Keeping your house and your pup clean is important for a healthy home. But antibacterial sprays and cleaners aren’t safe for pups and can do more harm than good. Find out why antibacterial spray can harm your puppy.
Why Antibacterial Spray Can Harm Your Puppy
The main ingredients of antibacterial spray and other household cleaning products are toxic to puppies and other animals. These are alcohol, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, and other chemical compounds. So while we use them to clean our hands or homes, these can make your puppy sick or even be a cause of death.
How to Clean Your Home and Puppy Safely
Use Non-Toxic Cleaners
If you have pets at home and they roam around the house, your best bet is to use non-toxic and pet-safe cleaning products. These are just as effective in cleaning your home but won’t harm your puppy. You can also use it to sanitise your puppy’s toys and other items.
If you want to clean your pup, be sure to use dog cleaning wipes. These are gentle enough to be used on their paws, face, and body.
Store Toxic Cleaners Properly
Should you still need to use toxic cleaners, store them at a high place that can’t be reached by your puppy. If you’ll use them to clean the floor or other parts of the house, make sure you don’t leave any residue and the area is dry before letting your puppy walk around.
When using antibacterial sprays, make sure your puppy won’t be able to ingest them. As much as possible, use non-toxic cleaning products for your pup’s toys and other things.
We love our animals, and we always want them to have the best care possible. However, every once in a while, our puppies will run into some health problems that may require a trip to the vet. This has a lot of people wondering: what are some signs to look out for that I need to take my puppy to the vet?
There’s no straightforward answer as to what sign or behaviour you need to look out for that will tell you whether your puppy needs the attention of a veterinarian or not. In truth, there are several signs and symptoms that your puppy could display that would lead you to believe they may need medical attention.
Not every dog behaves the same way or will have typical symptoms, but we’ve compiled a concise list of the most common symptoms displayed by dogs who need to visit a vet.
Warning Signs
Damaged, Dry, or Rough Fur
Typically, a dog’s coat should be shiny and smooth. If it feels out of the ordinary or suddenly different, you should take note of that and get to the bottom of it. The cause of this could be anything from allergies to more severe illnesses. Sometimes, dogs get into something that makes them sick and causes this kind of reaction. Here’s a list of common houseplants that are poisonous to dogs, for example. This isn’t limited to plants, though. It could be anything.
Unusual Behaviour
Sometimes the warning signs of illness or allergic reactions manifest themselves in different ways other than what can be seen. You typically know how your dog behaves around you and what their general mood is. That means that you can easily detect if something is off and if they might not be feeling well. If your dog isn’t acting like they usually do and they seem sluggish, tired, or something else that’s unusual, they may need some medical attention. Our furry friends aren’t always good at telling us what’s wrong, so we need to be attentive and keep an eye on their behaviour to see if anything is off.
Vomiting/Unusual Discharge
While some signs are subtle, some are also very clear. If your puppy is vomiting or has an unusual stool, that is definitely a sign that something might be off and your puppy might need to be taken in to see the veterinarian. Remember to take photos or notes on what happens right away so that you don’t forget it and you can accurately describe it to your veterinarian.
Tips In Case of Emergency
If you have a puppy, you should have the number of a reliable emergency vet on hand at all times. It would be a good idea to store it in your phone or even write it on a note and put it on the refrigerator.
You should also keep an emergency first aid kit in the home or in the car to help stabilise extreme situations.
Recap
Though your puppy’s symptoms might not be on the list, these are some of the most common symptoms that something is wrong with a dog. There are countless other symptoms that your puppy might experience when they are ill, so pay close attention if you see anything out of the ordinary and always err on the side of caution.
We’ve left 2020 behind and yet COVID-19 is still very much active. Social distancing and mask-wearing are still encouraged to minimise the spread and protect people from getting sick. But what about our four-legged family members? Can puppies catch the coronavirus? Here are the important facts you need to know about dogs and the coronavirus.
Dogs and the Coronavirus
The coronaviruses like COVID-19 are just one of the thousand kinds of viruses on earth. Some of these spread among humans only while some can also catch on to animals. We already know that COVID-19 originated from an animal, and this makes it possible for other animals like dogs to contract it as well.
Verified cases of dogs getting the coronavirus have been reported in other countries because of their interaction with infected humans. However, there is no evidence that infected dogs can spread it to other dogs.
The good news is, there’s little to no evidence that dogs can spread the virus to humans. However, it’s still recommended to follow health and safety protocols even around pets to avoid any further spread.
How to Protect Your Dog
Here are some ways you can protect your pet and yourself from getting the coronavirus:
Practice proper hygiene. Wash your hands before petting your dog.
Don’t let other people near your pet, especially strangers.
Avoid crowded areas such as parks.
Wipe your dog clean after spending time outside. Wipe their paws and fur with cleaning wipes to remove any germs and viruses.
In case you contract the virus, stay away from your dog. Let other people care for your dog while you’re recovering.
Wear a face mask if you really have to go near or interact with your dog.
If your dog gets sick, contact your vet first before visiting to avoid any potential spread. The same health protocols would apply to your fur baby, like isolation and proper hygiene.
Yet the effects of the coronavirus aren’t severe for dogs. Only a small percentage have become mildly ill, while the rest didn’t show any adverse effects. Being vigilant and practising the required health protocols will ensure your pup remains happy and healthy during these times.
Have you suddenly noticed a problem with your puppy barking at people?
Puppies can begin barking at people at seemingly random times. Today, we will cover reasons your puppy has begun barking and ways you can deal with it. This will include socialising your pup and tips to control excessive barking before they mature into adulthood.
A few common reasons your puppy barks at people:
Excitement
For a puppy, it can be hard to contain the excitement of new situations and people. Wanting to romp around and play can lead to barking. Maybe your puppy is giving their version of a welcome greeting? All of that pent up energy needs to go somewhere!
Bathroom breaks
This might seem obvious, but maybe your puppy is barking for attention to pee. Puppies have different cues to show their need to go out. Some scratch the door, some whine, and others bark at you or your human friends.
Guarding or protective behaviours
If someone comes into an area your pup considers their territory, they may bark to warn the “intruder.” A puppy barking at people because of territorial or protective reasons may require training to eliminate aggression early.
Fearful of new people
Vocalisation is an easy form of communication with canines. Your puppy may bark to show they are anxious or scared. A fearful puppy may show other signs of nervousness such as a tail between the legs, raised fur, teeth baring, or trembling.
My puppy is showing aggression and fear. How do I change these behaviours?
It’s important to take care of aggression and fear early on. The best way to eliminate these behaviours is to associate positive experiences with people. Your puppy barking at people can be intimidating to some. If you can find the right people to help you practice some of these tricks, your puppy will become a well-balanced dog:
• Ask strangers who are comfortable with dogs to give your puppy treats. High-value treats are your best option. • Training your puppy to “speak” can give you the upper hand since you can now train them the “quiet” command. • Take your puppy everywhere. This helps them become comfortable with strange people and places. • Do not shout at your puppy. They will think you are joining in on their barking. Calm assertiveness is more effective. • Walk your pup every day to socialise them with strangers. Exercise will also calm their nerves.
• Carry treats with you at all times, rewarding your pup when they greet strangers calmly. • Distract your puppy from barking and try again in a moment. Their initial mindset can make a difference. • Obedience training will familiarise your puppy with other people and dogs, giving them confidence as well. • Check your own emotional well-being. Are you putting off any anxious vibes or nervousness? • If all else fails, see your veterinarian. Some puppies bark due to medical reasons. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Anxiety affects humans and puppies alike! A puppy barking at people is a common sign of anxiety. For helpful tips, check out our article, “Useful Ways to Calm an Anxious Puppy.”
The joys of giving puppy medicine – how things have changed when it comes to administering pills and disgusting liquids!
Anyone who owns a dog has been there at some point. Chasing your pup, desperately trying to give them medicine, feeling like a mean owner. It can be hard to give a puppy medicine. Lucky for you, we have some great tips to make it easier. Here are some effective and easy ways to give your puppy medicine.
Flavour. Is. Everything.
“Tastes awful but it works” – words of wisdom by the makers of Buckley’s. This is where our canine friends have a great advantage. When the time arrives for pills, our puppies get a lucky break!
Pill pockets are amazing when it comes to giving puppy medicine. These are little morsels with a pocket, made to allow the pill to sit inside and be squished into the treat. Puppies who are quick to take treats without a second glance swallow these without noticing the bitter pill hidden inside.
These foods also work well to disguise pills and might already be in your fridge or cupboard!
• Hot dogs • Cheese Whiz
• Cheese • Boiled egg
• Cheese slices • Peanut butter
• Bread • Ham pieces
If possible, you may be able to break up pills to mix with soupy food as well. The only issue here is your puppy MUST eat all of the food it has been mixed into.
There’s a variety of foods you can choose from in our article “High-Value Puppy Treats.” You may be able to give your puppy their medication by holding it with the treat when they take it. The more delicious the treat, the easier it will be.
But what if I need to give my puppy a liquid medicine?
Sometimes puppies need to take liquid medication for allergies, antibiotics, or pain management. These medications are easiest to administer when using a small syringe. One of the best ways to give your puppy medicine is to lift their lip and slide the syringe in between the back teeth. Try not to squirt it into their mouth too quickly so they don’t accidentally choke.
If you’re having trouble giving puppy medication with a syringe, try mixing it into wet dog food or something they like. A good option is yogurt, or a little jam if they like sweets.
Always check with your veterinarian for possible complications before crushing pills or mixing medication with foods.
You tried hiding medication in food but it didn’t work, now what?
Puppies can catch on to your human tricks. If your puppy won’t take a treat, or spits out the pill and swallows the food, you have one smart pup!
Pill devices are a great way to get your stubborn puppy to take their pill. These products allow you to place the pill into your pup’s mouth, over the hump of their tongue. Once the pill has passed over this hump, your puppy will be forced to swallow the medication.
No matter how difficult giving puppy medication can be, always reward your pup once the ordeal is over. This way, they can associate medication as a positive experience. If you’re having appetite-related issues with your sick puppy, we have an article “Reasons Your Puppy Isn’t Eating” that might be able to help.
Are you worried your puppy is getting bored while you’re working from home? While bored pets usually find a way to entertain themselves, the way they do it can sometimes be destructive to your clothes or furniture. That’s why we’re about to give you several ideas on how to entertain your puppy while you work from home.
Entertain your puppy by being involved
While you might think that you’ve run out of ideas on how to entertain your puppy, remember that pets usually like when they get something new to play with.
Play tug of war – Puppies love playing tug of war. The best thing is that you don’t have to play for long. Even several minutes of playing will be enough mental and physical stimulation for your pet. If you don’t have a toy to play with, you can always make one out of your old shirts or other pieces of cloth.
Play guess which hand – Guessing games can also be a lot of fun and you can incorporate them into some form of obedience training as well. All you need are dog treats or some vegetables. You can even use a smaller toy if your puppy has one. Playing for a few minutes is a sure way to entertain your puppy.
Play hide and seek – While you might not have a lot of time to play while working, stretching your legs after long periods of sitting is good for your health, which means playing hide and seek will be good for both you and your puppy.
Play fetch – Simple yet effective. You get to play and entertain your puppy while still being able to get some work done.
Entertain your puppy with toys
Here are some ideas to entertain your puppy while you focus more on work.
Chewing toys with treats – You can get your puppy a chewing toy that can be stuffed with treats or peanut butter. That will surely entertain your puppy for hours! Something similar would be a food dispensing toy where your pet needs to play with the toy in order to get the food out.
Find the treats – You can hide treats or small batches of food around the house and let your puppy explore and find them.Block of ice – Another fun idea is to put some toys (like a rope or a chewing toy) into a cup of water along with some food and freeze it. Give the block of ice to your puppy. Your pet will lick and chase the block around, and as it melts, they will get treats or toys to play with. Just make sure you do it on kitchen tiles so it’s easier to clean up afterwards.
Recently, more and more dog owners have been explaining how puppy massage has helped their pooch. Yet canine massage is not a new concept!
Deciphering history books and ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics shows that animal massage has been practised for thousands of years. Trigger point massage charts have been found in China and Egypt with human patients as well as dogs and horses. Only recently have we brought this practice back into the mainstream.
Due to the popularity of equine (horse) massage, dog owners were able to see the amazing benefits and put this into practice with their canine companions. This most likely began with puppy massage given to champion hunters and working breeds.
When it comes to puppies, how can massage benefit your little one?
Massage does wonders for a person’s body and mind. Coincidentally, the positive results felt by people are also felt by our pups! Some of these benefits include:
♥ Relieves muscle tension ♥ Helps to regain strength ♥ Calms hyperactivity ♥ Aids recurring muscle spasms
Puppy massage can be used to treat physical ailments your pup may have suffered. It can even be used to help your pooch relax before or after uncomfortable situations such as vet appointments or nail clipping! If your puppy suffers from separation anxiety, being able to relax them before you leave could help immensely.
Please keep in mind that puppy massage is not a substitute for veterinary attention. If your pup has suffered an accident or illness, get the OK from your vet before enrolling them in puppy massage.
Is there any training involved for your dog to be eligible for puppy massage?
Fortunately, very basic obedience training will be all your puppy needs! Physical contact is usually all it takes to have your puppy accept a massage. Since puppy massage is such a natural feeling to your pup, you should have no problem practising massage with your pup.
All you need to do is find a licensed canine masseuse
Due to the growing popularity of puppy massage, you may have a licensed masseuse right in your town! Try your local groomers first, then branch out to veterinarians and even equine vets. If you aren’t able to find someone in your area who give canine massage, you might have just found yourself a new career!
There are many courses you can take for canine massage. These tend to run anywhere from $200 to thousands. Do your research and find one that covers what you are most interested in. Some offer essential oils for canines, while others allow the option to cover horse massage as well. Several cities in larger populations have schools dedicated to animals, with massage therapy courses available too.
So how much can you expect to pay for a puppy massage?
The cost will vary greatly depending on the masseuse, but the average session is between $35 and $50. These might be paid for in advance at a discount when you purchase more than one session.
If your little one suffers from anxiety, puppy massage can help. Until you’re able to find a masseuse, read our article “Useful Ways to Calm an Anxious Puppy” for some quick tips!
Once you adopt a pup, you’ll need to figure out ways in caring for a puppy and what your little pup will do while you’re at work.
Working with a puppy can be a stressful period for both of you. What if you don’t have someone to watch them while you’re at work, or don’t work for a company that allows your puppy to join you?
We have four great options to make your puppy comfortable and safe while you’re away.
Give your puppy an adjustment period.
Puppies are pack animals and are used to being with Mom, littermates, then you. When you know the time is coming for them to be alone, make this adjustment as easy on them as possible.
Leave your puppy alone for short periods of time (that is, a few minutes at a time), and work your way up to about 90 minutes. Do this over a week or more. By gradually leaving for longer amounts of time, your puppy will be less likely to experience separation anxiety.
Hire a puppy walker or recruit family or friends.
Your pup will need pee breaks and a walk when you’re away at work. If you aren’t able to come home during your lunch break, find someone who is able to take your puppy out for a pee.
When hiring a dog walker, be sure your dog walker is able to provide references. Set a schedule for them to come at the same time every day to establish a routine for your pup.
Doggie daycare
This option makes working with a puppy easier and gives your puppy social interaction with other dogs. Daycare can be a great opportunity for both of you. Your puppy will be able to mingle with other dogs, get their daily exercise, and you can be sure they are safe for the whole day.
To keep the puppies safe, be sure the daycare you consider keeps them separate from the adult dogs and allows playtime with appropriately sized groups.
Begin crate training early
Crate training will make things easier and become a normal part of your little one’s routine (and yours!).
As soon as your puppy comes home with you, have a crate set up to provide them with a safe space when you’re gone. Use treats to convince your puppy to go into the crate with the door opened at first. Throughout the day, use treats to “lure” them in, and close the door for longer and longer periods.
When your puppy cries for attention, the fastest way to get them to stop this behaviour is by ignoring them. Let them “cry it out.” As soon as they stop crying, let them out, reward your puppy with a treat, but do NOT make a big deal out of it.
Crate training requires a lot of patience, but it’s essential in caring for a puppy. To get your puppy used to longer periods in the crate, leave them in at night while you sleep. Remember, a puppy under 5 months old will still need pee breaks at night, so set an alarm to bring them out halfway through the night.
These options will make working while caring for a puppy an easier process. If you think your puppy has separation anxiety, in the article “Dealing with Separation Anxiety in Puppies,” we go over ways to help in greater detail.
Getting a new puppy can be extremely exciting, but there are a few things that you are going to need to do to ensure that you are prepared for this responsibility. Getting a puppy isn’t all fun and games all the time. You need to make sure that you’ve taken the proper steps to provide your puppy with a safe and fun environment.
We’ve outlined the three most important things that you need to do first when you get a new puppy, so that you can spend less time preparing and more time having fun! If you follow these three steps, you are going to be well-prepared to introduce a puppy into your life.
The Steps
Step One: Prepare All Puppy Essentials
The first thing that you should do, preferably before you bring the puppy home, is to purchase all the basic equipment that you’re going to need to properly take care of your new dog. You can probably take a good guess at most of the equipment you’re going to need, but we’ve compiled a handy list for you anyway so that you don’t overlook anything.
Here’s what you’ll need:
Puppy food
Bowls
Dog bed
Crate
Treats
Toys
Blankets
You can obviously spend a lot more money on a lot more equipment, but this list is what is essential.
Step Two: Prepare for Outdoor Play
Any dog owner needs to be prepared to bring their new puppy outside to play. This is going to both be fun and essential to the development and socialization of your new dog. However, there are going to be some equipment that you’re going to need to ensure that you have a fun and safe time while you are outside with your new puppy.
Here’s what you’ll need for outdoor play:
Collar
ID tag
Leash
Treats
Warm clothes (if applicable)
Poop bags
If you get these equipment, you are sure to have a fun and safe time outside with your new pup. You should also try to meet as many new friends as possible to help along with the socialization of your puppy!
Step Three: Prepare for Puppy Hygienic Care
The final step on our list outlines what you’ll need in terms of hygiene products when you get a new puppy. Having a pet is fun, but it’s also a responsibility. You need to know how to take care of your new pup and ensure that it has good hygiene.
Here are the hygiene products that you’ll need:
Portable potty (if applicable)
First aid kit
Cleaning products: shampoo, soap
Nail clippers
Brush
There are obviously more products that you might need in the future, but for now, these will do.
Don’t forget you can save yourself some money by buying Puppy starter kits! There are hundreds around now like this one:
This list is a great place to start if you have just gotten a puppy and you are wondering what the first 3 things are that you need to do to prepare for it. For a complete list of things to do when you get a new pup, check out this article!
Among the most exciting parts of getting a new puppy is picking a name. It sounds simple enough, but pet owners put a ton of thought and effort into it. And this is for good reason too. For many, the name is meaningful to them and they want to give their furry friend a name that they can be proud of.
You can name your puppy almost anything, but you should be sure to name it something that they can easily distinguish from other words. This is going to make it easier for you to train your dog because they will hear and respond to your commands more easily.
In general, it’s better to keep it simple. But most of the time, it doesn’t really matter what you name your puppy as long as you like it and feel that it represents your new friend well.
Tips for Picking Out Puppy Names
Make it easy to hear
Make sure that the name you pick out is easy for your dog to hear, even when there are other noises around. It should be a name that you can say clearly and that your dog can easily distinguish from other noises.
Make it respectable
You also need to pick out a name that will give you no shame when calling it out in public. This generally means steering clear of funny names or names associated with sarcasm, shame, or criticisms.
Consider the length
You want to make sure that you have a name that is appropriate in length. If you choose a long name, keep in mind that it will inevitably be shortened as time goes on.
Be mindful of sound
You want to pick a name that can’t be confused with a command. For example, you probably don’t want to pick the name “Joe” because it rhymes with “No.” This can confuse your dog.
Be creative using the breed
A lot of great names can be derived from using the breed of your dog. The history of their breed and what they are notorious for can give you great starts on how to pick a suitable name for your new puppy.
Don’t rush it
Don’t feel obligated to select a name right away, although you shouldn’t wait too long for training purposes. Dogs might show you the right name by acting a certain way, so if you want to wait for them to come out of their shell a little bit before giving them a name, that works too!
Keep aging in mind
When selecting a name, it’s best to stay away from names that don’t grow with your pet. You might have named them one thing when they were a puppy, but that name isn’t suitable anymore for them when they are an adult. Make sure that whichever name you select will grow with your pet.
Recap
Selecting a name for your puppy can be such a fun—and important—process! Remember to have fun, consider the dog’s personality, and don’t be afraid to add a personal touch without getting too crazy.
Your puppy loves to run and jump and get into all kinds of mischief! Healthy paws allow them to enjoy all of their adventures as they begin to understand the world around them. It’s our job as owners to practice regular puppy paw care, as part of maintaining a dog’s overall health.
Dogs’ paws are characterized by their pads and claws, which help them to bear weight, move around, grip on to surfaces, dig, and play.
Your puppy’s pads (B – digital, C – metacarpal, and E – carpal) are comprised of thick layer of skin with fat underneath. Pads cushion the paw, protecting its bones and muscles from injury. The claws (A) at the end of each toe and the dew claw (D) are designed to grip, dig, and maneuver.
If puppy paw care isn’t up to scratch, claws can grow too long and become damaged, and infections may develop in the pads. This can inhibit your dog’s ability to stand, move around, play, and do their normal activities.
Fortunately, taking care of your pup’s paws is pretty straightforward. Let’s find out how it’s done! (Also check out our tips for grooming your dog at home.)
We’ll split this section into two parts: maintenance and treatment. Puppy paw care will usually involve both – often simultaneously!
Maintenance
It’s said that prevention is better than cure, and thorough maintenance can help your pup to avoid damage to their paws.
Firstly, make sure that their feet are as clean as possible. Of course, dogs love to get into mud, water, grass, and all kinds of shenanigans! We don’t expect them to be pristine all the time, but it’s important to check for obvious debris that can become embedded and cause pain or infection.
Perform a visual check of the paws, between the pads, and on the claws. Gently remove debris with your hands or a WaterWipes, and if there are any stubborn pieces, use tweezers to get them out.
Next, keep paw pads supple and healthy by using a specialist moisturizing balm. There are lots of products out there, so it’s best to check with your vet to find out which one is best for your puppy.
Paw moisturizer can be applied as required; if your dog’s pads are particularly dry, treat them several times a day. For general maintenance, aim for once a day, and massage well to ensure that your puppy gets the most benefit from the application. It can also be really relaxing for them!
An important notice before we go on. Don’t be tempted to use your own lotion; formulations for humans are not intended for dogs. All good paw moisturizers have been thoroughly tested to make sure they don’t harm your pup if they’re accidentally ingested, so stick with proper paw balm!
Watch Out for Extreme Weather Conditions
Dogs develop their tolerance to heat and cold over time, so it’s important to be especially vigilant during puppyhood. If it’s excessively warm outside, don’t allow your pup to walk on hot surfaces. Keep them on the grass, and don’t walk them on the pavement – this can rapidly cause burns.
Similarly, if it’s freezing cold, prolonged exposure to icy surfaces can lead to pain and even frostbite. Allow your puppy to enjoy the snow, but keep outdoor playtime short and sweet in chilly temperatures.
Puppy Pedicure at Home or at the Salon
Complete routine paw maintenance by giving your puppy a pedicure! If your dog has long hair on or around their feet, take a pair of small scissors and trim the fur – particularly near the claws and pads. This prevents matting, which can cause pain and infection if left to develop. Finally, keep claws tidy and healthy by trimming them regularly.
Some owners may prefer to leave this task to the specialists, but if your pup will tolerate it, you can certainly manage nail trims at home.
Treatment
Puppies are little adventurers, and sometimes their paws can bear the brunt of their escapades! Scrapes and cuts are not uncommon, and can usually be treated successfully at home.
If your pup has a wound on any part of one of their paws, you’ll probably notice that they’re limping or avoiding weight-bearing on the affected limb. Start with a visual check to pinpoint the problem. Apply a little water to the area to begin clearing any dirt or debris, and if there are pieces to remove, use a pair of tweezers. Make sure to soothe your puppy while you’re treating them; they might be a little frightened, and some extra attention can really make them feel a lot better!
If there’s a cut or graze on the pads or any part of the paw, use an antiseptic wipe, spray, or diluted wash to clean the area. Wrap a bandage around the wound if possible. This will prevent infection and further damage. Be warned – some puppies won’t enjoy having their paw bandaged! But it is often necessary, so persevere!
Signs It’s Time to Visit the Vet
Sometimes, seemingly simple ailments can become serious. If your puppy shows signs of infection of the paw area, such as swelling, itching, limping, discharge, or foul odor, take them straight to the vet for immediate treatment.
You may also wish to seek advice if you’re not sure about the right treatment for a minor injury, particularly if it doesn’t seem to be improving. Call your vet in the first instance; they may be able to advise you over the phone or decide if it’s better to visit in person.
If your dog has been involved in any kind of accident that may have resulted in a broken bone or serious damage to their paw, don’t delay in taking them to the vet.
Puppy Paw Care 5 Top Tips
Trim paw fur and nails regularly.
Immediately clean away debris from between the paw pads.
Use a specialist pad moisturizing balm to keep paws supple and healthy.
Treat grazes and cuts with an antibacterial wash, then apply a bandage (after proper medical advice.)
If your puppy shows signs of infection or injury, err on the side of caution and visit the vet.
If you have a new puppy that is barking a lot, it can be quite concerning because it can mean a variety of things. As a loving owner, you want to get to the bottom of it so that you can ensure that your dog is comfortable, happy, and feels safe. But where do you begin? Obviously, you can’t read your dog’s mind to tell why it’s barking.
Thankfully, there are several typical reasons why your dog might be barking a lot. This behavior has been studied extensively, but it isn’t an exact science.
We’ve taken the time to compile a list of reasons why your dog might be barking, and we’ve even thrown in some tips to help you remedy the problem if possible.
Why Is My Dog Barking?
There are a wide variety of reasons that your dog could be barking, but some are more typical than others. Here are some of the most common reasons why your puppy is barking a lot.
1. Separation Anxiety
Your dog could be barking because it has separation anxiety. This occurs when dogs become anxious or stressed when they are not near their owner or other dogs.
Generally, you’re going to find out about this kind of barking when you return from work because your neighbors will likely call or come over to complain about the noise. Separation anxiety is most certainly curable, but it can be difficult to deal with in the meantime. Here is a great article on dealing with separation anxiety in puppies.
2. Playing
Sometimes, dogs bark for silly reasons. They could be barking at you or another dog simply because they want to play, and that is how they express it. You should be able to tell the difference between a dog that is barking under stress and one that is barking for fun.
3. Defense Mechanism
Dogs can bark for fun, but they can also bark when they sense or see danger. If your dog appears to be on high alert, is pacing, and barking at you as if to alert you, you might want to check your surroundings and ensure that you are safe.
Dogs are usually much better at detecting dangerous situations earlier than we are, and they have very sensitive hearing.
Ways to Help Your Puppy Stop Barking
There are a number of ways that you can curb excessive barking behavior in dogs. Most of the time, the easiest solution is going to be to put them at ease if they are under stress.
There are multiple ways that you can help do this, but the easiest and most effective is to talk to them very calmly and pet them slowly. You can help lower their stress level by being calm and not yelling back. Dogs are sometimes like children, and you just need to have patience.
Recap: Why Your Puppy is Barking
There is a wide range of reasons that your puppy is barking, but the most important thing to know is that you are their family and you should be patient when trying to determine what the cause. Always remember to talk slow and calmly when you are dealing with your dog.
