Roscoe n Stella

The post Crystals for Dogs: The Best Healing Crystals for Your Pup 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 may be familiar with the art of crystal healing, an ancient method still used today. Maybe you even have a collection of crystals like quartz, jasper, or amethyst in your home. Crystal healing is said to help heal all kinds of ailments, including spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical. Crystals can also help heal your dog!

It’s important to note that while crystals may help with a pet’s health, energy, or anxiety, this healing method shouldn’t replace vet visits. Crystal healing should be a supplement to taking your pet to the vet. If your dog is experiencing an emergency, they must go to a vet clinic.

But which crystals are the best to use with canines, and how should they be used? Here’s a look at some of the best healing crystals for dogs and how they’re used.

How Does Crystal Healing Work?

Before we get into what crystals are best for use with canines, you should know how crystal healing works and how to choose the best stones for your pup.

Crystals (and gemstones) are thought to give off subtle vibrations. These vibrations are believed to interact with a person or pet’s energy field. By doing this, the stones can restore balance, remove blocks, and generally encourage good health. Crystals and gemstones can be used alone or with other alternative medical techniques, such as acupuncture.

How do you decide what stones should be used for your dog? After all, there are thousands of crystals available for you to use. You can determine what crystals to use with your pet by considering their needs.

Is your pet anxious or high-strung? Then you need calming crystals, like amethyst. Is your pup crazy high-energy? Then, a grounding crystal like quartz could help. Is your dog getting older and suffering from joint pain? Anti-inflammatory stones, such as aventurine, could be useful. Or maybe your canine companion isn’t feeling well; in that case, an immune-boosting crystal or stone, like carnelian, may be beneficial.

The 15 Best Healing Crystals for Dogs

1. Amber

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Amber is supposed to help relieve joint pain and inflammation in dogs, so if your pup has arthritis or joint issues, this could be the perfect stone for them. Amber is also often used in collars as it is supposed to help ward off fleas and ticks. Supposedly, the vibrational field of amber is beneficial in keeping fleas and ticks away (though it may also be that when amber rubs against a dog’s fur, the static helps prevent parasites from clinging; amber is also said to release a scent unpleasant to ticks and fleas).

2. Black Obsidian

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Black obsidian is one of the more commonly used crystals in healing for dogs. This stone helps to reduce anxiety and loneliness when dogs are left on their own, so if your dog has separation anxiety, black obsidian can help! This crystal can also increase creativity. How does that apply to canines? Increased creativity can help dogs figure out and learn new tricks faster, as well as more quickly assess situations and better know how to deal with them.

3. Carnelian

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Carnelian can be used for a variety of things, as it’s thought to have potent healing capabilities. This stone is most commonly used for dogs dealing with age-related illnesses or significant health conditions to help make them feel better and increase vitality. However, carnelian can also be used for dogs dealing with excessive itchiness, as this stone can help soothe whatever is causing them to scratch. And because carnelian can boost confidence, it can be beneficial for pups who are shy or anxious!

4. Chevron Amethyst

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Did you know this crystal is also known as dog tooth amethyst because of its V-shaped pattern? That isn’t why it’s perfect for your canine companion, though. Chevron amethyst is helpful for dogs who are big on barking, as this stone is thought to produce a chill vibe that calms dogs down and reduces barking. That chill vibe chevron amethyst gives off can also help lessen anxiety in dogs, making them less stressed and more easygoing. Finally, chevron amethyst can be used with older pups suffering aches and pains, as it can ease these.

5. Citrine

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If your dog is dealing with depression, citrine could be highly beneficial. This crystal is thought to improve emotional and physical energy by uplifting positive energies. This can increase a dog’s happiness and help them with emotional control.

Citrine is also believed to help calm unruly pups, so it can be used during training if a dog is hyperactive or not paying enough attention. Some even use this crystal to relieve canines with intestinal issues, as it may help soothe those issues.

6. Clear Quartz

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You’ve most likely owned clear quartz at some point in your life as it’s the most common crystal and known as the “Master Healer.” This stone is known for amplifying and strengthening the abilities of other crystals, but it can also be used on its own. Used alone, this crystal can increase focus, which can be useful when training your dog. Clear quartz also strengthens the immune system as it cleanses the body of negative toxins.

7. Green Aventurine

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This stone is known as the “Stone of Opportunity” and was discovered in the 18th century. Green aventurine is renowned for helping pets deal with trauma. Whether your dog has a history of past trauma, like a former abusive owner, or simply is traumatized by moving to a new home, this crystal can help uplift their mood and provide emotional healing. With this stone nearby, your pup will be instilled with newfound joy and confidence.

Green aventurine can also help canines be more resilient against stress and fear. This stone is also believed to have regenerative properties.

8. Howlite

Image Credit: MICHAEL NESSA, Shutterstock

This stone, which somewhat resembles a Dalmatian’s coat, is known for strengthening and growing confidence in canines that are lacking in that area. If your pup needs a boost of courage, this is the stone for them! Use howlite for pups who are shy, nervous, or dealing with behavioral issues due to anxiety.

Howlite may also be used to increase calcium in dogs to promote healthier bone and bone growth. It may also be able to help with soft tissue problems in canines.

9. Moonstone

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This white stone can be used for a variety of issues in dogs. It is most often used to soothe and calm dogs dealing with anxiety, frustration, hyperactivity, or nervousness, as it can make them feel more relaxed. Moonstone is also fantastic for helping you bond with your canine companion, as it fosters connections and understanding.

Other uses for moonstone include soothing digestive issues such as indigestion, helping pets cope with grief, and offering comfort to dogs who are seriously ill.

10. Rose Quartz

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Rose quartz is also known as the crystal of unconditional love, and for good reason! This lovely pink crystal vibrates with a soothing aura of contentment and love, particularly beneficial for dogs with traumatic pasts. It can help fearful dogs open up to new owners more quickly, allowing you to bond with your new pup, and may even reduce muscle tension, making canines feel more relaxed.

11. Smoky Quartz

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Smoky quartz is different from clear quartz as this crystal is used mainly for protection and grounding. Used for protection, smoky quartz works to maintain whatever positivity is around it rather than creating more positivity. It’s beneficial for homes with multiple dogs or pets, as it can help an environment feel safer and more grounded for everyone in the house.

This healing crystal can also be used for physical ailments as it can ease some aches and pains and make muscles feel rejuvenated. Issues with the nervous and reproductive systems may also be helped by this stone.

12. Sodalite

Image Credit: Lady Crystal, Shutterstock

Does your pup need a little help with their attitude and behavior? Have they been feeling extra barky lately or a little bitey? Then sodalite is the stone for them.

This powerful crystal helps canines balance their emotions and reduce their anxiety. Plus, sodalite will help keep a canine calm and boost self-esteem, which will further alleviate any untoward behaviors they may be exhibiting.

13. Tiger’s Eye

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You’re likely familiar with Tiger’s Eye, as it’s a fairly common stone. When it comes to canines, this stone is particularly good for travel. With its incredible grounding qualities, it can protect canines from any sort of negative energies they may be surrounded by during travel. This can be traveling in a car, train, or plane; it doesn’t matter. Tiger’s Eye can help a pup keep from feeling unnerved, making them more comfortable for the duration of the trip.

Tiger’s Eye can even be used on travels such as long walks and big hikes, as it also gives canines a feeling of stronger endurance. This gives them the confidence and agility to conquer distances and more challenging journeys.

14. Tourmaline Quartz

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As you may have guessed from the name and colors of this crystal, the tourmaline quartz is a combination of tourmaline and clear quartz. As such, it has the healing properties of both these stones. What are these properties?

Tourmaline quartz can be used to protect your dog, as it eliminates any negative energies in the nearby area. It can also help with digestive issues as it’s known to rid a dog’s body of toxins. Plus, this stone is believed to strengthen a canine’s immune system, which can help relieve a variety of health issues.

15. Turquoise

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Turquoise has been around forever and is one of the oldest known protection stones. Not only can this stone protect your dog from negative energies that may leave them anxious and depressed, but it also offers grounding in peace of mind. Turquoise can also make an excellent confidence booster for pups feeling a bit anxious or shy. As for healing, this stone can neutralize digestive issues and viral infections.

How Can I Use Healing Crystals With My Dog?

Unsure how to use healing crystals with your pup? There are several ways you can incorporate crystals into your dog’s daily life to give them the aid they need!

Collar charms are one of the most popular ways to utilize crystals for canines. These are simply pieces of crystal or gemstone hanging from a dog’s collar; the dangling stones will bump against your dog as they go about their day and release vibrations. You can make your own by wrapping crystals in wire and attaching them to the collar, or purchase a pre-wrapped stone or collar.

Crystals can also be used in travel by adding a few to your pet’s carrier or seat. To prevent your pet from chewing on the crystals while you journey, tape them down securely or use a non-toxic wrap for crystals.

Crystals can also be used in your pet’s bed! Simply sew some stones into the lining of your dog’s bed or place them beneath the bed to utilize them. When your pup lays down, they’ll be instantly soothed.

Finally, aid your pet with crystals and bond with them by providing them with a doggie massage while holding a stone. This works because the crystal you hold will channel energy through your hands to your dog. Just be sure you use smooth crystals for massage and not ones with jagged edges!

There are plenty of other ways to utilize healing crystals, but these are fantastic ways to get started.

Conclusion

If you’ve never used healing crystals before, you may want to give them a try with your favorite four-legged friend. Healing crystals have been around for ages, are perfectly safe to use, and may offer tons of benefits for canines. However, keep in mind that crystals cannot replace a veterinarian; they should only be used in conjunction with medical advice!

Featured Image Credit: Jennifer McCallum, Shutterstock

The post Crystals for Dogs: The Best Healing Crystals for Your Pup 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.

The post Can Dogs Eat Ribs? Nutrition Facts & Precautions by Chantelle Fowler 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.

Ribs—whether we’re talking beef or pork ribs—are a tasty main dish that is just as good on the grill as in the oven. However, if you’re whipping up some ribs for dinner tonight, you might wonder if this is something you can share with Fido when they inevitably express interest in having a taste of what’s on your plate.

In theory, all beef and pork cuts are safe for dogs to eat so long as they’re cooked and kept simple (no seasonings or spices). However, the pork and beef rib bones are a different story. Regardless of whether the bone is raw or cooked, it can present several hazards for your pup. Read on to learn more.

Can Dogs Eat Ribs?

As mentioned in our introduction, Fido can typically safely eat pork and beef rib meat, but you should skip the bone.

However, it’s essential to know that not all pork or beef you make for yourself will be safe for your pup. Any meat you offer your pets must be (a) fully cooked and (b) free of potentially toxic spices or seasonings, such as onion or garlic.

If you’re making yourself a batch of delicious ribs for dinner tonight, you’ll probably use a marinade or rub to add some flavor to your meat. If you plan on offering your pup even the slightest taste of your meal, you must put aside a rib or two for them before adding any flavorings or seasonings to the meat and cook their small portion plain.

Image Credit: Dina Belashova, Shutterstock

Benefits of Offering Ribs to Dogs

Beef and pork have a lot of potential benefits for Fido. Both beef and pork offer a lot of protein, which is essential for forming and maintaining cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Protein also promotes muscle, skin, hair, and nail health.

Both meats provide the following vitamins and minerals for dogs:

Pork Benefits & Nutrition

Pork is highly digestible and has an excellent amino acid profile. It’s also a unique protein source most dogs are typically exposed to and may be less likely to cause allergic reactions than other proteins.

For every 3.5 ounces of cooked ground pork:

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Beef Benefits & Nutrition

Beef contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote skin and coat health in dogs. Like pork, it also contains essential amino acids your dog needs to thrive and cannot produce on their own.

For every 4 ounces of cooked beef:

Considerations for Offering Ribs to Dogs

Moderation is vital when offering your dog any human food.

As you can see from the nutritional information above, both beef and pork are high in fat. Fat is very high in calories (nine calories per gram) when compared to protein and carbohydrates (both offer four calories per gram). Eating too much fat too often cannot only lead to weight gain and an upset tummy but may also put your pup at risk of developing pancreatitis.

Image Credit: Boryana Manzurova, Shutterstock

Why Can’t Dogs Eat Rib Bones?

Bones, cooked or raw, could lead to an unexpected and expensive veterinary visit, emergency surgery, or even death.

Bones can easily splinter into shards and become a choking or obstruction hazard for your pup. Additionally, these sharp pieces of bone can also cut your pet’s mouth, throat, or intestines on its way down.

When you’re finished with your delicious rib meal, dispose of the bones properly as soon as possible. Mischievous dogs can easily get into garbage cans and help themselves to the bones you denied them at the dinner table.

Final Thoughts

Dogs can eat ribs, so long as you only offer the meat and keep your pup away from the rib bones. Both beef and pork are a great source of protein, vitamins, and minerals your pup can benefit from. However, they’re also both high in fat, which means you should only offer them occasionally as a special treat to prevent weight gain, an upset tummy, and pancreatitis.

Remember, if you decide to give Fido a taste of your beef or pork rib meat, make sure it’s fully cooked and free from any potentially toxic seasonings.

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The post Can Dogs Eat Ribs? Nutrition Facts & Precautions by Chantelle Fowler 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.

The post Do Dogs Have a Gag Reflex? Our Vet Explains by Dr. Ashley Darby BVSc (Veterinarian) 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.

If you have seen videos of a dog making a retching noise, you might wonder if it’s due to a gag reflex. We’re here to tell you, that yes, dogs have gag reflexes just like humans. Yet another thing we have in common!

Before reading this article, you should ensure what your dog is really doing is gagging. Vomiting and coughing can both look a lot like gagging, and can be associated with gagging so it can be difficult to tell the difference. True gagging is when the pup lowers their head, sticks out their tongue, and makes a retching sound, but isn’t moving air out their lungs or bringing up vomit. If you’re not sure, take a video of the behavior to show to your vet.

Dogs Have Gag Reflexes

As you now know, dogs do have gag reflexes that work in the same way as humans and other mammals. There are two pipes that run through the neck, with their entrances being side by side in the throat. The esophagus is the pipe for food and water to enter the stomach, whereas the trachea or windpipe is an airway. The gag reflex evolved to protect food from entering the airways, preventing life-threatening choking and aspiration pneumonia. Interestingly, the gag reflex develops in the fetus, meaning it is present before birth. During a puppy’s time with their mother, the sensitive gag reflex will prevent them swallowing food that is too solid for them.

During gagging the muscles in the throat contract and the soft palate lifts up with the aim of expelling food. However, more complex behaviors like opening the mouth, and sticking out the tongue occur with gagging. Severe gags can lead to vomiting. Tactile sensation within the throat stimulates the gag reflex and the nerves carry impulses to the brainstem and back to cause the gagging without conscious thought. Certain diseases can stimulate the gag reflex or cause it to become more sensitive.

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The 9 Reasons Dogs Might Gag

1. Something They’ve Eaten

We all know the dog that hoovers down their kibble or tries to eat things that aren’t food. If the body registers something in the throat that can’t be easily swallowed, say a piece of string or a large bite of food, it’s normal for the gag reflex to be triggered to protect the airway. In sensitive people, sticky or mushy food textures can stimulate a gag reflex, the same could be true for dogs. A large lump of peanut butter stuck in the throat would probably cause a dog to gag! If they try to eat something sharp this could also lead to gagging, especially if it gets stuck in the throat. Using a slow feeder and elevating the food bowl during meals can help prevent gagging. You should also give your dog a drink of water if they gag after eating.

2. Severe Coughing

Severe coughing can result in inflammation and mucus in the throat triggering the gag reflex. Coughing is a sign of problems that can range from mild to life-threatening, not a diagnosis in itself. If coughing triggers the gag reflex, vomiting or regurgitation can often follow. Your dog may bring up food or brown/yellow stomach contents. Kennel cough is a common viral cause of coughing and inflammation in the upper respiratory tract. It can cause a hacking cough, which tends to increase with excitement or exercise. Similar signs can also be caused by tracheal collapse, where the windpipe collapses on itself like a wet paper straw. This is common in small breed dogs, and is more of a chronic condition.

Image Credit: Dhanoo Surasarang, Shutterstock

3. Local Infection

If there is inflammation of the throat or larynx, this sensitizes the nerves and the gag reflex which could lead to more frequent gagging. Dental disease, which causes plaque and bacteria to accumulate in the mouth is the most common cause of inflammation and infection in the mouth. Infections can also lead to a thick discharge that activates the gag reflex; fungal infections, though uncommon, will generally cause a lot of nasal discharge. If you notice any nasal discharge, excessive drooling, or bad breath, your dog may be gagging due to an infection.

4. Smoke or Fume Inhalation

Severe smoke inhalation is most common in dogs that have been in a house fire but exposure to things like cleaning products, pool chemicals, varnishes, strong fragrances, aerosol sprays, and cigarette smoke can also be harmful for them. If your dog has inhaled a substance, it will travel through their nose, throat, windpipe and lungs. Depending on what has been inhaled this can result in mild irritation to chemical burns. Either way, the inflammation in the throat will lead to a sensitive gag reflex.

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5. Laryngeal Paralysis

The larynx or voice box is the organ in the throat that controls swallowing and vocalizations. It represents part of the upper airway and can be felt as a firm structure under your dog’s neck. Some dogs will develop a condition called laryngeal paralysis where the nerve that controls the muscles of the larynx no longer works. This occurs frequently in older large breed dogs, especially Labrador Retrievers. Laryngeal paralysis leads to gagging and other signs like noisy breathing, exercise intolerance, changes in bark, and coughing due to inhaled food. It can cause respiratory distress and in some cases surgery is needed to improve a dog’s quality of life.

6. Trauma

Trauma can cause an abnormal gag reflex in a few different ways. Damage to the larynx or trachea can cause air to enter abnormal spaces, and gagging can be one of the signs of a problem. If a blood vessel is ruptured in the area blood can also pool in areas in shouldn’t and trigger gagging. Finally, brain injuries can affect the control centers for gagging in the brain stem, causing gagging signals to arise from the brain without cause.

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7. Neurological Problems

Since gagging is controlled by the brainstem and nerves, diseases affecting these structures can lead to frequent and abnormal gagging. Infections, cancers, and specific diseases, like myasthenia gravis, a condition where an animal lacks enough of the neurotransmitter needed for movement, can all cause gagging. If your dog has neurological problems, they will probably have other signs of disease like behavioral changes, confusion, wobbly gait, or abnormal reflexes.

8. Cleft Palate

Cleft palate is a congenital problem that can be noted in newborn puppies. These pups have a defect in the hard and soft palate that creates a channel between the oral and nasal cavities. When they try to drink milk or eat, part of their meal enters the nasal passages which can result in food coming into the airway. The gag reflex then functions normally to try and protect the puppies but often food is inhaled anyway leading to further complications.

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9. Cancer

Cancer in the throat is not uncommon in dogs. Cancerous growths can arise from the tissues surrounding the throat, tongue, tonsils, or larynx. Growths that sit around the throat can stimulate the nerve cells, in the same way that a large chunk of food stuck there would, triggering a gag. Different cancers can also impact the neurological pathways that control the gag reflex leading to abnormalities.

When to See a Vet

You should see your vet if there is no obvious cause for your dog’s gagging in terms of something they have eaten. You should also have your dog examined if the gagging occurs frequently or doesn’t stop quickly. You can call your vet for advice about how urgent your dog’s condition is; however, there are some signs your pup will need to be seen at an emergency clinic.

Conclusion

Gagging is a normal, helpful reflex in mammals including our beloved dogs. If your pooch has been over enthusiastic with their eating their gag reflex may have just saved them from choking or aspiration pneumonia. However, gagging is not a common occurrence in normal dogs. If your dog is gagging frequently, or has an episode that doesn’t stop, there is an underlying cause that needs to be addressed. Many causes of gagging can be treated relatively easily or even cured however, the only way to know the best individual plan for your dog is to get them seen by your vet. We wish them a speedy recovery!

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The post Do Dogs Have a Gag Reflex? Our Vet Explains by Dr. Ashley Darby BVSc (Veterinarian) 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.

The post Can Police Dogs Smell Vapes? Vet-Verified Facts & Info 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 already know that dogs have an incredible sense of smell; this is why they’re often used in police work for sniffing out drugs or bombs. Canine breeds working with the police usually have the best sense of smell among dog breeds, too. So, if you’re carrying a vape, you might wonder if a police dog can smell it.

The answer to that question is that they can, but in most cases, they’ll ignore it because it isn’t what they’re hunting for. Here’s what you should know about police dogs when carrying a vape.

What Are Vapes?

You’re probably familiar with vapes, but in case you are not, vapes are e-cigarettes. They are handheld devices that were designed as an alternative to smoking cigarettes wherein nicotine is released in the form of heated water vapor rather than smoke. Though their original purpose was to help wean people off cigarettes, that’s not often how they’re used today.

Vapes have experienced an increase in popularity over the past few years, especially with teens, as they’re less harmful than cigarettes and feature lots of fun flavors. However, this doesn’t mean vaping is completely harmless. Though vapes eliminate smoke and tar, they still contain chemicals that can cause issues with the lungs (plus, there’s the whole nicotine addiction that comes along with them).

Can Police Dogs Smell Vapes?

A police dog can smell vapes because they have an incredible sense of smell. Whether they’ll be interested in the vape or not depends, though.

The main reason this depends on is that police dogs are trained to scent out a handful of things. Most police dogs are trained to locate illegal substances, like cocaine, meth, or marijuana. However, nicotine isn’t illegal, so many canines aren’t taught to sniff that out, which means they’ll smell the vape and move past it because it isn’t what they want.

There are exceptions to this, though. Because vaping has taken off with kids still in school, some canines are taught to locate nicotine, and some schools invite these police dogs onto campus specifically to find vapes. So, if a dog has been trained to smell nicotine, they will absolutely smell and react to a vape.

The other reason a dog might react to smelling a vape is because not all vapes are used for only nicotine. Vapes can also be used for illegal substances, like marijuana. If a police dog trained to locate marijuana comes sniffing around and you’re vaping that, they’re going to find it.

So, dogs can smell vapes regardless of what they hold, but whether they react depends on what they’ve been trained to detect and what you’re vaping.

Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock

How Are Drug Dogs Trained?

How are drug dogs trained to learn the scents of certain substances and then indicate they’ve been found?

Well, it all starts with playtime. A potential drug dog is given a toy that has no scent on it. Once the dog has gotten used to playing with the toy and seeks it out constantly, the real training begins.

At this point, a handler will put the drug scent on the toys. The toy is hidden in different places, and the dog’s job is to hunt the toy down. Once they’ve found it, they get a play reward. Hiding these toys starts off easy but gradually becomes more difficult as the toy is hidden in places that are much harder to find. The dog is searching out the scent of the illegal substance but thinks they’re seeking out their toy.

Finally, a dog is taught to exhibit a certain behavior to signal they have found their toy. This could be sitting down, bowing, barking, etc. Once the dog has mastered this, they are able to locate the scent of the substance at any given time and then give the signal when they find it.

Can I Hide My Vape From a Police Dog?

You cannot. A police dog is going to smell a vape, whether that’s what they’re looking for or not. If you’re concerned about running into a police dog with your vape because nicotine isn’t allowed at your school or work or because you’re vaping a product with drugs, even leaving the vape at home may not work. The dog may still smell the odor of nicotine or drugs on you or your clothes.

Image Credit: haiberliu, Pixabay

Final Thoughts

Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, which is why they’re used so often in police work. Police dogs can sniff out any number of items, including bombs and illegal substances.

Sometimes, these dogs are also trained to locate nicotine, although that’s fairly rare since this substance is legal for adults. Just because a police dog isn’t trained to sniff out nicotine, though, doesn’t mean they won’t smell a vape; they’ll smell the vape, just like they do all the scents surrounding them. However, if that isn’t what they’re trying to find, they won’t react.

Since the dogs detect odors, they can smell the presence of drugs or nicotine even if you don’t have them on you. Just because you leave the vape at home won’t stop a dog from smelling its odor on you.

Featured Image Credit: Dmytro Tyshchenko, Shutterstock

The post Can Police Dogs Smell Vapes? Vet-Verified Facts & Info 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.

The post My Dog Ate a Wasp: Our Vet Explains the Risks, Signs & Next Steps by Dr. Kim Podlecki DVM (Veterinarian) 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.

All of us are likely aware of people who have serious allergies to bees and/or wasps and become worried that the same thing can happen to our dog. Oftentimes we notice our dogs lying in the sun, minding their own business, only to be interrupted by a buzzing wasp around them. If your dog is anything like mine, they will also be bothered by the noise of a buzzing wasp and try to grab them in their mouth. Luckily for us, severe allergic reactions are rare in dogs from eating a wasp, though still possible. Most commonly, though, nothing will happen except some swelling from a potential sting.  It’s best to monitor your dog for any type of reaction, and contact a vet if a reaction occurs.

Risks of Your Dog Eating a Wasp

Potentially nothing. Sounds crazy right? But some dogs will have absolutely no reaction to eating a wasp and/or getting stung by a wasp. Other times your dog may be at risk for a severe anaphylactic reaction. This is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical care by a veterinarian. Anaphylaxis is rare, but possible. There is no way to know if your dog will suffer no reaction, anaphylaxis, or a mild allergic reaction (most common). Because there is no way to predict or prevent a reaction, we always recommend taking precautions and keeping your dog away from any areas with bees and/or wasps.

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Signs Your Dog Ate a Wasp

The most obvious could be that you physically watched your dog ingest a wasp. This is most common in a dog who loves to chase them, or who is lying on the porch or in the yard with a wasp or two buzzing around their face.

Other times, you may not witness your dog ingest the wasp but start to frantically paw at their mouth and/or face. This could happen immediately if the wasp stung your dog’s mouth as it was swallowed, or occur once an allergic reaction sets in. If your dog has an allergic reaction to a wasp, you will either notice it immediately (anaphylaxis), or up to a few hours later. Anaphylaxis is fairly rare in dogs, but will often cause your dog to immediately vomit, collapse, and develop difficulty breathing, pale gums, and severe weakness. Immediate veterinary care is needed if this happens.

More commonly we will see a mild allergic reaction develop hours later, most commonly as a swollen face, ears, muzzle, and/or hives over any part of the body. With the swelling and hives, your dog will also start to itch. You may notice them shaking their head, pawing at their face, or rubbing their face/head frantically on the ground or against furniture.

The 7 Steps to Take if Your Dog Ate a Wasp

1. First, Don’t Panic

As we mentioned above, nothing may happen if your dog eats a wasp. If something does, most commonly it will be a mild allergic reaction. Don’t panic if you notice your dog has eaten a wasp, or is chasing them. Stay calm so that your dog will also stay calm.

2. Do Not Attempt to Open Your Dog’s Mouth

If you actually see your dog snap at and catch a wasp, do not run to them and attempt to pry their mouth open. Not only will this freak your dog out, but you can seriously hurt them by forcing them to open their mouth. Chances are once the wasp is in, it’s already dead and/or swallowed and you will not be able to recover it.

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3. Do Not Put Anything into Your Dog’s Mouth or Down Their Throat

There is absolutely no reason to do this. You may have read inaccurate information online about “absorbing” wasp toxin and/or coating your dog’s mouth to help with the irritation of a sting. But there is absolutely nothing that does this. Not only can you hurt your dog as we mentioned above, but if you force your dog to try and swallow something, they may actually choke or aspirate the liquid, potentially causing life-threatening complications.

4. Monitor for Anaphylaxis

We mentioned above that while rare, anaphylaxis can happen. If your dog is having an anaphylactic reaction to a wasp sting, you will know within a few minutes. Typically, your dog will vomit, sometimes have diarrhea as well, and then collapse. They will often not lose consciousness but suffer acute weakness, collapse down, start to have trouble breathing, and become pale. If you notice any of this, scoop your dog up, get them into the car and take them to your nearest emergency clinic.

5. Look for an Allergic Reaction

If your dog did not suffer anaphylaxis, they may be fine. Other times, an allergic reaction may set in minutes to hours after they eat a wasp. Watch for your dog shaking their head, itching and/or rubbing their face, swelling of any part of the face, or hives. Even if your dog ate the wasp, hives, redness, and swelling can occur anywhere on the body. Don’t panic if you notice this. Even with facial swelling, it’s not common for dogs’ throats to “swell shut”. You have time to collect your thoughts and get your dog appropriate treatment.

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6. Contact Your Veterinarian, an Animal Poison Control Center, or a Telehealth Veterinarian

Unfortunately, I am unable to give you a dose of over-the-counter (OTC) medications that you may be able to give your dog. This is because in many states, it’s illegal for veterinarians to give medication dosages without first seeing the patient. However, I’m here to tell you that your veterinarian, if your dog is up to date on their vaccines and exam with them, or newer telehealth veterinarians, may be able to do this for you. Many dogs do perfectly fine with a few doses of OTC diphenhydramine if they are having a mild allergic reaction from a wasp. However, it’s always recommended to ask a veterinarian so that appropriate medications and dosages can be recommended based on your dog’s health and current medications.

7. Always Seek Care If You’re Concerned

Any dog having an anaphylactic reaction needs immediate veterinary care. If your dog is acting fairly normal, or only having a mild allergic reaction, it’s still OK to seek care if you are concerned. Some dogs will do better if they see a veterinarian and receive injectable antihistamines versus taking them by mouth. It’s never wrong to seek out veterinary care even if it’s just to help you sleep better at night.

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Conclusion

Eating a wasp is fairly common, especially in the summertime. Many dogs will get bit when they are just lying outside minding their own business, while others will actively try to catch the wasp in their mouths, ultimately swallowing them. Some dogs will have absolutely no reaction to swallowing a wasp. Others may develop mild allergic reactions up to hours later, resulting in mild swelling, redness, and hives of the skin. Rarely anaphylaxis will occur, but it is possible. If your dog vomits, collapses, becomes pale, or has any trouble breathing, get them to the nearest veterinarian as soon as possible. If your dog is only having a mild reaction, then you may be able to safely give an OTC dose of diphenhydramine based on your veterinarian’s dosage recommendations.

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The post My Dog Ate a Wasp: Our Vet Explains the Risks, Signs & Next Steps by Dr. Kim Podlecki DVM (Veterinarian) 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.