Dog Eats Too Fast? 9 Ways to Halt 4-Legged Food Inhalers

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YoCanine

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February 5, 2020

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You put the bowl down slowly, but your dog has been eyeing it out since she woke up.

She pounces and then all of the sudden it’s all gone.

Vanished. Like it was never there. Was it even there?

If you have a dog who doubles as a food vacuum cleaner, this probably sounds familiar.

Unfortunately eating too fast can lead to a variety of health problems. Of course, your dog doesn’t know that. So how do you teach her to slow down for her own good?

In this post, we’re discussing how you can get your pup to eat normally—not like every day is the apocalypse.

Dog Eats Too Fast: What’s the Problem?

Eating too fast isn’t just a matter of savoring every piece of kibble. It can actually cause health issues:

Choking. Merely inhaling food instead of properly chewing it could lead to choking.
Vomiting. Think about it: If you scarfed down a large meal in 3 seconds flat, you’d probably feel a little nauseated too. However, this tends to happen more with cats.
Digestion Issues. Other digestion issues happen when you eat too fast. If you notice your dog burping or farting up a smelly storm, this could be the cause. Eating or drinking too fast causes extra air to be pushed into the body and hey, it’s gotta be let out somehow.
Overweight. Since it takes a while for the body to feel full, your dog may still feel ravishingly hungry right after eating. If he begs for more food or treats and you give in, it could lead to unnecessary weight gain.
Gastric Dilatation Volvulus. GVD is a life-threatening condition that causes your dog’s stomach to bloat.

#1 Use a Muffin Tin

Instead of serving kibble or other dog food in a regular bowl, spread it out in each muffin space in a muffin tin. Although he’ll probably get used to this over time, it will be physically impossible to gulp it all in 5 seconds. It will at least add a little bit of a challenge.

#2 Baking Sheet

If your dog has a flat nose, serving his meals in a muffin tin may be a bit cruel. Another free option is to spread the food all over a baking sheet. Of course, this won’t add a ton of time. However, compared to a bowl where the food is layered in a small space, a baking sheet at least requires him to move his head around.

#3 Hide-and-Seek

One sure-fire way to get your dog to slow down? Hide the food. This can be an entertaining activity to keep your dog busy before you head out the door every morning. Of course, if you feed your dog wet food, that could get messy real quick. Dry kibble is a good choice for this one since you can place it under or behind objects, inside his cage, in his bed, etc.

#4 Question Any Changes

Sometimes, the cause of your dog’s fast-paced eating can be medical. If you’ve noticed any other symptoms changing lately, talk to your vet. They may test your dog for hormone issues, such as Cushing’s disease. They may also recommend testing for parasites because they can steal nutrients, leaving your pup hungrier than usual. If your dog is on medication, see if one of the side effects is increased appetite.

#5 A Tennis Game

But not the regular type of tennis game. Add small tennis balls to your dog’s bowl so she has to push it out of the way to eat. The added time spent moving the balls will surely decrease gobbling. However, if your dog is a smarty pants and removes the balls from the bowl, well, we can’t help you there (but good job raising such an intelligent doggo!).

#6 Feed Multiple Meals

If you can’t get your dog to stop eating like a maniac, one way to improve digestion is to feed him in parts or multiple times per day. For example, instead of having a heap of food gobbled down 1 time a day, feed him 3 times. Even though he may still gobble, at least he’s having smaller amounts of food each time, which is better for digestion.

#7 Kong

If your dog has to work hard for his meal, that will slow him down a lot. Put his meal inside of a Kong. If you’re using kibble, add a binder like peanut butter or apple sauce to keep it together. If you can plan this the night before, freeze it for an additional challenge.

#8 Hand Feed

Just like you would a baby bird, pour some kibble into your hands and let your dog eat off it like he’s royalty. If this sounds ridiculous, we get it. Hopefully, after a few times, your dog will get into the habit of eating slower and continue that when eating in his own bowl (no guarantees though). If not, hey, you just spent some quality time together and there’s no loss there.

#9 Slow Eating Dog Bowl

This is probably the easiest way to change your dog’s habits. Simply purchase a slow eating dog bowl and add in her meal. Instead of sticking her face in and inhaling, she has to work around the design, similar to a puzzle. Even after dogs “get used” to the bowl, studies show their eating rate is still slower compared to the average bowl. Even after dogs “get used” to the bowl, studies show their eating rate is still slower compared to the average bowl. Even after dogs “get used” to slow feeding bowls, studies show their eating rate is still slower compared to the average bowl.

Cancer is the #1 Dog Killer: Here’s 10 Signs Your Dog Has It

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YoCanine

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February 3, 2020

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Cancer is now the #1 killer of dogs and cats, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

“Cancer rates in pets are alarmingly high, even in young pets,” says Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Shawn Messonnier, founder of Paws & Claws Animal Hospital in Plano, Texas.

“Almost 50% of dogs and more than 30% of cats over the age of 10 will be diagnosed with some form of cancer.”

One simple way to protect your pets is to seek immediate treatment if they appear unwell.

Here are 10 warning signs to watch for:

#1 Unusual lumps

An unexpected bump or swelling beneath the skin could be a tumor. If it appears unusual, doesn’t go away, or if it grows in size, take your pet to the vet to get it checked out.

#2 Changes in eating behavior or foul breath

Most animals love their mealtimes, so if your pet loses its appetite, or is acting hungry but having difficulty eating, that’s a cause for concern. The same goes if you notice a persistent foul odor coming from their mouths.

#3 Weight loss

Is your cat or dog losing weight, but still eating the same amount of food? Something is preventing its digestive system from working properly — and it could be cancer.

#4 Lethargy

If your pet doesn’t want to exercise and seems to be functioning at a much lower energy level than normal, that’s another indication something isn’t right.

#5 Difficulty breathing

If your dog or cat’s breathing seems labored or painful in any way, take it to the vet ASAP.

#6 Difficulty urinating or defecating

If you notice your pet repeatedly trying to urinate or defecate but being unable to, that could be a sign of something serious.

#7 Chronic vomiting

If your pet is repeatedly vomiting, consult a vet right away.

#8 Chronic diarrhea

If your dog starts showing signs of chronic diarrhea, take them to the vet immediately as that could be a sign of cancer or even impending organ failure.

#9 Unusual bleeding

If you see blood in your pet’s urine or stool, or if they seem to be bleeding from the mouth or have a wound that isn’t healing, take them to the vet immediately.

#10 Persistent lameness

If you notice your cat or dog limping or favoring one of its limbs continuously, and the lameness doesn’t appear to be going away, take them to the vet.

Early detection is key to helping your pet successfully overcome cancer, so if you notice any of the above symptoms, or any other signs suggesting that something isn’t right, take your pet to the veterinarian immediately for a professional evaluation.

“I always recommend proactive measures to my patients and giving your pets a high-quality antioxidant supplement is highly recommended to further reduce the risk of cancers,” says Dr. Messonnier.

As a preventative measure, you may also want to provide pets with a daily immune-boosting supplement. Content provided by PetWellnessDirect.com.

Dog Tags for Dogs – Get the Military Look!

By

Guest Poster

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February 1, 2020

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If you’re bored with the standard metal disc or bone as the ID tag on your dog’s collar, how about these for something different?

Toughtags are based on US military stainless steel dog tags, and embossed using ex-military machinery. They are incredibly strong, won’t rust, and as the text is permanently stamped into the metal it will never rub off or fade (like standard engraved tags) no matter how active your pupper is…..

To complete the look the tag is housed in a rigid plastic casing that is only available from Toughtags – and you can choose from a range of colors to match your dog’s own style. Once attached to the incredibly strong marine-grade stainless steel ring you have a gorgeous, unique, indestructible means of identification that will last a lifetime.

You can have up to 5 lines of text on the tag with up to 14 characters per line so there’s loads of room for your details – think phone numbers, addresses, hashtags or whatever else you can think of! Plus as an added benefit, given the metal tag is enclosed within the plastic casing, it’s much quieter than your average dog tag – no more jingling around the house or clanking into bowls. The tags themselves measure around 2″(5cm) x 1.25″(3cm) plus the diameter of the attachment ring and are lightweight so suitable for all but the smallest dogs.

They’re great for military families, service dogs, hunters, working dogs or lazy ones – and with an average Etsy rating of 4.98/5.00 you can be sure you’re getting the best dog tag there is.

So if you think your pooch might suit the military look and want a dog ID tag that is tough enough to keep up with them then head on over to the Toughtags website at toughtags.com. There’s an online editor there you can use to perfect your tag and see exactly how it will look before you order so get creative!

Heated Outdoor Dog Houses for Shoppers Launch in NYC. A Trend?

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YoCanine

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January 31, 2020

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DogSpot, a NYC-based pet-tech startup is providing a hi-tech sidewalk sanctuary for dogs.

It’s designed to provide a safe, warm spot for dogs to hang out while their owners run quick errands.

It normally costs $0.30/min but is now free for shoppers to use, courtesy of Purina.

Shoppers can use the app-connected houses as a safer and smarter solution when shopping with their dogs, rather than leaving them in the car or tied up on the street.

All DogSpot houses are temperature-controlled with heated floors, A/C, puppy cam, locking, shatterproof door, and fresh-air ventilation to ensure a comfortable, clean, and safe stay for your dog. A vet-grade UVC light activates between each use to sanitize the house.

“Running errands together creates a great bonding and socializing opportunity for dogs and their owners,” said Erica Wehmeier, team sales leader at Purina.

“By partnering with DogSpot and Meijer, Purina is happy to help shoppers provide a clean, safe and comfortable space for their dogs to wait at Bridge Street Market so they don’t have to worry about their pets while they shop or feel guilty about leaving them at home.”

In addition to free usage at DogSpot, DogSpot members will get exclusive perks inside the DogSpot app like discounts and free trials on Purina products.

“Working with Purina is a dream come true for us at DogSpot. Purina is constantly innovating to bring the best nutrition to our pets at home and now they’re going a step further to provide the best in innovative pet care outside of the home, too,” says DogSpot’s Co-founder and CEO Chelsea Brownridge.

Bridge Street Market customers can easily access the houses through the DogSpot app, available for both iPhone and Android users, where they can view the locations in their area, and even reserve a house 15 minutes prior to arrival. The app also provides a live “puppy cam” of their dog inside the house and house temperature.

4 Medicinal Mushrooms for Dogs That May Protect Against Cancer

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YoCanine

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January 29, 2020

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Almost 50% of all dogs will develop cancer, according to the American Veterinary Medical Society.

To protect dogs and cats against the threat of cancer, US researchers are looking to Asia and studying medicinal mushrooms that people in China and Japan have used for centuries to combat cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

“Certain mushrooms contain agents with anticancer activity and immunomodulatory properties that may help fight cancer and certain other diseases,” says Dr. Frank Markland, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine.

“This is supported by research on canine and feline patients.”

These Asian mushrooms are extremely high in antioxidants and other vital biologically active compounds that have been proven to strengthen the immune system and promote longevity.

“As a pet lover, I think it makes sense that the compounds in mushrooms be included in your pet’s diet or included by nutritional supplements,” says Dr. Markland.

4 Medicinal Mushrooms for Dogs

#1 Turkey Tail Mushroom

These medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries in Asian cultures to treat various diseases and cancers. They deliver significant amounts of Polysaccharopeptides (PSP), which have been proven to delay the growth of cancerous tumors in dogs and improve their survival rate.

#2 Reishi Mushroom

These woody fungi are known as one of the top natural superfoods and have been used for thousands of years to fight inflammation, cancer, heart disease, hormonal imbalances, and more. Reishi mushroom contains beta-glucans that increase the immune system’s T-cell levels and lowers inflammatory responses caused by stress, poor diet, and other environmental factors. It also contains ganoderic acids that have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

#3 Shiitake Mushroom

According to the Journal of Nutrition, shiitake mushrooms provide antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal protection and help to control blood sugar and reduce inflammation. They contain all eight essential amino acids as well as linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid, and have been used in Japan to treat heart disease, hepatitis, high blood pressure, and infectious diseases.

#4 Maitake Mushroom

Maitake mushrooms are loaded with vitamins and active ingredients that stimulate the immune system and promote natural hormone balance and healthy cell growth. These mushrooms contain beta-1, 6 glucan polysaccharide components that stimulate the immune system and reduce abnormal cell growth. They have been used for decades in Asia to help minimize the toxic effects of radiation and chemotherapy treatment.

Supplements including medicinal mushrooms can be found at PetWellnessDirect.com

Do You Know A Canine Hero? Nomination for Doggy Heroes Now Open

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YoCanine

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January 27, 2020

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Are you blessed to know a dog with a heroic heart?

To celebrate the dogs who do extraordinary things in the service of humankind, the AKC Humane Fund^SM is seeking YOUR nominations for its AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE).

Nominations are open now through July 31^st and winners will be announced in the fall of 2020.

Each year, the AKC Humane Fund pays tribute to five dedicated, hardworking dogs for making significant contributions to an individual or entire community. Since its creation in 2000, 100 ACE awards have been presented. Former ACE recipients have included a Poodle who helps his young autistic owner gain confidence each day and a Doberman Pinscher, who dedicates his life to Search & Rescue despite his own battle with Wobbler’s disease, among dozens of other extraordinary dogs.

“There are so many remarkable dogs to recognize with these awards,” said Doug Ljungren, President of the AKC Humane Fund. “Canines touch the lives and hearts of their owners and the world around them each day. We are proud to honor five of them each year with an ACE Award in recognition of their contributions.”

5 Award Categories

#1 Uniformed Service K-9
Eligibility: Full-time working K-9s in the realms of city, county, state, or federal law enforcement; the military; firefighting; customs and border patrol; emergency services.

#2 Exemplary Companion
Eligibility: Dogs without formal training or certification that have nonetheless distinguished themselves in some way and have made a meaningful contribution to their owners or communities.

#3 Search and Rescue
Eligibility: Dogs certified to assist in wilderness and urban tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events and locating missing people.

#4 Therapy
Eligibility: Certified therapy dogs working in hospitals, schools, disaster sites, war zones, and wherever else the affection of a good dog can provide comfort.

#5 Service
Eligibility: Service dogs who enrich the lives of physically or mentally disabled owners, including, but not limited to, guide dogs for the blind, seizure-alert dogs, hearing dogs, balance dogs.

**(Note: Nominees doing therapy work without certification are considered in the Exemplary Companion category.)

Honorees will receive an engraved sterling-silver medallion and an all-expenses-paid trip for dog and owner to Orlando, Florida, to be honored at the AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin in December. A donation of $1,000 will also be made in each recipient’s name to the pet-related charity of their choice.

How to Apply

Anyone, including the dog’s owner or handler, may submit a nomination form.
Submissions for the AKC Humane Fund Awards for Canine Excellence for 2020 must include:

A digital photograph of the dog. Files must be larger than1MB in size and a minimum of 300 dpi. The photo should feature solely the nominated dog.
A 500-word-or-less description of how the dog has demonstrated excellence.
Dog’s call name, breed, age and sex.
Owner’s/Nominator’s name(s), address and phone number. E-mail address if available.

Nominations will be accepted through July 31, 2020 and should be submitted here, with a photo sent to communications@akc.org.

For more information about the ACE awards or to nominate a dog, visit the AKC Humane Fund Awards For Canine Excellence (ACE) page.

There’s 2 New Dog Breeds This Year. Here’s What You Need to Know.

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YoCanine

-

January 22, 2020

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The Barbet and Dogo Argentino has received full recognition by the American Kennel Club.

These additions bring the number of AKC-recognized breeds to 195.

“We’re happy to have the Barbet and Dogo Argentino as part of AKC’s family of recognized breeds,” said Gina DiNardo, AKC Executive Secretary.

“Both are unique, offering dog lovers very different choices. As always, we encourage people to do their research to find the best breed for their lifestyle when looking to add a dog to their home.”

#1 The Barbet Dog Breed

dogo argentino

Joining the Sporting group, the Barbet is a medium-sized water dog from France. The breed was originally used to hunt waterfowl in its native country. It’s a smart, even-tempered dog with a happy, friendly nature. The Barbet is loyal and loves to be near its owners. It has a moderate activity level, requiring daily physical and mental stimulation.

The breed’s coat is thick and curly, and kept in its natural state only needing trimming to keep it neat.

#2 The Dogo Argentino Dog Breed

Joining the Working group, the Dogo Argentino is a large hunting dog developed in Argentina. It was originally used to hunt big game, such as boar and mountain lion. Dogos are confident, courageous, loyal and affectionate with their family. They aren’t for the inexperienced dog owner, however.

They have strong guarding instincts and tend to be very protective and territorial. The breed is a powerful, athletic working dog that needs a great deal of daily exercise and frequent interaction with people. Dogos have a short, smooth coat that needs weekly brushing. Because of their white coat, they can get easily sunburned.

To become an AKC recognized breed there must be a minimum number of dogs geographically distributed throughout the U.S., as well as an established breed club of responsible owners and breeders.

Breeds working towards full recognition are recorded in AKC’s Foundation Stock Service^® (FSS^®). Additional information on the process can be found at akc.org.

VIDEO: Spy Cam Captures Huskies Stealing + Demolishing Turkey

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YoCanine

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January 20, 2020

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This owner decided to see what her huskies would do when left alone with a turkey.

She set of spy cams to capture them contemplating the bad deed.

And then they finally gather up the courage… and pretty much demolish it.

Watch the cute dog video below.

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You put the bowl down slowly, but your dog has been eyeing it out since she woke up.

Dog Eats Too Fast: What’s the Problem?

#1 Use a Muffin Tin

#2 Baking Sheet

#3 Hide-and-Seek

#4 Question Any Changes

#5 A Tennis Game

#6 Feed Multiple Meals

#7 Kong

#8 Hand Feed

#9 Slow Eating Dog Bowl

Cancer is now the #1 killer of dogs and cats, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

#1 Unusual lumps

#2 Changes in eating behavior or foul breath

#3 Weight loss

#4 Lethargy

#5 Difficulty breathing

#6 Difficulty urinating or defecating

#7 Chronic vomiting

#8 Chronic diarrhea

#9 Unusual bleeding

#10 Persistent lameness

If you’re bored with the standard metal disc or bone as the ID tag on your dog’s collar, how about these for something different?

DogSpot, a NYC-based pet-tech startup is providing a hi-tech sidewalk sanctuary for dogs.

Almost 50% of all dogs will develop cancer, according to the American Veterinary Medical Society.

4 Medicinal Mushrooms for Dogs

#1 Turkey Tail Mushroom

#2 Reishi Mushroom

#3 Shiitake Mushroom

#4 Maitake Mushroom

Are you blessed to know a dog with a heroic heart?

5 Award Categories

How to Apply

The Barbet and Dogo Argentino has received full recognition by the American Kennel Club.

#1 The Barbet Dog Breed

#2 The Dogo Argentino Dog Breed

This owner decided to see what her huskies would do when left alone with a turkey.

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