Author: Joshua. CollinsWorth

When Dog Eats Grass?

Dog Diet by Joshua. CollinsWorth0 comments

Your pooch is lying next to you on his favorite spot of grass. He’s looking up at you with those soulful eyes as he takes a bite out of that green blade. You pet him lovingly and say “good boy” before giving him another chew. Suddenly, you hear a loud slurp coming from inside his mouth. You look closely and see wet fur sticking out  and all you can think is: What is that disgusting thing?!

 

You’ve just witnessed your furry friend having a grass-induced fit. If this sounds familiar, chances are you’re dealing with one of two issues: allergies or digestion problems. There are some subtle differences between these conditions, but both result in your pup chewing on things other than food when they get stressed. We’ll explain what causes each problem so you know how to help your best friend.

 

What Causes Grass Allergy in Dogs?

 

Allergies are immune responses to external substances (like pollen) causing inflammation and swelling in various parts of our bodies. In people, allergic reactions typically manifest themselves in the form of hives. Some pets suffer similar reactions called hypersensitivities, which can also cause diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, sneezing, wheezing, itching and difficulty breathing.

 

These reactions occur within minutes of eating something their sensitive stomachs find unpleasant. Hypersensitivity reactions happen because allergens are foreign particles to the body. When we ingest them, they’re broken down into smaller pieces and absorbed through the small intestine.

 

Once there, they encounter specialized white blood cells known as mast cells. Mast cells contain chemicals that trigger the release of histamine, which is responsible for many allergic reactions. Histamines dilate smooth muscle tissue throughout the body, including air passages such as the lungs and throat. This results in congestion, narrowing of nasal passageways, runny nose, …

Why Are Smaller Dogs More Aggressive Than Larger Dogs?

Habit by Joshua. CollinsWorth0 comments

When you’re a small child, your parents may tell you not to play with puppies or kittens because those little guys can be mean. And when you grow up and become an adult, you probably adopt this sentiment as well. But how much should we really fear our furry friends?

 

After all, there’s no evidence that a kitten will bite you when it becomes a cat, right? The same isn’t true for dogs. Although cats may bite sometimes, dogs have been known to nip at children, chew on things like shoes, jump out windows and even attack people.

 

Dogs aren’t exactly angels either. While some large dogs such as German shepherds and Great Danes are generally docile and friendly, others such as bull terriers and chihuahuas tend to be somewhat aggressive and quick to startle their owners. In fact, one study found that smaller dogs were rated by pet-owners as being less friendly than larger dogs.

 

So why does this happen? It comes down to size, specifically the ratio between height and weight in relation to body mass index (BMI). This has something to do with the shape of your dog’s skull and its overall proportions. For example, a 150-pound (68-kilogram) boxer doesn’t necessarily weigh quite as much as a 200-pound (91-kilogram) golden retriever.

 

However, if both dogs had the same BMI, the boxer would likely be taller than the golden retriever. That means that the boxer would be shorter than the golden retriever from birth. As humans, we like tall people who look healthy and strong — just like we want to feel safe around big, burly dogs. Unfortunately, many breeds have been bred to be bigger and stronger than other breeds in order to fulfill these needs.

 

These larger dogs often appear stockier …

Do Dogs Need Warm Clothes?

Health by Joshua. CollinsWorth0 comments

Your dog has been cooped up in the house all day long, so when you come home and head out to your car for just a few minutes, he can’t help but follow you with his tail wagging. Once inside, however, things get much cooler which means that it’s harder than ever for him to keep himself from overheating.

 

Dogs don’t sweat like humans do, so instead of panting through their mouths, they tend to overheat by releasing excess body heat through their fur. When temperatures outside hit 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius), these furry little critters start sweating buckets. In fact, some dogs will actually take off more weight during hot weather because they’re shedding so much water-rich perspiration.

 

This causes two problems: one, your pet doesn’t cool down as quickly as he heats up, and two, without any way to regulate his temperature, he’ll become dehydrated. Both can lead to serious health issues, including kidney failure, heart attack and stroke. Since most pets aren’t able to control their own internal thermostat, we’re going to talk about how to cool them down effectively.

 

First, let’s look at what happens to your dog’s temperature when it gets really hot. The human version of this is called hyperthermia, and it occurs when our core body temperature rises above 99.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37.8 degrees C).

 

This increases the work of our muscles and nervous system, making us feel weak and tired. Our bodies also release toxins from damaged cells as part of an immune response, causing further muscle cramps and dehydration. If left untreated, hyperthermia can even cause death. For your dog, excessive heat does exactly the same thing.

 

So what keeps your pet’s temperature regulated? It turns out that, unlike humans, dogs don’t have any …

Why Is My Dog Afraid of a Person?

Habit by Joshua. CollinsWorth0 comments

You’re walking down the street when all of sudden you hear this loud growl coming from one direction and then another. You look around for any signs of danger nothing. Then you notice that there are several dogs running toward you and they appear to be barking at each other.

 

You start to feel like you need to get out of here as fast as possible and you run into your house as quickly as you can. When you come back outside, your dog has disappeared. What happened? If your dog had human phobias, it would probably be something similar to what just occurred.

 

When most people think about phobias, they usually conjure up images of small animals such as mice or spiders scurrying under their feet or maybe even clowns jumping out from underneath cars on Halloween night. While these things do occur more often among smaller species, humans also suffer from phobias that affect them directly.

Some common human phobias include agoraphobia (a fear of open spaces), claustrophobia (a fear of enclosed places) and acrophobia (a fear of heights). These phobias seem pretty extreme and have been classified by psychologists, but how much more severe could our canine companions become?

 

One way we can classify many of our pets’ fears is through the use of terms such as “intrusive” or “uncontrollable.” According to Merriam-Webster Online, intrusive means “characterized by an inability to control behavior that interferes with normal social functioning.” This definition fits perfectly with what happens when your dog approaches a stranger. Your pet will display anxious behaviors until he realizes that someone else isn’t going to harm him.

 

If your pooch shows signs of being fearful or distressed, understand that it’s not necessarily because the dog is worried about himself. It might …

Belgian Malinois – Protector Of Home, Family And Livestock

Habit by Joshua. CollinsWorth0 comments

The Belgian Malinois is a medium/large size dog that weighs between 40-80 lbs and is between 22″ to 26″ in height. Their name is pronounced MAL-in-wah. They are one of four Belgian Sheepdogs and are very work oriented and are protective of home, family and livestock. These dogs love Cotton Rope Dumbbell Toys

The AKC recognizes the Belgian Malinois in the colors of fawn to mahogany to red with a black mask, ears and tips. Minimal white on the chest and feet is permitted. The short, smooth, straight and hard outer coat and dense undercoat require minimal grooming and are very easy to care for. Regular washing is not recommended as their coat has water proofing.

This intelligent, energetic, protective breed is still more of a working dog than companion. They have a strong drive to work. The Belgian Malinois makes an excellent farm dog, watchdog, police dog and herding dog because of their instinct to protect their family, home or whatever else they are trained to protect. They can make a great family pet as well. Early socialization is a must for children, other dogs and pets. In fact, they do best if they are socialized from the time they are born. They can be dominant towards other dogs. Early, consistent, firm but not harsh training is important. They are harder for a novice to train than someone who is more experienced. The Belgian Malinois has a lot of energy and loves to be on the go. They require a yard and plenty of room to run and play. They are not meant to be indoors all day. They enjoy being with their family and are not meant to be left alone for long periods of time as they will get bored and find some way to fill their …

Caring for Dogs with Hypoallergenic Conditions

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Some dog breeds are more susceptible to allergies than others. This may be because of small nasal passages, allergic reactions to flea bites, irritable stomachs that make digesting food difficult, or they may be allergic to their own hair and dander. Dogs that have allergies include the following breeds: Bishon frise, terrier, retrievers, beagles, setters, and boxers. All dogs have the potential to be allergic to something, however. Your dog will be happier also with some dog toys from DoggieToys.Deals

The most common signs of allergies include raw skin where the dog has scratched, patches of hair missing, red skin, hives, coughing, sneezing, excessive chewing and licking of paws, watery eyes, vomiting, and diarrhea. While these symptoms may go away after a few days, you should monitor your dog’s behavior to see if the symptoms return. If they do, then you should take your dog to see a vet. Sometimes changing the type of dog food or buying a flea collar or spray is enough to help eliminate your dog’s allergy problems.

When a dog is suffering from allergies, their mood may change. They may become irritable, lethargic, clingy, or angry. Discipline will not work when the dog is having allergy issues. The best way to combat this problem is to learn how to care for your dog once you have isolated the cause of the allergies. This may mean keeping a journal of your dog’s activities and symptoms that you can show the vet, who will be able to recommend treatment.

Some smaller breeds may have breathing issues as they age, there is little that can be done except to keep their sleeping area clean, vacuum often, and consider buying a hepa filter that will trap dust, particles, and other air pollutants that are in the air. While it …

A Guide To Dog Training

Dog Training by Joshua. CollinsWorth0 comments

Before starting dog training, it is best that you know your options well. These days you can find many types of dog training, in many different places. These trainings vary in price and each one them has something different to offer.

The first type of dog training is known as puppy preschool. This is a dog training course meant for puppies that are about 6 weeks to 5 months old. These puppy preschool classes generally last for no more than 6 to 8 weeks. In these training sessions, your puppy is essentially taught how to socialize with people and as well as other puppies. Here your puppy also begins to learn how to sit down, stay at a place, and how to come.

The second type of dog training course is meant for the dogs that are at least 5 months old. This type of dog training is known as the basic dog training. The duration of these classes is usually about 8 to 10 weeks. This is the basic course, where your dog is taught the art of walking properly on a leash, sitting, staying, coming and heeling.

The third type of dog training course is known as the intermediate dog training. This dog training aims at teaching the dog mostly the same things that are taught in the basic training course, in a more detailed form. Here the dog is trained to stay for a longer span of time, and is also taught to follow the orders given by other people.

The intermediate dog training generally lasts for about 8 to 10 weeks, and is meant for those that are no less than 5 months old. It is essential for the dog to have completed its basic dog training course, or to be accustomed to the basic commands …

Is it Ok for a Dog to Sleep in a Sweater?

Health by Joshua. CollinsWorth0 comments

If you’ve ever watched your pet close his eyes and fall asleep peacefully, then chances are good he’s comfortable enough to snooze away through the night. But what happens when your dog doesn’t seem to mind sleeping on concrete? Or even in a car? Is this because he was born to be homeless? Or does he sometimes need something more than warmth and a soft bed to get him into dreamland?

 

The answer may surprise you. Some dogs can be perfectly content lounging near a wood stove, while others prefer to sleep with their heads poking out from under a blanket. And there are those who would rather head outside for a nap than curl up next to any old lumpy object.

 

So how do we figure out which breeds like to sleep in different ways? What makes one breed cozy and another not so much? Read on to find out why some dogs love nothing better than a long afternoon snooze, while others prefer to chase squirrels instead.

 

Why Dogs Sleep Differently

 

­So why do some dogs have such strange sleeping habits? It’s partly due to genetics. There are certain breeds whose ancestors lived outdoors, where they had no choice but to take naps wherever they could fit in. Other dogs enjoy chasing rodents as well as sleeping, so they seek out warm places to rest. Still, other animals are naturally prey animals, and their instincts tell them to look for shelters and hideaways whenever possible.

 

It also helps that dogs are social creatures. They want to feel part of a pack, so they often sleep together in order to keep each other company. If they aren’t sharing a warm spot with someone else, they’ll probably choose a safe place to curl up and …

Feeding Your Dog – Could You Be Feeding Your Dog the Wrong Things?

Dog Food by Joshua. CollinsWorth0 comments

Canine nutrition has been the subject of much research in recent years. Since prepared dog food accounts for a greater volume of supermarket sales than any other single grocery item, the commercial incentive is tremendous. As a result, American dogs are the best fed in the world, probably the most expensively fed, and certainly the most often overfed.

Biologists describe the dog as a carnivorous mammal. But modern authorities say that his cohabitation with man has caused him to become like us, omnivorous. Dogs are remarkably adaptable to different kinds of diets, including diets that are high in vegetable content.

The dog’s digestive system is not exactly like ours. The general process is the same, but the timing is different. First of all, mastication is less important in canine digestion. The dog’s teeth and jaws are designed for tearing meat and grinding bones with amazing efficiency and up to 300 pounds of force. Dogs chew little and swallow rapidly. They cannot chew with their mouths closed.

The dog’s taste buds are situated under his tongue, but his food passes quickly, practically untasted, through the pharynx and esophagus into the stomach, where the principle digestive process takes place. The dogs gastric juices are much stronger than ours, allowing him to digest matter which would give us a severe stomach ache, to say the least.

Your dog’s stomach is very elastic, and can expand to a capacity of one pint in a small lap dog, while large dogs make room for 8 quarts of food. The gastric juices in his stomach are high in acid and food remains there longer than it does in ours. This is why they require a richer, more concentrated diet than we do. Digestion takes place mostly in the stomach, very little in the mouth.

The dog’s …

Dogs Need Good Food Too – Your Guide To Your Dog’s Diet

Dog Food by Joshua. CollinsWorth0 comments

Dogs’ nutritional needs may differ from ours. What we deem as healthy for us might not sufficient or appropriate for them. To give your dog the best nutrition available you will have to understand their specific needs and how to address them. After all, taking care of man’s best friend does take a little preparation and know-how.

Your dog needs the essential nutrients to grow, go, and glow. If your dog does not receive proper nutrients it may result in poor health, stunted growth, lethargy and shortened lifespan.

Dogs like most animal life forms need the six basic nutrients for survival: carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients serve different functions in sustaining the health and well-being of your dog. This guide will elaborate on dogs’ need of these nutrients.

1. Proteins: the building blocks of your dog’s health
Proteins are chemicals made of amino acids. Your dog can produce some of these chemicals in their own bodies. The rest has to be supplied through food. The best sources of these amino acids are meat and its byproducts. Dogs can extract proteins from these sources a lot easier than it would with plant sources.

Choose feeds that have an adequate amount of protein in them to help your puppies and working dogs grow. Too much of this, however, may cause kidney problems and has been known to cause temperament problems.

2. Fats: delivering other nutrients to the body
Fat sound like a bad word – everyone tries to avoid it because it causes tons of health problems. Dogs, however, just like man, also have a need for these nutrients – albeit in a moderate amount.

The right amount of fat is needed to promote good skin health, and to transport fat-soluble vitamins. Fats are also essential to kidney function …