The Dog Daily

I need to buy my dog some new food and water bowls, and I'm looking at some inexpensive plastic ones. What do you recommend?

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Skip plastic water and food dishes for your dog, if at all possible. Here's why: Dogs with a penchant for chewing may bite into the plastic, possibly injuring themselves and destroying your purchase in one swift chomp. Even if your dog's biting doesn't outright break the dishes, the gashes on the bowls could have microscopic rough spots that can be difficult to clean, leading to bacterial growth.

A recent study shows that plastic emits potentially harmful chemicals into food and water, which is why I always look for glass containers when purchasing bottled liquids for my own family.

Finally, plastic can absorb flavors and odors. This can put a damper on your scent-sensitive dog's enjoyment of food. You may not like the odors the dishes leave in your home after mealtime too, so pass up the plastic. Instead, select dishes made from sturdier materials that are easier to wash and maintain, such as thick ceramic.

Over the summer, I will be visiting a few beaches in different states. Do state laws concerning dogs at beaches widely differ?

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Laws differ, but more on a beach-to-beach level rather than by state. Some beaches only allow dogs during off-seasons, which typically occur from October to the end of April. Some beaches specify that dogs should be kept on leashes no longer than 6 feet. Still others require that dogs may only walk on areas of the beach that are washed by the high-tide line, or that dogs be kept out of public areas, such as those reserved for camping, bathing and picnicking. For best results, do some advance research online or by calling public park authorities to find out what restrictions might apply to the beaches you hope to visit with your dog.

How old should a puppy be before I adopt it?

Mon, 3 Jun 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Dog experts advise that a puppy is best brought into a home when it is around 7 to 8 weeks old. The puppy should remain with its mother for the earlier period to allow for weaning and social development. Dogs will nurse until they are approximately 6 weeks old because they do not even have proper teeth yet for consuming other food. At this time, the puppy will also learn how to interact with other dogs -- in this case, its siblings -- and its mother will teach it basic skills as well. When the puppy is about 2 months old, it becomes very susceptible to imprinting. This is the ideal time to bring the pup into your own family. Dogs are meant to live in packs, so your own pack, even if it's just you, will become your puppy's new family.

Dog lovers sometimes claim that owning dogs can lower the owner's medical bills. Is there any truth to this?

Tue, 28 May 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Many studies support that dog ownership is beneficial to human health. In terms of mental health, dogs have been shown to improve an individual's ability to handle crises, as they provide loyal companionship and unconditional loving support. People suffering from loneliness and depression have had their symptoms improved after getting a dog. That is one reason why dogs are often brought into hospitals and other medical facilities. Additionally, studies demonstrate that dogs can actually lower our blood pressure. Enjoying even the simplest of activities with a dog, such as petting it, can reduce stress and blood pressure. This, in turn, can help to prevent cardiovascular disease and will support the immune system. In the long run, these studies indicate that dog owners often have lower personal medical bills than people without pets.

My veterinarian has prescribed pills for my dog. What is the best way I can administer them?

Sun, 19 May 2013 00:00:00 EDT

To administer pills to your dog, begin by holding the top part of your dog's muzzle with your left hand (your right if you are left-handed), with your thumb on one side and your fingers on the other. Lift your dog's nose up while gently squeezing behind your dog's canine teeth; this will cause its mouth to open. Hold the pill with your free hand's thumb and forefinger and use your other fingers on that hand to push open your dog's lower jaw a bit more. Place the pill in the back of your dog's mouth. Gently hold your dog's mouth closed for a minute, blowing on its nose to stimulate the swallow reflex. Reward your dog with praise and a food treat afterward. You could further try hiding the pill in a small portion of dog food or a tiny amount of peanut butter. Pill guns for dogs are also available. They essentially shoot pills into your dog's mouth at a safe, low pressure.

I'd like to go on vacation with my dog this year and spend some time relaxing outdoors in a scenic, canine-friendly area. Any suggestions?

Sun, 12 May 2013 00:00:00 EDT

A few years ago, DogFriendly online released a list of their top 10 dog-friendly resort areas to visit in the United States. From first to last, their list is Portland, Maine; Carmel/Monterey, Calif.; Ashville/Blue Ridge, N.C.; Key West, Florida; Charlottesville, Va.; Black Hills, S.D.; Lake Tahoe, Nev.; Cape May, N.J.; Grand Canyon, Ariz.; and Hocking Hills, Ohio. Each of these places has its own charm and outdoor activity offerings. A walk along the Grand Canyon rim with your dog, for example, is something that the two of you will never forget. On the other hand, it's hard to beat the rugged Monterey coastline, with beachside trails and numerous dog-friendly restaurants. You can hear the surf roll in while you and your pet dig into breakfast. Consider your and your dog's activity preferences, however, along with your budget and the length of your stay before deciding on your vacation destination.

I'd like to adopt a dog but am torn between getting a puppy or an adult dog. Are there any reasons why I shouldn't bring home an older dog?

Sun, 5 May 2013 00:00:00 EDT

The short answer is no, and you can probably find a new furry housemate at your local animal shelter. Canines sometimes wind up in shelters through no fault of their own. Many unforeseeable situations could lead to that predicament, such as owners having to move or a new housemate suffering from severe allergies. There are numerous benefits associated with adopting an adult dog. They're usually socialized and ready to be your best buddy. Although they still like to play, older dogs tend to have a mellower disposition. You won't have to worry much about roughhousing -- a perk if you have young kids. While there are also misconceptions that adult dogs might require more expensive care, your mature canine would typically just need its biannual veterinary office checkups, compared to the cost of a puppy's shots, and spaying or neutering.

My new puppy is a chewing machine. Do you recommend a toy that could best satisfy his need to gnaw?

Sun, 28 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Rawhide, canvas and durable rubber are just a few of the many different materials used to make puppy teething toys. A company called Nylabone constructs several chew toys out of a safe nylon that is impregnated with dog drool-inducing flavors, like ham. You can also try filling a hollow rubber toy with a few dog biscuits. That could keep your pup busy for a while, since he can chew the toy itself, search for what's inside and then eat the biscuits. The longer he spends with such toys, the less time he'll have to investigate other objects in your house, like your favorite pair of slippers.

How can dog food help give my pet a shiny coat? Is it just due to oils within the food?

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Fatty acids are dog food ingredients that can help to promote a shiny, healthier coat. Omega-3s, derived from fish and some plants, form one group of fatty acids commonly found in quality dog foods. These oils do not cause inflammation, as some other fats can. In fact, studies show that omega-3s may improve cardiovascular function while conferring other health benefits. Your dog can therefore not only look great but also feel great too.

Fatty acids, however, aren't the only dog food ingredients that can help maintain your dog's coat. Vitamins A, E, C and B2 also support your dog's skin and coat, contributing to lush fur. Biotin, zinc and copper additionally promote coat health. Copper, for example, helps your dog to better metabolize fats and proteins, ensuring that all those omega-3 fatty acids are put to good use.

What is touch therapy, and how can I try it on my dog?

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 00:00:00 EDT

Touch therapy, also known as TTouch or Tellington Therapy, refers to a massage technique developed by horse trainer and competitive rider Linda Tellington-Jones. She noticed that when she massaged her horse a certain way, it improved behavior and reduced tension. The technique has since been successfully used on dogs.

Circular motions are key to the system, with body target areas forming an overall circle and hand motions directed into this pattern. For example, one or two fingers are even used to massage in circles over a dog's gums. There's also a move called the "ear slide," where each ear is gently rubbed in a sliding motion from base to tip. For more information, check out Tellington-Jones' book, The Tellington TTouch: A Revolutionary Natural Method to Train and Care for Your Favorite Animal (Penguin 1995).