Tag Archives: dog play

General Care

Dogs And Toddlers

rmaDo you have a toddler on your hands? They definitely don’t call them the terrible twos for nothing. This can be a very fun age for parents, but it can also be a little overwhelming. If you have a pet, you’ll also need to take some precautions to help ensure that the interactions between Fido and his tiny human go smoothly. A local Roanoke, VA vet offers some advice on this below.

Supervise

The number one thing is to never leave your canine pal and your little one unattended together. Toddlers can be clumsy, and can fall or trip over pets. They also have loud, high-pitched voices, which can make Fido uneasy. Even the sweetest dog can snap if they feel frightened or threatened!

Get Baby Gates

Baby gates can be a wonderful tool during this stage, as they can create a barrier that lets Fido and your little one see each other and interact safely.

Give Fido Room

Your pup should always have a spot where he can go to for privacy. A crate is a great option for this. You can leave the door open, so your furry friend can come and go as he likes. Teach your toddler that Fido’s ‘room’ is off-limits.

Teach Proper Manners

It’s never too young for children to learn to be gentle with animals! Teach your little one to be kind and considerate of Fido, and never pull his tail.

Positive Reinforcement

Positive reinforcement can go a long way. Give your canine pal treats and praise with your toddler!

Petproofing

Petproofing and childproofing are typically very similar. Keep anything potentially dangerous out of the way, preferably in secure cabinets.

Separate Belongings

This is one area where kids and pets can have conflicts. That stuffed teddy bear may appeal to both your child and your pet. Try to keep everyone’s toys in separate areas.

Food

Kids sometimes try to share foods with their canine pals. This can be very dangerous, as your youngster could give him something that is bad for him. Keep a close eye on your child when he’s snacking!

Exercise

Dogs are always calmer once they have burned off their zoomies. Make sure Fido is getting enough activity, and that he has plenty of toys to occupy himself with.

Do you have questions about caring for your canine friend? Contact us, your Roanoke, VA animal clinic, today!

Dog Care, General Health, Illness & Disease

Signs of Pain in Dogs

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month. This is one area where it can at times be difficult to read our canine friends. After all, Fido can’t tell you if something hurts! That’s why it’s important to know how to recognize signs of pain in your furry best friend. A local Roanoke, VA vet lists a few common ones in this article.

Limping

When limping is caused by an injury, you may see obvious signs, such as a wound or swelling. However, limping can also be a sign of developing issues, such as arthritis. In the latter case, your pet may at first just limp when he gets up. However, over time, the limp will get worse.

Stiffness

If your canine pal is hurting, he may not be as mobile or flexible as he once was. He might have trouble getting up or down, climbing stairs, or getting in or out of the car.

Reduced Interest In Play

Dogs are very playful when they are puppies, but they do naturally slow down with age. However, if your cute pet has suddenly lost interest in his favorite toys, there could be something wrong.

No Appetite

If we know one thing about our canine buddies, it’s that they have very healthy appetites. If Fido just isn’t interested in his dinner, there may be something going on with him.

Vocalizing

Unusual vocalizations are another red flag. If Fido is whining or whimpering, when he usually just barks, he might not be feeling well.

Lethargy/Listlessness

Being sick can really do a number on your energy levels. This is true for both people and pets. If Fido is suddenly spending most of his time sleeping, he could be sick. You may also notice a drop in activity levels. For instance, your furry friend may lag behind on his walks, instead of lunging for that squirrel.

Licking

Dogs often lick or bite at sore spots. If your four-legged buddy seems to be worrying at a specific area, he may be reacting to pain.

Behavioral Changes

Withdrawal can also be an indication of pain. Fido may also shy away from being touched, especially in areas that are hurting him. He may also act grouchy.

Please reach out if ever we can be of assistance. As your local Roanoke, VA vet clinic, we are dedicated to helping you keep your pet happy and healthy!

Dog Care, General Care

Tips for Playing With Your Dog

Did you know that playing with your dog is one of the best things you can do for him? Regular play sessions will benefit Fido both mentally and physically. Read on for some great tips from a Roanoke, VA on playing with your canine buddy.

Supervise Puppy Playtime

Dogs and kids can make great playmates, but it’s important to supervise these play sessions, especially with young children. Toddlers can be, well, a bit clumsy, and may not understand that not all dogs will tolerate roughhousing. Games like Tug-O-War can also get Fido riled up, which can trigger aggressive responses in some dogs. If you notice puppy playtime seems to be getting a bit too heated, stop the play session immediately.

Games

Playing games like Tag with Fido can be really fun! They’re also a great way for both you and your four-legged friend to get a great workout in. However, some games just aren’t right for every pooch. For instance, some of our canine pals may nip if they get too excited playing Tag. Hide and Seek may be a better option for rowdy dogs. If you want to work on your pup’s petucation, try a doggy version of ‘Red Light, Green Light’ by replacing the traffic signal phrases with obedience commands like ‘Stay’ and ‘Come.’

Toys

Toys are great fun for our canine friends. They’re also a wonderful way for you to make playtime interactive. Just be sure to pick only safe, suitable toys. One thing that is very important is choosing products that are the right size for your pup. A German Shepherd can easily choke on a toy that was made for a smaller dog! You’ll also need to keep Fido’s personality in mind. If your pet tends to immediately rip open stuffed animals, these may not be the best toys for him, as the stuffing and squeakers can be choking hazards. Ask your vet for more information on choosing Fido’s playthings.

Schedule

Regular play sessions help keep Fido active and entertained, which is great for his health and well-being. Try to play with your canine companion every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. This will be fun for both of you!

Do you have questions about your dog’s health or care? Contact us, your Roanoke, VA animal clinic, today! We are dedicated to offering great veterinary care.