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May 25 2017

Do You Have What It Takes to Work at the Vet’s Office?

melissa Courses & Career animal care courses, animal care jobs, animal related jobs, become a vet assistant, career with animals, how to become a veterinary assistant, jobs with animals, vet assistant, vet assistant requirements, veterinarian assistant, veterinary assistant programs, veterinary assistant training, what do vet assistants do, work with animals

The Rewarding Career of a Vet Assistant

Pets are becoming more popular than ever.

Across the U.S., pet ownership jumped from 56% to 65% between 2012 and 2015. The rising popularity of family pets is creating more demand for pet-related professionals. As animals enter the homes and lives of more people, they add to the population of animal patients who need veterinary care.

Of course, veterinarians have a huge range of responsibilities: from providing routine checkups and immunizations to treating patients in emergencies to sometimes performing surgery. That can be intimidating even to the most ardent animal lovers. Add in the cost in time and tuition of going back to school to earn a degree in veterinary medicine, and an animal care job can easily seem impractical and out of reach.

Fortunately, the growing demand for animal caregivers isn’t limited to veterinarians. In fact, vets rely on a whole team of passionate professionals with a variety of training and backgrounds to care for their patients. If you are interested in animal care, but are not yet ready to commit to medical school, then becoming a veterinary assistant may be the perfect opportunity for you to gain exposure and experience.

What Does a Veterinary Assistant Do?

Animal Care With a Human Touch

A veterinary assistant provides help throughout the office, bouncing from the front desk to the operatory to fill in wherever you are needed. The flexibility of vet assistants is part of what enables veterinarians to focus on their patients regardless of whether the visit was an unplanned emergency or just a follow-up.

Not only do vet assistants help to keep the clinic running smoothly, but you’re also involved in educating pet owners in everything from daily pet care to proper feeding and hygiene to pet wellness tips.

For many people who bring their dogs or cats in to visit the vet, a vet assistant may be the first medical practitioner they interact with. As a veterinary assistant, you’ll be the first contact to offer words of comfort to any particularly worried pet parent as well as assure them that their pet will be in good hands with the veterinarian. For many who don’t have much experience with taking animals to the vet, you’ll be the one showing them that it’s nothing to be concerned about.

One of the most important aspects of becoming a vet assistant is taking care of the pets themselves, especially if they have to be separated from their owners overnight or even longer. Vet assistants offer care to any frightened pets by keeping them company, feeding them regularly, and allowing them a chance to stretch their legs in a safe and controlled environment.

Getting a Veterinary Assistant Job

Although you can work side-by-side with veterinarians and vet technicians, veterinary assistants aren’t required to hold a college degree to do their jobs. Working in an animal hospital requires people who are able to provide clinical care to patients as well as education and reassurance for the human families bringing the patients in. Veterinary assistants are often the bridge between these two sides of the clinic.

Earning your veterinary assistant certificate can give you the foundation in clinical knowledge you need to keep up and provide optimal animal care. Your veterinary assistant training will take you through the basics of performing exams, handling medication and even providing first aid. If you know you love animals, but worry that the sight of blood or syringes might make you queasy, this can help you test your limits and find your confidence. You won’t be involved in the more invasive veterinary procedures like surgery, but you’ll still be able to provide critical care to incoming and recovering patients.

Studying to become a vet assistant won’t take long either. Before you know it, it’s possible you’ll find yourself in great demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were nearly 74,000 jobs in the vet assistant sector in 2014 with a 9% projected growth—meaning the market is continuing to grow. Obtaining your veterinary assistant certificate online can help you meet this need without having to relocate or travel for school.

Becoming a vet assistant is a great first step toward a career in animal care, as you’ll immediately become crucial in keeping pets and their owners happy, safe and well-educated. By having responsibilities to both the pets and their owners, veterinary assistants get exposure to the terminology of veterinary medicine as well as the logistics of working in animal care.

Should you later decide you want to get more involved in the clinical aspects of veterinary medicine, your vet assistant education will provide a solid foundation for you to go on to become a vet tech or even a veterinarian.

Stop Dreaming, Start Working With Animals

The career of a vet assistant carries the weight of many responsibilities. Those responsibilities require someone with a special touch and an enduring love for animals that need special care and consideration. Combining your compassion with the technical training acquired from a vet assistant program, you’ll quickly be able to go from thinking about a career with animals to making a difference. Explore many great animal careers, such as vet assisting, dog training, and zookeeper assisting at Animal Behavior College.

Start an Exciting Career With AnimalsENROLL TODAY

May 16 2017

Animal Training Turns Your Passion Into a Career

melissa Courses & Career animal care courses, animal care jobs, Animal Jobs, animal related jobs, animal training, animal training careers, animal training schools, become a cat trainer, become a dog trainer, become an animal trainer, careers with animals, cat training, cat training careers, dog training, dog training careers, jobs with animals, work with animals, work with cats, work with dogs

Why You Should Become an Animal Trainer

“Follow your passion.”

That bit of life and career advice gets passed around quite a bit. Unfortunately, not every hobby or interest lends itself to becoming an occupation. Taking on a job you aren’t crazy about just to pay the bills can quickly become a permanent thing. Fortunately for animal lovers, economics and enthusiasm can actually align.

Unlike many professions, pet trainers don’t normally need to relocate in order to find opportunity.

Pet ownership is on the rise across the country, which means demand for qualified trainers is not only going up, but it’s also not restricted to any single location. Pets are popular everywhere people live. Whether the place you call home is in the city or the suburbs, the odds are good that people in your community have a need for help with training their pets. For certified pet trainers, this means opportunity can be everywhere.

Similarly, the need for service dog trainers is growing steadily. Trained service dogs are needed by people with a variety of physical and limitations, and there are far too few to meet the demand.

Dog Training as a Career

Of course, the first step in taking advantage of all of this opportunity is doing something to stand out from the other animal lovers out there. Passion is a given in the world of dog care and training. We’ve known dogs as “man’s best friend” for generations. So how do you turn that affection into a working relationship?

We all should know by now that being a responsible dog owner necessarily involves at least some amount of training. However, different dogs have different needs. What is more is that different dog owners may not know how to accommodate their particular dog’s quirks and habits.

This is where the importance of becoming certified as a professional dog trainer really shows itself. Plenty of enthusiastic dog owners may understand the basics of dog obedience and positive reinforcement dog training, but going through an accredited dog training program can help you understand how to teach all dogs—not just the ones who are naturally receptive to you. A strong foundation in animal training theory as well as problem solving helps you adapt your approach to each dog.

Because the personalities of each dog and her family can create different challenges and time demands, there is as much variety in the dog training industry as there is among dogs themselves. However, the factors that remain consistent are the dedication of dog trainers, their love for their work and their passion for the animals they work with.

Whether you turn your dog training certification into a full-time job working with dogs and owners or just put in time on the weekends, it’s up to you to decide what you want your dog training career to look like.

Cat Training as a Career

Training animals isn’t just a matter of controlling their behavior, but also of better understanding their needs and how they communicate. This is an area where cats have, historically, gotten less credit than they deserve. However, the notion that cats can’t be trained is disappearing and being replaced with a growing demand for professionals who know how to work with cats.

Thanks in part to the explosive growth in the popularity of therapy animals, people are becoming more aware of the importance of professional training for their cats and dogs. The range of behaviors and services these pets are able to provide has helped prove that cats are every bit as receptive to training as dogs. It has also helped prove that both cats and dogs can be well-behaved, prosocial, and safe companions for families of all sizes and owners of all ages.

While not every cat is destined to work as a service or therapy animal, the principles of behavioral training are relevant to all cats and their families. If you happen to be one of the people who know there is more than meets the eye with cats and want to share your love of felines with others, then earning your cat training certification can put you on the path toward making that a reality.

The rewards of cat training go beyond getting to spend more time with cats and getting paid for it. A cat training career is as much about educating cat owners as it is building relationships with cats.

Training People, Loving Pets

Just like with teachers in the classroom, the day’s lessons only go so far if students don’t get the appropriate support and attention at home. Employers of all sizes are looking for certified trainers who can work with pets as well as communicate with pet owners effectively. This is where the passion you bring helps turn your education into a career to make the maximum impact.

As a pet lover, you very likely already enjoy talking about cats and dogs with other owners, discussing their behavior—both good and bad—and trading tips and tricks. Being an effective pet trainer means turning this love of all things pet-related into focused conversations, helping clients turn your training into a supportive and loving environment at home.

The difference between getting a pet to follow directions and behave during training and having that same obedience and cooperation continue after the session ends comes down to the owners. Certified animal trainers have the understanding of theory and technique needed to communicate to pet owners, and help them understand how to continue reinforcing and rewarding their pets to make the training stick.

Finding success as a pet trainer ultimately means combining a love for dogs and cats with a solid knowledge of training and behavioral principles. “Follow your passion” isn’t just good advice for pet trainers; it is the first step toward a meaningful career.

May 9 2017

What Do Pet Groomers Do?

melissa Courses & Career, Grooming animal care courses, animal care jobs, Animal Jobs, animal related jobs, become a dog groomer, careers with animals, cat grooming, dog grooming, dog grooming career, groomer schools, grooming, grooming career, how to become a dog groomer, how to become a pet groomer, pet groomer job, pet grooming, pet grooming training, what do groomers do, what do pet groomers do

Grooming Does More Than Keep Pets Looking Cute

When watching a dog show on TV, you might see the way the dogs’ coats shimmer and shine in the overhead light, not a single hair out of place, and ask yourself: How do they get to be so perfect?

Pet lovers already know the answer to this question: professional grooming coupled with a healthy diet. But did you also know that the two are not separate? When it comes to health and appearance, it’s not only veterinarians who keep pets feeling great. In fact, groomers play a similar role in many different ways.

Believe it or not, pet groomers have a lot more in common with vets than they do human hairdressers. Not only do professional groomers keep pets looking their best, but they are also an often-overlooked middleman when it comes to detecting possible pet health problems. Becoming a professionally trained pet groomer entails learning the best ways to keep pets feeling as good as they look.

Pet Grooming on the Rise

According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), Americans spent $5.24 billion on services related to pet boarding and grooming in 2016, which is an 18.8 percent increase from 2013. This rise is based on not only the growth of overall pet ownership in the US, but also the growing awareness of how grooming is beneficial to a pet’s health.

Everyday pet owners may only know a few things about why it’s beneficial to keep their furry friends well groomed though. Groomers get up-close and personal with an animal perhaps even more so than the pet’s owners. While professional groomers take care of a pet’s paws, fur and teeth, they’re also trained to examine all areas where warning signs of disease are located. Therefore, they can act as a first alert to a pet’s possible health issues.

Dog Grooming

Keep Nails Trimmed

Along with checking a dog’s overall health, groomers are the go-to source for more involved grooming techniques like ear cleaning, tooth brushing and nail clipping.

Nail trimming is particularly important, as trained groomers know exactly how to cut a dog’s nails without causing any pain or snipping too far into the nail bed and causing it to bleed. For any dog owner who has ever made this mistake, the fear of accidentally injuring the family pet is whisked away through the help of an experienced groomer.

Check for Pests

Dogs that enjoy running around outdoors are more exposed to things like fleas, ticks and other fur-infesting pests that could cause a lot of discomfort. These pests might go unnoticed particularly in dogs with long fur, like Golden Retrievers or Sheepdogs. The trained eye of a professional groomer can identify and remove these pests from your dog and make him feel comfortable once again.

Cat Grooming

Keep Coats in Check

While indoor cats are less likely to catch fleas or ticks compared to their adventurous canine counterparts, that doesn’t mean they’re immune from similar health issues. Cats may not require as much intense grooming as dogs do, but keeping their coats in check certainly isn’t something to be left to the wayside.

For example, while hairballs are more common in long-haired cats than short-haired cats, it’s still a possible health issue. As your kitty is busy cleaning himself, he might accidentally ingest too much loose hair that could become trapped in his throat, or other digestive organs, leading to a scary situation and a big vet bill. Routine cat grooming can prevent this situation from happening.

Bathe Cats

In addition, cat groomers can keep curious cats safe. Cats are known to be some of the cleanest household pets, but sometimes a bath is an absolute necessity. This is especially true when cats end up covered in something that would be damaging to their health if ingested. Cat owners might be a little less than thrilled to attempt bathing their cats. The idea of fighting a cat in a bathtub while he whines and attempts to claw his way out is not fun. However, a professional groomer is more than happy to take on the job. They know behavioral techniques to make the bathing experience as relaxed as possible for our feline friends.

Necessity for Pet Groomers

According to a 2011 study by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 29.3 percent of dog owners and 21.5 percent of cat owners didn’t visit the vet when necessary because they couldn’t afford the costs.

The thought of so many pets going without necessary vet care is truly heartbreaking, but one can argue there’s a silver lining in this upsetting statistic. While a groomer will never, and should never, replace a specialized veterinarian, she can at least provide essential health care maintenance that otherwise a pet might go without, for a fraction of the cost of a vet bill.

In 2013, the annual average cost of vet care for a dog was $231 and for a cat $193, according to the APPA. (This doesn’t include emergency surgical vet visits either, which are closer to $500 each.)

Meanwhile, the average cost for a groomer’s visit is between $30 and $90, depending on the size of the pet and the services needed.

Routine visits to a certified pet groomer can help catch health risks before they escalate into full-blown emergencies. Catching something early on can help owners plan ahead and budget for the necessary vet visit, or at least have access to a less-invasive intervention while the problem is still manageable—and affordable.

With the more affordable cost of grooming care and the added benefits that come with it, a professionally trained groomer is able to offer as much health assistance as possible to pets in these situations. It’s a better situation for pets and their families when grooming is a regular part of their lives.

Young hansome male in blue t-shirt having fun with his lovely shiba inu dog, snuggling, stroking and petting, sitting on green couch at home. Close friendship between owner and pet. Best friend.

May 2 2017

Great Dogs for Small Spaces

melissa Lifestyle, Pets apartment dog breeds, best dog breeds for apartments, dogs who do well in apartments

Here are 10 of the best breeds for apartment dwellers.

Just because you don’t have a house and a yard doesn’t mean you can’t have a dog. Plenty of breeds make good apartment dogs. And size isn’t necessarily the reason. Although a smaller dog can take up less room in a tiny apartment, energy level is also a big consideration. What follows are 10 of the best apartment breeds:

Bulldog

The charming, funny Bulldog does well in apartments because of its quiet, easy-going nature and low energy level. Bulldogs don’t need a lot of exercise or room to run around, and are most happy with a daily walk and comfy bed. They weigh 40 to 50 pounds, and are the fourth most popular dog breed, according to the American Kennel Club.

French Bulldog

Smaller than a Bulldog, the Frenchie has many of the same characteristics as its larger cousin. Brimming with personality, French Bulldogs weigh about 30 pounds, but most of that is muscle. Their big ears and relaxed nature make them a favorite of apartment dwellers.

Greyhound

You might be surprised to see the Greyhound on this list, but despite its reputation as a fast dog (most pet Greyhounds started life as racing dogs), Greyhounds are pretty low-energy dogs. And even though they are tall and weigh 60 to 70 pounds, they have a way of curling up in a ball and not taking up much room in a small living space.

Pug

Compact in size, Pugs are happy, friendly dogs that are perfect for apartment living. Weighing 14-18 pounds, they don’t need a lot of activity to keep them happy. Easy to train, Pugs are friendly and love to snuggle.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

If you like the look of a spaniel but don’t have the time or space for a hunting breed, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a good choice. This small, longhaired toy breed, which weighs from 13 to 18 pounds, is friendly and low-key. They have a long, silky coat that requires regular brushing to keep it looking its best.

Basset Hound

Though Basset Hounds aren’t small, they can be good apartment dogs because of their mellow nature. Gently and fun loving, they don’t require much in the way of exercise. A daily walk is enough for most Basset Hounds. They can weigh from 40 to 80 pounds.

Boston Terrier

Known for their contrasting light and dark markings, Boston Terriers are great dogs for small spaces. They tend to be on the quiet side, and are very people-oriented. Boston Terriers come in different small sizes, and weigh in at anywhere from 13 to 25 pounds.

Pomeranian

A tiny bundle of fur, the Pomeranian was bred to be a lap dog. These small spitz-type dogs are made for apartment living, where they can be in close quarters with their humans. Pomeranians with show dog breeding weigh 3 to 7 pounds, while Poms of other breeding can weigh up to 15 pounds.

Shiba Inu

For apartment dwellers that like Nordic dogs like the Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute but don’t have the room for a larger dog, the Shiba Inu is a good choice. One of the smaller Nordic breeds, the Shiba is a handsome, quiet dog that weighs 17 to 23 pounds.

Maltese

If you don’t mind grooming, the Maltese can be a great choice for an apartment dog. This breed’s long, silky hair requires considerable care, although some owners opt to have the coat clipped. Maltese weigh 4 to 7 pounds, which makes them great for small spaces.

About the Author: Audrey Pavia is an award-winning freelance writer and author of “The Labrador Retriever Handbook.” She is a former staff editor of Dog Fancy, Dog World and The AKC Gazette magazines. To learn more about her work, visit www.audreypavia.com and hollywoodhoofbeats.net/

May 2 2017

Bug Off!

melissa Health, Pets, Safety flea and tick medication, flea and tick prescriptions, flea and tick prevention, flea and tick spot treatments, preventing fleas and ticks

The reasons to keep your pet free of fleas and ticks go beyond the nuisance factor.

Keeping cats free of fleas and ticks helps reduce the risk of disease for everyone in the household. © Lucid_Exposure

No one wants to sit down to cuddle with the family cat or dog, only to have a flea crawl across their hand. Preventing flea and tick infestations reduces those types of “ew” encounters—and also has many health benefits for your pet and, as it turns out, for you and your family.

Fleas and ticks can pose health risks to cats, dogs and humans. You might have heard of Lyme disease (transmitted by ticks) and tapeworms (passed by fleas), but the creepy bugs can pass other diseases to cats and dogs, which they can pass to you in turn.

Some of the zoonotic diseases transmitted by fleas include cat scratch fever, bacterial infections (such as typhus or Mycoplasma haemofelis) and plague, among others. Ticks can transmit ehrlichiosis, anaplasmosis and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

And those don’t include the conditions your pet can suffer without transmitting them to you. Just one bite from a flea can cause flea allergic dermatitis, an allergic reaction to flea saliva. The allergy typically causes persistent itching and scratching, which can result in hot spots and other skin infections. Enough scratching and licking of the itchy spots can lead to bacterial infections of the skin.

Before selecting a topical (aka spot) flea and tick treatment for your dog, make sure you talk with your veterinarian to learn about any adverse reactions.
© tatomm

Luckily, you can take steps to prevent fleas and ticks from biting your pet in the first place. Manufacturers offer a range of pest prevention products, from spot treatments to oral medications. To keep your pet pest-free, talk to your veterinarian about over-the-counter and prescription flea and tick preventive products to determine which product is best for your pet and your household. Keep these tips in mind:

Use only those products that are EPA-registered (for pesticides) or FDA-approved (for medications).
Talk to your vet before using a “spot” treatment on your pet’s skin or fur.
Read the entire label of a product before using it, and always follow the label directions.
Never use products intended for dogs on a cat.
Pay close attention to the weight scale on the product’s label. Your pet’s weight matters when using flea and tick prevention products. Too much product could harm your pet.
Watch your pet closely for signs of an adverse reaction to a flea- or tick-control product. Contact your vet immediately if your pet shows signs such as vomiting, excessive itching or scratching, anxiousness, or skin redness or swelling.

A few preventive steps taken today can help your pet avoid the discomfort of fleas and ticks this summer—and can help protect both you and your pet from health risks.

About the Author: Stacy N. Hackett is an award-winning writer with more than 25 years’ experience in the pet industry. She is the former editor of Pet Product News and a former staff editor with Cat Fancy, Cats USA, Critters USA and Ferrets USA. To learn more about her work, visit stacynhackett.vpweb.com.

May 2 2017

More than Puppy–or Kitty–Love

melissa Lifestyle, Pets dog ring bearer, flower dog, pets in weddings, wedding photos with pets

Including your pets in a wedding is relatively easy.

Because cats could be more problematic than dogs during a ceremony, devoted owners could include them in the wedding photos afterwards. © Dmitriy Shipilov

It’s becoming increasingly popular to include pets in a wedding retinue. And, while doing so might have its challenges, at least your pet is not going to complain about the bridesmaids’ dress and shoe selection.

Cats, like children, could be wild cards and unpredictable in their actions on the planned day. Unless you are getting married at home and have a really mellow cat who will happily walk on a leash and be cooperative, it’s probably a better idea to only include her in the wedding photographs. The same could probably be said for birds. It’s all very well having your parrot sit on a groomsman’s shoulder, until it poops….

Practicing a few times with your pet prior to the ceremony will help make things go more smoothly.
© Scott Griessel

Fortunately, a well-trained dog could be the perfect ring bearer or flower pooch. If you want to include your dog in your retinue, there are certain wedding petiquette considerations to take into account. Here is a quick checklist.

Make sure the ceremony and reception venues are pet-friendly.
Discuss your pooch’s role in the ceremony with other key players, such as parents and other wedding party members to ensure no one is scared of dogs or allergic to dog hair.
It’s a good idea to have several practice runs at home before the final wedding rehearsal. Some dogs are well trained enough to come down the aisle on their own. If yours isn’t it’s a good idea to have him walk on a leash with someone he knows.
A cute little flower girl and an Old English sheepdog might make a wonderful Instagram moment; however, you need to ensure they match each other in weight otherwise the dog could sweep the child off her feet.
If you are planning to entwine fresh flowers on a leash or add a garland around your dog’s neck, avoid flowers that are toxic to animals, such as lily-of-the-valley, daffodils, narcissus, sweet peas and tulips.
One benefit of having a “flower dog,” she won’t complain about the shoes.
© myronovychoksana

Dogs are very intuitive and sometimes pick up on the nerves and emotions of the moment. Pheromone-based calming sprays, such as Comfort Zone, could help to calm doggy nerves.
Make sure canine members of the wedding party go for a walk and a bathroom break the ceremony begins.
When the ceremony is in progress, keep treats handy in case an exuberant pup needs distracting.
After the wedding vows, an elderly pet might be tired and prefer to be taken home rather than attend the reception. However, if you plan to let your pet be present, ask guests to refrain from slipping any tidbits under the table. When they’re excited, dogs tend to overeat and could get sick. Instead, provide special doggy cake and biscuits, and lots of fresh water.
And if you are planning on having several doggy guests at the reception, it’s a good idea to have a pet sitter on hand to take charge.

About the Author: Sandy Robins is the 2013 winner of the “Excellence in Journalism and Outstanding Contribution to the Pet Industry Award.” Her work appears on many of the country’s leading pet platforms, such as MSNBC.com, MSN.com and TODAYShow.com. She is a regular contributor and columnist in multiple national and international publications, including Catster, as well as the author of the award-winning books “Fabulous Felines: Health and Beauty Secrets for the Pampered Cat” and “For The Love of Cats.” Learn more about Sandy on her website or Facebook page. #welovecats

May 2 2017

Buyers Guide: Hiking Gear for Dogs

melissa Lifestyle, Pets, Products, Resources canine hiking gear, dog backpack, hiking with dogs, outdoor gear for dogs

There are myriad products you can use to make your hike with your dog safer and more enjoyable for both of you.

The weather is warming up and while those of us in the Southwest tend to dread this time of year, there are millions of others who are excited to hit the hiking trails. Which is why I’ve taken a look at some of the slickest hiking must-haves for you and your dog(s).

Wearable Tech to Keep Pets Cool

Phoenix, Arizona, recently passed a law in which no dogs are allowed on trails once the temps hit 90 degrees. That’s a good rule of thumb for all regions, and honestly, you’ll need to take extra precautions when temps climb above 80 degrees.

Swamp Cooler from Ruffwear (image right) allows you some leeway in keeping pets cool. This lightweight vest uses a three-layer evaporative cooling chest panel that helps to disperse heat away from your dog’s core. You can add on the Swamp Cooler if it’s warming up fast. Just soak in water and place on your pet. The light-colored fabric reflects the sunlight and integrated leash portal lets you attach a leash to your dog’s harness without disturbing the swamp cooler, which will help keep your pets cool all day long.

Protecting Paws

Speaking of staying cool, please don’t forget to protect those paw pads. There are dozens of places that carry different styles of dog boots, and it will all depend on the strength and coverage you need, as well as your location. If you’re in an area like Arizona, you’ll need the extra protection dog boots with hard soles offer. Check out the Step and Strobe Boots from Kurgo (image left) or if you’re in a rocky climate where good traction is a must, see the Grip Trex or Summit Trex boots from Ruffwear.

Staying in Control

There was a time in my life when I never leashed my two large dogs. They traveled everywhere with me while I was horseback riding or hiking. Those times have changed dramatically. It’s not only considerate to keep your dog leashed; it’s the law in most state parks where hiking with dogs is allowed. Dogs can affect horses, wildlife and people—stay safe, stay leashed.

For a hands-free experience while hiking, check out Kurgo’s award-winning, versatile Quantum Leash (image right). It has a generous 6-feet lead that converts into six different styles with a simple carabiner adjustment. Attach around your waist or shoulder for easy walking.

If you’re walking two dogs at a time, the Double Track™ Coupler from Ruffwear enables tangle-free walking on a single leash.

Carrying the Load

If you have small dogs who prefer to be carried on occasion, you might wonder how you’re going to carry all their water, food and supplies. If you have larger dogs, the good news is that they can carry their own water, food and treats with these amazing day packs from Ruffwear. The packs come with built-in or added water bottles that fit directly into the pack, which helps distribute the weight properly. Not only does having your dog wear a pack lighten your load, carrying a pack will help your distracted dog stay focused while on the trail.

However, if you have a dog who just can’t carry extra weight, you don’t necessarily need to leave him behind. There are some great new dog walking belts for humans that make it shouldering the load easier. Doog specializes in myriad dog walking accessories, including well-designed walking belts (image right) and bags, as well as equipment for professional dog walkers.

Remember, if you take it in, pack it out. Dog waste can be dangerous on the trail to humans and wildlife. My dogs could transfer parasites that can cause illness in wild animals. So play it safe and pick up your pet waste. Just drop it in the bin at the trailhead on the way back to your car.

Protect Pets from Pests

Protect your dogs while you’re out and about on trails. There are lots of great options for doing this, from mosquito-repellent clothing to all insect repellents that can give your pets added protection.

Insect Shield for Pets (image left) is the genius behind wearable insect repellent bandanas and vests, as well as dog beds. The Insect Shield process binds a proprietary permethrin formula tightly to fabric fibers, resulting in effective, odorless insect protection that lasts the expected lifetime of the items.

Keep it Clean

The Mud Dog Travel Shower from Kurgo (image right) is one of my most-used products. This little device allows you to turn a water bottle into a high-pressure shower for about 1 minute. I was really surprised at how effective it is. This makes rinsing off paws (or even your entire dog) an absolute breeze. Now you can keep your car and tent clean.

When you get home (or before you leave), give your pet a bath with the DERMagic Diatomaceous Earth Shampoo Bar, which uses the natural repelling factors of DE to repel and destroy any unwanted pesky hitchhikers. This is an excellent way to ensure no insects came home with you, keeping your abode protected and safe.

Stay Hydrated

Don’t forget the water. This is very important for you and your pets. Choose from collapsible bowls like these from Kurgo or Doog’s new 3-in-1 portable bowl (image left) that carries 600ml of water for you and your pet.

Stay safe out there on the trails. There is a lot of high-quality affordable equipment available for dogs and their humans, so there’s no excuse to go out in the wild unprepared.

About the Author: Stacy Mantle is a fulltime freelance writer, bestselling author and founder of PetsWeekly.com. She resides in the deserts of the Southwest with a few dogs, several cats and a very understanding husband.

April 11 2017

Calming Shy or Scared Dogs

melissa Health, Pets, Safety calming dogs, Dog Behavior, how to calm a dog, scared dogs, shy dogs

If you have a shy or naturally fearful dog, I have some good news: the condition is now easier to manage.

Just like humans, animals vary dramatically in how they relate to new experiences and to one another. Some are social butterflies, while others prefer to view the world from under the bed. Fortunately, there are ways to help your dog manage the fear. I’ve been watching and trying out the new advances in the pet product industry. The good news is there are plenty of options to help these naturally fearful dogs; the bad news is it will take some time for you to find the solution that works best for your dog.

There are some who believe that interacting with their dog can a) result in decreased stress levels or b) result in increased stress levels, or worse, reinforce the behavior. In 2005, scientists decided to find out. They discovered that interaction with the owner (positive or negative) did nothing to either increase or decrease a dog’s cortisol levels (cortisol is an indicator of chronic stress). What did lower the cortisol level was the presence of other dogs.¹ ²

Socialization

Fearful Dog — Owners can begin socializing their shy dogs through controlled encounters, such as having visitor in the same room who purposely ignores the dog.
mdennah/Adobe Stock

The most powerful thing you can do as a new puppy owner is to socialize your canine. The more experiences a dog has, the more comfortable he becomes in dealing with change; the more he learns to trust you and the less fearful he will be. Even if you have an older dog who is fearful, it’s still not too late.

Begin the new experiences early and in baby steps. For instance, if your dog is fearful of people, begin by inviting a friend over for an afternoon. Choose a room to spend the time in, for instance a family room or den, and bring your dog in with the two of you. Instruct your friend to ignore your dog completely and allow him to approach on his own timeline.

Training

Dogs don’t like uncertainty any more than you or I do. We want to know that things will work out and while we do seek out new opportunities, we enter those with the certainty that all will be well because we understand out to deal with nearly any situation. This same certainty should be given to your dog. Training helps your dog understand that whatever new opportunity presents itself, he will be safe. Training also helps give your dog a chance to focus on a task, which helps him navigate the challenge.

Calming a Scared Dog — Pheromone therapy, soothing music, calming wraps and treats: Used alone or in combination, these products might help your dog adapt to stressful situations.
Lili/Adobe Stock

No matter how much training and socialization your dog receives, there are some animals that are just more easily frightened than others. The following are tips that could help your pets adjust to noise, new people and new challenges.

By planning ahead, you may be able to reduce your dog’s anxiety. From calming coats such as the Thundershirt (which use natural pressure points to relieve stress) to pheromone therapy from Adaptil in the form of sprays, collars and diffusers (which uses natural pheromones to help calm dogs), there is indeed a solution for every pet.

Music

While music has charms to sooth the savage breast, specific types might also help soothe canines even more effectively. Pet Acoustics has created a playlist that has been tested on stressed out dogs. It has placed the music on a Bluetooth speaker and all you need to do is plug and play when you’re away from home.

Herbal and Other Natural Remedies

A few studies indicate that some herbal remedies, such as lavender aromatherapy, might be effective in helping minimize stress and alleviate fear in dogs.³ Aromatherapy products, such as Canine Calm from Earth Heart, also appear to be effective in helping minimize stress and alleviate fear in dogs, based on anecdotal evidence. Other products combine herbs and other ingredients in supplement form. Licks Zen, for example, uses chamomile, tryptophan, L-theanine, eleuthero toot and ashwagandha root, while Pet Naturals of Vermont’s Calming chews uses colostrum calming complex, L theanine, and thiamine to help relax pets

With just a little research, you can find a solution that will help calm your fearful, shy or scared dog.

¹ Nancy Dreschel, DVM, & Douglas Granger, PhD. 2005. “Physiological and behavioral reactivity to stress in thunderstorm-phobic dogs and their caregivers,” Applied Animal Behaviour Science 95:153–168.

2 J.S.J. Odendaal & R.A. Meintjes. 2003. “Neurophysiological correlates of affiliative behaviour between humans and dogs.” The Veterinary Journal 165:296-301.

3 Migiwa Komiya, DVM; Akihiko Sugiyama, DVM, PhD; Kazuko Tanabe, DVM; Tomiya Uchino, DVM, PhD; Takashi Takeuchi, DVM, PhD. (2009) Evaluation of the effect of topical application of lavender oil on autonomic nerve activity in dogs. American Journal of Veterinary Research 70:6, 764-769

April 11 2017

Going Up

melissa Fun, Lifestyle, Pets cat behavior, cat trees, clmbing up furniture, why cats climb

Cats are famous for their love of climbing. Outdoor cats are known for their penchant of climbing trees, while indoor cats enjoy scaling “cat trees” provided by their owners. But why is climbing such a favorite pastime of our feline friends?

To understand cats’ proclivity for climbing, you have to look at their natural history.

As with all domestic animals, the house cat had wild ancestors who had to work hard to survive in nature. Although we think of cats as predators, they can also fall prey to larger hunters. During the time of our cats’ ancestors, climbing trees was a way of staying safe from ground-dwelling predators. Climbing also gave early cats a way keep the larger prey they had caught hidden from other animals who might try to steal it. These cats could stash their catch in trees, much like modern leopards do today.

Cat Climbing — Given limited climbing options, many cats will choose whatever is accessible, such as the top of a closet door.
Mi.Ti/Adobe Stock

Fast forward to today, and Felis catus—the domestic cat—still loves to climb. While escaping from predators and hiding their food is less of an issue for well-cared-for pet cats, the desire to climb is still strong. Cats feel more secure when they are high up, and are more comfortable sharing their territory with other cats when they can retreat to elevated places. They are also built for climbing, with their extremely flexible bodies and retractable claws.

It’s important to give your cat opportunities to appropriately express her innate desire to climb. This is especially true if she’s an indoor cat. Without access to trees, she might be inclined to climb up your drapes or up the side of your couch. A well-made cat tree can help her channel her urges to climb—and will give you hours of entertainment as you watch her scramble up it when she’s feeling energetic.

When choosing a cat tree, pick the tallest one you can afford. The higher up your cat can go, the better. Commercial cat trees feature platforms and cubbyholes of various styles and shapes. Select the one you think your cat would most enjoy. Or, try making your own. Just be sure it’s sturdy and doesn’t wobble when your cat jumps on it.

It’s important to keep your cat’s age and health in mind when providing a safe climbing place. Young kittens may be intimidated by a larger cat tree, so you might want to start with a smaller one if your cat is just a baby.

Older cats particularly enjoy sleeping in high places but might have some trouble climbing like they did when they were young. Consider putting your cat tree near a table or dresser so your senior cat can get to that higher elevation more easily.

About the Author: Audrey Pavia is an award-winning freelance writer and author of “The Labrador Retriever Handbook.” She is a former staff editor of Dog Fancy, Dog World and The AKC Gazette magazines. To learn more about her work, visit www.audreypavia.com and hollywoodhoofbeats.net/

April 11 2017

Cool New Dog Toys

melissa Fun, Lifestyle, Pets, Products, Resources dog play, dog toys, fetch games, treat puzzles

Dog toys are designed for fun, but the best ones should also engage certain innate dog traits, such as hunting, exercising and interacting with other dogs as well as favorite people. This keeps dogs both physically fit and mentally stimulated. Here are six of the latest toys I saw at the recent Global Pet Expo in Orlando that check all those boxes.

Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff LINK™

Made of durable Orbee-Tuff material, these translucent links can be joined into different shapes for diverse levels of difficulty to keep dogs engaged. They can be filled with favorite treats to keep the entertainment simultaneously rewarding. Designed for dogs of all sizes, this treat-dispensing puzzle toy will keep you involved, too, as you create fun configurations for your pup(s). Orbee-Tuff LINK sets are available in Royal Blue/Clear and Orange/Clear color combinations and are sold in four- or eight-piece sets. planetdog.com

The Petlogix Zinger

The Zinger launcher offers a variety of interchangeable toys, making playtime more fun and exciting for you and your dogs. And its hands-free pickup means you won’t ever be slimed by a drooled on toy. There’s a Zinger for medium and large dogs and one, the Zinger Junior, for small dogs and puppies. The Zing Shot accessory toy has a tennis-ball felt texture; the Zing Cube is a soft square for use in smaller environments and the Zing Bumpy, with its uneven surface has an irregular bounce. All the Zing Toys float and are designed for beach and pool water games. www.pet-logix.com

Kurgo Yard Games

Based on popular children’s yard games such as badminton and jacks, these fun, floatable toys from Kurgo provide you with new ways to play with your dog. The Wapple Ball, inspired by the classic Whiffle Ball, has an irregular bounce and can be used with a bat, tennis racquet, lacrosse stick or a standard-sized ChuckIt!—or you could go completely old school and simply throw it. The Tossing Disc is a rough- and-tough version of the traditional Frisbee; the Backyard Birdie replicates a game of badminton with your pooch; and the Target Jack is designed to land with its point up no matter how hard or far you throw it. There are more toys in the range and all are available from www.kurgo.com.

P.L.A.Y. International Classic Toy Collection

Want to indulge your pooch with a tempting buffet of calorie-free food? Well, now you can with a new collection of toys from P.L.A.Y., which includes a pretzel, taco and sushi. The taco has fun detachable components and the sushi pieces are connected by a sliding rope for a fishy game of tug-of-war. Each toy comes with a squeaker inside and is filled eco-friendly PlanetFill® that is made from 100% post-consumer certified-safe recycled plastic bottles. The toys are sold individually and in gift box sets. petplay.com

Nina Ottosson Dog Treat Maze

This treat-dispensing toy from Nina Ottosson, the queen of canine puzzle toys, offers dogs a wacky and unpredictable game of fun as it wobbles and flips, dispensing its tasty treat prizes. It can also be used as a fun bowl to keep dogs working for their food. Designed for dogs or all sizes and ages, it is available in fun two-tone colors. outwardhound.com

The goDog RhinoPlay Toy Line

Of all the colors in the spectrum, dogs can see blue, yellow and gray[1], which is why goDog’s RhinoPlay line of dog toys feature the first two hues. Made from an environmentally safe and nontoxic foam called PopFoamNT™, RhinoPlay toys can never be punctured and will hold their shape even with the toughest of chewers. They come in four shapes—Vexo, Flip, Circ and Beast—and two sizes: regular and junior. rhinoplay.com

[1] Coren, S. Ph.D., F.R.S.C (Oct. 20, 2008). “Can Dogs See Color?” PsychologyToday.com

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