If you are reading this, you may already be acquainted with essential oils, and how to use them. However, if essential oils are new to you, let’s take a moment to talk about what they are and how they are commonly used.

Essential oils are the effervescent, highly-concentrated organic element of plants that give each plant its characteristic smell and taste. They are found in all parts of the plant, such as the stems, leaves, roots, nuts and seeds. Essential oils are thought of as being volatile, as they can easily change from a liquid state into a gas or a scent. This happens easily, when you open up a bottle of essential oil and the strong aroma escapes.

Can Essential Oils Be Helpful for Dogs?

There are many holistic veterinarians who recommend the use of essential oils for their canine patients. With that being said, here is what the AKC says regarding the use of essential oils for dogs. Although there are ways to use them safely, there can be serious risks associated with using essential oils incorrectly.

A Risky Situation

Many people assume that just because something is natural, that means it is completely safe. However, this is a common misconception. Quite potent in nature, essential oils are quite risky for you to use for your pets without proper guidance from a veterinarian.

Even if we are talking about just a few drops of a chosen essential oil, applied topically they can irritate the skin of both you and your dog. Obviously, this is not what you want, if you are looking to improve the quality of your dog’s health.

Essential oils contain chemicals that are quickly absorbed by the body, no matter whether the oil is applied topically or whether the oil is ingested. The oil is then quickly metabolized by the liver. This makes essential oils particularly dangerous for dogs who have liver disease, as well as senior dogs, or young pups.

If you put essential oils onto your dog’s coat and he or she manages to lick it off, they are likely to experience an upset stomach, indigestion, nausea or vomiting. You should never leave your essential oils in a place where your dogs can reach them, in order to protect your pets.  

Keep in mind that even using essential oils in a diffuser affects your pet, because he or she breathes in the aroma of the powerful oil.

The golden rule of essential oils for dogs is that you should NEVER give them to your pets to ingest.

Here is a list of essential oils that are known to be HARMFUL to dogs:

Anise, Cinnamon, Citrus, Clove, Garlic, Juniper, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Pine, Sweet Birch, Tea Tree, Thyme, Wintergreen, Yarrow, and Ylang Ylang.

Should your dog ever accidentally consume essential oils, immediately contact your veterinarian, as well as the poison control center at 800-213-6680.

Safely Using Essential Oils

Is there a safe way to use essential oils for dogs? One alternative is to try purchasing precisely-formulated products which contain specific essential oils that have been tested and proven safe to use on dogs.

Most veterinarians will instruct you to not use essential oils topically. However, if they allow it, they will have you mix the essential oil with a carrier oil, which may include almond oil or olive oil for example.

The bottom line is this. The only safe way to use essential oils on your dog is to get approval and specific instructions from your veterinarian. 

Author Bio:

Pamela Gentry is a writer and parent of two children.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family.
She is passionate about inspiring others to rescue animals!

The world is big, and out of all the creations of God, dogs are the best ones. They not only make the world as a whole beautiful but also make life worth living by just being a part of it. It is their unconditional love and support that makes their human companion feel complete

. 

Well, who does not like to see that wagging tail and those playful and exciting jumps of their little ball of fur after coming back home from a long, tough day at work? We all do. 

Although dogs are the most faithful human companions and they love their human friends unconditionally, there are times when dog parents are seen complaining about the unusual behavior of their pooch. 

You might have also had hard times when you come back home after a rough day at work, and just when you are about to unlock your front door, your neighbor comes around complaining about how your dog has been disturbing the whole neighborhood barking or howling. And that’s when you feel frustrated. 

Well, don’t!!! You might get frustrated, but you need to give it a second thought…Yeah!! And that is about your pooch!! When you feel that he might need some house manners, he might be suffering from some serious issues. Yes!!! That’s where separation anxiety in dogs comes to a role. 

Now, you might be wondering about separation anxiety in dogs. Well!! That’s okay. I know, not every pet parent knows about it.

So, here’s what separation anxiety in dogs is.

Symptoms of Separation Anxiety in Dogs 

Now that you know a bit about what separation anxiety is, let us scroll down to signs that will let you know if your dog is suffering from the same or not. 

Note: If he is exhibiting these symptoms in your absence, then he sure is suffering from the same; otherwise, he is not. 

You may find out more about dogs by clicking on the following link: mypetchild.com

Now, let’s move to the symptoms. 

#1. Barking and Howling

As already said earlier, when you come back home and hear your neighbor complaining about how your pooch was barking/howling, then surely he is suffering from separation anxiety. 

They usually get distressed when they do not find you around and exhibit their fear by constantly barking or howling. Well, if they do not show the same behavior when you are around, understand that they might need you. 

#2. Pacing 

You might have noticed your dog moving in the same direction, either moving back and forward along a straight line or roaming around in a circle; then, it might be a symptom that your dog is suffering from separation anxiety. 

#3. Destroying or Chewing the Furniture 

Did you ever come back home to see that damaged furniture or your favorite pair of shoes? Well, most of the parents get frustrated to see such havoc caused by their pooch and start punishing their four-legged friend for doing the same. But, you must know that punishing your dog for the same will only worsen the situation. 

So, if you happen to confront such a situation, do not panic and treat the case by being patient and considerate of your dog’s condition. 

#4. Digging the Doorways or Trying to Escape

When suffering from separation anxiety, your dog might try and dig the doorways and windows as an attempt to escape. This might also prove to be harmful to your dog, and he might end up getting hurt by having broken teeth, nails, or scraped paws. 

So, these are a few symptoms that will help you understand if your dog is suffering from separation anxiety or not. Remember that he will only exhibit these symptoms only in your absence if he is prone to separation anxiety. 

How You Can Help Your Dog to Reduce Separation Anxiety

Helping your dog reduce and treat separation anxiety does not always mean that you need help from a medical professional (of course, a vet) because, with a little care and dedication, you can do the needful yourself. 

So, here are a few things you can do to help your dog get out of separation anxiety. 

#1. Tire Your Dog Out Before Leaving 

One of the best ways to keep your dog calm and at peace while you are not around is by trying and tiring him out before you leave. So, before you are all set to start your dog, take your dog out for a walk. 

To make the walk more exhausting, you may also consider taking a dog backpack along. This will eventually shift the focus of your dog towards sleeping or taking rest just by lying down. 

#2. Keep Your Departures and Arrivals Low-Key 

People usually make a big deal before they leave their dog home alone. They usually talk to their dog, saying I will be back soon, etc. and the same is the case when they come back. They enter the house with their arms wide open to hug their pooch. 

They do not realize that this does affect their dog severely, and he starts missing his human friend more. 

So, make sure that you keep your departures and arrivals low-key by not putting much attention towards your dog. This will help him stay calm while you are not around. 

#3. Train Your Dog to Enjoy Personal Space

People usually do not realize the value of personal space when it comes to their dog. They sleep with their pooch, stay around him all the time, without understanding the fact that this will make him more addicted to his human friend. 

So, try and train your dog by allowing him to sleep in a separate area. Besides making him sleep alone, teach him to stay and enjoy time alone during the day when you are around. 

This practice will enable him to stay independent and look for you all the time.  

#4. Leave Comfort Cues Around 

You may leave laundry with your scent on it to keep your dog calm when you are not around. This way, he will know that you are going to come back home, which will keep him away from feeling distressed. 

#5. Leave Toys and Treats

You may consider leaving engaging toys for your pet when you are not around. This will keep him busy and will shift his focus from you towards the toy. 

You may also hide the treats around the house, which will also keep his focus away from missing and stressing over you.

Arthritis may seem like an ailment of a tired, old dog. However, dogs of any age can start showing early onset symptoms of arthritis.

Difficulty jumping on the bed or trouble getting into cars are two telltale signs that something is going on with your dog’s health.

While cats are notorious for hiding illnesses and discomfort, dogs are sometimes more vocal about it. That may be the unexplained whining during activities or excessive grunting with minor movement.

A dog that used to be as energetic as the Energizer bunny suddenly sleeping all the time could also indicate arthritis.

Related Reading:

Small Dogs Can Suffer From Arthritis

Arthritis is often considered a “big dog” problem. However, little dogs are equally at risk for developing arthritis. Some might argue they are more at risk because they have further to jump.

One way to help prevent arthritis in little dogs is to limit their jumping. Even if your dog doesn’t have arthritis, consider using dog steps to help them get on and off the bed without putting so much pressure on their joints.

In the long run, excessive jumping puts a lot of strain on their hind legs, potentially increasing their likelihood of arthritis later in life.

Dog poop isn’t a topic we like to dwell on, but if you’re a dog owner, poop is a fact of life you can’t ignore. The Census Bureau estimates there are 80 million dogs in the U.S., and most of them go to the bathroom outdoors. That results in more than 10-million tons of waste per year – or as much as Americans themselves produced just 50 years ago.

When America was a rural nation, dogs roamed free, and they dispersed their droppings over a wide area. But now most Americans are suburbanites and have yards that average only 11,000 square feet, according to the Census Bureau. The Food and Drug Administration estimates the average dog excretes about 274 pounds of feces per year. Most of that waste accumulates in a small yard – and that’s a problem.

That waste poses a threat to humans, animals, and the environment if it’s not handled properly. Unfortunately, myths about dog feces result in the improper handling of it by millions of pet owners. Here are five common myths about dog poop.

Related Reading:

You can make dog doo disposal easier and more efficient. Consider a dog waste septic system. These devices work like a miniature home septic system. You bury them according to instructions, add chemicals and water, and place the droppings in them. The system liquefies the waste and passes it harmlessly into the subsoil. The cost of these units run from about $35 to $75.

You can also create a doggie bathroom. Choose an inconspicuous spot in your yard and cover it with mulch or small gravel, then train your dog to do his business there.  This method doesn’t eliminate picking up droppings, but at least it confines it to one area.

Not only is improperly disposed of dog waste a health hazard, but a 2010 survey by Consumer Reports showed that dog poop was the sixth biggest annoyance to Americans. Unpleasant as it may be, properly cleaning up the mess is a social obligation that comes with the enjoyment of pet ownership.

About the author: Sheri Wallace is a dog trainer who also owns a doggie bath and grooming business. When she’s not working with dogs, you’ll find her in her backyard playing with her Siberian husky and basset hound.

Dogs are known for being able to digest almost anything. From watermelon bites to socks, nothing passes by a hungry drooling canine. Similarly, if you’re also a cat owner, you’ve probably noticed that your pooch sometimes likes to munch cat food more than its own. On top of that, many owners give cat treats to their dogs believing there isn’t much of a difference between the two.

But what is so great about cat food, anyway? More importantly – is it in any way harmful?

Although it’s not an alarming issue, there is a reason why these two animals eat different types of food. Differences in nutritive and calorie value can potentially lead to some digestive or weight problems in dogs. Don’t panic if it happens as a one-time occasion, but make sure it doesn’t turn into a regular habit.

Here are some main reasons why it’s best not to keep cat food around dogs and tips on how to prevent them from eating it.

WHAT’S SO TEMPTING ABOUT CAT FOOD?

Physically, dog and cat food appear very similar. They both come in the form of dry kibble or canned goods, cookie treats and snacks of similar shape and size, with even similar smell. Yet, when it comes to the ingredients, they are quite different.

|Few pet owners know that cats and dogs have different dietary requirements. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their primary source of energy is meat-based food.  Dogs, on the other hand, are omnivores, animals that eat both meat and vegetables, so their nutritional requirements include a diet richer in vitamins, fiber and minerals.

In fact, dogs have similar nutritional needs to humans. It’s made with some of the same proteins, carbs, fruits, veggies, and supplements that comprise your daily diet. Some owners prefer feeding their dogs with their food leftovers, or preparing home-made meals for dogs that consist of the same stuff that people eat, like rice, meat, cooked vegetables, corn, bread and more. Although essentially non-problematic, make sure to be properly informed about your dog’s nutritional needs if you make his meals on your own. Depending on their size, age and breed, dogs will need different ingredients for proper growth and healthy functioning.

Cat food is predominantly meat, or processed food rich in protein and fat. Simply put, fatty and meaty food is very tasty, it smells tempting and appealing, which is probably why dogs prefer their fellow kitty’s bowl more.

On top of that, when you have a dog looking for something to eat even though his bowl is full, you may question the type and quality of what you’ve been feeding him so far. Different dog breeds may enjoy different flavor, while puppies need food richer in protein than adult dogs. Sometimes it’s about the food brand, so try out different things until you see your four-legged friend satisfied. Luckily, there’s an array of resources online, for example Totally Goldens and similar, providing useful information on pet feeding and supplements to help you decide on what’s best for your dog.

WHY CAN’T I JUST LET MY DOG EAT IT?

Although your pooch won’t end up in the emergency room, if fed cat food frequently, he or she may suffer from some digestive problems, nutrient deficiency and weight problems.

The lack of fruits and vegetables may lead to some gastrointestinal problems in dogs, such as pancreatitis or acute gastroenteritis. Even if there aren’t any strong symptoms of illness, in the long run the high level of protein may do some damage to your dog’s kidneys and liver.

 WEIGHT GAIN

Animal obesity is something to be blamed on the owner. The less is presented in front of a dog, the less they’ll have a chance of gaining unnecessary weight. Apart from having different ingredients, cat food is much heavier in calories than dog food. While an occasional odd mouthful won’t do any harm, if fed regularly with cat kibble, dogs will definitely gain weight fast. An overweight dog has less chance of living a healthy and quality life.

NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCY

Since food for cats isn’t designed to meet dog’s dietary needs, it is not advisable feeding canines with it in order to avoid nutritional deficiency.

Dog and cat bodies function differently. Sometimes dogs need several supplements in their food that cats don’t, and vice-versa. For instance, dogs have the ability to convert beta-carotene into vitamin A, so foods rich in it, such as carrots, are common in dog kibble. Cats, on the other hand, need to be given vitamin A supplements, since they don’t have the same ability, so carrots are not put in cat food. Similarly, dogs produce taurine on their own, while cats need to obtain it in their diet in the form of supplements.

These and similar differences in metabolism functioning are the main reason why there are specific rules for making pet food. Mineral, fiber and vitamin deficiency can lead to some long-term health issues.

Pancreatitis (inflammation and infection of  the pancreas) is one of the nasty side effects of eating foods high in fats. Although this is not only specific for cat food, it may lead to intestinal problems if not put under control.

Finally, we forget that dogs can be like children – if they like something, they’ll find their way to get it. Pickiness is not rare in dogs, so make sure to be a strict parent when you discover your furry friend is sneaking on forbidden food.  Try to look at it as junk food for dogs – it’s delicious and addictive, but definitely not healthy. The good thing is, you are the one to control the situation.

MY DOG ATE CAT FOOD – WHAT DO I DO?

Again, apart from a little vomiting or diarrhea, there’s nothing to be worried about. After you’ve discovered your dog has access to cat food, think about feeding the animals in separate rooms.

Also, try feeding them at the same time to avoid any possible intruding into one’s lunch. This way, your cat will make sure the dog isn’t touching her bowl and the pooch will have to satisfy himself with the low-calorie kibble.

Another neat solution is considering automated feeders that can be programmed to react to specific triggers, like a cat’s collar, or to make food available at a specific time. While you go for a long walk with Rover, Fluffy can have her meal in peace.

Cats are nimble climbers, so use that to their advantage. Simply put a cat’s bowl or a feeder in an elevated place (on a table or a shelf) that is out of dog’s reach.

All in all, you shouldn’t be worried about your dog favouring cat food. It’s a common phenomenon and it happens for a reason. When you understand how your pets’ diet works and what they need to be healthy and well, it’s easy to know when to react and what steps to take. By following these tips, your dog will be back on track with his eating habits, so your beloved furry friends can live in peace, safe and sound.

About: Simon Dupree has loved dogs since he was a boy. In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with his two-year-old golden retriever. If he is not writing for Totally Goldens he is probably out exploring the world with his pawsome friend

Dogs are greatly loved by men, but this does not take out the fact that there are sometimes that it gets pretty hard to explain certain behaviors by your dog. Sometimes, it is just really difficult to decipher what your dog is trying to say. However, these animals actually communicate greatly. It is left to humans to understand their body language and the messages they are trying to pass across by behaving in certain ways.

Here are some common signs to look out for while trying to understand the meaning of your dog’s body language:

Relaxed and Friendly

In this case, what you get a very loose stance. Here, the dog is typically on all fours with head high, an indication that the dog doesn’t mind being approached.

In a relaxed state, the dog’s ears would also be up and the tail would hang loosely.

Aggressive

The common forms of aggression used by behaviorists to describe this include defensive aggression and offensive aggression.

For offensive aggression, the dog will have a tall and stiff posture with raised hackles and a highly-raised tail. The ears of the dog will also be pricked forward and could angle differently from each other in a “V”. The mouth and nose is wrinkled and features like bared teeth and curled lips of the dog become obvious. This is a behavior that presents the dog as larger and intimidating. As for defensive aggression, it comes when a threat is perceived. Here, the dog feels fearful or protective. Your dog would show this behavior by staying low to the ground and keeping his tail down. The ears and also flattened and eye contact is avoided. This may draw your attention to the need to groom your dog properly and one item you may need for this task is the very best brush for golden retrievers.

Curious and Alert

For a dog to get curious and alert, it could be that it has heard other dogs barking in the distance or it has smelt grilling hot dogs. This makes the dog wonder if danger is lurking. Thus, the dog gets curious and stays alert. In this case, your dog may have a generally stiffer body with tensing muscle and the dog’s weight will now be resting on its front paws.

The dog’s tail may thus move in side-to-side manner, although parallel to the body, but not bristled or puffed up. The ears will also forward and have the ability to twitch or rotate, as they angle to catch the sound. Your dog’s mouth will be closed if it is in this state.

Submissive

This is a common behavior that you would have noticed when two dogs come in contact with each other. Usually, one dog will go lower to the ground and flatten out ears and raise a paw as if to shake hands. This is usually the less confident dog showing some sort of humility and submission. This dog may even try to lick the more confident one. The dog may also roll on their back; while exposing their tummy with their eyes squinted, ears flattened and tail tucked.

Stressed Out

Dogs also get stressed out. Environmental and social stressors are common causes and they can be obvious in several ways. The dog lays low with flat ears and has its tail pointing down. You may also note some lip licking or quick panting. Slow-paced motions, yawning or some form of discomfort may also be noted.

Playful

You would definitely know when a dog is giving off a playful vibe. The trademark for this mode is a play bow where their butt is in the air, and head close to the floor. This is indicative of a mood where a carefree dog is calling on to others to play, with ears up, a raised wagging tail and a panting mouth.