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How to Safely Cut Your Dog’s Nails

By Alina Jumabhoy

How to Safely Cut Your Dog’s Nails

Photo by Show 131/ CC

While some dogs are able to naturally keep their nails quite short, others need to have their nails clipped on a regular basis.

Why?

Because when a dog walks with long nails that touch the ground, this causes the nail to be pushed back upwards into the nail bed, placing unnecessary pressure on the dog's toe joints. This can lead to quite a bit of pain, along with arthritis in the toes.

Nails that are too long can also affect your dog's posture and gait. This can then cause problems in the future when it comes to the muscles and joints in the legs.

Wondering how to safely cut your dog's nails?

Here is everything you need to know...

Begin By Handling the Paws

Before you can even think about starting to cut your dog's nails, you need to make sure that your pooch is happy having his paws handled.

This is a process that needs to begin long before the nail clipping. Ideally, it is something that you should start when your dog is young.

All you need to do is handle and touch your dog's paws as often as possible. Praise him for good behavior, offering up treats too.

Once your dog is comfortable having his paws touched, you can then introduce the clippers. You don't need to cut anything just yet – simply show your dog the clippers and regularly place these next to his nails. Don't forget to keep praising and treating!

Make Sure That You Have the Right Tools

In order to cut your dog's nails safely and efficiently, you will need the right tools.

Dog nail clippers come in a few different styles. The one you want to use is the scissor-style of clipper.

Why?

Because these give you better control. When compared to the guillotine-styled clippers, they don't crush the toe either. This makes the process more comfortable for your dog.

Clippers are also available in different sizes. You need to use a size that is suitable for the size of your dog and his nails.

Make sure that your nail clippers are sharp too. If they aren't, you will need to sharpen them or replace them.

One more thing to keep nearby when you start to cut your dog's nails is...

Corn starch!

Why would you need corn starch?

Because this is what you should apply to the nail if you cut the quick. The quick is the blood vessel that runs through the nail, and you should be able to see it if you look at the nail closely. You should always cut above the quick, because cutting the quick will cause it to bleed.

The corn starch will stop the bleeding, enabling you to get on with the rest of the nails.

Can't see your dog's quick?

If your dog has black nails, the quick will be harder to spot. You will need to take things slow, cutting in small amounts and keeping an eye out for a white color on the area that has just been cut. As soon as the white gives way to a darker circle in the center of the nail, stop cutting, as this is the quick. 

Getting Started with Cutting Your Dog's Nails

Ready to get started?

You will need to hold your dog's paw in your hand. Make sure that you have a firm grip, but are being gentle too. Try not to squeeze the toes either, as this will only be painful for your pooch.

Then, hold the clippers at a 45 degree angle over the nail.

Rather than taking a large chunk off on your first go, start with small amounts.

As you cut, make sure that you keep inspecting the nail. As soon as you see the inside of the nail looking white, with a small black dot in the middle of it, it is time to stop, as you are reaching the quick.

You would probably be best off starting with the hind legs rather than the front. Those nails tend to be less sensitive, making them easier to cut.

Can't get your dog to stay still?

Even when dogs are used to having their paws handled, they may still struggle when it comes to having their nails clipped.

You need to be gentle but confident while doing so. Your dog will pick up on any nerves you may have, and will only struggle even more.

Giving your dog a treat each time you clip a part of his nail can help to build up positive associations with the process.

If you really can't manage on your own, don't battle your way through. You want this to be a calm and quick process that doesn't stress your dog out too much. Consider enlisting the help of a friend when it comes to restraining your dog, so that you can get the job done quickly.

You could also take things even slower, cutting just one nail a day. So long as you keep the experience positive, it won't take too long for your dog to grow accustomed to the process, and he will soon allow you to clip his nails without any problems.

Need to Cut Your Dog's Nails Even Shorter?

If your dog hasn't regularly had his nails clipped, then the quick within them will be quite long.

However, if you need a shorter cut, don't worry, as this will come with time.

Each time you cut your dog's nails, the quick will recede a little more. This means that the next time you go to cut your dog's nails, you will be able to cut them a little shorter.

Perfect Your Technique

If you have multiple dogs, or if you simply want to learn how to get better at cutting your dog's nails, you can always ask a professional for some extra advice.

Your vet or your groomer will be able to talk you through the clipping process, arming you with plenty of additional techniques to ensure that the clipping goes smoothly.

Cutting your dog's nails can seem frightening at first, especially if you have never done this before. However, so long as you take things slowly and calmly, the process is easy, and is something that you will be able to repeat every few weeks.

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5 Natural Dog Supplements to Boost Your Pet’s Health

By Alina Jumabhoy

5 Natural Dog Supplements to Boost Your Pet’s Health

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of Fran__ @ Pixabay

The needs that a dog has will change as they progress through life, and it is so important that you are able to cater to these evolving requirements. Natural dog supplements are a great way to do this – they will give your dog's health a boost, preventing potential medical problems and keeping your pooch in top shape.

Here are five natural dog supplements to consider:

1. Glucosamine

Glucosamine is one of the most popular natural dog supplements out there, especially among owners who have older dogs.

Never heard of glucosamine before?

It's an amino sugar that is found naturally in the body. It is found in highest concentration in the fluid that surrounds the joints, and helps when it comes to building new cartilage.

How will a glucosamine supplement help your dog?

Research shows that it is particularly effective when it comes to tackling arthritis. It minimizes joint pain and increases a dog's mobility.

However, it does take a while for glucosamine to have an effect. Studies show that its benefits are only noticeable after about 70 days, although it is likely that your dog will be feeling some comfort internally earlier than this.

Glucosamine supplements are available in a variety of forms. From pills and powders to treats, pick whichever one would be easiest for you to feed.

2. Omega Fatty Acids

Your dog cannot produce omega fatty acids on his own. This is why supplements are so important.

The most common type of omega fatty acid supplement is fish oil, but this has been getting a bit of a bad rep lately...

Why?

Mostly because of its high oxidation rate. The fatty acids in fish oil are highly susceptible to oxidation. When this occurs, the compounds within turn toxic, resulting in premature aging along with various diseases. It is hard to prevent oxygen from degrading fish oil products. Even those in gel capsules are still not able to fully block oxygen out.

So, what should you be using instead of a fish oil?

Phytoplankton is becoming a popular alternative. These natural dog supplements are made from certain algae and bacteria. They can also be farmed in filtered water, meaning that you don't need to worry about all of the toxins that usually also accompany fish oil. 

Phytoplankton has another benefit too...

It contains a potent antioxidant that has been shown to increase lifespan.

3. Probiotics

Probiotics are key when it comes to your dog's health, as well as your own.

What exactly are probiotics?

They are live yeasts and bacteria that help to support the gut and the immune system. They can be used to treat specific health problems in your dog, from allergies to diarrhea to digestive issues, and can also be used as a daily supplement to keep your pooch's immune system functioning optimally.

There are so many different forms of probiotics out there. You could go for a capsule or powder version, or even feed your dog some natural yogurt.

If you would like to make your dog's probiotics at home, look into milk kefir. This is so easy to make, and contains several probiotic strains, making it one of the best natural dog supplements out there.

4. Turmeric Paste

Also known as golden paste, turmeric paste has shot up in popularity when it comes to natural dog supplements.

What exactly is turmeric paste?

It's a paste that is made from turmeric, water, black pepper and an oil. It takes less than ten minutes to make this yourself at home, although you can also purchase pre-made versions.

How does turmeric paste benefit dogs?

In a number of ways, including:

  • It is a powerful anti-inflammatory

  • Fighting bacteria

  • Preventing blood clots

  • It helps to prevent certain types of cancer

  • Can treat allergies

  • It helps a dog to detox

  • Acts as an effective form of pain relief

As you can see, turmeric paste offers up such a wide range of benefits. It also only takes a short while to notice the improvements in your pooch, making this a supplement well worth trying.

Wondering if you can feed your dog turmeric powder instead?

Turmeric is one of the best natural dog supplements
Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of Stevepb @ Pixabay

 

You can, but it won't make much of a difference. The powder needs to be turned into the paste in order for your dog's body to properly absorb the turmeric. The oil helps with this, and the black pepper enhances the effects of the curcumin in the turmeric. This is the active compound that gives the turmeric its many health benefits.

One thing to keep in mind...

Turmeric paste is something that can help all animals. From humans to dogs to horses to chickens, this is a supplement that your whole family could benefit from.

5. Kelp

Kelp has long since been used as a supplement for humans. It is also now being increasingly included in many commercial dog food formulas.

What makes kelp so great?

It is literally packed with some incredible nutrients. Kelp is one of the richest sources of amino acids out there, with 25% of it consisting of protein. It also boasts over 60 different vitamins, minerals and trace elements, all of which help with:

  • Skin allergies

  • Inflammation

  • Tissue repair

  • Maintaining the thyroid, pituitary and adrenal glands

  • Keeping metabolism healthy

  • Digestion

  • Reduces tarter and dental plaque

When it comes to choosing a kelp supplement...

Go for deep ocean kelp, rather than kelp that has been harvested from polluted shorelines. Norwegian kelp tends to be the best, since it grows in such a pure and high quality environment.

The easiest form of kelp to purchase is a powder. This can then be sprinkled over your dog's food each day, giving him all of the benefits that this seaweed provides.

There are many different natural dog supplements out there that could benefit your dog's health. Whichever you decide to use, make sure that you purchase a high quality version of this supplement, and don't forget to also triple check when it comes to dosage.

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6 Top Tips to Help Your Dog Lose Weight

By Alina Jumabhoy

6 Top Tips to Help Your Dog Lose Weight

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Is your dog overweight? If so, it is extremely important to take the steps necessary to help your dog lose weight. This will prevent a number of weight-related health conditions from arising, whether this may be arthritis and heart disease or high blood pressure and cancer.

Want to know how to help your dog lose weight?

Here are 6 tips to get you started:

1. Measure Out Your Dog's Meals

Do you often “guesstimate” when it comes to filling your dog's bowl with food? Or perhaps you choose to free feed, allowing your pooch to help himself to a full bowl whenever he feels hungry?

Well, while both of these methods of feeding may be convenient, they need to stop.

If your pooch is overweight, the very first step to take to help your dog lose weight is to measure out his meals.

How Much Should Your Dog Be Eating?

Prepared to measure, but no idea what the ideal measurement should be?

This depends on a number of factors, such as:

  • Your dog's age

  • Your dog's size

  • Your dog's energy levels

  • The food being fed

Most commercial foods will have guidelines on the back of the box to tell you how much to feed. If you have been over-feeding your dog, drop this down to the recommended amount. If the amount you have been feeding has been about right, cut back on this slightly until your dog has reached an ideal weight.

Alternatively, ask your veterinarian to calculate how many calories your dog needs each day. You can then use this to work out a more specific daily food measurement.

2. Make Sure That You Are Feeding a Quality Dog Food

Have you ever taken a look at the ingredients list of your dog's food?

If not, do it now, as you are likely to be surprised...

So many commercial dog foods containing a surprisingly high amount of carbohydrates, and this is something that dogs definitely do not need.

Raw diets are great for having better control over your dog's weight. If you would prefer to feed a commercial food, look for one that has more protein than carbohydrates.

3. Increase Exercise 

In addition to controlling your dog's food intake, upping the amount of exercise your pooch gets is another key way to help your dog lose weight.

If your dog naturally has quite an active personality, this shouldn't be too difficult...

Simply increase the frequency of your walks, or even just the length of your walks. Allowing your dog to run around off the leash will really help him to get his muscles moving, but only do this when it is safe. Try adding in some varied terrain too – running uphill on sand, rather than running on flat grass, will give your dog even more of a workout.

You could also try playing some active games at home. From flirt poles to bouncy balls, there are so many dog toys out there that will help to convince your dog to get moving.

Of course, make sure that you start off slow with all of this! This is especially important if your dog is in his senior years. You don't want all of the extra exercise to be too much for your dog, so begin gradually to give your dog's body and muscles some time to grow accustomed to all of the new activity.

4. Healthy Treats

A dalmation snacking on fresh fruit to lose weight
Photo by Show 131/ CC

Treats aren't an essential part of owning a dog, especially if your dog is already overweight.

However, if you have been working on training your dog, then treats will usually be required.

Biscuits, small chunks of cheese, and other calorie-laden bites are usually what most owners turn to. Of course, in order to help your dog lose weight, you need to avoid all of these.

So, what are some healthy treats that you can feed instead?

Try some of the following:

  • Raw fruit, such as sliced apples and bananas

  • Raw vegetables, such as carrot, cucumber and broccoli chunks

  • Dehydrated sprats or sardines

  • Dehydrated meat, without any filler ingredients

These may not sound very tempting to you, but dogs tend to love the crunchy texture that all of those snacks provide, making them a fantastic training treat.

Of course, when feeding your dog treats, don't forget to deduct those calories from your dog's daily allowance. Extra treats mean that you will likely need to feed your dog less food at meal times.

5. Find a Mentally-Stimulating Edible Chew

Looking for a way to keep your dog entertained for a few hours, without involving high-calorie foods?

There are many edible chews out there that you could look into. These are usually low in fat and long-lasting, giving your dog a taste of food without actually piling on the calories.

Antlers, dried tendons, raw bones and steer sticks are all great options.

Make sure that you stay away from rawhide, as these chews contain so many dangerous chemicals that you definitely don't want your dog consuming.

6. Keep Weighing Your Dog

It is important to keep your motivation up when trying to help your dog lose weight.

This is why it can be helpful to keep weighing your dog at regular intervals.

How much weight should your dog be losing?

This all depends on how overweight your dog was to begin with. Generally, aim for around 1% of your dog's body weight per week, which should work out to between 3% and 5% a month.

You can either take your pooch in to your local veterinary clinic to have him weighed, or do this yourself at home.

Are your scales too small?

Weigh yourself first. Then, pick your dog up and stand on the scales. Simply subtract your own weight from the weight of the two of you combined, and that will give you your dog's weight.

More than 50% of the dogs in the USA are overweight, making it no surprise that dogs are now facing such an array of different health problems. If you want to keep your dog as healthy as possible, make sure that you are always keeping track of your dog's weight, and that you know how to help your dog lose weight if you ever need to.

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Caring for Your Dog’s Teeth

By Alina Jumabhoy

Caring for Your Dog’s Teeth

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of JACLOU-DL @ Pixabay

Caring for your dog's teeth is so important.

Why?

Because not only does poor oral health lead to bad breath and a build-up of plaque, but many dog dental issues can actually cause a variety of serious health problems, from heart disease to kidney failure.

By knowing how to properly care for your dog's teeth, you will be able to avoid all of these problems and keep your pooch's overall health in the best possible shape.

BRUSHING YOUR DOG'S TEETH

One of the easiest ways to keep your dog's teeth in good condition is by brushing them regularly.

How do you do this?

By purchasing a special toothbrush. Finger toothbrushes can be especially useful, as they allow you to ensure that every tooth is getting enough attention.

When it comes to toothpaste...

A toothpaste designed for pets is crucial. These are available in a variety of different flavors so that your dog enjoys the experience more, and will also feature a formula that is safe for your dog to swallow.

You will need to hold the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle, so that the bristles are pointing towards your dog's gums. Move this in circular motions, spending around a minute in total on the whole mouth.

Are you brushing your dog's teeth for the first time?

Make sure that you do it after your dog has had some exercise, as this will mean that your pooch will be more relaxed, and therefore more likely to stay still. Keep the first few sessions short and enjoyable, ending them with a treat, as you need this to be a positive experience for your dog if you want to be able to brush your dog's teeth in the long term.

How often should you be brushing your dog's teeth?

Ideally, you should be brushing your dog's teeth every day. This is especially important for breeds that are prone to peridontal disease, such as:

  • Yorkshire terriers

  • Pugs

  • Chihuahuas

  • Poodles

  • Pomeranians

  • Dachshunds

  • Greyhounds 

However, if your dog's oral health is already pretty good, and your dog's breed isn't prone to dental diseases, you could get away with brushing your dog's teeth three times a week.

TEETH-CLEANING CHEW TOYS

There are many dog toys out there that are designed to help you with caring for your dog's teeth.

How do they do this?

It all comes down to their texture, which is able to clean away excess plaque and tartar when the teeth rub against it. These toys are also great for strengthening and cleaning the gums, and can be especially useful for puppy teeth. 

However, keep in mind that not any old toy will do...

Toys that are too hard can lead to tooth breakages, while abrasive toys can mechanically wear away the surface of your dog's teeth. Toys that have been designed for teeth cleaning are best, but any non-abrasive toy can help to keep your pooch's teeth sparkly white.

RAW BONES

There are so many dental dog treats out there, but the majority of these will actually do more harm than good.

Why?

Because many of these contain high amounts of sugar and other unwanted ingredients, all of which will only contribute to further dental problems. https://www.express.co.uk/news/nature/894768/dog-treats-warning-pets-fat-sugar-study

Fortunately, nature has provided a solution to this...

Raw meaty bones are great for naturally cleaning a dog's teeth, while also providing a dog with hours of enjoyment. The key here is to make sure that the bones are completely raw. Any form of cooking at all can cause the bones to turn brittle, meaning that they may end up splintering and causing problems as they make their way down your dog's digestive system. https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_dg_raw_bones_or_cooked_bones

Wondering if your dog's dry food will help with caring for your dog's teeth?

This is a huge myth, meaning that no, your dog's kibble will not clean their teeth. That would be the same as saying that any crunchy foods will keep human teeth clean, and, as you likely already know, that isn't true at all.

On the other hand, if you feed your pet a raw food diet, you have an advantage. The enzymes found in raw meat are quite effective at breaking down tartar and plaque. This is another reason as to why raw bones are useful when it comes to caring for your dog's teeth.

PROFESSIONAL TEETH CLEANING

It is important for your pooch to regularly visit the vet when it comes to preventing dental disease and properly caring for your dog's teeth. Ideally, you should be paying the vet a visit every six months to a year, depending on your dog's overall health.

Your vet will be able to identify any early signs of dental disease, and then treat your pet accordingly. You may even notice some of the symptoms yourself, making a vet visit even more crucial.

What are the signs of dental disease in dogs?

They include:

  • Yellow or brown tartar

  • Reddened or bleeding gums

  • Loose teeth

  • Lumps or bumps in the mouth

  • Bad breath

If your vet notices any of these symptoms, they will likely need to sedate your pet in order to perform a full dental exam and take X-rays. Sedation is also necessary for your vet to clean your dog's teeth and examine your dog for any signs of oral cancer. Of course, sedation does come with risks, which is something that you can avoid by ensuring that your dog's teeth are kept as healthy as possible by you.

What about teeth cleaning procedures that don't require anesthesia?

These are becoming increasingly popular, but tend to only bring about cosmetic results. This means that the deeper oral problems your dog faces will still be present, and will only end up getting worse as time goes on.

Around 80% of dogs over the age of 3 suffer from an oral disease, and this will only end up worsening if left untreated. Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to oral health, so taking the time now to properly care for your dog's teeth will really pay off for the both of you in the long run.

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How to Choose a High Quality Dog Food

By Alina Jumabhoy

How to Choose a High Quality Dog Food

Photo by Show 131/ CC

Image courtesy of Marek Szturc @ Unsplash

There are hundreds upon hundreds of different dog food options out there, making it no surprise that an increasing number of owners are so confused about what to feed their beloved pooch.

So, how do you figure out the differences between each of these brands to know which one is the best?

Well, there are a few key things to look out for when choosing a high quality dog food...

BEGIN BY IDENTIFYING YOUR DOG'S INDIVIDUAL NEEDS

Every dog is different, and that's partly why there are so many different dog food diets out there.

Each dog will have its own unique needs, and these can depend on:

  • Age – puppies require more calories, while senior dogs require less

  • Energy Levels – active dogs will need a higher calorie intake than less active dogs

  • Reproductive Status – pregnant pooches will need a special diet as they near their due date, while lactating mothers will also need an increase in calories

  • Allergies – food allergies are becoming increasingly common in dogs, with many pooches now requiring a grain-free diet

Wondering if your dog's breed makes a difference to the dog food you pick?

No, not really. It can be easy to believe that breed matters, with so many foods marketed towards specific breeds. However, the only real difference between these is the size of each piece of food. Small breed foods will feature smaller pieces to make it easier for small dogs to eat, while large breed foods will feature larger pieces to give the dog more to chew.

ASSESS THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF DOG FOOD AVAILABLE

Once you have identified your dog's nutritional needs, you can then start to look at the various dog food types out there.

These are some of the most popular:

  • Dry Food – the most popular and convenient type of dog food, dry foods are processed at high temperatures. This then destroys many of the nutrients within the natural ingredients, requiring several supplements to be added. Dry foods also tend to contain a coating of fats and oils, as well as colorings, to make it palatable to a dog

  • Wet Food – these are usually packaged in pouches, trays or tins. Wet foods are pasteurized, meaning no preservatives are needed, and also contain higher moisture levels

  • Raw Food – the fastest growing dog food trend, a raw food diet is the most natural for your dog. However, it does take a fair amount of research, as well as freezer space, to ensure that you are feeding a balanced raw diet

  • Fresh Food – these are gently cooked in order to preserve nutrients, and are usually found in pouches or trays. Although shelf life is short due to a lack of preservatives, the ingredients used tend to be of a high quality

Of course, you don't have to pick just one of these...

Mixing and matching different options is absolutely fine, so long as you ensure that your pooch is still getting all of the nutrients needed.

READ THE INGREDIENTS

Choosing the type of dog food you want to feed helps to narrow down your options. You can now begin to look at the different versions of your chosen food type, whether this may be dry, wet or anything else.

The key to understanding the difference in quality is knowing how to read the ingredients list.

The ingredients will always be listed in order of weight, meaning that the most prevalent ingredients will be higher up on the list.

Since dogs are omnivores, meat needs to make up the majority of their diet. Make sure that the first ingredient in the food you choose is meat.

How about meat meal?

Meat meal is made by using meat remnants that aren't fit for human consumption. It often contains scraps of meat, bones, fur and feathers that you wouldn't usually choose to feed your dog. While some sources of meat meal can be of a high quality, the majority are extremely low-grade, making meat meal best avoided.

In addition to avoiding meat meal, here are a few other ingredients to stay away from:

  • Wheat and corn gluten

  • Meat by-products

  • Preservatives such as BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin

  • Food dyes

  • Rendered fat

How about fruits and vegetables?

These can provide some fantastic health benefits to a dog. Just make sure that they are used in moderation, and don't consist of the majority of your chosen food.

ALWAYS CHECK THE NUTRITIONAL ADEQUACY STATEMENT

Some dog foods are designed to be complementary. This means that they need to be mixed with something else in order to create a balanced diet.

If you want the food you feed to provide a complete and balanced meal for your pooch, check that it says this on the packaging. It will usually state the words “complete and balanced”, and will also say which stage of a dog's life it is designed for. For example, if you are feeding a puppy, you need a food that provides a balanced diet for pups.

What about foods that are designed for all life stages?

You would be best off avoiding these, because dogs do need different foods for different life stages.

RESEARCH THE BRAND

Think you've found a dog food that meets all of the above criteria?

One last thing to look into is the brand itself...

You need to ensure that the brand you pick makes use of high quality ingredients in their food. Adequate quality control in their manufacturing process is also important. Their websites should provide more information on this, along with exactly where their food has been sourced.

Can't find this information anywhere?

Then you may be best off opting for another brand that is able to be more open about how they source and make their dog food.

The food that you feed your dog is what will determine your pooch's quality of life, as well as length of lifespan. In order to keep your dog as healthy as possible for as long as possible, taking the time to ensure that you are feeding a high quality dog food is so important.

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