GrouchyPuppy® Blog | Dog Lovers Source

Don't let your puppies grow up to be big dogs!

"Mama don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys," and don't let your puppies grow up to be big dogs.

Why shouldn't you carry a Doberman around a lot as a puppy? Because as my sister will tell you, Dobermans grow up and get heavy. Heavy enough to hurt your back if you try and lift them up like this. However, they are smart dogs and deeply love their people. 

Influence Positively Moment: Pug Puppies Having a Bath

 

15 Reasons Why America Loves Dogs So Much

Why do we love dogs so much? Is it the stories of their heroic tales? Is it the adorable puppy faces? Their incredible loyalty? I suspect we dog lovers all have some personal, and very touching reasons why a dog occupies our hearts and homes.

 

Popular neighborhood girl

I personally can't get enough of their expressions, and behavior. Sometimes I feel like Dr. Jane Goodall with the way I observe my dog, and the joy I get from it. Hours and hours of notes and photos have been taken of Cleo. 

Below are some of the reasons that came to me that seemed like they could apply to all dogs, not just mine. Like people, I'm sure there are exceptions to the rule but I bet you've experienced some of what I'm talking about. Take a look at these and let me know what you think..

Know the signs: Diabetic Shock in Dogs

We have a dog with diabetes. She was diagnosed over a year ago. I imagine compared to many, our experience has been relatively easy. We identified the symptoms fairly quickly. Our vet was fast with test results. Her insulin dosage was pretty seamless to adjust. The internet, friends and colleagues are a wealth of resources and encouragement. I definitely felt that we responded to this significant medical change in Cleo more quickly and effectively than our experience with her allergies.

However, for every one person who knows about diabetes in dogs, there are many who do not. They usually say, "Dogs can get diabetes? I had no idea!" That moment can stop you short. It makes me think of the dogs who are discarded at shelters, or whose life is cut short because their person had this reaction.

When your dog is a member of the family, and you fuss over their care the way many Americans do, it is hard to step back sometimes and remember that you are not infallible. Your dog clearly loves you, responding to all the thoughtful care-giving and attention you provide. But unless you are a vet, or vet tech, your training is from the point of view of a concerned and loving guardian. Like most of us.

 

Caring for a diabetic senior dog

Give Fearlessly | What older dogs can teach a person

If dogs are already amazing creatures, imagine the benefits of a senior dog in your life. 

Cute Pit Bull Puppy Really Wants To Get On Treadmill

When I visited SF Puppy Prep, if I hadn't seen it then I wouldn't have believed how adorable puppies loved playing on a scooter. A kid's plastic scooter with wheels. They positively wrestled over who could get on it and scoot across the floor on its wheels.

These puppies were a blur having their fun

Was it a fluke? I don't think so. Watch this video of the cutest Pit Bull puppy trying his or her hardest to [...]

Does Your Dog Eat Healthier than You?

My dog's facial expressions can make me do things I know I shouldn't. Her eyes turn into tractor beams and in a moment, I'm leaning over the counter giving her a treat for "being so cute." Cleo is a senior dog, and she has diabetes. I know I need to be conscious of her diet, but sometimes it's hard to listen to my brain and not those sweet doggie eyes asking for a taste of what we're eating or cooking.

“Like people, dogs require a properly balanced diet to ensure they are receiving all of the nutrients necessary for proper health,” said Preston Buff, Ph.D., PAS, Dipl., Chief Natural Nutrition Officer at The Nutro Company.

Did you know that dogs are fed scraps under the table in 70% of households? According to a new survey by the makers of NUTRO® ULTRA™ Food for Dogs, I'm not alone in trying to do the right thing for Cleo's health and diet:

• Only about half (54 percent) of owners say they feed their dog the exact serving size listed on the dog food packaging
• 40 percent of dog owners rarely or never check the ingredients in their dog’s food
• 36 percent of dogs eat dinner when their owners do
• Only 29 percent of dogs follow an all-natural, holistic diet

Read the press release for more details.

Do you struggle with your dog's diet or does your dog eat healthier than you? How do you take to make your dog(s) nutritional health a priority? Share in the comments!

This post is written by a member of the Nutro Knowledge Network.

"No means No" and Why are cats such bossy pants?

Maud the cat lets Alistair the dachshund firmly know that playing around wasn’t going to happen...

 

Via Laughing Squid

UC Davis Veterinarians Safe Pets Holiday Tips

 

Via UC Davis News

Veterinarians at the University of California, Davis, offer some helpful tips to keep your pets safe this holiday season.

Items to watch out for:

• Chocolate — Chocolate contains ingredients that can be toxic to pets. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. While dogs are the most susceptible, cats and other species may be affected, too. It is best to avoid letting any of your pets eat chocolate. If they have eaten chocolate and show signs of anxiety, agitation or vomiting, consult a veterinarian immediately.
• Poinsettias and holly — These traditional holiday plants can cause mild irritation to a pet’s mouth and may cause minor drooling, decreased appetite or vomiting. Seek veterinary care if these signs progress.
• Mistletoe — In small amounts, mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal irritation, possibly resulting in drooling, vomiting or diarrhea. Larger amounts could cause more severe harm. Consult veterinary care immediately if your pet has eaten any mistletoe.
• Electrical cords — Pets can easily be electrocuted if they chew through holiday light cords, which are usually thin and not insulated. Respiratory distress is a sign of electrocution, as well as a burn mark across the lips or tongue. Consult veterinary care immediately if your pet has these signs.
• Tinsel — While it makes a beautiful decoration, tinsel can be deadly to your pet if swallowed. It can easily cause an intestinal blockage and leakage of the consumed material into the abdomen. If you suspect your pet has eaten tinsel, and it has a loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea, seek veterinary care.

The best medicine may be prevention. Here is the entire story.

 

 

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Doggie Dental Care | Only the teeth you want to keep

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, approximately 75% of pets over the age of three will experience signs of periodontal disease. When we adopted our dog Cleo, she had a root canal within months of coming home. She was about three years old. Adopting an adult dog, we didn't know her background but since having Cleo is for keeps, it's been important for us to learn about doggie dental care.

Look Who's Talking! Cute Baby and Dog Debate

This is the funniest exchange between a beautiful Malamute and an adorable baby. Does the baby think they are a dog? The dog's look and sniff of the baby's face had me in stitches. Enjoy!!

 

Why gamble? A senior dog is your best bet

As every gangster movie has shown, gambling is bad for you. In our book, puppies are for risk takers, while senior dogs are kind of a sure thing and a good bet.

As we close out November and Adopt a Senior Pet Month, let's revisit why senior dogs are amazing, and your best bet:

Cleo's Diabetes Diagnosis | November is Pet Diabetes Month

One year ago we discovered that our dog was diabetic. It was a huge surprise to us. She ate well, we avoided processed people food, she wasn't fat and she got regular exercise. Our early warning sign was her sudden increase in water consumption. 

When she kept up the excessive water drinking so that we were taking her out to pee every few hours, we knew something was wrong. My elderly father had developed diabetes a few years ago, and his sudden increase in thirst had been a big sign to all of us to push him to get tested. The signs of diabetes are similar for pets and people.

Senior Dog Month: What's so great about Cleo?

What's so great about Cleo?

This Shepherd-Husky dog is a force of nature. From day one, she demanded that we participate in her life, and in return, seven years on, she etched herself into ours. As a senior dog Cleo is slowing down, but her personality remains at full tilt.