Total Dog Magazine

Category: Dog Advice

From dog training to canine health, see our latest dog advice articles here

  • Fat, Protein & Carbs in Your Older Dog’s Diet

    Fat, Protein & Carbs in Your Older Dog’s Diet

    Food is a highly significant factor in your older dog’s health. The broadest food classifications are proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The three classifications help us in assessing the major components of a food. Foods are generally considered to be of the category that predominates in their composition. But this does not mean that a carbohydrate such as wheat contains no protein because it does. Or that a protein such as liver contains no carbohydrates because it certainly does. Similar to people, pets need a proper ratio of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in their diet in order to maintain proper health.

    Proteins are vital to the growth and development of all body tissues. Protein helps in the formation of hormones; it regulates the acid-alkaline and water balances; and it helps the body to form enzymes and antibodies. Protein also aids in the formation of milk during lactation, and in the process of blood clotting.

    Protein can be used as an energy source when fats and carbohydrates are insufficient in the diet.

    Fats (lipids) are the most concentrated energy source in the diet. When oxidized, fats yield more than twice the calories of proteins or carbohydrates. Fats act as carriers for the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.

    By helping vitamin D to be absorbed, fats make calcium more available to body tissues. Fats also aid in the conversion of carotene to vitamin A. Fats insulate major organs such as the heart, liver, and kidneys, and help to maintain body heat.

    Carbohydrates are the major source of energy for all bodily functions. They are a splendid source of quick energy. They assist in the digestion of other foods, and they are essential in regulating protein and fat metabolism. Carbohydrates are considered the fuel in which the fat burns.

    Carbohydrates consist of sugars, starches, and cellulose. Simple sugars, as in honey and fruits, are easily digested.

  • Obesity Kills Dogs

    Obesity Kills Dogs

    A fit dog lives longer. Obesity amongst pet dogs is a growing problem. If a dog is overweight it puts extra strain on various parts of the body and may well shorten the dog’s life.

    A tendency toward obesity in dogs stems from the fact that many popular diets are usually significantly higher in carbohydrate than protein.

    Dog Obesity

    Learning to understand the specific nutritional requirements of your dog and then matching those needs to the most suitable diet plan, along with regular exercise is by far the best way to keep a dog’s weight down.

    Hey Fatty

    There is no one size fits all dog food and each individual dog has different nutritional and lifestyle requirements.

    There is complete veterinary consensus that obesity significantly reduces the lifespan and quality of life for dogs.

    Obesity in pets is common in many countries. Rates of overweight and obesity in dogs in the United States ranges from 23% to 41% with about 5.1% obese. The UK is also witnessing the growing obesity problem in domestic dogs.

    Looking fat

    Two British brothers were cited in 2006 for cruelty and neglect of their chocolate labrador retriever, “who was allegedly made so obese by his owners that he ‘looked like a seal’ and could barely waddle a few steps”.

    The reasons for obesity of cats and dogs in wealthier countries is not simply a matter of overfeeding. Lifestyle and hormonal influences also play roles. In modern times, pets are often, for their own safety, not allowed to free roam as they did in the past.

    Also, surgical sterilization of animals does increase the chances of the pet becoming overweight as need for caloric intake decreases.

    More information on canine obesity: Dog Weight.

  • The Importance of Pet Food Labels

    The Importance of Pet Food Labels

    The health of a dog is based on a lot of factors including genetics, exercise, and regular checkups, to name a few. But the number one factor affecting the health of a dog is the kind of food that it consumes. There are many types of commercial dog foods and diets on the market today, from BARF (bones and raw food), to steam-extruded products.

    Get to know your pet food labels (K9 Magazine has an excellent feature on this subject).

    Pet Food Labels

    Read the label and avoid products with chemicals and un-natural additives.

    You will likely avoid allergic reactions and skin problems in your dog.

    Kibble vs. real food.Cat food selection

  • Pet Food Fit For Human Consumption?

    Believe it or not, all supplied pet food should be fit for human consumption, therefore you should look out for food which may contain unwanted by-products.

    By-products include intestines, which carry diseases.

    Make sure the meat is human quality and not from slaughtered animals that may have cancer.

    Is pet food fit for human consumption

  • My Dog Is Overweight, What Can I Do?

    My Dog Is Overweight, What Can I Do?

    My 2 year old lab/collie cross is about 10lbs overweight. I need to get her weight down quickly as she suffers from dysplasia and now has a problem with a luxating patells, which need to be operated on. She is having very limited exercise at the moment and obviously none for a few weeks when the operation takes place. I have recently started her on IAMS low fat dry food, and an amount to help her lose weight. She needs to lose it quickly is there anything else I can do to help?

    Dr Monica Lundervold,  veterinary services manager replies.

    I’m sorry to hear your lab/collie cross is suffering from dysplasia. You are completely right that it is vital for her to lose weight before the operation. Iams Light is formulated for dogs that need to lose less than 15% of their body weight. It contains lower levels of fat, and also L-carnitine, a vitamin like compound which burns fat and helps maintain muscle condition.

    Helping Dog Lose Weight

    If fed according to the guidelines, weightloss will occur at a rate of roughly 0.5% per week. If your dog weighs 60 lbs, that is around 1lb per month, ie she will need 10 months to lose the weight. In her case this may be too long, so if your vet agrees, you could decrease the amount she is fed by a further 20-30%.

    It is important for her health that she does not lose weight quickly, the fastest should be 2% per week, ie losing 1lb per week over a 10 week period.

    This can be achieved asking your vet for a veterinary prescription diet especially for obese dogs (eg Eukanuba Restricted Calorie). The most important part of any diet is that the dog sticks to it, you must make sure no family members are feeding any titbits.

    If your dog is begging, it is a good idea to split her daily ration into 3 feeds a day, and to shut her out of the kitchen / dining room while you are eating / preparing meals. If you want to feed treats it is better to take out a handful of her daily portion of food, and keep that aside for using as treats.

    Remember that some dogs beg just because they want attention, and that you can play with them or stroke them instead of giving food. I would also advise frequent trips to your vet to have her weight checked. This is especially important as you should feed her according to her current weight, decrease her food intake as she loses weight. Good luck!

  • Best Food For an Arthritic Dog?

    I have a 16 year old red Collie. He is in very good health apart from some arthritis in his front legs, and rather odd looking bowel movements. Quite often he produces faeces which is bright yellow and runny. I changed his diet some months ago to Senior tinned dog food as I thought his food might be too rich for him. The problem still occurs. He will not eat dry food. Please can you advise me? Many thanks.

    Dr Monica Lundervold, veterinary services manager replies.

    A) I’m sorry to hear that your collie is suffering from arthritis and bowel problems. My advice would be to get him checked out by your vet straight away, to see if there is an underlying disease causing either of these problems. From a nutritional perspective, you are right in feeding a senior diet, however, not all senior diets are the same.

    Dog Food Arthritis

    I would advise feeding a good quality dry senior diet that contains glucosamine and balanced levels of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids to help support the joints. The diet should also contain FOS and beetpulp, which help keep the digestive tract healthy and helps the dog produce small firm stools. Senior dogs have different nutritional requirements to adult dogs, which is why you should choose a diet that is balanced for seniors, rather than adding supplements to an adult diet. You should introduce the dry food very gradually over a period of 1-2 weeks, moistening it initially and mixing it in with his tinned food, so that he eventually is eating only dry food. If you have any problems changing his food, you should speak to your vet.

  • House Training a New Puppy

    House Training a New Puppy

    An excellent article on effective techniques for house training a puppy.

    Toilet training should not end with housebreaking.  If you want to avoid the unpleasant but necessary task of picking up after your pet in the street, it makes sense to train him to go before you leave home. This is not as difficult as it may seem but requires a fair amount of patience in the early stages.
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  • Diabetes in Dogs Treatment

    Diabetes in Dogs Treatment

    Canine diabetes is on the rise, alarmingly so. Treatment options for dogs with diabetes are increasingly more effective as vets all over the world battle to contain this canine killer.

    If your dog has been diagnosed with diabetes, early treatment by your veterinarian will help prevent further complications from this disease. Your pet may be saved from the painful experience of nerve damage as well as avoiding blindness. Conventional treatments will go a long way to keeping your dog healthy.

    Insulin Injections For Diabetic Dogs

    Depending upon your dog’s needs, insulin injections will be given one to two times daily.  The amount of insulin used for each dose and how often these doses are given will depend upon your veterinarian. Some dogs will be able to take tablets instead of being given shots.

    Insulin doses are typically given in smaller amounts at the start of treatment so that the blood sugar levels can slowly stabilize. Under extreme circumstances this may require your dog to be treated in the hospital for a few days. If his diabetes is more stable, then your dog may receive outpatient treatment.

    During this period, your dog’s blood sugar will be monitored every hour in order to determine the exact dose of insulin he will need on a regular basis.  Once the correct  measurement of insulin has been reached, your veterinarian will instruct you to monitor your dog by testing his urine and/or blood.

    Proper Diet for Dogs With Diabetes

    With diabetes in dogs, there is nothing more important to increase your dog’s life expectancy than with a strict diet. In fact, it is so important to your dog to eat accordingly when he has this disease, that there is a chance that his diabetes can go into full remission just from the change of diet alone.

    You should be feeding your diabetic dog meals that are high in fibre and low to moderate and carbohydrates. Now is the time to start cooking your dog’s meals from the home with meats and other raw ingredients.

    Before you decide what to feed him, it would be wise to consult with a holistic veterinarian who has education on nutrition.  Your goal should be to utilize food as “medication” so that hopefully one day your dog can stop taking “official” medication.

  • Tips for Training an Older Dog

    Tips for Training an Older Dog

    What can you expect from your older dog as he enters his senior years?

    Your dog has finally reached his adulthood and this means that the period of training, adjusting, socializing, and more training have come to a stopping point (for the most part, that is).

    This is the period where you can really appreciate his companionship, his friendship, and even his help around the house (depending on his level of training). The point is, is you don’t have to babysit him anymore. It is the stage in your dog’s life where he can walk alongside you off leash, sit and watch you wash your car, maybe even hold the hose for you, or just sit quietly with you in in the backyard while you read a book.

    However, training should not stop just because your dog has reached adulthood. A good formula for keeping your dog’s body healthy and his mind sharp throughout his adult years is to have 3 training sessions a week. The training does not have to be laborious, nor does it have to take long.  All it takes is about 10 to 15 minutes per session, and training can be about practicing and/or improving skills that he has already learned.

    Requirements When Teaching an Older Dog

    There are several benefits to continue training your adult dog on a regular basis.

    1. Regular training keeps his mind alert and active.
    2. It keeps his body strong and in shape.
    3. It serves as refresher courses to different commands and tricks that he had already acquired.
    4. It keeps him aware of the rules that you have enforced for him.
    5. It prevents boredom.
    6. It develops great team work between you and him.
    7. And best of all, it will deepen the bond that the two of you have together. If he remains active throughout the whole aspect of his life (physical, mental, social), then he will continue to play an active role in your life, be a team player, and be able to share wonderful times together.

    Physical Aspects of Training an Older Dog

    The physical needs of your dog peaks during his developmental adolescent stage. But once he passes the adolescent stage and reaches adulthood, his physical needs will arrive at a period where there will be no significant change to the amount of exercise that his body needs to stay healthy.

    As an adult dog, the amount of exercise that his body requires will depend on his size, breed, and personality type. Continue with the regular walks and occasional runs. A game of ball should also be on your list, as well as swimming if your dog likes being in the water. If you have a large and/or energetic dog, you may have to do more than those listed above. If you have a small and/or less active dog, you will still need to give him exercise. You just have to tame it down, depending on his level of endurance.

    Useful resources:

    Senior Dog Food
    Waterproof Dog Beds
    Dog Diet and Weight

  • Six Things to Consider before Golden Retriever puppy adoption

    Six Things to Consider before Golden Retriever puppy adoption

    Golden retriever puppies are among the best dog breed to adopt. They are intelligent, loyal and friendly dogs which makes them great for family pets. The places you can find a golden retriever puppy to adopt include dog rescue groups and humane societies. The dog lives for an average of 10 to 14 years so it is very important to consider some things before you adopt one.

    Firstly, consider the purpose of adopting a golden retriever. They make good house pets but terrible guard dogs. If you need a dog that will keep you busy during most of the times you are at home, then the golden retriever is the one to adopt. However, if you want a dog that will lay down for most of the day or one that will guard your home against buglers, other breeds are better.

    Secondly, consider where you will keep the dog once it joins the family. Golden retrievers are described as house dogs. You will therefore have to make arrangements for the dog’s housing needs. A common way to keep t indoors is having a cage to keep it in. however, you will need to train the dog to come to love its new home.

    Third, consider the places where you can get a golden retriever puppy to adopt. Adopting a puppy is quite challenging. This is because you never really get to know about its qualities until it gets home. Many of these dogs have the qualities of their parents. As you do not get to meet the parents, you will have to take the risk and adopt the puppy. However, the good thing about golden retriever puppy adoption is that the dog can be trained while it is young.

    Fourth, consider the puppy’s health before adopting it. They are very energetic throughout their lives. One way to identify a puppies health is to see if it’s energetic. Dull golden retriever puppies are most likely in poor health conditions. It will also be advisable to have a vet check up on the puppy for some of the diseases that are transmitted from parents to their young ones. These diseases might not be visible at first but might come to affect the dog as it grows.

    Fifth, you should also consider your health before adopting a golden retriever puppy. The dogs shed their fur throughout the year. This can cause allergic reactions in some people. If you are one of them, then its better to adopt a dog which in non allergenic.

    Lastly, you have to consider the lifestyle you lead. The golden retriever is an energetic dog which loves its owners company. If you travel a lot or are not interested in many activities, then the golden retriever is not the choice for you. The dogs can easily get bored and vent out this frustration on items such as furniture.

    Golden retriever puppy adoption can be a fun lifetime experience. It can be easy for people who have previously owned golden retrievers. However, if it is your first time considering the factors above will be of much help.

    If you need more information and tips on golden retriever puppies adoption, sign up for our FREE 10 part mini course on golden retriever caring at http://www.goldenretrievercaring.com

  • Cushing’s Disease in Dogs

    Canine Cushing's syndrome is a chronic illness that, if left untreated it can rapidly and severely affect your dog's quality of life and can lead to a range of more severe health problems and in certain cases can cause fatal complications. Understanding the causes and symptoms of Cushings Disease in dogs could save your pet's life.

    Cushing's syndrome is an incurable but entirely treatable condition that is caused by a malfunctioning pituitary gland. The pituitary gland governs growth and governs adrenaline production. The pituitary gland produces a hormone called cortisol, which stimulates growth and also stimulates the adrenal glands in to production.

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  • Can Dogs Eat Grapes?

    Can Dogs Eat Grapes?

    Are Grapes Safe For Dogs to Eat?

    The wrath of grapes was, unfortunately, all too familiar for many dogs and cats in 2008 as a US based pet insurance firm released data showing how many toxic claims it had dealt with last year. For many dog owners, they are unaware of which foods can prove toxic to dogs until it’s too late.

    VPI pet health insurance analyzed the more than 400 claims it received last year for toxic plant ingestions to find which plants and plant products proved most likely to poison pets. Raisins and grapes topped the list, followed by mushrooms and marijuana. In 2008, the average amount claimed for plant poisoning was $427 (approx £300).

    Grapes Eaten by Dogs Top Vet Claims

    1. Raisins/Grapes
    2. Mushrooms
    3. Marijuana
    4. Lily
    5. Walnuts
    6. Onion
    7. Sago Palm
    8. Macadamia Nuts
    9. Azalea
    10. Hydrangea

    “Almost all plant poisonings in pets can be prevented, but prevention depends on knowledge, thus it is important for pet owners to become familiar with which items can be toxic if ingested,” said Dr. Carol McConnell, vice president and chief veterinary medical officer for VPI.

    “Prevention is a simple matter of keeping these hazards out of a pet’s environment. To avoid plant poisonings, try not to give a dog table scraps that contain raisins, onions or nuts, and make sure that a new pet is introduced to a backyard free of sago palms, wild mushrooms or other toxic plants.”

    Pet owners have good reason to take the threat of grape/raisin ingestion seriously. Even in low doses, ingestion can place pets at risk for acute renal failure. Symptoms include anorexia, lethargy, depression, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.

    The exact cause is unknown, but some experts think that there may be a toxic component in the skin of the grape/raisin. Treatment by a licensed veterinarian may include inducing vomiting and/or administration of intravenous fluids. Immediate treatment is essential.

    The mushrooms most responsible for poisoning pets are the common “backyard” variety. These often grow in grassy places, especially after a heavy rain, and contain toxic components that disrupt the functioning of the digestive tract and liver. If ingested, mushrooms can cause salivation, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, and liver failure.

    The best way to prevent an accidental ingestion is to regularly scan a yard, or any other grassy area a pet may occupy, and pull wild mushrooms up when they appear.

    Most mushroom ingestion claims were submitted in late summer and fall. In fact, half of the plant poisoning claims received in October were due to mushroom ingestion. In addition to the top 10 plant poisonings, VPI received claims for ingestion of the following plants or plant products: delphinium, crocus bulbs, hemlock, rhododendrons, gladiolus, tea tree oil, poison ivy, nightshade, tobacco, poinsettia, oleander, brunfelsia, hibiscus, almonds, scarlet pimpernel, potpourri and kalanchoe. Nearly all claims for lily ingestion were submitted for felines.

    While not a plant or plant product, fertilizer is another garden variety toxin often ingested by pets. The strong smell of fertilizer can motivate dogs to taste or eat it. Unfortunately, some fertilizers contain organophosphate pesticides which impair the nervous system. In 2008, VPI received 60 claims for organophosphate poisoning. Pet owners can avoid accidents involving fertilizer by not using pesticide-containing fertilizers in an area frequented by pets. As with plant poisonings, prevention of fertilizer poisoning is primarily a matter of observation and knowledge of a pet’s environment.

    Grapes are favourite fruits of humans but these innocuous looking fruits can kill a dog. No one really knows why dogs should not be allowed to eat these red, green and black sweet fruits. Studies conducted on grape toxicity have verified that it was not caused by fertilizers or pesticides. Although the toxin in grapes is unknown, a twelve month study period has verified that grapes have indeed caused renal failure. Dogs affected by grape toxicity will be in pain due to inability to pass urine thus dogs that do not respond well to treatment are oftentimes put to sleep.

    Question: Can My Dog Eat Grapes?

     

    Humans love grapes fresh fruits or as raisins as apart from being delicious grapes are rich sources of vitamins. Grapes are good source of antioxidants. Free radicals commonly known as oxidants are the cells “developed” from humans unhealthy living . Alcohol, pollution, unhealthy foods, too much sun are the allies of oxidants. These oxidants are the reasons why people suffer from various health conditions like cancer, heart diseases, arthritis and many other health concerns.

    Grapes are good sources of antioxidants that prevent the oxidants from causing more harm to the healthy cells of the body. Now many people are aware of this fact but nevertheless, grapes are consumed in large quantities. Because of the low calorie content, people conscious about their figures would chose to snack on grapes as the fruit will not add inches to the waistline.

    The potential fatal effect of grapes to dogs is a recently discovered fact. Before pet owner were warned about the harmful effects of grapes to canines, this fruit as well as raisins were used as treats when training dogs. Scientists and pet owners are puzzled as the toxicity of grapes do not affect all dogs. Dogs that eat bunches of grapes will go scot free while some dogs that ingest a few will start to vomit and show other signs of toxicity. The toxicity of chocolates is dose dependent, this is not so with grapes.

    A dog that was affected by the toxic contents of grapes would start to show a change in behavior. The dog will be hyperactive and then it will be depressed and become lethargic. The dog may vomit and have diarrhea. Immediate treatment is necessary to save the life of the pet thus it must be rushed to the vet stat. Because the kidneys can no longer perform its function of filtering toxins, the dog will suffer from renal failure that can result to the death of the dog

    Sarah’s Dogs has more answers to why dogs cannot eat grapes as well as information about first aid for dogs.

    Worth a look…

    Dog flea advice and tips.

    Cushing’s disease in dogs (free report)

  • How Do I Train My Dog To Bark?

    How Do I Train My Dog To Bark?

    Dogs being man’s best friends have not only offered companionship but protection as well. Dogs that are purposely developed for protection work are trained to discriminate dangerous situations and to bark to alert the master. The need to teach the dog to bark is rather puzzling as barking is a natural behavior of these animals. Never think that training the dog to bark would be a breeze as the training entails teaching the dog to bark only when it has perceived potentially dangerous people and situations. As the bark of the dog will alert the owner to potential dangerous situations, the dog must learn discriminatory barking.

    For a dog to be an effective watch dog, it has to learn to bark at situations that would need the master’s attention. This is rather a hard task for dogs as these animals really do have the inclination to bark. Dogs bark at the slightest sound. Dogs are known to bark at the shadows of plants and trees. Training the dog to bark though can be done.

    There are many techniques available to teach a dog to bark but due to individual differences, one technique that was proven effective for one dog may not work for another. Any kind of training method will be more effective if positive reinforcement is used. The training is aimed at restraining the dog’s natural barking behavior. Tie the dog’s leash near the gate where it can see passersby.

    Dogs are expected to bark at anyone passing by thus you will have an opportunity to accustom the dog to the command that will curb its indiscriminate barking. “Quiet” or “No bark” given in a firm authoritative voice will let the dog know that you, the alpha male means business. The dog will eventually understand that barking at the postman or at the passing cars will annoy the master.

    Ask someone to open the gate or to ring the bell. As the person approaches, give the dog the command to bark. Bark or speak must be consistently used. You can praise or reward the dog with a treat as soon as it barks. Consistent training using the same command will eventually make the dog learn discriminatory barking. Always reward or praise the dog every time it obeys your command. Treats and rewards are positive reinforcements that will make the training easier as these will be associated by the to the compliance of the given command.

    Find out more about how to make a dog bark as well as dog first aid at Sarah’s Dogs.

  • How Do I House Train My Dog?

    House training, house breaking, potty training or toilet training refers to teaching the dog when and where to go to the bathroom or to the designated toilet area. Everyone wants to have a dog around but nobody wants to clean the mess created by the pet especially if the accident happened on the carpet, on the bed or in other areas inside the house. The ease or the difficulty of house training the dog will basically depend on the persistence and on the methods used by the dog owner. The task of teaching the dog to eliminate in the designated area will basically depend on the training methods used and on the patience and persistence of the dog owner.

    House breaking the puppy is not the responsibility of the breeder. As with any other kind of training, the task of housebreaking the pet would be easier if started while the dog is still a puppy. Dog owners will notice that these animals are creatures of habit.

    Dogs that have soiled a particular area will return to the same place over and over again to defecate or urinate. It would be your responsibility to guide the dog so that the habit that will be formed is to relieve itself in the designated area. This task would be difficult for pet owners that are not at home most of the time. Don’t be disheartened as dogs being intelligent animals would adapt to the potty training in a very short time.

    You need to designate an area to be the dog’s very own toilet. Suitable areas can be the garage, a corner of the bathroom or in the yard. Dogs have to do their business after waking up, after eating and before sleeping thus you can take the dog to the toilet area during these times to eliminate. A pat or a praise given after the dog has eliminated in the correct place will make the dog repeat the good deed again. Dogs that are allowed to roam inside the house can have accidents thus an owner need to know the telltale signs that the dog is about to do its business so that it can be taken to the designated place right away.

    Dogs make wonderful companions but these animals are entirely dependent on their owners. Getting a dog for a pet entails a huge responsibility as aside from the food and the care that must be provided for the dog, various training will also be necessary to mold the dog into a wonderful individual that will be significant member of the family

    Find out more about how to house train your dog as well as information on dog first aid at Sarah’s Dogs.

  • Why Is My Dog Chewing Everything?

    Scratching, digging, rolling in mud, barking and chewing are common dog behaviors. Dogs are one of the most loved pets. These loyal and loving animals have indeed made of lot of change to human lives. In spite of the dogs loyal and loving nature, an owner may think of abandoning the pet because of its unwanted behaviors. Destructive chewing is one of the most common concerns of pet parents. A pet owner that needs to replace the things destroyed by the dog would certainly be annoyed by the pet’s excessive chewing habit.

    Chewing is a natural behavior of dogs. Three month old puppies are commonly seen starting to exercise the gums and teeth by chewing . Puppies, unlike humans, have no hands thus the mouth and the teeth are used to investigate their environment . Chewing things is the only way by which puppies satisfy their curiosity about their new world . Teething pains entices puppies to chew more. Babies are usually given teethers to ease teething pains and to strengthen the gums. Puppies that are not provided with chew toys would find their own teethers to manage their teething pains. This destructive chewing has other repercussions. A dog that has been chewing can swallow an object that can create a life threatening blockage. The chewing habit of puppies can be managed as it would be an easy matter to confine a small dog and provide it with harmless chew toys. The tendency to chew is generally outgrown by most puppies.

    A well behave dog that has unexpectedly developed an excessive chewing habit would naturally concern a pet owner. There has to be an underlying reason for the dog’s destructive behavior. Boredom, loneliness, inactivity are the most common causes of destructive chewing. Once you know why your dog chews. You must also know what to do when it chews. A dog is a social animal. A dog is not similar to a cat that would be contented to stare into space alone all day. Being a social animal, a dog would need a member of its human family or another dog to play with. As you would expect, dogs would not know the value of things. A shoe with the master’s scent would be a poor substitute but it would do for a dog missing its master. Being energetic, dogs have to be provided with opportunities to let off steam. Dog owners must be aware that it would not be a good idea to confine the pet with no toys or playmate inside the house as with most certainty, the dog will develop into a destructive pet.