Facebook for Dogs?

Every morning, The Angry Wolfpack embarks on what I like to call “The Sniff and Pee Tour.”  There are many great reasons to do this, mostly are for the dogs, but there are benefits for you also. 

First and foremost, dogs were made to sniff.  I’ve read numerous books and have been told by my vet, Dr. Platz, that the portion of their brain dedicated to smells is forty, yes forty, times larger than ours.  Their sense of smell is at least 1,000 times more sensitive than ours!

Emmy - previous member of The Angry Wolfpack

Any here you thought it was the sound of the cheese wrapper that made them come.

Back to blog….

Dogs read their world through the sense of smell, and they can detect,  age, gender, mood and health through their sense of smell, which leads me to the next subject.  They leave messages for each other through their urine.  I figure The Angry Wolfpack have about 1,000 local friends, as we stop at nearly every tree, rock, bush, shrub, flower, bench, fence, sign post and an empty spot of grass for them to process and potentially leave messages for their “friends.”   While this is great, there are many other positive aspects about getting out and walking your dogs.

Let's count the ways!

1.    It is essential for their mental well-being.  By taking your dog for a walk off of your property, you are allowing them to exercise the primary sense, SMELL!

The Angry Wolfpack out exploring the pond.

2.    It’s important for their physical well-being, and yours.  Some exercise is imperative for everyone’s well-being.  As a bonus, you as the pack leader get to observe your neighbor's homes and begin silently judging them, but that’s another blog.

The Angry Wolfpack exploring Lake Michigan

3.    It’s a socializing opportunity.  This is a very good time for your dog(s) to meet other people and potentially other dogs or animals.  This may take some time; the most important thing is to curb bad behavior quickly and consistently.

Andy is not a fan of Brown Trout

4.    It’s an outlet for energy.  I could go on for hours about this, but your four-legged friends are going to expend energy.  Either take them for a walk or let the chew on your couch; it’s your choice.

5.    It’s all about longevity, yours and your best friend(s).  Daily exercise keeps the mind sharp and the body flexible and willing.

Lastly, make it a point to get your friend(s) off of the leash and let them explore.

    

Finally, Jack Salz created this video for us bipeds to have an idea what it's like to be a dog.  I hope you enjoy it!

- The Angry Wolfpack

I should have named you Chewbarka!

It’s inevitable.  You come home only to find your furniture, shoes or some other prized possession gnawed on by your best friend. 

Furniture enhancement by Andy

I’ve come home to countless shoes destroyed.  It’s usually just the right one, and I have a box of left flip flops just in case Andy decides to chew on a left one at some point in the future. 

This all leads me to this thought; what are the good things for dogs to chew on?  It’s certainly, not your furniture or shoes.

Are animal bones safe?  Not really, they can fracture your dog’s teeth.  Ouch!

Courtesy of Dallas Veterinary Dentistry.

Image from http://www.rawliciousdog.com/

Are Nylabones or Greenies good for your pet?  Unfortunately no.  Nylabones aren’t edible.  Nylabone has issued warnings about dogs with sharp teeth can cause the chew toy to fracture into small shards that can perforate the intestinal tract.  Ouch!

Greenies can cause problems.  If your dog is a gulper, you may have issues, since this treat/chew can cause blockages.  To give you an idea of how long it takes to break down, I left a Greenie in a cup of water for five days, and it looked as fresh as the day I pulled it from the package, although it was a tad slimier.  Place a dog biscuit in water for five minutes and it turns into mush.

    

How about Pig Ears and Rawhides?  Again, not really since they turn into a slimy masses and can cause digestive problems. 

I'd suggest watching this video from CBS that describes some of the issues surrounding chews for your dog.  http://cbsn.ws/2eh48XR

How about plush toys?  Again, it’s a gray area.  If it has a squeaker on the inside, most dogs will try to get the squeaky part out, and once the toy is opened up, it’s time for you to discard the toy and replace it with another.  

It was a tennis ball toy

Mission Accomplished -
Squeaky part removed

  

So really what is safe?   Again, it’s up to you as a pack leader to monitor your dog’s activities and ensure that the toys and chews are being used appropriately and ultimately, you may want to refrain from using yourself as a chew toy.

My three simple rules for toys.

1. Active toys – Kong style toys or tennis balls.
2. Distraction toys – toys you hide treats in.  It’ll keep you dog busy for hours.
3. Comfort toys – stuffed or soft toys.  Most dogs will carry them around.

Above all else, when the toy is damaged, it needs to be replaced!

  

The pack has a tendency to go through tennis balls and soft toys on a fairly regular basis. Thankfully, there is a pet store a few blocks away from me.

 - The Angry Wolf Pack