5 Vet-Approved Carob Dog Treat Recipes to Make at Home
The post 5 Vet-Approved Carob Dog Treat Recipes to Make at Home by Misty Layne 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.
You know chocolate is toxic to canines, so giving it to your pup is out of the question. But sometimes those begging eyes are so hard to resist! However, while you can’t feed your dog real chocolate, you can feed them carob, which is “dog-friendly chocolate.”
In truth, carob isn’t related to chocolate, as it’s created from the bean pod of an evergreen tree, which is why it’s safe for dogs to consume. Not only is carob safe (and delicious) for dogs, but it is also high in potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and niacin!
While you can purchase carob dog treats for your pet or carob items from a pet bakery, you can also make your pup homemade carob treats! What can you do with carob that’ll have your dog salivating in no time? Here are five carob dog treat recipes you can make today!
The 5 Vet-Approved Homemade Carob Dog Treat Recipes
These recipes are reviewed for general safety as occasional treats in otherwise healthy dogs. However, these recipes may not be suitable for all dogs. Dogs struggling with obesity, wheat allergies, lactose intolerance, sensitive stomachs, or prone to pancreatitis for example may not benefit from these recipes. It is your responsibility to ensure your dog can cope with everything you feed them. We recommend asking your vet before including these treats in your dog’s diet. Refer to the articles in the sources for a full discussion of the risks and benefits of ingredients.
1. Carob Peanut Butter Balls – Dogster Recipe
Carob Peanut Butter Balls – Dogster Recipe
Equipment
-
Bowl
-
Piping bag optional
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup smooth, natural peanut butter
- 1/8 cup plain quick oats
- 1 tsp pure maple syrup optional
- 2 tbsp carob powder
Instructions
-
Combine oats, peanut butter, and maple syrup (if including it). Mix well.
-
Form marble-sized balls (approximately a teaspoon) with your hand.
-
Roll the balls in the carob powder.
-
Place balls on a tray and put them into the freezer for an hour.
-
Once done, simply grab one of your tasty dog treats and give it to your dog to enjoy!
Notes
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Nutrition: 0.6 grams of sugar (if maple syrup is added)
You should ensure the peanut butter and other ingredients don’t contain any harmful additives. Plain, all-natural peanut butter is best, but it’s critical to ensure it isn’t artificially sweetened with xylitol, which is toxic to dogs.
Image Credit: AB-7272, Shutterstock
Nutrition
2. Glazed Carob Heart Cookies
It seems people enjoy making their dogs heart-shaped dog treats! This recipe requires baking, but it’s still fairly easy to accomplish and comes complete with a yummy glaze your pet is sure to love!
| Calories: | ~62 kcal per cookie |
| Number of Servings: | 2 dozen |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
For the Cookies
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 3 tbsp carob powder
- 1/4 cup water (more may be needed)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp unsalted peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon honey
For the Glaze
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp honey
- Cookie trays
- 3 Bowls
- Whisk
- Rolling pin
- Piping bag or spatula
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a couple of cookie baking trays with parchment paper and set to the side.
- Whisk carob powder, cornmeal, and flour together in a bowl.
- Mix egg, water, oil, peanut butter, and honey in a different bowl.
- Stir wet and dry ingredients together to form a dough.
- Roll your dough to about 1/4” thickness. Use heart-shaped (or whatever-shaped!) cookie cutters to cut cookies out.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then cool in the oven for 10 minutes.
- For the glaze, mix the ingredients in the third bowl.
- Use a piping bag or spatula to spread the glaze on the cookies.
- Put glazed cookies in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving.
3. Peanut Butter and Carob Dog Treats
Peanut butter is so popular in dog treats because what canine doesn’t love peanut butter? These treats also pair peanut butter and carob to make a delicious and healthy treat for your favorite pup.
| Calories: | ~56 kcal per cookie |
| Number of Servings: | 30 treats |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
- 2 eggs
- 1/3 cup unsalted peanut butter
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/3 cup fine polenta
- 1/4 cup carob powder
- 30 carob buttons
- 2 tbsp water
- Baking sheets
- Medium bowl
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix peanut butter and eggs in a bowl.
- Add carob powder, polenta, and rolled oats to the mix. If the mixture is thick, add the tablespoons of water. Stir until fully combined.
- Roll the mixture into balls about the size of a walnut.
- Into each carob ball, press a carob button.
- Bake 25 minutes.
- Let cookies cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
4. Carob, Peanut Butter, and Peanuts Dog Treats
Peanut butter and carob are a big hit together when it comes to dog treats, but these dog treats take things a step further with the addition of chopped peanuts. Of course, if you have concerns about your dog choking on the chopped peanuts, you can simply crush them or leave them off altogether.
| Calories: | ~237 kcal per cookie |
| Number of Servings: | 18 treats |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
- 4 cups oat flour (more if necessary)
- 2/3 cup plain applesauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 6 ounces of carob chips
- 1/2 cup unsalted, chopped peanuts
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper
- Large bowl
- 2 Shallow bowls
- Rolling pin
- Bone-shaped cookie cutter (or cookie cutter of your choice)
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix applesauce, eggs, oat flour, and peanut butter. If the dough is sticky after mixing these thoroughly, add more oat flour as needed.
- Roll the dough out until it’s at 1/4” thickness.
- Use cookie cutters to cut treats, then place shapes on the baking sheets.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Treats will be slightly dark around the edges when done.
- Set treats aside to cool.
- Meanwhile, melt carob chips in a shallow bowl and stir until smooth.
- Place chopped (or crushed) peanuts in a shallow bowl.
- Take cooled dog treats and dip the top of one half into the carob, then quickly roll that half in the chopped peanuts.
- Set treats aside to let the carob harden, then serve!
5. Marbled Pumpkin and Carob Dog Treats
If you want to avoid peanut butter, your dog may enjoy these tasty pumpkin and carob treats. It’s an interesting combination, but many dogs enjoy pumpkin immensely, and with the added bonus of “chocolate,” they’re sure to go wild over these treats!
| Calories: | ~190 kcal per cookie |
| Number of Servings: | 12 cookies |
| Difficulty Level: | Medium |
- 5 tbsp + 1 tbsp canned 100% pure pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix)
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup or honey
- 3 tbsp melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered roasted carob
- Baking sheets
- Bowl
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutter
- Toothpicks
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Combine five tablespoons of pumpkin puree, coconut oil, maple syrup or honey, and eggs in a bowl.
- Begin stirring in flour a bit at a time. The dough should be smooth but not sticky, and you should be able to knead it. You may not need to use all three cups of flour to achieve this.
- Separate the dough into three separate but equal portions and set two aside.
- Keep the last portion in the bowl and knead in carob powder and the last tablespoon of pumpkin puree.
- Once finished, set all dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
- Once the dough is chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and separate it into 1” dough balls.
- Next, smoosh all those dough balls together in random patterns and knead to achieve the marbled look of the treats.
- Once accomplished, roll the dough into 1/4” thickness and cut out shapes for your treats.
- Before sticking treats in the oven, poke each one several times with a toothpick to make tiny holes that will keep the treats from bubbling.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes.
- Let cool and serve!
Conclusion
Making homemade carob treats for your favorite furry pal is easier than you think! Many carob dog treat recipes simply incorporate carob and peanut butter, but you can find others that expand upon this basic combination. No matter what type of carob dog treats you make, though, your pup is sure to love them!
See Also:
- Christmas Dog Treat Recipes: 6 Great Options (Vet Approved)
- 10 Frozen Dog Treat Recipes: Great Summer Options for Your Pup
Featured Image Credit: Lika Lee, Shutterstock
The post 5 Vet-Approved Carob Dog Treat Recipes to Make at Home by Misty Layne 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.
How Old Is 10 in Dog Years? Vet-Approved Guide to Each Size of Dog
The post How Old Is 10 in Dog Years? Vet-Approved Guide to Each Size of Dog by Misty Layne 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.
Click to Skip Ahead
If you have a dog, you’ve likely pondered their age in human years. You’ve probably also tried to determine your dog’s age in human years using the age-old “one year of a dog’s life equals seven years of a human’s life” equation. However, that 7-to-1 equation is more of an urban legend than a fact, so using that method won’t accurately get your pup’s age.
Why do people believe that one year of a dog’s life is equal to seven human years? Well, back in the day, a lot of dogs tended to live to be about 10 years old, and a lot of people lived to be about 70 years old. So, it was determined that 10 dog years was equal to 70 human years; thus, one year must equal seven years.
We know a lot more about figuring out a dog’s “human” age these days, though, and part of why the 7:1 equation doesn’t work is because various factors, like breed and size, affect this age. Dogs also age more quickly in the first few years of life than humans do. So, how can you figure it out?
Take a canine who is 10 years old; how old would they be in human years? Well, they could be anywhere from 56 to 79 years in human years! Here’s how it works.
| Size: | Age in Human Years: |
| Small breed (<20 lbs or less) | 56 years |
| Medium breed (21 to 50 lbs) | 60 years |
| Large breed (51 to 100 lbs) | 66 years |
| Giant breed (100+ lbs) | 79 years |
Source: AKC
How to Calculate Dog Years to Human Years
Calculating your dog’s age to human years involves a bit of math these days. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the first year of a dog’s life equals somewhere between 12 and 15 human years. The second year equals around 9 to 10 years, and from the third year on, each year of a dog’s life is equal to around 4 to 5 human years. However, these numbers have variations because they are dependent upon your dog’s size.
Small Breeds
Though no one is entirely sure why, smaller dog breeds live longer than larger ones. One possible reason for this is that bigger dogs have a faster growth rate, which can increase the chances of them developing cancer, leading to earlier deaths. Regardless, this makes the way to calculate a small dog’s age in human years slightly different than a larger pup. For small dogs, the first year of their life is equivalent to about 15 human years. After their second year of life, they’ll be approximately 24 human years, and after the third, about 28 human years. So, a 10-year-old small breed would be about 56 human years old (or nicely middle-aged!).
Medium Breeds
Calculating the age of a medium breed is quite similar to that of a small breed, as the first three years of a medium-sized dog’s life are also 15, 24, and 28 in human years. But by the time a medium-sized breed reaches the age of six in dog years, they begin to age just a smidge faster than smaller breeds. So by the time a medium breed reaches age ten, they’d be approximately 60 human years old.
Large Breeds
As mentioned, large-breed dogs age more quickly than small and medium-breeds. However, until the age of six, their age is the same in human years as smaller dogs. At age six, these breeds began to grow older fast, though, so by the time a large breed canine is ten years old, they’d be around 66 in human years.
Giant Breeds
Of course, giant breeds age the fastest of all. However, they begin life a bit younger in human years than other canines, as the first year of their life only equals about 12 people years. Their second year of life gets them to 22 human years, but age three is when they start aging more quickly, as by this time, they’re around 31 human years of age. So, by the time they reach the age of ten, a giant breed would be 79 in human years!
What’s the Science Behind Dog Years vs. Human Years?
The science behind canine aging and dog years versus human years still isn’t quite clear. Determining how dogs age isn’t a perfect science because it varies from dog to dog. However, canine gerontology is a growing field of science, and researchers are trying to better determine how our pups age to help promote longevity in canine lives.
A study done in 2019 came up with a newer and more accurate way of determining a dog’s age based on changes to canine and human DNA over time. The process involved studying DNA methylation patterns. As humans and dogs get older, methyl groups are added to their DNA which changes the DNA activity but not the DNA sequence itself. This study was only done on Labrador Retrievers, though, so it’s unclear how the formula the researchers developed might be applied to other canine breeds.1
The Life Stages of a Dog
Canines have four main life stages—puppy, young adult, mature adult, and senior (though the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) includes end-of-life as a fifth stage of a dog’s life). The age ranges for these different stages will again vary depending on your dog’s breed and size but the following gives a general idea of when they are likely to hit different life stages.
Puppy: 0–1 years
The puppy stage age range can vary by dog, as it sometimes takes certain breeds longer to fully mature, but generally, this stage encompasses from birth to the end of rapid growth which in a medium sized dog is around 9 months of age, but for larger dogs can continue until over a year. It is also the most crucial time of a canine’s life as they are learning about the world around them, getting vaccinations, and being trained and socialized.
Young Adult: 1 year –3 years
This stage is from the end of rapid growth to the completion of both physical and social maturity. Training and socialization continues to be very important.
Mature Adult: 3 years–8 years
Once a dog has reached their full size and social maturity they are officially a mature adult! It’s essential to keep your dog healthy during this stage of life with proper home and vet care to ensure they live their longest.
Senior: 8+ years
The senior years of a dog’s life are when you want to ensure you’re keeping a close eye on your pup’s health.
Life Span by Breed Size
| Size: | Average life span: |
| Small breed (<20 lbs or less): | 10–15 years |
| Medium breed (21 to 50 lbs): | 10–13 years |
| Large breed (51 to 100 lbs): | 10–12 years |
| Giant breed (100+ lbs): | 8–10 years |
Source: American Kennel Club
Key Factors That Affect a Dog’s Aging Process
Genetics, such as a dog’s size, is usually the most significant factor in how a dog ages, but some key factors in their life can also affect how they age.
The first is diet. Like humans, dogs who constantly consume unhealthy foods with too much fat or sugar can become overweight or develop health problems, which can make them age faster. The best approach is to stick with high-quality balanced dog food designed to meet your pup’s specific nutritional needs.
Environmental factors may also affect how quickly a dog ages. If a dog is in an environment that doesn’t meet their physical and mental needs, they could age faster. Likewise, if they’re surrounded by an environment that is unhealthy for them, it could affect the aging process.
Conclusion
Though many believe that one year of a dog’s life equals seven of a human’s life, this isn’t actually accurate. How canines age is still a bit of a mystery, but we do know that dogs of different sizes age differently, so how old a dog is in human years at the age of ten can vary somewhat. But if you have a small breed who is ten years old, they are approximately 56 in human years. A medium-sized breed would be about 60 in human years at this age, while a large breed would be 66. And giant breeds would be 79 in human years once they reach age ten.
Featured Image Credit: Kelly Magnuson, Shutterstock
The post How Old Is 10 in Dog Years? Vet-Approved Guide to Each Size of Dog by Misty Layne 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.
Big Announcement Day!
Starting Tomorrow
We WILL Be Doing
3 Set Lives a Week
&
1 Morning Live
Every Other Week!
Monday 1pm.
Wednesday 1pm.
Every Other Friday 8am.
Saturday 7pm.
(All Times are Central)
90 Tough Dog Names for Boy Dogs (Incluing Pitbull)
When it comes to naming a new dog, owners often seek a name that embodies strength, resilience, and power—qualities that…
The post 90 Tough Dog Names for Boy Dogs (Incluing Pitbull) appeared first on The Pitbull Center.
Why Does My Dog Lick My Legs? 5 Vet-Verified Reasons
The post Why Does My Dog Lick My Legs? 5 Vet-Verified Reasons by Misty Layne 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.
Click to Skip Ahead
Our canine companions are the absolute cutest, but they can also be kind of slobbery. While some pups just drool a little here or there, others love licking their humans constantly. Sometimes, those canines who love to lick people lick in the oddest places, too, particularly on the legs and feet.
But why do they do that? Why lick your legs? If your pup is a constant leg licker, there are reasons for them to engage in this behavior. What are the reasons for your many leg baths? Below are the main reasons dogs lick your legs!
The 5 Possible Reasons That Dogs Lick Your Legs
1. Your legs are delicious.
Does your dog tend to lick you after you’ve been working out in the yard or just finished a good workout? If so, they could be licking you because of the sweat on your body. Sweat is salty, and salt is delicious; ergo, your leg is also delicious. Even if you haven’t just finished an activity that’s made you sweat, you might’ve sweated earlier in the day, and your dog is just now picking up on it and having a taste.
A dog’s sense of smell is phenomenal, so they can smell the salt on you even if the sweat is long-dried. This is one of the more common reasons for a dog to lick a person’s legs, so chances are good this is why your dog is licking you.
2. They’re showing affection.
Dogs love to show affection, and one of the main ways they do this is through licking. Sometimes, this involves licking your legs (especially if your legs are the easiest part of you to reach). So, if your dog licks your legs often while you’re cuddling on the sofa or they’re laying at your feet, it could just be them sharing some love with you.
3. They want your attention.
Much in the same way a child might say, “Hey! Hey, look at me!” when they want attention, a dog might lick your legs to get your attention. This is particularly true if you tend to have a reaction when your pup does this. If you giggle or flinch when your pet licks you, you’re reacting to them, and they get your attention, which encourages them to engage in the behavior again.
Even if you negatively react to a dog licking your legs, like saying, “Eww!” your pup could still see it as positive. After all, attention is attention. So, if you aren’t down with having your legs licked, don’t react, but redirect them to something else like a favored toy.
4. They’re grooming you.
Dogs like to groom themselves, groom other canines, and groom you, too, on occasion. So, if you find yourself having your legs licked by your pup, they may have decided you needed a bath and were willing to help out. Grooming is a social activity for canines, as well, so a dog grooming you is something they enjoy because they get to interact with a loved one. It’s part of the whole pack mentality, so consider yourself lucky to be considered part of the pack!
5. They’re anxious.
On a more serious note, sometimes dogs engage in licking parts of your body, including the legs, when they become anxious. When they lick you in these instances, they’re trying to give you a heads-up about how they feel. However, it’s difficult to tell just from being licked how your pup is feeling, so watch them for other behaviors that would indicate anxiety, such as excessive grooming or licking a lot of unusual things, like blankets. If your pet is feeling anxious, you’ll need to determine what is making them feel this way so you can help remedy the situation and curb the behavior.
Should I Be Concerned About My Dog Licking My Legs?
So, should you be worried that your dog is licking your legs? Nope! At least, not unless your pup licking your legs disrupts your daily activities in some way or they appear to be demonstrating signs of anxiety outside of the licking behavior. If either of those things occur, it’s fine to be concerned.
Say your pup is licking your legs constantly while you’re on Zoom calls, and you find it distracting; in that case, you can try to train them out of doing this. Licking is a natural behavior for canines, though, so you’ll have to be extremely patient to manage this.
If your pet is exhibiting signs of anxiety or unease, then you should try to determine what’s making them feel this way. If you cannot locate anything that could be the root cause of the problem, speak with your dog’s vet about what steps to take next.
Otherwise, though, some leg licking here and there is no cause for concern!
Conclusion
Your dog licking your legs isn’t a reason to be concerned, as they could be engaging in this behavior for several reasons. Most of these reasons are benign; your pup may think you taste delicious or simply want to groom you. However, if your pup’s leg licking is getting a bit out of control, take a step back and see if they’re demonstrating any signs of anxiety. Something could be bothering them, and they could be trying to tell you about it.
Featured Image Credit: guys_who_shoot, Shutterstock
The post Why Does My Dog Lick My Legs? 5 Vet-Verified Reasons by Misty Layne 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.
Tips For Teaching Your Dog How To Swim
Not all dogs are born knowing how to swim. Even if you have a breed that’s know for loving the water, you might still might be teaching your dog to swim! And helping him learn now will not only strengthen your bond, but will set you up for a lifetime of fun together.
Why Spend Time Teaching A Dog To Swim?
Every year, an estimated 10,000 dogs drown in the United States. Most of these tragedies occur when dogs get into a pool and can’t get out. Just like people, once an animal is in the water, they quickly tire splashing about. So, teaching your dog to swim is one of the most crucial skills he can learn.
Teaching your dog to love the water while he’s young has additional benefits besides safety. Swimming can be a safe aerobic exercise for dogs with arthritis, those with joint or spinal issues, or dogs that are overweight. In these situations, water supports the body, which reduces pain while allowing them to burn calories.
Swimming is also and excellent way for dogs to burn off excess energy. In fact, it is such great exercise that owners of performance dogs (those competing in agility, flyball, herding, frisbee, tracking and obedience) often use swimming to keep their dogs in top physical condition.
Does Your Dog Want To Swim?
Swimming is fun for a lot of dogs, but others are afraid of or don’t like the water. And some breeds are not naturally built for water sports.
The short-necked, large-chested breeds like Bulldogs can have trouble keeping their heads above water. And even some Retrievers and Spaniels need a little practice to perfect their “doggie paddle.”
GoPetFriendly fans will know that Myles is not a fan of being wet under any circumstances. He even walks around puddles! So, he’s happier admiring the water from a distance.
But Buster loved to swim! Amy and Rod spent many years locating pet friendly beaches where Buster could enjoy playing in the waves.
DO MORE ⇒ Best Pet Friendly Beaches In Florida
Assessing Your Dog’s Swimming Skills
So how will you know where your dog falls on the scale from “might melt if splashed” to “natural born swimmer?” One telltale sign is if the only way he’ll get in the water is on a raft!
Actually, there’s an easy way to tell if swimming is one of your dog’s intrinsic skills. Just hold your pup, or walk with him on leash, in the water. If he struggles to return to dry land, your biggest challenge will likely be helping him overcome his fear. Use toys, treats, and a lot of patience to teach your dog swimming is fun. Or resign yourself (like Amy and Rod did with Myles) that swimming is not going to be one of your dog’s favorite activities.
If your dog starts paddling in the water, but only uses his front legs and slaps the surface with his back paws, he has the skills but will need some help from you to learn to swim. With a little time and support, your pup will learn to incorporate his hind legs and tail to stay afloat.
Finally, if your dog starts kicking his front and back legs in a coordinated motion, he’s got this! You lucked out with a dog who was born with the ability to swim.
Teaching Your Dog To Swim – Safety First
When teaching your dog to swim, a few simple rules can make for a lifetime of fun.
- NEVER EVER leave your dog unsupervised around the water! Install a pool fence or safety alarm, and make sure your dog knows where the steps or ramp are located. You can even place a large vertical marker, like a plant or a flag, by the steps or ramp to help your dog orient himself.
- Teach your dog to find the steps by gently placing him in the water with his feet on the top step and saying “steps” while he gains his footing. Then, take him a short distance away and let him swim to the steps, gradually increasing the distance.
- Dogs need to get used to wearing a life vest. Give your pup plenty of time to figure out how his life vest works so he’s comfortable wearing it in the water.
- During your lessons, maintain control of your dog by using a leash or long line attached to his dog life jacket. Stay in the shallow end, and keep the lessons short – no more than ten minutes. Dogs can’t tread water like humans and will tire quickly, unable to rest with their feet on the bottom.
- If you swim in lakes or other natural bodies of water, vaccinate your dog against Giardia, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea and can be passed along to you.
- Avoid water with a strong current, and stay away from boating and fishing areas where underwater hazards are more likely. Also look for stumps or rocks hidden in the water that your dog could land on when jumping.
- Avoid swimming in water over your own head. A panicked pooch might try to “climb aboard” and push you under.
- Food stays in your dog’s stomach longer than in yours. To prevent bloat, a potentially deadly condition, wait 1 ½ to 2 hours after eating before taking a swim.
- Know pet first aid and brush up on your skills regularly.
- Keep the directions to the nearest emergency veterinarian on hand – just in case!
READ MORE ⇒ What You Should Know About Emergency Vets Before You Need One
Start Slowly
When you’re teaching your dog to swim, you want to avoid bad experiences. Make sure the water isn’t too cold, and never throw or push your dog into the water. Instead, lure him in with a water toy or treat. Many dogs will be happy to wade in as long as they can feel the bottom.
Take Frequent Breaks
Some dogs love the water and won’t want to stop. If your dog starts breathing heavily or if his back end begins to sag in the water, it’s time to get out and take a rest.
Rinse Off To Keep Your Dog Healthy
Chlorine can irritate skin and eyes, and bacteria from lakes or rivers can make your pet sick. After swimming, rinse or shampoo your dog’s coat, and take special care to dry out his ears well.
Have Fun Teaching Your Dog to Swim
Although dogs generally want to please us, you’ll know if your dog is truly enjoying the water. Every sport is not for every person or every dog! Wading in the kiddie pool might be more his speed. Or maybe he’s just a land-lover at heart. But if your dog is having fun, you will too!
More Water Sports
Once he knows how to say afloat and how to get in and out of the water, there are many other fun activities you can do with your canine buddy! Canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, dock diving, retrieving contests, and even team swims await you and your four-legged Michael Phelps or Amanda Beard.
READ MORE ⇒ Tips for Canoeing or Kayaking With Dogs
Just remember to be patient and keep your lessons short. Before you know it you and your dog will be having a great time splashing together!
About the Author: Pet safety crusader, Denise Fleck is an award-winning author & radio show host and animal care instructor who developed the curriculum for her Pet First-Aid & CPCR Classes after training with dozens of schools and organizations, practicing, attending seminars and practicing some more.
The post Tips For Teaching Your Dog How To Swim appeared first on GoPetFriendly.com.
HOLLYWOOD! YOU ARE NEXT!
Saving Jones screening Tacoma, WA
The post HOLLYWOOD! YOU ARE NEXT! appeared first on Stand Up For Pits Foundation.
Can I Feed My Dog Store-Bought Kibble? Vet-Approved Nutrition Facts
The post Can I Feed My Dog Store-Bought Kibble? Vet-Approved Nutrition Facts by Nicole Cosgrove 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.
Click to Skip Ahead
As owners humanize their dogs and the pet industry pushes innovation, dog food has diversified significantly in recent years. Fresh, freeze-dried, and homemade meals now enjoy more attention, prompting many long-time pet parents to ask, “Whatever happened to good ol’ dry food?” Though its popularity may be waning, traditional store-bought kibble is still a practical, safe option for filling any dog’s nutritional needs.
With countless products within a vast price range, not all kibble is created equal. Your product choices have a meaningful effect on your dog’s short and long-term health. If you’re considering a move to dry food or wondering if your current product is right for your dog, we’ll explore whether dogs can eat store-bought kibble and which factors you should consider to make the best decision.
Can I Feed My Dog Store-Bought Kibble?
Store-bought kibble is a safe solution for most dogs that can be as healthy as any canned, homemade, or fresh diet. Manufacturers combine meats, grains, vegetables, and other ingredients (e.g., preservatives, vitamins) in an extrusion process using high heat and pressure to give us crunchy, uniform pieces.
Commercially available dry food comes in many flavors and formulations, making it easy for owners to find food that suits their dog’s breed and life stage.
Image Credit: 279photo Studio, Shutterstock
Benefits of Store-Bought Kibble
Store-bought kibble is usually a complete diet, meaning it provides all the nutrients your dog needs according to AAFCO recommendations. However, you should always check the dog food labels to ensure you’re buying complete food. Homemade diets usually contain nutrient deficiencies
Several organizations, such as the FDA, USDA, and NRC, evaluate commercial kibble against nutritional and safety standards to ensure it is appropriate for dogs to eat.
1. Kibble Is Easy to Store and Serve
Kibble’s shelf life is an essential benefit most consumers appreciate. It lasts for over a year when kept unopened in a dry, cool place and stays fresh for up to 6 weeks when opened and stored in an airtight container. By contrast, fresh and wet foods typically need refrigeration and will only last a few days, at most, when opened.
Canned, fresh, and raw foods aren’t always the perfect portion, requiring you to seal and save the remainder. On the other hand, dry food can be conveniently portioned into meals of any size, making it a sensible solution for dogs in multi-pet households.
Image Credit: Laura Beach, Shutterstock
2. Feeding Enrichment
Kibble is easier to incorporate into enrichment activities like scatter feeding, slow feeders or interactive puzzle toys. These can slow down the rate at which your dog eats and be mentally stimulating and an excellent way to improve quality of life.
3. Kibble May Help Maintain Teeth
Periodontal disease (PD) is one of the most prevalent canine health issues, affecting 80%–90% of dogs over 3 years old. Proper oral hygiene is critical from a young age. Though it won’t replace the need for regular toothbrushing, diet plays a part in maintaining a dog’s dental health.
Studies have shown mixed results for the benefits of “regular” kibble for dental health, but most reveal various perks. Early studies found soft foods were associated with more calculus on teeth and lower salivation, which carries plaque-fighting enzymes.
A large study from 1996 saw few differences in the effects of different dog food formats, though it did note the benefits of various chewing materials.1
Recent studies have reiterated the potential benefits of dry food. Alongside the mechanical action that scrapes plaque buildup, dry food may improve oral microbiota.2 Dogs subsequently enjoy cleaner teeth with better-smelling breath and potentially lower risks for infections that may promote periodontal disease.
The Veterinary Oral Health Council’s website lists foods that have undergone testing to ensure they do help control the buildup of plaque and tartar, but these are typically prescription dental diets that you wouldn’t find in your average store.3
Image Credit: Switlana Sonyashna, Shutterstock
4. Quality of Ingredients
Studies have shown some benefits of dry food ingredients. For instance, a 2022 paper showed that non-essential elements, including cadmium, lithium, and lead, were higher in moist foods than in dry foods.4 Not all ingredients have the same sourcing, so some canned products still have higher-quality components than many dry alternatives.
Disadvantages of Store-Bought Kibble
Store-bought kibble does have some drawbacks for dogs. Some pets may not find it as tasty or easy to eat as wet or fresh foods, and it doesn’t provide enough moisture to maintain your dog’s hydration. Keeping fresh water available at all times is crucial, especially when feeding dry food. Meanwhile, dogs with weak teeth and other dental issues often have trouble chewing, making soft foods the only practical option.
Ingredient quality can be another potential downside to kibble. Dry food needs more antioxidant preservatives to prevent the food from going rancid, adding ingredients that may not benefit dogs. The extrusion process can also reduce nutrition. Protein denaturing, vitamin loss, and other effects can alter the food’s profile, though manufacturers of store-bought kibble generally assess the nutrient quality to ensure it’s adequate.
Image Credit: Nicky J Graham, Shutterstock
What to Look for in Store-Bought Kibble
Commercial kibble is available in different formulations and price points to match your budget and your dog’s needs. Generally, you get what you pay for. Lower-priced foods typically have lower-quality ingredients that won’t support a dog’s health as much as more expensive and all-natural options.
Still, price isn’t the only factor to look at when comparing foods. Reading labels will reveal the best value, and many affordable foods are surprisingly healthy compared to higher-priced alternatives. The following are the essential aspects to consider when comparing foods.
AAFCO Compliance
The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) doesn’t test or approve pet foods, but manufacturers that follow its standards ensure their foods meet the nutritional requirements dogs need for proper growth and body maintenance. The standard sets the appropriate amount of vital nutrients, including:
Protein
Fats
Fiber
Essential vitamins and minerals
When they meet the detailed AAFCO standards, you can feel confident your store-bought kibble won’t be deficient in any aspect and will provide the appropriate ratio of ingredients for optimal health. Look for AAFCO statements on product packaging showing that the dry food underwent testing or analysis to meet those standards.
Image Credit: Caftor, Shutterstock
Ingredients
Store-bought dry dog food lists ingredients in order of concentration by weight. The first ingredient makes up the highest percentage, the second ingredient is the second-most abundant, and so on.
Animal proteins should always be the top ingredient, followed by familiar veggies and carbohydrate sources. Avoid artificial preservatives, flavors, and colors that provide no nutritional value. If you don’t recognize an ingredient, research it. Many seemingly safe ingredients may be detrimental, while some with long, confusing chemical names are perfectly safe.
Split Ingredients, “Meals,” and “By-Products”
Watch out for split ingredients that may diminish the concentration of a particular component. For instance, manufacturers may split corn into several ingredients like “corn meal” or “corn flour.” While each individual component may make up a lower weight and thus show up further down the list, combining them may reveal that corn is the most concentrated component.
You should consider which meats are included in ingredients like “meal” and other by-products. Single protein sources are ideal. Though ingredients like “chicken meal” or “chicken by-product” add some nutritional value, they are often less digestible and bioavailable than higher-quality fresh meats, making them less healthy than simple ingredients.
Image Credit: BearFotos, Shutterstock
Kibble Size
It’s crucial to purchase kibble that is appropriate for your pet’s size. Pieces that are too small won’t provide the mechanical teeth-cleaning benefits of larger kibble, while oversized kibble can be too challenging to chew and digest.
Growth Stage
Dogs have different nutritional needs depending on their age. Puppies need a unique profile to fuel their physical and cognitive development, while seniors may require a product to suit their slowed-down lifestyle and reduced metabolism.
Dog food labels generally note the growth stage, but you can also discuss options with your vet to ensure you’re buying an appropriate kibble.
Final Thoughts
When you know how to read and compare the labels, store-bought kibble can be as healthy as any dog diet and offer unique benefits. Dry food is easy to store, convenient to portion, and may even help your dog’s teeth.
You can talk to your vet about breed and size-appropriate dry meals for your dog and monitor how your pet handles new foods. If they enjoy the taste and don’t show adverse effects, you can feel confident making kibble a regular part of your dog’s diet.
Featured Image Credit: APN Photography, Shutterstock
The post Can I Feed My Dog Store-Bought Kibble? Vet-Approved Nutrition Facts by Nicole Cosgrove 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 Sense Depression and Anxiety? Vet-Verified Facts & Info
The post Can Dogs Sense Depression and Anxiety? Vet-Verified Facts & Info 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.
Click to Skip Ahead
Dogs have a remarkable ability to connect with humans and build strong bonds with them. They’ve learned to become attuned to human emotions and have the amazing capability of sensing anxiety, depression, and other distress signals from humans.
Sometimes, it can feel like your dog has a sixth sense when it comes to your emotions. However, it’s possible that they’re just really good at using their sense of smell. Research has discovered that dogs can detect odors that indicate changes in stress levels. This type of research helps us grasp a better understanding of the unique bond between dogs and humans, which in turn can improve how we train psychiatric service dogs and therapy dogs to help many people in need.
Dogs and Human Emotions
Dogs are observant animals, and they tend to know much more about their owners than we think. They can read body language cues, distinguish various tones of voice, and even read facial expressions and connect them to the appropriate emotion. They often become masters of nonverbal communication and can quickly pick up on their owner’s emotional state by solely relying on their observational skills.
Image Credit: My July, Shutterstock
Can Dogs Smell Stress?
Along with being observant of our actions, dogs have an acute sense of smell. Dogs have powerful noses that can pick up on chemical signals, or chemosignals, emitted from the body. In the wild, dogs have used chemosignal detection to locate food and avoid predators.
With the domestication of dogs, they have picked up on the subtle differences in chemosignal odors that humans emit. Research has found that people’s chemosignal scents are different when they’re at their baseline and when they’re having a stress response. These scents can be found in people’s breath and sweat, and dogs are able to smell and distinguish them.
There are service dogs that have been specially trained to detect the early signs of seizures and other potentially dangerous health episodes before the human patient is aware of them, although we are not yet certain if they are picking up on changes in pheromones, electrical activity, or something else entirely. A 2022 study has found that dogs are capable of detecting and distinguishing chemosignals associated with happiness, fear, and a neutral state of being.
So, even if we might appear calm, your dog may still be able to sense emotional stress because of chemosignals emitted from your body.
How Do Dogs React to Depression and Anxiety?
Research on canine behavior has shown that dogs are capable of feeling a variety of emotions, and they may also have the ability to empathize with people. If a dog sees that their owner is depressed, they may try to help them feel better by cuddling with them or sitting by their side.
Dogs are also capable of experiencing emotional contagion, or “catching” their owner’s emotions. So, if you’re feeling anxious, your dog may also start to feel and show signs of anxiety, like restless pacing and whining. In many ways, your dog may be like a mirror to your emotional state. If you notice that your dog is particularly agitated, stressed, or sad, it just may be that they’re experiencing and reflecting the emotions they sense from you.
We often see the results of this when a person is walking their dog and becomes anxious upon approaching another dog or person. This anxiety seems to travel down the leash and the dog is very soon expressing that stress as well, or may take on a more protective stance to provide security for their worried owner.
Image Credit: Inside Creative House, Shutterstock
How Do Dogs Become Psychiatric Service Dogs?
Some dogs are exceptionally aware of people’s emotional states and can become psychiatric therapy dogs. Good candidates for psychiatric service dog work usually have calm temperaments and are able to stay focused in busy and distracting environments. They’re also people-oriented dogs with an eagerness to please.
Psychiatric service dogs undergo extensive training to help their human companions. They must pass basic obedience training and learn to successfully perform their assigned therapeutic tasks consistently and reliably. Tasks that psychiatric service dogs can perform include waking people up from night terrors, reminding handlers to take their medication, and leading their handlers to a quiet space if they’re experiencing a panic attack.
Psychiatric service dogs can help a variety of people. They’re commonly seen helping people with PTSD, bipolar disorder, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. They can also help children with autism by helping them navigate and connect with the world around them or interrupt self-harming behaviors and be a calming and grounding presence for children.
Conclusion
Dogs are emotional animals and have the capacity to sense and perceive different emotions in humans. They use all their senses to observe and gather information on people’s emotional states. Some dogs even have higher levels of empathy, which makes them excellent candidates for service dog work.
So, the next time you’re feeling down or stressed out, be observant of your dog’s behavior. They may start to reflect your mood or try to comfort you. Either way, your dog is often an excellent indicator of your emotional state of being, and paying attention to them can ultimately help you take better care of your emotional and mental health.
Featured Image Credit: Lucigerma, Shutterstock
The post Can Dogs Sense Depression and Anxiety? Vet-Verified Facts & Info 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.
My Dog Needs Surgery and I Can’t Afford It: 7 Vet-Approved Steps to Take
The post My Dog Needs Surgery and I Can’t Afford It: 7 Vet-Approved Steps to Take 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.
Taking care of dogs is extremely rewarding, but it can also be expensive. There are times when our dogs get into unforeseen accidents or get sick and require surgery, which can cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars, and can significantly affect your finances.
While it’s smart to budget for your dog’s medical emergencies, it’s difficult to predict how much you’ll need, and when. When faced with unexpected medical bills, many dog owners resort to using different financial aid resources to help pay for expensive surgeries. We’ll go over some options and practical next steps you can take if you’re facing challenges with paying for your dog’s surgical procedure.
The 7 Steps to Take if Your Dog Needs Surgery and You Can’t Afford It
Finding ways to pay for unexpected surgeries often requires creativity and trying out different things. Here are a few options to consider that may help you to pay for surgery and treatment costs for your dog.
1. Have Pet Insurance In Place
One of the first things you should do when bringing home a new pet is to get it insured. While it’s something you hope you’ll never need to use, it is well worth having when the unexpected occurs. Be sure to research policies carefully, as some will only pay out for certain conditions, limited amounts, or over limited time periods. If you don’t have pet insurance, you might consider one of the options below.
Image Credit: Yta23, Shutterstock
2. Discuss Payment Plan Options With Your Veterinarian
Because the rising costs of veterinary care services is becoming more and more of a prominent issue, many veterinarians offer payment plans. Payment plans enable people to pay for medical bills over an extended period of time rather than all at once. Some veterinarians may offer other financial assistance programs, so make sure to ask your veterinarian about any options or recommendations that may help you pay for your dog’s surgery.
As the need for this sort of service has become more common, many veterinary practices have adopted a more formal method of payment plan using credit agencies. This allows the owner to take out an affordable plan without depriving the practice of much-needed income.
You can also get a second opinion from another veterinarian to determine if surgery is necessary for your dog. You may be able to find more affordable treatments to help your dog.
3. Pet Care Credit Accounts
Some credit cards are specifically designed for pet owners. You can use them to pay for medical bills and then pay your balance over time. Some credit card plans don’t collect interest as long as you pay within the contracted time period.
However, these types of accounts can have high annual percentage rates (APR), so you must be confident that you can make monthly payments consistently to avoid getting swamped by interest rates and late fees.
Image Credit: LightField Studios, Shutterstock
4. Research Pet Charities
Certain pet charities will provide grants to people with sick pets. Most of these charities provide financial support for service dogs and working dogs that have gotten sick. However, you can find some that have less rigid requirements.
Here are some pet charities that offer help with paying for medical bills:
The Riedel & Cody Foundation
Land of Pure Gold
RedRover Relief Program
The Pet Fund
Banfield Foundation
Some local animal charities offer financial assistance for owners with sick pets. So, make sure to research charities in your community to see if they offer aid for community residents.
5. Contact Veterinary Colleges
Sometimes, veterinary colleges will accept new patients and perform surgeries at a lower cost. This provides practical learning opportunities for veterinary students. So, it doesn’t hurt to contact a veterinary college near you to see if your dog would qualify for surgery at a lower cost.
Image Credit: PeopleImages.com – Yuri A, Shutterstock
6. Rearrange Your Pet Budget
It may not seem like it’ll make a significant difference, but reviewing your pet budget and rearranging spending avenues can help you save money and reallocate it to your dog’s surgery. Take a look at your dog’s food, toys, and general care supplies to see where you can cut costs. Consider using generic brands over name-brand products. You may also want to subscribe to member rewards programs or auto-shipment programs to receive discounts on products.
7. Consider Asking for Donations
This may be the least reliable way to pay for your dog’s surgery, but it is still an option you have. You could consider asking friends and family for donations, especially if your dog is well-loved. You could also consider starting a GoFundMe and sharing it on your social media to have people donate.
The Importance of Pet Insurance
Most pet insurance companies don’t cover pre-existing conditions, and have a waiting period of around 14 days, so they aren’t a lot of help if you sign up for a policy after finding out that your dog needs surgery. However, it’s still worth considering signing up for a pet insurance policy for any future emergencies your dog might need.
The cost of the policy can depend on several factors, including the company, coverage options, and deductible amounts. Also, many pet insurance companies will expect you to pay for the cost up front and they will reimburse you. However, there are some that pay vets directly, so it’s worth exploring your options or asking your vet for recommendations for pet insurance.
Some owners prefer to have a bank account or credit card allocated for vet bills rather than paying an insurance company. Just keep in mind that serious illnesses and complex surgeries can cost thousands of dollars, so it may be worth taking out pet insurance until you are confident that you have enough to cover any unexpected costs.
Image Credit: Rawpixel.com, Shutterstock
Talk to Your Vet
At the end of the day, your vet wants to help your pet get better, but there are also many expenses involved in making this happen, including:
staff salaries
staff training
building and facilities
diagnostic equipment
medical equipment
medications
electricity and water
hazardous waste disposal
and much more
It might seem heartless that your vet is asking for payment when your pet is in need of treatment, but without that income, they cannot stay in business. Talk with your vet about the options before losing hope.
Conclusion
It’s best to explore all your options and to have no stone left unturned. Make sure to have a conversation with your veterinarian to see if you can agree on a payment plan. Reach out to various organizations and nonprofits to see if they offer any financial assistance for pet owners. Don’t forget to review your pet budget to see if there’s any wiggle room with costs. Exploring multiple avenues can help you develop a plan to pay for your dog’s surgery and help them get the treatment and care that they need.
The best way to avoid this situation completely is to set up good pet insurance, but make sure you do the research to make sure your pet is getting the best possible cover.
Featured Image Credit: Dragon Images, Shutterstock
The post My Dog Needs Surgery and I Can’t Afford It: 7 Vet-Approved Steps to Take 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.