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Sassafras Lowrey is a Certified Trick Dog Instructor and author of “Tricks In The City,” “Healing/Heeling,” “Bedtime Stories For Rescue Dogs,” and the activity book “Chew This Journal” forthcoming in Summer 2020. Follow Sassafras on Twitter @SassafrasLowrey and at SassafrasLowrey.com
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When the hot summer months hit, your dog will enjoy a frozen treat as much as you. These pupsicles, (popsicles for dogs), are a festive addition to any of your summer celebrations.
You and your pup can both enjoy these frozen treats!
“Stick” options: Use a pretzel rod, bone treat or carrot in place of a pupsicle stick.
Flavor options: Cantaloupe, banana, apple sauce, honey, pineapple, unsalted chicken stock.
Looking for more easy dog recipes? Read our article on mini turkey sliders and dog birthday party cookies!
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Mike Clark is a Chicago-based writer, lifelong dog lover, and former professional dog walker who’s been covering pets for over almost a decade. He served as Managing Editor of DogTime and CatTime and occasionally writes jokes and comedy as a side hustle.
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Feeding your dog organ meat, as opposed to muscle meat, is a treat, not a balanced meal, says Dr. Jessica Taylor, vice president of veterinary medicine at Petfolk Veterinary and Urgent Care, which has locations in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina.
Organ meat for dogs typically includes chicken, duck and turkey liver, heart and gizzards, but encompasses other internal organs and entrails from larger farm animals, such as cattle and sheep.
Dr. Taylor says that organ meat is high in vitamins dogs need like iron, vitamins C and E, as well as protein, which benefits active dogs who participate in dog sports or exercise and play throughout the day. But too much of these nutrients can also cause problems like obesity, so give your dog organ meat as a food additive (for example, mixed in with kibble) instead of a complete meal.
Chicken gizzards are a tough muscle from a bird’s digestive tract, which can present a choking hazard, says Dr. Taylor. Cut chicken gizzards and other tough organ meat into small pieces before feeding it to your dog.
Dr. Taylor does not recommend feeding any dog raw organ meat, due to the increased health risks from bacteria, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea and even death in both humans and dogs. Although cooking removes some of the nutrients, Dr. Taylor says it’s the safest option.
Read our article on which raw dog foods to avoid.
Feed organ meat to dogs occasionally like once a month, says Dr. Taylor. How much organ meat you feed your dog will depend on your dog’s size and health, so ask your veterinarian before including this type of meant into your pup’s diet, she adds.
Organ meat alone is not a balanced diet. Feed your dog chicken liver and other organ meat as a dog food additive, not a complete meal. A balanced pet food diet ensures your dog is getting proper nutrients.
Final note: Organ meat for dogs a great treat that utilizes your leftovers if you’re cooking a whole chicken for your family, but should be seen as just that, a treat.
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The popular canine sport of disc dog requires a human and canine to work as a team. The dog relies on the human for accurate throws of a flying disc and the human relies on the dog’s athleticism to catch each throw.
Maryland dog trainer Gabby Scott competes in disc dog events. However, the initial reasons as to why she started training for the event was just happenstance. “I arrived early for a dog-training class I was attending with my Aussie-mix eight years ago,” says Gabby. “The instructor was practicing tricks with another trainer between classes. It was so cool to see dogs working so enthusiastically. They were happy just to catch a disc.”
Gabby says most dog lovers get into disc dog because they have a dog that wants to play fetch and be active partners with their humans. Her Aussie-mix, Gus, preferred swimming and hiking to fetching, so she sought out a second dog with the drive to play along and she found Taco, a Miniature American Shepherd. “I asked for a puppy who had no fear and always had a toy in his mouth, and that’s what I got,” she says.
Taco’s breed is one of the more popular breeds currently in the sport. As is common in most dog sports, herding breeds lead the pack in popularity, as well as mixed breeds. Gabby says dog breeds you typically see are:
However, you can also find:
“You dog doesn’t need to be registered with any kennel club to play, they just need to love frisbees,” she explains.
You might believe the most important factor for a disc dog is chasing and catching the flying disc, but Gabby emphasizes that owners should really focus on engagement with their dogs in this sport. “The dog’s knowledge that the game is only fun when they play it with you, their owner, trumps the desire to have the disc,” she says.
Creating this desire can be easy, according to Gabby. First and foremost, she recommends making playtime with the disc a rare thing. “Never leave discs around the yard or in the house,” she says. “Keep discs out of sight until it’s play time. Then, keep play sessions exciting and very upbeat, and keep them extremely short.”
Disc dog is about having fun with your dog playing his favorite game. Teach basic cues of the game using a dog-safe soft fabric or plastic pup-size disc. Teach your pup to do the following with the disc:
Short as in one to three minutes at a time. The first sessions can be practicing tugging with one disc, while making a big fuss about the fun, then switch to another disc, and so on. This builds the desire to tug and play, while also learning the cues to drop the toy and switch to another. Practice short tosses as you begin, and then work your way up to more difficult maneuvers and longer throws. As always, make sure you practice proper warmup and cooldown routines to keep your dog’s muscles and body in shape for the chase.
Don’t use a flimsy, plastic disc for disc dog as it can shatter easily, possibly hurting your dog. Instead use a dog-friendly disc like the Superhero 235 from Hero Disc USA, made from durable, flexible, puncture and bite-resistant plastic. $16.99.
You don’t need any fancy gear in disc dog. In fact, everything you need can be carried in a small, drawstring bag to the local park. Gabby stresses not using plastic discs, as these can shatter easily. Instead, she recommends dog-safe discs like the ones made by Hero Disc USA.
The easiest way to get started in competing in Disc Dog events is to find a Toss and Fetch League near you. In this event, dogs get 60 seconds to make as many successful catches as they can, with bonus points awarded for catches made in the air. The leagues meet once a week for five weeks each “season” and compete against other leagues around the world.
The AKC now offers disc dog while partnering with the UpDog Challenge. This event offers a variety of challenges and ways to create teams while earning performance titles for your mixed breed or AKC-registered dog.
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When a dog’s thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, a condition called hypothyroidism occurs. Middle-aged and older dogs are most commonly affected. Thyroid hormones help regulate many internal functions, such as metabolism and heart rate. When these hormones are low, vital functions are impaired and symptoms develop. Fortunately, with early detection and treatment, most hypothyroid dogs have a normal life expectancy.
Lymphocytic thyroiditis, an immune-mediated condition, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in dogs. It occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid gland, resulting in significant inflammation and low hormone production. It is unknown why the immune system decides to attack the thyroid gland, but it is thought to be hereditary.
Hypothyroidism in dogs can also occur due to thyroid gland atrophy. During this process, the functional tissue of the thyroid gland is replaced by fat. Veterinarians also don’t know why this process occurs.
A pituitary gland tumor is another cause, but it is extremely rare. The pituitary gland is located at the base of a dog’s brain and is responsible for secreting thyroid stimulating hormone. In dogs with a pituitary tumor, this process is impaired, and the thyroid gland is not stimulated. Therefore, thyroid hormones are not produced.
Hypothyroidism causes numerous symptoms in dogs, which may include the following:
Dogs with hypothyroidism may have high cholesterol, high fat content and mild anemia on bloodwork.
Dogs with hypothyroidism require oral supplementation of a synthetic thyroid hormone called levothyroxine. This medication is given daily and is relatively inexpensive. The dose, which is determined by the dog’s weight, may change over time based on his response to treatment. Periodic bloodwork helps the veterinarian assess hormone levels and adjust the dose when necessary. Supplementation is required for the remainder of the pet’s life.
Since hypothyroid dogs are already prone to high cholesterol, switching to a low-fat kibble is beneficial. Omega-3 fatty acids also promote a healthier skin and coat. Your veterinarian can recommend the best type of food to meet your dog’s specific needs.
Hypothyroidism is not a curable condition. However, most healthy, hypothyroid dogs live long, happy lives with the proper monitoring and treatment. Dogs with additional health issues, such as heart disease or kidney disease, may have shorter lifespans due to the difficulty in managing hypothyroidism alongside concurrent illness.
If left untreated, hypothyroidism results in a poor quality of life, an increased risk of complications and a reduced lifespan. Early diagnosis ensures your pet receives the treatment he needs to be happy and healthy. If you notice any signs of hypothyroidism in your dog, bring him to the veterinarian for evaluation.
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Huskies have a lot of fur and shed twice a year, but don’t let it intimidate you: Grooming is easy if you know the secrets (hint: never shave your Husky’s coat!). Tim Vogel, CEO of dog grooming franchise Scenthound, combs through his top three Husky grooming tips.
Tip 1: Never shave a Husky’s coat
Huskies are double-coated, meaning they have a top coat of longer, harsh hairs and a soft, down-like hair undercoat that provides heating, cooling and protection. Shaving a Husky can make him hotter and cause his skin to sunburn. Shaving also damages the top coat and disrupts the hair growth cycle, meaning it may take years to grow back correctly, Tim shares.
Because Huskies naturally shed, there’s no need for regular trips to the groomer. Focus on brushing and quickening the shedding process with the right tools (listed below) to keep your Husky’s hair and skin looking healthy.
To maintain healthy nails, read our guide on trimming your dog’s nails at home, or visit your professional groomer every 4 to 6 weeks.
Skip the shave for these other dog breeds.
Tip 2: Establish a Husky grooming routine
Husky grooming should include monthly baths and weekly brushing, at the least. This keeps the undercoat from matting, Tim says. A tangled coat is more than just unsightly — it’s straight-up painful, says Tim.
Keeping track of your weekly grooming schedule in a journal helps establish and maintain good habits.
Tip 3: Groom more often during shedding season
Lastly, Tim urges Husky parents to do extra grooming during shedding seasons, which typically occur twice a year in the Spring and Fall. During this time, Huskies shed their undercoats, also referred to as blowing their coats, which regulates their body temperatures during different seasons. Bathe them weekly and brush daily. This removes the loosened coat and prevents matting, Tim says.
Shedding seasons also means hair everywhere! Here are our top picks for cleaning up dog hair.
The four most important Husky grooming tools are:
With the right tools and knowledge, dog parents will find it easy to keep their Husky tangle free.
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Turning your dog vegan is a controversial topic.
But as more humans contemplate plant-based lifestyles themselves, it becomes a relevant idea for dog parents.
Dr. Ilana Halperin, chief of service for Community Medicine at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in California, says since dogs are omnivores, it is possible for a vegan diet to contain all the vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates and fats needed for a healthy diet.
“But in practice, meeting a dog’s protein, amino acid and macro and micronutrient needs is complex and can be difficult to do properly when meat is eliminated from the diet,” she says.
Dr. Marybeth Minter, who offers nutritional counseling at Mariposa Veterinary Service in Utah, says there are an increasing number of vegan dog food brands coming to the market.
“It’s best to not just feed straight kibble,” she says. “There are good canned selections on the market. There are some formulas that have some organic ingredients.”
When choosing vegan dog food, Dr. Halperin suggests following these criteria:
If dog parents opt for a vegan lifestyle for their pets, what are some options?
These three vegan dog foods meet the expert criteria mentioned above:
Ultimately the choice of whether to convert your dog into a plant eater is up to you. There are many brands adding vegan lines or that are entirely vegan. If you decide to try dog food, look for a company that has done its research and that also has an eye for quality ingredients — like no GMOs and with organics.
“If a dog owner is dedicated to feeding a vegan diet I recommend working with a veterinary nutritionist to ensure the diet they choose meets the dog’s specific needs and takes into account age, breed, activity level and any health conditions they may be living with,” says Dr. Halperin.
“Many pet owners may be looking into vegan diets as a more eco-friendly or humane alternative to traditional diets. This is very understandable — plant-based diets for humans make a lot of sense when one is trying to minimize our impact on the environment and on animals. However, considering how complex nutrition is and how dogs’ needs differ from humans’ needs, it can be safer for our pets for us to find other ways to promote sustainability such as limiting meat sources in diets to sustainable-sourced fish or working with a board-certified veterinary nutritionist to formulate a diet using humanely sourced meat.”
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