It is estimated that by 11 years of age, as many as half of all dogs have at least one clinical sign of cognitive dysfunction. By the time a dog is 15, the frequency rises to nearly 70%. Owners of geriatric dogs may witness their pup pacing, getting stuck in a corner, staring at the wall or just generally acting confused.

What is Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome and How is it Diagnosed?

The exact cause of CDS is not known though, just as in humans, changes in the aging brain are thought to be influenced at least in part by genetic factors. Because there is no definitive test, diagnosis can be difficult. A good veterinary exam is key.

Before arriving at a diagnosis of CDS, your vet will want to know exactly what you’ve observed, what in the dog’s environment may have changed and will give your dog a thorough exam to rule out physical causes for changes in your dog’s behavior. Diagnosing CDS is essentially a process of elimination.

Symptoms

• Pacing, anxiousness and disorientation
• Staring for long periods of time or getting stuck in corners
• Incontinence (though this more likely has a physical cause)
• Becomng withdrawn or irritable
• Changes in appetite
• Barking for no reason
• Forgetting prior training
• Changes in sleep cycle

Here is what CDS behaviors can look like:

Treatment

While there is no cure for CDS, there are things you can do to slow its progression and improve your dog’s quality of life. Depending on symptoms, your veterinarian may prescribe medication, behavioral therapy, supplements or a specially balanced diet. This is usually combined with creating a mentally stimulating home environment and a daily routine of exercise, play and training. Every dog is unique. The key to success is working closely with your veterinarian to tailor the best combination of treatments that work for your dog. With regular check-ups to monitor your dog’s condition, the golden years of his life can be happy and fulfilling for you both.

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While no toy is truly dog-proof and results may vary from dog to dog, these are some of the toughest toys we’ve come across.

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Dogs don’t need spices in order to stay healthy, and some spices are actually harmful to dogs. But certain spices do provide nutritional benefits for our pets, particularly pets with specific health conditions.

Here’s a list of spices that are safe and dangerous for your dog. Remember to always make gradual changes to your dog’s diet, and check with your veterinarian before you experiment.

Spices That Are Safe for Dogs to Eat

Basil

Basil is a fragrant herb that’s rich in antioxidant, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties. It can help diminish the painful effects of arthritis, elevate the mood, and provide a remedy for stress and anxiety.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and can help to counteract the effects of diabetes. Cinnamon also helps reduce the aflatoxins found in store-bought food. (Aflatoxins are fungi that grow on crown and other crops.) Cinnamon also helps improve bad breath. You might sprinkle a small amount (less than a teaspoon) of cinnamon on top of your dog’s food occasionally.

Ginger

Ginger root is another flavorful agent that contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It can provide a boost to the digestive system and soothe nausea, as well as improve circulation. Fresh ginger is quite strong, so you might use dried or ground ginger.

Parsley

Parsley contains healthy antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It helps improve organ function, flush toxins from the body, and improve bad breath. And it can be easily grown in most parts of the U.S.

Turmeric

Turmeric, which comes from a root (like ginger), provides a boost to the metabolism and helps accelerate weight loss. It provides benefits for cardiovascular, joint, and brain health. Turmeric can provide some relief from arthritis, and has been used to protect against cancer and anemia.

Spices That Are Dangerous for Dogs

Onion

Onion and onion powder can easily upset a dog’s stomach and cause diarrhea and vomiting. Onion contains a sulfoxides and disfulsides, which can damage red blood cells. Over time, this can lead to anemia.

Garlic

There are differing opinions about garlic, and some owners use it to help ward off fleas on their dogs. But garlic can be toxic for some pets, so it’s better to avoid garlic altogether, or proceed with great caution and absolutely discuss this idea with your veterinarian.

Salt

Although humans use salt in nearly everything we eat, this doesn’t translate well to our dogs’ diet. Salt will cause increased thirst and urination, which leads to dehydration. It can also cause vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea when ingested in larger quantities.

Cocoa Powder

Like chocolate, cocoa powder can cause serious problems for dogs. It contains a compound similar to caffeine, which is harmful to a dog’s nervous system. Cocoa powder can contribute to kidney trouble and heart problems, and should always be avoided.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg can cause severe stomach upset and agitation in the nervous system. A dog may become overly excited after eating nutmeg, and then become exhausted and drained. In some cases, nutmeg has led to death, so it’s considered highly dangerous.

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Palatability or boredom may be a factor, and some dogs are just picky. There can be a medical reason for your dog’s finickiness, so it’s important to have your veterinarian rule out any health problems. Once your dog gets a clean bill of health, your first attempted solution should be to enrich his meals with toppers.

Even good-quality kibble isn’t ideal for a dog all on its own. It’s important to remember that kibble lacks moisture, and if you don’t mix it with soft food or some liquid, some animals may turn up their noses at it. Other dogs need variety. And senior dogs often start becoming fussier about their food.

Topper Ideas for Your Dog’s Kibble

Goat’s Milk

It contains healthy vitamins, minerals, electrolytes, enzymes, proteins, and fatty acids. Most dogs can digest goat’s milk in 20 minutes.

Fruits and Veggies

Things like like apples, carrots, and green beans can be roasted, dehydrated, pureed, or cut up raw. Avoid onion, grapes, and garlic. Read more about healthy choices for dogs.

Bone Broth

This is an excellent, nutritious food to improve the immune system. It’s known to benefit dogs with chronic skin allergies and those that have arthritis.

Pumpkin

Unsweetened canned pumpkin is great for calming upset stomachs and is rich in fiber.

Yogurt

With active bacteria can act as a probiotic, yogurt is good for your dog’s digestive system..

Raw Meat

Freeze-dried raw meats offer your dog a nutritional boost.

Pre-packaged Meal Toppers and Mix-ins

If homemade isn’t your thing, there are many pre-made options for kibble toppers and mixers. Most of these are not cheap given the quality of their ingredients. The good news? A little goes a long way, which helps justify the price point.

• DogNog is a well-reviewed goat’s milk-based topper. Simply add water and mix in.
• Stella and Chewy’s makes highly-regarded raw meal toppers. Many freeze-dried raw dog treats can be crumbled into kibble, as well.
• Honest Kitchen makes an easy powdered bone broth that offers the same nutritional benefits as homemade broths.
• Green Juju is a whole food supplement for dogs. The formula contains anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric and ginger, along with bison bone broth and coconut oil for digestive and joint health.

Other Solutions for Picky Eaters

• Adding kibble to puzzle toys is a great way to make mealtime more exciting. This might be an actual puzzle feeder dish or a toy like a KONG. Feeding meals in a puzzle toy was a go-to when our dog Walter was a puppy. He still eats one meal a day from some sort of interactive toy.
• Sticking to a schedule helps your dog understand there’s a finite time to eat and that food is not available all day.
• Drinking more water can help kibble-avoidant dogs. I like to keep extra bowls of water out. Investing in a pet fountain may encourage hydration, as well.

The best advice is to be patient. There are many different ways to encourage your dog to eat their kibble. After ruling out any medical issues, a simple topper like pumpkin or bone broth might just turn picky eating around.

If the behavior continues, however, it might mean your dog simply doesn’t like dry food. Talk to your veterinarian about switching diets altogether to wet food or to a fresh food-based diet.

The post What to Do When Your Dog Won’t Eat Kibble appeared first on Dog Care and Advice.

To help your dog, it is key to understand the difference between a food intolerance and a true food allergy. For most dogs, skin and gastrointestinal problems are not usually the result of a food allergy, but rather due to environmental factors like pollen or sensitivity to certain foods. But there are some dogs that are truly allergic to certain foods.

What is a Food Allergy?

A food allergy occurs when a dog’s immune system mistakenly identifies a particular food ingredient as harmful. Their body then creates defensive antibodies to fight the invading enemy (the food).

An allergy is an immunological reaction to a food component, usually to a protien. Symptoms commonly include itchy skin, ear infections, vomiting and diarrhea.

Dogs can become allergic to certain foods if they have the genetic predisposition to develop food allergies. Surprisingly, the most common allergens are not grains, but rather meats. Dogs are most commonly allergic to the following foods – from most to least common: beef, dairy, wheat, egg, chicken, lamb/mutton, soy, pork, rabbit, and fish. Rabbit and fish are by far less common than all the others.

The Most Common Food Allergies

Beef

Feeding a single food for years increases the potential for your dog to develop an intolerance or allergy to one or more ingredients. Beef is one of the most common ingredients in a lot of pet foods, which may be a reason it’s number one. I feed our three dogs a raw diet and we rotate meats every week. I do this partly to ensure we decrease the risk of developing a food allergy.

Dairy

Some dogs have problems digesting lactose. This is an intolerance, rather than an actual allergy. Lactose intolerance leads to gas, diarrhea or vomiting. What’s tricky is that so can a true dairy allergy, so it’s hard to know which a dog suffers from. One important distinction: a dairy allergy may manifest as skin itchiness or related symptoms, whereas lactose intolerance is always about digestion.

Wheat

There are many misconceptions regarding carbohydrate-containing foods for dogs, especially grains. It’s much more common for dogs to have allergies to meat than grains, for instance. However, some dogs do have an allergic reaction to wheat. Check with your vet or pet nutritionist about grains, as every animal should be treated as an individual.

Eggs

An egg allergy means that your dog’s immune system overreacts to the proteins present in the egg yolk. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to avoid eggs. Just be sure to double-check food labels.

Chicken

The same rules apply here as they do for beef and lamb! Just because it’s plain old chicken doesn’t mean your dog can’t be allergic to this common protein.

Lamb

Many commercial dog foods were made with chicken or beef, so lamb was considered a good option for dogs that experienced allergies while eating a “regular” food. However, it’s also a possible cause of allergy. If your dog is allergic to lamb and rice, you could try venison and sweet potato.

Soy

Some studies have shown that eating soy can cause various health issues beyond allergy, including reproductive and growth problems, thyroid, and liver disease. Dr. Karen Becker, for Healthy Pets, is very concerned about soy. “The health risks associated with soy products far outweigh any potential benefit,” she writes.

Breeds Prone to Food Allergies

• Boxer
• Cocker Spaniel
• Collie
• Dachshund
• Dalmatian
• German Shepherd
• Lhasa Apso
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Retriever
• Shar-Pei
• Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier
• Springer Spaniel
• West Highland White Terrier

How to Help Your Dog

If you’re concerned that your dog may have a potential food allergy, it is important to work closely with your veterinarian. Determining the casue of a food allergy often entails a long process of elimination and trial and error with several limmited ingredient dog foods. The number of ingredients your dog is exposed to is reduced to the shortest list possible. Gradually, ingredients are re-introduced to determine what’s causing the problem. It requires patience and persistence, but if you stick to it and follow your veterinarian’s guidlines, your dog will thank you for it.

The post The Most Common Food Allergens for Dogs appeared first on Dog Care and Advice.

Get an Animal Alert Sticker

Be ready for any emergency with a free Animal Animal alert sticker from the ASPCA. The sticker lets firefighters and other emergency personnel know what kind and how many animals live in your home and need rescue. Once you have a sticker, if you leave your home during a disaster, write “Evacuated” across it so rescue teams know the home is empty.

Make a Checklist

Your checklist should include:

1. Ways to identify and find your dog, in case you get separated.
2. Places your dog can stay, in case you can’t take your dog with you.
3. Your dog’s packing list.

Identification for You and Your Dog

If you and your pup are separated in an emergency, here’s what you can do to keep them safe and aid a speedy reunion:

• Keep current ID tags and license on your dog at all times.
• Ensure their microchip info is up to date (ask your vet to scan your dog for you).
• Keep a current photo of your dog to pass around if you get separated.
• Keep a photo of you with your dog in case you need to be identified as the owner.
• Make a copy of important documents and medical records for your dog and seal them in a waterproof pouch or ziploc bag. Keep a copy with you and add a copy to your dog’s go bag in case you need to shelter separately.

Places Your Dog Can Go

If you can’t take your dog with you, make a list of places in your area where your dog will be safe and welcome. Whether it be friends, family, your dog sitter or dog friendly hotels, keep in mind may not be the same places that’ll shelter you and your family. For example, Red Cross only accepts service animals at its emergency shelters.

Once it’s time to go, these tips will help ensure you all get out safely:

• If you must evacuate, get out early. If you wait to be rescued, you most likely won’t be able to bring your animals, and the emergency situation may make your dog extremely upset and difficult to catch or crate.
• If you’re sheltering at home, choose a protected, safe room and keep your emergency gear there.

Your Dog’s Packing List

You should be able to pack almost all of what your dog needs ahead of time. That way you’ll be able to leave quickly and have everything you need. Your dog’s bag should be easy for you or your dog to carry.

• Spare collar/harness and leash
• A copy of  health records and vaccinations with your vet’s contact info
• Folding crate or carrier for smaller dogs
• Packable bed or blanket (think camping-style, like this)
• Enough food and water for a week
• Collapsible bowls
• Spare medication and flea treatment of choice (you may shelter with other dogs)
• Calming items that you know your dog responds to
• A pet first aid kit (available commercially or put together your own)
• Rope or paracord, carabiners, or screw tether for an emergency zipline for your dog to exercise without a fenced in area or use as an emergency leash or collar for other dogs you may encounter

The ASPCA website has more helpful tips on what to do to prepare for an emergency and make sure your dog comes through safe and sound.

The post Do You and Your Dog Have a Disaster Plan? appeared first on Dog Care and Advice.

Tick exposure can lead to a variety of diseases. In addition to Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ticks transmit:

• Anaplasmosis
• Babesiosis
• Ehrlichiosis
• Mycoplasmosis

The next time you’re preparing for a hike with your dog, don’t forget about tick prevention.

Tick Bite Symptoms to Watch For

Symptoms in dogs include:

• Arthritis or lameness that lasts for three to four days
• Reluctance to move
• Paralysis
• Swollen joints
• Fever, fatigue
• Swollen lymph nodesLoss of appetite
• Neurological problems

Even after you remove the tick, you should monitor your dog.

Tick Prevention Medication is Essential

There are products available that repel or prevent ticks from attaching, and products that kill ticks within hours after they have attached. Of course, regional risks and a pet’s lifestyle should always be considered when determining which product to use.

Many people use tick collars. Our top choice is the Preventic collar, which provides full protection against ticks within 48 hours of placement, and lasts for up to 90 days. Before using any flea or tick product, speak with your veterinarian.

It is important that you use any tick product according to the directions on their labels. Read any package inserts and follow all veterinary instructions, especially with puppies and small breed dogs.

WARNING!

These drugs are only for use on dogs, so don’t give them to your cats. These canine products can be deadly to cats. If your cat needs tick protection, get one from your vet that is made specifically for cats.

Safely Removing a Tick from Your Dog

If you do find a tick on your dog, this video from the SPCA shows you how to remove it.

Every time you get back from a hike or spending time outdoors with your dog examine him for ticks. Look in your dog’s ears and under their arms as ticks particularly like places on your dog’s body that are especially warm.

Start with gloves, a tick remover or tweezers, and isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, which you can find at any drugstore. It’s a good idea to keep the tick and bring it to your veterinarian if you have concerns.

Ticks spread the same diseases to people, so always wear gloves!

There are two methods depending on what tools you’re using. Clean either the tweezers or tick remover with the alcohol.

Tweezers

• Grasp the tick as close to your dog’s skin as possible.
• Pull it out in a straight, steady motion.

Tick Remover

• Gently press the remover against your pet’s skin near the tick. 
• Slide the notch of the remover under the tick, pulling it free.

Questions for Your Vet

The next time you’re at the vet, ask them some of the following questions and get organized for future trips and hikes. Tick-borne diseases can be avoided.

• What ticks live in your region?
• Are indoor pets vulnerable? 
• What about a monthly preventative? Seasonal?
• If I find a tick, should I come straight in, or wait for symptoms?
• Does your vet have any preferred tick prevention products?

The warm months from spring to autumn are the best time of the year for dog owners to be out with their four-legged friends. With a little planning, you and your pup can safely enjoy the outdoors together.

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Of course, Sammy also taught me a lot about epilepsy.

Epilepsy in dogs is a frightening but fairly common occurrence, especially in certain breeds like beagles, golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, and Shetland sheepdogs.

It’s caused by something abnormal in the brain, so though it cannot be cured, it can be managed in a variety of ways. Speaking with a trusted vet is the best way to learn about treatment options, so make sure to visit yours right away if your dog experiences any seizures.

If you’re currently living with an epileptic dog, here are some tips that helped make life a little smoother for my family. I hope they can do the same for yours.

Don’t Let Epilepsy Hold You and Your Bup Back

Yes, epilepsy is a scary thing, but it’s not a death sentence. Your dog can live a happy, healthy and wonderful life despite their diagnosis.

You can still camp, swim, hike and cuddle with your epileptic pup! This shouldn’t change any of the fun things you do together. It’ll just make you appreciate the good times that much more.

Be Prepared

You never know where or when a seizure is going to hit, so you should always be prepared. This means having medication with you and making sure your dog is always wearing their ID tags in case they run off.

It’s also a good idea to have a plan in place for the moment a seizure hits. My husband and I had it down to a science, with one of us yelling “seizure” when we were woken up by her familiar thrashing.

We’d move her into a safe area, grab towels and try to calm her. Develop your own plan based on your pup’s specific needs.

Make Your Home a Seizure-Friendly Zone

Think of your dog a little like you would a toddler. Sharp edges? Cover them! Fragile things on the edges of shelves? Move them somewhere else!

Your dog just might run into those edges and knock over those shelves when they’re having a seizure, so better to be safe. And though seizures are unexpected, you might find your dog does have a pattern.

Sammy used to have seizures in the early morning hours. This is why we eventually made her stop sleeping on our tall bed (we didn’t want her to roll off), and made her a comfy, safe area in the room with a soft, waterproof blanket for padding (because you know, the peeing).

Learn About the Medicines Prescribed for Your Dog

Many of them are super-effective, but they often come with specific side effects or can cause issues for some dogs.

Be aware, be informed, and always talk to your vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s treatment.  And don’t forget to ask questions—lots and lots of questions!

Remember, you are your dog’s advocate and their best friend. It’s up to you to stand up for them and figure out the best way to treat their epilepsy.

Make Sure Everyone Around You Is Well-Informed.

This means your dog sitter, your family and friends coming over for a BBQ, your buddies at the dog park, etc. The more support the better, and this way you won’t have to worry about people freaking out if they see your dog having a seizure.

Write Everything Down

This goes along with the previous tip, but it’s essential to take notes and have easily accessible information about your dog’s condition, as well as tips on how to deal with it.

This is especially important when it comes to dog sitters, walkers, and anyone else who is ever alone with your dog. When a seizure hits it’s much easier to avoid panic and fear when there are clear instructions to help.Cut Yourself Some Slack

I’m not going to lie. Living with an epileptic dog is no picnic, but it doesn’t have to be a terrible situation. Sure, it’s going to be frustrating when your dog pees all over your new rug while they’re having a seizure, or when the medication makes them jumpy, but they’re still going to be your furry best friend.

So give them a treat, a cuddle, and your unconditional love, because it’s all worth it.

Thanks to Heather Logue for this guest post.

The post Living Successfully With an Epileptic Dog appeared first on Dog Care and Advice.

Animal experts often say that a pool is the quickest way to cool a hot dog, in fact. This is especially true if it’s kept in a shady spot. But there’s more than one way for pet parents to take advantage of a wading pool.

We’ve rounded up some fun, creative ways to turn a kiddie wading pool into the go-to spot for your dog this summer. Remember, always supervise your canine pal when he’s in the pool. Be extra careful with puppies and keep the water shallow to prevent the possibility of drowning.

A Playpen of Favorite Toys

These don’t have to be water toys per se, but it’s pretty clear that certain plush toys won’t make the most ideal pool playthings. Stick to toys like floating balls, squeaky toys, rings and floaties that can handle those puncture-perfect dog nails.

A Ball Pit

Even if your dog doesn’t like water, there are plenty of ways to lure him into the kiddie pool, like treats.

But if your pup needs an even more exciting introduction, try filling the pool with plastic balls! We guarantee they’ll be in dog heaven.

Family-friendly Splash Time

So long as you have a baby-friendly dog (and a dog-friendly baby), you can put them together in the kiddie pool and watch the cuteness unfold. They’re bound to tire each other out, take a nap, and make summer a little less stressful for everyone. Of course, just be sure to keep a careful eye on both of them.

One Chill Dog

On those extra-toasty days, nothing will feel better to your dog than a pool of ice. It will melt pretty quickly in high temperatures, but not before your canine buddy gets a chance to play with it. Cold-loving spitz breeds and other northern dogs especially enjoy this one.

Dog Pool Options

Looking for something more than just the basic backyard pool options? Other varieties of dog wading pools are also available. Inflatable dog pools are better for small less destructive dogs.The one-piece, molded dog pools are generally made from thick plastic, making them sturdier than the others! But we especially like the foldable dog pools because they are simple to store when not in use, and most have a drain that makes them easy to empty when playtime is over.

Foldable Dog Pool by Frontpet

This foldable dog pool is made extra-sturdy, plus it’s super easy to set up and break down. It comes in multiple sizes making it perfect for virtually any pup. It can also double as an outdoor bathtub after an especially dirty day romping in the yard!

Collapsible Pet Pool by PYRUS

This pool has great reviews because of it’s simple yet super efficient design. Easily folded up and taken on the go, this doggie paradise is somewhat durable and a great option for backyard fun.

Bone Dog Pool by One Dog One

Want to spoil that pooch? Think about investing in this bone-shaped dog pool, which happens to be one of the best-rated dog pools around. Yes, the price is a little high compared to the others, but it’s very durable (made from heavy duty truck bed liner material) and will easily hold extra big dogs – or a few smaller ones.

We know you’re going to be happy with your decision to invest in a kiddie pool for your pup. Not only will they adore it, but you’ll be less concerned about them overheating.

The post Endless Fun for Your Dog With a Plastic Pool appeared first on Dog Care and Advice.

The Main Reasons Dogs Eat Grass

We’ve all heard that dogs eat grass to make themselves vomit, but that doesn’t appear to be the whole story. Dogs do occasionally eat grass and vomit afterward, but most of the time dogs seem to enjoy a nibble of the green stuff and move on.

Causes for eating grass include a nutritional deficit in their diet or a lack of fiber. For some dogs, the cause is curiosity, boredom, or habit, and some dogs just simply love the taste.

Wolves Eat Grass Too

In the wild, dogs consume their prey whole—including the stomach and its contents— like the partially-digested fiber and grains of their herbivorous prey. Wild dogs have even been observed enjoying the occasional blade of grass. It’s natural behavior.

Eating grass may be a way for domesticated dogs to get some of the fiber their ancestors did by hunting.

How to Keep Your Dog from Eating Grass

You might consider adding some raw or lightly steamed fruits and vegetables to your dog’s diet. The added roughage could calm their grass cravings.

Dog-friendly fruits and veggies include:

• Sweet potato
• Carrots
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Snap peas
• Green beans
• Cucumber
• Banana
• Apples (with the seeds removed)
• Lettuce and cabbage ends

If your dog is eating grass out of boredom, make sure he is getting enough daily exercise and interaction.

Is It Safe for Dogs to Eat Grass?

Eating grass is not dangerous or harmful in and of itself. However, do pay attention to the products you apply to your grass, including weed killers, pesticides, or fertilizers. Avoid hazardous toxins where possible.

Additionally, it’s smart to keep an eye on what your dog is eating besides grass, such as toxic weeds or flowers growing in your garden.

Things to Watch Out For

While it’s perfectly normal for dogs to enjoy the occasional gourmet greens, there are warning signs to look out for. Most concerning is a sudden change in behavior, such as eating grass and then vomiting.

Be sure to consult your vet about any such changes.

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