Doggie language— debunked

We call it the ‘doggie language’, but do we really understand what a happy dog looks like? Frightened? Submissive etc.? Our dogs communicate in far more ways than some might give them credit for. Wagging their tail is just one of many ways to communicate, their posture, ears, teeth and eyes also communicate certain feelings as well. Here is doggie language, debunked: Happy Dog Wagging tail is one of the signs we identify the most with hapiness in a dog. But there are other ways to know that your dog is content.…

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How you can learn to recognize your dog’s seasonal affective disorder and help him to cheer up

  For most people in the Northern Hemisphere, seasonal depression is nothing new.  Most of us, when the days keep getting shorter, darker and fall whiff of melancholy is hanging in the air, our tail-wagging pooches help us to lighten the mood. But did you know that even the brightest and friendliest pooches are likely to become a little down as winter approaches? Vet experts now believe that not only do dogs suffer from what is called Seasonal Affective Disorder in people, but they also echo humans in turning to comfort food to…

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Is flax seed oil good for dog’s hair coats?

  Flax seed oil is an oil very high in omega-3 fatty acids and lignans. It has been associated with anticancer, antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It has been used in a variety of conditions including allergies, immune problem, and some forms of cancer. As far as  “does it work”? It is hard to know if it works or not. As far as if is safe – in small doses it is probably safe.  

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Safety Alert: This artificial sweetener can kill your dog

What is Xylitol? The artificial sweetener xylitol is a sugar alcohol extracted from corn, birch, raspberries and plums. Often consumed by diabetics and people on low carbohydrate diets, xylitol is gaining popularity as a sugar substitute. Xylitol is toxic to dogs. Xylitol is used to sweeten the following: Sugar-free gum, mints and other candy Nicotine gum Certain prescription drugs Dental hygiene products Baked goods Xylitol is also: Available in granulated form as a sugar replacement to sweeten beverages and other foods. Now being added to some human vitamins (including chewable…

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My dog has constipation. What do I do?

Is your pooch experiencing constipation issues?  This is not an uncommon condition, and  if your dog has a good diet and plenty of exercise, its metabolic system should regulate itself within a few days. However, if diet and exercise fail to solve the problem, consider one of these remedies:   Dark, green veggies (1-2x daily, blended/a teaspoon for every 10 pounds of body weight) Bran – add 1-2 teaspoons of bran to his meal. Alternatively, use psyllium (per 10 pounds of body weight), which can be less irritating for the…

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Holiday reminder: What not to feed your dog

I have put together a small list of foods your dog should never eat. These foods are in our kitchens during the holiday season, raw, baked or cooked. While you’re busy with Thanksgiving and Christmas preparations, remember to keep an eye on your dog and what he/she is up to. The spilled raisins on the floor or the bowl of candy sitting on the coffee table could harm them. It may be a good idea to print out a list reminder about foods dogs should never eat and put it…

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New technique enables your dog to walk again!

In a new study, a team of scientists at Cambridge University have successfully invented a new technique where dogs had olfactory ensheathing cells from the lining of their nose removed, grown in laboratory for regeneration, and then re-injected in the injury site resulting in considerable improvement. The dogs also regained the use of their back legs and coordinated movement with their front limbs. Higher functions lost in spinal injury– hand function, bladder function, temperature function are at this time are still a long way away as they are more complicated.…

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What to think about when road tripping with your dog during holiday season

Holiday season is slowly approaching, road trips are being planned and our dogs want to come along for the ride. Here are some tips for safely and enjoyably taking our four-legged loved ones on the road. #1 Harness/restraint. (Warning, some of these videos may be hard to watch!) According to Barkbuckleup.com, a 60-lob dog traveling at 35mph can turn into a 2,700 projectile in an accident. For the safety of your dog and your family, look for a harness that lets your dog sit or lie down, but will keep…

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