Acupuncture For Your Dog

For centuries, humans have used the art of acupuncture to cure ills and heal pains. This same treatment is also available for your pet. Based on the concept of energy circulation and balance, by inserting thin needles into specific meridians, acupuncture is performed to help rebalance uneven energy which may cause illness.

Acupuncture works best for chronic conditions such as asthma, back pain, and allergies and can be used in conjunction with veterinary treatments. If you are not comfortable with the concept of needles, acupressure may be an alternative. Based on the same concept, acupressure uses finger tips to activate meridians and balance energy.

An excellent source of information or to find an acupuncture practitioner is the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (http://www.ivas.org/). Another useful informational source is The American Veterinary Medication Association (http://www.avma.org/default.asp). Either will be able to provide additional information on acupuncture alternatives. You may also want consult with your vet regarding alternate treatments and any health issues your pet may have which would preclude acupuncture.

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Volunteering With Dogs

Your dog is the love of your life, but sadly, not all of our furry friends are as fortunate. Volunteering time at a shelter may provide a dog the love she needs until she can find a good home of her own. Shelters have all different types of jobs with which they need help.

Become a dog foster parent. Often shelters have too many dogs and not enough room. Opening your home to a dog and teaching him socialization skills will improve the chances your foster friend can find a good home of his own.

Hit the road. Become a volunteer dog walker.

Socialize with your friends. Being in a cage most of the day, some shelter animals lack the socialized skills need to live with a family. Volunteering as an animal socializer enables the dog to get out and play while learning to adapt to people and surroundings.

If you don’t have the time to lend a hand, consider donating supplies such as collars, leashes, food, blankets or beds. Call your local shelter to inquire what they need. Even the smallest contributions can help a dog have a happier life.

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Massaging Your Dog

Dogs and cats know how to stretch and do so frequently throughout the day. To really pamper your pet, give him a doggy massage. Not only does it make him feel good, it also provides a good bonding moment for you and your dog.

To properly massage your dog:

Let your dog tell you when she is ready for a massage. Forcing your pet to have a massage may cause more stress than calm. If your dog seems agitated or disinterested, wait for another time when she is more open to some quiet time. The same goes for you.

Use your hands for massage not your feet or elbows. Your hands are more sensitive to your pet’s body and will be able to adapt better to your dog’s needs. Remember not to press too deeply.

If your dog has been injured (i.e. a cut) or has recently had surgery, avoid massaging the injured area directly. Instead, gently massage the periphery a few inches around the injury. This helps promote blood flow to the area which is healing.

Use long smooth strokes when massaging and stroke the muscles toward the heart to promote good blood flow.

Look for abnormalities on your pet such as fleas, lumps, cuts, scabs, or ticks. Consult your vet if you have any questions or concerns.

For older dogs, stretching the legs gently will give pleasant relief to the joints. While your dog lies on his side, gently hold his front or back leg above and below the joint. Stretch the leg slowly toward the head and hold this position for 3 to 5 seconds. Then slowly stretch the leg toward the tail until you feel slight resistance. Again, hold in this position for 3 to 5 seconds. The hold time can be increased as your dog adjusts to the stretching and becomes more comfortable.

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Day Care for Your Dog

In these hustle bustle days, sometimes we can’t be home with our dogs as much as we would like. But the advent of doggie day care offers an option to leaving your dog home alone. Here are a few ideas to help make the search a little easier.

Research the facility before you register your dog. Ask other dog owners if they are familiar with good day care facilities.

Visit the day care and take the tour. Check for a clean, well ventilated, hygienic facility. How often do they play with the dogs? Do they leave the dogs unattended with other dogs? Do they crate the dogs; if so for how long? What is the number of dogs to people? Do dogs share beds and toys or can you bring your own? Do the other dogs at the facility look healthy? Does the facility require any certificates of health for the dogs?

Some doggie day care facilities have really gone glam and hi tech offering grooming, massage, and training. If you are the one suffering from separation anxiety, ask if the day care facility has online monitoring. Outfitted with web cameras, online monitoring allows you to log onto a web site and watch your pup at play.

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Safe Toys For Your Dog

When purchasing toys for your dog, don’t forget to exercise precaution.

Avoid potential choking hazards such as toys with breakable doors, glued-on or removable parts.

Make certain the noise box in squeaky toys cannot come out during rough play.

Choose toys which are made from durable and wear resistant materials such as vinyl, nylon, and latex. Toys made from hard rubber are better than softer materials which may shred or tear.

Avoid playing with old shoes, socks or any other item which may be off limits under different circumstances. Using these items as toys makes your dog think it’s OK to play with them even if they aren’t his toys.

Look for brightly colored toys which will keep your dog entertained. Food dispensing and chase toys are two great time occupiers.

Avoid tug of war games which support aggression tendencies. Tugging on a toy may be acceptable. Tugging on your clothes is not. Tug of war games with your puppy may also damage the alignment of your dog’s teeth.

Vary your dog’s toys as she gets older. What might keep a puppy entertained for hours may not hold the same allure for an older dog.

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