If you are going on vacation, you must decide in advance whether you will take your dog with you. Not every quadruped will find itself in a completely new place, on a mountain expedition or beach. Maybe a dog hotel would be better for your pet? Or maybe staying with parents in the countryside? Check!
What should you do with your dog when going on vacation?
Here are 8 questions that will help you find out which holiday solution best suits your dog’s character and your options. Prepare a pen and paper to write the letters assigned to your answers. After the test, you will learn what to do with your dog when you go on holiday. Good luck!
1. Can your dog stay home alone?
absolutely not! I feel safe only with me (D)
with other dogs he is calm and nervous (B)
not too much like anyone at home (C)
yes, he is incredibly polite and never destroyed anything (A)
Operation under anesthesia is a procedure that puts a strain on the dog’s body. Domestic quadrupeds, just like people, need a lot of rest after each operation and need to undergo convalescence to fully recover. In many cases, the operated animal will not only need rehabilitation, dressing changes or frequent checks. He should also receive special, easily digestible food that will help him regain strength faster and will not irritate the anesthetic digestive system. What is the best way to feed a dog after surgery so that it regains health faster?
Feeding the dog after surgery
Each dog reacts differently to anesthetics. However, the vast majority of dogs after waking up do not have the slightest desire to eat. Not only that – narcosis in dogs often causes vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to rapid dehydration. In addition, aversion to food causes a lack of needed nutrients and prevents rapid recovery after surgery. Therefore, it is important that the food given to the dog after the surgery was as tasty and nutritious as possible. How to do it?
photo: Shutterstock
Bet on wet food
Dogs tired after surgery are more likely to decide to eat an aromatic can than dry food. Especially for quadrupeds, which get only dry granules every day, such a moist meal will be a real delicacy. However, serving wet food to the operated dog is not only meant to encourage him to eat. It’s also a great way to hydrate your body or smuggle liquid or tablet medication that your dog doesn’t like to take.
Provide the necessary nutrients
Quadruped body regenerating after surgery needs a large dose of building material and energy. Therefore, feed given to your dog during recovery should contain more protein and fat than normal dog diets. It must also be easily digestible so that the ingredients supplied to the animal are absorbed as well as possible. One of the foods created for convalescent dogs is wet dog food Dolina Noteci Premium Perfect Care Recovery. The special formula based on energy pork has been enriched with tasty chicken soup, chicken livers and eggs, which are a real vitamin bomb. The addition of salmon oil rich in omega-3 fatty acids helps reduce inflammation in the dog’s body and accelerates wound healing. This food will also work in the nutrition of dogs devastated by prolonged fasting associated with current homelessness or suffering from food deficiencies caused by previous, low-quality diet.
Take care of your bowel health
Each operation involves giving the dog antibiotics to protect the animal against infection in the wound. Unfortunately, this is reflected negatively on the intestinal microflora. This can cause various gastrointestinal disorders and also reduce immunity. Therefore, the dog’s guardian should provide his pup with high-digestible food, which will also take care of his intestinal health and strengthen the body’s immune responses. For this purpose, wet food will work best Dolina Noteci Premium Perfect Care Intestinal. It has been enriched with prebiotics and beta-glucans derived from brewer’s yeast, which support immunological processes and ensure the development of proper quadruped intestinal microflora. This food can also be used in dogs with a sensitive digestive system and prone to diarrhea.
photo: Shutterstock
When the dog after the operation refuses to eat …
On the day after surgery, most pets will refuse meals. However, if the reluctance to eat lasts longer than 24 hours, we should go with the pet to the vet for control. It is possible that your dog is suffering from severe pain that effectively discourages him from eating and additional medication may be needed. It is also worth checking whether the postoperative collar of the dog is used for feeding. If the pooch feels uncomfortable in him that he refuses to eat, you can remove this protection during feeding. Of course, provided that the pet will then be under our supervision.
Biting is a very important activity for dogs of all ages. Chewing, licking, memming in the mouth of various things (not necessarily edible) is stress-relieving, allows the dog to unload emotions and kill boredom. This is why dogs bite furniture or shoes most often when they are alone at home. However, losses can be avoided by offering dogs something that is biting. What could it be? Find out which dog chews are the best!
Teethers to eat
It’s good to stock up on several edible teethers and have them always at home. They will come in handy when we do not have time to take the dog for a long walk, and he is obviously bored, or when we leave the house and the pet is left alone. Dried beef or pork ears, masseter, trachea or penis will fulfill their role, but they are very caloric, so do not give them too often. It’s definitely better to reach for deer antlers or buffalo horn – eating these delicacies will take your dog several months, so these are real teethers. In addition, they are even suitable for obese dogs.
Toy teethers
Many quadrupeds like to bite sticks, but it’s better not to let them, because sharp splinters can damage the palate. Instead, it’s worth buying your pet a special biting root – these are months of fun! In addition, quadrupeds like to memorize cords and teethers made of hard rubber – we especially recommend toys made of thermoplastic rubber (TPR). But there are also dogs that chew old socks … And that’s ok too! We can easily tie a few socks into a string and … it’s ready!
Dog chews – 3 things you should know about them
Kong – it’s a rubber, hollow cone. We fill it with wet or dry food, white cheese, pate, minced meat. The dog has something to bite and lick for a long time!
Apple and carrot – they are cheap, easily available, and in addition low-calorie and lots of dogs love them. Although they won’t take your pet too long, it’s worth proposing them from time to time.
Teethers – is one of the simpler methods of caring for canine fangs. It is worth choosing teethers that have confirmed clinical effect. Let’s serve them regularly, subtracting some food from the daily portion – because it’s always extra calories!
Plush toys
Some dogs tear them apart, others just chew and carry them in their mouths. If your pet belongs to the second group, give him a cuddle. Lumpexes offer a large selection of inexpensive toys.
Deer antlers
An absolute hit of recent years. Although the antlers are not cheap, it lasts long, so this investment pays off. It is a good idea to flush them with boiling water from time to time to kill the bacteria.
Florek has just turned a year and can’t walk on a leash. She pulls the owner so that she already has prints on her hands. Florek is not small because it weighs 25 kg, so it is difficult to hold it when it wants to get somewhere at all costs. Since the pooch had grown up like that, the guardian had put on a collar and suspenders for him. Nothing works.
This is definitely not recommended!
Automatic leash (flexi type) Do you know how a flexi leash works? The dog must pull it out himself by walking! The tape is still tight. So what does a dog learn on an automatic leash? Nothing other than just pulling …
Echidna or clamp chain These tools hurt the dog and are inhumane. Instead of solving problems, they only make them worse. The spikes stick to the dog’s delicate neck, and the thin chain strangles. This pet doesn’t teach you anything!
Unnecessary emotions and nerves Dogs feel our emotions perfectly. An upset guardian is a stressed dog. To check if it is not your nerves that cause the dog to break free, send a friend for a walk.
The case of Florek is not unique – just look around the park and you will see hundreds of such Flork and their guardians who can barely keep up with their pets. Half poor when the dog is small. Then maintaining it does not cause major problems. But the owners of medium and large dogs know how hard a dog can pull on a leash, especially when it sees or senses something that it wants very much. How to deal with such Florek? Are there any effective ways to make walking a leash a pleasure, not a torture?
Let’s start from the beginning…
It would be much easier if Florek’s babysitter started learning to walk on a leash when Florek was a puppy. Toddlers instinctively follow people, which is worth using, attaching a leash to their collars whenever – after quarantine – they can start going out for the first walks. In fact, getting used to the leash can be started earlier and walks like to arrange at home when the dog is a few weeks old and can not go outside yet. Then the leash and collar will be for a puppy something as normal as water in a bowl. However, we must be vigilant from the very beginning and not let even the little dog pull us, because habits are formed from the first moments. How the shell will soak up when young … It works the same way for dogs. Even if a toddler of several kilograms pulls us, we stop and move on only when he loosens the leash.
Young and strong
In the case of Florek, the best time to learn, unfortunately, has already passed and we have a young, strong dog who has already developed bad habits. To move forward, he pulls, because he learned that it works – when he puts on the leash and puts a lot of strength into it, he is able to drag a man who holds the other end of the leash everywhere. What should the guardian do? Every time the dog tightens the leash, stop and keep walking. However, this must be done really consistently, in addition, all people who walk with this dog should do so.
If we feel even a slight slack in our hands – because e.g. a dog approached us or sat down – we can move on. The possibility of further movement rewards the dog for the loose leash. In practice, it looks like that on the first walks we do not even move too far from the house, because we have to stop every step. However, fatigue for several weeks or, as it sometimes happens, months will bring the expected effect – the dog will stop pulling, because it will see that it is unable to get anywhere!
You don’t pull – you can sniff
When Florek realizes what is going on, that is, he can only go if the leash is loose, his guardian will definitely be able to catch the moments when the dog goes nicely. It is worth rewarding such moments, allowing him to sniff where he wants for some time. So if you practice on a boring concrete alley in the park, the dog certainly dreams of sniffing in the bushes that grow a few steps from the path. If he manages not to pull for a moment, let him roam the bushes for a moment. He will appreciate such an award and find out that polite walking on a leash pays off!
Important dog needs
If Florka’s carer implements everything described above, the pulling problem should be solved. There is only one „but”. Sniffing and exploring the area are basic dog needs. If Florek does not have such an opportunity on a daily basis, a persistent habit will come back. That is why it is worth equipping yourself with a long, at least five-meter line, and where we can (in green areas, less frequented), let the dog sniff in places where he wants, go at the pace he wants, and change directions freely. If Florek wants to stop for something longer, let her do it.
Such a walk is the basis of dog’s mental health and should not be a holiday, but everyday life. An adult healthy dog will be much calmer and more polite if such a walk lasts at least an hour, and during it you will walk 4-5 km. Do you think this will not affect pulling on the leash? Check and you will see that pulling often results from unmet dog needs.
Stay in touch
Embarrassed by what is happening outside, Florek may sometimes forget that his man is walking at the other end of the leash. If he is reminded of it, it may turn out that you do not have to pull so much forward. So it’s worth practicing focusing your dog on yourself, using small treats that are given to him when he looks at us. Called by name, if he even glances at us, he also deserves praise, even verbal.
This type of catching contact is best practiced at home, when nothing happens, and then on boring ground. Only when our pet reacts nicely in a quiet area, do we practice paying attention to him in the park or with other dogs. If we are systematic in this science, soon the dog, instead of pulling his friends in the meadow, will first look at us with a question in the eyes „can I?”
Collar or braces?
Florek was taken out in a collar and on suspenders. Apparently nothing worked. However, we do not know exactly what the accessories were, and a lot depends on it. For dogs that already have a habit of pulling, the collar will never be good. It sticks into the neck, and if it’s too thin, it can even choke. The dog pulls even more to free himself from this pressure. So let’s bring dogs such as Florek in braces and such guard types that do not restrict the dog’s movements.
You keep the leash
It is said that 75 percent Success in walking on a leash depends on … the guardian. Yes! So maybe it is not with your dogs that something is wrong, only you make things difficult. How? Well, instead of calling for a dog when it turned wrong, you tug at the leash and force you to move it in a different direction. Or instead of signaling that you are „stop!”, You suddenly stop. And who pulls here on a leash?
How to teach a dog to walk a leash? It will be useful to you!
Link – whenever you can, take your dog for a walk on a long line. You can buy five meters on the Internet for PLN 12!
Braces – on health, also canine, it is not worth saving, so invest in good quality guard braces. It costs about PLN 100.
Wide collar – if the dog does not pull, he can wear a collar. You just have to remember to make it wide. Prices start from 30 PLN.
Treats – they will be useful to remind the dog about themselves during a walk. Glutton eat dry food, give other dogs a pate or dried meat.
Although blue is the coldest of the colors, it does thrill. I do not know a person who would pass indifferently by a dog staring at her with blue eyes. Is it because of the charm? Probably also, but blue dog eyes, often looking as if someone had put glass balls in the eye sockets, can hypnotize. My Weimaraner was a beloved edelweiss with amber eyes, but I still remember this magical look from the period of puppyhood, when his eyes were the color of the blue sky. Some dog breeds have blue eyes because of the duplication of the gene responsible for the development of vision and hearing by scientists. And in this group are weimar and husky.
But most blue-eyed dogs are mostly marbled, for which the merle gene is responsible. It causes a random brightening of the basic coat, i.e. black or chocolate. Interestingly, there are no two the same marbles (in addition, this variety also applies to the eyes), because for each of them the distribution of patches is unique. If someone took a brush and splashed paint with a dog, then they could create another marbled dog with such eyes: two blue, one blue and the other brown, half blue, mottled, spotted, brown. In addition to the breeds described next, such eyes may have marbled Scottish Sheepdogs, long-haired and short-haired dachshunds or German Great Dane. If there are lovers of blue-eyed beauties here, I invite them to a nearby hostel. There also such animals are waiting for home. And although the blue eyes are cold as ice, the hearts of these quadrupeds beat the hottest.
1. Welsh corgi cardigan
Once, this small dog with many dachshund features was used to herd cattle. Today it is usually a family dog. Distrustful in relations with strangers. Among his sympathetic, joyful, while constantly on the move. He is very attached to his family, especially to his master. Children are always handled with care.
He learns quickly and willingly, but imperceptibly he can also quickly acquire bad habits. Alert, timid, quite barking, will work as a guardian. Very durable, a companion during long trips, he can even practice canicross. He hates inaction, which helps to maintain adequate weight – dogs of this breed tend to gain weight. Marbled individuals with the merle gene may have different eye colors: blue, spotty, speckled or brown.
Size: small dog, 30 cm
Ointment: all ointments are acceptable
Length of life: 15-17 years old
Maintenance costs: PLN 150-200 per month
Price of a dog with FCI pedigree: 2500-3000 PLN
Country of origin: Great Britain
2. Siberian husky
Representatives of this breed of dogs are the stars of sled racing, both those with sleighs and three-wheeled prams, and also delight with their unique beauty and magical blue eyes. Their friendly, joyful disposition and good relations with children contributed to the great popularity of this breed. Haszczaki are great as family dogs, but it’s worth knowing that their cleverness, curiosity about the world and sports spirit often cause escapes.
In the city, a dog of this breed must be led on a leash. It requires not only regular walks, but also additional activities such as jogging or trot by bicycle. It also works in many dog sports. He is alert, but too gentle to act as a guardian. Intelligent but independent – it is not easy to obey him.
photo: Shutterstock
Size: medium dog, 51-60 cm long
Ointment: all colors are allowed
Length of life: 13-15 years
Maintenance costs: PLN 150-250 per month
Price of a dog with FCI pedigree: 2000-5000 PLN
Country of origin: United States
Read more about this breed – CLICK!
3. Australian Shepherd
Aussie is an intelligent and versatile dog that needs a lot of activity, with the instinct of both the shepherd and the guardian encoded in the genes, which explains that he can be barking. He has the reputation of the most moulting breed, but it does not require frequent bathing – his coat is self-cleaning. Rather friendly and trusting, contact with people is most important to him – he often follows him like a shadow. He likes to play with children, willingly befriends another dog or even a cat.
It draws attention with its original beauty, especially in marbled color. Each marble has a unique patch pattern, including eyes. They can be blue, one blue and the other brown, half blue, speckled, spotted and brown. The color of the eyes made the Indians give the breed the name of ghost dogs.
Size: medium dog, 46-58 cm long
Ointment: blue marbled, black, chocolate marbled, chocolate with white markings or without them
Length of life: 14 years
Maintenance costs: PLN 100-130 per month
Price of a dog with FCI pedigree: 3000-4000 PLN
Country of origin: United States
4. Border collie
You won’t be bored with this dog. Gifted with exceptional temperament, intelligence and a desire to work, he will constantly expect some tasks. He quickly understands what is required of him. But you need to mute him from the puppy, because he is very excitable. Left alone at home, he can find a variety of activities, sometimes wreaking havoc. Absolutely devoted guardian.
Very sociable, caring and patient with children. Exuberant towards strangers. Fast, with a developed sense of observation and enthusiasm for cooperation, he is great at dog sports such as agility, flyball or frisbee. Because of the ease with which he learns, he often appears in commercials and movies. Marbled dog breeds delight not only with their overall appearance, but also with their blue eyes.
photo: Shutterstock
Size: medium dog; 53 cm male, smaller bitch
Ointment: all ointments are acceptable
Length of life: 13-15 years
Maintenance costs: approx. PLN 150 per month
Price of a dog with FCI pedigree: 2500-3500 PLN
Country of origin: Great Britain
Read more about this breed – CLICK!
5. Catahoula leopard dog
A dog created for work, brave, confident, full of energy, but balanced. He has a strong herding and hunting instinct. Distrustful of strangers, not only warns, but also the jam of the terrain weapons and guardian. He learns quickly, has excellent memory, but can be stubborn. He likes to be in the spotlight and perform tasks that will please his man. If he is not provided with classes, he may become unbearable and destroy what will come under his mouth.
Properly raised, he is a dedicated family member, caring for children. Suitable for experienced and consistent person. The eyes of individuals with a marbled ointment have any colors, but these beautiful blue ones can hypnotize many a time. The lover of this breed was the President of the United States Theodore Roosevelt.
Size: large dog, 51-66 cm long
Ointment: black, chocolate, blue-marbled, chocolate-marbled, red, brindle; arson and white markings are common; acceptable spotted coat with a predominance of white
Length of life: 12-13 years old Cost of living: PLN 150-200 per month
Why do most small dogs challenge their larger colleagues? Where does such perversity come from? As it turns out, in most cases, small dogs are aggressive through the fault of the guardian. Many people laugh at the screaming boy, and they underestimate the problem. They do not take seriously the dangerous attitude of their minips. This is a mistake. The aggression of small dogs towards larger dogs is not a joke. What’s more, it can have serious consequences.
Small Dog Syndrome
Growling, biting, excessive barking, jumping at the guardian or guests, disobeying orders or insistent attention – all undesirable behavior displayed by small dogs was called small dog syndrome. Simply put, a small pet decides to rule the environment. And both inside and outside of your home.
Unfortunately, most guardians of small dogs accept this type of behavior in pets. Moreover, they set no boundaries and set no rules. They justify a four-legged pup by saying that, unlike a large dog, their small-sized quadruped will not hurt anyone. Some guardians even ridicule this type of behavior in a small dog or jokingly say that „after all, he must give courage, for example, snarling.”
„I’m not so small at all!”
Small dogs are aware of their small size. Sometimes, however, caregivers can contribute to their dogs’ distorted perception of their appearance. How? By carrying the dog on your hands or in your purse, especially when they do it very often.
In this way they build an artificial sense of security in the animal. The dog looking at everything and everyone „from above” finally thinks that it is bigger than it really is. Once on earth, he doesn’t know what happened. In addition, a small dog that is kept by a guardian will be more confident in his behavior, because he knows that if necessary the owner will intervene to ensure his safety. Just holding the guardian in his arms confirms that the dog is doing well and that the guardian accepts his barking or pulling out.
Learned behavior
Let’s face it: most large dogs don’t see danger in a small dog. Even when he is extremely feisty. Very often you can observe situations in which a growling and barking small-sized quadruped is simply ignored by a larger kinsman. Then the small dog, which in his opinion looks threatening like a good-looking rottweiler, believes that he has won in this whole battle – after all, the grand-man went away without taking the gloves … From each subsequent meeting of this type, the little boy concludes that he has an advantage over a larger dog. That is why he will be so happy to show his „superiority” during his next fight with a big friend.
Small dogs are aggressive because they are not trained
Small, medium or large – no matter what size the dog is, each needs training. Small-sized quadrupeds, unfortunately, are very often treated as cute stuffed animals, which are allowed to do anything. Most caregivers tolerate aggression in small dogs. Then they forget about the most important – a dog is a dog and none is a „self-emerging” animal, even the small one. Every dog needs training, exercises, socialization, activity and learning the basic principles of life in society.
Is this really aggression?
Finally, let’s think about whether the way little dogs behave is definitely a sign of aggression. Certainly it can look like this when viewed from the side of a York attacking a sheepdog. In reality, however, such behavior is almost always lined with fear. The boy is barking at a large dog, while backing away, because he really just wants to move him away from him and increase the distance to a safe distance. You need to provide such a dog with support and work through the problem, because what he does shows that he is experiencing great stress. If we can’t help the dog alone, let’s turn to a behaviorist.
Being a guardian of two quadrupeds is a double joy … but also a double challenge! And it’s not just about spending on karma or making time for training. Even a simple walk with two dogs can be a truly breakneck task. Especially if the four-legged ones are not the smallest and are not masters of obedience, and you cannot unleash any of them.
A walk with two dogs. What could go wrong?
Two dog leashes tied to you, each walking their way and not responding to your calls – a picture really hellish! If you add aggression to foreign dogs, eating rubbish on the lawn, or virtually any other problem with at least one of your dogs, you’ll get a real walking armageddon. A walk of constantly wrestling with two animals will be a torment not only for you. Also your pupils will become frustrated because of unmet needs, which will make them even more anxious and cause more and more problems … What can be done to make a walk with two dogs a pleasure for everyone?
photo: Shutterstock
Obedience first and foremost
Walking with one dog, we are willing to forgive him a lot. Even if he pulls a little on a leash, freezes at the sight of another quadruped or a stranger’s jaws in a strange hat, it doesn’t worry us too much. However, such behavior of a pet suddenly causes a huge problem if we go out for a walk with two dogs at once! Therefore, when planning a second dog, we should help ourselves to teach the pet appropriate behavior on a leash. After taking in or buying a second pooch, do not take both animals immediately for walks. The new pooch should also receive individual lessons from us and learn to walk calmly on a leash.
When starting a walk with a dog pack, it’s not worth going to the deep water right away. The first such trips should be as short as possible – at the beginning a quick circle around the block is enough. Thanks to this, the dogs will have the opportunity to gradually learn how to behave on common walks. It is also worth to stock up on training treats and reward your pets for good behavior.
Take care of your relationship
This is not just about the relationship between dogs and guardian, although this of course is also extremely important. Quadrupeds going out for a walk together must feel sympathy or at least tolerate each other. Two feuding pooches, forced to stay as close as they can, may try to get away from each other as far as possible … leaving you in the middle and pulling you in opposite directions. Therefore, before you go on a walk with them, build the best relationship between them or ask for help from another person who will replace you in leading one of the pupils.
The right leashes
Going out for a walk with two dogs, we will quickly find out how important is the type and length of the leash we hold. The two-pack dog will be much easier to control on shorter, three meter long leashes than on long, still tangled lines. Some guardians of two quadrupeds decide to buy a two-legged leash, i.e. two short leashes connected by a circle, to which one leash is held. This solution can work well with relatively calm, well-worn dogs of similar size. Otherwise, the binary will cause a lot of stress to attached quadrupeds and will cause that a smaller dog will be constantly pulled by a larger one. We do not recommend taking automatic leashes for a walk with two dogs. This equipment does not provide the carer with adequate control over one, let alone two pets!
photo: Shutterstock
Not always together!
Even the most friendly and polite pets can be led out separately. Thanks to this, you not only have the opportunity to devote all your attention to one pooch and you can work through walking problems more effectively. Dogs living together and always going for walks very quickly get used to the presence of their „siblings”. This can cause a lot of stress if one of the dogs gets sick and will not be able to go out for longer walks, or when the animals will have to be separated for some other reason. That is why it is worth taking each dog separately for a long and interesting walk at least once a week!
Aromatic spices are not only an additive to improve the taste of homemade dishes. Many of them also have invaluable health benefits! Some popular spices can also be given to a dog. Which will be safe for him and which we must categorically avoid?
What are spices and herbs?
Herbs used in the kitchen are the leaves of various plants. Spices, on the other hand, can also come from other parts – the roots, stems, flowers, bark and fruit. Sometimes it is possible to obtain both herb and spice from one plant. However, they will have different properties, taste and uses. Spices are usually added to dishes in small quantities, which do not increase the calorie content of the dishes. In themselves, however, they can have quite a lot of calories – especially those that are made from seeds. In the composition of many spices we will find valuable minerals and micronutrients such as iron, magnesium and calcium. However, the health-promoting properties of these additives are mainly due to the high content of antioxidants and bactericidal substances. Unfortunately, not all healthy spices will be suitable for a home quadruped!
photo: Shutterstock
Which spices can you give your dog?
Dogs don’t need any spices or herbs in their diet to grow properly and lead a healthy and happy life. However, some plant supplements may have beneficial health effects, especially in dogs suffering from various ailments. Here is a list of a few herbs and spices that, when served in small amounts, will not harm your home pets. Before administering them, however, you should consult your veterinarian, as some of these spices may interact with your dog’s medication.
Basil
Aromatic basil leaves are rich in antioxidants and antibacterial substances. Small amounts of basil can help dogs suffering from rheumatism and depression, as well as reduce anxiety and anxiety felt by a pet. Basil can be added to a dog’s bowl in the form of several fresh leaves or a small pinch of dried fruit.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties. The addition of cinnamon to the diet is also recommended for diabetic dogs, as it helps regulate blood sugar levels. Due to the high content of antioxidants, this spice also has anti-cancer effect. Cinnamon should be given to the dog only occasionally and in very small quantities.
Ginger
Ginger root also has bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to which it can be found in the diet of a quadruped suffering from various infections and degeneration of the joints. In addition, it regulates the digestive tract, prevents nausea and promotes blood circulation. However, fresh ginger has too intense a taste that can scare dogs away. So it’s worth replacing it with a dried spice.
Turmeric
This intensely yellow spice from the ground root supports metabolism and slimming. It also has a beneficial effect on the joints, circulatory system and quadrupedal brain. A small addition of turmeric to your diet will help protect your dog from cancer and anemia.
Parsley
The delicate diuretic properties of parsley cause that its addition has a positive effect on kidney and bladder health. The green leaves of this plant also contain antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. Parsley can be given to the dog in the form of fresh leaves or a pinch of dried herbs added to the bowl.
Do not give these spices to your dog!
However, not all spices will be suitable for home pets and even in small amounts they can seriously harm your dog. Spices and herbs that cannot be found in the bowl include onion, garlic, pepper, salt, hot pepper and nutmeg. Their consumption can cause serious poisoning in the pet, damage its kidneys and liver, as well as cause convulsions and cause death.
Losing ourselves in the whirlwind of everyday responsibilities, we forget to meet the pet’s basic needs, such as physical and mental activities. Surely everyone knows the saying „tired dog is a happy dog” – and that’s good, because there is a lot of truth in it. The destructive behavior of dogs does not come from nowhere, and their main reason is usually boredom. A walk alone is not enough for a dog. Dogs need obedience training, sports, puzzles, games and chewing stuff that also stimulate them mentally. How to effectively tire your dog? Discover our 4 suggestions!
1. Mental games
Well-known dog trainer and veterinarian Ian Dunbar believes that „mental exercise tires the dog physically more than physical exercise.” It sounds strange, but it makes sense. Use your dog’s intelligence and train his creativity. Dog puzzles will be perfect here. Intelligence toys effectively prevent boredom, as well as tire the dog mentally. The animal simultaneously trains its sense of smell and intellect. However, the delicacies that we put into such gadgets as the ball of flavor or olfactory mat are the perfect motivation for a dog.
If you want to tire your dog effectively, teach him something new. Remember not to stick to the same pattern every day during training – this way you can quickly discourage your dog from learning new things. Make it fun, both for your quadruped and for you. If you would like to learn 5 simple ideas for mental fun for a dog, click HERE.
2. Hide and seek
The rules of this game are extremely simple. What’s more, you certainly know her from her childhood. This game is also ideal for dogs, and will positively affect your bond. You can play hide and seek both at home and on a walk. All you have to do is hide behind something (for starters, when the dog doesn’t know he should look for you, you can call him), and when the dog finds you, reward him with treats. You will see that joy will be endless!
If you suspect the dog will be peeping, you can invite another person to play with the dog and block his view with his body when you hide. It is worth adding that playing hide and seek does not have to be limited to seeking a guardian. The dog can also look for a hidden toy.
3. Dog pumps
If your dog has two well-known commands – „sit down” and „down” – you can start training with him „dog pumps”. They consist in repeating these two commands interchangeably. This is not an easy exercise and initially the dog may be confused which command to perform. Your task is then to guide him (preferably delicacy) to the right position. Be patient and reward your pet for properly done exercise. Remember that the sessions should be fairly short, so that you do not discourage the dog, and over time it will be fun.
4. HIIT – only for dogs with good condition!
HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) is a high intensity interval training. It is characterized by short series of effortless exercises alternating with periods of rest or low intensity exercises that have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, weight loss and fitness better than traditional cardio exercises. Training in the HIIT style does not take much time – about 10-15 minutes, but it can really tire effectively. Also a dog, because it can also be adapted to him!
How to start HIIT with a dog? You don’t have to limit yourself to running or walking, although you can of course intertwine these two activities. Does your dog love to run after the ball? In that case, throw it to him for a minute, e.g. from a steep hill, and then walk with him for 30 seconds. You can also run up the hill together and then slowly descend. And again and again and again … Choose an exercise that your dog likes and even loves. It will make him willing to practice with you. Remember to start with short and relatively low intensity sessions. Let exercise last 10 seconds and rest 40 seconds. Over time, when you notice that your dog’s condition is getting better, you’ll be able to extend the time so that the series of activities are longer than resting.
Do not forget that the dog must have a break from intense exercise – rest days are just as important as training days because they allow muscle regeneration. To start, start with one HIIT session a week, and you can gradually enter three a week. But no more! Before you start exercising, don’t forget to warm up, which may be, for example, a faster walk. After all, the goal is not only how to effectively tire your dog, but also to make him happy.
By taking a dog from the shelter home, we want to compensate him for the time spent behind bars. Long walks, a huge portion of tenderness and crazy games seem to us just what a pooch should get on the first day in his new home. However, this start will not be the best for every dog! What does a dog really need after adoption?
How does the dog feel after adoption?
Moving from behind bars to a quiet home is a huge shock for most dogs. Especially animals who have been in the shelter for a long time and have become accustomed to noise, crowds and daily routine may feel that their whole life has suddenly turned upside down. The hunchbacked animal does not know that he has received a chance for a new, wonderful life from fate. Brought home, he is often overwhelmed with new smells and sounds he does not understand. Also his new family consists of strangers themselves. No wonder that adopted quadrupeds sometimes need up to two months to find themselves in a new environment and trust their guardians. Fortunately, there are several ways for your dog to become acclimatized in our home after adoption. Here are some of the most important rules!
photo: Shutterstock
walking
Quadrupeds do not have much traffic in the shelter and the opportunity to visit new places. However, you should not take your dog on long trips from the first days! At the beginning of your stay, your pet should first and foremost feel safe in its immediate surroundings. Short walks around the house for several minutes for now are enough for him. Adhering to this rule will allow you to avoid additional stress for the new mentee – meeting with foreign dogs, traffic, overwhelming surrounding stimuli … For longer walks there will come a time when the pet will really trust you and take on the right condition. In the shelter, he didn’t have the opportunity to run and develop strong muscles!
Fun
For the dog to be a real pleasure, he must fully trust his guardian. Lack of a strong relationship can make the pooch feel insecure and react too violently when pulling the spike or lifting the imported ball. Stimulating fun also releases a lot of adrenaline and cortisol in pooches, which can add to the animal’s stress after adoption and make the pooch restless and reactive. Such activities should be left for later!
Basic needs
Constant access to water, nutritious meals and the possibility of emptying the bladder are one of the most important needs of adopted pets. Stressed out after moving, the pooch may drink more than he should, which means he will need more pee exits. The shock of moving house can also cause your pet to get diarrhea. Therefore, in the first days in a new home he will need a lot more walks than later. In order to give the dog a sense of security, we should also take care of his feeding. However, this is not just about good quality food! An adopted animal should receive two meals in a bowl during the day, thanks to which it will not feel unpleasant hunger. You can also give him teethers to relax while chewing them. Eating a quadruped must not be disturbed or required to perform tricks in exchange for a meal.
Dream
Sleep is the best medicine for every stress. Adopted from a noisy shelter, the pooch will need him a lot. That is why in the dog’s timetable we should reserve a lot of time free from playing, walking and stroking. Some quadrupeds need a safe, secluded place to fall into deep, restorative sleep. Therefore, for a newly adopted pet, it is worth preparing several beds in different places so that he can choose the one on which he will feel best. Some of the pooches will look for tight hiding places and sleep, for example, behind the sofa or under the bed. We should not chase them away – the time to learn to sleep on a bed will come when the animal trusts us and sleep soundly.
After adoption, the dog needs …
… above all peace and understanding. Like us, quadrupeds can feel scared, lost and threatened if they do not understand what to expect. Therefore, having a newly adopted pet at home, we have to run our entire empathy, do not impose ourselves on the pooch and focus on making him feel safe with us.
