In Memory Of Spotzy – New Spotzy’s Kitty Treats
This past summer we lost our beautiful Spotzy.
So we have added one of his favorite treats I would make for him Spotzy’s Salmon, Pumpkin, Cheddar & Catnip Treats are sure to Please any Super Finicky & Spoiled baby you have!
What Should I Feed My Pregnant Pitbull? Essential Nutrition for a Healthy Pregnancy
If you are wondering “What should I feed my pregnant pit bull?” You’re in the right place. Understanding the nutritional…
The post What Should I Feed My Pregnant Pitbull? Essential Nutrition for a Healthy Pregnancy appeared first on The Pitbull Center.
DONATE APPRECIATED STOCK!
The post DONATE APPRECIATED STOCK! appeared first on Stand Up For Pits Foundation.
How to Get Dog Pee Out of Your Carpet: 4 Tips & Tricks
The post How to Get Dog Pee Out of Your Carpet: 4 Tips & Tricks by Dogster Team appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
Owning a dog is a big responsibility, but it is also a rewarding experience in many ways. Along with the fun, snuggles, and bonding, though, typically come shenanigans and problems like urine stains left on the rug. Fortunately, pee accidents on the carpet aren’t the end of the world and can usually be cleaned up and never thought of again, especially if they’re caught before any stains are set. Here are a few tips and tricks for effectively getting dog pee out of your carpet.
If You’re Looking for a Quick & Easy Solution
If you’re looking for the most efficient solution, we recommend our favorite enzyme cleaner, the Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray. It’s our product, and we love it so much, we just have to share. We discuss it more in depth below, along with the other methods.
Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray
At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!
Start By Soaking Up the Urine
When you spot a pee accident on your carpet, the first thing that you have to do is soak up as much of the urine as possible, no matter what tactics you decide to use to ensure that the urine smell goes away and that no stains set in. To do this, place a few layers of paper towels over the urine, and then cover those with a couple of layers of newspaper.
Let the paper soak up the urine naturally or press on the newspaper to speed up the process. Once the paper is soaked or it seems that most of the liquid has been absorbed from the carpet, throw the paper away, and rinse the area with cool water. Then, blot the water with more paper towels or an old dish towel.
With any luck, you will notice that the water that you are absorbing is tinged yellow and even smells slightly like urine. This means that more urine is being soaked up.
The 4 Ways to Get Dog Pee Out of Your Carpet
Once the area has been dried, rinsed, and then dried again, you can use one of the following ideas to make sure the urine is thoroughly cleaned away.
1. Make Use of Baking Soda
Image By: ThamKC, Shutterstock
An easy, effective, and economical way to get rid of the urine in your carpet is to treat the soiled area with baking soda. Simply spread an even, thin layer of baking soda over the damp area, and let it sit overnight (or at least a few hours). Finally, thoroughly vacuum up the baking soda and the surrounding area to finish the job.
2. Utilize a Stain and Odor Eliminator
Image By: Ground Picture, Shutterstock
A surefire way to make sure a pee accident on your carpet doesn’t leave behind any unpleasant odors is to use an enzymatic stain and odor eliminator to treat the soiled area after blotting and rinsing it.
Our Favorite Product
The Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator is a perfect option because it is designed to permanently get rid of urine odors and stains. The formula comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle to simplify treatments. It works on carpets, hardwood, furniture, and any fabric surface. It can also be used for other pet stains, such as vomit and feces.
Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray
At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!
3. Create a Vinegar Solution
Image By: FotoHelin, Shutterstock
Another pet stain-removing option to consider is a vinegar spray solution. In a clean reusable spray bottle, combine about 1 cup of white or apple cider vinegar and 1 cup of water. You can also add a couple of teaspoons of baking soda to the mixture for good measure. Shake the ingredients well, and then spray the urine-stained area until damp. After about half an hour, blot the spot with paper towels to absorb all the moisture.
4. Invest in a Spot-and-Stain Cleaner
Image By: perfectlab, Shutterstock
If you don’t catch a pee accident soon enough and it dries out, it can be tough to get out the stain and odor with just baking soda or a vinegar solution. However, a spot-and-stain cleaner or a basic wet-dry vac can do the trick. These products will help wash the urine out of your carpet and thoroughly suck it all up so it doesn’t linger inside the carpet fibers.
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
What If a Urine Stain Can’t Be Found?
If you’re sure there is a stain because you smell it, but you can’t find where it is, you can turn off the lights and use a blacklight flashlight to look for it. The black light will illuminate any urine stains that are present on your carpet so you can treat them.
Can a Steam Cleaner Get Rid of Urine Stains?
It’s never a good idea to use a steam cleaner on a urine stain, as the heat from the steam will set the stain and lock in the odors. Use a regular wet vac to make easy work of pulling urine out of your carpet.
If accidents are frequent and you’re unsure of what’s causing them or how to prevent them, a consult with your vet could help!
Conclusion
It is possible to get rid of urine stains that are lingering on your carpet, but the key is to find and treat the stains early while they’re still fresh. The longer a pet stain sits, the harder it will be to get out overall. One or more of the tips and tricks outlined here are sure to be effective and help ease the job of cleaning your carpet of doggy pee.
See Also:
My Dog Just Peed On Me, What Should I Do? Causes & Prevention Tips
How to Get Dog Pee Smell & Stains Out of Wood Furniture: 4 Simple Methods
Featured Image Credit By: Di Studio, Shutterstock
The post How to Get Dog Pee Out of Your Carpet: 4 Tips & Tricks by Dogster Team appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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How Strong is a Great Dane’s Bite Force? Vet-Verified Facts & PSI Measure
The post How Strong is a Great Dane’s Bite Force? Vet-Verified Facts & PSI Measure by Matt Jackson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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The Great Dane is generally recognized as being the tallest dog breed in the world. Despite its imposing size and the strength that comes with it, the breed is also known as a gentle giant. They are often affectionate and loving, although they don’t always seem to know just how big they are!
For a dog of such enormous size, we would expect the Great Dane’s bite to pack one hell of a punch, but you might be surprised to learn that bite force isn’t just about the size of the dog. Based on their head size and jaw muscles, we estimate that the bite force of a Great Dane is likely to be around 240 pounds per square inch PSI), but this is only an approximation.
Although there are many websites that list quite specific values for the bite force of many different breeds, we have discovered that there is actually very little scientific research and evidence on the subject. Therefore, we take some of the figures we do know, pair them with some key physiological values, to give us an estimated measure of bite force.
Great Dane Bite Force
The Great Dane originated in Germany, and it is believed that it was bred from the Irish Wolfhound and the English Mastiff, both of which are giant breeds themselves. They were first bred to hunt wild boar, which would have required the dogs to be athletic and strong, as well as for them to have a formidable bite force.
Over time, they have become better known as companion pets and as watchdogs, rather than hunters, but they have retained the physical features that made them effective hunters.
They do have large jaws and big teeth, which means they can do considerable damage if they do bite. However, they lack the sizable musculature of some other breeds, like the Pit Bull, Cane Corso, or Kangal.
Compared to Other Animals
The Great Dane’s bite force is higher than a human’s bite force, which can range from 160 to 200 PSI, and it is roughly equivalent to some other dog breeds including the German Shepherd, and slightly higher than the average dog bite force.
However, it is less than breeds like the Rottweiler, English Mastiff, and the Kangal, and is certainly lower than wild predators like lions and tigers.
National Geographic’s Dr. Brady Barr has studied animal bites, testing humans, domestic dogs, and wild animals alike. Based on the research by Dr. Barr, the Pit Bull has a bite force of around 242 pounds per square inch (PSI). By comparison, a wolf has a bite force of roughly 400 PSI and a shark around 600 PSI.
Image Credit: Guy J. Sagi, Shutterstock
How Is Bite Force Measured?
There are a number of different ways that bite force can be measured, but none of them will be able to accurately predict just how hard a dog may bite in a stressful or aggressive situation.
One method involves using probes attached to anesthetized patients to manipulate the jaws to give an approximation of the bite force. Another uses the anatomy of the bones, muscles, and ligaments of the skull to predict bite force values.
A third method uses pressure sensors placed in a glove or armband used to train police dogs. This sort of study has given us some real world measurements of the bite force of some German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois, but even these have only been obtained during training sessions, and do not account for the impact of adrenaline in a real world situation.
Are Great Danes Aggressive?
Great Danes are generally referred to as gentle giants. They tend to be quite timid, and they seem to have an inherent understanding that their size means they can accidentally injure people. They are considered good with children, but that massive frame means there is always a risk of accidental injury.
However, without proper training and socialization, there is always the risk of any dog becoming aggressive. Great Dane owners need to ensure that their big dogs learn proper, respectful behavior when they are young. This means discouraging them from jumping up and also ensuring they know how to behave properly around strangers.
Image Credit: belu gheorghe, Shutterstock
Do Great Danes Make Good Guard Dogs?
Great Danes are not known for being aggressive, but they can be territorial and very protective. Combined with their formidable size and intimidating bark, they can make good guard dogs. In most cases, if an intruder sees a Great Dane, they are likely to turn away.
Their friendly disposition may mean that they won’t necessarily be the best dogs for defending a property, but they can be a very effective deterrent for any would-be intruders.
Do Great Danes Make Good Pets?
There are some obvious challenges to keeping a dog that can grow to nearly 50 inches tall. They take up a lot of space and will not usually do well in apartments. Being an already massive creature, their propensity for spreading out means they tend to take up a LOT of space, and they also enjoy taking up a lot of their owner’s space too. If you don’t think you could cope with a 160-pound dog laying on top of you, the Great Dane might not be for you.
However, they can be trained, tend to be gentle with their family, and are incredibly loyal and protective. Potential owners need to know the challenges of owning a dog of this stature before owning one because it is a massive undertaking.
Conclusion
Great Danes are known as the gentle giants of the dog world. They are loving and loyal, very affectionate, and they can be protective of their families. Although they are not known for being aggressive, owners need to ensure they have appropriate training and socialization from a young age to ensure they are safe.
They have a bite force that is above average for dogs, although there are numerous breeds with more powerful jaws, and they don’t come close to the bite pressure of wild animals like tigers and lions.
Featured Image Credit: Tara Lynn and Co, Shutterstock
The post How Strong is a Great Dane’s Bite Force? Vet-Verified Facts & PSI Measure by Matt Jackson appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
Can Dogs Taste Spice? Vet-Verified Facts & Risks
The post Can Dogs Taste Spice? Vet-Verified Facts & Risks by Jessica Kim appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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Dogs find many human foods tasty. However, due to differences in our anatomy, dogs experience taste differently from humans. When it comes to spiciness, dogs are capable of tasting spice and can even feel the heat, but their taste for spice isn’t as sensitive as a human’s. So, it’s likely your dog can eat something spicy without feeling the same intensity that you do.
Even though dogs may not taste the intensity of spicy foods when they initially eat it, they’re likely to feel it in their digestive system. Spicy food can still make dogs feel sick, so it’s recommended not to feed it to them.
Can Dogs Feel Spiciness?
Dogs have taste buds and are able to distinguish several different tastes. However, they perceive taste differently from humans. While humans have about 9,000 taste buds, dogs have just 1,700 taste buds. The number of taste buds also decreases as dogs age, which can further decrease their ability to taste spicy foods.
When it comes to spiciness, dogs can taste and feel it. However, it’s likely that it’s not to the same degree as humans. It appears that humans are more sensitive to spice levels than dogs.
The difference between human taste receptors and canine taste receptors is likely determined by a dog’s ancestral diet. Since their ancestral diet mostly consisted of meat, many dogs tend to have an affinity for meat and fat and seek these flavors out more than other types of food. Dogs also probably can’t distinguish between nuanced flavors like humans can. For example, dogs may have more trouble distinguishing between different types of berries just based on taste.
Image Credit: Aleksey Boyko, Shutterstock
Is Spicy Food Bad for Dogs?
Most spicy food isn’t toxic to dogs, and dogs may not even taste the intense spiciness. However, it’s still not recommended to feed dogs spicy foods because they can still experience other adverse effects of eating it.
For example, dogs shouldn’t eat spicy peppers like jalapeños and cayenne because they contain capsaicin, which is the component in peppers that gives them their heat. Even if your dog doesn’t feel pain in their mouth, eating capsaicin can cause them to experience an upset stomach and digestive issues.
It’s likely your dog will experience vomiting or diarrhea after eating spicy food. In severe cases, spicy food can cause stomach ulcers. So, if your dog has eaten something particularly spicy, it’s best to contact your veterinarian for further care instructions.
If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
What Other Flavors Can Dogs Taste?
Along with spice, dogs can taste sweet, sour, salty, and bitter flavors. They can taste most things that humans can taste, but they also have additional taste receptors for water that humans don’t have. These taste buds for water are located at the tip of their tongue and become more sensitive when a dog is thirsty. It’s likely that they were developed to encourage dogs to drink in order to prevent dehydration.
Another difference between human and canine taste is that dogs aren’t typically drawn to salty foods, again likely due to their ancestral diet being very limited in salt. It’s also possible that salty foods don’t taste good to dogs due to an evolutionary advantage. Not being attracted to salty food could help prevent dogs from consuming too much salt and experiencing dehydration.
Image Credit: Ana Sha, Shutterstock
Conclusion
Dogs can taste most flavors that humans can also taste, but spiciness is likely to feel less intense to them. If your dog does happen to eat something spicy, make sure to look for signs of an upset stomach or digestive issues. Dogs that have consumed something particularly spicy should be seen by a veterinarian for further treatment and to ensure they fully recover from ingesting something that could make them feel sick.
Featured Image Credit: Stock Studio 4477, Shutterstock
The post Can Dogs Taste Spice? Vet-Verified Facts & Risks by Jessica Kim appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
Can Dogs Eat Cream of Mushroom Soup? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info
The post Can Dogs Eat Cream of Mushroom Soup? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info by Ashley Bates appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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If your dog just broke into the trash or snatched a plate of leftovers, you want to make sure that anything they got ahold of is perfectly safe, otherwise, a vet trip may be imminent. The good news is that cream of mushroom soup isn’t toxic to dogs. The bad news is that it can cause some gastrointestinal upset, so your dog really shouldn’t eat it.
In this article, we aim to explain exactly what to expect if your dog helped themselves to some of your leftover cream of mushroom soup.
Why Can’t Dogs Eat Cream of Mushroom Soup?
Cream of mushroom soup has a lot of attractive ingredients in it that could make it desirable for dogs, which is probably why you’re reading about this in the first place. If your dog gets the chance to lap up something as savory as cream of mushroom soup, no doubt they will certainly take advantage.
However, like any other human food that is heavily processed, cream of mushroom soup has no real benefit to your dog. It can actually be harmful for the short term, potentially causing some digestive discomfort and upset.
Image Credit: Ana Portal, Shutterstock
Ingredients in Cream of Mushroom Soup
If you want to be totally convinced, it’s important to know what the ingredients are in cream of mushroom soup. Make sure to read the individual ingredients of the particular soup your dog encountered, as recipes can be very different.
Here are the general common ingredients that may present a problem.
Butter
Butter may be a tasty way to caramelize the mushrooms used in cream of mushroom soup, but it is also high in fat, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea on your dog’s part. Large amounts of fat can also contribute to weight gain and obesity.
Stock
Stock refers to a type of broth. This particular ingredient isn’t necessarily the worst one your dog could have when it comes to human food. However, stock is usually high in salt, and your dog really doesn’t need any additional salt in their diet.
Cream
Cream is another doggy no-no in the lineup because it contains lactose, something that most dogs have a hard time digesting. Dairy products, such as cream, can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and gas simply because dogs can’t process them properly. It’s another ingredient that’s very high fat, which could contribute to weight gain as well if consumed regularly.
Seasonings
Some seasonings can be toxic to dogs in large enough amounts, especially garlic and onion powder. So if there is any garlic or onion powder in the cream of mushroom soup, it can make your dog sick.
Image Credit: SUNG MIN, Shutterstock
Risks of Feeding Your Dog Cream of Mushroom Soup
There are plenty of reasons why you shouldn’t feed your dog cream of mushroom soup; but to ease your mind, it likely won’t cause long-term issues from consumption of a small amount.
Gastrointestinal Upset
One of the biggest problems with feeding your dog cream of mushroom soup is the likelihood that it will cause gastrointestinal upset. If they eat enough, it can lead to a whirlwind of issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and general discomfort.
Most of the time these issues will get better within a day or two, but severe cases may lead to dehydration that may need veterinary attention.
If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
Weight Gain
While sneaking a bite or two likely won’t have long-term effects, regularly eating foods with lots of fat and calories in them can lead to weight gain and obesity. Extra calories can really pile weight on a dog’s frame, potentially increasing the risk of things like diabetes and joint disease as well.
Image Credit: McCann Michelle, Shutterstock
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Cream of Mushroom Soup
If your dog eats a small amount of cream of mushroom soup, they will likely be fine. However, monitor them for signs of stomach upset or any other unusual behaviors. Again, unpleasant signs should clear up within a couple of days, but if they don’t or your dog’s signs are severe, contact your veterinarian. You’ll also want to consult your vet if your dog consumes cream of mushroom soup as part of a recipe with other ingredients that could be potentially harmful. The first recipe that comes to mind is green bean casserole as the onions could be toxic to your dog.
Conclusion
So now you know that cream of mushroom soup isn’t something you should knowingly give your dog, even though it isn’t considered toxic. However, if your dog happens to sneak a lick or two, they may experience some digestive upset that could cause issues for a day or two. Consult your veterinarian if your pup eats a lot of cream of mushroom soup or if their signs don’t go away within a short amount of time.
Also see: Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms? Vet-Reviewed Safety & Health Facts
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
The post Can Dogs Eat Cream of Mushroom Soup? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info by Ashley Bates appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
9 Tips For Flying With A Pet
Is the thought of flying with your pet making you nervous? Here are 9 tips from pet owners and experienced travelers to help you and your pet have a safe and enjoyable flight.
Flying With A Pet Doesn’t Have To Be Scary
If you’re considering with flying with a pet for the first time, chances are you feel uncertain at best. Arranging your pet’s reservation and getting all the required documents can be daunting.
And then there are the airline’s pet requirements, and concerns for your pet’s safety during the flight. Perhaps you’ve even considered driving to your destination instead! But if time is a factor, or you’re traveling to another part of the world, flying might be your only option.
If that’s the case, remember that millions of animals fly each year in the United States alone. We hear about the few tragedies and mishaps in the media, but the vast majority of pets traveling by air arrive safely.
Making sure your pet has a safe flying experience starts with you. Be sure to research the airline’s pet policy and record. And talk to staff before and during your flight to help calm your fears. By following the tips below, you will feel more prepared for your flight so you can both arrive a little less stressed.
READ MORE ⇒ US Airline Pet Policies
Tips For Flying With A Pet Safely
1. Talk To Your Vet
The first step when flying with a pet is to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. You want to ensure that your pet is in good health to fly. If you get the go-ahead from your vet to travel, make a second appointment close to your date of departure. Then check with the airline and state veterinarian at your destination to determine what documents you’ll need. It’s not unusual for airlines to require a health certificate that’s issued within 10 days of your flight.
2. Make Sure Your Pet’s Breed Isn’t Restricted
Many airlines have breed restrictions for dog and cat breeds, limiting when Brachycephalic or “short-nosed” breeds like Boston terriers, boxers, and bulldogs, and others can fly. These restrictions are typically related to the weather and for your pet’s safety. Locations with extreme heat and cold are affected more than places with moderate temperatures.
Even during restricted periods, some airlines will allow you to fly with your short-nosed pet in a cabin. Of course then they fit within the size and weight guidelines. Always check with the airline before purchasing your ticket.
READ MORE ⇒ Crash-Tested Crates & Carriers Keep Pets Safe
3. Book In Advance
Airlines allow a limited number of pets per flight, so book early to ensure you can fly when you choose. If your pet is flying in cargo or you’re traveling internationally, it’s especially important to make your reservations well in advance. The airline’s and destination’s requirements sometimes take months of preparation.
READ MORE ⇒ Hawaii’s Pet Travel Requirements
4. Acclimate Your Pet To The Kennel
If you want your pet to be as comfortable during the flight as possible, purchase your pet travel carrier well in advance and start teaching your pet it’s a wonderful place to hang out. Your goal is for your pet to think of the kennel as a den – a portable “safe space” where they can relax and know all is well.
To help your pet develop a positive association with the kennel, start by feed her in it for several weeks leading up to your flight. Put her bed and a few favorite toys inside to encourage her to play, sleep, and retreat inside.
Initially you’ll want to leave the door open, so your pet can come and go as she chooses. Once she’s voluntarily hopping in the kennel, start closing the door for a minute or two. Then slowly lengthen the time the door is closed. If your pet shows signs of anxiety when the door is closed, you’ve moved too quickly. Back up to the previous step and try again.
For your flight, place your dog’s travel bed in the kennel and cover it puppy pads — just in case of an accident.
5. Don’t Give Your Pet A Sedative
Unless your veterinarian recommends it, don’t give your pet a sedative for the flight. Tranquilizers can interfere with the ability to regulate body heat at high altitudes.
If you’re concerned your pet experiencing anxiety, consider calming drops, a vest designed to calm your pet, or CBD oil or treats. (Be sure to check the airlines regulations before flying with CBD oil.)
6. Ask To Board Early
Flying with a pet could make you eligible for early boarding on some airlines – just ask one of the gate agents. Getting yourself and your pet settled before your flight can take some time, and having a few extra minutes will help you both remain calm.
READ MORE ⇒ Flying With Your Cat For the First Time
7. Keep Your Pet’s Health Documents Handy
Each airline has its own requirements for pets flying in the cabin and in cargo. Determine which documents your airline requires and keep them in a place you have easy access to so that when you’re asked by various staff members, you don’t struggle to find them.
8. Locate Pet Relief Areas Before You Fly
Airports are required to offer pet relief areas. Before your flight, map out the closest one to your terminal for efficient pet potty breaks during layovers. You can also ask the staff at the airline gate.
It’s possible that your pet won’t use the pet relief are since the locations are often indoors and on outdoor carpet. Or maybe he just likes to break the rules. Either way, keep some puppy pads handy, in case your pet decides to go somewhere outside of the designated area.
9. Bring A Chew Toy For Take Off & Landing
Like humans, pressure will build up in your pet’s ears during take off and landing. You might see your pet batting at her ears or shaking her head frequently. Give her a chew toy or hard, chewy treats to help relieve any discomfort.
Follow these tips, and flying with your pet will be safe and comfortable for you both.
The post 9 Tips For Flying With A Pet appeared first on GoPetFriendly.com.
Can Dogs Eat Pizza Rolls? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Concerns
The post Can Dogs Eat Pizza Rolls? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Concerns by Chris Dinesen Rogers appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.
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Product developer Beatrice Ojakangas found a gold mine when she created pizza rolls in Duluth, Minnesota, in the 1960s; a time where quick-and-easy snacks and meals were becoming increasingly popular. While pizza rolls are undeniably moreish, they aren’t a healthy treat for your pup, and some ingredients are even toxic to dogs.
Additionally, our pets aren’t accustomed to eating hot foods, and could easily burn their mouth and tongue in their haste to eat this forbidden snack, something plenty of humans have done as well! If your dog was to steal a small piece of a pizza roll, there’s likely no reason to panic, but they are a food that should stay squarely on your plate, and not in their bowl.
Why Shouldn’t Dogs Eat Pizza Rolls?
Although there are many foods that both we and our dogs can consume, it doesn’t apply to everything. Some foods that are perfectly safe for humans are extremely toxic to canines, while others can just make them unwell. Let’s face it, pizza rolls aren’t exactly a health food, and the same aspects that make them an indulgence, not a diet staple, have an even greater impact on our dogs.
Thanks to domestication, our canine companions have evolved to metabolize carbohydrates better than their wild counterparts. Exposure to the foods we consume triggered adaptation in our pets. Many animals ate table scraps people gave them. So although your dog may be able to digest food like pizza rolls, it doesn’t mean they should.
Image Credit: Wow_Pho, Pixabay
Calories
The first red flag involves calories. Depending on which specific brand you buy, a serving size of six rolls contains 200 calories, or about 33 calories per pizza roll. That may not sound like a lot until you consider the recommended calorie intake for dogs versus humans. The suggested amount is 2,000–2,500 for humans. On the other hand, a 10-pound pup should get only 275 calories.
The 33 calories in a single roll comes mostly from fat, so it’s not the best use of their daily allowance. Beyond this, there is very little in the way of nutritional value to be found in a pizza roll. Their primary benefit is being tasty, not healthy.
Sodium
Sodium is a problem for dogs and people. Our bodies have an optimal concentration of electrolytes like this one. If you consume too much of this mineral, your body will retain water, which may increase blood volume, putting pressure on the cardiovascular system. This tends to be more of a chronic issue affecting humans, but theoretically, dogs consuming foods high in sodium could suffer similar consequences.
The amount of sodium contained in a pizza roll is unlikely to cause sodium toxicity, but in very small dogs, it is a possibility.
Dangers of Feeding Pizza Rolls to Dogs
They say that ‘the dose makes the poison’, and the same can be said for a snack like a pizza roll. A single roll to a 70 lb Labrador is unlikely to be a problem, but to a 7 lb Yorkie, electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal distress, and pancreatitis are well within the realms of possibility.
Other dangers of feeding pizza rolls to dogs rest with the individual products and flavors. Therefore, the red flags vary with what you get, although we found some common denominators in all versions that take them off the menu.
Garlic powder and onion powder are found in most types of pizza rolls, and although they often appear far down the ingredients list, they are still an issue. Both onions and garlic are toxic to dogs, and they need only consume 15–30 grams per kilogram of body weight of either one to cause toxicity. And as the powders are concentrated forms of these ingredients, a small amount can trigger a problem.
Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Abdominal pain
GI distress
Vomiting
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Tips for Treats
Treats are part of our bonding experience with our pets, and we love doing what we perceive are good things for our dogs. Part of that involves sharing. However, we strongly urge you to avoid giving your pup pizza rolls. Too many potential issues exist. It is far safer to stick to treats that have been formulated for dogs, or even some pieces of plain, cooked meat.
While treats may be safe for your dog, they aren’t nutritionally complete. They should not make up any more than 10% of their daily caloric intake. We recommend restricting them as training aids to optimize their inclusion in your pet’s diet. For most dogs, the treat is more to do with ‘how’ and ‘when’ it is given, rather than the ‘what’. Therefore, using a small handful of their normal kibble can be a safe and easy way to reward them without adding unnecessary calories or risking stomach upset.
Conclusion
We’ll admit to enjoying pizza rolls occasionally, even if they aren’t the healthiest choice. However, you shouldn’t offer them to your dog. Many things support this recommendation, from the high sodium content to possible poisonous ingredients. Dogs aren’t like humans. They are different species with specific dietary needs suited to their biology. You’ll find that there are many other safer and more nutritious options for your canine companion, such as plain cooked chicken, doggy treats, or just regular dog food.
Featured Image Credit: Rimma Bondarenko, Shutterstock
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