What’s cute when your dog is a small puppy can become a nuisance – and even risky – when he’s an adult. For a puppy to jump up on visitors might seem cute, but when you add 100 or more pounds to that little puppy, he’ll have the strength and body weight to injure your family members or guests – and you don’t want that. 

The five most common annoying dog habits are barking, jumping up on people, tearing up things, rough play and begging. But there are ways that you can successful curb each of these habits. 

Barking

Dogs make great early warning systems. If anyone comes around your house, a dog can alert you that someone is there before that person even reaches your door. So for safety and security, nothing can beat having a furry member of the family around. 

There are times when you want your dog to bark. If there’s something going on outside your home, your dog alerts you by barking. This is his way of taking care of you and protecting you. Your dog can see and hear what you often don’t. 

The wrong response on your behalf is if you ignore the barking or tell the dog to be quiet. He’s trying to tell you that he senses something isn’t right. So what you need to do when your dog is alerting toward a door or window is to find out why he’s barking. 

If there is something going on and he barked for that reason, you don’t want him to be quiet. Instead, you want to reassure him that he did the right thing. Tell him, “Good dog” and then have him go away from the alert point and sit or lie down. 

The kind of barking that can become an annoying habit is when a dog barks for what seems to you to be no reason. Dogs always have a reason, but not all barking is necessary. For the same reason that humans eat when they’re not hungry, dogs will bark when nothing is going on. 

They’ll bark because they’re excited, bored or in response to other dogs barking. It’s their pack mentality that causes that – even though they may not be in a pack at this time. 

If your dog barks because he’s excited, calm him down – and if he barks because he’s bored, it’s a sign that he needs more physical action. You want to make sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise as well as social time with other dogs. 

Never reward barking with activities that your dog likes – such as by taking your dog for a walk or giving him a treat. He’ll learn that if he’s not quiet, he gets a walk or a treat and you don’t want him to train you! 

When you return home after being gone, your dog will often bark in short bursts because he’s glad you’re home. That’s simply his way of telling you that. He needs to be patted and reassured and he should stop barking once he’s finished greeting you.

When your dog engages in incessant barking, you want to gently close your dog’s mouth and say a firm, “Quiet” or another command associated with him not barking. You want to use one word commands because dogs understand one word commands better than they do an entire string of words. 

If, when you move your hand away from your dog’s muzzle, he begins to bark again, you’ll want to repeat your action of closing his muzzle and giving him the ‘Quiet’ command. 

You can get your dog used to the quiet command by rewarding him when he does obey the command. This can be a verbal ‘Good boy’ or a treat. Some pet owners use anti-barking collars or products that will emit a loud, startling sound when the dog barks. 

Most dogs can be easily trained to be quiet with just a command. If your dog just doesn’t seem to grasp the concept of barking only when necessary, you may need to enroll him in an obedience class. 

Jumping Up on People

When your dog jumps up on people, it can be a problem. Most people don’t enjoy a dog jumping up on them and a large dog can knock a child down. You want to start training your dog that this kind of behavior is not rewarded. 

When your dog attempts to jump up on you, refuse to look at him. The minute you make eye contact, he realizes that he’s got your attention and so he knows that if wants your attention, all he has to do is jump on you. 

Besides not looking at him, you don’t want to give him any verbal communication. Don’t laugh and don’t raise your voice. Don’t give him any verbal commands at all. You want to ignore him until he settles down. 

Don’t engage the dog by touching him, either. Don’t push him off of you – and if he jumps up on others, don’t rush over to pull him off. He knows then that this kind of behavior will get you to come and interact with him. 

Don’t rub or pet him when he jumps up. Keep both verbal and physical contact non-existent. Some people will raise their knee when a dog jumps, believing that this teaches a dog not to jump up – but it doesn’t. 

All this does is show the dog that if he wants your attention, all he has to do is jump on you. He actually sees the knee up as interaction and encouragement because you’re giving him attention. 

This becomes a problem because if you give the dog attention, he quickly learns to repeat his actions. You have to stand completely still and give him attention only when he’s sitting or standing before you. 

The minute that your dog is standing or sitting before you, quickly give him a treat. He’ll learn to associate sitting and standing still with getting the treat. Be enthusiastic in your praise when the dog obeys. 

Tearing Up Things in Your Home

Just like human babies, puppies are going to explore. They’re going to put things in their mouth and dig into things. They’re going to want to snatch things and run. Dogs have been known to destroy furniture, toys, shoes and even chew on the ends of a corner wall. 

If this behavior isn’t corrected, it will get worse.  Just as babies are taught the right and wrong way to act, all dogs – puppies or not – have to be taught what’s acceptable and what isn’t. 

Tearing up things in your home can get expensive, depending on what the dog tears up, and it can be dangerous for him. You can take away your dog’s odds of tearing something up by pet-proofing your home. 

Dogs will tear up anything when they’re bored or lonely or dealing with separation anxiety. Put away things that dogs are normally attracted to tearing up – such as shoes and pillows. 

Keep any stuffed animals out of sight when you’re not home because dogs often mistake stuffed animals for chew toys. Give your dog items that he is allowed to chew on – such as dog toys and dog teething rings. If your dog is teething, giving him a dog teething ring that’s been chilled will him not chew on things he shouldn’t chew on. 

Dogs will repeat behavior when there are no consequences to their actions. If they chew on the end of the sofa and you laugh or simply replace the sofa, it gets reinforced to the dog that his actions were okay. 

When a dog does destroy something and you fuss at him after you discover it, your dog doesn’t understand what he’s done. He understands only when you interrupt him in the middle of tearing something up. 

Firmly say, “No!” and then gently remove him from the item. You want to be gentle, but you don’t want to engage or pet the dog when he’s in the middle of tearing something up. 

He’ll associate that action with your petting him or giving him attention. When there are no consequences, dogs will keep going back – such as chewing on the same piece of furniture. 

There are some natural repellants that you can buy at the pet store. You can spray down the part of the furniture where he’s been chewing with this repellant. The spray won’t hurt him, but what it does is give him a nasty taste, like he’s bitten into something very bitter. 

He quickly learns that the furniture doesn’t taste good. To head off the issue of chewing on furniture, some pet owners spray the edges of the furniture down ahead of time with repellant. 

Make sure that you’re keeping your dog active – because many dogs will tear things up because they have a lot of energy that isn’t being released through enough exercise. 

Rough Play

When dogs engage in rough play, without meaning to, they can harm themselves, other pets and even people. That’s why rough play should always be stopped. 

Dogs are fast learners and pick up behaviors from other dogs – and people, too. If your dog does play too rough, it’s either because he’s caught up in the playing, he thinks it’s okay because he’s been allowed to play rough, or because the dog is asserting an alpha side. 

When the dog begins to play rough, the play needs to end immediately. Remove the dog from the play or take away the object he’s playing with. When a dog gets caught up in playing, he’s too focused on the playing to understand that his actions could quickly cause him to be too aggressive. 

If your dog begins to assert his alpha side, the play can escalate into serious biting as he attempts to subdue the other pet or person he’s playing with. Signs that your dog is playing too rough include his body language changing from relaxed to stiff and unyielding. 

He’ll often stare in aggression and he’ll growl in a deeper growl than he normally uses. Play growling is a growling that he does that lasts longer than it usually does. 

When your dog is playing with other pets, keep an eye out for signs that he’s playing too rough and stop him immediately. Don’t allow your pet to be aggressive with other dogs or people. 

Let him calm down from the play before you engage with him. Never allow your dog to ever play like he’s biting you. Most people will put out and arm and let a puppy or small dog bite on their arm. 

When the dog gets bigger and older, he’s learned that this is okay and doesn’t realize that his tiny jaws and teeth are now a lot stronger and sharper. Instead of letting the dog bite on you, encourage him to bite dog toys. 

When your dog is playing to rough, like a child that’s engaged in inappropriate play, your dog needs a time out. It’s easy for dogs to get riled up when they’re playing – especially if they have some energy to work off. 

Make sure your dog has a way of letting off some of that stored up energy before he starts playing. Take him for a walk or let him run around in the yard and chase a ball. 

Begging

Dogs beg only because at some point, someone rewarded that behavior. Don’t start the habit of allowing your dog to beg while you eat and it won’t become a problem. 

You don’t want your dog to learn to beg and you don’t want to give in because not only does it establish the foundation for future begging, but people food isn’t healthy for your dog. 

If your dog has an established begging habit, you can stop it by not allowing him in the same room with you while you’re eating. Let him stay in another room or in his crate whenever you’re having a meal or a snack. 

Teach him to go when you’re eating. Train him that when you’re eating, he must be lying down in another room or on his dog bed. You can train him that it’s time for him to rest in his crate with the door open and if that doesn’t work, you can confine him to the crate during meals. 

Never allow a dog to sit and stare at you or your guests whenever you’re eating. With their big eyes and sad faces, dogs can tempt even the strongest pet owner into giving in just this once. 

When your dog does beg or whine or bark to get a bite of what you’re eating or cooking, you have to ignore the dog. The best way to train a dog and stop bad behavior is to be consistent. 

You can train him that when it’s time for you to eat, it’s time for him to eat. Your dog will learn to associate mealtime with his comfort and he’ll look forward to his food rather than yours. 

Some pet owners choose to block access to the room where meals are held by putting a baby gate up across the doorway. By being a consistent pet owner with training your dog, you can establish boundaries for your pet that will keep him safe and healthy and prevent him from developing annoying habits. 

Why Do Dogs Lay in Your Spot in Bed?

Why your pet loves to lay in your spot in bed is not necessarily because of its cozy and fluffy piles but because of his sheer affection for you and his attraction to your scents. As time goes by, your love for your pet deepens, and vice versa. Your pet gets more and more familiar with and susceptible to your soothing voice, tender touch, loving cuddle, kisses, and more. Once it gets to that emotional stage, your pet will develop a strong attitude of wanting to be with you every time, everywhere. It’s a sign of love and affection for you. Being around you makes your pet feel loved, healthy, comfortable, and secure.

Read more: When to Euthanize a Dog with Lymphoma

Why Do Dogs Sit in Your Spot When You Get Up?

There is this perfect spot on your sofa that gives you a great view of the TV. You are so used to sitting in the spot that your four-legged partner is showing interest in it. Sometimes, your dog may even attempt to nudge you out of your seat. However, don’t mistake this attitude for disrespect or dominance. No. Your innocent pet seats in your spot when you get up because of the love and loyalty he has for you. Don’t be harsh towards him when trying to put an end to his tendency to steal your comfy space.

Why Your Dog Should Sleep With You

We have the opinion that dogs should sleep in his crate, on the floor, or in his bedroom. Studies have shown that sharing a bed with your pet also has some essential benefits for both of you. Do you know that sharing a bed with your dog can help ease your anxiety and reduce the feeling of loneliness and depression at night?

Read more: When to Euthanize a Dog with Torn ACL?

Co-sleeping can also help to strengthen the feeling of companionship, comfort, and warmth for your dog. Co-sleeping also gives both of you a sense of security and safety in the still of the night. A dog on your bed can easily keep you alert. Dogs are also considered to be perfect bed warmers. They can keep you warm and toasty on a cold night.

Why Do Dogs want to be Close to You?

Dogs typically love sleeping in big, warm, and comfortable piles. So, if your pet is making moves to share a couch or bed with you, he is not trying to hijack your comfy spot but to cuddle and stay close to you. Your pet might also be trying to get your attention by leaning in. Pets also get very excited when you run and rub your hand softly over his hairy coats. Your pet’s best moment is when you are close to him, petting and caring for him.

Why Does My Dog sit upright?

Chances are that your dog learns sitting upright from you or by looking at the pictures of dogs sitting up or by watching TV. Sitting upright, a human-like posture doesn’t look comfortable on a dog. This posture gives some relief to their hip or back. This position supports the lumbar region and centers the weight of your dog’s chest over the rest of his body. Sitting upright like humans is common among dogs with hip problems.

Read more: How to Treat Elevated Liver Enzymes in Dogs?

Why Does My Dog Push Me off the Bed?

If your dog spreads out in your spot on the bed, he may be trying to be dominant. Too much comfort and warmth on the bed can make your dog lay claim to your comfy bed and push you aside. Once it gets to this level, you have to remind your pet that you are still his owner and take him to his shelter or crate.

Why Does My Dog Steal My Pillow?

Your dog might steal your pillow because your pillow scent reminds him of you. Dogs like the scent of their owners. The pleasure center of your dog’s brain reacts faster to your scent than any others.

Sources:

• https://wagwalking.com/behavior/why-do-dogs-always-take-your-spot
• https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/should-my-dog-sleep-with-me/

Read more: Can a Dog be Put Down for Biting Someone?

Knowing When to Walk Your Dog

During summer months, dogs love to go for walks and run.  It may be difficult to read this letting your dog out to play whenever he gets excited.  Unfortunately, summer months are not dog friendly.  Research suggests that during summer months, dogs should not go on long walks or participate in strenuous activity during daylight hours.  Instead, you should try to restrict your dog’s heavy activity to early morning, and the evening time when it is not as hot.

If you do run into a situation where you cannot avoid taking your dog out in the heat of the day, make sure to take cool water with you, and provide your dog plenty of time in the shade.

Taking Your Dog to Outdoor Events

Summer is the time for being outside.  There are plenty of outdoor events for your family to attend.  It is tempting to take your dog to fairs, cookouts, and festivals.  This is because many dog owners see their adult as part of the family, and they want them to be with them at important cut.  Warner Don mail of going on family outing, consider their safety before taking them or an outing.  Here are a few things you may want to consider:

• Will shade be readily available to your dog?
• If your dog becomes overheated, will there be access to an air-conditioned car or room?
• What is the highest temperature you can expect for the day? Will it be cloudy or be directly sunny?
• Does your dog thrive on the energy of a crowd or do they find it exhausting?
• Will your dog be stressed out by loud noises, machines, rides, or fireworks while you are out?

Drinking and Swimming – Water Fun

Having water available during summer months is not difficult, but keeping cool in the heat can be extremely challenging. Keeping an insulated backpack will make it a lot easier for everyone involved. Make sure to keep your dog’s water as cool as you keep your own drinks. Make sure to include a travel bowl so you can give your dog a drink frequently.

When it comes time for fun in the water, there are a lot of dogs who love to swim. However, there are some dogs that do not like to play in water. If you have a dog that loves being in water, make sure to help them navigate through the water in a safe way.

Purchase a life jacket for them so they are safe around water. They should wear it even if they are on a boat. Make sure to choose bodies of water that have not have reports of parasites, jelly fish, or aquatic life that is not dog friendly.

Is It Bad to Feed a Dog Late at Night? See the answer!

Fleas, Ticks, and Parasites

With advancements in research, we now know of more threats to our pets than ever before. This is why your vet ensures that your dog has heartworm prevention medication on a regular basis. Make sure you do not change your dog’s heart worm regimen through the summer. 

Even though your dog takes heartworm prevention medication does not mean they are immune to parasites. You should also use flea and tick prevention medication that is recommended by your veterinarian, and comb their fur with a flea comb on a regular basis.

Check your dog after every outing to make sure to check them for ticks, which can be very dangerous.

Growing or losing teeth often comes with certain challenges in your dog, like destructive chewing, restiveness, dental complications and the like. In this article, you will learn when Labrador puppies lose their teeth and when and how they calm down among other things.

When Do Labrador Puppies Lose Their Teeth?

At weeks 5-6, your Labrador puppy begins to develop baby teeth (milk teeth). Labrador puppies typically have about 28 baby teeth in total. At this stage, your dog is learning to eat soft, moist puppy dog. At around 4 months of age, your puppy’s teeth begins to loosen and fall out. By the time your puppy is 6 months old, all of his baby teeth should have fallen out and adult teeth should have come up. Your dog has 42 adult teeth, if you notice any milk teeth remaining, inform your vet as they may need to be taken out.

Read more: Why Does My Dog Sit On Me?

When Do Labrador Puppies Calm Down?

Puppies are often over-excited or hyperactive. Labrador puppies start to calm down at around 12-18 months of age. With the right handling techniques in place, your dog’s excitement, and restlessness gradually reduces. Around this age, he develops a somewhat stabilized temperament. To calm your lab, try engaging him in less exciting activities like exercises, playing with chew toys, brain games and training.

Also, take him on a slow, steady walk. Taking him on a long, calm walk helps to reduce your dog’s excitement level and gain more control over your dog. Make him stay indoors sometimes. Put the dog in a crate or in a doghouse with his favorite toys to calm him down for some time.

When Do Labrador Puppies Stop Biting?

At 7-8 months of age, your Labrador puppy will stop biting when he has developed all his adult teeth. Puppies bite partly because they are teething. When teething, lab pups often feel pain and discomfort. Their gums can get itchy. They would bite or chew anything that gets into their mouths even if it’s your hand. This is their own way of easing the discomfort and pain they feel. This usually starts when your dog is three to four months old. Once they grow the adult 42 teeth, the pain would ebb away. You can train your dog to be more restrained and patient by giving them chew toys. When your lab keeps biting you, you have to be firm and say no.

Read more: When Do Bulldogs Stop Growing?

What Age Do Labradors Stop Chewing?

For some Labrador puppies, chewing things is connected to their teething period. They will stop chewing everything in view once their baby teeth have fallen out and their adult have grown in.  During teething, Labrador puppies’ chewing habits can be very destructive. They can cause damage to things even with their little teeth. They munch through anything that comes in contact with their mouth. But many Labrador puppies still continue to chew things long after a full set of adult teeth have come through.

This destructive chewing continues until they reach two years of age. Around this time, their chewing tendencies will reduce dramatically. Knowing the reasons why puppies chew things is crucial to getting solutions. Apart from teething, puppies chew things destructively because of boredom, separation anxiety, curiosity, pleasure and relaxation, hunger and habit. Remove the causes by finding alternatives to them. Redirect their chewing. Spend more time, petting and cuddling them. Make them play with chew toys and keep valuable things far away from them.

Read more: Is Hip Dysplasia A Reason To Put A Dog Down?

Here Are the Steps to Cleaning Your Puppy’s Teeth

By brushing your puppy’s teeth from time to time, you might not need veterinary cleansings which typically entail anesthetizing the dog.

Start by scrubbing the teeth with a gauze pad or a finger brush. Later, you can move on to a toothbrush and doggy toothpaste. Make sure the toothpaste is soft. Use toothpaste specially designed for a dogs, such as enzymatic toothpaste that work both chemically and mechanically to destroy plaque. Toothpaste meant for people can upset your dog’s stomach if he swallows it. Your dog’s teeth can also be cleaned with a paste made of water and baking soda.

Read more: Do Male Dogs Know When A Female Dog Is Pregnant?

Source:

• https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/timeline-of-puppy-teething/
• https://www.thelabradorsite.com/how-to-calm-down-a-dog/

Help Animals By Donating Money

One of the simplest ways to help your local animal shelter is to donate money. Many shelters have a donation button right on their website. Click the button, choose the amount you want to donate and save your receipt for tax time. Some shelters even allow you to set up recurring payments so you can donate every month. 

Another way to donate money is to attend shelter fundraising events. For example, the Humane Society often holds races to help raise awareness and money. Sign up for a race and a portion of your race fee will go toward helping pay for the cost of animal care. 

Donate Supplies

In addition to donating money, you may be able to donate supplies to your local animal shelter. Shelters commonly need:

* Cat food

* Dog food

* Food bowls

* Bedding for cats and dogs

* bedding for rodents

* Leashes, collars, and harnesses

* Crates

* Unused dog and cat toys

Contact your local animal shelter to see what supplies they need most. If they house livestock they may also need hay, veterinary care, and other livestock supplies.

Donate Your Belongings

Some animal shelters have other means to raise funds. For example, a local Humane Society may have a thrift store. Proceeds from the thrift store go to help pay for the care of the animals. You can donate to the Humane Society by donating your gently used items to the thrift store. It’s a great way to get rid of clutter and help a charity at the same time.

Donate Your Time

Finally, almost every single animal shelter and dog rescue in the country could use a few more volunteers. They need people to walk dogs, play with cats, and care for the animals by cleaning out their crates.

They also need people to help with press and publicity, recruit volunteers, train volunteers and much more. You can apply your specialized skills and help a local shelter. Whether you help care for the animals or help manage or promote the shelter, your time and skills are needed.

If you want to help animals and are unsure how you can give back to your community, consider donating your time, energy, or money to your local animal shelter. It can be a wonderful feeling to know you’ve helped make the life of an animal better. 

Seasonal Concerns for Your Local Animal Shelter

Animal shelters need help year round. The high cost of keeping a pet coupled with the continued pet overpopulation problem means shelters are regularly packed with adoptable animals. However, the winter season brings with it a number of additional seasonal concerns. Here’s what to be aware of and how you might be able to help.

#1 Lack of Funds

During the winter and particularly around the holiday season, every charity is asking for donations. At the same time, people are spending a bit more money out of their household budget. They’re buying gifts, spending money on traveling, and paying for traditional holiday celebrations.

In short, demand for funds is high and donations are low. This is one of the most challenging times for animal shelters. The number of animals in shelter generally increases during the winter months, which means the demand for funds increases – yet donations tend to decrease. 

#2 Lack of Volunteers

People tend to drop off around the holiday season. Volunteer needs increase. This is particularly true around the holiday season when volunteers need time off to go out of town and celebrate the holidays.

Additionally, as people stop in to find adoptable pets to give as gifts, more staff is required to manage the demand. It’s the perfect time to start volunteering if you’ve ever considered it.

#3 Increase in Pets

The wintertime is also a difficult time for animal shelters which can become overfilled with adoptable animals. More dogs get lost during the winter than any other season, which adds to the increase.

People realize they cannot afford their pets during the holiday season, too. And many animals that were given as gifts during the holidays are soon relinquished to the shelter. Giving animals as gifts isn’t always a good idea. 

How Can You Help?

There are many ways you can help your local animal shelter this winter. Consider volunteering either in an administrative capacity or by working with the animals.

You can foster a pet in your home, thus leaving more room in the shelter for animals. You can also donate your money to help pay for the expense of sheltering animals during the cold winter months. 

If you don’t have time or money to donate, consider donating pet care supplies like food, bedding, toys and equipment. Most local animal shelters have an ongoing need for cat and dog supplies.

Finally, consider stepping in to help out during the holidays when adoption rates are usually at an all-time high. It can be extremely rewarding to help people and families bring home a new pet. 

Regular exercise is very important for your dog’s quality of life. Adequate exercise also lowers the risk of arthritis, heart diseases, and diabetes. However, rigorous and prolonged exercise is not a good idea for English bulldogs. So, this article explains in detail the amount of time and distance that’s ideal for an English bulldog’s exercise.

Can You Over walk a Bulldog?

It is always an interesting time taking a walk with your doggy companion. But this doesn’t mean you should overwalk your bulldog. Always bear in mind that beneath their cute and friendly appearance lies fragility which makes them very prone to a myriad of health complications such as hip dysplasia, arthritis, respiratory issues, and joint and ligament issues.

This explains why heavy and prolonged exercise is not a good idea for him. Although these health issues are common among most English Bulldogs, they don’t affect their quality of life. They just need special care and consideration. So, when it comes to how often or long a dog can be walked in a day, English Bulldogs are limited in relation to other breeds.

Read more: Is It Bad to Feed a Dog Late at Night?

How Far Should You Walk an English Bulldog Each Day?

It’s unwise to base how far you can walk your English bulldog on distance. Rather, it should be based on time and his reaction to the exercise. Because of his short limbs, heights, breathing issues, and joint problems, he will probably walk at a pace slower than other breeds.

Thus, what might be a simple exercise for a Golden Retriever may be a real over-exertion for an English bulldog. Again, it is good to base an English Bulldog’s walk distance and time on his strength if you want to achieve max results.

How Long Can French Bulldogs Walk?

You should walk your English bulldog once a day, and if possible two times. But don’t let it exceed two trips as this may cause harm to your bulldog. Each walk should not last more than 20 minutes, making it 40 minutes in total during the day.

Since Bulldog puppies are still developing, their timeframe is different from older ones. Some people believe that puppies should be walked for 2 minutes for every month old they are. Here are some real-world examples:

• 3-month English Bulldog puppy: 6-minute walks.
• 4-month English Bulldog puppy: 8-minute walks.
• 5-month English Bulldog puppy: 10-minute walks.
• 6-month English Bulldog puppy: 12-minute walks

Read more: How to Encourage Dog to Urinate After Surgery

How Much Exercise Do American Bulldogs Need?

American Bulldogs cannot handle strenuous exercise. Don’t overwalk a Bulldog as he is very vulnerable to leg injuries that can lead to limping. While it’s important to be careful of the level of exercise your Bulldog is getting, it’s equally important than your dog is not deprived of it.

The ideal thing is to make sure that your dog’s walking routine is short but sweet. Walk calmly at your dog’s pace. You can go for two walks at different times in a day and never exceeding forty times in total. This is a great way to meet the exercise needs of your dog without overwalking him. While on the walk, your dog gets fresh air, a change of scenery from home, and the opportunity to relate with others.

Can English Bulldogs Go on Hikes?

English Bulldogs can go on hikes but at a slower pace. Hiking is a great way to bond with your dog. Apart from walking, there are other exercises that your Bulldog needs. There is a need for mental stimulation which can be mixed with physical play.

Bulldogs are also playful, so, you can entertain them at home with a ball for 10 minutes. You can spend as much as 20-40 minutes exercising your dog as long as the activity is not extremely arduous. Play tug-of-war with him. Give him free-moving toys that he can chase around like a remote-control car.

Read more: Can I Give My Dog Benadryl After Neutering?

Do Bulldogs Need a Lot of Exercises?

While it’s important to be careful of the level of exercise your Bulldog is getting, it’s equally important than your dog is not deprived of it. The ideal thing is to make your dog’s walking routine short but sweet. Walk calmly at your dog’s pace.

Why Won’t My Bulldog Go For a Walk?

When you are all out on a walk with your bulldogs, it’s important to keep a close eye on them all through the walk. This helps you ensure he’s not getting too tired. Later in life, over-exercising can cause a myriad of health and development issues for your dog. The indicators that that your dog might be tired on a walk are:

• Lying down and refusing to walk.
• Lagging.
• Excessive panting.

Once you notice any of these, you could end the walk.

Read more: How Long Does a Dog Need to Wear a Cone After Being Spayed?

Sources:

• https://doggysaurus.com/how-often-should-you-walk-an-english-bulldog/
• https://optimisticmommy.com/how-much-exercise-does-an-english-bulldog-need/
• https://www.wikihow.com/Exercise-an-English-Bulldog/

When Is It Time To Put a Diabetic Dog Down?

Putting down a dog with diabetes becomes inevitable in extreme cases where your dog is in severe pain. Except your dog has reached a very advanced age or has other underlying medical conditions similar to diabetes, you might not need to put him down. The disease gets worse as your dog gets older. Diabetes at its advanced level might lead to kidney failures, seizures, blindness, urinary tract infections and ketoacidosis. These health complications will inflict more pain and hardship on your dog. At this stage, your vet will advise you to put down your dog.

Read more: Should I Wipe a Dog’s Bottom?

What Are The Signs of Diabetes in Dogs?

There are common symptoms that show that your dog has diabetes. Because they are similar to signs of other diseases, you might have to take him to your vet for proper diagnosis. These symptoms include:

• Weight loss
• Increased thirst
• Change in breath smell
• Urinary tract infections
• Loss of sight
• Extreme tiredness
• Unstable gait

Your vet might have to conduct blood and urine test to check for electrolyte imbalances, elevated levels of glucose and high liver enzymes.

Read more: Is It Bad to Feed a Dog Late at Night?

How long can a Dog Live after Being Diagnosed with Diabetes?

If the disease is well treated and managed, your dog can still live for another two to three years. Once diagnosed with the disease, the vet will recommend medications for you. With good treatment and healthy diet, many dogs infected with diabetes have had a high quality of life and still lived long. So, being diagnosed with diabetes is not the end of life for your dog.

Do Dogs With Diabetes Suffer?

Though your diabetic dog still stands the chance of living long, the disease gets worse as your dog ages. As your dog advances in age, the disease will make him very fragile and weak. For senior dogs, diabetes might lead to other health issues like kidney failures, seizures, blindness, urinary tract infections and ketoacidosis. These health complications might inflict more pain and discomfort him. Your diabetic dog will start vomiting and missing meals.

Can a Diabetic Dog Survive Without Insulin?

Your dog also needs insulin to survive. Your vet is in the best position to determine the type of insulin and dose to use in treating your dog at home. This is usually done through injections. You might have to give your dog insulin injections twice a day around twelve hours after eating. It’s advisable to strictly follow your vet’s procedures for administering insulin injections to your dog

Can you Reverse Diabetes in dogs?

Diabetes is an irreversible terminal disease that happen to dogs especially old ones. This does not mean that pet owners should opt for euthanasia once their dogs are diagnosed with it. Though it’s irreversible, the disease can be managed for a while. Your vet will recommend a personalized diet regimen and exercise plans for your infected dog just to prevent sudden falls or spikes in glucose. This is also part of treatment. Your vet might also show you how to monitor your dog’s blood sugar. This is done by pinprick blood test or urine test.

What Breeds of Dogs Are Prone to Diabetes?

Certain breeds of dogs are more vulnerable to diabetes, they include Poodles, Daschund, Samoyed, Alaskan malamute, Keeshond, Miniature schnauzer, Chow chow, beagle and many others. Other factors that make dogs prone to diabetes might include genetics, age, underlying medical conditions etc.

What is the Best Food for a Diabetic Dog?

Dog experts agree that it’s safe to feed diabetic dogs low-fat, high-fiber diets. Studies show that Fiber helps your dog feels full and slow down the flow of glucose into the bloodstream. Low-fat foods contain fewer calories. This type of diet will make your dog eat less and shed unnecessary weight. But make sure your dog drinks a lot of water every day because fiber removes water from his body and can lead to constipation and other issues. Diabetic dogs also do well with homemade diet prescribed by a vet.

What Should a Diabetic Dog Not Eat?

Don’t feed your diabetic dog processed canned foods. They are made with spicy ingredients and preservatives that are very harmful to dogs with diabetes. High intake of salt, pepper, garlic and onions is not good for your diabetic dog. Also, avoid feeding him fatty and fried foods.

Sources:

• http://www.cat-dog-diabetes.com/dogs-diabetes-mellitus.asp
• https://doggysaurus.com/when-to-put-down-dog-with-diabetes-average-lifespan/
• https://www.animalcareclinicinc.com/single-post/2018/01/19/Your-Dog-Has-Diabetes-Now-What/

Should I Wipe a Dog’s Bottom?

Sometimes you might have to wipe your dog’s bottom when your dog is very sick or messy. If you have a French bulldog that cannot reach his rear end to clean himself or lick poop, you will have to clean the bum. In a situation where a stubborn poop sticks to your dog’s bum after defecating, he will need your help to have it removed. You don’t always have to wipe your dog’s bum because he can wipe his bum on the ground to clean himself.

Read more: When Is It Time To Put a Diabetic Dog Down?

Can I Use Baby Wipes on My Dogs Bum?

You can use baby wipes to clean your dog’s bum as long as they are natural baby wipes that have no fragrances or chemicals in them. Don’t press it too hard on your dog. Gently but firmly scrub their bum with it. Due to some reasons, some dogs might not able to clean their own bum, so dog owners will have to help them. A notable example is French bulldogs that cannot get to their own rear on their own.

Do I Need To Wipe My Dog After Peeing?

You might need to wipe your dog after peeing if he’s very sick and unable to move around and scoot his bum across the ground to clean himself. The perfect way to wipe your dog’s bum after peeing is to blot the fresh pee immediately. Waiting for some time might leave smell or stain on him. Reach out for a damp cloth and blot the pee as soon as your dog is done peeing. Another simple process is to have a cloth soaked in a soapy warm water. Gently scrub the area with the cloth.

Read more: Is It Bad to Feed a Dog Late at Night?

How to Clean a Dog’s Bottom?

Get everything you need for the cleaning process ready. You need lukewarm water, washcloth, round-tip scissors, dog shampoo, rubber or latex gloves. Take your dog to the bathroom and make him comfortable. You can pet him a bit and give a treat to calm him down. These are step-by-step guide to perfectly clean your dog’s butt.

• Use the washcloth to scrub the region around the bum
• Wear a pair of latex or rubber gloves
• Pour some shampoo in lukewarm water to make soapy water and dip the washcloth in it
• In a gentle but firm manner, wipe the area around your dog’s buttocks with the washcloth
• Don’t stop scrubbing until you succeed in getting rid of all the fecal matter sticking to your dog’s bum
• You can also use dog wipes for your dog If you don’t have a washcloth or soapy water
• After removing all the poop, give your dog a bath. Ensure you use a dog shampoo and calmly massage your dog’s coat with it and wipe off excess water with a dry towel

More importantly, use a shampoo that’s specifically made for dogs. Human shampoo can trigger irritation in your dog because it contains harmful ingredients. Use scissors to remove stubborn poop sticking to your dog’s bum.

Do I Have To Wipe my French Bulldogs’ Bum

You will have to wipe your French bulldogs’ bum sometimes. Occasionally, there will be a little poop sticking to their bum after defecating. If left there, it might smell. You might use baby wipe to clean the bum provided it’s a natural one without chemical in it.

Why Do Dogs Wipe Their Bum on the Ground?

Dogs wipe or scoot their bums across the floor to have themselves clean from fecal matter. A dog’s bum has anal glands that produce clingy secretions. These secretions, sometimes, are thick and can trigger irritation in your dog’s bum. So, in the bid to be relieved from the irritation, your dog might scoot his behind on the floor. Another reason why your dog wipes his bottom across the ground may be due to tapeworms. If you notice tapeworms, take your dog to the vet. When poop gets stuck to a dog’s coat, causing irritation and poor hygiene, you might to wipe his bum yourself.

Sources:

• https://wagwalking.com/behavior/why-dogs-dont-have-to-wipe/
• https://breedingbusiness.com/how-to-clean-a-dogs-bum/

Can I Feed My Dog Once a Day at Night?

You can only feed a healthy, adult dog once a day at night. Avoid adopting this type of food schedule for puppies. This nightly food schedule is ideal for pet owners who leave home very early in the morning for work and come back in the evening. In their case, it’s in the evening they have time to feed their dogs and take them out. If you want to start feeding your dog in the evening, ensure you take him out after the meal. More importantly, always ensure that he gets his meal as early as 6 pm. Any time beyond this is unhealthy for your dog. Also, be cautious of the type of food you feed your dog in the evening.

Read more: How Far Should You Walk an English Bulldog Each Day?

Is it Bad to Feed a Dog Late at Night?

It’s bad to feed your dog late at night consistently. It’s an unhealthy diet routine. Studies even show that night feeding can cause unhealthy weight gain in your dog. When your dog eats late at night, he will not only have multiple midnight toilet trips but also have more energy to burn. It’s advisable to feed your dog as early as 5-6 in the evening. If you don’t have time to feed him early enough in the evening, you can provide him with a bowl of food while you go about your activities.

What Time Should I Feed My Dog at Night?

Most pet experts and vets recommend that pet owners should feed their dogs quite early in the morning around 7 and early in the evening around 6. Avoid feeding your dog very late at night. This is because the anatomy of a dog’s digestive system needs about 4-6 hours for foods to be completely digested. The receptors in the dog’s brain will start issuing signals of hunger to his brain. This also explains why many vets believe that dogs should be fed twice a day. Ensure there is a 6-8 hour space between meals for proper digestion.

What Time Should Puppies Go to Bed?

When it’s around 8 pm, put your puppy inside his crate and settle him down. Ensure your puppy is not disturbed when he’s sleeping. Keep noisy children away from him. To facilitate a calm, comfortable atmosphere for your dog’s sleeping time, you might want to place your dog’s crate in a serene, secluded part of the house. This way, he won’t be disturbed by the noise, movements, and other activities going on in the house. When it’s already late at night, move your dog to his crate and get him to sleep. Adequate sleep is very important for your dog’s wellbeing.

Read more: How to Encourage Dog to Urinate After Surgery

What Happens If a Dog Misses a Meal?

Sometimes, it’s normal when a dog misses a meal or two. But anything more than that is a pointer to a health problem that requires medical attention. However, a lack of appetite is normal in these situations:

• When female dogs are in heat
• Puppies, especially at a very young age, may draw away from food due to teething pain. However, soft and moist food will help in this case.
• Weather: some dogs like eating at certain periods of the day and may reject foods at other times.
• Addictive: adding supplements to your dog’s food may put him off. For example, many dogs don’t like vegetables and so may reject a meal mixed with vegetables.
• Excessive treats and snacks: when your dog becomes addicted to treats and snacks, he may become picky about meals offered to him.

It is an abnormality if your dog refuses to eat after a day. Consult your vet for advice.

Read more: Can I Give My Dog Benadryl After Neutering?

Would a Dog Eat a Human if Starving?

It’s only in rare cases that dogs eat humans, especially dead bodies. Undomesticated stray dogs are very likely to feed on carcasses. But a well-trained, bred dog will turn away from that hideous sight. Besides, well-bred and domesticated dogs are more familiar with human beings. Normally, when dogs starve for a long time, they become very sick, thin, and die at the end.

Should I Feed Dog Before or After Walk?

It depends on the time you feed your dog. If you feed your dog in the evening, it’s advisable to take him on a walk after the meal to help him burn energy. This walk also helps him reduce the risk of obesity and heart disease. Eating late at night without exercise will cause unhealthy weight gain for your dog.

Read more: How Long Does a Dog Need to Wear a Cone After Being Spayed?

Sources:

• https://www.mypetneedsthat.com/best-time-to-feed-your-dog/
• https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/setting-schedules-and-developing-a-routine-for-your-new-puppy/
• https://familypet.com/if-my-dog-skips-a-meal-will-she-be-ok/

Is it Normal for a Dog Not to Urinate after Surgery?

After being spayed, your dog may find it difficult to pee or poo. For example, after spay surgery, there will be a wound site on the genitals of both male and female dogs. So, it’s normal for them to experience difficulty in urinating or defecating. Post-operatively, your dog may get bored and lethargic about everything. As a result, he may not want to walk outside to urinate. Also, some pain medication given to your dog in large doses can reduce his urge to urinate. So, help your dog to get mobility. Walk him outside to urinate. If he is a tiny breed, you can carry him around. However, if the issue continues for 24 hours, please take him to your vet.

Read more: Can I Give My Dog Benadryl After Neutering?

What Can Cause a Dog to Not Be Able to Urinate?

Your dog’s difficulty with urinating is due to many factors, depending on the underlying medical conditions:

• Inadequate water intake
• Some pain medication can reduce the urge to urinate
• Decreased thirst level
• A dog who has had many urinary tract infections may begin to have trouble urinating due to bladder distention
• Spinal cord injury and lesions
• Injury to nerves or trauma leading to compression
• Disk herniation
• Cancer
• Some surgeries like spaying may facilitate an inability to urinate
• Dysautonomia, a neurological disease equally known as Key-Gaskell syndrome
• Scar tissue on the bladder or urethra
• A urinary tract infection may move into the bladder
• Anatomic abnormalities (congenital or contracted)

How to Encourage Dog to Urinate After Surgery?

You have to increase the water intake of your dog. Make fresh water available for him all the time and get him to drink it. You may want to stimulate urination in him. It’s a good idea. Feed him moist foods that are free from salt, garlic, and other spicy ingredients. You should walk your dog outside at least two times a day to urinate. Exercise him a little to make him feel thirsty and drink some water. If all these methods do not yield the desired results, you may want to seek veterinary service.

Read more: How Long Does a Dog Need to Wear a Cone After Being Spayed?

How Long Should It Take For a Dog to Pee After Surgery?

It may take 7-14 days for your dog to resume his normal potty routine. He may not be able to go to the toilet unaided. Surgery leaves dogs with difficulty with urinating and defecating. After surgery, especially spay or bladder stone surgery, you will need to take him outside often to urinate. He’s also likely to have a little blood in his urine. Don’t be harsh to him if he’s acting this way after surgery. It’s normal. If you are getting stressed out already, consult your vet for more assistance.

My Dog Has Not urinated in 48 Hours (possible causes)

This is an abnormality. Your pet is meant to urinate at least twice a day. This requires urgent medical attention. However, it can be caused by underlying issues like obstruction in the urethra due to blockage occasioned by crystals in the urine, prostate disease, cancer, decreased thirst level, and overdose of over-the-counter drugs. Your dog might need a specialized diagnosis to test the underlying medical condition responsible for the inability to urinate for a long time. You should also stop all the urine-stimulating drugs you are giving him and check with your vet.

Read more: When To Take Cone off Dog after Neuter

How Long Can a Dog Go Without Urinating?

Older dogs can stay without urinating for up to 10-12 hours if need be, perhaps your dog traveling with you on a plane. On average, an adult dog should be permitted to pee themselves at least 3-5 times per day. That’s at least once every 8 hours. Puppies can hold their pee up to 3 hours though they don’t have to.

What Can I Give My Dog to Help Him Urinate?

You may need to give your dog antibiotics for urinary tract infection. You can also increase your dog’s water intake. Take him outside at least 2-3 times a day to urinate. Feed him a healthy diet regularly. Inform your vet before you introduce a specialized diet to your dog. Urinary acidifiers or alkalinizes are also effective in stimulating urination in your dog. Your vet may also give medication to your dog to calm the bladder and urethra. Your dog may need surgery to correct his congenital abnormality and prostate issue.

Sources:

• https://wagwalking.com/condition/inability-to-urinate
• https://forevervets.com/taking-care-of-your-dog-after-bladder-stone-surgery/
• https://www.blog.homesalive.ca/how-long-can-dogs-hold-their-pee/