Can Dogs Commit Suicide?

Recently I have been told a story about a dog who had just died. This dog often barks at everyone that passes by and is a bit aggressive to people and towards other dogs, so the owner decided to put him on a leash. The dog's mate on the other hand, isn't wearing a leash because it was not as aggressive as he is.

Being that she is free to roam around, other dogs also follow her around and try to mate with her. Apparently this behavior angered the dog on the leash, which caused him to be depressed in return. A few days later, they found the dog is dead with his leash coiled around his neck. The dog owner and the neighbors had speculated that the dog most likely killed itself because of jealousy and depression. Question is, can dogs commit suicide. Although there are a lot of varying arguments and opinions, there are a few points that you have to consider when discussing this topic.

Dog's Consciousness of Life and Death

Humans who attempt to commit suicide are aware of what life and death entails. That's why they opt to kill themselves because their consciousness tells them that death is an easier answer or an easy way out than having to suffer and agonize with the struggles and problems of life. Although it is true, based on scientific fact and discovery, that dogs can have a variety of emotions such as happiness, sadness, anxiety and even depression, what is also needed to be considered is the dog's mental awareness of the concept of death. Even with a wide spectrum of emotions, a dog's mental function, if compared to a human, is that of a two or three year old child. Children of that age do not have the consciousness or awareness of life and death, and there is no evidence that dogs have it either.

Others argue that if dogs don't have the awareness of life and death, then why is it when they feel lonely or depressed they deliberately stop eating, and they become disconnected with things around them? You also have to put in mind that humans who also feel loneliness and depression, knowingly or unknowingly disconnect themselves from the world. They are so consumed by what they are feeling, but that doesn't mean that everyone who feels depression is deliberately disconnecting themselves from their surroundings because they are attempting to commit suicide.

Another factor that you have to consider is that dogs who are disconnected with their surroundings due to depression, unknowingly develops a weakening of their strength and energy. Because of this they may not be fully aware of their actions and unconsciously just waste away.

Some people, especially pet owners that are mourning, have a hard time accepting and understanding the reason or cause of their beloved pet's death. Regardless if it was an act of suicide or not, what pet owners must come to understand is that the death of a loved one, even a pet, is a part of life. We can mourn, and ponder as to why it happened, but we need to come to terms with his death. We also need to realize that the memories of our pet does not die with them, but continues to live on once you choose to accept what had happened and learn to be happy with the times and memories that your pet has left with you.

Christina Graham has been a vetdrinarian surgery tech and/or dog groomer for over 15 years. And in those years has gained an invaluable knowledge regarding all aspects of dogs. That's why she created The Daily Pooch, a daily blog dedicated to dog lovers. She posts regular updates on all aspects of your dog's life from training to health and nutrition and everything in between. Head over to TheDailyPooch.com to see what it's all about.

How to Keep Dogs in the Vehicle

Utilizing a car or truck harness for the canine is likely to make trips a more secure experience - for you and your dog. It will help motorists to focus on driving a car, reducing distraction and improving visibility by maintaining your dog under control in the vehicle.

Take a look at reasons why should you utilize a pet car or truck harness.

To manage an active or anxious dog in the vehicle

Avoid the pet from annoying or disturbing the motorist

Avoid the animal from getting out of through a windows or open car or truck door

Safeguard your dog from injuring themselves and passengers in the event of a major accident or heavy braking

It's recommended for the canine to continually travel on the back seats of your vehicle, as many vehicles already have safety bags both for front passengers and motorists. These aren't designed with dogs in mind! But the key reason is designed for drivers basic safety and to minimize potential distractions!

The harsh reality is that involved in a vehicle collision an unprotected dog of typical bodyweight, say 20 kilograms, traveling at only 30 mile per hour, would project the exact same force as an un-belted small kid. This may cause travelers severe or life-threatening traumas. So is it really worth the risk?

Which kind of dog harness should I select?

Below heavy stopping or in any sort of accident your dogs bodyweight is absorbed across the shoulder blades so for big dogs, you should select a car or truck harness that includes a cushioned chest muscles portion. Additional tiny dogs don't require this additional cushioning.

For the convenience of your pet, it is advisable to select a harness that is fully adjustable with fast buckling click on buckles and that will enable your pet dog flexibility to sit down, turnaround or lay down on the seats. A swiveling system prevents the vehicle harness for getting tangled, while offering your pet adequate independence to maneuver.

If you only plan to go walking your dog short distances, you can just fasten a lead to the vehicle harness. This will help you to shift your pet safely and securely in or away from the vehicle very easily. On the other hand, if you wish to make use of the harness for dog obedience training or prolonged nation walks it's preferable to buy a different pet dog harness.

It is very important calculate your pet previous to investing in a vehicle harness, as breed of dog size differ. Also, often you will discover the sex of your respective canine will impact how big the security automobile harness you choose.

Top 5 ways you can make a difference!

Greetings Everyone!

Several people have asked me how they can be more involved in PATS! In the spirit of David Letterman I put a basic list together!

Practicing AT to the highest level of professionalism, is the greatest way to represent our profession.  These are 5 other ways that you can really make a difference!

#5 - RUN in the Scholarship Race -Link

#4 - HOST a "give back night" -Link -or-  Find a Corporate Sponsor -Link

#3 - DONATE to a Scholarship, PATS-PAC -Link

#2 - PLAY Golf at the PATS Symposium! -Link

#1 - Serve on a Committee -Link

Our mission is to Promote, Advocate, Transact Business, & Serve!

Why Your Dog Won't Come When Called

"Why dogs don't listen" is a constant dog training question I receive. Guardians want their dogs to listen when called whether in the home and or on a dog walk; owners don't like being ignored. How can I get my dog to come or to listen to me? When I see the interaction between the dog and the guardian I can almost tell instantly what is occurring. Often even while hearing the complaints of my clients, their dog is in the middle of jumping on them, doing something they shouldn't be doing or misbehaving in general. The client responds to the dog by yelling come, bad dog and no, multiple times with no other follow up, instruction or praise. This is an instant way to form a frustrating relationship and a debilitating bond between you and your best friend.
The dog sometimes ceases doing what the owner was yelling about and then persists to do something else the owner does not approve of. Hence the dog with "no" for a middle name. I digress, that is for another post.
When observing the relationship and dynamics between the dog and human, in many cases it is apparent that there is a lack of dog training and bond between them. How humans interact with other humans does not necessarily work with canines. That is, demanding the dog come, scolding the dog or yelling at the dog when they come or not praising them when they are doing something small and beautifully correct like coming, sitting quietly, staying...etc. any and all of these former situations would condition the dog to not come when called rather than to come. One should be using positive reinforcement when dog training as this conditions your dog to think that you are the center of the universe and makes positive association between you and your best friend. There are numerous ways to accomplish this, most notably celebrating (even if you're not happy with his behavior previous to your calling him), when he comes to you. If you are upset or in a bad mood, don't use the word come or his name before scolding him. You will risk forming a negative association with those words.
It seems very logical that the more your best friend wants to be around you and finds you interesting (more so than sniffing another dog's bum or eating grass...etc.) the better off your relationship will be.
Start training you dog. Bring high value treats (food or toys) to the park with you and outdoors in general where there are more distractions and enticing things and celebrate eye contact and coming to you when called. "Don't sweat the small stuff" should be replaced with "celebrate the small stuff". Making these small changes will improve your dog's recall and your relationship immensely.

Russ Hartstein is the owner and operator of Fun Paw Care and has over 25 years of experience in the Miami dog training and canine good citizen. Fun Paw Care works with all levels of dog training and behavior issues. If you are interested in our dog training services, please visit us online today!

Fleece Dog Sleeping Bags for Tiny Dogs

Pet owners are always looking for new ways to make their tiny dogs happy and comfortable. Like humans, dogs like to have their own things that make them feel special. Does your pet like to hide in towels, clothing or under covers? Most little dogs do. It makes them feel safe and secure the way they should feel. Since tiny dogs like to cuddle up in something soft, the fleece dog sleeping bags or blankets make the perfect accessory.

Fleece dog sleeping bags are made especially for small breed dogs. They are soft, cuddly blankets that are sewn together on three sides to make a sleeping bag. Your pet can crawl up in the bag and completely hide out until he is ready to come out and play.

Benefits of the Fleece Dog Sleeping Bags

These sleeping bags have many benefits for your pet. When you give her a fleece blanket, she won't try to get on the furniture to curl up, which is much safer for her. Many little dogs are injured when they jump off chairs and sofas because the impact jars their body. When she has a fleece blanket to craw up in, it helps to keep her safer and healthier. You won't find her sleeping in your laundry anymore, either because she'll have her own special place to cuddle.

They're lightweight and easy to store so they're perfect for traveling. You won't have to worry about where your pup will sleep. Just pull out his sleeping bag and he can crawl up in the blanket anytime he needs to rest.

Fleecd dog sleeping bags are also durable and easy to clean. All you have to do is toss it in the washing machine and it's just like new. You can find them in a variety of colors so there should be something that goes great with any décor. They make excellent gifts, too. Anyone would love to get one of these as a gift for their tiny dog.

They're More Than Just an Accessory

The fleece dog sleeping bag is more than just an accessory. They help make your pet feel safe and secure because it's her own special place. They're so soft and comfortable that she'll be completely relaxed all curled up inside of one to rest. When she's ready to sleep, she won't have to look for a place. She'll know exactly where to go.

These fleece blankets help to keep him warm, too. Tiny dogs get colder than other dogs do so they like to have a warm, soft place to go. They can even be cold in the middle of the summer depending on how cool you keep your home. You'll often see them shaking and shivering even when you don't think it's cool.

When you're searching for a great way to show your tiny dog how much you care, give her a fleece dog sleeping bag. You'll love it as much as she does when you see how happy it makes her. You can even pick up two or three and have them in different locations in your home so she will have one no matter which room she's in.

12 Things That a Pet Dog Should Not Eat

Despite various recommendations by pet experts for avoiding some eating habits of our dogs, sometimes we overlook or simply do not believe in them.
Here are those twelve things you should never let your dog eat. Some seem obvious, but the statistics say that for many pet owners are not clear about what to do.

1. Huesos:
The bones are bad for animals. If the dog can chew or break it with his teeth, the risk that key splinter in your dog's mouth, pharynx, stomach or intestine is very high. Never give chicken bones and if you give one, which has to be a practically a beef cartilage.

2. Chocolate:
Because it contains theobromine, a small piece of chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea and hyperactivity at first and then from 4 to 6 hours of death from stroke and end of your arteries. A bowel prep is an option but in the hands of the veterinarian.

3. Alcohol:
The consumption of a small dose of alcohol can disorient them, make them nervous and attack things or hurting themselves. A high dose can inhibit the central nervous system, respiration and heart rate, leading to death.

4. Lactose:
Although pups consume cow's milk, most adult dogs and cats are lactose intolerant, it generates vomiting and diarrhea. Although they like, give lactose-free milk.

5. Ham and salted meats:
Being high in fat and have preservatives, they are all based on salt and salted meat sausages are very dangerous for pets. They produce stomach pain and pancreatitis. Because the salt of these meats, it can cause unusual consumption of water and cause gas that can kill the animal.

6. Onion:
Onions are toxic to dogs and cats because it contains allyl propyl disulfide, which damages red blood cells from your blood and can cause death, to make them anemic and cause them breathing problems. If you eat onions, take your pet to the doctor immediately.

7. Garlic:
Hurts dogs and cats, but especially the latter.

8. Caffeine:
Xanthine containing caffeine like chocolate stimulates the central nervous system and cardiac systems and within hours can cause vomiting, restlessness, heart palpitations and even death.

9. Avocado:
The avocado is high in fat; It generate stomach pains, vomiting and pancreatitis. The shell is toxic to them and may block the intestine.

10. Tuna:
The humans who consume tuna provide omega 3 and 6 cats, but do not contain an amino acid called taurine that keeps the heart muscle strength. Search tuna for cats, but never in oil.

11. Grapes and raisins:
They can damage your kidneys or generate adverse reactions.

12. Aspirin:
Never occurs to them, however obvious it may seem the recommendation. It is very toxic to animals.