Why Your Dog Eats Grass

I've seen many dog owners yell at their dog to stop eating grass. Animals have much more attuned instinct than we have so the dog knows what it's doing. Often dogs are medicating a digestive problem, maybe constipation or possibly causing loose stool in order to rid the intestine of some pathogen or indigestible mater. Sometimes they may just need the nutrients, consider the grass comparable to a human vitamin drink.

My dog tries to eat grass when she feels like she's choking on something. This is how I discovered this-I have guinea pigs who eat hay so hay is almost always floating around. When she would start gagging, she would desperately search out and chomp the hay. My daughter brilliantly observed-"she needs to eat grass". Ever since then if she gaggs I take her out and she grazes for a bit and is then OK. Some dogs are just gaggers, or tend to eat stupid things, so try this next time your dog gets something stuck in her throat. Of course if the situation is dire, go to the hospital ASAP. For minor infractions, grazing is a wonderful remedy.

Raw Food Diet

The raw food diet, commonly known as B.A.R.F -Biologically Appropriate Raw Food, for dogs mainly consists of raw meat, chicken, and other animal protein. Proponents of this diet believe that since dogs have always existed on raw meat in the wild, and their teeth seem to be made to tear apart animal flesh, they should eat the same way today. It is believed that dogs have the necessary enzyme to consume raw meat and that they in fact digest raw meat more efficiently than cooked. Some raw diet proponents also believe that dogs are immune to salmonella and e coli, however this is dangerously wrong. Others feel that the meat they feed to their dog is fresh and clean of any pathogens, however unless they are using a microscope to check the meat, there is no way to ensure this at all. Clearly, if an owner is thinking about starting the B.A.R.F. diet he must do his research.

One essential factor of this diet concerns humans, especially children. No matter how much your dog licks her face after eating, if she has eaten raw meat there is a possibilty that there will be salmonela or e coli on her face, and anywhere else she licks. I would strongly advise anyone with children to never provide a raw food diet, it's not worth the danger of harming a child, Adults are also in danger of infection from these pathogens, however an adult can make her own decision if she is comfortable with the risk of serious infection. In my opinion, the B.A.R.F diet is not a good idea, alternatively, there are very good pet foods which I will discuss in another post.

Paws in the Snow

Most dogs like a good romp in the snow, rolling, burrowing, running and of course, licking the snow. Two problems that can ruin a good time-ice salt and freezing paws. 

Salt- Salt burns the footpads and causes a lot of discomfort for dogs and cats. Home owners should always use pet friendly salt, available at any pet store. However, when walking your dog, he's going to step on a lot of commercial salt that can hurt. To protect his paws, rub on a cream such as Petco Tender Paw for Dogs. There are other brands that make this sort of product so look for a cream that is for conditioning and protecting foot pads. The cream can also be used for calloused elbows. I have used the cream and what amazes me is that it's not at all greasy. I was afraid my dog would slip before we got outside but she was fine. My hands didn't get slimy and I just wiped them and off we went. 

Freezing Foot Pads- This is probably more of a problem with small dogs but big dogs can get this as well. Some dogs just have more sensitive paws and they need a little extra protection from the cold. If you can get your dog to wear booties, that's the best solution. However since most dogs I know rip booties off ASAP, use Tender Paw Cream right before going outside. The cream is a first layer of defense from the wet cold and it should help the paws stay comfortable longer, allowing the dog to take a decent walk. 

Suggestion: Put the cream on immediately before leaving to prevent your dog attempting to lick it off. Once they get outside they don't even think about it. (as far as I know)

Pic of The Day

Omega 3 Fish Oil

Omega 3 fatty acids are essential nutrients for your dog. Omega 3 helps keep your dog's skin, coat, brain and heart healthy. Omega 3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and supplementation is especially indicated in larger doses for arthritic dogs.

Many dog foods have some form of Omega 3 but by the time the food hits the shelf it's very possible that the Omega 3 fatty acids have lost their nutrient value since they oxidise so quickly. There also isn't usually enough Omega 3 in kibble so adding a supplement is important.

There are many nutritional fatty acid supplements at the pet store. However, the best source of supplemental Omega 3 is in human grade gelatin capsules(gel-caps). Make sure that the bottle has an assurance that the oil was tested and found to be mercury free. Stores such a Trader Joe or Fairway and even K-Mart often sell large bottles of Omega 3 for relatively cheap. After opening keep the bottle in the fridge, despite instruction written on the bottle. The

How to administer the Omega 3 supplement: If you're lucky maybe your dog will just eat it or swallow it. However, in my experience, hiding the oil in something tasty is usually necessary. This is my method -pop the gel caps gently with a pin or point of a small knife-be careful-squeeze the oil into a little bathroom cup and add about a tsp of "Kong Stuff'n" - or more for the finicky dog, and give it to your dig to lap up. Since dogs usually lick something tasty until there's not a molecule left, you can be sure your mutt is getting all of the Omega 3 ingested.

Paradoxical Pedi Paws

"Pedi Paws"; a rotary file that works on batteries, is touted to be the #1 nail trimmer for dogs and cats. The idea behind Pedi Paws is that the quick is not cut, avoiding pain and bleeding. This sensitive approach to trimming the dog or cat's nails is very attractive to owners which explains popularity of Pedi Paws.

HOWEVER, if you have used Pedi Paws, you may have noticed that the nails grow faster. This is the Pedi Paws paradox. Apparently the vibration stimulates the growth of the nail, or the quick and the nails need to be trimmed much more often. An ingenious ploy by Pedi Paws, as you trim, the faster the nail grows, the more you trim...and so on.

Despite Pedi Paw hype, some dogs are better off with a traditional clip, especially those that are noise sensitive. In addition, these same dogs and other may not appreciate having their nails filed every other week or 2 weeks. Clipped nails grow slower and if you're reasonably careful, traditional clippers are safe and efficient.

Psychology of Dog 101

The first thought to consider regarding dog psychology is that each dog is unique. On top of that, each owner is unique. However, there are some characteristics of dogs that carry across every breed and size.

Food-this is the number one concern of most healthy dogs. Their instinct is too always be on the hunt for food. Granted, there are many dogs that learn to adjust to meal times and may not forage much. However, innately, attaining food is on the dog mind.

Love-obvious to any owner, second(possibly first) to food is love. Dogs want to be praised and adored. Unconditional love is great, but give them something to accomplish and the praise will make them even happier.

Security-dogs want to feel safe just like we do. Schedules, knowing what to expect, comfort, these are important to them. Their owner's attitude towards them is paramount. If they are yelled at, constantly criticized, they will feel unsafe and will act clingy and generally miserable. Dogs who develop phobias need extra care to keep them feeling safe.

Sociability-we all know dogs are social creatures. Getting out and playing with other dogs should be part of their routine. Staying alone at home for long periods of time is tough on a dog, especially young dogs-they need their people too.