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How to get dogs socialized?

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Socialização dos cães

How to socialize dogs with other dogs?

Many dog ​​owners are afraid to take their dogs to public places for fear of the animal’s reaction and even some situations that may occur. Dog socialization can be crafted and shaped so you can add a second dog to the family or walk it in public places.

Baby dogs

For your dog’s socialization to be natural and fluid with other dogs, it is normal for it to start meeting other animals and even people when it is still a baby. It is at this time that dogs begin to get familiarized. It is easier to lose fear because of their young and dynamic spirit, and they even adopt certain behaviors observed in other animals.

Baby dogs should only contact other dogs when they are appropriately vaccinated. If they have interacted with other dogs without the vaccination plan up to date, some diseases can be transmitted to them.

Observation

The socialization process should always begin with observation and eye contact for both baby and adult dogs. The owner must introduce the animal slowly and within a safe distance. Calming the dog at this point is a great help to show that has nothing to worry about.

Approximation

If the dog is calm during the observation and even with a happy attitude towards the other dogs, you can start approaching, but always in safety. Note that the owner knows his dog, but does not know the other dogs, so it is essential to understand the opening on the other side.

Dog socialization in the same house

Observation

Bringing a second dog into a home that was already an older dog territory can be a tricky step. However, the process must happen as it happens in public places.

Dogs have an instinct to want to get close to others, however, the problem happens when they start to sniff, and one of the sides may have negative reactions. This reaction means that the dog was not ready to approach and felt a stranger had invaded its personal space.

To prevent this from happening, leave the two dogs apart for some time to observe each other and pet each one so that both can see that there is nothing to fear. If the owner is not afraid and approaches, the dog will realize that he can do it.

This is a crucial step so that there are no fights between the animals. It is also essential that you give affection to both dogs so that there is no feeling of jealousy.

Approximation

After verifying that the dogs are interacting and showing a positive attitude, it’s time to approach. Be aware of any signs of aggression at this time, as it is when the two dogs come to each other that they smell each other and get to know each other.

Dogs are very transparent in their feelings and, when they don’t like it, it is easily understandable. If either side shows displeasure, give more time in the observation phase. We advise you to exchange toys between them so that they get used to each other’s smell.

Other care to take at home

Even if the dogs are interacting well, you must respect each other’s space: separate food, food and drink plates, beds, and even sanitary mats and trays.

Even though they are very friendly, dogs are territorial, and sometimes a baby dog ​​in its innocence does not understand this. Protect the oldest dog’s space in the house.

Precautions to be taken in the relationship between owner and dogs

Also, the way you deal with each dog will have to be respected. Dogs are very people-oriented and look up to their owner as “their god.” The owner must take special care to give both dogs the same attention.

With the arrival of a second dog, it is expected that more attention is given to it for the sake of integration and even novelty. Still, this situation will only trigger negative reactions in the older dog. Be especially careful and attentive to your interactions with each.

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What to do with dogs that are constantly barking?

Reading Time: 2 min
Cães que estão sempre a ladrar. O que fazer?

It is very common for baby dogs to bark frequently. They are growing, and in this phase, they start to get to know themselves and the world around them and a way to get the owner’s attention.

It is through barking that dogs express their feelings and emotions. However, when it becomes an apparent addiction, it can bring a set of less good situations for the owner’s life, namely conflicts with neighbors.

Through some techniques, you can reduce the frequency with which your dog barks, teaching him when he should and when he should not bark. Get to know the methods!

Top 5 reasons dogs bark:

-Get the owner’s attention
-Happiness and excitement
-Fear and anxiety
-Give warning signs
-Annoyance

How to teach your dog to bark less:

1. Do not scream
The goal is to educate, and if you yell, it will just scare the dog. Stay calm and convey that calm to the animal.

2. Explore all causes
Confirm possible reasons why your dog is barking and eliminate them as much as possible. The animal can bark because it is hungry or wants to relieve itself.

3. Physical exercise
Make your dog run and expend energy to combat boredom and promote a state of calm.

4. Toys
In addition to physical exercise, giving your dog toys to entertain himself with is an aid that allows the animal to fight depression. Don’t leave your dog alone for too long, especially without having fun.

5. Educate
Try to teach your dog when to bark and when not to. Calmly ask it to stop barking and reward when it does. Use positive reinforcement as a gift, such as treats.

When to seek professional help

Before looking for a dog training professional, you must ensure that your dog does not have any health problems. We recommend that you visit the veterinarian to ensure that no severe issues bother your dog, causing him to bark frequently.

After confirming that everything is ok, look for a dog behavior trainer to help you control your pet’s barking. Use anti-bark collars only when the trainer recommends, as they are uncomfortable and may bother the animal for a few hours. Oppressing your dog from his natural behavior will only make him sad and discouraged.

In either situation, remain calm and do not hit the dog. Barking is often a problem with resolution, but the owner will have to be very patient and spend some time teaching the animal.

What to do with dogs that are constantly barking? Read More »

Baths: Everything you need to know

Reading Time: 3 min
Banhos dos cães

Can I bathe my dog?

Bathing the dog should be seen as necessary and should not be part of the routine. Cleaning several times can cause severe skin problems, as excessive bathing damages the lipid layer, a layer with a protective function that protects the skin from the outside, and dehydration. On the other hand, with weight and measure, the bath can help the animal fight against those dermatological diseases.

The frequency of baths varies according to lifestyle and time of year since in summer there is a greater tendency to bathe dogs, which is even advisable.

Can I bathe my dog ​​after vaccinations?

Both adult dogs and baby dogs can only be bathed 15 days after being vaccinated to prevent them from catching a cold and the immune system getting busy dealing with the cold instead of the vaccine.

Frequency of baths

Longhaired dogs: Once a month
Medium-haired dogs: Once at 4 or 6 weeks
Shorthaired dogs: Once at 6 or 8 weeks

Baths

-Brushing: Choose a brush ideal for your dog’s coat type. Remove excess hair, dust, or other dirt. You can brush the dog before the bath to remove the loose fur and during the bath.

-Shampoo: The type of shampoo to use varies according to the kind of hair and is a crucial element to consider when bathing because there are different hairs with different hydration needs. Do not use shampoos for people, as shampoos for dogs contain tolerable substances for their skin, unlike shampoo for people.

Note: Completely remove the shampoo to avoid itching or dryness of the skin.

-Water temperature: Avoid very high and very low temperatures. Use warm water, but never forget the season.

-Safety: Dogs tend to slip in the bathtub, so it must be appropriately secured. Choose to put towels on the bathtub floor to give the dog security and make it feel comfortable.

-Drying: Use towels in the hottest months of the year to absorb excess water and a dryer in the coldest months to dry your dog completely. Be careful when drying, so you don’t burn the skin! Move the dryer away slightly and keep a safe distance.

-Ears: The ears must be protected when bathing since the entrance of water can cause otitis in the animal. When washing, be especially careful with the ear canal and clean the inside with a suitable product. Do not use cotton swabs, cotton, or water or shampoo directly.

Give your dog time to get used to the bath. Some dogs get tense and scared, so calm your pup and take your time to complete the task. Avoid negative tones of voice, so you don’t scare the animal, and wet it calmly.

The famous dry bath

As its name implies, dry shampoo is a shampoo that does not need water. It is ideal for cleaning the dog in times with lower temperatures and for quick action in the hygiene of the animal.

Dry shampoos clean and moisturize the coat, fighting dirt and odors that insist on not leaving. Of course, dry shampoo is unlikely to be successful if the dog walks in the mud. In these cases, the best thing to do is to use water, but dry shampoo is efficient for specific instances in which it is just a more pungent hair smell, or the hair needs extra shine. This is also a valid option for sick dogs or dogs going through a post-operative period.

Advantages of dry shampoo:

-It’s great for winter, so the dog doesn’t get cold.
-The shampoo is safe and efficient.
-Can be used on dogs of any age.
-It is a practical and fast process.
-Neutralizes odors and perfumes without harming pores and hair.
-Keep the dog sanitized.

Bath with dry shampoo

In the same way as baths with water, baths with dry shampoo should be preceded by a good brushing to remove dead hair and possible knots.

Dry shampoo should then be applied to the body, except for the head. We advise you to consult the product instructions to use the shampoo correctly. The bath should end with another brushing to remove shampoo residues and even new knots that may have been created.

 

In any bathing options, reassure your dog and cuddle him so that he relaxes and becomes comfortable. Although some dogs show fear at first, this is a task that they quickly get used to, being a matter of time before they become fully familiarized.

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9 foods your dog can’t eat

Reading Time: 2 min
Alimento Cães

There are several foods that dogs should not eat and that we humans insist on giving our animals, most often unconsciously, about the risks that may occur.

Dogs should not follow the same diet as humans since most foods cause them intoxication and, in extreme cases, lead to death. Therefore, it is imperative to alert pet owners to a healthy diet, which should not extend far beyond dog food.

Get to know the nine foods present in human food that you should not give your dog at any time. You will be putting your dog’s health at risk by doing so.

Onion and garlic
Onion and garlic are well present in the human diet, and when there is leftover food, it is usually up to the dogs to eat it. These foods contain thiosulfate, composed of sulfur and oxygen. They should not be consumed by dogs, as it causes red blood cells to oxidize, contributing to the development of hemolytic anemia. Avoid giving your dog onions or garlic, even in small amounts.

Grape
Although the cause of severe reactions in dogs to grapes is unknown, this food causes severe intoxication in the animal, which should be avoided by the owner giving the food to the dog, even in small doses.

Sugar
Just like humans, dogs need sugar. The sugar present in dog food is more than enough for the dog’s diet, so avoid giving it extra sugar. Offering extra sugar can have several consequences for the animal’s health, such as weight gain and dysregulation of blood glucose, leading to the onset of diabetes.

Plums, peaches, persimmons, and other stone fruits
The seeds and seeds of fruits contain cyanide, a toxic substance to dogs’ health, which can cause inflammation of the small intestine and intestinal obstruction in the dog. Dogs can eat these fruits, but never with the pits or seeds. So, if you want to protect your pet’s health, always remove the seeds from the fruit before giving them to your dog to eat.

Bones
Since the bones can be sharp, ingesting this food can lead to internal injuries and even perforate specific organs in the dog, such as the esophagus. In addition to the damage it can cause internally, bones can contain highly harmful bacteria to the animal’s health.

Coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages
Caffeinated foods are hazardous for dogs, especially nervous, urinary, and cardiac systems. Why? Because it causes poisoning in the animal, causing it to show symptoms such as trembling, vomiting, or hyperactivity. It speeds up the animal’s heartbeat in extreme cases, making it more breathless.

Chocolate and Cocoa
Chocolate and cocoa, because of having caffeine and theobromine in their composition, cause intoxication in dogs. When dogs consume chocolate or cocoa show symptoms such as tremors, vomiting, or hyperactivity, it speeds up the animal’s heartbeat in extreme cases, making it more breathless.

Milk and derivatives
As dogs enter adulthood, the lactase enzyme, which is responsible for directing lactose, decreases in the body, causing dogs to become lactose intolerant.

Did your dog eat any of these foods?
If your answer is yes and your dog has symptoms, act quickly and immediately take him to your veterinarian.

Protect your dog!

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My dog won’t stop chewing! What can I do?

Reading Time: 2 min
Dog Gnawn

Many families take in a dog and end up seeing their belongings gnawed by the new family member. Dogs, especially children, have a natural need to gnaw, but why?

Causes of dogs gnawing

There are several reasons for dogs to gnaw, and among them we have:

1.Teeth to be born
This is one of the most common reasons dogs gnaw when children. With the change of teeth, which usually lasts for three months, dogs feel itchy gums, pain, or even feel the need to take a baby tooth and the way to satisfy the discomfort is to take some objects to the mouth.

2.They do not have toys of their own and suitable for chewing
In addition to dog toys helping prevent tartar formation and contribute to gum health, they help the dog fight problems that feel in the mouth and boredom. There are several toys of the most varied forms and shapes, suitable for each breed of dog, so you should look for the most ideal for your 4-legged friend.

3.Spend little energy and get bored
In cases where dogs stay at home for a long time, alone or even stopped, they end up getting bored, looking for ways to have fun. Gnawing objects is one way they find fun, so the dog must spend energy daily to fight boredom and loneliness.

4.Fear
When dogs are scared, they tend to gnaw to ease their restlessness and become more relaxed. There are several situations that dogs are afraid of, namely thunderstorms, when the owners scream, with fireworks, alarms, etc. Make the environment where your dog lives more relaxed and help your dog to have fun.

5.Breeds
Some dog breeds are very energetic and have a lot of energy to spend. The tendency to gnaw is great, both when they are children and adults. Therefore, a good walk or run is crucial in making the dog expend energy so that he does not feel the need to gnaw everything around him.

Breeds with the habit of gnawing:
-Labrador Retriever
-Golden retriever
-Shetland Shepherd
-Beagle
-Jack Russell Terrier
-Pit bull

6. Anxiety
One of the ways dogs find for fighting anxiety is by gnawing on objects. Being nervous, dogs expend energy gnawing, thus becoming more relaxed. There are several reasons for anxiety in dogs, such as moving house, living with different people, thunderstorms, etc.

Although this is a frequent and quickly resolved problem, most owners isolate the dog, putting it outside. This is not, without a doubt, the correct way to solve the gnawing addiction.

How to stop the dog from gnawing

The way to stop your dog from chewing varies from the cause that makes him chew, but, in general, getting your dog to exercise expending energy is a good start. Walk your dog, play with him and give him toys appropriate for his age and teeth. Don’t leave your dog alone and unattended for too long.

Do not leave socks, shoes, slippers, electrical cables, toxic products, plants, or other personal objects at the disposal of the dog. Keep them out of the animal’s reach.

Most of the time, the well-being of dogs depends on the owners.

My dog won’t stop chewing! What can I do? Read More »

How to cure diarrhea in dogs?

Reading Time: 2 min
Diarreia cães, cães com diarreia

Diarrhea in dogs

Diarrhea in dogs is characterized by the change in stool consistency, from hard stools to liquid stools. In addition to the change in stool consistency, there is also an increase in the frequency with which dogs relieve themselves and intestinal gas.

Diarrhea makes dogs lose a lot of fluids, altering their well-being mood, lose their appetite and enter a state of permanent fatigue. It can be fatal in younger dogs as they are more vulnerable than adult dogs.

Causes of diarrhea in dogs

The causes of diarrhea in dogs vary a lot. They can be caused by certain foods, changes in diet, ingested plants, viruses transmitted by other dogs, allergies, stress, emotional disturbance, parasites, gastroenteritis of bacterial origin (such as salmonella), or even diseases.

In this way, you should be aware of what your dog has eaten or what he has done differently in the last few days that may have caused such a reaction. The animal’s history is critical in determining the cause of diarrhea.

Regardless of the cause, diarrhea causes massive fluid loss, leaving the dog fragile. It would be best if you analyzed all animal signs, as the reaction can be fatal.

Prevent diarrhea in dogs

  1. Do not give your dog foods rich in carbohydrates or fats. Avoid giving this type of food or reduce it as much as possible.
  2. Do not mix different and comprehensive foods daily to avoid irritability or allergies.
  3. Give the food in small portions, giving the animal’s body time to digest.
  4. Pay attention to the expiration date of food. People tend not to confirm the expiration date on dog food, but it is a necessary check that can influence your dog’s well-being.

Treatment of diarrhea in dogs

One of the main consequences of diarrhea in dogs is the loss of fluids, so your dog must ingest plenty of fluids.

During the 1st day of the reaction, the dog should not eat. It would be best to fast the body to process and expel what is causing the reaction.

After the 1st day of fasting and with the ingestion of liquids, you should give light and cooked foods such as rice or chicken to help with recovery and combat fatigue.

Food should be given to the dog in small doses and at intervals to assess the animal’s reaction.

If diarrhea does not go away in two days, three at the most, you should take your dog to the vet to have it evaluated and an appropriate treatment prescribed.

The vet will assess the stool color and consistency to determine the cause of diarrhea. You can also put the dog in the serum to help stabilize the animal.

Some tests may be requested to determine the origin, such as:

  • Coproparasitological (stool examination)
  • Complete blood count and leukogram (blood test)
  • X-ray
  • Ultrasonography

In most cases, diarrhea passes within 48 hours or through taking antibiotics.

Keep an eye on your dog and, if you suspect he has diarrhea, follow the steps indicated. In extreme cases, we recommend immediately taking the dog to the veterinarian.

How to cure diarrhea in dogs? Read More »

Essencial vaccines for dogs

Reading Time: 2 min
Vacinas cães

What are the mandatory vaccinations for dogs?

The only mandatory dog vaccine in Portugal is the rabies vaccine. This vaccine is administered from 3 months of age and lasts for 1 to 3 years. Depending on the dog and the environment in which it lives, a booster of this vaccine may be necessary.

To vaccinate your dog with the rabies vaccine, you must apply the identification microchip to your dog in advance, duly registered with the SIAC (Company Animal Information System). The microchip is mandatory in Portugal for all dogs.

 

Essential and recommended vaccines for dogs

There is a set of vaccines that protect your dog against certain highly contagious and fatal diseases, but which are not mandatory in Portugal.

The vaccination period and respective boosters vary from the type of vaccine, the dog, and even the conditions in which it lives, so we recommend that you consult your Veterinarian regarding the vaccination plan to follow.

Recommended vaccines:

  • Parvovirus:

The disease is caused by the “Parvo” virus and is usually transmitted after dogs ingest infected food. It affects the intestinal tract, causing diarrhea, vomiting, high fever, and extreme weakness.

  • Distemper:

CDV (Canine Distemper Virus) is a virus that is transmitted between dogs and has a high mortality rate. It affects the lungs, intestinal tract, and nervous system of dogs.

  • Leptospirosis:

Disease caused by Leptospira bacteria that can even infect people. Contagion occurs after direct contact with urine infected with Leptospira.

  • Infectious hepatitis:

Dog hepatitis, or Rubarth’s disease, is caused by a virus that attacks the liver. The contagion happens between dogs, so it only takes an infected dog to infect a healthy one.

  • Parainfluenza:

Also known as “Canine Cough” (infectious canine tracheobronchitis), this disease is caused by a respiratory virus transmitted by many dogs in the same space.

  • Leishmaniasis:

It is a disease caused by a virus called Leishmania, and, in addition to dogs, people can also be infected. The disease can be contracted by biting female phlebotomus insects of the species Phlebotomus perniciosus and P. ariasi.

  • Tick fever:

This disease is caused by ticks that end up injecting microorganisms by drinking the dog’s blood. Ticks are parasites with a high degree of disease transmission and which cause several side effects in dogs.

 

How much do vaccines cost?

The price of vaccines varies from vet to vet, so you should check the prices on the market.

 

Who can administer vaccines?

In Portugal, the Veterinarian is solely responsible for administering the vaccine and preparing a vaccination plan according to the characteristics and needs of each dog.

If in doubt about your dog’s vaccination plan, consult your Veterinarian and protect your best friend.

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