If your dog spends any time outdoors or socializing with other animals, he has the potential to attract fleas and ticks. These biting pests are more than just major nuisances for your pet, however. They also raise serious concerns from flea infestations that spread quickly to an entire household to allergic reactions and diseases, such as Lyme and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. When looking for answers to their flea and tick problems, owners encounter a dizzying array of topical liquids, chewable pills, dips, sprays and more. One age-old option, the flea collar, has fallen slightly out of fashion, but these cheap and simple products might be worth revisiting for some pet owners.   Flea and tick collars serve two basic functions: Older collars were designed to repel pests by emitting a gas, while many newer designs actually treat existing infestations with a medication that seeps into a dog’s skin or spreads with the skin’s natural oils, similar to how most topical treatments work. Some collars serve only one purpose, while others both prevent and treat infestations, so it’s important to read the product description carefully before buying a collar. Traditional collars have evolved over time and still hold some advantages over spot-on treatments. Collars can last up to eight months, for example, while spot-ons are generally effective for 30 days. Flea collars tend to cost less than other flea and tick treatments— though buyers beware, the cheapest collars often sacrifice effectiveness for price.   The collar-versus-topical (or chewable) debate often comes down to specific circumstances. If your dogs swims several times a week in the summer or gets frequent baths, choosing a waterproof product is important to ensuring he is protected from fleas and ticks. You should remove his flea collar ahead of time to ensure the medication remains effective, while you cannot “remove” a topical liquid before it has had time to absorb. Some instances when flea and tick collars can prove especially useful include times when pest concerns are higher than normal. If you know your dog will be taking a romp through tall grass, for example, you can double up on tick protection by putting a medicated collar on during the walk and removing it afterward, even if your dog is already being treated with a topical medicine. Always consult your veterinarian before choosing a flea and tick treatment and monitor your pet for any irritation or other side effects when switching to a new product.

We all sneeze from time to time when dust, dander or other irritants tickle our nose and throats. It turns out dogs sneeze, too, for many of the same reasons. A more arresting reaction, however, is the reverse sneeze: the reflex by which dogs rapidly draw air into their bodies to remove irritants from the area behind their nostrils. Many owners mistake these loud, wheezing episodes for asthma attacks, causing panic and emergency trips to the vet. In reality, however, the startling sounds are a relatively normal part of life for some dogs, just like sneezing is for humans. Your canine companion may look distressed when the reverse sneeze strikes, but in truth, it is harmless behavior in most dogs and leaves no lasting ill effects.   Reverse sneezing typically occurs when something irritates a dog’s soft palate (the fleshy bit at the back of the roof of his mouth) or throat. Whereas air is forced out through the nose in a regular sneeze, air is pulled rapidly in through the nose during a reverse sneeze. This causes a dog to make a loud snorting or gasping sound as he extends his neck and gulps in air.  It is a disturbing display, but veterinarians agree that reverse sneezing is actually fairly common in dogs. Smalls dogs are more prone to it due to their smaller air passageways, as are breeds such as pugs and bulldogs with elongated soft palates. Episodes can last anywhere between a few seconds up to a few minutes and may appear in dogs at any stage of life.   Whether it’s allergies or mites, treating the underlying cause is the best way to prevent reverse sneezing. Some dogs simply have an attack when they’re excited, while other may reverse sneeze due to perfumes or household chemicals; exercise intolerance; pulling on a leash; or even eating and drinking. If an episode doesn’t end quickly, you can try helping your wheezing companion in several ways. Gently massage his throat to stop the spasm; cover his nostrils to make him swallow and clear the irritant from his throat; or press his tongue down to aid breathing. Different techniques work for different pets, so you will have to experiment gently to find out the best way to help your pooch.   Reverse sneezing doesn’t usually require treatment, but if it becomes a chronic problem, you should seek your veterinarian’s advice. As a general rule, if your dog is reverse sneezing more often than the average human sneezes, you should seek help. If allergies are the root of the problem, for example, your vet may prescribe antihistamines. He can also rule out other causes such as respiratory tract infections or foreign bodies that could be blocking your dog’s airway. Asthma, on the other hand, is vastly less common in dogs and is typically accompanied by a chronic cough. Though rare, dogs with asthma likely struggle more with exercising and fatigue and the condition is almost always caused by an allergic reaction to something in the environment. 

Most people have heard of heartworms, but fewer know that dogs are at serious risk of contracting heartworm disease in any area where mosquitos are present. Insidious parasites that nest in dogs’ hearts, lungs and surrounding blood vessels, heartworms are easy to prevent, but difficult and costly to cure. For this reason, pet owners should protect their dogs against heartworms in any area where mosquito bites are even a remote possibility.   Dogs only contract heartworms in one way: through the bite of an infected mosquito. This is because adult heartworms thriving in an infected animal produce baby worms, known as microfilaria, which circulate throughout the bloodstream. When a mosquito bites an infected pet, it picks up the microfilaria, which develop into larvae within the mosquito. When the infected mosquito bites another animal a few weeks later, it passes on these larvae, which mature into adult heartworms and continue the lifecycle. It only takes one bite and, about six months later, the larvae mature into adult heartworms within a dog. Pets with untreated heartworms may harbor several hundred of the parasites, which leave lasting damage to the heart, lungs, arteries and other organs even after they’ve been treated.   The good news is that heartworms cannot be passed from dogs to humans or other pets. The parasite is only transmitted through mosquitos, and typically affects only dogs, cats and several other mammals. The bad news is that, once infected, a dog needs serious and costly treatments to rid him of the parasites. Symptoms of heartworm disease may take some time to appear, but as the worms begin crowding a dog’s heart and lungs, he may develop a cough, intolerance to exercise, trouble breathing and fatigue. Left untreated, most heartworm infestations are fatal.   Fortunately, heartworm disease is easily preventable. Chewable pills, monthly topicals and six-month injections all exist to arm your pet against mosquito bites and heartworms. A year’s supply of heartworm medication ranges in cost from around $35 to $80, depending on your dog’s weight— many times less than the cost of curing an infected pet. While you may be tempted to stop treatment during the colder months of the year, when mosquitos are inactive, the American Heartworm Society recommends using year-round heartworm prevention. Owners may forget a monthly dose, which is typically a non-event if your dog is being treated consistently, and many heartworm pills also treat for other parasites such as roundworms, whipworms and tapeworms that are present year-round.   In the case that your dog does become infected with heartworms or you purchase a heartworm-positive pet, the disease is treatable. An injectable product called Immiticide is used to wipe out adult heartworms in the blood vessels. However, as the worms die, they break down and can block a dog’s pulmonary vessels, making it crucial for dogs to keep quiet for several months during and after treatment. Remember, even if your dog has survived heartworms once, the parasite can come back, making heartworm prevention a no-brainer for any owner.

Everyone’s heard the phrase “dog breath,” but most owners don’t realize that bad breath can be a sign of more serious periodontal problems, such as plaque, gum disease and tooth loss. The idea of regular dental care is new to many pet owners, but keeping your canine’s chompers clean not only improves his quality of life, but also longevity. Think of it this way: You wouldn’t go years without cleaning your teeth, and neither should your dog. Veterinarians report that dental problems are the most commonly diagnosed health issue in dogs over three years old. Ignoring buildup of tartar and plaque or an off-colored tooth can lead to serious health problems, including gum disease and life-threatening infections. To ensure your dog’s mouth remains in good health, check regularly for signs of oral disease. These can include bad breath, red or swollen gums, and a build-up of tartar around the teeth. Keep an eye out if your pup is chewing on one side of his mouth or not eating at all, as these are red flags that there’s something seriously wrong. Other signs of an oral infection include your dog compulsively chewing, pawing at his nose and mouth, or licking his nose. If you notice fractured or off-colored teeth or bumps on your dog’s gums, you should consult your veterinarian immediately.   With all of these scary symptoms, you’ll be happy to know you can help your dog live a better and longer life with a relatively simple mouth-cleaning routine. Ideally, you should clean your dog’s teeth daily, but giving his mouth some attention at least three times a week will help curb any problems. Use a soft toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, brushing in a gentle up-and-down motion. You can add canine toothpaste to the mix, but never use human toothpaste on your dog since he must be able to swallow any products. In addition, be sure to take your companion to the vet for an official dental exam at least once a year.   For owners who didn’t start dental care with their puppy or purchased an adult dog, tooth cleaning can be a daunting process. However, with some time and patience, your dog should come around to having his teeth cleaned. Start by brushing the outside of your pet’s cheek with your finger and lifting his lip, gradually moving inside your pet’s mouth and adding canine toothpaste to the mix. Be sure to lavish your dog with praises to reinforce that tooth brushing is a positive experience. If your dog proves especially difficult when it comes to oral hygiene, fear not: There are a number of chew toys designed just to fight tartar and clean the gums. Your dog’s diet also plays a big role in his oral hygiene, so bear in mind that dry kibbles and biscuits help remove plaque, while canned food contributes to dental problems.

Your kitchen pantry may contain several natural herbs and spices that can improve your dog's health. Rather than spending hundreds of dollars on expensive supplements, you can improve your dog's health with these three simple ingredients you probably already have.   One of the best natural supplements for your dog is turmeric. This rhizome is grown native to India and is an important part of Ayurvedic medicine.  For centuries, turmeric has been used as an anti-inflammatory medicine, helping with inflammation due to both acute and chronic injuries and diseases. Turmeric has also been proven scientifically to work as an antiviral, antibacterial and detoxifying supplement. Turmeric can be used to alleviate cancer, arthritis, heart disease and liver disease. The general turmeric dosage for pets is ¼ teaspoon per day per 10 pounds of body weight.   Ginger has long been known to ease upset stomachs and motion sickness in humans. This common pantry spice can also help your pet's nausea and digestive upset. Ginger is in the same family as turmeric, so helps some of the same conditions as turmeric, including arthritis, cancer and other inflammatory conditions.  The recommended dosage for pets is 100mg of ground ginger per 25 pounds of body weight.   Like turmeric, cinnamon is a common Ayurvedic medicine.  Cinnamon is primarily used for digestive issues, such as gas, diarrhea and upset stomach. Cinnamon can also be a great supplement for dogs with diabetes, as it helps regulate blood sugar and insulin levels. Dogs with arthritis or other chronic conditions may also benefit from cinnamon, as it works as an anti-inflammatory medication.  It's important to use Ceylon cinnamon, which is considered to be "true cinnamon." The general dosage for pets is a pinch to 1/8 of a teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight per day.   There is no doubt that many excellent supplements for dogs are on the market today. Many of the most natural supplements utilize common items that you may already have in your pantry. By utilizing your own spices to improve your dog's health, you can be sure you are using fresh, organic and safe spices to help your dog live a healthier life.

Obedience training can prove frustrating and overwhelming. When your puppy refuses to relieve himself outside or Lassie keeps snatching food off the table, it can be easy to give up and view the whole ordeal as hopeless. Rather than blowing a gasket and losing control of the situation, rely on a few simple rules to ensure you see obedience training through to the end.   The key to training any dog is to always remain calm. No matter how dire the situation, if you react in a collected manner, your dog will respond leagues better than when you're frazzled and shouting. Aggravation will only serve to further excite the dog, resulting in an escalation of their undesired behavior.   Cover the basics and work up from the foundations. Before you try anything else, train your dog important commands such as sit, down, stay, come, heel, off, and leave it. These seven commands cover a wide range of scenarios, from ankle biting, to food stealing, to barking at the doorbell, and equip you with the basic tools to control your dog. Coupled with a calm attitude, your dog will listen to whatever you have to say.   Positive reinforcement will teach your dog that good behavior is a happy thing correlated with love and tasty food. Praise and affection delivered at the appropriate time -- when the dog is relaxed, paying attention to you, or following commands -- will encourage continued obedience. Treats can be used to associate tricks, grooming, walks, and relaxation with feeling good and being happy. Food can also be used to distract dogs from bad behavior, such as leash pulling and barking, by preoccupying them with something much more worthwhile.   When disciplining your dog, only ever issue corrections when you catch him in the act. If you scold a dog an hour after he's soiled the rug, he may look guilty, but he'll have no idea why he's being punished. Calling a dog and proceeding to reprimand him will only cause confusion, as from the dog's point of view, he's being punished for coming over. Never shout at or strike your dog. Such actions may traumatize the animal, incite aggression, or damage the partnership bond between owner and pet. Short leash jerks and other physical corrections should only be used when absolutely necessary, such as cases of aggression or biting, as positive reinforcement can achieve the same results in a more pleasant way for the dog.   Training dogs can be vexing, especially when one step forward feels like two steps back. But so long as you remain calm and upbeat, your dog will respond in kind. Results may not be instantaneous, and some dogs are more problematic than others, but a few simple rules will ensure any dog can become obedient given time, hard work, and lots of love.

Many dog owners are unable to resist those pleading eyes at dinnertime and give in by feeding their pooch scraps of human food. What you may not realize is, some foods that are perfectly healthy for humans could be dangerous or even toxic to your dog. Here are some foods your dog should never eat:   Apple Cores   The casing around apple seeds contains a chemical that releases poisonous cyanide when eaten. Symptoms of cyanide poisoning include dizziness, breathing problems, hyperventilation, unconscious collapse, seizures, shock, and coma.   Always remove the core and seeds of apples before feeding them to your dog. Incidentally, the seed casings in peaches, pears, and apricots also contain the same poisonous compounds as apple cores.   Avocado   Avocados contain persin, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting, breathing difficulties, fluid in the lungs, and heart congestion in dogs.   Caffeine   Coffee contains a stimulant known as methylated xanthine, which stimulates your dog's nervous system and causes vomiting and heart palpitations.   Chocolate   Chocolate can be toxic to dogs, as it contains theobromine and theophylline. Some brands may also contain caffeine. Signs of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, muscle tremors, abdominal pains, irregular heartbeat, elevated body temperature, seizures, and damage to your dog's heart and nervous system.   Cooked Bones   Cooked bones can easily splinter as your dog chews on them. Splintered bones can lacerate the mouth, gums, throat, esophagus, stomach, or intestines, all requiring expensive veterinary treatment.   Garlic   Garlic is part of the onion family, so it contains toxins that are dangerous to dogs. Garlic can cause anemia and damage to red blood cells in dogs. However, some vets may tell you that small amounts are OK to give your dog. It's best to discuss this with your vet if you're unsure.   Grapes and Raisins   Grapes contain a specific toxin that can cause severe liver damage and kidney failure in dogs. Other symptoms of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and lack of appetite.   Hops   One of the ingredients used to make beer can be toxic to your dog. Signs of hops poisoning include increased heart rate, fever, seizures, and death.   Macadamia Nuts   Macadamia nuts contain a toxin that can cause damage to your dog's digestive system, nervous system, and muscle systems. Other signs of macadamia toxicity include weakness, tremors, and swollen limbs.   Onions   Onions are extremely poisonous for dogs, no matter what form they're in. Raw, cooked, dried, or powdered onion all contain disulfides and sulfoxides, both of which can cause anemia and damage red blood cells.   Always check the label on any foods you intend to feed your dog, such as baby food, to ensure it doesn't contain onion powder or other forms of onion.   Stone Fruits   Any fruit containing a stone or large pit can be highly dangerous to your dog. Fruit such as apricots, plums, cherries, peaches, or nectarines can all cause gastrointestinal blockages or bowel obstructions if the pit is swallowed by your dog.   Xylitol   Xylitol is an artificial sugar substitute often used in candies, baked goods, pre-packaged weight loss foods, chewing gum labeled as 'sugar-free', and some other foods. While it seems to be safe for people, even small quantities of xylitol can be extremely harmful to your dog. Signs of xylitol poisoning in dogs include weakness, loss of coordination, trembling, seizures, hypoglycemia, liver failure, and death.     Use Caution: Peanut Butter   In most cases, peanut butter is completely fine to give to your dog. Peanut butter is ideal for disguising tablets or for creating homemade tasty dog treats. However, some brands use artificial sweetener, so it's important to check the label and be sure the brand you buy is xylitol-free.   Use Caution: Raw Fish   Some types of raw fish can be infected with neorickettsia helminthoeca. The bacteria can sometimes be found in raw salmon or trout, and can be fatal if not treated properly. However, cooked salmon and trout are safe.   Use Caution: Dairy Foods   Dogs are lactose intolerant. They simply don't have the enzymes required to break down lactose found in dairy products.  Feeding your dog milk and cheese won't cause life-threatening illnesses, but it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems.   Use Caution: Human Snacks   Flavored potato chips can contain garlic or onion powder. Likewise, some cookies could contain raisins, chocolate, caffeine, or macadamia nuts. Keep your human snacks to yourself and get your dog his own doggy treats instead of sharing yours.   Keep this list of foods in mind when you're feeding your dog. Even if you're making homemade dog food, read through the recipe carefully and make your decisions about which ingredients to use accordingly. If you're concerned about something your dog has eaten, call your vet and discuss the situation promptly.

Taking your dog for a walk can be a productive, enjoyable activity until you meet another dog on the walking path. Even if the other dog is accompanied by a handler, you often won't know a nice dog from a mean one until it's too late. Your own dog can be unpredictable, too, when confronted with another canine. So how can you safely and smoothly handle encounters with other dogs on the pathways? Here are eight tips that'll help:   .   Train your dog for walking in public. Before you make a routine of walking your dog on public sidewalks and walking paths, make sure he is adequately leash trained. A dog that's comfortable walking on a leash, knows how to heel, and obeys your commands will be much easier to handle than a dog that's loose, weaving back and forth, or pulling you on the walk--especially when an unfamiliar dog pops onto the scene.  .   Be prepared when you leave the house. Certain supplies can help you avert trouble should you encounter another dog while out walking. Small treats and a whistle or other attention diverter are two items worth carrying in a pocket or waist pouch; either will allow you to redirect your dog's attention to you. If your dog is an aggressive puller, make sure he is fitted with a collar that gives you better control, like a martingale, harness, or pinch collar.  .   Walk in areas with options for diverting. Sometimes it's easier to avoid encounters with other dogs than to face uncertainty. If possible, choose walking paths or sidewalks that allow you to change your route should you need to. Walking paths that veer in several directions or sidewalks that have a quiet street to cross between them are good options. When stuck, you can always turn around and head back in the direction you came. .   Assess encounters with dogs in advance. During your walk, always stay alert and on the lookout for approaching dogs. Once you see an impending encounter, try to assess the situation. Is the approaching dog heeling obediently next to his handler, indicating a well-trained dog? Or is he pulling the handler--or worse, unleashed or alone? Assessing a situation before it happens will help you determine whether you need to change directions.  .   Put space between two unfamiliar dogs. If you choose to pass another dog and handler, be sure to put space between your dog and the approaching dog. Keep your dog on a short leash, and have him walk on the side of you that's farthest from the other dog. By putting space between two unfamiliar dogs, you will help keep them both from feeling crowded or threatened, which can lead to aggressive behavior.  .   Don't let a dog's breed fool you. While certain breeds can cause more fear and anxiety than others, how well behaved a dog is has a lot to do with training. A typically docile breed can be uncharacteristically aggressive upon meeting strangers, just as a normally aggressive breed can be docile. In other words, don't judge how an encounter will play out based on breed alone; look for other signs, like body language and control by the handler.   .   Reprimand and offer praise when called for. You and your dog are just as responsible as the approaching walkers for making an encounter with another dog trouble-free. When your dog listens and behaves while out walking with you, be sure to offer praise or treats. Likewise, when he acts aggressively or doesn't mind your commands, correct him. Teaching your dog proper sidewalk etiquette will help make uncertain encounters safe and peaceful.   .   Exude confidence. Dogs pick up on emotions, so don't let on that you're nervous or apprehensive. Be confident while out walking, even--and especially--when another dog is approaching. Speak to your dog in a calm voice, and walk with a smooth, steady pace. Whether you stop for a meet-and-greet, pass by each other, or divert your path, stay positive and composed; your dog will take your cue.   Passing another dog on the sidewalk or pathway should be an easy, uneventful experience. When in doubt about an approaching dog, however, it's better to be safe than sorry. The above tips can help make sidewalk encounters with other dogs comfortable, smooth, and free of stress.

Once you've prepared your home and chosen your dog, the next important steps are training and socialization. It is highly recommended that you take a short dog training course with a professional trainer. That will ensure basic obedience training is dealt with in a thorough and timely manner. Socializing your dog means getting him used to being around other people, animals and traffic. He will have to learn appropriate behavior in such situations. It is your job to teach him. Fortunately, most dogs are eager to please their owners and acquire new skills quickly.   For your dog's well-being, you should have him inoculated and micro-chipped at the earliest opportunity. Once you've done that, he can safely go out for walks. Socialization begins with habituation. It is important to expose your dog to a wide variety of situations every day so he can begin to get used to them.   Puppies are easier to teach as their young minds are still impressionable. An older dog can be more difficult to re-educate. However, with patience and care there should not be too many problems along the way.   Socializing your dog involves getting the balance right between discipline and confidence. A puppy's first experiences of the world at large can be overwhelming. He may be frightened of traffic, urban noise and other people. In this case, you need to help him build his confidence. The best way to do that is by showing him that you are not afraid. It is also important to reassure him with kind words and cuddles. On the other hand, he may need to learn to control his instincts. If the sight of every toddler, bird or other dog leads to him barking and pulling at the leash, then you will need to teach him discipline.    When you discipline your dog, you should always be firm but never angry. Speak clearly and directly in a tone of command but never shout. In most cases, restraining your dog on the leash and giving him a verbal a command will be sufficient. In rare cases, it is acceptable to give him a short, sharp tap on the muzzle with your fingers. However, remember that the idea here is not to hurt your dog. The tap should be painless and serve only to ensure his attention to your verbal command.   When meeting other people, you should feel confident that your dog will not jump up at them. During first encounters, always keep your dog on a short leash and give him the command to 'sit'. If he tries to jump up, restrain him and give him the command, 'No'.  When he behaves correctly, give him a treat and tell him he's a good boy!   When meeting other dogs the same initial caution should be exercised.  Most dogs will greet one another with a bit of sniffing and tail-wagging. Occasionally, males can be more aggressive. Again, keep your dog on a short leash for the first encounter.  If he or the other dog becomes aggressive, walk away.   If you are out in the country, it is your responsibility to ensure that your dog doesn't trouble any livestock or wildlife. Always keep him on a leash. Even the quietest dog can be overwhelmed by the sudden instinct to give chase. As training progresses and you come to trust your dog, you will be able to let him run free in appropriate places but it is still your responsibility to be vigilant and restrain him as necessary. A combination of professional obedience training and daily education should result very quickly in a happy, trustworthy and well socialized dog.

Having a dog with separation anxiety isn't that uncommon. Many dogs experience it, especially those who were adopted. Separation anxiety occurs when the owners leave the home or the room. When left alone, dogs with separation anxiety will usually bark, whine, howl, be destructive, try to escape the home or place they are confined, and may urinate or defecate inside the home.    Sometimes, the behaviors associated with separation anxiety can be deterred through training. The training doesn't focus on curbing these behaviors, but instead focuses on easing the dog's separation anxiety when you leave. The training can be summarized in two words--leave often. Begin the training by leaving for a few short minutes. Before leaving, follow the routine you would if you were to leave for work or to run errands. This includes picking up your keys, purse, phone, wallet, and whatever else you might bring with you when you leave the house. After you walk out the door, stay quiet, out of sight, and near the home. The first time you attempt this training, stay outside for about five minutes before entering the home again. It is important to wait until the dog is quiet before entering the home. Continue to do this and leave for longer periods each time you attempt it. This helps the dog to understand that you haven't left them forever.   While training can help to alleviate separation anxiety for some dogs, other dogs have a much more severe case. If the training hasn't eased your dog's separation anxiety, talk to your vet. There are medications that can help dogs deal with their separation anxiety. While this may seem like an extreme step to some, for others it's essential. Having a dog placed on an anxiety medication can help keep them calm while you're away, and prevent them from injuring themselves. Once a dog is properly medicated, the training discussed above should be added to the regimen to help ease the dog's separation anxiety even more.   If you aren't comfortable medicating your dog, there are some other options. Some vets say that using calming oils, such as lavender, can help to relax the dog. There are other options available that uses pheromones to help relax the dog which are usually available at your local pet store.   The important thing to know is that there is no right answer when it comes to easing separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is different for every dog so it's important to be flexible about finding a solution. Don't be afraid to talk to your vet as they may have some other helpful suggestions.