How CBD Can Help You Care for Your Senior Dog

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It isn’t easy watching your dog get older. Aches and pains increased anxiety, and an inability to do the things they once loved all impact your life with your senior dog. However, you’ll be glad to know that there are things you can do to ease your dog’s transition into old age. CBD can be one of the most helpful and safest supplements to try.

Alleviate Anxiety
The things that we have in common with our dogs is part of why we love them so much. It is amazing how many things we can enjoy together. However, when it comes to old age, dogs have some similarities to humans that aren’t as positive.

Like humans, dogs can develop cognitive decline as they get older, which is also known as dog dementia. Most dogs began showing symptoms around the age of 9 or 10. Dog dementia is characterized by disorientation, disruptions in sleeping and waking cycles, and less social behavior.

Many dogs also seem to lose interest in things they once enjoyed. Thankfully, CBD oil can be an effective treatment for the anxiety that is associated with dementia. Owners who give their senior pets CBD oil find that they may be more likely to sleep through the night, don’t seem as disturbed by disorientation and maybe more relaxed overall.

Improve Mobility
Aches and pains are common as dogs get older. Many dogs are especially prone to experiencing pain in the joints, particularly the hind end joints, which can make it more difficult for them to get around and cause them to stop doing things they once enjoyed like taking walks or chasing their ball. Arthritis is quite common in older dogs.

Thankfully, quality mobility support with CBD and other ingredients to benefit the hips and joints from Innovet Pet can make a big difference in your older dog’s mobility and work to improve arthritis symptoms. CBD can reduce inflammation and pain, which can have an immediate effect on your older dog’s mobility. It also helps your dog’s body to recover from wear and tear.

Glucosamine helps to rebuild cartilage, which can actually improve the function of your dog’s joints over time. MSM also improves the functioning of joints by providing fluid to help lubricate their motion more effectively. Salmon oil is a well-known supplement for joints and inflammation since it is rich in fatty acids that the body needs to build joint cartilage.

Green-lipped mussel is also very effective for fighting inflammation and also has chondroitin to help improve joint function. A supplement with all of these ingredients can go a very long way to improving your dog’s mobility. It’s also a good idea to consider a dog ramp to help your dog move around your home without having to put a strain on the joints by jumping.

Relieve Pain
Getting older comes with a variety of aches and pains for your dog. Not only are the joints frequently painful, but skin conditions and everyday wear and tear can also result in pain for your dog.

Senior dogs just don’t bounce back the way younger dogs do from everyday injuries and bumps. CBD has general pain-relieving properties that can make your dog more comfortable overall in its golden years. Whatever might be causing your dog pain, CBD can be an effective treatment.

Why CBD May be a Better Option
Unlike many other treatments for pain, mobility, and anxiety, which may come with risks or side effects, CBD appears to be extremely safe for your dog and unlikely to cause any negative side effects. If you would rather stay away from medications like Gabapentin which can cause sedation, steroids that can have long-reaching negative effects, and anti-anxiety or anti-depression medication which can have unpredictable results, CBD is a superb alternative. It is also very easy to give to your dog simply by dosing with CBD oil or choosing a quality CBD to treat.

What to Look for in CBD Supplements
Unfortunately, CBD is still not regulated or supplied by veterinarians, despite its success in clinical trials. This means that you must be a discerning shopper in choosing the right CBD supplement for your dog. Here are some things to look for:

  • Tested by a third-party lab. A quality producer of CBD products for your dog will have all of their supplements tested by a third-party lab so you can have complete confidence that the products are safe and effective.
  • Formulas based in science. Make sure that all of the ingredients in the supplement that you choose are scientifically proven to have beneficial effects for your dog, not just used as filler ingredients.
  • Natural or organic ingredients. When it comes to hemp or CBD, be sure that you choose organic ingredients, since hemp tends to draw insecticides and heavy metals from the soil. For all other ingredients, be sure that you are choosing natural options.

Improve Your Senior Dog’s Life With CBD
CBD can go a long way to giving your senior dog a higher quality of life for longer. There’s nothing that you can do to prevent your dog from getting older, but you can make the aging process a lot more comfortable for both of you by using effective supplementation. Be sure to choose only the highest-quality CBD supplements and check that all supporting ingredients are also beneficial to your dog’s health.

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Why a pet franchise could be an excellent career choice

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Why a pet franchise could be an excellent career choice
There’s an old idiom which states “find something you enjoy doing, and you will never work a day in your life”. If you love animals and would like to transform your passion for pets into an opportunity to earn, one of our pet franchise opportunities could be perfect for you.

Research shows that approximately 59% of households in the UK are home to a pet – the majority of which are dogs (33%), followed by cats (27%). Most pet owners agree that animals help improve their quality of life, and with so many pets in the UK it stands to reason that there’s a large market for feeding, minding, pampering or training our furry friends.

This means that there are almost limitless opportunities for owners of pet franchises to be successful throughout the country. However, before we delve into how to get started with a pet franchise, let’s consider the reasons why it could be an excellent career choice:

1) Variety
There are all different sorts of pet franchises for sale to suit all lifestyles and requirements. From pet food retailers to boarding kennels, every animal lover should be able to find a business model that suits them. Pet franchises can even allow you to combine a love of the outdoors via dog walking or tending to livestock. Whatever your abilities and preferences, there’s a UK pet franchise opportunity for you.

2) Flexibility
The beauty of being your own boss is that you can choose your own hours, as well as your own location. For example, you may choose to run a boarding kennel from your own home, or perhaps offer door-to-door deliveries on pet food products. Others choose to operate a mobile service. Whatever your choice, you won’t necessarily have to front the expense of renting a premises solely for the purposes of conducting business, which increases the likelihood that you will enjoy a healthy return on investment from the offset.

3) Growth industry
According to the Pet Gazette,UK dog owners spend a total of £57 billion on their pets each year, excluding medical costs and pet food. While some owners will be willing to spend more than others, this figure is encouraging news for anybody thinking of opening their own pet franchise.

The online statistics site Statista also confirms that pet ownership is on the rise. Over the past year, it is estimated that animal ownership increased by approximately 18%. Experts say this growth can be attributed to many people spending increased amounts of time at home during the coronavirus pandemic, with pets bringing solace and comfort to many during the lockdown period.

4) A tried and tested model
One of the most daunting things about starting a new business is the fear that you might not get things quite right on the first attempt, or that you might lack the skills needed to succeed. With a franchise, you gain access to a tried and tested business model which is guaranteed to succeed, provided you are willing to put the work in.

This means you won’t have to worry about trial and error – you’ll simply follow the steps provided to achieve success. In addition to this, you’ll be provided with training, and you’ll also have a network of other franchisees to liaise with. This will help you to ingratiate yourself into the franchise culture and ensure you have a helping hand when you need it.

5) Save on marketing costs
When you buy into a pet franchise, you’re becoming a part of a successful, well-recognised brand. While other start-ups often face expensive marketing and advertising costs to drum up custom during those initial few months, your pet franchise will already be instantly recognisable to millions of pet lovers around the country. This gives you a head-start as your potential customers will already be familiar with your brand. It’s a form of trustworthiness that simply cannot be generated via standalone startup companies.

6) Greater purchasing power
In general, standalone businesses have a greater failure rate than franchises. This is because franchises already operate on a proven concept. However, another reason why franchises are so successful is because of the sheer size and power of the ownership network.

Franchise groups have the opportunity to buy products in bulk at huge discounts, whereas standalone businesses cannot usually take advantage of the discounts offered by manufacturers who sell in bulk. The savings made by the franchise group operator can be passed onto the franchisee, allowing them to benefit from lower supply chain costs.

Conclusion
As the statistics above prove, there’s never been a better time to consider a UK pet franchise. If you’d like to turn your love of animals into a full-time job where you can enjoy being your own boss, why not see what pet franchises we’ve got to offer? Alternatively, feel free to contact us for more information about pet franchises for sale London based, or pet franchises opportunities available around the world.

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How To Help Your Dog Adapt After Moving To A New Home

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Moving to a new home is stressful for everyone, even your dog. Moving to a new location can be exciting, but it’s also one of the more stressful things that you’re ever likely to experience. In fact, experts say that moving is right up there with the loss of a loved one or getting a divorce. Even if you don’t recognize the signs of stress yourself, you may be feeling quite stressed about the entire situation, all while being too busy to fully realize it. The problem with this is that your dog is so connected to you that she feels what you feel. She knows when you’re happy, when you’re sad and when you’re stressed. Unfortunately, that only adds to her feelings of stress and uncertainty, especially when she is leaving behind everything that she’s familiar with and facing new surroundings that she’s never been in before. The question is, how do you reduce those feelings of stress and help your dog adjust when you move to a new house? You might be surprised that for the most part, it involves doing the little things that can make her feel more comfortable. Keeping some part of her normal routine is absolutely crucial, as is bringing the things that she previously had in her environment that are most precious to her.

Consider Crate Training
Some people start crate training their dogs as soon as they get them and others are very much against the process. It’s important to remember that crate training is not punishment. Instead, it is a place that your dog can go when she’s feeling overwhelmed that gives her a safe space. If you work outside of the home, it can also be one of the most effective ways to help her feel safe, even when you’re not physically with her. It might be a good idea to consider a crate with a soft dog bed inside that is located in an area close to her regular dog bed. Dog beds not only come in all different shapes and sizes, some do cater to your dog’s health needs – check out The Pampered Pup for more information. You can even include a blanket and a couple of toys. If you really want to kick things up a notch, cover the majority of the outside of the crate with a blanket so that your dog feels the solitude that she needs when she wants to be alone. You can even keep her food and water bowls nearby, allowing her to have that little section of the home that’s just for her, yet still with the rest of the family.

Create a Space Just for Your Dog
One of the best ways to eliminate stress on your dog when you move is to create a safe space just for her. It needs to be an area of the house that has ready access to you and other members of the household, yet it is also just out of the way enough that she can be by herself if that’s what she so desires. There are a number of ways that you can go about accomplishing this goal. You don’t have to set her off in a room all by herself where she feels completely isolated. In fact, that is only likely to increase her level of stress many times over. Instead, bring her favorite dog bed and put it in a room where you spend a great deal of time. In order to make her feel like she has her own space, create a little nook for her in the corner of the room or next to the couch where she’s out of the way of foot traffic, yet still very much present where people spend a lot of time. Bring some of her favorite toys and allow one or two of them to remain near the dog bed so that she fully understands that this is her space and she is still part of the family. It’s important that she realizes that even though her physical surroundings might have changed, her dynamic within the family has not. The most effective way to do that is to provide her with a few things that are familiar and reassure her that the family dynamic is still very much intact.

Spend Time With Your Dog
Another way to help her adjust when you move is to spend extra time with her. If you have a backyard that is properly fenced in, allow her to spend some time roaming the area. Go outside and play fetch with her. When her physical surroundings change, the thing that your dog will crave the most is time spent with you. Remember, she’s feeling as much stress as you are, maybe even more. She needs to be constantly reassured that she is still loved and that the bond between the two of you remains unchanged. The best way to do that is to spend time with her and keep her close to your side. The extra exercise that comes into play with playing fetch or tug of war can also go a long way toward alleviating some of that anxiety that is associated with being indifferent surroundings. This in turn can help your dog cope better so that she adjusts more quickly.

Go for a Walk
Speaking of exercise, it’s crucial that you go for a walk with your dog. Aim for at least two walks a day, one in the morning and one toward the end of the day. If your dog is having a hard time adjusting or has a great deal of pent-up energy, it might be important to add additional walks throughout the day. There are a couple of things to remember, especially when you have moved to a new location. Be sure to keep your dog on a leash. There is nothing more tragic than a dog who gets lost in a new location and is unable to find her way back to you. In addition, it is important that you allow your dog time to stop and explore the new area she is in. That means allowing her time to stop and sniff whatever she’s interested in, provided that it’s safe to do so. This is how she familiarizes herself with her new surroundings. If you give her time to take it all in, she is more likely to adjust both more quickly and more completely.
There is no doubt that moving can put a lot of stress on the family. It’s important to remember that your dog is part of that family and that she feels the stress acutely, just like you do. Keeping her routine as normal as possible and doing little things to reassure her can make all the difference in the world between helping her adjust or watching her struggle through the process when you move to a new house.

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Why Pet Owners Are Turning to CBD Treats For Ailing Animals

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As more pet owners find the use of CBD products to be beneficial for their tiny friends, scientists became more interested in studying the topic. However, up until now, there are no solid studies to attest or disprove the benefits so many people see in their pets. There are only a few small studies that show products, like CBD treats for dogs and oils are indeed useful in reducing pain and ailing inflammatory diseases.

Additionally, the American Kennel Club is running a more extensive study to register the effect of CBD products on dogs with epilepsy (for seizure reduction). The study is still ongoing but its results will be among the first scientific evidence to support the use of CBD in veterinary medicine.

So, why do pet owners still turn to CBD treatments when the scientific community is still debating?

Here are a few compelling reasons:

An Organic Product with Little Side Effects
CBD is a natural element obtained from the cannabis plant and can be used to induce relaxation and reduce anxiety in humans. However, you can now find a wide range of CBD products (oils, capsules, and treats) available for animals as well.

This happened because pet owners found out that CBD can be used to reduce pain in pets with degenerative diseases (like arthritis), reduce seizures (in case of epilepsy), or help alleviate anxiety. Moreover, since CBD is an organic product when used correctly, it doesn’t have lasting side effects on the animal’s digestive system or brain activity.

Pain Relief
Most pet parents buy CBD products for a cat or a dog who is in pain due to old age or other health issues that have an early onset. The relaxing capabilities of CBD help pets with arthritis regain mobility and love of life, while those who suffer from more serious illnesses (cancer, inflammation, and more) seem to feel a bit better after a CBD treat.

According to some studies, this happens due to some receptors both humans and animals have in their organs. These receptors are sensitive to cannabidiol (CBD) and react to its presence. Therefore, the effect is rapid and it doesn’t interfere with other systems.

Anxiety Relief
Many pets (both cats and dogs) suffer from anxiety.

For instance, as people start to return to working in the office, more pets will experience a higher degree of separation anxiety because they are no longer used to their parents leaving the home. Moreover, some may feel scared by the noises of the city, now that things return to normal and the streets are animated yet again.

Regardless of the trigger, anxious pets have high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, and other factors that influence their wellbeing. So, their parents use CBD treats to calm them down and help them relax even in an unfamiliar environment.

Additionally, CBD products also seem effective when dealing with a depressed or moody pet. The treatment alleviates these symptoms and helps pets see life in a happier light.

Why Isn’t CBD an Approved Method of Treatment?
Given that the products exist and that owners who use them are happy with the results (as reported, animals are calmer, have better mobility, and sleep better), why can’t your vet prescribe CBD oil or treats for your dog or cat?

The answer is quite simple – we don’t yet have the scientific data to back up the claims of pet owners. This doesn’t mean they are mistaken; it’s just a matter of time until the scientific community catches up with the trend.

At the end of the day, there are still many unknown factors we need to consider before veterinarians can trust this line of products. Still, that day will come and CBD products will be readily available.

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75% off tails.com tailored dog food

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We’ve all been there. From realising your dog’s preferred food is sold out at your supermarket to the impromptu workout when you’re trying to carry your dog’s food to your car. But what if it didn’t have to be like this? tails.com has a service to make caring for your four-legged friend easier. Continue reading to find out more about tails.com tailored dog food as well as how to receive 75% off your first order with them.

75% off tails.com tailored dog food
It can feel like a compromise when buying dog food, the flavour your dog loves with the benefits you want to see. However, with the tailored dog food that has been developed by nutritionists and vets, tails.com can combine the benefits you want to see with the flavour your dog loves. To achieve this, tails.com works with the person who knows your dog best…you! Through a list of simple, yet effective, questions tails.com ensures they have all the necessary information about your dog. Guided by your insights, tails.com blends your dog’s unique kibble recipe from over a million combinations. Not only is your dog’s kibble unique to them, so is their price. Tails.com works out your dog’s daily portions to create your monthly price. The best part? As your dog’s recipe is unique to them, the tailored kibble is optimised to care for each life stage.

Whilst tails.com have the technology to be able to tailor your dog’s kibble, they also understand that dogs, and their owners, enjoy mixing it up with wet food and treats. With this in mind, tails.com provides a feeding plan which takes into account wet food or treats that you may want to give to your dog.

Using tails.com is as easy as 1,2,3
It is quick to get started with tails.com:
Tell them all about your dog
They create a unique kibble recipe
Add treats or wet food (or both!)
Delivered to your door every month

If you need to make any changes to your subscription you can do so conveniently from your account.

Tails.com discount
Try it now for yourself with our discount code. By clicking here you will receive 75% off your entire first order plus FREE delivery. To redeem this offer just click here.

Details
Offer is only valid for new tails.com customers. Only one offer per household. View full T&C’s here.

Some postcodes may have longer postage times.

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Wire Fence Celebrates International Day of Friendship by Offering Donation to Pet Charity

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Fence supplying company Wire Fence decided to celebrate International Friendship Day by donating 100% of their profits made on the 30th of July to a pet rescue centre or charity.

There are millions of pets needing aid and rescue in the UK, therefore the company wants to mark this occasion by raising awareness of this issue. Pets are loyal and amazing friends and they are worthy of being celebrated on a holiday dedicated to showing appreciation towards those who we have special bonds with.

Wire Fence are currently open for applications from charities, and any UK based charity is welcome to enter the competition.

The application process involves the following steps:
Go to their Facebook page
Find their post about this event
Share the post publicly
Collect as many likes as you can on your shared post until the 30th July.

The donation will be sent to the charity who collects the most likes on their shared post until the 30th of July. The winner will be announced on the 2nd of August.

Wire Fence is dedicated to helping those in need. They decided to support a different organisation each month by organising a fundraising event. Read more about this charitable initiative here.

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Things that need to change when your dog gets older

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We all know that having an elderly dog can be a challenge in its own right. No more dealing with the energy of youth, but a gentle shift to taking care of a dog with specific needs for their age.

Getting older is natural and it will happen to all dogs. Making sure that you are providing proper care and attention can make this part of the journey far less stressful for both you and your dog.

Below we will take a look at some key areas that can help with caring for your dog.

Dietary Requirements
These will change as your dog gets older. You can help with weight management and organ functions by switching to a dog food designed for elderly canines. Bella & Duke’s 100% natural senior dog food is a great choice – simply click here to browse their range.

These foods have fewer calories and contain a supplemental boost of nutrients that will aid your dog in remaining happy and healthy.

Vet Visits
Making an appearance at the vet’s might be the last thing your dog is excited about but this is a golden ticket to knowing that your little senior is in the best possible health. As an owner, it’s easy to miss symptoms and many complications can be avoided by simple treatments.

As dogs get into their later years their general ability to fight off disease and ailments becomes less effective – it’s important to provide extra care to help with this.

Prevention is always better than the cure!

Exercise
You must keep your dog active, and make a concerted effort to take them on regular walks and outdoor activities. Always take into account any physical limitations and other health concerns that might limit their ability.

Exercise will help with keeping their weight down and will promote general good health as well as keep your senior pup very happy.

Grooming
As your pup gets older, their once beautiful coat and skin can become dull and dry. Skin and coat ailments can lead to a very unhappy dog and can result in an unpleasant odour or loss of hair.

This is something that can be avoided by regular brushing as well as using a special shampoo designed to treat irritated and/or dry skin.

Interaction
It’s worth mentioning that your pup is always craving attention – no matter how old they get. Showing your pet that you are willing to give them your time is often priceless when it comes to their happiness.

Senior pups are more prone to anxiety, and can easily get scared or disorientated when put in a situation where they don’t have their owner.

Final Thoughts
Your pup getting older is something that cannot be avoided, and although their age might start taking a toll, they are still that lovable dog you first encountered. By providing your dog with the proper care they need, you can extend their life and keep their tail wagging.

Your dog will never stop being there for you – so make sure you are always there for them.

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Should You Be Feeding Your Dog Raw Dog Food

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Processed food has resulted in a variety of health problems in humans, and apparently, the same goes for processed pet foods. As a result of a primarily processed pet diet, vets see chronic conditions in dogs and cats all the time, including allergies, obesity, diabetes, etc.
All of these diseases were much less common for pets in the past. This is because our furry companions need fresh, natural foods to revitalize their wellbeing and maintain good health.

Benefits of a raw diet for your dog

Improved Health and Wellbeing
If you’re looking to improve your pet’s overall health and wellbeing, switching to a raw diet is possibly the best change you can make. Here are a few health aspects a raw dog food diet can help with;

Better dental health
Fresher breath and cleaner teeth
Healthier and cleaner ears
Calmer attitude
High energy levels
Glowing fur coats
Shiny eyes

Sustainability
What’s good for our pets, and us, also tends to be beneficial to the environment. Processed foods don’t just negatively affect the well-being of us and our pets, but also play a role in escalating negative externalities.

By choosing to feed your dog raw food, you’ll help lower the ecological foot(or paw) print we leave on the Earth. The significance of the impact may not be groundbreaking, but it’s something—and the environment currently needs all the help it can get.

A raw diet happens to be more efficiently utilized by your dog’s body, which results in cleaner litter boxes, and smaller stools. As a bonus, it means lesser frequency in pet chores for you and reduced waste production for our landfills.

Why do pet owners commonly use kibble?
It’s economical and easy to get for your dog however more and more people are beginning to switch towards an organic and raw diet for their pets.

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Pros And Cons Of Using Retractable Dog Leashes

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There’s a part of the debate around utilizing retractable leashes—these stars and cons may have something to do with it. A retractable leash is often a thin cord wrapped around a spring-loaded device. It is placed inside a plastic handle.

Many of these leashes do not come with standard circles that fit around wrists, as you see with conventional chains. It’s far easier to drop a retractable chain for this reason inadvertently. A puppy after a retractable chain can get sufficient distance absent from their human to induce into trouble–able to run into the road or to form uninvited contact with other puppies and individuals. If your puppy is on a retractable leash and drawn closer by a forceful puppy, it isn’t easy to control the situation. It’s simpler to secure a creature on a standard chain than one 20 feet absent after a thin line. Also, frequently, that line can snap from the drag of a capable canine. Indeed, sturdier or thicker retractable leashes can amplify hazardously rapidly and are still held by the component inside the grasp. You’re not holding the leash–you are holding a gadget that holds the chain.

Pros
Well-behaved dogs have more flexibility to explore, smell interesting spots, stamp modern areas and run on ahead. With additional opportunity can come more self-confidence; much obliged to their extraordinary behaviour, they’ve earned a little more fun and work out, without being joined to their owner’s side. Numerous individuals find retracable dog leash as a progressed device once a puppy has learned and complies with commands.

You can use it amid preparing sessions to hone being called to “heel” or “back” on strolls. When that control may be an issue, you ought to take your puppy to a disconnected, secure range and hone your dog’s recall. Retractable chains permit your puppy to investigate the region, letting it go out as distant as the chain will go. Then, when it’s time to call it back, the retractable chain gives you control on the off chance that he doesn’t tune in. By utilizing the switch on this sort of chain, you’ll be able to reel it back if he is occupied amid its training.

You can’t beat a retractable chain during lousy weather. Let’s say it’s pouring rain and your puppy needs a washroom break. You remain beneath the yard for the shield, whereas your puppy does his thing. Yes, this one’s tiny, narrow-minded, but if you’re dressed up and do not want to get wet, it can save your outfit.

Cons
A retractable leash is hard to control if your puppy is over-active or is challenging to oversee. You’ll press that switch all you need, but your puppy has sufficient remove to conceivably do a few harms once your dog sees something curiously. Does this sound like your puppy? At that point, you shouldn’t utilize a retractable chain where you’re around things that effectively divert your canine and make him a charge.

One common harmful or unsafe thing that you get from retractable leashes is tangling with the cord and getting friction burnt. In addition, the chain line can effectively get wrapped around another puppy or someone’s legs, or indeed your fingers, causing genuine harm. Depending on how solid and quick your puppy is, this might be a disturbance, while with other dogs, you may end up with a few dreadful ER bills.

Retractable leashes are not advisable when first preparing your dog to walk on a lead legitimately. Doing this could lead to pulling, and once your dog gets distant sufficient out before you, the dog will begin to drag. Your best bet is to begin off with a conventional 4- to 6-foot texture or leather chain.

The long retractable chain line may be challenging to see, particularly at a remove for somebody coming at a fast speed. You will be enticed to utilize it in places where you think it is okay, like a climbing path, but it’s a risk to others. These trails are frequented by runners or cyclists who won’t see the line until it’s as well late.

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What Could Be Causing Your Dog’s Anxiety?

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If you think your dog could be suffering from anxiety, the best plan of action is to find out its source so it can be eliminated, or at least reduced. The most common types of anxiety in a dog are general anxiety, former rescue dog anxiety, illness-induced anxiety, and separation anxiety. Before getting into the causes for each of them, let’s go over the anxiety symptoms that your dog might be displaying.

A tucked tail
Spontaneous elimination of urine or feces
Panting
Whining or whimpering
Trembling
Dilated pupils
Sniffing the air (more so than usual)
Destructive behavior
Pacing
Passive escape
Excessive licking
Avoiding interactions
Hiding behavior
General fidgeting

As you can see, there are plenty of symptoms – and this isn’t even a comprehensive list. Your dog may not display every one, and it could even exhibit additional behaviors that aren’t on the list. One common factor shared by a lot of these signs is that the dog seems to be motivated by fight-or-flight impulses. Avoiding eye contact, whining, or hiding mean that it’s afraid of confrontation; chewing on furniture, dilated pupils, or pacing indicate that its defensive instincts could be getting triggered, even if they can’t identify a clear threat.

Any of these signs and symptoms could make an appearance from time to time; that’s completely normal when a dog feels uncomfortable with something. What isn’t normal is when your dog suddenly starts having any of these signs to an extreme degree, or has several of them for long periods of time. Once you can figure out what’s triggering your dog, you’ll be able to identify the kind of anxiety it has, and hopefully find the appropriate solution.

General Anxiety
According to the National Service Animal Registry, general anxistry is the trickiest type to identify, especially since it’s often thought of as a characteristic of certain breeds. However, it could actually be from something that happened in the dog’s past; in that case it’s important to avoid scenarios that would make the dog think that history is repeating itself. Most of the time, though, the dog is just extremely uncomfortable due to a change in environment or routine. Some of the breeds most prone to feeling general anxiety are:

Australian/German Shepherd
Vizsla
Shorthair Pointer
Bichon Frise
Greyhounds
Chihuahuas and other toy breeds
Labrador Retriever
Border Collie
Cocker Spaniel
King Charles Spaniel
Havanese

If you think your dog might have general anxiety, the best approach would be to maintain a regular schedule, avoid excessive stimulation, and create an environment in which the dog won’t have too many surprises.

Former Rescue Dog Anxiety
By far the biggest cause of anxiety here is the fear of being abandoned. Rescue or shelter dogs experience a big change when they trade their former environment for a dog shelter; no matter how good the conditions are, they might not be able to process any of the positives about the situation due to their overall anxiety.

In addition to the abandonment factor, many dogs that end up at a shelter were traumatized before arriving. As if that weren’t enough to deal with, they then have to adjust to a completely different environment and routine at the shelter – only to adjust all over again after being adopted and arriving at their new home.

Their past experience has essentially given them trust issues, and any perceived disruption is a signal to them that they could be abandoned again. While this is hard for both the dog and its owners, at least it makes identifying the anxiety’s cause a little easier. The best solution is to make the daily routine as predictable as possible, so there’s absolutely no reason for the dog to think that its life is about to go off the rails again. A trainer or behaviorist might be able to pinpoint specific triggers, and make recommendations on how to relax the dog after a bout of anxiety.

Illness-Induced Anxiety
Anxiety isn’t just a random symptom for some diseases; the dog becomes anxious because it knows that something is definitely wrong, but it doesn’t know what to do about it. Some diseases that are commonly associated with anxiety in dogs are:

Hypothyroidism. This is what happens when a dog’s thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, resulting in hair loss, lack of energy, and/or weight gain. If you notice that your dog is displaying signs of anxiety along with any of these other symptoms, it might be time to get its thyroid checked out.
Thyrotoxicosis. Another illness that affects the dog’s thyroid, but much rarer.
Encephalitis. This causes brain tissue to become swollen and inflamed, resulting in possible anxiety, aggression, a clumsy gait, seizures, or a coma.
Vision or hearing loss. When a dog starts losing one or more of its senses, it can’t keep tabs on its surroundings as well; this makes it very nervous and easily startled. Anxiety is almost inevitable for as long as it takes the dog to adjust.
Pre-diabetes. If your dog presents with cataracts, weight gain, or excessive thirst that’s accompanied by anxiety, it could be pre-diabetic.

Separation Anxiety
Many dogs won’t have a problem with this, but then dogs aren’t naturally inclined to enjoy solitude. They’re pack animals, so when a dog finds itself alone, its brain starts sending signals that something’s wrong. This can result in all kinds of misbehavior – peeing on the carpet, eating the couch, barking, whining, or howling. Some dogs only develop this type of anxiety once they approach old age, mainly due to deteriorating memories that lead to intense feelings of insecurity.

This type of anxiety could be a little tougher to fix since leaving usually can’t be avoided, but there are still some things that could help. Take the dog on a walk, offer a stuffed treat toy, and avoid making a fuss about leaving.

It might not always be clear what’s causing your dog’s anxiety, but a little extra love and care never hurt. Just know that if there’s something causing the anxiety, there’s probably a solution as well. If you can find it and fix it, both you and your dog will feel better.

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