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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.

How To Help Dogs After A Hurricane

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6 Ways to Help Dogs After a Hurricane

Help Dogs After Hurricane
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What just happened in Houston, due to Hurricane Harvey, has been devastating. Unfortunately, surrounding areas in south Texas and southwest Louisiana were affected too, and they’re scrambling to save their homes, pets and livestock. As you watch hundreds of thousands of evacuees rescuing their dogs, you may wonder how you can help evacuated dogs until their pet owners are back on their feet. These tips will lead you in the right direction, so you can help dogs affected by the hurricane!

1. Foster

Hands down, finding people to foster dogs is the biggest need for all rescues. Large pet rescue organizations usually have the capacity to house numerous dogs safely, but space becomes extremely limited during natural disasters.

Smaller rescues located in rural areas have very limited space, making foster homes even more critical. Fostering a dog is easily a 2- to 6-month commitment, but keep in mind that rescue organizations cover all food, vet and supply costs. To apply as a foster home for dogs in need, find a local pet rescue and complete their foster home form.

2. Transport

During natural disasters, most dogs are evacuated out of the flooded area, which means transportation is needed. During flooding, anyone with a flat bottom boat is needed. Bring various crate sizes, dog treats, bottled waters, plastic bowls, and slip leads to capture and contain dogs during rescues. Coordinate drop-off points with dog rescue groups to ensure all pets are kept safe.

3. Set Up a Virtual Lost & Found Dogs Page

While we witnessed many evacuees leaving with their pets, there were several who were unable to get home to grab their furry friends before floodwaters blocked roadways. Thankfully, rescuers were pulling dogs in need out of homes and flooded backyards, then safely placing these dogs with dog rescue organizations. The problem was that it left pet owners looking for their dogs.

Many years ago, horrible tornadoes ravished Dallas, TX, leaving many pets displaced. A wonderful person started a “Dallas tornado dog lost and found” page on Facebook, and rescuers uploaded found dog photos online with their contact information. Pet owners, searching for their dogs, could log on and find their beloved family member. This is an excellent way to reunite dogs with their families. Surprisingly, many volunteers stepped up and spent countless hours matching photos of found dog photos with lost dog photos.

4. Donate Items

While large pet rescues donate to larger metropolitan areas, it’s important to remember that rural pet rescue organizations are in desperate need for supplies as well. Items that are much needed during natural disasters include:

  • Dog food
  • Treats
  • Collars
  • Leashes
  • Toys
  • Chews
  • Bowls
  • Crates
  • Dog beds
  • Shampoo
  • Towels
  • Blankets
  • Pee pads
  • Flea and tick products

Contact your local dog rescue or, better yet, visit their website and order items off their “wish list.” Chewy.com offers free and fast shipping with great prices—I just shipped two large crates straight to the doorway of Lake Charles Pit Bull Rescue.

5. Fundraise

Coordinate fundraisers for local dog rescue organizations with “wish list” items they’ve posted at local pet supply stores. Create a media blast and ask for specific items, such as dog crates and food, with drop-off destination points clearly noted. People want to help, so make it easy.

6. Donate Money

Donating funds is always appreciated, as most local dog rescue organizations use these funds for veterinary bills. Many stray dogs have critical medical needs, and even with deep rescue discounts, veterinary bills can easily total over a thousand dollars per month for small rescue groups. If your local rescue has not set up a donate site yet, start one for them (with their permission of course).

Does Your Dog Pull On Leash? Ditch The Leash

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Dog Training Tips for Strong Pulling Dogs

Stop Dog Pulling on Leash
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When dogs pull on leash like freight trains, it’s frustrating, exhausting and downright dangerous. It feels like your shoulder is dislocated during and after each walk, and your back muscles scream for mercy. Pulling strongly on leash is painful for dogs too, especially if they’re wearing a collar. While it may not seem painful to your dog, it’s important to note that his neck hurts just as bad as your shoulder. Over time, strong pulling dogs develop permanent shoulder and neck issues and so do their pet owners.

As pet owners, it’s our job to teach our dogs that hanging out with us is more fun than pulling on leash. While it may seem impossible, it’s actually very easy to teach.

If It Hurts, Why Does My Dog Pull on Leash?

Dogs pull on leash because they don’t know what to do instead of pulling. Dogs get excited, so they pull forward and their pet owners follow. This starts a vicious leash pulling cycle, which isn’t safe for anyone. If your dog pulls on leash, it’s important to teach your dog polite leash manners.

Ditch Your Leash

Until your strong pulling dog learns that staying next to you is rewarding, ditch your leash. Strong pulling dogs get really excited when leashes appear, and they immediately pull once the leash is attached. Plus, it’s difficult to manage your pulling dog, provide treats and reward good behavior at the same time. Since you’re ditching the leash, make sure to only practice this behavior in your home first.

Hanging Out With Me is Fun

Grab super yummy treats, such as cheese sticks, and practice in a low distraction area of your home. Practice while children are napping and other dogs are happily licking food stuffed Kongs in another room. Remember, you don’t need a leash for this exercise.

  • Holding treats in your hand, take one step forward and wait for your dog to return to you. Don’t worry, your dog will likely hang out with you because treats are present. This sets you both up for success.
  • When your dog chooses to walk back to you, say “yes” the moment he walks next to your shoes and give him a treat. When handing him an earned treat, drop the treat next to your shoes.
  • Take another step and wait for your dog to stand next to you. If your dog hangs out with you, while you’re taking a step, immediately say “yes” and drop a treat at your feet.
  • Take a step backwards, and reward when he returns or stays with you.
  • Continue one step at a time.
  • Keep dog training sessions short about 1-2 minutes long.

Take More Steps

Once your dog will remain with or return to you 90% of the time, it’s time to take three steps forward. Continue adding one step at a time, and walk around your home. If your dog chooses to hang out with you, while you’re walking around your home, say “yes” and reward often. Practice daily and keep training sessions short.

Time to Add a Leash

Once your strong pulling dog learns that hanging out with you is rewarding, it’s time to add a leash. Some dogs may regress a bit, because their leash is super exciting, so start with one step at a time. Check out this article and video for teaching your dog polite leash manners while wearing a leash. Usually, most strong pulling dogs zoom through this process because they’ve already learned that hanging out with their pet owners makes treats rain from the sky!

Reward this behavior often, and it will stick around!

WATCH: Dog Training Tips for Strong Pulling Dogs

Best Dog-Friendly Air Freshener: It Works Everywhere

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Indigo Wild Air Freshener Review

Wild Indigo Air Freshener Review
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Sharing our homes and vehicles with dogs can get a bit smelly. While dogs should have minimal body odor, they can still emit noxious gas at times. Plus, a wet dog can smell musty for hours and that smell lingers for days. Instead of using chemical-filled plug-in air fresheners or spraying synthetic air fresheners frantically, give this natural option a try.

Zum-tastic Air Freshener

As a professional dog trainer, I’ve tried thousands of dog-friendly air fresheners. Most products mask odors instead of eliminating them, and they just don’t cut through stinky dog smells quickly and effectively enough.

When searching for the perfect dog-friendly air freshener, I researched natural options that eliminated odors and left a pleasant fragrance behind. Since dogs have an amazing sense of smell, I found chemical and synthetic air fresheners caused dogs to sniff, cough and generally avoid a previously sprayed area. This was a hint that something was wrong. I tried several natural air fresheners, but they all left a light scent that just didn’t cut through dog farts—sorry to be so candid.

After years of searching, I found my favorite natural air freshener ever! Look no further: You must try Indigo Wild YUM MIST doggie spritzer. This stuff smells amazing, and contains purified water, pure essential oils and vegetable glycerin; that’s it!

Indigo Wild’s air freshener is chemical- and alcohol-free, and it’s safe enough to spray on your dog too. While the essential oil ingredient list skips specific oil names, this blend smells like frankincense with hints of lemon, patchouli and lavender. Not only will this freshener knock out odors, this clean scent will also linger for hours. Honestly, the price is extremely reasonable too. An $11 bottle lasts at least six months with daily use.

How to Use

Spritz your home with this air freshener daily. It works really well inside vehicles too. Spray your vehicle’s interior liberally when your dog is not inside. During road trips, if your dog lets a fart rip, spray one pump and it’s gone—voila! This product works so well that we use it as a bathroom spray too.

Do know I don’t work for this company nor do I receive any type of compensation for reviews or recommendations. I just love this product and company! P.S. Their dog shampoo bar smells amazing too!

How To Greet A Dog For The First Time

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Politely Greeting a Dog

Greet a Dog
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As a dog lover, it’s hard to resist a furry face. The moment I see a dog or puppy, I suddenly stop in my tracks and grin from ear to ear. As I adore the dog from afar, I fight the urge to run up and pet the darling. Yes, my dog trainer self steps in and immediately reminds my dog lover side that not all dogs like to greet people and other dogs. So, I smile and walk away. It’s the best thing for the dog.

Within the dog world, polite greetings have recently changed. Instead of approaching a dog, and holding out your closed fist for a sniff, there’s a safer way to greet a dog for the first time. Not only is this greeting safer for people, but it’s also much safer for and more respectful to dogs.

What’s the Big Deal About Petting Dogs?

Many dogs strongly dislike greeting strangers; it’s just their personality. When people greet dogs, they walk straight over and start petting them. While some dogs love greetings, many dogs find greetings uncomfortable due to unwanted physical contact.

Many fearful dogs try backing away, but their leash prevents them from moving, so dogs learn to bite to stop greetings. Think about it this way: Would you be comfortable having complete strangers walk over and pat your head? That’s exactly how some dogs feel, so respect their personal space.

RELATED: Should You Treat Dogs Like Humans?

When Greeting a Dog for the First Time

When you see a darling dog, stand still and don’t make eye contact with the dog. Look over at the pet owner and ask if you can pet her dog. Pet owners who listen to their dog’s choices will promptly let admirers know their dog is not comfortable with greetings.

The pet owner may say “My dog is not friendly” or “He will jump on you.” If that’s the case, respect the pet owner’s decision to not allow greetings. Trying to convince a pet owner that you’re a dog wizard will only make the situation awkward. Just say, “Your dog is gorgeous, and I admire you for standing by your dog’s choices.”

Let the Dog Choose to Greet

If a pet owner agrees to let her dog meet you, it’s important to ask the dog first. Let the dog make the first move while you stand still. If a dog moves toward you, let the dog walk toward you and sniff your legs and shoes. Don’t bend over and pet the dog; instead bend down and let the dog greet you first.

When petting a dog, rub his chest slowly and ask the pet owner if you can give her dog a treat. Slowly stand back up, while chatting with the pet owner, and let the dog continue to sniff you.

If the dog chooses to ignore or walk away from you, respect the dog’s decision. Just say, “It’s okay, I can adore you from over here.” Forcing close physical contact will only frighten the dog even more, and he will learn humans are unpredictable. Just stand still and make light of the situation, and know you taught a fearful dog that people can be trusted. 🙂

As dog lovers, it’s so important to make good impressions, especially to all dogs.

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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