Tips for Leaving Your Dog Home Alone

Once upon a time, in the perhaps somewhat legendary past, dogs spent their days outdoors, working at their masters’ sides. Cue the theme from “Lassie.”

Tips for Leaving Your Dog Home Alone

These days, most of our dogs spend their people’s workdays at home alone. Often they’re bored and lonely. Fortunately, we can help that time pass easily -- without spending a lot of money.

Make ’Em Tired

The best thing you can do for your home-alone dog is supply some good, hard, first-thing-in-the-morning exercise. You saw that coming, right? How much exercise -- and what kind -- depends on your dog’s age, fitness, body type, and state of health, and also on the weather. Is your dog old, arthritic, and short-nosed, or is she an adolescent Border Collie mix? Is it 90 degrees out, 15, or 55? Check with your vet if you have questions about your dog’s exercise tolerance. The result you’re looking for is that your dog gets home and flops down on his bed to snooze. For most dogs, off-leash running, trotting, and sniffing are ideal, because they supply not only varied physical exercise, but mental stimulation as well.

Are Pickles Healthy for Dogs?

Pickles are often suggested as a remedy for dehydrated dogs. Dog owners should be cautious about administering pickles and pickle juice to their dehydrated pets.

Considerations

Dehydration results from not drinking enough water. Hot weather is a common cause of dehydration, but a dog can become dehydrated in any climate.

Identification

A dehydrated dog will seem tired and depressed. One way to test for dehydration is to gently pinch and release the skin between a dog's shoulder-blades. A dehydrated dog's skin won't snap back smoothly when released, but it will remain bunched for a moment and settle slowly.

Dogs Love eat Cucumbers

Dogs really do love cucumbers; they are nuts about them. And let me tell you, I know a German shepherd who absolutely loves cucumbers. This dog is crazy about this elongated fruit.

The German shepherd belongs to my parents, and I'm the one who introduced him to the juicy, refreshing fruit. The dog will eat a whole cucumber in just a few minutes. This fruit is certainly very safe for dogs to consume; Our dog has never suffered any adverse effects from all the many cucumbers he has devoured.

This plant food is largely water, and the skin is loaded with phytonutrients (plant nutrients). It also has antioxidants. Just because it's not a protein food doesn't mean a dog shouldn't eat a cucumber. This fruit, which is 90 percent or more water, contains no compounds that are toxic to canines.

Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?

Can dogs eat tomatoes? A very good question indeed and the answer is yes they can; but because of their curious nature, dogs will and can eat anything they can find. My own dog ate a glass decorative swan (without incurring even a minor cut). Just because they can certainly doesn’t mean that they should eat tomatoes as a part of their dog food diet.

As humans, we are aware of the health benefits of tomatoes and the importance of having it as a part of a well balanced diet. Tomatoes contain a powerful antioxidant called lycopene – known to lower the risk of degenerative disease and some types of cancer. Tomatoes are also an excellent source of vitamin A and C. But it seems that a dog’s digestive, urinary and nervous system does not need nor react to the benefit of tomatoes as humans. In fact, it can have a very negative effect. Some would say that tomato sauce would kill any toxins by the heat of cooking; but just like some humans, tomato sauce contains a lot of acid for sensitive stomach.

For a dog to safely eat tomatoes; they should be ripe and not consumed in large quantities. An occasional cherry tomato will cause no harm if your dog enjoys it, and of course is not allergic to that particular fruit. Large amounts of healthy red ripe, non toxic tomatoes can cause a rapid heart rate and/or tremors in your dog.

Leaves and stems of the plant and unripe tomatoes contain atropine alkaloids and atropine. Tomatine alkaloid is very poisonous to your canine friend. Most of us can tolerate the mild toxic effects of this sort, but tomato toxicity can result in a coma or worse; death of your beloved pet. Symptoms of tomato toxicity can include: vomiting; excessive drooling; constipation or diarrhea; central nervous systems shut down; muscle weakness; dilated pupils: breathing difficulty. This ingested toxicity is not properly absorbed by the dogs intestines and at the very least causes stomach upset and intestinal distress.

There are too many variables and risks on the table regarding feeding this particular fruit to my “best friend”. It is highly suggested to keep your curious canines away from your vegetable garden with a gate or keep your vegetable patch away from an area that your dog has access to.

As responsible dog owners and lover of dogs, let us revisit the question “Can dogs eat tomatoes”? The proper and more responsible answer would be “NO”.

Can Dog eat Broccoli ?

Broccoli is one of those healthy superfoods for us humans, but how about out best friends? Even though it’s packed with nutrients and vitamins, a dog’s digestive system is different than ours, so simple vegetables like broccoli will not be broken down the same way. In this case, it’s not whether it’s dangerous to give your dog broccoli, but whether they need to eat it at all.

As much as we depend on them for their company, dogs equally rely on us to take good care of them as if we would a clingy child. Dogs have specific needs that they cannot provide themselves or to each other and this is where we come in. One of the most important fundamentals of keeping your dog healthy is providing them with a well-balanced diet. Although dogs can often be seen rummaging through garbage bins for food if they get the chance, believe it or not, dogs can’t eat everything.

There are certain foods that have been shown to be lethal for dogs if consumed in large amounts, one of those foods being broccoli. You might be a little confused as to whether or not your dog can munch on this green vegetable, as some healthier choices of dog food actually contain small amounts of it in their recipes, but we’ve got the low down on this matter.

Can My Dog Eat Broccoli? Answer: In Moderation, But Not Necessary

In general, broccoli isn’t poisonous. It’s actually a great source of fiber for your pet dog, not to mention the perfect snack your dog can chew on to naturally clean your their teeth. The only issue you’ll ever have with broccoli is the amount that’s devoured by your dog. Broccoli contains the ingredient isothiocynate, which is known to cause major gastrointestinal issues in dogs if eaten in large amounts.

How Much Broccoli Is Too Much?

The amount of broccoli that your dog can consume without experiencing any negative side effects specifically depends on the size of your dog. One piece of broccoli to a Labrador might be fine, but could be potentially deadly to a pint-sized dog such as a Chihuahua. It has been determined that your dog can have some broccoli as long as it accounts for less than 5% of their daily food intake. Any more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet can cause serious stomach problems and can be fatal if it makes up more than 25%.

Why Should I Continue To Feed My Dog Broccoli?

Dogs are just as prone to sickness and disease as we are, and in order to prevent illness from even occurring nourishment from different kinds of foods is a must. Broccoli is high in antioxidants, which are known to fight cancer-causing cells. Chlorophyll is a pigment that can be found in green leafy vegetables and is proven to protect our bodies against exposure to carcinogens. Another important nutrient it has is bioflavonoids. This is a specific vitamin known to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-allergy and anti-cancerous properties therefore lessening the chances of you and even your dog from developing any related health ailments. Lastly, it is a great source of fiber and if taken occasionally, can regulate your dog’s bowel movements.

How Can I Incorporate It Into My Dog’s Diet?

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with directly feeding your dogs with some broccoli as long as it’s in small proportions. Instead of adding a few stems to their bowl to chew on, you might want to try your hand at homemade dog food. Below is a simple recipe that incorporates a little of it into your dog’s diet.

Ingredients:

- 1 pound lean meat (chicken or turkey)

- 2 cups brown rice

- 1 cup carrots

- ½ cup of chicken stock

- ¼ pound broccoli

Instructions:

- After steaming the vegetables, you want to add all of it including the cooked rice into a food processor.

- Mix in the chicken stock.

- Add bite-size pieces of which ever lean meat you decide to use.

- Let it cool.

- Serve.

This is a fairly easy recipe that makes use of broccoli. Your dog will be sure to love it. Again, giving it to your dog is acceptable just as long as it’s in moderation.

Fruits & Vegetables Dogs Should' Eat

There are several vegetables and fruits that dogs should avoid.

Most people enjoy spoiling their dogs and giving them treats, including giving them "people food," as it is called. There is nothing wrong with this if you remember dogs are not small humans. Canine bodies are different from human bodies, some human foods can sicken dogs and even kill them. Check with your dog's veterinarian if you are in doubt. Several types of fruits and vegetables are harmful to dogs and should never be eaten. Additionally, any food that causes your dog to have diarrhea should be off limits.

Avocados, Tomatoes and Potatoes

Avocados contain persin which is toxic to dogs. Persin is found in the fruit as well as the seed, leaves and bark of avocados. Keep all parts of the avocado from your dog's reach, as well as any foods that contain avocado. Tomatoes and potatoes are part of the toxic "nightshade" family of plants containing glycoalkaloids and are poisonous to dogs. Green tomatoes are especially poisonous. Dogs can eat cooked potatoes, but no raw potatoes or potatoes with sprouts or green on them.

What should I feed my dog?

Domesticated dogs are largely carnivores that eat some omnivorous foods. Wild dogs eat a variety of food which consists mainly of prey animals. Prey animals are composed of raw meat, raw bones, organs, other tissue and digested vegetable matter. While dogs are carnivores they do consume a small amount of the vegetable matter contained in the stomach and intestines of their prey. Dogs have evolved over thousands of years to eat this type of diet.

Basic dog feeding guide:

• Talk to your veterinarian for advice
• Feed high quality balanced premium commercial food that is appropriate for the life stage and health status of your dog. Check that it complies with the Australian Standard: Manufacturing and Marketing Pet Food AS 5812:2011
• You can offer some natural foods to provide some variety
• Natural foods include fresh human-grade raw meat (e.g. raw lamb), raw meaty bones and vegetables
• Choose human-grade raw meat and raw meaty bones because some pet meat/pet mince/pet rolls/pet meat and bone products can contain preservatives that can be detrimental to the dog's health (e.g. sulphite preservative induced thiamine deficiency which can be fatal). However avoid sausages, sausage meat and cooked manufactured meats as they can contain sulphites.
• Bones must be raw
• Raw meaty bones such as raw lamb ribs (not lamb chops though), raw lamb flaps and raw chicken wings provide several important health benefits including keeping teeth and gums healthy
• Too many raw bones may lead to constipation. Generally 1-2 raw bones may be offered per week with a few days in between each serving
• The bone must be large enough so that the dog cannot fit the whole bone in its mouth or swallow the bone whole
• Never feed cooked bones as these can splinter and cause internal damage or become an intestinal obstruction
• Always supervise dogs when they are eating raw bones
• Dogs ‘like’ bones very much and sometimes become protective. Do take care and discourage young children and others from approaching dogs that are eating.
• Avoid large marrow bones (these have very thick outer rims), T-bones, 'chop' bones e.g. lamb cutlets, large knuckle bones and bones sawn lengthwise (as done by some butchers) as dogs may crack their teeth on these
• Please check with your vet that raw meaty bones are suitable for your particular dog (e.g. some dogs with misshapen jaws or dental disease may find chewing on raw bones difficult)
• Dogs may be offered fish such as tinned sardines in springwater, tinned tuna and tinned salmon as a treat occasionally (care with any fish bones). Please avoid feeding fish constantly
• Dogs may also be offered a small amount of cooked vegetables e.g. pumpkin, carrots etc
• Cooked meat such as boiled chicken or lamb may also be offered but ensure there are no cooked bones; onions/onion sauces or other toxic substances present (see below)
• A small amount of cooked plain pasta/rice may be offered but again ensure there are no onions/onion sauces or other toxic substances present (see below)
• Provide access to grass (avoid chemically treated grass and toxic plants) - dogs will sometimes eat grass which may provide a source of vegetable matter and micronutrients
• The amount of food required will depend on the dog's size, breed, age and level of exercise, but take care not to overfeed or underfeed. Your vet will be able to weigh your dog, assess your dog's body condition score and provide advice
• Adults dogs should be fed at least twice a day to help avoid bloat which can be fatal. Also, dogs should not be exercised immediately before or after eating, to avoid bloat, particularly deep-chested dogs. 
• Fresh water must be available at all times
• Do not feed the following (note this is not an exhaustive list): onions, garlic, chocolate, coffee or caffeine products, avocado, bread dough, grapes, raisins, sultanas, currants, nuts including macadamia nuts, fruit stones (pits) e.g. mango seeds, apricot stones, avocado stones; fruit seeds, corncobs; green unripe tomatoes, mushrooms; fish constantly, cooked bones; small pieces of raw bone fatty trimmings, Xylitol (sugar substitute found in some products such as some types of sugarfree chewing gum, lollies, baking goods, toothpaste)

List of Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can Eat

Certain fruits and vegetables, such as onions, tomatoes, raisins, potatoes and grapes, contain acids, seeds and enzymes that are highly toxic to dogs. For this reason, you must use caution when choosing healthy snacks to give to your dog. Some fruits and vegetables provide excellent health benefits and can make wonderful supplements if used in moderation.

Pumpkin

Canned pumpkin is an excellent source of fiber for dogs. You can supplement it with your dog's regular food, or serve it separately as a treat. Feed your dog canned pumpkin only in small doses, because too much pumpkin may lead to diarrhea.

The Best Vegetables for Dogs

Vegetables are a rich source of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber and if you're a human you probably already know the importance of getting your nine servings of fruits and vegetables each day. But what about your canine best friend? What are the best vegetables for dogs?

With increasing concern about preservatives and other harmful chemicals in commercial dog foods, more dog owners are preparing their dog's food at home from scratch. As long as a dog is being supplied with a well balanced diet, this may be a safer option than giving them standard, non-organic dog foods.

Although some would argue that vegetables are not a necessary component of a dog's diet, vegetables supply disease preventing phytochemicals that your dogs may not be able to get from other sources. Plus, many of the positive benefits of vegetable consumption were noted through animal studies. Although vegetables aren't a required component in a dog's diet, the phytochemicals found in such abundance in vegetables may help to prevent some of the chronic diseases seen in dogs just as they do in humans.

Dog can talk

Maya, a noisy, seven-year-old pooch, looks straight at me. And with just a little prompting from her owner says, "I love you." Actually, she says "Ahh rooo uuu!"

Maya is working hard to produce what sounds like real speech. "She makes these sounds that really, really sound like words to everyone who hears her, but I think you have to believe," says her owner, Judy Brookes.

You've probably seen this sort of scene onYouTube and David Letterman. These dog owners may be onto something: Psychologist and dog expert Stanley Coren of the University of British Columbia tells the story of a colleague who always greeted her dog, Brandy, with a cheerful, two-syllable "Hel-lo!" It wasn't long until Brandy returned the greeting, which sounded very much like her owner's salutation, says Coren, author ofHow to Speak Dog: Mastering the Art of Dog–Human Communication.