Why Throwing Sticks for Your Dog Could Be Dangerous

Playing fetch with your dog is an age-old pastime that has brought joy to thousands of dog parents over the years. From throwing dog toys and frisbees to tennis balls and sticks, few activities are as closely associated with our canine companions. But many dog owners are unaware of the risks related to stick throwing. It may seem like a harmless game, but throwing sticks for your dog could lead to horrific or even life-threatening injuries. Stick-related injuries are surprisingly common, according to veterinarians and veterinary surgeons. While experts agree that playing with your dog is essential as a bonding opportunity and a source of physical exercise, they warn that you should swap out the stick for a dog-safe toy. Types of Stick Injuries in Dogs The first step to keeping our dogs safe is to recognize the risks so that we can take steps to avoid them. Unfortunately, stick injuries can come in several different forms, including: Injuries While Catching: If your dog can get ahead of the stick and catch it while it’s still in motion, there is always the risk that they will connect with it on the end instead of safely on the side. This can lead to sticks becoming lodged in their throat. Slivers or Splinters: Small pieces of wood can become lodged in your dog’s mouth or between their teeth. Not only are these small pieces of wood painful, but they may also lead to ongoing infections. If a wood splinter is eaten, it may cause a puncture, internal bleeding, or other damage to the digestive tract. Cut or Scrapes: As your dog catches or attempts to pick up the stick, there is a chance that they may suffer cuts or scrapes around the mouth, especially if the stick has sharp edges. Impalement: If your dog runs into a stick, there is the possibility that they may be impaled. This often occurs in the chest or throat, raising the risk of organ damage and significant blood loss. Impalement can also happen if a dog jumps to catch a stick and then lands on it. Choking Hazard: When your dog is chewing on a stick, they will often swallow small pieces of wood and bark that come off. These pieces pose a choking hazard. Intestinal Blockage: If swallowed without incident, those same pieces can still cause trouble later in the digestive process. They may lead to a blockage in the stomach or intestines, a potentially fatal condition.

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Why Is My Dog Drinking So Much Water?

Drinking fresh water regularly is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. But many dog parents may wonder: How much water is too much? When should you be concerned? The answer is not always as easy as black and white. Some dogs naturally drink a lot of water, while an increase in drinking for others could indicate a health problem. The first step is identifying why your dog is drinking so much water. How Much Water Should a Dog Drink? Before you can identify whether your dog drinks too much water, you must determine how much water they should consume daily. A healthy adult dog should drink, on average, 1 ounce of water per 1 pound of body weight. This means a 35 lb dog like our youngest boy Lucifer should drink 35 fluid ounces of water or 4.375 cups. A toy breed weighing 10 lbs would drink an average of 10 fluid ounces or 1 ¼ cups. A large breed weighing 100 lbs should drink approximately 100 fluid ounces or 12 ½ cups. Of course, this is an average. Young puppies will need more water than a full-grown adult, as do pregnant or nursing dogs. If you live in a hot climate or have a very active lifestyle, this may also require more water to keep your dog safely hydrated. Finally, consider the fluids your dog may get from their food. If your dog is fed a diet of canned food, they are already getting hydration with their meals and require less water than a dog who is exclusively kibble fed.

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Most Versatile Horse Breed

We often see equestrian sports and horse lovers divided into two camps – English and Western riding. But what about those riders that don’t fit into one or the other? If you have a more diverse interest in riding, you may wonder how to choose a horse for your needs. Are you forced to choose one style to focus on? Do you need to purchase a horse suited for each style? The good news is that some breeds are highly versatile and capable of being trained to perform in both styles skillfully. Here is our list of the 10 most versatile horse breeds to help you find your ideal riding partner. American Quarter Horse

Best Dog Treats for Large Dogs

While many treats boast that they are suitable for dogs of all sizes, large dog parents know that their pups have a few specific needs. One of the biggest struggles is finding a large enough treat that our dogs will taste their reward when given. Luckily, many great dog treats on the market were specifically made with larger dogs (and extra-large dogs) in mind. These treats are not only sized right for our dogs, but their nutritional benefits can help improve their health and well-being. It’s the perfect combination for dog owners that want to give their pups the world (and then some). But where do you find the right treats to meet all your needs? Before you spend a few hours scouring through online stores or walking the aisles of your local pet store, we want to help. In this guide, we’re going to share our choices for the best dog treats for large dogs and some tips and tricks to consider while shopping. Let’s get started!

Best Horse for Older Riders

Many activities and pastimes can become more complicated with age. Riding is a physical activity. While some horses can offer a smooth, comfortable ride, this isn’t true in every case. In fact, the natural gaits of some horses will create a bumpy experience that can aggravate sore joints, back pain, and other ailments. This doesn’t mean you have to give up riding! Here is our list of the 9 best horses for older riders.Tennessee Walking Horse

Best Urinary Tract Supplements for Dogs

Whether you have a senior dog struggling with incontinence issues or a younger pup prone to urinary tract infections, your dog’s bladder and urinary tract health is a top priority. There are many different supplements on the market. This can make it challenging to weed through the noise and find the best option for your dog. Should you use a soft chew or a liquid supplement? What are the best active ingredients to search for? Is there a product with a tempting flavor for picky eaters?If you’re currently unsure where to start, we have you covered! In this guide, we offer tips and tricks for prioritizing your dog’s urinary tract health. Plus, we have compiled a list of the best urinary tract supplements for dogs of all ages.

Best Horses for Trick Riding

Have you ever watched the horses and riders performing in the circus and other trick shows, marveling at the incredible feats that they accomplish? If so, you’re not alone! Trick riding is a practice that has been popular throughout history, with many great photos available of performers dating back to the early 1900s. Modern trick riders can be seen performing stunts in circuses and equestrian shows around the world.While any horse can be taught to perform tricks with their rider, some breeds are better suited to the demands of the trick-riding world. Here is a list of the 10 best horses for trick riding, including some important considerations for those that are getting started in this fun equestrian art form.Percheron

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