Pet Bucket Blog

Is your feline friend beginning to look more like a pot-bellied pig than a cat?  It might be time to start a weight loss regimen.  Helping a cat lose weight will take patience and persistence, but will improve the overall health and well-being of your pet. Cats lose weight the same way humans do.  There’s no secret science for either species.  Overall, your pet will need to eat less and exercise more.  If your cat currently controls the amount of food they receive, you’ll need to take note of how much food they eat in one 24-hour period.  If they are just overweight and don’t appear to be gaining or losing any weight, then the amount of food they are currently eating is considered their maintenance diet.  It’s just enough food for them to maintain their current weight. To change their weight, you’ll simply need to begin controlling the amount of food they eat by decreasing the amount of food they are given each day to below their maintenance level.  If they currently eat 2 cups per day of cat food, then try feeding them only 1.75 cups.  While this is likely still too much food for the average adult cat, you will be able to gradually step them down to a healthy weight.  While they are on a reduced calorie diet, you will notice their weight drop initially then level off to a stable weight.  It may take up to a month between feeding reductions for their weight to stabilize.  Continue to reduce their food intake a quarter cup at a time each time until they are a more healthy weight.  Most cats will need 5-6 ounces of wet cat food per day.  For dry cat food, the feeding recommendations are typically listed on the outside of the packaging. Image credit Since different brands and types of cat food have different nutritional values, the amount of food they’ll need is brand-dependent.  Simply switching brands and feeding them the same amount can cause a cat to lose weight.  Some cat foods are high in fats and filler material while others are mainly lean meats.  While quality cat food is often more expensive, you’ll find that you don’t need to feed them as much of it to get the same nutritional value. Aside from feeding habits that take in calories, you’ll also need to be aware of your cat’s overall calorie expenditure.  How active your pet is will play a big role in how much of that food they consume gets used in running around and climbing things and how much will go to fat storage.  If you have a house cat that spends all of their time indoors and much of it sleeping, then they will need at least 20% less food than the average cat.  Outdoor feral cats that hunt for food and are very active need much more food than the average cat to maintain their current weight. As both calorie intake and export play a role in shaping the figure and health of your cat, you can manipulate one or the other to see positive results.  Increasing your cat’s time spent exercising has the same effect as decreasing their amount of food.  The only thing that is important at the end of the day is that the overall difference between the amounts of calories they take in and calories they use up is less than it was when they were overweight.  If you follow that simple formula, you’ll see positive results in your feline friend, and they’ll be on their way to a happier, healthier life.

Humans have been training dogs for thousands of years.  So naturally, you might assume that we would have it down to a science by now.  But all too often, new dog owners contribute to canine misbehavior by making honest mistakes that send mixed signals to their four-footed companions.  Unfortunately, these mistakes can lead to long periods of frustration and strained canine/human relations.  Here are a few of the most common mistakes that people make when trying to get their pets trained. Broken Record Syndrome Oftentimes, dog owners repeat a command like “sit” over and over again thinking that repetition will bring results.  Professional dog trainers say, however, that a dog will become desensitized to continuous repetition and will basically learn to ignore the command.  And there are other psychological reasons that a dog doesn’t respond.  For example, strong-willed dogs do not like to lie down because it is an act of submission.  Similarly, submissive dogs may feel unsafe when they are told to lie down.  One of the best things a dog owner can do to elicit proper behavior from their dog is to spend time with them.  Take them for walks.  Play with them.  And make sure you are the one who feeds them.  When a dog feels bonded with its owner, it will respond more readily to commands – even those that they don’t like. Confusing Language A dog owner that is attempting to train their pet should understand a few principles of dog psychology before they get too far into the process.  One of those principles is how dogs understand our words.  Remember, they do not know English, Spanish, or French.  They simply learn to associate a word with an action.  So when you use different phrases for the same command like “sit” and “sit down,” your dog will become confused.  They aren’t cognitively able to understand that “come” and “come here” mean the same thing.  The same goes for non-verbal language as well.  For example, you are sending mixed signals if you pat your leg to get your dog to come to you one day and snap your fingers the next day.  For the best results when it comes to dog training, stick with simple one-word commands where possible and be consistent with your physical hand signals.  Training Session Length Dog training is a process that takes time and patience.  Some dog owners become frustrated because it doesn’t seem that their dog is responding.  It’s important to understand that a new behavior will take several sessions to establish and several more sessions of practice to perfect.  And impatient dog owners who want to get it all done at once are in danger of compromising any progress that may have already been made.  A training session should be fairly short and goal-oriented.  As soon as you observe an obvious behavior result, reward your dog and end the session. Image credit Using Too Much Emotion You might be able to coerce your kids into doing something by displaying anger or acting irritated, but dogs don’t operate that way.  One of the best ways to confuse your dog is to let emotions enter the training session.  Flying off the handle will not lead to positive results and your training session will turn into a confusing torture session for your dog.  Calmness is the best countenance to adopt during your training sessions in order to get things done.  When your dog does not respond correctly, simply regroup and try again. Consistency Not being consistent is one of the most common mistakes that people make when training their dogs.  For example, if you are calm and collected during one training session and overly excited or frustrated the next session, your dog will not be able to predict your response and will live in a state of confusion.  And this makes training much more difficult if not impossible.  You must remember that dogs act in a predictable manner towards other dogs and this consistency is how a dog learns to build trust and rapport with its owner. Save yourself a lot of frustration when it comes to training your dog by getting on the same page that he is on.  Follow these simple guidelines to avoid sending mixed signals to your dog.

If you have a dog, then you need to check it for fleas on a regular basis. Fleas can be found in almost every area of the country, especially during the spring and summer months. Just because you keep your home clean and tidy does not meant your dog won't get fleas. Fleas are tiny parasites that can jump huge distances, which means that they can attach themselves to your dog by jumping on it from another animal with fleas. Because fleas are parasites, they can cause severe discomfort to your dog. Fleas will spread quickly throughout your home if you do not find a way to eliminate them immediately; otherwise, they will cause severe discomfort to you and your family. The following are five ways to check your dog for fleas:   ? Check to see if your dog is behaving oddly - If your dog is behaving oddly; for example, its more restless than normal and is chewing, licking or scratching itself more than it usually does, then there's a good chance it has fleas. Other behavioral signs of fleas include scratching at its ears or shaking its head on a regular basis. ? Check your dog's fur coat - If you dog has become infested with fleas, then you should be able to spot fleas jumping around in your dog's fur coat. However, if your dog only has a few fleas, they may be hard to spot by just checking the fur. ? Check the groin and armpits - These two areas are two of the warmer areas as well as most protected areas on a dog, which makes them some of the favorite locations for fleas to feed off of. Look carefully in these spots for fleas or for signs of fleas, such as hair loss or red and irritated skin, which may have been caused by excessive scratching. Image credit ? Run a flea comb through the fur - Flea combs have very fine teeth, making it easier to pull out fleas. Run a flea comb through your dog's fur. If there are any fleas in the area that you are combing, they should be caught within the teeth. When using the comb, make sure that you get close to your dog's skin. Be sure to have a bowl of water with soap in it nearby so you can dip the comb in it if you have caught any live fleas. ? Check your dog's bed - The fleas won't just stay on your dog - they will often move to the environment that your dog lives in. If they haven't spread to your furniture yet (at which point you'll probably realize that you have fleas), then check your dog's bedding for fleas or for signs of flea dirt, which are black specks.   These are five ways that you can check to see if your dog has fleas. If your dog does indeed have fleas, then you need to get rid of them as soon as possible before they begin spreading throughout your home and you have an infestation on your hands.

It's one of the indisputable laws of nature: what goes in one end must come out the other. It's the question of when and where it comes out that causes problems for the owner of a new puppy. Potty training a new dog is one of the first things you'll want to do, and life will be much more pleasant for everyone once your puppy has mastered this skill.   When your dog is a puppy, he doesn't possess the muscle control of his bowels and bladder to be able to decide when to empty them. He also doesn't understand the language that you will be using to try and teach him the rights and wrongs of when and where to do his business. It's important to remember this - your puppy will need to wee and poo, and there's no point in scolding him if he does it in the wrong place. No dog is a mind reader, and it is your duty, as the owner and pack leader, to communicate how you want things done. Luckily, just by following a few simple rules, you can teach your puppy where it's appropriate to do his business, and hopefully avoid too many unpleasant accidents along the way.   Potty Training Your Puppy - Step 1: Confinement When puppies are newly born, their mother licks them to stimulate them to excrete. After they have finished doing their business, she licks the puppies again, to clean them up.  This means that, as the puppies grow, they develop the desire to want to sleep somewhere that isn't covered in wee and poo. Given a choice, a puppy will instinctively keep their bed area clean. As such, some form of confinement will help your puppy develop the control he needs for successful potty training. The best way to start the confinement stage of potty training is by using a crate.  The crate shouldn't be too big, or else the puppy will be tempted to use one end as a toilet, and the other for sleeping.  If your puppy is going to grow to a big size within a few months, and you don't want to be buying several crates, it is possible to get one that's partitioned, enabling you to increase the area as the puppy grows, whilst still being able to keep it the right size for potty training. Potty Training Your Puppy - Step 2: Training and Praise Many dog trainers use a leash or a lead when potty training puppies. Making use of a leash ensures that you can keep the dog close to you, which will give you control over where your dog will eliminate.  It's best to use a slip-type lead for ease and speed of putting it on; even if your puppy is still a bit young to be lead trained, you can still slip it over his head and carry him outside.  Young dogs are easily distracted and can mentally stray from the job in hand, so a little tug on the leash will help refocus their mind.   Pick a suitable area of your garden as the potty corner, behind the shed, for example. With your puppy on a leash, guide him down there every time you feel he is ready to do his duty, and before long, he will go there of his own accord. The words you use whilst your puppy is doing his business are also important, as they help reinforce the potty training effort.  Be consistent, and make sure it's easy to say, because whatever phrase you choose, you'll be using it a lot! "Go potty" for wee, and "Go poop" for poo are effective, although you can use whatever words you feel most comfortable with. The most important word you need to teach your puppy is 'Outside'.  Every time you take your puppy outside, use it repeatedly, in a bright and cheery tone. Dogs love to be outside, as they associate it with freedom and playtime. Eventually, just saying the word 'outside' will have your puppy running for the door in excitement. Once you are outside, put your puppy down and change the emphasis to the 'go potty' or' go poop' command, whichever you have chosen.  Let your puppy have a sniff around the area and move about until they feel settled, but keep them within the space you have decided to make their potty area.  Use a little nudge on the lead if he gets distracted, and repeat the 'go potty' command.  Make sure you say the command in a friendly and encouraging tone; you don't want to sound firm or angry, nor do you want to be pleading for him to do it. Then, when he starts to do his business, give him verbal encouragement in a happy and pleasant tone of voice.   Be sure to only use verbal praise, as any physical petting can disturb the motion in progress.  Dogs will usually wee first then poo, but you will quickly learn your own dog's routine, and be able to encourage him to wee or poop appropriately. Image credit Potty Training Your Puppy - Step 3: Timing As your puppy learns the rules of elimination, they will start to earn themselves freedom from the crate. The best time to allow your puppy out is when he's just done his business, but he will still need to be closely supervised.  The key is to be constantly observant of your dog's behavior and body language, so you can anticipate what's going to happen.  All puppies and dogs will have their own idiosyncratic behavior which signals that they need to go potty.  These may include circling, sniffing, stopping an activity abruptly, or running out of the room. If you spot these signs, take your puppy outside and follow the procedure for having them poop in the right place. Your dog will also need to go outside if there's a change in circumstances, for example, after a walk, a sleep or eating. A rule of thumb is that the age of the dog, in months, is the time, in hours, that the puppy can cope between potty breaks. For example, a one month old puppy can cope for one hour, but a four month puppy can cope for four hours. This is true up to around seven months in age, by which point, hopefully your puppy will be fully potty trained. Potty Training Your Puppy - Step 4: Accidents There will still be accidents whilst you're potty training your puppy. If you should catch him whilst he's doing his business, a loud hand clap to distract him, and a firm, low voice to communicate your displeasure will be enough to drive the message home. You don't want to terrify him, but you do want him to know you're unhappy.  Quickly scoot him outside with your friendly and encouraging 'outside' voice.  Then, if he continues what he started, heap on lots of praise. There is no point whatsoever in punishing your puppy when he has weed or pooped in the wrong place at the wrong time. The message your puppy will receive from such a punishment is that they should only wee or poop when you're not around, which will only cause even more problems.  Think of such an accident as an opportunity to teach your puppy how to do things correctly. As with every lesson in life, the more it is repeated, the quicker it is learned.

Bringing a new dog or puppy home is an exciting and joyful time for families, but the furry newcomer may not be a welcome addition for every family member; namely, the resident cat. Cats don't always take well to change, and when a new pet enters their domain, their stress levels can rise. The good news is, cats and dogs can and do live together in peace and can even become the best of friends. What's important is to make sure the cat is properly acclimated to the new family member. Here's how: Give the cat a space of her own. Cats need a place where they can feel safe from outside stressors. A separate room where the new dog or puppy can't go works well. Or, block off the upstairs so the cat can roam freely on a different level of the house. Be careful not to isolate the cat completely, though; instead, allow the cat to view the new pet from a distance and to become familiar with its scent.  Show that the new dog isn't a threat. Have the cat observe your behavior with the new dog to prove that the newcomer is not a threat. By watching and listening to your gentle interaction while you're training the puppy or just quietly bonding, the cat will associate positive feelings with the new animal. Crating the new dog at night or when you are not home also helps alleviate threat issues for cats. Supervise the cat and dog during early introductions. Always supervise the cat and new dog while they are getting acquainted to avoid harm to either animal. It's a good idea to keep the new dog on a leash during early introductions, too, so that you can restrain the dog if it gets too rambunctious or tries to chase the cat. Praise and offer treats to both pets for good behavior.   Image credit Keep cat routines the same. Showing resident cats that nothing concerning them has changed, despite the new dog, helps them feel secure. Keep the cat's feeding schedule the same, continue daily play sessions, and let the cat spend time snuggling with you--even if this means separating yourself from the new dog. If you have other pets, let the cat spend time with them too, away from the new pup. Expect the cat to hiss. Cats often hiss at new pets. It's a natural defense mechanism and a way to show seniority.  A resident cat's hissing or batting at a new dog or puppy may actually be a good thing because it helps avert further negative behavior; most dogs will back away when a cat offers this type of warning. Be sure to intervene if the dog or cat shows signs of aggression. Don't force the relationship. Forcing a cat to like a new pet before the cat is ready could backfire. Give the cat opportunities to get comfortably close to the new dog, and don't worry if the process is slow. Some cats adjust quickly to change while others take a long time. The cat will eventually realize that the dog is here to stay and will adjust. If you're bringing a new dog into the home, take the time and effort to acclimate the newcomer to the family cat. Doing so is key to a happy, stress-free environment for your pets--and you.

It can be hard to tell when your dogs require veterinary attention. If you brought them to the doctor every time they had a little sniffle, you'd spend more time in the vet's office than at home. However, there are a few symptoms that could have a serious underlying cause. Let's take a look at five symptoms that you must consult your vet about. Lumps Most lumps that develop on a dog are completely benign. However, a lump could potentially be cancerous. Cancer is the most common fatal disease in pets. The earlier you treat it, the more likely it is that you can save your dog. Your vet should be made aware of any new lumps or growths that develop on your pet. Unusual Body Odors Although dogs can get smelly from playing in the yard or wrapping themselves up in hot blankets, unusual body odors are an important warning sign to be aware of. Bad breath can be a sign of cancer or dental issues. Excessive flatulence can be a sign of clogged anal glands. Smelly ears might indicate an ear infection. Unexplained Weight Loss Unexplained weight loss is a very serious symptom in a dog. You should be particularly alarmed if this weight loss is accompanied by a change in appetite. These symptoms could be a warning sign of cancer. They are also associated with a number of digestive and glandular issues. Image credit Coughing Coughing is a symptom that can be an indicator of a variety of serious illnesses. It could be a symptom of lung cancer or another respiratory disease. Small dogs are at an increased risk of damage to their esophagus, which can lead to coughing and choking. Limping and Jumping If your pet is limping or jumping, you must seek immediate attention from a vet. This symptom is a sign of pain and can be an indication of a broken bone or serious physical trauma. It can also be a symptom of arthritis, which is painful but treatable. Certain types of cancer will also lead to obvious signs of pain. Not every symptom requires the attention of a vet, but these particular symptoms are sometimes indications of serious underlying health conditions. If your pet experiences any of these warning signs, bring them to the vet as soon as possible. You should also schedule regular checkups for your dog in order to catch and treat any less obvious illnesses.

When it comes to feeding your dog, you have a lot of options to choose from.  You know that table scraps won't provide the nutrition your pup needs, but you may not realize that certain dog foods can actually contain potentially harmful ingredients as well.  Even the pricier, organic brands may not be all they're cracked up to be.  If you're confused about what should and shouldn't be in your pet's food, understanding a few simple guidelines can help you make a choice that will be both nourishing and tasty for your dog.  Let's take a look at what you should look for and what you should avoid when purchasing dog food: 1.    Make sure a specific meat is at the top of the list.  When you're reading the label, meat should be the first ingredient listed.  This means that there's more meat in your dog's food than anything else.  However, it's important for the label to list a specific type of meat.  A lean meat like chicken is best, especially if your dog has weight issues.  While beef may not be quite as healthy, it's still an acceptable protein option as well.  On the other hand, you'll want to stay away from dog foods that just list something generic like "meat meal" or "animal byproduct meal."  This can include anything from horse meat to pig hooves and everything in between.  Stick with basic "chicken" or "beef" so you know exactly what's in that bag you'll be pouring or scooping from daily. 2.    Be wary of certain fillers.  Most dog foods are going to contain at least a few grains.  However, you don't want those grains to be too high on the ingredient list.  Many manufacturers skimp on the meat and instead use high levels of fillers like corn meal, oatmeal, rice and soybean meal.  High levels of these ingredients can cause allergic reactions in some dogs.  They can also be a bit difficult for their digestive systems to process, particularly for pups with tender tummies.  Don't be fooled by popular brands that proudly tout organic ingredients.  Just because they use organic fillers doesn't necessarily mean those are the foods your dog should be eating.  Choose a primarily meat-based brand with ingredients like chicken and chicken meal listed first.  Anything else will mean too many carbohydrates, which can lead to weight gain and sluggishness in your dog. Image credit 3.    Keep things simple.  When it comes to your dog's food, simplicity is key.  It's best to avoid dog food that uses artificial colors, flavors or other additives.  Those brightly-colored bits and pieces may look appetizing, but there's no point in giving your dog something artificial if you don't have to.  Dogs don't perceive colors as vividly as we do, so those bright hues are really there for your benefit anyway.  You should also examine the ingredient list carefully to be sure that it doesn't include any kind of sweetener, whether it's real or artificial.  Things like sugar, corn syrup, molasses or brown rice syrup have no place in your pet's food.  In addition, steer clear of ingredients like butylated hydroxysanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene.  The bag will typically list these as BHA and BHG.  They've actually been banned in some countries because they've been linked to cancer in some pets.  Other preservatives like ethoxyquin and propylene glycol should also be avoided.  The former has been used in pesticides while the latter is related to antifreeze.  Bottom line, if you can't pronounce it, it probably shouldn't be in your pet's food.  Go with a brand that only has ingredients you can easily identify. You probably consider your dog an important part of your family.  If you want your pup to stick around for many years to come, you need to make sure he or she is getting the nutritional benefits his or her body requires.  Selecting the right dog food will help you do that.  By following the guidelines on this list, you can make sure Fido's food has all the proper nutrients he or she needs and none of that potentially harmful fake stuff.  Remember to read the ingredient label carefully so your dog can stay healthy and live a long, happy life!

Until recently, most experts would say that cats did not get heartworms.  Over the past few years, research has begun to show that heartworms are much common in cats than was previously thought.  Prevalence of Heartworm in Cats There have been laboratory confirmed cases of heartworm in cats in all 50 U.S. states. One researcher who presented at a 1998 heartworm symposium performed random blood tests in cats and found that heartworm disease was more common than feline leukemia (FLV) and FIV or feline AIDS.  Anywhere that dogs are at risk for heartworm, cats are now also considered to be at risk.   This apparent increase in feline heartworm infection is actually a sign of better detection and understanding of the disease.  Cats may develop only one or two adult worms and, as a result, older heartworm tests that worked on dogs may not be sensitive enough to identify a heartworm infection in a cat. In addition, heartworm disease in cats may be misdiagnosed due to the lack of awareness of the prevalence of the disease as well as the different symptoms that cats develop. Symptoms of Feline Heartworm Disease Heartworm in cats often presents differently than in dogs.  Respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and difficulty breathing, are common in cats with heartworm and may be misdiagnosed as asthma.  These symptoms, along with vomiting, weight loss, lethargy, and loss of appetite, may become a chronic disease.  Heartworms can also cause neurological symptoms, seizures, fainting, and death in cats. Treatment of Heartworm Disease in Cats Heartworm treatments that work on dogs are dangerous in cats. As many as 70% of cats will die if canine treatments are used.  The best practice for cats with heartworm is to treat the symptoms and allow the adult worms to die a natural death over the course of a couple years. In some cases, the inflammation that occurs when the heartworms die may be life threatening for the cat.  Image credit Prevention of Heartworm There are medications available that can prevent heartworm in cats.  If you have a dog and your veterinarian recommends seasonal or year-round heartworm protection, ask about prevention for your cat too.  Heartworm is extremely common in the southeastern U.S. year round and many other parts of the country have a risk of heartworm, especially during warm months.   If your vet is not familiar with the risks of feline heartworm disease, there are guidelines put out by the American Heartworm Society that can help you and your vet make an education decision. Heartworm and Indoor Cats It is not just outdoor cats that are at risk of heartworm.  One study found that about 28% of cats that were diagnosed with heartworm were indoor-only cats.  Some researchers theorize that indoor cats may actually be at increased risk since they do not have a built up immunity.  Cats may particularly be at risk if they lie against window or door screens as many indoor cats enjoy doing.  If you live in an area that has a high risk of heartworm disease, consult with your veterinarian about the need to treat your indoor-only cats.  Heartworm disease in cats is still not completely understood and more research is needed into the prevalence, symptoms and treatments.   In addition, many veterinarians are not aware of the latest research and may not regularly recommend heartworm preventatives for cats.  

Dogs, like people and many other animals, get depressed. Major change, a substantial loss, or even the weather can create prolonged, intense sadness in canines. Fortunately, dog depression symptoms are easy to recognize and solutions are usually evident and simple to implement. Care must be taken, however, not to inadvertently reward the dog for sad behavior. Instead, there are easy ways to encourage happy behavior and uplifting activities.   Although dogs live for the moment, this doesn't mean that whatever happens will not affect them in the long run. Consider how important a dog's human and animal companions are to him. His people provide not only food, water and shelter but also attention and love. They provide him with endless interesting ways to fill his waking hours. Other pets in his household enrich his playtime, downtime, and provide moral support and security within his family environment. In short, his human and animal friends are the highlights of his each and every day. When one of these companions leaves him, permanently through death, or temporarily as through a long hospital stay, his world turns upside down. His loss can be tremendous. Just like people, dogs need help to fill this void.   In fact, since dogs are animals of habit, major changes of any sort can upset them immensely. A move to a bigger, better home can leave them without their favorite shade tree or familiar living room picture window view. The friendly children next door he'd run along the fence and play with may now be replaced with less friendly people or with nothing at all. Potentially as upsetting as a change in environment is a change to a dog's daily schedule. A dog can be overcome with loneliness if his owner is working longer hours or a different shift, leaving him with one less long walk per day. This type of separation anxiety is also common when there's a change in the dog's family dynamics. A new spouse, new baby or even a new pet may leave him feeling left out, insecure and insignificant. Image credit   Just like people, dogs can simply get the blues. A change of season, extended bad weather, or even just the shorter daylight hours of winter can leave dogs with less happy time outdoors, less trips with their owners, and basically with much less to do. What's important to remember is that dogs pick up the emotions of the people around them. A person who's depressed about the weather, or anything else, is likely to have a dog that mirrors the emotion. In determining what's causing a dog's depression, it's crucial to rule out medical problems first. For instance, a dog that's eating less and inactive may be stiff and sore from arthritis. Depression without another medical or environmental cause may actually be due to a chemical imbalance. Only a veterinarian can determine this conclusively and treat it accordingly.   One of the most common signs of dog depression is a decrease in both food and water consumption. Depending on how much less a depressed dog is eating, there can be a corresponding loss of weight. The weight loss can be drastic and sudden if the dog virtually or totally abstains from food. Depending on how little the dog is drinking, varying levels of dehydration can occur. Occasionally, depressed canines markedly overeat and this can be as dangerous as not eating enough. Sleep patterns may also be altered, with depressed dogs either sleeping excessively or having trouble sleeping at all. They may be restless and anxious. Some shake and abnormally shed. But basically, if a dog becomes listless, inactive or lethargic, depression should be a concern. Some dogs get excessively clingy while others become withdrawn, even hiding to avoid contact and to avoid doing the things they previously enjoyed. Any distinct personality change can signal depression but only a veterinarian will know for sure.   Fortunately, once depression is diagnosed, treatment is usually simple and based directly on the cause. For example, a dog mourning the death of his dog companion will benefit tremendously from interaction with other dogs. Dog parks or long walks in a dog friendly neighborhood work wonders if it isn't feasible to get another dog. Lonely dogs whose owners must suddenly work longer hours can benefit greatly from the addition of a new family pet they'll enjoy. In general, depressed dogs need lots of extra affection and attention. More exercise and activity is best given doing the things they most enjoy. Herbal supplements may work wonders as can anti-depressants for chemical imbalance but these must be prescribed by a vet. Drugs should be a last resort, however, as they may cause unpleasant side effects. Whenever possible, depressed dogs should be cheered up in natural ways. Since rewarding sadness encourages it to continue, hugs and treats should be given only once a dog's been coaxed into happier behavior.   The good news is that dogs suffering from depression are usually back to normal within a few months, sometimes even in just a few days. Unlike humans, long term depression in canines is extremely rare. Because dogs are more present-day oriented than their human companions, treatments employed for whatever is causing their blues are more readily accepted and their resulting uplifted mood and behavior are more easily retained.

All of us want our dogs to be healthy and happy, but it can be quite a struggle to resist the temptation to give your furry friend table scraps. While a special treat on occasion may not be cause for concern, there are several common foods that can be quite dangerous for dogs. In order to prevent tragedy from occurring, avoid these 5 foods your dog should never eat. 1. Onions & Garlic Regardless of the form these foods come in, onions and garlic are a huge no-no for dogs. These foods can actually compromise a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. If your dog accidentally ingests a small amount, he will probably be okay. However, repeated exposure to these foods can spell serious trouble for your companion. If you are worried your dog may have ingested large quantities of onions or garlic, keep an eye out for symptoms of anemia which include weakness, vomiting, disinterest in food, and breathing difficulties. 2. Grapes/Raisins Many dog owners have used grapes and/or raisins as dog treats, but these foods are dangerous for your pet’s health. While scientists aren’t sure of the exact cause, grapes and raisins are known to cause kidney failure in dogs. Even the smallest amount can make your dog ill. To prevent this tragedy, keep grapes and raisins away from areas your dog can reach. Repeated vomiting is a sure sign your dog has eaten these foods, and within a day he will become lethargic and unlike his normal self. Seek medical attention immediately if you notice these warning signs. Image credit 3. Candy Many types of candy and gum are sweetened with an ingredient called xylitol. While we may be able to safely consume this ingredient, it can wreak havoc on your dog’s system. Xylitol can actually increase the amount of insulin in your dog’s body, which can cause blood sugar to drop and liver failure to set in. Loss of coordination, vomiting and lethargy are early warning signs your dog has consumed xylitol. He may also experience frequent seizures. If you notice any of these warning signs, head to the veterinarian immediately. 4. Macadamia Nuts Macadamia nuts can be fatal to dogs, and should never be given as a treat. Even a miniscule amount of these nuts can lead to illness and poison your dog’s system. Symptoms of macadamia nut poisoning include muscle tremors, weakness/paralysis, vomiting, fever and a rapid heart rate. When combined with chocolate, macadamia nuts can make symptoms worse and may cause death. Keep these nuts and any foods containing them well out of the reach of your furry friend. 5. Avocado Avocados contain persin, which can be toxic to dogs. While you may love guacamole, your dog’s system can’t handle large amounts of this substance found in avocados. While a small amount isn’t likely to cause lasting harm, it’s still a good idea to keep your dog away from them. If you are growing avocados at home, keep them away from areas your dog plays – persin can be found in the seeds, leaves and bark in addition to the fruit itself. While it can be tempting to feed your dog a special treat now and then, many common foods are dangerous to dogs. In order to keep your pet happy and healthy, avoid feeding him these five dangerous foods.