My Dog is Chewing Her Paws - Again!

You’ve heard that sound of your dog chewing or licking their paws. You always thought it was a little weird sounding and probably kind of frustrating not knowing what you could do about it. It's something you never thought to really pay attention to.

Dogs actually will lick their paws for a variety of reasons, and cleaning isn’t usually one of them. Some reasons dogs do this is because of: Injury; Habit/Boredom/Anxiety (kind of like humans biting their nails); Allergies; Parasites; Pain; 

Dry Skin and Hormonal imbalances.

Because there are so many reasons for licking paws, it’s important to take your dog to a vet to have her thoroughly examined.  

In addition to the examination, your vet may run some tests to further see what the cause is so that treatment can be prescribed. Treatments can range from anti-fungal medication to antibiotics to special shampoo. Your vet may also recommend trying a new food.

Regardless of the reason, if you know your pet is licking their paws, it’s not just a “frustration” to you, but rather something that is really frustrating your dog, so make sure to get her what she needs.

Which Toys Do You Let Your Dog Play With?

A long time ago, there was either a bone or a stick from the backyard for your dog. But experience has shown that sticks and bones aren't the safest playthings for your pup. More popular today are rawhides and chewing sticks. Even these pose some risks to your dog's health. Because of this, efforts have been made to produce better, safer toys that produce a variety of squeaks, moos and even songs. The sky's the limit! While having an array of options is great, it can be overwhelming. If you're struggling to decide where to put your money in the canine toy arena, we can help! The following are some suggestions of dog toys and methods of deciding which is best for your particular pooch. 

CHEW STYLE

What type of chewer is your dog? Does your pal rip all toys to shreds, or gently nibble? If your dog tends to settle down with a toy and really go at it, it’s best to purchase playthings that are made of durable rubber like Kongs made by the Kong Company®. Kongs have been known to withstand the roughest chewers. When the rubber begins to crack and tear, its time to throw it out and buy another.

If your dog has a softer approach to playing, or loves toys that squeak and squeal, consider sewn plush toys. Canvas toys are a terrific option for rough chewers that are fans of the squeak. Semi-aggressive chompers can also enjoy rope toys which break apart less easily and are wonderful for your pet’s dental health.

Planet Dog has even devised a system to aid consumers in the purchase of dog toys called the Chew-o-Meter. Their system takes into account the chewing style of your pup compared to the durability of their products to help you make the best purchase possible. Furthermore, 2% of your purchase is used to fund the training of service dogs. 

KNOW YOUR MATERIAL

It is important to be aware of the materials used to make your dog’s toy because they spend a lot of time in your canine’s mouth where harmful substances can be easily absorbed. Be careful; the Consumer Product Safety Commission only deems pet toys harmful if they put the owner at risk! As mentioned previously, Kongs® and Nylabones® are safe products that are made without harmful toxins but if you are unsure, check the label.

SAFETY FIRST

Instead of smaller toys that may be a choking risk, stick to Frisbees and large balls that can’t reach the back of your dog’s mouth. A reader of The Bark recommends lacrosse balls which are large and come in a variety of fun colors. In addition, regularly check all toys for cracks or holes so that your dog’s mouth stays in tip-top shape.

PET COMPANIES WITH PET SAFETY IN MIND

Companies like Kong®, Tough by Nature, and Planet Dog are innovative toy producers that keep the safety of your pet in mind. They constantly take our pets’ needs and health concerns to heart and consistently provide new modes of fun and recreation.

The dog toy frontier is also pioneered by designers who wish to actively and mentally engage dogs with puzzle-like toys that require your pet to move pieces in order to reveal hidden treats. Nina Ottosson has a line a of dog toys that seek to work the canine brain by encouraging them to discover concealed treats using their nose and paws. Some of Ottosson’s products are made from particle board and should not be eaten or chewed, so it is important to watch your dog while playing with them. Another great option is the Buster Cube, which comes in different size cubes that must be rolled around in order to dispense the treats inside. Resembling a gumball machine, the Yuppy Puppy Food and Treat Machine has a large bone handle that when pressed down by your pup’s paw, dispenses treats! However, if you have any hesitations about whether your dog will chew off pieces of these brain teasers toys, opt to only use them when you can monitor your dog.

To keep the good times rolling for you and your best friend, consider your dog’s safety and well-being when selecting from the large range of toy options on the pet market today. Ready, set, play!

Sources: 

Sheila Pell The Bark.com
The Happy Dog Spot

Does Your Dog Need More Exercise?

“My dog won’t stop chewing on the furniture!”

“My dog can’t sleep through the night.”

“My dog goes crazy when we let him outside.”

Any of these sound familiar? People whose pets are apparent troublemakers can become easily frustrated with these hyperactive habits. But before you go crazy trying to train your pooch, ask yourself one question: is your dog getting enough exercise? 

In a recent Petside.com blog, author Julie Seguss discusses the signs that could indicate that your dog needs more regular activity. It’s not just a dog being overweight, these signs include a lot of difficult behaviors like constant barking, destructive chewing, hyperactivity, lack of focus, leash pulling and trouble sleeping. Your dog may be doing more than intentionally causing trouble; he may be trying to tell you that he needs more exercise.

Although these behaviors are common in many dogs, especially puppies, if your dog exhibits one or more of these behaviors regularly, it may be because he is trying to get out excess energy. Try giving your dog some extra exercise and see if the behavior subsides.

The next question is: what kind of exercise? The answer depends on your dog’s regular activity. In most cases, leash walking is not enough to burn off your dog’s excess energy. Off-leash activities like playing fetch in a fenced-in backyard are more likely to satisfy your dog’s need to do something active. Training can also be an energy-expending activity, but your dog probably prefers to have some playtime as well. No one likes all work and no play!

Once your dog is tuckered out, you may look for him to fall asleep as a sign of a good workout. However, the most active times for dogs are dawn and dusk, so don’t be alarmed if your pup isn't ready for bed after an evening play session. Dogs are more inclined to nap during the afternoon; so alternatively, a pooch who seems tired at noon isn't necessarily getting enough exercise just because he is sleepy. If you get excited to play, he is sure to follow suit!  

Adding activity to your dog’s routine may help put a stop to those pesky behaviors, and help get your dog in shape for the spring season. From April 15 – 19, Morris Animal Inn is hosting a Spring Training Fit Camp for energetic dogs or even pooches looking to lose a few pounds. The week is complete with base running, aqua warm-ups, group play batting practice, treadmill training and homemade All-Star protein bars. Call 973-539-0377 to book your dog a spot in the line-up today!