Greetings, dog lovers!

Summer’s here, and it’s the perfect season to enjoy the great outdoors with our pups.

From sunny walks to evening playtimes, let’s make the most of these beautiful days.

Let’s dive into this week’s exciting release and keep our dogs wagging their tails with joy

This Week's Dog-Centric News and Tips are in: 

• Can Dogs Get Sunburns? Signs, Treatment

• How to Teach Your Dog Not to Bark at Strangers

• Thread: Dog Breeding Dream - Reality Check?

• Video: Two Labradors Caught Shoplifting

Bark Bulletin of the Week

Join some of the most buzzing discussions on our forum!

DOG HEALTH

Can Dogs Get Sunburns? Signs, Treatment

Can Dogs Get Sunburns? Signs, Treatment

Summer is upon us! Time for sun-filled fun with your furry friend. But did you know dogs can get sunburns too?

Yep, especially those with short, light-colored coats or pink skin.

Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can damage their skin, and the severity depends on their coat, skin pigment, time in the sun, and UV index.

Let’s dive into the signs, prevention, and treatment of doggy sunburns.

Signs of Sunburn in Dogs

• Redness or Pinkness: Similar to human sunburns, look for color changes in their skin.

• Dry, Cracked Skin: Sunburned skin may peel or flake.

• Hair Loss: Severe sunburns can cause hair to fall out.

• Pain: Sunburns hurt! Your dog may avoid being petted in sensitive areas.

• Blistering: Look for fluid-filled blisters under the skin.

• Skin Cancer: Chronic sun exposure can lead to skin cancer in dogs.

Areas Most Prone to Sunburn

• Bridge of the nose

• Belly

• Inner thighs

• Ear tips

• Non-pigmented areas of the nose

• Edges of the lips

• Eyelids

• Armpits

How to Prevent Dog Sunburn

• Limit Sun Exposure: Avoid the sun during peak hours (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.).

• Provide Shade: Ensure your dog has a shady spot to retreat to.

• Use Dog-Safe Sunscreen: Choose one that protects against UVA and UVB, is SPF 30+, zinc-free, dries quickly, and is fragrance-free.

• Protective Clothing: Sun shirts can help, especially for hairless breeds or dogs with skin conditions.

How to Treat Dog Sunburn

• Cool the Area: Use a cool, damp cloth to soothe their skin.

• Apply Aloe Vera: This can help with mild sunburns, but avoid using it on severe burns or open wounds.

• Seek Veterinary Care: If the sunburn is severe, contact your vet for proper treatment and pain relief options.

Enjoy the summer sun safely with your pup! ☀️🐾

Source: TheWildest

Playful Picks

1. It looks like two black Labradors are going to the naughty list this year!

2. This is an endangered type of giraffes

3. This will make you look forward to your commute

DOG TRAINING

How to Teach Your Dog to Not Bark at Strangers

It can be quite frustrating when your dog barks at every new face that crosses their path.

While they may be trying to protect us, this habit can be a bit embarrassing when our pups begin to bark at everyone in sight.

So, how do you teach your dog not to bark at strangers? Let's dive into the basics and help you end this pesky canine habit for good!

Why Do Dogs Bark at Strangers?

When our dogs bark at strangers, there are usually a few possible reasons:

• Being Territorial: Dogs may see strangers as a threat to their home and humans, leading to barking.

• Excitement: Overwhelmed with joy at seeing a new face, some dogs bark with wagging tails and wiggly butts.

• Lack of Socialization: Unsocialized dogs tend to bark at the unfamiliar, leading to rude introductions.

• Fear: Fear of the unknown can cause dogs to bark and growl at any unfamiliar faces.

Now that you understand why your dog barks at strangers, let’s discuss training methods to help your dog mind their manners.

Ignoring the Bad Behavior

Help your dog realize they won’t be rewarded with attention when they bark at strangers. Enlist a friend to pose as a stranger and avoid eye contact and attention when your dog barks. Once your dog settles down, reward them with a treat. Increase the reward each time they greet a stranger respectfully.

Walk Away

Show your dog they can’t engage with strangers if they bark. Turn around and walk in the opposite direction of the approaching stranger. Once your dog stops barking, offer them a treat. Repeat until they learn barking doesn't result in a reward.

Distraction Method

Distract your dog with noise (keys, snapping, clicker) when they bark. Once you have their attention, instruct them to sit and remain calm. Reward them with a treat each time you successfully distract them.

Sitting Down & Remaining Calm

Teach your dog to sit politely when a stranger greets them. Have a stranger approach, instruct your dog to sit, and reward them if they remain calm. If not, correct them and withhold the reward until they get it right.

Learning to mind their manners around strangers takes time. Follow these tips, and your dog will be greeting strangers with respect in no time!

Source: SitStay

Quiz Answers

True! 

Dogs can tell the difference between types of music and often prefer reggae and soft rock. Studies have shown that these genres can have a calming effect on our furry friends. How cool is that? 🐾🎶

That’s it for this edition of Dog Forum’s newsletter.

Please let me know what you think about this release in the poll below (Feel free to leave any recommendations. I take into consideration every comment).