According to a new international survey from RightPet, dog owners say they get more satisfaction owning large dogs than small dogs.
This preference is especially true for men and young people.
The study was conducted online between 2010-2018 and surveyed dog breed reviews from 12,167 pet owners from 106 countries.
The RightPet Pet Ownership Study found that:
Both women and men are happier owning large dogs than small dogs.
Men and younger people are significantly more satisfied with larger breeds and lesssatisfied with toy and small dogs.
Older people (around age 70) are equally satisfied with any dog size.
Dog owners with experience owning multiple dogs of different sizes report the greatest satisfaction with large dogs.
Why are dog owners happier with large dogs than small dogs? The RightPet study found a direct correlation between dog size satisfaction and the fact that dog owners rate bigger dogs as more emotionally stable, child-safe, trainable and less-barky than small dogs.
“What our study has found is that large dogs score higher in traits that are really important to most dog owners”, says Brett Hodges, owner/editor at RightPet. “People don’t prefer large dogs per se – they like them because, in general, they’re more even-tempered, trainable and quiet than small dogs – making them ‘best in home.'”
You always hear about kids getting puppies for Christmas, but what about dogs?
Dogs would like to receive a puppy too! We’ve compiled the cutest videos of dogs being gifted puppies.
Remember: Puppies are not just gifts, they’re lifelong commitments. If you’re planning on getting a puppy for a human, make sure they can actually make the commitment.
Dog Unwraps Puppy for Christmas Present
Watch this golden retriever’s tail wag furiously as he opens a box to discover a puppy!
Dog Gets Puppy Christmas Surprise
The owner gathers around tons and tons of toy dogs. The dog just knocks them over, immediately recognizing their fake. Then, he moves into the living room and sees that there’s a REAL puppy waiting for him!
Dog Gets a Puppy for Christmas
Watch this dog peak into the box where her new baby sibling is!
Just like us, our dogs are doing some pretty important things that should be documented. He can take pics of his gourmet meals, the new toy he got or just some handsome selfies.
Avocado Toy
Remember that time an Australian millionaire told millennials to stop buying avocado toast and they’d be able to afford a dream home? EMOJI. Let’s face it: Many of us like avocado, but it’s not the reason we can’t buy a home. Maybe avocado dog toys are the reason why our dogs can’t afford dog houses EMOJI SHRUG
You have to have poop bags, but it’s better for the environment if they’re biodegradable. They’re also leak-proof, which is really important if you ask us!
He can be a police dog, search dog, therapy dog or an actor. If you want him to stay close to home, he can be a guard dog. Either way, every millennial dog needs a side hustle ?
Pet Camera
We love our dogs and we’d do anything to be with them all the time. And now we can—kind of. This camera allows you to see your dog with two-way audio.
Camping is much more enjoyable with your best friend, but there’s some things you need to think about before trekking with Fido or snuggling up to him in a tent under the stars.
Verify that the campground, national or state park that you’re going to allows dogs. Ask if there’s any rules that you should show about. For example:
Does your dog need to be on a leash at all times?
Does the leash need to be a specific length?
Are dogs restricted to certain areas (some camps don’t allow dogs near the lake or picnic table areas)?
Is there an extra charge for taking your dog?
2. Have Dog Insect Spray
You bring bug spray, so make sure you have a pet-friendly version for your dog too. He also needs to be up to date on his flea and tick medicine and heartworm prevention.
Fabrics for dogs—such as clothing, blankets and beds—that are treated with an insecticide (permethrin) are another option.
3. What to Pack when Camping with Your Dog
Make sure you pack everything your canine needs to her trip, for example:
Plenty of poop bags
Dog food
Water bowls or travel bowls (that you can easily attach to your belt or backpack)
Dog toys
Extra leash and a long leash/rope that you can use to tie him up
Illuminated collar or harness so he’s easily seen at night
First-Aid kit for dogs
Mobile fencing or large exercise pen to play around in
A photocopy of his vaccination records and vet details
4. Watch Your Dog
Your dog is in a new area and should always be supervised. Make sure you keep any food out of his reach. Hot dogs, burgers and other snacks are often laying around but can make your dog sick if he eats too much. He may also attempt to get into any garbages around, so you’ll need to keep an eye on him. There will also be cars driving by so make sure he stays off the path or road.
5. Don’t Forget ID
Place an ID tag on your dog’s collar and ensure that it stays on him after bathing or swimming in the lake, etc. If he tends to lose his ID tags or if you want extra security, consider microchipping your dog.
6. Tailor Activities to Your Dog’s Fitness Level
If you’re an active person who enjoys hiking and going on adventures when you’re camping, you need to make sure not to overdo your dog. A dog that’s healthy will have the stamina for a long uphill hike. But if your dog is typically a couch potato or had a flat nose, he may tend to get tired very quickly.
Your dog may also be affected if the weather is too hot, so make sure to watch him and have plenty of water on hand in case. You should also check his paw pads throughout your walk or hike to make sure they’re not getting sore.
About Author
Deann Rebello – I’m a founder at BearinForest.com, a Camping blog that shares everything about traveling and camping. I’m just a young lady who loves camping out and always eager to share my bonding experience to the world. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter
When it comes to the holidays, you may feel overwhelmed with the number of people you want to buy gifts for.
One of those people may be your dog walker or petsitter.
In this post, we’re highlighting some items you can gift your dog walker. If you don’t want to spend money, we list some free or low-cost options at the end.
How Much Should You Spend on Your Dog Walker?
Firstly, you don’t have to give a gift to your dog walker. Although it’s a kind gesture, if you’re operating on a low budget, your priority should be your family and friends.
With that being said, if you have a friendly bond with your dog walker or dog nanny or really appreciate their work, a gift is appropriate.
Although the amount you spend on family and friends will vary, it’s okay to keep costs low for your dog walker. He or she will probably be thrilled and surprised to receive any type of gift. Whether you can spend $10 or $40, buy what you feel is appropriate and within your budget.
What to Buy Your Dog Walker for Christmas
“I Prefer Dogs” Mug
They spend their time with dogs for a living… so of course they will agree with this mug!
This calender will make any dog walker laugh. Each day features a new text from a dog to their human. Being with dogs all the time, they will probably relate to a lot of these jokes.
Research has shown that behavior issues are now one of the primary reasons dogs (and cats) are taken to the local shelter or the dog pound.
However, vets all around feel they do not get the opportunity to provide the best treatment.
If your dog could intervene in their K-9 lives, many health issues would never have the chance to show its true colors. Although the dogs “true colors” need a bit more time to evaluate, most dog owners can see red flags early.
Pet Stores as well as veterinarians have a place for puppy classes or know who does. That will indeed increase your stream of income if you are a vet. However, as the dog owner, all that changes is being the payee to your Vet.
Then you will see just how much these services cost. Especially if you and your little K9 can afford those services. Maybe they would even have an ultimate dog pool for your pup to help it settle down. Dip one foot it and feel for yourself if it is ok.
If you have yet to plan the next behavior sessions, it will not be long before attitudes change, and true colors shine. So, if you are a practicing vet, in this scenario, you win, the pup wins, and your clinic wins.
Puppy Socialization Classes: Do They Work?
Puppies really do have socialization classes when they begin to do “bad things.” Bad things, meaning, tearing up furniture and anything made of wood. There are times when a dog retaliates and will tear things up that belong to the human.
Dogs can pout, whine, scratch, chew on things, and fight with the other animals in the house. If you have a dog that is prone to bad habits, you need to address this matter with your Vet. The following are reasons why Puppy Socialization classes are vital.
Socialization is more than Social Media
No, It’s Not Social Media
Whether you have dogs or cats, you bond with that animal and make it part of your family. Humans take pictures of themselves running and playing with their K-9 children and plaster them all over Facebook.
Creating a “wall” to display your lifetime journey is cute and all, but, it does not take long to become “one of those.” That means you are young enough that people ooh and ahh over your pictures, maybe your graduation or something spectacular.
Alternatively, you just completed Med School and will now serve your time working at a hospital. This world creates many people and events to everything a person can ask to see and even more.
Then, you realize you are “one of those” people who love to read from everyone’s page to see what they have become: that and the millions of baby pictures. Just because you are not living in the same area, there is all the family that wants to follow you so that they too can see that baby.
Those pictures of when your dog was just a pup, and together everyone watched you raise your one time puppy as it turned into a healthy, beautiful dog. Keep in mind. However, you can post pictures by the hundreds each day and it not do one thing to help your dog socialize.
*Writers Tip*
There is a primary socialization time that occurs, between three and five weeks of age. That is when the pups are learning just how it is and what it takes to be a dog: nothing fancy, just a dog. This time is prime time as the pups are playful and eager to run and learn.
There are Two Stages of Canine and Human Stages of Socialization. Moreover, these are Pups that are most likely to join in at a specific timeframe of being a baby pup. Here are perfect scenarios dog owners want to reveal.
If you plan to board your home, you need to meet the staff as well as the pet sitter at the facility you chose.
By allowing your dog to have time to sit and maybe visit with your dog, that will generally make the transition a much easier ordeal. Have “meet and greet” moments that will let your sitter know your dog and vice-versa.
Tell the sitter about any allergies, anxiety, dietary concerns and provide the Vet of your choice in case of an emergency, as well as any family or friends that are close.
If you are boarding, be sure to send things your dog will have with your scent on so they can sleep better. That is just one advantage of hiring a sitter so that your dogs are in their surrounding that they know they are safe. If your dog has a shirt it likes, that has your scent, that would help.
Because you will be away on a family trip, it will help to keep your pups in something warm and comfy with your scent to keep your dog settled.
Make Sure the Sitter Keeps Your Dog Busy Such as Going on Walks
That is probably the easiest, yet, most important task of hiring a sitter. While you are away, you want your pets to have the least amount of trauma as possible. That simple tip being tried-and-true is no doubt the easiest one to keep your dog happy.
Dogs are the one species that when you mention, “outside.” they take off running to beat its owner. Walking is not the only fun activity you can share with your canine. You can go for a jog, play fetch or just relaxing together.
The more you keep a dog busy, the better the pup will be with its human. The first issue is dogs know when you are going somewhere. Therefore, preparing your pups for when you are away is working in your favor.
Before you start packing, play a lot with your dog and if possible have the sitter play with you and your dog to show the dog the sitter is safe and friendly. Hopefully, while you are gone, your dog will learn you never stay gone.
Once you teach the sitter your dog’s favorite foods and favorite toys to play with, everything will work out perfectly.
Humans are prescribed the antidepressant Trazodone. But is it safe for dogs too?
In this post, we’ll cover what Trazodone is, what it’s used for and if it’s safe.
What is Trazodone?
Trazodone is a pharmaceutical medication prescribed to treat depression, anxiety disorders and alcohol dependence in humans. However, sometimes it can be prescribed to dogs for anxiety and behavioral problems. It’s sold under the brand names Oleptro® and Desyrel®.
If your dog is suffering from anxiety or fearfulness, it may be because the chemicals in his brain are unbalanced. Trazodone for dogs helps to increase the serotonin levels and alter his mood.
Trazodone must be prescribed by a veterinarian. If you think your dog may benefit from the medication, talk to your vet.
Trazodone for Dogs: Uses
There are two main conditions Trazodone is prescribed for in dogs: Behavior and anxiety.
Behavior Problems
Although Trazodone can be prescribed to improve a dog’s behavior, it’s not always a suitable option. Training your dog to modify his behavior is the first go-to solution for long-term improvement. However, if a dog is aggressive and has become a threat to others, a combination of medication and training from a behavioral specialist may work best.
Anxiety Problems
Many dogs suffer from anxiety problems. This may include separation anxiety whenever you leave for work in the morning. Anxiety can also come in the form of fear of the vet or of meeting other people or dogs. In many cases, a dog’s anxiety can be managed and improves over time. However, if your dog is in distress and it doesn’t improve, your vet may recommend medication.
A vet may also prescribe Trazodone if your dog needs to rest after surgery but has a hard time calming down because he’s naturally very physically active. In the same way, the medication may be helpful if you’re travelling in a confined space with a hyper dog.
Trazodone Side Effects: Is it Safe?
We should note that although Trazodone is approved by the FDA, it’s not approved specifically for use in animals or dogs. This means that it is prescribed off-label.
With that being said, there has been some research on how Trazodone affects dogs. One 2014 study followed dogs who were given the medication after surgery to decrease their hyperactivity level. Researchers found that Trazodone was well-tolerated and that no dogs had severe adverse reactions. They concluded that it was safe and effective for dogs. Since there’s more studies on Trazodone and humans, more research needs to be done to confirm its positive results in dogs.
Not every dog reacts the same way to medication. If you give your dog Trazodone or any medication for the first time, he should be supervised and you should watch for any of the following side effects:
Lethargy/sedation
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Disorientation
Increased anxiety
Priapism
Ataxia
If your dog has a severe reaction, contact your vet immediately.
