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Indoor activities for your dog in winter
Indoor games make your dog tired and fulfilled in a fun way. What indoor activities can you do with your dog? 4 tips for indoor activities for your dog. Why indoor activities for your dog? Indoor activities are a great way to give your dog a physical and mental challenge when the weather is bad, for example. Dogs that do not get enough exercise or mental activity can become depressed or stressed, and can become unhappy and show destructive behavior. Even if you work at home a lot, it's nice if your dog can do his own thing so you can keep a quiet, calm atmosphere at home. Outside walking, sniffing, running and playing is always the most important way to "let out" your dog literally and figuratively. But it is also nice to be able to give your dog some extra challenges inside as well. Moreover, playing together is very good for your mutual bond. It enriches the life of your dog! Dog on cushion Fun indoor activities for your dog 1. Creative feeding Creative feeding is a very healthy way to activate the natural instincts of your dog. Creative feeding also makes your dog eat a little less and it is good for his digestion. You can awaken the hunter in your dog by hiding kibble in the house and let your dog enjoy tracking. You can also use a slow feeder (an anti-skibble bowl), a sniffing mat or a Kong. These challenging ways of feeding put your dog's brain to work. You give the dog a chance to explore, to solve a puzzle or problem. The food is then a huge reward for his work! Bonus tip: Use peanut butter to put in a Kong or spread it on a dog toy. This will ensure nice long play time without him eating too much for one meal. Nice chewing is a healthy way for your dog to release stress. 2. Learn new skills Training can be a great way for dogs to become and stay happy and relaxed. Indoors, you can teach a dog all kinds of new skills such as sitting, lying down, searching, pawing, fetching or even remembering the names of different cuddly toys. Make sure you have enough space and that the dog can practice on a non-slip surface so it doesn't slip. Have some treats on hand and make sure the training remains fun and simple. Practice in the beginning not too long, a few minutes a day is enough. Notice that your dog likes it and picks it up quickly? Then you can increase the training time slightly. Does your dog not like to learn "tricks"? Then you can also make a fun obstacle course in your house out of furniture, boxes and other items. Perfect for fun agility exercises, just in your home. Always make sure the experience is fun and rewarding for your dog, so he'll be eager to train again next time. Dog shaking paw 3. Play games There are plenty of options indoors to play fun games with your dog. You can play hide and seek with a housemate. One person distracts the dog, the other hides. Your dog will love using his nose to find his favorite owner(s)! A fun game of tug of war always works well, too. Make sure you have a good balance of who wins (sometimes you, sometimes the dog) to keep the game fun and rewarding. Stop the game if the dog gets too hyperactive. Give a treat afterwards and put the pull-up rope away again. You can also have a lot of fun with homemade dog toys. Read here how to make your own dog toys. Dog with chew rope 4. Dog puzzles Nowadays there are many dog puzzles for sale that require your dog to concentrate and put his nose and brain to work. Thinking makes your dog tired and satisfied in a fun way. Puzzles come in different levels and almost all dogs like it. You do need some patience for it. Start easy and keep it fun, this way you will prevent the dog from getting frustrated. Of course you stay with the dog as the owner, and you help the dog where necessary. Then you will see that the dog gets enormous pleasure when he solves the puzzle and finds the kibble! No time for indoor games? Do you have less time for your dog during the day, for example because you have to work at home or have to go back to the office? Do not leave your dog to his fate. Book a nice dog sitter or your own personal walking service for your dog - just in your own neighborhood. |
craigslist austin petsDementia in dogs | prevention and treatment
Like humans, dogs can develop dementia in old age. How do you recognize dementia in dogs, and how can you prevent it as much as possible? Can dogs get dementia? Like humans, older dogs can suffer from diseases of aging such as dementia. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), or canine dementia, was only recognized relatively recently and has since been extensively researched. senior golden retriever Although canine dementia is unfortunately not reversible, we now have a better understanding of how to prevent, diagnose and treat the symptoms of CCD in dogs. Therefore, it is important that dog owners learn more about this disease and seek advice if they notice early signs of dementia in their dog. A diagnosis of canine dementia certainly does not mean the end for your dog. A dog with CCD can live a relatively long and happy life with simple changes in environment, diet and lifestyle. The key is to work closely with your veterinarian as early as possible and make all decisions based on the dog's quality of life. Why do some dogs get dementia? Dogs, like people, are living longer than ever before. The tremendous advances in technology and veterinary medicine have had a major impact on the lifespan of pets. As dogs age, there is also a greater chance that a dog will suffer from dementia. We find that dogs 14 years of age and older are at increased risk for CCD, although this can vary by breed. What are the symptoms of canine dementia? The signs of canine dementia are very similar to the symptoms of dementia in humans. It is important to call the veterinarian when dementia is suspected, and any change in behavior in the dog. Symptoms of dementia can also indicate other medical problems, so it is important to consult with your veterinarian in time. Symptoms of dementia in dogs include: Physical confusion - such as getting stuck behind furniture or expecting the wrong side of a door to open Excessive barking Unprovoked aggression Changes in appetite Changes in sleeping patterns Running around quickly, general confusion Going to the toilet inside senior dog in the sun Treating dog dementia While there is unfortunately no cure for canine dementia, research into CCD has yielded some interesting results. Stem cell research in Australia may possibly lead to a breakthrough for both dog and human dementia in the future, so that's a hope trap. In the meantime, you can discuss with your veterinarian what changes you can make in daily life to help your dog. For example, with supplements, medication, diet or changes in daily routine, you can make life and your home safer and more predictable for your dog. Of course, some veterinarians have more experience with canine dementia than others. If necessary, ask for a referral to a specialist or holistic veterinarian for additional advice. You will need to start making important decisions about how your dog's life will be fulfilled. An open and honest conversation with your veterinarian is important then. How can you prevent dementia in dogs? Fortunately, there is quite a lot you can do to prevent or at least delay canine dementia. Research has shown that mental and physical stimulation through games, training and daily walks help to keep a dog's brain healthy for a lifetime. Also, a healthy weight and a balanced diet help overall health - and therefore brain health. Furthermore, it is important to have aging dogs checked regularly by the veterinarian. |
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Does a cat even miss its owner?
'Cats don't have owners, they have staff,' you often hear. But is that really true? How attached are cats to their owners, and does a cat miss you when you are away? In this article you will find all about attachment in cats, and find out if your cat misses you when you are away. Are cats solitary animals? It's true that cats are stubborn animals: they are good at taking care of themselves. This also means that (unlike dogs, for example) they are not necessarily dependent on people when it comes to feelings of attachment and security. Research has shown that cats are generally not emotionally dependent on their owners. Some cat owners recognize this: you come home from vacation and are extremely happy to see your cat again, but it acts like you were never gone! Other cats seem to be 'offended' and do not give their owner the time of day. But many cats are actually delighted when their owner comes home. They meow, come and sit on your lap or on your keyboard.... Some cats follow their boss everywhere. And that is not so strange. Because although cats are originally solitary (they can take care of themselves), under the influence of mankind cats have started to live in groups more and more. Many cats are therefore quite social, and need company and interaction with other people and animals. British Shorthair sits by window When does a cat love you? And while most cats don't rush up to you like a happy dog when you come home, their more subtle signals certainly show that they are attached to their "favorite" person. Cats show their appreciation by greeting you with a cheerful 'prrrt', by stroking along you to leave their scent, and by giving you heads or by biting gently. Moreover, it is already quite something that a cat likes to be near you. Because cats that don't like it make them get away. If a cat stays with you and does not run away from home, it means that he is very happy with you. |
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Vegetables your dog can eat
Are dogs allowed to eat vegetables, and if so, what kinds? Here you'll discover everything you need to know about giving your dog healthy green food. Are dogs allowed to eat vegetables? Yes - dogs can completely safely eat lots of types of vegetables, in addition to a balanced staple diet. There are even all-vegetable dog treats that contain lots of vegetables. Dogs are omnivores, which means they can include both plant and animal matter in their diet. Vegetables can have many health benefits for a dog. For example, vegetables are usually low in calories and can contain additional fiber, nutrients and carbohydrates for energy. However, a balanced staple diet is always important to start with before adding vegetables to the diet. Most reputable dog food brands should already contain enough nutrients and vitamins to keep your dog fit and healthy. Therefore, like fruit, it is best to give your dog vegetables as a snack. The general guideline for additional vegetarian treats is to add no more than 10% of your dog's daily food allowance to the diet. You can always talk to your veterinarian or dog nutritionist if you want specific advice about your dog's diet. The amount of extra food a dog is allowed to eat can vary depending on the dog's age, energy level and breed. Vegetables which are safe for dogs Tips for feeding your dog vegetables When you start giving vegetables to your dog, start slowly with small amounts. A big change in diet can irritate a dog's stomach. When you start, cut vegetables into bite-sized chunks. You can also steam or blanch them a little to make them more digestible. You can also serve vegetables pureed or grated through your dog's regular food. In the summer, you can also make ice cubes of pureed vegetables with (salt-free) pet-friendly broth. That will make a delicious dog ice cream/cold toy :-) What vegetables can a dog eat? The following list a good start. Many of these vegetables are low in calories and can be a healthy addition to the normal diet. In addition, they are safe for your dog to eat and contain extra vitamins and mineral Carrots Sweet potatoes Peas (be careful your dog doesn't choke on them - mashing or serving them pureed is a safe choice) Corn kernels (as with peas, pureed or mixed is safest) Cucumber Celery Squash Asparagus Spinach Zucchini Dog eating a carrot Which vegetables are dangerous to dogs? There are some vegetables or vegetable-like plants that can be toxic to dogs. For example: Onions Garlic Unripe tomato Rhubarb Nuts Any vegetable or fruit with large seeds, such as avocado It is best to avoid acidic and spicy vegetables, such as bell bell pepper. A small piece won't hurt, but don't give them large pieces. Finally, talk to your veterinarian or dog nutritionist when changing your pet's diet. With some extra expert advice, you'll keep your dog happy and healthy, even with some tasty veggies! |