Tips on How to Boost Your Canine Companion’s IQ

Dog

Despite a rise in popularity of exotic pets the humble canine remains America’s favourite. As of March 2017, a total of 89.7 million dogs were estimated to be living in households across the USA as pets. It is no surprise that the dog has earned the title of ‘man’s best friend’ as they are not only intelligent, affectionate and loyal but have known to improve our physical and mental health as well. One way we can repay our beloved companions for enriching our lives is to help them be the very best versions of their doggy selves that they can possibly be.

Did you know that by boosting your dog’s IQ through training and stimulation you will help him age better? By ensuring that your dog is mentally stimulated you not only help prolong his lifespan but also reduce boredom and relieve stress. Dogs need frequent mental stimulation to help them develop their neurological muscles and reduce the risk of developing the dog equivalent to human Alzheimer’s known as canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). Although dogs are not able to take online IQ tests the way humans do, there are countless ways in which you can provide your dog with the necessary stimulation needed to successfully boost his IQ.
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Indoor Air Pollution and Pets: The Dangers

Cute DogPampering our fur babies matters. Devoted owners would do anything to ensure their ‘best friend’ is content, and more importantly, healthy. However, there is one aspect that many pet owners overlook – the air quality inside their home. According to the World Health Organization, 4.3 million people die from indoor air pollution per year. Granted, many of these people live in developing countries where the practice of cooking over open fires, for example, is common, but even in the US indoor, air pollution has become a significant problem. Let’s take a look at indoor air pollution and how it can affect you and your furry friends.

Indoor Air Pollution: Causes and Impact

Indoor air pollution can impact your health significantly. Short term effects include irritated eyes and sinuses and similar symptoms to allergies or the common cold. If you live or work in an environment with low air quality long term however, the results can be more serious including chronic and dangerous conditions. Although the main causes of indoor air pollution are smoke (including tobacco), household products and poor ventilation, unfortunately pets can cause indoor air pollution as well. This is mostly due to pet dander. Dander is similar to humans but for pets and millions of animal owners are allergic to it without even realizing. To limit the harm, ensure your home is adequately ventilated and cleaned regularly and keep pets away from beds and soft furnishings.
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Can Dogs Smell Cancer?

Dog Licking Owner's Face

What is all this hype about dogs smelling and detecting cancer? And even at its earliest stage? Is it true? Yes, dogs can smell cancer because of their excellent sense of smell.

Olfactory cortex dominates a dog’s mind in opposition to our dominant visual cortex. Dogs are guided by the scent rather than the sight of their targets, for example, dogs cannot distinguish between green and red objects but can smell the target object.

Studies show that dogs can smell the missing amino acids in their foods; and may skip meals1. Then, how can we doubt their cancer smelling abilities?
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Are Essential Oils Safe for Dogs?

Happy DogEssential oils are used in aromatherapy to cure health problems in humans and animals. Are essential oils safe for dogs too? Which essential oils can be given to dogs? What preventive measures should be taken while giving your dog the essential oils?

Here’s a detailed guide for you to know all about essential oils and their use in dogs:

What are essential oils?

Essential oils are natural volatile compounds that are found in flowers, stems, seeds, barks, and roots of plants. They have a strong aroma that can naturally cure illnesses in animals as well as in humans.

Essential oils are used in aromatherapy because they quickly change their state from solid to liquid and interact with the olfactory sensors present in the nose.

Dogs have a keen sense of smell, so the concentration and amount of dilution of essential oils matters a lot.
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Chasing a Better Night’s Sleep for You and Your Dog

Woman Sleeping

If you or your dog are having difficulty sleeping, join the club. Studies show that 45% of Americans are affected by poor sleep quality, for despite generally sleeping the recommended hours per night, we often do not feel refreshed or energetic when we wake up. If your dog sleeps in the same room as you, he, too, can be affected. Dogs are incredibly in tune with their owners, and the slightest movement can result in Fido getting up to see what’s up or change position to a more comfortable part of the bed. Studies have shown that one way to improve sleep for both, is for your pooch to sleep in his own bed. This article runs through this and other tips for top quality zzzs for you and your dogs.
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Tips for Detoxing Your Dog

Beautiful Dog

When we talk about toxins and antioxidants, we often do so in a human context, yet our dogs are equally vulnerable to outdoor and indoor pollution. In the same way that we worry about their diet, ensuring they obtain quality protein sources and a blend of fruits and vegetables, we can also try to eliminate toxins from their daily life by taking important steps such as eliminating toxins from their reach, and feeding them particular foods and supplements.
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Using Treats to Teach Your Dog to Be Safe in the Garden

Happy DogWe all love to pamper our pets whether it’s through spending quality time with them by keeping them active or feeding them delicious treats for rewarding good behavior. Giving our pooches treats is more than expressing our love to them or making them feel special, it’s also an important aspect for dog training too.

When we think about creating a dog friendly garden, we usually think about in terms of worrying about if our dogs will do damage to our flowers or eating toxic plants. By training our dogs to be safe in our gardens, we’re not only letting them have the space to explore the outdoors but encouraging positive reinforcement at the same time so you and your dog can share the space together. The idea isn’t to confine your dog but to ensure they’re happy to play in a designated area.

Think about space

Wherever you choose to have your dog’s play area, ensure the space has enough shady and sunny spots and different sections so your dog can have its own places to hide, explore and play. If your dog does love to dig, consider hiding an assortment of treats around the area where you want them to dig to encourage them to do so only in those places.

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Including a Pet in Your Will: Why A Trust Is Much Better

Have you given much thought about leaving something behind in your last will and testament for your best friend’s well-being in case of your unfortunate demise? Maybe you have already done so, instead of something from your estate in a will, a trust is a much better way to go.

For example, pets are considered “personal property” in Texas, and as such, putting them into your will means they’ll have to wait for your estate to go through a lengthy probate period, which in the Lone Star State, can take up to four years.

Dog in Front of Tombstone

During the legally trying and stressful time of probate, your dog or cat is likely already going through separation anxiety and your pet’s ownership, everyday needs, food, water and shelter are all in jeopardy. Unlike a will, a trust goes into effect immediately, usually upon your death or disability to ensure their welfare.

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Outdoor Safety Tips: Keeping Your Dog Safe While Walking In The Snow

Dog in Snow

No matter what the weather is, it’s a fact that dogs love to be outdoors. Whether it’s going for a walk in a sun-drenched park or playing a game of fetch in the snow, our furry friends are perfectly content as long as they get to stretch their legs and have some fun. However, walking or playing outdoors in the dead of winter can have a negative impact on your dog’s health. According to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, winter’s dry, cold air can cause your pet to have chapped paws and itchy skin, and in more serious cases, the cold can cause stomach problems and hypothermia in dogs. However, you don’t have to keep your four-legged friend cooped up indoors this winter to protect him from getting sick. Here are a few tips to keep your dog safe and healthy while walking in the snow.
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Fun Outdoor Activities for Kids and Their Dogs During Winter

Kids With Dog

The east coast has been hit the hardest this winter. With many areas enveloped under a thick mound of snow, schools have been cancelled and kids and parents are hunkered down.

Snow days are equally awesome and miserable. Yes, everyone gets to sleep in a little longer, and those lazy days are often spent playing out in the snow, sipping hot chocolate or coffee and watching movies. But as everyone who lives in hard hit areas of the country knows too well, the novelty of snow days often wears thin after a few days.

Of course, there also is another family member affected by those days spent snowed in-the pets! Dogs especially thrive on routine, but they also love their humans. For pets, snow days are also a welcome change…but can became stressful if the weather begins to change their happy daily routines.

Keep kids and pets entertained and stress-free during extended snow days by planning lots of kid friendly and pet friendly activities both outdoors and indoors!

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