A dog won’t stop barking if you yell at them or punish them. Yelling at a dog when they’re barking will just confuse them further and often worsen the barking. Similarly, shock or bark collars don’t work long-term and are not recommended for use by Mad Paws. 

It’s normal to want to keep barking to a minimum, so take a read of these few strategies you can put in place to minimise the triggers for barking. 

But first, why do dogs bark?

Barking is a form of communication and a very normal behaviour, so it’s important to have realistic expectations when owning or caring for dogs. Normal barking should cause no concern, but if a dog is barking persistently you’ll need to investigate the cause to ensure nothing is wrong. 

Causes for your dog’s barking & how to help them

Barking can be caused by an array of things; boredom, frustration, attention seeking, information seeking, fear, overstimulation, pain and more. The key to stopping barking is understanding the cause which can be hard and offering an alternative solution. If you can’t determine the cause, offering an alternative activity is a good place to start. 

Things like traffic noise, neighbourhood dogs barking or people on the street can be triggers. You can utilise background noise to drown out external noise by keeping the TV on or having music playing.

Sight barriers are also a great way to eliminate triggers. Ensuring there are no holes in the fence, closing curtains and setting out-of-bounds areas are great ways to do this. 

If barking is non-stop and persistent even after you’ve tried multiple management techniques, be sure to consult a Vet. The barking could be caused by some illness, pain or another condition such as OCD.

Each reason for barking will need a different approach to help deter the barking, however for most of them you will need to work towards desensitising them to the trigger by distraction. 

• Barking out of boredom: You can increase the amount of enrichment and exercise the pet is getting to occupy them. If they’re not engaging in activities on their own, causing the boredom, you’ll need to work towards teaching them to do enrichment or other activities alone to curb boredom. Enrichment toys for dogs can assist with curbing boredom.
• Barking from frustration: Try to remove the issue that’s frustrating them. Often it will be a barrier so work on desensitising them to the frustration trigger. You can also use sight barriers so they can’t see ‘off-limits’ things or areas that are causing the frustration. Frustration can be caused by a pet not being able to do something they normally do, so you should also check for pain or health issues that might be prohibiting them.
• Attention-seeking barking: This can be an indicator of separation anxiety in dogs. Attention-seeking is difficult to stop unless you let the dog be with you at all times which isn’t always possible. To help ease it you can provide the dog with a comfy place to settle, maybe placing a warm hot water bottle under the bed, adding extra blankets or anything that makes it feel cosy like a cuddle.
• Information seeking: This is one of the hardest causes of barking to fix as we can’t communicate with them to answer their ‘questions’. Information barking is often very direct, up-close and personal and loud. Information-seeking barking can often lead to aggression since the frustration is likely to build up so the best approach is to settle the dog and spend some calm time with them. Try to form a bond, or win them over with treats and play so they’ll feel at ease in your company.
• Fear barking: This can lead to aggression quickly and will often be paired with growling or snarling. If a dog is fear barking, you must step away and give them space so they can feel safe and calm down. Slowly build trust with the pet while maintaining space and providing them with a safe space to feel safe and be undisturbed.
• Overstimulation barking: Often accompanied by jumping around or pacing. These are displacement behaviours where they behave in a certain way because they’re not sure how to react to their feelings. You should aim to settle the dog, calm them down and then separate them so they can spend some time alone to rest and re-calibrate. 

If the issue of excessive barking continues, it may be a good time to consider a Dog Trainer who can help identify the cause/s and provide techniques to help reduce the triggers.

Find a Dog Trainer near you >

The post How to control your dog’s barking appeared first on Mad Paws.

When it comes to teaching them the rules of life, how confident and competent are you? Come along with us as we take a short course in puppy training.

Your need-to-know guide to puppy training

Planning for a puppy is just as important as the day you take them home.  However, it’s no secret that puppies aren’t always planned for perfectly – sometimes they’re a surprise gift to help teach your kids responsibility, for example.

Regardless of your preparedness, there are a number of things you’re going to need to manage from Day 1. 

Taking care of puppies is a lot more work than older dogs. Energy levels, training, toilet habits, adaptability, and sleep habits mean you’re signing up for full-time care. Understanding puppy development allows you to be able to cater their care accordingly. 

Firstly, what age is considered a puppy?

A puppy is a canine under the age of 12 months. However, a puppy can technically be considered a puppy until 2-3 years old. But… breaking news! After a dog turns one and they begin to enter adolescence, they don’t automatically outgrow all those ‘puppy habits’ (if only it was that easy). So it’s safe to assume that any dog under the age of 3 isn’t going to be low maintenance.

Toilet training a puppy

Every dog has their own timeline for toilet training and if you have human children you’ll know it’s not a linear progress.

If a puppy is under 6 months old, they’re likely to be still cementing their toilet training. To minimise accidents you should try and keep a strict routine during this time. Changes in environment can confuse them – different surroundings and smells can encourage marking. Timing, area and materials are all important factors to keep consistent when toilet training your dog.

Puppies also don’t develop strong muscle and bladder control until about 4 months old, so they’re unlikely to be able to hold it all night until 4-5 months old. 

Just have assurance that it’s not uncommon for a pet to take a few steps back in training so don’t fret if this happens. 

Chewing & teething

It’s inevitable that puppies will chew! Whilst they may not rip through your couch, they will definitely have a go at nibbling anything they can get their paws on. This is because from 12 weeks old, puppies begin teething and chewing helps ease their discomfort. Their teeth are needle-sharp too, so their size is not a helpful indication of the level of damage they can do.

Boredom can be another cause of chewing, so if a dog is non-stop chewing they might be trying to stimulate or entertain themselves. If this happens you’ll need to provide more enrichment and or exercise.

And, remember, it’s totally normal that your puppy will lose their teeth, so don’t fret if you find little teeth around or a tooth comes out during playtime!

Puppies also go through a second teething phase starting at around 5-7 months old where all their adult dog teeth finalise coming through. This phase can last up to a year so it’s important to provide plenty of appropriate chewing outlets to avoid the dog searching for things to chew. 

Some easy options to help teething include; frozen carrots, rubber chew toys or a frozen wet washcloth tied in a knot. Or, find some chew toys made for puppies. Avoid things that can be destroyed easily or have little parts that are choking hazards.

If you find a puppy chewing on something they shouldn’t be, you need to offer them something else to chew on. They might not always be keen on what you offer so to help entice them, try to replicate the texture they were chewing on with the replacement. You’ll need to teach them what they are and aren’t allowed to chew on, which is much easier if all risky items like cords, human food, and shoes are out of reach. 

Exercise limitations

During early developmental phases if you over-exert a puppy, it can compromise their growth. Extreme levels of exercise or stress on joints can impact their ability to fully develop healthy bones & joints which can lead to issues down the track. So how much exercise do puppy dogs need? Short bursts of exercise are all they need – building up their fitness is a process. 

To protect their bones and joints in the early stages, it’s best to minimise risky behaviours such as; jumping off furniture, in or out of the car, rough play or anything else that risks jolting their joints. Puppy bones are fragile so be mindful of kids playing around them, big dogs wanting to play or other risky scenarios where they could be stepped or landed on. 

Overheating is another risk of over-exerting a puppy. Because they’re so small, it’s much easier for puppies to suffer from heatstroke so minimising exercise on hot days is a must! 

Sleep training

Sleep is crucial to puppies! While asleep their central nervous system is developing and they’re processing all they’ve learnt in their time awake. 18-20 hours of sleep a day is recommended for puppies, which means they should normally be up for an hour every 4-5 hours. Keeping a puppy awake in an attempt to ‘tire them out’ won’t work. They’ll just become overstimulated and it will cause more stress for both of you.

A puppy needs a safe and quiet place to sleep, so don’t place their dog bed in high-traffic areas like the middle of the living room. Ensure they can get undisturbed, quality rest. If kids and other dogs are around, ensure their sleeping spot is a ‘no go zone’. 

Training a puppy to sleep through the night can be tough, especially when they’re not able to hold their bladder yet. Keeping them confined to a safe secure space will help so they can’t wander aimlessly. You can’t attend to every cry the puppy lets out, but you need to know the difference between distress and attention-seeking. Always give the pup the opportunity to self-settle but never leave them in distress.

Socialisation (and habituation)

Socialisation of a puppy means teaching them how to respond to their environment properly, playing, and interacting with people and other pets. During their critical socialisation period (up to 20 weeks old) it’s crucial to ensure a positive environment and to nurture them throughout this time. 

When you practice socialisation, make it a positive experience. This simple approach means you can avoid your dog developing fears or undesirable behaviours.  Lots of encouragement, treats and taking things slow means you’ll help raise a well-rounded and confident dog.  

If there are other pets in your puppy’s home, you must help introduce your second dog to your home. Teach them boundaries so they’re not pestering older dogs or other pets. Reward healthy play habits and interrupt potential risky behaviours. 

Allowing play time with older, well-mannered dogs will help the puppy learn healthy play habits. Puppies being told off by other dogs is not always bad – as long as the puppy listens and follows-on, it means they’re learning. 

If the puppy is outside the critical period (21+ weeks old) you will still need to ensure a positive environment and provide encouragement. However hopefully the puppy will have built up some confidence so you’ll be able to continue rewarding them instead of teaching them.

Habituation is a component of socialisation that involves teaching the dog how to become accustomed to the environment. The goal of habituation is to get the dog not to react to things they might find overwhelming or confusing such as traffic, thunderstorms, new people approaching in public and so on.

Biting

Puppy biting is a part of teething and general puppy behaviour which should be deterred from a young age. Teething and wanting to chew is totally normal but it’s never safe to let a dog think it’s okay to bite or nip people, even if it is just play. Puppies have needle-sharp teeth so they can cause damage to skin very easily, which is why it’s important to be mindful around children or elderly who are more fragile.

Puppy biting can be hard to deter so it’s important to consistently interrupt the behaviour and provide an alternative. If a puppy is biting or nipping grab the closest chew toy and offer that as the alternative. By continuing to replace the behaviour the puppy will learn it’s not okay and to choose the toy first. 

Need some help to get through the puppy training period?

There’s no shame in outsourcing to help provide the best start to your puppy’s life. Training is important so finding a puppy or dog trainer near you may just make the beginning of your life together a little more manageable.

Because age is a huge factor in their play style, energy levels and manners, getting to know your puppy will take time. So as they grow from puppy to adulthood, the most important thing to remember is consistency. The reward at the end of their puppy years? A dog that will be the delight of your life!

The post Puppy training 101 appeared first on Mad Paws.

In this article, we’ll share the common signs to look for that may indicate heatstroke in pets. And, 10 factors to consider when caring for your pet in hot weather, and how to keep them cool and comfortable.

Identifying heatstroke in pets

Heatstroke in pets is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when an animal’s body temperature rises to a dangerous level. Signs of heatstroke in pets can vary and can look very different each time. One symptom doesn’t always guarantee heatstroke, however, if a pet is experiencing two or more of the below symptoms or you’re concerned, always seek veterinary care and take immediate action to begin cooling them.

Common signs of heatstroke in pets include:

• Excessive panting: Dogs and cats regulate their body temperature through panting. If they’re panting excessively and unable to cool down, it may be a sign of heatstroke.

• Excessive drooling: Increased drooling can be a sign that a pet is struggling to cool down and is dehydrated.

• Rapid heartbeat and breathing: An elevated heart rate and rapid breathing are signs that the body is under stress.

• Bright red gums and tongue: This indicates increased blood flow to these areas as the body attempts to cool itself.

• Staggering or weakness: Pets may exhibit signs of weakness, confusion, or even collapse if they are experiencing heatstroke.

• Vomiting or diarrhea: Heatstroke can lead to gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting and diarrhea.

• Seizures: In severe cases, heatstroke can cause seizures.

• Unresponsiveness or coma: If the heatstroke is not addressed promptly, it can lead to loss of consciousness and even coma.

It’s important to note that certain pets – such as brachycephalic breeds (e.g. Bulldogs, Pugs), older animals, and those with pre-existing health conditions – are more susceptible to heatstroke. As each pet has their tolerance, they will also have different techniques to manage them so it’s important to understand the pet’s limits and use appropriate management techniques. 

Because pets are physically smaller than humans, their heat tolerance is already much lower than ours so it’s never safe to base their tolerance on how you’re feeling.  

How to keep pets cool in hot weather

To help determine how much you need to manage the pet, figure out their baseline. For example, If it’s 25 degrees and they’re resting on the couch but already panting to keep cool they’re not going to cope with the heat. However, some pets are highly strung and won’t slow down even if they’re hot or not feeling well so it’s important to set boundaries in the heat regardless of the pet’s mood.

Running aircon 24/7 and keeping pets inside isn’t realistic so read on to find out which management techniques will work for you.

1. Ensure there’s airflow 

Make sure your pet is never stuck somewhere without airflow so the room doesn’t heat up and get too hot. Leaving windows open, having fans on, and having aircon on is the easiest way to do so. For example, never leave a pet in the car, especially on hot days as a still car will get practically no airflow and can cause heatstroke in as little as minutes. It doesn’t matter if you keep the windows open or closed either, it’s about the lack of airflow that is dangerous for them.

2. Access to water supply

Always ensure your pet has access to a minimum of 2 water bowls at all times. If you have more than one pet, you need to allow for more water bowls so they each have the adequate amount. Ensure to leave all water in the shade, and check and refresh it every 2-3 hours. It’s also important to monitor how much each dog drinks – sometimes they may not drink as much as they should. You can entice them by placing food at the bottom of the water bowl or adding water to their meals.  

Another point here is that you need to make sure it’s safe drinking water. On hot days, they’re more likely to drink from ponds etc. So if a water source like a chlorine pool or murky pond is in the vicinity, make sure it’s blocked off.

3. Limit their exercise

Exercise will increase your pet’s body temperature, regardless of the weather, so limiting their exercise can help keep their body temperature at a safe level. As well as maintaining temperature, dogs specifically are at higher risk of burns from hot pavement if walked when it’s too hot. To tell if the pavement is too hot, if you can’t hold the palm or back of your hand on it for more than 7 seconds it’s too hot.

Any temperature above 25 degrees is when you need to consider limiting exercise. For elderly or compromised dogs, no exercise is ideal. For healthier younger dogs, a short walk in the cooler parts of the day and plenty of breaks from playing with other dogs is sufficient. Any temperature above 30 degrees all dogs should avoid exercise or rough play to minimise risk.

4. Provide shade and shelter

Always make sure that there’s some form of shade and shelter that the pet has access to. If you know that the only tree in your yard provides shade from 10am-1pm, for example, they will be exposed to the elements for hours. So in this case, you could set up a tarp, a roof or another shade provider to help give them somewhere to retreat to. Ideally, the shelter available should be shaded 24/7 so it stays as cool as possible. 

5. Limit their sun baking

Plenty of pets – especially cats and dogs – love to lay out in the sun and sun bake! But this needs to be monitored and stopped for 2 main reasons. Firstly, it can lead to heatstroke because pets don’t know they’re over-heating and won’t always move themselves out of the sun. Secondly, similar to humans it increases the risk of skin cancer significantly.

While you don’t need to deny them of any bit of time in the sun,  it’s advised to set a timer for 3-5 minutes and then bring them into the shade. If you’re leaving pets unattended, ensure to move beds out of the sun to avoid accidental or excess sun baking.

6. Consider a cooling mat

Cooling mats and pads are a great (waterless) way to help pets cool down. If they’re not inclined to use them or dislike them you can try placing them on their bed or under a towel. The great thing is you can get variations of these cooling mats for pets – some don’t need to be frozen or have a water source, which makes them easy to maintain. In terms of placement, they’re best laying under the pet so it helps cool their core and vital organs. 

7. Keep up their grooming

The importance of grooming varies greatly on the breed and coat. Some dogs, like poodle mixes, are best shaved right down in Summer to help keep them cool…whereas other breeds like Border Collies are best left ungroomed as their coat can aid heat regulation and if shaved they can be compromised. 

8. Frozen (or cold) treats

Make small frozen treats to help them feel cool and stay hydrated. Pup-sicles are a simple treat as well – you can freeze fruit and water, water and peanut butter or bone broth. Lickimats are also great for spreading their favourite treat on the mat and popping it in the freezer, offering a longer lasting treat for them to digest slowly. It’s important to remember not to give them too much either, as a drastic difference in internal to external temperature can lead to complications (can constrict blood vessels and inhibit cooling). 

9. Invite them to enjoy water play

Splashing about is a summertime favourite for plenty of dogs, letting them swim, providing a shallow kiddy pool or wetting them with the hose is a great way to keep them cool. When pets are around water, just ensure they’re supervised and not over-exerting themselves. There’s always a small chance of secondary drowning which can happen when they’re swallowing too much water so it’s important to keep an eye on them while playing.

10. Breed specific care

Breed is a great indicator of a dog’s heat tolerance because it provides general assumptions on size, health status etc. For example, brachycephalic or flat-faced dogs are much more at risk in the heat due to their breathing issues. Whatever the breed, it’s important to learn what they can and can’t tolerate so you can care for them accordingly. 

Did you know…

Mad Paws Pet Sitters have the know-how to care for your four-legged friend all conditions, and in particular the warmer weather. So if you’re going away, or need someone to look after your pet, you can be assured that all the above ways to prevent heatstroke and to keep them cool and comfortable will be provided!

Search for a Pet Sitter near you >

The post Signs of heatstroke in pets & how to prevent it appeared first on Mad Paws.

Let’s take a look at the various devices and tech you can use to make caring for pets easier for us and much better for them!

The advantages of technology for pets

Technology is implemented in every corner of our lives, we constantly use it to make our everyday lives easier, faster and often more entertaining. Whilst our dogs can’t use a mobile phone, that doesn’t mean they can’t benefit from technology and what it can do. 

Pet Cameras:

Pet cameras have become a useful tool for many reasons, especially after COVID-19 many pets suffered from separation anxiety, and frankly so did us humans. Pet cameras enable us to watch our pets when we leave them alone so we know they’re safe and not distressed. If they are distressed when left alone, they’re a great tool to help us understand why and implement training and other techniques to help manage our pets’ separation anxiety. 

Keep an eye out for a free pet smart camera when you sign up to Waggly Club. Follow them on socials to stay in the loop!

GPS Trackers:

GPS trackers such as air tags and specific pet trackers on the market help us locate pets in the unfortunate event they get lost or track their movements. Similarly, microchips are logged in a nationwide database to ensure pets are registered to their families. Microchips work similar to a passport, logging where and when the pet has been registered to an owner, rescue etc and helping keep track of their movements. 

Technology for pets’ medicine:

Veterinary medicine has also come leaps and bounds with the help of technology. From the tools within a vet clinic to revolutionised surgery techniques, technology has helped us make sure our pets live much healthier lives. Laparoscopic surgery with pets has enabled vets to spey pets much more efficiently and with decreased complications and recovery time. Check out this article from Pet Chemist, about the importance of de-sexing our pets.

Behind the scenes, there have also been major developments in the way they test blood (AlphaTRAK is a popular product among Vets to monitor blood glucose levels in pets), analysis for germs, development in treatment etc. Technology has also enabled us to now DNA test pets to determine their breed makeup and genetics! This helps predict and manage health complications, ethical breeding or just being a curious rescue pet parent. 

Automated home essentials:

There are also plenty of pet technologies that you can incorporate into your pet’s everyday life. There’s so much out there nowadays, from automatic litterboxes, auto pet feeders and water fountains, and air purifiers to pet training apps and automatic ball launchers.

Cleaning up after pets and keeping all their things sanitary can be time-consuming. Pet tech products such as automatic litterboxes or air purifiers helps maintain cleanliness and minimise the risks that come with filth. Automatic water fountains are a great tool for dogs, they help keep their water fresh and stop dirt, grime and other residue from building up so fast.

Similarly, air purifiers are great at keeping the air clean from hair, germs, excess moisture etc. Having pets in the home whilst amazing can mean loads of extra germs so keeping the air clean with air purifiers is a great way to manage that. 

Advancements in toy technology for pets:

Lastly, technology has given us the ability to entertain, exercise and stimulate our pets with ease. Smart toys and pet apps mean that we can meet a lot of our pets’ mental and physical needs at home. Smart toys range from automatic ball launchers, electronic herding balls, toys with built-in treat dispensers and much more. Whilst not perfect for every scenario they’re great to help dogs meet their needs, practice new games, build independence and other skills. Pet apps such as training apps are also a great way to work with your dog to improve their manners, learn new tricks or provide ample stimulation all at home without the time or budget demands of a real-life trainer. 

The future is bound to bring an abundance of useful technology for our pets!

The post The rise of technology for pets appeared first on Mad Paws.

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. 

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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 >

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Why do pets show destructive behaviours?

Destructive behaviour in pets always has a root cause, and understanding it will help prevent and manage it. A pet will often need to be taught how to utilise the replacement outlet you provide, showing them how to use it and continually re-directing them to it will dictate its success. 

Managing destructive behaviours in cats

Cats’ two main destructive behaviours are scratching and chewing both with various root causes. They can be trickier to deter or train than dogs, as cats can be known for their stubborn and self-serving nature. Like any animal, it’s best to raise them with these boundaries and habits but it’s never too late to stop destructive behaviour.  

Why do cats scratch?

Cats often scratch at furniture (specifically couches) and it occurs when they don’t have a reasonable alternative such as a scratching post. Scratching has a much higher chance of occurring when the cat moves environments because it’s a marking behaviour. Hosting cats creates increased risks because they’re much less habituated to the outside environment than dogs, so it’ll likely be more stressful and disorientating for them. 

To ‘stop’ scratching doesn’t mean to stop the cat from scratching altogether, it simply means stopping them from scratching anything they like and re-directing the behaviour to an appropriate outlet like a scratching post…instead of your couch! Re-directing the behaviour requires more than sticking a scratching post in the corner of the room. You must understand their preferences and teach them to use the replacement. To start, interrupt their scratching when it’s on the furniture and move them to the alternative. Follow up by rewarding them when they use the alternative. Keep this consistent, and in time they’ll learn to only use the alternative and the furniture will be safe. To prevent damage during the process you can place scratch guards or use a deterrent spray (such as citronella) on the areas to deter the cat from scratching there. 

Scratching can sometimes be a display of emotion, especially excitement, or to remove dead parts off their nails. These will be much shorter bursts of scratching and the excitement shouldn’t be deterred so ensure you’re extremely positive about it and continue to re-direct them.

Unwanted chewing behaviour in cats

Chewing is another destructive behaviour in cats. Like all animals, it’s very prevalent during the teething stages. They also chew to use their back teeth at all ages or to entertain themselves, which is why you should always provide safe opportunities for chewing. In addition to providing safe options, you should protect electrical cords, remove toxic plants, and keep valuables out of reach. Alternatives for cats to chew include soft toys, chewy treats, dental chews and cat-specific chew toys. To replace the behaviour, it’s the same as scratching, interrupting the inappropriate behaviour, providing the alternative and rewarding the use of the alternative. 

Excessive chewing in cats can be an indicator of poor dental health or gum disease. Other symptoms such as bad breath, bleeding gums, decreased appetite, poor grooming and not chewing meals, in addition to excessive chewing, should be checked by a vet. 

Play is an important component in preventing destructive behaviour in cats. Because they’re ‘hunting’ animals, interactive play is great at preventing boredom. Flirt poles, moving toys or hanging toys are great to keep them engaged and allow an outlet for energy and hunting desires. 

Managing destructive behaviour in dogs

Dogs’ destructive behaviours are more complex than cats, and due to size, can often be much more impactful. The top 6 destructive behaviours are: digging, barking, marking, jumping, chewing and escaping. Often destructive behaviour indicates that their needs are not being met and they’re trying to self-serve because their environment isn’t sufficient. Stopping these behaviours completely isn’t always the goal, though. Sometimes re-directing them is all that’s needed.

It’s important to remember that these persistent behaviours can be a dog’s way of trying to raise a red flag that something’s wrong, or at times just seeking information in an uncertain or new environment. Another reason dogs might do any of these behaviours is referred to as displacement behaviour, where a dog is overwhelmed with emotion and chooses that in an attempt to self-soothe in the way they grab a toy when people enter the home. 

Managing digging behaviours in dogs

Digging is an intrinsic behaviour for plenty of breeds – burrowing and hunting breeds especially. It also serves as entertainment and resource-seeking. Dogs can sometimes even ‘dig’ when there is nothing to dig (like on a bed or the carpet) and even think they can bury a bone in the couch. This is to make their bed more comfortable, scent mark or attempt to bury food, normal behaviours for all kinds of dogs. 

Digging is in a way a tool for dogs, who might dig to escape, seek resources and self-soothe. Re-directing the behaviour starts with understanding why they’re digging. Majority of the time it will be for entertainment and to fulfil those intrinsic behaviours. The most common solution is teaching them how to use the appropriate alternative, it’s a simple process. Start by interrupting when they dig in an inappropriate area, re-direct them to an appropriate area to dig and reward them when they use the replacement. Repeat this process until their first choice is the appropriate option. 

Alternative options include a kiddie pool full of sand or dirt, a snuffle mat, a sandpit, a designated digging spot in the garden or a DIY digging pit. Depending on the dog’s likes you can fill it with soft scraps, dirt, sand, balls, towels or whatever takes their fancy.

Unwanted or excessive barking in dogs

A very common behaviour that’s thought to be destructive in pets is barking. Barking is a very common self-soothing exercise for dogs which only re-inforces them to bark more since it makes them feel better. Barking is also a form of communication so they use it to express themselves or seek information. Unfortunately, dogs do not get tired of barking so waiting it out rarely ever works. 

Barking is often caused by stress and or boredom. The best way to avoid consistent barking is to keep the pet occupied, stimulated, well rested and fulfilled. Ensuring their basic needs, food, water, exercise and mental stimulation is a great start. Always having plenty of opportunities for play, rest and company is the next level to keeping them satisfied. 

If barking is caused by stress, the first step is to comfort them and help them settle. Whether you should reach for a toy, a treat or a cuddle is dependent on the dog and their preference. Dogs that are prone to stress or response barking benefit greatly from having music or noise on in the background to help fade the noises that are causing the barking. If a dog is barking at you consistently, they’re most likely information seeking, trying to make sense of what’s happening. This is common when a dog’s owner leaves for the first time or with strangers. Comforting them and providing calming stimulation activities should help them settle. 

When your dog is marking their territory

Marking is primarily common in male dogs, often exacerbated when there are existing urine smells around or in un-desexed dogs. Getting rid of urine odour is the key to avoiding future markings from other dogs, or repeats. Strong odour removal products and vinegar are the most effective. Believe it or not, household cleaning products won’t do a good enough job. A dog’s sense of smell is much stronger than ours so they’ll be able to pick up any hint of scent. 

The most common solution is teaching them it’s not okay to toilet inside – but don’t worry, it’s a simple process. Start by interrupting when you catch them they’re urinating (or about to urinate) inside, and re-direct them to an outside area to do or finish their business. Make sure you reward them when they do. Repeat this process until their first choice is outside. 

If the pet doesn’t correct their behaviour, you can utilise tools like belly bands or dog nappies with the owner’s permission. 

Unwanted jumping behaviour in dogs

Jumping can quickly become dangerous – knocking over children, furniture, or other pets – and is usually trained out of puppies thankfully. Unfortunately though, when a dog becomes overstimulated it can become jumpy and without regulating their emotions can get nippy. Jumping can also be a seeking behaviour, jumping for a toy or treat which isn’t a reflection of good manners. 

Jumping can be difficult to combat when caused by overstimulation. To start, the aim is to replace the destructive behaviours. Try to snap the pet out of that mindset by asking them to do something simple they’re familiar with, like sit. Ignoring the behaviour can also be useful. If they’re jumping, refrain from screaming, jumping back or reacting. Reacting to the behaviour can worsen the situation because if their intention is to seek attention, this teaches them that it works. 

If jumping is situational – like walking through the door when coming home – you need to implement a routine where the dog is calm before you greet them. Do this by asking them to sit when you walk through the door, rewarding the sit and then greeting them. Or waiting for them to stop jumping and then greeting them. There are multiple ways but which is most effective depends on the dog and the scenario.

Problematic chewing in dogs

Chewing is a very important behaviour for dogs. Like babies, it soothes them through painful teething phases and is crucial to their mental and physical health. Chewing is an intrinsic behaviour for dogs – great to help mentally stimulate them. Chewing releases endorphins for dogs and helps avoid boredom. This can become problematic, however, when they chew the wrong things such as furniture, toxic plants, clothes or valuables. Providing appropriate chewing outlets stops them from searching to fulfil their need on their own. Constant chewing on appropriate items helps maintain teeth and gum health for dogs too. 

Teething phases in dogs are present until 7-8 months old, so any puppy under the age of 1 has a higher probability of destructive chewing behaviours. Constant chewing and teething behaviour is often present until 18 months old when the dogs begin to enter adolescence. Nipping, biting and chewing can be signs of teething pain, so providing lots of chewing options and soothing chewing options (like frozen chews) can ease their pain. 

Opportunities to chew should be available for dogs at all stages of development, even older dogs need it. There are plenty of options, some need supervision and some don’t. Goat horns, pig ears, raw bones, dental chews, chew toys, frozen meat, frozen vegetables, long-lasting chews, chicken wings, chicken necks etc.  Supervising dogs when they have chews like a goat’s horn or a chicken wing is crucial to ensure they don’t swallow too big of a chunk that can damage their intestines or swallow it whole and choke.

Managing pets who are known for escaping

Escaping pets cause extremely dangerous situations. They run the risk of being hit by a car, being stolen, getting trapped, or getting lost too far from home. It’s common for pets to try to find their way home when they escape, but it can be extremely disorientating if in a new environment like a sitter’s home. If the dog has separation anxiety or an extreme bond to their owner, they might try to escape any new environment. 

Pet proofing the home is the best way to prevent escapees, ensuring you can supply secure fencing and keep doors and windows locked etc. Always use caution when entering or leaving the home – often pets slip through the door unsuspectingly! If a pet is prone to escaping, ensure they have a name tag with a number and or address. Having a handful of temporary ones to place on pets in your care with your details is always helpful. There are also more extreme options like trackers or air tags to be able to find them in the unfortunate event they do escape.

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All the research that’s gone into human mental health over recent years has shown how significantly pets can benefit people – including all the great reasons why we should utilise them in therapies. The more we grow to love and value our pets, the more research gets invested into them and now we have a comprehensive understanding of intrinsic behaviours in pets to help care for them. 

The proof is undeniable that pets can improve our mental health. Sometimes all a pet has to do is walk by to spark a smile. However, it’s a symbiotic relationship and often not acknowledged enough just how much of an impact humans can have on pets’ mental health. 

How people’s mood and behaviour impacts a pet’s mental health

We know that our actions, training and daily routine can majorly impact our pet’s mental health – a simple example is how severe the repercussions of punishment training can be. Because our pets become so bonded to us and depend on us, our mood, behaviour and body language often impacts theirs. This is referred to as ‘synchronised emotions’, where our pets sense our emotions and mirror them. They’re able to do this by picking up on a change in scent coming from body odour, hormone changes, or physical attributes like; increased heart rate, heavy breathing, tone of voice or yawning. They do this because they trust us. If they sense we’re stressed, they assume there’s something to be stressed about. Or, if we’re calm, they’ll feel at ease in their environment. This isn’t always the case though. Some cats and dogs are more confident or less reliant and therefore our emotions won’t have such a significant impact.

Our impact can go beyond synchronised emotions, because pets mirror us often without understanding the root of the emotion. A consistent sad, stressful or overwhelming environment can cause long-lasting issues like anxiety, depression and even OCD in pets. With that said, however, environment and people are not the only factors that can cause mental health issues in pets. 

How our actions can impact a pet

As their carers, it’s our responsibility to manage our pet’s mental health (or those in our care). Whilst our mood and emotions have a huge impact, our actions and treatment of animals can also have a huge impact. Creating a sense of fear in our pets can be detrimental to their mental health and dangerous. Fear can create unpredictable, dangerous and undesirable behaviour such as biting, stress urination and reactivity. This is why it’s crucial to only use positive training techniques and manage our emotions to ensure we don’t take out anger, stress or emotions on our pets.

Pets have developed well past the point of simply providing companionship for humans. They’re capable of providing therapy, assistance, medical assistance, security and much more. It’s hard to ignore the impact when you see how well equine therapy works for inmates, the sniffer dogs at airports, feline therapy or guide dogs. Various studies have proven pets’ ability to improve our mental health. Johns Hopkins Medicine speaks to one study where 84% of patients with PTSD paired with a service dog reported a significant reduction in symptoms and 40% were able to decrease their medications.

The relationship between people and pets is good for our health!

How pets have such a significant impact is no mystery. It’s primarily linked to oxytocin, the hormone known for the feelings of love and trust. Many studies over the years have revealed that something as simple as looking into a pet’s eyes or petting them can increase the release of oxytocin. And, it goes both ways, interacting with humans can have the same hormonal impact for pets. Similarly, interacting with a pet can reduce cortisol levels, the stress hormone. The benefits of lower cortisol levels can also lead to improvements in physical health, such as lower blood pressure and increased cardiovascular health. The long-term impacts of lower cortisol levels and increased oxytocin are what help combat conditions such as; anxiety and/or depression, or manage symptoms for disorders like PTSD and OCD. 

The medical world has taken advantage of this knowledge and implemented it in the following ways: resident therapy dogs, visiting therapy pets, and out-patient programs at hospitals. Organisations like Delta Therapy Dogs are instrumental in aiding these opportunities and making them accessible to as many people as possible. 

Mental health extends beyond labelled issues; social skills, confidence, management of emotions and much more can benefit from pets. A great example is therapy or assistance pets sitting with children while they read, helping them build confidence and feel comfortable reading out loud. Some progressive shelters have even implemented reading programs where children come and read to the pets, helping the children build confidence while providing enrichment time for the pets. Prisons all over the world have pet rehabilitation programs. Some programs help the inmates learn skills and benefit from spending time with pets, while others rehabilitate them both – pairing rescue or retired animals like dogs and horses with inmates. 

Understanding how people impact pets’ mental health, and vice versa

Understanding this symbiotic relationship is key to managing peoples’ and pets’ mental health. Understanding the impact one another can have means your actions and emotions should be managed accordingly. 

The post People and pets: How they impact each other’s mental health appeared first on Mad Paws.

Common advice to walk your dog at least once a day is a great start, however it doesn’t provide the complete and balanced mental stimulation that dogs need.

Combining mental and physical stimulation for dogs

Mental and physical exercise for dogs can often crossover and it’s great if you can meet both needs in any given activity. The key to a healthy, happy dog is having a holistic approach to their well-being to ensure all their boxes are being ticked. Dog mental health has had some light shed on the gravity of it from COVID, with Australia’s pet population experiencing more separation anxiety than ever due to lockdowns.  If we’re not mentally stimulating our dogs, they’re at risk of developing anxiety, depression, OCD and displaying unwanted behaviour as a result. 

What mental stimulation does your dog need?

Every dog has different mental stimulation needs, and a good place to start with determining what they need is their breed. Certain breeds are born with characteristics in their DNA like herding, scent hounds or even companionship. If they don’t have an appropriate opportunity to satisfy these desires they’ll attempt to fulfil themselves and this can quickly become problematic.  

Physical exercise is easy to achieve – walking, running, swimming, and playing are all simple to get your dog to join in on. These are all activities you can incorporate into your daily routine, and something you know you’re signing up for when you get a dog. Physical exercise is essential to maintain their health. Without it, they’re at risk of obesity, heart complications, diabetes, joint issues and more. 

Mental stimulation can be more difficult depending on the dog, knowing what they need, encouraging them to engage, teaching them how to do it, knowing what their quota is and having access to the tools to do it.

For example, living in the suburbs with a herding dog like a Kelpie means fulfilling their need to work, herd animals, and exert excess amounts of energy can be extremely hard to do. A working breed dog can take 2-3 years to be fully trained to work with livestock, and that’s with year-round training so expecting them to be happy and settled in a small yard or apartment with no job to do isn’t going to happen overnight.

On the other hand, some breeds were bred for companionship and their mental requirements are tied to being with people where an ideal activity could be visiting hospitals or schools as a therapy dog. 

The good news is… with the popularity of pet ownership in Australia, there are continually new developments, products, services and ideas to help our dogs. There are plenty of options to incorporate into your daily life to mentally stimulate them. Snuffle mats, lick mats, food puzzles, and interactive games are a great place to start for beginners. As you and your pet progress, you can work your way up to more difficult tasks. These all aim to teach problem-solving and encourage the use of other senses like scent and feel. 

Ideas for mental stimulation for dogs

Training is also a great source of mental stimulation, diving into more tricks, training games and even agility will get your pooch thinking and help achieve a sense of accomplishment. Simple tricks to start with (after basic manners) are: shake, spin, speak, stand, play dead…the list is never-ending! Training is also a fantastic bonding experience, so it will strengthen your relationship. Training games are a great way to increase engagement, leave it, find it, hide and seek, or even learn a ‘dance’ routine together are a great way to help your dog achieve that sense of accomplishment and fulfil their desire to work. Another option that can combine physical and mental stimulation is agility, which provides an opportunity to explore different surfaces & heights, and works on balance, concentration and memory if doing courses. 

Mental stimulation needs in dogs, according to age

The level of mental stimulation a dog needs fluctuates across their life, age and events will be the big two determining factors. For example, puppies are naturally very curious and explore so they provide a lot of mental stimulation themselves. Where needed, learning how to tire out your puppy can also help to provide extra stimulation to keep their energy at bay.

However, older dogs who might have arthritis or aren’t as active will need more options provided to them to achieve that stimulation. Events related to health will be very influential, for example, a dog recovering from surgery or illness who might need to have restrictions on physical exercise will require a lot of mental stimulation to keep them occupied and avoid restlessness and frustration. 

Both mental and physical exercise are equally as important, satisfying each dog’s specific needs is about treating them as an individual and catering their exercise and activities to their needs and desires. It’s important to not limit dogs either, just because they were bred for one thing or enjoy one thing this shouldn’t limit them, provide a variety of outlets and utilise what works for them.

Looking for someone to help provide a balance of physical and mental stimulation for your dog?
Enlist the help of a Mad Paws Pet Sitter near you >

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