How to Stop My Dog From Eating Feces

Posted on by
Reply

Learn Ways to Stop Your Pet Dog from Eating Poop

It is not at all uncommon for your pet dog to eat feces from time to time. Dogs are scavengers, their instinct tells them to eat anything; even their own stool or that of another dog or cat. However, if your dog frequently is eating feces then a condition known as coprophagic could be going on. Coprophagia is a condition where your dog eats his own or other animal’s feces. One of the most common causes for this start of this condition is boredom. A bored dog is more apt to start eating his own excrement. The more often your pet dog eats his own poop the higher risk he has of being exposed to dangerous parasites that can cause an infestation in his digestive system. As a dog owner you need to be diligent in keeping your dog from eating feces.

Stop Dog from Eating Dog Poop by Eliminating the Source

By eliminating dog waste from your yard or wherever your dog may be roaming, you can keep him from eating it. Clean up any dog feces from your yard to reduce or eliminate his exposure to the stool. By teaching your dog to defecate on demand you can clean up the doggy doo as soon as he is done. If your dog is primarily outside then you will need to be diligent and check the grounds often to clear away any dog feces. If you have a cat and your dog is eating from the litter box, you need to hide the litter box from him or make it impossible for him to get to it. Cat feces can be especially dangerous to your dog’s health.

Using a Food Additive that Deters Dogs from Eating Feces

By sprinkling special deterrent additives over your dog’s food you can reduce the chances of him wanting to eat his own excrement. Products such as Deter and Forbid contain a chemical known as monosodium glutamate. This chemical will not affect the flavor of the dog kibble as he is eating it, but it will breakdown in his digestion and cause the feces to have a bitter taste that the dog does not like. The taste and smell of the feces will be unappealing to your dog and will hopefully make him not want to eat his own excrement.

Bored Dogs Eat Feces

Your dog may be eating his own feces because he is bored. Bored dogs get into all kinds of mischief and eating his own feces is one of the more mischievous things he could do. To help keep him from getting bored you could increase his exercise and provide him with more attention and stimulation.

If you implement some or all of the above recommendations to get your dog to stop eating poop and your dog continues to do so, you may want to consider consulting a veterinarian that specializes in animal behavior. Sometimes the dogs Coprophagia is so severe that he may require behavior modification or prescription medication. A dog eating his own feces is more than just gross; it can lead to an infestation of parasites or other illness than can pose a great risk to your dog’s health. Do whatever you can to keep your dog from eating his or another animal’s feces

Cleaning Your Dogs Food and Water Dish to Avoid Illness

Posted on by
Reply

Sometimes we as pet dog owners overlook the fact that dirty food and water dishes can pose a risk to our canine friend’s health. The bowls may look clean, but unless you are cleaning them with soap and water they aren’t. Often dog owners don’t consider there to be a risk of their pooch getting an illness from an unsanitary dish since the dog is often seen licking or eating unsanitary things all the time. However, their food and water dish is something they are more exposed to and can cause illness if left dirty. You wouldn’t eat out of the same dish everyday if it was not cleaned, your dog shouldn’t either for the same reasons.

Risks of Letting Your Dog Eat From a Dirty Dish

We’ve all heard that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than ours, this is mostly true but this does not mean his mouth is sterile! Dogs and humans alike have bacterial microbes in their mouth. These microbes can be transferred to your dog’s dish and cause bacterial growth to form in the bowl. This bacterium may be invisible to the naked eye, but it is there and can be harmful. Digestive upset is the primary side effect of unsanitary dog dishes.

Algae can form quickly in a water bowl, especially bowls that are kept outside. It will form a green film around the bowl. If you notice this in your dog’s bowl you know that you are seriously neglecting the proper hygienic care of your dog’s water bowl.

It is recommended that you clean your dog’s food bowl after each feeding if it is wet dog food, and at least every other day for dry kibble. Water bowls should be cleaned twice daily; each time you give your pet dog fresh water.

How to Clean Dog Bowls

You may think your dog’s food and water dishes are clean because he licks them clean. But, as mentioned earlier, your dog has bacteria in his mouth that is transferred to the bowls. The bowl may appear clean, but it isn’t. Simply rinsing out the bowl with water is not enough either. You must use soap and hot water to clean the dog dishes properly. Be sure that you rinse the bowls properly as well, soap residue left on the bowl can not only potentially deter your dog from wanting to eat his food, but it can also cause digestive upset.

You should consider your pet dog as more than just a pet; he is a member of your family. You would not feed your child food on a dirty dish, nor would you even eat out of an unsanitary bowl. Consider your pet important enough to maintain a properly hygienic serving dish. Yes, your dog may be seen licking and eating unsanitary things, but it is your duty to ensure that his eating and water dishes are as clean as possible. It only takes a few minutes to wash his bowls, doing this will help to keep your pet dog healthy and reduce his risk of having digestive upset.

 

 

Keeping Your Dog Out of the Trash

Posted on by
Reply

Many pet dog owners have dealt with their canine friend getting into the trash. Not only do they have to clean up the mess from the trash being strewn about the room, but they also have to deal with the anxiety that their dog may have eaten something dangerous. Dogs getting into the trash can pose a great risk to his health. Not only is there a potential the dog can eat something that is poisonous to him, but there is an even greater risk of him eating something that can cause an obstruction in his intestines. It is important to try to get your dog to stop getting into the trash.

Alter Your Trash Can to Keep Dog from Getting Into the Trash

The easiest way to stop your dog from getting into the trash is to buy trashcans with locking lids. You can also just keep your trash can in the pantry or in a cabinet under your sink. If you have a smart dog that knows how to open the doors on your cabinets you can invest in child proof locks to go on your cabinet doors.

Don’t Put Food Items or Wrappers with Residue in the Trash

Reduce or completely eliminate putting scraps or other perishable items into your trash can. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and can be attracted to the smallest amount of food left in your trash can. Wrappers from meat or other food items can entice him to dig in the trash. This is one of the most dangerous parts of your dog eating your trash. Wrappers with food residue can cause an obstruction in your dog’s intestines. Surgery to remove the obstruction costs thousands of dollars and sometimes the obstructions can be fatal.

Using Bitter Smell and Taste Sprays to Stop Dog from Getting in the Trash

Veterinarians and experienced dog owners alike swear by using a product known as NO! This spray acts as a deterrent to dogs and cats alike. Spraying NO in and around the trash could possibly deter your pet dog from getting into the trash. Another idea is to sprinkle cayenne pepper in and around the trash can or something similar that the dog would not be attracted to.

Redirecting Your Dog to Keep Him Out of the Trash Can

Your pet dog may be getting into the trash because he is bored, and not just because he smells food in it. Leave chew toys or bones lying around for your dog to play with when you are away and unable to give him attention. Just like a child the best way to teach him to not do something is by redirecting him. If you don’t want him getting into the trash, give him an alternative.

 

 

Your pet dog getting into your trash is more serious than just the nuisance of having to clean up the mess he has created. Trash cans are full of hazards for your canine companion. It is your responsibility to protect your pooch from making the bad decision of eating things from the trash can. If you apply some of the methods mentioned and your dog continues to try to get into the trash can, you may want to consider the idea that he may have a vitamin or mineral deficiency. His instincts may be telling him to eat something from the trash because he is lacking something in his diet. If he continues to get into the trash, you may want to consider changing his dog food or speaking with your vet about the situation.

 

Packing an Emergency Backpack for Your Dog

Posted on by
Reply

How to Prepare for a Natural Disaster as a Pet Owner

Thousands of dogs and cats were recently displaced due to Hurricane Sandy. Natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and forest fires can strike with little to no warning. As a pet dog owner, are you prepared for a natural disaster? We’ll review some basics on how to prepare for a natural disaster as a pet owner. By following these tips you can reduce the chances of your furry friend from becoming displaced in the event of a disaster, and increase your chances of being able to care for him the best you can during a volatile time.

Packing an Emergency Backpack for Your Dog

If you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters then you probably already have an emergency backpack prepared for yourself and your family. Often pet dog owners forget to pack a bag for the four legged member of their family. Having an emergency backpack for your dog is vital; especially in you reside in an area that is prone to natural disasters.

Medical Needs of Your Pet Dog During a Natural Disaster

In your emergency backpack you should have a flash drive containing your dog’s veterinarian medical record. This is especially important if your dog has an underlying medical condition that will require ongoing medical care. Chances are your dog’s regular veterinarian is not going to be available after a major disaster, having the file on hand will ensure that the new vet will be informed of all of your pet’s needs. The records will also reflect that your dog is up-to-date on all vaccinations. This is important in case your dog needs to be boarded during the disaster. By having this information handy you will not have to worry about a dog boarding kennel not accepting your dog because they do not have proof of his vaccinations. Natural disasters breed chaos as is; having information at the ready will make the process much smoother.

Essentials for Natural Disaster Pet Dog Backpack

Your emergency backpack for your pet dog should include at least a three day supply of dog food and three or four liters of water. Having collapsible bowls for food and water is also helpful. A five day supply of any routine prescriptions for your dog should also be kept in the bag. Pack a towel or blanket in this bag as well. Speak with your vet about obtaining a small supply of sedatives or anxiety medications for your dog.

Your dog may normally be an easygoing little guy, but natural disasters create chaos, uncertainty, and anxiety. Giving your pet dog an anxiety medication during the disaster or for emergency travel will help ease him during this period.

 

These tips will help you to be able to care for your pet dog as well as can be expected during a natural disaster. In the event that your dog is displaced during a natural disaster you best bet of being reunited with your four legged friend is if you ensure he has proper identification. Be sure your dog always has identifying tags on his collar. It is highly recommended to have your dog micro chipped as well. Micro chipping your pet dog will increase your chances of finding your pet after the disaster. Thousands of pets were displaced during Hurricane Sandy. The ones with microchip identification are more likely to be reunited with their owners. It is never too early to start preparing your pet for a natural disaster.