The best way to boost your dog’s confidence and happiness is through socialization. Sometimes, dogs can be sensitive to new environments and people. Exposing them to other dogs and different places, people, sights and scents can help them better adapt to their environment. If you’re wondering how exactly to socialize your dog, check out these simple tips.

Take Them for Walks

Taking your dog outdoors will not only help them exercise, but it will also socialize them with people and other dogs. Walking your dog in a public place allows them to meet the world and learn how to be comfortable in different settings. Drive your dog down the street and let them sniff around and interact with the environment. Maintain a short leash, and go to different places that give your pet a chance to run into other dogs. Also, take them to new routes and expose them to various sights. Besides socialization, walking your dogs can help in mental stimulation and keeping them healthy.

Go to a Dog Park

Your dog needs to play, and a dog's park is the best place to get this experience. Letting them have fun with other dogs boosts their social skills as well as their health. However, make sure to take appropriate precautions while at the park. Ensure that your dog is vaccinated. According to Jacoby & Meyers, you should keep your smaller dogs away from large dogs at a dog park. If you find another dog that your dog gets along with, try to coordinate the time you both come to the dog park. Like children, your dogs need friends!

Take Your Dog to a Training

Unlike the traditional belief that dog training was meant to administer obedience commands by anyone, today, you can engage a professional to help train your dog. You can discuss with the trainer the things you need your dog to be trained on. It's also an excellent opportunity for your dog to interact with new people and mingle with other dogs. According to Precious Petcare, training boosts your dog’s confidence and makes them aware of the environment.

A dog can make a good companion. Boosting your dog's socializing skills can be a great way to build their confidence. However, it would help if you remained positive throughout to avoid scaring them away. Provide a friendly environment and ensure the other dogs are friendly too. Praise and correct your dog in a positive way to allow them to adapt to new situations better.

(BPT) - Face it, getting enough exercise is tough for everyone, and it's certainly true when it comes to our pets. The amount of exercise your dog may need varies, depending on the age, size and breed, but most dogs need more exercise than they're getting, especially during the colder months when we all prefer to stay indoors. Consult your veterinarian for guidelines about how much exercise your dog should be getting to stay in top condition, then make a plan to add more pep to your dog's step.

Dr. Jeff Weber, Emmy award-winning celebrity veterinarian, says that play and exercise are key to keeping our four-legged friends healthy: "Just like humans, there is a strong correlation to obesity in pets when they eat more and exercise less. In fact, it has been estimated that up to 50 percent of dogs and cats in this country are overweight or, worse yet, obese. It's important to get your pet up and moving."

What are the best ways to keep your pup — and you — active and moving?

1. Vary your walking route

When you're walking your dog, switch up the route now and then to keep it more interesting for both of you. Work on adding a few minutes or a couple of extra blocks to your walk any chance you get, and you’ll both benefit from the extra steps.

2. Pick up the pace

Rather than just taking a leisurely stroll, walk with purpose, like you’re trying to get somewhere. This will make it a more heart-healthy workout for the both of you. Ease into it slowly, trying 5 minutes quicker, followed by 5 minutes slower, until you both get used to the faster pace. Enlist different family members to join you or take turns at the walks to vary the walking pace your dog experiences.

3. Bring friends along

You’re more likely to enjoy and stick with regular walking dates if you can make some of your walks into a social occasion, whether your friends also have dogs or not. Instead of meeting someone for coffee or drinks, meet up with them for a walk-and-talk with your dogs.

4. Make time for active play

In addition to walking every day, mix it up! Spend a little extra time encouraging active play like a good game of fetch with your dog. You can play fetch at a nearby park or right in your yard, if you have enough space for your dog to run around. Not good at throwing? No worries — a toy like Chuckit! launcher from Petmate can keep your dog engaged and excited to run and fetch for a lively, active play session that will be fun for both of you.

"Fetch play is a terrific way to increase stamina and keep your pup in shape,” says Weber.

The interactive game of fetch encourages healthy movement and cardiovascular endurance for pets and pet owners, especially as active play and movement declines when the weather gets colder. Fetch is also an effective way to help train and develop positive behavior in puppies or newly adopted four-legged family members.

5. Exercise their brains

Create an obstacle course in your yard or use puzzle games to help keep your dogs mentally active — which can relieve boredom for dogs who spend time alone.

Research your dog's breed to discover what stimulus they are most likely to respond to, so you can find new toys and activities your dog will love. Examples might be hide-and-seek games, having them use their sense of smell to find treats or chasing (non-toxic) bubbles.

Spending time playing with your dog is not only fun and a terrific stress-reliever for both of you, but it also strengthens the human-pet bond. Give your pet healthy exercise that every dog needs and your furry friend will be happier, too.

5 Ways to Help Keep Your Dog Happy and Healthy

(Family Features) There are many emotional benefits to owning a dog, such as companionship and unconditional love, but a pet can also positively affect his or her owners’ physical health, too.

According to studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, spending quality time with a dog can help ease stress and anxiety for the owner and can even lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. To be able to reap the health benefits of dog ownership, it’s key to ensure you’re taking proper care of your dog with quality nutrition and plenty of exercise.

Veterinarian Dr. Jeff Werber offers these five simple ways pet owners can take the best care of their dogs, because when dogs are happy and healthy, their owners can be, too. To learn more about how dogs’ health is linked to their owners’, and for more tips for feeding your pet, visit IAMS.com.

• Check the Labels – Creating a healthier life for your dog starts with the food you feed him or her. For optimal health, provide your dog a balanced diet with high-quality animal protein, like chicken or lamb, a combination of grains and essential vitamins and minerals. When shopping for dog food, look for those things on the ingredient panel. Also keep an eye out for the Association of American Feed Control Officials certification, which indicates basic nutritional requirements are being met with the food’s ingredients.

• Give Them Grains – Grains are an important component of dogs’ dietary needs. They are a source of carbohydrates for healthy energy, as well as fiber, which promotes gastrointestinal health. Some grains, such as rice and wheat, provide “quick” energy, and others, like barley and sorghum, take longer to turn into energy. Dog food that has a combination of these grains, such as IAMS dog food, can provide dogs a “time-release” energy source, helping sustain their energy throughout the day.

• Keep It Consistent ­– While humans can try new restaurants and recipes on a whim, switching up your dog’s meals too frequently can cause intestinal problems. If a dog is doing fine on its current food, there’s no need to switch foods. However, if you think a change is needed, consult your veterinarian. If he or she suggests a change, be sure to introduce the new food gradually. Start by replacing 25% of the current food with new food for a couple days, a half-and-half mixture the next couple days then a mix of 75% new food and 25% old food for another 2-3 days. Your dog should then be ready to eat just the new food.

 

• Get Them Active – Just like humans, dogs need exercise. Walks are an important part of dogs’ days – not just for doing their business, but to expel some of that healthy energy. Knowing dogs need daily exercise is an easy health hack for pet owners. They can take their dogs on walks, runs, hikes or to a dog park, ultimately helping them get up and get active, too. Regular exercise and activity helps keep dogs’ muscles, bones and joints active.

 

• Quality Time – Taking good care of your dog extends beyond nutrition and exercise. A dog needs attention, interaction and love. After a busy day, spend some quality time with your pup, whether it’s a walk or snuggle time on the couch. Your pet will appreciate having time exclusively dedicated to him or her. Plus, it’s scientifically proven that spending time with your pet can decrease your stress and anxiety, too.

Photos courtesy of Adobe Stock

SOURCE:
IAMS

Make Sense of Doggy Dental Care

(Family Features) Dental care for dogs is important, but it’s an aspect of care that is frequently overlooked by dog owners. One of the few outward signs of dental problems lurking just below the surface is bad breath. 

According to the American Veterinary Dental College, periodontal disease is the most common clinical dental condition occurring in adult dogs. However, it is preventable with consistent home dental care and regular vet visits.

Knowing there’s a problem with your pet’s mouth starts by understanding what a healthy dog’s mouth should look like. Teeth should be intact (not jagged or broken) and free of plaque and tartar buildup. Tongues should be moist without any lumps or cuts and gums should be salmon pink, though some dogs naturally have black or black and pink gums.

Making sure you are aware of what your pet’s mouth typically looks like and talking to your vet if you spot any issues can go a long way toward protecting your furry friend. Also consider this advice from veterinarian and host of Animal Planet’s “Evan Goes Wild” Dr. Evan Antin to help keep your dog’s teeth healthy and his or her breath fresh:

• See your vet regularly. When visiting your veterinarian for a regular check-up, make sure he or she checks your dog’s teeth. Your vet can evaluate your dog’s mouth, teeth and gums and identify any trouble spots.

• Brushing is best. Ideally, that means brushing your dog’s teeth daily, but that’s not realistic for all dog owners. If you're brushing at home, start slow and make sure it’s a positive experience. First, introduce dog-specific toothpaste with your finger and progress to a toothbrush once your pet becomes comfortable. Your vet can also brush your dog’s teeth if you’re having trouble.

• Treat and play with purpose. Functional chews and toys can be both enjoyable for your dog and provide a healthy benefit as easy options to help with dental upkeep.

“Practicing good dental hygiene is just as important for pets as it is for humans,” Antin said, “I recommend DentaLife ActivFresh chews, which are designed with nine ridges and have an active-ingredient blend of honey and natural spirulina that has been scientifically tested to fight bad breath at the source.”

• Use crunchy kibbles. Dry, crunchy foods can be helpful. As your dog chews, particles from the dry food scrape against his or her teeth, acting like a toothbrush to help reduce tartar buildup.

• Watch for warning signs. Persistent bad breath, red gums and changes in behavior or eating habits can all be signs of dental problems. If you notice any of these signs, make an appointment to see your veterinarian.

To learn more about protecting your dog’s dental health, visit purina.com/dentalife and consult with your veterinarian.

 

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (veterinarian checking dog’s teeth)

SOURCE:
Purina

5 Springtime Adventure Ideas for You and Your Pet

(Family Features) As temperatures rise and days get longer, pets, just like humans, get excited about spring. It’s time to get into new routines, and warmer weather provides the perfect opportunity to spend more time with your pet, creating memories both indoors and out.

Here are a few ideas for enjoying springtime with your pet from the experts at the NUTRO™ and GREENIES™ brands.

1. Get Active Outside – With the return of sunshine, spring is a prime opportunity for you and your four-legged friend to get active in the great outdoors. Take out your tennis shoes, grab a leash and hit the road. Whether you’re taking a walk, visiting a dog park or going on a hike, regular physical activity outdoors can help keep you and your pet healthy and active.

2. Spring Cleaning – This isn’t just about dusting off bookshelves or decluttering closets. It’s also an opportunity to reassess other aspects of your life that could use a cleaning, such as yours and your pet’s diets. As part of the NUTRO. FEED CLEAN™ philosophy, dog and cat food recipes are made with real, recognizable ingredients, such as chicken, salmon and sweet potatoes, allowing you to share your healthy eating lifestyle with your pet.

3. Yappy Hour on the Patio – It’s that time of year when sidewalks are buzzing with the weekend brunch crowd. As you enjoy fresh, seasonal foods, your fur baby can have quality time on patios with you, too. To help make pets welcome in more places, Mars Petcare established the BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program, which works with local businesses and governments to encourage pet-friendliness.

4. Make New Friends – Give your pet the freedom to run around a dog park and socialize with other dogs and pet owners alike. If your canine is also a social butterfly, playing with other pooches can be both physically and mentally stimulating. Visiting the dog park is also an opportunity for you to meet other like-minded, dog-friendly people in the neighborhood.

5. Go on a Mini Road Trip – Whether you’re heading out on a weekend camping trip or an adventure in a field of flowers, don’t forget to include your pet in your plans. It’s important to consider how your furry friend will ride along with you on your road trip. Try bringing a blanket or toy from your house, so your dog can be comforted by the smells of home. Also, when the family is in the close quarters of a car for an extended amount of time, make sure you pack an option like GREENIES™ Dental Treats to help freshen your dog’s breath.

Photos courtesy of Fotolia

SOURCE:
Mars Petcare

5 Tips to Successfully Bring a New Pet into Your Home

(Family Features) Bringing home a puppy or kitten can lead to a lot of excitement. However, discussing issues that may arise and preparing in advance for a new pet’s arrival can help make for a smooth transition.

Consider these tips from the pet experts at PetSmart Charities to help make your new pet’s adjustment to its forever home a resounding success.

Know that pet parenting is a lifetime commitment. That oh-so-sweet puppy or kitten stage only lasts so long, so be sure that you’re prepared to give a lifetime of loving care. Nurturing the bond you create during the early months can create a foundation for lifelong companionship.

Consider adoption first. There are literally thousands of animals of all breeds and ages looking for loving homes. Consider adopting a pet that needs a home from a local shelter or adoption event.

“When you consider an option like adoption, you can make sure one less dog or cat is living in a shelter while also providing the gift of unconditional love to a furry friend in need,” said David Haworth, DVM, Ph.D., president of PetSmart Charities, which helps find forever homes and families for more than 500,000 shelter pets each year. “As a way to make adoption more accessible, we work with local adoption partners to bring adoptable pets into PetSmart stores each and every day, and especially during our National Adoption Weekends, which take place in stores nationwide.”

Select an appropriate pet. Integrating a pet into your household, especially for a first-time pet owner, can take some work. It’s important to consider factors like how often you travel, whether your work schedule will allow a visit home during the day for a potty-training puppy and if you’re willing to provide necessary care, such as daily brushing for a long-haired animal. Also consider whether you truly want a puppy or a kitten; an adult pet offers numerous benefits, such as potentially being house-trained already and more resilient for play with small kids.

Provide structure for your pet. In a new family, a pet will often look for where he or she fits in and try to understand the rules of the house. Dogs, especially, crave routine, boundaries and rules. Cats like to know what to expect, too. When pets don’t understand, they can feel uncertain and some pets might hide until they feel more comfortable. Sensible rules can help pets feel secure in their new environments. Being consistent with training, helping pets understand what behavior you want and providing a solid routine can help them feel comfortable and confident.

Prepare for pet parenting. The sweet kisses and cuddles are fun, but a new pet requires some preparation. Stock up on items like age-appropriate food and toys. Look into training classes and find a veterinarian you trust for regular checkups. Also take time to pet-proof your home, removing items that may pose a health threat or create temptations for undesirable behaviors.

Find more advice on introducing a new pet to your home and locate a local adoption event near you at petsmartcharities.org .

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

SOURCE:
PetSmart Charities

Good Friends, Good Food

Dog owners dish on how food factors into pet bonding

(Family Features) Ask most dog owners and they’ll tell you that they count the bonds they share with their pets among their most treasured relationships. However, that boundless affection and loyalty isn’t a one-sided effort; dog owners are demonstrating their puppy love in numerous ways, especially when it comes to chow time.

There’s much to be said for the unique relationship people share with their dogs, according to the 2018 Pets and People Survey by Just Right by Purina. Nearly unanimously (95 percent), respondents said they view their dogs as part of their families, and more than half reported that their pet pals help them de-stress after a long workday and have comforted them after receiving bad news.

Just like any relationship, the bond with a dog requires nurturing. As it turns out, most dog owners are working to keep the love alive with a familiar approach: the notion that the fastest path to the heart is through the stomach. After all, when you view pets as family, you may as well feed them like it.

Encouraging dinner dialogue
A helpful aspect of pet bonding is developing communication patterns that your dog can recognize and understand. In part, this involves commands to help manage behavior, but it often includes other forms of engagement, as well.

Mealtime is an ideal opportunity to enjoy some extra interaction, from asking if your dog is hungry to talking your way through filling his or her bowl with a personalized dog food blend. In fact, 64 percent of dog owners surveyed reported asking their dog if it likes its food after serving it. There may not be a verbal response, but dogs give off plenty of signals to let you know whether or not they’re enjoying the meal.

Personalizing the experience
Humans agree that eating or drinking out of a favorite vessel just makes mealtime more special. That may be the motivation for the 65 percent of dog owners who reported taking time to personalize their dogs’ bowls.

Making dog nutrition matter
The majority of dog owners surveyed agreed the type of food their dog eats has an impact on its health and mood. For 43 percent of Millennial dog owners surveyed, they reported spending more money on their dog’s food than their own groceries. Fortunately, not all nutritionally sound options will break the bank, but it is a good idea to do some research to understand the nutritional value and quality of the food you provide.

Serving up security
Dogs thrive on rituals and dinnertime is an opportunity to create some consistent patterns that help your pup feel safe and secure. A routine with meals in the same place at approximately the same time every day helps strengthen the pet bond because your dog knows he can rely on you to satisfy one of his most basic needs.

If you extend some human courtesies as part of your feeding ritual, you certainly aren’t alone. For example, 73 percent of dog owners in the Just Right by Purina survey feed their dogs before they serve themselves. Not only is it a smart strategy to prevent begging at the table, it keeps your pooch from wondering when his own hunger cravings will be sated.

Celebrating special occasions
If your dog is part of the family, it only makes sense to celebrate special events like birthdays. It’s a good excuse for a little extra attention and maybe a new toy or two. Forty percent of dog owners, including 56 percent of Millennials, have upped their pet parenting game by buying their dog its own birthday cake. Make your own using a pet-friendly recipe or visit a pet bakery for a special birthday treat.

Learn more about feeding the bond with your pet at justrightpetfood.com.

Dog Food Ingredients for Unique Nutritional Needs

Your dog is unique, not only in his relationship with you, but his preferences, tastes, quirks and habits. It’s no wonder that his nutritional needs are unique to match. When you’re evaluating food options, give careful attention to the ingredients to find the right blend of nutrients for your dog:

Vitamins are responsible for a vast range of functions, including aiding in DNA synthesis, energy release from nutrients, bone development, eye function, maintenance of cell structure, blood clotting, nerve signal transmission and everything in-between.

Minerals contribute to your dog’s healthy bones and teeth, blood clotting, muscle function, nerve transmission, nutrient metabolism, cell function and more.

Fat is a source of energy that helps with absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and fatty acids, as well as promoting healthy skin and coat, immune system, joints, brain and vision.

Protein is essential for building organs and tissues like tendons, muscles, skin, hair and blood; it also functions as enzymes, hormones and antibodies.

Carbohydrates are efficient sources of glucose for energy, a source of heat and can be stored as glycogen. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that aids in colon health, as well as managing weight and obesity.

All statistics and findings included in this release were pulled from a survey conducted online by Research Now SSI on behalf of Just Right by Purina among adults ages 18+ who are dog owners and have some responsibility over the well-being of their pet. A total of 1,010 responses were collected between March 26 and March 29, 2018. These online surveys are not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated.

SOURCE:
Just Right by Purina