Running Dog
Does your dog always seem to be hyper? It’s hard enough to get work down as it is and a pets running around and jumping only make it more difficult. Here are some solutions that my help your rowdy dog to become more well- behaved.
1. Take your dog for a walk or play with your pet. These activities not only give your pet exercise but a chance to release the energy that your dog has built up. After your walk and your play time it will be a lot easier for both you and your dog to relax or get work down.
2. Try to not pay attention to your pet’s hyper behavior. A lot of dogs are trying to get your attention the best way they know how to. The more you acknowledge this behavior the more likely they are to continue to act this way because they are getting what they want, your attention.
3. Distract your dog with tasks. Giving your pet a job or something to do will help to redirect his energy into doing the task that you have given them.
4. Pets react through scent. Just as aromatherapy works for you, a calming scent may have the ability to work for your canine as well. Scents like lavender and vanilla often help calm not only you but your dogs too! Just be careful of what methods you use to release the scent because it may be too much for your pet to handle.
5. See how you are acting. Your pet can often feed off of your energy. If you are not calm then chances are your pet is not as well. Try to make sure that your pet knows that this is not play time. You can do this by showing your canine that you are relaxed, confident and do not appear nervous or hyperactive.
Up Close and personal
Everyone needs to practice good dental care and so does man’s best friend, your dog! Here are several tips to keep you and your dog close without you having to hold your breath because of theirs.
1. Pet has never received a dental exam? Take him to your vet. Sometimes our pets dental needs are too extensive for us to handle. Once your pets get a good cleaning and dental exam it makes it actually possible to maintain your pet’s teeth on your own.
2. Make it a routine. Make a point to get into the habit. By making the routine of brushing your dog’s teeth with special toothpaste for dogs you’re less likely to have to pay a hefty vet bill.
3. Give your pet a chew toy. Pet’s teeth are gentle just like ours and chewing on hard objects can cause breakage and/ or cracks and trust me a chew toy is a lot cheaper than paying for your pet to get their teeth fixed or even pulled!
4. Make sure your vet checks. When at your pet’s checkup be sure that your vet checks up on your pets teeth as well. An annual checkup keeps your pet from having more problems in the future.
5. Start as a puppy. Starting your pet early helps them to be more comfortable and cooperative when they are receiving a cleaning.
Keep an eye out for serious dental problems.
• Bad breathe
• Pawing at the mouth
• Excessive drooling
• Change in eating
• Missing, broken or crooked teeth
• Discolored teeth
• Swollen, painful, bleeding gums or bumps and growths.
• Tartar along gum line
Separation Anxiety
Does your pet make it difficult for you to leave? Don’t let the sad puppy eyes keep you from your plans. Here are several tips that may help both your pets as well as yourself from suffering from unnecessary stress before and while you are away.
1. Before leaving, take your dog for a walk. Once back give your dog some food and water. The walk will help to make your pet feel more relaxed and your pet will enjoy your time together before having to leave.
2. Try to avoid making your departure a big deal. While it is alright to say goodbye to your pet it is best to do so before actually leaving. Prior to leaving try to avoid touching or talking with your pet. This helps to show your dog that it is alright if you are not always around.
3. Try to avoid making a big deal about your return as well. Say hello to your dog when you return but try to maintain the idea that your time away was acceptable. Eventually your pet will learn that a little time away was not all that bad.
4. Lead by example. Your pet knows you and your behavior helps your pet to know how to behave. If you are calm, assertive and confident in assuring your pet that they will be alright than your pet will be reassured not to worry and will behave as you expect them to behave.
