel nervous or anxious), and sometimes it can calm them down to do something like bite at their nails or paws
Suffering from allergies or another issue that is bothering their paws
Just simply developed a habit of biting their own nails

If your dog is biting their own nails, you should evaluate whether your dog:

Needs a nail trimming
Has itchy paws due to skin inflammation or allergies
Is feeling uncomfortable or anxious
Has developed a habit that needs broken

WHY IS MY DOG TRYING TO PULL OUT HIS OWN NAIL?

If you think your dog is working at biting / pulling out their own nail, they may be experiencing some pain in their nail or paws.

There are several things that could be the cause of your dog’s pain, such as:

Allergies- If your dog is allergic to something, it could be causing them to lick or chew at their paws until they bleed.
Injuries- A cut, broken nail, or any other sort of injury can cause a dog to lick or chew at the area until it bleeds.
Nerve damage- If your pup has diabetes, they may experience nerve damage which can cause them to feel pain in their paws and nails.
The nails are too long and need a trimming or clipping.

Remember, that a dog or pup with nails that are too long will begin to have pain in their toes and feet. A dogs nails being too long can cause a knee injury, back pain, and their feet to be misaligned due to their toenails curling into their paws. All the nails of your dog should stay off the ground at all times. If you can hear the nails of your puppy or dog on the floor while they walk, ‘clicking’, their nails are too long and it is time to get the clippers out!

HOW LONG CAN DOGS GO WITHOUT CUTTING NAILS?

Every dog and pup is different and can wait a different amount of time between clipping.

However, as a rule of thumb, you should trim your dog every week.

If they are having a hard time with the frequency of this process, try to trim one paw per day. Once they get better with this paw, move to doing the back paws and then the front paws. Work so that their nails stay short.

Finding the right clippers and treats as well as having patience and remaining calm will help your dog know that getting their nails clipped is not a negative.

WHAT ARE THE BEST NAIL CLIPPERS FOR DOGS?

Every dog responds differently to different clippers. As a dog owner, it is important to try clipping with different clippers to see what type your pup responds best too.

There are two types of nail clippers: guillotine style and scissors style.

how to cut dogs nails — ***DIAGRAM OF NAILS THAT ARE WAY TOO LONG, A LITTLE BIT TOO LONG, AND NICELY TRIMMED***

Do Dogs Have Nerves in Their Nails? 52 — ***DIAGRAM OF NAILS THAT ARE WAY TOO LONG, A LITTLE BIT TOO LONG, AND NICELY TRIMMED***

GUILLOTINE STYLE CLIPPERS

Guillotine style clippers have a circular cutting area that goes over the nail. The nail is then inserted into the cutting area and cut with a quick movement.

SCISSOR STYLE CLIPPERS

Scissors style clippers have two blades that come together to cut the nail. These type of clippers take a little longer to use, but some dogs respond better to them.

To find out what type of clipper your dog likes best, try both types and see which they respond better too. You can also ask your groomer or veterinarian.

THE BEST NAIL CLIPPERS FOR YOUR DOG

We have put together a list of the best dog nail clipper selections that might work for your dog. Each clipper has pros and cons.

Millers Forge Nail Trimmer for Great Danes

The Millers Forge Nail Trimmers are known to be one of the best pair of clippers to trim your dog and their nails. They can work for a small dog but also work very well for a big dog. The blade is very sharp and can cut through the nails with ease.

Pros:

Very sharp blades
Can be used on small and large dogs

Cons:

Some people find them difficult to use

Dremel Nail Grooming Tool

The Dremel Nail Grooming Tool is a great option if you are looking for an electric nail clipper that you can not only file the tip of your dog’s nails, but slowly get the quick to reside.

If your dog is afraid of the sound of this groomer, you will need to introduce it slowly and remain calm.

Pros:

You can use it to file your dog’s nails
It slowly gets the quick to reside

Cons:

Some dogs are afraid of the sound it makes.

Shop Dremel on Amazon

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY DOG NEEDS HIS NAILS CLIPPED?

Your dog requires regular nail trimmings if his nails touch the ground when he walks.

You will know that your dog’s nails are too long if you can hear them clicking on the floor when they walk. Additionally, their toenails may curl under and begin to grow into their paw pads, which is extremely painful.

If you are not certain if your dog needs their nails clipped or not, we always say to air on the side of pulling that clipper out and getting those treats ready and getting a good nail grooming in. It never hurts to go too short, but it does hurt to stay too long.

Good luck and happy clipping!

HELP YOUR DOG HAVE STRONG FEET

HOW TO KEEP YOUR DOGS NAILS HEALTHY

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU BE DOING NAIL TRIMS?

KNUCKLING- WHAT IS IT?

HOW TO PREVENT KNUCKLING

TRIMMING FOR PUPS

IS MY DOG KNUCKLING

OUR NAIL GROOMING SUPPLY SUGGESTIONS

August 23, 2022

Home Remedies for Arthritic Dogs: Stop the Pain and Help Your Dog Feel Better

Learning how to use home remedies for arthritic dogs can be one of the best things you can do for your pet. Arthritis is a common condition in dogs, and it can be painful and debilitating. But with the right home remedies, you can help your dog feel better and ease his pain.

There are a number of home remedies for arthritic dogs that you can try that can help with joint pain associated with dog arthritis.

Do home remedies for arthritic dogs actually work?

Do you have an arthritic dog? If so, you know just how painful and debilitating the condition can be. Dogs with arthritis often have trouble getting around, climbing stairs, and playing fetch. Fortunately, there are a number of home remedies that can help ease your dog’s pain and improve his mobility.

How do I know if my dog has arthritis?

The most common signs of arthritis in dogs are:

Limping or lameness
Difficulty rising from a lying down position
Decreased activity level
Reluctance to jump, run or climb into the car
Stiffness or acting ‘sore’

Dogs have a keen ability to mask pain, so it is important to be aware of any changes in your dog’s activity level or mobility. If you notice any of the above signs, make an appointment with your veterinarian. They will be able to confirm whether or not your dog has arthritis and recommend a treatment plan.

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There is no cure for arthritis, but there are a number of treatments that can help ease your dog’s pain.

What home remedies can I give my dog for arthritis?

Pain relief and pain management is something that pet parents always want to work on with their dog’s joints. If your dog has arthritis pain, there are natural remedies that can help provide pain relief at home.

YOUR DOG’S DIET

One of the most important things to help decrease pain and treat arthritis is a healthy diet.

A diet that is rich in omega-three fatty acids can help to decrease inflammation and pain. Foods like salmon, flaxseed, and pumpkin seeds are all great sources of omega-three fatty acids. You can also give your dog a fish oil supplement. Just be sure to talk to your vet before giving your dog any supplements.

Raw dog food has been known to provide aminos, nutrients and vitamins to ease pain associated with joint disease.

We recommend finding a balanced raw dog food like Raws Paws. Use code HELLODANES10 for 10% off your entire purchase.

Raws Paws Balanced Raw Dog Food

PHYSICAL THERAPY

Older dogs tend not to move as often or as much as younger, more spry dogs. Joint inflammation happens more in dog’s muscles when there is less movement, less blood flow, and less muscle.

In order to relieve pain, increase blood flow and help with chronic pain, work on stretches and movement as often as you can.

It is always better to move frequently and for small periods of time with large breed dogs struggling with joint pain, rather than once a day for a long time. A healthy joint needs blood flow to help with chronic pain and keep the area healthy.

WHAT BED IS BEST FOR A BIG DOG WITH ARTHRITIS?

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The Big Barker bed is clinically proven to help support dog’s joints. Dogs should not ever rest their legs/joints/shoulders/elbows on the hard surface for extended periods of time.

This can create joint pain and issues like Hygromas.

Big dogs, especially, need a supportive sleeping surface.

We love the Big Barker bed for any dog predisposed to arthritis or joint problems.

Shop here:

EXERCISE

Just like people, dogs need exercise to maintain their health, even if they have arthritis. Exercise is important for all dogs, but especially those with arthritis because it helps increase blood flow to the joints and muscles. It also helps maintain muscle mass and flexibility.

GOING FOR A LEASH WALK WITH YOUR DOG

5 BOREDOM BUSTERS FOR DOGS

DO BIG DOGS NEED ALOT OF EXERCISE?

HOW TO TEACH RECALL FOR BIG DOGS

HOW TO TEACH LEASH SKILLS

RUNNING WITH YOUR DOG: IS IT SAFE?

WALKING WITH YOUR DOG

YOUR DOG IS BORED!

YOUR DOG’S WEIGHT

In order to reduce pain, you should always monitor your dog’s body weight. Aging dogs will have a slowing metabolism.

An overweight dog will have severe pain and pressure on their affected joints.

Relieving pain could be as easy as keeping your dog at a healthy weight. Finding a weight management plan is easy, but sticking with it to keep your dog at a healthy weight is not always easy. Choose a healthy diet and limit your dog’s food to the necessary amount.

DEADLY RISK OF BEING OVERWEIGHT

OVERWEIGHT DOGS IS A HUGE PROBLEM

IS YOUR DOG TOO SKINNY?

HOW MUCH SHOULD A MALE GREAT DANE WEIGH?

KEEPING YOUR DOGS NAILS SHORT

Keeping your dogs nails short is one way to ensure that their joints do not carry extra pressure or pain.

Long nails can create extra strain and pain for your dog.

Long nails can also cause other issues like foot problems or infection.

Home Remedies for Arthritic Dogs: Stop the Pain and Help Your Dog Feel Better 66 — ***DIAGRAM OF NAILS THAT ARE WAY TOO LONG, A LITTLE BIT TOO LONG, AND NICELY TRIMMED***

Check out our resources for nail care:

Great Dane Arthritis

The Best Nail Clippers

Great Dane Toenail Problems

How Often Should You Cut Your Dog’s Nails

How to Trim a Puppies Nails

What are the Best 7 Clippers?

What is the best remedy for arthritis in dogs?

Your dog’s health is in nobody’s control but yours.

Between a proper diet, acupuncture treatment, underwater treadmill, gentle massages, anti inflammatory drugs, herbal remedies, pet parents are flooded with ways to treat joint pain for their dog’s arthritis.

There is not one single best remedy to treat joint pain.

However, the best part is that many natural remedies are free or VERY affordable, which means that pet owners can try them out until they find what works for their dogs arthritis.

FREE OF COST NATURAL REMEDIES FOR DOG’S JOINTS:

Doing physical therapy at home
Managing their dog’s diet and weight
Choosing their dog’s food wisely
Providing massage therapy after a long day
Taking their dog for short, frequent walks on a variety of surfaces
Making homemade bone broth
Taking their dog swimming

Experiment with your dog’s joints and see what works to provide the best pain relief.

Arthritis in Great Danes? Read here.

There are endless possibilities when it comes to treating your dog’s arthritis at home. With a little bit of creativity, you can come up with a plan that works for you and your dog. Just be sure to talk to your vet first before trying any new treatments.

What is the best thing to give an older dog for arthritis?

If you are trying to help increase joint function in a senior dog, the best thing to give them is pain medications in conjunction with any other natural remedy that your dog might take well to.

There are many different types of herbs and supplements on the market that have anti inflammatory properties, so it is important to talk to your veterinarian about which one would be best for your dog. However, for a senior dog, sometimes they need traditional veterinary medicine to help the pain.

How long do Great Danes live?

Some joint supplements contain glucosamine and chondroitin, which can help to lubricate the joints and decrease developing arthritis.

Our favorites are here:

What natural supplement can I give my dog for arthritis?

Traditional Chinese medicine offers a variety of joint health options.

With traditional herbal medications, you will need to speak with a holistic veterinarian. There are cervical powders that can increase joint health and help joint mobility.

What can I give my dog for joint problems?

If your dog is struggling with joint mobility, consider the following options:

Fish oil: This is a popular supplement for people and dogs. It can help to reduce inflammation in the body and improve joint health.
Glucosamine and chondroitin: These supplements are often used together to improve joint health. They can help to lubricate the joints and decrease developing arthritis.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): This is a sulfur-containing compound that can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
CBD oil: This is a popular natural remedy for many different conditions, including joint pain. It can help to reduce inflammation and provide relief from pain.
Turmeric: This spice is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It can be given to dogs in supplement form or added to their food.
Dog stairs: Dog’s bones bare up to 6x the weight of their body when the dog lands from an upward position, jumping downward. Include options for your dog’s treatment plan that help them not have to jump downward out of the car or off of beds/couches.
Rugs/Runners: Slippery floors are detrimental to dog arthritis pain.

There are many different options available when it comes to giving your dog joint supplements. Speak with your veterinarian about which one would be best for your dog based on their individual needs.

What diet can I give my dog for arthritis?

For dog arthritis pain relief, you should look for a diet that is going to improve joint mobility.

Nutrients that have been proven in dog’s meals to help dog arthritis pain:

Omegas: These are found in fish oil and can help to reduce inflammation in the body.
Glucosamine: This is a compound that can help to lubricate the joints and decrease developing arthritis.
Chondroitin: This is a compound that can help to lubricate the joints and decrease developing arthritis.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): This is a sulfur-containing compound that can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
CBD oil: This is a popular natural remedy for many different conditions, including joint pain. It can help to reduce inflammation and provide relief from pain.
Turmeric: This spice is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Golden Paste: Golden paste is a combination of turmeric, black pepper, and coconut oil. It can be given to dogs in supplement form or added to their food.
Raw Foods: Raw foods contain enzymes that can help to reduce inflammation.
Vegetables and Greens: These are a great source of antioxidants and vitamins that can help to reduce inflammation.
Supplements: There are many different types of supplements on the market that have anti inflammatory properties, so it is important to talk to your veterinarian about which one would be best for your dog.

Dogs with arthritis pain should also be on a diet that helps them maintain a healthy weight.

Should you walk a dog with arthritis?

Many dog owners will notice that as their dog ages they begin to experience pain. In turn, they often LOWER the amount of quality exercise their dog receives.

However, this practice is actually counterintuitive because exercise is an excellent way to combat the effects of arthritis.

The benefits of exercise for a dog with arthritis include:

Weight management
Joint lubrication
Strengthening muscles around joints
Increased blood circulation and decreased inflammation.

So, yes – you should continue to walk your dog, even if they have canine arthritis! Dog arthritis is a common issue, and can be managed with remedies such as physical therapy, human massage therapy, and pain relief supplements and medications. Exercise is an important part of any dog arthritis treatment plan.

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How long can a dog with arthritis live?

Arthritis in dogs is a common condition that can lead to pain and joint deterioration. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are ways to manage the pain and slow the progression of the disease. With proper management, dogs with arthritis can live long and happy lives.

What home remedy can I give my dog for arthritis pain?

One of the best things you can do for arthritis in dogs is weight management. If you see your dog develop arthritis or joint pain, it is crucial to eliminate any excessive weight that they may be carrying.

THE IMPORTANCE OF WEIGHT MANAGEMENT IN DOGS WHO DEVELOP ARTHRITIS

Overweight dogs are more likely to develop arthritis and other joint problems. Excess weight puts additional stress on the joints, which leads to pain and inflammation.

Not only does weight management help to prevent arthritis, but it can also help to relieve pain in dogs who already have the condition.

There are many different ways to help your dog lose weight, including:

Reducing the amount of food you feed them
Increasing the amount of exercise they get
Feeding them a weight-loss dog food
Adding supplements to their diet that help to boost metabolism or suppress appetite.
Feeding them the RIGHT amount of food and not giving excessive treats
Figure out what their ideal weight is so that you know what your goal is
Monitor all things that they eat, even if it’s just a treat or snack
Feed more vegetables

If you are unsure about how to best manage your dog’s weight, talk to your veterinarian. They can help!

What can I do for my dog for a natural pain reliever?

Natural remedies are in abundance to work to treat dog arthritis. Although dog arthritis is a prevalent problem, there are things you can do for your dog to help them not feel as much pain.

Laser therapy, acupuncture and other at-home treatment methods are all helpful.