Dog Care: Free Feeding vs Scheduled Feeding

 There are two main ways to feed your dog: free feeding and scheduled feeding.

Free feeding is when you leave food out for your dog all day long, so they can eat whenever they want. This is a popular option for many dog owners because it is convenient and easy. However, there are some potential downsides to free feeding, such as:

• Your dog may overeat and become overweight or obese.
• Your dog may not eat all of their food, which can lead to food waste.
• Your dog may develop bad eating habits, such as begging or stealing food.
• If you have more than one dog, and they are not supervised, they could end up eating more or less of their recommended amount due to food theft from others in the pack.

Scheduled feeding is when you give your dog their food at specific times of the day. This is a good option for dogs who are prone to overeating or who have other health problems. Scheduled feeding can help to:

• Prevent your dog from overeating and becoming overweight or obese.
• Help your dog maintain a healthy weight.
• Help your dog develop good eating habits.
• Make it easier to monitor your dog's food intake and adjust their diet as needed.
• If you have more than one dog, it'll prevent them from stealing each others' food. 

The best way to feed your dog depends on your individual dog's needs and preferences. If you are not sure which method is right for your dog, talk to your veterinarian.

Here are some additional things to consider when deciding whether to free feed or scheduled feed your dog:

• Your dog's age: Puppies and senior dogs may need to be fed more frequently than adult dogs.
• Your dog's activity level: Active dogs may need to eat more calories than less active dogs.
• Your dog's health: If your dog has any health problems, such as diabetes or pancreatitis, you may need to feed them a special diet.
• Your lifestyle: If you have a busy lifestyle, free feeding may be a more convenient option. If you have a lot of time to spend with your dog, scheduled feeding may be a better option.

Ultimately, the best way to feed your dog is the way that works best for you and your dog. However, I would recommend that if you do decide to free feed, only free feed the brand's daily amount recommended for the weight your dog should be per day, not how much they actually weigh. This will help prevent overeating and obesity.

-The Shark Amongst the Paws

Canines Beware: Toxic & Poisonous Plants

 Tis the season for flowers being planted and blooming. Something many don't realize is that there are plants and flowers that can be toxic or poisonous to our furry canine best friends - especially for those who have pica. I have compiled some information on several flowers and plants to help keep your dogs safe!

Here are some of the most common toxic plants and flowers for dogs:

• Azalea
• Buttercups
• Chrysanthemums
• Gardenias
• Gladiolas
• Hibiscus
• Hyacinth
• Hydrangeas
• Mums
• Primroses
• Rhododendrons
• Sweet peas

These plants can cause a variety of symptoms in dogs, including vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, seizures, and even death. If you think your dog has eaten a toxic plant, it is important to call your veterinarian immediately.

Here are some tips to help keep your dog safe from toxic plants:

• Know the plants in your yard. If you are not sure whether a plant is toxic, it is best to err on the side of caution and keep your dog away from it. There is also a nifty app many phones can get from the play store called, "Lens," which can help you identify plants by taking a picture of it and allowing it to search Google using the picture you take.
• Keep plants out of reach of your dog. If you have plants that are toxic to dogs, it is important to keep them out of reach, such as on a high shelf or in a room that your dog cannot access.
• Supervise your dog when they are outside. Even if you think you have taken all the necessary precautions, it is still a good idea to supervise your dog when they are outside. This way, you can quickly intervene if they try to eat a toxic plant.

If you think your dog has eaten a toxic plant, it is important to call your veterinarian immediately. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action and provide treatment if necessary. This goes, not only for your home, but while out and about on your walks, too. Not all homes have pets, so there is little regard on what plants they add to their landscaping, or what wild flowers may grow on the route you walk your dogs.

Here are some additional information about the toxic plants and flowers mentioned above:

• Azalea: All parts of the azalea plant are toxic to dogs, including the leaves, flowers, and stems. Symptoms of azalea poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, seizures, and death.
• Buttercups: The leaves, stems, and flowers of the buttercup plant are toxic to dogs. Symptoms of buttercup poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, abdominal pain, and jaundice.
• Chrysanthemums: All parts of the chrysanthemum plant are toxic to dogs, but the leaves and flowers are the most toxic. Symptoms of chrysanthemum poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, seizures, and death.
• Gardenias: The leaves, flowers, and stems of the gardenia plant are toxic to dogs. Symptoms of gardenia poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and difficulty breathing.
• Gladiolas: The leaves, flowers, and bulbs of the gladiolus plant are toxic to dogs. Symptoms of gladiolus poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and seizures.
• Hibiscus: The leaves, flowers, and stems of the hibiscus plant are toxic to dogs. Symptoms of hibiscus poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and difficulty breathing.
• Hyacinth: The bulbs of the hyacinth plant are the most toxic part, but all parts of the plant are toxic to dogs. Symptoms of hyacinth poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, seizures, and death.
• Hydrangeas: The leaves, flowers, and stems of the hydrangea plant are toxic to dogs. Symptoms of hydrangea poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and difficulty breathing.
• Mums: All parts of the mum plant are toxic to dogs, but the leaves and flowers are the most toxic. Symptoms of mum poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and seizures.
• Primroses: The leaves, flowers, and stems of the primrose plant are toxic to dogs. Symptoms of primrose poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and difficulty breathing.
• Rhododendrons: All parts of the rhododendron plant are toxic to dogs, but the leaves and flowers are the most toxic. Symptoms of rhododendron poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, seizures, and death.
• Sweet peas: The leaves, flowers, and stems of the sweet pea plant are toxic to dogs. Symptoms of sweet pea poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and difficulty breathing.

If you are unsure whether a plant is toxic to dogs, it is always best to err on the side of caution and keep your dog away from it.

-The Shark Amongst the Paws

Crate Training: Sizing and Comfortability

 Crate training is a great way to housebreak your dog, keep them safe and secure when you're not home, and provide them with a comfortable and private place to relax. Here are some tips on how to crate train your dog:

1. Choose the right crate. The crate should be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It should not be so big that your dog can use one end as a bathroom and the other end as a bedroom.

(Proper crate sizing: Freyja, a medium size dog at 58 lbs, in a large crate - plenty of room to lay down and ears are not folded when sitting)

1. Introduce the crate to your dog in a positive way. Let your dog sniff the crate and explore it on their own. Put some of their favorite toys or treats inside the crate to make it more appealing.
2. Start by feeding your dog in the crate. This will help your dog associate the crate with good things.
3. Once your dog is comfortable eating in the crate, start closing the door for short periods of time. Start with just a few seconds and gradually increase the amount of time.
4. If your dog starts to whine or bark, don't open the door right away. Wait until they're quiet before letting them out.
5. Be patient and consistent with crate training. It may take some time for your dog to get used to being in the crate, but with patience and consistency, they will eventually learn to love it.

Here are some additional tips for crate training your dog:

• Make sure the crate is in a quiet, and comfortable spot in your home. For example, a quiet spare bedroom, the living room, or even your own bedroom - but be careful not to induce a situation where separation anxiety (will be covered in another blog) could be formed if using your bedroom.
• Don't use the crate as a punishment!
• Never leave your dog in the crate for too long.
• If you're going to be gone for an extended period of time, consider hiring a pet sitter or boarding your dog - if you are in the Springfield, MO area, I can provide both sitting and boarding. 😊

With patience and consistency, you can crate train your dog and create a safe and secure space for them to relax and feel at home.

-The Shark Amongst the Paws

The Importance of Microchips and Collars with Tags

I see it far too often - someone's dog gets out, a post goes up on FB in a group or page, or a post goes up on Nextdoor app, with a description of the dog, what happened and then the dreaded words: "No microchip," and/or, "no collar/tags."

Or, the opposite, where someone finds a dog and there is no microchip or collar/tags, and they have to ask for proof of ownership of someone wants to claim their dog back - or worse, they just rehome the dog to someone who simply wants them.

Microchipping your dog is one of the most important things you can do to keep them safe. A microchip is a small, electronic device that is implanted under your dog's skin - they used to implant it in the ear, but more recently between the shoulder blades. It contains a unique identification number that can be read by a scanner. If your dog ever gets lost or stolen, the microchip can help them be reunited with you quickly and easily. I've had mine registered with Home Again (it was a $19.99/mo subscription when I had it), previously, and I would receive an email as soon as the chip was scanned.

Here are some of the benefits of microchipping your dog:

• It is a permanent form of identification. Unlike a collar and ID tag, a microchip cannot be lost or removed.
• It is easy to do. The microchipping procedure is quick and painless.
• It is affordable. The cost of microchipping your dog is relatively low.
• It is effective. Studies have shown that microchipped dogs are more likely to be reunited with their owners than dogs who are not microchipped.

If you are a dog owner, I encourage you to microchip your dog. It is a simple, affordable, and effective way to keep them safe.

(If my late boy Walther didn't have a microchip, I wouldn't have been able to get him back after 5 years from being stolen from me. He was scanned by Animal Control and I received an email that he was all the way in IL)

Secondly, collars and tags are important for your dog for a number of reasons. They can help to identify your dog, keep them safe, and make them more comfortable. I like to consider this a secondary to the microchip because there are also cons to having a collar, like how it can easily be removed if someone really wanted to keep your dog. Important notes on collars and tags are:

• Identification: A collar with an ID tag is the best way to ensure that your dog can be identified if they ever get lost. The tag should include your name, address, and phone number. You can also add your dog's name and breed to the tag.
• Safety: A collar and leash can help to keep your dog safe when you are walking them. The leash can prevent your dog from running away or getting into danger. Proper holding of the leash is also important. 
• Comfort: A well-fitting collar can help to keep your dog comfortable. It should be made of a soft material and not be too tight or too loose. 

When choosing a collar for your dog, it is important to consider their size, breed, and activity level. You should also choose a collar that is made of a durable material that will not break easily. I also have personally opted to not have tags, but I have either Velcro or printed/stitched information on the collars because I find that tags are a major cause for pets being caught up on objects and becoming stuck. I do, however, have tags on their vests with a QR code that can be scanned, where I would get an email notification with their location upon being scanned, much like the microchip (For Freyja I have this tag on her vest: My Lucky Tag, from Amazon).

It is also important to make sure that the collar fits your dog properly. The collar should be snug enough so that it does not slip off, but not so tight that it restricts your dog's breathing. You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your dog's neck.

You should check your dog's collar regularly to make sure that it is still in good condition and that it fits properly. If the collar is damaged or does not fit properly, you should replace it immediately.

Here are some additional tips for choosing and using a collar for your dog:

• Choose a collar that is the right size for your dog. The collar should be snug enough so that it does not slip off, but not so tight that it restricts your dog's breathing. I reiterate, you should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your dog's neck.
• Choose a collar that is made of a durable material. The collar should be able to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use. For example, I have mostly working dogs, so my Service Animal (Freyja) and my protection dog (Loki) both have collars that also have handles on them for extra control - see picture at the end.
• Choose a collar that is comfortable for your dog. The collar should be made of a soft material that will not irritate your dog's skin.
• Check your dog's collar regularly to make sure that it is still in good condition and that it fits properly. If the collar is damaged or does not fit properly, you should replace it immediately. It is also important to keep it clean, so the risk of rash and infection are minimalized.
• Never leave a collar on your dog when they are not supervised. This could lead to them getting caught on something and choking.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your dog safe and comfortable with a collar.

-The Shark Amongst the Paws