Dog question: Multivitamins for Dogs

Vitamins can improve the quality of your pet's life. They help regulate body processes, protect the body from environmental toxins, and break down nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats so the body can utilize them. Vitamins work with minerals and enzymes for digestion, reproduction, muscle and bone growth, and maintenance of healthy skin and haircoat. All multi-vitamins for pets are not created equal.

What are the functions of vitamins?

Vitamins are necessary for literally tens of thousands of different chemical reactions in the body. They often work in conjunction with minerals and enzymes to assure normal digestion, reproduction, muscle and bone growth and function, healthy skin and hair, clotting of blood, and the use of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates by the body.

Are there different types of vitamins?

Yes. Vitamins are generally classified into two groups based on how or if they are stored in the body. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and fatty tissue. Water-soluble vitamins, on the other hand, are stored in only very small amounts by the body. They need to be taken in daily, and any excesses are excreted by the body each day.

Fat-soluble vitamins include:

Vitamin A

Vitamin D

Vitamin E

Vitamin K Water-soluble vitamins include:

Vitamin C

Vitamin B1 (thiamin)

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)

Vitamin B3 (niacin)

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) and Folic Acid

Biotin

The following charts show some functions of vitamins and what can happen to your pet if deficiencies occur:

FAT SOLUBLE VITAMINS Vitamin Recommended Minimum Daily Dose for Dogs Toxic   Dose* Sources Signs of Deficiencies A 2272 IU/lb of food consumed on a dry matter basis 113,600 IU/lb of food consumed on a dry matter basis Liver, fish liver oil, vegetables, dairy products Night blindness, retarded growth, poor quality skin and hair D 227 IU/lb of food consumed on a dry matter basis 2272 IU/lb of food consumed on a dry matter basis Sunshine, dairy products, fish liver oil Rickets, poor eruption of permanent teeth E 23 IU/lb of food consumed on a dry matter basis 455 IU/lb of food consumed on a dry matter basis Cold pressed vegetable oils, meats, nuts, green leafy vegetables Reproductive failure, brown bowel syndrome K Synthesized in the body none Kelp, alfalfa, egg yolk Increased clotting time and hemorrhage *This dose must be given daily for months to create toxicity. WATER SOLUBLE VITAMINS Vitamin Recommended Minimum Daily Dose for Dogs Sources Signs of Deficiencies Vitamin C Not required, synthesized in the liver of healthy dogs Citrus fruits and vegetables Slowed healing, increased susceptibility to disease Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) .01 mg/lb. Plants, fruit, vegetables, milk, meat Loss of appetite, loss of reflexes, loss of nerve control, weakness Niacin .12 mg/lb. Meat, meat by-products Loss of appetite and weight, inflamed gums, hemorrhagic diarrhea Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) .05 mg/lb. Organ meats and dairy products Poor growth, eye abnormalities, heart failure Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) .1 mg/lb. Meats and vegetables Hair loss, diarrhea, premature graying Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) .01 mg/lb. Found in most foods, damaged during processing Anemia, poor growth, skin lesions Folic Acid .002 mg/lb. Organ meats Hypoplasia of bone marrow, macrocytic anemia Vitamin B12(Cyanocobalamin, cobalamin) .00025 mg/lb. Organ meats, animal sources Macrocytic anemia Biotin .001 mg/lb. Corn, soybeans, beef liver Poor hair, dry skin, diarrhea Do I need to supplement my puppy's diet? To ensure your puppy is always in top form, feed a healthy, quality food, and supplement when necessary. A daily multi-vitamin such as Lifestage Select® Puppy Vitamins may help ensure that growing puppies get the vitamins they need for healthy tissues, strong bones, and overall good health. Should I supplement my adult dog's diet? To ensure your dog is always in top form, feed a healthy, quality food, and supplement when necessary. Older animals tend to absorb fewer vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes through the intestinal tract, and lose more of them through the kidneys and urinary tract. Also, some older animals eat less (due to conditions such as oral disease) and may not receive their daily needs of vitamins and minerals. Some evidence in other species suggest that antioxidants such as vitamins A, E, and C (beta-carotene) may play a role in protecting against some normal aging processes. Talk with your veterinarian to determine which supplements may be beneficial for your dog. What if my dog is super active? Lifestage Select® Adult includes all of the vitamins your pet needs for a healthy life. It is especially beneficial for very active animals and also for animals under a lot of stress. When you give your pet Lifestage Select® Adult or any of our Lifestage Select® series, you can be assured that your pet is getting correct vitamins for his lifestyle and for his stage of life. What if my dog is on a diet? High quality light foods should contain adequate vitamins and minerals. If you are only feeding your pet less of his regular food to cut down, you may want to supplement with a multivitamin. Should I give my senior dog supplements? Aging dogs have special nutritional needs, and some of those can be supplied in the form of supplements. Lifestage Select® Senior, has higher levels of the vitamins and minerals your senior dog may need.

A large percentage of older dogs suffer from arthritis. We recommend a daily supplement containing glucosamine, such as Lifestage Select® Senior Plus, for dogs suffering from arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other bone or joint problems. If your dog is not eating a complete balanced diet, then a vitamin/mineral supplement is recommended to prevent any deficiencies.

What traits should I look for in a quality vitamin?

Our advice to you is to check the label before giving any vitamin/mineral supplement to your pet and look for the following qualities:

• Contains at least 8 essential vitamins including Vitamin A, B-complex, D, and E, as well as the B vitamins. Vitamins A and E are all-important antioxidants that help maintain a healthy immune system and should also be included in the supplement. 
• Vitamins and minerals should be in the correct ratio for your pet's good health. 
• High palatability (Lifestage Select® multivitamins are all formulated with a delicious bacon/liver flavor that will tempt the fussiest pet!) 

In addition, look at the ingredient list of multi-vitamin supplements to see from which sources the vitamins and minerals are coming. For instance, our Lifestage Select® multivitamins contain:

• B-Complex and zinc from Brewer's Yeast and other sources 
• Magnesium from wheat germ and fish, and other sources 
• Calcium from non-fat dried milk, and other sources 
• Fatty acids from marine sources, such as cod liver oil 
• Iron from natural sources, such as liver, as well as other sources 
• Not all vitamin supplements contain these quality ingredients. And, remember that whatever your particular pet's species or age, the right supplementation will help him live the best quality life possible. 

Can I give my pet too many vitamins?

There is always some controversy regarding vitamin supplementation. Many people feel supplements are very necessary. They feel that even when feeding a high quality food, some of the vitamins may have been destroyed by the processing or storage. Pet owners feeding a homemade diet or a diet high in table scraps should give their pet a high quality vitamin/mineral supplement. Ill or recovering pets who may have a poor appetite should also be given a good vitamin/mineral supplement since they are not receiving their daily requirements through the food they eat.

The possibility of vitamin toxicity with the fat-soluble vitamins, especially Vitamin A and D, which are stored in the body, can occur with severe oversupplementation. Toxicities do not occur when you give your pet the recommended amount of high-quality, commercially prepared vitamin/mineral supplements. However, if you give a variety of supplements, each containing Vitamin A or D, oversupplementation is more likely. Supplements must be chosen with care and large numbers of different supplements should not be used together unless prescribed by a veterinarian.

Dog Vitamins and Supplements

Many people take dietary supplements or vitamins. And increasingly, they’re likely to give them to their pets, too.

As many as a third of U.S. dogs and cats may receive vitamins or supplements. The most common are multivitamins, supplements to support arthritic joints, and fatty acids to reduce shedding and improve a coat’s shine, according to a 2006 study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Pet owners also may give probiotics to alleviate gastrointestinal problems or antioxidants to counteract the effects of aging, such as cognitive dysfunction.

With a growing population of aging, overweight dogs, the market for dog supplements is expected to increase 37% by 2012, reaching $1.7 billion, according to Packaged Facts, a market research firm.

Veterinary nutritionist Susan Wynn, DVM, sees many clients in her practice near Atlanta who give their dogs vitamins and nutritional supplements. “They come in with bags full sometimes,” she says.

But do dogs need those vitamins and supplements? And are they even safe? Experts say some work, others don’t, and some aren’t necessary and may even be harmful to dogs.

“Most people are doing it because they want to, not because it’s necessary,” says C.A. Tony Buffington, DVM, PhD, professor of veterinary clinical sciences at The Ohio State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

WebMD talked with experts for answers to frequently asked questions about dog vitamins and supplements.

1. Does my dog need vitamins?

Most dogs receive a complete and balanced diet - including necessary vitamins and minerals - from commercially processed dog food, according to the FDA. Dogs fed a homemade diet may need supplements. “It’s absolutely critical, but it should be done to match the diet,” Wynn says. “You can’t just create a meal and give your dog a vitamin.” Check with a veterinarian or nutritionist for help in determining what, if anything, is needed.

2. Is there any danger in giving my dog vitamins?

Possibly. If an animal already eats a balanced diet and receives excess portions of some vitamins and minerals, they could be harmful, according to the FDA and veterinarians.

Too much calcium can cause skeletal problems, especially in large-breed puppies; too much vitamin A can harm blood vessels and cause dehydration and joint pain. Excess vitamin D can prompt a dog to stop eating, harm bones, and cause muscles to atrophy.

3. Should I check with my vet before supplementing?

Absolutely, vets say. Symptoms that look like arthritis, such as a dog with a weak rear end, could instead be a neurological problem. A poor coat could indicate skin, metabolic or hormonal problems.

“Don’t forego traditional therapies, especially if it’s a life- or organ-threatening illness for your pet,” says Dawn M. Boothe, DVM, MS, PhD, director of the clinical pharmacology lab at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. “Make sure you stick with a standard of care and use the supplements as they were intended, as supplements.”

Ingredients in some supplements, such as herbals, may interact with other medicine an animal is taking. Your vet can also assess whether your pet needs a supplement.

“If they’re eating a complete and balanced diet and they’re healthy and have no problems, they don’t actually need supplementation,” Wynn says. She recommends fruits and vegetables to pet owners who want to give extra nutrients. Other than that, she limits her recommendations if a dog is healthy.

“We want to use things that are safe long-term,” Wynn says. “Probiotics fit that bill. That’s probably all I would recommend.”

4. Do dog supplements work?

It depends on what the supplement is used for and how it is manufactured, veterinarians say. Clinical trials are rare. “It’s hard finding quality evidence for the efficacy, much less the need for these products,” Boothe says.

Glucosamine-chondroitin supplements, commonly given to dogs with osteoarthritis, have shown mixed results in testing in humans and animals. A 2007 study published in The Veterinary Journal concluded that dogs treated with glucosamine-chondroitin sulfate showed less pain and more mobility after 70 days of treatment.

But a 2006 study for the National Institutes of Health Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial concluded that the supplements weren't effective in humans with mild pain. Those with moderate to severe pain may have seen some benefit, but because of the small size of this group the researchers called for more studies.

Fatty acids can help coats look better. Fish oil supplements also can reduce inflammation, according to a study published in the American Journal of Veterinary Research.

Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E also reduce inflammation and help aging dogs with memory problems, Wynn says. But she’s cautious about recommending supplements, especially for young animals that might be on nutritional supplements for many years. “Almost none of them have been tested for long-term safety in dogs,” Wynn says.

5. Do supplements contain the promised nutrients?

Again, it depends. ConsumerLab.com, which tests products for its industry certification program and sells subscriptions to its reports for consumers, surveyed glucosamine/chondroitin supplements for pets and humans. Sixty percent of the pet products failed, compared to 25% of those manufactured for people, says Tod Cooperman, MD, president of ConsumerLab.com.

The National Animal Supplement Council also checked its members’ joint support products and found that 25% didn’t meet label claims, president Bill Bookout says. “We require companies to do an investigation, find out why that is, and take corrective action.”

ConsumerLab.com tests of three probiotic supplements in 2006 showed that only one contained enough viable organisms to be effective. “In the pet area, we’ve seen the quality is lower than it is for human supplements,” Cooperman says.

6. Who regulates dog vitamins and supplements?

The FDA oversees animal supplements. A 2008 report from the National Research Council, a scientific research unit of the nonprofit National Academies, concluded there was little information on the safety of pet supplements.

The National Animal Supplement Council is addressing some of these concerns. The council sets labeling guidelines, requires adverse event reports for problems with supplements and tests some products to check whether they contain the amount of ingredients claimed on the label. The group has also required its members - about 90% of the industry - to adopt new standards for manufacturing by June 2010.

But "the quality of these products is a major, major concern,” Boothe says.

7. How should I choose a supplement?

Here are tips from veterinarians and those who test supplements or work in the industry.

Look for a brand that specializes in one area, or that has commissioned clinical studies of their products.

Read labels. Know the name of the ingredient you’re looking for, so you won’t be deceived by sound-alikes.

Look for a lot number on the product, a sign that the company has set up quality control checks.

Look for a contact number for the company on the label. Call and ask who formulated the product, what expertise they have, and how long the manufacturer has been in business.

Be wary of claims that sound too good to be true, such as promises to alleviate diseases like parvovirus, cancer, and hip dysplasia.

Look for certification from an organization that has independently verified a supplement’s contents.

Be cautious about giving human supplements to dogs. Some products, such as garlic, can be dangerous for dogs.

Know the seller. Cooperman says ConsumerLab.com has found fewer problems with supplements sold at vet’s offices, although they do occur.

8. What about supplements in dog food?

Check the label to see how much of an ingredient is actually in the food. Some adult dog foods contain glucosamine/chondroitin but because of state regulations that restrict the amount, it’s usually not a therapeutic dose.

A prescription dog food, on the other hand, may contain therapeutic levels of the supplement. Other dog foods might contain botanicals, such as cranberry, to ward off urinary tract infections or DHA to boost cognitive development in puppies.

“From an efficacy and safety standard, if it’s in a pet food, I have a greater level of confidence,” Boothe says.

Size dog name

BIG DOGS NAMES Animal Barricade Beast, Beastie Belly Big Big Boy Big Mack Big Mamma Big Red Big Top Bigems Biggie Bigz Bogart Bruiser Burl,Burley Cartman Chubbs Chubby Chubrock Chubsey Chunks Chunky Conan Condor Congo Crunk Cyclone Cyrano Diesel Doozer Dragon Dumpling Epic Fatso Fattie Flubb Flubber Frankenstein Geela Godzilla Goliath Grill Hannible Jaws Jumbo Khan King Kong Kruzer Macro Magnum Magnus Maxi Maximus Mighty Moby Mondo Pounder Power Quake Rambo Rammer Reef Saga Semi Shamoo Sumo Tank Thunder Titan Titanic Titus Tonka Tornado Train Tree Tremor Wookie

LITTLE DOGS NAMES Acorn Baby Beans,Beener Binkie Bonsai Brillo Button,Buttons Cheerio Chibi Crumbs Cuddles Cupcake Cupid Dinky Dorito Elf Frito,Fritos Goober Inch Koi,Coy Littlefoot Micro Midge Mini Mite Mosquito Peanut Pip Pixie Poco Pouch Roadbump Rollo Shortstack Shorty Slim Smidgen Speck Squeegee Squeek Squeeker Squirt Stumpy Teenie Termite Thumbellina Tink Tinkerbelle Tiny Titch Twigs,Twiggy Wedge Weenie Whisper

 

Top Top 20 "Male" and "Female" Dog Names

Top 20 "Male" Dog Names:	Top 20 "FeMale" Dog Names:
MAX BUDDY JAKE BAILEY ROCKY CHARLIE JACK TOBY CODY BUSTER DUKE COOPER HARLEY RILEY BEAR MURPHY LUCKY TUCKER SAM OLIVER	MOLLY BELLA LUCY MAGGIE DAISY SADIE CHLOE SOPHIE BAILEY ZOE LOLA ABBY GINGER ROXY GRACIE COCO SASHA ANGEL LILY PRINCESS

Random dog names list

• Recent Name
• Reason

• • Bryn
  • wanted a welsh name & love Uncle Bryn!
• • Evie
  • its a very pretty ladies name
• • Candy
  • Because she's sweet like candy
• • Candy
  • Because she's sweet like candy
• • Skip
  • because its really cute for a jack russell
• • Alfie
  • It was perfect for him and he was soooo cute....We were going to call him cutsie!
• • Charlie
  • Because he is loveable, give kisses, wags his tail and loves seeing other dogs and acts like a true prince. His nickname is Charlies
• • Annie
  • cus wen we rescued her that was her name and she was a little orphan at the time her previous owner had passed away
• • Rosie
  • she just like a rose small and round smell sweet
• • Gyspy
  • He had had a lot of homes & was a bit of a traveler - rescued from Battersea 40 years ago!
• • Willow
  • A sweet gentle, delicate & graceful lurcher boy - much loved & so very missed.
• • Sheppie
  • She was a sweet, shy, funny girl & I still miss her after 15 years
• • Bruin
  • Because he looked like a big fluffy bear
• • Blutus
  • cos he's big and hairy like the cartoon character
• • Molly
  • Because I just love the name
• • Maddie
  • short for madeline
• • Mia
  • after 'mama mia'
• • Maid
  • because they only made one of her
• • Merlin
  • because he is magic
• • Roxy
  • i love her

Names of Dogs in Ancient Greece

Imagine you live in ancient Greece. You are about to choose a new puppy. What should you call it? There was a science to choosing and naming a dog in classical antiquity.

Which is the finest puppy in a litter? Like moderns, the ancients looked for an adventurous and friendly nature, but one test for selecting the pick of the litter seems rather heartless today. Let the mother choose for you, advises Nemesianus, a Roman expert on hunting dogs. Take away her puppies, surround them with an oil-soaked string and set it on fire. The mother will jump over the ring of flames and rescue each puppy, one by one, in order of their merit. Other signs of an excellent hound are large, soft ears, instead of small and stiff. Upright ears are fine, but the best ears flop over just a bit. A long, supple neck adapts well to a collar. The chest should be broad, shoulder blades wide apart, and hind legs slightly longer than the front, for chasing rabbits uphill. The dog’s coat, whether long or short, can be any color, but the fur ought to be shiny, dense, and soft.

Training a young dog begins at 20 months, but a puppy needs a good name right away. Xenophon, a Greek historian who wrote about hounds in the fourth century BC, maintained that the best names are short, one or two syllables, so they can be called easily. No Greek hounds were saddled with monikers like Thrasybulus or Thucydides! The meaning of the name was also important for the morale of both master and dog: names that express speed, courage, strength, appearance, and other qualities were favored. Xenophon named his favorite dog Horme (Eager).

Atalanta, the famous huntress of Greek myth, called her dog Aura (Breeze). An ancient Greek vase painting of 560 BC shows Atalanta and other heroes and their hounds killing the great Calydonian Boar. Seven dogs’ names are inscribed on the vase (some violate Xenophon’s brevity rule): Hormenos (Impulse), Methepon (Pursuer), Egertes (Vigilant), Korax (Raven), Marpsas, Labros (Fierce), and Eubolous (Shooter).

The Roman poet Ovid gives the Greek names of the 36 dogs that belonged to Actaeon, the unlucky hunter of Greek myth who was torn apart by his pack: among them were Tigris, Laelaps (Storm), Aello (Whirlwind), and Arcas (Bear). Pollux lists 15 dog names; another list is found in Columella. The longest list of suitable names for ancient Greek dogs—46 in all—was compiled by the dog whisperer Xenophon. Popular names for dogs in antiquity, translated from Greek, include Lurcher, Whitey, Blackie, Tawny, Blue, Blossom, Keeper, Fencer, Butcher, Spoiler, Hasty, Hurry, Stubborn, Yelp, Tracker, Dash, Happy, Jolly, Trooper, Rockdove, Growler, Fury, Riot, Lance, Pell-Mell, Plucky, Killer, Crafty, Swift, and Dagger.

Alexander the Great honored his faithful dog, Peritas (January), by naming a city after him. Greek and Roman writers remind their readers to praise their canine companions. Arrian, the biographer of Alexander the Great who also wrote a treatise on hunting, says one should pat one’s dog, caress its head, pulling gently on the ears, and speak its name along with a hearty word or two—“Well done!” “Good girl!”—by way of encouragement. After all, remarks Arrian, “dogs enjoy being praised, just as noble men do.”

106 name of dogs start with G

Choosing a name for your dog can often prove harder than you may think. With your longed-for new pet now a lively barking reality, inspiration can desert you.

1. GAELIC
2. GALILEO
3. GAMBLER
4. GARBO
5. GARGOYLE
6. GARLIC
7. GARP
8. GATEKEEPER
9. GATOR
10. GATSBY
11. GAVIN
12. GAZELLE
13. GAZPACHO
14. GECKO
15. GEEKIE
16. GEEZER
17. GEISHA
18. GEMINI
19. GENESIS
20. GENGHIS
21. GENIE
22. GENIUS
23. GEORGIA
24. GEPPETTO
25. GERBIL
26. GERONIMO
27. GERTRUDE
28. GHIRADELLI
29. GHOSTBUSTER
30. GIDDY
31. GIDEON
32. GIDGET
33. GIGGLES
34. GIGI
35. GIGOLO
36. GILLIGAN
37. GIMP
38. GIN
39. GINGER
40. GINGERSNAP
41. GINGHAM
42. GINSENG
43. GIPPER
44. GIRL
45. GIRLFRIEND
46. GIRO
47. GISELLE
48. GIZMO
49. GLADSTONE
50. GNOME
51. GOBBLE
52. GOBLIN
53. GODFATHER
54. GODZILLA
55. GOETHE
56. GOLDIE
57. GOLDILOCKS
58. GOLIATH
59. GOMER
60. GOOBER
61. GOOCH
62. GOOMBA
63. GOOSE
64. GOPHER
65. GORDO
66. GORGEOUS
67. GORILLA
68. GORKY
69. GOUDA
70. GRACE
71. GRANDEUR
72. GRAZIE
73. GREMLIN
74. GRETEL
75. GREYSTOKE
76. GRITS
77. GRIZZLY
78. GROUCHO
79. GROVER
80. GRUMPUS
81. GRUMPY
82. GRUNGE
83. GRUNION
84. GRUNT
85. GUAYMAS
86. GUCCI
87. GUFFAW
88. GUIDO
89. GUINEVERE
90. GULLIVER
91. GUMBALL
92. GUMBO
93. GUMBY
94. GUMDROP
95. GUMMIE BEAR
96. GUMPS
97. GUNG HO
98. GUNNER
99. GUNTHER
100. GURU
101. GUS
102. GUSSY
103. GUSTO
104. GUY
105. GYPSY
106. GYRO

Pool Safety for Dogs

Keeping your dog cool during the summer months is extremely important. It can prevent heat stroke, dehydration or even death. Dogs not only need to drink plenty of water to keep cool—many of them like to swim in it as well! While it is a great form of exercise and will help to keep Fido from overheating, many dogs drown each year from pool accidents that could have been avoided. 

If your dog loves the water and loves to jump into the pool, make sure he knows how to get out safely. If a dog falls into a river or lake, his instinct will tell him to turn around and try to get out from the point at which he fell in. This may work well in a lake or a river, but in a suburban swimming pool the dog may drown if he adopts this instinctive action. Therefore it is important to teach your dog where and how to get out of the pool, regardless of where he went in.

To teach a dog how to exit a pool, first attach a recall leash to his collar. Gently place the dog into the pool from the steps. The dog will instinctively turn around and get out from the point of entry—the steps. Place the dog in the pool from the steps several times. Once he realizes that he can scramble out via the steps, move to the other sides of the pool and again gently place the dog into the pool. Use the recall leash to guide the dog to the step area, giving as little help as possible to the dog.

Once your dog has oriented himself to the steps in relation to the house and understands how to use the steps to exit the pool, the danger of him drowning in the pool will be reduced. Practice as much as possible with your dog, especially with pups, but make certain your dog does not become exhausted. The most you will be able to achieve at any one time is three or four entries and exits.

With regards to exhaustion, it is also important for you to keep an eye on your dog while in the pool because swimming can be very tiring for a dog. Just like many dogs will chase a ball or Frisbee again and again until they nearly collapse, many dogs will continue swimming without any thought as to how tired they are. And unlike chasing a ball on land, they have no solid ground on which to rest. 

If a dog has year-round access to the pool area, you should conduct pool safety in all weather, hot and cold. Try to keep the pool’s water level as full as possible, as the dog has a much greater chance of being able to get out the closer the water level is to dry land. 

If you don’t have access to a pool that allows dogs but still want to take him swimming, nature offers other enjoyable options. However, be aware of the surrounding area if you take your dog to the beach, lake or pond. Watch for trouble and make sure your dog will come to you as soon as you call. Recall is one of the most important lessons you can teach your dog. It can literally save his life.

With a little planning and forethought, you can help your dog swim without incident in most any environment during the hot summer months. We love our pets and want them to be with us for as long as possible, and the above tips will go a long way to ensure their safety.

Outdoor Games for Your Dog

Your dog loves fresh air and sunshine as much as you do—not to mention all the new and interesting sights and smells the outdoors brings! Try some of these outside games and activities to keep your dog healthy and happy. In addition, playing with your dog, like training him, enhances the bond you share and helps him keep his focus on you! 

You can change these games depending on how your dog is best motivated: praise/belly rubs, favorite toys, items to fetch, or treats. If you do use treats, one way to keep your dog from gaining weight from too many snacks is to use some of his mealtime kibble to play the games. As with any activity, keep each session short and fun! It’s better to end the game before your dog gets bored or overly excited.

FREESTYLE OBEDIENCE

Take your dog to a large open area or yard and have him follow you around as you deliver commands: SIT, DOWN, STAY, COME, etc. Give lots of praise when your dog completes the correct action. You can then move on to more advanced commands, teaching your dog to BACK UP, JUMP over something, CIRCLE around, etc. Continue walking around the area so that your dog has to focus his attention on you!

OBSTACLE COURSE

Set up your own obstacle course and see just how much your dog has picked up from watching all those agility shows on TV. Try including a tube (such as an agility tunnel/chute, available at most pet retailers) for your dog to run through, a pause table, a ladder, weaving sticks, poles to jump over, etc.—you can be creative with everyday items already in your yard, like sticks or Hula-Hoops. Start with your dog on a leash, and walk him through the course in the order you want him to complete the obstacles. Give him lots of praise when he gets it right, and recruit friends, family and neighbors to serve as judges—or to bring their own dogs to compete!

BATTING PRACTICE

For a twist on traditional fetch, grab a Wiffle bat and a dog-safe ball to hit across the yard or a park and have your dog play outfielder—no glove required! Try not to hit another ball until your dog has brought the first all the way back to you so that he learns he must return the item for the game to continue.

WET FETCH 

If you have a body of water available that your dog is allowed to play in—such as a lake or pool—it can be a great way to take fetch to another level and cool off your pooch. Take a couple of balls or toys that will float to the water’s edge and throw them in for your dog to swim after! If your dog hasn’t had much experience in the water, start by tossing the object just at the edge of the water, so all he has to do is get his feet wet, and slowly throw it farther. Remember that not all dogs like to swim—don’t push your dog to go in deeper than he is ready to, and make sure to first teach him where he can safely and easily exit the water.

HOMEMADE PUP-SICLES

You can use a Popsicle mold or just an ice cube tray to freeze yummy, refreshing treats for your dog. Get creative by tossing ingredients such as yogurt, bananas, peanut butter, and carrots into a blender with a little water or, for picky pooches, chicken or beef broth (all-natural or low sodium versions are best). If your dog is a dedicated chewer, try stuffing a KONG® toy with your concoction and putting it in the freezer. Your dog will look forward to cooling off with his special reward at the end of playtime.

TRACKING

While not all dogs will take to scenting and tracking, it’s a fun experiment to try! Go somewhere that your scent isn’t already scattered—or use a strong- and unique-scented piece of leather—and shuffle your feet or rub the leather in a distinct but straightforward pattern. Have someone else stay with your dog indoors or out of sight. Then, have your dog sniff you and your feet (or the leather) and lead him along the path you created, encouraging him to sniff along the way. If he seems to be getting it, try it again, somewhere you haven’t been, and increase the complexity of your trail.

WET & WILD

Fill up a kiddie pool with water and encourage your dog to splash around. For even more fun, grab a hose and have your dog chase the stream of water in and out of the pool. Add some dog-safe shampoo to combine playtime and a bath!

HIDDEN TREASURE?

Start with your dog in a SIT/STAY, allowing him to smell a treat, then hide it somewhere in the yard. Release your dog from the SIT and watch him explore with unbridled enthusiasm to find it! As your dog masters the game, add a degree of difficulty by hiding a number of treats in advance. You can also try scatter-feeding your dog his kibble at mealtimes (throwing it all around the yard)—many dogs will spend hours enthusiastically hunting for every last bit.

WALK THIS WAY

In addition to being great exercise for you and your dog, walking is an activity almost anyone can participate in and a great way to get to know your neighbors! Organize a monthly, weekly, or even daily walking group for your neighborhood or apartment building. Keep it interesting by choosing different destinations (like dog parks or dog-friendly stores and cafes), or up the intensity by choosing portions to pick up the pace. This will keep your dog intellectually as well as physically engaged and is guaranteed to wear you both out!

BIKEJORING

Once your dog has a firm grasp on basic obedience and on-leash manners, consider bringing him along on your bike rides! There are a variety of devices and special harnesses that are specifically made for this sport—called “bikejoring”—that attach your dog safely to a bicycle. Never attempt this by just holding your dog’s normal leash in your hand while steering. Start slowly, guiding your dog along at a steady pace, and keep rides short. Gradually build speed and distance. You can also check for canine biking classes in your area.

In addition to the activities above, Training Dogs the Aussie Way by Bark Busters founders Danny and Sylvia Wilson contains about 20 pages of tricks to work on with your dog (available at the Bark Busters Boutique,Amazon.com, or from your local Bark Busters trainer). Remember that basic obedience is the foundation for having fun with your dog—games and activities should be a fun and rewarding bonding experience, not a stressful time, for you and your dog.

Dog Walking for Weight Loss & Exercise

Turn on any TV or radio, and it won’t be long before a pitch for the latest fad diet, exercise gadget, or weight loss book surges through the speakers. But missing from the over-hyped offers is the most critical ingredient for success—the motivation to stick to the plan. Enter our furry canine friends.

America has a love affair with its pets. And canine companions are the “top dog” with more than 34 percent of American households owning one or more dogs. That’s more than 70 million pooches in the United States! While dog lovers nationwide know the strong emotional bond that can develop between humans and dogs, a study at the University of Missouri-Columbia has found that this relationship can result in more exercise and more weight loss than most nationally known diet plans. The study showed that participants who walked their dogs daily lost 14 pounds on average in less than a year—far more than the average “fad” dieter. A key reason for the better results: the dog walkers stayed with the program because of the emotional connection between dog and dog owner.

Dogs are pack animals. As such, they relish companionship. While we humans are not described as “pack” animals, we are social creatures who also need companionship. Therefore, dogs are perfect pets for humans since the relationship is based on the same need for love and interaction. This mutual need was a key driver for the study participants, who reportedly “stuck to the program” because the emotional bond was a motivator.

Despite a solid emotional bond, many dog lovers have difficulty controlling their dogs on leash while walking, which can dramatically reduce the frequency of walks and the enjoyment of them. We’ve all seen the scenario: the hapless human stumbling down the sidewalk, dragged by the dominating dog. It’s a classic suburban image—but it need not be that way. As pack animals, dogs need clear and consistent leadership to feel safe and happy, whether within their packs or their human families. This need is instinctual. If in a dog’s mind a human companion is not up to the task, the dog will constantly challenge for leadership.

Both research and anecdotal evidence show that the key to managing dog behavior is communication and leadership. Dogs have a specific manner of communicating and need leadership to feel secure. If they don’t get it from us, they will instinctually try to take charge, which can lead to behavior problems. Just like humans, dogs need training to set parameters for behavior. Your dog’s behavior on leash is in large part dependent upon your leadership and the way you communicate.

Establishing On-leash Leadership
The key is focus, focus, focus. Keep your dog focused on you, rather than distractions, such as other dogs, people, kids’ toys, etc. To establish and maintain this focus, anticipate distractions (rather than waiting for a distraction to occur), communicate with your dog in a way he understands. To refocus your dog, voice a low guttural growl and gently flick the leash, just enough to get your dog’s attention. When your dog responds appropriately, give positive praise in a high-toned voice, such as “good dog.” Use this technique to direct your dog to walk at your side. When the dog’s focus strays, repeat the procedure. With practice, dogs will respond to this method because it is similar to their instinctual method of communications.

More Ideas for Walking Dogs 

Keep your dog’s interest by changing pace frequently—intermittently walk fast, slow, stop, etc. Do this regularly and your dog will see this as a game—and find the activity fun and stimulating. Also, dogs can easily differentiate sounds. When you want to stop, shuffle your feet on the ground to indicate you are coming to a stop. Also, change directions frequently. Go left, right, turn in front of the dog, reverse direction, etc. Each time you make a change in direction give a gentle flick of the leash to alert your dog you are about to change direction.

Gaining a better understanding of the dog psyche strengthens the human-canine connection, and learning how to communicate effectively with your dog in a language he understands is a critical step in establishing leadership and control. With some practice, dog owners can establish the leadership required for a satisfying stroll with Fido and reap the benefits of both weight loss and overall fitness. Much more so than the ubiquitous weight-loss infomercials, the emotional bond will be a motivator—and your waistline and your pooch will thank you.