Why do dogs yawn? A dog yawn usually has a very different meaning than a person yawning.
Humans yawning usually implies that they are sleepy. Dogs yawning however is a sign of many different emotions such as: stress, anxiety, boredom, fear or even when they are trying to calm themselves down.
So next time your dog yawns think about what emotion he may be feeling, depending on what situation you and your pup are in in that current moment.
WHY DO DOGS YAWN?
A dog yawn can happen for several reasons, including when they are sleepy, but also when they are stressed, anxious, bored or even when they are trying to calm themselves down.
A dog who is experiencing anxiety or stress may demonstrate the following:
Ears back
Tail tucked
Yawning repeatedly
An occasional yawn at an uncomfortable time
Lip smacking
Wide eyes (whale eyes)
If you have noticed these signs in your pet repeatedly, your pet may be feeling anxious and need your help working through their confidence in certain situations. Working with your dog on balanced and respectful training can help them become confident in many situations.
Normally, a dog will nap two to three times a day for short periods and sleep 12 to 14 hours out of every 24.
However, some breeds require more sleep than others. For example, herding dogs like Australian shepherds or border collies may need up to 18 hours of sleep each day.
If your dog is not getting adequate rest, or sleeping on a bed that supports them and provides proper rest, their brain will eventually begin to feel exhausted.
You might notice your dog’s yawn as you enter a place that has other dogs that he is not familiar with. This yawn may be a key clue that your dog is yawning because he is uncertain about those other dogs.
Or, your dog may start to yawn as he begins to recognize the parking lot of the vet as you pull in for his vaccines. This example shows that your dog is uncomfortable with the veterinarian office and doesn’t want to see the vet that day.
Imagine after a long day of doing nothing and you start to notice your dog yawning.
One yawn, two yawns, three yawns! Your dog just keeps on yawning.
Sometimes, when a dog yawns because they are bored, they let out a loud noise with their yawn. This noise sort of serves as a ‘lets go do something, I’m so bored’, type of communication.
If your dog’s body language shows boredom, or eagerness to play a game, go for a walk, or get some food, then it is likely that they are yawning because they are bored.
A DOG MIGHT YAWN WHEN THEY ARE AFRAID
Have you ever seen a dog at the shelter who is trying to make themselves small in their kennel and they keep yawning?
When a dog is afraid, their body releases adrenaline and cortisol- also known as the fight or flight response.
Yawning is one way that dogs try to release some of this built up energy when they are feeling scared.
Socializing your dog often in healthy situations is important that they are not afraid of new situations and people.
DOG YAWNS TO COMMUNICATE WITH OTHER DOGS
When a dog yawns, it is often considered a sign of dog communication.
Dogs yawn to show that they are not a threat and to communicate that they do not want any trouble.
In some cases, a dog may yawn when they meet another dog to show that they are friendly and non-threatening.
If you see your dog yawning around other dogs, it is likely that he is trying to communicate with other animals or a new dog. This is a completely normal way for your pup to show body language, and unless it is a ‘fear yawn’, it is perfectly normal behavior.
It simply means that a dog yawning COULD mean that this specific pup is anxious with that situation.
In turn, that owner should be responsible for helping their dogs through that situation, training them in confidence or helping them abort the situation altogether.
When a person neglects to help a dog through the first step of the ladder, the dog will resort to the second step of the ladder, and so on, and so forth.
A dog will almost never jump directly to the fourth step, or fifth, or top of the ladder. There are ALWAYS warning signs in a dogs body language of anxiety, stress, and fear in which a dog is trying to communicate.
Humans should be aware of a dog body language and what each step of the ladder implies and be willing to help their dog cope with their stress and anxiety, as it is a normal part of of a human and dogs life.
DOES A DOG YAWNING IMPLY A MEDICAL CONDITION?
On very rare occasions, a dog yawning can imply an underlying medical condition.
For example, if your dog is displaying other strange behaviors like pacing, circling, whining, or barking for no reason and yawning excessively, he may be experiencing pain.
Acid reflux can ocassionally cause excessive yawning or lip licking because of the pressure it puts on the esophagus.
If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to take him to see a veterinarian and seek the appropriate steps.
EAR INFECTIONS AND YAWNING IN DOGS
A yawning dog may also have an ear infection because of the pain and itchiness in their ears that comes along with the condition. Typically this form of your dog’s yawns will be associated with head shaking and/or scratching.
Xymox is our absolute FAVORITE cleanser if your Great Dane has yeast or inflammation in its ears.
If your dog is displaying any of these behaviors, it is best to take him to the vet for a check-up.
SHOULD I BE CONCERNED WHEN MY DOG IS YAWNING?
Overall, when a dog is yawning, it is usually just because they are tired, stressed, bored , or trying to communicate with other dogs.
The calming signals that a dog may use when experiencing stress are different than that of a person. Yawning behavior can be indicative of anxiety and stress, whereas when humans yawn it is mostly just because they are tired.
However, if your dog is yawning excessively and displaying other abnormal behaviors, it may be time for a vet visit to rule out any possible medical conditions.
The great thing is that if you notice your dog demonstrating a consistent yawn as a calming signal during a stressful situation, you can seek help from a professional trainer to get the training that your pet needs to feel comfortable and confident in all of the life situations thrown their way.
It’s no secret that dogs can often leave a smelly mess in their wake. Are you looking for ways to keep your house from smelling like a dog?
If you’re not careful, your entire house can start to smell like a kennel. Yuck!
This is particularly true if you have a large dog or several dogs (you know, Great Danes and all).
In this blog post, we will discuss tips on keeping your house from stinking up the neighborhood. Enjoy your big dogs AND your clean, fresh home once again. Read on, friends.
How to Keep Your House From Smelling Like a Dog
Start from Scratch
It’s best to start with a clean slate. If your house is already smelling like a dog, you’re going to have to do some deep cleaning.
This may include shampooing carpets, washing all of your bedding, and scrubbing down any areas where the dog spends a lot of time (think: their crate).
Let’s roll up those sleeves and get started!
Surprising places that pet smells hang out
If you have a dog, chances are your house has at least a little bit of a doggy smell. It’s not necessarily bad (we love our pups, after all), but sometimes we need to take extra steps to ensure our homes are a dream to live in.
It’s time to grab your detective hat! Here are some surprising places that pet odors tend to fester in your home:
Carpets (Mud. Pee. The contents of your dog’s rejected meal.)
Baseboards (slobber. Did we say slobber?)
Drapes (hair…and more hair!!!)
Throw pillows (you know, the one Buster drools on in his sleep?)
Under furniture (ooooh, just think of all the missing treats, toys, and dust bunnies made of dog hair!)
Pet beds (this is a freebie! You know this one stinks)
The pet feeding area (blech. Nothing like the smell of kibble in the morning, eh?)
When is the last time these things were cleaned?
Start with something that is easy to do; toss your throw pillow covers in the wash. Buy a new bed for your dog. Vacuum and mop the pet feeding area and wash dog beds that have been around a while.
By starting small, you’ll notice positive changes and will be motivated to keep going!
If you are overwhelmed with pet funk in your home, it’s helpful to invest first in professional carpet cleaning! Textiles such as carpet, bedding, draperies, couches, and pillows harbor lingering scents.
Professional carpet cleaning is an effective solution to get started. This will help to remove the deep-set dog odor that has become embedded in your carpets over time, without destroying your carpet fibers.
When searching for a carpet cleaning company, be sure to ask about their pet odor removal services. You’ll want to find a team that is equipped to handle this. You may have to pay extra, but it’s worth it for you to start with fresh air and a clean slate.
You can choose to have this done professionally, or DIY with an at-home carpet shampooer. (See our favorite, the Hoover SmartwashHERE). If you opt to do it yourself, check our cleaning products section below for recommendations!
You’ll want to make two passes over each area- once for a pre-treatment and then again for the actual cleaning. This will help ensure all of the dirt, gunk, and smelliness is removed from your furniture.
We also highly recommend treating your furniture with a natural enzyme-based odor remover, to get rid of any residual dog smells. (See our favorite HERE)
Once you’ve done this, cover your couch! You can buy a variety of washable, waterproof pet blankets on Amazon that are comfy, cute, and washable. Tap on your favorites below to view!
Baseboards are one of those things we know we should address once in a while but rarely do.
If you have pets, this should be moved to the top of your cleaning list! Baseboards are often where stinky pet hair and dander accumulate.
Many people also fail to notice dog pee on the baseboards! Get down on your hands and knees to check, or better yet, turn off the lights and use this blacklight (from Amazon) to see exactly where the dog smell is coming from.
To clean your baseboards, start by vacuuming them with the hose attachment on your vacuum cleaner.
If there is any caked-on dirt or grime, use aMagic Eraserto easily scrub it away.
Finally, use an odor neutralizer such as Skout’s honorto take care of any residual pet odors.
You can eliminate a lot of dog stink from your home by eliminating scent from the source.
That source being…your stinky DOG! Let’s dig in…
Wash and brush your dog on a regular basis
This one is a no-brainer. The cleaner your dog is, the less they will stink up your home. Pet dander is a leading culprit of stinky, dirty homes that have a musty dog smell!
A happy bonus of regular baths and brushing is a healthy, shiny coat!
Pro-tip: don’t bath too often, however. Doing so can strip your dog of the natural oils they need to protect their own skin from allergens and irritants.
Daily brushing, however, with a Sleek-EZis highly recommended. Most dogs LOVE being brushed with this tool. It will remove loose hair, dander, and dirt without stripping oils or damaging healthy hairs. This one is a Hello Danes Favorite!!! ⬇
Launder bedding often
Dog beds suck up all of the stinky things that your dog is carrying around.
Every time your dog lays down, he brings with him any dirt, pollen, and allergens he’s encountered that day.
To keep your dog’s bed from becoming a stink magnet, launder it regularly. Most dog beds are machine washable: simply unzip the cover and wash (just check the tag to be sure).
Washing on a hot cycle with a small amount of detergent should do the trick! Air dry to prevent shrinkage.
Mopping your floors is one of the best ways to eliminate stink, BUT, I bet you’re doing it wrong!
When you add a lot of soaps and chemicals to your mopping solution, you mop a layer of goop onto your floors. This will smell good for a short while, and then will literally TRAP the dirt, dust, and grime that your pet brings in.
This is the reason you may have noticed your floors always feel grimy, sticky, and stinky!
The acidity in the vinegar will break down all of the dirt, grime, and stink without leaving behind any residue, and the O’Cedar Rinse Clean mop makes sure that you only use clean solution, not dirty mop water on your floors.
If you’re not a fan of the smell of vinegar, add a few drops of essential oil to your mop bucket for a fresh scent.
You may have to mop your floors several times to remove all of the residual soap scum, but once you are down to truly clean floors again you are going to notice a massive difference.
Once the scum is removed, plain hot water should be all you need!
For daily use, the Bissell Crosswave Pet Electric mop is fantastic. It will mop and vacuum at the same time and works on tile floors, wood floors, and laminate, too!
This is a great solution for tackling areas where mud and food tend to be tracked around. I keep mine in the kitchen to clean up our everyday messes so my house stays clean.
There is nothing worse than a dog peeing on your freshly cleaned home. If you are having potty training issues, there are a few things you can do to help your house horse (er, we mean giant breed dog) out.
Always check with your vet if there has been a sudden change in potty habits, as this can be a sign of a medical issue.
Assuming there are no health concerns, here are some tips:
-Take your dog out frequently, especially after they eat or drink, and give them plenty of time to do their business.
Use lots of positive reinforcement to encourage the correct behavior, and never scold your dog for indoor accidents. (Doing so can breed anxiety and worsen the problem).
-Use enzymatic cleaners such as Skout’s Honor or Rocco & Roxie to eliminate the odors that encourage dogs to mark
-Consider investing in belly bands or diapers as a temporary solution for dogs that are incontinent and cleared of other more serious medical issues.
Most people don’t love cleaning their homes. This is why developing a routine can help you keep things tidy enough that you never feel overwhelmed by dog odors again!
Make a relaxed cleaning schedule
While you wait for your coffee to brew, grab a damp microfiber cloth and wipe down door handles, cabinets, or counters (the Dane people KNOW what I’m saying here…) where dog slime tends to collect in your house. Or quickly brush your dog!
Keep a small handheld vacuum by your entryway. When you go to put your shoes on, take 30 seconds to suck up any dog hair, mud, or debris that has collected.
Set a timer for 15 minutes every day and use that time to clean one dog-stink spot. This can be as simple as throwing the dog bed into the wash, using a fur scraper on your couch, or running your Crosswave Mop on high traffic areas.
The key is to not overwhelm yourself by trying to do too much at once. Small changes add up over time, and before you know it you’ll be well on your way towards great habits and a healthy, clean house!
A robot vacuum is a fantastic way to keep your floors clean with very little effort. It’s a game-changer for dog owners and well worth the investment!
We recommend the iRobot Roomba for homes with pets. This model is specifically designed to deal with pet hair and features powerful suction and tangle-free brushes.
It also has a self-emptying base, so you don’t have to do a thing! Your robot will run over to the base on its own, empty itself, recharge and start again on a schedule that you create.
When addressing dog odor and stinky pet smell in your home, small changes can make a big difference.
Brushing your dog daily is something that takes just 5 minutes, but you’ll notice that your pet bedding and couch will be fresher, and stay that way longer!
You can also use a pet-specific vacuum attachment to help remove loose hair when you are actively cleaning, which can help keep dog smell at bay.
Wiping your dog’s paws after a walk will also go a long way in keeping your floors clean and free of mud and stink. Or better yet, use a MUDBUSTER!This handy device will remove dirt and mud from paws:
We recommend natural cleaning products, packaged without plastic whenever possible. This is especially important when you have pets in the home.
Why natural cleaning for dog owners matters!
Many traditional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful or irritating to your furry friends.
When using any kind of cleaner, always make sure to read the label and follow the directions carefully.
Us humans tend to use WAY more liquid and powder cleaning solution than we need! You only need a small amount: if it says a capful, that’s what they mean.
One ‘traditional’ soap we highly recommend that dog owners use for tough jobs is Dawn Power Wash. This stuff is incredible and can be used to clean everything from greasy stoves to dog crates.
Our favorite cleaning products for dog owners
Some natural cleaners that we love for everyday use are:
Anything by the Grove Collaborative (plastic-free pledge!)
Some essential oils are actually dangerous to use around dogs.
Avoid using oils that contain phenols, such as eucalyptus oil, or citrus oils like lemon and orange. These can be toxic to dogs if ingested or applied in large quantities, and may even be toxic when diffused!
If you use any kind of oil in your essential oil diffuser, do so sparingly in open rooms with pet-safe oils only.
Tea Tree oil is a popular essential oil that is extremely toxic to pets. Do not listen to sales reps who say that it’s safe because it’s “therapeutic grade”! This is nothing more than dangerous marketing.
If you do choose to use oils around your home, make sure to diffuse them properly and never leave your dog unattended in a room with an active diffuser.
Remember that your dog has an incredible nose. If you are smelling and enjoying oils, your dog may likely feel absolutely suffocated by them.
Never diffuse essential oils when your dog is in a crate and cannot escape the smell.
Choose Washable Beds & Rugs for Your Dog
Every pet home should invest in washable textiles, which can help keep the home smelling fresh.
Our favorite washable dog beds for big dogs
There are two types of dog beds that we love for Great Danes.
The BIG BARKER orthopedic foam bed was built for large and giant breed dogs. It has a tough washable cover that holds up to heavy use, and the foam supports your dog’s joints! If you want to keep your home fresh, we recommend that you only invest in dog beds with removable covers.
We also recommend an elevated cot. This can be used for teaching the ‘place’ command so that your giant dog isn’t in the way during meals or when guests are arriving. This dog cot is well priced at under$60, and washable (just use some Dawn Powerwash, a scrubber, and your hose, then air dry!)
Washable rugs are a modern, pet-friendly solution that we love. Several companies now make them. They can be pricy, but keep in mind that they are washable and will last a long time!
Some come with a pad that you place on the floor first. The ‘cover’ (or washable part) is a very thin material that can be vacuumed normally or shaken out, washed, and replaced!
We put some work in for you and found a few favorites on Amazon ↓
Some furniture companies are doing amazing things for pet owners, going so far as to make entire sectionals that are completely washable with easily replaceable cushions!
Every dog home needs a good microfiber door mat to catch the mud and dirt before it gets into your house. Mud catcher mats are easy to wash and make a huge difference in the paw prints getting onto your floors!
We also recommend keeping a dog paw washer by the door for those extra muddy days. If you have a wet dog, use this microfiber towel to dry them off (before they roll all over your couch, yikes!).
Have you ever noticed that urine smells come back, even though you thoroughly cleaned them?
It’s all about protein. Urine stains are full of it and it’s tough to destroy!
To remove the protein and ultimately the pee smell, you need to use an enzymatic cleaner. This will break down the proteins and eliminate the odor at the same time.
However, enzymatic cleaners don’t work well if you’ve already layered on 14 different soaps and scents trying to get the smell out.
Enter the urine-stain deep clean. Read on, dog lovers…
Deep clean urine out of your carpet
For your enzymatic cleaner to work (we recommend Skout’s Honor) you must first remove as MUCH urine and chemical residue as possible from the urine stain.
If the stain is old and you’ve been trying to get rid of it, the next step is to rinse rinse rinse.
Yeah, sorry. But you need to rinse the area with warm water several times. Do not use soap!
If you have a carpet cleaner, use it! If not, you can rent one from most hardware stores.
The goal here is to remove all of the soap, detergents, cleaners, and scents that had been applied before.
PRO TIP: If the stain is fresh, soak it up with a towel. Place something heavy (and washable) on the towel such as a stock pot with a few books in it and let it sit overnight. The weight will help wick the fresh urine out of the carpet.
Use the best products for eliminating urine smell
Once you’ve got a clean slate, all you should have left is the urine protein. Now you can apply your enzyme cleaner and let it do its magic!
Skout’s Honor is great for people who are sensitive to scents, as it has a VERY light fresh smell that is not overpowering.
Rocco and Roxiehas an amazing earthy fresh smell that we love, but may be overpowering to some people.
Use the spray bottle to add enough cleaner to dampen the area.
Allow it to completely dry on its own. If you still have carpet odor after this, you may need to repeat the process again but you will be much closer to the goal!
What if enzyme cleaner doesn’t remove the pee smell?
Worst case scenario: there are times when the urine proteins have saturated the foundation of your floor below the carpet.
If this has happened, you will need to remove the carpet (trash it, sorry) and use a product like KILZ to paint over the stains on your subfloor. You may also have to replace your baseboards and paint your walls, too, depending on the extend of the damage.
KILZ primers are an odor-sealing paint that will also help kill bacteria that are festering in your flooring or on your walls. Bad smells, be gone!
If you want to keep your house from smelling like a dog, you need to be diligent about cleaning up any accidents as soon as they happen. Invest in a good washable dirt-catching door mat and enzymatic cleaner, and you’ll be well on your way to a fresh-smelling dog-friendly home!
Do you have any tips for keeping your home smelling fresh and clean? Share them with us in the comments below!
How long can a dog stay home alone? Even though dog owners may never want to leave their furry friends, at times, it is absolutely necessary to leave a dog at home for a few hours.
So, as a pet parent, it’s important to know just how long you can leave your dog home alone.
After all, there will be times when you need to run errands or go to work and can’t take them with you. But don’t worry, there are ways to make sure your pup is happy and safe while you’re away.
HOW LONG CAN A DOG STAY HOME ALONE?
Dogs can have alone time for different periods of time, depending on several factors:
ALL DOGS ARE DIFFERENT AND AS A DOG OWNER YOU SHOULD TAKE THAT INTO CONSIDERATION
For example, a senior dog with separation anxiety may only be able to stay home alone for a couple of hours while a young puppy with no prior history of being left alone may be able to stay home for a longer period of time.
It’s important to note that all dogs are different and some may not do well being left home alone at all while others may thrive in it.
The best way to find out is by slowly leaving your dog home alone for short periods of time and gradually increasing the amount of time they’re alone as they get more comfortable with it.
DO DOGS HATE BEING HOME ALONE?
Dogs are social animals who value quality time and human interaction.
However, that does NOT mean that dogs or other animals ‘hate’ being left home alone.
Most dogs value alone time and ‘quiet time’, just like humans do.
In fact, some dogs may actually prefer being left home alone as they can have the entire house to themselves without having to share their space with anyone as it serves as a nice break for them.
HOW TO MAKE SURE YOUR DOG IS HAPPY WHILE YOU’RE GONE
There are a few things you can do to make sure your dog is happy while you are away.
Dogs LOVE to eat Kongs or frozen bones while their dog owners are away
Leave your dog alone after a good long session of exercise
Give your dog a puzzle or toy to play with while you are gone
Provide CBD for your furry friend to keep them calm while they are left alone
Bathroom breaks are an absolute must for any dog before you leave them alone for short OR long periods
KONGS
Kongs are a fantastic way to keep your dog happy during their alone time.
Kongs are a safe and durable toy that can be filled with your dog’s favorite treats.
This will give your furry friend something to do while you’re away and will prevent them from getting bored or anxious.
A good long walk or run before you leave will tire your dog out and make sure they are calm when you’re gone. Foundational skills in training both off leash and on leash are crucial for being able to get your dog the proper exercise that it needs!
Puzzle toys such as the Pet Zone IQ ball can help your pup stay entertained for quite awhile while they are left alone. And it is always a great idea to keep your pet busy while you are out of the house.
Many dog toys on the market are designed to help with a dog’s separation anxiety.
CBD
CBD is an all-natural way to help your pet relax while you’re away.
An empty bladder will help your dog feel more comfortable while you’re gone. Make sure to prioritize a long enough bathroom break that your dog can have some time to sniff, pee or poo. (Treats to Help Your Dog Love Potty Training)
Remember, all dogs are different and it’s important to take that into consideration when determining how long to leave your puppy or dog home alone.
If you have any questions or concerns, please consult with your veterinarian.
It is this deep connection that dog people value so much.
Human companionship is important to dogs, but so is alone time. Just like humans, dogs need some time to themselves every now and then. And that’s perfectly normal.
So, how long can a dog stay home alone? It really depends on the individual dog.
Even though both puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs all value the quality time and human companionship that they have with their human family members, it does not mean that they resent being left alone or get ‘mad’ at you when you leave the house for a few hours.
DOES MY DOG FEEL SAD WHEN I LEAVE THEM HOME ALONE?
Some dogs experience severe separation anxiety.
Separation anxiety happens when a dog becomes agitated and stressed when their human companion leaves them alone.
This can manifest itself in a number of ways, including barking, howling, chewing on furniture or clothing, pacing back and forth, or going to the bathroom inside the house.
If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with your veterinarian or a trainer to get your dog confident enough that you can leave your dog without them experiencing angst or anxiety.
GET YOUR YOUNG PUPPIES USED TO BEING LEFT ALONE
A dog’s age truly matters in preparing them to be left alone. This does not mean that an adult dog or a senior dog cannot be trained or taught independence, but starting to leave a dog home alone when they are a puppy is best.
Puppies have shorter attention spans and are more likely to forget that you are gone after a few minutes. They are also less likely to be anxious about your leaving if it is something that they are used to from a young age.
A good rule of thumb for puppies younger than 8 weeks old is that they can hold it for one hour per month of age.
For example, a two-month-old puppy can stay home alone for no more than two hours. When your puppy is four months old, it should be able to be left alone for no more than four hours.
As your puppy gets older, you can gradually increase the amount of time they are left alone until they are able to handle being by themselves for longer periods of time.
IS IT BAD TO LEAVE A DOG ALONE?
Leaving your dog home is not bad, as long as you have set up your dog for success!
Crate training, providing social engagement and mental enrichment, physical exercise and quality diet are all ways to help leave a dog home with success.
Dogs are pack animals and social animals, but they also love quiet, down time if they are trained adequately to not have separation anxiety.
As a dog owner, you should not feel ‘guilty’ leaving your dog home.
Just make sure to give your dog both human company and time with other animals and dogs to fulfil their social needs, as well as time to be alone to fulfil their need for independence.
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD I LEAVE AN ADULT DOG ALONE PER DAY?
The amount of time that a dog or puppy can be left alone will change throughout a dog’s life.
PUPPIES
As a puppy, most owners will work to be around their puppy for as long as possible.
A small pup is unable to go for very long without having a need of their owners attention, whether it be food or a potty break.
If an owner is required to work full time and brings home a puppy, it is necessary to look into professional dog walkers, neighbors, friends or family to help with the puppy.
A general rule for a puppy to be left in the house by itself is one hour per month of age, up to a maximum of eight hours.
This means that if you have an eight-week-old puppy, they can be left alone for no longer than two hours at a time.
As the puppy grows and becomes more independent, this time can gradually be increased until they are able to stay home by themselves for more than two hours.
ADULT DOGS AND SENIOR DOGS
If you have an adult dog or senior dog that does not have any health conditions, they should be able to be left at home for much longer than a puppy.
With a healthy adult dog, they should be independent to remain at home for at least six hours without needing a potty break or to be fed.
This number will change based on individual dogs, as some may need to relieve themselves more frequently than others.
As always, consult with your veterinarian to see what is best for your individual dog. age, health and breeds all play a role in how long you can leave your dog home alone.
PUPPIES AND CRATE TRAINING
Crating your pup is one of the most important things you can do when working on leaving them home alone.
This way, the pup won’t feel isolated from the family while they are away.
Puppies should only be left in the crate for short periods of time at first, such as 30 minutes to an hour.
The length of time should gradually be increased as the pup gets more comfortable with being in the crate.
It is important to make sure that the puppy has been exercised before being crated, as they will need to relieve themselves.
Puppies should not be crated for more than four hours at a time.
Crated dogs tend to have less anxiety and well crated dogs are able to relax at home for longer periods of time as their owners don’t have to worry about them eating things they shouldn’t, getting into anything dangerous, or hurting themselves.
As you can see, the question of how long can you leave your dog at home varies depending on many factors, one being whether your dog is comfortable using a crate.
PUPPIES AND POTTY BREAKS
Potty training young puppies and dogs can be difficult but is one of the most foundational and important things you can do for your dog.
Potty training also will help determine whether you can leave a dog alone or not.
If your dog is not potty trained, you will have difficulty leaving a dog alone for risk that your dog will potty in the house.
The process of potty training generally starts with taking your dog out frequently, every 30 minutes to an hour, so they can get used to going outside to relieve themselves. (Create a Potty Schedule)
As your dog gets older, bigger, and better at holding their bladder, you will be able to increase the time between potty breaks.
A general rule of thumb is that a dog who is not potty trained should go potty every time they eat, wake up, or after they play.
When you are about to leave your dog alone, make sure to make time for them to take a potty outside. If you do not make time for going potty, it will majorly impact how long you can leave a dog alone.
SENIOR DOGS AND BATHROOM BREAKS
Senior dogs need additional bathroom breaks, more so than most dogs.
If you have an older dog, you will want to be cognizant of the fact that they likely need additional bathroom breaks.
A great idea is to encourage your senior pup to use the restroom as often as possible.
Frequent bathroom visits for your dog can help prevent urinary tract infections, incontinence issues, or accidents in the house.
Your senior pets do not want to have accidents in the house, but sometimes as dogs age they cannot help it.
If your senior dog has issues with accidents in the house, you may want to look into doggy diapers or belly bands.
These products can help absorb any accidents and make cleanup a breeze.
There are many things to consider when wondering how long you can leave your dog home alone.
The best way to determine an appropriate amount of time is to consider your dog’s age, bathroom habits, and comfort level with being left home alone.
By taking all of these things into account, you can make the best decision for you and your furry friend.
GETTING DOG WALKERS FOR DOGS
One option that works well for most dogs is hiring a dog walker.
You can find a dog walker on dog walker specific apps like ‘Rover’, or by asking your neighbor or friends if they would like to frequently walk your dog.
Hiring someone to walk your dog will alleviate the pressure and stress that it might bring when you leave a dog alone.
Knowing that your dog will have a break throughout their day leaves pet parents with a better feeling and gives the dog a break in their day.
DOGGY DAYCARE FOR A DOG WHO WORKS A FULL TIME JOB
Doggy daycare CAN be a good thing, but depending on the dog, it can also be a complete mistake.
Some daycares for dogs are a total mistake in regards to that dogs training, habits, and temperament.
Before enrolling your dog in daycare, make sure to do your research on the different types of daycares and see if it is a good fit for your pup.
The best way to do this is by asking around for recommendations or reading online reviews and asking a TON OF QUESTIONS!
Questions to ask the dog daycare facility prior to signing your dog up for daycare:
What is the humans to dog ratio?
Are all dogs required to be vaccinated?
Where do the dogs rest or take breaks if they are over stimulated or need a break?
What is the process for a new dog that joins the daycare?
Do you have any liability insurance in case my dog gets injured while at daycare?
What is the emergency plan for your dog in the event that the facility has an emergency?
By asking all of these questions, you can get a better understanding of whether or not doggy daycare is right for your dog.
MENTAL ENGAGEMENT AND HOW IT HELPS WHEN YOU HAVE TO LEAVE YOUR DOG ALONE
Mental stimulation helps in tremendous ways when owners have to leave a dog alone.
Mental stimulation is the act of providing activities that challenge a dog’s problem-solving skills.
This can be done in many different ways, such as through food puzzles, Kongs stuffed with treats, or even interactive dog toys. Our favorite treats:
By providing your dog with something mental enriching, you are giving them something to do while you are away that will tire them out both mentally and physically.
This is a great way to help your dog stay calm and relaxed while you are away from home.
There are many different ways that you can provide mental stimulation for your dog.
The best way to figure out which method works best for your dog is by trial and error.
What works for one dog may not work for another, so it is important to find what works best for your furry friend.
INTERACTIVE DOG TOYS
One of the best ways to provide mental stimulation for your dog is through interactive dog toys.
Interactive dog toys are designed to keep your dog engaged and challenged while you are away from home.
For example, the PetDroid Interactive Toy helps keep your pets busy while you are gone by providing them with a variety of activities to do.
The PetDroid is an interactive dog toy that gets them moving and active even when you are gone.
They come in a variety of different styles, so you are sure to find one that your dog will love.
Some of the most popular interactive dog toys on the market include the Kong Classic Dog Toy, the StarMark Bob-A-Lot Interactive Dog Toy, and the Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Puzzle Game.
The best part about using a Furbo with your dogs is that not only is it a food dispensing toy that will keep your dog entertained and challenged, but it also has a camera inside of it, so you can watch your dogs while you are at work or the store.
It is a great way to provide mental stimulation for your dog while you are away from home.
These are just a few of the many different ways you can help your dog get its brain active and working.
HEALTH CONDITIONS THAT MIGHT IMPACT A DOG BEING LEFT ALONE
Sometimes, sick animals are unable to be left alone for as long as a healthy pet.
Sick animals can demonstrate their pain in unusual ways, like peeing in the house or demonstrating anxiety when their owners leave.
Some illnesses that might need additional attentiveness from owners include:
Gastrointestinal issueIf your dog is suffering from any of these conditions, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to see how best to care for your pet. They will be able to give you specific instructions on what you can do to help your dog succeed and help you be able to leave your dog alone for longer periods of time. (Gut health)
Put your dog on a quality probiotic to prevent many illnesses related to whole body health.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO SUCCESSFULLY LEAVE A DOG ALONE?
Yes! You can leave a dog alone at home and still find success in their behavior. When you leave a dog alone, you equip them to be independent dogs!
Just make sure that you are setting up your dogs for success when you leave them, leave them for the right amount of time for their age and energy level, and make sure to give them something to do while you’re gone if necessary.
By following these simple steps, you can leave your dog alone with no problem!
Do you have any tips to leave a dog alone successfully? How long can you leave your dog alone? Share them in the comments below!
Do you love BIG dogs? Today we’re talking about the American Great Dane. How are they different from other dogs?
We’re diving into that, as well as giving you information about Great Dane lifespan, health, and temperament, plus, how to find a Great Dane breeder!
What are American Great Danes
Before we dive into the details here, it’s important for you to know something.
‘American’ is actually just…a label.
When it comes to Great Danes, there is only one actual type! The Great Dane!
Great Danes are giant breed dogs who can weigh between 115-195 lbs. There is a written standard for the breed, written by the Great Dane Club of America or the FCI (European club) that covers everything from their temperament to their size.
Some Great Danes are labeled as ‘American’ because they have more refined features. We will dig into this below in the history section!
The American Kennel Club (AKC)
The AKC is the main national breed club that recognizes and registers Great Dane dogs in the United States.
While there are other kennel clubs around the world, the AKC is among the most well-known and respected. Most dog owners know what the AKC is, but may not be aware of how it’s important.
Beware of U.S. Great Dane Breeders who register their dogs with the ‘CKC’. There are two CKC:
Continental Kennel Club – Not reputable. Any dog can be registered, low quality.
Canadian Kennel Club – Reputable Canadian registry for dogs born and bred in Canada
So, when people talk about ‘American Great Danes’ they are simply referring to the Great Danes that are registered with the AKC.
Just because a dog is “AKC registered”, doesn’t mean that it’s an ethically bred or well-bred dog! There are many poorly structured, aggressive, off-standard “AKC Registered” “full-blooded” Great Dane dogs.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s move on!
Great Danes are a popular giant dog breed that was originally bred to hunt wild boar! With popularity comes, well, problems.
Backyard breeders jumped at the chance to breed their AKC-registered Great Danes, without consideration for how genetics may affect the structure, health, and overall conformation of the puppies.
These careless breeding practices have shortened the lives of Great Danes and perpetuated devastating health issues.
Over time, many pet Great Danes were being seen with more refined features. Their appearance was noted as “greyhound-like”, as they had a smaller build and more dainty features than the “European” Great Danes.
For the most part, these dogs and the breeders they came from have not (and do not) participated in sanctioned AKC dog show events. So there are no checks and balances.
Generally, when people want a Great Dane, they want a HUGE DOG. So it’s not surprising that many dog owners, thinking all Danes in the U.S. look like greyhounds, flocked towards breeders that were producing the heavier, droopier, stockier “Euro” hyper-type (more on this below)!
Dog shows are an opportunity for breeders to prove that their dogs meet the written breed standard set by their respective breed club (in the case of Great Danes, it’s the Great Dane Club of America).
The Great Dane (even one labeled as ‘American’) is no different! In order for a Great Dane to be shown in an AKC dog show, it must first be registered with the AKC, and second, be of structure and stature to compete against other dogs that were carefully and thoughtfully bred.
Danes that are being shown in AKC events and winning actual titles in the conformation ring display the robust, correctly-built nature of well-bred Great Danes.
Dogs that are too refined, or that could be labeled as ‘American’, do not perform well. This should be an indication to breeders that they don’t have the correct genetics to pass on, however, backyard breeders do not care.
They don’t show their dogs, because if they did, their dogs would fail.
In other words, ‘American Great Danes’ are nothing more than a classic symptom of, you guessed it, American greed.
That’s not to say that every single dog deserves love, they do. It’s not their fault. It’s the fault of the breeders. Love the dog in front of you, please!
As above, we love all Great Danes no matter what they look like or where they come from! Just because you don’t have a show dog doesn’t mean you don’t have an ideal pet for your life and home.
It’s important to keep in mind, however, that these ongoing deviations from the one Great Dane breed standard will affect the overall ‘look’ of Great Danes for years to come.
Breeders who intentionally breed for these traits should not be celebrated.
Despite their more refined look, Great Danes that are labeled as ‘American’ are still giant breed dogs!
They have specific needs when it comes to their nutrition, exercise, and overall care.
We do not recommend purchasing an ‘American’ or Miniature’ Great Dane to save space in your home.
The practice of intentionally breeding smaller dogs is unethical and may result in health problems that can be expensive and heartbreaking to deal with.
If you’re looking for a more compact dog, there are plenty of options in smaller breeds! Please do your research before bringing home a new pet, especially a giant breed one!
There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that American Great Danes are any healthier than other Great Danes. In fact, due to their often poor lineage, they may be more prone to health problems!
Miniature or ‘American’ Great Danes are still prone to:
Just because a dog is smaller does not mean it is healthier. In fact, many of the health problems listed above are common in small breeds as well!
The best way to ensure your Great Dane’s health is to purchase from a reputable breeder who health tests their dogs before breeding and focuses on the written breed standard.
Do American Great Danes make good family pets?
We love Great Danes and believe they make excellent family pets!
Great Danes that are labeled as ‘American’ or ‘Miniature’ are often the product of poor breeding and may have health and temperament problems that can make them poor family pets.
So it’s important to be diligent in your search for a Great Dane Breeder! Great pets come from excellent breeders who are focused on health, longevity, and confident, stable temperaments.
Many ‘American’ Great Danes from backyard breeders are timid, fearful, snappy, unpredictable, and even aggressive. This is hardly the ideal dog for a family with small children!
If you’re looking for a Great Dane puppy, please do your research here. We’ve included some helpful resources below for finding an ethical breeder!
All Great Danes are considered giant dogs, even ‘American Great Dane Dogs’.
They must be fed a large or giant formulation dog food, from a company that meets WSAVA standards and ethics.
We recommend Purina Pro Plan and Royal Canin, however Hills, Iam’s and Eukanuba also make appropriate foods.
Many boutique dog foods will use marketing to make you believe that their foods are healthier and of higher quality. It’s important to know the difference.
Secondary DCM, for example, is an issue where the dog’s heart fails. It often happens suddenly without warning and is seen in dogs that may be otherwise healthy, shiny, and active just moments before. Nutritional (secondary) DCM is caused by poorly formulated boutique dog foods.
A European Great Dane is a dog that was bred and born in Europe. Dogs who are bred to the European Great Dane written standard are nearly identical to those who are bred to the GDCA (American) written standard.
Which brings us to the ‘EURO’ Great Dane!
Is a ‘Euro’ Dane and a ‘European’ Dane the same thing?
No. A ‘Euro’ Dane is a Great Dane that has been bred with larger, droopier features. They are considered hyper-type Great Danes.
Many Great Dane Puppies that are sold with the ‘Euro’ label have very little, if any European lineage.
These dogs are often intentionally oversized, and their health and temperament can be questionable.
‘American’ and ‘Euro’ Great Danes are not actually a type or variation of Great Danes. Both are simply labels that indicate dogs who were bred out of standard.
A ‘European Great Dane’, on the other hand, is simply a Great Dane that was born in Europe!
GDCA vs. FCI written standard
The Great Dane Club of America breed standard and the FCI (Europe) breed standard for Great Danes are nearly identical.
What does this mean? A Great Dane dog who is thoughtfully bred, from either Country, should be comparable when it comes to structure, stature, and temperament.
Are European Great Danes healthier?
It can depend on the breeder!
While it’s rare for ‘EURO’ Great Danes to be healthier by nature, dogs bred to the FCI standard from health-tested parents will be much more robust, long-lived dogs in general.
This is because the marketing terms ‘American’ and ‘Euro’ are hallmark traits of backyard breeding.
A ‘Euro’ Great Dane that is planned for breeding. Notice her extremely bad feet and lack of angulation.
Why do ‘Euro’ Danes have droopy eyes?
This is a trait that is considered a significant fault in both the American and European written standards for Great Danes.
Droopy eyes are associated with:
Entropion
Ectropion
Dry eye
Glaucoma
Cherry eye
These problems can be painful and expensive to treat. Some of them can even lead to blindness!
‘Euro’ Great Danes are often bred with this fault intentionally, as it is considered a ‘ stylish’ look.
European Great Dane Temperament
The temperament of a well-bred European Great Dane should be no different than the temperament of a well-bred American Great Dane.
Both are gentle giants, who are patient and loving with children when they are bred from excellent parent dogs and socialized well. They are also intelligent, loyal, and low-maintenance dogs that make great family pets.
The only difference in temperament may be due to the fact that European Great Danes are often not as widely available in the United States, so they may be less familiar to American dog owners.
This can make them seem ‘exotic’ or ‘different’, when in reality, they are just the same wonderful breed of dog!
The written standard for Great Danes in America and Europe is nearly identical!
A well-bred Great Dane from either Country will be comparable in terms of structure, stature, and temperament.
They will be friendly, courageous, confident, strong, lean, and well-muscled. They will have the angular brick-on-brick heads that Great Dane dogs are known for, with almond-shaped eyes (not droopy) and large, tight feet.
Good angulation means that they will move in a graceful, reaching way.
Well-bred Danes do not lumber around with their droopy heads hung down; they will glide, reach, and move forward as if they are weightless.
A well-bred Brindle Great Dane and puppy that could compete in the show ring in Europe or the U.S.
American vs. European Great Danes
The written Great Dane breed standard in both countries indicates that Great Danes should:
Have excellent front and rear angulation (for drive, reach, movement, and to lower the risk of orthopedic damage)
Have robust muscle and bone
Be lean, muscular, and graceful, not be stocky or refined
Have nice tight almond-shaped eyes free of droop, with no haw showing
Be friendly and courageous
While there may be some slight variations in appearance between them, overall, American and European Great Danes are very similar!
In other words, there is very little difference between American and European Great Danes, other than where they were born!
Both are gentle giants that make great family pets.
Here is a European Great Dane photo, from an ethical European breeder:
American and European Danes are…identical.
Where did Great Danes come from?
Great Danes originated in Germany! All Great Danes have European lineage, decades down the line, as a result.
The first recorded appearance of a dog that resembled a Great Dane was in Germany in the 16th century.
These dogs were known as ‘Boar Hounds’, and they were used for hunting wild boar.
While there are many different theories about how the Boar Hounds came to be, it is certain that they were bred from a mix of different hunting dogs, including the Irish Wolfhound, the English Mastiff, and the Greyhound.
The Great Dane we know and love today began to take shape in the 19th century.
Great Danes were originally bred to be large and imposing dogs; however, over time, breeders began to focus on developing the dog’s gentle and loving personality.
Today, Great Danes are still bred in Germany; however, they are also popular all over the world, including in the United States!
Great Danes are one of America’s favorite giant dog breeds!
A “well-bred” Great Dane is a dog that was bred ethically, thoughtfully, and carefully for health, structure, and temperament.
This means that the breeder:
Has a robust pedigree that has been proven in AKC or FCI sanctioned events for conformation (dog shows), obedience (Canine Good Citizen, for example), sports (scent, dock diving, etc.), or work (therapy, search and rescue).
Carefully chose both parents
Can prove that the pedigree is free of bloat, DCM/heart disease, blood clotting disorders, genetic aggression/fear/shyness, cancer, and wobblers (all genetic and all early killers of Great Danes)
Obtained a CHIC number for both parents, indicating that both were tested for hips, heart, eyes, and thyroid (check your breeder’s attention to detail here! Search the OFA Database where health testing results are registered. Is your breeder not listed or only did a few tests? Congrats, you’ve found a backyard breeder!)
Breed scams are RAMPANT. Many fake breeders are out there with cute puppy photos, trying to get you to place a deposit so they can “ship” you a puppy.
These people are scammers and have no puppy to sell you. Know the signs. Thousands of people each year fall for this scam and once the money is gone, it’s gone.
The only place to find an ethically and well-bred puppy is by starting your search with your local breed club.
You can search for a Great Dane breeder in the U.S. here! Note that many of these breeders have pretty terrible websites.
That means they are spending more time raising puppies than they are marketing themselves. This is an important distinction.
Reach out and ask questions! If they don’t have a litter available, they may know up-and-coming breeders who do.
What should I ask my Great Dane Breeder?
It is very rude to send emails to breeders with a list of questions that you want them to answer.
Instead, begin your communication with some information about you and your family, including your experience with Great Danes and why you are looking to purchase an ethically bred puppy.
Once the conversation is rolling, you can ask questions to determine if you are the right fit!
Many pet owners find, in speaking with a well-established and reputable Great Dane breeder, that they aren’t a good fit, and this is ok!
It’s better that you make the right decision before you bring the puppy home, rather than making a mistake and realizing you have to re-home your dog when they become too big for you to handle.
The relationship you have with this breeder will be for the life of the puppy, so it’s important that you and the breeder share the same values.
You can then ask the breeder, as part of the conversation:
What should I know about raising a Great Dane puppy?
Great Danes are giant dogs, which means they have some special considerations. It does not matter if they have been labeled as an “American Dane”, “Euro”, or are a European Great Dane.
For example, Great Danes must be fed a high-quality diet. Puppies are prone to a number of painful growth disorders, such as knuckling, that can cause permanent deformities if they are fed the wrong food.
They are also susceptible to hip dysplasia and other joint problems, so it is important to keep them at a healthy weight. This means that they should be kept lean and muscular!
Can I deal with slobber, water drips, heat cycles, smegma, huge hairy balls, slime, and giant farts?
How do I feel about having a dog in my home that can take up an entire couch, may not fit in my car, won’t be able to travel on an airplane, and might scare the neighbors, children, and other dogs just because of its size?
Am I prepared to exercise my dog regularly, preferably off-leash with training (off-leash exercise is ideal for Great Danes!)?
Do I have a huge pooper scooper, and can I handle giant piles of mushy, slimy poop if the situation arises?
Have I read up on the difference between a dog that is a true guard dog, and a dog that is simply fearful, timid, and unstable?
Did I teach my children to respect dogs’ space, and did I give them tools and information on how to safely interact with puppies and dogs?
Am I ok with responsibly keeping a giant dog intact until 18-24 months of age (best for orthopedic development), even when people are ‘grossed out’ or shocked by it?
Will I put time and effort into understanding dog body language, so that my Great Dane never intimidates, hovers, or is rude to people or dogs?
Will I keep the nails short, brush my dog’s teeth, get my dog vaccinated, use parasite preventatives, clean my dog’s ears, and talk to my veterinarian?
Do I really need a Great Dane, or are other large dog breeds a better fit for my lifestyle?
Do you like modern positive+balanced off-leash dog training, science-based information, life with Danes, educated ownership and chatting with other like-minded people?
Knowing the signs of stress in dogs can help pet parents know when their dog is stressed, what normal behaviors are vs. anxious dog’s body language, and ultimately help them keep their dog’s stress levels under control.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE COMMON SIGNS OF STRESS IN DOGS?
Many dogs feel stressed out over a variety of situations. If you think your dog is feeling anxious, they may show some of the following signs:
PANTING AND PACING
Panting or pacing: If your dog is feeling stress, they may start to pant excessively or pace back and forth. This is their way of trying to burn off excess energy and calm themselves down.
Shaking or trembling: Shaking or trembling can also be a sign that your dog is feeling stressed. This is usually accompanied by panting and pacing, as well as a wide-eyed, panicked look.
YAWNING
Yawning: Yawning may seem like an odd sign of stress, but it’s actually your dog’s way of trying to relieve tension.
LIP LICKING
Lip licking: Licking lips is another common sign that your dog is feeling stress. This is usually a calming signal that dogs use to try and diffuse a stressful situation.
EXCESSIVE SLEEPING
Abundance of sleeping: Some dogs will sleep to alleviate stress.
You should make sure you give your dog plenty of rest, but if they begin to sleep for a long period of time throughout the day, it may be their method of communicating to you that they feel stress.
Provide them with mental stimulation, get them active, and help them sleep and rest in short periods throughout the day that can help them feel their best.
FORWARD FACING EARS
Forward facing ears: In stressful situations, a dog may show body language that includes forward-facing ears.
STIFF BODY LANGUAGE
Stiff body language: Stiffness in the body can be a sign of stress, especially if your dog is usually relaxed and loose in their movements.
DESTRUCTIVE CHEWING
Destructive chewing: Some dogs will start to chew on things more when they’re feeling anxious. This may be due to boredom, or it could be a way to relieve stress.
Crate training is a great way to treat anxiety in dogs who are demonstrating stress.
Sometimes your pup just needs a break from the humans, kids, or other dogs in the home.
Giving your dog their favorite toy, favorite treats, or a meal in their crate can help relieve stress and help create a safe space.
TUCKED TAIL
Tucked Tail: When a pet is in fear or feels stress, sometimes they tuck their tail, a key indicator in your dog’s behavior that the dog is stressed.
If you notice your dog has a tucked tail in a situation that your dog likes typically, such as at a park surrounded by excited children or driving in a car, you should leave that situation or try to find solutions for the anxiety, as it is likely that your dog is experiencing stress.
WHALE EYE
Whale Eye: Dog owners can look for dilated pupils as stress signs in dogs.
Dilated pupils can occur in a dog who is experiencing stress because of fear, anxiety, or aggression.
If you notice large eyes on your pup, try to make eye contact and help calm their stress. Remain calm and speak to them in a low voice to soothe their stress level.
BARKING
Barking: Some dogs will resort to barking when they are anxious. Pet parents should identify the root cause for their dog barking before beginning to resolve the barking.
If dog owners attempt to make their dog stop barking with a tool like a bark collar and the root cause of the barking is fear, it could make the problem worse and create more stress in the long run.
WHY IS MY DOG SUDDENLY EXPERIENCING STRESS AND ANXIETY?
If your dog is showing new signs of feeling stress, it’s important to figure out what is causing the anxiety. There are many different things that can cause a dog to feel anxious, and it’s often a combination of several factors. Some common causes of stress in dogs include:
Change in routine: Dogs thrive on routine and predictability. Any change in their daily routine can cause them to feel stressed and anxious. This could be something as simple as a change in the time you walk them, or it could be a major life event like a move to a new house.
Lack of socialization: Dogs who don’t get enough socialization can start to feel anxious and stressed. This is because they’re not used to being around people and other animals, and they don’t know how to act in social situations.
Loud noises: Dogs can be sensitive to loud noises, whether it’s the sound of fireworks or construction work. This can cause them to feel stressed and anxious.
New environments: If your dog isn’t used to being in new environments, it can be very stressful for them. This could be anything from going to the vet’s office to going on a hike.
Health Issues: If your furry friend is normally rather calm and hardly reacts in anxious situations, but you’ve noticed lately that there are signs your dog is stressed, there could be a health indicator that is making your dog feel anxious.
As you can see, there are many different things that can cause a dog to feel stressed and anxious. If you think your dog is feeling stressed, it’s important to figure out what is causing the anxiety and try to remove or reduce those
WHAT CAUSES STRESS IN DOGS?
There are a variety of things that can cause stress in dogs.
Some dogs may be anxious due to genetics, while others may have traumatic experiences that have led to a fear of certain situations or objects. Here are some common causes of stress in dogs:
Loud noises: Dogs may be afraid of loud noises such as thunderstorms, fireworks, or construction work.
Changes in routine: Dogs may become stressed when their routine is changed, such as when a family member goes on vacation or there is a change in the household dynamic.
Separation anxiety: Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety, which can be triggered by anything from being left alone for too long to having a change in their daily routine.
Lack of exercise: A dog who isn’t given enough exercise may start to become anxious and stressed. This is because they have all this built-up energy with nowhere to release it.
Stressful situations: Some dogs cannot handle situations like a parade, crowded places, or meeting new people. This can lead to a feeling of anxiety or stress.
HOW TO HELP AN ANXIOUS DOG
There are a few things you can do to help an anxious dog.
IDENTIFY THE TRIGGER OF ANXIETY FOR YOUR DOG
First, it’s important to understand what is causing your dog’s anxiety. Once you know the trigger, it will be easier for both you and and your dog to avoid that situation that makes your dog stressed in the first place.
For example, if your dog is anxious around other dogs, try to avoid taking them to the dog park or on walks in areas where there are a lot of dogs.
CREATE A SAFE SPACE FOR YOUR DOG
If you know your dog is going to be in a situation that makes them anxious, create a safe space for them to retreat to if they need it. This could be a crate or a quiet room where they can go to feel calm and safe.
If your dog is feeling stress, provide them with comfort in the form of treats, petting, or anything else that will help them relax. These Snuggle Puppies are a great tool to help your dog feel safe!
There are a variety of dog-calming products on the market that can help to ease your dog’s anxiety. These include things like dog appeasing pheromones, calming CBD, and supplements.
Since gut health is linked to anxiety, and gut health is also linked to bloat, it is clear to see that all three are heavily related: gut health, anxiety and bloat.
Feeding your dog an appropriate diet can help to relieve internal gut health and over time will help your dog relax and feel more like themselves. Consider adding in a Veterinarian approved probiotic:
Coping with anxiety in dogs is never an easy feat, but most dogs can learn to live very happy and normal lives. Just like humans, your pup will learn to navigate what triggers their stress and what they can handle.
It is up to you as their advocate and owner to keep their dog stress to a minimum and help your pet live the healthiest life possible.
Vet visits are stressful, loud, sometimes painful and often overwhelming for our furry friends.
The good news is, there are things you can do to help your dog feel more comfortable at the vet.
Here are a few tips for pet owners who have anxious dogs in the Veterinary office.
ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR DOGS FEAR IS NORMAL
Vet visits are not fun for any dog, and most dogs have stress hormones that are released at the vet.
Your dog’s vet visit is full of loud noises, so many dogs or other animals, a busy waiting area, a cold exam table, a veterinary staff that might feel like a threat to your dog.
Your dog’s fear is NOT irrational.
When you take your dog to the vet, acknowledge that your dog’s behavior is ‘normal’.
However, even though the anxious dog behavior is normal, most vets and pet parents want to work with their pet to help them overcome their anxiety and fear and help them create a positive association with the vet and vet office.
REMAIN CALM AND TRY GIVE POSITIVE FEELINGS
When pet owners are taking their dog to the vet’s office, they should make their best efforts to create happy visits with calm energy.
Dog behavior is highly indicative of their owner’s energy, so as much as possible keep positive and comfortable/calm.
Going to the vet is not a time to play or have a party, but it should not be a time of stress and anxiety for either you or your dog.
USE ANTI ANXIETY MEDICATIONS
If your dog has severe anxiety, your veterinarian can prescribe medication to help take the edge off.
There are also many natural supplements that can be used for dogs who have mild to moderate anxiety.
These can often be found at your local pet store or online.
Some of these products have calming pheromones that can help soothe anxious dogs.
Other products contain ingredients like chamomile, L-theanine, and tryptophan, which all have calming effects on dogs.
A product called Solliquin is a popular choice for helping with vet office anxiety in dogs because it contains both pheromones and tryptophan.
SPEAK WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN ABOUT HOW TO REDUCE STRESS
Your vet will be able to work with you on what processes you can do prior to vet visits to help your dog’s behavior.
If your dog is afraid of other dogs, for example, your vet should provide you with a waiting room separate from the other dogs.
If your dog hates strangers, perhaps your waiting room can be separated from other people.
Most veterinary offices are equipped to accommodate for each individual dog and their behavior. It is up to the dog owners to advocate for their dogs and speak to the vet staff about what their dog needs to help their fear at the vet.
IF YOU ARE GOING TO A NEW VET, BE TRANSPARENT
Going to a new vet’s office is a scary transition for any dog, and sometimes even owner.
If you are going to a new vet, be sure to speak with the new vet about any positive experiences you had with your last vet that you may want to duplicate with this new vet.
Likewise, speak with the new vet’s office about your dog’s anxiety and what body language they can look for to prevent any undesirable or aggressive behaviors in the veterinary clinic.
If your dog is on medication for their anxiety, be sure to bring a list of those medications and the dosage to the new vet’s office.
This will help the new vet determine if they want to continue with the same treatment plan or change it up based on their own observations.
HAVE A FEAR FREE VET VISIT PLAN
Working with your veterinarian, you can create a fear free visit plan for your dog. This may include things such as:
Pre-visit planning and discussion with your veterinarian
Arriving at the vet office during off peak hours
Check in via phone or online to avoid the waiting room
Asking the vet staff to wear scrubs instead of lab coats
Using a towel or sheet to cover the exam table
These are just a few ideas, and you can work with your veterinarian to come up with a plan that will work best for your dog.
The most important thing is that you advocate for your dog and their needs, so that they can have a positive experience at the vet.
Dogs are scared of going to the vet because of all the new sights, smells, and sounds. With a vet that is willing to work with anything that your dog hates, your dog should be able to cope with the behavior.
LOOK FOR A FEAR FREE VET
Some veterinarians offer ‘Fear Free’ services for their entire practice.
For example, if your dog is not comfortable wearing a surgery suit after their spay, your vet might offer a ‘wrap and snuggle’ service instead.
This means that your dog will be wrapped in a soft fleece blanket during their surgery, which will provide both warmth and comfort.
After their surgery, they will be given extra time to wake up in a quiet room before being released to you.
There are many different ways that veterinarians can make the veterinary experience more Fear Free for your dog, so it is definitely worth looking into if you have a particularly anxious dog.
Dogs should not be scared of going to the vet, and with these tips, you can help your dog overcome their fear of the vet.
LOOK INTO HOME VISITS OR MOBILE VETS
Some dog owners find that using a mobile veterinary clinic comes with fewer stressors for their dogs because it eliminates many of the unknowns associated with going to a new place.
A mobile vet will come right to your door, which can help reduce your dog’s anxiety about going somewhere new.
If the dog anxiety is so bad that they are having major behavior issues at the vet, house calls can be a life saver.
During an at-home vet visit, the vet will make your home the exam room!
Typically, pets are MUCH more comfortable in the comfort of their home, so even if a dog hates going to the vet, they are comfortable if a vet comes to them!
WITH ANY AGGRESSIVE DOG, MUZZLE TRAIN
Muzzle training is a good idea for all dogs, in the event that any dog has to wear a muzzle.
However, with an aggressive dog, it is even more important that they are muzzle trained for their vet visit.
If your dog hates going to the vet so much that they have demonstrated dog aggression, using a muzzle is NOTHING to be ashamed of.
Get your dog comfortable wearing a muzzle and create positive associations with lots of treats and enthusiasm.
As your dog begins to see that the muzzle will not hurt them, you can begin to use the muzzle at the vet.
If your dog bites, has aggressive tendencies to other pets, humans or other dogs, shows any form of dog aggression behavior, etc, then they should be muzzled for the safety of the vet clinic and their workers.
A dog bite that happens at the vet is typically a behavior that stems from fear or pain: NOT aggression.
However, even if a dog bites out of fear or pain at the vet, it can still cause tremendous damage and pain to whomever they have bitten, so it is always best to prevent the behavior before it happens.
Going to the vet can be a painful experience if your dog is injured or sick.
If this is the case, your dog might need medication to help them cope with the pain of going to the vet.
There are many different types of pain medication that your vet can prescribe for your dog, so be sure to ask about it if you think that might be the case.
Your dog’s behavior could also be associated with a previous traumatic event that happened at the vet.
For example, if your dog was once given a shot at the vet that caused them a lot of pain, they may now associate vet visits with getting shots and being in pain.
In this case, you will want to work with your veterinarian to make sure that your dog’s experience at the vet is as positive as possible so that they can overcome their previous trauma.
There are many different ways to help a dog who is scared of the vet, and it is important to work with your veterinarian to find what will work best for your dog. With a little bit of effort, you can help your dog overcome their fear of the vet and have a positive experience at their next visit.
What has worked for you in the past? Let us know in the comments below!
Owners of nervous dogs are always looking for ways to calm dog anxiety in car rides.
Many dogs experience anxiety in the car. Even though a car ride may seem harmless to a human who is used to car travel, car anxiety is relatively normal for dogs.
If your dog is anxious in the car, there are a few things you can do to ease their anxiety and make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
This will help them feel more comfortable and relaxed in the car, rather than feeling anxious and scared.
There are a few ways you can do this, but one of the most important parts is to gradually introduce your dog to the car.
If your dog is anxious in the car, gradually introduce them to the car will help them to feel more comfortable and relaxed in the car, rather than feeling anxious and scared.
One way to gradually introduce your dog to the car is to take them on short trips around the block.
This will help them get used to the motion of the car and being in a confined space.
If your dog isn’t used to car rides, getting them in the car quickly can worsen their anxiety. It’s best to get them used to the car gradually so that they have a positive association with it.
You can start by leaving the door open and letting them sniff around and explore the car on their own. Once they seem comfortable , you can try getting in the car with them and giving them treats.
If they seem scared or anxious, it’s best to take things slowly and not force them into the car.
PREVENT MOTION SICKNESS
Motion sickness is a common problem for dogs that experience anxiety in the car.
There are a few things you can do to help prevent your dog from getting car sick:
Feed them a light meal before driving
Make sure they have plenty of fresh air
Use car sickness medication
Provide lots of cool water. Your dog’s water should be accessible often.
Keep your car cool
If your dog starts feeling sick, lip licking, or showing mild discomfort, pull the car over in a safe area and let your dog take a break. Getting out of the car often will help with motion sickness, which is often a major trigger of dog’s anxiety.
CAR FANS THAT MANY DOGS WILL LOVE FOR CAR RIDES
If you ride in the car often, you will want to invest in a car fan, which helps dogs get fresh air on their face. Having cool air can help with motion sickness and help them not get car sick during car travel.
PRACTICE CALM BEHAVIOR
Your dog is looking to you for how they should act and feel while riding in the car.
Overcoming dog car anxiety is much in part related to how you, the owner, act while you are taking car trips.
Are you blasting heavy metal music, or are you beginning the car ride with soothing music to set the tone correct and help your anxious dog feel better?
Is your energy level stressful, are you amped up on the phone during car rides?
Your dog is picking up on any extreme anxiety that you have. Many pet owners might not even realize that they use car rides as a time to decompress.
If you have your dog in the car with you, be careful to keep the car a safe and happy place to help your dog associate the car rides with something happy.
A dog’s sense of intuition is much stronger than pet owners realize. Also, a dog’s level of how in tune they are with their pet owners is much deeper than they realize. If you like to calm your dog, work to calm yourself.
TAKE CAR RIDES TO FUN PLACES
A happy German Shepherd mix breed dog is smiling with his tounge hanging out and his eyes closed as he sticks his head out the family car window while drving down the road.Dog (labrador retriever) looking out of a car window on a rainy day.
Most of the time when a dog takes car rides, they are traveling to the vet’s office.
Dogs usually do not love going to the vet, thus they get car related anxiety.
Switch things up as often as you can. Take your dog on car rides to fun places too!
Take a car ride to the park
Take a car ride to dog parks, just make sure the dog park is safe and calm
Take a car ride to have a visit with other dogs
Take a car ride to a pet friendly store and get your dog a special treat
As much as you can, take your dog to fun places. Most dogs will begin to associate the car with exciting outings, and the car anxiety will eventually dissipate.
TAKE SHORT TRIPS
Car anxiety is usually not ‘random’.
Some dogs do not like to travel for extended periods of time, but it doesn’t mean they will always hate long car rides.
For starters, try to calm your dog in the car by taking them on short car rides.
Begin to take your dog on a car ride that is as short as just down the driveway and back up.
Get ready with lots of treats!
As your dog begins to not get as anxious on the short car rides, you can start to increase the amount of time that you are gone.
If your car ride is going to be longer, a few hours, make sure that you are taking the time to
INVEST IN A CAR HARNESS OR SEATBELT
A car harness or car seatbelt is an excellent way to help a dog with car anxiety.
The harness will help keep your dog safe and secure while in the car.
A seatbelt will also help to keep your dog from roaming around the car, which can often make car sickness worse.
There are many different types of car harnesses and seatbelts on the market, so take some time to find one that will work best for your dog and your vehicle. Here are some recommendations of products that can help calm your dog:
CAR SEATBELT:
This car seatbelt will help your dog feel more secure while in the car and help to keep them from pacing around or getting car sick.
CAR HARNESS:
This is a great harness that will help to keep your dog calm and secure while in the car. The harness is made with breathable fabric to help keep your dog cool and comfortable.
CRATE TRAINING
Crate training can help with car anxiety, car sickness, and just dog anxiety in general.
If possible, use a crate in the car for your dog and it could solve a ton of your problems with dog anxiety in the car.
Dogs love the Dr. Harveys treats, they are minimal ingredients which are great for dog’s motion sickness in the car, and they can help turn travel anxiety into making dogs love the car.
If your dog has a toy that they love, be sure to bring it to help their travel anxiety.
If you are looking for a toy that can help your dog with travel anxiety, look into the Snuggle Puppies.
Snuggle Puppies help by mimicking a heartbeat sound and feeling, which can help your dog feel physically secure, like they have a friend with them in the car.
The Snuggle Puppy might help your dog’s car anxiety.
GET A BIG BARKER SUV BED
Your dog’s car anxiety probably has somewhat to do with the movement, sudden turns, and feeling like they are lacking control.
The Big Barker SUV bed helps your dog feel like they aren’t going to roll around in the back.
With comfort and security, your dog car anxiety will diminish.
The Big Barker SUV bed is sturdy enough, but also relaxing and comfortable.
Purchase here.
KEEP THE DOG IN THE BACK OF THE CAR SAFELY
When your dog starts climbing up in to the front of the car, their car anxiety is going to get worse.
In order for your dog to feel safe and have less car anxiety, they need to have a space that they feel secure.
So, it is important to have a barrier between the driver and the dog.
This one is affordable and strong, and will provide your dog with a barrier to keep them in the back seat, which will ultimately contribute to a decrease in the car anxiety.
USE CBD OR OTHER CALMING SUPPLEMENTS
Using anti anxiety medication can take a toll on your dog and leave you with a tired dog.
It CAN be the right choice to use prescription medications, but sometimes you may just want to use dog CBD.
Using CBD for your dogs is a great way to help them stay grounded and calm in a moving vehicle.
When you give your dog their CBD, if you also play calming music or classical music, it can help give your dog additional relaxation.
IN CONCLUSION
So, although your dog may be afraid of the car right now, with some counter conditioning and desensitization, you can help your dog feel better about car rides.
If you have a dog with car anxiety, there are many things that you can do to help ease their anxiety.
First, try to find the root of the problem. If they are anxious about being in the car, start by making car rides fun and positive experiences.
Bring along their favorite toy or some high value treats to help them associate the car with something positive.
You can also try using a dog crate or hammock in the car to give them their own space.
And finally, consider using CBD or other calming supplements to help ease their anxiety.
With some patience and effort, you can help your dog overcome their car anxiety and enjoy car rides again.
Ingredient splitting in dog food is the dubious practice of rearranging labels to make the ingredients list look ‘healthy’. Like most dog owners, you want to ensure that your pup is eating the best nutrition possible.
How does ingredient splitting work? What does that mean, and should you be worried about your bag of pet food?
Ingredient Splitting in Dog Food: a uniquely boutique problem
The pet food industry is a growing multi-billion dollar franchise with new boutique diets popping up every single day. It is estimated that there are 300-400 new ones, each year!
Every new brand wants a piece of the pie and will say what they need to in order to gain your trust – and your money.
In this blog post, we’ll answer all of your questions about ingredient splitting in dog food and help you decide what nutrition is best for your giant breed dog!
What is Ingredient Splitting in Dog Kibble?
Ingredient splitting is when a pet food company takes a whole ingredient (for example, peas, oats, salt, or corn), and then lists it under multiple different names on the ingredients list.
This is a sneaky trick that makes the food look like it has more meat and high-quality, whole foods at the top of the ingredients list than it actually does.
Common pet food ingredients subjected to splitting
Below are some examples of common whole foods that may be split up on an ingredient list. Keep in mind that one single item, such as pea fiber, is ok. The problem is when a company uses multiple items from the whole ingredient, indicating that they are likely using splitting.
Peas may be listed as:
Peas
Whole Peas
Pea Protein
Pea Fiber
Pea Flour
Pea Starch
Green Peas
Yellow Peas
Corn may be listed as:
Corn
Corn Meal
Corn Gluten Meal
Corn Flour
Corn Starch
Whole Grain Ground Corn
Potatoes may be listed as:
Potatoes
Potato flour
Potato protein
Dried Potatoes
Whole Potatoes
Potato starch
Oats may be listed as:
Oats
Whole Oats
Oatmeal
Oat Groats
Oat Flour
Oat Fiber
Additionally, food companies may choose to use multiple versions of the same food so that each one makes up a smaller weight. Examples include:
Yellow peas, green peas, split peas
Red lentils, yellow lentils, green lentils
By turning a single, whole item into separate ingredients on paper, dog food manufacturers can artificially inflate the perception of real meat content in the food, even if it’s not the most abundant ingredient.
How Pet Food Manufacturers Fool Dog Owners
The FDA regulates what goes on pet food labels in the United States, but there are still ways for companies to manipulate their ingredient lists.
For example, a company could put ‘chicken’ as the first ingredient on their food list. But because “fresh” chicken contains roughly 70% water, it could actually be of lower content than other ingredients (once the kibble is extruded).
It would still be listed first, however, because labeling requirements state that ingredients must be listed based on their pre-cooked (water included) weight.
Ingredient splitting further ensures that chicken stays at the top, even though most of its weight and bulk of it is lost during the cooking process. Read our section on by-products below to learn more!
Water content is not required to be listed on pet food brand labels so that companies can get away with this.
Marketing in commercial dog food
The dog food industry is a multi-billion dollar market with thousands of companies fighting for market share.
To differentiate their products, pet food companies will use marketing tricks such as:
-Attractive packaging, often with photos of vegetables, fruits, and skinless, boneless fresh, or roasted meats
-Making bold claims of robust health and longevity
-“Humanizing” their ingredients (“Farm Fresh Deboned Chicken”)
-Placing large amounts of different fruits and vegetables in the ingredients list (which appeal to the consumer but do little for nutritional content)
-Using celebrity and influencer endorsements, including viral pet owners on social media, “veterinarians”, and “nutrition experts”
-Relying on unregulated marketing terms such as “holistic”, “human-grade” and “super-premium”
These tricks are NOT actually an indication of a product being “higher quality”, though people perceive it that way.
How Ingredient Splitting Math Works
Let’s do the math!
If I have 10oz of “widgets” and 8oz of Fresh Roast Beast in my kibble, by law I have to list “widgets” first (because they weigh the most, before cooking).
BUT I want people to believe that roast beast is the primary ingredient, so I break “widgets” up to keep it on the top of the list (and add some yummy-sounding ingredients in minute amounts to appeal to the customer)
10oz of “widgets” becomes (for example):
5oz of widget fiber
3oz of widget starch
2oz of widget protein
Each one has smaller pre-cooking weights that add up to the original 10oz, but because they now individually weigh less than the roast beast, they can move down the ingredients list.
Widgets as a whole, however, still outnumber the meat in the final extruded product…especially once all of the water is removed from the roast beast!
My new more ‘appetizing’ looking formula might look like this, even though the ingredients are essentially the same:
Fresh deboned roast beast, rice, widget fiber, roast beast fat, green lentils, widget starch, widgets, pumpkin, widget protein, red lentils, squash, green lentils, choline chloride, apples, fish oil, potassium chloride, vitamins & minerals.
Companies that practice ingredient splitting are not being truthful to their consumers. Savvy consumers should ask questions and move well beyond the “holistic” and “super-premium” marketing labels.
Ingredient splitting is one of the pet food industry’s biggest, most dirty marketing tricks.
Real-Life Example #1 – Ingredient Splitting
Here is an example of a boutique dog food that uses ingredient splitting to make its formula look meat-focused. This brand uses ‘premium grade’, ‘organic’, and ‘biologically appropriate’ marketing terms. They also promote that their brand has ‘meat in the first ingredient’.
Peas, pea starch, and pea protein all add up to…PEAS. We can reasonably assume that peas are ingredient #2, or even #1 by weight because both lamb tripe and fresh salmon are heavy in water (before cooking).
They have also split salt into 3 different ingredients so that it’s lower on the ingredients list than the pumpkin, spinach, broccoli, and other ‘nutritious’ foods that were included in minuscule amounts for marketing purposes.
This healthy-looking ‘holistic’ brand contains very little meat meal (meat+bone+organs) and no animal fats; two things that are, in fact, biologically appropriate.
When you learn to look past the marketing and read labels correctly, the results are shocking:
Pet Kind Tripe & Salmon Formula
Real-Life Example #2: Ingredient Splitting
See below and note the use of multiple versions of the same ingredients (red and green lentils, green and yellow peas), which is a form of ingredient splitting.
Also take note of the addition of kelp, collard greens, apples, pears, and pumpkin. These items are listed after salt on the ingredients list, indicating that they make up only a few grams per pound (or less) in the food.
The marketing on the bag makes you think that this is a healthy, well-balanced meat feast for your dog. What you are really getting may be nothing more than a bag of meat-flavored lentils, beans, and vegetables.
Lastly, in their effort to avoid the word ‘by-product meal’ (which has unfortunately negative connotations despite being incredibly nutritious), they have utilized multiple forms of kidney, liver, and tripe instead.
All of those things are in fact, by-products.
Acana Red Meat Recipe
Real-Life Example #3: Ingredient Splitting
The next example is from Earthborn Holistics Large/Giant Breed formula. The blue bag with the Great Dane on it!
This popular food in the Great Dane community is full of ingredient splitting. As you can see, this practice is not uncommon and has been made to mislead you!
By now, you may start to see the splitting happening. If not, here is the run-down.
Chicken meal is fantastic. It’s followed by rice, oatmeal and oats.
But wait, aren’t oatmeal and oats the same thing!?
They are. But by splitting them, this company effectively moved chicken fat down into the 5th spot on the ingredients list.
Some studies have shown that chicken fat in the first 4 ingredients increases the risk of deadly bloat in dogs.
EDITORS NOTE:
The only acceptable forms of chicken fat high on the list in large/giant breed foods will be from companies who use a well-sourced by-product meal in the first ingredient. This is a biologically correct inclusion with meat, organs, tissue, and bone that even after cooking will still comprise the bulk of the food and nutrition.
Royal Canin Giant Breed is a great example of this and is thus exempt from the “avoid chicken fat in the first 4 ingredients” rule.
Earthborn Holistic below has also split the salt up into multiple ingredients; many companies do this and it’s not necessarily bad (there may be a nutritional reason for the two different forms).
However, it’s important to note that this keeps marketing inclusions such as apples and cranberries higher up on the list – even though they likely make up less of the actual formula than salt.
Pet Food Industry Myths Busted
Several myths in the pet nutrition industry have been perpetrated by people with very little background in peer-reviewed, scientific canine nutrition.
By-products (often seen on the label as ‘Chicken By-Product’ or ‘Meat By-Product Meal) are catch-all terms for anything that is left over after other parts of the animal have been used.
This can include bone, beaks, feet, tendons, tissue, and internal organs; all things that some humans do not care to eat and may even find repulsive.
A meat by-product meal is the rendered version of this; all of the water and fat is removed and what is left is a nutrient-dense, pathogen-free product that, when added to pet food, can make up the bulk of the important nutrition.
Beef meal, chicken meal, and fish meal are similar products (rendered meats) that you may have seen on a food label. By-product meal is similar, nutrient-wise, to a whole-prey model raw food diet and is much more protein-rich and nutritious than ‘fresh deboned meat’.
Have you ever given a whole chicken to a dog? If you aren’t aware, dogs will eat the WHOLE THING. Eyes, feet, organs, bone, meat, blood, and yes, the beak.
These items are necessary for good health and nutrition in our canine companions.
So don’t let the word “by-product” fool you. If you feed your dog pig ears, bully sticks, freeze-dried liver treats, or chicken feet, you are feeding your dog by-products!
As a rendered item, by-product meals already have the moisture removed before extruding. So unlike fresh muscle meat, if they are heavy before cooking, they still will be after they become kibble, too.
Real-life example
Below is a traditionally “scary-looking” ingredients list with a by-product meal as the first ingredient.
Marketing has taught us to view this label as ‘garbage’ or ‘junk’.
Influencers ‘flip the bag’ and teach us to be disgusted and alarmed.
BUT:
Each ingredient is different, from a different source, and has a different purpose. Because a by-product meal is a nutrient-dense dry product before cooking, it remains at the top of the list without any ingredient splitting needed to keep it there.
It may be tempting to choose the Acana formula (from the real-life example above) that contains healthy-sounding lentils, kelp, pumpkin, and multiple meat sources.
However, don’t be fooled! This Royal Canindiet below very likely contains more actual nutrition from meat than the Acana ‘Red Meat Recipe’ from above.
The more you know!
Royal Canin Giant Breed Adult
Does dog kibble contain slaughterhouse waste?
This is a myth that has been perpetuated by people with very low actual credibility.
The fact of the matter is that there are laws in place (regulated by the FDA) regarding the sourcing, control, and quality of ingredients that are processed into dog and cat food.
The FDA has a zero-tolerance policy for any adulterated products (including drugs, cosmetics, and feed) that enter the marketplace. It’s time to lay this myth to rest.
Grain-free diets have become super popular because of, you guessed it, marketing.
People see the words “grain-free” and think that it means healthier when in reality, it just means… grain-free.
There is no nutritional evidence to support the claim that grain-free diets are any healthier for dogs than diets that contain grains.
In fact, the FDA has identified a link between untested boutique dog foods (often “grain-free”) and an alarming increase in life-threatening heart problems in dogs.
How to Choose an Ethical Pet Food Company
When looking for an ethical pet kibble company, look for these key things:
-A full-time board-certified Veterinary Nutritionist (DACVN or ACVN) on staff (not “consults with” or “works with”, but employs)
-The use of AAFCO food trials to substantiate their formulation in real life, not just on paper
The WSAVA is the World Small Animal Veterinary Association.
They are an organization of over 200,000 veterinarians in over 100 countries who are dedicated to improving the health and welfare of companion animals worldwide.
The WSAVA has a Nutrition Toolkit that provides comprehensive resources for pet owners and veterinarians on how to choose a pet food and what to look for on the label.
The WSAVA does NOT endorse or approve any pet brands.
The list of foods below comes from companies that put their money into scientific research, feeding trials, nutrition sciences, veterinary support, and hiring highly qualified board-certified veterinary nutritionists to formulate the kibble.
All of these are formulated correctly for giant breed dogs.
Want more? Here are some great, comprehensive articles on food and nutrition, from a veterinary professional (not influencers or boutique food companies that stand to make money on your purchase):
There is a lot of advice and marketing floating around in the world of dogs. A lot of it is dated and much of it is actually dangerous! Misconceptions in the world of dogs are rampant and we’re going to clear up some big ones today.
These are 5 common ideas in the world of dogs that are actually a big fat scam! These misconceptions are meant to make you buy more things or do things that could actually hurt, frustrate or even kill your dog.
Read on, friends.
Allergy Testing for Dogs
Many people whose dogs have loose stools, itching, and other symptoms of allergies will turn to blood or saliva allergy tests for answers.
These tests prey on desperate dog owners!
Here is how it goes down:
The results will show a list of things the dog is supposedly “allergic” to. This list most often includes things like chicken, corn, grains, and grass or pollen.
Feeling validated, the owner will then choose a boutique “Limited Ingredient” dog food and spend insane amounts of money on expensive diets, supplements, washes, and more.
When that diet doesn’t work, the owner will switch the diet, again and again, further destroying the dog’s gut health (which of course, leads to more sensitivities, allergies, or even heart failure, YIKES!) while trying to find something that ‘works’).
There is no good evidence to support any type of blood serum or saliva allergy testing in dogs! As a matter of fact, studies have shown that these tests are wildly inaccurate.
A food elimination trial using hydrolyzed protein diets is still the gold standard for diagnosing legitimate food allergies in dogs.
This means taking your dog off of all food sources, including treats and counter surfing, except for a highly hydrolyzed protein diet (think Hills z/d or Purina HA) for at least 12 weeks.
If the symptoms improve, then you can slowly add things back in one at a time to see if there is a true allergy.
But beware, these diets are expensive and not all dogs will eat them!
This is, of course, assuming that a food allergy is actually what is happening. Actual allergies to specific proteins in food are exceptionally rare, and there are more often environmental factors at play.
Choosing an appropriate, well-balanced diet (correctly formulated raw and/or quality non-boutique kibble, see below) and addressing environmental allergies with robust gut health and possibly medications (including Benedryl) will be much more effective and healthy for your pet.
The second discussion point in our ‘dog world myths’ series will likely bring us some heat, and that’s ok!
Some dog trainers out there claim to be “Force-Free” and will use marketing to imply that they are the only “humane”, and “science-based” option.
They often spend a lot of time bashing other dog trainers, tools, and methods, too.
But here is the thing:
It’s scientifically impossible to be “Force-Free” or to use only “Positive Reinforcement”.
All dog trainers use some form of positive reinforcement (rewarding the dog for doing something) and negative punishment (taking something away from the dog to decrease a behavior).
The problem lies in the fact that a “Force-Free” dog trainer will always choose, without exception, no matter the situation, isolation and physical restraint (yes, force) in lieu of just saying NO.
For many dogs, this becomes a compounding source of frustration that leads to anxiety, reactivity, frustration, and over-excitement.
This is especially true when it comes to dangerous and rude (but easily correctable) behaviors such as running out of doors, chasing cars or wildlife, humping, ignoring recall, or jumping the fence.
These are behaviors that “Force-Free” dog trainers will often choose to manage for months or years at a time with, you guessed it, force in the form of physical restraint and isolation.
“Force-Free” is a marketing term that misleads dog owners into thinking they are doing something “positive and humane” for their pets.
Positive Reinforcement in Dog Training
We believe in and use positive reinforcement in dog training! That should always be the primary way to install new behaviors and guide dogs towards making the correct choice.
Dogs should have fun learning and never be subjected to intimidation or harsh, forceful corrections.
However, we recommend avoiding extreme, one-sided dog training methods such as “Force-Free” that are restrictive (and frustrating) to you and your dog.
Communicating mostly YES with an occasional NO as needed is the most humane thing we can do for our pets!
Boutique Dog Foods: Killing our Wallets AND our Pets!
This is a big one, and I’m sorry I’m going to ruffle some feathers here.
I’m talking about those “Grain-Free”, “Natural”, “Human Grade”, “Holistic”, and “Super-Premium” Boutique dog foods.
Before we dive in, here are some simple facts about boutique dog foods:
They are quite often formulated by people who are grossly under-qualified to do so (for example, FROMM foods are formulated by a chemical engineer. Yikes!)
The nutritional minimums outlined by AAFCO are simply met on paper, but the foods themselves are not actually subjected to legitimate feeding trials or ongoing research
There is very little if any, actual research and science being put into the formulations; it’s all made up to appeal to dog owners
The belief that they are of higher quality is perpetuated purely by dog owners, influencers, pet store reps that stand to profit, and people with no credible background in canine nutrition
Every day expensive new “holistic” dog foods hit the market. It’s a huge money-maker and influencers, pet food reps and dog food companies all stand to profit.
Many (though not all) of these boutique dog food brands are manufactured in the same facilities that make and pack other “super-premium” dog foods. It’s often the same thing, with a different label.
Here are some common boutique dog foods:
They use a lot of marketing to make you feel that you are making a healthy choice for your pet, including the addition of “fairy dust” to make the ingredients list look healthy. (Fairy dust is the addition of fruits and vegetables that are unlikely to add any nutritional value).
These marketing terms are unregulated and meaningless:
Human Grade
Holistic
Super Premium
High-Quality
Family-Owned
What is ingredient splitting?
Ingredient splitting in dog food is the process of splitting one ingredient (example, peas) into multiple ingredients on the label to make the diet look better on paper.
For example, let’s say you have dog food that contains peas. The peas may be split on the ingredients list into peas, pea protein, and pea fiber. This is done intentionally to make it more difficult to determine how much of each ingredient is present in the diet.
Ingredient splitting can make dog food look like meat makes up the bulk of the kibble (by pushing the meat product to the first thing in the ingredients list), when really, what you are buying is an over-priced bag of meat-flavored peas. YIKES!
DCM is a silent killer that often results in sudden death where no prior symptoms had been seen. For this reason, it is unfortunately grossly underdiagnosed.
It’s not just secondary nutrition-related DCM, though. Chronic loose stools, itching, bone growth disorders, and problems with the liver, kidneys, or pancreas are common.
Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists agree that “holistic” boutique diets, sold to us at higher prices using unregulated marketing terms, are harming our pets.
Enter the Great Danoodle. The Bernadoodle. The Sheepadoodle.
Designer dogs are mixed-breed dogs, marketed to you as the perfect family pet that is “hypoallergenic”, “great with kids” and “easy to train”. This is a huge scam in the pet industry right now.
Here is the truth about designer doodles!
Mixing two dogs together does not guarantee that you will get the best traits of each. That’s not how genetics work.
Poodles are high-energy, intelligent working breeds that require a lot of mental and physical enrichment. Doodle puppies who take on more of the poodle genetics are often the same. They may become aggressive, nippy, destructive, or neurotic when lacking appropriate training, socialization, and enrichment.
Poodles have a much different orthopedic structure than Sheep Dogs, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Great Danes. Breeding them together produces a mixed bag that can result in weak hips, roached backs, flat feet, and more.
Doodles are never bred from excellent breeding stock; no ethical preservation breeder will contribute their dogs to a mixed-breed doodle program.
Doodles are not hypoallergenic. They have a mixed coat type, each one is different, and some puppies will produce more dander and irritants than others.
They have intense grooming needs. Doodles require DAILY (yes, daily) brushing and regular trips to the groomer, which can run upwards of $125 or more every 4-6 weeks.
FUN FACT: Many groomers will no longer accept doodles because too many owners neglect their dog’s coat maintenance and then become upset when their doodle has to be shaved because of pelting and matting.
Very few, if any doodle breeders will fully health test the dogs they breed. Ethical testing would include doing all of the required tests on both parents, recommended by the respective breed club of each breed in the pairing.
Why are Doodles so popular?
Doodles have been made popular by, you guessed it, marketing and influencers! Look past the marketing before making a decision about purchasing a doodle for your family.
Make sure that both breeds in the doodle mix have the temperament and coat type that you would want to live with, as your puppy could turn out either way.
However, the average friendly backyard breeder is the biggest problem in the world of dogs right now!
These breeders often do not know what they are doing, nor do they care.
They mislead pet owners into believing they are ethical, and THAT is an issue.
They will often have nice websites and adorable photos of puppies who appear to be well-cared for. You might hear them say that their dogs are ‘genetically clear’ or ‘vet checked and health tested’.
These friendly backyard breeders, however, do not participate in full, proper health testing or screenings (choosing instead to cherry-pick one or two so they appear reputable). They don’t prove their dog’s structure or temperaments by obtaining titles and participating in the breed’s parent club, and many of them do not support puppy buyers for the life of their dog.
For example, Great Danes should have hips, heart, eyes, and thyroid screened at a minimum, prior to breeding. A “friendly backyard breeder” may only do hips.
These unethical breeders tend to breed dogs together based on their color or features, not because of temperament or correct structure.
They will sell you a puppy who appears healthy, but may:
Be timid, shy, or even aggressive
Develop serious behavioral problems
Have problems with growth
Suffers from a poor orthopedic structure that could eventually lead to ACL tears or early arthritis
Die young from genetically linked disorders such as bloat, blood clotting disorders, DCM, or wobblers
Don’t get scammed. Go through your breed’s parent club to find a truly responsible, ethical breeder.
Great Danes are one of the largest breeds of dogs in the whole world. A Great Dane puppy is born at a whomping 1.5-3 lbs and grows rapidly for the first 24 months of its life.
Great Danes are skilled at a lot of things, but are they natural swimmers?
CAN GREAT DANES SWIM?
The truth is- Great Danes can swim! In fact, most dogs can swim to some degree. But that doesn’t mean they all enjoy it and are good at it.
Great Danes have a few characteristics that make them better swimmers than other breeds. For one, they have webbed feet! This gives them more power in the water and helps them move through it more efficiently. Secondly, their long tails act as a rudder, helping them to steer as they paddle.
So, if you’re thinking about taking your Great Dane for a dip this summer, rest assured- they can handle it! Just be sure to introduce them to the water gradually and supervise them at all times.
5 THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT A GREAT DANE AND IF THEY ARE GOOD SWIMMERS
GREAT DANE BODIES ARE HELPFUL TO HELPING THEM BE GREAT SWIMMERS: Great Danes bodies ARE equipped to help them swim! Great Danes have long legs, webbed feet and long tails that can help them tread water.
SWIMMING IS VERY HEALTHY FOR GREAT DANES: Great Danes benefit TREMENDOUSLY from swimming! Large breeds are prone to health issues in their large bodies like Hip Dysplasia and Arthritis. One of the best forms of exercising for these gentle giants is swimming as it is so easy on their joints.
MAKE SURE TO PROMOTE SAFETY WITH YOUR GREAT DANES DURING ANY SWIMMING ACTIVITIES: You should always supervise your Great Dane while they are swimming and provide safety gear like a life jacket / life vest. Water safety is and always should be in the forefront of your mind when taking a Great Dane swimming.
SOME GREAT DANES WOULD RATHER DO ANYTHING ELSE THAN SWIM: Some Great Danes do NOT enjoy swimming. Dog owners report that their Great Dane would rather do just about anything than go swimming, whether it be in large bodies of water to shallow water or even a small baby pool. There are things owners can do from with Great Dane puppies to help their Dane to swim more comfortably when it is older.
SWIMMING LESSONS CAN HELP A GREAT DANE LEARN THE BASICS: Not all dogs are born with the ability to even know HOW to swim. Using a pet-friendly swimming pool and starting a a young age is the best way to provide your Great Dane with proper training in how to become excellent swimmers and teach them to like to swim.
A GREAT DANE HAS A BODY THAT LENDS TO THEM BEING GOOD SWIMMERS
Great Danes have bodies that will help them when swimming.
Great Danes Webbed Feet:
The dog breed has webbed paws, which help them to paddle when in the water.
When learning to doggy paddle, these webbed toes on their front paws can help your Great Dane swim more easily, which will make them feel more comfortable and stay afloat.
The Long Tails of a Great Dane:
You may get annoyed when the long and strong tail of a Great Dane wacks you when you get home from work. The powerful wag of a Great Dane tail can be strong and sometimes painful when they wag!
But, the long tail of the dog also helps with steering and helps them when swimming.
Great Dane Hind Legs
Since the upper body of a Great Dane is so big, it’s important that their hind legs are able to support them while swimming.
Great Danes have large legs that help them like to swim.
Keeping your dog thin and healthy at the right weight for their body will help them be a more natural swimmer, as they will be able to use their front legs and back legs more easily to doggy paddle, helping their upper body to stay afloat.
SWIMMING IS A VERY HEALTHY EXERCISE FOR A DOG BREEDS AS BIG AS A GREAT DANE
Swimming is one of the best exercises for dogs as big as Great Danes.
Swimming has many benefits for any dog, but even more so for dogs who carry extra weight on their bodies, like giant breeds.
Swimming has joint benefits
Swimming has cardiovascular benefits
Swimming helps to maintain a healthy weight
Swimming can help your dog get mental stimulation
Swimming is a great way to get exercise without putting any extra strain on your dog’s body. Great Danes are especially prone to certain health problems, like arthritis and hip dysplasia, so it’s important that they get regular exercise that is easy on their joints.
If Great Danes become overweight, taking them to swim is one of the most powerful ways to help them trim down. Swimming is the perfect solution!
SWIMMING WITH GREAT DANES REQUIRES SAFETY ITEMS
Not all dogs are natural swimmers. Danes are not natural swimmers, at least not most of them. It may be a matter of life and death for your dogs, whether you choose to put them in a life-saving vest.
Especially while you are teaching your Dane to swim, you need to provide them with swim gear like a life jacket.
Great Danes like to feel safe and secure, and a life jacket can help them feel secure.
Great Danes are also a dog that loves to be with their owners, so it is a great idea to swim with your dog, especially the first time you take them to swim.
TAKING YOUR DOG TO SWIM ON A HOT DAY
If you are taking your dog to swim on a hot day, a life vest can REALLY trap heat inside. Be aware of heat stroke and only wear the life jacket while you are in the water or nearby the water.
You should also invest in some dog friendly sunscreen for when you take your dog to swim.
Depending on the coat colors of your dog, their skin can get sunburnt very easily.
SOME GREAT DANES HATE SWIMMING MORE THAN ANYTHING
If you’ve ever had any other dog, you know that most dogs love to swim.
Some dogs would even rather swim after a tennis ball than do anything else in the entire world.
Dogs usually love the water. And most Great Danes do too!
But, some Great Danes really hate to swim more than other dogs.
If you have a Great Dane dog who just absolutely hates to swim- it is not abnormal as they are just not natural born swimmers like other dog breeds.
You can do things to help your dog learn to enjoy swimming:
Help your dog understand that swimming is not going to hurt them by providing them with positive experiences.
Use positive reinforcement to teach them that water is a great thing
Use treats or fun toys to help your Great Danes swim
Always use safety equipment like a vest when your Great Dane swims to help them feel safest
Take your dogs to swimming lessons
Teach your dog the concept of water with small steps such as a baby pool, the bath tub, or the garden hose
Investing in a smaller pool for your Great Dane will help swimming not feel as overwhelming as taking them to a lake for their first try. Try something like this:
Also, you can work them up to a body of water by getting them interested in a doggy sprinkler toy, like this:
INVEST IN SWIMMING LESSONS FOR DOGS
If you really want to take your pup swimming but can’t seem to get them to enjoy it or figure out HOW to swim, there are swimming lessons built just for dogs.
Do some quick research in your area for lessons that are meant for dogs.
Taking your dog to lessons can be a really fun way to help them learn how to swim.
Most importantly, it will give you some time to learn how to properly help your dog swim and what techniques work best for them.
Great Danes are some of the best dogs in the world.
But, before you take your Dane swimming, you need to make sure that they are ready and willing to take the plunge.
Use these tips to help make sure that your dog is prepared for a fun day of swimming. Remember, safety first! And always consult your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about taking your Dane swimming.
