Tag: New Owners

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Stories From The Community: Long-Backed Dogs

@punggolporkchop

Our next feature for Stories From The Community discusses All About Long-Backed Dogs, in this article, we will be discussing puppyhood  – how the first day back home was like & the challenges faced during puppyhood.

This article will feature the experiences & insights from the hoomans of punggolporkchop, dachs.of.pepper and mimi_de_corgi!

@dachs.of.pepper

Q: What was the first day like with your pup?

P: The first day was really hectic for us! We got Porkchop on a Friday evening right after work and it was love at first carry – he was the first pup we carried and we fell in love with him immediately. Because everything happened so fast, we were unprepared for a puppy. We didn’t have a proper crate for him and carried him out of the pet shop with a small bag of kibbles. We had to scramble to a nearby pet shop to get all the pet supplies in a couple of hours. 

M: Our first day was really exciting! We got Mimi on a Sunday evening – we saw her at the pet shop and she was so pretty even though she was already 8 months old. We decided to bring her home that day. However, as a first-time pet owner, we were very unprepared and didn’t have any clue as to what we should have ready to start taking care of Mimi. 

Thankfully we were able to buy a comprehensive starter kit from the pet shop. The starter kit included all sorts of supplies like a proper crate, kibbles, freeze-dried meals, supplements for skin, coat and joint, water and food bowls and even medication like colloidal silver spray if an infection were to happen.

The pet shop also gave us basic guidance on how to care for Mimi. With all that, we were able to bring Mimi out of the pet shop back home with all the basic needs in place along with a peace of mind.

D: My partner and I weren’t actively looking for dogs because we know it’s a lifetime commitment. But we really love dachshunds and have been reading up a lot on the breed. One day our friend sent us a photo of Pepper and, don’t tell him – but we didn’t actually find him cute. In fact, we actually thought he looked kinda funny. 

But we decided to go down to the pet shop to meet him. When he first saw us, he sat down and wagged his tail calmly. When we walked away to look at the other puppies, he didn’t bark like the rest of the puppies did. He just sat there calmly, waiting for us. When we carried him, he even looked at us lovingly with those beautiful eyes. We found his character very peculiar and started to fall in love with him. We couldn’t sleep the whole night thinking about him.

There were a lot of discussions and preparations made before we brought Pepper home. He was about 3 months old at the time. We brought him to the vet first to get a full check up to make sure he was healthy and asked for recommendations of supplements we should feed him. 

On our way home, Pepper vomited in the car and we panicked, turns out he has motion sickness. The first night, we kept Pepper in his cage alone in the living room, afraid that he may develop separation anxiety if we kept him close to us all the time and to our surprise and delight, he was fine alone that night! Our first day was pretty busy but thankfully, everything went smoothly.

@mimi_de_corgi

Q: Was there anything you didn’t anticipate when you were caring for your furkids in their puppy phase?

P: One of the things we didn’t anticipate was how much corgis like to jump, run and bounce around. They have so much energy and seem to think their bodies are made of metal. When we were reading up on corgis, we knew how prone they are to hip dysplasia and other joint and hip problems. So as pawrents, we try not to let Pork Chop jump around too much. 

Another thing we didn’t know of was the existence of supplements and the benefits of different ingredients. We started to become obsessed over green lipped mussels and looked for glucosamine supplements to add to his diet to help mitigate any potential joint and hip issues when he gets older.

M: We did not anticipate how much Mimi loves to jump and run around. Through joining corgi forums and group chats, we learned how prone corgis are to hip dysplasia and other joint and hip problems. So we started to look for intensive supplements such as rosehip powder to add to her diet. 

Another thing we learned is that corgis are also prone to Pancreatitis too. So we also looked at how we can improve her immune system by adding Probiotics into her meals. We also avoid feeding her fatty meats and add pumpkin and sweet potato so she can digest her food more efficiently.

D: We read up a lot of articles on dachshunds and the potential issues that Pepper may have to prepare ourselves. We joined Facebook groups and asked experienced owners for their recommendations and advice. There is a lot to know when it comes to caring for a Dachshund especially on possible health issues. 

We got joint supplements, changed his diet from kibbles to balanced home cooked food and also prevented him from climbing stairs or jumping as a precaution. We are also aware of the importance of fitness so we take him out for daily walks but being careful not to exert him.

– – –

THE WOOF AGENCY would like to thank punggolporkchop, mimi_de_corgi and dachs.of.pepper for sharing about their experiences!

Stay tuned to our next article from owners of long-backed dogs where we discuss all things health & diet!

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The first night with your new puppy

puppy

Article originally published on Yummypets. Written by Clarie Aert. Refer to the original article here.

The first night with your new puppy can be challenging, not least because you want to snuggle them and protect them from their fears. However, managing the first night is crucial and can define the base of their education and life with you.

The first night with your new puppy is both exciting and challenging. From feelings of enormous love and delight with the newest addition to your family, to managing their fears in their new environment, it’s important to remember some longer-term objectives about how you want them to assimilate. And what kind of relationship you want with them in the future!

The first night with your new puppy

Come night time, both you and your new puppy will probably want to snuggle together and sleep in the same bed. In fact, they’re likely to cry and moan if they’re not cuddled up with you. It’s probably the first night they’ve spent in a new environment, away from their mother and siblings. And it’s likely to make you feel immense guilt not responding to their cries.

However, it’s important to respect two fundamental rules in ensuring your puppy adapts well to its new life and home, by 1. Not giving in when it counts, and 2. Providing your puppy with a safe, quiet and cosy environment for them to spend the night.

Learning to say no

You are in charge of your new puppy and the relationship you build together. Therefore, it is your job to guide and educate them just as much as you provide them with love, food and shelter.

While giving treats and spoiling your puppy from time time is okay (after all, there’s nothing more wonderful than giving back to our fur friends), it’s also very common for owners to spoil their new puppy and give in to their every need.

A loving, safe and comfortable environment is most certainly the primary objective when adopting a new puppy. However, if you don’t set some boundaries when they are little, they won’t understand why they are unable to do certain things that they once could – even if only from time to time.

This can be very confusing for the animal as they grow up and can lead to various behavioural problems. So it’s important to be firm but kind from the start.

A cozy corner

The place you settle your puppy’s bed for the first night must be comfortable, secure and quiet. Make sure they are able to bury themselves under blankets and pillows to feel warm and protected.

If available to you, you can leave them with a blanket with the smell of their mother or the place they used to live. Even an item of your clothing with your smell on it will be familiar to them.

You may also like to provide them with a stuffed animal on which they can chew if they’re feeling stressed. A ticking clock placed nearby may even help to remind them of their mother’s and sibling’s heartbeat.

So, find the perfect place for your new puppy, shower them with unconditional love at all times, and be the parent they need and want you to be so you can build the most rewarding, wonderful relationship possible.

Now go snuggle that pup of yours!

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Did I make the right choice?

3 months ago, we made the decision to get Oolong thinking that we are prepared mentally and financially to be pet owners (whilst running a start-up). ☺

Rather than being informative, this is more of a #thoughtcatalogue kind of article.

?: “Can we get a dog, please?”
?: “No dogs! I’m busy enough taking care of you and cleaning the house. A dog is going to make it worst. You want your mother to die is it”

Does this sound familiar to you? #AsianMums

Just gotta add this in

I’ve always wanted a dog since young. I could never understand why my mum refused to let me own a dog even though she say that she is a “dog lover”. Now that I’m a dog owner, i kinda understand where she is coming from. Owning a pet is a huge commitment — and at that point she was right that we weren’t ready for that sorta commitment.

There are lots of sacrifices you have to made — mainly changing your lifestyle depending on the breed you got. This is why it is so important to get a dog that aligns with your lifestyle vs. getting something that is “popular” or “cute”.

Getting Oolong, the Siberian Husky

When we got Oolong, we thought we were ready (mentally & financially). We had all the boxes ticked — we are 28 years old and our house is arriving soon. We run a start-up so we can bring Oolong to the office every day; we are not exactly rich but yes, we can definitely afford a dog with our combined income.

Yes, granted that we were still staying at our parent’s house but we are moving out soon. We also had “the chat” to make sure they are okay with a new dog around the house (at least for the next 6 months max).

What could possibly go wrong?

We overestimated our financials. Theoretically, we are already spending $1,000 on taxi fare since we often work till 3-4am in the office (so cannot wake up in the morning, and no more train/buses after midnight).

We use telegram hitch a lot to get private hires, but we aren’t always that lucky. Grabpet would mean $50/day (to & fro) and that’s on top of his medical bills, food expenses and grooming.

Oolong was proving to be expensive. Eventually, we decided to keep him at home and only bring him to the office 2-3x a week — it would make a lot more sense financially and my husband’s parents were okay.

All good, till last month.

Oolong started getting jumpy and pushing boundaries with my PIL when we are not at home — jumping on guests, chewing on shoes/decor items, mouthing, etc. My PIL doesn’t know how to discipline a growing puppy — on top of that, having a dog around the house can also mean a “messier” house.

They had to make a few shifts around – meeting their friends outside of the home, cleaning up after him (he loves to stick his tongue out on the floor) and eventually, the pressure got to them. I understand — having a pet around (especially a puppy) wears you down. They were also scared of Oolong as he is growing exceptionally fast / big for a 5 months old puppy.

They started having 2nd thoughts and decided that they aren’t comfortable having him in the house whilst we were at the office.

Oolong is larger than a full-sized Singapore Special now.

Everything started to derail

Our initial plan was to do alternate weeks at my house and my husband’s house — but my mum backed out when she saw the “mess” and how dirty the house was after the first 2 weeks.

It’s not my house. It’s not their dog. I started getting really stressed because i needed to make sure Oolong wasn’t being naughty.

I cannot stress enough how important it is that when you welcome a dog into your family, your entire household needs to be EXCITED and AGREES to the plan.

Key takeaway

Lucky for us, we have our own office and we can bring him here everyday. That solves bulk of the problem — and we also got a long-term hitch driver to drive the cost down on transportation.

Oolong’s “work”

We were (kinda) lucky.

But what if you are working a 9-5 job and your office is not pet-friendly? What are you going to do?

Are you going to give up your dog?

Are you going to return home to angry parents?

Key takeaway

I’m slightly embarrassed that this seems to be a useless article HAHA but i think the point here is that with COVID, i’m seeing a huge trend of people owning a pet (adopt/buy). I’m happy to see more pet owners around because i believe that this helps to push the country in a progressive way (more pet owners, more demand, increase supply for pet-friendly related F&Bs, malls etc)

BUT

  1. If you are still living with your parents and works/study, MAKE SURE that you have 100% buy-in from the other household members. If they are hesitant, DON’T. It’s going to be painful.
  2. No, owning a pet is not just “it’s going to pass”. It’s a daily thing. It’s a 365 thing. It gets easier after puppyhood but they won’t magically be independent like your 12 years old sister. Throw them a phone and they will be fine. They going to get sick, bored, naughty and you are responsible for that. You CONTROL their life. It’s on you.
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Dog Hiccups Are Adorable — But Are They Normal?

dog

Article originally published on Dodowell. Written by Danielle Esposito. Refer to the original article here.

Let’s start off by calling dog hiccups exactly what they are: absolutely adorable.

And puppy hiccups? That’s an entirely different level of magic-on-earth that can cure any bad mood.

But as a responsible dog parent, of course you want to know if those cute little sounds could ever be a real problem.

What causes dog hiccups?

Without getting too technical, dog hiccups happen the same way human hiccups do, namely from involuntary contractions of the diaphragm.

“Hiccups is a typical puppy ‘problem’ and they seem to grow out of the hiccups by about 6 months of age,” Dr. Ann Hohenhaus, a veterinarian at Animal Medical Center in New York City, told The Dodo.

According to Dr. Hohenhaus, veterinarians can only speculate on the cause — which might be gulping air when eating, excitement, stress or maybe just a developmental issue most puppies grow out of. “I say stress, because puppies often have hiccups during a veterinary examination,” Hohenhaus said.

In general, hiccups are as normal and harmless for dogs as they are for us, and most dogs will get them at least once in their lifetime. 

How to help when your dog has hiccups

Generally an episode of hiccups will only last for a few minutes, and you’ll probably notice that your pup isn’t bothered by them. 

“Typically, hiccups are self limiting and don’t need intervention,” Dr. Hohenhaus said.

But, of course, you might want to try to help your dog, and luckily you can use many of the same remedies that you would for yourself.

You can try massaging her chest, lightly (and playfully) startling her, or even getting her to do some light exercise.

The only risk to note is that while she’s having her hiccup spell, it’s best to not give her any hard treats or foods since hiccups are involuntary and chewing can cause choking.

Should you call your vet?

While most hiccup spells are completely safe, there can be rare cases where hiccups can indicate a serious underlying issue.

Keep an eye on your dog and if you notice that her hiccups are lasting for hours or that they’re happening more often than usual, make an appointment to get her checked out by your vet.

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A Dogsitter for the Furkid!

Are you in a household where both pawrents work full time and the furbaby is mostly alone? Or perhaps are you considering getting a furbaby but are worried because all members of the household work full time? If you answered yes to any of the two questions then perhaps getting a dog sitter might be a good solution for you! I’d like to share with you my experience of getting a dog sitter and hopefully that would give you enough information to consider having one too. 

When we welcomed Ollie to our home, I knew that a puppy would need lots of attention. I had a week of leave and I thought that was enough. Little did I know, after reading extensively, that is not enough.  Though puppies spend a lot of time sleeping, they needed the human interaction as well. Without it, they might experience separation anxiety and perhaps face other emotions or psychological issues. 

I was fortunate that my mother-in-law was able to come over every day for almost a month from 12-1 to look after Ollie when he was a puppy. However, I knew this was not a  long term solution so I went online to see what I could do. That was when I stumbled on the site www.pawshake.com

Pawshake was a platform that allowed me to book a sitter. Most people, I realised much later, only booked a sitter when they needed someone to look after their furbabies when they were on vacation or over the weekend. It wasn’t common to get a daily sitter to look after the furkid. 

I used that platform to find a sitter for Ollie on a daily basis (weekdays). The platform encourages you to meet the sitter before confirming the deal. This was useful as it allowed me to see how they interact with Ollie. In fact, this was a very important part of choosing a sitter as sometimes Ollie wasn’t as comfortable or might even bully the person who came over to look after him. All the instructions to how this can occur is in the site itself. Thus, I relied on the information online and found sitter for Ollie when he was 4 months old. The person I found was a student who was waiting to pursue her studies online. The cost ranges and different sitters have a different price. It ranges from $10-$30. As I wanted someone on a regular basis, I asked if I could get a small discount. The first sitter I had for Ollie was 19 years old and had several pets before. She charged $10/hr and that amounted to $200/month. My husband and I decided to go with her as we found that once Ollie met her, he was instantly connected to her. 

Let me go to some details about what happened during her time with Ollie. As Ollie was still a puppy, she spent that time cuddling with him, playing with him and even teaching him how to pee and poo. We had a playpen for Ollie and so when she came she will release him from it and give him as much attention as she could. In fact, she even helped to potty train him during her time with him. In terms of safety, we gave the keys to her once we decided to get her help. We also informed her that we have a camera and always checked it when she was in the house. We locked the other doors when we left home. There must be some form of trust between the sitter and the pawrent for this arrangement to work. The sitter made a huge difference to Ollie’s growth. I leave my home at 6.40am daily while my husband would leave at 8. The sitter comes from 12.30-1.30. Once my husband leaves, Ollie will nap till the sitter comes. I would return home between 5.30-6 and Ollie would be napping until I returned. As Ollie knew someone would be there in the afternoon, he didn’t display any signs of separation anxiety. In fact, he is so used to the routine, even on weekends he would sleep till 12 then ask for attention and have a nap after. I’ve read a lot online about how sleep is important for canines. 

Now, Ollie is 2years and 3 months. Do I still have a sitter for him? Yes I do! 

The reality is, the sitter won’t be able to commit for the whole year. They too have different responsibilities at different times of the year. Normally I have a sitter that can commit at least 1-2months. It might also not be possible to always get a sitter for $10/hr. There were months where the sitter’s price would be $12-$20/hr. However, I didn’t not mind it as long as there was someone to walk him and play with him in the afternoon. In fact, I even made friends with some of the sitters and invite them over for Ollie’s birthday. Here is a picture of Summer who was Ollie’s sitter in 2019 with her husband at Ollie’s first birthday. Ollie absolutely loved all the attention from her.

In fact even over the weekends, if we needed help, we knew we could ask the sitter to come over and look after him! Thus, I would definitely encourage pawrents to get a sitter if they need help in looking after their furbabies. After all, a happy furbaby is a happy pawrent!

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As I go gray, I want my hooman to know…

I opened my doggo eyes to the warm sunlight and I think of my younger days where I would bounce up and run out to play. Somewhere in my 13 years of life, things changed.

It was not because I have become less playful, neither was it because the toys weren’t fun anymore. It’s simply because I couldn’t gather the energy to move like I used to. And that’s okay because it’s natural, right? Every doggo ages eventually.

As I go gray, I want my hooman to know that…

Age spots are a part of my aging journey.

You may have noticed that when you bathed me with your tender hands, my skin has more dark spots than when I was a pupper. I know you are concerned about why my looks started changing but I guess, it’s just a fact we both had to accept. Much like how grandma and granddad get their spots when they age.

My fur will turn lighter like how your hair will turn gray.

As you stroke my fur and look through my pupper photos, you gasped as you see how much my colour changed. It might seem like a little bit of colour gets washed off with every bath, which would be funny. However, it’s just that my body stops using energy to make colours for my coat so that I can have more energy to play with you.

English Cocker Spaniel Puppy Sitting On Ground Beside Grass

I wish I can walk a little further.

Nothing is better than some walkies with my favourite hooman, especially the reeeeaaalllly long ones. But my tiny little legs hurt inside with every step after some time, probably because of arthritis, weaker bones or simply fatigue. I can’t tell you when I am in pain, so all I can do is to stop a little while when it hurts. If you caught me limping, that’s because I was trying to keep up with you. Every day, I try to move a little further than yesterday.

My eyes that may have turned hazy, still see clearly.

When I see your worried look as you look me in the eyes, I knew my eyes did not seem as bright as they were. I know you are worried that I might be going blind. But, dear hooman, please don’t worry too much about it. My hazy eyes can still see you clearly and I am grateful for that. Nuclear sclerosis is the reason why my eyes are slightly blueish now. However, it is different from cataracts. I wish to see your happy face more while I still can, please do not worry as I can still see very well.

Pawn Pug Sitting on Beige Floor

Wrinkles are my evidence of memories with you.

With every walkies, zoomies and time spent panting living with you, my skin leaves precious folds to remember the good times we had. The first area you might notice where I have wrinkles would be my neck. The skin gets slightly loose and saggy. While it changes how I look externally, these marks on my body are beautiful souvenirs from the good times we have so I love every fold on my skin. I hope you love them too.

I am grateful to you, my dearest hooman.

In a blink of an eye, thirteen years have passed. While I don’t know how much time we have left to spend together, I just want to say thank you for giving me a good life. I know you sometimes blame yourself for not doing better but I wish you can find comfort to know that I enjoyed and appreciate everything you have done for me. I hoped I have been a good girl that doesn’t cause you any trouble and I will continue to strive to do so.

Lastly, I know you might already be thinking of my departure one day. Even though it is painful to separate, I wish you can be with me until my very last breath. And I hope that that is not too much to ask for in exchange for all the good memories we had created together.

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How to Puppy Proof Your Home

puppy

Article originally published on The Spruce Pets. Written by Adrienne Kruzer. Refer to the original article here.

Just like a new kitten, puppies love to explore, but they also need to be protected while they learn about their new environments, especially for the vital first 30 days in their new homes. Puppy-proofing your home is a necessary and simple step you can take to help keep your puppy safe.

Why You Should Puppy Proof Your Home

Puppies do not know what is safe or what is dangerous, so it is up to you to teach them the difference and prevent them from being exposed to harmful things. While a puppy is still learning, it will test different items, reactions, and ways of doing things to see what happens, and sometimes these tests put the puppy in danger.

By proofing your home before your puppy arrives, you can help prevent these awful things from ever occurring and instead focus on other things with your new furry friend.

Steps to Puppy Proof Your Home

There are some key things you should do when puppy-proofing your home. Start by making a list of any obvious dangers you spy in your home. Don’t be afraid to get down on all fours and crawl around to see your home from a puppy’s point of view.

  • Coffee tables, low shelves, and items on the ground in your home are all within reach of a puppy. Check these areas for decorative things that can be knocked down by a wagging tail or that are able to be chewed on. You will want to remove any items you don’t want to be chewed or that could be swallowed or broken by a puppy. This may include plants, sculptures or vases, food on pantry shelves, television remotes, tchotchkes, and more.
  • Wires on the ground are at risk for being chewed on and could cause serious harm to a puppy. Oral burns and electrocution are potential risks of chewing on electrical cords. If possible, elevate these wires so that they are out of reach of your puppy, hide them behind items, such as furniture that your puppy is unable to get behind, or cover them with wire protectors from the home improvement store if the wires aren’t able to be moved.
  • Make sure any trash cans that are out in the open are heavy enough so that they can’t be knocked over and have a secure lid on them. You don’t want your puppy getting into any garbage because items can cause gastrointestinal obstructions, vomiting, diarrhea, and can even be toxic to a dog.
  • If you have a fence outside for your puppy, check it closely for any holes or openings that need to be fixed. Puppies are very curious and if they see an opening, they will try to wiggle through it. If you don’t have a fence, make sure your tie-out stake is secure and you have a secure collar and leash to attach to your puppy so it doesn’t run off and get hurt.
  • Remove any rodent traps or insect bait stations that are on the ground and accessible to a puppy both indoors and outdoors. These items often contain toxins that can be deadly to any pet.
  • If you have long window blind cords, you should tie them up so they are out of reach of your puppy. Damage to the blinds and cord may occur if your puppy decides to play with the strings but worse yet, getting tangled in the string or eating the strings can be life-threatening.
  • Close doors to rooms that do not need to be open. This will make it easier for your puppy to stay out of trouble and for you to keep an eye on your puppy.
  • Keep your toilet lid closed if your puppy is tall enough to get into the bowl. No one wants to get kisses from someone who has been drinking from the toilet.
  • Have a variety of chew toys ready to be chewed on by your puppy. These will deter your puppy from wanting to chew on other items, such as furniture legs, while it is teething.
  • Regularly sweep your floor to make sure there aren’t any random items on the ground that your puppy will try to eat. 

Once your home has been puppy-proofed, you’ll be able to enjoy your time with your new puppy and be able to worry less about its safety.

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How to Stop Chewing in Puppies

Article originally published on The Spruce Pets. Written by Amy Bender. Refer to the original article here.

For puppies, the entire world is a chew toy. Puppies, like babies, explore the world with their mouths. Unfortunately, their explorations are not limited to their own toys. Your shoes, furniture, children’s toys, and anything else lying around your house are fair game for a teething puppy.

Unfortunately, your puppy may chew things that can harm it. You can put a stop to your puppy’s destructive behavior, but It takes time and consistent training.https://959980d490ba4ceaa2688c409992c87e.safeframe.googlesyndication.com/safeframe/1-0-37/html/container.html

Why Do Puppies Chew?

Most of the time, chewing is normal behavior for puppies and dogs, and it serves many purposes, such as strengthening their jaws and relieving anxiety.

Like babies, puppies experience discomfort while teething, and gnawing or chewing on things provides some relief. Boredom is another reason that puppies chew. Dogs are social animals and need stimulation for their mental health. If you’re not exercising your pup enough or giving it sufficient one-on-one time, it may seek attention by chewing inappropriate objects.

puppy teething
  NatalieShuttleworth / Getty Images

How to Stop Destructive Chewing

There aren’t many medical conditions other than teething that cause a puppy to chew on things, but it’s worth a trip to the vet just to be sure. If the vet gives your puppy a clean bill of health, there are several ways to prevent your puppy from wrecking your abode.

Puppy-Proof Your Home

Puppies should not have the full run of your home until they are completely trained. Many people choose to use the kitchen since it’s easier to clean up accidents on an uncarpeted floor.

Once you’ve decided on the areas where your puppy will be allowed to play, take a good look around and begin puppy-proofing. Pick up or move any objects that your puppy might decide to chew. Get down at the dog’s level to see what might appeal to it. Remove or cover any electrical wires, houseplants, garbage pails, children’s toys, and anything else you don’t want your puppy to chew or knock over.

Crate Train Your Puppy

While crate training is usually talked about in terms of house training, it is also a good tool for curbing destructive puppies. When you’re not able to supervise your puppy, crating can keep it and your home safe. If you don’t have a crate, you can confine the dog to a small, puppy-proof room such as a bathroom or kitchen.

Provide Your Puppy with Toys

Chewing allows puppies to ease teething pain, and it alleviates boredom. To prevent your puppy from getting in the habit of inappropriate chewing, make sure you provide it with lots of appropriate things to chew on.

Toys that work well for puppies are rubber toys with a hollow center, stuffed animals with squeakers inside, and nylon bones. Avoid animal bones, hooves, and antlers.

Don’t give your puppy old shoes or socks as playthings; you’re likely to cause confusion between which shoes are OK for chewing and which ones are off-limits.

There is some controversy over the safety of items like rawhides, pig’s ears, and other edible chews. Be sure to talk to your veterinarian before giving any of these items to your puppy.

Puppy chewing a toy
 Mint Images – Norah Levine / Getty Images

Rotate Your Puppy’s Toys

Since puppies chew to alleviate boredom, it’s a good idea to rotate your puppy’s toys every few days. A puppy will be looking for something new and interesting to sink its teeth into. By changing its toys around periodically, you’ll be keeping it interested in the things you want it to chew, and it will be less likely to start gnawing on the kitchen cabinets.

Offer a Swap

Try giving your puppy a treat in exchange for whatever inappropriate object it has in its mouth. This is a good way to train your dog to learn the command “give” if you repeat it before giving the treat. Over time, your puppy should learn that “give” means “give me that thing in your mouth!”

Just take care not to lavish your puppy with praise when it swaps the inappropriate object for a treat. You don’t want to turn it into a game where your puppy expects a reward for chewing on the wrong things.

Redirect Your Puppy

When you see your puppy begin to chew on something inappropriate, don’t scold it. Instead, move the puppy away from the object and redirect it to something you want it to chew. Make your puppy’s toy more interesting by squeezing a squeaky toy or shaking a bone while talking to it in a happy tone of voice. Give the pup lots of praise for chewing its toys.

If you think your puppy is teething, you can give it a doggy version of a teething ring: Dampen a washcloth; then place it in the freezer for about an hour. Give it to your puppy to tug and chew on, allowing the cold to soothe its sore gums.

Give Your Puppy Plenty of Exercise

A tired puppy is a happy puppy. Be sure to give your puppy enough playtime and cuddle time. If it’s had all of its ​puppy vaccinations, make walks part of your dog’s daily routine. If left to its own devices, your puppy is going to start looking for ways to burn off energy. This leads to destructive behavior. A puppy who gets regular exercise is much more likely to be well behaved.

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Community Stories

Why Does My Dog Get The Zoomies?

puppy running

Article originally published on Dodowell. Written by Danielle Esposito. Refer to the original article here.

The first time you see a case of the zoomies, you might watch in shock as your dog bolts back and forth at lightning speed before collapsing on the floor.

While your panting dog might look like he just ran around like crazy for no reason, you can breathe easy knowing that these outbursts are completely normal.

“There is no reason to be alarmed by the zoomies,” Shelby Semel, head trainer at Animal Haven rescue in New York City, told The Dodo. “They are just bursts of energy being released, often stored up over a period of time.”

What are the zoomies? 

Formally known as frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs), zoomies are high-energy bursts of activity that tend to hit puppies or young dogs more often than older dogs, although older dogs can still get a jolt of that zippy energy from time to time.

You can tell your dog is having a case of the zoomies when they jet back and forth across your yard or living room. Some zoomies will manifest in a dog spinning frantically to try to catch their tail until they either succeed or fall. 

Why do dogs get the zoomies? 

Dogs get the zoomies for all kinds of reasons — like when they’re super excited that you just got home from work, or even from seeing another dog get their own zoomies. 

Zoomies can also come when your dog has some built-up nervous energy that needs to be released, like after a long training session or a bath. 

Keeping your zooming dog safe

Zoomies are usually harmless — but dog parents are sometimes worried about how clumsy their dogs get while zooming around. In order to keep your dog, other humans and your belongings safe, make sure you get out of the way when they’re happening — and if you can, make sure they happen in a relatively open environment. 

“When you have a large pittie or any large breed, you have to worry about them accidentally knocking into things,” Semel said. “So I suggest clearing off your coffee table before and staying out of their way for the couple of minutes it lasts!” 

You’ll be able to tell they’re about to start if you keep an eye out for your dog’s rising energy levels — and after a few spurts of the zoomies, you’ll probably be able to know when they’re going to strike. 

For example, if you know your dog zooms after a bath (sooooo many do!), it would be a good idea to take your dog to a safe zoom zone immediately after, like the backyard or away from young kids.

Other dogs like to kick things off with a play-bow, which can be your hint to clear out. 

According to Semel, some dogs zoom if they’re under-exercised or toward evening hours. “Many do it after something stressful, new or exciting, like after getting a bath or when they’re excited to go on a walk.” 

It’s important to remember that you shouldn’t discourage or stop your dog from zooming, but instead control the environment that he zooms in to make sure that everyone’s safe.

And don’t forget to pull out your phone camera — zoomies are the best to watch and will leave you with some great videos to look back on.

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Community Stories

How to Care for a Puppy

puppy
cute puppy of cavalier spaniel sleeping

Article originally published on The Spruce Pets. Written by Jenna Stregrowski. Refer to the original article here.

Bringing a new puppy into your home will change your life forever. Puppies are definitely a lot of work, but they also bring plenty of joy to your world. Whether you are ​getting your first puppy or just need a refresher course, here’s what you’ll need to know to get your puppy on the right track to adulthood.

Choosing the Right Puppy

If the time is right for getting a puppy, you will now have to choose the best match. Perhaps your future companion will find you. A puppy can come into your life by chance and you can feel an instant connection and know it is the right one, but it doesn’t always happen like that. Often, you must take on the important task of going out and finding the right kind of puppy for you.

First, examine your lifestyle and consider what you are looking for in a puppy. Purebred or mixed-breed dog? Big or small? There are even more factors to consider, such as grooming and exercise needs, temperament, and potential health issues.

Next, you need to decide where to look for your new puppy. Will you visit an animal shelter to adopt your new dog? Perhaps you will seek out a responsible breeder. Research and patience are essential throughout this process. When you have finally found the right puppy, you’ll have a friend for life.

Getting Your Home Ready for Puppy

Before you bring home your cute little furball, you need to ensure that your home is as safe as possible, both for your new puppy and your belongings. The puppy-proofing process is similar to toddler-proofing a home, but there are differences.

First, get an idea of the puppy-eye-view of your home. Electrical cords, potential toxins, and breakable items should be placed completely out of reach. Remember that your puppy can jump, climb, chew, and scratch, so place what you can very high up or in a locked cabinet.

Be aware that “child-safe” latches do not tend to work on curious and determined puppies. It’s best to secure lower cabinets and drawers with locks or metal hardware. These should be chew-proof and require opposable thumbs to operate.

Install durable baby gates or pet gates if needed to keep your puppy away from certain rooms of your home. It’s a good idea to keep your dog away from the kitchen (especially the trash can) and the stairs. Proper puppy-proofing not only keeps your puppy safe but also gives you peace of mind.

Essential Puppy Supplies

Your new puppy will need certain items from the very start. Some are essential for your pup’s well-being, while others are quite helpful. Most important items include a leash and collar with identification, food and water bowls, and chew toys. You should also get a comfortable dog bed and, preferably, a crate or kennel.

Some of these items can last as your puppy ages but many of them will need to be replaced as your puppy grows. Collars may be adjustable up to a certain point. A kennel can be purchased in a larger size for the future but should be blocked off with boxes or other objects to make it the right size for the puppy.

It’s also important to properly prepare for the expenses associated with dog ownership. Create a budget and try to stick to it. Be sure to allow extra money in your budget for unexpected costs.

Choosing Your Puppy’s Food

Your puppy’s diet can make all the difference in its future health and well-being. Before you decide on puppy food, do your research. Talk to your vet, other pet professionals, and fellow dog owners. Remember that if the food you initially choose does not meet your expectations, you can gradually switch to another food.

In today’s dog-friendly world, the choices of diet seem endless. Some owners like to feed premium foods, while many feel that holistic/natural diets are best. Homemade and raw diets are also becoming increasingly popular.

While researching puppy food, consider the quality of ingredients, inclusion of proper nutrients, and taste. Make sure to choose a food that is appropriate for growth—not adult dog food or “maintenance” formulas. The food should be healthy for your puppy and your dog should enjoy eating it.

Keeping Your Puppy Healthy

Preferably, you will find a veterinarian before you get a puppy. Within a few days of taking your new puppy home, you should bring it to your vet for a general exam. Take steps to make it a good experience so your puppy will be less likely to fear the vet’s office.

Over the course of your puppy’s first six months, you will see a lot of your vet. This begins with puppy vaccines and usually leads to spaying or neutering. Typically, puppies should be spayed or neutered at around six months of age.

Your vet can help identify any potential health problems early on, and advise you on caring for your dog long-term. The initial visit also opens the doors of communication with you and your vet. To help keep your puppy’s expenses down, you may consider purchasing pet health insurance, which could cover up to 80 percent of your dog’s health care costs.

Puppy Vaccinations

Vaccines protect your puppy and other dogs from potentially fatal illnesses. Just like human babies, puppies (and kittens) need basic immunizations to take over when maternal antibodies fade. The puppy vaccination series is one of the most important aspects of your dog’s early life.

Unfortunately, pet vaccination has become controversial for those who fear vaccines in general. That’s part of the reason many vets are moving towards a three-year protocol (rather than annual) for adult dogs. However, when it comes to puppies, there is a different set of rules as the threat of vaccine-preventable diseases is extremely high for dogs. Not only may your new puppy die from these illnesses, but some of them can also be spread to humans.

Routine vaccine visits also allow your vet’s office to see your puppy every few weeks and monitor its growth and overall health. Talk to your vet about the best immunization plan for your puppy.

House Training Your New Puppy

House training is one of the first things you will teach your new puppy. This process can sometimes be quite arduous, though some puppies catch on earlier than others.

You should begin house-training as soon as you bring your puppy home, but it takes patience. Puppies are generally not able to control their bladders and bowels until about 12 weeks of age. If your puppy is younger than this, just be patient.

Starting early can help get your puppy into a routine. As your dog grows and develops control over its bodily functions, it will already know what to do. As a general rule, you should take your puppy to the designated “potty spot” immediately after eating or drinking. However, accidents happen, so be prepared, consistent, and patient.

Basic Puppy Training and Socialization

Beyond housebreaking, there are many more things you will need to teach your dog. Start by working on socialization. Next, leash training will set the stage for teaching basic commands, like sit, come, and stay. Teaching various basic commands can help you curb some behavior problems.

Just remember that puppies are curious, active, and teething. They put everything in their mouths, including your hands. Work with this by replacing the inappropriate object with an acceptable toy or safe chew. Distract your dog from mischievous behavior by offering something more pleasing, like a game, walk, or other activity. Reward your puppy with treats or praise for shifting his attention.

While puppy training can be a challenge, the outcome will make your efforts worthwhile. A solid foundation of training provides structure and gives your dog confidence. Well-trained dogs are happier dogs.

Bonding With Your Puppy

The bond you have with your puppy begins the moment it comes into your life and never stops growing. You can nurture this bond through affection, training, grooming, playtime, general exercise, and participation in various activities. You may want to join an obedience class, start training in dog sports like agility and flyball, or participate in dog shows.

One of the kindest ways to bond with your dog and allow your dog to bond with others is to get involved with animal-assisted therapy. If your puppy is right for therapy, it can begin training to visit people in hospitals and nursing homes or help children to read and learn. Strengthening and preserving the human-canine bond benefits the health and well-being of both you and your puppy.