6 Easy Ways to Train Your Dog Every Day

by Kate Barrington

Published: September 28th, 2020

Dog training is a full time job with no breaks. Whether you’re teaching your dog a new trick or brushing up on the basics, the key to success is to tackle training a bit every day!

Many people assume that once a dog graduates from the puppy phase, your job in training him is finished. In reality, training is a lifelong pursuit for dogs and their owners. Once your dog masters the basics of obedience training you won’t have to review those basic skills often, but you do need to keep working with your dog to reinforce his training and to keep his mind sharp.

To assume that at a certain point the training is complete and you never have to think about it again is a mistake. Training a dog is a lifelong commitment. Sure, this process will evolve and change. Sure, it won’t be as intensive as it is in the beginning because your dog will reach a point at which they no longer constant reinforcement. But that doesn’t mean that the process is over. It’s simply evolved.

So, how do you continuing training in a more subtle matter as your pup matures? Well, you’ve come to the right place to find out. Continue reading and all will be revealed…

How Much Time Should You Spend on Training Each Day?

When your dog is still a puppy, you should expect to spend a significant amount of time on basic obedience training until he gets the hang of them. This must happen early and often so that those early and impressionable puppy years don’t go to waste. The phrase, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” exists for a reason after all. However, it’s important, that you break up your training sessions throughout the day so your puppy doesn’t get bored. Overwhelming your pup will dilute the training process. You must make sure to keep your dog engaged and excited in order for training to stick.

Related: Teaching Your Dog to Leave It

The proper length for your training sessions will vary according to your puppy’s age, his intelligence level, and his ability to pay attention. Some dogs can only pay attention for 10 to 15 minutes at a time while others can go for a full hour of training. Your best bet is to start with a training session in the morning and go until your dog starts to lose focus. Give him a break for a few hours then come back to the training in the afternoon. You can also end each day with a quick 15-minute training session before bed to tire your dog out. There’s no precise breakdown on how to do this. Every dog is different, after all. So you’ll have to experiment until you get a sense of what works for your pup, then stick to a schedule.

Six Simple Ways to Train Your Dog Every Day

Obedience training is an ongoing process for dog owners. Even after your dog masters the basic commands you should still work with him on a daily basis to reinforce and build upon those commands. This process never ends, it just changes and becomes less intensive. If you’re wondering how to continue training after the basics have been covered, here are six simple things you can do every day to reinforce your dog’s training:

Ask your dog to sit before you give him anything – We do mean everything: his meals, his treats, and even his favorite toys. This can pay off in surprising ways. For example, teaching your dog to sit ensures that you have his full attention and it will prevent him from jumping up on you.

Reinforce your dog’s stay. Throughout the day, ask your dog to sit or lie down then tell him to stay while you go about your business (it’s a great idea to do this while you prepare his meal, for example). When you are ready to release your dog, place the bowl on the ground and say “Okay”. This will create a more calm and relaxed environment during feeding.
Teach your dog to wait. Teaching your dog to stay is great for longer periods, but a “Wait” command can be used as a short-term hold. For example, when you’re getting ready to take your dog to the park, tell him to sit then wait while you attach his leash, then release him. This will create a calm and easygoing mood every time that you leave the house.
Train your dog to “leave it”. Teaching your dog to “Stay” or “Wait” is good for a delayed release, but teaching your dog to Leave It means that he cannot have the thing he wants. This is important for your dog’s safety because he may not know when something is harmful to him. It’s also a great tool for preventing problem behaviors. This simple training technique will save you form so many potential dangers and headaches down the road and should absolutely become a part of your training process.
Teach your dog proper leash etiquette. You take your dog for a walk every day, so use your walks as a mini training session to reinforce good leash behavior and other obedience commands. It will pay off in the long run.
Make training sessions fun. Your dog is going to absorb more from your training sessions if he is actively engaged and he’ll only be engaged if he’s having fun. Be generous with praise and treats during quick daily training sessions and cut it short if either of you becomes frustrated. Just because training is an important and educational process doesn’t mean that it can’t be an activity that you both enjoy. It will take the pressure of both of you and lead to long lasting results.

Training your dog isn’t just about making him obedient to your commands. It is also about fostering a relationship based on mutual trust and respect. If you treat your dog with respect, he’ll be more eager to please you… by happily doing everything you ask of him. Training is a vital part of the relationship that you build with your dog. While it will start as something intensive and scheduled, it should grow into a natural extension of your relationship together. After all, if it becomes second nature to you, then it should become second nature to your pooch as well!

Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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The Onion Publishes Not-At-All-Fake Research From Esteemed Pet Scienti

The Onion is famous for making light of funny human antics. Now, they’re publishing research from esteemed Pet Scientists, and let’s just say… it’s a good thing we’re housetrained. The Onion is known for posting articles that chronicle the real-life world in hilarious ways that make you nod your head with the obviousness of it all. Related: 6 Easy Ways to Train Your Dog Every Day Such was the case recently, when they shared the latest from a very prestigious group of pets, experts in the field of human behavior. The lead researcher of the study, a West Highland Terrier named Nugget, shared the very conclusive data that every human who tells a pet they are just going to work is, in fact, a big, fat Liar McLiar Pants and gone forever. More, the researchers found that any time a pet owner says she’ll “Be back soon, puppers!” it most likely means the world is coming to an end and the pets will most undoubtedly starve to death, waiting for their owner. Related: Das Funny! Volkswagen’s Prank Ad of Autonomous Dog Walking Gadget [Video] When the elite team of pet researchers released the information, Nugget did have to amend his findings, saying that it turns out that 100% of owners who come back into driveways, do, in fact, come back at the end of the day, and they may be working on some further research. If you’ve not checked The Onion out before, friends…now.is.the.time! Where else will you find such esteemed (and adorable!) researchers–we believe every word they say.

Should I Train My Dog With a Clicker?

A clicker can make training your dog easier and more fun. But before bringing one more tool into your training routine, make sure a clicker is right for you. When training your dog, certain tools can help the learning process. A go-to tool for many trainers is a clicker: a simple device that fits in your palm and makes a unique “click” noise when you push its button. It works to mark the moment a dog does the behavior you were asking. For instance, if you cue your dog to sit, you would click the moment his rear end touches the floor. Then, you’d follow up with a treat or other reward. This is the same mark-and-reward sequence as if you said “good boy!” or “yes” the moment he sits. Whether using a word or a clicker, marking tells the dog that he just did the “right” thing, and the reward encourages him to do it again and again. This is how he learns to sit, lie down, or do any other behavior. So why use an extra tool to do a job your mouth can do? Related: 6 Easy Ways to Train Your Dog Every Day Advantages to Using a Clicker A clicker provides a clearly audible, consistent sound. This gives the dog very clear feedback, compared to your voice, which has many variations. (Think of all the different ways you could say “yes!”) It also is easier for your dog to hear a clicker if you are training in a noisy environment.Some dogs have tuned out their humans’ voices. (By dog standards, humans talk a lot.) A clicker has only one meaning — to mark a behavior before the reward comes — so dogs learn to love the sound.Some people have more accurate timing when they mark with clickers than with their voices, which means clearer communication and faster learning.Dogs can get motivated to work harder in order to get more clicks. They see it as a game that they can “win” by doing certain behaviors or tricks.Clickers are useful when teaching a complicated behavior that requires may small steps. For instance, some dogs are hesitant to lie down on cue, so you can break it into increments. First click for lowering his head, then lowering it further, then a shoulder drop, then a full down. Related: On-Leash Dog Greetings: Yea or Nay? Disadvantages to Using a Clicker A clicker is one more tool to juggle. Clickers come in many forms, even slipping on your finger like a ring, but you’re still carrying one more piece of equipment.Occasionally dogs are startled by the sound of the clicker. You can get around this by buying a quiet clicker or by clicking from inside your pocket. You should also spend extra time conditioning your dog to the clicker by simply clicking and treating, clicking and treating, to teach your dog how awesome this noise is.If you or others in your house use the clicker for anything other than marking a behavior, the clicker will lose its appeal.You don’t use the clicker forever. It is only intended for teaching new behaviors, during which time you will treat after every click. (If you don’t follow with a treat, the clicker loses its “power” and becomes another meaningless sound.) Sometimes owners aren’t sure when to stop using the clicker. So, back to the question, “Should I train with a clicker?” It’s really up to you. Because a clicker leads to clearer communication between you and your dog, I think it is well worth the small hassle of carrying one more item. To learn all about how to introduce, train with, and teach your dog games with a clicker, check out clickertraining.com.

Does Your Dog Have What it Takes to Be a B.A.R.K. Ranger?

Is your dog your favorite adventure buddy? Do you dream of exploring America’s National Parks system with your furry best friend by your side? While many parks have limitations on where dogs are allowed, the popularity of pet-friendly travel is on the rise. In response, the U.S. National Park Service introduced a program to teach dog parents how to travel with their pups responsibly – the B.A.R.K. Ranger Program. But does your dog have what it takes to be a B.A.R.K. Ranger? What is involved in earning that title anyway? In this article, we will break down the B.A.R.K. principles and why they are so important for responsible outdoor travel. We will also share tips for helping your dog become a certified B.A.R.K. ranger. What Does the Acronym “B.A.R.K.” Stand For? Let’s start at the beginning—what exactly is the B.A.R.K. Ranger program, and what does the acronym “B.A.R.K.” stand for? Recognizing that a growing number of dog parents wanted to bring their pups with them when visiting the parks, the U.S. National Park Service recognized a need for education on how to travel with dogs responsibly. This means focusing on the importance of respecting the environment, local wildlife, and other visitors to the park. This program is a partnership between the National Park Service (NPS) and the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). It is part of the Healthy Parks Healthy People Initiative, which is focused on the idea that “parks can be gateways to good health – for people and the planet.” The B.A.R.K. acronym stands for: B – Bag your pet’s wasteA – Always leash your petR – Respect wildlife K – Know where you can goThe concept is similar to the traditional Leave No Trace principles but focuses on how a dog may impact the environment and the overall park experience. What Are the Qualifications to Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger? The good news is that the requirements to become a B.A.R.K. Ranger are very broad. The program is open to dogs of all ages, breeds, sizes, and activity levels. From the senior chihuahua who prefers to be carried along the trail while still enjoying the fresh air to the high-energy Border Collie who could hike for days without stopping, all are welcome! So, does your dog meet the qualifications? As long as they are dog – YES!What is the Process of Getting Your Dog’s B.A.R.K. Ranger Certification? This is where the conversation becomes a little more complicated. While the B.A.R.K. Ranger program is a National Park Service program, the exact requirements to be named a B.A.R.K. Ranger vary from park to park. This allows each park to customize the program to best suit its area and the needs of those who visit each park specifically. At some parks, you will be asked to take a booklet and fill it out. Once you have completed the booklet, you will receive your commemorative leash tag. At other parks, a program is offered that you will attend to learn more about the B.A.R.K. principles and how they can be applied in your travels. Finally, some parks make it incredibly easy. They ask those interested to learn about the B.A.R.K. principles at home before coming to the park. Upon arrival, the dog's parents are asked if they understand and agree with them. They then take a pledge to follow these principles before their dog is given the coveted title.

Is Dog Snoring Normal?

Does it sound like your pet’s sawing wood whenever they take a nap? We hear you. It just so happens that dogs can snore like humans do, and some do it quite often and quite loudly. But what causes snoring in dogs, and is it normal? And is there a way to limit, reduce, or altogether eliminate it? Here are all the deets on dog snoring you need to know.Is Dog Snoring Normal?First off, yes, dog snoring can be completely normal. Just like humans, dogs can snore for various reasons. In most cases, it is not something you should worry about. Still, it can be somewhat distracting, and you might want to know what causes it. A number of factors can contribute to this issue – here are the most common ones.Brachycephalic Breeds:Dogs with short noses and flat faces, known as brachycephalic breeds, are more prone to snoring. This conformation can lead to narrower air passages, making it harder for air to flow smoothly during breathing. Examples of brachycephalic breeds include Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, and Shih Tzus.Weight:Overweight, chubby dogs may snore more frequently because excess weight can put pressure on their airways. Combined with excess fat on their neck, and the sleeping position, their snoring can be quite loud, especially during sleep. Age:Believe it or not, age can cause snoring as well! Older dogs may snore more frequently and loudly as they age, just like some humans. Age can affect the muscles and tissues in a dog's throat. Older dogs may experience a relaxation of these tissues, contributing to snoring. Don't hold it against your senior furry friend, they can't help it!Sleeping Environment:Ultimately, the environment in which a dog sleeps can influence snoring. For example, if the room is too dry, it may irritate the nasal passages, or if it's too warm, dogs may breathe with their mouths open, contributing to snoring. Try to find an ideal environment for them, or consider using an air humidifier to moisturize dry air.

Study Finds Pets Didn't Make People Happier During the Pandemic

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An AI App Helps Vets Diagnose Cats By Detecting Their Pain Levels

Every cat owner has wondered what their cat is thinking about - at least once in a while. You see your feline friend just standing there in the corner, its gaze fixed on something and its expression a true enigma. Sadly, it’s not that easy to read a cat’s emotions, so most of it just remains a mystery. Until now, that is. An Alberta-based company is developing an app that could change the way we see cats and their emotions. The innovative AI app is named Tably, and it aims to help vet clinics assess a cat’s pain more easily. Susan Groenveld, one of the developers of Tably, said that felines visit the vet far less than dogs. "And when you really unpack that, it's because they hide their pain. When a cat is in pain, they go and hide under the bed, versus a dog that'll present to the owner, like kids do," said Groeneveld, the founder at Sylvester.ai, the company developing the  Tably app. "I thought, wouldn't it be cool if everyday people that love their pets would know if their animal may be demonstrating pain."An earlier version of the app already showed remarkable success, with tens of thousands of downloads around the world. Susan Groeneveld said that those early stages of the app acquired around 54,000 downloads in just a week, showing that there is a big need for something like this. "This told us that people were really, really interested in it," she said. "But we really wanted to make sure that it was validated and veterinarians actually supported it because it was a really easy opportunity for us to become a novelty."As the work progressed, the app had been clinically tested by both veterinarians and pet owners in the United States, Canada, as well as in Europe. It is expected that the app will arrive in the digital market in the U.S., Singapore, and France in January. And for Canada, the app should see a release this fall. How does Tably work? The app uses special algorithms that apply standards and facial pain scores that vets previously created. With that, the vets can review the results and better assess the cat’s state. "We believe our technology will make it more accurate because there's less human bias in the subjectivity of the assessment," Groeneveld said.Positive reviews have been overwhelming so far, many of them coming from respected vets. Dr. Liz Ruelle, a vet at the Wild Rose Cat Clinic in Calgary, Alberta, is on the advisory board for the Tably app. Her involvement is very important for the developers, and Dr. Ruelle used the app in her practice. In fact, Dr. Ruelle states that she definitely plans on using the app in her future work and said for  Yahoo: “When a cat experiences pain, its eyes and eyelid positions change and they shift their ear positions. Like if we're in a good mood and we smile, we could think of how our cheeks are uplifted. We see the apples of our cheeks. If I had whiskers on my cheeks, then I would have that same uplifted, happy whiskers," she said. "But when I'm feeling sad, or headache, or painful, then those facial muscles start to sag down … instead of being upright and perky whiskers, they would be kind of dropping down the face."The best thing of all - the app won’t be exclusive to vets. Groeneveld and Ruell stated that a special lite version is planned, which will be aimed at pet owners to use at home. No exact dates have been provided, however. 

Pregnant Dog Saved from Shipping Container by U.S. Coast Guard

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What Shapes Your Dog’s Personality? Harvard Neuroscientists Reveal

No two dogs are the same – each pooch has a personality of their own, complete with unique quirks and traits. But why is your dog the way they are? What shapes their personality and character? Why do they behave in a unique way, even when they belong to a certain breed with a distinct set of traits?This is the question that Erin Hecht, assistant professor of human evolutionary biology at Harvard, is trying to answer. She is doing this through  The Canine Brains Project and recently held a  talk - centered on canine neuroscience - that was organized by Harvard’s Brain Science Initiative.According to Hecht, dogs have the potential to teach us so much about brain development, especially considering the fact that they were domesticated about 20,000 to 40,000 years before the present – which, on the evolutionary timeline, is quite recent. “Darwin saw dogs as a window on mechanisms of evolution,” Hecht said. “When we’re looking at dogs, as a natural experiment and brain behavior evolution all we have to do is look at their brains and see what evolution did in order to satisfy those selection requirements.”Hecht’s efforts were benefited by her lab, which performs MRI scans of dog brains – roughly 100 per year. They also conduct owner surveys that examine dogs’ work skills, especially those “ancient” ones, like hunting, guarding, herding, fetching, and so on. All this is then compared to breed parameters, like body size, skill size, and overall shape. “About 80 percent of the dogs living on the planet today are what’s known as village dogs. These are free-ranging animals that live as human commensals. So they’re living within human society, but they’re not pets,” Hecht said.Through such research, Hecht is hoping to determine what exactly shapes a dog’s personality. Through her lab work, she connects personality and skill differences in dogs to six special regions of their brains:-the regions controlling drive and reward -olfaction and taste-spatial navigation-social communication and coordination-fight or flight -and olfaction and vision“There has been very strong recent specific selection in individual breeds rather than founding effects in ancestral founding populations,” Hecht said. “So then we can look at behavior and ask whether the types of behaviors that different lineages have been selected for historically … [explain] each dog’s anatomy and these six brain networks. And it seems like there are some interesting relationships here.”But most importantly, it is concluded that these neural pathways are greatly impacted by the shape and size of a dog’s skull. “It stands to reason that if you’re manipulating the shape of a skull, you’re going to be manipulating the shape of the brain,” Hecht said. “But this confirms that dogs with these extreme skull morphotypes have impacts on their brain anatomy that likely affects behavior.”She also adds that even though some dogs have a brain “makeup” that suggests a unique disposition, it doesn’t “lock” them into a set behavior pattern. This is especially true for working skills. “Training is almost always necessary. I have yet to hear of any particular breed of working dog, where it’s just born knowing how to do its job,” Hecht said.So, a look “inside” your doggo’s brain might reveal why they are just the way they are. Would you be curious enough to let scientists take a peek?

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Why Is My Dog Licking and Chewing His Paws?

You might think it’s gross, but your pooch certainly doesn’t – canines are known to lick themselves as a way of grooming. While your dog might lick their body thoroughly to keep it clean, sometimes, their self-grooming can be abnormal. If you notice that your pet is licking or even chewing their paws obsessively, it should raise concern. This type of behavior might indicate an underlying medical issue, so here’s what you need to know before you phone your vet.Is It Normal for Dogs to Lick and Chew Their Paws?While some licking of their paws after they get dirty can be perfectly normal, constant licking or chewing of the paws is certainly not usual behavior. There could be several reasons behind this, and it could indicate that your attention and even intervention are needed. Here are some of the most common reasons why dogs lick and chew their paws.Allergies:  Allergies, including food allergies, environmental allergies (such as pollen or dust mites), and contact allergies (for example, from cleaning products or lawn chemicals), can lead to itching and discomfort in dogs. Paw licking and chewing can be a response to this itching. If you suspect that an allergy might be in question, don’t hesitate to visit your vet.Skin irritation or infection: If your dog's paws are red, swollen, or have an unpleasant odor, it may indicate a  skin infection or irritation. Bacterial or fungal infections, as well as foreign objects like splinters or thorns, can lead to serious issues down the road. Again, if you notice any of the above, it’s time to visit the vet.Dry or cracked paw pads: Dry or cracked paw pads can be uncomfortable for dogs. Licking and chewing may be their way of trying to soothe the discomfort. This happens to many dogs, and can be caused by their environment, the surface on which they walk, and many other things. Luckily, you can prevent this with paw wax that will create a barrier between the pads and the walking surface, or treat existing issues with paw butter that soothes and repairs the pads. This particular  2-in-1 paw butter and wax is a favorite of mine because it is made from all-natural ingredients and heals cracked paws in no time – while simultaneously preventing future irritation and dryness. 

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What to Do If Your Dog Ingested Something They Shouldn't?

It’s no secret dogs are nosy – especially when they suspect food is involved. They’ll have no problem jumping on the counter, digging through trash, or “sneakily” stealing stuff off your coffee table if given a chance. Not only that this type of behavior can be really irritating for the owner, but it is also downright dangerous. Dogs can easily swallow something that could cause serious health issues – a tiny object that can cause choking, a hazardous chemical, or some human food that is poisonous to them. In either of these cases, the owner should be prepared and alert as acting quickly is crucial when your pet eats something that they shouldn’t have. But what exactly do you need to do if this happens? What is the course of action to help a dog who ingested something they simply should not? Let’s go over it.What to Do If Your Dog Ingested Something They Shouldn't: Step By Step ExplainedIf your dog has ingested something they shouldn't have, it's important to act quickly. Every second counts in this case so don’t panic even if that’s your first instinct. Going into panic mode never helps and can only make things worse. Instead, try to assess the situation and figure out what has been ingested so you can act accordingly. Here are some general guidelines to follow, but keep in mind that you should always consult with your veterinarian for advice tailored to your specific situation.It is imperative to stay calm. It's understandable to feel scared and panicked, but it's crucial to stay composed. Panicking can make it difficult to think clearly and take appropriate action. Take a deep breath, strengthen your resolve and act.Always try to identify the substance or item ingested, if it’s possible to do so very quickly. This information can be helpful for your veterinarian to provide accurate advice. Do you notice any small objects missing? Any open containers or something similar? Quickly try to find the clues.It goes without saying that it is always crucial to call your veterinarian immediately. Provide them with details about what your dog ingested, the amount, and any symptoms your dog is experiencing. After all, they are professionals who know how to deal with these situations in an efficient manner and will give you the guidelines suited to your situation.Keep in mind not to induce vomiting. Inducing vomiting can be dangerous in some situations and should only be done under the guidance of a veterinarian. Certain substances or items can cause more harm if brought back up. Unless instructed otherwise, don’t do it.Disperse with the panic and fears, and follow the advice of your veterinarian to the letter. Your veterinarian will provide specific instructions based on the substance ingested. Follow their advice carefully, whether it involves inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal, or other measures.It is important to monitor your dog and their behavior. Keep a close eye on them for any changes in behavior, signs of distress, or dangerous symptoms. Be prepared to provide this information to your veterinarian. Sometimes, nothing will show at first, but could later on. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend immediate action, such as going to an emergency veterinary clinic. Follow their advice promptly, or if you see that your dog is in danger, do so as fast as possible.

What Foods Can My Dog Have on Thanksgiving?

Can you believe it is already winter, and Thanksgiving is just around the corner? As the holiday approaches, many dog owners may wonder how to include their furry family members in the festivities safely. While Thanksgiving is best known for being a time to indulge in delicious meals, we must remember that not all human foods are safe to share.In this article, we will look at the most common Thanksgiving dinner options, ranging from turkey and ham to veggies and desserts, creating a list of holiday treats your dog can enjoy safely (excluding others).Let’s get started on planning your dog’s ideal Thanksgiving feast…Should I Bring My Dog to Thanksgiving Dinner?For some families, including the pets in their holiday gatherings is a decision that is just as natural as any other member of the family. But there are a few essential questions that you should ask yourself before packing up your dog’s favorite toys and heading out on a holiday family road trip.Who is hosting the holiday gathering? Have you asked them if dogs are welcome?Does your dog have good manners around the table (not begging, counter surfing, or trying to steal food)?Is there a quiet space for your dog to go if they feel overwhelmed?Will there be other dogs there? Have they met previously, or will they be meeting for the first time in a busy/noisy setting (not advisable)?Will all family members respect your boundaries regarding what they can/can’t give your dog?Is your dog comfortable with large gatherings and high-energy spaces?While we understand wanting to have your dog by your side, many dogs would be happier at home in their cozy bed or on the couch – and that’s okay! When your dinner is over and you head home, you’ll have a loving companion waiting to greet you.What Not to Feed Dogs on Thanksgiving? Few things will ruin the vibe of your family Thanksgiving dinner like a trip to your local emergency veterinary clinic. Unfortunately, every holiday weekend, an influx of dogs come through the doors due to toxicity and poisoning – the result of eating unsafe foods (stolen or given to them) from the Thanksgiving dinner table. Here are a few items to keep safely out of your pup’s reach: Stuffing or Dressing Thanksgiving dinner isn’t the same without this traditional dish, but stuffing is made with several ingredients that could make your dog sick. Onions and garlic are in almost every traditional stuffing recipe, but these members of the Allium family can be extremely dangerous if ingested. They damage red blood cell membranes, causing a decrease in the red blood cell count, which can trigger serious health complications such as kidney damage. In the most severe cases, ingesting onions and garlic can be fatal. Plus, stuffing or dressing is often made with a variety of spices that can upset your pup’s stomach!

Can I Use Human Hair Shampoo to Wash My Dog?

Making sure your pet’s hygiene is up to standards is an important thing, but you have to be careful about how you go about it. There aren’t a lot of important rules to consider when doggo baths are considered, but you should pay special attention to the type of shampoo that you use. If you are all out of pet shampoo, and you are thinking that a little bit of human shampoo won’t make a difference – think again. Using human hair shampoo on your dog is not recommended, and the reasons for this are many, including negative effects on your pet’s overall health and the quality of their skin and coat. Here’s what you should know before you reach for your shampoo when bathing your pooch.Why You Shouldn’t Use Human Shampoo On DogsThe first and foremost thing you have to consider is pH balance. Human shampoos are formulated to match the pH level of human skin. However, that level is totally different for dogs. Because of this, human shampoo can greatly disrupt the natural pH levels of a dog’s skin, ultimately leading to rashes, irritation, and skin diseases. And the same goes for the ingredients in that shampoo.  Dog shampoos have totally different ingredients compared to human shampoos. The latter has many chemicals that are considered too harsh for dogs. Dogs are prone to skin allergies and sensitivities, and some of the ingredients in human shampoos could make these issues much worse. The allergies can also be triggered by the strong fragrances of human-grade shampoos, which dogs can’t really stand. You should also take into account that a dog’s coat and human hair are totally different. While human shampoos are meant to lather well on hair, they’ll be too soapy for dogs. Rinsing out human shampoo from a dog can be a challenge, and a lot of chemicals can stay trapped in the coat and absorbed through the skin. Ultimately, all of this can leave your dog’s coat damaged, their skin irritated, and their health vulnerable to viruses and skin-borne infections. 

UK Insurance Giant Names Pets as Culprit in Over 6,000 Claims

Between 2019 and 2023, dogs and cats identified as cause for missing jewelry, broken electronics, and property damage.

World’s Largest Cruise Ship Welcomes a Super Cute Dog as a Resident

“Icon of the Seas” might have been known as the largest cruise ship until this year, but now, everybody will know it as the ship with a permanent doggy resident – Rover, a cute Lab with (apparently) four sea legs!Ever since coming on board, Rover has been the focus of social media posts by the cruise ship’s crew members. Based on the posts, the adorable pooch boarded the ship while it was stationed in Ponce, Puerto Rico, just as it was about to finish its journey in Miami, Florida. And soon enough, Rover, who is a young  Labrador Retriever, became the ship’s very own mascot and likely everybody’s favorite resident.After all, Rover was so friendly and loveable that it took only one day for the crew to decide that he would become the permanent resident of the vessel – that takes some serious charm, ya know?“Meet Rover,” one Instagram post said, “the Resident Mascot of the Icon. He just came on board today. He’s a friendly Labrador who’s going to be the permanent resident of the World’s Largest Cruise Ship, Icon of the Seas.”The crew all quickly gathered around to ensure that Rover would be given the best possible care in his new role of “Chief Dog Officer”. Allison, one of the crew members is originally from Australia and has been a member of the crew for five years. She ensures that Rover receives plenty of treats and a ton of love. "As a crew member on Icon, Rover's job is to bring joy to her fellow crew and guests onboard. All the while, she gets to explore the Caribbean shores and beautiful ports," she said. Even though Rover had been on the ship for just a short time, he did not fail to capture everyone’s heart. He enjoyed walks on the “lido” deck and even visited the Captain in The Bridge - a privilege reserved only for the select few. And, in no time, many other crew members chimed in on social media welcoming the doggo onboard. "We are absolutely thrilled to introduce our newest team member, Rover, who has joined us as a permanent resident aboard the magnificent Icon of the Seas," said  @godwin_fernandes2000.So much so, that even Royal Caribbean, the company behind the Icon of the Seas, posted about Rover on their own official account! Now, Rover found his new forever home – in the unlikeliest of all places: a cruise ship. And if you want to follow the adventures of this sea-faring puppy, be sure to check out his Instagram account  @chiefdogrover where they’ll be documented!

FDA Approves New Treatment for Anxiety and Fear in Cats

It’s no secret that most cats get really stressed out when they have to leave the house, especially for a trip to the veterinarian. And the anxiety and fear that your pet experiences can certainly affect you as a pet parent as well, making you feel awful about having to put your cat through such a scary experience.The good news is there are things you can try to help reduce the stress your kitty feels, and one of the latest solutions is a new treatment recently approved by the FDA.Bonqat for CatsIn November 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pregabalin, also known as Bonqat, for cats.The oral solution is not a sedative; instead, it affects the neurotransmitters that are involved in acute anxiety and fear. Therefore, it can be used to reduce the stress experienced by cats who are being transported for any reason, and it can be helpful for those who get frightened when they go to the vet.To determine if this medicine would be effective, cats were given either a placebo or Bonqat before being transported by car and examined by a veterinarian (the cats had a history of being fearful and/or anxious under those circumstances). The results? While roughly one-third of the kitties who got the placebo had a positive response, just over half of those given the medicine did better while being transported and examined. Also, over the course of two examinations, 77% of the kitties who took Bonqat had less fear and anxiety, while 46% of those given the placebo exhibited an improvement in their fear and anxiety levels.Discuss Bonqat with Your VeterinarianYou can only get Bonqat with a prescription from your veterinarian, so discuss its pros and cons to determine if this medicine would be right for your cat based on factors like age and medical conditions. And bear in mind that side effects, such as ataxia, vomiting, and lethargy, might occur with Bonqat.To reap the benefits of Bonqat, you simply give it to your cat about 1.5 hours prior to transporting them or taking them to the vet. This medicine is a liquid, and it can be given to your pet with a bit of food.Also, there are some precautions that need to be taken while administering this medicine to your cat. For example, it shouldn’t make contact with your eyes, mucous membranes, or skin. So, in addition to talking to your vet about how to use it correctly to ensure your cat gets the best results, you also want to be well-informed about how to handle this medicine safely.For more information about Bonqat and how it works, click here.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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