Greetings, dog lovers! 🌞 

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

• How Long Can You Leave a Dog Alone?

• How to Socialise a Puppy

• Thread: Vet care too expensive?

• Video: He can’t go anywhere without his dog… so cute

Bark Bulletin of the Week

Join some of the most buzzing discussions on our forum!

DOG SURVEY

Get this: a new survey just dropped some mind-blowing facts about us dog parents!

• A whopping 84% of us see our furry friends as our actual kids. Yep, you heard that right!

• When we're stressed, 41% of us think about our pups first, even before our partners!

• Most of us are cool with dogs on couches (70%) and beds (67%), but draw the line at the dinner table.

• We're not big fans of dog strollers (56% say no), but we love spoiling our pups in other ways.

• Nearly half of us would rather cut our own expenses than skimp on our dogs. Talk about priorities!

• Our fave ways to pamper? Premium food and treats (62%), birthday presents (40%), and doggy fashion (21%).

Looks like our pups really are living their best lives as the stars of our families! Who can blame us? They're just too darn lovable! 🐶💖

Source: Talker

DOG BEHAVIOUR

How Long Can You Leave a Dog Alone?

Ever wondered how long you can leave your furry friend home alone without feeling like a terrible pet parent?

Well, I've got the scoop for you, and there's a lot to unpack!

First things first, every pup is different.

But generally speaking, healthy adult dogs can handle being solo for about 6-8 hours.

Puppies and senior doggos? Not so much.

They need more potty breaks and attention. Let's break it down:

• Puppies: A good rule of thumb is one hour per month of age, up to 6 months. So your 3-month-old pup shouldn't be alone for more than 3 hours. Remember, they're still learning and need lots of care!

• Adult dogs: 6-8 hours is usually okay, but they'd probably love a midday visit if possible. Don't just expect this right away though - it takes time to build up to longer periods alone.

• Senior dogs: It depends on their health, but frequent breaks are a must. As dogs age, they might develop health issues that mean more potty breaks or attention.

Now, don't go thinking you can just leave your new fur baby alone for hours right off the bat.

It takes time and patience to build up to that.

And remember, just because they can be alone doesn't mean they want to be!

But wait, there's more! Lots of factors can affect how long your pup can hold it:

1. Health issues: Conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, or bladder stones can mean more frequent potty breaks. Some medications can also increase thirst and urination.

2. Age: We covered this, but it's super important. Puppies and seniors need more attention and breaks.

3. Routine: Dogs are creatures of habit. They love their schedules! Stick to a consistent routine when leaving and coming home to help your pup feel secure.

4. Environment: Just moved? Give your dog time to adjust to the new digs before leaving them alone for long periods.

5. Companionship: Some dogs do better with a buddy. If you have multiple pets, they might keep each other company while you're out.

6. Temperament: Every dog is unique. Some are super clingy, while others are more independent. You know your pup best!

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room: separation anxiety.

It's a real thing, and it can be tough on both you and your furry friend.

Signs to watch out for include:

• Excessive barking or howling when you're gone

• Destructive behavior (goodbye, favorite shoes)

• Accidents in the house (even if they're house-trained)

• Drooling, panting, or signs of stress when you're preparing to leave

If you notice these signs, don't panic! With some help from your vet and a bit of training, you can work through it. Some strategies might include:

• Creating a consistent departure routine

• Gradually increasing alone time

• Providing plenty of exercise and mental stimulation

• In some cases, medication might be recommended to help manage anxiety

Remember, leaving your dog alone isn't just about their physical needs - it's also about their emotional well-being.

While many dogs can handle being alone during a workday, they'd probably prefer some company.

If possible, consider:

• Hiring a dog walker for a midday break

• Asking a friend or family member to pop in

• Coming home on your lunch break if you can

In the end, it all comes down to knowing your dog. Pay attention to their needs and behaviors, and you'll figure out what works best for both of you.

Stay pawsome, dog lovers! Your pups are counting on you to make the right choices for their health and happiness.

With a little planning and a lot of love, you can make sure your dog is comfortable and content, even when you can't be there. 🐶💖

Source: TheWildest

Playful Picks

1. A very responsible dog

@maui_thegoldenpup

Cant believe maui did this again 🫣#goldenretriever #corgi #cutedog #poolparty #shortlegs

3. He can’t go anywhere without his dog… so cute

How to Socialise a Puppy

First off, let's clarify what puppy socialisation actually means.

It's not just about introducing your furball to other dogs (though that's part of it).

It's about exposing your pup to all sorts of new experiences: people, animals, sounds, sights, and environments.

Basically, you're teaching your puppy that the world is an awesome place full of fun stuff to explore!

Why is this so crucial?

Well, a well-socialised puppy grows up to be a confident, balanced adult dog.

And let's be real, while a shy puppy who only likes you might sound cute, dealing with a fearful or aggressive adult dog is no picnic.

Timing is Everything

Here's the kicker: the prime socialisation window is super short.

We're talking weeks 3 to 12 of a puppy's life.

After that, it gets a whole lot harder to shape their social skills.

It's kind of like how kids pick up languages easier than adults - puppies' brains are like little sponges during this time, soaking up all sorts of new experiences.

Now, I know what you're thinking. "But Josie, my vet said to wait until after all the vaccinations!"

I hear you, and it's a valid concern.

But consider this

• The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) says it's good to start socialisation classes as early as 7-8 weeks, just 7 days after the first round of vaccines.

• A study from UC Davis found that puppies attending indoor socialisation classes weren't at higher risk for parvovirus than those staying home.

The key is to be smart about it.

Indoor puppy classes on clean, non-porous surfaces? Generally safe.

Dog parks and other outdoor areas? Best to wait until fully vaccinated.

Socialisation 101: What to Do

1. Puppy Classes: These are gold for learning doggy social skills. Just make sure they're run by pros who keep things clean and safe.

2. Meet and Greets: Aim for your pup to meet 100 different people in those crucial weeks. I know, sounds like a lot, but it's so worth it! We're talking all sorts of folks: • Kids, adults, and seniors • People of different races and genders • Folks wearing hats, sunglasses, or carrying umbrellas

3. Everyday Adventures: • Sit outside and watch the world go by (with treats, of course!) • Take short car rides • Visit a grocery store parking lot (staying in the car) to see and hear new things • Introduce your pup to household items like vacuums, brooms, and blenders (when they're off, then on)

4. Texture Time: Let your pup walk on different surfaces - grass, concrete, metal grates, you name it!

5. Sound Sessions: Gradually expose your pup to various sounds - traffic, sirens, thunderstorm recordings, etc. Start soft and work your way up.

The Golden Rules of Socialisation

1. Keep it Positive: Every new experience should be fun and rewarding. Treats, praise, and play are your best friends here.

2. Go at Your Pup's Pace: If they seem overwhelmed, take a step back. It's okay if they just want to watch from a distance at first.

3. Quality Over Quantity: A few good experiences are way better than lots of mediocre or scary ones.

4. Protect But Don't Overprotect: Step in if things get too intense, but don't shield your pup from every little thing.

5. Be Consistent: Try to expose your pup to new things every day during this critical period.

What About Shy Puppies?

If your little one is on the timid side, don't worry!

It's totally normal for some pups to need a bit more time to warm up.

The key is patience and persistence:

• Let them observe from a safe distance

• Never force interactions

• Reward any brave moves towards new things or people

• Keep experiences short and sweet at first, gradually increasing duration

Remember, socialisation isn't a one-and-done deal.

While those early weeks are super important, keeping up with positive experiences throughout your dog's life is key to maintaining those good vibes.

The Bottom Line

Socialising your puppy might seem like a lot of work, but trust me, it's so worth it.

You're setting your furry friend up for a lifetime of happy, confident interactions.

Plus, it's a great excuse to have all sorts of fun adventures together!

So get out there, make some new friends (both human and canine), and enjoy this precious time with your pup.

Before you know it, they'll be all grown up and charming everyone they meet!

Stay pawsome, puppy parents! Your little ones are counting on you to show them just how amazing this big ol' world can be.

Here's to raising happy, well-adjusted doggos who bring joy wherever they go! 🐶💖

Source: TheWildest

Quiz Answers

False

Most of us think bad dog breath is just part of the deal, but that's not true. Your pup's breath shouldn't be terrible, and you probably need to brush their teeth more often than you do.

Tim Vogel, professional groomer and CEO of Scenthound, says, "Your dog won't have minty-fresh breath, but it shouldn't be unbearable."

He's not exaggerating.

That smell could be a sign of health issues.

Here's the deal: chronic bad breath is caused by bacteria in your dog's mouth and is often the first sign of dental problems.

Vogel says the main culprit is periodontal disease, which affects up to 80% of dogs by age 3!

But it's not just about losing teeth or getting abscesses. Poor dental care can lead to serious, life-threatening conditions, including kidney, liver, and heart damage.

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).