Category: Pets

This article has expert comment from vegan canine nutritionist Diana Laverdure-Dunetz, M.S.

Dogs can have an occasional taste of your morning almond milk, as almonds are not toxic to dogs and can reduce inflammation. Look for unsweetened and unflavored varieties — a good choice lists just water and almonds as ingredients.

In stores, avoid almond milk with the artificial sweetener xylitol, artificial flavorings, thickeners and oils, which aren’t safe for dogs to eat, says vegan canine nutritionist Diana Laverdure-Dunetz, M.S. and author of The Plant-Powered Dog.

“To ensure their dogs’ almond milk is safe, I highly recommend that people make it themselves at home,” says Diana.

Can dogs drink almond milk? Yes, and here are the benefits

A fortified almond milk variety usually includes added vitamins and minerals, including:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin D
• calcium

“Almonds are especially high in vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant that can help decrease oxidative damage to cells,” says Diana. Oxidative damage creates inflammation that can lead to a host of chronic inflammatory diseases, including cancer, she explains.

Vitamins A and E also help your dog’s skin and coat stay healthy and shiny.

Another benefit of almond milk is that it’s lactose-free and less likely to cause allergic reactions, or digestive issues, in dogs than cow’s milk or goat’s milk.

“Note that almond milk is not the best source of protein compared to other plant milks, such as soy,” Diana adds.

So, the next time you’re baking treats for your dog, reach for the almond milk instead of cow’s milk. If you’re picking up goodies from the dog bakery, ask for treats made with almond milk.

Is almond milk high in fat?

Depending on the almond-to-water ratio, almond milk can have a high fat content. A creamier almond milk contains more almonds than water and will be higher in fat per serving. However, the fat in almond milk is monosaturated, the same healthy fats found in avocado and olive oils, Diana explains.

“A good rule of thumb is that almond milk should be considered as a treat, and treats should not make up more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories,” Diana says.

Avoid serving almond milk as a regular treat if your dog needs to lose weight. Foods higher in fat are difficult for some dogs to digest and can result in watery, oily diarrhea. In less common circumstances, eating too many high-fat foods leads to a serious condition called pancreatitis, which can be fatal if not treated right away.

It’s safe to share that small sip of unsweetened almond milk with your dog. And the next time you visit your local coffee shop, ask for whipped almond milk instead of cow’s milk for your dog’s pup treat!

To take your dog’s temperature, use an assistant to gently restrain and keep your dog still and distracted. Apply a small amount of lube, such as petroleum jelly, to the tip of a digital rectal thermometer. Insert the thermometer approximately one inch into the dog’s rectum until you hear a beeping sound to indicate the temperature has been read. Once done, gently remove the thermometer and disinfect it.

What is a normal temperature for a dog?

A normal temperature for a dog is between 99.5 and 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures outside of this range could indicate an underlying health issue that should be addressed by a veterinarian.

Can I take my dog’s temperature with a human thermometer?

Digital rectal thermometers designed specifically for pets are recommended because they are fast and accurate. However, if a pet thermometer is unavailable, a human oral thermometer can be used in the same way as previously described. Ear thermometers may also be used but they tend to be less accurate for dogs. Since a dog’s temperature naturally runs higher than a person’s temperature, human thermometers may also display a fever warning when there is not actually one present.

When should I check my dog’s temperature?

Check your dog’s temperature for the following reasons:

• to rule out a fever if he feels warm
• if you suspect he is sick.
• If your dog has spent an extended period of time outdoors in hot weather, you may consider checking a temperature if the dog begins showing signs of heat stroke.

Read our article about how to cool a dog down in the summer.

What to avoid

If a dog starts squirming or clenching when you try to take his temperature, do not proceed. Trying to take the temperature of an uncooperative dog can cause unnecessary stress, which may lead to aggression. If in doubt, consult a veterinarian prior to taking your dog’s temperature to ensure it is necessary for the situation.

If you’re looking for an impressive dog trick, don’t forget about the classic bow. This trick puts the natural dog play bow behavior on cue so you can ask your dog to bow anytime, anywhere. This playful position — elbows down on the ground, bottom in the air — is also a great stretch for your dog’s core and back. You don’t need a lot of space or supplies to get started.

To teach your dog to bow, you need:

• lots of small pieces of treats that your dog is excited about.
• If clicker training, use a clicker to mark when your dog is in the right position.
• Or, say “yes” as a verbal marker when your dog is in the right position.

Sassafras Lowrey, CPDT-KA, shows us how teaching your dog to bow is an easy trick for most dogs to learn. ©Sassafras Lowrey

How to teach a dog to bow:

Step 1: Start in a quiet area of your home with minimal distractions. With your dog standing in front of you, get her attention with a treat.

Step 2: When you have your dog’s attention, use that treat to lure her head down toward the floor. As her head goes down and back, she will naturally lower the front of her body.

Step 3: When your dog’s elbows touch the floor and her back legs go up, click if you’re clicker training, or use a verbal marker like “yes,” and then quickly treat your dog.

Dogster trainer tip: If you find your dog is dropping into a down position instead of staying in a bow, you can toss a treat instead. This will help cue that we want the bow position, not a down.

Step 4: Repeat several times, continuing to lure your dog into the bow position and praising and treating your dog when her elbows touch the ground, and her bottom goes up. When your dog is consistently following the lure, add in a verbal cue of your choice like “bow” or “fancy.” Say your cue word as your dog’s elbows go down, and her bottom goes up.

Step 5: Fade out the treat lure. Start by luring your dog into the bow position with an empty hand. Then, praise and treat your dog when she goes into the position.

Step 6: After several repetitions of luring with an empty hand, start to phase out the full lure. Use your verbal cue with a smaller hand signal. Start to add duration where your dog is holding the bow position longer before you click, treat and release your dog.

Step 7: Once your dog is smoothly performing the bow behavior on cue, continue to phase out the lure, so you eventually have only a verbal cue or a small physical cue. Then, practice doing the trick in different positions like bowing or curtsying yourself! Also start practicing bow in new and more distracting environments.

Yvonne Villasenor

Yvonne Villasenor is a freelance journalist and lifelong animal lover based in Orange County, California. Her work has been featured in The Los Angeles Times, Daily Paws, This Dog’s Life, among others. When not writing, Yvonne enjoys lounging with her precious pets, exploring Southern California and watching funny animal videos. You can contact her via her website and Instagram.

How are all our furriest friends spending their summers? They’re making splashes in the pool, chomping down on yogurt-berry pupsicles, and showing off their most festive 4th of July outfits! Thank you to all our readers for sharing your pups’ photos with us.  We’re showing them off on our Dogster social media pages – check out our #dogsterdogs in action! This summer, I’m working with my pups on their comfort levels near the water. We’re making progress! Emmy and I are graduating this weekend from the pool and are going on a little paddle boarding adventure to the lake by our house. Emmy has always hated getting wet, so she’s come a long way.

Something to think about this month: How will you keep your dogs calm during 4th of July fireworks? Many dogs get anxious and fearful of the loud, unpredictable noises. Here are some tips on calming your dog, which will make your celebration a happier one, too. Wishing all our puppy pals a happy 4th of July!

Planning to attend any dog events near you? Send us pictures of your pup to be featured on our social media pages.

Or email us at dogstermag@belvoir.com.

July 2023 monthly dog holidays

Lost Pet Prevention month

National Pet Hydration Awareness month

July 2023 dog holidays

July 1: ID Your Pet day

July 4: International Whippet day

July 11: All American Pet Photo day

July 15: National Pet Fire Safety day

July 21: World Collie day

July 21: National Craft for Your Local Shelters day

July 31: National Mutt day

July 2023 dog events

 July 8, 2023: If you’re in the Los Angeles area, head to Pawlympics from 4 to 7 p.m. at South Park Doggie – Doggieland for a series of competitive games and activities for dogs.

July 9, 2023: The11^th annual PAWmicon, a Pop-culture themed festival held by Helen Woodward Animal Center to celebrate the superheroes of real life who adopt orphan animals. PAWmicon, located at AleSmith Brewing Company in San Diego, Calif., will feature events, such as the PAWsplay contest for contestants to dress themselves and their pooches up as their favorite pop culture characters. There’s also a trivia competition, music, animal artists, games for the kids and craft beer.

July 12, 2023: Marin Humane is hosting its next drop-in community clinic for pet parents in need at Pell Plaza in Novato. Bring your pet to the mobile clinic at 500 Redwood Blvd., from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. to get: free vaccinations (DA2PP, FVRCP, rabies), free microchipping, free flea/tick treatment, free mini-check-up by a veterinarian and pet food and supplies!

July 14-16, 2023: Del Monte Kennel Club Dog Show. Held at 4380 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, Calif., 93923. All breed entry for Conformation, Obedience and Rally.

July 14-18, 2023: One of the largest American Veterinary Association events of the year, the AVMA Convention 2023 will be held in Denver, Colo. for veterinary professionals to experience 600 hours of high-quality CE, highly rated special events, innovative solutions and networking opportunities.

July 19-23, 2023: Houston World Series of Dog Shows. Throughout the five-day event, the show offers an extensive shopping venue, numerous seminars, entertainment exhibitions and obedience/companion events. During the  Meet the Breeds event, the public can get hands-on experience with more than 110 purebred dog breeds and discuss care, personality traits and temperaments with breed experts.

July 19-21, 2023:  The Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans Partner Members invite all to attend the annual  National Service Dogs for Veterans Conference in Washington, D.C. The annual conference consists of two full days of  formatting for administrative, veterans, mental health and dog training tracks and a half day roundtable training session. Tickets include breakfast for all three days,  lunch for two days and an opening night reception.

July 22 – 23, 2023: Join more than 50 of the top pet influencers from all over the US and Canada, such as Crusoe the Dachshund, Tika the Iggy, and Jonathan Graziano  for PetCon 2023, held in Chicago. There will be meet and greets, a pet adoption garden, a shoppable marketplace featuring small businesses, speaker sessions, a non-profit showcase and lots of fun activities!

Want to see what dog holidays are coming up in 2023? Check out Dogster’s dog holiday list.

 

There are many variations of canine tumors and not all are created equal. Some tumors are less problematic for dogs, while others risk spreading throughout the body. Understanding common types of tumors, how they present and are treated, and symptoms to watch for, is essential in early treatment and intervention.

Two main types of dog tumors

Tumors are characterized as either benign or malignant:

Benign tumors are noncancerous tumors that will not spread throughout the body.

Malignant tumors are cancerous and have the ability to spread cancer throughout your dog’s body. Early intervention is a key component to treatment and recovery.

Common tumors in dogs include:

• Lipoma.Benign, fatty tumors that tend to be soft and mobile (not attached to your dog’s body wall) and range in size.
• Mast cell tumor (MCT). Malignant tumors that often look like warts or bug bites and can change in size. MCTs are most commonly seen in Boxers, Boston Terriers, Bull Terriers, and Pugs.
• Papilloma.Wart-like, viral tumors that typically appear in or around a dog’s mouth. Papillomas are benign but contagious between dogs and are typically characterized as whitish masses with cauliflower texture.
• Histiocytoma. A fast growing, benign tumor typically found in young dogs. These tumors are known for infection and ulceration, however tend to resolve on their own with time.
• Hemangiosarcoma. A highly malignant tumor stemming from blood vessels. This tumor often affects the liver, skin and spleen and commonly impacts senior pups.
• Osteosarcoma. Malignant tumor of the bones, osteosarcoma causes significant pain, often affecting a forelimb.
• Melanoma. Malignant tumors often found in the oral cavity of dogs and can be very aggressive. There is now a melanoma vaccine available to dogs diagnosed with this tumor!
• Sebaceous gland tumor. Raised nodules that originate from sebaceous glands. In rare cases, sebaceous cysts become malignant. Remember that no tumor should go unmonitored or forgotten!

Symptoms

Dog tumor symptoms will vary greatly depending on many factors and may include:

• Visualizing a lump or bump
• Limping
• Pain
• Low appetite
• Difficulty eating
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Coughing
• Weight loss

If your dog shows any of these symptoms, visit your veterinarian.

Diagnosis

The most common ways to diagnose dog tumors include:

• Fine needle aspirate (FNA). A fine needle aspirate (FNA) involves collecting samples of cells from your dog’s tumor using a needle and syringe and viewing these cells microscopically.
• A biopsy involves collecting and submitting a small amount of the tumor for pathology review. A biopsy reveals detailed information about the tumor and can help to stage malignant tumors.

Your veterinarian may recommend additional testing such as radiographs, abdominal ultrasound or a lymph node biopsy.

Treatment

Treating malignant tumors may include:

• Surgical removal
• Radiation
• Chemotherapy
• Palliative or hospice care

Treating benign tumors may include:

• Surgical removal
• Managing infection
• Lifelong monitoring

Early detection at home

Benign tumors should remain closely monitored by you and your veterinary team. If changes occur in size, shape or consistency, have them reassessed. Regular exams by your veterinarian are key in finding tumors less visible to the naked eye.

Early detection of malignant tumors often happens at home. Regularly massaging your dog can help you keep tabs on current and new tumors. Monitor changes in your dog’s everyday behavior and listen to your gut. You are your dog’s biggest medical advocate!

The simple answer is yes! Many dogs enjoy green beans as treats, snacks or meal toppers. In addition, green beans are affordable and low calorie. At 31 calories per cup, they are an ideal treat for pups on a diet.

Nutritional components of green beans include:

• Fiber
• Healthy carbohydrate
• Antioxidants
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin K
• Vitamin A
• Calcium
• Potassium
• Vitamin B6
• Essential fatty acids

How to feed green beans to your dog

There are a few guidelines to follow when feeding your dog green beans.

Serve your dog plain green beans. Never cook green beans for your dog with additional ingredients, such as salt, butter, fats or sugar. Avoid canned green beans as well, since they often contain high salt content.

The best ways to offer your dog green beans include:

• Cooked (boiled or steamed with no added salt)
• Dehydrated
• Fresh/uncooked
• Frozen
• Always plain with no added ingredients

How many green beans can my dog eat?

Start by introducing small portions to your dog at a time and monitor how her GI tract responds.  

• Small dogs (>20lbs): 1-to-2 green beans daily
• Medium dogs (20lbs-50lbs): 2-to-3 green beans daily
• Large dogs: (<50lbs): 3-to-4 green beans daily

Remember: These tasty treats are not a substitute for a balanced diet and should not exceed more than 10% of your pup’s daily dietary intake.

If you have any worries with how your pup may respond to green beans or if she has a sensitive stomach, consult with your veterinarian before adding this tasty treat into their diet. Bone-appetit!

Read our article on other safe vegetables and fruits for your dog.

Rachel Brix, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, Fear Free Certified

Rachel Brix is Fear Free Certified and both a certified trainer and behavior consultant through the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers who focuses on enrichment-based behavior modification. Her free time is devoted to her two rescues, Emerson and Apache.

Herding dog breeds are wicked smart and originally bred to round up and protect livestock. These high energy breeds will keep you on your toes In addition to herding livestock these breeds were bred for intelligence and working closely with humans.

Some of the most popular pet herding breeds are:

The most popular smallest herding dog breeds are:

The American Kennel Club (AKC) currently recognizes 32 herding dog breeds in the Herding Group. The AKC organizes dogs into groups based on the jobs a particular breed was originally bred to perform. Initially part of the Working Dog group, a more specific grouping for herding breeds was created in 1983.

Herding dog behavior

Instinctually, herding dogs are driven to control livestock by gathering and protecting them, so these dogs flourish working on farms. Some herding breeds, such as the Shepherds and Belgian Malinois, flourish at protection work, such as Schutzhund, and various police work roles like narcotics detection and cadaver searches.

Key traits of herding dog breeds:

• high energy
• highly intelligent
• loyal
• athletic
• active
• protective
• fun to train
• industrious
• very responsive to their handlers

Training is a must for herding dogs, and they’ll need to go beyond basic obedience skills, especially since they tend to nip as part of their instinctual behaviors. You need to work to minimize this tendency from the outset. Bored herding dogs can often be a behavior challenge and may start to herd children or even adults without solid training and proper outlets for their instinctual drive. Also called stock dogs, they are sensitive to sound and especially movement, so they may chase wildlife and even cars; therefore, training and adequate and appropriate stimulation and engagement are key.

Since herding dogs’ needs are best met by giving them a job, they do best in an active family with time to devote to meeting their mental and physical needs. But even if your working dog doesn’t have a flock to tend to, he can still get his genius groove on with mental/physical activities you can try in your backyard or with a class/group.

The best activities for herding dog breeds:

The American public came to love smart and family-oriented herding dogs like Lassie, the Collie and Rin Tin, the German Shepherd Dog. More recently we fell in love with Chaser, behavior psychologist John W. Pilley’s Border Collie, who knew over 1000 words! Today these brainy and spirited dogs are part of many families.

Herding dog breeds make great companions, but they’re not couch potatoes, spa day divas or walk-around-the-block dogs: herding dogs require a lot of mental stimulation and physical activity to thrive emotionally, physically and behaviorally. Herding is in their DNA, so finding your stock dog a job will keep you both active and happy for the long haul.

The Border Collie is the Swiss Army Knife, the Everything Bagel of the dog world. Whatever you need him to do, he can do with ease, then ask what is the next job on your to-do list. Although considered by many authorities to be the world’s most intelligent breed, nobody calls the Border Collie low maintenance.

This is a lot of dog to deal with in a medium-sized package. Not every Ford driver can handle a tanked-up Maserati, and not every casual pet owner can keep a Border Collie content and engaged. Here are seven fun facts about this super dog.

Border Collie history

The Border Collie originated in the Border country between Scotland and England, where the shepherds’ breeding selection was based on cooperative stock sense and the ability to work long days on rugged terrain. This selective breeding developed the unique working style of the Border Collie gathering and fetching the stock in a wide, sweeping manner, then controlling it with an intense gaze known as “eye,” and a stalking style of movement. As the American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard states, “Breeding based on this working ability has made this breed the world’s premier sheep-herding dog, a job the Border Collie is still used for worldwide.”

Versatility, thy name is Border Collie

Border Collie experts and the AKC standard agree that this breed “is, and should remain, a natural and unspoiled true working sheep dog.” Not only is the Border Collie a superior herder of livestock, but he has proven himself a formidable competitor in such performance events as obedience, agility, rally, dock diving and tracking. About the only activity the Border Collie has not perfected, or even pretends to be good at, is that of a lazy couch potato.

Exercise requirements

Due to the breed’s working heritage, Border Collies are demanding and energetic. They do best in households that can give them plenty of exercise and play, with humans or with other canine companions.

Because of their great need for mental stimulation, many Border Collies will develop problematic behaviors in homes that are unable to meet these requirements. To cure their boredom, Border Collies are notorious for chewing holes in walls and furniture, digging and other destructive activity. Border Collie clubs and rescue groups advise that anyone considering the breed first make sure they can provide the exercise needed as a suitable outlet for the Border’s high energy and great stamina.

A working Border typically runs many hours a day, using his personality and intelligence to control challenging livestock. The breed becomes distressed and frustrated if left in isolation, ignored or inactive. They can be motion sensitive and may chase moving vehicles and bicycles, behavior that can be corrected with appropriate training. Border Collies will also express their strong desire to herd by herding small children, cats and dogs.

Show vs. working vs. performance

Border Collies that come from dog show bloodlines will look the most alike, as their breeders are producing dogs that meet a written standard that describes the ideal Border Collie in size, silhouette, head and body shape, and overall appearance. Those from working bloodlines will display the least uniformity, as it is the dogs’ stamina and herding ability that are most highly prized, and physical looks are of little importance. Border Collies from performance bloodlines, bred to excel in agility, rally and other dog sports, will lie somewhere in between.

More than black and white

While the vast majority of Border Collies seen are black-and-white, the breed comes in all colors, combinations and markings. The AKC standard states that “All colors are to be judged equally with no one color or pattern preferred over another.” You’ll find Border Collies in tricolor, chocolate, blue and blue merle, and red in all shades from copper to blond.

Border Collies also come in two coat lengths. Close-fitting, dense, weather- resistant double-coats are required in both, but the more common rough coat variety has feathering on the forelegs, chest and haunches, while the smooth variety has a short coat over the entire body, usually coarser in texture than the rough.

Border Collies in the media

Few breeds have been seen more often on TV and in movies than the Border Collie, and that visibility has certainly played a big role in their popularity. Besides Borders in many dozens of TV commercials, we remember Bandit from the TV series Little House on the Prairie and Shep, the star of the British children’s show Blue Peter. Border Collies to star on the big screen included Nana in Snow Dogs, Fly
in Babe, Jessie in Animal Farm, Raffles in the animated Rover Dangerfield, and Mike in Down and Out in Beverly Hills.

Celebrities cross over to the Border

Not surprisingly, plenty of actors, singers, musicians and sports figures are passionate about their Border Collies. The star-studded list includes James Dean, Anna Paquin, Tiger Woods, Dierks Bentley, Jerry Seinfeld, Ethan Hawke and Jon Bon Jovi.