This post is sponsored by TruDog and contains affiliate links.  If you purchase something through one of these links, I’ll earn a small fee.  However, there is no additional cost to you.  As always, we only review products that we’ve tried and can recommend wholeheartedly. #TruDogPartner

Benefits of a Raw Diet

Improved digestion

Healthier skin and coat

Stronger immune system

Increased longevity

Healthy gums and teeth

Fewer visits to the vet

Smaller stools

Potential Drawbacks of a Raw Diet

A raw diet is not perfect for every dog.

Currently, some therapy dog programs do not let their dogs eat a natural diet. This restriction is due to an increased risk of bacterial contamination to humans, especially young children, people with compromised immune systems, and the elderly associated with a raw diet.  However, with proper handling (wash hands after feeding your dog, wash their bowls after they eat, the risk  decreases.)

It may not be appropriate for dogs with certain health conditions

Raw diets are generally more expensive than kibble

Malnourishment due to an unbalanced diet that does not meet AAFCO  (Association of American Feed Control Officials) standards

A homemade raw diet can be time-consuming and require a lot of equipment

DIY Raw Food Diet

Many websites and books offer recipes to include in your dog’s raw food diet.  Unfortunately, some people make up their dog’s diet as they go along, which may not be nutritionally balanced.   If you choose to make your dog food, you may need to spend a lot of time researching the recipes and preparing the food.   Whenever you are handling raw meat, be sure to wash your hands and equipment thoroughly before and after preparing the food!

Commercially Prepared Raw Food

If you’re like me, the thought of preparing all of your dog’s meals (including possibly grinding the meat) can be overwhelming. I’m also particularly squeamish when it comes to handling (or looking at) raw meat. When I see bowls of raw meat with chicken feet, pig snouts, etc., I feel a little queasy. You may need to store the food in your freezer or refrigerator, and it can be challenging to travel with commercially prepared raw food.

Luckily, there are shelf-stable raw foods readily available in several different forms from TruDog.

Toppers

If you’ve decided to see if raw food might be suitable for your dog, TruDog’s toppers are a great way to start. The “Boost Me” toppers are great for beginning to transition to raw feeding or simply giving an extra nutritional boost to the food you’re currently feeding your dog.  My dogs love the whitefish topper, consisting of Whitefish, Herring Oil, Mixed Tocopherols (Preservative), and Vitamin E Supplement.

Dehydrated Raw Food

We found TruDog Rawgo to be very convenient, especially for traveling, since it is dehydrated.   It takes up less space than kibble and is doesn’t need refrigeration.  We have some in our emergency evacuation bag too.    (You will need to add water to it, so be sure to bring some water if you won’t have access to clean drinking water.)  My dogs LOVE the taste and don’t seem to mind the reconstituted texture.

Freeze-Dried Food

Freeze-Dried raw dog food is easy to digest and made for dogs of all ages.  While kibble is processed at high heat, destroying many nutrients, TruDog “Feed Me” is freeze-dried to lock in all the nutrients.

All of the freeze-dried food and topper varieties are processed in the United States, the dehydrated Rawgo by TruDog is processed in New Zealand, and all are shelf-stable, which sure beats having an extra freezer for dog food!

The post Benefits of Feeding a Raw Diet to Your Dog appeared first on Daily Dog Tag.

Is it Safe to Have Dogs in an Assisted Living Facility?

Around the globe, people enjoy the companionship, love, and warmth of being in the company of their pet dogs. These furry little creatures give you unconditional love, which impacts your life, including mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.

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Pets also alleviate our sense of loneliness which is more prevalent during old age. That’s part of why an increasing number of senior living communities are allowing pets for the residents.

But, it’s normal to wonder whether or not having a pet in such a facility is safe. Well, that depends on a lot of factors. For one thing, you need to think about the dog breed and your ability to feed/care for them. Other than that, the design and services of a facility also matter.

You should also look into the pet policies of the community before getting a pet. In this post, we delve deep into the subject. We look at the myriad benefits of having a pet around as well as programs that many assisted living centers may have regarding pets.

Benefits of Having Dogs in Assisted Living Facilities

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Decreases Stress

Just the act of touching and playing with your furry little friend is enough to induce a sense of calmness. You feel less stressed and anxious, something which is common during old age. Ideally, you should pick from dog breeds for families as they are naturally more loving and gentle and not aggressive.

Encourages Social Interaction

Some seniors can be reserved and face difficulty initiating conversation. Having a pet around and taking them out for a walk can be a huge ice breaker. When you meet other pet owners during evening walks, you get something to talk about. In this way, dogs foster social interaction. They can make you feel less anxious and more comfortable in a social setting.

Transition

Moving to an assisted living facility can be rather overwhelming. The transition period is often challenging. But, having a dog around makes that period a lot easier. What makes a move most difficult is a sense of alienation as everything is new around you.

At such a time, being with your dog gives you a sense of familiarity. You don’t feel completely out of place. That warmth and love are still there for you. That’s one way dogs come in incredibly handy in easing this often difficult phase for you.

Better Physical Health

With a dog, you have no other option but to take them out for a walk every single day.

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Because of that, physical movement and exercise become a big part of your routine. Even going out for a short walk outside could get you enough exercise you need to remain physically fit, active, and healthy.

In the end, all of that movement will do you good by keeping you more energetic, lively, and young. Your health rate and blood pressure will normalize, leading to better cardiovascular functioning.

Helps with Mental Health

Having a pet animal around is excellent, particularly for Dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. By encouraging movement, they improve your physical health and immunity.

You also enjoy better cognitive stimulation, which keeps memory issues at bay for longer periods of time. Not only is it comforting to have a dog around, but understanding their non-verbal cues and communications becomes like an exercise for your brain health.

Common Dog Related Services Offered by Assisted Living Facilities

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Pet Companionship Sans Responsibilities

A growing number of living communities understand the benefits and the value of having a pet around for seniors to play with.

That’s why many are adapting ‘community pet’ and ‘pet therapy programs’ wherein the residents don’t have to worry about feeding, grooming, or exercising their pets. Instead, they can spend time with community pets.

As part of pet therapy programs, they may get access to well-trained dogs, which can help them by providing companionship.

Pet Coordinators Ensure Everyday Well Being

For many seniors, a pet is more than just an animal. They are like a family to them and, as such, need the same care and attention as a family member. Communities that understand this may offer the services of a coordinator. The idea is to allow both the owner and their pets the level of care they need.

As part of this program, a coordinator will look after things like getting the pet exercise, taking care of their vet appointment, administering medication, ensuring regular vaccinations, etc. this takes away a lot of burden off the seniors’ shoulders.

Conclusion

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Having a pet around, no matter your age can be a life-changing experience. People who have had pets would vouch for the multitude of benefits they derive.

Therefore, it’s no surprise that a growing number of senior living facilities are also embracing and encouraging the concept of having a pet around for seniors to enjoy.

Holly Klamer is a pet lover who owns a dog and loves to write about everything related to pets. She is a frequent writer and contributor to top online pet publications and blogs, including Pet-Friendly Senior Living.

The post Dogs Living in Assisted Living Facilities appeared first on Daily Dog Tag.

By Laura Pakis, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, and Cynologist.

Teaching your dog they can put their front paws up on something is a handy and entertaining trick to teach. Paws up is also a fantastic way to build your dog’s confidence and a trick anyone can teach, young or old.  All photos are courtesy of McSquare Doodles.

What you need

To teach this trick, you will be using targeting.  This means you need somewhere for your dog to learn to place his feet on command. You can use your arm, a chair, the wall–something sturdy that won’t tip.

Also, make sure to do this trick on a non-slip surface, so when the dog goes onto his back feet to put his paws up, he doesn’t slide. A cut-up yoga mat piece that’s in a 12-inch by 12-inch square or foam pad works well.

Steps to accomplish Paws Up

Step 1

Lure your dog with a treat to put his front feet up onto the surface. You can tap whatever you want your dog to put their paws upon.

Step 2

Once their paws are up on the surface, immediately reward and tell your dog how good they are.

Step 3

Give your dog the release cue, lure your dog’s paws off and repeat. Practice 5-10 minutes each session, always ending positively with your dog accomplishing the task.

Step 4

Once your dog begins to understand, add a verbal cue. Say the verbal cue ‘Paws Up,’ wait, then lure your dog into putting his paws up.

Go very slowly if you find your dog is jumping entirely up, and be sure to reward immediately as its front paws touch the surface.

If your pet is still struggling, try feet up on a step or somewhere they can’t jump up and transition back to other situations such as a wall later.

Irene McHugh of McSquare Doodles offers this tip, “We started with larger/wider/lower objects to put our paws on. Like benches and curbs.

I also had them practice wall stands, including on empty playgrounds. As the pups got better and wanted to refine the trick, I started asking them to put their paws on narrower bars, like the exercise bars on the sit-up stand at the park or pieces of a fire hydrant. The narrower objects also helped them distinguish the difference between “paws” and “up” because I ask them to jump on many things. But when I want them just putting their paws on something, it’s easier if they know the difference.”

To get the best shot,  dog parents should always have at least a few high-value treats with them on walks. I always have my treat pouch with me, but if I’ve run out of the super high-value treats that Bernie likes, sometimes he’ll take his paws off the object before I can get the shot. But if he smells the yummiest treats rather than just our normal dog walking snacks, he’s suddenly much more engaged with the process.

Step 5

As your dog improves and becomes more reliable with Paws Up, you can start proofing the behavior by adding duration, distance, and distraction.

Increase the time your dog has his paws up before you give him a treat.  Also, make the time between treats longer and longer for having his feet up.

Teach your dog that when you are at a distance, the object you point towards is the one to put its paws upon.

Add a twist to Paws Up

Paws up on your arm
Paws up on your leg
Paws on the page (for reading dog)
Say your prayers
Paws up on your back as you walk forward
Paws up on a shopping cart to push it
Paws up on tree limbs or branches
Paws up on fire hydrants
Paws up on curbs, rocks, exercise bars in the park
A cute act asks the dog to “spread ’em” against a wall and then pat down the dog.
Another extension would be perch work for rear-end awareness.

Benefits of Paws Up

Your dog will gain balance and work on its core strength using the paw targeting skills! Besides, since this trick shifts the dog’s body weight onto the opposite set of limbs, it increases strength in those limbs.

So get started teaching this cool trick and enjoy the benefits of great photos of your dogs.

About the author

Laura Pakis, is the owner and founder of Acme Canine, a canine resource website.  She’s also a veteran professional dog trainer who is a member of the Dog Writer’s Association, BlogPaws, and the International Association of Canine Professionals.  Laura reaches thousands of dog enthusiasts looking to improve their canine relationship by sharing her knowledge through social media channels.  Follow Acme Canine on Instagram.

About McSquare Doodles

Bernie and Lizzie are Labradoodle siblings on a journey to become therapy dogs.  Check out their blog to learn more about their journey as well as their Instagram account to keep up with their adventures.

Find a  pet-friendly photographer near you.

The post Paws Up | The Perfect Trick For Great Dog Photos appeared first on Daily Dog Tag.

 COVID-19 Guide for Dog Lovers

Excellus BlueCross BlueShield sponsored this post as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central, and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.

One of my sons is a doctor in Rochester, New York.  At around 9 pm on Christmas, after his shift in the ICU, we visited via Facetime. It was a rough day for him. COVID is not a hoax or a “bad flu.” In his words, “COVID is everywhere.” His hospital is almost out of beds. His exhaustion was more than physical, and it was heartbreaking to see.

While it is encouraging that the FDA has approved COVID vaccines, we still need to follow the CDC guidelines. I know that so many people are anxious to get back to their regular activities, but we need to be patient for now, so we don’t end up as patients. That means staying home as much as possible, wearing a mask when out in public, and washing hands thoroughly and often.

Since many of us have experienced cabin fever in one way or another, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has put together some great ideas to help make this winter more enjoyable while staying home.  Although I miss seeing my older kids, sisters, and mom, we stay connected through phone calls, Facetime, and Zoom. Our two college-aged kids are living at home with us. They play video games online with their siblings, which helps us feel more connected.

I’m pretty sure my dogs love the fact that their humans are always home.

This extra time together has resulted in more cuddles, more time to play with them, and longer walks (weather permitting.)

Like humans, dogs sometimes have essential appointments, and taking care of them entails other obligations. Luckily, it isn’t hard to stay safe while taking care of your dogs.

Pet Supplies: Most pet stores offer curbside pickup, and some even offer delivery.

Vet Appointments: At our vet facility, a vet tech meets us at the car and takes the pets inside. The vet calls during or after the exam and gives us her findings and recommendations. After the exam, the vet tech brings the pet back to the car. They are currently allowing a pet parent to be present for end-of-life appointments. (Masks must be worn.)

If your vet isn’t following the CDC guidelines, consider postponing appointments or finding a new vet. Your pet needs you to stay healthy!

Grooming: If your dog must go to the groomer, make sure you are comfortable with their mask policies.  According to the CDC, dogs can get infected with COVID, but it does not seem like they transmit it to humans. If you need to learn how to cut your pup’s nails, there are many guides online.

 Walks:  Walks are beneficial for both dogs and humans. However, be sure you maintain a 6-foot distance from others and wear a mask as needed. We’re fortunate that we live in a small town, and there are rarely people walking around when we are. When we see our neighbors and friends, we exchange pleasantries from a safe distance.

Training: A well-trained dog makes life more enjoyable. Currently, there are many online training options available. This is also a great time to teach your dog a new trick.

Exercise: These exercises for balance are great for dogs of all ages.  Why not help your pup build or maintain strength?

Bake Dog Treats: While your dog probably won’t help with the baking, he will love eating the end product. Try this easy vegan apple dog biscuit recipe. Although most dogs are not vegans, I know many of you are. This particular recipe calls for only two ingredients: applesauce and flour.

It turned out that I didn’t have any applesauce, but I had an apple. A quick Google search, and ten minutes later, I had applesauce.

Apple Biscuits for Dogs

Print

Apple Biscuits for Dogs

This easy to make vegan dog treat recipe only requires two ingredients.

Prep Time 7 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Chill Dough 1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour 17 minutes minutes

Servings 18 treats

Equipment

• Rolling pin or another cylinder (such as filled water bottle) to roll dough

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup flour (I use oat flour because my dog is sensitive to wheat)

Instructions

• Mix the flour and applesauce together
• Chill the dough for approximately one hour
• Roll out the dough
• Optional: roll the dough with an engraved rolling pin
• Cut dough with pizza cutter or knife into squares
• Place on baking sheet (parchment paper optional)
• Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes

Notes

If you don't have unsweetened apple sauce at home but have an apple, it is super easy to make applesauce in the microwave.  (Just core, peel, and chop one apple.  Microwave it with 1/2 cup of water for 3 minutes.  Mash or put in a food processor or blender until desired consistency.)

If you don't have an apple,  you can use mashed bananas or mashed sweet potatoes.

My dogs love these treats, and I love that I know exactly what is in them.

See some of our other recipe ideas here.

How have you been coping with the pandemic?

I know that the pandemic is very stressful on many levels. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has a 24/7 Nurse Hotline available for self-care and mental health questions. Please continue to stay updated about the virus, testing, the vaccines, and how you can do your part to keep our community safe.

Follow Excellus BlueCross BlueShield on Twitter.

The post Stay Home, Stay Healthy: COVID Guide for Dog Lovers appeared first on Daily Dog Tag.

Start your year off with a Healthier Senior Dog! 

You look at your aging fur baby, and you worry about how you’re going to keep her strong, balanced, and happy for years to come.

I have fantastic news! 

You have the skills to keep her fit right from HOME!

When you think of the words Balance and Strength,  do you ever picture…

Your furry friend balancing on one leg, standing upright on a yoga mat? 

Or your pup “Pumping Iron” in the gym, WORKING THOSE BICEPS!!!

Just me?!?

Of course, we’re going to put our own human thoughts into these “fitness” terms.  

Everyone does – and it’s hilarious!!!  

But….. if we really want our sweet fur babies to stay strong and balanced throughout their senior years, there are exercises you can do at home that work their whole body!

Throughout my years teaching Canine Rehab, the pet parents who had the best results were the ones who performed exercises at home consistently!

If your dog is over seven, then this is something you’re going to want to pay attention to.

 Consistently means – 

Performing balance and strength exercises 3 times a week.  

Just like us, you’ll want to give your fur baby a day off in between to give their muscles time to rest & recover.  (Don’t forget those walks every day, though!)

I like to add in two balance exercises and two strength exercises during my senior pet’s walk three times a week because it’ll keep my fur baby’s brain active and strengthen his muscles at the same time! 

Two Balance Exercises

• 3-Legged Standing: 

               Slowly pick up one of your pet’s legs & hold for 5 to 15 seconds, then pick up the next paw. Go around, holding up each paw four times total. 

You might be doing this exercise already when you’re wiping off your baby’s paws if they’re muddy or wet.

See the instructional video here.

• Figure 8’s: 

 During your walk, slowly walk in a wide figure 8 pattern 5 times in one direction, then reverse 5 times. The goal is to have your furry friend work on weight shifting & balance. 

Balance exercises may look easy, but they work the tiny muscles surrounding your pet’s joints  & strengthen the brain’s balance pathways as well, so keep cheering your pet on! 

Watch the Figure 8 video here.

 Two Strength Exercises

• Sit to stands

Have your pet sit straight – Meaning knees pointing forward, hips over the hocks, no side sitting (no cheating), then have them stand back up!  Perform 3 to 10 sit-to-stands during your walks.

This is like the dog version of squats for us. It works your dog’s larger muscles, like the quadriceps & gluteals. 

Watch the Sit to Stand video here.

• Hillwalking:

Pick a gentle hill and slowly walk up & down it for 3 to 5 minutes, then either slowly increase the time or the steepness of the hill over the next month.  This is an overall body strengthener that is perfect for your aging pup!

You will be not only strengthening your fur babies’ muscles but their hearts and brains as well!  

These exercises are great for us too!  Feel free to work out with your pet!

Remember to always go slow.   

Start off with only a few repetitions the first couple of times and increase it when your furry friend allows.  

If your sweetie needs a little extra food to motivate her, grab some kibble from the amount she will be eating at dinnertime or use blueberries, carrots, or red peppers as a low-calorie snack that’s full of antioxidants!  

As always, giving your pet a nice relaxing massage after exercise or before bed is a fantastic (zero-calorie) treat that helps relax unwanted muscle tightness or anxiety.  Click here to grab the step by step pet massage workshop that teaches you why to massage, how to massage & where to massage your senior fur baby!  

Why not have your next exercise partner be your four-legged friend!  

They can get in shape right along with you!  

Let’s start off this year strong and balanced!

– Cheers to 2021!

Age is not a disease.  Enjoy the journey!  

Megan Weaver LVT, CCRP – Owner and Founder of The Senior Pet Movement

About the Senior Pet Movement:  Megan Weaver, a highly-trained senior pet expert, improves the quality of life for older pets.  Running a Canine Rehab Department helped Megan deeply understand the struggles of older animals & their parents. She developed strategies for pet owners so they can easily care for their amazing pets! Megan’s committed to educating owners on combining their vet’s diagnoses with easily implementable at-home tools. 

Megan’s an LVT, CCRP, who’s worked with Board-Certified veterinary surgeons and neurologists to develop her expertise.

Follow Loving My Company on Instagram.

About Loving My Company:  Based in Syracuse, NY, Alice specializes in photography for creative women entrepreneurs. She is also an educator dedicated to helping other photographers succeed.

If you do not have a first aid kit for your senior dog, now is the time to make one!

The post Start Your Year Off With A Healthier Senior Dog! appeared first on Daily Dog Tag.