Are You Worried About The Health Of Your Dog? Here's What To Do

 One of the things that you should always be careful about when it comes to your dog is their health. We know that a lot of people would like to think that they would notice if there was something amiss with their dog's health, and we’re not saying that you wouldn’t. 

What we are saying though, is that you need to be actively looking for any problems too, just to be on the safe side. In this article, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the things that you can try if you’ve noticed something or quite right with your furry little friends help! Keep reading if you would like to find out more. 

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More Exercise

The first thing that you’re going to need to think about is getting them some more exercise. It might be the case that they are not getting enough, and this is negatively impacting their health overall. You may think that this sounds odd, but it happens more than you realize.

Dogs need at least half an hour of exercise per day to stay healthy, and it’s your job to ensure that they get that. If they don’t currently, find a way to make sure they are going forward.

Their Food

Another thing that you should look into is changing their food and the general diet that you are giving them. It might be the case that they have an intolerance to something that you are feeding them and it’s causing them to not feel well. Or, it could simply be a poor diet that is leading to them not feeling their best. It’s hard to think that what we are doing could be causing their problems, but it’s a reality that has got to be faced because it might well be exactly what the problem is.

Look into healthy dog food, and make a decision about what will be best for your little friend. It might take some trial and error until you find the right one, but you can also make homemade recipes to go alongside it.

See A Vet

Of course, if you are concerned and you think that there might be a problem that you cannot fix by yourself, then you need to take your dog to a vet as soon as possible. They will be able to identify the issue, and then do something to help your dog get back in the best possible health. Call your vet as soon as you start to get worried, or if the symptoms that you were not previously that concerned about have worsened or not gone away in a few days.

Hopefully, you have found this article helpful and now see some of the things that you should consider doing if you are worried about the health of your dog. It’s important that you are doing everything in your power to ensure that your dog is as healthy as possible, so keep your eye on them as much as you can going forward. 

Dog Training Tips and Resources 2023

The Evacuate with Your Dog's Help book explains how-to evacuate with pets. How-to make a bug-out (survival) bag for owners and dogs to carry. Every dog of any age or size can help its family evacuate. Be prepared for disasters with your pets. Learn what to expect at disaster shelters and from pet rescue during disasters. Included is a detailed expanded list of survival items for pets and owners with step-by step instructions to train your dog to carry a saddlebag to hold items to evacuate and "bug-out" with. Plus Pet CPR instructions and how-to calm a frightened pet. How-to find a lost pet. USA Evacuation Law for pets. 

Both of the books are free on Kindle and Audible. These books are used as a worldwide emergency preparedness resource from the author. Paperbacks are discounted to help with cost of publication. 

What is a Family Disaster Dog? It is Your Dog trained to Find and Rescue You!

Let me tell you how easy a pet dog of any age, size or breed can be your very own Search and Rescue Dog!

The Family Disaster Dogs book is full of fun and easy lessons that are tailored for the family to learn rescue skills in the comfort of the home during daily activities. Your pet dog is a Family Disaster Dog! 

Any size dog from the little Chihuahua to the Great Dane can help its owner survive..and they find you every day already when they want to play or eat so why not learn what else they can do to help you !

Take a look at my Amazon Author Page to read or hear previews of all my books. Thank you in advance for sharing the books and leaving a review which helps other dog owners find many helpful resources, including mine, in search engines.

 Stay safe out there this spring and summer!

Enjoy your dogs and do something new with them today! 

Thank you for visiting Family Disaster Dogs 

Be sure to look at the Page menu above, there are several pages to see and at the bottom of this post is a time line with over 250 articles for dog owners.

 

Tips to Giving Your Shih Tzu Dog a Happy Grooming Experience

Shih tzus are not only known for their affection and elegance but also for their long and soft coat. To maintain its softness and shine, pet owners take their dogs for grooming. While you can buy a dog comb from the pet store and brush your shih tzu’s coat, a trip to the dog grooming salon is important to ensure the ears are cleaned and the coat is trimmed properly. However, being handled by a stranger and the sound of the razor can be stressful to your dog. Here are some tips to make your dog’s grooming experience a happy one:

 

1. Choose the groomer carefully.

Do not take your shih tzu to just any grooming salon just because it is near your place or its services are cheaper. It’s important to evaluate the groomer first before leaving your dog in his or her care. Go for one who is a dog lover as well. You can easily spot this by the way he or she treats and handles your pet, say, while trimming the nails or cleaning the ears. As a pet owner, you can sense if the other person loves animals and you can use your instincts to do this. The salon should also be clean and have a pleasant smell. You can also ask for recommendations from people you know which also have dogs.

2. Let your shih tzu get used to going to the grooming salon.

You might want to first take your dog to the groomer you have chosen without really having your shih tzu groomed yet. Just bring your dog to the pet salon and let him or her get be familiar with the environment. You can also give your pet treats so your shih tzu will associate the place with receiving treats and being happy.

3. Choose a grooming salon with glass dividers. 

Your shih tzu can be stressed due to separation anxiety. You can prevent this by making your pet feel secure while being bathed. Choose a salon designed in such as way that you can see what’s happening inside, preferably one with glass walls so your shih tzu will know you are just there watching. Moreover, you will also know if the groomer really knows what he or she is doing and that your dog is not mishandled.

4. Groom your pet at home.

Even for our pets, there is no place like home. If there is a grooming salon that provides home service, this is the best grooming decision for your shih tzu. Dogs are aware of their surroundings and the home is the safest place they feel more comfortable and safe.

By taking these things in consideration, you can make your shih tzu’s grooming experience a pleasant one.

Simple Ways To Keep Your Dog Happy When They're Home Alone

Before we become dog owners, we all have a responsibility to consider the amount of time we’ll be able to dedicate to our canine companions. Unfortunately, even if you’re around a lot of the time, the odd work trip or day out can still see you leaving your dog at home alone.

As many of us find out the hard way, this separation can see even the perfect family dog wreaking havoc at home. From chewed furniture to neighbor noise complaints and beyond, this can make an already difficult separation much harder. However, there are steps you can take to keep your dog happy even while they’re home alone, and we’re going to consider your best options. 

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Provide them with a Safe Space

Dogs are pack animals, and they rely on this pack mentality to face threats. Left alone, your dog may feel exposed, vulnerable, and in need of defensive behaviors, hence they may become destructive or uncharacteristically loud. To avoid this, it’s best to provide them with a generally safe space that they already know and feel relaxed in. Crates are great for this purpose and can even be kept open in any room to provide your dog a go-to safe spot that they know. Equally, leaving them in an area of the house that they spend a lot of time in and that has things like their bed, water, etc. can significantly reduce the impact of separation anxiety, and its overall negative outcomes.

Ensure Plenty of Stimulation

You wouldn’t like to be left at home with nothing to do, and nor would your dog. In fact, boredom is perhaps the leading cause of destructive canine behavior when home alone. To overcome this, it’s therefore important to provide plenty of stimulation for your dog when you aren’t around. Chew toys like Kongs that include puzzles your dog needs to solve can be especially great for this, as can fresh animal chew treats like those from Superior Farms which can last for the entire time you’re away in most instances. Simply experiment with a few different techniques while you’re around, and see which occupies your dog’s attention for the longest time so that you can pick the best option when you are away. 

Get them used to Time Alone

While no dog owner should ever deprive their dog of attention, keeping your pooch happy when they’re home alone is also easiest if you get them used to their own company when you’re around. Obviously, you should never do this to the detriment of playtime or walks, etc., but something as simple as leaving your dog to play in the other room alone while you complete household errands can help them to adjust to the solo life. Then, when you do have to leave, it’ll be far less shocking for a dog that’s already happier in its own company. 

Leaving your dog is never a pleasant experience, but you can at least rest easy that they’ll be happier at home alone when you implement these pointers. 

Why Does A Dog Bite?

There are a lot of scary stories about dogs attacking people these days. But the reality is that dog bites are a lot more common than you might think - it’s just the serious, terrible, and disastrous incidents we hear or read about in the news. In fact, there are over 4.5 million dog bites that occur every year, most of which are mild accidents - and almost all of them can be avoided.


The key to understanding how not to get bitten is to learn why dogs bite. Having covered what to do to avoid and deal with a bite from a dog, we thought it was time to explore the reasons why it happens so much. Let’s take a closer look.

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Why do dogs bite?

The first thing to understand is that any dog can bite. Sure, there are aggressive strains and personalities out there in the world, but even a timid dog will snap at you in fear if you close off their escape route. Big, small, male, female, young, old, cuddly, scary: any dog will try to protect themselves the best way they know how when they find themselves in a stressful situation.

‘Stressful’ is the key word to understand, here. Almost every dog bite will occur as a reaction to something - they don’t just do it for the sake of it. It could be to protect something, or to ward you off from its territory. It might be because they feel threatened - or even that someone or something is threatening you. They can even bite when they feel unwell and just want to be left alone. But the key thing to remember is that in almost every scenario, it’s because your dog is stressed.

Understanding the issue

The trouble is that too few owners understand the signs that their dog is stressed. And unless you learn those signs yourself - as a dog owner or otherwise - it could spell trouble. For example, if you have a small child who loves pooches and sees one on the street, can you be sure that the dog they go up to and try and stroke isn’t afraid? And can you guarantee they will not bite? Educating yourself and your kids on how to approach - or not - any animal is wise.

That said, if you do ever receive a bite from someone else’s dog, it is the owner’s fault. Contact a lawyer to file a claim for canine bites and make sure you get the relevant medical attention - every owner has a responsibility to look after their animals. And if you know your dog is stressed, make sure you have full control over them and let the approaching party know to keep a good distance away.

 
What about play?

In their natural environment, dogs will play with other dogs - and they tend to nip at each other for fun. The trouble is that they nip and bite during play with humans, too. And while it’s fun for them, it’s dangerous for you - and especially for your kids.

You can avoid getting bitten by not wrestling with them, or playing tug-of-war. Ultimately, these are games that will overexcited your dog and accidents are more likely to occur.

Puppy Post-Apocalyptic Preparedness Guide

This is a guest post from Adam Conrad at Shih Tzu Expert

Thanks Adam !

Puppy Post-Apocalyptic Preparedness Guide

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If the world were to go into chaos tomorrow, would you be prepared?

Would your family know what to do? What would you do about your Shih Tzu or toy breed family member?

The world can be a scary place, and it is always a good idea to have a plan. This survival guide is not for you though; it is for your dog. Your furry friend depends on you for survival, so if you don’t have a plan for them, how will they survive?

Some suggest killing them is the humane thing to do, but I couldn’t imagine killing a member of my family. Others say you can use them for food, but I couldn’t imagine eating a family member either. For those who want a scenario where the dog lives, keep reading, for below are some incredible tips and tricks for preparing your pet for a doomsday situation.

The Upside of Toy Breeds

Before we can even consider the prepping aspect, we must look at why these small dogs would be a smart choice to keep around. Most people believe that a bigger dog is the best option for a post-apocalyptic scenario, and they would be right. This does not mean that your toy breed can not be of any use to you. Small dogs are known to be yappy. Even the slightest noise can set them off to bark. When you are in the wild trying to stay alive, this can be very beneficial for you. Toy breeds are the perfect early warning system. You can go sound to sleep knowing if anything were to be coming towards you a furry alarm would go off, giving you time to wake-up and defend yourself.

Unlike bigger breeds these dogs will not be able to carry their own supplies. On the bright side, the smaller the dog, the less supplies they have. Later on we will discuss how much dog food, one should prepare for their pet’s doomsday supply bag, but because Shih Tzus and other toy breed dogs are so tiny, they do not need to eat as much food as a bigger and stronger dog. This is also a bonus in case you run out of their food and need to share some of your supplies with them.

Family Disaster Dogs
Basic dog Bug-out Bag
photo A. Higgins

Doggie Doomsday Bag

Just like humans have vital necessities to include in their “bug-out” bag, so do your fluffy companions. Of course the basics are food and water, then comes additions such as: any medications, grooming supplies, ID tags, leash & collar, a copy of vaccination records and more. It is easy to look at this list and figure that you can wing it, but being prepared is the best way to ensure that you do not end up forgetting something.

Food

While this is a no brainer, you must remember that dogs need certain nutrition. Eventually, at some point, your dog’s food supply will run out. You need to prepare for any possible situation. The amount of food you should prepare for your pet’s survival kit is a little over a weeks worth. Now if this food were to run out, you need to know what type of diet your pet is on. To understand this, you can just see the ingredients that are used for your dog’s food. Knowing this will help you when scrounging up something for them to eat. Thinking just a few steps ahead of the curve can help you and your pet make it through a tough situation.

Water

Water is a vitally important source for life on this planet. Humans should store up to three days worth of water, so I would add one to two more days of that for your pet. Make sure to bring water purification tablets as well, so you furry companion will not get sick from the water they are drinking.

Medications

It is important to include any special medications your dog is taking. These medications can also include any heartworm or flea prevention pills.

Grooming Supplies

Don’t get me wrong, you do not need to bring a travel puppy spa, but some doggie nail clippers and a brush would be nice. While grooming may seem like a hassle, it will keep the dog healthy and happy. Plus, grooming can be a way to take your mind off of everything else that is going on. Brushing especially helps to calm a dog down, when dog correctly and with the right tools.

ID Tags, Leash & Collar, and Vaccination Records  

These are especially important if your dog were to be separated from you or if you would like to get into a shelter. Although we all believe our dogs are sweet and would never harm someone, doomsday situations bring out the fear in everyone. By being able to restrain your pet, as well as show their health records, it can put people’s minds at ease. The leash and collar also help to make sure your pet will not get separated from you and your family.

Bonus Items

Other items you can include, but are not of as much importance are: toys, treats and waste bags. If you have the room for these that is great, but if you are unable to bring these things along, it would not be the end of the world.

Training

There are not as many training techniques for Shih Tzu and toy breed dogs, but that does not mean they should not be prepared for a disaster. Simple commands such as “sit” and “stay” can go a long way when trying to keep your dog safe. There are also signals you can teach your dog, so they can help you when in stressed situations. It is unlikely that your tiny pooch will be hunting, but if you are able to train them to do so, you should. The last thing that is important to train your dog on is being in a kennel. They need to be able to feel safe when in a kennel, for it might not always be best that they sleep with you in your bed. In times of a pandemic, you might not want a flea magnet snuggling up against you.

Recap

Dogs are a man’s best friend, so don’t go at it alone if you don’t have to. Canines are simple creatures and require certain necessities. Make sure to have a bag packed full of food and water for your travel companion. It shouldn’t be that hard to pack, for smaller dog breeds do not consume as much as the larger ones. If they are happy and healthy, they can benefit you in more ways than one, so take good care of them.

Photo A. Higgins

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New Pooch Care - A Kind & Loving Guide

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Introducing a new dog to your home is an exciting time. Unveiling the puppy to your children and spouse will often result in excited emotions, happy smiles and maybe even a few glad tears. A puppy might give you a serious feeling of cuteness for a time, but it’s important that you know how to take care of it before you feel this. After all, the old saying is ‘a dog is for life, not just for Christmas.’

Our guide should help you do this:

Buy The Right Equipment

You should purchase a select amount of products for your journey from the breeder and for when you bring them home. A nice and sizeable dog carrier, a blanket and food and water should be in your inventory already. Make sure your puppy has a nice bed to sleep in. Right now it’s unlikely you need a doggy cage, but you can buy one now if you deem necessary. Just be sure to find a size suitable for your animal. Purchasing a correctly fitting adjustable lead, as well as any medication your breeder or vet recommends.

Microchipping

In some countries such as the United Kingdom, it is now a legal must to microchip your dog. This allows for your dog to be registered. This can be used to identify your animal if it’s lost, and to register continual veterinary medical help it’s received. Your breeder will most likely have done this, but be sure to enquire just in case.

Homeproof

It’s important to set up your home in a suitable manner. Your little puppy will likely try and explore as much as possible, meaning that you need to gate access to certain rooms. Be sure to close the door to rooms you aren’t prepared for them to visit and potentially urinate in (it sometimes happens!) If you want to gate access to your staircase, consider purchasing small gates which prevent access.

Of course, if they’re too small to climb the stairs, this might not be a problem for now. Make sure there aren’t any sharp or blunt objects they could injure themselves on, and always figure out what the little puppy could climb on. They are energetic, and they will try to crawl over every square inch of space they can. Prepare for this.

Introduce Your Home

Visiting a new home is a big deal for a puppy. It’s important to show them the space at a gentle pace, as it will take them some time to adjust. Show them the sights, sounds and smells of each room, and make sure they are being carried or accompanied in a supportive manner. They will likely desire to sniff everything they can put their nose to, and it’s important you give them this time. If you have loud sounds such as a flight path overhead, it’s important you introduce this sound in the right way, so they can get used to it.

Introduce your home the best way you can, and the animal is sure to appreciate it. If things upset them for now, help them back to a room they are more comfortable with, and introduce them slowly. Little things can set them off that pose no danger, and it’s important to help them realize this. A computer in your office making whirring sounds, a coffee machine or a door closing might make a puppy seem worried and in need of shelter, but some things they must adapt to. Just be sure to keep an eye on them to make sure they’re okay.

Diet

Pooches will require different food depending on the breed, size and overall growth rate. Your breeder will likely recommend the best food possible, but if not then Google online depending on breed. You might be a complete vegan, but that doesn’t mean your dog won’t need some form of meat to enjoy their full nutritional advantages.

Also, be sure to research dog dietary supplements. This could be from high fibre foods for new puppies with bathroom issues, to full glucosamine for senior dogs. As they grow it’s important to chart the entire path of their nutritional need, so you can prepare and budget for it well in advance.

Introduction To The Gang

You might possess other pets. It’s important they are able to be introduced to the animal immediately. Carefully observe just in case the pets aren’t immediately friendly with one another. A small argument can lead to something bigger, so pull them away before this can develop. They might just have gotten off on the wrong foot for a silly reason hard to judge. Mostly though, your animals will get on fine, specifically if they see the family is accepting and loving them. Be sure to show your love to both animals in front of each other, as it shows they are now part of the unit.

Allow them both their own spaces initially. They will develop in connection. Ideally allow them to eat together, as this forms a sense of bonding and regularity in their schedule. We’re sure they’ll be friends in no time. You might also need to complete some form of socialized experience. Training a very young puppy often requires you introduce them to plenty of life experiences within and without your home.

It’s important they see stranger dogs and animals, as this prepares them for the world. A sheltered animal finds it difficult to leave the confines of your home, so be sure to take them on regular walks, any maybe even to a local trainer. This way they’ll meet all assortment of dogs in a controlled and looked after environment. This way they will understand the need to share space, perfect for becoming part of the family unit.

With these tips, you should have no trouble with your new puppy entering the household. Just make sure you treat it well. Most people consider their pets more as family members, and for good reason. We wish you the best of luck for your pets.

Hound Health: Do You Know How To Handle It?

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When you first get a dog, you may think that you’re going to know how to take on their healthcare needs. After all, you’re a human - and we tend to have quite complex healthcare needs, so theirs are going to be a breeze - right? Or so you first thought. Because actually, dogs need just as much care, if not more, than any human. It’s not always enough to assume that your dog will be healthy, just because. You have to make a conscious effort to improve their health levels. If you’re not really sure what you should be doing, then you’ve come to the right place. As we’re about to walk you through the five things you need to take care of when it comes to hound health.

Exercise Regularity

You probably already know that your dog is going to need exercise, that much is for sure. But, do you know how much exercise they need? Because it’s often specific to each breed. So you’re going to want to get to know what your kind of dog needs in terms of their exercise. Some breeds that need the most exercise include retrievers and collies, boxers and Jack Russell's. Of course, if your have a smaller dog, then they may not need as much vigorous exercises as some of the larger dogs, but you still need to know that they actually need.

Total Nutrition

Then, you’ve also got nutrition to think about. Again, you’re going to know that you have to feed your dog, and feed it the right foods. But do you really know what they are? And, more importantly, do you know what you need to stay away from? Speak to your veterinarian about the best nutrition for your breed, but be sure to avoid feeding them any human food if you want them to stay healthy.

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Canine Health

From here, you’re also going to want to cover off their dental health. It’s easy just to assume that a dog's teeth can take care of themselves. But they can’t. Some people will want to use dental treats to help clean off their dog's teeth in a really easy way. But you can actually brush their teeth too. In fact, it’s something you should be doing, if your dog will let you. Get a dog toothbrush and start when they’re a puppy - it’s the best way to take care of their teeth.

Total Protection

Then, you’re also going to want to keep them protected from parasites. Just like we have to get shots to keep ourselves safe, you should use something such as Nexgard Spectra to do the same for your dog. Then, you’ll know that they’re covered when it comes to catching fleas and ticks.

Coat Care

And finally, there’s also their coat to think about. Although their coat health can often be determined by what they eat, you also need to take outer care of it too. That means bathing and brushing. Again, you should speak to your vet to get a personal recommendation, but in general, bathing once a month will keep them clean, and ensure their coat stays healthy.