Blog

DogGeek Originals

Common Household Items Harmful to Dogs

Comments Off

A DogGeek.com exclusive by Teresa Barker

Every house has more than a few common items that should be avoided by its canine inhabitants to keep them safe. Some are obvious items, like cleaning supplies, but some aren’t. Here’s a handy room-by-room list of things to keep away from your dog.

Kitchen:

Coffee grounds
Chocolate
Grapes
Onion
Chicken bones
Rhubarb

Bathroom:

All human medications are extremely toxic to dogs
Bar soap (“natural” soaps are often appealing because of their food-like smell)
Shampoo (again, many smell appetizing, which is probably why you bought it!)
Creams, lotions, ointments
Flavored (and unflavored) dental floss
Toothpaste

Bedroom:

Children’s toys with small parts
Play Dough
Some crayons, pens, etc.
Sleep aides
Beauty products kept at bedside

Living Room:

Household plants including: Azalea, Devil’s Ivy, many types of ferns, Philodendron, Dracaena, Aloe Vera
Seasonal plants including: many types of lily, poinsettia, Christmas rose, mistletoe
Remote controls and gaming devices
Electrical chords

Outdoors:

Lawn maintenance chemicals
Insecticides
Many fertilizers and plant foods
Antifreeze (which has a sweet taste to animals)

When in doubt, or if your dog has ingested something questionable, call the ASPCA poison control hotline at (888) 426-4435, which is open 24-hours a day, seven days a week, or call your vet immediately.

Keeping these common household items away from your dog could save their life, and can be as easy as “child-proofing” your home. A good rule of thumb is if it’s toxic to kids, it’s probably toxic to dogs. Then add on the lesser-known items to the list, and make sure that they are kept way out of reach from your curious or scent-driven pooch!

November 25, 2016 | DogGeek

5 Best Cities for Dogs and Their Owners

When you live in a city, it’s difficult for your four-legged friend to get the exercise a dog wants and needs. Of course, there are some cities that accommodate dogs better than others, but which are they?

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is usually thought of as a sprawled city, packed with people and polluted from the heavy traffic. But did you know LA also has some of the best parks in the United States, especially for dogs. For instance, Laurel Canyon Dog Park is known for it’s off-leash policy, as well as it’s simple location. Many Hollywood actors visit this park with their loyal friends, as it’s so centrally located near many apartments and homes. While your dog makes some new friends, you can scan other owners for familiar faces.

Portland

This isn’t just a dog park city, though Portland does have 33 different dog parks, this city is a dog lover’s dream. And that might just mean, it’s your dog’s dream as well, especially with 19 canine message therapists in the city. But the dog-mania doesn’t stop here; the Tin Shed Garden Cafe has a doggie menu, and the Lucky Labrador Brew Pub has a kibbles and bits breakfast for your spoiled pooch. Whether you let your dog run free in the leash-free parks, or you take your best friend to breakfast is up to you, but these options make Portland one of the best dog cities in the country, and perhaps the world.

Chicago

Chicago has three dog friendly beaches, and Montrose Dog Beach is even an off-leash one. Chicago has 18 other off-leash parks, like Norwood Park Dog Park, which is complete with doggie toys, and even swimming pools for dogs in the summer. Many of Chicago’s dog parks have different sections, one for smaller dogs and one for larger ones. With so many options, it doesn’t matter where in the city you live, you’re never far from a good walk, and a great dog park.

New York City

A pet-friendly apartment is difficult to come by in New York City, but in the Upper East Side, there are a couple dog parks near Central Park, Andrew Haswell Green Park, or closer to the river and Carl Schurz Park. There are also a whopping 166 pet stores listed on Yelp for this area, which makes the Upper East Side, a real hotbed for dog lovers. Midtown is also accommodating for your four-legged friend, as the easy access to Central Park is perfect for long dog walks. In the summer, Central Park is a lush green paradise, and when autumn comes, you’ll be treated to a colorful show.

Seattle

Seattle has 11 off-leash dog parks, as well as an outdoor shopping mall with many outdoor and dog-friendly shops. If your pooch is a well-behaved one, take him on the Fremont Sunday Ice Cream Cruise, where you can eat some sweets and see the city from the water. While this may not be a dog walk, per se, it definitely makes Seattle a dog-friendly paradise.

Dog Parks

Find a dog park wherever you travel to get your best friend’s ya-yas out.

July 22, 2016 | DogGeek

Tips for Taking Care of Your Dog When You’re Away

Comments Off

Just as parents struggle to leave their kids to go to work, separation anxiety can abound when dog lovers have to be apart from their dogs. You worry about them getting enough food and water, if they’ll be comfortable, whether or not they’re bored and if they get lonely. The good news is that there are many options for you to take great care of your favorite canines while you’re away.

Providing Food and Water

If you’re going to be away from your pets for any significant amount of time, it’s essential you find a way to provide them with enough water and food. The situation becomes a little more complex if your pet requires regular medication, too.

The best solution to these issues is to use a smart pet feeder, like the Feed and Go Smart Pet Feeder with Webcam & Wi-Fi. If you have an iPhone 6 Plus, you can easily set it up to work with the device. Fill the container with food or treats, and control it from a distance. Many new tech systems like this also include capabilities to dispense water or medication as needed. This gadget will keep your dogs in good health while giving you great peace of mind.

Combating Boredom

Dogs are active creatures and tend to flourish with physical activity and stimulation. If you’re gone all day and your dogs don’t have the opportunity to romp and play, it can negatively impact their state of mind.

One premier solution for keeping boredom at bay is CleverPet. Using custom light, touch and sound puzzles, CleverPet encourages your dogs to engage and exercise their minds.

Another idea is to find a puzzle toy that you can hide some treats in. Your dogs have to use their teeth, paws and nose to get to the reward. While it’s not the same as taking them for a run, at least they’ll be flexing their mental muscles and using some coordination at the same time.

Making up for Loneliness

Many dogs resort to barking or crying when their owners are away because of the isolation. Some people suggest turning your TV on when you leave so your pet can hear some human interaction. An even better idea is to give your pups a way to see or hear you while you’re gone. Leave a video of you saying hi and talking to your dog on your laptop, and set it to play at a predetermined time (make sure it’s not set to sleep). Or, if you have an old-school voicemail machine, call and leave a message for your dogs so they can hear your voice.

If you can’t take advantage of technology in these ways, ask a friend or neighbor to stop in once a day for a quick hello or a short walk. A little interaction can go a long way in making your pet feel secure and loved.

June 14, 2016 | DogGeek

Safety First: Preparing For a Dog-Friendly Road Trip

Comments Off

So, you’re planning a road trip with your significant other or a group of friends and you want to bring your dog along? Before you hit the road, here are a few things you should keep in mind as you travel with your dog.

Health and Safety First

Dog sitting in a car trunk and waiting for traveling

Prior to taking your dog on the road with you, make sure he’s ready for the trip. This means making sure he is in good health, is up to date with vaccinations and doesn’t have any serious impediments to traveling. For example, if he’s just been neutered, think twice before bringing him on a road trip. He may be sensitive or weak for the next few days, and having an unwell dog on a trip can make things a lot harder than it needs to be.

Keep your dog healthy and happy on the trip by bringing along a supply of his regular food, as well as bottled water you can easily access anytime. Don’t forget to bring a travel-friendly bowl so your dog can eat out of it comfortably. Bringing along food or snacks is important, because if your dog is hungry and you have no food for him, he may whine — and that’s no fun for anyone.

In addition to preparing a supply of food or snacks, exercise your dog before he gets in the car to avoid pent up excitement. If you’re concerned your dog might get motion sickness and throw up, don’t feed him right before the ride. Instead, keep small snacks on hand in case he gets hungry, but keep the feeding to a minimum unless you’re at a pit stop and your dog is able to relieve himself in a safe space.

Crates and ID, Please

Unless your dog is extremely tame and well behaved while riding in cars, using a crate is a great way to travel with him. This will give him a designated space to himself and also free you from any additional distractions on the road. Make sure the crate is large enough for your dog to stand, turn and lie down comfortably. Additionally, bring your dog’s favorite toy or a nice bone so they will have something to occupy them during the long ride.

Based on your dog’s specific temperament, decide for yourself whether using a crate is the best option for you. If you don’t have room in your cart for a big enough crate or if someone can watch over your dog as he roams about freely, a crate may not be necessary. Just remember there are different state-by-state laws pertaining to traveling with pets, so make sure to educate yourself before hitting the open road.

You never know what can happen on the road, so it’s imperative your dog has an identification tag on him at all times. This way, if your dog gets away from you during your trip (heaven forbid), you’ll increase the chances of recovery by making sure he can be properly identified. Make sure your dog has a collar with his name, your name and your phone number.

Again, you can decrease the chances of your dog getting away by properly exercising him before the trip and making frequent stops so your dog can stretch his legs and relieve himself.

If you take the proper precautions, traveling with your dog will be an easy and enjoyable experience. Just be sure to follow the law in the areas in which you’re traveling. Take the necessary steps to keep your dog happy, healthy and comfortable during the trip and enjoy the open road together.

June 8, 2016 | DogGeek

7 Tips for Helping Ease Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety

Comments Off

Many dogs endure separation anxiety whenever their person leaves the house without them. That anxiety can manifest in shredded furniture, neighbors complaining about barking or howling and daring escape attempts. The worst part for any dog lover is knowing that these behaviors can arise from canine stress and unhappiness. Dogs are pack animals and you are pack leader, so it should be no surprise if your absence is difficult for your dog.

Severe cases may call for a visit to the veterinarian to determine the nature of the distress and address it. But if your dog’s separation anxiety is mild, there are a number of ways to help him stay calm and happy.

Retrain yourself

Try breaking up your own routine to downplay the significance of your departure and return. Behaviorists note that dogs sometimes interpret dramatic human goodbyes and greetings as a sign that being separated is a big deal. Some dogs become anxious if they hear their person jangle keys or see them putting on shoes. Your dog has a better chance of staying calm if you do.

Music, not noise

A recent study from Scottish SPCA and the University of Glasgow supported the idea that classical music can calm dogs. You can even get music compilations that are specifically geared toward canine calming. However, the same study showed that other types of music had the opposite effect. The Humane Society reports that radio, TV, static or white noise is unlikely to help.

Tech gadgets

If your dog loves to fetch, you can entertain him with a product like iFetch, an automated ball launcher. Physical activity is an antidote to anxious behaviors.

WiFi security cameras can keep you connected to your home no matter where you are. These cameras not only allow for two-way audio communication, but also enable you to view your home remotely from your smartphone to check on your dog. Watching your dog’s behavior remotely can also help you determine what works best for keeping your dog calm.

Dog toys

Toys can keep your dog occupied and interested — a bored dog is more prone to anxiety and restlessness. Kong toys are durable and popular. If you stuff a Kong toy and give it to your dog as you leave, your dog may come to equate your departure with pleasure instead of anxiety.

Besides a Kong, there are many other interactive dog puzzle toys that utilize tempting treats as motivation to keep your dog engaged in “solving” the puzzle. Anything that keeps your dog’s energy focused away from destructive behaviors is going to be a helpful part of reducing anxiety.

Take your dog to work

This isn’t an option for everyone, but if you can why wouldn’t you? A recent study from Virginia Commonwealth University showed that having dogs at work reduces human work-related stress.

Calming over-the-counter products

Dog-appeasing pheromones (DAP) have been shown to reduce anxiety in some scientific studies. Products like a diffuser such as Comfort Zone with Adaptil can help dogs feel safe by mimicking natural pheromones.

Consult your vet

Talking to your dog’s veterinarian is always a good idea when dealing with new or worsening behavior issues. Sometimes behaviors indicate an unexpected underlying medical condition that needs attention. Severe separation anxiety may require medication or help from a canine behavior specialist.

May 27, 2016 | DogGeek

Your Furry Best Friend: The Ultimate Workout Buddy

Comments Off

Working out requires a lot of mental motivation and incentive, however, the process of exercising can be less strenuous with a good friend. Utilize the pal that’s always around as your new exercise buddy: your beloved dog. Your furry best friend will help motivate you to be active and will benefit from the workout just as much as you. Here are some activities that you and your dog can do for a fun fitness experience.

Running

Take your dog for a run outdoors. Choose a fun environment that both of you will enjoy, like the beach or a large park with an extensive trail. Train him to stay at your heel and keep the same pace as the two of you run. This will keep him from running right in front of you and will also keep him safe at any intersection crossings. If you’re in an area that has more traffic, utilize a running leash. There are hands-free leashes that you can comfortably wrap around your waist.

Doga

Doga is a dog-yoga exercise that engages both the owner and the pet. The activity can bond you and your dog, as it provides a relaxing environment where the two of you are focused on one another. It is a gentle practice that includes lots of massaging, light stretches and relaxing. Doga can be practiced with any sized dog, as the poses can all be modified. There is minimal dog training for this exercise, though make sure they do receive a positive reward, like a small treat, after their doga session.

Paddleboarding

Enjoy the ocean breeze on a stand-up paddle board with your pup. A stand-up paddle board will usually fit both dog and human, as it’s 10 to 12 feet long, closely resembling a longboard surfboard. Your dog can sit at the front of the board or move around while you propel forward. The exercise provides a great workout for your upper body. It enhances your ability to balance and also gets you out into the fresh air. Any dog can enjoy the sport, regardless of size or breed. For enhanced safety, purchase a doggy life jacket for your furry friend and one for yourself, you’ll also want to wear sports sunglasses to help block any glare.

Hiking

Embark into the great outdoors for a hiking excursion with your pooch. Outdoor exercise will stimulate both the body and mind of you and your dog, as natural terrain will test your physical limits and also provide a captivating workout environment. For long trips, have your dog carry their own dog backpack. Have them first wear the pack around the house or on walks in the neighborhood to get used to it. For the first hike, make sure the backpack is light. You can eventually increase the load, which can safely weigh up to one-third of your dog’s weight.

April 30, 2016 | DogGeek