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Decorative, colorful, imaginative: Those are the qualities of Amazing Gracie Doodle’s Instagram and TikTok pages, where you’ll find the 6-year-old Australian Labradoodle Gracie dressed in elaborate costumes, ranging from a Christmas tree wrapped in garland and ornaments, “grilling” for the 4^th of July and roses in her fur for Valentine’s day.

“Holiday photos are my obsession,” says Gracie’s pet mom Fanny Karpman, who celebrates both Christmas and Hanukkah and each year has Gracie decked out in celebration of both.

Fanny started taking photos when Gracie was a puppy and immediately knew how much joy Gracie’s costumes could bring to the world because of how uplifting the creative outlet was for herself. A former lawyer, Fanny was going through a funk in her personal life. Creating unique and color costumes became therapeutic, she says.

“I feel a lot of love from the dog community,” she says of both online and in person Los Angeles connections.

Inspiration for finding unique dog costumes

Fanny plans her themes and costumes months in advance, getting inspiration from pop culture and driving around the city looking for intriguing and bright art exhibits, city murals and gardens. She carries props, lighting and treats in her car so she and Gracie are ready when inspiration hits.

Her efforts have paid off. Not only does she receive messages from teenagers who are going through their own tough times saying Gracie is the only positive thing in their lives, but her cheerful photos get picked up by a variety of major retailers.

This year for the holidays, Fanny plans to recreate the famous tongue scene from A Christmas Story with Gracie wearing a puffy jacket and licking a light post. Fanny’s trick? A little peanut butter on the light post.

Tips for creating unique holiday dog costumes:

• Costumes that have designs on the front work best for dog photos
• Keep props and treats in your car incase inspiration hits while on the go
• Cardboard goes a long way when building props and backdrops for photo shoots
• Connect with your local community on social media for group photo opportunities
• Stores like Homegoods, TJ Max, Michaels and XX sell out fast; start looking in the fall.

Follow Gracie’s adventures — and fashion trends — @AmazingGracieDoodle

There are many reasons that your dog may need to undergo anesthesia in her lifetime. Anesthesia has a scary reputation among pet parents, and it only takes a few Google searches to find a scary abyss of anesthesia horror stories from fellow pet parents. Even though proper anesthesia is generally very safe, the idea of our pets “going under” is nerve-racking, and side effects of anesthesia in dogs can appear concerning. Having an informed understanding of anesthesia can help you feel more comfortable for your dog’s next anesthetic procedure.

What is anesthesia for dogs?

Anesthesia is a state of controlled unconsciousness brought upon by the administration of specific drugs. This unconscious state allows for your dog to undergo important veterinary procedures without pain or restraint. For general anesthesia in dogs, the most commonly used gasses include Isoflurane and Sevoflurane. These two options are equally safe and effective.

Anesthesia also includes local anesthesia. Examples of procedures when local anesthesia is used include punch biopsies of lumps while your dog is “awake,” a local block prior to a tooth extraction or a spinal epidural for more invasive surgeries.

Anesthesia plays a critical component to pain control before, during and after a dog’s surgical procedure. It also ensures that dogs aren’t wiggling or otherwise reacting during important diagnostics and procedures. An example includes dental radiographs. Unlike humans, dogs don’t understand the importance of remaining still during dental X-rays. Movement at this time has the potential to break important dental equipment or harm your dog. Without anesthesia, veterinarians are unable to perform dental radiographs, often resulting in undiagnosed, painful dental disease.

Most common reasons for anesthesia for dogs include:

• Dental procedures
• Mass removals
• Spay or neuter surgeries and cesarean section
• Orthopedic surgeries
• Wound repair
• Abdominal surgeries or exploratories (i.e., your dog ate a sock!)

Dog anesthesia: proper protocols

Anesthesia in dogs has changed a lot over the years in regard to both its sophistication and safety. Now, much like anesthesia for humans, anesthetic protocols take into account many aspects, including species and patient-related specifications and adjustments, as well as overall considerations for reducing anxiety and pain, and harm reduction.

Proper team roles are essential for dog anesthetic safety. A refined approach to managing a dog’s anesthesia protocol includes specific team members for:

• client counseling
• drug consideration and calculation
• administration route
• monitoring
• recovery

Team members will include the veterinarian and veterinarian nurses and or veterinarian technicians. Position titles vary from practice to practice and state to state as they have not been standardized in the United States yet, but you want vet tech/nurse team members who’ve had a science-based education and have graduated from a veterinary technician/nurse program. Vet techs and nurses always work under the supervision of a fully licensed vet.

There are ways that you, as the pet parent, can promote optimal safety, too. Your job here includes interviewing your veterinarian to better understand their anesthetic approach for your dog and whether it is considered best practice.

Some of these interview questions to ask your veterinarian before your dog undergoes anesthesia should include:

• Will my dog have an IV catheter placed?

The answer should always be yes!

• Will my dog receive IV fluids during their procedure?

The answer should be yes!

• Will my dog have a dedicated veterinary nurse or veterinarian technician?

In a perfect world, your dog should actually have two nurses (or veterinarian technicians) dedicated to her surgery. For example, if one nurse is preparing your dog for surgery or cleaning her teeth, a second nurse should be assessing your dog’s vitals, such as heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature, throughout the procedure.

• Will a nurse or veterinarian technician be with my dog during recovery?

The answer should be a solid yes. This is considered the most crucial time during the entire anesthetic event, and your dog should never be left alone during their initial recovery and extubation period.

• Will my dog have monitoring equipment?

Monitoring equipment such as EKGs, dopplers and pulse oximeters are all very helpful in ensuring your dog’s safety and are vital for early emergency intervention during an anesthetic crisis. Monitoring equipment should never be a replacement for a dedicated surgical nurse or veterinarian technician but rather tools to support the surgical team.

• Will my dog have pain control?

Proper pain control will reduce the amount of anesthesia needed for your dog and should begin before they are officially under anesthesia. Their pain threshold should be carefully monitored post-procedure as well and, depending on the surgery, your dog should be discharged with proper pain medications for at-home pain management.

What are the side effects of anesthesia in dogs?

For most standard procedures, dogs are discharged the same day that they have been put under anesthesia. They will spend their initial recovery time in-hospital with staff monitoring their recovery process and vitals. However, it’s not uncommon for pet parents to notice that their dog is “acting weird” that evening or even the following day.

The most common post-anesthesia side effects in dogs include dysphoria, nausea and bowel changes. Let’s break these down:

• One of the most common side effects to anesthesia for your dog will be dysphoria. By dictionary definition, dysphoria is “a state of unhappy, uneasy or dissatisfied.” If your dog seems to be acting weird after anesthsia, there is a good chance that she is dysphoric.

Examples of ways dysphoria shows up in dogs include:

• Whining and crying
• Pacing or discoordination
• Grogginess and feeling unsettled
• Uninterested in food or water
• Third eyelids are visible

Your dog’s veterinary team will assess your dog’s level of dysphoria. In cases of severe dysphoria, your veterinarian may administer additional drugs post-procedure to counteract post-anesthesia dysphoria. It’s important to understand that while dysphoria can be extremely uncomfortable to witness, dysphoria and pain are different. Your veterinarian will be able to determine the difference, and if you’re ever worried that your dog is in pain, never hesitate to contact your veterinary team. That is what they are there for and it is always better to ask and receive an answer than not ask and anxiously worry or wonder.

The good news is post-anesthesia dysphoria is usually most common the day of and day after anesthesia, and generally resolves within 1 to 2 days.

• Anesthesia may cause your dog to feel some level of nausea and therefore she may vomit and/or experience a lack of appetite. Many veterinarians will recommend a smaller dinner the night your dog returns home after anesthesia. Don’t be concerned if your pup doesn’t dig right in, even if she is the most food motivated dog in town!
• Bowel changes. You may notice that your dog doesn’t poop at all for a few days post-anesthesia. Alternatively, your dog may have loose stools. Either of these side effects can be normal.

Anesthetic complications in dogs

While anesthesia is generally very safe for dogs when properly executed, it is a medical procedure and with that comes inherent risk. Certain dogs are more susceptible to complications or need specific considerations for optimal safety.

Myth-buster: Your senior dog does not automatically qualify as a high-risk anesthetic candidate. In fact, most senior dogs do just fine under anesthesia. Age is not a disease!

Animals who are considered high-risk candidates for anesthesia and may require individualized care prior, during or after their anesthetic procedure include:

• Dogs with heart disease
• Brachycephalic dogs (dogs with squished faces like Pugs, Boston Terriers or English Bulldogs)
• Sighthounds like Greyhounds or Whippets (they have slow anesthetic drug breakdown and veterinarians have special anesthesia protocols for them. Discuss with your veterinarian).
• Dogs with kidney disease

Preparing your dog for anesthesia

There are really simple ways that you can prepare your dog for anesthesia that do not require much effort and go a long way in ensuring your dog is safe and comfortable.

These steps include:

• You will always fast your dog prior to anesthesia. Some anesthetic protocols induce nausea. If your dog has a full belly, they are more likely to vomit during their procedure and while intubated. Such an event could have dangerous consequences including aspiration pneumonia. Your veterinarian will provide you with the proper fasting protocol.
• Follow medication protocols. There is a possibility that your veterinarian will prescribe pre- or post-procedure medications such as antibiotics or pain medications. Be sure that you are following these protocols.
• Create a safe recovery space. Create your pup’s home recovery environment with compassion and strategy. Ensure your home is not loud and chaotic, or find a quiet room for your dog to spend the evening in. Dim the lights and provide your dog with passive touch or soothing words during this time. You are their safe space, and your presence alone will be extremely healing.

A study organized by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) concluded that 99.8% of pets (regardless of their age) survive anesthesia.

This is a remarkably successful number, and one that I hope eases your worried pet-parent mind and provides you with confidence in allowing your dog to receive optimal medical care even when anesthesia is involved. With the right safety precautions and considerations, as well as your compassion and advocacy, your dog will be a healthier version of themselves because of it!

Chewing is as natural to dogs as wagging their tail when they are happy or barking when they hear your keys in the front door. Unfortunately, dogs’ instincts to chew can quickly turn them into a “bad dog” if they decide to chew on the wrong item, such as your table leg or your favorite shoe. Luckily, dog chew products can help redirect your dog’s natural desire to chew into something positive.

With so many options available, picking the best dog chews for your pup can be confusing. This guide helps you understand why your dog chews, what types of dog chews are available and your dog’s style of chewing. With this knowledge, you can pick a chew your dog enjoys while also considering safety, durability and other needs, such as dental health.

Why do dogs chew?

To figure out which chew is best for your dog, you must understand why your dog wants to chew. Chewing can be a very positive activity for your dog and helps a dog express the following:

• Teething: Puppies chew to relieve the pain from their permanent teeth coming in through their gums. Puppies start losing their baby teeth at around 3 months of age, and all baby teeth fall out at around 6 months of age. Just like with humans, this can be painful. Chewing helps to relieve the discomfort.
• Investigation: Dogs use their mouth to investigate the world. According to Colin Tennant, the chairman of the U.K. Canine and Feline Behaviour Association, “Chewing, for a dog, is like a human opening a door and looking into a room. People are nosy, and so are the dogs. But they investigate with their mouths because they don’t have hands.” Texture and taste are particularly appealing to a dog. Colin also says that, “Dogs frequently chew things because they like the taste or the odor. In a home, the odors that the dogs find the most attractive are the human odors.”
• Anxiety: Chewing is a coping mechanism for dogs when something in their environment has changed, such as recently moving, new furniture, a new family member or even being left at home.
• Enjoyment: Some dogs chew just because they enjoy chewing. It fulfills both a physical and mental health need for a canine, and their chewing on the right items can be a positive experience for them.

8 types of dog chews

Many different types of dog chews exist. Factors to consider include digestibility, durability, intended purpose and composition.

• Indigestible chews: These are typically nylon or hard plastic, making them a long-lasting dog chew. Unfortunately, these are not digestible for a dog. If a dog eats it, the material may cause gastrointestinal (GI) blockage that may require surgery. These chews are typically very hard and can damage a canine’s teeth. The sharp edges of the plastic or nylon can also hurt a pup’s gums. Examples:

1. Nylabone Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Power Chew Textured Dog Toy
2. Kong Extreme

• Rawhide chews: These are dried animal skins made from the leftovers of the leather industry. Rawhide is the inner skin layer of cow, horse and pork hides, and is separated at the slaughterhouse. Rawhide is not digestible, so it can lead to GI blockages. Also, the skins in these chews are often treated with chemicals to preserve them, which may cause an upset stomach or allergic reaction. Look for Rawhide manufactured in the U.S. Examples are:

1. Chewy Bones & Chews Made in USA Rawhide Dog Bone
2. Pet Factory 100% Made in USA Beefhide Chip Rolls

• Bully sticks: These are a single-ingredient, longer-lasting dog chew that is highly digestible and made from beef pizzle (pizzle means penis). These sticks come in various sizes, shapes and flavors. Unfortunately, these sticks can carry a distinct odor that some pet owners do not find appealing. Some brands offer low-odor varieties.

1. Chewy Bones & Chews Made in USA Curly Bully Stick
2. Nebraska Crunchy Steer Sticks for Dogs from Sancho & Lola’s Closet

• Dental chews: One of the benefits of dog chews, no matter what type you select, is that they help to keep your dog’s teeth clean and prevent tartar and plaque buildup. Dental chews are designed specifically for a dog’s dental health and are digestible. The downside is they don’t last very long, especially for more aggressive chewers. Examples are:

1. Yummy Combs
2. Whimzees

• Body parts: These all-natural dog chews bring out your pup’s natural instincts. Body parts include bones, pig ears, hooves, tracheas, feet, tails and even pig snouts. They typically are longer lasting than non-natural chews. However, certain body parts, such as ears, can be higher in fat, so they are not suitable for canines who require a low-fat diet. Examples are:

1. Red Barn Cow Ears
2. American Farms Smoked Pig Ears

• Yak chews: These are long-lasting, all-natural, preservative-free digestible chews that are made from milk, salt and lime juice. They are baked to make a hardened cheese that is shaped into sticks. Yak chews are great for the more aggressive chewers. They are hard, so some dogs don’t prefer them. Examples are:

1. Native Pet All Natural Yak Chews
2. The Original Himalayan Hard Cheese Dog Chew

• Antlers: Animals such as deer, elk and moose naturally shed their antlers in the wild. These chews are the discharged antlers. Antler dog chews can vary in size and toughness depending on the type of antler and how they are cut. If pieces break off and are eaten, they can cause GI upset. Examples are:

1. Moose and Elk Antlers from Primal Pet Foods
2. Red Barn Elk Antler

• Easy-to-digest chews: These are short-lasting chews that your dog can digest, making these among the safest dog chews. (You still need to supervise your dog in case he gets pieces stuck in his teeth, like some chewy items get stuck in human teeth.) Many are called rawhide alternatives and are made of fish, meat and/or vegetables among other things. They meet your dog’s need to chew and help maintain healthy teeth. Some are also vitamin and mineral enriched. Examples are:

1. SmartBones
2. The Honest Kitchen Ocean Chews

Selecting the right chew for your dog

Now that you know some reasons that dogs chew and some of the different types of chews available, you may already have an idea of the chews your dog would prefer. One final consideration is to determine what type of chewing style your dog has. Don’t just pick a dog chew that your pup enjoys; choose the safest dog chew based on the way your dog chews.

1. The inhaler: These types of dogs take any type of chew as a real challenge to see how fast they can destroy it and swallow the pieces. Typically, they break a chew into large chunks and then eat those chunks almost whole. Digestible chews are best for inhalers.
2. The demolisher: These dogs take a new chew and quickly determine the fastest way to destroy it, but they usually don’t eat the pieces. They just enjoy the challenge of seeing how fast they can destroy the chew or toy.
3. The power chewer: These dogs need a chew that stands up to their strong jaws or chewing excitement. They may not necessarily want to destroy the chew, but they need a chew that can stand up to heavy chewing. Look for chews made specifically for strong chewers.
4. The nibbler: These types of dogs typically care for their chews and toys and take their time enjoying the chew.
5. The puppy: Puppies either have baby teeth or their permanent teeth are just coming in, so they need a soft and gentle chew that won’t hurt or break their teeth. There are chews made specifically for puppies.
6. The senior: A senior dog may still really enjoy chewing but also needs a softer, more forgiving chew. Their older teeth and gums may be more prone to breakage or cuts. There are chews made specifically for seniors.

Dog chew safety

No matter what dog chew you pick, supervise your dog with a chew in case they gag or choke on the item. Always check the chew each time before giving it to them for any damage or wear and tear. If the chew becomes too small (small enough for your dog to swallow it whole), take it from your dog immediately and promptly dispose of it. Also, don’t leave dog chews out in the sun or extreme temperature. No matter what type of material it is, high temperatures can degrade and weaken the chews and make them susceptible to breaking or tearing.

Now that you know why your dog wants to chew, what type of dog chew products are available, and how to match that up with the chew style of your dog, you can confidently pick the best dog chews for your pup. This keeps your dog from becoming the “bad dog” that chews up ’the wrong things.