The summer months can be tough on our dogs, especially for those with an active lifestyle. Dogs who train and compete in sports are notorious for overheating and needing special care. In this hot season there are ways to keep our dogs cool in the relentless heat and safe from heat exhaustion or worse!

It is very important to be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and be able to recognize the times when your dog just needs to take a break and cool down, and those times when your dog needs medical attention via your nearest veterinarian to help them safely cool down and fight life threatening heart stroke or heat exhaustion. Taking frequent breaks and using safe cooling techniques will keep your down safe and healthy on those hot days in the sun!

Tips for keeping your dogs cool in the heat:

1. When outside for extended periods of time, have your dogs take frequent breaks in the shade with a cool (not cold) bowl of water. Offer small amounts of water at a time (approximately half a water bottle at most). Do this more often if the day is exceptionally hot, give your dog a chance to cool down before you continue on. You will notice a change in your dog's panting from heavy to lighter when they are ready to get up and go again!
2. Feed your dog a few hours before you go out to provide them with energy to take on the day, but give them 2-3 hours to digest the meal prior to going out to avoid bloat and stomach torsion.
3. Add electrolytes to their water bowl to keep them replenished with everything they require to stay hydrated. A pet product or the human version such as unflavoured Pedialyte is ideal! Electrolytes will keep them hydrated and in good physical condition to handle the higher temperatures.
4. Snacks! Offer your dog high calorie or high protein treats such as Zuke's Powerbones or Orijen Freeze Dried treats through out the outing, but don't give too many at once since it can cause stomach upset (especially in the heat!).
5. Battery operated fans and a dog cooling mat can keep your dogs cool during their resting time.
6.  If you are at home or somewhere that allows it, offer your dog a kiddie pool full of cool water to splash around in! This will keep them cool on days that you are spending extended periods of time outside!
7. If you are not doing excessive exercise but are spending a lot of time outdoors in the heat, make sure to always have cool clean water available and ample shade nearby!
8. Choose to exercise your dog in the early morning or late evening when it is cooler to avoid the excessively hot afternoons!
9. Keep your dog off hot pavement in the afternoon - if you can't walk on it barefoot, it's too hot for your dog.
10. Keep in mind that thick coated / heavy coated breeds cannot spend as much time in the heat as shorter coated dogs.

Learn the signs of overheating and distress so that you can monitor your dogs for symptoms.

If your dog becomes overheated while outside, find a shady place and have your dog stand for 10 minutes. Pour cool (not cold) water on your dog's paws, wet the inside of the ears with your cool, wet hands (do not poor water in the ear) and underbelly ONLY, then have them sit for 10 minutes, repeat with the water on their paws, underbelly and wet the ears (do not pour water in the ear). Have them lay down for another 10 minutes, then find an air conditioned environment to allow them to fully cool down. If any symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke occur, see a veterinarian immediately. On transport to the veterinarian hospital, apply cool water to the paws, underbelly and rub water with your hands on the inside of their ears. Do NOT offer cold water during heat exhaustion as you can cause bloat and stomach torsion. The cold water will shock their overheated system.

If your dog is showing any of the following symptoms, veterinarian assistance is required as soon as possible. Dogs will need help bringing their body heat down, re-hydrating and preventing serious effects such as seizures and potentially death.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion / Heat Stroke in Dogs

• Restlessness
• Weakness/Fatigue
• Pale tongue and gums
• Disorientation
• Unsteady, staggering gait
• Excessive heavy panting or unusual breathing
• Extreme thirst
• Excessive salivation / thick saliva
• Vomiting and Diarrhea

• Increased respiratory and heart rates
• Crying or distressed vocalizations
• Collapsing or losing consciousness

Do not under ANY circumstances leave your dogs in a car in hot weather without air conditioning AND supervision. Dogs left in hot cars can die very quickly, this happens often in the summer months unfortunately. If it is too hot, just leave your dog at home for the day.

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Angel
K9 Instinct
www.k9instinct.com

Summer is just around the corner, it is time to get your dog ready for warm weather and beautiful sunny days!

Spring is in the air and our dogs know it. They are excited to get outside and breathe in the warmer air while splashing their way through the puddles left over from a rainy May. Longer days means more hours of potential fun in the sun with our four-legged family members and there is no doubt an exciting summer up ahead.

Here are a four things we can do for our dogs to get them ready for a warm season full of fun, sun and laughter:

1) Bring your dog to your veterinarian for an annual check up. Getting your dog ready for the exciting summer activities includes making sure that they are fit, healthy and up to date on their vaccinations. Consider using a minimal vaccine schedule or testing their titers for levels of immunity! Take this time to discuss your traditional OR alternative/holistic heartworm, flea and parasite prevention methods for the summer to keep your pet healthy and happy.

2) Getting your dog groomed is a great way to shake off the winter blues and embrace the warm, sunny days ahead! Whether you bring your best friend to the doggie spa or do it yourself at home, your dog will benefit from a bath and brush. A seriously good brushing will help them shed their thick winter fur and keep cool in the heat, but it will also keep large amounts of fur off your floor while they are blowing their coat for the spring. Don’t forget to clean their ears and trim their nails, too!

3) Find a fun activity or sport to enjoy with your dog this season. Jogging, running, camping, hiking and bicycling are excellent activities to include your dog in and the exercise will help keep them healthy and fit. Dog sports such as agility, obedience, herding or flyball are great potential hobbies to take on with your dog. The working partnership and fun exercise will strengthen the bond between you and your best friend while providing you both with fulfilling mental stimulation!

4) Buy your dog some new gear for hiking and camping. Items such as a backpack, portable food and water bowls, a long leash and doggie water bottles will make taking your dog out on family occasions more enjoyable. A backpack can be a great way to give your dog a job to do by having him carry his own water bowl, water bottle, poop bags and treats. You may even be able to slip your cell phone and wallet in his backpack without him noticing.

The warmer months are full of fun and laughter and your dog is just as excited about it as you are! Including them in your spring and summer activities will provide everyone involved with enrichment, unconditional love and excitement. Just like with spring cleaning and getting a new haircut, helping your dog feel refreshed with the warm weather can have excellent benefits for their health and well being.

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Angel
K9 Instinct
www.k9instinct.com

The bond between human and animal is one of the main reasons we make the decision to bring a pet into our lives. The allure of that timeless connection is powerful. It is an easily attained friendship that enriches our lives and nurtures our hearts. Our pets bring warmth and unconditional love to our homes, but it is their fiercely loyal companionship we value the most.

Building a bond with a puppy or young dog is a fun and enriching journey. There are many ways in which we can weave the bonds of friendship with our furry family members.

The very first step to creating a foundation for friendship with your puppy or young dog will occur during your first interaction together. Before you interact with your new dog you want to give her the opportunity to come over and investigate you. Allow her to smell you and get comfortable with your presence, doing so helps her to understand that you are not a threat and that you are respectful of her space. She will appreciate not being overwhelmed by you and having the chance to check you out before you touch her. This process is often very quick and easy with puppies, but may take a little longer the older the dog is.

Once your new furry friend has sniffed you and exhibited signs of being relaxed around you, you can begin the interaction. Start with calling her over to you in a calm, happy voice and tell her how good of a girl she is as soon as she shows interest in you. When she comes over to you, you can then offer her a treat or pet her on the chest. Once you two have met and become comfortable with each other, pull out a toy and engage her in some play. This first meeting will establish that you are a respectful friend she can trust and have fun with!

Bringing your new puppy or dog home is when the fun really begins, since most of your bonding will occur once she is a member of your family. The important steps to take in building a strong bond will be the seemingly small, insignificant things you do for your dog every single day. By feeding her, walking her, taking her outside to potty, training her and playing with her during the day you will teach your dog that you are the source of all the good things in her everyday life.

When it comes time to feed your dog, engage with her before she gets to eat. Have her sit and wait while you prepare her meal then ask her to lay down and wait as you set the food in front of her. Give her a release command to signify that she may eat and do not bother her until she is finished eating. This exercise teaches her to respect her role in your family while building trust during a structured routine. She also learns that you will not create stress or take her food once you have given it to her. This level of trust is important when building a bond between yourself and your dog. If you dog believes she has to defend her food from you or eat it very quickly before you take it away it will negatively impact your bond.

Training is one of the best ways for us to establish a very strong connection between ourselves and our dog when it is built on a foundation of communication, trust and understanding. Working with our dogs and teaching various obedience commands helps us learn how to communicate effectively with each other, and also teaches us to trust one another. Dogs were bred to have the desire to make their human companions happy, so by working together and communicating effectively we fulfill this need-to-please in our dogs.

Play is another major factor in bond building and is very enjoyable for both canine and human! Playing games like fetch, tug-of-war, chase and the "find it" game will strengthen your bond and help make you the focus of your dog's happiness and excitement. Don't be afraid to goof around and laugh, your dog will appreciate the incoming positive energy from you!

Touch and one-on-one quiet time is one of the most powerful bonding tools we can use. For dogs that enjoy being touched, cuddling on the couch or laying by your side while being stroked can boost the bond in a big way. Dogs communicate through touch just as they do with body language. Use petting, massages and ear scratches to share mutual affection with your furry friend. Watch for cues to ensure your dog enjoys this sort of attention since stress can be counterproductive to bond building.

Your dog can make the perfect exercise partner and doing these fun activities together will strengthen your bond of friendship. Many dogs, once they reach physical maturity at around two years of age, make excellent running or jogging partners! This form of exercise is a great structured activity that relieves boredom, drains energy and gives your dog a job to do. Consider activities such as hiking, cycling, camping, walking, swimming, soccer and skijoring to include your dog in. Your dog will feel closer to you when she is included in your exercise routines.

The little things in life can also strengthen the bond between you and your dog, so consider taking your dog with you to run errands if weather permits it. Dogs always benefit from the extra time out of the house. If you have some gardening to do outside, you can give your dog something healthy to chew on so that she can just hang out with you while you work.

However you decide to go about strengthening to bond between you and your dog, remember to take time to appreciate and love your canine companion for all the joy and love they add to your life. Sharing mutual love and respect is the secret to a powerful connection that will last a lifetime.

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Angel
K9 Instinct
www.k9instinct.com

This article will be featured in the Animal Wellness magazine!

The Kong is a universal toy enjoyed by dogs everywhere, and is likely one of the most infamous dog toys on the market. The kong is a durable, safe chew toy for puppies and dogs and can also be used for feeding and providing your dog with a snack!

While there are many different treats, kibbles and pre-made fillings to put inside of your dog's kong, nothing beats a nutritious recipe you can make right at home. The great thing about making your own kong filling is that you can control the nutritious ingredients your canine companion will enjoy! Adding yoghurt or cottage cheese can add a boost of probiotics that have proven themselves very beneficial for our dogs!


Yoghurt and Peanut Butter Crunch!

• 2 cups of plain, unsweetened yoghurt
• 1 cup of crunchy peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons of freeze-dried liver treats

Combine the yoghurt and peanut butter until they are mixed together well, then lightly fold in the freeze dried liver treats. Fill the Kong and feed it either cool or frozen!



Cheesy Potato Delight!

• 2 cups of mashed sweet potato
• 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1 cup of cottage cheese
• Two tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese

Combine all of the ingredients and fill the kong! Feed either warm or frozen!



Pumpkin and Grilled Cheese Bites!

• 1 cup of pure pumpkin (not the pie filling)
• 2 cups of grilled cheese sandwich cut into bite sized pieces

Use whole wheat bread and cheddar cheese to make the sandwiches, then cut them up into approximately 1-inch bite sized pieces. Combines the grilled cheese bites with the pumpkin and fill the kong. Feed frozen or warm!



Cream Cheese and Cookie Snack!

• 1 cup of cream cheese
• 1 cup of plain yoghurt
• 1/2 cup of your dog's favourite cookies, broken into small bite sized pieces

Combine cream cheese and yoghurt, then fold in the cookie pieces. Freeze and serve!


Fruity Parfait!

• 1 cup of plain yoghurt
• 1 small mashed banana
• 2 tablespoons of blueberries

Fold the banana and blueberries into the yoghurt, then freeze and serve!



Delicious Pumpkin Pie!

• 1 cup of pure pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup of smooth peanut butter
• 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 1/2 of a banana

Combine all ingredients by folding them together, fill the kong and serve either warm or frozen!

Try any of these recipes and you can be sure your dog will love them! They are healthy, homemade and delicious!

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Angel
K9 Instinct
www.k9instinct.com

We love our dogs so very much. One day in the distant past, they worked their way into our hearts to become furry, four-legged members of our family and they never looked back. Their dedication, unconditional love and unmatched companionship has earned them an important place in our lives. It is no wonder so many of us do everything we can to make our dogs happy and healthy.

What is the key to a long and healthy life? The answer is actually quite simple! We must nourish the body, the mind and the spirit. To nourish the body we must provide a species-appropriate and highly nutritious diet. For the mind, we must provide fulfilling experiences and good mental and physical exercise. The spirit is nourished with experiences that build the bond between dog and human, and the foundation of training (or work) that creates a fulfilling relationship built on communication and trust.

Diet and nutrition is the first vital step towards health and longevity in our dogs. We must act as an advocate for our animal companions, providing them with species appropriate nutrition with which they can thrive. High protein, grain-free diets are ideal. A raw food diet is the most nutritional food, followed by freeze-dried diets, homemade diets and lastly high quality, whole food kibble diets. Click here to learn more about the best foods to feed your dog.

An important part of nourishing the body includes keeping harmful chemicals and toxins out of your dog. A minimal vaccine protocol is ideal for all dogs, especially dogs with immune system disorders, allergies and other serious medical conditions. Monthly de-wormers and heartworm preventative are harsh pesticides and chemicals going into your dog on a regular basis, these treatments put a great deal of stress on the body and immune system. Consider a natural de-wormer twice a year and look into homeopathic heartworm preventatives.

To nourish the mind we need to provide our dogs with fulfilling and enjoyable mental and physical stimulation. These experiences that remove excess energy and relieve boredom help bring calmness and balance to our canine companions. Physical exercise can include long walks, hiking, playing ball at the park, playing with other dogs, biking, jogging, running, obedience training and training in dog sports. Mental exercise comes from training, thinking games in the home, and giving your dog healthy items to chew on and interact with. Nothing makes a dog happier than a long off leash hike in the forest followed by a healthy elk antler or raw marrow bone to chew on at home.

It is the powerful bond we share with our dogs that nourishes their spirit. A dog requires a sense of belonging, trust and companionship to really thrive. We create these feelings in our dogs when we have a one on one training session, or when we share the couch in the evening after a long day, or when we take a long walk together and stop to play ball at the park. Nourishing the spirit is all about our bond with our dogs, relishing in the companionship and unconditional love our furry family members have to offer. The experience of the unconditional love exchanged between human and dog is remarkable, it creates balance and happiness in not only them, but also within us.

The path to a long and healthy life involves nurturing every aspect of your dog's being and simply enjoying life together, living every moment to its fullest.

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Angel
K9 Instinct
www.k9instinct.com

Some days all we can manage is taking our dogs for a quick walk around the block and the rest of the day will have to be spent inside. Whether you're sick, working long hours or the weather is utterly monstrous outside; Some days we just can't get our canine companions out for enough physical exercise.

There are lots of ways we can keep our dogs busy inside the house and rotating these ideas will keep things exciting and entertaining for our pets. From toys, to long lasting treats, to interaction with us we can find a way to tire them out for a day without needing the great outdoors.

There are several very cool puzzle inspired toys to offer your dog on days where you can't get them outside enough. The toys I am about to discuss are thinking toys, which means even though they are fun to play with, they require the dog to think about how to play with them. This mental stimulation is the key to tiring your dog out when they need to stay indoors for the day.

The Tricky Treat Ball is a very popular, fun toy with many craters all around it and one hole to put treats and cookies inside. As the dog plays with the ball and pushes it around, treats fall out. Dogs can roll the ball, pick it up and shake it, toss it around and roll around with it to get the treats inside to fall out. Since the inside of the toy retains the scent of treats, this toy can keep dogs interested for a long time!

The Kong Wobbler is another fun puzzle toy, which encourages the dog to bump and knock the toy around in order to get the treats out. Once they figure it out, they can be entertained with this cool toy for quite awhile! Not only is it a treat puzzle toy, but it is also simply fun to play with! Dogs love batting it around, nose bumping it and making it roll!

Kong also has it's famous classic kong toy, which is a red or black rubber toy with the center hollowed out. This toy is best used when a liquid or pureed food is stuffed inside and frozen. Take peanut butter and yoghurt or cottage cheese and some broken freeze dried liver treats, fill the kong and freeze it! Freezing the kong will keep the dog working at the toy for quite awhile! This is a great opportunity to get some healthy probiotics in your dog while entertaining their nose and bellies!

Toys aren't the only way to entertain your dog inside the home! Consider long lasting chew treats like dried beef tendon, dried beef trachea, bully sticks, elk antlers, Himalayan cheese, or raw knuckle bones.

The best kind of mental stimulation can come from training, so teach your dog a new trick or work on formal obedience in the house. Spin, shake a paw, formal heeling, perch work and similar complicated exercises will be both rewarding and entertaining!

There is a game called "find it" that you can teach your dog and use to entertain each other on a day indoors. You will take one of your dog's favourite toys and put all of the others away. Keep your dog in another room and hide the toy, then release your dog and tell him to "find it". The goal is to teach your dog to use his nose and eyes to find the toy, and the reward for doing so is either a treat or playing with you and the toy. Start off with very easy finds, where your dog can easily see it and get it. Then reward your dog immediately, making the reward fun and intense so that he knows if he finds it he will get a really exciting reward.

Even though we may not be able to provide our dogs with adequate exercise outside every day out of the year, we can always find ways to provide mental stimulation and a light version of exercise that will keep them happy and balanced. While there is no true equal substitute for physical exercise outdoors, we can make those days we are stuck inside the home enjoyable for our canine companions.

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Angel
K9 Instinct
www.k9instinct.com

Nothing is more fun than taking your dog on a nice, long wilderness hike! The joy and reckless abandon they exhibit is both inspirational and heart-warming. With an excited wag of their tail, they are able to bound over hills and splash through cool creeks. Unrestrained by their leash (with an exceptional, well-trained recall only, of course!), they can track every tiny creature that crosses their path and chase squirrels into trees. Dogs can leap over fallen logs, chase with one another, and breathe in the vast myriad of scents the natural world has to offer. A hike in the great outdoors is a favourite in every dog's heart.

Like the wolf, dogs are physically designed to travel great distances. Their bodies are made for walking, and so they derive the greatest benefits from this infinity healthy activity. The mental stimulation they receive from using all of their senses freely is unmatched and the physical effort of walking, running and jumping leaves them happily exhausted at the end of the day.

Hiking is beneficial to dog and handler for many reasons. While hiking is a great way to get some serious stress relief and greatly reduces boredom, it is also simply good for the soul. Being outdoors and enjoying nature is the perfect way to spend time together, bonding and enjoying each other's company. The fresh air and tranquility of the wilderness will do you and your canine companion a world of good.

Off leash hiking is one of the most enjoyable experiences a dog owner can have, but it must only be allowed when a dog has a near perfect recall. You need to ensure that you can call your dog to your side to be leashed at any time, for any reason. This is especially important when there are other hikers and dogs on the trail, or if there is something dangerous nearby. It is also important to obey leash laws in any given area. There are many areas where you can safely have your dog off leash, you just need to do your research and discover those places!

To add to the experience, try purchasing a dog backpack for your furry friend to wear. Dogs love to be given a job, and it makes the experience much more enjoyable when you have less to carry. Figure out the appropriate amount of weight that your dog can carry  and allow them to do so. The extra 'duty' will only add to the mental and physical stimulation they receive from their adventure. Make sure never to overburden them, sometimes all they need is a water bottle in each sack and they are set to go!

Hiking has an incredible effect on dogs, and you will see the benefits immediately once you incorporate this activity into your life. They will be happier, healthier and more fulfilled members of your family for a lifetime!

Angel
K9 Instinct