Category: Pets

Allergies can cause a great deal of discomfort for dogs and can be difficult to deal with. Finding the right treatment for your pet is essential, and understanding the cause of the allergies is the first step. In this article, we will discuss the cause of allergies in dogs, the best supplements and shampoos for allergies, common foods that cause allergies, common environmental allergy triggers, and the best way to get your dog tested.

The Cause of Allergies in Dogs

The cause of allergies in dogs is not fully understood, but it is thought that a combination of genetic factors, environmental triggers, and immune system sensitivity can cause a reaction. Some of the common causes of allergies in dogs may include:

• Flea saliva
• Pollen
• Mold
• Dust mites
• Certain foods
• Certain medications
• Chemicals

 

Which Dog Breeds Are Most Prone to Allergies?

Allergies in dogs can vary and can be caused by anything from environmental allergens to food. Certain breeds are more prone to allergies than others due to their genetic makeup. Here is a list of some of the most common dog breeds that suffer from allergies:

• Poodle
• Bichon Frise
• Labrador Retriever
• German Shepherd
• Golden Retriever
• Cocker Spaniel
• Shih Tzu
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Boxer
• Lhasa Apso

 

Best Supplements for Dog Allergies

There are many supplements that can be used to help alleviate the symptoms of allergies in dogs. Some of the most common supplements include:

• Omega-3 fatty acids – Omega-3 fatty acids are known to help reduce inflammation and can be found in fish oil supplements or krill oil supplements.
• Probiotics – Probiotics help to support the gut and can help to reduce inflammation.
• Vitamin E – Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help to reduce the symptoms of allergies.
• Quercetin – Quercetin is a bioflavonoid that can help to reduce inflammation and allergic reactions.
• Vitamin C – Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help to reduce inflammation and can be found in many supplements.
• B-complex vitamins – B-complex vitamins can help to support the immune system and reduce inflammation.

 

5 Common Veterinary Prescription Drugs That Treat Canine Allergies

There are many prescription drugs available to treat allergies in dogs. Here are some of the most common:

• Apoquel – Apoquel is an oral medication that helps to reduce itching and inflammation in dogs. It can cause side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite.
• Cetirizine – Cetirizine is an antihistamine that can help to reduce itching and inflammation. It can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and decreased appetite.
• Prednisone – Prednisone is a corticosteroid that can help to reduce inflammation and can be used to treat allergies in dogs. It can cause side effects such as increased thirst and urination, increased appetite, and panting.
• Cyclosporine – Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressant that can help to reduce itching and inflammation. It can cause side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite.
• Atopica – Atopica is an oral medication that helps to reduce itching and inflammation in dogs. It can cause side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite.

 

Best Shampoos to Help Dog Allergies

Shampoos can be used to help reduce the symptoms of allergies in dogs. Here are some of the best shampoos to help allergies:

• Allermyl Shampoo – Allermyl Shampoo is designed to help reduce itching and inflammation associated with allergies.
• Oatmeal Shampoo – Oatmeal shampoo contains natural ingredients such as oatmeal, honey, and aloe vera that can help to reduce itching and inflammation.
• Hypoallergenic Shampoo – Hypoallergenic shampoos are formulated to be gentle and can help to reduce itching and inflammation.
• Medicated Shampoo – Medicated shampoos contain ingredients such as chlorhexidine and sulfur that can help to reduce itching and inflammation.
• Tea Tree Oil Shampoo – Tea tree oil shampoo can help to reduce itching and inflammation associated with allergies.

Common Foods That Cause Allergies for Dogs

Many dogs suffer from food allergies. Here are some of the most common foods that can cause allergies in dogs:

Protein Allergies:

• Beef
• Chicken
• Lamb
• Fish
• Pork
• Dairy
• Egg

Grain Allergies:

• Wheat
• Corn
• Rice
• Barley
• Oats
• Rye

The food you’re feeding your furry best friend can play a major role in whether or not they are experiencing allergies. Do you know whether or not the ingredients in your canine’s current food is contributing to their symptoms? 

Well, when you feed your dog a fresh food like Ollie, you can feel confident that it is free from any fillers, artificial ingredients, and common allergens. Ollie has never had a recall and is formulated with high-quality, nutrient-rich superfoods that support a healthy immune system and metabolism. 

Plus, Ollie allows you to choose the recipe that best suits your furry friend, and includes allergen-free options that are rich in omega fatty acids that help to hydrate your dog’s skin.

Ollie’s vet-formulated meals are specifically tailored to meet your dog’s individual needs. Every meal arrives at your front door perfectly portioned and is accompanied by clear, customized instructions.  

Your dog deserves food that tastes fantastic and you deserve the peace of mind.

Want to give Ollie a try? They’re offering iHeartDogs readers 60% off their first trial box!

Common Environmental Allergy Triggers for Dogs

Many dogs suffer from environmental allergies. Here are some of the most common environmental allergens that can cause allergies in dogs:

• Mold
• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Flea saliva
• Chemicals
• Cleaning products
• Smoke

Best Way to Get Your Dog Allergy Tested

The best way to get your dog allergy tested is to visit your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can perform a skin test or a blood test to determine what your dog is allergic to. Based on the results of the test, your veterinarian can help you come up with a plan to manage your dog’s allergies.

Conclusion

Allergies can be a difficult condition to manage in dogs, but with the right treatment and management plan, they can be managed. It is important to understand the cause of allergies in dogs, as well as the best supplements and shampoos for allergies, common foods that cause allergies, common environmental allergy triggers, the best way to get your dog tested, and how to prevent allergies in puppies. By following these steps, you can help to reduce the symptoms of allergies in your dog and keep them comfortable.

What is a Labradoodle?

A Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Miniature or Standard Poodle. This can include a Poodle or Labrador Retriever crossed with a Labradoodle or two Labradoodles bred with each other. Because there is no dog breed standard for Labradoodles, the mixed breed dog can have a wide range in size, color and temperament and can inherit any combination of Labrador or Poodle genes. Dog breeders enhance certain temperament and appearance characteristics of the offspring by choosing to weigh more heavily on either the Labrador Retriever genes or the Poodle genes.

What do Labradoodles look like?

Labradoodle appearance depends on whether she inherited more Poodle or Labrador genes. Poodles have thick, wavy to curly coats that are typically low-shedding and are prone to matting and tangles. Labrador Retrievers are moderate shedders and come in three colors, chocolate, black and yellow. They have dense, short double coats with the outer coat adhering to their love of swimming and the soft undercoat providing warmth.

Labradoodles range in color from white fur to dark and have furnishings, or the longer hair that surrounds a dog’s beard area and eyebrows and gives the Labradoodle the signature fluffy look. Poodles have the furnishing gene and Labrador Retrievers do not. Breeders can test for these genes and share results with potential Labradoodle owners. To learn more about how furnishing genes work, read out article about F1 v. F1B Oodles.

What’s the difference between a Labradoodle and an Australian Labradoodle?

While a Labradoodle has only Labrador and Poodle genes, an Australian Labradoodle also has Cocker Spaniel genes. The two mixed breeds have similar appearances and temperaments and are often grouped into one general “Labradoodle” category by the general public.

Differences between a Labradoodle and Australian Labradoodle include:

• Labradoodles can have a lot of variation between coat types, ranging from fluffy to wiry, with varying degrees of shedding, explains Dr. Lisa Chimes, a veterinarian who developed a line of grooming products called DOG by Dr. Lisa. The Australian Labradoodle tends to have a more consistent low-shedding fluffy coat.
• Australian Labradoodles often have less Labrador genes than Labradoodles and tend to be more similar to Poodle-Spaniel mixes, or Cockapoos.
• Many Australian Labradoodle breederss cross Australian Labradoodles with Australian Labradoodles to get a more consistent offspring.
• American Labradoodles were first bred in 1989 to accommodate a couple who needed a hypoallergenic guide dog. It’s unclear when Australian Labradoodles were first bred.

American Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodles are not official dog breeds recognized by the AKC, but they do have a prominent breed club called the Australian Labradoodle Association of America that’s working toward achieving a breed standard.

Labradoodle traits

The Labradoodle is one of the most popular Oodles, based on the social affectionate and loyal nature of the Labrador Retriever. Both the Retriever and the Poodle are intelligent, highly trainable and have loads of energy. Both Labradors and Poodles are popular service dogs because of their consistent temperament and trainability and love to be around humans. Consequently, Labradoodles thrive on human interaction and owners need to allow them to express this or the dogs can become anxious and clingy.

How big do Labradoodles get?

The Labradoodle has a huge range in size from 15 pounds to more than 65 pounds, depending on what size Poodle is used for breeding.

Labradoodle size range:

• Miniature Labradoodles: Between 14 and 16 inches in height at wither
• Medium Labradoodles: Between 17 and 20 inches in height at wither.
• Standard range: Between 21 and 24 inches in height at wither.

Confirm with your breeder that you are getting the size Labradoodle that you are expecting.

Labradoodles as family dogs

Labradoodles can be great matches for families who have the time to socialize, exercise and teach their Labradoodle manners. Because both breeds are social, Labradoodles work well in families and with individuals who can include their dog in the daily business of their lives. Labrador Retrievers are bred to be outdoor adventurers and need ample time to run, fetch and socialize with their owners and other dogs. Crossed with the social and energetic Poodle, the Labradoodle needs an outlet to burn some energy both physically and mentally.

How to groom a Labradoodle

Labradoodles are high on the grooming maintenance list because their fluffy coats are prone to tangling and knots. They should be professionally groomed every 4-6 weeks, advises Dr. Chimes.

Professional grooming services should include:

• Overall hair clip
• Trimming nails
• Tidying up hair around the eyes, muzzle, feet and anus
• The hair around the ears should be carefully trimmed. Do not pluck the hair inside the ears, Dr. Chimes says.
• Bath every 4-6 weeks (with grooming appointment)

Home grooming should include daily brushes with a comb and slicker brush.

“Daily brushing is the best thing you can do to prevent knots,” says Dr. Chimes. “It keeps their skin and coat healthy and less stinky by spreading the natural skin oils, while removing loose hairs and debris.”

How long do Labradoodles live?

Labradoodle longevity ranges from 12 to 15 years.

Labradoodles are in high demand, so we cannot emphasize enough, doing your research before choosing a Labradoodle breeder.

What is a Labradoodle?

A Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Miniature or Standard Poodle. This can include a Poodle or Labrador Retriever crossed with a Labradoodle or two Labradoodles bred with each other. Because there is no dog breed standard for Labradoodles, the mixed breed dog can have a wide range in size, color and temperament and can inherit any combination of Labrador or Poodle genes. Dog breeders enhance certain temperament and appearance characteristics of the offspring by choosing to weigh more heavily on either the Labrador Retriever genes or the Poodle genes.

What do Labradoodles look like?

Labradoodle appearance depends on whether she inherited more Poodle or Labrador genes. Poodles have thick, wavy to curly coats that are typically low-shedding and are prone to matting and tangles. Labrador Retrievers are moderate shedders and come in three colors, chocolate, black and yellow. They have dense, short double coats with the outer coat adhering to their love of swimming and the soft undercoat providing warmth.

Labradoodles range in color from white fur to dark and have furnishings, or the longer hair that surrounds a dog’s beard area and eyebrows and gives the Labradoodle the signature fluffy look. Poodles have the furnishing gene and Labrador Retrievers do not. Breeders can test for these genes and share results with potential Labradoodle owners. To learn more about how furnishing genes work, read out article about F1 v. F1B Oodles.

What’s the difference between a Labradoodle and an Australian Labradoodle?

While a Labradoodle has only Labrador and Poodle genes, an Australian Labradoodle also has Cocker Spaniel genes. The two mixed breeds have similar appearances and temperaments and are often grouped into one general “Labradoodle” category by the general public.

Differences between a Labradoodle and Australian Labradoodle include:

• Labradoodles can have a lot of variation between coat types, ranging from fluffy to wiry, with varying degrees of shedding, explains Dr. Lisa Chimes, a veterinarian who developed a line of grooming products called DOG by Dr. Lisa. The Australian Labradoodle tends to have a more consistent low-shedding fluffy coat.
• Australian Labradoodles often have less Labrador genes than Labradoodles and tend to be more similar to Poodle-Spaniel mixes, or Cockapoos.
• Many Australian Labradoodle breederss cross Australian Labradoodles with Australian Labradoodles to get a more consistent offspring.
• American Labradoodles were first bred in 1989 to accommodate a couple who needed a hypoallergenic guide dog. It’s unclear when Australian Labradoodles were first bred.

American Labradoodles and Australian Labradoodles are not official dog breeds recognized by the AKC, but they do have a prominent breed club called the Australian Labradoodle Association of America that’s working toward achieving a breed standard.

Labradoodle traits

The Labradoodle is one of the most popular Oodles, based on the social, affectionate and loyal nature of the Labrador Retriever. Both the Retriever and the Poodle are intelligent, highly trainable and have loads of energy. Both Labradors and Poodles are popular service dogs because of their consistent temperament and trainability and love to be around humans. Consequently, Labradoodles thrive on human interaction and owners need to allow them to express this or the dogs can become anxious and clingy.

How big do Labradoodles get?

The Labradoodle has a huge range in size from 15 pounds to more than 65 pounds, depending on what size Poodle is used for breeding.

Labradoodle size range:

• Miniature Labradoodles: Between 14 and 16 inches in height at wither
• Medium Labradoodles: Between 17 and 20 inches in height at wither.
• Standard range: Between 21 and 24 inches in height at wither.

Confirm with your breeder that you are getting the size Labradoodle that you are expecting.

Labradoodles as family dogs

Labradoodles can be great matches for families who have the time to socialize, exercise and teach their Labradoodle manners. Because both breeds are social, Labradoodles work well in families and with individuals who can include their dog in the daily business of their lives. Labrador Retrievers are bred to be outdoor adventurers and need ample time to run, fetch and socialize with their owners and other dogs. Crossed with the social and energetic Poodle, the Labradoodle needs an outlet to burn some energy both physically and mentally.

How to groom a Labradoodle

Labradoodles are high on the grooming maintenance list because their fluffy coats are prone to tangling and knots. They should be professionally groomed every 4-6 weeks, advises Dr. Chimes.

Professional grooming services should include:

• Overall hair clip
• Trimming nails
• Tidying up hair around the eyes, muzzle, feet and anus
• The hair around the ears should be carefully trimmed. Do not pluck the hair inside the ears, Dr. Chimes says.
• Bath every 4-6 weeks (with grooming appointment)

Home grooming should include daily brushes with a comb and slicker brush.

“Daily brushing is the best thing you can do to prevent knots,” says Dr. Chimes. “It keeps their skin and coat healthy and less stinky by spreading the natural skin oils, while removing loose hairs and debris.”

How long do Labradoodles live?

Labradoodle longevity ranges from 12 to 15 years.

Labradoodles are in high demand, so we cannot emphasize enough, do your research before choosing a Labradoodle breeder.

Submission Guidelines

Thank you for your interest in writing for Animal Wellness. As the #1 natural health magazine for pets in North America, we take pride in providing our readers with the information they need to make wise health care choices for their animal companions. Our publication embraces the entire holistic spectrum, from physical health issues to the emotional and spiritual well being of our animals.

We welcome unsolicited articles and story outlines as long as they focus on holistic healing, whether physical, emotional or spiritual. Articles may range in length from 500 to 1,500 words. If you submit an outline for a story, please also send samples of your work.

Before submitting to Animal Wellness, we ask that you familiarize yourself with our publication so that you have a strong sense of the type of articles we publish. Consider topics you know well and/or that will offer special interest and appeal to our readers. Please ensure that any health facts or statistics that might appear in your article are accurate and come from an accredited source.

Please do not send multiple submissions (articles that have been sent to more than one publication) unless you have received confirmation that the story will not be used by another magazine. Although we prefer to use original material only, we do sometimes publish book excerpts. Do not, however, send book-length manuscripts.

You may submit articles either by our online contact form, or by mail to:

Animal Wellness Magazine
160 Charlotte Street, Suite 202
Peterborough, ON, Canada K9J 2T8.

Be sure to include your name, address, phone number, FAX number and/or e-mail address on your manuscript. A brief biographical sketch of yourself is also recommended. If you are sending your submission by regular mail, please also enclose a SASE and keep a copy of the article for your own files.

Photographs, where applicable, are also encouraged. They may be submitted either digitally (at 300dpi) or as prints or slides along with your manuscript. Make sure the photos are labeled and include your name, address and phone number. Every attempt is made to return photographic material, but it is advised that you keep copies of your images.

Our turnaround response time for submissions is four weeks. We pay for unlimited rights only. Unused material will be returned after due consideration.

Like us, tearing or breaking a nail can be quite painful for dogs too. When dogs break their nails, it may be because the nail gets caught on something, like furniture or woody areas, or it may happen when the dog is running around all over the place. 

Keratin makes up the outer layer of a dog’s nail. Since this portion of the nail is dead and hard, dogs don’t feel any pain when it is cut. A fragile cuticle called the “quick” protects the blood vessels and nerves that go through your dog’s nails. This vascular structure, which is primarily found above the nail curve, nourishes your dog’s nails, enabling them to grow and feel different sensations. The “quick,” a source of blood and nerves, is located inside the nail. If your dog’s nail is damaged deep enough to reach the quick, then it will bleed a lot and be painful for them.

When you encounter a broken nail, if the bleeding does not stop or if the injury appears serious, take your dog to the veterinarian. However, if the damage is minor, you might be able to treat it at home.

Here are some tips for treating your dog’s broken nail.

1. Restrain Your Dog

While you attend to the nail, ask someone to hold your pet. Keep in mind that even the most loving animal may bite when it is hurt. The use of a muzzle may prevent harm. Bring your dog’s body close to yours while holding their head away from you to control them. If your dog is a wriggler, ask a friend to hold them while you examine the nail.

2. Control The Bleeding

Do not panic if your dog’s broken nail bleeds heavily, applying pressure to the area should control the bleeding. Apply a styptic pencil, silver nitrate stick, or cauterizing powder to the nail if the bleeding does not stop in 5–10 minutes. Both the pet store and the first-aid section of your local drugstore have these supplies.

3. Remove The Damaged Part

To prevent additional infection, the broken portion of your dog’s nail must be removed if part of the nail is still connected after being torn. Carefully removing the broken or damaged portion of the nail is necessary. Despite the fact that this treatment is frequently unpleasant, it may be completed quickly, and it typically doesn’t require anesthesia; nevertheless, depending on the severity of the pain and the location of the break, sedation is necessary. However, your veterinarian is usually best suited to handle this task. As you make your way to your veterinarian hospital, keep the foot covered in a towel.

Keep your dog’s nails trimmed to prevent the inconvenience of a broken nail. Longer nails are more likely to snap than shorter ones. Ask your veterinarian or a veterinary technician to demonstrate the correct nail trimming, so that you can cut your dog’s nails at home. And if you feel uncomfortable doing it yourself, simply arrange routine appointments at the veterinarian clinic to get your dog’s nails clipped.

A canine knee injury can make it impossible for a dog to bear weight on their injured leg. But your dog still wants to run and play. How can you help them? A dog wheelchair can give your dog the support they need to maintain its balance, stand comfortably, and reduce the weight it’s placing on its bad knee. 

5 Ways a Wheelchair Helps Dogs with Knee Injuries

1. Allow Pets to Walk Without Bearing Full Weight on the Injured Knee

The primary function of a dog wheelchair is to help pets get the exercise they need. When a dog injures their knee, it can become painful for them to walk, and many dogs will lift the injured leg off the ground and refuse to bear any weight on it. The wheels on a canine cart act as a replacement for a dog’s back legs, meaning the wheelchair offers the same support their back legs usually do. 

While in the wheelchair, the dog can still use its back legs and walk normally, but they no longer have to place its full weight on the injured knee. The wheelchair encourages them to walk, prevents muscle atrophy, and helps rehabilitate the injured leg. The decision to use a wheelchair should be made with the help of your veterinarian. Your vet will determine when the right time is to introduce a cart to your dog and how frequently your pet should use their cart. 

2. Reduce the Strain on the Remaining “Healthy” Leg

Dogs who tear one cruciate have a high probability of injuring the other knee within a year. By offering balanced support, a dog wheelchair can reduce the stress placed on the healthy knee by allowing the dog to distribute its weight on both back legs evenly.

Not only does this make it easier for the dog to continue walking, but a wheelchair prevents the dog from placing too much strain on its “good” leg. 

3. Provide Support During Rehabilitation

Rehab therapy can play a big part in your dog’s recovery. As your dog’s knee heals, structured exercises with a rehab practitioner can help strengthen the dog’s leg and knee while also improving the knee’s range of motion.

A wheelchair is an excellent way to help support a dog as they work through various rehab exercises, even during an underwater treadmill session. The wheelchair’s support can even be helpful during acupuncture or cold laser treatments. 

4. Offer an Alternative to Knee Surgery

Not every dog is an ideal candidate for surgery. Whether due to its age or overall health, if knee surgery isn’t an option, a dog wheelchair can be a viable alternative. 

Knee surgery can be an expensive undertaking. In some cases, rest and the help of an assistive device (like a wheelchair) may be an alternative option to surgery. However, the decision to have surgery or not isn’t one you should make on your own. Always speak with a medical professional to ensure you make the best decision for your dog.

5. Post Operative Support

Crate rest after knee surgery is often necessary but can last for weeks. Regardless of your dog’s recovery plan, they still need to be able to go outside to relieve themselves safely. In human terms, a wheelchair can act as a crutch for a dog. It gently supports their back legs from under the pelvis. Walking while supported lowers a dog’s risk of reinjuring itself or prevents them from placing its full weight on the healing knee. A wheelchair should never replace crate rest after surgery, but it can be a safe way to help your dog walk as they heal. Always talk to your veterinarian about the best way to care for your dog after surgery. 

With the invention of a dog wheelchair, a canine knee injury, no longer means your dog has to miss out on exercise. Although your best friend shouldn’t be chasing a ball, a wheelchair can give them the support they need to start the rehabilitation process, get outside for bathroom breaks, and give them a safe way to regain mobility. 

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We at CanadaVetCare have been raving about Dorwest Herbs for a while, and some of you may be wondering what the fuss is about. We understand that pet parents are curious because they keep reading reviews of Dorwest Herbs products and hearing about the amazing results people are having for their dogs and cats. So, here we have come up with some information of the recently released line of natural herbal products from Dorwest Herbs.

About Dorwest Herbs

Since it has been established in 1948, Dorwest Herbs has specialized in the care of companion animals and herbal remedies for more than 70 years. Dorwest is a well-known market leader and a global brand that is available in 20 countries outside of the UK.

They use pharmaceutical-grade herbal supplements and authorized herbal remedies to make products that keep dogs and cats healthy, happy, and active. With the inclusion of Dorwest Herbs products in our line, we are proud to offer one of the best selections of high-quality herbal products for cats and dogs on the market right now.

Dorwest Herbs – Natural & Herbal Supplements

Every pet’s health and well-being have been taken into consideration when creating the selection of natural herbal supplements for dogs and cats.

Dorwest Herbal Products, like you, wants to ensure that your pet always looks and feels its best. Due to this, only the best components and herbal extracts are used in all-natural pet supplements. These nourish the body naturally from the inside out and are made from sustainable sources.

Check over the list of items and see your veterinarian if you need assistance choosing which of the herbal supplement for dogs and cats may be most suitable for your pet. These herbal pet care products have been trusted by pet parents and veterinary professionals worldwide for over 50 years.

Shop our range of herbal supplements for dogs and cats and help keep your pets healthy from the end of their nose to the tip of their tail.

Best Sellers – Dorwest Herbal Products

• Dorwest Digestive Tablets: It contains herbs traditionally used to soothe and comfort the digestive system, settle windy tummies and reduce flatulence.

• Dorwest Green Releaf Tablets: It is a natural support for the pet’s skin, joints and urinary system with soothing, cleansing, and pH-balancing properties.

Why We Love Dorwest:

Dorwest has expertise in herbal pet care with over 70 years of experience. It is an excellent option for natural pet supplements. There are no outlandish or unfounded claims made here; just years of experience and high caliber that you can rely on.

At CanadaVetCare you can find a vast range of Dorwest products at affordable prices. Get the best herbal solution products for your beloved pets at lowest prices with Free Shipping benefit! Happy Shopping!

Life, and an abundance of it!

After another downpour of rain, the animals, both big and small, have been thriving on the reserve. From the young wildebeest calves and impala lambs frolicking in the morning sunshine, to thousands of reproductive alates emerging from termitaries causing a feeding frenzy; life has been abundant at Londolozi.

The Sand River has been in flood, meaning that animals such as wild dogs who would usually attempt to cross the river at times, have been stuck on one side for a few days whilst the torrent flows. Territorial animals such as the various leopards on the reserve have been out and about scent marking after the rain washed away previous messages left behind and elephants have been searching for marula fruits after a year of patiently waiting for these delicious fruits.

An array of animals feature in this weeks TWIP, highlighting the variety of species that are in the spotlight at this time of year, with beautiful green hues in the background and at times moody clouds in the sky. The Ntomi male yet again features; how much longer will he be around his mothers territory? The Xinzele female’s cub features too – one of only two cubs on the reserve who are still very much dependent on their mothers.

Enjoy this week in pictures…

A single cub of the Ximungwe Female’s second litter. Initially rather skittish but is very relaxed now. Birth mark in his left eye.

U

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Start your pet photography journey with 100 free daily tips!

That’s over 3 months worth of daily tips covering topics like working with light, obtaining expression, camera settings, shooting action, composition, using the location, dog handling tricks – and so much more. Delivered direct to your inbox so you can read and absorb straight away (no homework required).

Start your pet photography journey with 100 free daily tips!

That’s over 3 months worth of daily tips covering topics like working with light, obtaining expression, camera settings, shooting action, composition, using the location, dog handling tricks – and so much more. Delivered direct to your inbox so you can read and absorb straight away (no homework required).

Volunteers in Ukraine have been risking their lives to save and rescue abandoned animals amid the ongoing war. It has now been nearly one year since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but volunteers have not given up helping abandoned animals.

The Yampil Zoo in the eastern Donetsk region was liberated by Ukrainian forces on September 30 after five months of Russian occupation. When rescue workers arrived back at the zoo 10 days later, they reported that they found animal skeletons and pieces of flesh and bones scattered across the zoo.

Volunteers reported that Russian soldiers were allegedly so hungry that they resorted to eating zoo animals at the Yampil Zoo in Ukraine. Volunteer rescue workers reported that the soldiers killed and ate two camels, a kangaroo, a bison, some piglets, birds, and wolves.

They did find one animal that was fighting for their life. The bear was in horrible condition, and volunteers worked hard to save the bear. Olena Bila, a volunteer who came to the bear’s rescue in late September, said that if they came just five days later, the bear would not have survived.

When she arrived, she found the bear in a tiny cage and drowning in his excrement. The bear was thin and had a concussion from a shell that had exploded near his cage. Luckily, they got the bear out safely, and now the animal lives in better conditions at a zoo in Poland.

Amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, millions of people have now fled, many with their beloved pets in their arms. The unpredictability of the devastating war has forced many Ukrainians to make tough choices about what to take with them.

Many don’t know when and if they will be able to return home. There have been many donations of money and food to these shelters, and animal shelters and zoos are slowly making their way to borders to seek safety, but situations aren’t easy.

So many innocent lives have been lost, countless volunteers are helping to rescue animals all over the country, and many people are staying behind to help feed hundreds of refugees every day.

The impact of the Russian invasion has been devastating for the environment and the global food supply and has even caused mass animal deaths like these dolphins in the Black Sea. Activists all around the world are standing for the people of Ukraine and demanding an end to this war.

This article by Hailey Kanowsky was first published by OneGreenPlanet on 4 January 2023. 

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We sat down with Amanda Gagnon from AGDT to discuss why training doesn’t end with puppyhood and received some of her most important tips of adult training and training in the transition to adulthood.

Why should training continue past puppyhood?

Training isn’t a one-and-done thing with a dog. It’s not the same as fixing a car where you go and then that’s it and you never have to do anything again. Dogs are learning growing beings– They can no sooner stop learning than a human can. Whenever you’re in the room with your dog, one of you is always learning. That’s why it’s important to think of training as something you’ll always do to bond with your dog, or forever training.

How is training for puppies different from training for adults?

When you’re training in puppyhood, there is a lot to learn and you are getting the basics down. In adolescence, a lot of “problem” behaviors start to crop up such as reactivity, pulling, barking, and anxiety. By the time your dog is nearing the end of adolescence, if you’ve had strong training, you and your pup will see a resolution for all those things. So in adulthood training won’t be working on “problem behaviors” but instead on maintenance of prior training, keeping the communication between you and your dog strong, and most importantly having fun with your dog!

What does adult training look like?

Maintenance training is the baseline adult training which has the goal of trying to keep things from regressing so that everything you and your dog learned in puppyhood is maintained. Adult training can also include any training you do together to make improvements or learn new behaviors over time as well. Some training ideas can include playing fetch, going for a walk, sitting on the couch, and only giving treats when your dog is practicing good behavior.

These examples don’t sound like training, how can a dog walk be training?

Everyone has to go on a walk with their dog– whether you live in a suburban environment and it’s only once a day or an urban environment where it is more common. But turning your walk together into training is all about a relationship-building exercise. A good comparison is to think about going on a walk with a spouse as a relationship-building activity– if you ignore each other and are on your phones, it’s still a walk but won’t improve your relationship. But if you’re conversing, it can be a positive experience together. Apply this to walking with your dog, but understand that dogs converse with you in different ways. This difference bubbles up with training. Your way of holding hands is holding their leash; engage in leash training skills so when they pull, go back to basics, show you like it when they walk near you and consistently work cues into your regular training lifestyle.

What are some good cues to weave into every day adult training?

One cue I use a lot is “wait”. Not only is this helpful for going on walks from a safety perspective when coming to an intersection or stoplight, but it is a great way to reinforce good behavior without using food. As your dog becomes an adult it is important to use more real-life rewards because then they learn to give more behaviors we love and we learn what they love to give more of those further strengthening your relationship. A walk is a good example of how to do that throughout life. Notice things your dog loves in the world around you and reinforce behaviors you want to see by giving them those loves– if your dog loves sniffing fire hydrants, make your dog sit, and then release to sniff the fire hydrant, reinforcing that you want them to sit and have control. You can integrate this training throughout your dog’s life to continue to improve and once they have everything set, that’s when people can get into trick training, agility, nose work, all fun activities for your dog.

What’s the point of teaching tricks?

While you might not be the kind of pet parent who is interested in showing off your dog’s trick skills, there are still benefits to trick training as part of your adult training. Every time your dog learns something new, not only is it exciting for them, but you are learning about each other. Throughout the process of training, you can learn to read their body language, which informs communication. Also most importantly, it’s time spent having fun together! Remember that you got your dog to have fun and have a companion, so it is far more important to have fun with your dog than a dog who is behaving perfectly at all times!

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