If you had to guess, how do you think COVID-19 has affected the relationship between you and your pet?
According to recent research from Money.com, the pandemic has deepened bonds with our four-legged friends.
The survey polled 2,200 Americans—1,384 of which were pet owners—in early March.
As you might guess, those who got new pets during this time did so, in part, because of loneliness.
The second main finding: you’d do just about anything to save your pet. Even if it cost you a crap ton of money.
You & Your Dog & COVID-19
Curious to know how your relationship with your dog might have changed during the pandemic? Here’s what’s likely according to the survey:
6/10 owners said they valued their pets more
5/10 owners said they were being more affectionate with their pets
Over one-third of new pets were adopted from shelters
Two-thirds of owners trust their vet, saying they’d take their advice and recommended treatment (by contrast, only 15% of Americans have a “great deal” of confidence with the human medical system)
Two-thirds of owners said they’d take any measure to save their pet’s life, regardless of cost.
Taking care of a dog is one of the important things to consider before bringing one into the family.
Dogs are pets that need proper care and a healthy lifestyle to survive. So, as a dog owner, it is your responsibility to provide everything that your pet requires.
Besides providing everything that your pet needs it is also very important to follow the proper guidelines and tips that are helpful to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Taking care of food, dog training, following an exercise routine and many other things need to be considered to provide your dog with a healthy as well as a happy life.
As training and exercise are two essentials factors that contribute to a dog’s grooming as well as healthy living. Start with indoor training first before you proceed with outdoor training. As a dog owner, it will be very helpful for you to have full control when you take your dog outside.
However, when you plan to start outdoor training, it is also very important to take all the dog-essentials with you for your dog. Such as a dog collar, some dog treats, water, wipes, and similar stuff. Picking a dog collar is another important factor that contributes to maintaining the good health of your dog.
Consult your veterinarian and choose the perfect dog collar for your dog. The flea collars work the best for dogs and especially if your dog has sensitive skin for this you can take a look at flea and tick collar for dogs with sensitive skin reviews. It is one of the top-rated flea collars for dogs and is highly recommended by experts.
Some tips that can highly contribute and help you to take care of your dog are below.
#1 Provide a Safe and Clean Environment
First things first, to provide a healthy life to your dog it is necessary to provide a clean environment to your dog. By safe and protected environment, it is meant to provide a place where your dog spends quality time. Your dog feels safe and relaxed in that place.
It can be your dog’s cage or crate, and even your dog’s bed. So, it is essential to organize a place according to your dog’s nature and requirements.
#2 Take Special Care of Food and Eating Habits
Feeding your dog, a healthy and appropriate diet is another important tip to keep in mind when it comes to taking care of your dog. If you prefer feeding dog food then make sure to pick the healthy and the one recommended by your veterinarian.
Other than that, meat, bones, the food with the right amount of protein and water are good for your dog. Avoid giving processed or food items rich in salt to your dog. Besides this, set a proper meal schedule for your dog and avoid excessive feeding.
#3 Dog’s Hygiene and Grooming
To maintain a healthy lifestyle another effective tip that every dog owner must follow is to take special care of the dog’s hygiene. Keep a check when your dog needs a bath, and if it is not necessary to give a bath then use pet wipes to clean your dog.
Cut your dog’s nails regularly or take a vet’s appointment for this purpose. As well as take care of oral hygiene as it also contributes to maintaining good health. Regular grooming and keeping your dog clean are two factors that will provide your dog the best life.
#4 Regular Exercise is a Must
Being a dog owner, you should always keep in mind that you cannot keep your dog indoor throughout. Dogs love exercises and spending time out but if you keep them inside for the longest time, they can get sick of loneliness. It is very important to take your dog out for regular exercise, walk, or play.
It will keep him active and fresh as well as boosts his energy. Dogs easily get bored so regular exercise and spending time outside is essential.
#5 Training and Regular Veterinarian Checkup
Dog training is one of the other important tips that can help take care of your dog in a better way. Make your dog understand the basic commands like sit, stand, and come to you upon calling. It will be very helpful for your dog’s good life.
Last but not the least, regular veterinarian checkups and visits are necessary for your dog. Make sure that your dog is in good health. Consult your vet and provide a healthy lifestyle to your dog.
Conclusion
Described above are some prominent tips that can be helpful for you as a dog owner. To take special care of your dog and to keep him in good health it is very important to provide a healthy lifestyle to your dog. Mentioned above tips will help you take good care of your dog in the right way.
Think you’re pretty boss? I think your dog would beg to differ. And now with this shirt, you can both be bosses. It even comes complete with a black bandana to make your pup look even more badass.
This shirt brings a whole new meaning to “bad to the bone.” This unisex shirt features your human bone structure and your canine’s shirt features his, too (how cute are the leg bones!?).
Whether you’re wearing it to bed or as a fashion statement on the streets—this matching set is just adorable! The high-quality, comfortable shirt comes in white, grey or black.
If you’re looking for a more masculine version of the shirt above, we have that for you, too! In case anyone is unsure who the “little friend” is, your pup’s shirt displays it clearly.
If you’re a coffee fiend, it’s understandable. It’s because your dog is a latte handle. Imagine all the comments you’ll get walking down the street in this punny outfit. It comes in several colors too.
You’re probably a pizza lover and let’s be honest: Which dog isn’t either? So aside from being the perfect shirt for almost anyone, it makes quite the statement too. You can’t be whole without your missing slice <3 Comes in red, black, blue and white.
Coffee, pizza and burritos. We’re on a theme here and we’re rolling with it. This big burrito and little taquito shirt comes in a variety of colors so your pup can find her favorite.
For something a little more simple, we have a fur mama and fur baby shirt set. It comes with a black bandana for your baby and a white and black scarf for the fashionable mom.
If you already own an Adidas tracksuit, you can get your pup one for much cheaper. While it won’t be Adidas, it’s a sports brand made specifically for dogs, Adidog. Brilliant, right? It even comes in a variety of colors to match yours.
Do you ever get the feeling your dog thinks you’re crazy? She gives you that “what are you doing?” look or “what the hell are you saying?” head tilt. But at the same time… she’s pretty crazy too. The shirts say it all. Comes in black, grey and white.
Ever feel like if you were a dog, you’d be your dog? And if your dog was a person, they’d be you? You’ve been together so long that you take on each other’s personality. This shirt comes in white, black and grey.
That one question has led millions of pet owners to invest in dog DNA tests. Yes, similar to human kits, they test your dog to produce a genetic report.
Some companies also claim that results can help you make better decisions, such as how to prevent major health issues specific to your dog.
But do DNA tests really work for dogs? Are they accurate or a load of bullsh!t?
If you’re wondering the same, this guide is for you. Here, we’re breaking down how dog DNA kits work, how they’re tested and if they’ll actually help your pup.
What are Dog Breed DNA Tests?
If you’re familiar with how a human DNA test works, like a genetic ancestry test, you pretty much know what happens with a dog DNA test. Although the science behind these kits is quite complex, the process is pretty simple and straightforward.
Here’s how it works:
Order a kit online and wait for it to arrive
Use the swab in the kit to take a saliva sample from your dog’s cheek.
Put the swab in the clean container or tube the kit comes with
Mail the sample to the lab (the kit will come with a prepaid envelope)
Wait to receive your report (you’ll be emailed)
Login to the kit’s site to view results
Some DNA dog kits have a specialty. For example, some offer purebred testing exclusively while others will do designer dog testing.
What Happens to the Sample?
When your sample is mailed to the lab, technicians will begin to process the DNA contained on the swab. That information goes into a complex computer system that sends “flags” when your dog’s DNA matches something.
For example, your pug will be compared against other known pugs in their system, that is, other users who’ve also tested their pugs. Your pug will also be compared against other breeds to see if anything else matches. For example, maybe some of his DNA matches that of a jack russel. It’s important to understand that the results are based on the “reference data” in the company’s computer system. Although we’ll talk more about this in the accuracy section, a company with a larger base of data may show different results that one with a fewer data.
The report will detail your dog’s DNA results. The way these results appear will look different per company. Typically, you’ll receive:
A breakdown of your dog’s breed(s) expressed in percentages (ex. 10% miniature pincher, 90% chihuahua)
Genetic health risks (ex. your dog is more at risk for hip issues)
What’s the Point of a Dog DNA Test
If we take a genetic DNA test ourselves, it may be because we’re interested in our ancestry and wish to get in touch with unknown relatives. Since dogs can’t call up their canine cousin across the world to gossip about their ancestry, you may wonder, what’s the point?
There’s quite a few reasons why someone may want to test their dog.
Curiosity
If your dog isn’t a purebred, you may not know what breeds she’s made up of. Even if you have a rough idea, you may want to know which breed is dominant or if there’s any other hidden types. In some cases, if you rescue a dog, a shelter may have no idea what his breed is. Although they’d make best guesses, some people choose DNA tests to get a more accurate picture to satisfy their curiosity.
Health Conditions
Many kit results also display what health conditions your dog is most at risk for based on his genetics. When you have this information, you may be able to better prevent the issue. This can be especially useful for purebreds. Since they are only one breed, there’s a chance some inbreeding could have happened somewhere down his line. This can cause genetic mutations that later show up as diseases. For example, maybe the finding encourages you to double up on exercise, become more cautious of diet or have more frequent check-ups. In other cases, it doesn’t require any immediate action but may be something to look out for. Like, if your dog is more at risk for blood clotting, that’s helpful to tell a vet before surgery. You can also discuss the results with your vet, who can provide recommendations on prevention efforts.
Understanding Behavior
Although not every dog of one breed acts the same, they share characteristics. Knowing your dog’s breeds can help you better understand how to communicate with them or train them for better behavior. For example, my dog is part chihuahua and miniature pincher. If I didn’t know about the min pin in him, I may wonder why he seems to think he’s a big dog and why he’s so high-energy. But, since I know this, I can apply it to training. I know that the min pin makes him intelligent, but he needs to burn off his high-energy before lessons so he can focus. Another example could be a breed that’s overly affectionate, perhaps signaling the need for more praise during training.
Dog DNA Test Accuracy
One of the major questions concerning kits is dog DNA test accuracy. After all, why would you spend money on it if the results aren’t accurate? Well, major dog DNA tests claim their results are anywhere from 95-99% accurate. But, truly, how reliable dog DNA results depend on a wide range of factors.
Reference Data
When your dog’s sample is tested, it’s compared against a lot of other doggy data in the company’s system. When your dog’s DNA matches something, you’ll see it as a percentage on your report. So, your dog’s results depend on the reference data in the system. If a company is small and has fewer customers, their reference data will be smaller. This may mean less accurate results in some cases. For example, if your dog is part breed X but breed X isn’t in their system, you won’t know because that can’t be reflected in the results. Although this is unlikely, it is possible since there’s many rare breeds across the world. The results may also shift when more data is collected and the company can better match your dog.
So, when you’re looking the best dog DNA test, one thing to consider is their breed database. For example, Wisdom tests about 350 breeds while Embark has around 250 in their database. The breeds stored are typically the most popular ones. With that being said, companies that test more breeds may have some cons. The added data could mean more expensive testing and a longer wait for results.
It’s also unknown how much your results could vary across different tests. Some people have sent the same sample to multiple labs to see if there were a difference in results. The ones I’ve seen don’t show any huge differences; only minor percentage changes or an addition of a low-match breed. So, although the accuracy of dog DNA tests as a whole may be unclear, the tests on the market today seem to be comparable to each other.
Human Error
As with any type of health test, there’s some room for human error. For example, if the lab technician doesn’t take the proper precautions, your dog’s DNA could be affected. If it somehow becomes contaminated with another dog’s DNA, your dog’s result profile could contain inaccurate breeds.
Health Conditions
Many dog DNA test claim to tell you your dog’s health risks. This is typically done by testing gene variants for health conditions. By doing this, they may be able to tell you if your dog is more susceptible to a certain problem. However, as with humans, risk is never a for sure thing.
For example, your dog may be more likely to get a certain disease based on his genetic makeup, but that doesn’t mean it’s inevitable. The risks stated in your report can vary in accuracy. With that being said, usually the point of testing your dog for future problems is to learn prevention steps.
Accuracy Can’t Always Be Confirmed with Appearance
Several dog DNA test reviews claim that results are inaccurate because their dog doesn’t look like or have the weight of predicted breeds. While they could be right, there’s something else to consider: Genes can be expressed in different ways. For example, if your dog if 40 lbs. and you receive the results that he’s part chihuahua, you may immediately reject them. However, his “chihuahua gene” may not necessarily make him look like an actual chihuahua. The same goes for humans; twins can have similar DNA yet look completely different.
How to Increase Dog DNA Test Accuracy
There’s no way to ensure 100% accuracy. However, there’s a few things you can do to increase the accuracy of the results:
Follow the swabbing/sampling instructions specific to your kit
Get a good swab. Kits typically recommend swabbing between 20 seconds and a minute to get a full profile. To ensure your dog sits still for long enough, you can distract him with a treat (just don’t give the treat to him while you’re doing the swab!).
For best results, make sure your dog doesn’t eat or drink within 2 hours of testing
Make sure your dog doesn’t come in contact with other dogs for 2 hours prior
Dog DNA Test Cost?
If you’re considering testing your dog, your first question is probably “how much does a dog DNA test cost?” Similar to human ancestry tests, the price varies per kit. Some cost as low as $65 while others near $200. While some may say you get what you pay for, that’s not always true. To get a better idea of the value you’re getting, consider:
Reviews
Processing time (the time you wait for results)
Number of breeds the kit tests for
Any official expert affiliations
Upsells (some companies charge lower but also offer less in favor of trying to upsell you later)
Some kits may cost more because they have a larger reference database, making accurate results more likely. Other’s charge more of a premium because they’re backed by backs, such as Embark being developed by Cornell University.
Dog DNA Test Reviews
There’s tons of dog DNA tests on the market and since they can range in price, we recommend reading reviews first. These can give you a better understanding of the process, results and accuracy. Combined, it can give you a better picture of which kit would be best for you.
Accuracy— Although it’s usually hard to tell the accuracy of a kit from a review, it can sometimes provide valuable information. For example, some dog moms buy 3 different kits to compare results. If you read their dog DNA test reviews and discover that one company’s results didn’t match the others, you may learn not to choose that one.
Result interface— When your report is ready, it will be displayed on your account webpage. Many people share screencaps of their results so you can get an idea of what yours will look like. Are their graphs or charts easy to read and interpret? Which company has the best layout?
Result descriptions— Read reviews to see how far in detail the results go. For example, some outline the characteristics of each breed match. This can be helpful when trying to spot where the hell the Pomeranian is in your short-haired dog. Other companies may just give you a brief overview.
Wait— Were there any unexpected waits or complications people had when ordering their kit or waiting for results?
Best Dog DNA Test Amazon
In this section, we’re going over the pros and cons of each Dog DNA test on Amazon. Information is compiled from product information as well as a compilation of user kit reviews.
Embark Dog DNA Test
Embark is seen as the best dog DNA test by some because it was developed in partnership with Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
Pros:
Breed Breakdown
Screens over 250 dog breeds
Information on ancestors (dog’s great grandparents)
Connect with other owners/dogs who’ve used Embark
Tests for over 175 genetic diseases
Intuitively designed information dashboard
Easy-to-follow charts
Detailed results
Downloadable report to share with vet
Processing updates after the lab has received the DNA (so you always know which stage it’s at)
Reviews noted good customer service
Cons:
Results 2-4 weeks (some complain it’s longer than other companies)
Processing updates can be overwhelming and some people complain about too many emails during this period
Some reviews say their results list too many breeds, including the ambiguous terms “supermutt” or “village dog” (not helpful)
Some reviewers expressed concern that the requirement to send your dog’s picture may “sway” results
Some people say the test gave them generic and unhelpful advice
Dog DNA Test Amazon Rating: 4.5/5 stars with 1,800+ ratings
Wisdom Panel 3.0 is another popular option. It tests slightly more breeds than other tests, potentially making your results more accurate if your dog’s breed is rare.
Pros:
Tests over 350 breeds
Identify specific health issues
Results as soon as 2 weeks
Provides 2 swabs (other kits only provide 1), which may increase accuracy
Predicts ideal weight
Detailed breed info for every matching breed
Family tree breed chart
Easy-to-understand results and charts
Cons:
Some reviews say the results are almost the same as Embark, which is double the price
Some reviews say the results can be ambiguous or unidentified (ex. 50% “breed mix” of “companion and sporting” breeds)
Reviewers who tested multiple dogs with the company say that some seem accurate and some don’t
Some reviewers complain that the company tries to upsell you with an additional health check test (whereas other companies have it built-in)
Dog DNA Test Amazon Rating: 4.5/5 with 6,600+ ratings
Orivet is a slightly higher priced option than other brands, but it includes a “Life Plan” with tips on how to care for your dog throughout their life.
Pros:
Breed identification
Dog family tree 3-generation report
Life/wellness plan gives you direct health advice for your dog for years to come
Suggested health tests
100% satisfaction guarantee
Weight prediction
Easy-to-read dashboard and results
Company responds to criticism, such as website improvement
Cons:
Reviews say complaints received refunds without even asking
Some reviews say results are ambiguous for very mixed breeds, saying “mixed breed unknown”
Some reviews say that they suspect the percentage breakdown is inaccurate (ex. an exact 12.5% match for many breeds)
Some reviews say that the minimum match is 12.5%, meaning that if your dog matches below this percentage, it won’t show up.
Some people say the results took longer than expected
Dog DNA Test Amazon Rating: 3.5/5 with 40+ ratings
The Find My Pet DNA kit tests fewer breeds than others, but the company has an extensive AKC breed database, making it a good choice for suspected purebreds.
Pros:
Identifies about 100 AKC recognized breeds as far back as dog’s grandparents
Includes suspected personality traits of breeds
Identifies genetic health concerns
Clear instructions and easy reading results
Cons:
Tests fewer breeds than most kits
Result accuracy is capped by the fact that non-AKC breeds aren’t tested
Results in 3-4 weeks (longer than some brands)
Some reviewers say they know the results aren’t accurate
Some people say that the results are extremely broad and unhelpful
Dog DNA Test Amazon Rating: 3.5/5 with 20+ reviews
Most commonly, dog DNA tests are purchased because people wonder the breed of their dog. They can have other advantages too, such as predicting personality traits or future genetic health problems. Knowing these details can help you prevent issues or better train them according to their breed. Dog DNA test price varies depending on which brand you choose. Accuracy can also vary based on how much reference data the company has to test your dog against.
Although you may not be sure how accurate your results are, they can satisfy curiosity and provide information to help you make better decisions. Similar to human ancestry DNA tests, if relatives are also on the database, some dog kits also allow you to connect with your pup’s supposed family.
As a dog owner, you know better than anyone just how important it is to take them out for walks on a regular basis.
Walking is excellent for their physical fitness as well as their mental health, and is one of the best bonding activities you can enjoy with your dog. So, if you’re going to be out there on a regular basis enjoying walks together, why not invest in some must-have dog walking gear for your dog and for you? It will make the two of you much more comfortable and stylish while out and about.
Water and Snack Gear
If you plan on walking any further than your own block, then you’re going want to think about water and snacks for both of you. This is especially important during the hot summer months when your dog can become overheated if you’re not properly hydrating them.
Of course, when shopping for water and snack gear, you want to be mindful of how convenient it is to carry with you, as well as the weight of it, the size of it, and how much it can hold. Collapsible water bowls are a great idea for dogs, and you can easily pour water from your own bottle into their bowls. A small little knapsack or even hip pack will be all you need to carry the essentials.
Stylish Clothing
Clothing meant for your walks isn’t just about looking stylish; it can also protect you both from the elements. Nowadays, you can find everything from parkas to rain jackets for dogs, keeping them comfortable, warm, and dry no matter what it may be like outside.
You’re no different as you’ll want a variety of clothing meant for all weather conditions. There’s no need to be trapped indoors simply because it’s a cold wet day.
Comfy Footwear
When you walk often, you’ll find it doesn’t take long before it takes a toll on your footwear. This is why it’s important to invest in good quality walking shoes that offer support, comfort, and good traction for those more slippery and wet days.
You could even pair your great new runners with a whimsical pair of socks that showcases your love of dogs. Themed socks are a fun way to make a statement when you put together your walking outfit. You can check out sites like funatic.com for options.
And the footwear isn’t just for you. Sharp uneven ground, ice, snow, puddles, and the salt thrown down to melt the snow/ice can all do a real number on your dog’s feet. So, why not pick up some booties for them too? Just be sure you give them a chance to get used to the booties inside the house for a bit before heading out on a walk.
With these fun and useful items, both you and your dog will be ready to enjoy endless walks together, and get all kinds of bonding time in.
COVID-19 means that even our dogs should stay inside.
While it’s okay for them to go for a daily walk, it’s not the time to be throwing puppy parties or roaming around the dog park.
So how can you keep your dog entertained? How can you keep yourself busy too?
Especially if you’re working from home or have been laid off, you’re likely spending a lot of time inside with your doggo.
In this post, we’re sharing 68 indoor activities with your dog
68 Indoor Activities with Your Dog
We all need to stay social during COVID-19, but physical isolation makes that challenging. One connection that’s good to strengthen during this time is the one with your dog. Here’s some ideas.
^Adding to the last point, record your dog watching himself. Then play that back to him too. Yes, he’ll be watching himself watching himself. You could do this until COVID-19 ends and let it get really weird.
Play hide and seek. Tell your dog to stay, go and hide and tell her to start searching.
Make a dog fort with pillows and blankets
Have a second birthday party. Even if your dog’s already had his birthday, he’s probably feeling a little down lately because he can’t see his pals, so throw him another one! Of course, it would be just your family and your dog inside, but we know he’ll appreciate the extra gifts!
Indoor picnic. Lay out the picnic blanket and some dog-friendly foods and get munching away!
Muffin search. Take a muffin tray and put some kibble/treats into only some of the spaces. Place a tennis ball in each cup and allow your dog to sniff out where the treats are and remove them.
Organize all the pics of your dog (we know you have thousands!)
Put your dog on a zoom call meeting. Insist “Sarah couldn’t be here today, but I’m Buddy from the Bone department and I’m here to help with the report.”
Doggy taste test. Let your dog taste our new dog-friendly foods to see what she likes.
Run up and down the stairs with your doggo for some exercise
The cup game. Take 3 cups and place a treat under just one. Show your dog which cup it’s under and then shift the cups around. Test your dog’s tracking abilities.
Slide an ice cube across the floor and watch your dog chase it
Make your dog wave to herself in the mirror. Have a good laugh about it.
Play some dog YouTube videos and see if your dog reacts.
Sniff tour. If you have a small dog, pick her up to a human-level and let her sniff all the new scents.
Have a jam. If you don’t have any instruments, be a kid and use some pots and pans. Give your dog a squeaky toy and play along to her squeaking beat.
Using essential oils can be a natural way to help your dog with a variety of ailments.
Essential oils are very potent concentrates taken from a plant. They are not to be confused with fragrance oils, which may have the same name but contain unnatural chemicals. Many people may think essential oils are on the list of “woo-woo” remedies, but they have been used for centuries dating back to Egyptian times.
From calming oils to ones that help allergies, arthritis and hot spots, this post contains a few options you can consider.
Keep in mind that oils usually cannot completely cure a dog and it’s still advisable to see your vet about serious issues. In fact, you should talk to your vet before using any essential oil to be on the safe side. In addition, even though essential oils are natural, some are toxic and unsafe for dogs. You need to be cautious about which oils you’re using and how much. Never leave oils in a place where your dog can get them.
How to Safely Use Essential Oils for Dogs
To start off, we recommend using high-quality essential oils from a reputable company. This means they contain no added chemicals and are all-natural.
Although companies such as Young Living and dōTERRA have gained popularity due to their multi-level marketing (MLM), you do not have to shell out a ridiculous amount of money for an oil. With that being said, reputable oils aren’t cheap either. If you find an oil $10, it’s like a fragrance oil and you should double check.
You should also be wary of blends. For example, it may be tempting to buy a “calming” essential oil blend to treat your dog’s anxiety. However, you need to check if it also contains any essential oils that are toxic to dogs. If something is labeled “lavender blend” as opposed to just “lavender,” that means it contains other essential oils or chemicals.
Once you’ve chosen an essential oil, here are a few ways you should (and shouldn’t) use them:
Check for possible drug interactions. If your dog is on any medications, check with your vet to be sure the essential oil does not interact with the drug. Just because they’re natural doesn’t mean they’re safe in all cases. Even if your dog isn’t on any medication, checking with your vet first is recommended.
Dilute. Essential oils are strong. One to a few drops of the right oil will be enough when diluted in a carrier oil or water. Essential oils in strong doses may be harmful.
Do not ingest. Although some MLM essential oil companies recommend that people ingest essential oils, we do not recommend adding any essential oil to your dog’s food, water or anything else.
Diffuse when applied topically. Before you massage your dog with an essential oil, you will need to diffuse it with a carrier oil, such as olive or coconut oil. Add a few drops to the base oil and massage into your dog’s skin.
Spray. You can mix a few drops of essential oil with water and spray it onto your dog’s fur. This is usually seen with DIY dog bug repellants.
Diffuser. The safest way to heal your dog with essential oils is to use a diffuser. This can be a plug-in or candle diffuser. Simply add a few drops of the oil with water and let it evaporate into the room.
Check symptoms. If your dog’s symptoms are getting worse after using essential oils, stop using them immediately.
Essential Oils for Dog Allergies
Depending on what your dog is allergic to, you may talk to your vet about using essential oil to help treat his allergies. If his allergies become worse, stop using all essential oils immediately. Here are some options you may consider:
Lavender- Said to be a great anti-fungal, antihistamine and anti-inflammatory.
Roman Chamomile- Said to be an anti-inflammatory with anti-infectious and anti-parasitic properties.
Peppermint– Said to be an Antiseptic as well as anti-inflammatory.
Niaouli– Tea tree oil can be toxic to dogs. A good alternative is niaouli, which has the same antihistamine and antibacterial properties.
If your dog suffers from hot spots, you may talk to your vet about using some essential oils that other owners have found helped their dog. Many owners have reported success after applying diluted oils topically or with a DIY spray mist.
Oregano oil- Has antiseptic properties and helps kill bacterial infections
Coconut oil- Although coconut isn’t considered an essential oil, it can help treat atopic dermatitis and can kill yeast.
If your dog suffers from situational anxiety or general stress, he may benefit from some essential oils being diffused in the air.
Lavender– Proven to have calming properties. If your dog has anxiety traveling, listen up: A 2006 study showed that using lavender essential oil reduced their movement and barking during their journey.
Frankincense– May have calming effects
Marjoram– May bring a sense of calm and promote peace, sleep or focus.
Read our full guide on calming essential oil for dogs.
Essential Oils for Dog Arthritis
In addition to using the pain management recommendations from your vet, you may also want to ask him or her about using essential oils.
Yarrow- May be used as an anti-inflammatory for arthritis or muscle sprains
Cedarwood– May help alleviate stiffness caused by arthritis
Peppermint– May help treat arthritis and is an Antispasmodic
Thyme- May help with pain relief and with treating rheumatism
Dogs lick their paws often but do you really know why they do this?
Do you really know why your dog likes to do this? All dogs have licking behaviors in some form or another. Even if it’s not an obvious sihn like paw licking, there is a clear reason your dog enjoys licking its paws and there are a few things you can try at home to stop this behavior.
An obvious sign that reveals excessive dog licking paws is paw stains on their fur. If a dog constantly licks its feet, even if it has a light color coat, the repeated nature of licking will result in the fur being visibly stained, particularly if your dog has quite a dark colored coat.
There are a variety of reasons for why your dog may be licking its feet, from teething to boredom to stress. It may be a natural response as the way a dog relieves itself, but there are plenty of other possible reasons. You can take your dog to a vet, who will confirm the reason for excessive licking. Another common sign that your dog is looking to relieve itself is itchy, red or inflamed skin or a cyst on the dog’s paw.
Your dog may also have an allergy. Allergies to fleas or other parasites can also cause your dog to itch around the paws. A more common cause of itchy feet is from food allergies. Dogs with food allergies could develop a rash around the stomach and inner thighs so you need to monitor their diet.
Bathing your dog is another common reason for itchy dog licking paws. Although it may be a very enjoyable part of his day, bathing him daily can lead to dry skin on his paws and back. This is especially true for overweight or obese dogs. If you bath him too frequently, the dirt and grime from his coat may rub off and cause irritation, making itchy skin even itchier.
If you notice excessive paw licking paws or other signs of illness or disease, visit your local vet. The first step in getting help is to let your vet know what you think is wrong. Most vets treat excessive paw licking through medication, while others will try a course of antibiotics or antihistamines to get rid of the problem. Your vet may give you something to alleviate your dog’s scratching problems or refer you to a specialist.
One option, your vet may consider is using a pet endoscope to remove the irritant and potentially harmful substance from the affected area. This type of instrument is similar to a scratching post. It holds a small Peticle tool that a veterinarian uses to dig into the animal’s skin to expose the irritant. With the Peticle tool, the vet can then remove this foreign body in one piece and thereby alleviate your dog’s itchy, red paw print. Itching and redness will usually subside within a few days.
