Ah, summertime! Most people’s – and dogs’ – favourite season. Almost all of us look forward to more outdoor play, time in the park or yard, and long walks in the great outdoors with our canine companions. Unfortunately, though, as well as the obvious problems in summer related to heat, there’s another, hidden risk amidst all the summer excitement: grass seeds. Who would have thought that such a tiny thing could potentially cause so much damage…?

This post may contain affiliate links which means I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What Are Grass Seeds?

Grass seeds are the pointy, dart-shaped seeds that you might have seen on the tips of long grass stems, and they are released during the summer months.

A slight breeze can easily dislodge the seeds from the grass stem, as can you or your dog just by brushing against them as you walk past.

Their small size – generally 1cm or so – means they can easily hitch a ride on your dog’s fur without you even noticing. They’re found predominantly in wooded areas with long grass, and in fields and meadows.

Why Are Grass Seeds a Problem for Dogs?

Grass seeds have a sharp, hook-like structure, and unbelievably, that unassuming little hook can embed itself into your dog’s skin. It can also end up in your dog’s body by sneaking in through the mouth, ears and ear canal, nose and even the eyes.

If you’ve never had a problem with grass seeds getting stuck in your dog’s skin before, you might think there’s nothing to worry about. However, here’s a statistic to make you think again: ManyPets Pet Insurance had 1,369 insurance claims due to grass seed problems alone in 2021. Some of those cases needed surgery to treat the dogs.

Don’t Leave an Embedded Grass Seed To Fester

The longer a grass seed is stuck somewhere on – or in – your dog’s body, the more irritation it will cause your pup. Because grass seeds can easily embed themselves in your dog’s skin, it can lead to infections, abscesses, and all-around discomfort. Removing them is not always easy to do either. Once a seed hooks into the skin, your pup will lick, bite, and scratch the area, upping the chances of infection.

Signs That Grass Seeds Are Bothering Your Dog

Here are some potential signs that your dog has a grass seed stuck in their skin. Looking out for these signals is key to fixing the problem quickly:

Long-Term Grass Seed Consequences

Although it’s not common, worst-case scenarios of grass seeds affecting your dog can include them getting into the lungs and digestive tract. Infections, abscesses, and a range of complications can follow suit, from respiratory distress and gut damage to temporary lameness.

Prevention of Grass Seed Problems for Your Dog

By now you’re probably thinking you’ll never let your dog in long grass again. If your dog is anything like mine though, that’s simply not a practical solution. Dogs love to sniff and bounce through long grass. My girl loves nothing more than hunting for mice in the fields near our home. Heading out with your dog during the summer – prime pollination season – is like handing out an open invitation to grass seed hitchhikers. So how can you avoid your dog being hurt by grass seeds?

Grass Seed Prevention Strategies

I know that in my case, we can’t avoid grass seeds entirely – we live in the countryside so it’s simply not practical. However, there are things we can do to limit the chances of grass seeds becoming a problem. Next time you’re off to grassy zones, consider these strategies:

Brushing Your Dog Regularly

Keeping your dog’s coat well-trimmed isn’t just about style – it’s a strategic move for good health too. Shorter fur means less surface area for grass seeds to cling to. Plus, it makes spotting and removing them easier. After each outdoor adventure, a quick once-over is all it takes to make sure your dog’s fur remains seed-free.

My girl is a dobermann and her fur is very short – it never needs to be trimmed. Not only is it easy to see grass seeds on a short-haired dog like her, but it’s also much easier to keep her clean, and to keep her flea-free.

Clearly though, not all breeds have short hair, or have their coats trimmed. If you have a big beast of a dog, like a German Shepherd for instance, your grooming time is going to be way higher than mine!

Maintaining Your Yard

Personally, I love my garden to have natural, wild areas in it – it’s better for the wildlife and it looks pretty. I try to encourage wild flowers and plants rather than grass, but removing all the grass is an enormous undertaking. Consequently, there are still some grass seeds in the yard.

Obviously, if your garden is regularly maintained, with short grass and few weeds, it will drastically reduce the grass seed population. That will reduce the risk of your dog ending up with grass seeds stuck in her, just because she went out for a pee.

If you’re concerned about other potentially dog-dangerous plants in the garden, check out this article.

Avoiding Grass Seed Areas

If you live in a town or city, where public park areas are always maintained, you’re unlikely to come across the grass seed problem. The biggest challenge is in the great outdoors.

If you can steer clear of long grassy areas during the peak pollination season, you’re curbing the chance of seeds hitching a ride. Are there alternative walks you can take in the summer months, for instance, to avoid the risk of grass seeds? Or perhaps walks in woodland where there isn’t much long grass?

Conclusion

Grass seeds don’t have to be a problem, especially if you can avoid areas of long grass. By regularly brushing your dog after being outside, you’ll help keep her coat free of grass seeds embedding into her skin. Watch out for tell-tale signs if a grass seed has managed to get in via her nose, mouth, ears or eyes. If in doubt, go straight to your vet. And enjoy the summer!

Get more articles about dog care here.

The post Shielding Your Dog: Hazards of Grass Seeds and How to Prevent Them appeared first on Canine Compilation.

Looking for positive ways to look after your dog? Natural and holistic dog care information for pet parents who love their dogs.

This post may contain affiliate links which means I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

General Dog Health

Puppy Milestones: When Do Puppies Open Their Eyes?

What To Do When Your Dog Is In Heat

How to best care for your dog after spaying

Hiccuping: Why do Dogs Do It and Is It a Health Problem?

Blue And Cloudy Eyes In Dogs

Looking After Your Dog

Easy Options For Cleaning Dogs Teeth

Is It OK To Bath Your Dog With Dish Detergent?

Are Candles Safe for Dogs? The Risks of Toxic Candles and Your Pet

Essential Oils and Dogs – Is Your Oil Burner Bad For Your Dog?

How To Pick Up A Dog

Dog Parent Guide To Happy Holidays

Halloween For Dogs: Tricks, Treats and No Trauma

How Do You Know When It’s Time To Say Goodbye?

17 Actionable Tips To Keep Your Dog Safe From Theft

How To Protect Your Pet From An Accidental House Fire

Coronavirus And Dogs

Parasites in Dogs

How To Manage Worms In Dogs Naturally

How to get rid of fleas and ticks on your dog

Summer, Winter and Gardens for Dogs

How To Make Your Garden Safe For Your Dog: 12 Ideas

The Danger of Grass Seeds for Dogs

25 Plants That Are Safe for Dogs

Dog Bee Sting

9 Actionable Tips To Protect Your Dog In The Heat

Keep Your Older Dog Cool This Summer

Essential winter care tips – how to look after your dog in cold weather

Calm and Happy Dogs

How to Help Reactive Dogs Feel Calmer: Two Techniques

Why Your Dog Needs Choice In Its Life

How Do I Calm My Dog During Fireworks?

Dog Exercise and Walks

Re-think Dog Walking

Does a dog need to be walked for 2 hours a day?

Exercise for Older Dogs And Dogs With Arthritis

Why Dogs Need To Sniff And Why We Should Let Them

Dog Food Related

Pancreatitis In Dogs: Understand The Symptoms, Treatment And Causes

How to Treat Constipation in Dogs? 3 Methods To Make Your Dog Move

My Dog Lost His Appetite: Reasons Why a Dog Won’t Eat

DIY Dog Care

Dog Massage: How To Do It

DIY, lickable, dog paw balm

9 Essential Dog Grooming Tips

DIY Bug Spray And Insect Repellent For Dogs

Products for Dogs

Hurtta Outback Boots For Dogs; Review

Which Dog Bowl Is Best For Your Dog?

Calming Dog Beds – Health Benefits And Must-Have Features

Best Flooring For Dogs And For You!

Dog Wheelchair – Independent Dog Wheelchair Reviews

Dog Wheelchair; Walkin’ Wheels Front Wheel Attachment Review

Essential Oils For Dogs

Dry Shampoo For Dogs – Top Rated Products, Risks, and DIY Recipe

Best Gadgets And Products For Dogs Left At Home

Other dog topics that might interest you:

Pet parents and dog moms

Dog treats and dog food

Dog toys and games for dogs

The post Dog Care appeared first on Canine Compilation.

Mmm-hmmm… that gorgeous smell that wafts through the air when you go into some homes… It might be a zingy, citrusy scent, or something floral. Or… the smell of damp fur after a walk, smelly dog breath, or just a lingering doggy odour.

For us pet parents, an occasional stinky dog smell is a fact of life. We need to have ways to make our homes smell – and look – divine, but not all of them are dog-friendly.

Scented candles are just one way we can add a lovely fragrance. What’s more, certain candle scents can be calming to both us and our dogs. However, whilst some candles are safe for dogs, others certainly are not. The ingredients they are made from can potentially affect your dog’s health.

If we want to protect our precious pooches, we do need to be careful with the candles we burn.

Dogs have an incredibly powerful sense of smell – it has been estimated that they can smell anywhere from 1,000 to 10,000 times better than we can. This means that they are particularly sensitive to smells and can be easily affected by strong or toxic scents.

This post may contain affiliate links which means I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

DO CANDLES CONTAIN HARMFUL INGREDIENTS?

When a candle burns, it releases chemicals into the air. The artificial scents and colours, as well as the base material in certain candles, can be harmful to dogs – and to us.

There are several ingredients in candles that can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and cancer, to name just a few.

However, not all essential oils used in scented candles are harmless to pets. Here is a list of essential oils that should never be used around dogs, as they are toxic to dogs.

TYPES OF CANDLES SAFE FOR DOGS

However, not all candles are bad for dogs, so what candles are safe for pets?

Instead of a paraffin candle, look for a soy, vegetable or beeswax base, none of which are believed to emit toxic fumes.

Scented candles should only contain natural, pure essential oils instead of artificial fragrance. Make sure they are dog-safe essential oils – here is a list of essential oils that are OK for dogs.

Avoid lead wicks. Instead, you need a cotton, wood or paper wick.

Candles made from dog-safe ingredients are usually more expensive, but that’s a small price for your dog’s and your own health, right?

DOG CANDLE SAFETY TIPS

Once you’ve found some dog-safe candles, there are a few other precautions to be aware of before you light up.

Wherever you burn the candle in your home, make sure your dog has the freedom to leave the room. Whilst dog-safe candles may not bother most pups, your dog might not like the fragrance, or the smoke of your candle.

If you can, keep the door or a window open, to ensure ventilation.

Keep your lovely candles out of reach of your dog. I’m always amazed by what some dogs eat: socks, tennis balls, cushions… and yes, some dogs would eat candles too!

From a fire safety point of view, it goes without saying that candles should be placed far from anything that could catch fire, such as curtains and upholstery.

DOG FRIENDLY CANDLES IN THE UK

Pooch and Pup

Pooch&Pup produce dog-safe candles, hand-poured in small batches in their Norfolk home in the UK. Their candles are 100% soy wax with cotton wicks, and are phthalate-free, cruelty-free. They are also plastic-free: all of their candles are poured in glass containers and they use recyclable, cardboard packaging. They donate £1 from each sale to the Many Tears Animal Rescue charity. As well as candles, they have a range of cute, paw-shaped wax melts too.

I love citrus scents, but I’m a sucker for the smell of roses too, so their Garden Rose & Sweet Orange candle was perfect for me!

It’s a really gorgeous combination and it makes my living room smell divine.

I bought this candle for myself but its combination of great fragrance and elegant presentation make it the perfect gift for any pet parents in your life.

Their other fragrances include:
* cedarwood, lavender & amber
* vanilla garden
* vanilla musk

Follow this link through and use the coupon code CANCOMP15 to get 15% discount on their products (excluding the gift sets).

See Range

DOG FRIENDLY CANDLES IN THE US

Made by pet parents for pet parents, these candles have thousands of 4.5 – 5 star rated reviews on Amazon. With up to 60 hours burn time, and many different fragrances available, there’s sure to be a scent perfect for your home.

They are made from:
* 100% natural soy wax
* 100% cotton wick
* non-toxic fragrance
* no dyes
* no parabens
* no pthalates
* no parabens

Get on Amazon

CLEANING TIPS TO KEEP YOUR HOME ODOUR FREE

You might just be interested in dog-safe candles because you love to burn candles and want to know your pet is protected. Some of us also use them to help make our homes smell nice. This article has lots of suggestions for ways we can help keep a house free of ‘eau-de-dog‘.

CONCLUSION

Burning the odd candle from time to time might not do any harm, but we should avoid candles that have ingredients in them that are known to be bad for dogs, or for us for that matter!

We can minimise potential problems by not burning candles all the time. Our dogs’ noses are far more sensitive than our own, so we should burn candles in a well-ventilated room and keep the door open so our dogs can leave the area if the candle emissions bother them.

Clearly, something as simple as a candle can have far-reaching consequences.

The post Are Candles Safe for Dogs? The Risks of Toxic Candles and Your Pet appeared first on Canine Compilation.

I love halloween, but there may be some aspects of it that our dogs don’t appreciate. Here are some tips for a spooky but safe Halloween for you and your dog.

This post may contain affiliate links which means I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

WALK YOUR DOG BEFORE DARK

All the things that make Halloween such fun for us – weird face painting, freaky costumes, spooky lighting – can make it equally scary for a dog.

Even the calmest dog can be spooked by something otherworldly and out-of-the-ordinary. If you walk your pup before dark, you should be able to avoid any such encounters.

HALLOWEEN COSTUMES

There are some really cute Halloween costume for dogs, but what if your dog hates being put in a costume?

I’m lucky, I could put my girl in anything and she wouldn’t have a problem with it. However, not all pups are like that. If your dog is uncomfortable in costumes, how about a more simple Halloween costume that won’t upset her?

There are lots of lovely bow ties for dogs that you can buy, or make your own dog bow tie. You could even make your pup a gorgeous, bat-shaped Halloween bowtie like the one below – no sewing required!

HALLOWEEN DOG FOOD

All festive occasions involve food – a delicious treat for us but potentially problematic for our pups.

If you’re having a Halloween party, make sure Fido can’t get at the kids’ sugary trick-or-treat bowl. Not only is the sugar really bad for dogs (or potentially even worse, the toxic sugar replacement, xylitol), but they could choke on a candy and its wrapper.

Just because some human food is bad for your dog though, doesn’t mean your fur baby has to go without.

You could have a bowl of treats that are just for your dog and make sure that any guests know they can only give your dog those treats.

Dehydrated dog treats like chicken jerky are great for parties – if any of the 2-legged guests accidentally eat them, they’ll probably not even realise they were for your dog! Here’s a tutorial for how to make chicken jerky for your dog.

Making celebration cakes for a dog is fantastic fun. Here’s a recipe for a Halloween cake for dogs.

One of the things I most enjoy about Halloween is pumpkins, and that’s something I can share with my dog. Pumpkin is super healthy for dogs and there are plenty of pumpkin treats for dogs you can make.

TRICK OR TREATERS AT THE DOOR

Where I live, the general rule of thumb if you’re participating in Halloween is to put a carved, lit pumpkin in the window, a sign to the local kids that there’s a bowl of yummy trick-or-treat candies waiting for them. Otherwise, close your curtains and you won’t be bothered by trick-or-treaters (these days there’s only treats, no tricks!)

Thankfully, my dog doesn’t get upset when people come to the door or ring the bell, but not all dogs are like that. If your pup does get upset with people coming to the house, make sure she has a safe space to snuggle up in, where she can get some distance from all the excitement at the front door.

Even dogs that don’t normally have problems with visitors can end up feeling overwhelmed by a constant stream of excited children in strange looking costumes. If you keep your dog in another room, both she and your visitors will stay safe and calm.

You could also put some calming music for dogs on in whatever room she’s in.

HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS

Sadly, most candles nowadays are bad for dogs. They’re made with potentially toxic things like synthetic fragrance oils and paraffin.

Dog-safe candles can be made from beeswax, coconut wax, natural soy or vegetable-based wax, with something like a cotton, lead-free wick. Since some essential oils are toxic to dogs, beware using scented candles. If you want to know more about essential oils for dogs, see this article.

So if your dog is in the same part of the house as your lit pumpkin, could you use a pet-friendly candle in it instead of a standard tea-light?

Another consideration is to make sure that Fido can’t jump up and knock any candles over. The last thing you want is to be putting out house fires!

With a little careful consideration, Halloween can be a hoot for you and your dog!

The post Halloween For Dogs: Tricks, Treats and No Trauma appeared first on Canine Compilation.

It turns out that although dogs shake for different reasons, one of them is that, just like sniffing, shaking also appears to release tension and lower their pulse rate.

I’ll go over the other reasons a dog shakes in another article, but I really wanted to explore how by shaking itself, a dog appears to be calmer and less anxious. I also want to share how I’ve adapted this observation to create an effective way to help a reactive dog calm down once the trigger’s gone.

This post may contain affiliate links which means I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

RESEARCH ABOUT DOGS SHAKING

In their citizen science experiment, the Dog Field Study, researchers concluded that when a dog ‘shakes it off’, it results in a lower pulse rate. This ‘shaking it off’ behaviour was often seen when the dog’s pulse rate was particularly high.

Here is a link to the video of their observations about how shaking affects a dog’s pulse rate.

Tap twice to load then open Video...

Think about your own dog, and when he or she vigourously shakes. Does she do it right after something else happens? Did she see a squirrel, or a cat? If her reactivity is bicycles, for instance, did someone ride past?

You might notice that whatever the trigger is that upsets your dog, she does a full body shake for a couple of seconds after the trigger’s gone. This kind of shake looks like what a dog does after getting wet, not if she shivers because she’s cold, for instance. This shake helps her by releasing some tension and lowering her pulse.

ANIMALS IN THE WILD AND SHAKING

As I researched the phenomenon more, I came across the work of psychologist, Peter Levine. He saw that animals in the wild don’t show signs of stress. He describes how an impala freezes and goes into an unconscious state once it is caught by a predator, such as a cheetah. If the cheetah doesn’t eat the impala right away, let’s say she takes it back to her lair to eat it later, the impala might still escape with its life. If it wakes up from its unconscious, frozen state before being eaten, there’s a chance it will get up and run away to safety. (from the book Peter Levine: Waking the Tiger)

Levine says:

“When it is out of danger, the animal will literally ‘shake off’ the residual effects of the immobility response and gain full control of its body. It will then return to its normal life as if nothing had happened.”  [my italics]

Peter Levine

So, how do these observations about shaking help us as pet parents with nervous, stressed or reactive dogs?

APPLYING THIS TO A REACTIVE DOG

Aside from drenching our dogs with water after we see a trigger, we can’t guarantee that our dogs will shake, thereby losing the potential for their pulse to lower and for them to return to a calmer state.

My dober-daughter sometimes reacts when she sees other dogs. Her dog-dog reactivity is something we’ve both been working on for some time, and she responds much more calmly now when we come across another dog. Both she and I have learned how to manage these occurrences better. If you have a reactive dog too, you’ll know that any techniques that help you and your pup feel calmer are very welcome.

First, I give Toxa time to recover once we get distance from the trigger (another dog). Very often, she will indeed shake. I’ve even started to coordinate a voice command ‘Shake!’ when she shakes, to encourage her to do it in future.

After shaking it off, she can usually resume the walk fairly calmly.

If she doesn’t ‘shake it off’ afterwards, I’ve noticed that she pulls on the lead and continues on the walk in a heightened, hyper-alert state. Many dog trainers describe this as a dog’s ‘bucket’ getting too full as the tension and anxiety continue to build.

A TECHNIQUE YOU CAN TEACH AND CUE FOR LOWERING TENSION IN DOGS

However, I’ve been experimenting with another way to get the same results as the shake.… I ask her to do a jump.

Of course, you’ll need to teach your dog to jump on the spot for this, but that’s a fairly easy behaviour to teach on cue.

Her jumping seems to get the same results as shaking. If she still seems tense, I ask her to do a couple more jumps, until she is calmer. After that, she continues without pulling and her behaviour is indeed calmer.

Both the shaking and jumping are full-body, physical activities, and in my observations, they both seem to have the same desired effect of reducing my dog’s tension. Result!

So, if you’re looking for ways to help your reactive dog with her reactivity when out on walks or in the face of her triggers, let her shake to her heart’s content, and try the jumping technique. Let me know how it works for you!

The post How to Help Reactive Dogs Feel Calmer: Two Techniques appeared first on Canine Compilation.

Your dog is an important member of your family, and you want to make sure that he or she is always looking and feeling their best. 

Part of being a responsible pet parent is knowing how to properly groom your dog. Believe it or not, not grooming your dog properly can lead to some serious health problems, and grooming doesn’t mean just brushing your dog’s fur!

This post may contain affiliate links which means I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

There are a few things you need to keep in mind when grooming your dog.

First, you need to be gentle. Dogs have sensitive skin, and you don’t want to hurt them while you’re grooming them. Not only that, some dogs dislike being groomed and need to be handled with extra love and care.

Second, you need to be patient. Grooming can be a long process, especially if your dog is particularly hairy. 

Finally, you need to be consistent. It’s important to groom your dog on a regular basis so that they stay clean and healthy.

Here are a few tips on how to groom your dog properly:

BRUSHING A DOG

You should brush your dog’s fur on a regular basis. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that may be trapped in their fur. 

It will also help to keep their fur looking shiny and healthy. You should use a soft brush on your dog’s fur to avoid harming their skin.

DOG BATHING

You should bathe your dog regularly, but not too often. Over-bathing can strip the natural oils from their fur, which can lead to dryness and irritation. 

When you bathe your dog, only use a mild shampoo for dogs and make sure to rinse all of the soap out of their fur. Some people think it’s OK to use dish detergent as shampoo for dogs, but it really isn’t very good for your dog’s skin and there are lots of dog-safe alternatives.

If your dog is a little smelly, it might not be necessary to fully bathe them – here are lots of alternative ways to get rid of the doggy smell without a bath.

You could also try my DIY dry dog shampoo recipe: it’s easy to make up, doesn’t go off, and my dog would much rather be brushed down with this that have a bath!

NAIL CARE FOR DOGS

It’s important to keep your dog’s nails trimmed. Long nails can be uncomfortable for your dog and can also cause damage to your furniture or floors. 

You can either trim your dog’s nails yourself or take them to a professional groomer. 

If you decide to do it yourself, you must be careful. If you trim them too short you can cause your dog pain, and nails bleed, A LOT!

DOG EAR CARE

You should check your dog’s ears on a regular basis and clean them if necessary. Dog ear infections are the second most common reason for a vet visit, so it’s important to keep your pup’s ears clean. 

You can either use a cotton ball dipped in water or a dog-safe ear-cleaning solution to clean your dog’s ears. Be sure not to insert anything into their ear canal.

DOG DENTAL CARE

Just like humans, dogs need to have their teeth brushed on a regular basis. 

Dental problems are really common in dogs, so it’s important to keep their teeth clean and healthy by removing any plaque or tartar that has built up. 

It’s best to use a toothbrush and toothpaste designed specifically for dogs. You can also give your dog dental chew treats to help keep their teeth clean.

You’ll find much more dog dental care advice in this article.

DIET

What your dog eats plays a huge role in their overall health, including their skin and fur. Make sure you’re feeding your dog a healthy diet that’s wholesome, fresh and nutritious. It’s crucial that you research the food you are giving to your dog.

Some dogs are prone to skin issues and allergies, and the cause is often food-related. A lot of dogs are sensitive to certain ingredients in their food, such as sugar or carbohydrates. 

Yeast is also a problem for these dogs, and it can grow unchecked in areas like the armpits and pads, causing extreme irritation. Some owners see an improvement in their dog’s condition by switching to a raw food diet. 

KEEP YOUR DOG HAPPY AND HEALTHY WITH THESE HOME-MADE RAW TREATS

Raw Fed Dog Treat Guide – eBook

In the Raw Fed Dog Treat Guide, you’ll find over 40 pages of raw treat ideas and recipes, perfect for your four-legged best friend.

From frozen treats for summer days to dehydrated delicacies, or nutritionally complete treats to raw celebration cakes – there’s something for everyone, or rather, everyone’s dog.

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HAIRCUTS

Dogs with long fur may need to have their fur trimmed on a regular basis. 

This will help to keep their fur from getting tangled or matted. It’s important to use scissors that are designed specifically for dog grooming.

You should never shave your dog’s fur down to the skin – this can lead to irritation and even infection. 

If you’re not comfortable giving your dog a haircut, you can take them to a professional groomer.

SUPPLEMENTS

There are a variety of supplements that you can give your dog to help with their skin and fur. These supplements can include omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and biotin. 

Supplements can help to improve the quality of your dog’s skin and fur. When your dog is receiving the right amount of nutrients, it can help to prevent skin problems and make their fur look shiny and healthy. 

Just make sure to check with your vet before giving your dog any supplements.

EXERCISE

Dogs need exercise to stay happy and in great condition, just like people do. It is important for your dog’s overall health that they get enough exercise. 

It is important for all dogs, but it’s especially important for dogs with skin problems. Exercise helps to improve circulation and increase the oxygen flow to the skin. This can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing. 

Exercise can help to reduce stress, and in turn helps to lessen skin and fur problems.

Dogs benefit from mental as well as physical exercise though, and not all dogs need the same level of exercise.

This article on walking your dog looks at the alternatives to long daily walks and how to provide your pup with the physical and mental stimulation they need.

CONCLUSION

Last but not least, remember to have fun while grooming your dog. 

This is a great time to bond with your fur kid. Most dogs will love the attention and affection that you are give them. 

If you want more in-depth knowledge on how to groom your dog yourself, you can get yourself some books on dog grooming or ask your veterinarian for advice. 

Grooming is an important part of being a responsible pet parent, and by taking the time to groom your dog properly, you can help to keep them healthy and looking their best.

The post 9 Essential Dog Grooming Tips appeared first on Canine Compilation.

Although winter weather can be tough for us, it’s just as hard on our dogs. The colder the temperatures get in the winter, the more care and attention a pooch requires to stay safe. Low temperatures are not the only problem. Dogs need protection from a whole host of winter risks other than just cold weather.

Winter can be fun though – people and dogs alike love to play in the snow, and there’s nothing quite like a walk on a crisp, cold day with piercing blue skies. There’s no reason why we can’t all enjoy the best of the winter weather if we take the necessary precautions.

I have a dobermann, a breed with very short, fine hair. I need to take special care of my girl in the winter so she doesn’t end up shivering all the time. My personal rule of thumb is if I’m cold, she’s likely to be cold too.

Below are a few simple steps you can take to ensure that your pup stays warm and healthy too, whatever the winter weather.

This post may contain affiliate links which means I receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

WHAT INDOOR ACTIVITIES CAN I DO WITH MY DOG IN THE WINTER?

You can play indoor games to help your dog stay mentally and physically fit, rather than spend long periods outside. For indoor game ideas, try easy scent games, general indoor games, or games to help keep your pup calm.

As well as games, make sure your pup has access to toys that will be fun and stimulating. These are some of the canine enrichment toys that my dog enjoys at home.

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You can combine the use of many of these things in a session of Free Work. It’s a fantastic way to give your dog choice, mental stimulation and physical exercise all at once. See how to set up Free Work in this article.

WHICH DOGS ARE AT GREATEST RISK OF SUFFERING IN THE COLD?

Small dogs, shorthaired dogs, puppies, and senior dogs are at the biggest risk of suffering from the consequences of low temperatures. 

Young and old dogs have a harder time regulating their body temperatures, so they can be more easily affected by the extremes of weather. Take special care if your dog is a puppy or is elderly as they will be more vulnerable.

Smaller breeds and shorthaired breeds will also feel the cold more quickly so keep them inside the house during particularly cold spells.

My beautiful 13-year-old felt the cold easily.
His fleece PJs kept him cosy and warm.

Shop for fleece dog coats

WRAP YOUR DOG UP

I think my dober-daughter has more winter coats than I do. She also has light raincoats, onesie fleece PJs, sweaters and snoods. Once the cooler days set in, she’s rarely without a cosy fleece or sweater to keep her warm.

To keep your dog warm and cosy, I highly recommend you invest in a couple of fleece dog sweaters or onesies like the ones my dog has.

Fleece PJs are my dog’s main indoor clothes in the winter.

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As well as fleece PJs, my girl also has towelling coats that double up as drying coats after a wet walk (or both) and cosy PJs.

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When she goes for her walk, I usually leave her onesie on and I put an outer coat over the top of it. Because the onesie has long legs, they often get mud splattered when we’re out, so I just pop a clean one on her when we get back home – it’s best to have at least two indoor sweaters for this reason.

It’s well worth investing in thick dog coats for colder days. If you can stretch to it, get two of these as well so you’re not putting a wet coat on your dog the next time you go out for a walk.

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There are many, fantastic dog coats on the market. Personally, I like coats with a wide belly band that you do up with a velcro strap over your dog’s back. They are easy to put on and protect your dog’s tummy too.

This 2in1 raincoat from Danish Designs has a removable fleece lining and an outer raincoat. The velcro band is reflective, great for nighttime walks. It also has rear leg straps to stop the coat from flying up.

The Danish 2in1 coat was really simple to put over my dog in his wheelchair and kept him cosy and protected.

PROTECT YOUR DOG’S PAWS: USE DOG BOOTS

My beautiful boy also used to wear doggy boots to protect his paws. In his case, it was because his feet scraped on the ground because of his neurological illness. However, boots are necessary for healthy dogs too in certain environmental conditions.

Back in the days when I had my first dobermann, I used to go mountaineering a lot.  We’d brave the snow and ice of the Scottish winters every weekend. The views were beautiful but it was hell for my dog’s paws. Without boots, his paws would end up cracked and even bleed.

Boots also protect against rough, rocky terrain that might easily cut the pads on your dog’s paws.

Which are the best dog boots? There are lots of affordable dog boots on the market and we got through dozens of them. They wear down quickly when your dog’s paws graze the ground all the time.

Some were more hardwearing and fitted better. I would advise against any boot that has an elasticated opening. Elasticated openings are horrible to get over your dog’s paws and you can’t tighten them.

Instead, look for an adjustable velcro strap.

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Which are the best dog boots?

Of all the dog boots we tried, the Truelove Dog Boots gave us the best fit and for the price, the best value. They lasted just as well as some more expensive dog boots. They come in different colours.

They have double velcro straps which mean it’s much less likely the boots will slip off.

If you’re interested in dog wheelchairs, see this article.

CLEAN YOUR DOG’S PAWS

Many countries spray sidewalks and roads with grit and salt in winter months to improve walking and driving conditions. This might make our lives easier, but it can play hell with your dog’s paws.

Small bits of grit and salt can get lodged in between the paw pads which can cause pain and irritation. If you don’t use dog boots out on a walk, be sure to clean your dog’s feet straight after the walk. I keep small towels (flannels) and Earth pet wipes by the door for this purpose.

If your dog has sensitive skin, or very dirty paws, you might want to go a step further. Dip your dog’s paws in a bucket of warm water after your walk, to rinse away any residue picked up off the street. Alternatively, invest in a paw cleaner like this one I have for my girl. They’re not expensive and they’re great at getting paws clean without making lots of mess.

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USE PAW BALM

Another thing you can do to help protect your dog’s paws is to apply some paw balm. A good, natural paw balm will help stop paw pads from cracking. Be sure to check the ingredients on whatever you buy, because you can be sure your pup will end up licking it. Alternatively, make your own so you can be sure it’s safe. This paw balm recipe is also good for small scratches and scrapes.

CAN DOGS GET FROSTBITE? YES THEY CAN: LIMIT YOUR DOG’S TIME OUTDOORS

A fellow pet parent once told me he believed that dogs can regulate their temperature and don’t die of cold, but he was sadly very wrong. Dogs can indeed die of cold, and they can also suffer from frostbite.

Some breeds, such as Saint Bernards, Siberian Huskies, and Malamutes, are well suited to low temperatures. Most others are not though. Dogs can suffer frostbite just as we can, so extended periods in sub-zero temperatures could lead to tissue damage in extremities such as the ears, tail, nose and paws.

For some dogs, just 30 minutes, unprotected, in the freezing cold, can be enough for frostbite to start. If your dog spends too much time in sub-zero temperatures, there’s also a risk of hypothermia.

Avoid leaving your dog outdoors alone or unprotected and reduce time spent outside in extremely cold weather. If necessary, keep walks short in sub-zero temperatures and do more indoor games and enrichment activities at home to keep your dog stimulated.

GET A HEATED DOG BED

Heated dog beds or pads are a great idea for dogs that feel the cold. Look out for functions like safety shutoff, timers, chew-resistant cords and heat indicators like this one.

If you can’t stretch to a heated dog bed, make sure your dog’s bed is not in a drafty position in your home.

TRIM YOUR DOG’S PAW FUR

If you have a long-haired dog, you might have noticed little ice balls sticking to the fur on their paws on snowy, icy walks. To avoid this, trim their fur and keep it even with the pads on the paw.

TAKE CARE ON THE ICE

It is easy to forget how dangerous ice can be. Dogs can easily get injured slipping on the ice – especially elderly dogs.

Avoid walking near rivers and ponds, or keep your dog on a leash if you are out walking near frozen waterways – the ice on top might look solid but apart from the risk of your dog slipping and falling over on it, there’s an even greater danger of the ice breaking. Tragically, dogs are lost every year in winter because they fell in icy water and couldn’t get out.

ANTIFREEZE

Anti-freeze, de-icer and screenwash products tend to contain ethylene glycol which is toxic to dogs (and cats). Symptoms of ethylene glycol poisoning include

If you use these products yourself, keep them well out of the way of your pets. Make sure you wipe up any spillage so your fur-kids don’t end up licking it or cleaning their paws after walking in it.

If your dog ingests any of these products, get them to the vet immediately. It doesn’t matter if they’re not showing any of the symptoms yet – it’s always better to get ahead of a problem, before it’s too late.

There are alternatives to using these products. You could try covering your vehicle at night, using ice-scrapers to remove the ice, and starting the engine up 10 minutes before you leave, to get the engine warmed up and turn on the screen de-misters.

DON’T LOSE SIGHT OF YOUR DOG

Winter days are much shorter, which means most of us are walking our dogs in the dark. It’s easy to lose sight of your pup if they’re off the lead at night. 

To get around this, I have used various flashing collars for my dogs. These days, my dog no longer wears a collar, but she does wear a 3 point harness which I attach a flashing bike light to. She also has high-vis, reflective strips on her coats.

Having a flashing collar, harness light and high-vis clothing will make you more visible to passing traffic too.

It’s worth keeping up the training and working on your recall too – when it’s hard to see where your fur-baby is, at least you need to be confident they’ll come back to you when you call them. If you can’t count on your pup coming back when you call, invest some time (and money if necessary) to improve your recall – it might be the difference between having your dog safe at home with you or spending all night desperately trying to find them.

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AVOID LEAVING YOUR DOG IN A VEHICLE

In much the same way as leaving your dog in a car can be fatal to dogs in the summer, it can be dangerous in the winter too.

Vehicles heat up and cool down very quickly, having no insulation. If you leave your dog in the car for a long period of time when there are sub-zero temperatures, your pup is likely to suffer.

CONCLUSION

Winter can be fun for everyone – especially your dog. Follow our winter dog care tips and take some extra steps to keep your dog safe this winter.

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