Category: Pets

Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, veterinarian director at SeniorTailWaggers.com and Kingsgate Animal Hospital, says how much canned food to feed a dog per day is based on kilocalories (kcals), the scientific term for a measurement of food. This is how pet food calories are measured. Each can of food, or bag of kibble, will have a recommended daily feeding guide.

If you have never fed canned food to your dog, you may wonder whether the same calorie counting guidelines apply to wet food versus dry food. While breed, age, health, activity level, pregnancy and nursing affect the amount of food your dog should be getting, there are some general guidelines you can follow when it comes to feeding canned food, starting with reading the back of the can of food for the company’s recommendations, just as you would for kibble.

How to calculate how much canned food to feed a dog

If you’re concerned about your dog’s weight or other activity levels, the Basic Calorie Calculator from the Ohio State University, gives you a more in-depth look into how much food your dog should have daily.

The chart calculates your dog’s resting energy requirements, multiplied by factors, such as life stage and current weight, to determine the appropriate amount of calories a dog needs per day.

For example, a Jack Russell Terrier and a Miniature Poodle are both about the same size, but their activities levels vary, which puts them in different categories for energy exertion and calorie intake.

Is there a standard amount of canned food to feed a dog?

No, the number of calories each dog needs is different. Dr. Whittenburg notes that though the calorie calculator is the most accurate method of determining your dog’s daily food intake, it will not be perfect for every dog, similar to the general feeding guidelines on the can, and modifications may need to be made. Because of this, he recommends asking your veterinarian for help. Come prepared with the number of kcal per cup for your dog’s food so your vet can do the math.

How does mixing canned and dry dog foods affect calorie count?

It doesn’t matter if you are mixing canned, dry, pouched or even homemade food, explains Dr. Whittenburg. All that matters is the total number of kcal per day. When you mix foods, add the two kcal amounts together to make sure you aren’t going over your dog’s allotted amount.

As a final note: Treats fed between meals count towards your dog’s daily kcal. To keep your dog at a healthy weight, factor in those treats when deciding how much canned food to feed your dog each day.

The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a strong working dog breed who needs extensive training and regular exercise to thrive. Early socialization and ongoing training beyond puppyhood are extremely important for this high energy dog, who was bred for strength and endurance. 

Here are the most important steps to take when training your Catahoula:

1. Give them the right job 

Catahoula Leopard Dogs were bred to work. These dogs thrive when given an opportunity to train and learn new skills. Catahoulas like to be kept busy, and if your lifestyle doesn’t support opportunities for your dog to do the natural work Catahoulas do — hunting, working livestock and guarding property — get your dog involved with hunting trials, tracking training and trails, scent work training, and dog agility and obedience. If Catahoulas don’t have a job to do, they are likely to become destructive, or exhibit other negative behaviors such as excessive barking from boredom. 

2. Start socialization training early 

Socialization needs to start at puppyhood. This is a very important developmental time in a puppy’s life from about 5 to 16 weeks old, where they experience new things about the world. Both positive and negative experiences that puppies have during this time can influence their temperament and behavior for the rest of their lives. The Catahoula Leopard Dog is a natural watchdog and can have a predisposition to being wary and distrustful of strangers. Socialization helps manage these behaviors.

Give your Catahoula puppy positive experiences with diverse groups of people and other dogs and animals. Catahoulas have a strong prey drive, so even with good early socialization and training they may not be safe around small animals, such as cats. Catahoula Leopard Dogs are a territorial breed and are very protective of their families. Even with early socialization, they are likely to remain wary of strangers and aren’t always social with other dogs. 

3. Be consistent with positive reinforcement training

Just because these dogs have a strong work drive doesn’t mean they should be treated with a heavy hand or harsh training approach. All dog breeds benefit from training that utilizes consistent positive reinforcement training approaches, which utilizes treats, toys and play to encourage and reward good behaviors. Behavior that has been rewarded is more likely to be repeated. Catahoulas are deeply bonded to their families and consistency in training and expectations helps these dogs succeed. 

4. Work with a professional dog trainer

Don’t skip puppy class! Basic obedience classes can help you and your dog to develop a shared training language, help your puppy to work around distractions and get training off on the right paw. Similarly, if you already have a Catahoula Leopard Dog and are struggling with training, it’s never too late to get support from a dog trainer who utilizes positive reinforcement training approaches. An experienced trainer will help you to better understand and work through issues you’re having with your dog.

How big are Catahoula Leopard Dogs?

They are strong medium to medium-large dogs, weighing in from 50 to 95 pounds, with males being larger. According to the National Association of Louisiana Catahoulas, males measure from 22 to 26 inches in height and females from 20 to 24 inches.

What is a Catahoula Leopard Dog? Here are 5 fun facts:

• Catahoulas were first bred in Louisiana to be all-around working dogs
• They became the official state dog of Louisiana in 1979
• Catahoulas are powerful dogs, bred for strength and endurance.
• They were originally used for guarding property and homes, working with livestock and hunting and treeing.
• Catahoulas are high-energy dogs and will generally not be happy living in an apartment. They don’t do well left home alone all day.

For more information on Catahoula Leopard Dog appearance and temperament, visit our breed page.

It’s trendy to add bright colors to your hair. So why not let your pooch ride this beauty wave, too, with pet-safe dye? You can color-match with your dog for special occasions, seasonal fun and sporting events.

Can I use human hair dye on my dog? Is it pet safe?

Never use human hair dyes on your dog. Look for dyes manufactured specifically for pets for home use. These typically come in the form of color shampoos, blow pens (you physically blow the color onto your dog) and chalks.

“Most pet-safe dyes are known as depositing dyes,” explains Helen Schaefer, NCMG, CCE, style services specialist and master groomer for grooming specialists Heart + Paw. “They work by delivering a highly concentrated pigment into the hair shaft that clings to the outside of the cortex, under the cuticle. They are peroxide-free, and thus don’t cause damage as they work by ‘staining’ the hair. It’s like spilling red wine on a lighter fabric,” she adds.

How long a color lasts depends on the texture of the coat and the color used. And, there’s no way to predict the timeframe. They can last weeks. Naturally, pet-safe dyes work best on a white coat.

Do pet safe dyes work on dark fur?

“Because these dyes don’t cause chemical changes to the hair, they show up best on light curly/ coarse coats, and work better on coats that have less ‘shine’ to them,” explains Helen.

“For example, the color will hold better on a Bichon than a cream Labrador. Similarly, they will work better on a light-colored Goldendoodle than a smooth Jack Russell Terrier. They can work on darker coats too but in the sunlight will look like a ‘tinge of color,” she adds.

The best pet safe dye brands

When looking for a pet-safe dye, pick a product you can trust. Brands that master groomers give a paws up include:

• Crazy Liberty has multiple color options of shampoos and gels to temporarily change your dog’s hair color and a line of “permanent” dyes that the company says lasts through more than 24 washes. They also sell an airbrush line and stencil set ($119.90) to spray specific sections or designs onto your dog’s fur. Check website for price ranges.
• Dog product and grooming company Warren London, recently introduced a line called Warren London Canine Color that offers a selection of eight semi-permanent vibrant shades that gently fade with washes; $16.99 for each color. This is in addition to its Critter Color line of temporary pet fur color shampoos.
• Davis Studio Color Blow Pens for Pet Hair Color has a 12 pack of bright pens for free hand designs or stencil use. These temporary colors come out with one wash; $20.95.

How to use pet-safe dye

Groomer Helen Shaefer gives 5 tips on dying your pet’s hair at home.

• Always wear gloves and use old towels
• For blow pens, chalk and colored hairsprays, hold the hair you intend to color with one hand while applying the color from the can, blow pen or the chalk over the strands
• Brush the color through with a small soft slicker brush and repeat as necessary to get the desired effect. Rub it in if you are using chalk.
• To dye the top of a pet’s head without affecting the eyes and ears, squirt some color in the middle of where you want it and pull hair into the “color puddle” using a standard hair dye brush
• Avoid getting too close to the eyes. For added safety, use a protecting eye lubricant, such as mineral oil-based one sold in pharmacies. Also avoid getting it into any mucus membrane areas, such as the nose and mouth. Be careful around genitals and paw pads too.

Changes in your dog’s stool or frequent scooting may seem minor, but can be signs of a more serious problem. Around 16.5% of all malignant rectal tumors in dogs are anal gland cancer. Although no pet parent wants to consider her dog could have cancer, prompt veterinary care makes a big difference as smaller tumors can have better overall prognosis .

Dr. Jack O’Day, Veterinary Oncologist with VCA SouthPaws Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Center in Virginia, says that anal gland cancer is one of the most common tumors associated with the rectal/anal area in dogs. Although any dog is at risk, these dogs are at an increased risk:

Symptoms of anal gland cancer in dogs

As the anal gland tumor grows, it can cause changes in defecation or abnormal stools. Other symptoms to look for include scooting, when a dog drags his rear across the floor in a sitting position, or frequent licking in the rectal area.

“This cancer may also cause an increased level of blood calcium, so when this happens, dogs may exhibit increased drinking and urination,” Dr. O’ Day explains.

If your dog has any of these symptoms, book an appointment with your veterinarian for a physical exam. Dr. O’ Day says that the tumor is often discovered during a routine rectal exam or sometimes even during an anal sac expression by a primary care veterinarian or a dog groomer.

How do I know if my dog’s anal gland tumor is cancerous?

Your vet may do a fine needle aspiration procedure, where a small needle is inserted into the tumor to retrieve cells to determine if it’s cancerous.

Regarding the life expectancy of dog with rectal cancer — the size of the tumor has an impact on the dog’s overall chances for recovering, so early detection is important.

“One of the most significant prognostic factors is the tumor size,” Dr. O’Day says. “Dogs with small tumors that are removed surgically can have life expectancies measured in years, while dogs with tumors that have spread to other locations have a more guarded prognosis.”

Treatment for dogs with anal gland cancer

Surgery may be recommended to remove the entire anal gland, with injectable chemotherapy often given after surgery. If the tumors are not able to be surgically removed, Dr. O’Day says that oral forms of chemotherapy can be considered, or in some cases, radiation therapy may be advised.

Most dogs tolerate chemotherapy well, and a veterinary oncologist will provide guidance on the best treatment plan to keep your dog feeling good with the best chance to live comfortably while treating the cancer.

“Seeking the advice of a medical oncologist is recommended for dogs who have been diagnosed with anal gland cancer, as they will be able to offer you all of your pet’s treatment options and the steps moving forward,” Dr. O’Day says.

While not all dogs like belly rubs, many do, says dog behavior expert and VCA Animal Hospitals Licensed Veterinary Technician Laura Pobursky.

“It’s for the same reason humans love a big hug,” she says. “Belly rubs release ‘feel-good’ chemicals in the brain that strengthen the bond between you and your pet.”

What’s does a dog that likes belly rubs look like?

Laura says the belly is a vulnerable and sensitive area for dogs, so offering their bellies can mean many things. It could be a sign of submission or trust — and it’s important to understand the difference.

“A dog offering their belly for a comforting rub will appear at ease and not tense, with a relaxed or wagging tail, their eyes will be wide open, and they may even paw at you to encourage your touch,” she says. “Submissive dogs on the other hand will present their bellies with a tense body and tail, often the tail is curled tight to the body, the eyes are squinted and avoiding direct eye contact with you.”

Does my dog like belly rubs?

Dogs are individuals and while many enjoy belly rubs, not all do. Observe your dog’s body language and look for signs of relaxation — whether it’s on the belly or elsewhere.

“Dogs who enjoy a good belly rub are calmed and relaxed by the touch,” says Laura. “They feel safe and comfortable with you.”

Where do dogs like to be pet?

Most dogs love a good scratch. Dog’s particularly like to be pet or scratched:

• around the back near the base of the tail
• chest
• thighs
• head

Are dogs ticklish?

If you’ve ever wondered, the answer is yes. Just like humans, dogs are unique and where they are ticklish varies from dog to dog. Laura says a couple common ticklish areas are the paws and ears.

The Australian Cattle Dog is a busy, strong-minded herding dog, who needs daily physical and mental exercise. As his name implies, this dog breed was developed in Australia to move cattle long distances and he maintains that rugged work ethic to this day.

How to train an Australian Cattle Dog

Begin training in puppyhood and continue through the life of your dog. Even the Australian Cattle Dogs who live as pets maintain a strong herding drive. His desire to chase animals and moving objects is strong. To help cattle dogs succeed, focus training on:

• manners training
• supervision
• careful management (keep away from other pets and small children, especially unsupervised by using dog gates or a dog room)

Early and appropriate socialization is a must. Socialization is a key developmental period in a puppy’s life from 5 to 16 weeks. Positive and negative experiences that Australian Cattle Dog puppies have during this time can have an influence on their temperament and behavior for the rest of their lives.

During this period, introduce your Australian Cattle Dog to friendly people, dogs and other animals. This dog breed has a reputation for being very mouthy and nippy especially if someone rushes past them on foot, on a bicycle or skateboard. This behavior comes naturally, so include in your early socialization careful training and exposure to a wide variety of situations and stimuli to desensitize Cattle Dog puppies from these case/herding triggers.

Keep training consistent and positive throughout their lives. Just because the Australian Cattle Dog can have a reputation as a hard or challenging dog breed to train doesn’t mean that they need any kind of harsh training. Australian Cattle Dogs thrive with clear, consistent positive reinforcement training approaches. These dogs are deeply bonded to their people and do best when they have a strong working relationship with their family. They love to learn and thrive in homes where they are being taught new things.

How big does an Australian Cattle Dog get?

Australian Cattle Dogs are also known as Blue, Red or Queensland Heelers. These muscular and compact medium-sized dogs weigh between 35 to 50 pounds and are 17 to 20 inches tall if you measure at the shoulder.

Are Australian Cattle Dogs good with children and other pets?

These dogs are often not a good match for small animals as they may attempt to chase and herd. Australian Cattle Dogs may also be tempted to herd young children. Early training can teach them how to safely engage with kids. Like all dogs, the Australian Cattle Dogs should always be supervised around babies and children. 

The best jobs for Australian Cattle Dogs

These dogs need daily rigorous mental and physical exercise and enrichment to be happy and healthy. Smart and active, they will not be satisfied hanging out on the couch or being home alone all day. Australian Cattle Dogs have a big personality in a relatively small package. They were bred to work cattle, who are much larger than they are and maintain the strong working drive they were bred for.

Even if you don’t have cattle to herd (which most of us don’t!), find an alternately engaging job, such as running together, practicing new tricks, playing fetch or helping with tasks around the house. An excellent way to engage and spend time together with your Australian Cattle Dog is to compete in dog sports like:

Australian Cattle Dogs excel in active homes where they can use their bodies and mind. Daily enrichment is a must for these dogs who become bored, depressed and difficult to live with if they aren’t provided with enough mental and physical exercise. They will easily become destructive to entertain themselves.

Need help with your Australian Cattle Dog?

If you’re feeling overwhelmed with your Australian Cattle Dog, don’t hesitate getting professional support. An experienced dog trainer who uses positive-reinforcement training techniques can find ways to provide appropriate work/enrichment for your dog. A trainer can also work through any behavioral issues. Find other Australian Cattle Dog fans at the Australian Cattle Dog Club of America.

Fish, itself, is not dangerous for your dog to consume. However, industrial pollution and toxins accumulate in fish, which makes them unsafe to eat. Large fish, such as tuna, can build up high levels of mercury over the course of their lifetime. Both fresh and canned tuna (or tuna in soft packets) rank among the top in high levels of toxins. Dogs fed tuna regularly are at risk for mercury poisoning.

Tuna should be considered a treat and therefore, fed in moderation, advises Lissa Cannady, RVT, Hospital Manager for VCA. It is okay to feed your dog small amounts of cooked or canned tuna or any other fish a few times a month. It’s not advisable to use tuna as a main source of protein in a meal.

What kind of tuna can I feed my dog?

Don’t be alarmed if your dog sneaks a bite of tuna. A small amount will not do any harm. The safest tuna for your dog is those with the least amount of mercury, such as skipjack or albacore tuna rather than any other types of tuna, like yellowfin tuna. If you feed your dog canned tuna (or tuna in soft packets) for a small treat, it should be canned in water, not oil, and with no added salt.

Feeding tuna to your dog or even yourself is a highly debated topic because of the mercury concerns. If you love the health benefits of tuna for your dog but are concerned about mercury levels, talk to your vet about what type and how much canned or cooked tuna to feed your dog considering his age and health history. Want more information on tuna and mercury levels? Consumer Report’s recently studied different types of popular canned food for mercury amounts. See the result here. And, check out the FDA’s guidelines here. Got a cat in the household and wondering about feeding tuna to your cat? The answer is pretty much the same as feeding tuna to your dog, check out our sister publication Catster’s article Tuna for Cats — Let’s Learn the Truth.

For a raw diet, opt for wild-caught tuna or consider alternatives, such as salmon or arctic char, which rank lower in pollutants. We recommend cooking raw fish before feeding it to your dog. Raw fish contains an enzyme called thiaminase, which can disrupt thiamine (vitamin B1) function. Consult your vet before making changes to your dog’s diet or if your dog consumes more tuna than advised.

Is tuna good for dogs and is it in commercial dog food?

Tuna is used in commercial dog foods, though not as much as whitefish or salmon, which are much lower in mercury. Except for the possible high mercury level, tuna is a good high source of protein, plus it’s low in saturated fats and sodium. It’s also a good source of antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as a variety of vitamins and minerals.

You can check the pet food company’s FAQ section or reach out on the contact page to ask about their commercial dog food that contains tuna. Some companies use lighter and younger fish that have not accumulated much mercury or test their tuna regularly for mercury levels.

Lessons in Chemistry has topped the New York Times Best Sellers since it was published last year and it’s landed on my personal list of favorites, too. If you’re a dog lover and fiction fan, you’ve probably heard about Six-Thirty, a rescue, mixed breed dog, named after the time of the day when protagonist Elizabeth Zott finds him on the street. After being kicked out of a bomb sniffing program, the scruffy pup finds his way to Elizabeth, a scientist in the 1950s and 1960s trying to prove her value in a male-dominated profession. Six-Thirty remains a constant in Elizabeth’s story — aside from her passion for science and unwavering confidence in her own talents. Six-Thirty’s smarts match Elizabeth’s as the dog learns nearly 1,000 English words and shares his thoughts and insightful perspective on his family’s adventures.

This year, Six-Thirty and Elizabeth (and the other amazing characters in this book) will be back in action when Lessons in Chemistry, starring Academy Award winner Brie Larson, airs on Apple TV+.

I caught up with author Bonnie Garmus about her knack for naming dogs, Six-Thirty’s rise to fame and how she hopes his character will bring awareness to dogs’ intelligence.

Dogster: What’s the story behind Six-Thirty’s name?

Bonnie: I thought it would be interesting to have a dog conclude that people and other animals are given names based on what time they become part of a family—because that’s what happened to him. But I’ll add that in chemistry the number six stands for carbon—one of the foundations of life. Meaning Six-Thirty is elemental!

Dogster: Six-Thirty has his own fan base! Were you expecting this level of connection with the dog’s character?

Bonnie: I had no idea Six-Thirty would be so popular. To be honest, when he started to think on the page, I worried. I don’t tend to like magical realism and I shy away from the talking animal trope. But in Six-Thirty’s case, his thoughts didn’t seem magical at all — they seemed normal. He doesn’t talk; he thinks—because all dogs think. In fact, all animals make decisions and solve problems. But in our society, we tend to judge other animals by human definitions of intelligence, which is a bit ignorant of us. In my book, Six-Thirty turns that around. He questions our intelligence.

Dogster: Is Six-Thirty based on a dog in your own life?

Bonnie: Six-Thirty was based on my previous dog, Friday, who passed away a few years back. The only character in the book based on a real live being. Friday, like Six-Thirty, knew a lot of words. The only difference is, we didn’t teach her those words — she picked them up by listening. When we were transferred abroad to Switzerland, Friday picked German up. Not kidding.

Dogster: Who’s the dog featured in Six-Thirty’s Instagram account? (@sixythirtythedog)

Bonnie: That’s 99 (Bonnie’s current dog)! Poor 99 is a little sick of being mistaken for Six-Thirty — as a retired Greyhound racer, she’s very competitive. But she’s also glad to be part of the movement dedicated to the recognition that dogs actually do think. By the way, I’m terrible at keeping up with Six-Thirty’s Instagram account!

99 was named after my best friend, Helen. When I was growing up, Helen and I loved to watch a show called Get Smart. It featured two spies called 86 and 99 and Helen and I instantly — after about two episodes — made the firm decision to become spies when we grew up. To prepare, we called each other 86 and 99 every day. (For over nearly 50 years!) So, when she died in a tragic accident, I was grief-stricken. Fast forward 10 years; Friday was also gone, and a six-year-old retired Greyhound really needed a home. The moment I met the Greyhound, she reminded me of my friend Helen. So, we named her 99 in Helen’s honor. In doing so, I felt like I got a piece of my friend back.

Dogster: What’s your relationship with rescue dogs?

Bonnie: I have a huge soft spot for rescue dogs. We saw that with our dog Friday — she’d been badly abused before she came to us — but we also saw it with our two previous dogs, Astro and Barney, who’d also come from shelters. In contrast, 99 is a purebred — a Greyhound —who came to us through a Greyhound rescue service. She’d been rejected from a previous home for being “vicious.” When we adopted her — she was six by then — she seemed filled with worry and fear, like someone resigned to being unliked. But those fears went away after a few months and she opened up before us and took us in as much as we’d taken her in. She’s very sensitive to human emotion —cannot abide sadness — tries to help by pressing her (very large) body against the sad person. Kids love her for it and so do I.

Dogster: What can we expect from Six-Thirty when Lessons in Chemistry airs on Apple TV+ this year?

Bonnie: He’s not quite the dog I’d envisioned in the book (in the series he’s a Labradoodle — a breed that didn’t exist at that time) but he’s definitely a presence. It’s a challenge to add a thinking dog to the cast and at this point, I have no idea how it will come off. But the Hollywood people working on the series are the greatest and I feel confident they’ll find a way.

Keep an eye out on Apple TV+ for the new series and follow Six-Thirty’s (99’s) London adventures on social media @Sixthirtythedog

How to bathe a dog seems straightforward. You put your dog into the washtub, add water, some shampoo, a bit of scrubbing, and out comes a clean pup. It sounds easy enough, but it can become quite difficult with a dog that wants to be anywhere but there.  What began as a simple chore becomes an almost impossible task! Fortunately, there are some great new dog bathing tools and dog bath supplies that can make bathing a dog a little easier.

Dog Bathing Tools

Bathing a dog can be challenging if you don’t have the right towel, a way to keep your dog still and a good brush. These four dog bathing tools solve those problems.

Microfiber Bath Towels

 

These towels can quickly dry a dog as they are highly absorbent and easy to handle. Some even have built-in hand pockets.

My pick: Messy Mutts Microfiber dog towel with hand pockets for $15.

Bath Leashes

 

If your pup is squirmy, then a bath leash will keep her in the tub. This leaves both your hands free to scrub and rinse. A great option is a short leash that clips to a strong suction cup which adheres to any smooth surface.

My pick: Tall Tails Bath Leash for $21.99.Tall Tails Bath Leash for $21.99

Shampoo Dispensing Brushes

 

These brushes apply your preferred shampoo and work it into your dog’s coat while the dog enjoys a massage with the rubber bristles.

My pick: Honest Paws Wag N’ Brush for $10.99.

Lick Mats

These mats stick to any flat surface and are made from food-grade silicone that you cover with a treat such as peanut butter or yogurt. This mat distracts your dog providing them a positive experience while you clean them.

My pick: LickiMat Splash for $26.99.

Dog Bath Shampoo and Conditioners

To get your dog clean, you’ll need shampoo and conditioner specifically made for dogs. These are good for the canine coat and skin, plus are nontoxic if your dog ingests them when licking his coat or paws. Today, shampoos are available for every type of grooming concern and skin issue.

Deodorizing Shampoos

These products are a great choice to keep on hand in case your dog ever has an encounter with a skunk. They are specifically formulated to take away the stinky smell from the dog’s fur and skin.

My pick: Skout’s Honor Skunk Odor Eliminator for $13.98.

Flea & Tick Shampoos

These shampoos are the perfect choice if your dog has an issue with fleas or ticks. There are traditional flea and tick shampoos that include chemical products to kill the pests on contact, and there are natural options that use Essential oils and herbs instead.

My pick: EQyss Grooming Products Flea-Bite Shampoo for $19.99.

Puppy Shampoos

These shampoos are especially gentle on a young dog’s skin and are typically tearless.

My pick: Earthbath Ultra-Mild Puppy Shampoo for $17.99.

Medicated Shampoos

These treat specific skin conditions, such as dry skin, sensitive skin, allergies, fungus, bacteria, dandruff or greasiness.

My pick: Eco Dog Care’s Simply Clean Calm Conditioning Shampoo for $18.

Foaming Shampoos

If your dog just won’t get into the bathtub, there are waterless foam formulas that eliminate the “dog smell” without needing water.

My pick: Earthbath Hypoallergenic Dog Grooming Foam for $10.99.

Best Dog Bathing and Drying Systems

These high-tech bathing products make our lives easier and that includes bath time with Fido.

BARKBATH QT Portable Dog Bath & Grooming System – This portable bath system from Bissell can be used in and out of the bathroom. It uses a specially-designed nozzle that allows the Bissel branded no-rinse shampoo to go under the coat and quickly clean up dirt and odor. The gentle suction pulls the shampoo and dirt into a holding tank, which allows for quick cleanup. Costs $99.99.

 

Uah Pet Fluffy-1 High-Velocity Dog Hair Dryer – This dryer maintains a dog-safe temperature with multiple heat and speed settings to quickly dry your dog after their bath in record time. Costs $99.99.

Even though a bath may never be your favorite way to spend time with your pup, hopefully these bathing tools and supplies can make it a little more enjoyable for both you and your dog!

Generally speaking, most raw or gently cooked meat is safe for dogs, with the exception of some fish and pork. Dogs have highly acidic stomachs and natural digestive enzymes and bile that help them process bacteria without becoming ill. Your dog’s digestive system can handle eating raw meat.

Just like the meals you prepare for yourself; your dog’s meals need to be balanced and complete. Lissa Cannady, RVT, Hospital Manager for VCA, says this is best determined by a veterinary nutritionist, who can ensure that the meal contains all the nutrients that your pet needs to thrive. How much meat to feed your dog will be based on his caloric needs. Work with your vet or a veterinary nutritionist before adding raw meats to your dog’s diet.

Can dogs eat raw chicken or beef?

Yes, raw chicken and raw beef are both safe for dogs. Dogs can eat a wide variety of raw-fed or gently cooked meat.

Raw meat that’s safe for dogs includes:

• chicken
• beef
• bison
• turkey
• rabbit
• buffalo

Rare raw meats that are safe for dogs include: alpaca, llama, elk, deer, moose, reindeer, goat, mutton and venison. Raw duck, geese, quail, ostrich and emu are also safe for dogs.

Limit these raw fish for dogs

Raw mackerel, sardines, trout and salmon are safe to feed your dog occasionally as a treat. These fish may contain high levels of pollutants so limit them. We advise cooking fish to nullify the effects of thiaminase, an enzyme that inhibits nutrient absorption.

Do not feed raw pork to dogs

Do not feed raw pork to your dog; always cook it first. This is a better-safe-than-sorry rule as undercooked or raw pork could give your dog trichinosis (basically a parasitic worm, Trichinella spiralis). However, the CDC does say that U.S.’s better pork production laws and the public’s awareness of not eating raw or undercooked pork have caused these infections to be less common now.

Feeding dogs raw meat safety tips

Always follow proper safety precautions when preparing your dog’s raw meat meals:

• Keep it refrigerated if you are not using it right away
• Defrost meat in your refrigerator not in the sink or on the counter
• Follow all safe-handling instructions on the label
• Wash your hands before and after handling the raw meat
• Clean and disinfect everything the raw meat touches when you prepare it, like your dog’s food bowl, cutting board, knives, etc.

Check out the Safe Food Handling tips from the US Food & Drug administration.

Feeding raw meats for dogs with food sensitivities

Protein is the base of any dog’s diet, but not every dog can eat every type of protein. Meat protein will be the majority of your dog’s meal, but choosing proteins for your dog will be determined by your dog’s health needs. If your dog has food allergies or certain health problems, avoid some types of meats. Discuss which ones to avoid with a veterinary nutritionist.

Work with your veterinary nutritionist for a “balance-over-time” plan that rotates meats with fruits, vegetables and grains in each meal to provide all the amino acids, vitamins and minerals your dog needs to stay healthy.

Read our article on three types of raw food diets for dogs and rules for raw food diets.