Dogs can have some disgusting habits, from drinking out of the toilet to licking other dog’s bums, but nothing can top when they decide to chomp down on a nice poo. While it’s incredibly gross to humans, coprophagia (eating poo) is actually a very common habit of many dogs. It is such a problem for some dog owners that it is a common reason for people to re-home their dog or even attempt euthanasia.
Why Do Dogs Eat Poo?
There’s a whole host of different reasons for dogs to eat poo and we are going to explain them below, however, it really boils down to two reasons – behavioural and physiologic issues. If your dog has a penchant for dining on faeces, don’t despair. While the poo eating problem hasn’t been researched extensively, there are ways to discourage your dog from eating poo.
How Common Is Dog Poo Eating?
We wrote above that poo eating is a common occurrence for dogs, but what are the numbers? In 2012 researches led by Dr.Benjamin Hart, from the University of California presented a study at the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior annual conference, that found that:
24 percent of the dogs in the study were found to be poo eaters
16 percent of dogs were classed as “serious” faeces diners, which means that they partook in the activity five times or more.
It was concluded by Dr. Hart that, “Eating of fresh stools is a reflection of an innate predisposition of ancestral canids living in nature that protects pack members from intestinal parasites present in faeces that could occasionally be dropped in the den/rest area. The only way that wild canids can remove faeces before infective larvae hatch is by consuming them.”
Dr. Hart’s study consisted of a couple of different surveys that were sent to about 3,000 dog owners. While humans find it utterly disgusting to eat poo, it’s not really a bad thing to do from a dog’s point of view. Canines have evolved as scavengers, eating anything they find on the ground and eating poo is one of several survival behaviours that they have developed to cope with starvation.
Facts About Dogs Who Eat Poo
Coprophagia is generally considered a normal process or habit for puppies who are starting to explore the world around them. While most will be happy with a sniff, some will develop the habit of eating poo. Here are some facts about poo eating dogs:
Dogs typically eat hard poos and will not usually eat soft, poorly formed poos or diarrhoea.
Poo eating dogs are no harder to train then other canines.
They are usually greedy dogs who love to steal food.
Female dogs are more likely to be poo eaters, while healthy males have the lowest chance of developing the habit.
85 percent of poo eaters will only eat another dogs poo, not their own.
92 percent of dogs will only eat poo that is one to two days old.
Reasons Your Dog Eats Poo
11 Behavioural Reasons for Dog Poo Eating
First we are going to start with the behavioural reasons of why dogs eat poo. If your dog seems to be in healthy condition, consider the following:
Attention Seeking
Dogs love to crave attention, whether it is good or bad. If your dog is feeling like they are being ignored they may try and get themselves into trouble, because then they will have our attention. Sneaking into the garden and munching down on a nice poo lets them get an afternoon snack, while receiving our attention. If you notice your dog eating poo, try to not make a big deal out of it.
Isolation
If you keep your dog alone during the day or night, it may be the reason why your dog likes to feed on faeces. Various studies have shown that dogs who are kept alone in basements, outside or kennels are much more likely to eat poo than those who live close to their owners.
They See Another Dog Doing It
Younger dogs may develop the habit after observing another dog doing it.
Boredom
Dogs who are kept alone all day with not much to do may develop a new habit to keep themselves entertained. If there is poo within your dog’s reach and you typically leave your dog alone during the day, make sure you clean up the faeces before you head out.
Punishment
Interestingly, dogs who have received harsh punishment or housetraining methods for pooing in the house can develop a poo eating habit. This is because they associate poo with being told off, so they try to hide the evidence by eating it.
Cleanliness
There is a time when dogs will eat poo and it is actually a very natural thing to do. Female dogs will clean up after their puppies to keep the environment they are in clean. This can last a number of weeks and puppies may also engage in this behaviour as well. This poo cleaning process can be carried over to other dogs.
They Are a Puppy
Puppies love to explore their surroundings and part of this is eating or smelling everything within reach of them. Many puppies may decide to have a nibble of poo as part of them exploring the world. Puppies will usually grow out of this habit, however it can be carried over to adult life.
Association with Real Food
If you feed your dog close to where they go to the toilet it may be a reason for their faeces eating habit. Dogs may make an association between the smell of real food with those of poo.
Living with an Elderly or Sick Dog
Healthy, younger dogs may develop poo eating habits when there is a sick or elderly dog in the household. This is especially the case if the dog suffers from faecal incontinence. It is believed that this may be related to the instinct of dogs to protect the pack from predators.
Smelling It On Their Mum
In some cases, dogs may get confused by smelling faecal odours on their mum’s breath after she has cleaned up their mess. Additionally, mum dogs may also regurgitate their dinner that may be mixed with a little bit of puppy poo. This can cause the puppy to develop the habit as well.
They Are Scavengers
Dogs are scavengers and they are attracted to a whole host of different scents. They do not find faeces disgusting and if the right opportunity presents itself, they may just take a bite. Additionally, if your dog is feeling hungry, a quick nibble on a poo can fill their stomach.
8 Medical Reasons for Dog Poo Eating
Now that we’ve gone through the behavioural reasons for why your dog may be eating poo. It is now time to talk about the possible medical reasons for the habit.
Parasites
Parasites can take a number of different forms, however, they all have one thing in common; at some point the parasites inside your dog will begin to impact your dog’s health and comfort. Intestinal parasites can soak up all the important nutrients your dog needs from their food. This will in turn make them hungry, which could be a reason for the faecal feasting.
Steroids
If your dog has been on a case of steroids, they may begin to develop the habit of eating poop. This is because some steroids can increase their appetite
Enzyme Deficiencies
Digestive enzymes are a key part of your dog’s digestive process, and without them they cannot fully absorb their food. In the wild, dogs get all the essential digestive enzymes they need from their prey. Domestic dogs are a little bit different however.
Most domesticated dogs are fed highly processed, kibble-rich diets. Sometimes these processed foods can be lacking in these digestive enzymes, which can cause your dog to develop a number of health issues. Due to the lack of nutrients being absorbed, your dog will begin to try and find them in different places, and that includes in poo. Faeces still contains nutrients, so dogs only see it as a good thing.
Certain Conditions
Anything from thyroid issues to diabetes and Cushing’s Disease (CD) may cause an increase in appetite in your dog. This increased desire for food can cause them to find food in all sorts of world places, including faeces.
Pancreatic Insufficiency
Also known as Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), this condition is where your dog fails to create, or creates very little digestive enzymes in the pancreas. A lack of these digestive enzymes will mean your dog will not be able to absorb the required nutrients and they will starve. Symptoms of this condition can include weight loss, diarrhoea, and of course, poo eating.
Malabsorption Conditions
Any other conditions not on this list that may lead to inadequate nutrient absorption can make your dog develop a poo eating habit. Your dog may even begin to eat other animals faeces, along with their own, to get the nutrients they desire. Different animals have different amounts of nutrients in their faeces, so you may be able to use this to determine which condition your dog has.
Other Deficiencies
A lack of hydrochloric acid that is brought on through old age or a bad diet can lead to poor digestion. This itself can then lead inadequate nutrient absorption, which may mean your dog turns to faeces to find the nutrients they need. The digestive process uses hydrochloric acid to break down protein. Trace mineral deficiencies are linked to stool eating, as well as consuming of other even more unsuitable substances like plastic.
Lack of Food
Your dog’s poo eating escapades may be simply down to a lack of food. If your dog is on a healthy, whole diet and is losing weight, it may be time to feed them more. Also make sure you keep to a regular feeding schedule, as a hungry dog may start to scavenge for other sources of food. If believe this is the case, it may be worth talking to your vet or checking the recommend food amounts for your size and breed of dog.
So How Do I Stop My Dog from Eating Poo?
We’ve now run you through some of the many possible causes of your pup’s fondness for faeces, now we are going to give you some ideas on how to fix it.
Keep Your Dog Mentally Engaged and Happy
Bored dogs can get themselves into all sorts of trouble, and that includes poo eating. Make sure you take them out for regular walks, play plenty of games like fetch or tug, and give them some attention. Also make sure they have plenty of toys to play with during the day and maybe even leave the radio on for them if you plan to be out a long time. Agility training is another great way to stimulate your dog’s mind.
Keep Their Area Clean
Just like you should ‘flush it down, if it’s brown’, you should pick up your dog’s poo immediately after they have done the deed. Don’t give your pup the opportunity to sample the delicious looking turd. Additionally, if you have any other pets make sure you clean up after them and if you’re a cat owner keep their litter tray out of reach from your dog as well. By keeping their area spotless, your dog won’t have the chance of munching on any poops.
Supplement with Dog Vitamins
Seeing as some dogs eat faeces due to them missing out on important vitamins and minerals, a supplement may be what is needed. Vitamin-B deficiency, in particular, has been linked with the habit. Talk to your vet about what vitamin supplement will be right for your dog and remember that all dogs will have slightly different requirements when it comes to supplements.
Enzyme Supplementation for Dogs
As we have already talked about earlier in this article, the modern canine diet is a bit different to that of their ancestors. Modern food is higher in carbohydrates and lower in meat-based fats and proteins. Try supplementing papain or some probiotics into your dog’s diet; however, you may need to mix it up with some other food items.
Feed Your Dog Some Raw Food
Raw food contains those digestive enzymes your dog needs to help the digestive process. Make sure your dog gets their protein and raw food from a variety of places. A great place source of digestive enzymes is green tripe.
Give Them Some Kelp or Apple Cider Vinegar
If your dog is suffering from a lack of trace minerals, you can add some kelp. Additionally, if your dog has a hydrochloric acid deficiency, a little bit of apple cider vinegar might do the trick (1 tsp per 11.3kg or 25 pounds in their food). This may help your dog’s digestive system mimic the missing acid and help their body compensate for the deficiency.
Make The Poo Taste Bad
As a human I can’t imagine any taste worse than that of poo; however, dogs are different. One way to stop dogs eating poo is to spray or place a certain substance on the faeces that makes it unappealing for them. Many of these products will include ingredients like chamomile, pepper derivatives, yucca, garlic, parsley and monosodium glutamate. While this method may work for you, a study at the University of California, Davis found that they typically only work two percent of the time.
Check for Parasites
Make sure you check your dog’s stools for any signs of parasites regularly.
Work On Your Training
A big part of dog ownership is being able to train your dog. The “leave it” and “come” commands are especially usually for those with a poo eating problem. Teach your dog to come after they have done a number two, rather than reaching straight for that fresh poo. A tasty treat will be more to your dog’s liking than faeces, so make sure you use them when training your dog.
Avoid Punishment
A study that involved 1,500 dog owners that was conducted at the University of California, Davis found that punishment was an entirely ineffective form of training. It is best to just flat out ignore your dog when they are eating poo, rather than punishing them.
Wrapping Up the Dog Poo Eating Problem
What you would think is a simple problem is clearly a bit more complicated than first seems. Your dog poo eating problem can be caused by a whole host of medical and behavioural reasons. We’ve tried to give you a good rundown of what problems may be causing your dog’s poo eating habits, and some potentially solutions. As always, if you are unsure take a trip to the vets, especially if it is medically related.
Tell us in the comments below if you have had any other successful methods to stop this dog poo eating problem.
Dogs have a great resilience to dental issues, however despite this they can still develop problems like tartar and plaque build-up and infections. Your dog’s dental hygiene is an important part of keeping them healthy and happy, and nobody likes to smell bad dog breath. As with humans, dog dental problems can lead to a whole host of issues from life-threatening infections to heart, kidney and liver disease.
If you are wonder how to take care of your dog’s teeth and are unsure of the warning signs of dental issues, this article will give you all the information on dog dental health.
Dog Dental Cleaning
Cleaning your dog’s teeth with a toothbrush is easier said than done and if your dog could do it themselves it would make dog ownership a lot easier. A dog toothbrush is much the same as one for humans, however the technique is slightly different.
What Dog Toothbrush Should I Get?
Before we go into the teeth cleaning process we are going to talk about getting the right dog toothbrush for your canine. If you haven’t got a toothbrush for your dog yet you will find that there are a wide range of brushes to choose from. Here’s some tips to find the right brush for your dog:
Dog brushes are completely different to a human toothbrush, so avoid using a human brush on your dog. A dog toothbrush is typically softer and the bristles are designed to give you easier access to the harder to reach areas of your dog’s mouth. If you have to use a human brush, make sure it is a soft child’s one.
Choose the right size brush for your dog. A bigger dog is going to need a bigger toothbrush and smaller dogs will need a smaller brush that will fit in their mouths.
If you want to be more precise use a finger toothbrush. These are brushes that fit on the end of your finger, however they can increase the likelihood of your canine biting you.
Some dogs just don’t like brushes. If this is the case for your dog, you can use specially designed dental dog pads and sponges to clean their teeth.
Find a Good Dog Toothpaste
As with brushes there is a vast amount of choice when it comes to dog toothpaste and there are many different flavours to choose from. It may be beneficial to try a few different brands and flavours to find one that your dog likes.
Avoid using human toothpaste when it comes to brushing your dog’s teeth. Human toothpaste contains fluoride and sometimes other ingredients that can be toxic to your dog. Dogs that ingest human toothpaste can experience vomiting and possibly even kidney damage.
Cleaning Your Dog’s Teeth
Before you start cleaning your dog’s teeth you need to get them comfortable with your hand in their mouth. Even when you are not cleaning their teeth make sure to frequently touch around your canine’s mouth and muzzle. This will get them comfortable with your hand around their mouth.
When it’s time to start brushing their teeth take it slow and let them lick some toothpaste off your finger. This will help you determine how well they like the taste of the toothpaste. Once your dog has tasted the toothpaste, gently rub some of it along your dog’s teeth and gums.
After you have done this it is time to bring out the toothbrush. Apply some toothpaste to the brush and let your dog lick the brush. Following this begin brushing your dog’s teeth in a slow controlled manner. Make sure you lift up the upper lip and reward your dog with a treat once you have cleaned a few teeth. Continue cleaning their teeth and rewarding them until all the teeth are cleaned.
Some other tips for Cleaning Your Dog’s Teeth With a Toothbrush:
If your dog is being difficult, try enlist the help of a friend or family member who can help calm and hold the dog.
when you dog is being excessively aggressive or resisting too much it may be better to try another day. If this behaviour continues consult a vet or dog trainer.
When you first start cleaning your dog’s teeth limit it to short one or two minute sessions. Once they are used to the feeling you can slowly increase the time from then.
Make sure you brush and clean along the gums. Don’t forget the tongue as well!
Praise and reward your dog with special treats.
Make it routine. Brushing your dog’s teeth more often will result in better dental health and they will become more comfortable with it.
Finally, try to brush their teeth after exercise. Your dog will be calmer and less likely to become agitated.
When Should You Start Cleaning Your Dog’s Teeth?
As soon as possible! You should really be looking to start dental car when you dog is a puppy. They will become more comfortable with dog teeth cleaning if you start early. Puppy dental care is also important as neglecting it can lead to a life time of dog dental problems.
Pick The Right Food
Along with cleaning your dog’s teeth with a toothbrush, using dog dental food or dry food is an excellent way of keeping plaque and tartar under control. Crunchy kibble food is better for your dog’s teeth than soft food, which is more likely to stick to your dog’s teeth and cause decay.
If you are really struggling to clean your dog’s teeth with a toothbrush, the right dental dog food can be a good alternative.
Try Dental Dog Treats
Another great way of keeping your dog’s dental hygiene in check is to use dental dog treats. Dog dental sticks Pedigree’s Dentastix range are a great way of removing plaque and tartar build-up. You can even get a puppy dentastix so you can start cleaning your dog’s teeth when they are young.
Use Dental Dog Toys
Dental dog toys are a great way to keep plaque and tartar levels under control. There are so many toys from synthetic dental dog bones to the likes of the KONG Stuff-a-Ball. Always make sure you are giving your dog safe toys and avoid some hard toys that can cause tooth wear or breakages.
Giving your dog a good dental toy is an excellent way of getting rid of plaque and tartar, while keeping their teeth strong. Although toys are great, they are not a ‘do it all’ solution and should be used in conjunction with good food and teeth cleaning practices.
Imagine if you just chewed gum instead of brushed your teeth, it simply wouldn’t be enough to keep your teeth clean and it’s the same for your dog.
We’ve created a list of five of our favourite dental dog toys, so make sure you check them out here.
What To Look Out For
Now that we have run through some of the ways to keep your dog’s dental health in top shape, it’s now time to tell you some of the warning signs of dog dental problems. We have listed some of these problems below and if your dog experiences any of these a trip to the vets may be called for. Some of these issues can also be signs of other issues as well that are not related to your dog’s dental health.
Change in eating habits or loss of appetite
Depression
Drooling or dribbling that is considered excessive
Teeth that are missing or misaligned
Teeth that are crooked, broken or discoloured
Bad breath
Pawing at the face or mouth
Bumps or growths that are located within or around the face.
Gums that are red, swollen or bleeding
Pain when touching the gums
Brown or yellow tartar crust along the gum line or on the teeth.
When Should You See a Vet
If you notice any of the signs above we recommend that you get your dog checked out by a vet, especially if it is something like bleeding gums, loss of appetite or a broken tooth. During your dog’s regular check-up at the vets they should inspect your dog’s teeth and if they don’t, ask them to.
Keeping your dog’s dental health in check will save you money in the long run and can prevent some life-threatening illnesses from popping up.
Try to always keep on top of your dog’s dental maintenance, as it can be a real money saver in the long run and might even save your dog’s life. Letting it go past a certain point can lead to costly and painful visits to the vet, and could lead to lifelong damage.
Summing up dog dental health
Keeping your dog’s teeth in good working order is one of the most important things to do as a dog owner. This article should be everything you need to know about dog dental health and what to look out for if you think your dog has dental problems. Keep your dog’s teeth clean and consult a vet if you think there are any problems.
Dogs are curious animals and they love to chase anything from other dogs, cats and even insects. Sometimes these things bite back and if you have ever seen a bee sting a dog, it can be a horrifying thing to watch. So what should you do if your dog gets a bee sting and is it dangerous?
Dog Bee Sting Facts
Dogs are interested in everything, and they are fascinated with insects. Anything that crosses their path is considered fair game, even a bee. But while bees seem like a good thing to chase, your dog doesn’t know the risks of chomping down on them. Dog bee stings can be seriously nasty, but why do bees sting in the first place?
Bees sting dogs because they feel threatened by them. While we see our pets as cute and friendly, a bee will find a dog utterly terrifying. They will typically sting when they have been touched, handled roughly or feel that their nests are under attack.
Where Do Bees Sting Dogs?
Dogs usually get bee stings on their face, paws or inside their mouths. This occurs because dogs love to inspect bee’s nests closely, or dig around them to find out what is going on. These bee stings to your dog can be potentially dangerous and the subsequent swelling can close your dog’s throat and block their airways.
How Do Bees Sting?
Bees are the only insect with a strongly barbed sting. This sting lodges itself into the victim’s skin and tears itself loose from the bee’s abdomen, and then the bee dies. Female bees are the only ones that sting and the queen’s stinger is smooth so it can sting time and time again.
Are Bee Stings Dangerous To Dogs?
Bee stings hurt, not because of the small puncture wound, but the poison that is injected. On most occasions dogs will get one bee sting and will just be irritated by it. Multiple bee stings, however can be very dangerous to dogs and could require a trip to the vets.
Dog Bee Sting Allergy & Anaphylaxis
As an owner it can be hard to tell which dog will simply learn a painful lesson, and which ones will have an allergic reaction to the bee sting. Dog bee stings should be monitored closely and should be treated as a potential emergency.
Our canine companions can suffer anaphylaxis, a very severe, allergic reaction that can be life threatening. This can happen incredibly quickly and getting your dog treatment in the shortest possible time will improve the outcome.
Your dog may show the following signs if they have had an allergic reaction to bee stings:
Difficulty breathing
General weakness
Swelling around or extends from the sting area
If your dog is showing signs of any of these after a bee sting, you must take them to the vets immediately.
One thing to remember is that delayed anaphylaxis can occur, so make sure you monitor your dog for an extended period of time after they get a bee sting.
Dog Bee Sting Treatment
One bee sting to your dog can usually be left alone, as long as your dog does not have an allergy to them. A Single sting should only be uncomfortable for a short period of time and if the sting is still present, you can try to remove it by scraping it with a fingernail or rigid piece of cardboard. Try not to use tweezers or forceps as these can force more venom out of the stinger.
Dog Bee Sting Benadryl Treatment & The Vets
If you take your dog to the vets they may recommend a treatment of Benadryl and steroids, if they are having a severe reaction to the sting. Your vet may also want to keep your dog for a number of hours to monitor their breathing and make sure the swelling is going down. In serious cases, dogs may need to go on IV fluids to stop them dyeing or stop the reaction occurring.
Keep Benadryl On Hand
Some dog owners also keep Benadryl on hand, so they don’t have to take a trip to the vets. Ask your vet about Benadryl dosage amounts for your dog and keep the required amount with you. This will mean you probably won’t need to go to the vets, unless it is a serious reaction or the treatment doesn’t show signs of working.
Keeping a supply of Benadryl ready is always a good idea, especially when you are in an area where there are no vets (if you are taking your dog on a long walk for example) or if the vets are closed.
While we recommend talking to your vet about what Benadryl dosage amounts are needed for your dog, we’ve given you a rough idea of the amounts you might need below:
Dogs under 30 pounds (13kg) 10mg
Dogs from 30 to 50 pounds (13 to 22.6kg) 25mg
Dogs over 50 pounds (22.6kg) 50mg
Remember to only use plain Benadryl formula. Your vet may also recommend children’s Benadryl for your dog.
Other Tips
If your dog is showing no signs of an allergic reaction to the bee sting, and they have only been stung once, a simple remedy may be all that is needed. Home dog bee sting treatment may include applying a weak mixture of water of baking soda to the sting area. This will help to reduce the pain caused by the sting. You can also place an icepack that is wrapped in a towel on the affected area to reduce pain and swelling.
What If My Dog Gets Stung Again?
If your dog is unlucky enough to receive another bee sting, you should be better prepared than the first time. You should get the general idea of how your dog reacts to being stung from the first incident, however, dogs can develop anaphylaxis at any time.
Make sure you monitor your dog following the bee sting and if you notice anything different, a trip to the vets may be called for. If your dog had a severe reaction to a bee sting before you should take them to the vets immediately.
Summing Up Dog Bee Stings
Dog’s inquisitive and playful nature can certainly lead them to getting a nasty surprise when they meet Mr Bee. Try to monitor your dog while they are playing outside and inspect the area they are in for any hives. If you notice they are in an area with lots of bees or where there are hives, use the “stay” or “come” command to keep them near.
When your dog is showing signs of anaphylaxis make sure to take them to the vets immediately and if it’s your dog’s first time getting stung, you may want to take them anyway.
Remember that the main places a dog gets a bee sting are:
On their paws
Face
Mouth (including inside)
Knowing the signs of a bee sting and being prepared to react when things go wrong will keep your dog safe.
When it is that time of the year, you will do anything to keep nasty colds and bugs away from your family, including that four legged friend of yours. You might even wonder how dogs get colds or if they can catch a human cold. You obviously love your dog and you want to keep them healthy, but do you need to keep away from them when you are feeling a bit run down yourself?
This article is a quick rundown of whether that canine friend of yours can or can’t catch the cold or the flu from you.
Can Dogs Catch Human Colds?
When it comes to humans, colds get passed on from one human to another when they come into contact with each other and one is infected with a virus. The common symptoms of colds usually include a sore throat, blocked stuffy nose, excess mucus in the nose and throat, and watery eyes as well. So can you pass these symptoms on to your canine companion?
The simple answer is no; you can’t pass on your cold to your dog. This is because some viruses, infections or even bacteria are species-specific. A human cold will only affect humans, while you won’t be able to catch the dog flu if you are wondering if it works the other way around.
So What Is a Dog Cold?
As mentioned before, dog colds are different to the type of cold a human suffers from. Dogs transmit their colds to other dogs in much the same way as humans transmit the common cold. A simple sneeze from another dog can pass on the virus to your pooch, making them sick.
While the viruses that infects dogs with a cold or flu is different to that of the ones that affect humans, the symptoms are still similar. Your dog may end up coughing and sneezing, while having a runny or stuffed nose with watery eyes.
Assessing a Canine Cold
While the common cold is similar for dogs, there is one big difference when it comes to diagnosing it. Your dog can’t give you a full rundown of all its symptoms and troubles, so you are going to have to diagnose it for them.
A runny nose is to be expected, however, if the discharge from their nose is a yellowish or greenish colour it may not indicate an infection. You should watch for any signs of general weakness or fever and if you can take their temperature with a quality thermometer, definitely try. Coughing, sneezing or loss of appetite aren’t too much of a worry as long as they do not carry on for days.
Some Other Dog Viruses
Here’s a couple of other viral infections for dogs you should watch out for.
Canine Distemper
Canine distemper is a serious viral illness that can be highly contagious. There is no known cure and it affects dogs and other animals like raccoons, wolves, foxes and skunks. The ferret is also known to be a carrier of the virus. Canine distemper is a relative of the measles virus and is part of the Morbillivirus class of viruses. Older dogs that are not immunized and young, unvaccinated puppies tend to be more susceptible to canine distemper.
It is spread through the air and by direct or indirect contact with an animal that has been infected with the virus. Major symptoms to watch out for include a high fever, watery discharge from the nose and eyes, and reddened eyes. Infected dogs will become lethargic and tired, and they will usually become anorexic. Other symptoms may include coughing, diarrhea and vomiting.
Dogs with weak immune systems may die within two to five weeks after the initial infection occurs.
Kennel Cough
Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease, that is usually contracted when dogs spend time in a place with numerous dogs, like kennels or training classes. The virus is so contagious that your dog doesn’t even need to come in direct contact with an infected dog to contract it. The virus can live on items, such as dog toys that have saliva on them or water bowls.
As the name suggests, kennel cough is typified by inflammation of the trachea and bronchi. It is found throughout the world and infects high percentage of dogs at least once during their life. Young puppies can suffer the worst complications from the disease, as they have immature immune systems. Older dogs, those who are pregnant and dogs with pre-existing respiratory diseases are also more likely to contract kennel cough as they typically have decreased immune capabilities.
Some of the symptoms are as follows:
Persistent, honking cough
Watery nasal discharge
Retching
Mild cases – dogs are normally active and eating properly
Severe cases – symptoms progress and can include fever, loss of appetite, pneumonia, lethargy and even death in extreme cases.
Dogs that come in contact with the virus will typically show these symptoms within four to ten days.
Treatment of Kennel Cough
The treatment of Kennel Cough depends on the severity of the infection. If your dog has only mild symptoms and is active, alert and eating well, your vet may tell you to keep your dog rested, hydrated and make sure they get good nutrition. More severe cases may lead to your vet prescribing medication that will help reduce inflammation and coughing. Bacterial infections may be treated with a course of antibiotics and if your dog has pneumonia they will be hospitalized.
Can Dogs Catch the Flu from Humans?
We’ve talked about the common cold and a couple of dog specific viruses your dog can catch; however, we haven’t talked about the flu. The flu shares similar symptoms with the common cold, but if your body is feeling achy and you have a fever, you might have the flu.
The flu virus is spread from person to person in much the same way as a cold. Unlike a common cold, the flu can last a lot longer and can develop into much more serious conditions, such as pneumonia.
If you have the flu and you’re wondering if it can be transmitted to your dog, you will be happy to hear that it can’t. However, there is a dog-specific flue that you should be aware of.
Canine Influenza
Canine influenza, or dog flue is a respiratory infection that is much the same as the one that infects humans. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), “The first strain reported in the United States, beginning in 2004, was an H3N8 influenza A virus … In 2015, an outbreak that started in Chicago was caused by a separate canine influenza virus, H3N2.”
The symptoms of canine influenza are again very similar to that of the human kind. Your dog may experience a lingering cough, sneezing, a fever, and discharge may appear from their nose and eyes.
Treatment for Canine Influenza
Your vet will likely prescribe antibiotics or other medication to treat the dog flu. They should also be well hydrated, rested and need plenty of nutrition to recover properly. Make sure you also isolate them from other animals to prevent the transmission of the virus.
When to See a Vet
It is important to remember that most respiratory conditions or viruses such as the cold will improve within several days. Some dogs’ immune systems are not as prepared as others and if your dog is either very young or very old, it is best to have them checked over by a vet.
While we think you should definitely take your dog to the vet if they have a week immune system, we also recommend that any dog should be taken to the vets if they are experiencing any sort of viral infection. Your vet will be able to diagnose what is wrong and recommend the required treatment, even if it is just getting a good rest.
Other things to remember is that your dog should be well hydrated and fed with notorieties foods that will help them recover. Make sure they get plenty of rest and don’t forget to isolate them if you are a multi-pet household. With a little, rest, relaxation, lots of fresh water and healthy dinners, your dog should be back to their normal self in no time at all!
Pumpkin is one of life’s superfoods and it also great for making those silly but scary Halloween faces. So is pumpkin good for dogs and if it is what are its benefits? This article will give you all the information you need to know about pumpkin for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?
The simple answer is yes! Pumpkin is incredibly nutritious and has a wide range of benefits for dogs that we are going to talk about later; however, not all pumpkins are created equal. Try not to feed your dog old, rotten pumpkin and definitely don’t feed them that Halloween pumpkin head that you have had hanging around for the past week. This is because pumpkin that has been sitting around for a while can collect a whole bunch of bacteria that can make your dog sick.
Fresh pumpkin is what your dog needs and you can serve it to them in either raw or cooked forms.
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Seeds?
So pumpkin is safe for dogs to eat, but what about pumpkin seeds? Pumpkin seeds are perfectly fine for dogs and have a number of different benefits for them. They should be cleaned before giving them to dogs and make sure they are not salted. Try not to feed your dog raw seeds as well, make sure you roast them for a period of time before giving them to your dog.
If your dog doesn’t enjoy them as a treat, you can grind them in a food blender or a coffee grinder and add them to their meals. About a quarter of a teaspoon per 4.5kg (10lbs) of bodyweight once or twice a day.
Fresh, raw pumpkin seeds will go rancid very quickly, so make sure you either roast them or seal and store them correctly. Pumpkin seeds that are not stored properly can become toxic, but ones that are sealed correctly should last around six months.
Is Pumpkin from a Can Good for Dogs?
Canned pumpkin is perfectly safe for dogs to eat and contains the same health giving nutrients as fresh pumpkin. It is great as a treat for dogs and the puree form it comes in can be easily mixed into your dog’s dinner.
When searched for canned pumpkin for dogs, always make it is organic, with no extra sugar or salt added. Also check there are no extra additives or spices as these can irritate your dog’s stomach.
Do Dogs Even Like Pumpkin?
Most dogs will absolutely love a bit of pumpkin added to their diet as either part of their dinner or as treats. A small percentage of dogs may not like the taste, however, we have found our two Labs go crazy over it, but then again, they are Labradors.
Why Is Pumpkin So Good for Dogs?
Pumpkin flesh and its seeds have a wide range of benefits for dogs. We’ve created a list of all the great benefits of pumpkin below:
Pumpkin for Dogs with Diarrhea
Diarrhea isn’t the nicest thing to talk about and many dogs suffer from it. Increasing your dog’s fibre intake will help their diarrhea problem, and make dog ownership much less smelly. Pumpkin flesh contains soluble fibre, which is great for slowing down your pooch’s digestion system, while absorbing a bunch of water.
Canned pumpkin or pumpking puree is also great for dogs with diarrhea, so don’t worry if you can’t get your hands on the real deal.
How Much Pumpkin for Dogs with Diarrhea?
Give your dog a couple of tablespoons of pureed pumpkin to your dog’s regular diet or if you have fresh pumpkin, dice it into small pieces and give them a couple of those. This is not an exact science, so don’t worry too much about the amounts; however, remember that smaller dogs should have a bit less and larger dogs will need more.
Pumpkin for Dogs with Constipation
On the opposite end of the spectrum to above, some dogs just can’t get it out. Dog constipation again is quite a common problem and pumpkin is a great treatment for it. It’s high fibre and water content are not only great for bulking up your dog’s stools, but also preventing constipation. Pumpkin stimulates your dog’s colon wall and promotes the contraction of the muscles that are responsible for getting your dog’s digestive system moving.
Pumpkin Seeds Fight Worms
Pumpkin seeds have been found to be an incredible, natural deworming agent that fights against tapeworms and other intestinal parasites in dogs. They contain an amino acid called cucurbitin, which paralyzes tapeworms and other intestinal parasites.
Pumpkin Seeds Are a Great Source Of Essential Nutrients
The seeds of pumpkins are not only great for fighting worms and parasites in your dog’s digestive system, they are also a great source of protein, carbohydrates, fats and fibre.
Pumpkin Can Help Your Dog Lose Weight
Just like humans, some dogs need to lose a bit of weight and pumpkin is a great food for that. Pumpkin is an excellent low-fat treat for dogs or as part of their main meal. It’s high fibre content will keep your dog full all day long.
Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs Urinary Health
Oils that are found within pumpkin seeds and flesh are thought to support a healthy urinary system. Dogs who suffer from urinary incontinence may find that a little bit of pumpkin in their diet will help them a lot.
It’s Great for Your Dog’s Coat
Pumpkin has a load of zinc, fatty acids and antioxidants that will keep your dog’s coat and skin in perfect condition.
It Has a Whole Lot of Other Vitamins, Minerals and Other Important Nutrients
Pumpkin is a great source of many important nutrients. We’ve listed some of them below:
Vitamin C – pumpkin contains about 11mg of vitamin C per one cup. Vitamin C is incredibly important for the immune system. It is also good for dogs who have joint issues, as they need more vitamin C than they can produce naturally.
Potassium – essential for your dog’s muscles and recovery after hard exercise.
Vitamin A – the flesh of pumpkins contains vitamin A, which is important for your dog’s vision health.
Beta-carotene – pumpkin contains beta-carotene, which is good for your dog’s aging process and has been linked to preventing some forms of cancer.
Fibre – important for your dog’s digestive system.
Zinc – Good for their coats and skin
Alpha-Carotene
Iron – iron deficiency can lead to red blood cells not developing as they should be, which can lead to anaemia.
Pumpkin Contains a Lot of Water
Pumpkin is made up of about 90% water and is great for dogs who are usually restricted to dry kibble biscuits. Kibble can require increased secretion of pancreatic enzymes and gastric acid, which can have a dehydrating effect on your dog.
Supplying your dog with enough water is an important part of their health. If your dog doesn’t drink much water during the day, feeding them pumpkin is an excellent way of getting them hydrated.
How to Feed Pumpkin to Your Dog?
Pumpkin can be easily added to your dog’s diet in a number of ways. You can give them a couple of small pieces a day, or you can mix a couple of teaspoons of it into their food, depending on your dog’s size.
Pumpkin Dog Treats
While pumpkin is a great addition to your dog’s regular meals, it can also be excellent in the form of treats. You can use pumpkin puree to make your own pumpkin dog treats or you can sometimes buy some pre-made ones from the pet store.
The seeds of pumpkins are also an excellent way to treat your dog. Take a few of them when you go out for dog walks or when you want to do some training.
Things to Watch Out For
Despite being one of the best things that you can feed your dog, there are a few things you need to remember. Never feed pumpkin that has added spices, flavours or preservatives to your dog as these can cause irritation to your dog’s digestive system.
The stem and leaves of pumpkins can be an irritant to dogs, as they are covered in a load of tiny, sharp hairs.
Dogs should never eat the shell of a pumpkin or gourd. During Halloween, decorative pumpkins are often coated in things like glitter, glue and other coatings that are toxic to dogs.
Avoid giving your dog raw pumpkin seeds and make sure they pumpkin is fresh.
Are There Any Side Effects of Pumpkin for Dogs?
While pumpkin is great for your dog, make sure you introduce it into their diet slowly. Giving your dog too much pumpkin straight off the bat can actually give your dog diarrhea. A sudden increase in fibre can cause issues with your dog’s digestive system that can lead to bloating, cramping and intestinal gas.
Introducing pumpkin at a slow rate will help your dog’s stomach adjust to the increased fibre.
Wrapping Up Pumpkin for Dogs
Pumpkin has so many benefits for both humans and dogs alike. We feel it is one of the best foods you can give to your dog and we find our two Labs absolutely love it. It’s great as part of their normal meal, or as a treat and has so many health benefits.
We’ve found a definite improvement in our dog’s stools when we feed it to them, so we can back up the claim that it helps with things like diarrhea. Remember to introduce it slowly into your dog’s diet and always give them fresh pumpkin or pumpkin in a can that is in date.
Dog’s aren’t humans and there are certain foods that are dangerous to your dog and certain foods that are ok. We’ve created a list of human food that can and can’t be eaten by dogs. This food list is broken into three parts and consists of, dangerous dog food, food that can be eaten in limited quantities and safe dog food.
This list does not take into account any specific dog food allergies, but should give you a good idea of what your dog can eat. The effect of the foods below will vary depending on the size, breed and other factors of your dog.
Why Can Some Food Items Be Dangerous To Dogs?
Foods that are consumed humans and other living things can be toxic to your dog, but why is this? All animals have very different rates of metabolism. Metabolism is the process of breaking down food and turning into useful energy. We’ve created a dangerous dog food list and also a list of common food items that can be eaten by your canine.
Note: We have tried to add as many different types of dangerous foods for dogs as possible; however, we can’t list them all. If you have any concerns about a food product that is not on this list consult your vet or check if the food is safe for dog consumption online.
Why Would You Feed Human Food to Dogs Anyway?
Sharing food with your dog isn’t strictly a bad thing. Many dog owners love to treat their dog with a little bit of their own food or they might even be building their own special dog diet. Just remember, when giving food as a treat to dogs it should be because they have done something for you. Don’t just give it to them because they are begging.
Giving dogs something a little bit different to the biscuits or dog treats they usually get can be great for training. Supplementing their normal food with a variety of other foods can also be a great way to get more essential nutrients down them.
While human food can be great for your dog, you need to remember that every dog has its own unique needs and some food items can or can’t be fed to your dog. This is where this article comes in and should give you an idea of what is safe for your dog to eat.
Dangerous Dog Food List
This section of the article is for different types of food that is dangerous to your dog. Some of the foods below are more dangerous than others, however, it is not recommended that you give any of these food items to you dog. If you suspect your dog has eaten them, it may be worth a trip to the vets.
Can Dogs Drink Alcohol?
Beverages or food that contains alcohol can cause a number of problems, including vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing difficulty, abnormal blood acidity, tremors, central nervous system issues, decrease or loss of coordination, coma and the worst of all, death. While giving alcohol to your dog may be funny for some people, under no circumstances should you do this. If you suspect your dog has ingested alcohol you should contact a vet immediately.
Can Dogs Eat Apple seeds?
We are all guilty of giving our dog the left over core from our apple, but did you know that the seeds in an apple can be potentially dangerous to dogs. The casing of apple seeds contains a natural chemical (amygdlin), which releases cyanide when it is digested. While this is only a problem if a large amount of seeds is eaten, you should probably avoid giving them to your dog. If you are going to give an apple to your dog, make sure you remove the core and don’t give them the seeds.
Can Dogs Eat Avocado?
Yes, the food that all the young hip kids put on toast can be toxic to you dog. Avocados contain Persin, which can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and heart problems. Interestingly, avocados are also dangerous to birds, rabbits, donkeys and horses as well.
Can Dogs Have Caffeine
Caffeine will cause an accelerated heartrate, upset tummy, seizures, nervous system change and possibly even death. Avoid giving your dog products with caffeine in them.
Can Dogs Eat Candy?
Candy is bad enough for humans, let alone dogs. Candy usually contains excessive amounts of sugar and often contains Xylitol, which can lead to the over-release of insulin. This can lead to kidney failure and in some cases much worse!
Can Dogs Eat Chewing Gum?
Like candy products, chewing gum can contain lots of sugar and xylitol. It will also get stuck in your dog’s teeth so avoid at all costs.
Can Dogs Eat Chives?
Chives can cause gastrointestinal irritation and can lead to red blood cell damage.
Can Dogs Eat Chocolate?
Chocolate contains both theobromine and caffeine, both which can stimulate the nervous system, accelerate the heartrate and can upset your dog’s tummy. While you shouldn’t give any chocolate to dogs, the toxicity of the substance does change depending on what type of chocolate it is. Chocolate high in cocoa is the most dangerous for dogs, while low cocoa percentage chocolates (like white chocolate) are less dangerous.
Can Dogs Drink Coffee?
Coffee contains caffeine which can cause an accelerated heart rate, an upset system and can stimulate dog’s nervous system. While a cup of coffee won’t harm your dog, the ingestion of moderate amounts can kill dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Corn On the Cob?
Feeding your dog corn on a cob is a quick way to the vets. The corn will be digested easily, but the cob will get itself stuck in the small intestine, blocking anything from getting through. This will often result in a trip to the vets and an expensive surgical procedure to remove the cob. Failure to undergo this surgery can lead to death if the cob does not pass through naturally. Too much corn can also lead to an upset stomach and digestive system as well.
Can Dogs Eat Garlic?
Garlic can certainly be beneficial to dogs in small quantities (flea treatment), but large amounts can be toxic to your dog. Garlic is related is related to the onion which is toxic and dangerous to dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Grapes and Raisins?
Here’s a food item that many people don’t realise are dangerous to their dog. While the toxic substance in grapes and raisins is unknown, they can cause severe liver damage and kidney failure. There have been cases of dogs dying from just a handful of grapes or raisins.
Can Dogs Eat Hops?
Hops are used to make beer and they can be toxic to your dog. Symptoms of ingesting hops may include an increased heart rate, excessive panting, seizures, fever and potentially death.
Can Dogs Eat Lemons?
Lemons and limes can be toxic to your dog because the skin of them contains a substance called psoralen, which can lead to problems like vomiting and diarrhoea. If dogs ingest a large amount of lemons or limes they may experience difficulty walking, tremors, seizures, liver failure and possibly death.
Macadamia nuts can cause a number of issues with your dog including; vomiting, tremors, weakness, panting, swollen limbs and even hyperthermia. Your dog’s digestive, nervous and muscle systems can also be damaged. These signs typically appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last anywhere from 12 to 48 hours.
Can Dogs Eat Nutmeg?
Nutmeg is not safe for dogs to eat as it contains myristicin, a compound that is poisonous to dogs in large quantities. It can cause anything from high blood pressure to stomach pain and seizures. Always keep nutmeg away from your dog and avoid giving them any food products that may contain it.
Can Dogs Eat Onions?
Onions are one of, if not the worst food you can give to your dog. They are incredibly poisonous to dogs and even more so for cats. Onions contain disulfides and sulfoxides (thiosulphate), which can cause anemia, red blood cell damage and gastrointestinal irritation.
Can Dogs Eat Pecans?
These nuts contain the toxin juglone, which can cause an upset tummy or an obstruction that may require surgery to remove.
Can Dogs Eat Pistachios?
Pistachios can cause your dog to develop an upset stomach and possibly pancreatitis if they continue to eat too many. They are also high in fat, which is can cause weight gain.
Can Dogs Eat Persimmons?
The seeds in persimmons can cause diarrhoea, vomiting and gastrointestinal irritation. They can also get caught up in your dog’s bowels, which can mean surgery. The flesh is not known to be toxic, but due to limited information on persimmons we believe you avoid giving them to your dog. Consider giving your dog something like an apple with the core removed or a carrot.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Bones?
Giving your dog a cooked bone seems like a pretty natural thing; however, they can be potentially dangerous to your dog. Cooked bones can splinter easily when your dog is chewing on them and can become lodged or pierce your dog’s digestive system. Your dog can also choke on the small pieces of splintered bone as well.
Can Dogs Eat Walnuts?
Walnuts contain a toxin known as tremorgenic mycotoxins, which can cause seizures and death.
Can Dogs Eat Xylitol?
Xylitol is used in a wide range of products as a sweetener. These products include candy, gum, some baked goods and even toothpaste (reason why you should use dog toothpaste when cleaning your dog’s teeth). The product can cause increased insulin release in dogs, which can lead to liver failure. Increased insulin levels lead to hypoglycaemia (lowered sugar levels) and the initial signs of it are vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. Following these initial signs of Xylitol ingestion dogs will begin to have seizures and their liver can often fail a couple of days later. This is one of the most dangerous food products to your dog, even a small amount can kill them.
Can Dogs Eat Yeast (in dough as well)?
Yeast both on its own and in dough can rise and cause gas to build in your dog’s digestive system. This can be painful to your dog and can possibly cause their stomach to bloat. In bad cases the stomach can twist, which can be life threatening to your dog. Another possibility is that your dog’s stomach and intestines could rapture due to the excess of gas.
Foods Your Dog Can Eat In Limited Amounts
The food in the next section of our human dog food list are foods that can be eaten in limited amounts or with preparation. Some of the foods below are actually beneficial to your dog in small quantities, but you shouldn’t be feeding them too much.
Can Dogs Eat Almonds?
Like most nuts, almonds are ok for your dog if they are limited to a small amount. Plain, unsalted almonds are usually ok for your dog to eat, but they are difficult to digest for canines, which may lead to vomiting and diarrhoea. Additionally, almonds are high in fat and calories, which can lead to potential weight gain and pancreatitis. Limit almond intake to one or two a day if you are going to give your dog them. Also watch for any signs of choking.
Can Dogs Eat Apples?
As we have already explained, the seeds in apples are dangerous to dogs, however, the rest of them are ok for dogs to eat.
Can Dogs Eat Baby Food?
Why would you give baby food to your dog? We’re not sure, but we don’t doubt someone has tried it. Baby food isn’t necessarily that bad for your dog, unless it contains some of the other ingredients or foods on this list. One thing to remember is that baby food doesn’t contain all the necessary nutrients for your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Bread?
Plain bread is a good treat for your dog, but don’t build their diet on it. If you are giving bread to your dog make sure there are not extra ingredients added to it, as these could be potentially harmful to your pup. Mind you don’t feed to much bread to your dog as the excess calories can cause unwanted weight gain.
Can Dogs Eat Cashews?
A small amount of cashews is fine, but don’t go feeding your dog a whole lot. If you are going to give cashews to your dog make sure they are unsalted and roasted, and do not have any other added ingredients. Cashews should be limited to one or two a day as they contain a high amount of fat, which can lead to weight gain or pancreatitis.
Can Dogs Eat Cat Food?
Cat food isn’t very dangerous to your dog; however, the fats and proteins in cat food are designed felines rather than canines. Food that is typically given to cats have higher protein and fat levels, which will make your dog put on a few kilograms. Remember that a fat dog is not a healthy dog. If your dog occasionally steals the cat’s biscuits (our Labrador Winston comes to mind) don’t worry about it.
Can Dogs Eat Cherries?
Cherries can be eaten by dogs in moderate amounts, just remember to remove the stone (pit) from them. The stones in inside cherries contain cyanide, which is toxic to dogs when consumed in large quantities. Additionally, the stone is also a choking hazard. Cherries can also cause an upset stomach and diarrhoea if dogs eat too many of them.
Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon?
While cinnamon is not toxic to canines, it should be limited in their diet. Too much can cause irritation in their mouths or digestive system. Inhaling the powder can also cause coughing, choking or breathing problems. Cinnamon as an ingredient in baked goods can still cause problems as well.
Can Dogs Eat Citrus?
Avoid giving your dog any citrus based products as they can lead to irritation and central nervous system issues. This includes the stem, leaves, peels, fruit and seeds of a citrus plant as they all contain varying amounts of citric acid. If your dog ingests a small amount of citrus it is not likely to cause any significant problems. Still avoid giving your dog citrus.
Can Dogs Eat Coconut and Coconut Oil?
Like citrus, coconut and coconut oils are not likely to cause significant harm to your dog if ingested in small amounts; however, they can be an irritant to your dog. Coconut products can cause an upset stomach or diarrhoea. Additionally, coconut water should not be given to your dog as it contains high levels of potassium.
Can Dogs Eat Hazelnuts?
Hazelnuts are not toxic to dogs; however, they can pose a risk of becoming stuck in your dog’s intestines. Larger dogs should be ok, but owners with small dogs should avoid giving their canine hazelnuts.
Can Dogs Eat Human Vitamins?
Human vitamins are not designed for dogs and can cause issues for your canine. If you insist on giving your dog human vitamins check all of the ingredients of the product and compare them to ones that your vet gives your dog. Avoid anything with iron in it as this can be poisonous to the liver and kidney. Iron can also breakdown and damage the stomach lining of dogs as well.
Can Dogs Eat Honey?
Honey is high in sugar and too much sugar is a bad thing for dogs. It has a large amount of calories which will cause weight gain, and should only be used as the rarest of treats in a very small quantity.
Can Dogs Eat Liver?
Like most things, liver in small amounts is great for your dog; however, large amounts can be bad for your dog’s muscles and bones. This is because it contains a relatively large amount of Vitamin A.
Can Dogs Drink Milk or Eat Dairy Products?
Dogs are essentially lactose intolerant as they do not possess the required amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk or dairy products). While small amounts will not kill your dog, milk or dairy products can give your dog a bad case of diarrhoea or a farting attack. If you don’t want a smelly house from dog farts make sure you don’t feed them any dairy products.
Can Dogs Eat Mushrooms?
There is a whole load of different mushrooms on the planet and some of them can be dangerous to your dog (or you). If you are unsure about a mushroom don’t feed it to your dog. Generally, store bought mushrooms will be perfectly fine for your dog and just remember to not combine them with any other ingredients.
Can Dogs Eat Peaches?
The flesh of peaches is ok for dogs to eat in moderation; however, you should never give your dog a peach stone. This is because they contain amygdalin, a compound of cyanide and sugar that turns into hydrogen cyanide (HCN) when metabolized. They can also be a potential choking hazard.
Can Dogs Eat Peanuts?
Unsalted, unflavoured peanuts are safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. Like many other nuts on this list, peanuts are high in fat and can lead to weight gain or pancreatitis if your canine eats too much. Many peanuts also contain added salt that can be harmful to your dog. The occasional peanut won’t hurt your dog, but we recommend giving them something else as treats.
Can Dogs Eat Pears?
The seeds in a pear contain trace amounts of arsenic, which can be dangerous to your dog. If you are going to feed a pear to your dog, make sure you core it first.
Check out this article for more information on giving pears to dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Peppers?
Mild peppers won’t harm dogs, and it is unlikely they will like them anyway. Spicy, hot peppers, however, can cause an upset stomach and can be intensely irritating if they get into your dog’s eyes. If your dog has taken a liking to mild peppers it is ok to feed them to your dog in limited quantities.
Some dog training books and guides recommend using spicy peppers or pepper oil to train your dog. We don’t advise this however, as it can be potentially dangerous to your pup.
Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?
Fresh pineapple is loaded with quality vitamins and minerals that are great for you dog, however, the large amount of sugar packed in a pineapple mean you should limit the intake of it. An excess of pineapple can cause nausea, diarrhoea and possibly weight gain or tooth decay due to the sugar levels.
Can Dogs Eat Plums?
Like peach stones, the stone of a plum can cause an intestinal obstruction. The flesh of plums is ok for dogs to eat, however, there are certainly other better fruits to give to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Pork?
Never feed your dog raw or uncooked pork as it can make your dog very sick. Cooked pork is safe for your dog, but processed forms such as bacon or ham should never be fed to dogs, as they often contain staggerin+g levels of salt. If you are going to feed your dog pork, keep it in moderation or consider giving them chicken.
Can Dogs Eat Popcorn?
Popcorn is fine for your dog as long as there are no extra ingredients added or extra salt put on it. Too much salt can lead to serious complications, and the butter and oil that is commonly added to popcorn can lead to pancreatitis as they contain a high amount of fat. Use air-popped popcorn for this reason.
Other things to watch out for are any stray popcorn kernels that could prove to be a choking hazard. Popcorn in small quantities is a great treat, but we wouldn’t recommend too much.
Can Dogs Eat Rhubarb?
This can adversely affect the nervous, digestive and urinary system in large quantities. This is because they contain oxalates, which can become problematic if they over-accumulate inside your dog’s body. A concentration of oxalates and too much calcium concentration is known to cause kidney stones.
Can Dogs Eat Oranges?
Unlike lemons and limes, oranges are safe for dogs to eat, however, you should only feed them small quantities. This is because oranges are reported to cause upset stomachs in dogs and contain a large amount of sugar. Still, they contain a whole host of nutrients and are low in calories
Can Dogs Eat Salt and Salty Foods?
An excess of salt can lead to increased thirst and urination in dogs. If it is a serious cause of too much salt ingested, your dog can even experience sodium ion poisoning. Signs that your dog may have taken in too much salt include diarrhoea, vomiting, tremors, increased body temperature, depression, seizures and possibly death. Just like humans, dogs shouldn’t be eating salty snacks like pretzels and potato chips.
Can Dogs Eat Sugar?
Just like salt, sugar is in pretty much everything, however, it is on this list because it can be bad for your dog in excess. Check the ingredients of the product you are giving to your dog to check how much sugar is in it. Also check for any corn syrup, which is essentially a less expensive form of sugar and glucose. An excess of sugar can lead to a whole range of different problems including obesity, dental health issues and possibly diabetes. Just like humans, dogs should really be cutting down on the sugar consumption.
Can Dogs Eat Spices that contain Capsaicin?
Capsaicin is found in a wide range of spices on foods, from chili powder to paprika. Interestingly, it is actually an irritant for many animals, including dogs. A small amount won’t hurt your dog, but we wouldn’t recommend sprinkling chili powder on your dog’s dinner.
Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
Tomatoes are ok for dogs in a limited amount. The main problem with tomatoes is that they contain solanine, which can cause nausea, an abnormal heart rate, respiratory problems and muscle weakness if eaten in excess. Check out our “Can dogs eat tomatoes” article for more info.
Safe Food For Dogs
The last section of our human food for dogs list is food that is safe for canine consumption. While the food in this section shouldn’t be the basis of your dog’s diet, they can be beneficial to their health or great as a treat. The food in this section can be eaten in greater quantities, just remember that too much of a good thing can be bad.
Can Dogs Eat Potatoes?
A plain baked or cooked potato can be great for your dog as a treat once in a while, however, you should not put any toppings on it. While cooked potatoes are ok for your dog, always remember that raw potatoes should never be given to them. Raw potatoes contain solanine, which is toxic to dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Bananas?
Bananas are a great source of vitamins and minerals, and they are high in fibre. Some dog owners also claim that bananas can help to relieve nausea in dogs, however, this is not backed up by any scientific evidence. Bananas are an excellent treat once in a while, just don’t go feeding your dog too many.
Check out our full article on whether dogs can eat bananas and what their benefits are here.
Can Dogs Eat Beef?
Your dog will love a nice bit of lean beef as a treat or for dinner. Beef is commonly used in many different dog foods and is an excellent source of protein, vitamins and minerals. There should be no extra additives or ingredients in the beef as these can be bad for your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Blackberries?
Fresh or frozen blackberries can make an excellent treat for you canine. They have a low calorie count and are packed full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?
Dogs can eat raw or uncooked broccoli in moderation. It contains a large amount of nutrients and is a low-calorie vegetable, which makes it a healthy snack for your pooch. Too much broccoli can cause slight irritation to your dog’s digestive system however, so just use it as an occasional snack.
Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
Blueberries are an excellent source of disease-fighting antioxidants and they provide a large amount of the vitamins, minerals and fibre that your dog needs. They are also low in calories and are small in size, so they make a great treat for your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Carrots?
Carrots are one of life’s superfoods and are rich in essential vitamins and minerals. You can feed your dog both raw and uncooked carrots, and they are an excellent healthy treat for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Celery?
An excellent, healthy snack for your pooch. Celery is a great source of many important vitamins and minerals. Dice or cut it into bite-sized pieces to make a great treat for your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Chicken?
Chicken is one of the most commonly used food products in dog food. It is high in protein, which will help keep your dog healthy and strong. You can feed it to them on its own or combine it with other food, such as white rice. Always remove chicken from the bone before feeding it to your dog as the bones can be a potential choking hazard. Raw chicken also contains salmonella, which is not good for your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
Eggs are a great source of nutrients to your dog. While the white of an egg contains the Avidin enzyme, which prevents the absorption of vitamin B (Biotin), the yellow yolk holds more than enough Biotin to overcome this enzyme. Whether you feed your dog raw or cooked eggs, they are an excellent source of protein and essential vitamins. One thing to remember though is that raw eggs do have a possibility of carrying salmonella.
Can Dogs Eat Green Peas?
Green peas are a very common ingredient in many different types of dog food. They are low in quantities and high in many nutrients that are beneficial to your dog. Remember to only feed your pooch fresh or frozen green peas as the tinned ones are loaded with salt.
Can Dogs Eat Rice?
If your dog has an upset tummy rice is one of the best things you can give them. Dogs can eat cooked white or brown rice without any extra flavourings. Adding a bit of plain chicken or turkey can make a great meal for your dog. Veterinarians will sometimes recommend chicken and rice to you if your dog is sick.
Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal?
Loaded in fibre, vitamins and minerals, oatmeal a safe food to give to your dog. Just remember that moderation is the key as too much can cause unwanted weight gain. If you give your dog oatmeal, make sure it is of the plain variety as the extra ingredients that are sometimes added to it can prove to be harmful to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Pasta?
Like rice, plain pasta is great for dogs with upset stomachs. Mix it with some chicken or turkey and it makes a great dinner for dogs. We generally recommend rice over pasta however, as it is probably a little bit healthier for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?
Is a favourite of many dogs around the world and it is a god source of protein, healthy fats and vitamins. Stuffing peanut butter into a Kong is a great way of keeping your dog entertained for hours. Make sure you feed your dog plain, unsalted peanut butter that has no extra ingredients added to it. Peanut butter for dogs is a great treat for them, but don’t feed them too much as it can make them fat!
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?
Pumpkin is perfectly safe for dogs to eat and has a number of benefits for dogs. We regularly feed pumpkin to our two dogs and it has done wonders for our Winston’s stomach. It can help with a range of issues from diarrhea to constipation and has a whole bunch essential nutrients.
Mangoes are an excellent occasional treat for dogs. They provide a whole heap of vitamins and minerals, and are a great source of fibre. Make sure to peel the mango before you give it to your dog and the stone should be removed, as it can be a choking hazard.
Salmon that is cooked and boneless is perfectly safe for your dog to eat. It is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, and is great for your dog’s skin and fur. It is also known to help reduce inflammation. As we have already discussed, raw salmon can be potentially dangerous to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Shrimp?
Plain, cooked shrimp is perfectly fine for your dog to eat. It is an excellent source of protein, vitamins and minerals that are important to your dog’s health. Saw shrimp should not be given to dogs, as it can contain harmful bacteria that can make dogs sick. Additionally, always remember to remove the shell from shrimp as it is a potential choking hazard.
Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?
Strawberries make for an excellent healthy treat for your dog. They are very low in calories and provide a high number of nutrients and fibre your dog needs. Strawberries also contain a load of antioxidants.
Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes?
Sweet potatoes or ‘kumara’ as we call them in New Zealand are a safe and nutritious food for your dog. They are rich in vitamin A, which is very important for your dog’s immune system and eye health. They are great as an additional treat, but remember that too much vitamin A can cause muscle weakness and bone problems in dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Turkey?
Plain turkey is a great way to get a bit of protein down your dog. Remember to avoid giving your dog turkey that has not been seasoned or stuffed, as they could potentially be eating ingredients that are not good for them. You should never give them turkey with bones in it as well as this can be a choking risk, and it is beneficial to remove the skin as well.
Dog Food Safety
Dog food safety is not just about avoiding the types of foods that are toxic to canines, but it is also about building a balanced varied diet. Just like humans, dogs need a balanced diet for good health, and too much of a good thing can be bad.
Raw Dog Food Diets
Raw dog food diets are slowly becoming more popular with dog owners from around the world, but is it safe to do so? There are both benefits and risks to giving your dog raw meat and you need to fully educate yourself about raw meat before you feed it to your pup.
Those that back raw meet claim that wild dogs have always eaten it and their teeth are designed for crushing bones. Raw meat does tend to be higher in important nutrients and it is unlikely that your dog will choke on raw bones, as they don’t splinter as much, but what about bacteria?
Raw meat can contain dangerous bacteria like salmonella and e.coli, which can potentially kill your dog. While there is evidence that dogs are less vulnerable to these diseases and bacteria, it is worrying as a dog owner.
Additionally, dogs that eat their food very quickly may swallow the bones of raw meet whole, unless you debone it. This is a choking risk, which can potentially harm them.
More and more veterinarians are supporting a raw dog food diet, and some pet food manufacturers are even selling pre-packaged raw dog food, however, you may experience negativity for raw food from own vet. This is because they are trained to keep your dog as safe and as healthy as possible. They do not want to recommend something that may make your dog sick, or cause potential harm.
Still, adding a little bit of raw food into your dog’s diet is always a good thing and they will love if you give them a nice piece of beef. Avoid giving them raw food such as pork or chicken as these have a high chance of carrying dangerous bacteria.
But What About Raw Fish?
If you are looking for a quick answer, then yes, dogs can eat raw fish, however, there are a few things to think about.
As we have already talked about above, raw meat can contain bacteria or parasites and raw fish is the same. Raw salmon can carry a parasite called Nanophyetus salmincola, which can be potentially fatal to your dog. It isn’t the parasite itself that is dangerous but the bacteria Neorickettsia helminthoeca, that it can be infected with that can be fatal if not treated properly.
So is it safe for dogs to eat raw fish? Like all things, raw fish can be ok in moderation, but we wouldn’t recommend building your dog’s diet on it. A tip to kill the majority of bacteria or parasites in fish is to freeze it for at least 24 hours before giving it to your dog (we recommend at least a week).
Summing Up Raw Dog Food Diets
Raw meat is ok to give to dogs
Can provide more nutritional value
Watch out for any bones
Can contain parasites, bacteria and worms
Freezing can be used to kill some parasites, bacteria or worms
Talk to your vet about a raw food diet
Plants That Are Dangerous To Dogs
· African daisy
· African violet
· Alocasia
· Aloe
· Aluminium plant
· Amaryllis
· Baby’s breath
· Begonia
· Castor bean
· Chrysanthemum
· Cyclamen
· Daffodil
· Gladiola
· Hosta
· Ivy
· Lilles
· Mikweed
· Morning glory
· Oleander
· Poinsettia
· Pothos
· Sago palm
· Tomato plant (leaf and vines only)
· Tupil
· Yew
We’ve gone over the different safe and dangerous food items for dogs, but what about plants. While plants may not be as tempting as a nice piece of chocolate, they can be just as dangerous. Below is a list of some of the most dangerous plants to dogs.
Can I Give My Dog Food Scraps?
It is often tempting to give your dog food scraps, especially when they are begging. If you give dogs discarded or wasted food, they will continue to beg because they know they will be rewarded. Not giving your dog food scraps will teach them not to beg and they will understand that the food is not for them.
Build A Great Dog Diet
Building a diet for your dog is much the same as building one for yourself. Just like humans, dogs need a variety of different food items to provide all the nutrients they need. Dog biscuits and kibble are usually designed to provide as much nutrients as possible for your dog, but what if you want to build your own dog diet.
Before you even begin to start to start picking out food items you need to consider the following:
Calorific needs
Age
Size
Activity level
Breed of dog
Overall health
Any other specific requirements or health conditions (e.g. Dog allergy)
The Essentially Parts Of A Balanced Dog Diet
Carbohydrates
Dog foods typically have anywhere from 30 to 70 percent carbohydrates in them, so that is what you should be aiming for when building a diet for your dog. Dogs are omnivores, meaning they can use carbs as a source of energy. Great sources of carbohydrates include rice, oats and wheat once it has been processed.
Proteins
Protein is an incredibly important part of a healthy dog diet and should make up about 18 to 25 percent. It is made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks for creating strong muscles and repairing body tissues. Common food items high in protein include, chicken, beef, egg, fish, turkey and lamb.
Fats
While many people may believe fat is bad, it is actually an important part of a dog’s diet. Dogs require a balance of fats, which provide much needed energy, while encouraging the absorption of certain vitamins. Fats can also heal dogs maintain healthy skin and shiny coats. A healthy diet requires about 10 to 15 percent fats for a dog.
Vitamins and Minerals
Vitamins and minerals are the last essentially part of a dog’s diet. They help to support a healthy immune system, make their skin healthy, maintain a shiny coat and much more. Essentially vitamins and minerals will be found in a wide range of fruits and vegetables. Some people also recommend a multivitamin.
Water
No diet is complete without water and it is essentially for eliminating waste from the body, transporting nutrients, regulating body temperature and preventing dehydration. Always make sure your dog is stocked up on water.
Introduce New Foods Slowly
Dogs, like people, have allergies and other conditions that may make certain foods unsuitable for them to eat. When you are building a diet for your dog it is best to introduce new foods slowly and one at a time. This is so you can pinpoint which food is not suitable for your dog.
What if my dog is allergic to a pre-packaged dog food product?
If your dog seems to be allergic to a premade dog food product you may need to switch to an allergen-free diet. If this doesn’t work you may need to put your dog on an elimination diet. This works by removing one potential allergen at a time until symptoms disappear. If you are unsure about this make sure you talk to your vet.
WhatAbout A Dog Multivitamin?
Most premade dog food products will come with all the important vitamins and minerals your dog needs, however, if you are making your own dog diet you may need to supplement with a multivitamin. There is a whole load of multivitamins, so talk to your vet about what they feel would be best for your dog.
What About A Vegetarian Dog Diet?
Many people make choices about what they can and can’t eat based on their beliefs and backgrounds. For some people this carries over to what they choose to feed their dog. It was found in one study that 100% of people who fed their dogs vegetarian diets reported themselves as being vegetarian as well.
While vegetarian or vegan dog diets can be done, we wouldn’t recommend it. Diets that consist of no meat need to be thought out very, very carefully for dogs and they are not as appropriate as a typical dog diet that contains animal protein. Here are some potential problems with a vegetarian or vegan diet:
Your dog may not hit the required protein intake levels
Deficiency in essential vitamins and minerals such as, Vitamin B, iron and calcium. Meat is typically the best or only place to find some of these vitamins and minerals.
Imbalance of certain amino acids or fatty acids.
If left unchecked, the problems above can cause some serious and sometimes irreversible medical conditions like an enlarged heart with weak contractions or eye problems.
Things To Consider About Vegetarian or Vegan Dog Diets
If you have read the above and still want to go ahead with a vegetarian or vegan diet, here are some things to consider:
Never give puppies or dogs you plan to breed with vegetarian or vegan diets
Only consider a commercial or well tested diet that meets the requirements of the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials). Do not try and make yourown vegetarian or vegan diet.
Schedule more trips to the vets and make sure your veterinarian conducts blood work to check that everything is ok.
Talk to your vet about a vegetarian or vegan diet for your dog.
To sum up, we really don’t think you should be putting your dog on a vegetarian or vegan diet. Just think, in the wild, dogs would go out and kill their own prey without a care for its feelings or the environment.
Dogs, especially those who are larger or greedier (think Labradors) can eat their food too quickly. This can cause a potentially life-threatening condition called bloat.
This occurs when the food inside your dog’s stomach expands, causing the gastrointestinal tract to twist. If this is left untreated it can kill your dog in as little as 12 hours. Another problem is that dogs who eat too fast may not realize they are full, leading them to overeat.
To slow down your dog’s eating consider feeding them more than twice a day. You can also split their dinner up into multiple bowels are scatter it around the floor. Another option is to use puzzle bowels or toys to slow their eating.
When To See A Vet
If your dog begins acting strangely, showing symptoms of eating toxic food, or you just suspect they have eaten something bad, a trip to the vets may be called for. Waiting too long can lead to permanent health problems or possibly even death.
Wrapping Up Our Dog Food Guide
Some human foods are safe dogs to eat and some aren’t. This human dog food list should give you a good idea of what you can feed your dog. If you are planning to give a new food item to your dog, make sure you gradually introduce it as many dogs have allergies or certain food may not agree with your dog.
Although many food items are deemed “safe” for dogs to eat, you should always give your dog food in moderation. This will help prevent any weight gain or negative side effects.
It is always enjoyable to give your dog a treat every so often, however, just remember to only feed them food that is not toxic to them. If you are unsure of a food item, check back on this list or talk to your veterinarian.
We will continue updating this article with more dangerous or safe food for dogs. If you have a suggestion, leave a comment below.
Infographic
Check out and share our ‘What Can Dogs Eat’ infographic below!
Dental hygiene and health is an incredibly important part of dog ownership. While dogs are not as prone to cavities as human beings, they can still develop a range of problems from tartar and plaque build-up and gingivitis. Bad breath and yellow teeth shouldn’t be your main concern however; canine dental problems can lead to life-threatening infections. It can also lead to problems surrounding vital organs like the heart, liver and kidney, so it is best to keep your dog’s teeth in good order.
There are a number of ways to clean your dog’s teeth clean from brushing, to different food types and trips to the vets, but today we are going to be talking about using toys to keep your dog’s canines pearly white.
What to look out for
Before we run you through what toys are going to be the best teeth cleaners, we want to tell you the signs of bad dental health. We have listed these below and if you notice any signs of these it may be worth taking a trip to the vets.
Depression
Excessive drooling or dribbling
Missing or misaligned teeth
Crooked, broken or discoloured teeth
Bad breath
Change in eating habits
Pawing at the face or mouth
Bumps or growths around or within the mouth
Red, swollen or bleeding gums
Pain when touching the gums
Yellow/brown tartar crust along the gum line
PetMD has some more excellent information on dog dental care.
When should you see a Vet
As we said, if you notice any of the problems above it may be worth it to visit the vets, especially if it is something serious like a broken tooth or loss of eating habit. Your vet should also check your dog’s teeth with a normal check-up and ask if they don’t.
Proper dental maintenance can be a real money saver in the long run and in some cases can even save your dog’s life. Letting it go past a certain point can lead to costly and painful visits to the vet, and could lead to lifelong damage.
Best Dental Dog Toys
There are many dental dog toys on the market to help keep your dog’s teeth in perfect working order. These toys are specifically designed to strengthen your dog’s teeth and gums, while removing plaque and tartar build up. If your giving your dog a toy, just remember that you are providing them safe ones and replace when they are worn.
Benebone Real Flavor Dental Chew Toy
Benebone’s Dental Chew Toy is one of the best dental dog toys out there. The Chew will keep your dog entertained while cleaning their teeth and is one of the best reviewed dog toys on Amazon.
A number of ridges are featured along the length of the Benebone Chew, which help to remove unwanted tartar and plaque from your dog’s teeth. To make the toy attractive to dogs they have then infused 100% real food ingredients into the bone.
Benebone offers the Dental Chew in three different flavours; Bacon, Chicken and Peanut. The toy also comes in various different sizes and is manufactured in New York from materials sourced in the United States.
We have found Benebone’s products to be some of the most durable toys we have owned and have no doubt that you and your dog will love them to.
KONG is one of the best names in the dog toy business and their ‘classic’ toy is arguably one of the most popular toys on the market. The company manufactures a number of different styles of toys for different purposes, including the excellent ‘Dental Dog Toy’.
The KONG Dental has been designed with special grooves that will clean your dog’s teeth and gums as they chew. KONG also suggests using their Easy Treat product inside the grooves of the toy to get your dog chewing, or by placing treats inside of it.
The Dental toy is manufactured from KONG’s durable and tough classic rubber formula and is manufactured in the United States. It is available in a couple of different sizes and will be ideal for most dogs.
Reviews of the KONG Dental are very positive overall and many dog owners say it is one of strongest dog toys they own.
Nylabone’s Dura Chew Ring Dog Toy is offered in either a smooth ring or textured ring shape. Both will be great for cleaning your dog’s teeth, but we feel the textured one might be slightly more effective. Nylabone has infused a chicken flavour into the bone and recommend it for large breeds of dog.
Our two black labs – Daisy and Winston – have both been giving the Nylabone a good chew for over a year now and there are little signs on wear on the toy. Reviews on Amazon are excellent, however, we have found that our dogs aren’t as interested in the Dura Chew as the likes of the Benebone product earlier in this piece.
Dogs love to eat and stuffing treats inside of toys is probably the best way to get them to interact with them. KONG’s Stuff-a-Ball combines the best of all worlds when it comes to dog toys. It is not only a great treat dispenser and a bouncy fetch ball, but it is also excellent at removing that nasty tartar and plaque build-up on your pooch’s teeth.
KONG manufactures the Stuff-a-Ball from their super-durable, non-toxic rubber that is used on many of their toys. It features rigged exterior grooves that clean your dog’s teeth and gums. To make your dog’s teeth shine even brighter, KONG recommends that you smear doggy toothpaste into the exterior grooves.
The Stuff-a-Ball is three and a half inches in diameter and is designed for medium to large breed dogs, ranging from dachshunds to boxers and poodles. The irregular shape of it also makes it an excellent fetch ball that your dog will love.
Reviews seem to be excellent for the KONG Stuff-a-Ball and we think your dog will love it to. If you are looking for a do it all toy, the Stuff-a-Ball is a good bet!
Most of the toys on this list have been for larger dogs, so now it’s time to show you something that might be a little more suited to smaller dogs or puppies. The Hartz Dental Duo toy is an interesting one as it has a bacon flavoured edible centre that entices your dog to chew on it.
The Dental Duo is shaped like a small paw and the edible centre is surrounded by a hard nylon shell. Hartz claims that the toy will gently massage your dog’s gums, while removing excess tartar and plaque.
From reviews it seems like the edible centre of the toy will last about 10 to 15 days, but this will certainly vary depending on the size of your dog. As it is a bit smaller and the edible nature of the toy, we don’t recommend this for larger dogs or tough chewers who might eat the nylon shell.
Dental dog bones are your classic dental toys for dogs and there is no better than Nylabone’s Dura Chew range. The Dura Chew Bone is made from tough and durable nylon, and features a textured surface that increases chewing appeal while cleaning your dog’s teeth.
The Nylabone is offered in a range of different sizes so no dog will feel left out and bristles raised during chewing of the toy will help control plaque and tartar.
If you are looking for the classic dental dog bone the Nylabone Dura Chew is the product to go for.
Our last toy on this list is the JW Chompion Rubber Dog Chew that is designed to meet the demanding chewing of your dog. It is offered in three different sizes; lightweight, heavyweight and middleweight, so there is one for every kind of dog.
The Chompion toy exercises the jaws, while giving your dog’s teeth and gums a good old clean. Nubbins designed onto the bone help remove plaque and tartar and the toy is made from an ultra-durable rubber compound.
The JW Chompion chew toy seems to be great for those who want a durable toy that will clean their dog’s teeth. Compared to the likes of KONG’s products, we feel that the Chompion probably won’t hold up as well, but it is still an excellent choice for those looking for a dental toy.
This is just a selection of some of the great dental dog toys out there. Remember that dental toys aren’t the only answer to healthy teeth and you will need to use them in conjunction with other teeth cleaning methods to keep your dog’s dental hygiene in great order. Some of the other great ways of keeping your dog’s teeth clean are giving them dental dog chews and treats.
Another important factor when dealing with your canine companion’s teeth is food. Quality food is a vital part of your dog’s health and dental dog food can be an excellent way of controlling plaque and tartar build up.
If your dog is showing signs of any dental health problems, we recommend seeing a qualified vet to diagnose what the problem is. It could be something simple or something much more serious and getting it sorted soon will save you headaches and expensive bills later down the track.
Your dog jumping up on people is a sure-fire way to tell that they are the pack leader. If your dog jumps on you, guests to your house or just people on the street they are showing that they are in charge. Asserting their dominance by jumping up is very common for dogs, but what can you do about it?
Why Is My Dog Jumping?
As dog owners we often come home to jumpy, barking dogs who seem to be very happy to see us. They run around and bounce off the walls because we are home. Our natural reaction to this is that they are happy to see us, but are they?
Your dog is typically doing this not out of sheer joy to see you, but often excess energy and that they want to show you who is boss. Jumping can also be associated with dogs who suffer from separation anxiety, which means that they are certainly not happy and are more nervous or frustrated.
A dog with excess energy or anxiety will often show this through their body, much like a human who paces or fidgets. Responding to jumping with affection and praise will send mixed signals to your dog and can make them constantly anxious.
Affection is a reward to dogs and it doesn’t matter what state of mind the dog is in. If we give dogs affection for bad things or when they are feeling anxious they will do that bad thing again to get more affection.
Giving affection to a frightened dog teaches them to be frightened and giving it to an excited dog will teach them to be excited. This carries on for anything from aggressive behaviour to jumping up on people, so remember that misbehaviour plus a reward will teach the dog to misbehave.
Why Jumping Is A Bad Thing
We’ve already told you that a jumping dog is really a misbehaving dog, even if you think they are happy to see you. It is also reinforcing bad habits and can be a sign of mental problems with your dog, but what are reasons make jumping bad.
Take a German Shepherd puppy for example. When the Shepherd puppy is young and small it seems very cute when they jump up at you, but a 50kg fully grown Shepherd can knock you over and be potentially dangerous. Your dog jumping will not only effect you, but also guests coming to your house and even people when you go to the dog park or beach. Getting your dog to stop jumping up at people is an important part of being a responsible dog owner.
So How Can I Stop My Dog From Jumping Up At People?
Now that we have explained the reasons why your dog jumps up at people and why it is a bad thing, now it is time to tell you how to stop it from happening.
Be The Pack Leader
Dogs are pack animals and without a clear pack leader they will try to fill that role. This can be disastrous for you as the owner and will lead to bad behaviour like jumping up at people. It is important that you show that you are in charge and you do that by projecting a calm-assertive energy.
Know When To Give Affection
Showering your dog with attention as soon as you walk in the door can be a critical mistake when dealing with a jumping or overly excited dog. Remember that dogs are not humans and the nicest thing you can do to them is treat them like a dog. Giving a human child attention as soon as you walk through the door can be wonderful, however dogs are different.
We want our dog to be calm and submissive, because that is when they are most receptive to our commands. Rewarding a dog when they are excited will teach them to be excited, so we want to avoid that. The only time you should be rewarding your dog with affection is when they are in a calm and submissive state.
Another thing to remember is that if you reward a dog when they are not in a calm submissive state, they see us as not calm and submissive. A dog that sees their owner as overly excited will typically not follow their commands. This is the quickest way to produce an excited and unruly dog that will try to be the pack leader.
While we are saying that you need to control your dog’s excitement, there is a time and a place to encourage it. Rather than rewarding your dog with excited affection when you come home, you should be rewarding them when you are doing things like playing fetch with them in the park or doing agility training. Your dog’s excitement is there, but you are rewarding it for doing a job for you, with an end goal of using up all of that energy.
Think Like Your Dog’s Mum
A tip to controlling the sort of excited behaviour that causes jumping is to think like your dog’s mum. Your dog’s mum is the ultimate pack leader and will not tolerate any silly dominant behaviour from her pups. If she notices an action she doesn’t like from her dogs, she will stop it by moving the puppy away in a calm and assertive manner. From this the puppy learns that there are boundaries they cannot cross and solidifies them as below their mum in the pack. You need to do this when dealing with your dog!
Be The Pack Leader At All Times
It’s no use just being the pack leader sometimes, you need to be the leader at all times. An inconsistent owner will cause confusion and anxiety in their dog. Remember that animal pack leaders are the leader at all times and so should you be!
Tell Your Dog To Sit
When you or guests come into the house tell your dog to sit. You can even do this if your dog has a jumping problem when you take it out for walks and they want to jump over passers-by. When your dog respects you they will follow your command and remember they must follow your order.
Start Them Young
Remember that it is easier to prevent a problem than curing one. You can avert dog jumping when they are just a puppy. Puppy jumping is incredibly common, however you can stop this by using the no talk, no touch, no eye contact rule when you greet your puppy. Stopping your puppy from jumping early will make it a whole lot easier than trying to do it when they are older.
There’s nothing people get angrier about than politics, so that’s why we thought we would make a list of the coolest political dog toys that your canine companion can bite and tear at. Watching your dog shred your most hated political figure will not only give joy to yourself, but also your pooch.
The toys below aren’t going to be the strongest or the toughest, but they should ‘put a smile on your dial’. You should always monitor your dog when they are playing with toys and replace them when they become damaged.
Before we start this article we want to say that this website is about dogs and not politics, so there will be no political rambling in this piece.
Fozzu Presidential Parody Dog Toys
Fozzu’s line of Presidential dog toys will make your day when you see what they have to offer. The company offers five different political figures from a Donald Trump dog toy, to a Hillary Clinton one and even good old Bernie Sanders. The other two are Bill Clinton and Vladimir Putin.
All of the toys feature a squeaker inside and they come in a variety of sizes, including dog size, jumbo, small dog and even Cat size (if your cat wants to join in on the action). They are made of a non-toxic fabric material and feature fortified triple-stitching seams, so they will put up a good fight.
Yes, that’s right! Even being an evil dictator won’t stop you from being chewed on by dogs around the world. The Kim Jong Un dog toy (or Chubby Kim as OMG Dog Toys calls him) is fitted out in casual attire and features his favourite saying “Nuke Me? No, Nuke You!”
According to OMG Dog Toys “Everybody hates the Evil Dictator Kim Jong-un and now your furry friend can get in on the action with this Funny Dog Toy!”
Just like the real man himself, this toy won’t go down without a fight. Its twice folded then stitched seams and cotton/canvas material mean that this toy is durable. The toy itself is 11 inches tall and is perfect for all dog sizes according to the manufacturer.
There is no shortage of Donald Trump dog toys out there, however we think the Chomp a Chump Donald Trump dog toy has to be one of the best. It’s made of a durable and tough canvas material with strong stitches joining it together.
The toy features “USA” tape on his mouth so that you can’t hear him scream as your dog gets their big slobbery jaws all over him. Chomp a Chump even states that the toy will be a future collectible, however we aren’t too sure about that. Still, if you are not a fan of the latest President of the United States, this toy will set you straight.
We’ve had Donald Trump, so now it’s Hillary Clinton’s turn. This Hillary Clinton dog toy is ideal for dogs and owners who are looking for a bit of democrat chewing action. The bone shaped dog chew toy will keep your dog shaking, biting, ripping and chewing at your most hated political figure for hours.
The Hillary Clinton dog chew toy is made from non-toxic materials and has a high quality image of Clinton with the words “I Swear” printed along the length of it.
Rubie’s Political Wig
No prizes for guessing who this wig is modelled after. If you are looking for something to dress up your dog and make them look like the president of the United States, Rubies got you covered.
The wig comes in two sizes, small/medium and medium/large, so it should fit most dogs out there. It has got the classic orange comb over and will be great for any politically minded dog. Rubies even offers a full business suit for your dog as well, which means they can have the full political package.
Bonus product – Poo Puppets Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton Dog Poop Bags
We’ve gone through five political dog toys, but we thought we would add a bonus product. Poo Puppets do a line of Donald Trump poo bags and Hillary Clinton poo bags as well. These poo bags will let everyone know where your political heart lies and will make for some great fun.
For your money you get 1 dispenser which holds 4 rolls containing 20 bags a piece. The bags are 8.5 x 12.5 inches’ x 4 mil.
The dog toys on this list probably aren’t going to be the most durable or best toys out there, we have other articles for those. If you are looking for something to take your political anger out on however, these five toys and the poo bags will get you sorted. Whether it is Donald Trump, Hilary Clinton, or devious Bill, these dog toys will be a good laugh.
Remember to supervise your dog when playing with dog toys and if you see signs of wear it is best to replace them. Tell us your favourite toy in the comments below and if you know of any other great political dog toys let us know.
If you have a small dog or puppy, you are probably wondering what are some of the best toys for small dogs out there. On this website we have already covered ‘Ten of the Best Dog Toys for Chewers & Large Dogs’, but what if your pup is on the smaller side of things.
Small dogs have different requirements when it comes to toys and thankfully they are usually a bit kinder on them to. Despite this, smaller dogs and puppies can cause damage to toys and some are just not suitable at all. Today we are going to run you through some of the best toys for small dogs.
Before we get to the toys we want to first talk about the benefits of dog toys and why it important to keep your pooch exercised.
Why Toys?
Exercise
Getting your dog moving is one of the best ways to keep them from getting bored and keeping them healthy. Walking and trips to the dog park are great, but using toys is another excellent way of keeping them exercised.
Lack of exercise can lead to health complications like obesity, which can lead to other illnesses and diseases. An overweight dog can also develop painful joint problems as well. If you want to keep your dog healthy, make sure you exercise them!
They Get Bored
Any dog will get bored without exercise and mental stimulation. Bored dogs can get themselves into a whole bunch of sticky situations. They can become destructive, disobedient and just generally a real pain to deal with. Toys are a great way of keeping them occupied and will hopefully stop them destroying your shoes as well.
They Help You Bond With Your Dog
Dogs want to be part of the pack. It’s part of their nature and they want to feel accepted by you, your family and other dogs. Playtime is a great way to make them feel like they are part of the team and toys are a big part of that. This time spent playing with your dog will help you bond with them and that can only be a good thing.
Toys Can Keep Your Dog’s Dental Health In Check
Dental health is just as important as keeping your dog exercised, but it isn’t always the easiest thing to keep under control. Bad Dental hygiene can lead to a number of issues including tooth decay, bad breath and nasty infections. These can be potentially life-threatening to your dog if they are not kept under control and toys are an excellent way of keeping plaque and tartar levels in check.
Small Dog Toy Safety Tips
Buying toys for small dogs is a little bit easier than buying them for big ones. Toys typically won’t be shredded in seconds like they can with larger breeds of dog. Still, it is important that you get the right toys for your dog and know what to avoid.
Some squeaky toys for small dogs can still be dangerous as the squeaker can be swallowed if your dog does manage to rip it. Also watch out for threads on rope toys and brittle plastic ones can be dangerous as well.
Always try to monitor your dog when they are playing with toys and replace any that are showing a little bit too much wear.
Ten Best Dog Toys for Small Dogs
Puppy KONG Rubber Toy
The classic KONG is one of the best toys you can buy for your dog and they make it in a smaller, softer puppy version. KONG’s Puppy toy is manufactured from a special rubber formula that is designed for puppy teeth and gums, and is recommended for puppies up to nine months old. This toy will also work for fully grown small dogs as well.
The Toy can be filled with all sorts of interesting treats and goodies, which will keep your puppy or small dog entertained for hours. Another use of the toy is to use it for games of fetch. The unique shape of the toy and the special rubber formula make for an unpredictable fetch toy.
This toy is recommended by veterinarians and trainers worldwide. It has also got some glowing reviews on amazon as well. This KONG toy for small dogs is one of the best out there and we think you will love it to.
Here’s a good toy for small dog. The Chuckit! Ultra Tug is a bit of everything and can be used for games of tug and fetch. It is ultra-durable so small dogs and puppies will have a hard time destroying the toy and is made from a natural rubber. The toy comes in three sizes, small, medium and large, and can fit in small ball launchers.
If you are looking for a great tug and fetch ball for your small dog, the Chuckit! Ultra Tug should certainly be on your list.
All dogs love to chew on things, however, not all things are good to chew on. Chew toys designed for larger dogs can damage the teeth of a smaller dog or a puppy. Nylabone knows this and that is why they designed a range of toys for small dogs to chew on.
The flexible chew toys help with puppy teething while cleaning their teeth and freshening their breath. Massaging nubs on the toy will also soothe your small dog or puppy’s sore gums.
Nylabone has infused a chicken flavour into this toy and it is designed for dogs up to 25 pounds. If you are looking for a great chew toy for your small dog or puppy, the range of Nylabone Puppy Chews are just what you are looking for.
Outward Hounds has combined a puzzle toy and a plush toy to make one of the best toys for small dogs on the market. It combines a number of stuffed squeaker squirrels with a plush tree trunk toy. You can hide the squirrels in the trunk and your dog has to find them and pull them out.
The toy comes in a range of different sizes and there are even other animal choices you can choose from as well. If you are looking for one of the best plush toys for your dog, this is it!
We’re not about politics here at DogOPedia, but we couldn’t make this list without Fuzzu’s line of Presidential dog toys. We’ve got a Donald Trump dog toy, a Hillary Clinton dog toy and even a Vladimir Putin one.
The toy is manufactured from a durable non-toxic fabric and features a squeaker inside. This is one of the coolest dog toys we have seen and is definitely recommend for those who need to get a little bit of political anger out.
Tennis balls are great for games of fetch, but KONG’s Squeaker ball is even better. The Squeaker Tennis Ball is available in a variety of sizes, including extra small so it is perfect for those who are looking for a fetch ball for their smaller dog or puppy.
The ball is made from a non-abrasive material so that it will no wear your dog’s teeth down. This is another great KONG toy for small dogs and puppies.
If you are looking for an excellent tug toy for small dogs, the West Paw Zogoflex Bumi may just be the one you are looking for. It is designed for smaller dogs and light to medium chewers.
The toy is made from a non-toxic material that can stretch up to twice its length. It is manufactured in the United States and West Paw offers a 100% guarantee against any dog damage.
West Paw’s Zogoflex material is exclusive to the company and is designed to be softer on your dog’s mouth. The toy is also incredibly tough while having a unique stretch that will make tug of war games a joy to play.
Dogs need mental stimulation to keep themselves happy and healthy. They are inquisitive animals and one of the best ways of keeping their brains active is giving them a puzzle toy. Puzzle toys for small dogs is an excellent way of keeping your dog out of trouble and you will love helping them work them out.
Trixie’s Pet Flip Board has been designed for dogs who want a bit more of a challenge from their toy. It is manufactured for smaller dogs, but can be used for larger dogs as well. There are a number of different difficulty levels to choose from. This ranges from beginner to advanced and there are different styles of board as well.
The puzzle toy works by revealing treats to your dog when they correctly open up various compartments on the board. To stop you dog cheating, Trixie has designed the board so that the pieces cannot be knocked over and have to be lifted vertically from it to remove them.
If you are looking for one of the best puzzle dog toys for small dogs, the Trixie Flip Board should certainly set you straight. Reviews and dog owner feedback are excellent for this toy and we think it will keep your dog entertained for hours.
Here’s another great puzzle toy for your small dog or puppy. The OurPets IQ Treat Ball can be filled with your dog’s favourite treats, keeping them entertained and happy. It is designed for small to medium sized dogs and comes in a few different sizes.
The IQ Treat Ball features and adjustable feeding difficulty level that will challenge your dog as they learn how to get the treats out. It works by releasing treats as your dog pushes and rolls it across the floor. The toy also twists apart so it can be cleaned easily.
This is a great treat ball for your small dog and will keep your pooch entertained for hours.
The ZippyPaws Loopy Hedgehop is an excellent plush toy for small dogs. Dogs who love hedgehogs and other cute animals will love this toy. It has been specifically designed for small to medium dogs and has been fitted with six squeakers to deliver more squeaking fun.
The toy contains no stuffing to ensure that it lasts longer and there is no hideous mess if your dog does manage to damage it. This is one of the best plush toys for dogs you can buy and ZippyPaws manufactures other excellent plush dog toys as well.
There are a whole bunch of good toys for small dogs and puppies, however we feel that the ten listed above are the best ones you can buy. Small dogs are less harsh on toys, but they can still do serious damage to them and the toys above are about as tough as you need a toy to be for small dogs.
Remember to always check any toys for signs of wear and replace when necessary. Toys are one of the best ways to keep your dog entertained and we would love to hear about what dog toys you love in the comments below.
