Help, My Dog Has Insomnia

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Lucky for him, we just sang him a lullaby.

Lucky for him, we just sang him a lullaby.

Insomnia in dogs is a more common ailment than most would suspect. And while there can be many factors into why, the solution can often be easier to manage than dog owners suspect. First things first, identifying the problem. Why is your dog not sleeping, and what things can you do to change that?

First thing to look out for when a dog has more than a few sleepless nights in a row is whether or not that dog is trying to tell you something. Some dog’s cannot sleep when it is physically in pain or ill, so the first things you need to be aware of is if the insomnia is hinting at a greater problem. Like we tend to suggest, anytime you think something might be wrong, it is a good idea to bring your dog to the vet and make sure he is doing alright before you try to find solutions. If you do find out your dog’s sleeplessness is not the hint of a bigger problem, you can address it more concisely.

Is the house the dog is in more tense lately? Because our canine friends tend to pick up on things like that. If not, you might have a simple problem that a great deal of American’s have with their dogs. Sorry to tell you, but it might be overweight.

A dog’s level of sleep is often proportional to its level of exercise, so is the dog getting enough physical activity every day? If not, that could very well be your problem, and obviously, we here at dogPACER have a pretty simple solution as well.

But also, rather than becoming reactionary, remember, dogs are emotional animals, and sometimes, just like us, they just can’t sleep. And just because Fido can’t sleep, doesn’t mean you need to panic. And when all else fails, just take it for a jog and tire BOTH of you out, because in that scenario, everyone wins!

The Seriousness Of Heart Disease in Dogs

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He just wants to make sure you are taking proper care of his heart.

He just wants to make sure you are taking proper care of his heart.

As sad as it makes us to say this, heart disease is a fairly common problem in dogs. And one of the biggest issues regarding it is not knowing the signs and how to stop it before it gets serious. The sad reality is heart failure happens in more dogs than any of us would like to accept, but knowing what signs to avoid and how to administer help at crucial stages can help save your dog’s life. Also, prevention is the best medicine, and you prevent heart disease in dogs much in the same way you do a human, exercise and living healthy.

Some of the more serious signs to look out for regarding heart disease with your dogs are:

Bloated abdomen

Coughing and wheezing

General Weakness

The problem is, those are also universal signs that something is wrong with the dog, so how do you know if it is heart related? The reality is, only your vet will, and this is why we encourage close relationships with people and their vets.

And believe it or not, a great deal of any of these issues can be avoided by just giving your dog the regular exercise it requires to be healthy.

While in some cases, the dogs can be pre-exposed to heart disease, in most cases, it is brought on by a lack of activity and an unhealthy diet, both of which can be easily avoided.

As we have stated before, we understand the fast pace life expected of everyone right now can sometimes make it hard to ensure that everything in your life gets the attention it needs, but to not exercise your dog because you don’t have the time or energy is just not fair, and in many cases, can be injurious to the dog, which is the point we are making here. Sometimes the simplest solutions to the biggest problems can be right in front of your face.

The idea here is that you would not just let your children get overweight and sick, and potentially die, so why do some people allow that with their dogs? Take the time to make sure you are feeding your dog the healthiest diet you can, and giving it enough exercise and activity everyday, to ensure you are doing all that you can to limit its chances of heart disease. And remember, if you think something is wrong, take your dog to the vet and don’t take any chances, because waiting a day could cost your dog it’s life. The irony is that The American Heart association says owning a dog will lower YOUR chances of heart disease, so isn’t it only fair we do the same for them?

Monsanto Curse: What Major Ingredient To Avoid When Buying Dog Food

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He refuses to eat this until you tell him it's natural.

He refuses to eat this until you tell him it’s natural.

It is hard not to get caught up in the madness of this Monsanto craze right now. All anyone is talking about it genetically modified food, and how it is ruining all of America. Laced with filler and poison, it seems we are noticing more and more how we need to change all this and live healthier lifestyles. And thanks to social networking, knowing what foods and ingredients to ignore is easy for us, but what about our dogs? So for those of you interested in making sure your dogs are as healthy as you are, there are some basic ingredients to look out for when buying food for your dog, but there is ONE ingredient we have to talk about, and for the well being of your dog, you need to know about it.

It is called Ethoxyquin, and it is in more dog food than any of us would care to admit. This really is the big one, integrated into dog food by Monsanto, and is also seemingly okay’d by the F.D.A, but beware. Ethoxyquin has no health benefits, is often used as filler for seafood based dog food, and has been linked to many health problems in dogs, including:

Skin problems

Birth defects

and even, in some cases, stuff as severe as Cancer and organ failure.

And while it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which dog food companies use ethoxyquin, and which don’t, we have compiled a handy list of some companies that DO NOT use Ethoxyquin, and they are, as follows:

Blue Buffalo

Fromm

By Nature Organics

Flint River Ranch

Natural Balance

Nutro

Organix

Newman’s Own

Again, we are all so set in our ways of no longer supporting GMO’s, but there has not been a big shift in thinking about it regarding our pets. We obviously want what is best for them, so doesn’t this seem like the next natural step?

And while we are sure there are more ingredients that need to be looked out for when it comes to genetically modified food and Monsanto, just being aware of ethoxyquin and knowing enough to ensure your dog isn’t consuming it is a big step in the right direction to ensure that our dogs (and ourselves) are only putting the purest, most natural stuff we can into our bodies, further ensuring a long, healthy, life together.

The Best Way To Control And Stop Heart Worms

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Something as simple as an X-ray can help you detect heartworms early.

Something as simple as an X-ray can help you detect heartworms early.

As much as we spend a great deal of time talking about overweight dogs and how we intend to help change that, it is easy for us to overlook some of the more common ailment that people face with their dogs, and we thought we would expend some energy shedding some light on those issues. Today, we will be talking about heartworm, what you can to do control, and how you prevent it.

Heartworm is a parasitic roundworm that is spread from its hosts by the bites of a mosquito. While it can infect many types of animals, dogs are the most common, and often, the most serious. While it is good to know it is not us humans spreading it to dogs, there are still some very simple things you can to help prevent heartworm in your dog. First, as much as we tend to suggest against medication for animals, in this case, it can save your dog’s life. A preventative medicine like Ivermectin can do wonders in ceasing any heartworm problems the dog may have.

And if you are wholly against using medication on your dog to prevent heartworm or control it, there are over-the-counter topical solutions you can get that are more organic and natural, but we warn you, the results will not be as clear to see.

And a great way to help spot of your dog may have heartworm is to simply observe its behavior. How is the dog acting? Does it seem like it wants to do the things it once did less and less? Does it seem distressed? Difficulty breathing, mathced up with coughs? Simple observations are huge when it comes to recognition, and that can be the very step that saves the dog’s life.

Remember, though it is called heartworm, that is a misnomer, because it thrives primarily in the lungs, so pay extra close attention to your dog’s breathing, and if something seems off, react quick, because the longer it incubates, the more serious the problem will be, long term.

How To Best Deal With A Dog’s Chewing Habit

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CAUGHT IN THE ACT!

CAUGHT IN THE ACT!

Dogs may be our best friends, yes, but it doesn’t mean they don’t have bad habits, much like most of us do. Be it loud barking, chewing things they shouldn’t, or jumping up on people when they get too excitable. But take comfort in knowing those traits can just be part of the dog’s personality, and on top of that, there are some simple things you can to help curve the problem.

First off, if the chewing thing is happening early on in the puppy stages, something is simple as giving the puppy a wet washcloth to chew on can be simple enough to ensure the dog focuses most of its attention on that. Remember, it’s not that you don’t want the dog chewing things. It’s that you don’t want dog chewing things it shouldn’t. And there are a wide variety of sprays you can use to deter a dog from chewing, but we take a more hands-on and holistic approach at dogPACER.

And the wash cloth trick works into adulthood. The trick behind getting the dog disinterested in chewing your stuff is to provide the dog an alternative. A toy he KNOWS is meant for chewing, and a great way to do this is to introduce your dog to a new stuffed toy at mealtime, and having pockets sewn into it (or have it hollow, like a puppet), and have that hollow chamber filled up with kibble. This way the dog KNOWS it is supposed to chew that, and doesn’t have to chew it in shame or sneak it off behind the couch so it doesn’t get in trouble. Eventually, the dog will figure out this is its chew toy, and will focus less on couches and newspapers.

Lastly, like we always stress, those types of actions could be the result of the dog not getting enough attention or exercise, so make sure you are taking care of it in that way, too.

Just by following these simple steps you will definitely see a decrease in your dogs chewing habit, especially chewing things it shouldn’t.

The Most Effective Method Of Housebreaking A New Puppy

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Yeah, but who has time to teach a dog to read?

Yeah, but who has time to teach a dog to read?

As much as we all wish we could just avoid this step of raising a dog, the reality is, none of us can. If you get a puppy, chances are pretty good you are going to need to housebreak it, so that it knows it is not okay to just go to the bathroom anywhere. And though it may seem a tedious and messy task at times, it really does not involve as much work as it does time. And though there are many methods, it really is just a matter of making sure you are there for those early weeks.

The real trick to house breaking is not so much a trick as it is basic conditioning. You need to train the dog to know he will have a “time” to use the bathroom, and a specific place as well. And the first step in all this is finding a good “cue” word, or the word that will let them know it is time to go outside and do their business. Make sure you pick a word they will  not hear in everyday context, and give them time to associate that cue word with a place, say, a spot under a tree in your back yard.

Early on, use that cue word and then leash the dog and take them to their bathroom spot. Stay there until they use the bathroom, and be stoic. it may take time, but if you bring them back inside and they haven’t gone, that is the same as basically letting them know it’s okay to use the bathroom in doors, which is counter productive to what you are trying to teach. And factor in bathroom times with when and what you feed your dog. Remember, they all function differently, and figuring out the nuances of your dog is crucial when housebreaking.

The last step, but a crucial one, is making sure you praise the dog after the dog does it’s business in the right spot and at the right time. Just like humans, dogs process praise and remember the behavior that caused it, often repeating it. And bam, just like that, your puppy is officially housebroken.

You’re welcome.

The Real Reason Your Dog Hangs Its Head Out Of The Window When You Drive

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Well, it looks like he is ready for an epic journey!

Well, it looks like he is ready for an epic journey!

Seeing a dog hang its head out of a car window, looking around with all the innocent glee of a child, is one of those things that just puts us in a good mood. The dog just seems so content and happy with the wind in its face, and as dog lovers, that is something we have always appreciated about dogs. Their love of long drives on great days. And while most people can understand why the dog loves the experience of travelling to new places, do you know why your dog hangs its head out of the window when you drive? Well, there are many reasons, but to put it honestly, because you smell. But don’t worry, it’s not just you. It’s all of us. And it’s also the way a dog functions.

As most of us know by now, a dog’s sense of smell is very much what guides it. That is how it explores and identifies a new area. So while it may initially seem like the dog may like wind in its face, which is why most people assume dogs do that, it is actually a group of things that cause that. First off, the dog generally has no idea where it is going, so hanging its head out of the car allows it to be stimulated by the scents and smells of various places. In the same vein of a human looking around while in a car, a dog looks around by smelling the surrounding areas.

Also, a dogs sense of smell is said to be hundreds of times more powerful than humans, so imagine what that must be like when a dog is locked in a car with a bunch of humans? Not to imply we smell badly, but we do wear various scents, deodorants  and soaps. Imagine what that must be like to a dog in the confined space of a car? Overwhelming, right? We’d hang our heads out the window, too.

So not only is the dog using its powerful sense of smell to look around, it is also escaping into the fresh air because our own scents can be overwhelming for the dog in those small areas. Don’t get us wrong, most dogs do genuinely enjoy the wind in their face, that is but one small element as to why your dog hangs its head out of the window when you drive.

The Exact Way To Tell If Your Dog Is Overweight

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Screen Shot 2013-05-30 at 1.42.27 PM

To some, whether a dog is obese or not seems to be an open debate. Some people will say their dogs are not fat, and we can understand being defensive about that, afterall, that does tend to reflect on us as owners. But believe it or not, there is a relatively simple, uniform way to find out if your dog is overweight, and how to intervene early before it equates to health problems for our canine friends.

First of all, there are no excuses for having an obese dog. If we choose to get obese of our own accord, that is on us, but it is not fair to let a dog get fat when there are clearly other options available to them. You see, dogs are one of the species that doesn’t really choose what happens to it. They are victims of their own environment. So if you are too busy to take your dog for walks or runs, that is punishing the dog, and that is not fair. Okay, okay, rant over and on to the good stuff.

To tell if a dog is fat, and you need to know is their weight compared to other dogs of the same breed. Dogs that are 10%-20% over their expected body weight for their size are considered overweight, and dogs who are more than 20% over their ideal weight are considered obese. And while this may not seem too noteworthy, do you know that the estimated number of dogs who are overweight in America is well over 50% of the dog population? That is exactly why we call it an epidemic. Because when something is that widespread, it really IS an epidemic. BUT, an epidemic with a clear solution is far better than an epidemic with no end in sight.

So remember, it’s not just you that gets affected when  you are too busy or tired to walk your dogs. The dogs themselves are the ones who suffer, and you know us well enough to know we just don’t think that’s okay, which is exactly why we exist. To change that, and the quality of life, for all dogs.

How To Socially Integrate A Shy Dog Into Society

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With some relatively easy steps, you can ensure you limit your dog's anxiety.

With some relatively easy steps, you can ensure you limit your dog’s anxiety.

Dogs, much like people, often have very distinct personalities. While some are excitable and energetic, some can be more quiet and reserved. And it is important for each dog owner to know what kind of dog personality their dog has, so they can work best with them. And while we have told you what to do if your dog is too excitable, we have yet to tell you what to do if your dog is socially shy, which is what brings us here. With a little work and attention, your dog can help to overcome some of that shyness. Remember, like anything with dogs, there is some work involved  but if you are dog lovers like us, which is probably why you are here, you know that work is well worth it.

First step in all this is seeing what triggers your dog’s shyness. Does your dog get more shy around other dogs? Does your dog tend to get nervous around new humans? The best way to deal with this is to slowly introduce your dog to things that seem to be stressors. If your dog gets more nervous around other dogs, introduce the dog to other dogs ONE AT A TIME. The key here is limiting the dog’s anxiety by letting it know that what it is anxious about is no big deal. Taking a dog like this to the dog park is like “flooding” and can be very overwhelming for the dog. Instead, invite people you know with other dogs to come over, and the dog can slowly ease into being around other dogs. A good way to do this is with positive reinforcement. Remember, that first meeting and experience the dog has is key.

What we mean by positive reinforcement is to give something to the dog, a treat it loves, when it first meets other dogs. Yes, this is a redirection, and yes, you are being slightly tricky here, but doing this will cause the dog to equate new dogs with treats, which will cause a deter in its level of anxiety regarding other dogs. And you can do the same thing regarding humans, or whatever else may make the dog get nervous and excited. Perhaps a dog daycare will provide your dog exposure to other dogs and humans, and that can be rewarding, too.

And in some cases, you just can’t shift the way a dog thinks, and there is nothing wrong with that. If there is something that causes your dog anxiety, and nothing seems to change it, do the dog a favor and limit its exposure to whatever is bothering it. Remember, dogs, just like human relationships, involve work, but those small moments you share make it all well worth it.

Can We Get Our Dogs Sick?

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His coat looks so soft, we want to snuggle him!

His coat looks so soft, we want to snuggle him!

It can be said few things in life are as daunting as when your dog gets sick. The worry that goes along with that and the frustration that, though you communicate openly, you and your dog don’t share the same language, can be frustrating. All you want to do is help make them better, yet they can only tell you their feelings through their actions and symptoms. And while a dog getting sick is inevitable, we wanted to put to rest some of the misconceptions about diseases we can pass along to dogs, so we thought it would be wise of us to expand upon the idea so you would know how to react accordingly to best keep the dog safe if you do, indeed, get sick.

The main disease, and only one we really need to worry about passing along to dogs, is the flu. We can pass it along in the same ways we pass it along, or catch it from, other humans. By sharing unclean surfaces (or even dog kisses), you can unintentionally pass along the invisible microbes to your dog, who then has a greater chance of “catching” the bug. But rest assured knowing our immune systems differ from dogs, and diseases that take host do not survive long if proper methods are taken.

This sickness can also be perpetuated by a lack of activity in the dog’s life. We have said it before and we will say it again, a healthy dog is a happy dog. Keeping your dog fit is a great way to keep its immune system in check at all times, even when you are sick yourself. The fact is, there are many pathogens we carry that can take up residence in our dogs (just like they carry diseases we can get as well, though rarely) but these tend to happen in extreme situations. If you keep yourself and your environment clean, treat your dog with love (but give it a little distance when you are both under the weather), and make sure you both get plenty of exercise, you have little to worry about in the way of sharing illnesses.