The following post comes to us from guest blogger, Hyde, a kennel lead who has worked with animals for much of her life.

I’d like to thank Halo Pets for offering me the chance to write this guest blog. I’ve been working with dogs for the past 15 years. Currently, I work as a kennel lead at a busy veterinary hospital in Seattle. I have rescued 150 dogs directly off the streets in three major cities over the years, and I have had a great ending to all my rescue stories, which is very rare indeed in rescue.

Today, I would like to share some tips on what your dog may be trying to tell you when it barks. Different barks have different meanings, and knowing what your dog is trying to say can help you to have a better connection with your pet.

High-pitched barking in clusters: Play with me! Your dog wants to chase a ball or play fetch.

Rising pitch and rapid-fire barks: Pay attention to me. I want to be petted.

Loud barking in a steady pitch: Don’t come near me! The dog is scared.

High-pitched single yelp: I’m lonely! Where is everybody?

Low-pitched gruff continuous barking: Beat it! Now! The dog is defensive. This is usually heard when there is a stranger at the door.

Enjoy reading the Halo Purely For Pets blog? Subscribe to our RSS feed so you’ll never miss an update!

1. How Old Is My Dog?

It used to be thought that 1 human year equaled 7 dog years. That’s not necessarily true. Depending on the size of your dog, they may age slower or faster than that!

Based on a chart developed by Fred L. Metzger, DVM, Dipl. ABVP; State College, PA (metzgeranimal.com)

2. Dogs CAN See Color:

Dogs have dichromatic (humans have trichromatic) vision meaning they can only see part of the range of colors that we can see. Based on how their eyes are made, they should be able to see yellow and blue primarily. Besides blue and yellow, dogs can also see violet, indigo and red. Likely, the colors green, yellow and orange will look alike to dogs. Sadly, we will never know the answer for sure since our dogs can’t tell us!

3. Tug Of War Is NOT A Bad Game:

Many people believe, “If you let the dog win tug of war then it will become dominant.” False.

What happens when you play tug of war? You and your dog start to tug on the toy. If you let him “win” what does he do? He stands there and “asks” you to take it again. If it were a dominant game that caused aggression, then your dog will run off with the toy, guard it and not let you near it. Instead your dog stands there hoping that you will pick it up and play the game again! Your dog loves to play with you. As long as you have rules and boundaries, tug of war provides your dog a proper outlet for his energy.

4. You CANNOT Tell If A Dog Has A Fever From His Nose:

A persistent old myth is still out there: A warm dry dog nose does not mean your dog has a fever. In fact, you cannot tell if your dog is sick based on his nose. A dog’s nose may be very wet and cool one minute and dry and warm the next. All are perfectly normal. The only way to tell if you dog has a fever is to take a rectal temperature using a digital thermometer. Normal dog temperature is between 100-102.5° F.

5. A Dog That CANNOT Bark:

The Basenji is known as the barkless breed. Despite not being able to let out a complete “woof,” they are able to make plenty of other noises including squeals, whines and screeches.

Enjoy reading the Halo Purely For Pets blog? Subscribe to our RSS feed so you’ll never miss an update!

It is not uncommon for pets to experience anxiety or fear during the firework celebrations on July 4th. Here are some tips before the fireworks begin:

* Make sure your pet is inside in a safe and secure location so he cannot hurt himself or escape if he panics. Frightened pets are more likely to escape and are at risk of being lost or hit by vehicles. Make sure your pets have appropriate identifying tags and microchips in the event they are lost.

* Turn on the fan, radio or television to create comforting or distracting noise.

* Stay with your pet to provide reassurance and comfort. Do not take anxious pets to parties or gatherings as this can elevate their anxiety. If your dog is afraid of fireworks, he or she is more likely to bite so keep them away from small children or unfamiliar people. Keep a soft muzzle on hand in case you need it.

* Natural calming homeopathic remedies and flower essences may help ease anxiety in some pets.

* If your pet’s anxiety is extreme, talk to your veterinarian about a tranquilizer. There are several prescription products that can be used to “take the edge off” or fully sedate your pet, depending on the situation.

* For the future, consider consulting a behaviorist to help condition your pet to loud noises so they can enjoy the festivities too!

Have a happy and safe July 4th!

Enjoy reading the Halo Purely For Pets blog? Subscribe to our RSS feed so you’ll never miss an update!

YES!

The pet insurance industry has grown and improved greatly in the last several years. There are now several pet insurance providers; each offering a range of competitively priced policies that can be tailored to an individual pet’s needs.

Before selecting an insurance plan, it is important for pet owners to research policy coverage and know specifically what medical claims are or are not covered. Coverage can vary depending on the presence of “pre-existing” medical conditions, hereditary diseases or breed problems. Understanding exactly what to expect from a pet insurance policy helps owners avoid frustration and assures a pet owner is financially prepared for both routine medical check-ups and emergencies.

Click here to read more about pet insurance for your dog or cat.

Enjoy reading the Halo Purely For Pets blog? Subscribe to our RSS feed so you’ll never miss an update!

Europe has long been known for its pet friendly countries, as cities like Paris have welcomed dogs everywhere from restaurant tables to city shops. However, Tuscany, Italy has had a long-standing ban on pets in public – a ban that is soon to be lifted.

A new law was recently passed that will allow the family dog (or cat, rabbit or goldfish, for that matter) into theatres, museums, restaurants, post offices, and pretty much anywhere else their human companions choose to go. Pets in Italy must be well behaved and have a pet health certificate from a veterinarian in order to comply with the law’s provisions. Sounds like Italy just became the ideal dog vacation spot!

Enjoy reading the Halo Purely For Pets blog? Subscribe to our RSS feed so you’ll never miss an update!