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dy*nam*ic (adjective)
1. Full of energy, enthusiasm, and a
sense of purpose. 2. Characterized by
spirited activity and producing or
undergoing change and development. |
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Choosing the Right Toys
Marty Smith, DVM
Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc. "Choose a toy that matches your dog's personality and chewing habits."
Picking the right toy for your dog is not always easy. It may take a little trial and error before you find that perfect toy your dog just will not leave alone.
 Below, I have tried to summarize the different kinds of toys to help you find 'the one.'
Rubber toys
Great jaw and mouth exercise for dogs that like to chew; keeps them occupied for hours; fun for fetch or non-interactive play; great for aggressive chewers because they are so durable. Some are hollow so you can put treats inside of them for extra fun. Examples include Kongs, Planet Pets, and Rhino Chew Toys.
Vinyl toys
Easily compressed by the bite of just about any-sized dog; usually have squeakers that almost all dogs enjoy; great for fetch, but popular for alone play because of the squeaker.
Soft toys
Made of fleece, plush fabric; retains dog's scent for extended play; some have squeakers; great for fetch, other dogs just like to carry them around and snuggle.
Rope toys
Great for fetch, tug games, and chewing; often flavored; good for teeth and gums; they last a long time.
Rawhide chews and bones
Chewing rawhide removes plaque from the dog's teeth and keeps them cleaner while the dog has a great time chewing; come in many flavors, sizes, and shapes.
Nylon bones
Great for dogs who love to chew; good for the teeth, since they remove plaque and are nonabrasive; relieve boredom; come in various flavors and sizes. Nylabones are such a toy.© 2007 Foster & Smith, Inc.
Reprinted as a courtesy and with permission from PetEducation.com
(http://www.PetEducation.com)
On-line store at http://www.DrsFosterSmith.com
Free pet supply catalog: 1-800-323-4208
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Orthopedic Beds
Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department
Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.
Q. What are the benefits of having an orthopedic bed for my dog?
A. While any dog will enjoy the comfort of orthopedic or 'dome-style' beds, orthopedic beds are especially recommended for dogs that are older, larger, or have arthritis, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, calluses, or any bone or joint problem. Dogs can get 'bed sores' too, so dogs who are recovering from an illness or surgery and are going to spend a lot of time laying down would also benefit from an orthopedic bed.
There are various styles of orthopedic beds on the market. Look at the features before you buy. A good bed will have:
• A washable cover with a heavy-duty zipper
• A layer of medical-grade orthopedic foam (looks like an egg carton)
• A firmness which will make it easier for the pet to stand up after laying down
Premium beds will have a solid foam inner core which will add cushioning, but be firm to allow your pet to stand up easier and with less pain.
Remember to place the bed away from drafts and colder areas which may make your pet uncomfortable.© 2007 Foster & Smith, Inc.
Reprinted as a courtesy and with permission from PetEducation.com
(http://www.PetEducation.com)
On-line store at http://www.DrsFosterSmith.com
Free pet supply catalog: 1-800-323-4208
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Chew Bones: The Many Benefits & How to Choose One
Race Foster, DVM
Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc. 'When you give a dog a chew bone, you're doing a lot more than giving him something to chew on.'
Benefits of bones
Chewing on bones (rawhide, nylon, or starch-based) helps dogs of all ages in a number of ways. In using the term 'bones' we do not mean bones leftover from a roast, etc., which may cause digestive problems and which are too abrasive and can wear down the teeth. Instead, we mean chew bones specifically designed for dogs. Whether your dog prefers rawhide bones or the extra-hard choices for aggressive chewers, here are a few ways chew bones benefit dogs:
Provide Dental Benefits:Chewing on chew bones is good for your dog's teeth. In our practice, the vast majority of dogs we see and treat for dental problems are dogs that have not chewed on enough hard objects, whether they are toys or bones.
Chewing on dog chew bones or hard toys helps scrape away plaque, which can cause bad breath and a number of potentially serious dental problems. The action of the bone against the teeth scrapes away plaque and controls tartar buildup - helping prevent periodontal disease and yellowing of teeth. Hard bones like pressed rawhide or any of the Nylabone products help scrape off even the most stubborn plaque, keeping exposed surfaces smooth and harder for plaque to adhere to.
Relieve Boredom: Not unlike humans, dogs that do not have anything to do get bored. A chew bone will entertain your dog for hours and keep his mind stimulated, which is good for dogs of all ages, especially older dogs that are not as active. Just remember, your house gets pretty dull when you are not there all day.
Satisfy the Urge to Chew: Dogs, and especially puppies, have an innate urge to chew. Chew bones are a much better alternative to satisfying your dog's urge to chew than the leg of your elegant dining room table or your new pair of hiking boots.
For teething puppies, chewing on a chew bone or chew toy helps stimulate the growth of adult teeth. Like human infants, the pressure on a dog's teeth and gums from chewing on something hard helps relieve any discomfort from the new teeth pushing through the gums.
Choosing the right bone
Choose a bone that matches your dog's chewing rate and chewing habits. Consider size, shape, hardness, and flavor.
Size: Some pets are very particular about the size of the chew bone you give them. Too big and they will not touch it, even though they will chew for hours on a smaller bone. Generally speaking, smaller dogs prefer smaller bones, but the reverse is not always true. Many bigger dogs ignore big bones, leading owners to believe, incorrectly, that bones do not interest them. Some dogs will not touch a rawhide bone that they find too big. The same rawhide in a smaller size is chewed immediately.
Hardness and Texture: In addition to size, the consistency of the bone you give your dog is another factor to consider. Aggressive chewers can chew down a good size bone in a surprisingly short time. For these dogs, try giving pressed rawhide which is compressed, harder, and will last longer. Synthetic bones such as Nylabones are also excellent choices for a long-lasting chew.
If your dog chews for short periods of time with a soft bite, a smaller rawhide bone that is easy to soften will be more enjoyable. For these dogs, also try rawhide chips, sticks, or twists. These options satisfy the urge to chew, provide just as much entertainment, and taste just as good as any chew bone.
Flavor: Finally, the flavor is very important to some dogs. Certain dogs like peanut butter-flavored bones while others like theirs hickory-smoked. Again, try various types to see which ones your dog enjoys.
Remember, almost all dogs like to chew. Oftentimes, the trick is finding the right size, consistency, and flavor your pet wants. Try to find a few types your dog enjoys. When he loses interest in the one he is working on, switch to the other. This will keep your dog chewing, which we all know is great for helping remove plaque and relieving boredom.
© 2007 Foster & Smith, Inc.
Reprinted as a courtesy and with permission from PetEducation.com
(http://www.PetEducation.com)
On-line store at http://www.DrsFosterSmith.com
Free pet supply catalog: 1-800-323-4208
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Collars & Leads: Selection Guide
Marty Smith, DVM
Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc. This detailed overview of the different types and designs of collars, leads, and leashes will help you choose the right style and material for your particular dog.
Construction
Cotton Web: Cotton web collars are a lightweight, inexpensive choice used primarily for puppies in training. Not as strong as other choices, they tend to show wear more quickly than other material.
Nylon: Nylon collars are available in single-ply or double-ply thickness in a wide choice of colors. An excellent choice for most dogs, they are strong and have a long life. Choose a wider width and thicker styles for larger, stronger dogs.
Leather: Leather collars are very strong, attractive, and last many years. Leather retains its good looks and even improves with age.
Center Cord: The nylon cord is wrapped in either rolled leather or fabric. Also used in retractable leads with excellent strength characteristics.
Hardware: Solid brass is very strong and retains its attractive gold finish forever. Nickel-plated steel are for pet owners who prefer silver color, or choose brass plated. Swivel snap clasps on leads and turn with pets to reduce tangling. Collars -- Choose Traditional Buckle Collars with D-Ring in front, which allows hardware to hang freely under neck, or O-Ring in back for quick attachment. Lightweight yet strong, Quick-Klip Collars offer easy on/off convenience for pet owners who frequently take collars on and off.
Leads (Leashes)
All pet owners should have a 6-foot lead for training and restraining that matches collar style. Almost all proper training is centered around having control of your dog. Leads are the only way to maintain in-close control.
Retractable leads are an excellent product for walking pets as they allow up to 26 feet of freedom to roam and investigate smells, yet still keep the owner in control. Simple, push-button control lets you extend distance, lock desired length in place, and rewind slack. Convenient way to end the frustrating tug-of-war many pet owners experience and make walks more enjoyable for both pet and owner.
Collars
 There are many styles of collars to choose from depending on your dog's size and disposition, and your training need. For the majority of dogs, a traditional nylon or leather collar is sufficient. Other collars for specific situations are described below. This discussion does not include remote training collars.
Traditional Collars: Traditional collars are available in a variety of styles, colors, and widths and should ride high on your pet's neck, not loose so that it slides down near the top of his shoulder blades. Use a tape measure to measure your pet's neck, then add on two to three inches.
Collars should be snug with enough room to fit two fingers between your dog's neck and his collar. For your dog's safety, the collar should not be loose enough to slip over the pet's head. In addition to the risk of losing a pet that gets away, loose collars are more easily snagged on objects, and many pets die every year from accidental hanging. For this reason, collars should not be worn in wire cages. Collars should also not be so tight as to restrict breathing or cause coughing. Check collar size frequently on growing puppies.
Choose collar and lead width with hardware that matches pet's size. Smaller, lightweight choices are for small dogs and puppies, and wider, more durable styles are for bigger, stronger pets.
Every collar you own should have a current name tag attached to it at all times.
Harnesses: Harnesses, which go around the neck and around the shoulders behind the front legs, are recommended for dogs who have upper respiratory disease or diseases of the throat or trachea, such as a collapsed trachea. If a dog with a collar pulls on the leash, it places pressure on the throat and trachea, causing irritation and coughing. Harnesses relieve that pressure.
Halter-type Collars: will give you the best control over your dog. They give you control of your dog's head and when you have control of the dog's head, you have control of the dog. There are several brands of these halter-type collars including Halti collar and Gentle Leader. These collars look more like a horse's halter, with a band going around the back of the head, and another around the nose. The leash snaps onto the collar under the chin. When you pull on the leash, the dog's head will either be pulled down or to the side - this makes it virtually impossible for the dog to move ahead or pull you forward.
Some people are hesitant to use the collar since they feel it looks more like a muzzle than a collar. You may have people ask you about the collar, but more often than not, when you are through explaining it, they will ask you where they can get one for their dog.
Chain-slip Collars: Chain-slip collars, also called check chain or 'choke collars,' provide effective training and retraining tools when used correctly and on appropriate dogs. These collars are most often used for dogs that are strong-willed, pull when on a lead, or those that do not respond to training when wearing traditional collars.
If you plan to use a choke collar on your dog, have a trainer show you how to use it correctly. Correct usage involves a quick 'tug-and-release' action (as opposed to a steady pulling) that tells the pet a different behavior is desired. These collars should only be worn during training sessions, never in a crate, and avoided in pets with delicate tracheas, such as Yorkshire Terriers.
For correct sizing, measure your pet's neck and add 2-1/2"- 3". There is a right and wrong way to put a slip collar on a dog. To correctly place a collar on a dog, the top ring on a properly-looped collar forms a letter P when you stand in front of the dog and pull it snug. If it forms the number 9, it is on backward and may not release immediately as designed, which may cause discomfort or gagging.
Pronged Collars: Pronged Collars, also called pinch collars, contain blunt prongs that protrude inward from the links. Designed for only the most stubborn pullers, they are temporary training tools used to change behavior on dogs that do not respond to any other collar. Halter-type collars give you more control and are much less likely to harm your dog.
We have found that owners who know how to correctly train dogs rarely need these types of collars. Rather, they learned they were training their pet incorrectly, and were able to successfully train their dog using other collars after learning proper methods. © 2007 Foster & Smith, Inc.
Reprinted as a courtesy and with permission from PetEducation.com
(http://www.PetEducation.com)
On-line store at http://www.DrsFosterSmith.com
Free pet supply catalog: 1-800-323-4208
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