The Modern Bark | Dog Training Tips

Intact male dogs tend to live longer healthier lives Image: Courtesy of PublicDomainImages.net Images of frightened, discarded cats and dogs in shelters tug at our hearts and serve to encourage the public to embrace the spaying and neutering of pets as a way to reduce the unwanted pet population.  The burgeoning population of abandoned cats and dogs has increased in tough economic times. A growing trend in the animal welfare and rescue community has been to spay and neuter cats and dogs prior to releasing their charges to their new adoptive families.   In the case of young kittens and puppies, some of the more zealous of these organizations have begun spaying and neutering puppies as early as 6 -8 weeks of age.   Research regarding the long term benefits and risks that such early intervention may have on the physical development of the adult dog is many years away. However we can look to existing research for the effects on the health of dogs spay...

Courtesy of Public Domain Images Hemangiosarcoma is a form of cancer found almost exclusively in dogs. A relatively common canine cancer (6-8% of all canine cancers) it is estimated that 2 million of 73 million dogs currently alive in the United States will develop the disease and ultimately die from it. At this time, it is considered incurable, as it remains symptomless until the advanced stages of the disease.  The current standard of care, surgery and chemotherapy, have proven to extend the life to the affected dog a mere median of 180 days, with surgery alone, and an additionally 180 days with chemotherapy added to surgical intervention. In the wake of these poor treatment outcomes, research has focused on early detection of the disease as well as a new, very promising alternative medical approach. Hemangiosarcoma Hemangiosarcoma is an indolent cancer, meaning it initially develops very slowly, asymptomatically and painlessly.  The most common primary sites ...

A dog’s diet should consist of 20 percent vegetables consumed on a daily basis. With these 3 easy home cooked recipes you can add that much needed vitamin and mineral fix to your dog’s diet with a minimum of effort.  Better yet, these dog treats store in the freezer from 2-4 months.  So with a little bit of effort, you can serve Fido healthy snacks for months to come as easy as 1-2-3! 1 - Fast, Simple and Healthy Dog Apple Crisp Treats These dog treats are simple to make (you’ll be done in 45 minutes start to finish) and are super nutritious.  Smear them with a little peanut butter for an extra tasty treat! Ingredients: 2 apples pealed, cored and sliced into 3/8” slices 2 Tablespoons Lemon juice 1 cup water 1 tsp cinnamon Instructions: 1.      Preheat oven to 350° F 2.      Combine the lemon juice and water in a small bowl. 3.      Place a...

Source: Courtesy of PDPics.com Dogs are omnivores with scavenging tendencies; t his means they are open to eating almost anything that appears edible,  and that can lead to bouts of diarrhea.  Diarrhea is defined as loose or watery stools; it is the system's attempt to quickly eliminate something distressing from the intestinal tract that is poisoning the system. Causes of Acute Diarrhea in Dogs Acute or sudden onset diarrhea The dog may have picked up a bug or virus The dog has eaten something that does not agree with him Internal Parasites  Change in Diet Poison Causes of Chronic Diarrhea in Dogs Food allergies such as gluten or main protein ingredient allergy Inflammatory Bowel Disease Kidney, Liver or Thyroid Disease Irritable Bowel Syndrome In most instances, diarrhea does not necessarily warrant a trip to the vet.  If the dog appears to be in good health otherwise, then you can treat his symptoms at home with some simp...

Samoyeds - Dogs of the Spitz Family Looking for a fluffy dog? Then look no further! The double coated dog breeds are your ticket to puff and fluff in all shapes, sizes and temperaments.  The double coat is represented in every dog group from working and herding to toy, hounds, sporting and non-sporting dogs, and they have some major fur-factor going on. For example, looking for a small, white fluffy dog – choose from the West Highland White Terrier, Bichon Frise or American Eskimo Dog.   Needing a big fluffy white dog; try the Samoyed or the Great Pyrenees just to name a few of your options. What is a Double Coat? Double coats are comprised of long, guard hairs that define the dog’s appearance, which are supported by short, dense woolly hairs (the undercoat) below the surface of the guard hairs.  The denser the undercoat, the fluffier the dog appears. The protective guard hairs of the coat are designed to repel moisture and shed dirt. ...

Henry and Clemmies Red Life Jacket Is A Life Jacket Really Necessary For Dogs? There's no better way to beat the summer heat than a romp in the water to cool down. Whether its a trip to the beach, a lakeside treat or just a dip in the pool, both humans and their canine companions can enjoy strenuous exercise without over heating.  However, pet owners should be mindful of the dangers involved in swimming and boating for their four legged friends. Every year over 4000 dogs drown in swimming pools alone; even the strongest swimmer can become incapacitated in a boating or water and jet skiing accident. Canine Life Preservers can aid dogs several ways.  The buoyancy of a good life jacket can minimize fatigue on extended play sessions, allowing you and your dog to enjoy water activities longer.  Brightly colored life vests improve the visibility of your dog for boaters, jet skiers and those being towed behind water vehicles.  In the case of extre...