Top 10 Weight-Loss Tips for Dogs

by Mary Simpson

Published: September 5th, 2020

Is your pooch on the portly side of the scale? It’s time to lose that paunch with these weight loss tips for dogs.

We all love to indulge our pooches and I’m sure I’m not the only one who can’t imagine a dog living his life eating nothing but plain old kibble. Right? So, we tasty-it-up, don’t we? A yummy morsel here and there followed by the old excuse, “but my dog doesn’t like to walk in the rain, the snow, the heat, fill in your own excuse… “, and what we end up with is an obese dog.

There’s no question we all want our best buddies to live long and healthy lives without back or joint pain and with all the energy of a young pup. Further, we’d probably do anything and spend any amount of money to accomplish this.

The truth is, it’s not rocket science. It actually takes just a little time, effort and diligence on your part. But the end result is a companion who will be happy, healthy and walking alongside you for many more years to come.

So, it’s with this in mind, that we’re sharing out top 10 tips for helping your dogs achieve their ideal weight and fitness levels.

Don’t free-feed. Introduce specific feeding times for your dog so that he can pace his intake and doesn’t get used to grazing all day long.
Opt for higher protein foods. Dry foods that are high in carbohydrates / fillers don’t keep him satisfied and he will always be seeking out something more to eat.
Keep the food of other pet’s out of reach. Cat kibble is a tasty favorite that dogs can be quick to gobble down. Particularly as cats tend to eat smaller amounts and return throughout the day.
Ration treats. Make sure they’re earned versus handed out randomly. This can reinforce training and set expectations for your dog.
Choose quality treats. Your dog can pick up a lot of extra calories throughout his day by noshing down on high-fat, high-carb treats.
Slow his eating. Puzzle mats are a great way to slow the consumption of kibble. Licking mats can be slathered with a wet food and prevent wolfing of food.
Introduce Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids to his diet. In addition to helping with heart and joint health, they help your pet feel more satisfied.
Decrease his portion size. Not in a drastic way, but a 5% reduction in the food he receives for each meal period can result in a steady, gradual loss.
Keep him preoccupied. Because dogs love to chew and are prepared to devote a copious amount of time to this activity, find a low-fat chew that he can work away at. Something like dried beef sticks that he can work away at.
Keep him active. Daily walks are a must for every dog breed and if they’re missed, you end up with a bored, lethargic dog who starts to pack on the pounds. If it can’t be helped, then have alternate indoor / outdoor activity planned such as tossing a ball or frisbee.

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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Dogs are curious creatures – as a result, every time your pooch is outside, they will use any opportunity to explore and roam. This wouldn’t be such a bad thing, of course, if they weren’t using their mouths and noses to do all the exploring. This is the way they get around the world, and they will often nibble or lick things that could be dangerous for them. This includes toads, which are common in many areas. While some species of toads are harmless, others can be toxic to dogs. As a caring owner, you should know how to respond quickly and properly, as it can make a big difference for your pet. What To Do If My Dog Licks or Eats a Toad?First, it is essential to know why exactly toads are dangerous to dogs. There are certain toad species, such as the Colorado River Toad (Incilius Alvarius) and the Cane Toad or Bufo Toad (Rhinella Marina), that secrete toxins from their skin and they can cause severe reactions in pets.

Hilarious Trend Reveals Most Cats Wouldn't Survive the "Quiet Place"

“A Quiet Place: Day One,” the third entry in the popular post-apocalyptic series, took box offices by storm this summer. The film shows the people of New York City as they fight to survive an alien invasion in which blind extraterrestrial beings with a powerful sense of hearing hunt them down by listening for their movements. While the film blew away expectations at the box office, one character truly stole the show – Frodo, the leading kitty. Throughout the movie, Frodo (played by feline actors Nico and Schnitzel) is challenged to stay quiet as he and his human companions (Sam and Eric) try to escape the city and flee to safety. This has raised a question online among cat parents—in the event of a similar alien invasion, would your cat be able to survive? This curiosity has inspired a new trend on TikTok and other social media platforms. In the videos, cat parents pick up their cats and pretend to run for safety. The concept is simple: While either holding your phone camera or strategically setting it up to capture the attempt, pick up your cat and make a run for it. The good news is that no cats were harmed in the making of these videos. There are obviously no real aliens hunting people down as they flee their homes. The bad news? Very few cats would survive if this movie were to become a reality! If you are in need of a good laugh, the videos won’t disappoint. While some cats stayed silent, ensuring they and their beloved owners would flee safely, others were unimpressed that they were even picked up to begin with. Cats of TikTok can be seen vocally expressing their disapproval while others fought to be released, believing they would survive better on their own without the extra “baggage” of a human to hold them back (or at least that’s how the comments describe their response). One TikTok user, @birchcanread, created a video testing each of her six cats. The video, which now has over 7 million views, demonstrated why most cat parents would be doomed in this scenario.

Can Cats Get Lyme Disease?

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Is It Safe For Dogs To Swim In The Ocean?

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'PrePup' Agreement Helps Owners Co-Parent After a Breakup

When you end a relationship, things can get messy – even more so when you have a pet whose ownership you share with your ex. Your pooch shouldn’t be affected by the new state of things, though, which is why Rover.com created the “ PrePup Checklist”, specifically for this reason – to help couples that want a pet together consider what they would to ensure their dog’s well-being do in case their relationship doesn’t work out. The classic prenuptial agreement requires couples to think ahead and consider what would happen to their shared assets, specifically in the case of the death of a spouse or divorce. Similarly, Rover’s “PrePup Checklist” helps couples to consider how the shared responsibilities of pet ownership would be handled if – somewhere down the line – they were to split up. Of course, in difference to the prenuptial agreement, the “PrePup Checklist” is not a legally binding contract. Kristina Bergsten of The Animal Law Firm advises those who look to protect their pets legally to add “some paragraphs about who any pets belong to or what you're going to do if you adopt a pet during the marriage" to a prenuptial agreement. In August 2023, Bergsten told PEOPLE that if pets are not mentioned in a prenup, “the property settlement agreement will determine who gets the pet” in a divorce. And now, the “PrePup Checklist” wants to avoid making couples rely on property agreements so they can determine what happens to their pets during a divorce. Rover came to the idea of the checklist after conducting a survey that revealed that 56% of pet owners never discussed with their partner who would get the pet if they broke up.Rover’s checklist starts with prompts specifically asking owners to assign responsibilities for each “pet parent”. For example, who would be in charge of the walking schedule, and who would be in charge of the feeding, etc.The second part of this agreement asks new couples to consider “having difficult conversations about the future”, which includes the splitting of financial responsibilities of pet ownership, and deciding who the pet will live with in case of an eventual breakup."It's important for couples to elevate animal well-being and commit to co-parenting in healthy ways for the health and well-being of their dogs. It is widely recognized in animal welfare science that dogs and other animals can self-regulate and find innate strategies for coping with stress and anxiety when they are feeling safe, secure, and familiar with their social relationships," said Philip Tedeschi, a professor, and researcher on the human-animal bond who works with Rover."One of the most prominent indicators of their sense of security comes from their proximity to other members of the family. Having conversations about the future and what may happen if there is a disruption to a pet's life would benefit them, offer predictability, and keep them close to the ones they connect with," he added.The PrePup Checklist also includes a place where the couple’s new pet can “cosign” on anything that was discussed and agreed upon. The ultimate goal of Rover is to strengthen the bond between couples, but also between pets and their new owners.

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Dog Poop Incident Grounds a United Airlines Flight

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BARK Air Introduces a New Flight Tailored for Dogs

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Is a Bearded Dragon the Right Pet for Me?

Are you considering adding a scaly friend to your family? Bearded dragons have captured the hearts of reptile experts and casual pet lovers alike with their unique appearance, interesting personalities, and low-maintenance care requirements.However, owning a reptile is a significant commitment, regardless of what type of reptile you choose!Before bringing a new pet into your home, you must weigh the pros and cons. This guide will explore the key factors to consider when deciding if a bearded dragon is the right fit for your lifestyle and living situation.Bearded Dragon Behavior and Temperament One reason bearded dragons have gained so much popularity as pets is their calm and docile temperament. While many reptiles are resistant to being tamed, bearded dragons are generally highly responsive to their owners. They are attentive pets that enjoy spending time with their person. They tolerate being touched and handled well, rarely biting or scratching in response. In fact, many learn to ride around on their owners’ shoulders, perched happily. While they enjoy spending time with their person, they also need their alone time. Many owners see this as a positive as it allows them to go to work, run errands, or even participate in social events without worrying about their pet’s separation anxiety (a concern many dog owners know well). Of course, there are always exceptions – but generally speaking, these gentle and highly social pets are an excellent option for reptile lovers interested in forming a special bond with their new companion. Choosing Your Bearded Dragon If reading that description of the bearded dragon makes you excited that you’ve found your perfect reptile companion, it’s time to discuss how to find your new friend. This includes not only finding a pet whose personality is a good match for your own but also ensuring that your new lizard is healthy. There are two different approaches to finding a new reptile. First, you can connect with a reputable bearded dragon breeder. Purchasing your reptile from a breeder generally involves a contract that is designed to protect both you and the breeder, guaranteeing the health of your new pet on the day it is adopted. Alternatively, you can contact your local shelter or reptile-specific rescue organizations. Here are a few important considerations when searching for your new pet: Check all over for any sign of visible injuries, such as scratches, cuts, scars, or burns. While you could take on an injured reptile without any long-term issues, you may also find yourself dealing with secondary complications like infections. Run your fingers along the tail. A healthy tail will feel round and plump at the base, near the body. If it feels sunken into the body or overly bony, that’s a red flag. Look into the reptile’s eyes. You want to choose a bearded dragon who is alert and aware of your presence. It should hold its head upright, with its eyes following your movements. Sunken eyes are also a concern.Check their face for any signs of inflammation or pus. Ensure they don’t have runny eyes. Assess the quality of the bearded dragon’s skin. Loose or discolored skin is a sign of underlying illness.Don’t be afraid to ask questions of the breeder or rescue worker who is showing you the young bearded dragon. Ask about whether they have noticed any sign of illness or injury. You can also ask about the state of their “droppings.” Sure, it’s not the most exciting conversation – but it is a good indicator of a reptile’s well-being. Most importantly, don’t feel pressured into bringing a new pet home. If you are being pushed to make a snap decision, that is a warning sign that they may be trying to hide something.

Viral TikTok Video Shares the Joy of a Rescue Dog Reunited with Friend

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Bengal cats are a truly stunning feline breed, in many ways. According to the International Cat Association (TICA), they hold the title of being the most popular cat breed globally, and it doesn’t really come as a surprise. Their unique and exotic appearance, their unavoidable charm, and their slender physique are certainly the reason for this prestigious title. But even though they are popular, Bengal cats are a relatively new breed in the field of domesticated cats. While most ordinary domestic cat breeds have been around for thousands of years, Bengal cats have been around for less than a century, which comes as a stark contrast. They are a hybrid breed as well, having been created in the 1960s. They came about from the crossing of the domestic cat (Felis Catus), and the Asian Leopard cats (Prionailurus Bengalensis), which are a small, spotted, wild cat species living in Asia. What makes the combination unique is the fact that these two cat species had a common ancestor about 6 million years ago, which means that the genetic differences between them are incredible. The differences are even greater than between humans and chimpanzees!The resulting breed is the Bengal cat, and it is adored for its exotic appearance. It has special spots, just like ocelots or leopards. But most folks ascribe the unique coloration and patterns of these felines to the DNA they received from their wild and distantly related ancestors. And that’s why scientific folks paid special attention to the ancestry of Bengal cats. Greg Barsh, MD, Ph.D., Faculty Investigator at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and Professor of Genetics at Stanford University,  himself an expert in the genetics of feline coat coloration and patterning is a key figure in the research process of Bengal ancestry. Together with his team, which is led by Chris Kaelin, Ph.D., and Kelly McGowan, MD, Ph.D., Mr. Barsh is working hard towards unraveling Bengal ancestry through the genetics of popular color traits."Cats are wonderful companions," he explains for  Phys.org, "but our interests go beyond their beautiful and exotic appearance. Like the amazing variation among different dog breeds, artificial selection can be a very powerful engine to create morphologic diversity. What's different about Bengal cats from dogs is the raw genetic material–dogs trace their heritage to wolves from tens of thousands of years ago.""In contrast, Bengal cats trace their heritage to completely different species from millions of years ago. Understanding how these distantly related genomes interact is a general question that applies to any situation when different species exchange genes, from crops to aquaculture to humans and Neandertals."And even though this is a relatively new breed, started about 60 years ago by a few cat enthusiasts, it has grown incredibly during this time. Today, there are hundreds of thousands of registered Bengal cats, which are produced by about 2,000 breeders. Chris Kaelin, the leader of the Bengal cat DNA study, said “Cat fanciers and breeders are very interested in the research, in part because they want to know more about the science behind artificial selection, and in part, because they want to know if our results can help them produce cats with rosettes, stripes, or other exotic markings.” He also added "This is a great example of citizen science–our work has been enabled by the willingness of breeders to participate, and we share our results with the community."One of the surprising discoveries that was produced from the study is that Asian Leopard DNA contributes no more than a few percent to the overall Bengal Cat DNA. In fact, it is revealed that there isn’t one or even a few Asian leopard genes that are causing the unique spotted Bengal appearance. "One of the original motivations for bringing together DNA from the two species was to select for Asian leopard DNA that would recapitulate the appearance of an exotic wild cat in a companion animal," said Kaelin. "It turns out that some of the most striking examples of selection in the breed are for traits that were already present, but very rare, in domestic cats."So, the study reveals that the Bengals are in many ways totally unique. Mixing the two very unique breeds resulted in a cat that is exotic, elegant, charming, and above all loveable. And now, the results published are providing valuable information to all the enthusiasts in love with the Bengal breed. 

Can I Teach My Hamster to be Quiet at Night?

Have you ever scrolled social media to find viral videos of hamsters running enthusiastically on their exercise wheel? There is no denying that it’s an adorable sight! Unfortunately, it becomes far less cute for hamster parents when their nighttime playtime keeps us awake all night.If you’re wondering if there’s a way to train your hamster to adjust to a more human sleep cycle, you’re not alone.In this post, I will share some key information about hamsters and their sleep habits, including why your hamster is so active when the sun goes down. Plus, I’ll share tips and tricks to create a happy home for both you and your hamster – including gear that has helped me coexist peacefully with my hamsters over the years.With a few minor changes or updates, you can share your life with a hamster and enjoy a good night’s sleep. I promise! Why is My Hamster So Active at Night? Since bringing your hamster home, you may have noticed that they are most active at night, catching up on their sleep throughout the day. If you’ve been searching for answers (which you probably are, if you’re reading this), you may have seen many people explaining that you’re experiencing this schedule because hamsters are nocturnal – meaning they are active at night and sleep during the day. However, this isn’t entirely accurate. Hamsters are actually crepuscular. This means that (according to Cambridge Dictionary), they are “active or appearing at the time of day just before the sun goes down, or just after the sun rises, when the light is not bright.” With pet hamsters, this is often mistaken as nocturnal because we are asleep during that period between dusk and dawn. Therefore, we don’t experience them slowing down or resting during the middle of the night. Returning to the original question: “Why is my hamster so active at night?” The short answer is this behavior is the result of their biological wiring. In the wild, they are active when it is safer to emerge and seek out food. This allows them to hide when predators are more likely to see them in the daylight hours. Are All Hamsters Active at Night? As with any behavior, there are always going to be exceptions. If you were to interview 100 hamster parents, you are likely going to find one or two that “break the rules” and are active during the day. However, this is rare. It’s safe to assume that any hamster you adopt and bring home will be most active at dusk and dawn, not during the daylight hours. Can You Change a Hamster’s Sleep Schedule?It is possible to change a pet’s sleep cycle. However, there is no guaranteed approach that will work with every hamster. It’s also not recommended by experts as this process could cause significant stress and anxiety to your hamster by forcing them to go against their instincts. Rather than changing your new pet’s sleep schedule, it’s recommended that you instead focus on making changes to their habitat to accommodate their natural sleep pattern. Does this mean your hamster will always be active at night? Not necessarily. Over time, you may see your hamster adjusting their sleep schedule to better align with your schedule without trying to make a change yourself. But it should not be forced on them. Influencing Your Hamster’s Sleep Schedule While it’s not recommended that you train your hamster to completely change their sleep schedule, you can take steps to influence it and encourage them to adjust slightly to your routine. The best approach to influencing your hamster’s sleep schedule is to encourage them to stay awake and play when they are already awake, not waking them up if they have fallen asleep. Hamsters are startled easily due to their poor eyesight, which means waking them up could trigger severe anxiety. If your hamster is awake at a time that suits your schedule and routine, take the opportunity to spend quality time together while encouraging them to stay awake longer. This could mean playing with them or giving them lots of affection if they are tame and like to be handled. This should be done gradually, keeping them awake just a little longer each day. As you encourage these changes, watch carefully for any signs of stress and anxiety, such as: Loss of appetite Refusing to drink water Increased vocalizationHiding constantly, especially during hours when they are usually activeLethargy or loss of energyFailing to chew and wear down their teeth, overgrown teethChewing at the cage bars Hair loss, bald spots, overgroomingObsessive behaviors like digging, scratching, or lickingUncharacteristic aggressionIf you notice any of these signs, take a step back. This could indicate that you’re pushing your hamster to make changes too quickly or that they aren’t comfortable changing their sleep schedule at all. Reevaluate your efforts and make a decision that prioritizes their quality of life. If that means abandoning this attempt and focusing instead on changing their habitat to minimize noise, that may be the best solution for everyone.

How Do I Keep My Reptile from Overheating?

Reptiles are cold-blooded creatures, soaking up the sun to regulate their body temperature. But this doesn’t mean that they love ALL heat. As the temperatures climb outside, your reptile’s enclosure can quickly become dangerously hot, leading to serious health issues.This blog post will be your summer survival guide, packed with tips and tricks to keep your best friend cool and comfortable all summer long.What Happens if a Reptile Gets Too Hot?Overheating, or hyperthermia, occurs when a reptile's body heat rises dangerously high due to outside sources, and they are unable to adjust as necessary to bring it back down to a safe level.As cold-blooded animals, reptiles rely on outside influences for their temperature. If they are too cold, they seek heat. Likewise, if they are too hot, they seek a cooler area. However, if no cool space is available, their body temperature will continue to climb.Overheating can lead to dehydration, tissue/organ damage, or organ failure. Just as heatstroke can be fatal in dogs and cats, overheating can also be life-threatening for our reptile friends.What Temperature is Too Hot for Reptiles? Each reptile species has its own ideal temperature. For example, according to the Merck Veterinary Manual, the Greek tortoise thrives most in temperatures between 68 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the green iguana prefers warmer temperatures, between 84 and 91 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperatures reflect the reptile's typical natural environment.You will need to research the specific species to determine what temperatures are safe for your reptile and what are considered too hot. You can do this by looking up that information online, but ensure you only trust a reliable source. Another great way to find out your pet's ideal temperature is to speak with your exotic animal veterinarian. If you don’t already have a vet specializing in exotic animals like reptiles, this is the perfect opportunity to start your search. The Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians database is a great place to start!

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