Cats

Fish

Rabbits

Birds

Horses

Rapper Hits All the Right Notes With Calming Song for Dogs [Video]

Lori Ennis
by Lori Ennis
Published:  May 2nd, 2017
Gnash, a songwriter, DJ, and rapper, wrote the perfect soothing song for his sweet dog Daisy, but pet parents everywhere are playing it for their dogs – and the effect is amazing!

I admit, I was skeptical. I started watching songwriter, DJ, and rapper Gnash’s making of a music video with a little bit of, “Sure. That’ll work.” The video starts with him talking about his rescue dog Daisy having a condition that made her a bit um, snarky sometimes. Daisy has a shunt in her head, and Gnash wanted to come up with something that just made her life less anxious.


Related: Music That’s Made Just for Dogs Helps Anxiety and Depression


Being the amazing pet parent that he clearly is, he began researching what sweet notes would make Daisy melt. In addition to researching psychoascoustic therapy for animals, Gnash contacted researchers at Glasgow’s Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, as they recently released research that looked at the different genres of music dogs seemed more partial to. Learning that dogs tended to like music that had a definitive beat, with a repeat of approximately every seconds, as well as some other pertinent information in pitch and tone, Gnash set out to create a canine masterpiece.


And did he ever! I decided to try it out on my own wild and rowdy puppy, and I could not believe how she instantly tuned in to the beat and seemed to literally slow down. Even as she plays with her toys, she is doing so in such a more calm and relaxed manner!


“Song For Daisy” is amazing. Not only was the proof in the puppy with Daisy relaxing around well-known anxiety producers, but an entire roomful of rescue dogs at Best Friend’s Animal Society in Los Angeles literally stopped in their tracks when they heard the first notes. Dogs in shelter situations often are anxious and rowdy, and Gnash said that watching their immediate and undeniable calmed reaction to his music was a powerful experience. Honestly, watching the video was a powerful experience for me, too. I’d not believe it if I didn’t watch it in my own girl.


Related: Global Pet Expo 2017: Cool and Comforting Calming Collars


Gnash says that it is an incredible feeling to create something that clearly goes to such a deeper level within our pets. He has a heart for rescue pets, and hopes the video and song that he offers will help pet owners everywhere give their fur family members the peace and calming that it gives his Daisy. Mostly, he hopes that it can be played at shelters so that dogs waiting to find their furever homes are able to be calm and relaxed when families are looking so that they can put their best fur face forward.


Gnash generously released the song for everyone on Youtube to celebrate Adopt A Shelter Pet this past weekend, and if you’d like to show him and the shelter dogs at Best Friends Animal Society some love for such a gift, you can text “ADOPT” to 50555 from your mobile device and you will instantly donate $10 to Best Friends Animal Society. Best Friends Animal Society worked with Gnash to create the documentary about how the song came to be, and is committed to ending the killing of animals in U.S. shelters.

WOW
Lori Ennis
Lori Ennis

More by Lori Ennis

How Do I Stop My Cat From Waking Me up at Night?
How Do I Stop My Cat From Waking Me up at Night?
View Article
Next
Related articles
Portland’s Parking Kitty App Brings All the Coolest Cats to the Lot

Drivers in Portland, Oregon have the help of a new app, Parking Kitty, and Moshow the Cat Rapper has given his Meow of Approval, yo. The Portland Bureau of Transportation recognized that parking spots were hard to come by, and a frustrating part of driving around for its citizens. They designed the Parking Kitty app to help drivers find spots and pay for them with ease, and they are being promoted by Moshow the Cat Rapper, who has adopted Portland and its ‘weirdness.’ Related: Rapper Hits All the Right Notes with Calming Song for Dogs [Video] The rapper grew up in the projects of Baltimore, Maryland, but the self-proclaimed “Cat King” says he loves rapping, loves cats and loves Portland, so it was a perfect match.In the epic video, Moshow does his rapping thing with his kitteh Ravioli, and they break it down all over the city. Driving and dancing in front of a 1956 Chevrolet Nomad, Moshow repeatedly sings the catchy, “Ima park my car with the Parking Kitty App,” and one can’t help but be drawn to downloading the app just to be part of the experience. The Parking Kitty app was released four months ago and allows users to pay for their spots online, as well as receive texts that tell them when they are about to run out of time and reload their meters if needed. And, as Moshow so eloquently tells us, “No receipt, and that’s a fact,” (because you can get the receipt through the app). Related: Rapper Hits All the Right Notes with Calming Song for Dogs [Video] I love all things about this video, and have not been able to get “Ridin in my car with my Parking Kitty app,” out of my head, but my favorite part has to be Transportation Director Leah Treat giving a huge “Oh yeah, Baby,” wink at the end. I mean, if that’s not encouragement to use a parking app, I don’t know what is! You don’t have to live in Portland to download the app from the App Store or Google Play, but “Payin’ right here in Portland,” may be easier if you do!

Musically Inclined Dog Sneaks Into Symphony Performance [Video]

Sometimes it’s tough to get tickets to your favorite concerts. This Retriever decided he wanted front row seats and wandered right up on stage to get them–much to the delight of the musicians and the audience alike!

Shed Defender’s Doggie Onesie Keeps Fur From Flying

SuperZoo, you never fail to disappoint! We saw the Shed Defender in person and we’re in love… in love with less dog hair to clean up, that is. Let’s be real. Of course we love our pets and we’d do just about anything in the world to have them in our lives. Including put up with all the hair they leave behind. But wouldn’t it be nice to just wear an outfit to an important meeting without looking like you’re growing another dog on the outside of your pants? Related: Top 10 Cuddly Fluffy Dog Breeds Or, how about not apologizing profusely anytime someone comes to visit and your dog, obviously born to give love, leaves an abundant amount of hair all over your guest? And for real–wouldn’t it be nice to not have to sweep doggie tumbleweeds up every 30 minutes? Yes, we know. We think so too. Which is why we love the Shed Defender, designed by Tyson Walters. Walters says that he came up with the idea for the Shed Defender a few years ago because he was overwhelmed with St. Bernard hair from his big old love bug Harley. Walters said that he felt like there were no products on the market that truly contained hair like they promised they would, and so necessity being the mother of ingenuity? He came up with his own! Enter the doggotard. Well, the Shed Defender sort of reminds us of a leotard, that is. It’s actually a versatile onesie for your pet that keeps all the hair that would normally fly everywhere contained. Even more, for those poor pups who have skin issues and/or allergies or hot spots? The Shed Defender keeps them from being an issue for your pooch. It’s made from an Eco-friendly fabric that breathes and keeps your pet nice and comfy, and is veterinarian approved as a natural way to help reduce their anxiety because of the nice, snug fit. Walters said that Harley was his first model, and when he’d wear it around, fellow dog lovers loved it and wanted one of their own for their own pups. Related: Rapper Hits All the Right Notes with Calming Song for Dogs [Video] It’s patent-pending, as a result, and can even be a natural alternative to those pesky cones of shame because it can keep your pet from aggravating wounds as well. In essence? Magic that makes your dog look like a rock star.

Wu-Tang Clan Not Down With Woof-Tang Clan Dog Walking Service

You don’t screw with the Wu–the Wu-Tang Clan, that is! Founding member RZA is suing Woof-Tang Clan dog-walking service for trademark infringement, and he ain’t playin’. Hip-Hop Stars Wu-Tang Clan spent much of the ’90s laying out their hardcore rap lyrics, telling all the girls they wanted them at their ‘Ice Cream Truck,’ and calling wanna-be gangstas out wherever they found them. Related: Rapper Hits All the Right Notes with Calming Song for Dogs [Video] Founding member RZA has found a problem with a Brooklyn-based dog walking service–and Method Man just isn’t down with it, either. The company, called Woof-Tang Clan, sells t-shirts on their website that give homage to the original Clan, and Woof-Tang owner Marty Cuatchon says he’s not exactly sure why RZA (aka Robert Diggs) doesn’t dig the tribute paid. According to court papers, RZA said that the name and logo that Cuatchon is playing off of has been ‘unmistakably associated’ with the hip-hop group since 1993. He says that Cuatchon’s use is a violation of the trademark registrations already owned by the Wu-Tang Clan, and Cuatchon needs to stop using it immediately. Cuatchon’s card shows a dog named Bali on a yellow and blue background, much as Wu-Tang member Old Dirty Bastard’s solo debut album did–only using Old Dirty Bastard’s face (RIP ODB). Cuatchon says that he’s a fan, and he now knows that RZA is hot, but wasn’t going to say much more until he had some legal advice. Related: Portland’s Parking Kitty App Brings All the Coolest Cats to the Lot [Video] Saying that as a dog walker, and fan, he thought it was a funny and fitting way to pay tribute to the group, and maintains that he still walks ‘the illest dogs,’ ever. Woof on with yo’ bad selves, then!

Cesar Millan Reads to Your Dog While You’re Out, Thanks to Audible

Reading is fun-damental… for dogs! Cesar Millan won’t be whispering to your dog, he’ll be reading to him, with Audible’s latest offering to pet parents. Audiobook company Audible has teamed up with ‘The Dog Whisperer,’ Cesar Millan, to offer a new service to busy pet parents. The audiobook selections will be geared to dogs, but designed to help their humans feel less guilt when they have to be separated. Related: Rapper Hits All the Right Notes with Calming Song for Dogs [Video] In essence, these audiobooks will ease separation anxiety for humans when it comes to leaving their dogs! Millan believes that the books will help dogs and their owners be calmer when they are apart, and that humans can feel like they are giving their pooches a little ‘company’ when by themselves. The selection of books will be chosen by Millan, and have their own featured page on Audible’s website. But be cautioned, you just might want to listen in too, with titles like Soldier Dog and The Art of Racing In The Rain (Cesar’s pick this month)! The new venture is based on research from 2015 that showed dogs who were kenneled to be calmer and rested when listening to audiobooks, versus listening to music (even music designed for dogs!) or no background noise at all. More, Millan’s also looked into the effect of audiobooks on dogs and found that dogs tended to show positive behaviors after they’d listened to audiobooks. Millan believes audiobooks tend to have a consistency of tone that television, radio and some podcasts just don’t have, and humans can choose books where the narrator’s gender matches their gender, giving more familiarity and comfort to their dog. Related: Adorable New Photo Collection Captures Little Girl Dancing With Dogs Audible is a $14.95/subscription service, but they’ve released a new audiobook by Millan that is free for download. The company has also announced that $.10 of each download for the rest of the year will be donated to the North Shore Animal League in New York. So, really, what do you have to lose? You and your dog get some great ‘reading’ in and you help pets in a no-kill shelter. Pardon me while I go tell Alexa to choose a book for my pups right now!

Cat Chattering: What Is It and What Does It Mean?

Cats communicate with each other and their humans in a variety of ways through vocalizations and body language. While you may be able to figure out what your cat is saying when they meow or hiss, you might be at a loss for an explanation when you see them chatter for the first time, especially if you’ve never seen cats do this before.What does it mean when cats chatter? Check out the information below to learn all about it so you’ll be able to figure out what your kitty is thinking and feeling the next time you see them exhibit this odd behavior.What Is Chattering in Cats?Chattering usually happens when a kitty sees something that they want to get their paws on. Many times, they’ll be looking out the window when a prey animal, like a chipmunk or bird, comes into view. Or, if your kitty spends time in a catio or outdoor enclosure, they might start chattering when they see small wildlife. As soon as your cat sees their intended prey, they may be ready to go on the hunt, and might express this feeling by chattering.This behavior doesn’t only happen when your kitty sees wildlife, though. It can also happen when you’re using a toy to play with them. The movement of the toy can get them excited and ready to pounce on their “prey,” and they might chatter as a result.Once you know what cat chattering looks like, you’ll be able to recognize it right away. But if you’ve never seen it before, it can be described simply as your cat making quick movements with their jaw, showing their teeth while staring intently at their target. Sometimes, no sounds will come out, but other times, they’ll make chirping sounds or even little meows. Some people even describe chattering as “ekekek”.To see what it looks like, here’s a compilation of cats chattering:

These Dog Foods Are Recalled Due to Potential Salmonella Contamination

Owners should always be careful about the food that they give to their pet – and it’s only natural that every caring owner will naturally want the best for their pet. But sometimes, even getting the best of the best is not a guarantee as accidents can happen anytime. In this case, the issue is that several popular dog food brands got potentially contaminated with salmonellla. Recently, owners had been shocked to find out that three brands of pet food were recalled - having tested positive for salmonella. And in fact, the past year saw at least seven recalls of dog food brands that were either contaminated with this nasty bacteria, or had harmful elevated levels of vitamins. And, to make matters worse, 2019 saw several dogs get seriously ill after consuming the food. And our dear four-legged friends are not the only ones at risk - handling the contaminated dog food, we too are exposed to salmonella. In 2012, up to 49 people in the United States and Canada fell ill after an outbreak of salmonella that was traced to dry dog food. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10 persons were so ill that hospitalization was required.According to the CDC, the pesky salmonella bacteria causes “an estimated 1.3 million infections in Americans every year, resulting in 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths.”As for the latest recalls, a notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, released on October 30th, includes the following foods: “one by Mid America Pet Food of Mount Pleasant, Texas, involving three lots of Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Select Beef Meal & Brown Rice Formula after random sampling found salmonella, which can sicken pets as well as people who come in contact with it.” Furthermore, it is stated that the food was “Sold by retailers across the U.S., the recalled products come in five-pound, 15-pound and 40-pound bags with a best-by-date of June 12, 2024, and contain one of the following three lot numbers on the back of the products: 1000016890, 1000016891, 1000016892.”The second recall involves TFP Nutrition of Nacogdoches, and their Retriever All Life Stages Mini Chunk Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food, in 50lbs bags, with best-by-dates of October 2024 and production codes of either 3277 TFP or 3278 TFP. Lastly, the third recall in the latest wave is Blue Ridge Beef of Statesville, North Carolina, which is recalling Breeders Choice dog food with the UPC code 8 54298 00193 1 due to possible salmonella contamination.In case you suspect your pet has eaten any potentially infected foods, it is important to know the  symptoms of salmonella poisoning in pets: they can be lethargic, listless, or have diarrhea that is followed by fever and vomiting. If you recognise these in your pet, don’t hesitate to contact your vet. And, if you suspect that the dog food you have is contaminated, make sure to destroy it in a way that children, animals, or people cannot get in contact with it.

It's a Match! Winnipeg Rescue Intro's Doggie Dates

Prospective owners can sweep their prospective partner away for the night, a weekend, or a week, before deciding to commit.

Animal Shelter Receives Donations in Memory of Jon Stewart’s Dog

Comedian Jon Stewart returned to “The Daily Show” on Comedy Central in February, and viewers have been tuning in to watch him talk about current events. Stewart hosts every Monday night, serving up news in a hilarious way. But on February 26, he closed the show on a somber note, spending a few minutes talking about his dog, Dipper.Jon Stewart Remembers His Extraordinary DogStewart shared a touching story of how he met and came to adopt Dipper. He explained that, 12 or 13 years ago, his young children wanted to raise money for Animal Haven, a no-kill shelter for dogs and cats in New York City. To fundraise, his family baked cupcakes and set up an area outside of the shelter to sell them.  He went on to say that the shelter brought out a pit bull who was about 1 year old. At this point, Stewart started to break down, clearly getting emotional as he explained that the dog had been hit by a car in Brooklyn and had lost one of his legs as a result.Through tears, Stewart said his family left the shelter after raising some much-needed funds for a wonderful organization that does great work. But they also left with the very special pit bull who had stolen their hearts and who was, as Stewart described him, the best boy. Dipper even used to go to the studio with Stewart, so he met the famous people who were guests on the show.Then, Stewart shared the devastating news that Dipper had passed away just the day before. He ended with a wish for everyone to find an amazing dog they could love. And then, for the show’s “Moment of Zen,” they played an adorable video of Dipper playing in the snow.You can watch the segment here:

Is A Wet Dog's Nose Good or Bad?

A dog’s nose is their tool for discovering the world around them through scent, but dog noses are important for much more than sniffing – the state of your pet’s nose can sometimes be indicative of their health. It can be dry and flaky or wet and soft, so what is better? Is a dry nose a bad sign? Or a wet one? Or are they both normal? These are the questions that are often proving to be troubling for dog owners. So let’s try and answer them once and for all!Is A Wet Dog's Nose Good or Bad?A wet dog's nose is usually a sign of good health. Most often, the nose is wet because the doggo is licking it! They do this frequently in order to keep them clean and to enhance their sense of smell. In fact, a moist nose helps them trap scent particles more effectively. The moisture on their nose captures scent molecules from the air, allowing them to better identify and track smells. This ability is crucial for tasks such as hunting, tracking, and even detecting certain medical conditions in humans. 

When is the Best Time to Start Puppy Training?

Training your pet is a very important task as it will shape them into a friendly, obedient dog that’s a pleasure to be around. While it does require a lot of patience and effort, training your dog on time makes your life as an owner much easier and prevents a myriad of behavior issues and other problems down the road. Of course, it goes without saying that you should start training early, while your doggo is still a puppy. That is the time when they gladly soak up all the information and eagerly learn. But when exactly is the best time to start puppy training? You can’t do it while they are still teeny-tiny, nor should you wait too long. What is the ideal middle ground? Let’s find out.When is the Best Time to Start Puppy Training?Puppies are like sponges, soaking up information from their environment and their owner, so early training can set a solid foundation for good behavior and establish obedience throughout their lives. Ideally, you can start basic training such as housebreaking, socialization, and simple commands like "sit" and "stay" when your puppy is around 8 weeks old. This is the general “golden rule” that many owners stick by. When they reach that 2-month mark, it’s considered the ideal time for them to quickly grasp the commands you teach them. If you think that this could be “too early” to start training, you are wrong. There are numerous benefits to early training, and all of them are critical for your dog’s well-being and normal behavior. Here are just a few of them:SocializationEarly socialization is so important for puppies. It allows them to learn how to properly interact with other dogs and humans and prevents aggression and behavioral problems later in life. During this period you should expose your pet to new environments, sounds, and sights.BondingTraining sessions are a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your puppy. Spending time together, teaching them new things, and rewarding good behavior builds trust and a positive relationship.Preventing Behavioral IssuesIf you spot behavior issues while your dog is still a puppy, it is easier to prevent them from becoming nasty habits. As you teach your pet proper behavior and as you set up boundaries, you will prevent many nasty issues from forming, such as excess chewing, barking, or disobedience. If you already notice chewing issues that stem from teething, make sure to redirect their attention to an appropriate chew toy and use  puppy no-chew deterrent sprays to help you shift their focus.

Survey Finds America’s Most Dog-Friendly Cities, You May Be Surprise

The number of Americans embracing a pet-friendly lifestyle is on the rise, and we’re here for it! We read announcements and news articles daily about businesses introducing pet policies and welcoming our furry friends into their establishments.However, if you’ve been traveling with your pup, you know that not all cities are created equally. Some locations truly shine—not only welcoming dogs but also creating an environment where they can live their lives to the fullest. From dog-friendly patios and shops to beautiful park spaces, these cities are rolling out the red carpet.Interested in finding the best locations for our best friends? MarketWatchGuides studied the country's 98 biggest cities, ranking them based on seven dog-friendly metrics, including:Number of pet activities per 100,000 peopleNumber of dog-friendly restaurants per 100,000 peopleNumber of dog-friendly apartments per 100,000 peopleNumber of dog-friendly weather days (days where the high did not exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit and the low did not drop below 0 degrees Fahrenheit)Number of dog parks per 100,000 peopleNumber of vet offices per 100,000 peopleAverage vet costsUsing these findings, they gave each city a ranking out of 100 in 3 categories—Dog Friendliness, Dog Walkability, and Pet Health—as well as an overall score out of 100, allowing them to rank the cities from most dog-friendly to least dog-friendly. The findings may have you reconsidering what part of the country you call home!According to the study, Raleigh, North Carolina, was the most dog-friendly city in the United States, with an impressive overall ranking of 80.3. While the city did rank low on a couple of factors (namely, the number of dog-friendly weather days and the number of dog parks), it scored high enough in the other metrics to earn the top spot.Most impressively, the city scored 91.2 on the Pet Health Score, which considered the number of vet offices and average vet costs.Other cities that managed to earn a spot in the top 10 most dog-friendly cities included:Nashville, Tennessee (78.2)Madison, Wisconsin (77.4)Lexington, Kentucky (76.7)Boise, Idaho (76.5)Austin, Texas (74.3)Portland, Oregon (73.9)Cincinnati, Ohio (73.4)Seattle, Washington (72.6)Greensboro, North Carolina (71.1)Of course, ranking these cities on an overall score may not appeal to every dog parent. While one may prioritize finding a city with the lowest vet costs, another may be willing to pay a little more to enjoy a location with more dog-friendly restaurants.Recognizing this, they then broke down a few fun stats to consider:The city with the most dog-friendly restaurants per capita was Orlando, Florida. Meanwhile, on the other end of the spectrum, North Las Vegas, Nevada, took the title of the fewest dog-friendly restaurants per capita.The most accessible pet health care in the United States can be found in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.Does your dog love heading out for a “Pup Cup” on a warm day? The Starbucks chain first popularized this tasty treat, referring to the small cup of whipped cream as “Puppuccinos.” If the very mention of a Pup Cup has your dog’s tail wagging, you may want to visit Atlanta, Georgia, where you can find the most locations offering pup cups per capita.Wherever your pet-friendly travels take you, check out our list of Dog Travel Essentials to set you (and your dog) up for success!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Often Do Dogs Need to Go Out to Pee?

When nature calls, dogs answer. And when dogs answer, so do you – by taking them outside to do their business. In other words, if you have a potty-trained dog, they will rely on you to know when their bladder is full or at least to take them out frequently enough so it doesn’t get full in the first place. This leaves most owners with the question – how often do dogs need to go out to pee? You don’t want them to have an accident inside the home but you probably don’t want to take them out for a walk every hour or so (even if you did have the time for it) so it’s important to find the right balance. Here’s what you need to know so you can make it work for you and your dog.How Often Do Dogs Pee?The frequency at which dogs need to go out to pee can vary depending on several factors, including their age, breed, size, activity level, and overall health. In general, you can use the following guidelines as a starting point, but it's important to pay attention to your individual dog's needs and adjust accordingly. Sometimes, it’s enough to just observe the signs your dog gives you, like nudging you or standing by the door. But at other times, it requires a bit of “intervention”. When it comes to the connection between a dog’s age and their peeing habits, the younger the pooch, the more they need to go out. Puppies have smaller bladders and higher metabolisms, so they typically need to go out more frequently. A general rule of thumb is to take a puppy out every 1 to 2 hours, especially after eating, drinking, playing, or waking up from a nap. Make sure to let them know why you are going out so they’ll gradually relate walkies with peeing time.Adult dogs, on the other hand, can usually hold their bladders for longer periods. Most adult dogs need to go out every 4 to 6 hours. Some larger breeds may have more bladder capacity and can hold it longer, while smaller breeds may need to go out more frequently, so have that in mind too. Of course, as dogs age, their ability to hold their bladders may decrease. Senior dogs may need to go out more frequently, potentially every 3 to 4 hours. What is more, some senior dogs may suffer from incontinence, meaning that they can’t really control when or where they pee. In this case, you could  use disposable dog diapers until their condition improves or in periods when you’re not there to take them out more frequently and prevent accidents.

San Juan Puerto Rico’s Iconic Stray Felines to Be Evicted

One-year deadline imposed by the US National Park Service to shift almost 200 cats from 16th-century El Morro fortress.

What Should I Do If My Dog is Afraid of Nail Trims?

The dreaded nail clippers – a source of stress and occasional doggy drama in our home as well as for many dog parents. You see, our youngest pup, Lucifer, and I have been on quite the journey to conquer his fear of nail trimming. If you’ve ever found yourself in a similar situation, you know the struggle all too well!But fear not, because in this article, I’m sharing our personal tale of progress and a toolkit of tips we’ve picked up along the way to help overcome your dog’s fear of nail clipping.So, let’s swap nail-trimming anxiety for confidence and cooperation, one paw at a time.Why Does My Dog Hate Nail Trims?The first step to overcoming a fear of nail trims is understanding why the sight of nail clippers is a source of anxiety for your dog. After all, the clippers themselves aren’t frightening or intimidating.For many dogs, the fear of having their nails cut is rooted in a desire to protect their paws. This is a survival instinct, as they need their paws to survive in the wild, both to escape predators and be able to catch food. They haven’t been taught that the process of having their nails cut or their paws handled isn’t going to cause harm.If your dog was previously okay with having their nails trimmed and suddenly changes their mind and lashes out when you try, this is a sign of trouble. Have you recently cut your dog`s nail and accidentally nicked the quick of the nail? If so, your dog may associate the experience with the pain and discomfort they felt at that moment.This could also indicate that your dog feels pain in their leg or paw. Watch for other signs of distress or discomfort, like lameness, limping, or excessively licking the area. If you suspect your dog is in pain or if your dog has shown a behavior change that you can’t otherwise explain, contact your veterinarian. They can run the tests necessary to help diagnose the problem and recommend ways to provide effective pain relief.For us, with Lucifer, we are overcoming a reaction due to previous pain. He suffered injuries to his front paws before he was rescued and adopted out to us as a puppy. While we have worked with specialists to help him heal and move on from these injuries, he is still more protective of his paws and dislikes having them handled. What Happens if You Wait Too Long to Cut Dog Nails?Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed and cared for is an integral part of grooming. How often you need to trim their nails will vary, depending on their breed, age, and lifestyle. Some dogs will naturally wear down their nails from walking and running on rough surfaces, as they would in the wild, while others don’t engage in these activities frequently enough to keep up with nail growth.When a dog’s nails become overgrown, they interfere with their ability to stand and walk properly, reducing traction and potentially causing injuries in their feet and tendons. This is because the nails contact the floor before their paw pads. Over time, this can also lead to long-term injuries, deformities in the paw or leg, or arthritis. This can also cause older dogs to slip and fall due to losing traction and unsteadiness on their feet.

How Acupuncture Can Help Cats and Dogs

Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and it can be used on people and pets to address a range of conditions. By balancing the flow of energy in the body, this technique can help reduce or resolve symptoms in a natural way.Many people have used acupuncture for their pets and achieved incredible results. But, like anything else, it might not be right for all pets or all conditions. And working with a qualified veterinarian who’s certified in pet acupuncture is key.Read on to learn more about acupuncture for cats and dogs.What Is Acupuncture for Dogs and Cats?In acupuncture, fine needles are placed in the skin on certain points throughout the body, referred to as acupuncture points or acupoints, in order to do things like restore energetic balance, reduce pain and inflammation, and support healthy blood flow. Based on your pet’s symptoms and condition, an acupuncturist will know where to insert the needles to get positive results.The needles shouldn’t cause any discomfort for your pet. In fact, pet parents often state that their animals become relaxed during their acupuncture sessions.Types of Pet AcupunctureThere are a few types of pet acupuncture, and an acupuncturist will determine which is best for your dog or cat.Dry needle acupuncture is the type of acupuncture that you’re likely familiar with. However, instead of using needles, acupuncturists can simply apply pressure to specific points on a pet’s body to support healing—this is known as acupressure.Other options include electroacupuncture, which combines the use of needles with an electric current, and laser acupuncture, which uses a cold laser to stimulate acupuncture points. The Benefits of Acupuncture for PetsAcupuncture can provide a host of benefits to pets when done correctly and by the right professional. As always, it’s wise to discuss this healing technique with your veterinarian to figure out if it’s appropriate for your canine or feline. And it’s important to discuss the potential risks or drawbacks before deciding if you want to try it.Some of the conditions that may be treated with the help of acupuncture include:Arthritis and joint problemsAcupuncture can be used to help relieve discomfort and pain associated with various conditions. If your pet has been diagnosed with arthritis or hip dysplasia, if they’ve been injured and are dealing with pain, or even if they’re having pain after a procedure, acupuncture might be a good treatment for reducing inflammation and improving mobility.In addition to acupuncture treatments, you can also help your pet feel more comfortable by using a heated bed like the K&H Thermo-Snuggle Cup Heated Cat Bed, which can also work well for small dogs. This product is machine washable and features soft fleece that your companion will love snuggling into. Its circular shape ensures your furry friend will feel nice and secure. Plus, you can use the removable heater to help alleviate discomfort and keep them warm while they relax or nap. 

GPS Tracker Saves the Life of a Vancouver Island Pooch

New technology helps us find our pets when they wander into trouble.

Are Essential Oils Safe for Dogs?

Essential oils have a variety of uses and can be quite beneficial. And that’s not true for human use alone, as these natural oils found their way to the world of pets as well, and can be used to help eliminate a range of issues such as skin irritations, allergies, and fleas, and to boost the overall health of your dog’s coat. But, while there are plenty of pet products that contain essential oils, many owners are wondering: are essential oils really safe for dogs? It is a good question, so let’s try and find the right answer.Essential Oils for Dogs: The BasicsWhile some essential oils can be safe for dogs, it's important to use them with caution. Dogs have a more sensitive sense of smell than humans, so strong scents can be overwhelming, even if they are of natural origin. Certain essential oils, like lavender and chamomile, are generally considered safe in small amounts and when properly diluted. That being said, it is important to know what you are buying and to find essential oils that are made for pets especially. These are likely to be properly diluted and formulated to be safe for dogs. Essential oils can have various effects on dogs, both positive and negative. Some oils, like the aforementioned lavender and chamomile, may help with relaxation and anxiety, and help your pet sleep easier. On the other side, specific oils such as tea tree, citrus, and peppermint can be harmful to dogs and should be avoided.When using essential oils around dogs, it's crucial to dilute them properly. Always dilute essential oils before using them around your dog. Most experts recommend a ratio of 1:50, meaning one drop of essential oil to 50 drops of carrier oil. Of course, you should always observe your dog's reactions. Watch for signs of distress or discomfort in your dog when you introduce a new essential oil. If you notice any adverse reactions, stop using the oil immediately.Ultimately, you should be wary of the application methods you are using. Avoid applying essential oils directly to your dog's skin. Instead, diffuse them in the air or use a diffuser. You can also add a few drops to your dog's collar or bedding if the goal is to deter parasites. Needless to say, it goes a long way to properly familiarize yourself with essential oils and how they are used in the dog world. You can go in-depth with  a book that specializes in this topic, and gain the ultimate knowledge about these helpful oils before utilizing these natural products for your pet’s well-being. 

About Privacy Terms Contact us Copyright
© 2024  VerticalScope Inc. All rights reserved.