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Beware Of Bone Treats That Killed 15 Dogs

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Dog Chew Bone Safety

Dog Chew Bones
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about giving dogs a certain type of bone chew. Unfortunately, this bone treat caused 15 dogs to die and numerous dogs to have emergency surgery. Unfortunately, these dog chew bones have been around for decades and I’m pretty sure this isn’t the first time they’ve killed dogs. Learn which bone treats you should never give dogs as well as safe alternatives.

Stay Away From These Dog Bone Treats

Most pet retailers sell flavored and smoked bones for dogs in various sizes. These nasty bone chews have caused dogs to die. They’re real bones that have been cooked, dehydrated or smoked in various ways. Smoked bones are available in different sizes: from large femurs to knuckle bones to ribs to even kneecaps. Regardless of the bone chew’s origin (bovine or swine), never give these bone chews to dogs. If you already have these in your home, throw them out immediately.

Cooked Bones are Dangerous

When animal bones are cooked, moisture is removed from the bones. These bones are rock hard and can easily crack floor tile if dropped. So, imagine what they will do to your dog’s teeth. Cooked bones also splinter, which can give your dog dangerous gastrointestinal issues that can result in emergency surgery or even death.

Additionally, splintered bones can become lodged in a dog’s throat, cause gum laceration, crack teeth and cause punctures. If large chunks of smoked bones are swallowed, it can cause painful and deadly impactions.

Try These Dog Chew Ideas Instead

Dogs need to chew; it’s fun and a great exercise. Give your dog a yummy food stuffed Kong that has been frozen overnight, so it lasts longer. Bully sticks are a great dog chew alternative too, but make sure to monitor your dog while he chews on one of them. Raw (uncooked) bones, such as chicken wings or necks, are a great alternative, but not for the faint of heart.

Please look through your dog’s chew toys and remove any smoked or cooked bone treats.

Help! My Dog Eats Everything Outside

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How to Stop Your Dog From Eating Everything Outside

My Dog Eats Everything
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With so many tempting things outside, it’s understandable why dogs would want to chew on sticks or crunch on acorns. As fun as it is for your dog to eat everything outside, it’s not healthy for him to consume indigestible foreign bodies. Next time your dog tries eating mulch, give these tips a try.

Keep an Eye on Your Dog First

To stop your dog from eating everything, it’s important to know when it happens, so you can redirect your dog. When your dog is outdoors, hang out and watch your dog at all times. During the time it takes to text your friend, your dog will have been able to swallow a whole acorn.

Keep your dog on a 4- to 6-foot leash to prevent pica behavior, which is the consumption of indigestible objects. Plus, keeping your dog close to you helps change your dog’s behavior quickly.

Play “Trade”

When your dog picks up a stick or rock to chew on, play the “trade” game. Say “trade” and offer your dog a super yummy treat. When your dog drops the stick, pick up the stick and then give your dog the yummy treat. Of course, throw away the stick to prevent your dog from picking it up again.

Trying to remove an object from your dog’s mouth will teach your dog to turn away from you or swallow the item faster, so always play the “trade” game. If your dog eats dog poop, picking up poop immediately is the best way to prevent this behavior.

Give Your Dog Fun Things to Do Outside

Leave fun toys outside to keep your dog occupied. Even better is to play tug or fetch with your dog after your dog potties. Once dogs learn to play with toys, they will quickly ignore sticks, stones and other indigestible objects outdoors.

Sometimes, dogs develop pica due to behavior and nutritional issues. If your dog continues to eat everything outdoors, contact your veterinarian. It may be due to a medical issue.

Why Dogs Should Eat Pumpkin

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Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs

Pumpkin for Dogs
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As fall approaches, pumpkins slowly pop up in grocery stores and doorsteps. Pumpkins are certainly a beautiful symbol of fall, but these fruits are packed with amazing health benefits for dogs too. Yes, pumpkins are considered fruits due to their flowering plants and seeds, and they taste delicious when slow-roasted in the oven. Check out these amazing benefits of pumpkin for dogs and why you should feed your dog cooked pumpkin several times a week.

Aids Digestion

Pumpkin is rich in fiber, and contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber softens stool and contains anti-inflammatory properties. Insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve in water, but instead it prevents constipation. Due to both soluble and insoluble fiber, pumpkin prevents constipation and can certainly firm up minor diarrhea. If your dog has stomachaches, always partner with your veterinarian before adding pumpkin to your dog’s food. Slowly add pumpkin over a course of 7 days to prevent further tummy issues.

Slims Waistlines

Not only can fiber relieve common digestive issues, but pumpkin fiber also makes dogs feel full longer. When dogs are watching their waistlines, it’s important they eat less food and treats. This is much easier said than done, especially when pitiful brown eyes are begging for more food. Adding a teaspoon of pumpkin to a low calorie diet will ensure dogs feel satisfied after a meal.

Fights Bladder Cancer

Diet certainly plays a part in preventing disease, and it seems adding yellow-orange fruits and vegetables can lower the risk of bladder cancer in certain breeds of dogs. A study was done on Scottish Terriers, which are genetically prone to bladder cancer, that “suggest(s) that consumption of certain vegetables may prevent or slow the development of TCC (bladder cancer) in Scottish Terriers” (J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2005 Jul 1;227(1):94-100). While this study focused on a specific type of cancer and a specific breed, this research certainly reveals the power of adding fresh fruits and vegetables to your dog’s diet.

Choosing Pumpkin for Your Dog

Slowly oven roast fresh pumpkin until soft, or purchase canned pumpkin at the grocery store. Stay away from pumpkin pie filling for dogs, as it’s loaded with sugar and other ingredients. Another canned option, created by a veterinarian, is Fruitables’ Pumpkin Superblend, which contains whole pumpkin plus ginger, B vitamins and additional soothing supplements.

If your dog is eating a raw or cooked diet, it’s certainly advisable to toss cooked pumpkin into your dog’s veggie mix each week. For kibble-fed dogs, spoon a bit of pumpkin on top or mix into your dog’s meals each day.

Caring For A Dog After His Neuter Surgery

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5 Dog Neuter Recovery Tips

Dog Neutering
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Oh oh, it’s that time. Your male dog is scheduled for neutering, and his appointment is coming up fast. Prior to your dog’s surgery, ask your veterinarian how to best prepare, as there are strict restrictions on food and water intake before the big day. After the surgery, she’ll give you very rigid post-operation instructions too. While you should certainly follow her instructions, I have additional recovery tips to help care for your dog after his neutering surgery!

1. Confine Your Dog

After any type of surgery, including neuters, it’s vital to restrict your dog’s movement until his surgery site heals completely. By far, this is the toughest part for most pet owners, especially those with younger dogs.

It’s best to keep your dog crated, as recommended by your veterinarian, for at least 10 days. While it seems a bit cruel, it’s best for your dog’s recovery. Stay strong and don’t give in to those sad eyes because it’s only for 10 short days. Check out crate training tips to make your dog’s crate a fun place.

If your dog strongly dislikes crate time, try confining him in a bathroom with secure baby gates. Make sure the area is comfortable with plush bedding and access to clean water. Hide a few treats inside the confined area, and always reward your dog for voluntarily walking into his crate or the area.

2. Protect the Incision Site

Your dog will pick at his incision site. It’ll hurt and itch, so prepare for it. Ask your veterinarian for an Elizabethan collar (cone) and teach your dog that putting it on and wearing a cone is fun—make it a party hat!

Keep a cone on your dog when you’re unable to watch him, such as when you’re away at work, cooking dinner, running errands or folding clothes in the laundry room. Some dogs hate wearing a cone, so try this DIY towel cone idea instead. When in doubt, put a cone on your dog. It only takes seconds for him to reopen his incision site.

3. Leash Your Dog

Swallow your guilt, and remind yourself that leashed walks are best for a dog recovering from a neuter. Leash your dog as he walks out of his crate to bring him outdoors to potty. While it’s extremely tempting to remove his leash, it only takes one incident to reopen his incision site. Walking your dog on a leash restricts his movement and prevents him from running, trotting up stairs or jumping on beds.

4. Provide Mental Enrichment

With all that boring crate time, mental enrichment is critical. Feed all meals inside of a food puzzle or stuff them inside a Kong. To make a food stuffed Kong last longer, layer kibble and canned food, then freeze overnight. Offer bully sticks, hide treats under your dog’s bedding or play some quiet games to keep your dog’s brain happily satisfied.

On average, for a dog under 2 years of age, he should enjoy at least 4-6 Kongs per day during neuter recovery. Either split meals into six separate meals for stuffing, or stuff fruits and veggies inside a Kong if your dog is watching his waistline.

5. Stay Strong, It’s Only 10 Days!

When you want to yank your hair out while your dog is howling inside of his crate, remind yourself that it’s only 10 days. It takes 10 days for a dog to fully recover from a neuter, so your daily mantra will be “it’s only for 10 days.” As each day passes, remind yourself that “it’s only 9 days” and so forth. You can do it. Stay strong and keep your baby boy quiet. 🙂

Dog Training Nation is a dog training blog for pet owners and dog lovers. We cover a range of topics from puppy socialization tips to dog aggression to dog health. It is our hope you share our content to make the world a better place for dogs.

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