As animal-lovers ourselves, we understand how much you desire that your furry buddy’s health be in peak condition at all times, any season. That’s why hiring dog walk Brisbane experts is of utmost importance. They know what to do in getting the most out of your pawed friends during every single round through walking, running, and more.

You might be asking yourself this: “What are the benefits of having my dog walked regularly? And are there dog walkers near me?” From our expert dog-carers to you, learn of the advantages of Dog Walking as you read on.

The Physical Health Benefits

Cardiovascular Balance

Dogs have a higher metabolism compared to us humans. They burn fat, absorb nutrients, and expel energy faster than we do. However, the misconception many pet owners have is that they think the “playfulness” of their doggies is enough of an exercise.

Nothing can be further from the actual truth, of course. Regular workouts such as walking and running, via any dog walk Brisbane route, and through the guidance of a pet carer, will decrease the risk of obesity, and ultimately, of fat-clogging up their arteries and blood vessels.

Digestive Wellness

Letting your dog exercise habitually will permit the increase of blood flow through the digestive tract muscles. This can aid with proper digestion, so that food is processed smoothly, and excreted without any problems.

Additionally, it may also assist in lessening the occurrence of gas build-up in the stomach, as well as heartburn.

The Behavioural/ Mental Benefits

Mood Stability

Our dogs’ mental health is to be taken as seriously as their physical health. According to studies, there are 4.5 to 5 million dogs in Aussieland alone, and somewhere close to 40% of them suffer from anxiety, whether mild or severe.

This should be a cause for concern as anxiety, depression, and stress tend to affect the rest of your pet’s bodily systems negatively (the same is true with humans, by the way). These may lead to loss of appetite, insomnia, bowel movement disruption, muscle fatigue, or worse, heart ailments.

With the help of professional dog walkers, dog-walking can become a staple in your pet’s daily-to-weekly routine. Physical activities will prompt the body to release endorphins, and these are responsible for positively affecting mood. Anxiety and depression will be reduced, and your dog’s self-esteem will be in tip-top shape.

Social Well-Being And Friendliness

If you are scouting for dog carers in the area, we’re sure that it’s because you truly care about your furry buddy’s health and happiness. Aside from the benefits mentioned above, letting your dogs out is an excellent method of indirectly training them to be “social.” You can find more tips from certified dog walk Brisbane companies.

Often unfriendliness, shyness, or in the extreme, unexplained aggravation, are due to dogs not being used to staying outside or being in the presence of other people. The simple yet practical solution is to contact local dog walkers near us walk our pets in public spaces. Doing so will allow them to have a feel of what it’s like to be around human beings (and other animals, too) besides us, their owners.

Visit https://spotdogwalk.com.au/ and discover how you can select the best dog walkers in Brisbane for your pawed buddies!

A question we often get from homeowners is: Can I use my beloved canine as a natural pest control solution? Many people assume that dogs, being bigger and more or less aggressive might act as a natural pest repellent, which would save them some trouble. This may be true, but if you have a pest problem, it is always best to hire a pro for help.

Why would dogs act as a natural pest repellent?

Well, you’d think pests would tend to keep away from dogs since the dog is more or less likely to give chase and then endanger them. Dogs also have a much keener sense of smell and hearing, which allows them to detect the presence of a pest long before we learn of it ourselves. So technically, they will know there’s something off even if you don’t. But does that mean they’ll protect the home?

The answer here is a bit more complicated.

First of all, it depends on what type of pest we’re talking about exactly. For example, squirrels are known to keep away from properties that have dogs, since the dog (as we well know) will give chase and practically make the critter’s life a nightmare. But squirrels can still be a nuisance even with the presence of your dog. For more information visit howtokeepsquirrelsaway.com.

Not all pests are as easily scared as squirrels. Skunks, for example, will not be impressed by a dog, and while they will try to avoid it, their smell acts as an ultimate weapon, so it’s far more likely that your dog will avoid the skunk and not the other way around.

Then, of course, there are the pests that your pet will chase, putting itself in danger. Raccoons, for example, are known to carry a lot of bacteria in their fearsome claws and they will not shy away from scratching and biting your beloved pet, should they get into a fight. This, of course, poses the threat of rabies, as well as a variety of diseases, and potentially even death.

Dogs have also been known to chase after snakes, which as you can probably guess, is not such a hot idea. Snakes are not keen on biting, usually, as that leaves them without defense (aka venom) for days as their stock replenishes. So most snakes only bite when they feel they’ve got no other choice, but if your dog is persistent about catching them, have no doubt, they will bite. Bites both from venomous and non-venomous snakes can be potentially life-threatening to your canine.

So all in all, while it might seem like a good idea at first, you don’t want your pet to give chase to wildlife in your yard, as this can endanger both the pet and yourself. Instead, what you’ll want to do is look for a dog that is a natural at dealing with other animals peacefully.

Some dogs are known to keep Canada geese and other birds away and have some level of success in deterring other pests from approaching. Animals like a German Shepherd, for example, can be trained to herd some types of unwanted pests off of your property safely and efficiently.

Bottom line: Will dogs protect the home from pests?

While some dogs are effective in keeping pests away, it usually depends on the size and aggression levels of the canine in question. For example, pests such as raccoons, opossums, and the like want to avoid a property where they hear the bark of a big, angry dog. While they may fight back, they know they will lose, and so prefer to keep out of the dog’s way. But this only goes for big, fierce dogs. Most lapdogs won’t instill fear in pests, and might actually be threatened by the presence of wildlife.

Honestly, you should take all the necessary precautions (e.g. keeping a clean, tidy yard and home) to prevent pests from approaching. Prevention is the best protection. And if you are dealing with some pest problems on your property, it would be a much better idea to either research DIY pest control options or even call a local wildlife removal company to rid your property of pests. Don’t just assume that because you have a dog (or cat, for that matter), your property is safe from local pests, because that might well put both your life and the life of your pet in considerable danger.

It is very common for dogs to suffer from anxiety. This can either be something that was learned in puppyhood, often from not being socialized properly, or it can be a learned behavior in adulthood, usually because of something traumatic happening, such as being attacked by a dog of a particular breed.

Some anxieties will need treatment by a vet, in the form of medication and a behaviorist to help them learn to not be anxious around certain things or in certain situations.

It is always a good idea to have a dog with anxiety checked over by a vet before beginning behavioral therapy, to make sure they don’t have anything medically wrong with them that needs treating with medication, like analgesics.

There are some things that you can do at home to help ease your dog’s anxiety, and one of those is to provide your dog with a calming bed.

But, what is a calming bed, and how does it work? Read on to find out…

What Are Calming Beds?

Calming beds have been designed to help your dog feel more at ease, and less anxious when they spend time in them.

They tend to be made out of very comfortable materials, like faux fur, or sheep skin, to allow your dog to get as snuggly, and as burrowed-in as possible to help make them feel more secure.

They allow your dog to get curled up and feel protected from all sides, and provide a valuable place for them to go when they feel insecure.

What Types Of Calming Beds Are There?

There are many different types of calming beds available for different types of dogs, depending on what makes them feel more secure about life.

You can find a bed for calming a dog from almost any pet accessory retailer, but it’s best to do your research on what you need before you purchase.

The doughnut style beds are probably the most well known of the calming dog bed genre. They look like a doughnut, with a central padded circle, and raised, soft sides around the outside, which can help your dog feel more protected and secure. The softness of the material allows your dog to burrow into it to feel even safer.

Igloo style calming dog beds are very similar to the doughnut kind, with raised sides and soft, padded middle area, but this type also has an upper covering as well, a sort of soft roof, to the bed. This means they are fully protected from all sides, and above. The igloo beds are particularly suited for the most anxious of dogs.

Mattress beds are like a mattress for humans, but filled with memory foam material. These beds are very useful for dogs with any kind of skeletal pain, as the memory foam takes the pressure off of the joints and any other bony prominences your dog may have.

Finding The Right Calming Bed For Your Dog

You know your dog better than anyone and will have some idea of what type of bed your dog likes already, and what material they like to sleep on, so use this knowledge to guide in your search for a calming dog bed.

In the case of the round beds, like the doughnut style and the igloo style, they should be big enough that your dog can get up and turn around easily whilst remaining in the bed, but not so big that there is lots of empty space around them when they are curled up, as this won’t help them feel secure.

With the square beds such as the mattress type, they need to be big enough for your dog to stretch out completely without any of their legs or head falling off of it, but not so big that it takes up vast amounts of room.

Other considerations with a calming dog bed should be the material it is made from. If your dog is destructive and chews soft furnishings when anxious, it is better to look for a bed with a chew resistant cover. Some dogs are averse to certain materials, so avoid these if you can.

It is ideal if the bed is machine washable. Dogs love to get dirty when out and about, so a bed that is easily washable will help your life to no end. Some dogs defecate and urinate when they are scared, so having a bed that can be washed is ideal.

In the same vein, it is useful to have a water resistant bed so that any fluids do not sink through to the inner material, as this is much harder to clean properly.

Having a bed with a non-slip bottom is also a good idea. When your dog is seeking somewhere safe to sleep, the last thing they want is to bolt into a bed only for it to slide across the floor. This could make them feel even more anxious.

It’s also worth considering setting up a crate in your home and crate training your dog. A crate becomes like a den to your dog, a place they can seek sanctuary when life gets all too much.

Do Calming Dog Beds Really Work?

In a word: Yes. Calming dog beds can be a great aid to help your dog feel less anxious, and many dog owners say they have helped in lessening their dogs anxiety.

However, a calming dog bed is not a miracle cure, and on it’s own will not cure your dog’s anxieties.

Anxiety is a complex condition and there is no quick fix. Sometimes it can be cured, and other times it can only be managed, but in nearly all cases there are steps to be taken to help your dog lead a less anxious life, which in turn will help you to feel less anxious.

Talk to your vet and a behaviorist about ways to help lessen your dog’s anxiety, and with this combined approach, and patience, your dog can lead a full, stress free life.

We all need vegetables to be healthy, but should we give them to our dogs? Well, veggies are not necessary for your canine pal’s health, but in most cases, they can’t harm them. And that is because dogs are omnivores; therefore, they can digest both plants and meat. Most commercial dog foods feature fruits and veggies as part of their ingredients. And these manufacturers can confirm that the veggies in their products help add numerous essential nutrients. Therefore, most veggies cannot harm your dog.

Should You Feed Your Dog Vegetables?

The topic of veggies and fruits for dogs is quite controversial, with raw feeders being against giving their canine pals vegetables. Raw feeders believe that raw meat has everything their dogs need. However, while many vets believe that dogs don’t need veggies, some say that low-sugar and low-salt fruits and veggies can help your dogs lose weight. Therefore, you can add canned green beans to the kibbles if you want them to shed some pounds.

However, if the American Feed Control associations have approved the dog food, then it’s balanced. So, there is no need to mix it with veggies. But, you can give him veggies as treats. For instance, can dogs eat broccoli?Most dog parents offer their pet’s broccoli, green beans, and carrots as treats. These veggie treats are low in calories. But make sure you don’t give them too many veggie snacks. Remember, treats should not exceed 10% of your dog’s diet.

So, the answer to this question depends on the pet parent. Vegetables are not harmful to your pet’s health. Plus, most pet food companies claim that veggies add some essential nutrients to their products that your dog needs. For more details on the commercial dog foods containing veggies, click here.

Why Should You Give Your Dog Vegetables?

1. Balance the Acidity and Alkalinity of the Dog’s Body

Generally, some of your dog’s hormones and crucial organs like kidneys, heart, gallbladder, pancreas, and liver function properly in an alkaline environment. Therefore, balancing the alkalinity and acidity of your pet’s meal is mandatory. Remember, high acidity level is the main cause of numerous chronic illnesses.

However, some sources of protein like meat increase the acidity level in your pet’s body. The best way to manage this is by giving them vegetables and fruits. Some of the fruits and veggies that have an alkalinizing effect on a dog’s body include cauliflower, broccoli, asparagus, grapefruits, peaches, papaya, and parsley, among others.

2. Vegetables Have a Wide Range of Nutrients

Most vegetables can provide phytonutrients, fibers, fats, lipids, and proteins; therefore, they are a complete meal. This is one of the main reasons why some vegetarians give their pets a strict vegan diet. However, it’s always a good idea to mix the vegan meals with meat. Remember, meat is a great source of amino acids. But you should stay away from legumes and grains as they are high in starch. Starchy foods can cause or aggravate several illnesses.

3. Veggies Are the Best Sources of Vitamins

Raw veggies are the best sources of vitamins. Veggies can provide all the B vitamins except B1 and B12; therefore, they need other meal sources like eggs and liver. A dog’s body can make vitamin C, but they need the Vitamin C and co-factors to do it. And the best sources of co-factors are veggies and fruits. Other vitamins supplied by veggies include vitamins K, E, and A.

4. Antioxidants

Fruits and veggies are the only sources of antioxidants that can protect your dog against free radicals. Free radicals are the unstable molecule in the body that can cause aging. Free radicals tend to build in the body and damage all the organs and cells. Luckily, antioxidants can help you stabilize these molecules and stop them from getting out of control.

5. Fiber

Raw veggies are the main source of healthy fiber. Fiber has numerous benefits in a dog’s body, but it’s not digested in the intestines. Fibers are usually fermented into SCFA (short-chain fatty acids) in the colon by bacteria. The SCFA is used to protect the mucus lining of the dog’s gut, build immune cells, and produce energy. Other than producing SCFA, fiber has other benefits such as:

— Fiber clears all the toxin from your dog’s body
— Fiber has antioxidant properties
— It promotes gut health by feeding the friendly bacteria
— It can create a feeling of fullness in a perpetually-hungry dog
— It binds to cancer-causing substances

6. Improving Diabetes Mellitus

Some fibers can slow down the digestion of food in the body, which can help keep the blood sugar level low. Fiber can help your diabetic dog manage his/her condition. Most vets have found that fiber reduces your canine pal’s sensitivity to insulin.

7. Phytonutrients

Phytonutrients are the most crucial nutrients that you can give your dogs that can only be found in veggies. Therefore, if your canine pal is only eating meat, then he is missing out. Studies conducted in the late 1900’s confirmed that diets rich in veggies and fruits can protect your body from diabetes, heart diseases, and cancer, among others. These benefits come from a unique substance known as phytonutrients. Phytonutrients can:

— Support a healthy liver
— Promote gut health
— Reduce inflammations
— Kill cancerous cells

Therefore, make sure you give your pet some of the veggies rich in phytonutrients like kale, broccoli, apples, and berries.

8. Minerals

All the dark leafy green veggies are rich in crucial minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and calcium. Veggies like seaweeds and alfalfa are the best sources of minerals. Seaweeds tend to pick up some of the micronutrients and minerals that are usually washed into the sea. Alfalfas’ roots can go 40 feet into the subsoil and absorb minerals. Make sure you feed your dog organic veggies that are not grown using fertilizers.

Final Thoughts

Veggies have numerous essential nutrients that can help keep your dog healthy. Plus, some of these nutrients, like the phytonutrients, can also be found in plants. Therefore, there is no harm in feeding your pet some veggies and fruit. And by not giving your pet veggies, you deny your dog some crucial ingredients. So you can either mix veggies with their kibbles or just give them veggie treats.