Category: Pets

Have you ever wondered, why is my dog chattering his teeth? While your furry friend’s jumpy jaw might be nothing, there are some underlying causes that could raise concern (think: an undiagnosed medical issue). Below we’ll explore the possible causes of dog teeth chattering, and what to do about it.

1. Dogs’ teeth chatter when emotions run high.

Just like humans, dogs can get in their feelings, too. Dog teeth chattering can occur when dogs are excited, nervous, anxious or experiencing other complex emotions.

“It’s normal for a dog’s teeth to chatter when they’re excited while playing, see their owner or about to eat,” says Dr. Lauren Pastewka, chief veterinary officer of NewDay Veterinary Care at Pet Paradise. But it’s not just excitement and happiness. Teeth chattering can also be a sign of stress.

What you should do: When it comes to times when your dog is clearly excited, stressed or nervous, there’s no need to do anything. Dr. Pastewka says it’s likely just your dog’s unique way of showing her emotions in the moment.

2. Dog’s teeth chatter when they are cold.

Brrrr. If you’re catching a chill, your dog might also be feeling cold. And her body’s response to the cold is similar to the way humans respond. “When a dog is cold, they’ll shiver and their teeth will chatter as their body’s way to create warmth,” says Dr. Pastewka. This is especially common in short-haired dogs living in colder climates.

What you should do: Dr. Pastewka recommends grabbing your pup a sweater or a coat to wear when she goes outside.

3. Dog’s teeth chatter when they are in pain.

Teeth chattering uncharacteristic in your pet? “If it happens suddenly, and your dog seems stressed or uncomfortable, it’s often a sign that they’re experiencing pain,” says Dr. Pastewka. Painful experiences like gastrointestinal discomfort, TMJ or, less commonly, ear infections can cause teeth chattering or grinding.

What you should do: Pain = action. If your dog’s clearly in pain, Dr. Pastewka recommends scheduling an appointment with your veterinarian to find the source.

4. Dog’s teeth chatter when there is a dental issue.
   “If your dog’s drooling more than usual, has difficulty chewing, bad breath, or loose teeth, there may be an oral cavity issue that requires treatment,” says Dr. Pastewka. “Periodontal disease can be painful for dogs.”

One way to spot dental issues: Look for blood on your dog’s chew toys or in her water bowl, and look for signs of swelling around or on one side of the mouth, which can be a symptom of gum disease.

What you should do: If you notice any symptoms that could indicate gum disease or teeth issues, Dr. Pastewka recommends contacting your vet.

What to do when you can’t pinpoint the cause?

Pay attention to the amount of chattering occurring, and observe the situations in which the chattering happens, says Dr. Pastewka. If there are worrying symptoms or the chattering doesn’t stop when the situation ends (e.g., it’s no longer cold or they’re no longer excited), contact your vet.

If you have a dog, you’ll have dog hair — everywhere! Dogs shed year-round with certain seasons being worse than others. Here are some fast and easy cleanup tips to win the hair war around the home, in your car and, of course, on you.

1. Run a brush, comb or grooming wipe over your dog regularly.

This takes just a few minutes and the best place to start controlling the dog hair situation is on the canine culprit.

“A dog’s fur varies in length, texture, thickness and hair-growth patterns,” explains certified master groomer Christina Pawlosky.

Aside from different hair types, dogs have different shedding patterns influenced by seasonal changes, daylight hours and temperature. Dogs that live in an air-conditioned environment can shed all year round.

So, even if your dog has a regular appointment with a groomer, having basic tools to help with shedding at home and using them weekly, even daily if necessary, can go a long way in controlling a hairy situation in your home and car.

Here are a few grooming tools to help control shedding:

2. Use a throw cover on the couch to keep dog hair off

Investing in throws that can be regularly grabbed and thrown in the washing machine keeps furniture fur-free and can be put away when you have company coming over. There are throws specifically made for dogs that are waterproof in case of accidents, like the PupProtector Waterproof Throw Blanket.

3. Keep carpet and floor free of dog hair by using throw rugs

Have hardwood floors? Cute and fashionable throw rugs are a must to not only brighten up the room but are a hair magnet that is easy to throw in the wash. You can use them on carpeted floors too. Have people coming over? Throw all the rugs in the wash, do a quick sweep and you are ready for company. Try the great indoor/outdoor rugs from Annie Selkie; pet stains clean up off them quickly.

4. Use a sticky sheet roller, lightweight vacuum cleaner or hand-held vacuum daily

Because removing dog hair from the couch and carpeted areas of a home is an endless task, it’s worth investing in a lightweight cordless vacuum cleaner that is easy to grab and go, tackling crevices in the furniture and those fur bunnies that seems to gravitate under the couch. Using large sticky sheets also makes the task quick and easy. By doing it regularly, the dog hair doesn’t build up. Just take five minutes at the beginning or end of the day for this quick clean.

5. Use seat covers in your car

Similarly, investing in seat covers not only keeps the hair off the upholstery but also takes care of wet and muddy feet. Seat covers are available for both front and back seats as well as the cargo areas, and some include dog beds like PetSafe’s Happy Ride Car Dog Bed. Placing pooches in travel crates, such as the Sleepypod pet bed, keeps them safe, plus controls loose hair in a vehicle.

6. Use dryer sheets and dog hair gadgets to take out dog hair in the washer and tumble dryer

Of course, all those throws, seat covers and your fur-covered clothes all find their way into the washing machine and the tumble dryer. Dryer sheets can certainly capture loose hair, while a nifty gadget such as the Furzapper can remove hair from both the washing machine and the dryer. Simply place these spongy rings in each machine and let them get to work attracting loose hair. A simple wash and they are ready to be used again. Be sure to service your laundry machines from time to time too, hair can get in places you can’t reach to clean out.

Keeping lint rollers, such as the ZeLo handheld roller, handy around the home and in your car lets you go fur-free and are ideal for those last-minute touch ups on upholstery and on clothes when, as much as you love your pooch, you don’t want dog hair to be a fashion accessory.

Last but not least, your washing machine is your friend. Wash throws and rugs weekly to keep the hair down and your house smelling fresh and not eua de dog.

Looking for cleaning products to use for cleaning up a house with a dog in it? Check out our article on Cleaning Products You Need for Living with a Dog.

Stacy Nordstrom

Stacy Nordstrom is an award-winning freelance writer and technical editor who specializes in pet, music, and technology topics. Her articles have appeared in Catster, CAT FANCY, and Cats USA, among other publications. Stacy lives in Southern California with a sweet 12-year-old Cocker Spaniel/Labrador mix named Maggie and a 17-year-old gray shorthair cat named Mollie. You can find Stacy on Instagram at @stacy_m_nordstrom, where she posts pictures of her garden, sunsets, sailing adventures, and her pets being cute.

With furry friends, hair has its way of finding its way … well … everywhere! The good news: There’s a dog hair removal tool for that. Lots of them, actually. So, if your pup is covering your life in more than kisses, try these products to win the hairy battle.

ChomChom Pet Hair Remover

For a reusable option, check out the ChomChom Roller Pet Hair Remover. This nylon roller goes back-and-forth like a handheld vacuum, gathering up pet hair. To clean it, simply release the button to empty the receptacle.

$28.44 ChomChom Roller; chewy.com

Pet Parents FurBall

Pet hair clogging your dryer? Grab a Pet Parents FurBall. This pet hair remover for laundry has a unique shape that helps remove fur, lint and other debris while your clothes are drying.

$16.99. Pet Parents; petparentsbrand.com

FurZapper LintZapper Portable Lint Sheets

FurZapper’s Portable Lint Sheets are a great take-and-toss option. “You can put them in your pocket, purse, or wallet, so they’re great on the go due to size and portability,” says Scott Grillo, national sales manager, FurZapper. And the recyclable cardboard and biodegradable sheets are easy on the environment.

$8.97. FurZapper; furzapper.com

Bissell MultiClean Allergen Lift-Off Pet

Keep your homes’ surfaces clean with the Bissell MultiClean Allergen Lift-Off Pet, complete with a detachable canister for reaching tight spots. It has a HEPA sealed allergen system, tangle-free brush roll, and a Cyclonic Pet Hair Spooling System to trap pet hair.
$69.99. Bissell; bissell.com

ZeLo Multi-Surface Pet Hair Roller – Long Handle

Looking for a quick floor cleanup sans vacuum? Grab the ZeLo Multi-Surface Pet Hair Roller. Its long-handle design saves your back as the adhesive traps dirt, dust and pet hair from floors, under furniture, and stairs. “The sheets are designed for simple tearing — no more scraping the edges of the roll until you find the end of the sheet,” says Dion Ross, senior marketing specialist, ZeLo. $29. ZeLo; zeloclean.com

Uproot Cleaner Pro

The handy Uproot Cleaner Pro works great on upholstered sofas and chairs, carpets, rugs, etc. Pulls up what your vacuum misses. Works better on some surfaces than others because of the tiny teeth. $16.99. Uproot Clean; uprootclean.com

Evercare Pet Lint Roller

Best to buy a pack of these refillable lint rollers and keep one in every room and your car. Ultra sticky lint rollers picks off what your dogs rub off on you. Has easy tear-off sheets to start fresh in moment. $3.79. Evercare; evercare.com

Everyone wants a happy, content furry family member. Happy dogs. Happy times together. How do we know if our dog is happy, and what is happiness for them? Veterinarian behaviorist and researcher, Dr. Niwako Ogata, at Purdue University, defines happiness as  overall “wellbeing.”  Three major components of wellbeing — emotional, cognitive and physical wellness — must be considered, she says, to answer, ‘Is my dog happy?’

Signs that a dog is happy

Emotional and cognitive components often do a better job at describing wellbeing on a daily basis, she says. If you want to know if your dog is happy, look for these signs:

• Is content and satisfied in the home environment
• Can relax and stretch out at home.
• Has a well-balanced personality and can cope in new situations
• Is willing to try and join you in new activities or learn something new
• Is overall physically healthy

“Since there are a lot of ways we can interpret happiness (joy versus excitement, versus contentment, etc.), there can be different ways that dogs might express happiness,” says animal behavior consultant Allie Bender, coauthor of Canine Enrichment for the Real World and co-owner of Pet Harmony.

Dogs express happiness through:

• Play signals
• Loose, relaxed body language
• Behavioral diversity (expresses a range of behaviors)
• Displaying species-typical doggie behaviors in healthy, safe and appropriate ways

“I think the important thing here is to remember that content is a temporary state of being. It’s not a personality trait or something that can exist forever without change. Individuals fluctuate between different emotional states,” Allie says.

Dog happy, chill out signs include:

• Deep breathing
• Resting or sleeping
• A low resting heart rate (If your dog piles on top of you as many do, this can often be felt.)

Specific body parts such as the tail or ears are important to reading body language signs,  but don’t completely answer ‘Is my dog happy?’

A slow, relaxed tail wag might show happiness for example, but a dog barking aggressively at a stranger while wagging the tail is “more negative arousal excitement not necessarily fetch-with-you excitement,” Dr. Ogata says. You can’t judge a dog by his tail.

Happiness also depends on context. Environmental factors affect wellbeing, even for short periods of time. Much depends on the individual dog. Well-balanced personalities around the house might be a totally different matter for the sound-sensitive pup at a parade.

“Like a human, there are lots of  preferences and tendencies,” Dr. Ogata says. Tweak those non-content moments, as emotional stress eventually affects their immune response, often considered the gateway to disease. Long-term stress (even boredom) takes a physical toll, just like us, she says.

To learn more about chronic stress, check out Stressed Out by Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPST-KA  on Dogster’s sister publication The Whole Dog Journal .

Emotional, cognitive and physical health all have their role to play in answering, ‘Is my dog Happy?’ Paying attention to those relaxed, content moments goes a long way toward deciding how and when to adjust life together.

When you notice dry skin on your dog’s ears, the first step is to see your vet, who will rule out underlying causes, such as a skin infection, allergies, hormonal problems and dietary issues.

Dry skin on dog ears: digging into the causes

Most changes in the appearance of a dog’s skin and ears are due to underlying allergies, either environmental (pollen, dust mites, etc.) or food (chicken, beef, etc.), says Dr. Dori Calloway with VCA Animal Hospitals. Other reasons include:

• a dog’s breed-specific genetics make him more susceptible to skin disorders. Some of these breeds include Boxers, Bulldogs, Cocker Spaniels and Poodles.
• allergies to medicines and skin products
• a nutritional imbalance
• more serious causes, such as parasites, infections, injuries, internal disorders, diseases and cancer

What does dry skin look like?

Dry skin doesn’t look the same in every dog and should be taken seriously if your dog develops it. If your dog has dry ears, the skin will appear noticeably dry. The ears may have flaky or crusty skin or be red, swollen and irritated. They may show signs of hair loss or have bumps, lumps and scabs. Depending on what’s causing the dry skin, you may see culprits like fleas or mites moving about or notice an odor or oiliness.

Healthy dog ears are cool to the touch, feel soft and smooth, and are free from bumps. The ear canal will be a healthy shade of pale pink with little to no wax and not feel oily.

Best products for dry skin on dog ears

Treatment may be as simple as changing your dog’s diet or adding a supplement, depending on your dog’s diagnosis.

There are many over-the-counter products on the market today that help with dry skin on your dog’s ears. Vetericyn Animal Wellness’ in-house vet says omega-3 fatty acids are great for dry skin and ears. Geoff Hamby, director of marketing at Vetericyn, recommends its ALL-IN dog supplements as a great supplement of essential nutrients for your dog’s  skin and coat.

Here are some products to help your dog’s dry ears:

Zymox Ear Cleanser: A non-toxic and gentle solution for cleaning ears, including protein, enzymes and surfactants. Costs $29.99.

Vet’s + Best Ear relief Dry Ear Relief Wash and Dry: Uses plant-based ingredients like aloe vera and tea tree oil to soothe, deodorize and dry. Relieves raw, itchy, greasy and irritated ears. Costs $12.57. vetsbest.com

Vetericyn ALL-IN Dog Supplement: Provides nutrients for healthy ears, skin, coat and paws, plus reinforces natural defenses for healthy immune function. Costs $39.99.

Natural Dog Company Skin Soother: Made of organic, plant-based ingredients, this balm healss and soothes dry, itchy skin. $13.46.

Consult your vet if you suspect dry ears are caused by an allergy or food sensitivity. Your vet will run tests to pinpoint what is causing the allergy and help you modify your dog’s diet.

We love watching dogs look at themselves in the mirror. Whether you viewed one of the countless viral videos of puppies barking at their own reflections, or you’ve seen your own canine gazing upon their counterpart through the looking glass, you’ve probably smiled at their adorable, silly, hilarious reactions.

But you may have also wondered what dogs are thinking when they see their reflections. Why does my dog stare in the mirror? Does my dog see their own reflection and recognize it? Do they think they see a completely different dog? Are dogs self-aware enough to figure out what they’re looking at?

We naturally have a lot of questions about how our furry friends see the world and themselves. Thankfully, there is some scientific research that can give us a few answers.

Does my dog think their reflection is another dog?

One of the most common things dog lovers believe when they see a pooch reacting to a mirror is that they must think they’re seeing another dog. That’s a reasonable assumption.

Dr. Tiffani Howell, Senior Research Fellow at La Trobe University in the School of Psychology and Public Health, co-authored several studies on canine cognition and perception, and even studies on whether dogs can use mirrors to solve problems. Her observations support the notion that dogs do, in fact, think they’re seeing other dogs in reflections, at least at first.

“Most puppies react in a very similar way when they see a mirror for the first time,” says Dr. Howell. “First, they get all excited and start barking or doing play-bows towards the ‘other dog.’ They also try to go around the side or back of the mirror to find the dog. Then, they get confused when the ‘other dog’ doesn’t react the way they would expect.”

Dr. Howell notes that after a few minutes, most puppies lose interest in mirrors. While they may have thought they were seeing another dog at first, they definitely can’t smell or hear another dog, so they stop paying attention fairly quickly. “Presumably, not having any olfactory or auditory cues from this other dog would also be confusing to them,” says Dr. Howell.

Can dogs understand how mirrors work?

Even if dogs don’t recognize themselves in mirrors, they’re still highly intelligent animals. So, you may wonder if dogs can understand how mirrors work at all. Can they, for example, see a reflection of a hidden treat and find where it is in the room?

Dr. Howell and fellow researchers conducted two different studies to figure out if dogs could use mirrors to solve problems. In the first study, they placed dogs in a room facing a mirror. Behind the dogs, they set up a window that led to another room. In the experiment, they had the dogs’ owners pop into the window with the dogs’ favorite toys while the dogs watched them in the mirror. The goal was to see if dogs would recognize their humans in the mirror, then turn around to face them.

Of the 40 dogs they tested, only two turned around to face their humans. In those two cases, researchers couldn’t definitively tell if the dogs were really understanding the mirror reflection.

However, in the second experiment, researchers took a different approach. They again placed dogs in a room with a mirror. Half of the dogs were allowed to see the mirror, and the other half, as a control group, had their mirror covered so they couldn’t see it at all. The researchers then hid treats in the room with half of the dogs able to watch in the mirror and the other half not able to watch.

The results? “The dogs who could see the food in the mirror were more likely to find it within the three minutes that they were allocated,” says Dr. Howell. Of the 22 dogs who could see the treats in the mirror, 17 found the food within three minutes. From the 22 dogs in the control group, only 9 found the treats.

This experiment seems to indicate that many dogs do, in fact, have some understanding of how mirrors work and can use them to solve problems.

“And don’t worry,” says Dr. Howell. “All of the dogs were given a treat before they left the lab, so none were disadvantaged just because they were in the control group.”

So, are dogs self-aware?

You may have heard that an animal’s ability to recognize his own reflection in the mirror is strongly related to his self-awareness. So if dogs don’t see themselves in the mirror, does that mean they’re not self-aware?

Not necessarily. Dr. Howell notes that this “mirror test” may not be appropriate for other animal species. Humans take a strong interest in the way they look, but dogs often use other senses more than sight, like their sense of smell, to explore the world.

So, would dogs be able to use an “olfactory mirror” that reflects scents instead of visual images to recognize themselves? Alexandra Horowitz, author and professor and head of the Dog Cognition Lab at Barnard College, Columbia University, created an experiment to answer that very question.

For this study, Dr. Horowitz and researchers had dogs sniff three samples of urine. The first samples were the dogs’ own urine, the second samples were from other dogs, and the third were the dogs’ own urine mixed with an extra scent. In the experiment, the dogs sniffed other dogs’ urine and the samples of their urine with the extra scent for longer than they sniffed their own urine.

The study authors argue that this indicates dogs have a sense of self because they can tell when a scent belongs to them and when it doesn’t. They recognize their own smell similarly to how we know our own reflections by sight.

Should you let your dog look in the mirror?

Your dog might react to a mirror by investigating, barking, pawing, growling, or showing interest in whatever way they choose. It may make you wonder if your dog is feeling stressed out or if there are any downsides to letting your dog near a mirror, assuming they’re still interested in it after a few minutes.

Obviously, if there’s a chance your dog might knock a mirror over or break it, you should keep your pooch away. But as for causing your dog stress, there’s probably no reason for concern, especially when they realize there’s not really a dog on the other side.

Your dog probably will not worry about a mirror dog for long, if at all. Dr. Howell notes that a dog isn’t likely to fear a mirror unless he is trained to. “Naturally, if they learn to associate the mirror with a negative outcome, they could become fearful of the mirror in the same way that they could learn to be afraid of anything in that way,” says Dr. Howell.

If your dog does happen to show signs of distress around mirrors, it may be best to just keep him away. Otherwise, let them enjoy checking out their reflection, and take a cute, funny video to remember the good times.

“My dog is so ADHD …” is a phrase commonly used to describe our overly energetic, often impulsive canine friends. It’s a convenient comparison of activity levels with the familiar human diagnosis of ADHD. Yet, canine hyperactive disorder (HD) remains a rare clinical diagnosis, says dog behaviorist Dr. Sally J. Foote.

Symptoms of canine HD (dog adhd)

Not sure if your dog has canine hyperactive disorder? Look for these symptoms:

• Inability to stop moving despite hours of exercise
• Difficulty sleeping for prolonged periods of time
• Lack of focus during constant movement
• Very difficult to train
• Does not respond to anxiety-reducing drugs
• Responds well to stimulant drugs to decrease activity

“As far as a diagnostic term, it (ADHD) does not exist in vet medicine,” Dr. Foote says.

Dogs can be highly active during phases of their life, especially younger dogs starting at five to six months of age.

Many of these young dogs are progressing through a normal developmental stage and often lack an outlet for exercise, early socialization and impulse control, she says. Puppies need socialization classes at about eight weeks of age — an important start for manners.

With the adult dog who’s bolting and pulling on the leash, jumping and overall not paying attention to you, it’s commonly due to training and manners that did not begin when young, Dr. Foote says.

Help for hyperactive dogs

To decrease dog HD-like behaviors, she suggests:

• Walk or play outdoors for one minute per pound of your dog’s body weight
• Food puzzles (enrichment)
• Walks and feeding time kept on a daily schedule
• Structure and training

If high activity levels don’t decrease by 20 to 25 percent after putting in the work to reduce them, she recommends finding a vet behaviorist. Exercise, consistent routines involving polite manners blended with enrichment help calm “Rowdy Rovers,” she says.

Some breeds are genetically wired with energy, like Border Collies, Aussies and Golden Retrievers. They are typically bred body and mind for active jobs. In a home environment, these breeds need a substitution for their inherent need for activity, she says.

“Otherwise, he’s going to be pent up, and he’s gonna get frustrated, and he’s gonna start to express it in over-barking, jumping up and these other behaviors. It’s really as simple as that,” says Dr. Foote.

Dogs cannot unlearn what they’ve learned before, she adds. They can learn a new way to function.

“That’s why their routines and rituals have to be maintained. Because if you get slack, they’re gonna fall back.” Structure gives them security and predictability about life, what they’re supposed to do when, why and how.

For constructive ways to work with a high energy dog including a detailed activity checklist for the rare condition of HD, read professional trainer Pat Miller’s “Think Your Dog Has ADHD?” found in Dogster’s sister publication, The Whole Dog Journal.

Canine hyperactive disorder is rare. Easily distracted, high-octane dogs are not. Quality exercise and training helps answer “Can my dog have ADHD?” and helps him find the sweet spot alongside you.

Some days, you may feel that you work like a dog at your job. But imagine getting to work with your dog in your cubicle, your office or business.

In 1999, Patti Moran, founder of Pet Sitters International, created the annual event Take Your Dog to Work Day. This year, it is being celebrated on June 23, and it has now expanded to Take Your Pet to Work Week and, yes, even Take Your Cat to Work Day.

“I wanted to find a way for PSI to give back to the pet community from which our members earn their living and find a unique way to celebrate dogs and promote their adoptions,” Patti says. “Since that time, the event has grown by leaps and bounds.”

Take your dog to work every day at these dog-friendly offices

Tito’s Handmade Vodka, headquarted in Texas, embraces Take Your Dog to Work Day every day. “Since the founding of Tito’s Handmade Vodka in 1995, stray dogs have always found their way to the distillery in rural Austin, where the Tito’s team would feed them, take care of them and sometimes adopt them,” says Beth Bellanti, manager of Tito’s Vodka for Dog People program. “By allowing humans to bring their furry companions to work, we have seen reduced stress and anxiety levels, and improved work-life balance throughout our workforce.”

Well-mannered dogs are also welcomed at dog product supplier Chewy locations. And that makes Gabrielle Miller, senior pet team operations member, break out into a smile. “I love being able to bring my dogs, Tuffy and Maddie, to work with me,” Gabrielle says. “When I take breaks, I take them for walks, and I like to see them modeling and working on the set with other pet wranglers. It is also nice to work at a company with people who are knowledgeable about dog training and behavior.”

During a tour inside the Dallas distribution center, you’ll spot dogs snoozing on comfy beds next to their person’s workstation. One enforced rule: Dogs cannot be tethered and left unsupervised, even for a few minutes for their pet parents to grab a coffee or go to the bathroom. Another co-worker must stay with the dog until the pet parent returns.

Get your office dog ready for work

Teoti Anderson, past president of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers and co-owner of Pawsitive Results in South Carolina, encourages a candid assessment of your canine.

Before bringing your dog to your work, ask yourself:

• Does my dog have good manners?
• Will he jump on people?
• Does he drag me down the hallway?
• Does he like people but not other dogs?
• Is he house trained?
• Is he up to date on his vaccinations and on flea and tick preventives?
• Will he enjoy coming to work with me or become stressed?

“Having a well-behaved dog will make it easier to take him to work,” says Teoti, who is also the author of the Ultimate Guide to Dog Training. “Brush up on his training, and he could be employee of the month!”

Tips to prep your dog for a day at the office

Having your dog do a trial run can help you gauge how he likes or does not like being at work, says Cara Armour, a professional dog trainer and agility instructor from Massachusetts.

“See if you can bring him on a day off or on a quiet workday so that you can pay attention to your dog’s behavior at the office,” says Cara, who is also president of Cara Armour Consulting. “Do pet proof the area where your dog will be each time he comes to work with you. Pay attention to anything on the floor. What if a coworker dropped an Advil and your dog found it on the floor? Make sure your dog is not allowed to roam freely and rummage in trash cans of your coworkers.”

How do you stay focused with your four-legger as your work buddy?

“It’s important to teach your dog to self-soothe,” Teoti says. “Have a ready-made supply of frozen, food-stuffed, rubber toys available that you can pull out to serve as doggie pacifiers during your meetings. Make sure you take him out to eliminate in the designated potty area before you participate in office meetings.”

Beth from Tito’s shares these three strategies for a successful day at work with your dog:

• Keep your pet’s needs in mind. Bring treats, chew toys, a water bowl and a comfy pet bed where your pet can relax while you are focused on work.
• “Set ‘ex-pet-tations’ beforehand,” she says. “Make sure there are office-wide guidelines and policies in place regarding pets that address roaming, leash restrictions, the number of pets allowed per person and anything else to ensure a peaceful environment for pets and humans alike.”
• Take quick breaks throughout the day to step outside to give your pet some air and a chance to play and get out some energy. “Quick breaks not only keep your pet happy, but they are good for employee wellness and stress management, too.”

How to start Take Your Dog to Work Day at your office

Before you participate in TYDTWD or introduce a pet-friendly policy at your workplace, follow these tips by PSI’s president Beth Stultz-Hairston:

• First, pitch the request to your boss and/or human resource director. “Be prepared to address possible concerns management may have, including safety protocols,” Beth says. These issues can include building codes, liability issues and employees’ allergies or phobias.”
• Respect co-workers’ views of pets at work. “Avoid forcing coworkers to interact with your dog,” she says. “Dog lovers will make themselves known!”
• Make your dog’s wishes your priority. “Although most dogs enjoy TYDTWD, your pet may not, so have an exit strategy, like calling your professional pet sitter, should your dog become overly boisterous, agitated or withdrawn while at your office.”

PSI also offers a free and downloadable TYDTWD toolkit and ideas on ways to celebrate at your workplace.

Annie Butler Shirreffs

Annie Butler Shirreffs has worked in the pet industry for 20 years and is currently the senior editor of Catster and Dogster magazines. A cat lover since she was a little girl, she has always had feline friends in her life. She and her husband share their Southern California home with their four cats, Agatha, Alastair, Jack and Mathilda, and an ever-changing clowder of foster kittens, all of whom enjoy being testers for cool, new products.