Nine Toasty Tips To Keep Your Senior Dog Warm Outdoors This Winter

by Kevin Roberts

November 10th, 2014 12:00 AM

nine toasty tips to keep your senior dog warm outdoors this winter

The star and the inspiration for this post is Kevin Roberts’ dog, Willow, who has since crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. He brought her home when she was 3 years old, and she lived with him until she was 15. Kevin feels lucky that Willow was able to hike with him right up the day she died. It takes a little bit of consideration and planning to include your senior dogs in your outdoor adventures, but Kevin has a few tips to ensure you and your senior dog enjoy this winter in comfort.

There is something special about a senior dog. Over the years, you have built a lifetime of memories together. Now your best friend may be more “gray” than “play” at this stage in his life, but that doesn’t mean he should stay at home once it starts snowing. He loved the snow as a pup and now as a senior, he still loves it and can benefit tremendously from regular exercise, even in the snow. That being said, the cold temperatures in winter can negatively affect a senior dog, so it’s important to take a few things into consideration before heading out into the winter wonderland. Here are nine essential outdoor tips to keep your senior dog healthy and safe outside in the winter.

Related: Safety Tips For Dog Paws

Keep him moving. Walks and adventures will help keep joints nimble and the brain engaged. During the winter, your senior dog will benefit from multiple short excursions rather than two or three long walks, especially if the temperature is below freezing outside. It’s probably not a good idea to take him on those long hikes you used to love doing together. Even if he is moving the whole time, snow can clump in his paws (if he refuses to wear booties), which can be painful and cause him to limp, and he can get cold before you’re ready to turn back and head home.

Avoid over doing it. “The mind is willing, but the body is not able” may be the motto of many senior dogs. Your dog might not want to romp through the snow like he did when he was a pup, since age has slowed him down and he pays for it with aches and pains the next day. So, even though you may want him to keep up his 60-minute walks even in the winter, you may want to rethink that. Yes, it’s up to you to be the judge of your dog, so look at life and the activities you do together from his senior perspective, rather than yours.

Keep him on a leash. Even the most obedient older dog will benefit from being on a leash during winter excursions. Your dog’s eyes and ears may not be as keen as they used to be, and it’s your job to keep your dog safe. A leash is going to go a long way in keeping your senior dog out of trouble. Since the sun sets earlier during the winter months, it can be pretty dark by 4 or 5 in the afternoon. Making sure your dog is visible at dusk or at night is very important, even against a background of white snow. Luckily, there’s a lot of reflective gear out there for dogs, so opt for reflective collars, coats, and leashes.

Take care of those feet. This is the time of the year where you need to keep your senior pal’s nails trimmed properly. Your dog should have the weight of the body pressed down on the footpad, not on the nails. If he is standing on his nails, it can cause considerable pain and discomfort. Also, check for hair growing out of control between the toes. Hairy feet are for Hobbits, not dogs, and this extra fur does nothing to keep your dog warm. In fact, this hair traps snow and ice in between the paw pads, forcing the toes apart, and in some cases rubbing against the pads to causing bleeding – ouch!

If you have a fussy older dog that won’t wear booties, then it’s important to protect the pads of his paws. Make sure to wipe off his paws when he comes inside so they don’t stay wet (and cold) for long periods of time. Rock salt is going to be everywhere and may rub on the pads of his paws and cause irritation. Keep a pail of warm water and a towel near the door so you can gently wipe any sand or salt, and then dry it with the towel. Sometimes the pads become dry, cracked and may bleed. Apply a moisturizer originally made for cow udders to soothe the paws of your senior dog. Keep him busy with treats or a puzzle feeder so that he doesn’t lick it right off.

Dress for the weather. As dogs age, they can’t regulate their bodies temperatures as easily as they use to. Some breeds—like huskies, certain shepherds, and mountain dogs—are bred for cold weather, and they really don’t ever need a sweater. But many dog breeds aren’t built for arctic temps, like smaller dogs or shorter-haired dogs. Dogs can get frostbite and any prolonged exposure of skin, paws or belly to sub-freezing temperatures can cause frostbite, which can be dangerous. Make sure your senior is outfitted with a warm coat that fits well and boots to help take the chill off. There are many styles of coats out these to choose from, so even older pooches can look fashionable while keeping warm.

Set out a warm place to lie down. Place a few dog beds around your home so your senior dog can find a place that’s just the right temperature to lie down. A fleece blanket on top of a dog bed makes it a little warmer and a little softer – two things your senior pooch is sure to appreciate! And now that your dog is older and past the chewing stage, you can treat him to an electric blanket for his favorite napping spot.

Proper diet.Talk to your vet about your senior dog’s activity and dietary needs. All dogs need a bit more food to keep warm during the winter. This is the time of year you can give him a little extra food, but be sure not to overdo it! Overweight dogs, especially seniors are prone to health issues as well as joint and muscles pains that can be made worse with excess weight.

Watch out for slippery surfaces. You know to be careful on ice, but dogs often don’t. In his younger days, your dog may have been a four-wheeling, ice-running machine – but these days, he may have trouble with traction. As your dog ages, he may not have the strength he used to have to keep him from slip-sliding around. If your sidewalks are icy, look for dog booties that are outfitted with rubber soles.

Beware of antifreeze: Even older dogs are curious and like to sniff around and taste things. There are special dangers lurking on the ground in the winter, such as antifreeze. Be extra vigilant about keeping your dog away from antifreeze. It tastes sweet, but is extremely toxic. As little as a teaspoon of antifreeze can cause kidney failure. Even if your antifreeze is safely tucked away, there is still a danger from residue in the streets. Most antifreeze is green ethylene glycol, but it comes in several different colors, so watch where your dog is sniffing and what he is ingesting.

Kevin Roberts

Kevin Roberts lives for adventure. Together with his pack of rescue dogs and his husband, he spends as much time outdoors as possible. Kevin lives by the motto: "Get outside and play with your dogs!

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Afghan Hound

Afghan Hound Basics One of the oldest dog breeds and certainly one of the more “aristocratic” breeds, the Afghan Hound has become known as a sort of “king of dogs” for its appearance, general demeanor, and general nobility as a breed. Very well-suited for dog showing, these dogs are gentle and respond well to that type of attention. The Afghan Hound’s coat is remarkable, although it requires plenty of grooming. When an Afghan Hound walks in the room, people certainly take notice. There is a lot to learn about the Afghan Hound, as it has a particularly rich and ancient history and have several aspects of its personality that make it a unique dog. Considered better-suited for older children who understand how to interact with dogs, it will not be a dog for everyone. People who need a versatile working dog, for example, can probably find a better breed in the Bouvier des Flandres than they can in the Afghan Hound. Let’s learn more about this dog and what makes it part of dog breed royalty. The Afghan Hound is known as “king of dogs” for its appearance, general demeanor, and general nobility as a breed. Origin Originally hailing from areas like the Sinai Peninsula (the Afghan Hound was even mentioned/portrayed in ancient Egyptian papyrus and were painted in Afghan caves as far back as 4,000 years ago), there’s no denying the ancient origins of the Afghan Hound. Despite this long history, the breed has remained relatively pure, which means the modern deviations are not far off of the historical Afghan Hounds. As a sighthound (a dog that hunts by sight rather than necessarily using scents or the nose), the Afghan Hound has a rich history of working that its appearance might not convey. It has been both used as a shepherd and hunter, hunting down game such as deer and goats. With a thick coat, they were able to function in extreme seasons, which gives them a general outdoor versatility one would not necessarily expect. The Afghan Hound is generally considered an original without much of a pedigree to speak of… or, rather, it is one of those rare breeds that can be considered its own pedigree. Pedigree Because the Afghan Hound is such an old breed of dog, its pedigree is essentially zilch – there’s not a lot known about it. Historians can discern some hypothesis, knowing the areas where the Afghan Hound probably originated. But beyond that, the Afghan Hound is generally considered an original without much of a pedigree to speak of… or, rather, it is one of those rare breeds that can be considered its own pedigree. Food / Diet The food you give to your Afghan Hound will not be untypical for that of most dog breeds, but many people try different foods in order to “treat” the Afghan Hound’s coat – people who show their Afghan Hound, in particular. You don’t have to take any special precautions in your dog’s diet beyond assuring essential nutrition and a general food level that keeps the dog at a healthy weight.

Beagle

Beagle Basics When you hear a one-word breed of dog, you think of some true classics: Dalmatians, for example. Poodles, for another. It seems that any breed of dog with only one word in its name must be somewhat unique and, well, considered a classic. The Beagle? No exceptions here. One of the most recognizable dogs in the world, the Beagle often has a classic brown-and-white coloring to its coat that has become synonymous with the world of pets. Heck, if there was a flag for pets, it would probably look like the coat of a Beagle. Technically a type of hound, the Beagle’s unique identity is thanks to its easy-going and easy-to-get-along-with nature. It’s cute enough for anyone in your household and loyal enough to melt the heart of even the most stubborn anti-dog people around. For many people, a Beagle is a perfect addition to the home – it’s not often where people have to wonder if this breed is “right for them.” The question is: are you right for a Beagle? The Beagle’s unique identity is thanks to its easy-going and easy-to-get-along-with nature. Origin We told you Beagles are classic. Some people trace their origins back to antiquity and ancient Greece, making their direct ancestors thousands of years old. Beagles were not developed as separate breeds like many Terriers in the 19th Century; instead, the Beagle has a long and rich history across the European continent. That doesn’t mean, however, that the Beagle always appeared in its modern form. The history-changing William the Conqueror brought a Beagle-like hound to England, the Talbot hound. This hound gave rise to another breed of dog that is believed to be a direct ancestor to the Beagle. So the genetics of the Beagle were definitely swimming around during the high Middle Ages even if their current form wasn’t quite developed. But that doesn’t make them a non-classic: heck, you can say the same about the history of corn. Pedigree

Rover Boutique Offers Designer Dog Clothes for Refined Pooches

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Teach Your Dog To Be A Canine Good Citizen

Is your dog a Canine Good Citizen? Your dog knows the basics when it comes to obedience, but it’s time to take it to the next level. Your dog can be a Canine Good Citizen! Sure, you may think your pup is already pretty awesome, but you can make sure that your dog has all the good manners to be considered a Canine Good Citizen. Plus, you’ll get a fancy-schmancy certificate to hang on the wall and brag about. What Is The Canine Good Citizen Program? Set up by the American Kennel Club in 1989, the Canine Good Citizen Program (CGC) rewards dogs that have good manners both at home and in the community. To complete the program, your dog must pass the two-part, 10-step CGC test. Not only will this program teach your dog good manners, but it also focuses on responsible dog ownership for you. Reasons to take the Canine Good Citizen Test Of course, better doggy manners and a certificate from the American Kennel Club are enticing reasons, but there are more benefits that come with it. 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Pure and mix breeds are welcome to take the test. And there are no age limits. Young pups and senior pooches are eligible. Dogs must be old enough to have received necessary immunizations (such as rabies vaccines). Depending on where your dog takes the test, there may be few exceptions relating to participation. If you take it at an AKC show or with a dog training school, you’ll have to abide by the regulations set out by the organization. Where Do You Go For The Test? Countries all over the world offer the training and testing for the course. Breed and dog clubs, dog training schools and community clubs offer Canine Good Citizen training and can administer the official test. As well, dogs can be tested during AKC shows. Do you think your dog has what it takes to be a Canine Good Citizen? Are you interested in learned more? Learn more about it at the American Kennel Club’s website. You can see the full list of steps and requirements after the jump. And tell us how many of the 10 steps your dog can already do by leaving a comment. AKC Canine Good Citizen Test Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger The dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. Test 2: Sitting politely for petting The dog will allow a friendly stranger to pet it while it is out with its handler. Test 3: Appearance and grooming The dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so. Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead) The handler/dog team will take a short “walk” to show that the dog is in control while walking on a leash. Test 5: Walking through a crowd The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three) to demonstrate that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. 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Trick or Treat: US Pet Owners Will Spend Nearly Half a Billion on Hall

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Adoptable Dog of the Week- Dawson

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Pumpkin and Almond Butter Dog Treat Recipe

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Tangs

Tangs General description Tangs, also known as surgeonfish, are a highly popular species of saltwater aquarium fish. They are characterized by their laterally compressed bodies and scalpel-like spines. Most tang species are vibrantly colored and make for visually stunning additions to an aquarium. One of the most popular species of tang is the royal blue tang, which was featured in the hit Disney animation Finding Nemo. Tangs, also known as surgeonfish, are a highly popular species of saltwater aquarium fish. Origins Tangs originate primarily in the Indo-Pacific Ocean. Color Almost all species of tang are vibrantly colored and come in bright shades of red, yellow, blue, green, purple, brown and black. Maintenance and care

Triggerfish

Triggerfish General description Triggerfish are a family of marine fish comprised of roughly 40 distinct species. They are characterized by their rhomboid shaped, laterally compressed bodies and comparatively large heads. Triggerfish are also equipped with extremely powerful jaws and teeth designed to crush the shells of various species of crustaceans. Triggerfish get their name from their two dorsal spines, which are locked into place as a defense mechanism against predators. When so erected, the first and larger dorsal spine can only be unlocked by depressing the second, smaller dorsal spine. They are also unique in the fact that they swim primarily by using an undulating motion of their dorsal and anal fins. They are regarded as some of the most fascinating and beautiful species of fish in the modern saltwater aquarium hobby. However, their extremely aggressive temperament requires the care of an experienced aquarist. Triggerfish are a family of marine fish comprised of roughly 40 distinct species. Origins Triggerfish are found in the tropical and sub-tropical oceans across the world. Color Most species of triggerfish are vibrantly colored and their bodies are often adorned with complex patterns and markings. They come in shades of orange, yellow, purple, silver, grey, black and white. Maintenance and care

G & C Raw Expands Earlier Food Recall Due To Listeria Monocytogen

The makers of G & C Raw Cat and Dog food are expanding an earlier August recall to include all products that were made between February 27 and July 20, 2018. G & C Raw is expanding a recall they released in August to include all lots of all G & C Raw Cat and Dog foods that were manufactured between February 27 and July 20, 2018, because of concerns about potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Related: FDA Issues Recalls For Several Raw Pet Food Companies Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious illness and can even be fatal to animals that consume contaminated products. There is also a risk to humans who handle contaminated products, particularly if they do not thoroughly wash hands after contact with the food or any surfaces that may be exposed to the contaminated product. Symptoms in healthy people include nausea, vomiting, aches, diarrhea and fever. In young children, medically fragile or the elderly, Listeria monocytogenes infections can even be fatal. In women who are pregnant, the infection can cause miscarriage and stillbirth, and anyone exhibiting any unusual symptoms who has had contact with the product should contact their health care professionals immediately. In pets, infections from Listeria monocytogenes are rare, but they can display symptoms. Such symptoms include anorexia, fever, muscular and respiratory distress, depression, shock, abortion, diarrhea and even death. Infected animals can shed Listeria monocytogenes in their fecal matter onto their coats and humans or other animals in the household can be infected. The affected products may have been distributed to Ohio, Missouri, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia and Illinois. The dates of manufacture are at the end of the lot number, and any product with a lot number that ends in o22718 through 072018 is under recall. There have been no confirmed illnesses as of this writing, and the recall was based on a routine sampling from the Ohio Department of Agriculture. In that sample, some finished products contained the bacteria. Related: Study: Some Raw Diet Products Contain Bacteria and Parasites If you’ve purchased any of the products listed below, G & C would like them returned and will issue a full refund. They can be contacted at 937-827-0010 or by email at mgcrawdogfood@yahoo.com The affected dog food products are: Beef Veggie Mix Dog FoodGround Beef Dog FoodSliced Beef Heart Dog FoodGround Beef Heart Dog Food PKim’s Special Beef Organ Dog FoodGround Chicken Dog FoodChicken Veggie Mix Dog FoodChicken Mix Patties Dog FoodDuck Veggie Mix Dog FoodGround Duck Dog FoodGround Rabbit Dog FoodRabbit Veggie Mix Dog FoodGround Lamb Dog FoodLamb Veggie Mix Dog FoodGround Beef Pancreas Dog FoodBeef Liver Chunks Dog FoodBeef Sweet Breads Dog FoodGround Pork Dog FoodPork Veggie Mix Dog FoodShelby’s Pork Organ Mix Dog FoodGround Pollock Dog FoodTurkey Veggie Mix Dog FoodGround Turkey Dog FoodTripe Dog Food The affected cat food products are: Pat’s Cat BeefPat’s Cat ChickenPat’s Cat TurkeyPat’s Cat DuckPat’s Cat Rabbit

Study Suggests Doggy IQ Tests May Predict Successful Working Dogs

Approximately 50% of dogs who start training to be assistance dogs successfully complete it, and now researchers believe they be able to determine better who will succeed based on their cognitive abilities. It’s a long, hard process for a puppy to become an assistance dog. They are typically trained to help the hearing or visually impaired, or those in wheelchairs. Sometimes they’re detection dogs or rescue pups that jump out of helicopters to do search and rescue. Related: Adorably Distracted Dog Sworn in as K9 Assistance Pooch [Video] But only about 50% who start training will successfully complete a program and so those who need assistance dogs often wait for the process to run through. Evan MacLean is the director of the Arizona Canine Cognition Center at the University of Arizona and theorized that perhaps, we could look at a dog’s cognitive abilities to predict success rates. It would save time and money, and help better identify the most qualified pups. Typically we look at a dog’s temperament, physical attributes and even breed, but MacLean said that he believes cognitive ability can play a major part in predicting success or failure. To determine if he was right, his team looked at two types of working dogs--assistance dogs who would go on to help people with disabilities and explosive detection dogs bound for the U.S. Navy. The team looked at the dogs’ performance on 25 different cognitive tasks that included hiding and finding objects and other types of dog play. They discovered that different skill sets were predictive of success in training programs based on the dog–whether it would be an assistance dog or a detection dog. Assistance dogs need to have strong social skills, and to be able to engage in and even enjoy close eye contact with humans. Detection dogs, however, need to have good short-term memories and be sensitive to human body language like pointing or nodding to be successful. The study looked at 164 dogs from Canine Companions for Independence and 222 dogs from the U.S. Navy. They tested the assistance dogs when they began a full-time training program at 18-months-old. Using the cognitive testing measures, the research team was able to predict the top 25% of the graduates of the assistance program with an impressive 86% accuracy. In the Navy dogs, it was harder to measure who was successful and who wasn’t as training is continual and job dependent rather than based on graduation dates, but they looked at the records of the dogs as well as training notes based on exercise performances. Related: Dog Gets New 3D-Printed Skull After Battling Cancer MacLean says that dog jobs are diverse like human jobs are, and different jobs require different skill sets. Being able to detect whether or not a dog has those skill sets before training can save time and money. The team is so motivated by the findings they are now working to see if cognitive testing done as early as 8-weeks-old can be of benefit in predicting who will come out on top.

DIY Halloween Party Favors for Pawesome Pups

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Sulphur Crested Cockatoo

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Red Masked Parakeet

Red Masked Parakeet General Info One of the best-known Parakeet breeds, the Red Masked Parakeet is a popular and well-loved pet. Gaining a lot more popularity through a documentary movie, “ The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill”, these birds have been one of the most commonly imported parrots into the US. With their friendly and playful personality, ease of care and good companionship, these lively birds are prized pet parrots with good reason. They do have some talking ability as well, a feat that is popular with most owners. So let’s go ahead and meet the Red Masked Parakeet. These parrots have numerous feral populations all over the United States, Spain, and Hawaii.

Cavapoo

Cavapoo BasicsWho says you can’t have it all. Looks and brains in one delightful package? That’s Cavapoo for ya! The silkiest and smartest pooch on the block, the Cavapoo wins over pet owners with his combination of good looks and a lovely temperament. This mixed breed dog comes from a unique background and makes an excellent companion and a family pet, so it’s no wonder that these guys rank as one of the most popular designer dog breeds. As a hybrid, Cavapoo comes from two purebred parents- the Poodle (miniature or toy) and the Cavalier Kings Charles Spaniel. Cavapoos represent everything designer dogs are about: the best of both parents in one adorable pooch. If you’ve been considering diving into the exciting world of designers dogs, there’s no better place to start that with this little beauty.There are so many reasons why this incredible pup has become so beloved. The low-shedding Cavapoo is a great companion dog whose small stature makes him a perfect fit for apartment dwellers, seniors, and singles who like to include their pooch in all things social. A gentle nature means this indoor dog is a terrific family pet that does well with older kids who can be taught to appreciate his smaller size. To find out more about these gorgeous dogs, read on! You might be surprised by just how many reasons there are to bring this perfect pooch into your home.The low-shedding Cavapoo is a great companion dog.Origin As you might have discovered on your own by now, designer dogs don’t exactly have a long history. Sure, mixed breed dogs have always been around, but people started intentionally producing them only recently. It’s a new trend, but one that isn’t going away any time soon. By crossbreeding purebred dogs, they were hoping to create new hybrid breeds that would offer prized traits of both parents, often even improved. The Cavapoo (or the Cavoodle as some call it) is one of the first breeds that were created when the designer dog trend kicked off. The first litters of Cavalier Kings Charles Spaniel and Poodle mix puppies were born in Australia, in the 1990s. Of course, while the breed originated in Australia, it didn’t take long for these hybrids to gain popularity in the United Kingdom and the United States, as well. Beyond those basics, there isn’t much known about the histories of these delightful doggos because designer dogs simply aren’t taken as seriously as pure breeds. Obviously, that’s starting to change. But for now, there remains a certain basis against hybrid dogs within the industry.Pedigree

Dog Snorting: Why It Happens and What to Do About It

It’s kind of cute when a dog snorts and sneezes. Some breeds can’t help but snort or sneeze often. Here’s what you should know about dog snorting. Everyone sneezes, even your dog. When a dog sneezes it often catches him by surprise, so his reaction to it is just as amusing as the sneeze itself. In addition to sneezing, some dogs exhibit another strange behavior – snorting. Sometimes the two look very similar, so it can be difficult to tell what is really going on. Keep reading to learn more about dog snorting including why it happens and what to do about it. Why Do Dogs Sneeze and Snort? Dogs sneeze for all kinds of reasons, just like humans. In many cases, it is related to the upper respiratory tract – either something is causing irritation or there is some kind of infection. In dogs, these infections could include anything from distemper to kennel cough. Another potential cause for sneezing in dogs is an upper airway obstruction – this is most common in short-faced breeds that have brachycephalic syndrome. Other potential causes for sneezing into environmental allergies or inhaled irritants, either of which may include dust, pollen, and perfumes. Related: What Pet Parents Need To Know About Reverse Sneezing In Dogs Though some of the causes for snorting in dogs overlap with the causes of sneezing, there are some key differences. For example, if your dog snorts frequently then it could be the result of obesity. Obesity increases your dog’s risk for upper airway obstruction which can lead to frequent snorting as your dog tries to clear his respiratory tract. In some cases, snorting is caused by something called “reverse sneezing” in which the dog experiences repeated bouts of spastic inhalation. After the bout passes, your dog may snort to clear his throat. Reverse sneezing, also known as paroxysmal respiration, can be frightening to experience if you are seeing it for the first time. This is largely due to the loud noise that accompanies it. The good news is that in most cases, startling experience is nothing serious or overly concerning. While veterinary professionals and researchers haven’t been able to pinpoint the exact cause of the reverse sneeze, there are a long list of potential causes including allergies, smoke, or foreign bodies in the nose, sinuses, or back of throat. Most cases of reverse sneezing will resolve themselves with no need for medical care. However, if you notice that your dog continues reverse sneezing with little to no relief, or if it continues returning, you should contact your veterinarian for a more detailed examination. Dog Sneezing During Play Do you notice that your dog tends to sneeze specifically while playing with other dogs? If so, the cause is nothing to be concerned about. In fact, behaviorists say that dogs sneeze as a form of communication. The act of sneezing in the middle of play signals that any roughhousing is just fun natured, not a threat. If they feel like there may be a misunderstanding or miscommunication of this point, sneezing is an effective way to diffuse the situation. What Can You Do About Dog Snorting? If your dog snorts very frequently it is not necessarily a cause for concern, but you may want to consult your vet anyway. If your dog is a flat-faced breed or is carrying extra weight, it is likely that he has an upper airway obstruction or some kind of anatomical abnormality that is contributing to the problem. Depending how severe the problem is, your veterinarian may recommend treatment or surgery. Related: Why Is My Cat Sneezing? To diagnose your dog’s problem, your vet may take a history of his symptoms so make sure you’ve been paying attention. Next, he’ll perform a physical exam and may take blood to run laboratory tests in order to rule out any underlying health problems. If those results are inconclusive, he may go so far as to order X-rays or other imaging tests. In extreme causes, he may need to do a visual examination of the nasal structures which could require anesthesia. In addition to having your dog checked out by your veterinarian, there are a few simple things you can do to prevent snorting. For example, you could try using a harness instead of a collar when walking your dog to take the pressure off his neck. Brachycephalic breeds should also be protected from high temperatures and keeping your dog at a healthy body weight will help as well. When is Sneezing a Concern? If you notice your dog sneezing, you may be wondering when you can laugh it off as being an adorable episode and when you should be concerned that it’s something more. In many cases, dog snorting is harmless and doesn’t signify a serious problem. However, if your dog is sneezing more frequently, if it is paired with signs of respiratory distress, or if there are any other signs that there could be something more serious happening, then you should take the situation seriously and contact your veterinarian for the next recommended steps. The first thing to take notice of is how frequently your dog is sneezing. A one-off sneeze could easily be a minor irritation in their nasal passages that has now resolved itself. This is especially common if some dust or pollen has found it’s way into your dog’s nose leading to a sneeze. However, if you notice that your dog continues sneezing repeatedly over a period of time, it’s a sign that there may be a bigger concern that needs to be addressed. It could still be nothing important, but it’s better to err on the side of caution and contact your veterinarian to investigate the potential cause. Another red flag to watch out for is the presence of blood. If your dog is sneezing blood, this is a sign that there is something that has either caused some form of damage in his nose or that something is stuck there irritating the sinus passages. This could be hair, a food item that became stuck while eating, or a plant such as the all-too-common foxtail burr. If there is something lodged in your dog’s nose, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible to address the situation. Not only will this allow the professionals to carefully remove the item preventing any additional damage, but it also allows them to prevent it from becoming lodged even deeper in his nasal cavity. If your veterinarian does find any damage present in his sinus passages, they can also prescribe medications to prevent further complications, such as an infection.

5 Reasons Why Dog Poop Doesn’t Make Good Fertilizer

If you happen to have a large and spacious yard where your doggo can “do their business”, or you’re walking along a grassy wooded park when nature calls, you could get the idea to simply leave the poop there. After all, it’s definitely biodegradable, and can surely fertilize the grass and the flowers. Or can it? Sure, we all had the idea that it’d be easier not to poop and scoop, but there are reasons why you just can’t leave your dog’s mess behind. It just isn’t as simple as we might think.For centuries, manure and compost have been used as powerful boosters for the soil, allowing crops to grow much healthier and stronger. And if you’ve ever fertilized your garden with manure, you may have noticed an unpleasant odor – it’s no surprise, considering that it is made from cow droppings and similar stuff. If manure is so good as a fertilizer, you may be wondering if your dog’s poop could be used for the same thing. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case – dog poop does not make good fertilizer. Cows and doggos are, after all, not the same, and their opposing diets make all the difference. Keep reading to find out why why dog poop doesn’t make good fertilizer.5 Reason Dog Poop Can’t Be Used for FertilizerPerhaps you’ve noticed that that doggo poop you missed to pick up a month before didn’t really dissolve into “manure”. Instead, it looks somewhat unnatural. There are several reasons for this. If you’re looking for a nutrient-rich fertilizer to use in your garden, think twice before you start eyeing up your dog’s latest “gift.” Here are five reasons why dog poop doesn’t make good fertilizer:#1 It doesn’t contain the right nutrients. A dog’s diet is high in protein which, as it breaks down, becomes very acidic and that’s not good for your plants. After all, doggos are carnivores, right? This makes their diet completely different from the herbivorous cow’s. Cow manure works well as fertilizer for vegetation because it starts out as vegetation. Get it? Cow poop is just munched up grass and hay, in a way. And that is why it can end as manure. The bottom line for dog poop is that if your dog really is creating the perfect poop (and yes, Virginia, there is such a thing as the perfect dog poop), that means they have healthy guts. And a healthy gut means that all the nutrients that were supposed to come out of the food for your dog to absorb and fuel his body with did just that and left the waste behind. The waste is not full of anything but gunk, and that’s not good for your dog or for the earth. In other words, dog poop can do more harm than good for the soil!Related: An Inside Scoop On Running A Professional Dog Poop Scooping Business#2 It might be riddled with bacteria. Your dog’s body is full of bacteria at any given moment, but it doesn’t tend to cause a problem unless his immune system becomes weakened. Though it may not make your dog sick, all of that bacteria can be passed in his stools and that’s not something you want to use in your garden. A single gram of dog feces can contain 23 million bacteria.Them being out of your doggo’s body is certainly a good thing, but then they end up in their feces. A lot of the time that’s because your dog’s gut is literally pushing out the nasty and keeping the important, life-giving and nutritionally valued in. Your dog’s waste and the bacteria in it are nothing you want to spread around.#3 You might get a fine. Even if the signs aren’t posted, your area probably imposes a fine on dog owners who don’t clean up after their dogs. It is unhealthy, irresponsible, and straight out nasty. When your doggo does its business, you should definitely dispose of the waste properly – in a baggie and then into a designated trash can. In some metropolitan areas, fines for not cleaning up after your pooch could be as high as $750. You might not think the rules apply on private property, but you could be wrong. And the fines are not there simply because leaving poop is bad manners. There are other reasons as well, and health hazards are one. If dog poop was a great manure, these fines might not even exist, as you’d be fueling the city’s parks and flowerbeds. But since dog poop can be harmful and unhealthy to the ecosystem, these fines are here to make sure they don’t end up all over the place. #4 It could contain harmful parasites. Not only does your dog’s feces contain millions of bacteria, but it could also contain parasites. Some of those parasites even have the potential to infect people – examples include parvo virus, hookworms, giardia, roundworms, and trichinosis. Imagine accidentally stepping into a piece of infected dog poop. Then bringing tiny microscopic pieces of that into your home. The health hazard here is enormous. #5 It takes a long time to break down. The final reason dog waste doesn’t make good fertilizer is that it takes a long time to fully break down. A single pile could be sitting in your yard for an entire year if it isn’t disturbed. If you’re using that as fertilizer, think about how little your plants are NOT getting. If left untouched, dog poop can sit there for a very long time. It will grow moldy, smelly, unhealthy, and eventually hard as a rock. That is nothing like proper fertilizer that gets quickly absorbed into the soil. Related: 5 Reasons Why You Should Always Pick Up Dog PoopThese five reasons alone should be enough to convince you that your dog’s poop probably isn’t your best option when it comes to fertilizer. Manure is completely common to work with in the garden, and good for the land. But dog poop is a complete opposite! So, what do you do with it then? Keep reading to find out.Can You Use Dog Poop for Compost?Just because dog poop doesn’t make good fertilizer, does that mean it can’t be composted either? Sadly, the answer to this question is “yes.” Composting a natural process through which organic waste products are broken down into a nutrient-rich substance that can be used to fertilize plants. As you’ll remember from the last section, dog poop is high in protein which produces a very acidic waste product. Not to mention, it’s the dredge of your dog’s meals and has already had all the nutrients absorbed from it (theoretically, if your dog has good gut health)The other problem with dog poop is all of the parasites and bacteria it contains – those pathogens need to be exposed to 165°F temperatures for five days to kill them and that is unlikely to happen in your backyard compost heap. There are ways to compost it safely, but you might want to start a separate compost heap to do it, just to be safe.Whether you use your dog’s poop for compost is a choice you’ll have to make for yourself. It’s your choice, but there are certainly better ways and items to compost than using dog poop. If you’re not composting it though (and be real, odds are you’re not) just make sure you dispose of it in a safe and clean way. Your dog’s pop is an indicator of what his gut looks like, so as long as his gut’s in great shape, that poop should be quick and easy to scoop and lose!In the end, dog poop is not to be messed with – in any way, shape, or form. If you are repulsed by it, there’s a good reason for that. It belongs in the trash, somewhere far from humans – and the soil too. If you really want to fertilize your gardens and lawns, then definitely purchase the right type of manure or fertilizer and leave all your doubts about doggo poop aside. Oh, and don’t forget to always pick up after your pet! After all, now you know why it’s important.

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