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Is Dogs Eating Grass, Harmless or a Health Concern?

By Jeffery
23
Dec 2011

For the most part, dogs are mainly carnivores, but they can and do eat plants and vegetables. One of the more common plants eaten by dogs is basic grass. Raw grass is not toxic to dogs unless it is treated with chemical pesticides and or fertilizers. So if you begin to notice this habit in your dog, don’t panic. The exact reason behind why dogs eat grass and why it makes some dogs throw up is still basically unknown.

Theories about Dogs Consuming Grass:

For years, dog owners and veterinarians believed that dogs with upset stomachs ate grass to induce vomiting or that the grass upset some dogs’ digestive systems. A study has been conducted were approximately 1,500 dogs were examined that had consumed grass at least ten times over the course of a year to get more definitive answers. The study found that less than nine percent were sick prior to eating the grass, and less than one in four vomited after consuming the grass. The researchers determined that grass consumption is most likely a trait that modern dogs have inherited from their wolf ancestors which also ate grass occasionally. Scientists believe wolves generally eat grass to help them purge internal parasites and prevent the parasites from building up in their systems.

When Grass Consumption May Signal an Illness:

Owners who occasionally catch their dogs in the act of eating grass can relax a bit once they understand that this behavior is fairly normal and usually harmless. However, it still pays to watch for any change in your dog’s general behavior and habits after he consumes that grass. If your dog becomes lethargic, has diarrhea, or shows any other signs of illness right before or shortly after eating grass, you should ask your veterinarian to evaluate your pet’s health right away. While grass is unlikely the cause of any illness, any change in eating habits and behavior sometimes indicates a problem. A veterinarian can examine the dog to try to determine exactly what’s going on.

Since the consumption of grass by dogs is generally harmless, there is no reason to prevent your dog from eating it. Unless he eats an unusually large amount each time or it always causes vomiting. Of course, never let a dog eat or play on grass that has been treated with harmful chemicals for pest control or fertilizers.

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Why Oh’ Why Does My Dog Eat Poop?!

By Jeffery
12
Dec 2011

Do you have a puppy or older dog that has taken a fancy to eating their feces? This filthy habit, also known as “Dog Coprophagia” is one dog problem, we as owners… HATE! This is generally more common in puppies up to a year old, but can occur at any stage throughout your dog’s life.

There is good news for us dog lovers though. Several proven techniques and training methods can be called upon for correcting this before it can become a permanent habit.

*NOTE* If your dog has this problem (Coprophagia), ensure that all dog vaccinations and worming treatments are current or up to date. The reason for this is that various diseases and internal parasites can be passed from dog to dog due to the eating of their feces.

Possible Causes:

Sadly, in most cases, your dog just thinks poop tastes fantastic. Just the thought of this alone is absolutely disgusting and I’m sure most would agree.

Your dog may have a mineral or vitamin deficiency and they will eat their feces in an effort to help compensate and restore this balance.

It may be a sign or symptom of anxiety, stress or your dog is just suffering from plain old boredom. Certain medications or antibiotics for your dog have even been known to cause this habit to form.

This can be the result from over-feeding your dog. This will not allow for the proper digestion of food, which means his feces will still smell and taste the same as when it was consumed. With this being said, its also a possibility due to feeding your dog too little, such as once a day, some dogs become very hungry and will scavenge around for any kind of food.

Possible Solutions:

Feed your dog twice a day as appose to only once.  Try to get your dog interested in a nutritious and well balanced meal.

If you catch your dog in the act red handed, try to provide him with a distraction. Call him over to you right away with a reward in hand to praise him with. This should be sufficient enough to break this habit, but you must stay consistent when doing this.

You must enforce your strategy every time and stick with it. The longer you let your dog do this, the harder it will be to break the habit.

Category: Florida Dog Obedience Training, Florida Dog Training, Florida Puppy Training, Pet Care Tips  Tags: , , ,  Leave a Comment

Easy Dog Training & Tips:

By Jeffery
09
Dec 2011

Dog training has long evolved from its roots as simply a way to get your k9 to perform acceptable behaviors. It has become a full fledged science. This particular topic has been well studied and researched to create several known aspects about the art of dog training. Here is a list of several dog training facts that are interesting to know about dogs and their behaviors.

According to their size, larger dogs age faster than smaller dogs (large dogs at 7 years per human year, small dogs at 5 years per human year). However, all dogs age roughly 12 years per year over the first year of life. By 2 years old, all dogs are roughly the equivalent of 24. But at 12 years old, large dogs are 94, while small dogs are only about 74.

Dog tricks are more effective when you use a single syllable command (Sit, Stay, etc.) rather than a two syllable command. On the flip side, however, your dog is more likely to know its name if its name consist of two syllables. “Marley” is easier for the dog to understand than “Spike” if you want your dog to know you are referencing to him with each use of the name. When your dog knows its name, training is much easier. Training is more effective when you use your dog’s name before the command, instead of saying “Sit!,” say “Marley, Sit!”

Dogs are more prone to learning behaviors when they have received a sufficient amount of exercise. If you want your dog to learn a new trick, make sure you are taking your dog on frequent walks. Dogs learn in context. As a result, if you only train your dog inside, your dog may not understand the commands if you try to do them outside, because the context of the command has changed. It is best to train your dog in multiple locations to help make the training more context neutral.

If you own more than one dog, you should know that it is healthier for your dogs if you do not treat them all as equals. Every dog pack has a hierarchy, and dogs that know their place suffer from less anxiety (reducing illness) and exhibit more desirable behaviors. Watch your dogs closely, figure out where each of them appears to fit in the pack, and treat them as such. This greatly improves your success with obedience training.

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Fictitious Dog Training Myths:

By Jeffery
05
Dec 2011

Dogs can not comprehend earning food as a reward for training and good behavior. This myth is false. Researchers have proven that dogs understand that their behavior influences their environment. If their behavior causes a change in their environment that pleases them, they won’t forget the behavior. If your dog grabs something and you chase after him, this is misconstrued as fun for him. Even though it may not be fun for you, your dog will remember how to get this attention. In the same way, if your dog’s behavior earns him a treat, or some of his dinner, he will learn to repeat these acceptable behaviors.

Using treats to train your dog increases your dog’s chances of becoming ill, or makes your dog unreliable around food. This myth is false. Your dog will only be reliable when you have food. All dogs should be taught a command, such as “off” or “leave it”. Dogs should not be left unsupervised in any area where they can be offered food by strangers. When food is properly used as a reward, not as a bribe, dogs will begin to learn to work for long periods of times before wanting a treat. How many of us get paid every hour, or expect to be paid every time we complete a task? Dogs learn to wait for their pay and continue your command while waiting. Properly trained dogs will learn to ignore food over time, whether it is on the kitchen table, the floor or from someone’s hand.

One major myth that is false is that dogs will generally misbehave because they are trying to be dominant and seeking higher rank. According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s (AVSAB) recently released statement. The use of this dominance theory in behavior modification of animals, this theory has limited use in animal training and rank is rarely the motivation behind your dog’s bad behavior or actions.

In vice versa, there are a lot of myths about a need for dominating your dog. TV shows promote this false idea. When owners use forceful tactics to dominate and punish their dogs, the dog will generally shut down. What the dog has learned is to suppress their way of signaling they are uncomfortable in certain situations. This may cause a dog to escalate its behavior to lunging, biting, showing it’s teeth or growling.

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You, your dog, and the endless possibilities:

By Jeffery
02
Dec 2011

Before you can truly have worry-free fun with your dog outside, you must enroll him in an obedience course, or have trained him yourself. Your dog needs to be trustworthy not only at home but wherever you go.

Here are some great ideas:

What better way is there for you and your canine companion to spend time together and get healthy at the same time, than to go for a walk? Dogs have a natural migration instinct and need to go on daily walks to mentally compensate for this.

Many of the hunting breeds and terriers love to play with a ball. Some dogs are more enthusiastic about this toy than others. While one dog may fetch the ball after you throw it, another may look at you like “you threw it, you get it.” Some dogs would rather have a ball that rattles, but I find that the majority like to indulge in the squeaky ones. Your best bet is to let your dog decide the right toy for him.

Take your dog to a nearby lake, or if your lucky, the beach. Many breeds, such as Labs, love to play in the water. You can incorporate fetching with the water. Throw one of your dog’s favorite toys a short distance in the water so he can rush in to retrieve it. Make sure your toy of choice can easily float.

Learn to groom your dog yourself. Not only will this save you time and money, it is a good bonding experience for the both of you. You will have also gained the satisfaction of knowing that it was you that made it happen. It’s really not that hard to pull off, as long as you have the right tools of course. Invest in a quality dog grooming set. A pair of clippers that cost less than $100 usually won’t cut well and won’t last very long.

One of the best things to do with your dog is to simply do nothing at all! They are at your side at almost every moment of the day, when your home. If you’re watching TV our using the computer, your k9 pal is most likely lying at your feet. If you’re in bed, your dog is usually on the floor beside you. Just each others presence can be enough for the both of you.

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Effective Training Techniques for Dogs of all Shapes and Sizes:

By Jeffery
30
Nov 2011

The term obedience training is generally used for the various methods of helping your dog to behave in a more expectable manner. There are many different methods in dog training techniques such as positive reinforcement, reward training, collar and leash, marker training, dog whispering, and clicker training.

Accomplish the following with the right dog training:

Your dog wasn’t born programmed to meet your behavioral standards.  So don’t expect your dog to know everything right away!The key to training your dog to respond to verbal commands is repetition and consistency. He is looking to you as a guide to lay a good foundation for behavior.

The best corrective measures are rewards and praise. Unlike children, dogs don’t have the mental capacity to fully understand the consequences of their actions. Time outs and repeating “NO” may not be as effective as you would like. Instead, praise your dog when he has done what you have asked of him or her, and offer an appropriate reward. When your dog doesn’t follow commands, provide appropriate correction. Balance is a strong key when doing this.

Don’t punish for unacceptable behaviors your dog has committed when he has no way to know any better. Punishing your dog for a behavior that you have not spent time on or he has not been properly trained to do, if you ask me, this is unfair to your dog.

Make obedience training sharp and short for the both of you to enjoy. So take things slow. Having your dog to follow commands and respond the way you expect doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time. It’s easier for your dog to master one command at a time then move to the next one, and build on the foundation you all have established. Stimulate and challenge your dog throughout the obedience training process.

The Benefits:

Effective dog training is the best possible thing you can do for you and your dog. This will allow for a very rewarding relationship. With the right kind of obedience training can make your dog an absolute joy to be around. When well trained, he is more trustworthy, and you as the owner can feel confident in your dog and his abilities as you extend more and more freedoms to your canine friend. Trust, respect, and boundaries are all keys for unlocking a healthy owner-dog relationship.

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Dog Pregnancy Care Tips:

By Jeffery
28
Nov 2011

A pregnant dogs body is going through many changes as the puppies are growing inside her therefore her needs are going to increase. They need special care to ensure they are in tip top shape before the big day. A dog’s pregnancy generally last from 60 to 63 days.

The symptoms and signs of a pregnant dog:

Three weeks after mating, the female dog may have an upset stomach and not want to eat for about a week to 10 days. One way to tell if your dog is pregnant is to check her vulva. The swelling would not have gone down after her heat and looks enlarged. Thirty days after being bred a blood test can be done by a veterinarian to confirm pregnancy. At 21 days an ultrasound can be done to confirm pregnancy and at 45 days radiographs can be taken for an accurate count of puppies inside.

During the first 30 days of pregnancy she can eat her normal diet, only as long as it is a high quality dog food. This food has plenty of nutrients. During the last month of pregnancy start switching her over to a high quality puppy food, make the diet change over a week’s time. Also, be aware that there are some vitamin supplements that can cause birth defects so check with your veterinarian before choosing the wrong one. Do not give her any vitamin supplements.

Try to take her on several daily walks for a good source of exercise. It is important that she does not become overweight during this time and the walks will keep her in shape for delivery. Letting the dog run in the backyard is not equal to a walk, a walk is mental and physical exercise. During the last 3 weeks of gestation do not take her out and do not expose her to other dogs as added protection against disease.

Never give a pregnant dog any kind of vaccination. Some vaccines can cause still births. Vaccinations should be given prior to breeding so that the protection can be passed to the puppies by the mother’s milk.

One week prior to birth, start taking the mothers body temperature. A normal bodily temperature for a dog is about 100.5 – 102.5. About 24 hours before giving birth, her temperature will drop a few degrees. This will give you time for necessary preparations.

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Safety Precautions – Inside and Outside the Home:

By Jeffery
21
Nov 2011

With all the everyday things that humans come into contact, such as certain foods and common household products. Many can be toxic to your dog or puppy so be sure to take necessary safety precautions.

Garden and lawn hazards such as more then a few plants, given a nibble or two, can turn your dog’s day upside down. Most just cause an upset stomach, but some can be fatal.  Make sure that if you do choose to have these plants that they are out of the reach of your dog at all times.

Play dough consists of just a few ingredients. Though, two of the three ingredients are perfectly harmless, the third worth mentioning is salt. Dogs may enjoy the play dough’s salty taste, just remember that if too much is consumed, it can cause salt toxicity, which unfortunately, there is no antidote for this reaction. So just be careful and stay observant the next time you catch your pup rummaging through your children’s things.

Splintering bones such as from a chewed chicken bone can be very hazardous to your canine. Pieces of the bone can get stuck causing damage in the dog’s intestines and throat. When a dog is given any type of real bone including cow leg, supervision of course, is always recommended as pieces of the bone can break off. So just stay cautious and be sure to pick up and take away any small pieces so they are no chances they can be ingested. A safe bet is to purchase a
bone specifically intended for a dog to chomp on.

Antifreeze is perhaps the number one hazard to a dog. Less than one tablespoon of anti-freeze could be lethal to a dog 20 pounds and under. Your dog will smell the sweetness and may want to lick it up. This is dangerous for your dog if ingested, so when storing antifreeze, keep it far and well out of reach. Check under your car every now and then to make sure it is not on your drive way, just to be safe.

Chocolate is another common household hazard for your dog. Although it may be one of your favorite thing to eat, it can be very dangerous for your dog. Chocolate contains caffeine which can make your dog very ill. This stimulant can raise the hearts rate, unfortunately to the point of being fatal. The effect it has depends both on the dogs size and the amount of chocolate that the dog has consumed.

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Tips to Tricks For Your Pup (Part 2)

By Jeffery
11
Nov 2011

Sometimes a dog will have trouble learning a new trick. For example, not all dogs can learn to fetch. Some dogs have more instinct (they are born with it) than others when it comes to carrying things in their mouths.

Beg:

Have your dog sit, facing you. Hold his favorite treat just above his head and tell him, “Say please.” Your dog will probably lift his front feet off the ground to reach the treat. As soon as the feet are lifted, even a little bit, give him the dog treat.

Tip
This is a hard trick for most dogs. Wait a little longer each time before giving the treat, but be careful not to let your dog fall over on his back. You are helping your dog develop his balance. Be kind and only do this a couple of times.

Kiss:

Here’s an easy one: Every time your dog licks your face, say, “Give me a kiss. Good boy! Give me a kiss.” If he isn’t a licker, put a little peanut butter on your cheek and say, “Give me a kiss.” When he licks it off say, “Give me a kiss,” again.

Tip
Tricks like this work because you put words with something your dog does. Pretty soon your dog hears “Give me a kiss,” and thinks about licking your face. Then you give him a hug, rub his ears and say, “Good boy!” Dogs love that.

Roll Over:

Start by having your dog lie down on his belly. You can stand over him or kneel beside him. Using a treat, hold it by his nose, and then move it around and behind him, so that he lies on his side and then rolls over. Tell him what a great dog he is!

Tip
After your dog has figured out what he has to do to get a treat, start throwing the ball two times in a row without giving him the treat. What you are trying to do is give him the treats less and less often so someday he won’t need the treats in the ball to fetch it.

Say Hello:

Start by sitting on a chair. While holding a treat, put your hand between your knees and encourage your dog to get it. As soon as your dog’s chin touches your leg, say “Say Hello!”. Then say “Release” or “OK” and give him the treat after he lifts his head.

Tip
Only give your dog the treat after you have released him. Increase the time his chin is touching your leg, so eventually your dog will keep it there while you pet him. Then release him and reward him. Your dog will soon charm your friends with this trick!

Go Back:

This is an easy one! Stand facing your dog and as you walk toward him, say “Go Back”. He will want to get out of the way and will automatically walk backwards!

Tip
If your dog doesn’t walk back in a straight line, practice up against a wall or in a narrow hallway. After your dog is walking backward with you, try walking toward him only a step or two. Eventually, you will be able to stand still and say “Go Back”.

Take a Bow:

When you see your dog take a big stretch, with his head down low, say, “Take a bow.” Every time he wakes up and stretches, say, “Take a bow.” Someday you will say, “Take a bow.” and your dog will take a big stretch, but it will look like he is bowing. As soon as he is finished, give him the treat.

Tip
Dog tricks like this work because you put words with something your dog does. It may take some dogs longer than others to figure this one out. Some dogs learn it in a week and some take years…yes, years! But one day you will say, “Take a bow,” and maybe, just maybe, your dog will take a bow.

Lay Down:

With your dog in a stand position, take a treat and hold it near the floor, under his nose. As your dog reaches down to get it (he may try to lie down), slip your hand under his belly to hold his rear end up. Hold him in that position and say, “Take a bow.” Keep the treat right by his nose, but don’t feed him. Stay there for just a second, release him, and then feed the treat.

Tip:
If you feed your dog the treat while he is in the bowing position, in the future he won’t bow until he sees the treat in your hand. If he learns that the treat comes later, he’ll be willing to perform for you without it right there all the time.

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What to Avoid in Dog Food

By Jeffery
04
Feb 2011

There are many contributors that lower the quality of dog food, such as by-products, fillers, non-specific meat sources and preservatives, but what are they?  Many people know that these ingredients are bad for your dog, but we’ll explain what they are, and why they’re bad for your dog’s health.  Follow these simple dog care tips, and your dog will easily live a longer happier life.

Fillers

Fillers are simply cheap tasteless ingredients that are put into most commercial dog foods as a replacement of actual nutrition and quality.  Fillers can be many things, such as crushed peanut shells, straw, corn, crushed corn cobs, weeds, or even feathers. Fillers do not ‘fill’ in for anything but size.  Not only do they have no real purpose besides making the quantity of food larger, but they can additionally harm your dog.  Fillers can cause issues with a dogs digestive process, allergies, and even cause severe medical problems in puppies and older dogs.

By-Products

By-products are (in summary) animal parts that should not be eaten.  Meat by-products despite their name, do not contain actual meat, but rather animal parts such as leftover animals heads, feet, internal organs, intestines and other carcass parts that are not healthy for dogs.  There are four D’s in the manufacturing business, which are Dead, diseased, disabled and dying, which are all okay by them to put into our dogs food, and it’s gross.

Un-Specified Meat

Whenever you look at the nutrition ingredients and it has ‘meat’ listed as protein, stay away from that food.  When there is no specification to the type of meat being put into the food,it means that there are many things that could be considered as meat to the manufacturers and they don’t want to tell you what types of ‘meat’ there is because it’s unhealthy.  This ‘meat’ can include feet, skin, hair, joints, and even animals that have died from diseases.  All of these materials are ground together and labeled as ‘meat’ on their products, because they aren’t proud enough of their food to tell you whats really in it.

Preservatives

Preservatives are simply a substance that extend the shelf life of a product.  This means that it keeps the food from spoiling for a longer time than usual in order to keep to food fresh.  There is a downside to the preservatives used in all food, but specifically in dog food, the ingredients can cause cancer.

Dog care is important to us at our Florida dog training center, so if you want to learn more, give us a call or ask a few of your local dog trainers.  Love your dog!

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