If your dog seems overly nervous or fidgety, he or she may very well have an anxiety disorder. While humans generally think of anxiety disorders as something that only affects people, this is not always the case. There are several dog breeds that are more prone to anxiety than others, and there are also several reasons why a dog may have developed the disorder in the first place. There are things that you can give your dog for anxiety, but let’s take a deeper look…

Signs That Your Dog Has an Anxiety Disorder

There are many signs that are good indicators that your dog has an anxiety disorder. Some of these include:

— Tucking their tails
— Urinating or having a bowel movement indoors
— Avoiding eye contact
— Pacing
— Whimpering
— Trembling
— Escaping the yard
— Displaced behaviors (shaking off when not wet, sniffing the air, licking lips, etc.)

While your dog may randomly exhibit these behaviors and not have any problems, continuously having episodes or acting in a certain way at specific times may be a clue to a possible disorder. Any of these symptoms, when happening at an extreme rate, is a sign of persistent anxiety and should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

What Causes a Dog to be Anxious?

Just like with people, dogs can become anxious for numerous reasons. However, since they cannot just tell us what is bothering them, sometimes it takes a while to pinpoint what is the source of your pet’s anxiety. By paying extra attention to the times when your dog tenses up and becomes nervous, you can discover what triggers your four-legged friend’s stressors.

In general, there are three types of anxiety in a dog. These are:

— Separation anxiety
— Rescue dog anxiety
— Illness-induced anxiety

Separation Anxiety

Like children, some dogs get anxious when their caregiver is not home or when they are left alone for long periods. This is known as separation anxiety. If your dog is calm when you are there but becomes destructive, barks, whines, or goes to the bathroom on the carpets when you leave, this could be the result of seperation anxiety.

Dogs are naturally social creatures. When they get bored or get lonely, they can quickly become anxious, worrying about when you will be back home to play with them and keep them company. As a dog ages, they may tend to suffer from separation anxiety due to memory deficiencies.

To help get your dog through these scary times of being home alone, you can take them for a walk before you leave or give them a favorite toy. Some dogs like to have noise in the home. Turning on the radio or television for them is often a helpful technique, especially if you do these things when you are home.

Rescue Anxiety

When dogs were removed from a traumatic environment or spend a long time in a shelter, they can develop rescue anxiety. Fears of abandonment and abuse can plague a rescue dog for years.

Some dogs will eventually overcome their anxiety when they realize that they are in a loving home and will not be left alone or abused by someone ever again.

Other dogs don’t ever get over their anxiety and do best when they are in a consistent and predictable environment. Routines are best, as you can help your dog understand that they won’t be abandoned again and that they can rely on you to keep them safe. A pet trainer or behaviorist can also help to establish and overcome triggers.

Illness-induced Anxiety

Certain conditions can cause illness-induced anxiety. Common conditions include:

— Hypothyroidism
— Thyrotoxicosis, or Grave’s Disease
— Encephalitis
— Pre-diabetes
— Hearing or vision loss

Can My Dog Have Generalized Anxiety Disorder?

Some dogs don’t always have a reason to be anxious; they just are. This is known as generalized anxiety disorder. Some dog breeds are more prone to anxiety disorders, and others, like people, are just anxious animals.

Dog breeds that are the most prone to generalized anxiety disorder include:

— German Shepards
— Labrador Retrievers
— Cocker Spaniels
— Greyhounds
— Border Collies

The best way to help a dog with generalized anxiety disorder include maintaining a low-stimulating environment, controlling social interactions, and keeping your dog on a consistent schedule.

Dogs can be quite obedient when you want them to be. But there are of course times when they can be quite stubborn when it comes to following commands. And so dog leashes are a very useful tool when it comes to teaching your dog certain basic instructions. Dog leash training allows you and your dog to better understand the reactions and responses that your dog demonstrates. It also makes sure that extensive training sessions are easier for your dog and you.

As wonderful as dog leashes may be, it can be quite a challenge lecturing them on leash etiquette because dogs are quicker than humans. What a leash simply does is help regulate the behavior and movement of the dog. The basic thing about leash training is to help your dog learn how to move without pulling. This training is one that requires lots of patience because dogs by default are naturally not used to being dragged back. Here are some unique and encouraging benefits of using a dog leash…

Helps you relax with your dog

One of the unique benefits of dog leashes is that they help you spend quality and pleasant time with your dog. The leash helps you combine training your dog with enjoying his company. When getting a leash, make sure that it is at least 6-foot long. It is advisable you do not use the retractable leash. Training your dog with a leash can be quite fun-filled, however, make sure you do so in clear, simple and direct terms.

Also, if you desire to spend time relaxing with your dog, make sure that there is adequate consistency in the method of training. Constantly changing signals and signs can be quite counterproductive because it will confuse your dog.

Help cut cost on medical expenses

When your dog is properly leashed, you reduce the inherent risks that exist when your dog is moving without restraint. Leashes help to prevent your dog from injuring itself or becoming sick, as one of the risks associated with a loose dog is that they tend to want to drink dirty water. Some of them are also exposed to the risk of thorns and poisonous plants. It mau also interest you to note that dogs that are not properly cleaned will expose both themselves and their owners to worm infestation, thus causing certain illnesses like river blindness.

Become a role model

Leashing is the ideal way to be an example to other dogs and their owners. It is also a perfect way to show that you are responsible for your dog’s actions. It shows that you are giving enough attention to his or her training and care. You should know, if you don’t already, that keeping and training a dog won’t always be fun and excitement. It comes with its demands. You need to dedicate enough energy and time to ensure that your dog does not become a nuisance to yourself or to others.

One way to ensure this is by observing the behavior of your dog and taking note of its erratic behavior while you take steps to ensure that the behavior does not repeat.

Helps you control your dog

Dogs sometimes have a mind of their own and this makes them sometimes do rather weird and annoying things, such as wandering off when you least expect or even dragging and pulling you when you take them out on walks. Giving your dog the right leash training puts them in the right mental condition to be better managed. Properly trained dogs are usually quite easier to control for several reasons. The biggest reason being that they are better conditioned to follow instructions.

Leashes can help with identification

This is one benefit that may not come to mind. Dog leashes come in a variety of colors and designs, and you can also have them customized according to your specifications. This in turn will make it easy to identify your dog even in a crowd. Also, in a situation where your dog goes astray, it is always easier to describe it using the features of the leash on its neck.

Variety of materials

As we hinted at above, one nice thing about dog leashes is that they come in a variety of shapes and materials. There are some made from metal while there are others made of leather. There is also the nylon webbing leash which measures between 4 to 6 feet long. There are also extended length webbing leashes that measure up to 30 feet.

There is the slip leash which has an adjustable loop that is placed on the neck of the dog. It is usually used for work and other tasks. There is also the retractable leash which is a thin rope that automatically retracts thus permitting the dog enough allowance to wander for 25 feet or more. All of this variety is designed with the type of dog and its temperament in mind.

Not expensive and readily available

There is no amount too much to invest in the wellbeing of your dog. However, it should be noted that dog leashes are not that expensive especially when you compare the cost with the inherent benefits. In addition to this is the fact that they are readily available in any pet store you walk into. However, make sure that the leash you are choosing reflects the character and size of your dog. Dog leash training at the end of the day helps you cut certain unnecessary costs.

Conclusion

Your dog certainly deserves a good life and this means that you should be willing to purchase whatever is needed to ensure this. Dog leashes are not a luxury but a necessity loaded with practical benefits. This is why great care must be taken to make sure that you get the right type of leash for your dog. We believe the benefits outlined in this article are enough to inspire you to go to the nearest pet shop. Do remember to give your dog the right dog leash training he or she requires!

There’s a good chance that you are aware that pets require some form of wellness plan to ensure that they stay in good shape and happy at all times. But have you ever considered keeping a healthy pet checklist?… a list of things you need to do to ensure that your pet stays healthy at all times. In this article we have put together 7 must-do things to ensure that you take proper care of your pet.

The seven steps listed below from a foundation that will help ensure your pet stays healthy…

1. Pay an annual visit to the veterinary doctor

This is where most pet parents drop the ball. They never take their pets to the veterinary unless there is a big problem with the health of the pet. This shouldn’t be so, because there could be issues with the health of your pet that may not show on the surface or are hard to detect.

Outside of that, veterinary doctors can continually give you good advice on how to take proper care of your pets. Veterinarians are in a very good position to assess how you’ve been taking care of your pet and proffer good and sound advice on changes to enact to keep him or her stronger and healthy. In this way you may never need to visit the veterinary doctor because of major ailments.

2. Spay your pet

The issue of spaying or neutering your pet comes with a little bit of skepticism. However, spraying your pet can be an important factor in trying to prevent overpopulation. While people are aware that spraying can help prevent unnecessary litter what they do not know is that it can also help in preventing certain forms of cancer. Neutering can prevent testicular cancer in males and prevent breast cancer in females.

3. Flea control

As a matter of necessity, it is important that you establish an annual flea control system. Whether you like it or not, even in colder regions, fleas are just waiting outside the door looking for the right opportunity to stick to your dog or cat when you take them out for a walk.

You can take them to a veterinarian to help with a heartworm, flea and tick control system.

4. Control the weight of your pet

Most pet owners with strong emotional attachment often fall into the trap of overfeeding their loved one, resulting in an unhealthy weight gain. What you need to understand is that many pets, especially dogs, thrive better on a grain-free diet and can even lose weight if it is extended for a period of time.

As you are aware, excess weight contributes to a lot of health problems in pets including the onset of arthritis and some cognitive heart diseases. So we advise that you should take conscious effort to provide pets with the daily nutrient source required for healthy living without falling into overfeeding them. Just for the record, statistics show that over 50% of pets are overweight. Opt for a protein and veggie-based diet to ensure that they stay healthy.

5. Microchipping your pet

This might not be an obvious thing to do, but microchipping your pets is a great way of keeping your pet safe. In cases where they are lost, microchipping your pet can increase the chances of locating where he or she is. Statistics have shown that one in every three pets in the U.S.A. get lost on a yearly basis. Microchipping them can increase the chances of locating lost pet to the tune of about 238%, while microchipping your cats can increase the chances of locating them to about 2000%.

To enquire about getting a microchip in your pet, visit a veterinary doctor. With as low as $45 you can get the microchip implanted. (Note: DogPerDay does not endorse Microchipping.)

6. Bathe your pets on a regular basis

How often your pet needs a bath depends on their present state of health. Dogs and cats may not require a weekly bath but they should be bathed a couple of times every month. However, even if you don’t give them baths, do ensure you clean up their fur by regularly brushing it with a clean dry brush.

Other types of pets might require regular betting multiple times per week with a medicated shampoo to treat irritated skin. This is where a veterinary doctor can come in with the right advice and recommendation specific to the kind of pet you have.

7. Treat them right

Once in awhile give your pet a treat to help build the emotional attachment between you and your pet. As for toys, opt for soft chew toys rather than the hard chew toys that are available in stores today. Hard chew toys have the potential of damaging the teeth and mouth of your dog or cat.

Dogs, mostly the young puppies, can create trouble, from chewing your favorite pair of shoes to soiling the carpet.

Dont worry, crate training will help protect you and your possessions. It can be useful in a variety of situations.

If you have a new dog or puppy, a crate will allow you to limit access to the house. It is also the safest and most convenient way to transport your dog in the car.

Crate training can take lots of effort and time, but when you properly train your dog to use the crate, then he will feel like the crate is his home, a safe place where he can spend time when he wants to.

If you want to start crate training a dog, then this article is for you. It will be the answer of all your questions. This is an approved stress-free process of crate training. It’s imperative to make sure your puppy always associates with a positive experience. We are going to share an exact process to crate train a puppy.

The crate training process

1. Buy the perfect crate

Now, this is like your selecting a house for your dog, so be careful. It should be large enough for him to stand up in, lie down and turn around comfortably.

Crates are available in multiple designs made of all kinds of materials, such as plastic crates, which are also called flight kennels or Vari kennels, metal pens, and collapsible, and metal crates, which are mostly indestructible, unless of course the metal is not thin at all.

At the time of purchase, keep in mind that your dog will grow, so purchase a crate which is appropriate for your dog’s expected full-grown size.

2. Show your dog his new home

You should put the crate in an area of your house where you spend many hours, and for additional comfort you should put a soft blanket or towel in the crate.

Now bring your dog near to the crate and talk to him in a soft, cheerful tone. Make sure the crate is securely fastened open, and then encourage your dog to enter the crate, but don’t force him to go in.

Sometimes dogs will take a few hours to enter a crate for the first time. You can also entice her by placing her favorite food or toys in the crate.

3. Start feeding your dog his meals in his new house

Now once your dog enters the crate and starts to enjoy being in it, then feed him his regular meals in the crate.

For a dog that will not easily accept the crate, put his meals near to the crate, and then eventually inside, and he should eventually go in without fear.

When your dog starts enjoying the crate, feeling comfortable in it, you can try closing the door. You should open the door only after a short time, 2 to 3 minutes, and then each successive time leave the door closed a few minutes longer.

4. Increase the uses of the crate

When your dog starts to spend more than 30 minutes in her crate without getting anxious or afraid, then you can begin to increase the period.

You can now leave her in the crate for short periods when nobody is home. It’s a good idea to leave her with some of her favorite toys.

Ideally your dog should not be left alone in the crate for more than four to five hours in the daytime. During the night longer periods are more acceptable.

5. Start using the crate at night

We do recommend that you put your crate in your bedroom or nearby in a hallway because he may need to go outside to eliminate during the night, so it’s good to have your puppy within hearing distance.

After a few days your dog should start to sleep comfortably at night. And when your dog is more comfortable, you can move the crate to a more preferred location in your house. Just remember that your dog may cry inside the crate during nighttime at first, so be prepared for that.

It is not recommended that you leave a puppy in his crate all day, as like humans, he also needs bathroom brakes, and some time of playing, eating and general moving around.

Every dog wants her house to be a place where only happy, peaceful things happen, so you should never use the crate as a punishment.

Keep in mind that your dog will not learn everything at once. Learning will take at least a few days and maybe a few months. Consider the above simple advice and techniques. Be assured that it is possible that your dog will start loving his crate for years to come.

That’s about everything you should know when you start the crate training of your dog. All the information shared in this article should equally apply to all the breeds of dog. We hope this article is helpful for you. Stay connected with us for useful information on other pet-related topics.