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Caring for a Dog Post-Surgery

After a dog has surgery – whether for a routine procedure or an emergency – there is a level of care that must be taken to ensure your dog does not have complications.  Here, everything a pet owner should know about caring for a dog after surgery will be discussed. Types of Surgery Dogs require surgery for a variety of reasons.  Surgeries range from minimally to highly invasive.  Types of surgery include: Spay / Neuter Orthopedic Cardiovascular Tumor Removal Gastric Wound Repair The more invasive the surgery, the greater the risk of infection.  For instance, a neuter has fewer complications than a spay.  Additionally, a dog bite carries the greatest risk of infection because of bacteria introduced from the other animal’s mouth. Wound-Closing Methods There are many different types of wound-closing methods, each of which has advantages, disadvantages, and care requirements.  The most common wound-closing methods are: Absorbable Stitches Absorbable...
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Brilliant Dog Hacks for Every Owner

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If you have ever wished for a way to make dog ownership easier, you are not alone.  Here, we have compiled the best dog hacks and tips for owners available on the internet and social media. Baking Soda Dog Hacks Baking soda has many uses around the house, especially when it comes to removing odors.  Listed here are only some of the things you can do with baking soda! Cleaning Dog Bowls Food and water bowls develop a slimy buildup that can be harmful to pets when ingested.  However, if you do not own a dishwasher it might not always be feasible to wash bowls as often as is necessary.  To easily remove built-up gunk, soak the bowl in a mixture that contains 50% water and 50% vinegar, with a tablespoon of baking soda added.  Be careful not to overfill the bowl, as the baking soda can cause the solution...
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How To Go Camping With Your Dog

Camping with a pet is a favorite pastime for many people.  However, there is more to camping with your dog than simply showing up to a campground, dog in tow.  Here, everything you need to know about camping with your dog will be discussed.   Choosing a Campground The first step is to choose a campground.  Even though it seems obvious that dogs would be allowed at every camp site, you should always double check to ensure that rules have not changed.  Many state parks, for instance, do not allow four-legged friends.   After you have double checked that dogs are, in fact, allowed on-site, know the rules and regulations.  If you plan to allow your dog to join you for off-leash hikes, make sure dogs are allowed off-leash in that area.  No matter how well-behaved your dog, it is imperative that you follow the posted ordinances.   Finally, consider...
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Is a Chihuahua Right for You?

Chihuahuas are among the oldest – and most popular – dog breeds in the world.  Currently, the Chihuahua is the 30th most popular dog in the United States according the American Kennel Club, but is a Chihuahua right for you? Temperament Despite being a toy-sized dog, Chihuahuas have a lot of personality.  According to the AKC breed description, they should be “sassy, charming, and graceful,” with emphasis on sassy.  Indeed, Chihuahuas can become aggressive and territorial when not properly socialized.  In addition, Chihuahuas are extremely loyal dogs and have a tendency to become protective over a favorite human. Size, Coloring, Upkeep Male and female Chihuahuas should weigh 4 – 6 lbs and stand 6 – 10’’ tall at the shoulder.  There are two different coat lengths:  short and long.  Contrary to popular belief, long-haired Chihuahuas are lower maintenance than their short-coat counterparts, as they shed less frequently.  There are nine...
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Product Review: Harness Lead

Leash pulling, harness escaping, and fears of your dog’s leash becoming detached from the collar or harness are all common problems.  Here, the Harness Lead will be reviewed, which overcomes many of these issues. The Harness Lead is an intuitively designed product made from a single piece of exceptionally strong, woven nylon that can withstand up to 37,000 lbs of pressure.  This product is designed to wrap around the dog’s chest in order to eliminate choking and gagging that occur when pressure is applied to the trachea, such as with traditional no-pull products.  The Harness Lead applies pressure based on your dog’s movements, ensuring you never have to violently correct your dog.  Additionally, since the Harness Lead is comprised of one single piece of rope, you never have to worry again about a leash malfunction. The Harness Lead is a great product for anyone whose dog pulls.  Best yet, the...
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How to Prevent Aggression in Dogs

When you bring home a new puppy the last thing you consider is that he or she could become aggressive.  What many pet owners do not realize is that a dog is rarely genetically predisposed to aggression; rather, the actions of the owners can unwittingly lead to anti-social tendencies.  Listed here are ways to prevent aggression in your new dog. Socialization The most important way to prevent aggression is to properly socialize your pet.  Your dog should be introduced to as many new people, places, experiences, sights, sounds, smells, and animals as possible.  One cause of aggression is fear, and proper socialization helps dogs develop coping mechanisms for new and potentially scary situations.  Socialization should continue throughout your dog’s lifetime. Set Boundaries While dogs deserve to be spoiled by their humans, it is also important to set boundaries for how pets should interact with family members.  A dog whose every...
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How to Prevent Your Dog from Being Lost or Stolen

Every dog owner’s worst nightmare is to have a beloved pup be lost or stolen.  However, in many cases there are ways to prevent these occurrences.  The following are tips for decreasing the chances of your dog being lost or stolen. Never Leave Your Pet Unattended One of the main reasons dogs are lost or stolen is because they were left without supervision.  If you have a fenced-in yard, your dog may find a way to climb over, dig under, or even go through a fence; especially if something intriguing is on the other side.  Electronic fences can malfunction, and tie-outs can break.  A dog left alone in a yard can also be tempting for thieves, particularly if your dog is a rare or expensive breed.  If dog fighting is common in your area, any breed of dog may be at risk. Commonly, people leave their dogs in their car;...
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Dog Training 101: Teaching Your Dog Recall

Teaching your dog recall (i.e. to come when called) is one of the most important lessons your pet can learn.  A rock solid recall can literally mean the difference between life and death, particularly if your dog escapes the house or breaks free of his collar.  Tips for teaching recall are described here. Low Distraction The first step is to start training your dog in a low-distraction area, such as a spare bedroom.  Do not attempt recall in the yard or at the park until your dog has mastered coming when called in the house.  Place a leash on your pet, ask your dog to sit, and then walk backwards (still holding the leash), while saying “come” and holding a treat.  When your dog reaches you, give your pet profuse praise. Make Recall Fun Once your dog has learned the meaning of “come,” take to the outdoors and turn recall...
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How to Prepare for Any Canine Emergency

If an emergency were to strike, would you be prepared?  Staying calm and knowing what to do in case of disaster is the first step, and listed below are common emergencies, what you should do, and tips for mitigating the consequences. On the Road Before getting your dog ready for travel, you should prepare a few key items.  First, print off your dog’s veterinary and vaccine records, just in case you need to make an emergency visit to a veterinarian.  Next, ensure your dog’s microchip and tag information are up to date, in case of the unfortunate scenario that you lose your pet.  In addition, be sure to have a recent photo of your dog available. While traveling, it is essential that your pet remain restrained in the car, either in a kennel, with a seat belt, or behind a pet gate.  This not only prevents your dog from distracting...
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Tips for Saving Money on Dog Supplies

Despite all of the rewards of dog ownership, caring for your four-legged friend can be downright expensive.  Experts estimate that owners spend a minimum of $1,100 in the first year, and $500 per year on food and medical care after that.  Additional items such as toys, treats, cleaning supplies, grooming sessions, and bedding can add up quickly.  Fortunately, there are a number of ways to lessen the burden on your wallet and save money. Take Advantage of Autoship Discounts One expense that pet owners can count on is food.  But, did you know that you can save time and money by purchasing pet food online and signing up for an autoship discount?  Retailers such as Amazon.com not only offer pet food at reduced prices than most pet stores, but will also ship your food at regular intervals for a fraction of the price. Check out the free program here. Join...
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