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Have you ever wondered how to control canine shedding or what initially causes it? Most of the time, shedding is the coat's natural process of eliminating old, loose, and occasionally damaged hair. Older hair must be shed to make room for new, healthy growth, which keeps your dog's coat thick and warm.

All dogs shed, though some more than others, and it can be overwhelming for pet owners who feel like they're constantly vacuuming up endless amounts of fur! The breed of the dog, the climate, the dog's diet, any potential allergies, and many other factors influence how often and how much hair is shed.

Selecting a Breed - Which Dogs Shed More?

You should consider your household's allergies, your budget for professional grooming, and the time you can dedicate to at-home grooming when choosing a dog. Throughout the year, different breeds shed at various rates and seasons.

While some dogs only shed in spring and fall, others shed year-round. Contrary to popular belief, a hypoallergenic dog won't completely eliminate shedding or allergic reactions. In reality, truly hypoallergenic dogs simply produce less dander.

How to Reduce Dog Shedding

Fortunately, regardless of your dog's breed, there are several things you can do to help control their coat, undercoat, and dander throughout the year. You might be surprised to learn that most of these shedding reduction tips cost very little to implement.

Choose the Right Brush

Depending on your dog's coat type, you might need to brush daily or perhaps once a month. There are various types of brushes:

• Bristle Brush: Works for all coat types, but longer-haired dogs need brushes with longer, more widely spaced bristles
• Wire-Pin Brush: Perfect for medium to long-length curly, woolly coats
• Slicker Brush: Great for removing mats and tangles with fine wire bristles
• Rubber Curry Combs: Ideal for short-haired dogs to massage skin and remove dead hair

Provide Proper Nutrition

A dog eating a complete and balanced diet will receive the vitamins and nutrients needed to maintain strong hair follicles that resist breaking. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements can benefit some dogs' joints, heart, and immune health while promoting healthy hair growth.

Ensure Adequate Hydration

A dog should generally drink one ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. Dehydrated skin is a major contributor to excessive hair loss, so monitoring water intake is crucial for controlling shedding.

Regular Bathing and De-shedding Treatments

Bathing helps remove dead hair and cleanses the coat. De-shedding shampoos and conditioners contain moisturizers and Omega-3 fatty acids that hydrate your dog's skin and coat, building stronger, healthier follicles while separating old, dead hair from new growth.

Remember: If your dog is shedding excessively or in patches, consult with a veterinarian for a comprehensive check-up, as this could indicate underlying health issues.

As pet parents, we've all witnessed our favorite rug being torn to shreds or our brand-new sofa being chewed by our adorable but mischievous little companion. The best approach isn't to scold a puppy for chewing. Dogs naturally love chewing, which is not only enjoyable for them but also beneficial for their gums and teeth.

Rather than reprimanding your dog, encourage them to chew on appropriate objects. Purchasing the right dog toys is more important than you might realize. This guide will help you select the perfect chew toy for your furry friend.

How To Choose an Ideal Chew Toy

With countless products available, it can be challenging to know what's best for our dogs. Before selecting a chew toy, consider these factors:

1. Safety First

Your dog's safety is paramount. Ensure the toy isn't coated with anything harmful that could endanger your dog's health.

2. Durability Matters

The toy shouldn't be so soft that your dog can easily shred it into pieces, nor so poorly made that they can tear it apart and swallow chunks.

3. Proper Sizing

Every toy needs to be appropriately sized for your dog. For example, a ball shouldn't be so small that it could be swallowed.

4. Entertainment Value

The chew toy should be engaging enough to keep your dog occupied for hours without falling apart.

Top Chew Toys for Teething Puppies

Dogs love chewing on objects, which helps maintain healthy jaws and clean teeth. During teething, puppies will chew to relieve discomfort. Here are some excellent options:

Rubber Bottle Toys

These consist of a plastic bottle encased in a durable rubber shell. The bottle creates interesting sounds when chewed, sparking your dog's curiosity while the rubber exterior withstands strong bites.

Rope and Rubber Combination Toys

These toys feature strong rope elements combined with rubber components, perfect for dogs who love both chewing and tugging. Many include squeakers for added entertainment.

Flavored Chew Bones

Non-edible chew toys infused with natural flavors provide long-lasting entertainment. These come in various sizes and flavors to match your dog's preferences and size.

Treat-Dispensing Toys

These interactive toys challenge your dog mentally while satisfying their chewing needs. They can be filled with treats or kibble, making chew time both rewarding and engaging.

Pro Tip: Rotate toys regularly to maintain your dog's interest, and always supervise your puppy with new toys to ensure safe play.

We see our dogs in all their complexity: the good, the challenging, and everything in between. But have you ever noticed your pet displaying jealous behavior? Dogs, like humans, can become envious over toys, food, other pets, and even their owner's attention.

If not addressed properly, jealous dog behavior can escalate into aggression. While dogs may exhibit human-like jealousy, it typically stems from a perceived social threat. Dogs are excellent at reading and responding to human cues, making them aware of social dynamics.

Signs of Jealousy in Dogs

Aggressive Behavior

Whether it's toward new pets or a new partner, your dog may show aggression toward the object of their jealousy. This can manifest as biting, barking, nipping, or jumping. It's important to address this behavior firmly but without hostility.

Resource Guarding

Jealous dogs often begin with resource guarding behavior. They may hoard toys, act suspiciously around their food bowl, or become possessive of their favorite spots when the perceived threat is present.

Destructive Behavior

A normally well-behaved dog might become destructive when feeling jealous. This destruction is often an attention-seeking behavior when they feel neglected.

Pushy Attitude

If your dog constantly interrupts intimate moments or persistently inserts themselves between you and others, this pushy behavior is a clear sign of jealousy.

Inappropriate Elimination

Indoor accidents can be a dog's way of expressing jealousy and seeking attention when they can't communicate their feelings verbally.

How to Address Dog Jealousy

Equal Attention: Ensure all pets receive equal attention and affection. Don't favor one over another.

Separate Resources: Feed pets separately and provide individual toys and sleeping areas to reduce competition.

Positive Reinforcement: Reward calm, non-jealous behavior with treats and praise.

Gradual Introduction: When introducing new family members or pets, do so gradually and under supervision.

Maintain Routine: Keep consistent routines to help your dog feel secure and reduce anxiety.

Professional Help: Don't hesitate to consult a professional dog trainer or behaviorist if jealousy becomes a persistent problem. Seeking help shows you're a responsible pet parent who wants the best for your furry family.

We wish our dogs could accompany us everywhere, but that's simply not realistic. Teaching your puppy or new dog to be comfortable alone is essential training they need early in life. Without this skill, you may end up with a dog who barks excessively, digs, chews destructively, or develops severe separation anxiety.

Dogs are pack animals, so being alone can be naturally stressful. If you live in an apartment, a dog who barks and cries while you're away can create problems with neighbors. Here are seven steps to help your dog enjoy—or at least accept—their alone time.

Step 1: Tire Them Out Before Leaving

Ensure your dog has had a good walk before you leave them alone. This allows them to expend energy, tire themselves out, and take care of bathroom needs. A tired dog is more likely to rest and sleep while you're gone.

Step 2: Provide Mental Stimulation

Physical exercise is important, but mental stimulation is equally crucial. Using their brain can tire dogs out just like a long walk. A mentally and physically satisfied dog will be more inclined to sleep when left home alone.

Step 3: Gradually Increase Distance and Duration

Continue your routine, moving farther away and for longer periods each time. The pace of increase should match your dog's comfort level. Don't react if your dog follows or becomes anxious—remain calm and consistent.

Step 4: Consider Crate Training

The key to successful crate training is making the crate the most wonderful place on earth! Fill it with comfortable bedding, special toys, and treats. Never use the crate as punishment. Allow your puppy to explore the crate freely at first, then gradually increase the time they spend inside with the door closed.

Step 5: Make Alone Time Enjoyable

Ensure your dog has something engaging to do while alone. Puzzle toys that release treats when manipulated can keep them occupied and mentally stimulated. You can also hide treats around the house for them to discover, mimicking their natural foraging instincts.

Step 6: Keep Departures and Arrivals Low-Key

Don't make a big production of leaving or returning. Emotional goodbyes can increase your dog's anxiety. Simply provide a special toy, say a calm goodbye, and leave. Similarly, when you return, greet your dog calmly to avoid reinforcing over-excitement.

Step 7: Leave Your Scent Behind

Place an old t-shirt or worn item on your dog's bed so they can smell you. This familiar scent can provide comfort and reassurance while you're away, helping them feel less alone.

Remember: Teaching dogs with separation anxiety to be alone takes time, patience, and positive reinforcement, but it's absolutely achievable. With consistency and the right approach, you and your dog can overcome this challenge together.

While we can't sit down for a heart-to-heart conversation with our tail-wagging companions, we can learn to understand their non-verbal communication. A dog's emotional intelligence is comparable to that of a toddler—they experience emotions but may not express them as adults do.

How Dogs Communicate

Through centuries of interaction, we've learned to read dogs' behavioral patterns. Dogs are remarkably skilled at detecting different communication styles, including facial expressions, body language, and even eye contact.

Decoding Common Dog Behaviors

Head Tilting

When dogs tilt their heads, they're usually trying to better understand something that has captured their interest. This behavior often occurs when they're processing new information or trying to locate the source of a sound.

Standing on Hind Legs

This behavior can convey different messages depending on the context. When alone with you, rearing up is often a display of affection—they may genuinely want to reach up and "hug" you!

Chewing

In puppies, chewing helps relieve teething pain. In adult dogs, excessive chewing often indicates insufficient exercise or pent-up energy. Increased physical activity usually helps address this behavior.

Bringing You Toys

While dogs enjoy fetch, bringing you their favorite toy doesn't always mean they want to play. They might be showing trust or trying to please you. Pay attention to their body language to understand their true intention.

Yawning

Yawning around familiar people indicates comfort, but persistent yawning in public or stressful situations suggests anxiety or discomfort rather than tiredness.

"Puppy Eyes"

Those irresistible puppy eyes aren't just begging—they're expressing love and affection. When you see this look as you're leaving, it's not grief but rather an acknowledgment that while they know you're going, they trust you'll return.

Zoomies (Frantic Running)

When dogs race around in circles, they're usually expressing excitement and inviting you to join their fun. This high-energy behavior is a clear sign of joy and playfulness.

Raising Paws

Paw-raising typically means they want something or are eager to play. This behavior stems from puppyhood when they would paw at their mother for attention and food.

Stretching

Dogs don't just stretch after naps—they also stretch to show affection. If your dog stretches when you come home, they're expressing their joy at seeing you!

Understanding Your Dog: Learning to interpret these behaviors helps strengthen your bond and ensures you respond appropriately to your canine companion's needs and emotions.

When we consider pets as family members, we naturally want to raise the best versions of them. While we know you love your dogs deeply, nobody's perfect—we all make unconscious mistakes while raising our furry children. For first-time pet parents especially, the learning curve can be steep.

1. Insufficient Research

Pet ownership isn't a decision to make on impulse! Consider whether pets are allowed in your living situation, your budget for their care, and which breed suits your lifestyle. Education beforehand is crucial for successful pet parenting.

2. Being Unprepared for Medical Emergencies

Injuries, accidents, and health emergencies are inevitable. Be proactive by having a first aid kit ready and emergency veterinarian contact information easily accessible. Not all general practitioners can handle serious emergencies.

3. Neglecting Proper Nutrition

What your dog eats directly affects their overall well-being. While high-quality food may be expensive, it supports balanced nutrition. Choose foods made from whole ingredients with minimal artificial additives, preservatives, or fillers.

4. Improper Portion Sizes

Proper nutrition includes appropriate portion sizes. Feeding incorrect amounts leads to obesity or malnourishment. Work with your veterinarian to establish an appropriate feeding plan for your dog's age, size, and activity level.

5. Inadequate Hydration

Always ensure fresh, clean water is available. While increased water consumption during exercise or heat is normal, sudden changes in drinking habits can indicate health issues like diabetes or kidney problems.

6. Lack of Consistent Training

Training isn't a one-time event—it requires consistency. Establish house rules early and enforce them consistently. Dogs thrive on structure and clear expectations, and positive reinforcement works wonders when used appropriately.

7. Not Establishing Leadership

You must be the pack leader. During walks, your dog should follow your lead, not drag you around. Proper leash training prevents injuries and establishes your role as the decision-maker.

8. Avoiding Veterinary Care

Preventive care is less expensive than treating advanced illnesses. Regular check-ups help catch problems early when they're most treatable. Your veterinarian is your best resource for maintaining your pet's health.

9. Unsupervised Interactions with Children

While dogs and children can be great friends, initial introductions require supervision. Children may unknowingly stress or frighten dogs through poking, pushing, or overwhelming behavior.

10. Insufficient Socialization

Dogs are social creatures that need regular interaction with other dogs and humans. Extended isolation can lead to behavioral problems, separation anxiety, destructive behavior, or withdrawal.

Remember: This list represents just some common mistakes—there are many more that can impact your pet's development. The key is recognizing these potential pitfalls and working to avoid them for your dog's optimal health and happiness.