Your pup is now 7 months old – how time flies when you're having a tail-waggin' good time! At this age, you can expect your dog to be in the prime of their growth spurt. They might be filling out, gaining muscle mass, and becoming more coordinated in their movements. It's like they went from clumsy puppy to canine acrobat in the blink of an eye!
So get ready for zoomies and playful antics that will leave you breathless and in awe of their newfound doggy prowess. Remember, every dog is unique, and while general guidelines can give you a roadmap, your pup may have their own distinctive quirks and progressions. Enjoy this journey and embrace the wonderful chaos.
This week's focus:
Tips for bathing your dog at home
Reasons your dog isn't doing what you want
Why anesthesia is necessary for dental cleanings
Essentials for hiking with your dog
The dangers of ruby chocolate, and more
Zoom Zoom!
Zoomies are usually fun to watch and often not anything to worry about! Technically called Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), they are believed to happen when a dog has extra energy pent up and needs to release it somehow. But it can also occur after a stressful event and is a way for a dog to calm themselves down.
We often see dogs do the zoomies when they are excited, after baths, or even after they go potty! If you notice your dog zooming excessively or are worried about why it's happening, connect with a certified dog trainer to make sure it's not stress-induced.
Are you considering waiting to spay your dog? Going into heat tends to happen around this time, depending on your dog's breed and genetics (see more about this in the health section below). It can be quite a bit to handle, so it's best to be prepared! You'll notice some behavioral changes and will want to provide some comforts to help ease the anxiety that comes along with hormonal shifts.
Are you ready to take on the sudsy, soapy world of doggy bath time? With a little preparation and a whole lot of patience, you'll be able to tackle this task like a pro. You'll need all the basics – shampoo, towels, a brush, and a non-slip mat to keep your pup from sliding around in the tub.
Bath time is more fun (and less stressful) when you have an extra set of hands, whether it's a family member or a friend. One person can hold your pup steady and gives treats, while the other washes and rinses. If you're alone, using a lick mat for treating can help big time.
Not only does adolescence make it harder for your dog to listen to you and respond to cues, but there are other reasons why they don't do what you ask.
And none of those reasons include their being "stubborn!" Dogs aren't plotting ways to frustrate you; it's usually because they're too distracted or don't understand what it is you're asking them to do.
So check yourself – make sure you build a foundation of a training skill before expecting your dog to perform it well around different distractions. And reinforcing your dog consistently, whether with treats or real-life rewards will keep their motivation high!
Female dogs can come into heat as early as 6 months. Some have had it happen at 5 months of age and for giant breeds, it could be at 18–24 months old. When dogs come into heat, their vulva will swell, and they will drip blood. Learn how to prepare for this.
Male dogs can be sexually mature as young as 5 months and can impregnate a female, even one of their littermates or mother. Just being left alone for a few minutes could result in a breeding event.
Use extra caution when coming and going through open doors because some dogs attempt to escape to find love!
Typically, females will bleed for about 1 to 4 weeks. They are only able to become pregnant during a few-day window during this entire span of time, but predicting that time is difficult without blood tests or cytology. Additionally, sperm can survive in the female dog's reproductive tract for 5 to 7 days.
Be sure to leash and monitor your dog any time they go outdoors. Learning as much as possible about what 'happens" when a dog goes into heat will make the entire process less stressful and you can avoid the medical risks associated with it.
Most dogs can typically wait for their first dental cleaning around 2 to 3 years of age. Some dogs, especially smaller breeds, could need it sooner, especially if there wasn't any at-home dental routine in place. Your veterinarian will advise you as they do their regular oral examinations.
When dogs are alert and awake, dental procedures often increase stress and cause pain. The veterinarian is unable to perform a thorough examination of the mouth, including the important evaluation of the ligaments and bone below the gum line. They're also unable to perform essential X-rays or thoroughly clean all surfaces of the teeth, including the surfaces below the gum line.
If not cleaned properly, this means significant disease can go undetected and untreated, leading to unnecessary suffering and potential health complications. With essential precautions, anesthesia is safe for most pets.
An essential diagnostic tool for diagnosing your dog's overall oral health (and, in reality, their future general health) is dental x-rays. The health of the tooth cannot be properly determined by visualization alone since 60% of the tooth is below the gumline. Below the gumline is where most cases of injury and oral disease are present.
Additionally, knowing the health of the surrounding bone is essential in cases where oral surgery and tooth extractions are needed. Since many dogs are masters of disguising pain, waiting for them to appear painful can be too late. Be proactive, maintain a good at-home dental oral hygiene routine, and have regular professional veterinary dental evaluations and cleanings.
Are you hoping that your dog will be your new trail buddy on hikes? Hiking can be a great way to get exercise and spend quality outdoor time together. Be sure to check with your veterinarian before heading out to hike with your dog. It's important that they are fully grown and conditioned for hiking to prevent injury. You'll also want to make sure you pack some trail essentials for your pooch!
Ruby chocolate is a fairly new chocolate category launched in 2017. It is made from unfermented ruby cacao beans, and its color is naturally pink, with a bit of a berry flavor. The chocolate is made from cocoa beans and sugar plus extra cocoa butter and some milk powder, which is similar to white chocolate.
Unlike white chocolate, ruby chocolate contains cocoa (30–40%), which makes it more toxic than milk chocolate!
Most are aware that rat and mouse poisons are dangerous for dogs, but what many people don’t realize is that not all rodenticides work (kill) the same way.
If you need to get rid of rodents in and around your home, there are pet-safer and humane choices available. There are a number of catch-and-release traps that capture a mouse or rat without killing them.
Goodnature Quick-Kill Trap kills humanely without electricity or poison. The lure is chocolate-based, but the toxicity level is not an issue for dogs but can be enticing nonetheless. Some bait stations are designed so rodents (not a dog) can get in and eat the poison. However, a poisoned rodent can poison a dog or cat if they eat it.
Keeping the rodent population in check is important, but protect your pets if you use traps or poison.
We've reviewed products for safety, efficacy, and durability. What we recommend is veterinary and behavior-approved.
Lick Mats for Bath Time
During bath time practice, keep your puppy busy with dog-safe peanut butter or low-fat Greek yogurt spread on a lick mat. This keeps them distracted and helps to create a positive association with being in the tub.
To keep your floors and furniture clean during your female dog's heat, invest in doggie pants that keep things sanitary and look cute at the same time.
