The more educated we are on pets and what impacts their overall health & well-being, the better care we can take of them. Read on for 10 things that you might not know are risky for dogs and why you should stop them!

#1 Sunbaking

Just like humans, dogs are at risk of skin cancer. Unnecessary or excess amounts of sun exposure increase their risk. Doggy sunscreen exists and is great to put on your dog’s nose/snout area to reduce the risk of sunburn and unhealthy sun exposure. 

Dogs regulate their temperature differently than humans and have different sweat glands, which are much less effective at cooling them down. They have two types of sweat glands and the ones in their paws are the most effective for cooling but not enough to properly regulate their temperature when exposed to extreme heat. 

As well as not having the ability to keep themselves cool, dogs don’t understand that lying in the sun and getting too hot is dangerous. This means they won’t always move out of the sun before overheating. Overheating is the biggest risk of sun baking for dogs, especially flat-faced breeds who have breathing problems. Overheating can also cause death in dogs – each dog will have a different threshold based on size, health etc but once heatstroke sets in, irreparable damage can occur. In severe cases, it can cause seizures, brain damage, organ failure, and death. 

How do you know how to spot and treat heat stroke in dogs? Excess panting, hot to touch, red gums, lethargy, excess drooling, loss of coordination, and seizures. If you’re concerned a dog is overheating, ensure you get them out of the heat as quickly as possible! Take them inside to a cool place, slowly cooling their body back down with cool wet towels and small amounts of water. If you’re unsure or concerned, take them straight to the vet. 

#2 Playing with the hose

A very common summer game with dogs is chasing the hose. However, this can be extremely dangerous for dogs as it can cause secondary drowning. Secondary drowning can occur from minutes to days after the event. It occurs because the dog inhales water which goes into the lungs and inhibits their ability to breathe. This can also happen if a dog swims too much or swims to the point of exhaustion and accidentally inhales too much water. The likelihood of inhaling water is increased by the energy of the activity. Jumping and running around means the dog is likely panting with a wide open mouth. 

A great alternative is to have a small kiddy or shell pool filled with a few centimetres of water to avoid inhaling water or drawing. Dogs should never be left swimming or near water unsupervised. The time that it takes for exhaustion to kick in and cause them to drown can be minutes. Giving your dog a good soak with the hose is also a great option if you don’t have space. 

#3 Walking with only a collar 

This is a good rule of thumb, but not as important for all types of breeds and ages. The two main risks from walking only on a collar (and not a harness) are choking or damage and the risk of slipping out. 

If a dog is pulling whilst walking with a collar on, it can cause whiplash as well as issues to their oesophagus, trachea, lymph nodes, and thyroid gland, and worsen symptoms for brachycephalic dogs. It’s unlikely the damage of one walk will cause severe issues but consistent damage on daily walks can cause serious issues like tracheal collapse, breathing issues, and swallowing problems. These risks are only when a dog is pulling on the collar, not from wearing a collar with no tension on it. 

Secondly, slipping out of collars is very common. Often even if a collar is fitted properly, a dog’s head and throat can be the same size which means if they pull hard enough they can slip out. Even the best-behaved dogs have this risk – if they get scared or decide to chase after a bush turkey they could slip out and run across the road or run off.

Take a read of this article from our friends at Pet Chemist to get the lowdown on dog walking essentials & accessories.

#4 Destroying toys unsupervised

The risk of leaving dogs unsupervised with toys is that they will consume part of the toy. They don’t always intentionally swallow part of the toy, but intentional or not it poses a risk for choking or an intestinal blockage or damage.

Big parts of the toy like eyes, squeakers or balls of fluff can easily get caught in a dog’s throat and cause them to choke. If a dog manages to swallow any of the parts, it can cause a blockage which can lead to death. An intestinal blockage in dogs can cause vomiting, their stomach to twist and other serious complications. The other risk is a rupture or damage to their insides. For example, a squeaker could scrape or rip their stomach lining which can lead to death, especially if left untreated. 

If you suspect a dog has swallowed a component or a whole toy visit a vet immediately. They will be able to determine if and what the pet has swallowed and take appropriate measures.

#5 Eating poop

Why do dogs eat their own poop? A question for the ages!

A gross but common behaviour for dogs is eating poop! Whether it’s their own, a random one on a walk or the possum poo in the yard, they’ve all done it at one point. This risks them ingesting parasites and germs they wouldn’t have otherwise been exposed to. 

If a dog is consistently eating poop it can be a sign of stress, hunger, fear or just because they like to do it. It’s best to consult a vet if the behaviour is consistent.

#6 Chasing wildlife

Chasing wildlife is a double-edged sword, posing risks for the dog and the wildlife. As dog guardians, it’s your responsibility to ensure the dog doesn’t put wildlife at risk. If a dog gets hold of a possum, a bird or another small animal it’s often going to result in the death of that animal. 

As well as the immense risk to the wildlife, it risks injury to the dog from scratches, bites and germs. If a dog gets into a tussle with a possum, bird or similar their desperate scratch attempts or claws can cause deep wounds prone to infection, damage or loss of eye and more.

The habit of chasing wildlife also increases the likelihood of risky behaviours like running across the road or jumping fences and escaping. 

#7 Jumping off furniture

It’s no question that we all love a snuggle on the couch or bed with the pups but letting them jump up and down onto or off furniture can be very dangerous. For breeds prone to issues – Dachshunds and back injuries, golden retrievers and hip dysplasia, dogs with previous injuries like a luxating patella (knee dislocation), or older dogs with or prone to arthritis – it’s crucial to minimise impact to their bones and joints. 

Jumping on and off furniture can be a daily occurrence so the damage builds over time. For higher-risk breeds, even one jump can cause serious injury. The damage occurs through the shock of the jump where the joints and muscles bear the impact. The bigger the difference in the ratio of size to pet and size to jump the more dangerous it is. Ie; jumping off a couch is much more dangerous for Dachshunds than a Great Dane. 

To minimise the risk you can introduce pet steps into your house and teach the dogs how to use them.

#8 Chewing on sticks

Chewing on sticks poses 4 main risks:

• Splintering in the mouth and causing infection or irritation 
• Breaking and lodging in areas like the roof of the mouth 
• Breaking and causing choking 
• Being swallowed and causing damage 

The chewing will inevitably cause the stick to break and splinter so the risk is not easily mitigated. The best way to prevent these risks is to not let dogs chew sticks. Give them something pet-friendly that’s intended for their teeth!

#9 Over-exercising

Over-exercising is hard to set parameters for when it comes to dogs. A Border Collie is going to have a vastly different threshold to a French Bulldog, for example. Not a common issue, but are you exercising your dog too much? Over-exercising can often lead to overheating. Over-exercising can also lead to muscle fatigue, dehydration, and joint issues. 

It’s pretty manageable to set limitations on exercise for pets, as long as they’re not running 8+ hours a day they’re not risking fatal limits. It’s important to understand the exercise needs of the individual dog and cater to this. Sometimes a 20-minute walk is enough and sometimes a 10km run isn’t enough!

#10 Eating grass or random items

Eating grass is not harmful to dogs on its own. However, eating grass out on walks means the dog could be ingesting pesticides, baiting, food scraps, and bees. Unless you know that there are no chemicals or uncertain foods in the grass it’s important to stop the dog from eating it. 

The same logic applies to random items out in public. There are all kinds of scraps around. Unfortunately, people leave bait and traps for dogs that contain poison and can quickly become fatal so it’s crucial to avoid the dog picking up high-risk bait scraps like raw meat, dog food etc. Similarly, scraps on the ground can be harmful – it could be a piece of chocolate or other toxic substances that a toddler unknowingly dropped.

The post 10 risky behaviours to stop dogs doing appeared first on Mad Paws.

The suggested contents below are an extensive list of contents for a pet first aid kit that caters to most scenarios. To help, we’ve put together a guide for both an at-home kit and an on-the-go kit for when you’re travelling.

Building the right kit for your pet is important – prioritising what you’ll need (or not need) is up to you, so you’re not carrying around anything unnecessary.

What to include in a pet first aid kit

To help you determine what suits your needs and services, keep reading to see examples of how to use each item. Knowing your pet’s overall health status, and the common risks of the areas you’re in, will help you determine what you need. 

The on-the-go pet first aid kit:

Bandages:

• Secure wound dressings 
• Compression bandaging 
• Control bleeding

Vet Wrap: a self-adhesive bandage with no sticky residue, ideal for pets to allow secure bandaging without shaving fur. 

• Secure wound dressings 
• Compression bandaging 

Tick Remover: a tool to help remove ticks safely and whole. This ensures the head is removed, reducing further damage and infection risk. Removing the tick whole allows you to identify the type of tick and respond accordingly. 

Anti-bacterial (spray, ointment etc.): 

• Prevent infection to cuts, wounds and other injuries 
• Protect open skin until you can provide a proper clean 

Tweezers: 

• Remove thorns, splinters etc 

Spare Lead:

• In case the lead breaks / is chewed through 
• To secure an off-lead dog 
• Use as a pulley system to manage a dog displaying aggression 

Muzzle: In case an injured pet displays aggressive behaviour, it can keep you and the pet safe. 

Gloves: Allows you to treat and or clean open wounds without increasing the risk of infection. 

Saline: Small vials of saline make it easy to clean things with minimal effort. 

• Flush/clean a cut, wound or spot 
• Flush out eyes 

Eye Drops / Eye Ointment:

• Lubricate the eye 
• Remove dust, insects, dirt etc from the eye more easily 

Wound Gel: different to regular anti-bacterial, it can act as a liquid bandage barrier. Applying wound gel not only prevents infection but also protects the open wound from anything else entering such as bacteria, dirt etc. It’s especially useful for wriggly pets or hard-to-bandage areas. 

Instant Ice Pack: This can be a lifesaver when a pet is overheating, gliding the ice pack under the belly and underarms and cooling their organs can make all the difference. 

Anti-histamine Spray: This can be useful to stop scratching or biting at allergy-related inflammation until further treatment can be provided. 

Salt Sachet: Instant leech removal, whilst not toxic leeches can create open wounds and infections. It’s best to let them naturally fall off but if you need to remove them quickly, pouring salt on them will do the trick. 

Pet-safe Sunscreen: Pets get sunburnt too, especially pale pets with white/pink noses. Applying SPF is important to prevent skin cancer. 

Collection Bag: In the case you find a tick, insect or other foreign body on the pet you need/want to investigate further it’s good to have a clean secure place to put it. 

Tick Identification Card: It’s best to know ASAP which type of tick you find on a pet to know how urgent medical treatment is and what symptoms to expect. 

Snake/Spider Identification Card: It’s best to know ASAP which type of spider or snake you find on a pet to know how urgent medical treatment is and what symptoms to expect.

Top tip: We recommend taking a screenshot of the below ID cards and keeping these on your phone, or printing them out and having them in your pet first aid kit. You can also download them here. 

The in-the-home pet first aid kit:

In addition to the on-the-go list above, the below items may also come in handy when you need to treat your pet:

Pro-kolin: a generic pro-biotic for cats & dogs that can be useful for upset stomachs due to food changes, stress etc. 

Ear Cleaner: can be useful if dogs are swimming or playing in the yard and their ears need a re-fresh. Super useful if you’re caring for dogs prone to ear infections as a preventative measure. 

Tick Collar: a preventative measure if you’re in a tick-prone area or don’t know if the pets have had prevention. 

Oatmeal Shampoo & Conditioner: a great tool to soothe skin caused by anything. Stress, allergy, food, or other related skin irritations can be soothed by an oatmeal bath for most pets. 

Pee Pads: to help with toilet training, to provide sterile areas, to protect carpet or furniture. 

Styptic Powder / Gel: designed to clot nail bleeding if a pet breaks a nail or you clip it too far this will stop the bleeding. 

Nail Clippers: in case a pet breaks a nail and you need to clean it up or in the rare case a pet needs their nails clipped. 

Eye Ointment: can help settle conjunctivitis or slow the spread it it. Also useful for other eye irritations such as allergies, scratching etc. 

UTI relief: pet UTIs are hard to diagnose without a vet but if they’re an ongoing problem for any of the pets in your care having relief on hand is great to curb symptoms.  

Why do I need a pet first aid kit?

You’re may not always be in a position to take a pet to the vet immediately. You could be on a bush walk 2 hours away from a vet and the dog has a paralysis tick… or the dog could break their nail playing in the yard and some styptic power and antibacterial could save a $100+ vet visit.

There’s no doubt you care about your pet/s, but often proactive care can be an afterthought. Turn what would be, “I wish I had this”, or “I wish I had done that” into “Thank goodness I was prepared.”

Providing immediate care at the time of the injury can save a lot of extra trouble. Treating a cut immediately will reduce the risk of later infection significantly, in theory, it could stop an infection altogether – meaning no vet visit or antibiotics.

It’s important to note, however, that having a pet first aid kit shouldn’t replace going to the vet. And you should never provide medical assistance that you’re uncomfortable doing or that should only be done by a trained professional. 

The post How to build a Pet First Aid Kit appeared first on Mad Paws.

Spring is the time of growth, flowering and new sprouts for plants and flowers which causes the increased pollen count.

In this article, we explore the various allergens that pets can be exposed to, and how you can help your furry bestie during these peak periods.

What type of allergy does your pet have?

This time of year brings lots of pollen, and it’s spread all around so it’s hard to avoid. It’s a tiny grain that gets carried by bees, wind, insects, and animals. Its extensive presence and size means it gets into every nook and cranny just like dust can. This means it’s constantly being inhaled, landing in eyes, ears and on the skin which is why it can easily cause irritation.

But, pollen is not the only culprit to cause allergies. Individual plants or flowers can cause allergies similar to how you can have individual food allergies. Specific allergies can be harder to determine, especially in pets as they often spend much more time outdoors than humans.

As well as the plant boom, Spring brings a boom of ticks, mites, and fleas which are irritating to all skin but a common allergy in pets too Take this as a reminder to administer their parasite control treatment – shop your favourite brand at Mad Paws Pet Store.

Allergy symptoms in pets are similar to those in humans. The severity of the allergy will determine the severity of the symptoms. 

How to manage allergies in pets:

Luckily allergy treatment can often be managed by using only topical medication or preventative measures. Understanding the root cause isn’t always possible or necessary. Generic pollen allergies are common and unless common treatments don’t work, there isn’t a need to know what specific plant causes the issue. Topical soothing methods like regular oatmeal baths, irritation or steroid creams, or building tolerance to local pollens might be enough to combat allergy symptoms completely. 

Honey builds tolerance

Honey is a simple way to build up tolerance to pollens. While there isn’t as much evidence as there is for antihistamines and other medical treatments, it’s a much less expensive, invasive and time-consuming treatment to try.

How it works: Local honey is full of local pollens, and by ingesting small amounts regularly should in theory help build a tolerance. If a tolerance is built, theoretically it should mean fewer symptoms. Similar to introducing anything new into a pet’s diet, it should be introduced slowly, in small quantities and monitored for any signs of allergy or irritation. 

Avoid high pollen exposure

Avoidance is another simple way to manage allergies. This could be as simple as changing your walking route, giving your cat or dog less outdoor freedom on high pollen count days, providing boots to protect paws, or removing irritating pollen plants from the yard. 

When to consult a Vet about allergies in my pet?

If symptoms escalate to open sores, hot spots, hives, swelling or can’t be managed easily, it’s crucial to consult a vet and take further action. It’s important to maintain realistic expectations that treatments aren’t an instant fix and sometimes can take days or a week to take full effect and work completely. Just like humans, an occasional sneeze or itch is normal – it’s only when symptoms are persistent that action is required.

Skin care and treatments for dogs

As they say, you are what you eat. One of the most effective solutions for superior skin care is your dog’s food intake. Take, for example, Lyka’s Kangaroo and Turkey fresh dog food recipes – both are highly digestible and hypoallergenic. A great choice for gastrointestinal health. Lyka also have skin supplements that are full of probiotics, vitamins and minerals to strengthen the immune system, aiding a long-term defence against skin irritations!

From shampoos to sprays and everything in between, looking after your dog’s skin is manageable with the various products that can help. Check out the Dog Skin Care range on Mad Paws Pet Store. Including dog sunscreen wipes, so your dog has some coverage from UV rays too – how handy!

Parasite control is important all year round, but especially in the warmer months. It’s vital that you stay on top of your Dog flea, tick & worm treatments to ensure they’re protected against any nasties that can latch onto their skin and sometimes be deadly!

Skin care and treatments for cats

If your cat struggles with having any topical treatments administered, don’t worry! With the wide variety of options available for Cat Skin Care, there’s sure to be a solution that suits them best.

And when it comes to Cat flea, tick & worm treatments, the spot-on treatments are so easy to administer. And remember, even if your cat stays indoors most of the time doesn’t mean they’re immune from parasites. 

Did you know: 

Mad Paws Pet Sitters can assist with managing your pets allergies. It’s just one of the benefits of choosing the personalised care of a Sitter. Find your pet’s perfect match and witness the difference for yourself!

Search for a Pet Sitter >

The post How to help manage allergies in pets appeared first on Mad Paws.

With the right worming schedule, you won’t have to worry about your doggo putting their nose to the ground when they go out for walkies with you or their dedicated Dog Walker!

What does worming do?

The term “worming” is a bit vague, so let’s clarify what we mean. 

The worming that we’ll focus on in this article refers to medication that targets a range of different internal parasites that your dog may contract. These include tapeworm, roundworm, hookworm, and whipworms. These types of parasites generally live in the intestine although they can sometimes be found in your dog’s muscle tissue. 

In addition to regular worming prevention medication, your vet may recommend that your dog be tested for heartworm. Heartworm is placed in a separate category as it is more severe and requires its own treatment plan. There are monthly oral medications available, as well as injections that provide coverage for up to six months or a year. Luckily, a 2016 study of heartworm in Australia suggested that prevalence of this internal parasite remains low. 

How often to worm puppies under 10 weeks old

Very young puppies are typically wormed every two weeks until they reach about 10 weeks old, or possibly 12 weeks depending on the advice of your vet. This might surprise you given that pups this young tend to stick with mum and their littermates! But the fact is, worms can be transmitted from mum to puppies during pregnancy or through nursing, so it’s essential to take extra precaution. 

What’s more, worming medication typically only kills internal worms in the adult life stage. Treatment needs to be repeated to account for the eggs that haven’t hatched yet.

Mum herself should have also had a round of worming before giving birth as well as during the nursing period. Learn more about doggy pregnancy in our article, How Long Are Dogs Pregnant?

How often to worm puppies between 10 weeks and 6 months old

Puppies under six months old are getting into all kinds of mischief from chewing up your favourite trainers to blundering their way through early socialisation with other dogs. The point is, they’re exploring the world around them more confidently by the day, and that means they’re more likely to be exposed to parasites. 

Until they reach the six month mark, you’ll want to continue to worm your puppy once a month.

How often to worm puppies over six months old

At six months old, your dog’s immune system should be fully developed so they won’t need such frequent worming. That said, even adult dogs should receive worming medication about four times per year. 

If your pupper has struggled with worms throughout their first year, your vet may recommend that you continue with more frequent worming to ensure that they develop normally.

Learn how to spot the signs of worms

Even when you have your puppy on a consistent worming schedule, it’s still a good idea to know some of the signs of intestinal parasites. Here are the most common:

• Weight loss or stunted growth
• Diarrhoea and vomiting
• Exhaustion
• Increased thirst
• Coughing
• Swollen belly
• Visible worms in faeces or vomit (in the case of tapeworms)

Keep your pup and home worm-free for good

Prevention through worming medication is the best way to protect your pup from intestinal parasites. But, it’s not the only thing you can do! Here are a few tips on keeping your puppy months worm-free:

• Make sure you’re worming everyone. Unfortunately, some internal parasites aren’t picky about their hosts. If your household includes young children and other animals, your vet may recommend that everyone receives appropriate worming medication

• Keep the backyard poop free. In general, you’ll want to keep your puppy away from dog, cat, and other animal faeces as much as possible as the worms can continue to live and breed outside of the host. Even if your dog doesn’t have a poop-eating habit, simply being around animal droppings is enough to contract parasites. So keep all outdoor spaces clean!

• Clean and sanitise indoor spaces often. One type of internal parasite, hookworm, can be contracted from soil while tapeworm eggs can be spread through fleas. So, it’s a good idea to keep your dog’s living area clean. Not only will this lower the risk of internal parasites, but it could also prevent your dog from developing other conditions like ringworm, a type of fungal infection

• • Consider leaving your pup with a Dog Sitter instead of a kennel. To be sure, your puppy is going to be exposed to many other dogs and environments during their first year of life. But, it’s still a good idea to opt for care settings that aren’t overcrowded, such as kennels. A dedicated Dog Sitter can care for your dog in your home or provide a clean space for them at theirs!

• Stay up to date on flea prevention. Because fleas can carry parasites, you’ll want to add regular flea prevention to your healthcare routine along with regular worming

• If possible, lower the risk of mosquito-bites. Heartworm is spread through mosquitoes, so it’s a good idea to protect your pup from itchy bites as much as possible. Reduce the amount of standing water on your property, and consider asking your local pet shop for a dog-friendly insect repellent

You’re ready to keep your puppy parasite-free!

Overall, it’s very common for puppies to suffer from worms at some point during their first year of life. If your pup has contracted a form of these internal parasites, know that you are not alone! As long as you can get them on an appropriate treatment plan and take a few extra steps to lower their exposure in the future, your pupper will be back to normal in no time.

Now that you know how often to worm puppies, your little guy or girl will be ready to take on the world!

The post How Often Do Puppies Need to be Wormed? appeared first on Mad Paws.

Is there scientific research to back up the claim that dogs are the perfect mood-boosters? In this article, we’re going to take a deep dive into the mental health benefits of Dog Ownership. Here are eight ways that our furry friends help us feel better ♡

#1: Dogs boost feel-good chemicals

Our dogs make us happy – it’s just a fact! And according to the research, it’s happening on a neurochemical level.

Every time you interact with your dog, whether it’s through play, cuddling, or simple eye contact, your brain releases oxytocin. This brain chemical is responsible for feelings of trust, empathy, and relationship-building. When it’s released in the brain, we get that warm, fuzzy feeling that makes us say, “Who’s a good doggy?” every time we see our pup.

And it’s not just oxytocin that’s bouncing around in our brains when our dogs enter the room. Dopamine, another neurochemical that’s released when we interact with dogs, helps us to feel happy, alert, and motivated. So, when you’re having trouble staying focused at work, who knows; you may just need a play break with your pup! 

#2: Dogs relieve stress

If you’ve had a ruff day, your first instinct might be to put your feet up and have a good cuddle session with your dog. And, that’s actually a great idea!

According to a study released in 2011 featuring Dog Owners and Labradors, the act of petting your dog can reduce the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the blood, while also lowering heart rate. Scientists believe this is because calm tactile interaction with animals is a stress-reducing activity.

Keep in mind, though, that our doggos tend to be sensitive to our own stress levels! If you’re coming home as a ball of stress everyday, your fur friend might experience an increase in stress, themselves. So, you might opt for a stress-reducing activity that is good for you and your furbaby, like exercise or a walk. 

To learn more about doggy mental health, take a look at our article on improving your pup’s wellbeing. 

#3: Dogs ease loneliness

The fact that we call doggos (hu)man’s best friend says it all. Dogs are wonderful companions! 

After all, even if you’ve got a traditionally independent dog, it’s comforting to be in the presence of a friend. And, dogs give us a sense of belonging, trust, and purpose. They rely on us for food, walkies, and playtime, which makes us feel more connected, therefore, less lonely.

Again, there’s a neurochemical element at play here, too. Remember that oxytocin makes us feel that all is right in the world, but it’s is also a key neurochemical for relationship building. Every time we interact with our dogs, we’re reminded of how wonderful it is to have a friend.

#4: Dogs introduce us to new people

On the one paw, our dogs ease our loneliness by being our constant companions. But our fluffy friends also expose us to a whole new network of people that we may otherwise have never met. 

Whenever you leave the house with your doggo, for instance, you may meet other dog lovers on the sidewalk, at restaurants, and dog-friendly events. If you and your pup tend to visit the same places consistently, you might also start to build relationships with your community members, including neighbours and business owners. 

And of course, there’s the network of other Dog Owners and Dog Sitters with whom you can bond over the joys and challenges of Dog Ownership. 

#5: Dogs improve your mental health by getting you outside

Whether your puppy is dragging you out of bed at sunrise, you’re exploring nature with your energetic dog, or simply stepping into the backyard to play a quick game of fetch, your dog is giving you a wonderful gift: outside time! 

According to a collection of research, being outside has been linked to short- and long-term mental health benefits, including stress resiliency and a decreased risk of depression.

If you can get you and your doggo to a place where the sounds of nature resound, even better! Bird calls, crashing waves, wind through the trees, and other nature sounds are great for relaxation.

#6: And they get you moving, too!

Going outside with your dog provides you the benefit of stress-relief and relaxation. But when you can get outside and move, you’re opening up a whole additional layer of mental (and physical) health benefits.

Exercise and mental wellbeing are closely related, and even mild activities can release an array of feel-good neurochemicals. Serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine are three main neurochemicals that are released during exercise, giving you both short-term happiness and long-term satisfaction. 

The key is to find a form of exercise that you enjoy doing with your dog. Whether it’s brisk walking, bicycle riding, or going for a jog, choose an activity that you and your pup can return to regularly. The more consistent you are with your outdoor adventures, the better your mental health will be in the long term.

#7: Dogs help you snooze

It’s something we’ve known for thousands of years: having a dog around makes us feel relaxed and protected. And that’s why having a dog in the home may actually give you better sleep.

Women, in particular, experience a significant improvement in sleep from sharing a bed with their furry friend, according to research from Canisius College in New York. The results show that women may get a better night’s sleep next to a dog than a human partner!

In terms of mental health, the benefits of quality sleep are numerous. Consistent sleep can reduce the effects of depression, anxiety, and a number of other mental illnesses. And, it can improve self-esteem and cognitive functioning. The keyword here, of course, is quality. If your pupper is interrupting your sleep, take a look at our article, How to Train Your Dog to Sleep Through the Night. 

And remember, your dog will sleep better when they’re in the presence of a caring human, too! If you’re going to be gone for the night, make sure your pup stays with a friendly local Dog Sitter.

#8: Your dog makes you laugh!

It’s easy to overlook this final mental health benefit of Dog Ownership, but the truth is, humour is healing. Laughing releases a flood of feel-good chemicals in the brain, like endorphins, while also decreasing stress chemicals. Humour can instantly change our moods and block feelings of anger and frustration. And, it can help us connect with others, especially if they also witnessed that very funny doggy moment. 

So, the next time your dog makes you laugh, take a moment to acknowledge how lucky you are to have a health-boosting comedian living under the same roof!

The science is clear: dogs improve your mental health in all kinds of ways

We can bet that you already knew just how much dogs improve your mental health. Now that you’ve seen the research, let us know which furry fact surprised you the most!

The post 8 ways dogs improve your mental health appeared first on Mad Paws.

But in case you’ve been trying to convince your family or significant other that it’s time to adopt, or you’ve been looking for excuses to spend more time at home with a fur friend, we’re here to help!

Here is the not-nearly-complete-but-worthy-attempt at listing all of the many health benefits of owning a dog!

#1: Their cuddles are calming

The health benefits of doggie cuddles are many. Spending just a few minutes giving your furry friend a good tummy rub can lower blood pressure and stress. At the same time, it will trigger the release of serotonin and dopamine – two feel-good neurochemicals. Not only will it give you an immediate kick of happiness, but it can also help maintain a general sense of wellbeing over time.

The next time you’re feeling wound up about something, try spending five minutes with an affectionate doggo. Dogs are like the meditation gurus of the animal world. You’ll be practicing mindfulness without even realising it.

#2: They encourage physical exercise

As loving Dog Owners, we tend to care more for our dog’s health than our own. Which is why it’s great that dogs need us to take them outside for some fresh air everyday. We might not take ourselves out for a much-needed walk or jog every morning, but those puppy dog eyes will convince us to get up off the couch and get the steps in. It’s for our dog’s sake, but we benefit too!

#3: They help us practice patience

We could all use a little more patience, and dogs are eager to teach us their ways. When you spend time with a dog, you learn to enjoy the present moment and forget about things like annoying traffic and work responsibilities. Just keep your eye on the tennis ball and all is good in the world.

Plus, training requires a ton of patience, so you’ll be able to hone this skill with your pup.

Oh, and by the way, patience isn’t just a virtue. Patient people tend to be less likely to suffer from headaches, intestinal upset, and acne.

#4: The health of your future children

The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology published an article suggesting that owning a dog can lower the risk of dog allergies for children.

That means having a dog is like planting a seed for a future generation of allergy-free dog lovers. Who could say no to that?

Even if you already had kids before bringing home a doggo, having dogs around can help children boost their immune systems. By exposing kiddos to a more diverse biome, their bodies become better at dealing with pathogens in the future. On top of that, your dog could be sharing good bacteria with your family. It sounds quite awful, but trust us. It’s a good thing.

Keep in mind that you don’t have to do anything special to reap the immunological benefits of dog ownership. In fact, it’s probably best not to let your dog lick your face. Simply having them around will do the trick!

#5: There’s a doctor in the house!

Dogs have proven themselves to be amazing at detecting certain medical conditions. They can sniff out cancer, predict seizures, tell you when your blood sugar is low, and more.

Of course, it will require a bit of training for your dog to actually do anything about these medical conditions, but you potentially have a diagnostic test in your home. And that’s pretty great!

#6: They’ll make you popular

If you think having a dog doesn’t have anything to do with other people, you’re in for a surprise. Every time you take that adorable pooch out for their daily walkies, you’ll get stopped on the street by other Dog Owners in your neighbourhood, friendly Dog Walkers, and even strangers who just want to say hello.

It’s a wonderful opportunity to build your social network and make friendships with people you might never have met outside of the dog world. And building up your community can positively impact your mental wellness and sense of self.

So, the health benefits of owning a dog? It’s science, friends!

Over and over, the science points to dog ownership as a predictor and cause for good health in humans. So, clean up the backyard, buy a bunch of comfy dog beds, and head to your local animal shelter to give a doggo their forever home!

We want to know how being a Dog Owner has improved your health. Share the benefits you’ve experienced by having a doggo in your life

The post 6 health benefits of owning a dog appeared first on Mad Paws.

Most people don’t realise that although they have a thick coat of fur, cats are prone to sunburn!

Breeds who can particularly suffer in the sun are those with white fur or/and with thin coats, such as Sphinxes, Cornish Rexes and Devon Rexes. These guys will definitely need extra attention for sun protection. Keep an eye on your kitty and know the signs to watch out for.

Here, we take a look at the varying stages and degrees of sunburn your pussycat can suffer.

Mild redness on skin

Depending on how they spend their time outside, whether they are lying, or roaming around the garden, you may notice mild redness on their exposed skin such as around the eyes and ears. These easy-to-spot areas tend to indicate that there may be redness on the other parts of the skin, hidden by fur. Keep an eye out for these signs, as it indicates they have developed a minor sunburn. To prevent it from getting any worse , use sunscreen on your cat’s exposed skin. Cat specific sun screen can be purchased from most pet stores.

Redness/swelling on skin, hair loss on the ears

If you see hair loss on the ears or signs of redness/swelling in the area – consult your vet. These signs can indicate that it may be developing into something more serious. If your cat loves to be outdoors all day long, create an area for them to nap in the shade, rather than being in the sun all day.

All skin is affected, severe hair loss

We hope your kitty would never get to this stage. Burns have now extended to other parts of the skin, indicating that your kitty has been outside for too long. The severe hair loss shows that the radiation of the sun is too much. This is serious sunburn and if you haven’t already consulted your vet – we’d highly recommend to go to the animal hospital.

Potential skin cancer

If you’re taking care of your cat regularly, they should never get to this stage. Your cat may not look in pain, this is serious and you need to go to a vet hospital immediately. Signs and symptoms of skin cancer in cats can be:

• Thick skin around the ears
• Scaling (especially around the ears)
• Itchiness, causing bleeding
• Crusting of the skin

Can’t stop your cat from sunbaking?

Cats are notorious for lounging in the warm sun for hours at a time. If your cat is unlikely to stop this habit, there is something that you can do to help provide a level of protection. Sunscreen for pets! 

The post Cat sunburn – what you need to know appeared first on Mad Paws.