Hyperactivity / ADHD in dogs

The term hyperactivity is often used with pet parents; however, true hyperactivity involves over-activity, attention deficits and impulsivity, which can be calmed with stimulant drugs.

A recent study of over 11,000 dogs has shown that gender, breed and age can play a role in canine hyperactivity and ADHD.

The research found that inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity were more common in younger dogs and males, which is similar to humans. These traits were magnified if the dog spent most of its time at home alone.

As well as age, the research team discovered that the breed of the dog played an important role. Dogs like German Shepherds and Border Collie’s are more prone to ADHD if their minds are not stimulated. In contrast, dogs like a chihuahua have a calmer disposition and are less prone to ADHD or hyperactivity tendencies.

The research also found that hyperactive dogs have metabolic abnormalities with their blood containing certain elements that differ from normally behaved dogs. 

Dog Training at Home

A rewarding part of training your dog at home is the bond that you will create with them or strengthening an already existing bond.  Whether your dog is a puppy or an older one, training is an important part of keeping your dog stimulated and healthy.

Teaching the basics at home like sit, stay, wait and come gives them the freedom to be off the lead whilst you know you are in control and your dog will respond when a command is given.

Any training should be reward-based, so give your dog a small treat when they get the command correct.

When you start learning a new command, also start practising in a quiet room, away from distractions and break the training into short chunks so that the dog does not get bored.

Remember to be patient with your dog, they may not pick it up straight away and finish the sessions positively.

Raw Food Diets: Is there Any Evidence They Work?

One very popular trend now is switching dogs over to a raw food diet. You can either choose to make this food yourself or buy it from commercial, raw food providers. There are several things to consider before choosing if this option is right for you and your dog. A change in a dog’s diet is not something to consider lightly and takes time. Any type of switch in food types must be done slowly, whilst carefully watching how your pet reacts.

Raw diets have still not been scientifically proven to be better for dogs. Raw feeding is also not recommenced by vets. Raw food can pose many threats to humans and dogs, especially considering the bacteria, parasites and other potential pathogens that can be in raw meat. If you do decide on a raw diet, it is recommended that you do not make it at home, to try and help decrease these risks, but to purchase it from a commercial seller (preferably one that is a member of PFMA) as they will have certain health regulations to follow.

Raw diets are especially dangerous in a household with anyone who could be immunocompromised (very young, pregnant or older family members). Before making any diet changes for your pet, you should always consult your vet and get a professional opinion.

Dog Safety Tips at Christmas

Most everyone is excited for a bit of Christmas cheer to help brighten up this difficult year. One thing dog owners should be mindful of, is how to protect your pet from the harmful aspects of Christmas decorations.

Five Christmas Dog Safety Tips

Trees

If you have a live tree at Christmas be sure not to let your dog ingest the needles that fall from the tree as they are mildly toxic and could even possibly puncture the digestive tract or cause an obstruction. Fake trees could also have small plastic or aluminium bits that could break off and cause mouth irritation or intestinal blockage.

Ornaments

Glass ornaments could be a hazard if they were to fall or be eaten which is dangerous if stepped on or could cause blockages in the digestive tract. Many ornaments are also toxic due to the chemicals used in manufacturing, so consider non-toxic, natural decorations. Edible decorations, especially chocolate ones, are quite dangerous and could cause a pet to knock the tree over trying to get to them; the chocolate of course poses its own dangers.

Water

The water used for live Christmas trees, and the added preservatives could cause poisoning for your dog, so ensure the watering dish for the tree is covered.

Tinsel

If your dog were to get a hold of tinsel, this could cause major issues including diarrhoea, vomiting, blocked intestines and in extreme cases, surgery.

Lights

Lights can get hot and possibly burn your pet, cause electric shock or burns if chewed and in rare cases cause pulmonary edema, from wire chewing, which could be lethal.

It is important when planning your decorations, to try to keep in mind the safety of your dog or other pets. No one wants an emergency trip to the vet, and especially not during the holidays.

Why Should You Rescue Instead of Buying a Dog?

Dogs truly are humans best friend and they make such an incredible addition to the family. It can be easy to get caught up in looking for puppies, for sale, online but is it the best way to get a dog?

Reasons to Give a Rescue a Chance

1. Dog breeders are more concerned with getting rid of dogs and may not mention any problems or issues the puppy may have whereas rescue dogs get assessed as to any issues or triggers they may have and the dog carer is going to be more concerned that the rescue is going to the right home.

2. All dogs need training. A brand-new puppy that you have bought off someone or an abandoned rescue dog, either way, will require proper love and training.

3. It can be so much less expensive to get a rescue!! Puppies are ridiculously expensive and you will also have to pay for spaying/neutering, microchipping and vaccinations. Typically, a rescue dog already has all of these aspects covered. You may only need to pay an adoption fee.

4. Purebred dogs usually have more health issues than mutts. Just like with humans, the more restricted and uniform a bloodline is, the more problems that develop. Even if you want a particular breed, you could most likely find a rescue that fits your preference. You might even surprise yourself and fall in love with something completely different.

5. Last but not least, you will most likely be saving a life!!! Christmas time is rife with an increase of abandoned dogs. There are over 100,000 abandoned dogs just in the UK at any given time.