Can Dogs Eat Turkey?

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Can Dogs Eat Turkey? Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ (801) 910-1700 Thanksgiving, for most families, is all about the bird. Hours go into the roasting and basting, and once the feast is over, there are turkey sandwiches, turkey potpies, and turkey casseroles to make. In the midst of all of that leftover turkey, it is tempting to slip our dogs some meat, or even make them up a plate of it as a special treat. But can dogs eat turkey? Is it good for them? Are there risks? Here is what you need to know about feeding turkey to dogs to get your dog through the holidays safely. Can Dogs Eat Turkey? The short answer is “yes and no.” Turkey is not toxic to dogs. It is an ingredient in many commercial dog foods and is rich in nutrients like protein, riboflavin, and phosphorous. When cooked plain, under the guidance of a veterinarian, it can be an essential part of a homemade dog food diet. Thanksgiving turkeys, however, are rarely cooked plain. We rub our birds with butter and oils and season them with salt, pepper, herbs, and spices. We stuff them full of stuffing, onions, garlic, and more herbs. To us, this is delicious. For our dogs, it is a recipe for unpleasant digestive upset at best, and pancreatitis at worst. How to Feed Your Dog Turkey Safely If you decide to feed your dog turkey this Thanksgiving, there are a few things you need to know to do it safely. 1. Skip the skin. All of that fat and seasoning is dangerous for dogs. The fat content can cause pancreatitis, and the seasonings can irritate your dog’s stomach. 2. Make sure you only feed your dog turkey meat. Onions are toxic to dogs, and garlic is potentially toxic in large quantities. 3. Feed your dog only small quantities of turkey, and talk to your vet about adding food scraps into your dog’s diet, especially if your dog has a preexisting health condition, like diabetes. 4. Make sure there are no bones in the meat you feed your dog. Can Dogs Eat Turkey Bones? Poultry bones, especially cooked poultry bones, are brittle. This, combined with their small size, makes them very dangerous for dogs. Any type of poultry bones can cause the following problems: • Mouth and tongue injuries • Obstruction of the throat or intestinal tract • Choking • Bone fragments can pierce the lining of stomachs and intestines • Constipation • Rectal bleeding from sharp bone fragments • Blockages that require emergency surgery If you want to give your dog a bone, try a large hardy nylon or rubber chew toy bone or another size-appropriate chew toy. Some of them are even flavored and teeth-cleaning, and your dog will live to chew another day. If you really want to treat your dog and get into the holiday spirit, consider a dog advent calendar. The Verdict Yes, you can feed your dog turkey safely, as long as you follow these guidelines. However, feeding table scraps to dogs on a regular basis can lead to obesity, which causes a host of problems, including diabetes, hypertension, joint stress, and hip dysplasia. If you have any more questions, talk with your vet about how to feed turkey safely to your dog.

How to Adopt a Dog

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity How to Adopt a Dog Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ (801) 910-1700 Adopting a dog is a big step. There are a lot of things to consider, from choosing the right one for your lifestyle to deciding where to adopt from. Choosing the Perfect Dog for You To find the perfect dog for you, you’ll have to do some research. By exploring various breeds, their energy levels, grooming needs and more, you can ensure the dog you bring into your home fits seamlessly into your life. You can use our breed selector, which asks a series of questions about your lifestyle and preferences to suggest appropriate breeds. You can also explore different breeds, sorting by athleticism, appearance and other factors to find the right dog for you. Where to Adopt Your Dog Once you understand the type of dog you’re looking for, it’s time to start your search. There are plenty of options when it comes to adopting a dog, which we’ve outlined below. • Breeder: You may want to visit a breeder if you’re looking for a specific breed and have questions about personality, health conditions and other considerations. Keep in mind, this is probably the most expensive route, but by going through a reputable breeder, you know exactly where your dog came from and may even have the opportunity to meet his litter mates, mother and father. • • Shelters: If you want a purebred dog but prefer not to go through a breeder, shelters are another great option. They often have a surprising number of purebreds and many other types of dogs. These facilities house animals for many different reasons and are operated by organizations dedicated to animal welfare, like a humane society, or by a municipal or county government. They usually have a wide variety of dogs in need of loving homes, and some may have already acquired basic house training and cooperative skills. • • Rescue Organizations: Like shelters, rescue organizations are dedicated to animal welfare, but they may not have a dedicated facility to house and care for their adoptable pets. Rescues care for a much smaller number of animals through a network of private foster homes rather than in a shelter. Volunteers or staff members often foster one or more animals at a time to provide temporary, in-home care. As foster parents care for pets in their home, they learn a lot about the dog’s personality and behavior. Start Your Search Today If you’re anxious to start the search for your new four-legged friend, visit Petfinder.com or Adopt-a-Pet.com to explore adoptable dogs near you. Wherever you choose to get your dog, we hope we’ve helped you in your search to find a companion to enrich your life with a lot of love and adventure. Before you bring your new furry family member home, stock up on dog food and treats to keep him happy and healthy.

Should My Kid Read to the Dog?

AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Should My Kid Read to the Dog!? Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ (801) 910-1700 With millions of students learning from home, parents may have an unlikely teaching assistant closer than they think. A mounting body of research shows that there are benefits to kids when they read to their dog. Not only do our furry friends enjoy the companionship but kids can strengthen their confidence and interest in reading, too. Here are four reasons to consider incorporating your family pet into your child’s reading routine. 1. Improves Reading Abilities Reading to a dog may improve reading abilities, specifically reading fluency (the ability to read accurately and smoothly and quickly comprehend the content). In fact, this practice is particularly effective among home-schooled students. So, given the number of students who are suddenly experiencing a version of home-schooling, this may be a timely addition to reading lessons! 2. Helps Make Kids Comfortable For students who currently experience reading as an activity that makes them feel “self-conscious, clumsy and uncomfortable” adding a dog can create an environment of “happiness and safety.” This is likely because dogs offer a comforting, non-judgmental presence. Students reported feeling more “relaxed and confident” about reading after experiencing reading to a dog. 3. Improves Sentiments Towards Reading Children in reading-to-dog programs show an increase in their enjoyment of reading and motivation to read overall, even when a dog isn’t present. As a result, in one study, 18 percent of children reported spending more time reading for pleasure because of their participation. 4. Helps Build Self-Confidence Reading to a dog has been demonstrated to improve the child’s confidence in areas outside of reading. For example, increased involvement in school activities and decreased absenteeism in students was seen in one study after they had participated in a reading-to-dogs program.. While there haven’t yet been any studies done on whether dogs like being read to, anecdotal reports suggest that they do. It helps kids practice reading, builds empathy for pets and socializes our furry friends. So, there’s no reason not to try it out with your own pet.

Can I Feed My Dog Tuna Fish?

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Can Dogs Eat Tuna Fish? Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ (801) 910-1700 Tuna Fish—especially the canned variety—is a staple product in most homes, providing the perfect quick and healthy protein for snacks and meals. But is tuna good for your dog,too? Yes, dogs can eat tuna—but only in moderation. While tuna is a common ingredient in dog food, its high mercury content can be harmful to pups in large amounts, so it's better to give less than more. Health Benefits of Tuna Fish Tuna is a saltwater fish that’s packed with protein, selenium, magnesium, and potassium, as well as vitamins B3, B6, and B12. It’s also chockful of omega-3 fatty acids. All of these things make it a fantastic part of a healthy human diet, and can also benefit dogs. When fed in moderation, tuna fish can help support your pup’s joints and immune system. It can also serve to help boost their bone strength and help them maintain a healthy amount of energy. As for those omega-3s, they’re great for making your dog’s coat thick and shiny, and may even be able to reduce bodily inflammation. However, too much of a good thing can backfire, which is why it’s smart to be aware of the risks that tuna fish can pose as well. Potential Health Concerns So long as your dog doesn’t display an aversion or any other sort of negative reaction to tuna fish, a little bit here or there is very unlikely to do any harm. Where things start to get complicated is if you’re feeding your dog too much tuna, since some varieties—particularly albacore—are quite high in mercury. This heavy metal can be poisonous when consumed in large amounts. 1 While, like people, dogs aren’t going to be poisoned from a small amount of mercury consumption, their overall tolerance is a lot lower than humans, which means they’ll reach their limit sooner than we would. The signs of mercury poisoning that you should be aware of include hair loss, vision problems, loss of coordination, and tremors. Vomiting and diarrhea are also common symptoms. If your dog is exhibiting any of these signs, call or visit your vet immediately. To be safe, keep your dog’s consumption of tuna to a minimum and feed it only as an occasional treat. Are There Types of Tuna You Should Avoid? There are a variety of different ways to enjoy tuna — but are all of them created equally when it comes to what is and isn’t safe for your dog to consume? Here’s what to know. Canned Tuna Canned tuna is probably the type that your dog is most likely to be eating since it’s what most of us have in our homes. To keep it as safe as possible, only feed your dog canned tuna that’s packed in water and not oil, and that doesn’t have any added salt. Albacore tuna will be fine in low amounts, but low-mercury picks like skipjack and yellowfin are an even better way to go. Tuna Filet A bit of tuna filet will be fine for your dog so long as it’s not cooked in butter or heavy oil and doesn’t include any seasonings beyond some light salt and pepper. If you do feed it, make sure to flake some meat off instead of providing your pup with an entire filet, especially if there are bones. If you are cooking your tuna with sauteed onion or garlic, don't offer any to your pooch as both these ingredients are toxic for dogs. Raw Tuna Dogs have hearty stomachs and can tolerate raw fish a lot better than we can. That being said, raw fish can harbor dangerous intestinal parasites so, to be on the safe side, it’s best to avoid feeding it to your dog. T he verdict: feel free to share some plain tuna fish with your dog, but keep it as a limited treat, instead of a regular indulgence.

Exercising Your Dog

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Exercising Your Dog Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ A healthy dose of exercise is beneficial for your dog. Knowing how much exercise your dog needs and how often he needs it starts with factoring in his age, size and health. Know Your Dog’s Needs As you exercise with your dog, consider his needs and present physical condition. Leisurely walks may be best for an older dog, while a young dog is more likely to have ample energy for something more vigorous. Find the Right Activity If your dog has more energy to expend than you do, teach him to fetch a ball or a flying disc. The activity may be just right for you and a challenging exercise for your dog. Ease Into It If, for whatever reason, you have not exercised your dog regularly and decide to launch a regular exercise program, go slowly at first. Begin with short periods of activity at slow speeds and gradually increase the time, speed and distance of the exercise. We wish you luck on finding the right exercise regimen for your dog. Regular exercise is a key component to a healthy lifestyle for your dog.

Dogs and Children Growing Up Together

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity 5 Benefits of Dogs and Children Growing Up Together Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www,alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ (801) 910-1700 Most children love dogs. They're cute, cuddly, and oh-so-friendly. But did you know that growing up with a dog can actually benefit a child's physical and psychological development? Here are some of the many benefits of dogs being in children's lives. Benefits of Kids and Dogs Growing Up Together 1. Constant Companionship Although childhood isn't always easy, having a pet provides constant companionship through the ups and downs. Dogs can be a great source of comfort for kids — even when they're coming to grips with difficult life lessons. Whenever kids feel sad, angry, or afraid, they can always turn to their pet. Petting and cuddling dogs has also been shown to relieve stress and help people relax. 2. A More Active Lifestyle Caring for a dog also encourages a more active lifestyle. Kids with dogs exercise eleven minutes a day more than their non-dog owning peers. That might not sound like a lot, but over a week or month, it really adds up. Many dogs require daily walks or runs and plenty of play time. Those adorable puppy eyes they give you are sure to motivate you — even when you're not feeling up to it. 3. Learning Responsibility Having a pet is a great way to teach responsibility to kids. Making sure that the family dog has food and water gives children a first glimpse of accountability and obligation. Children also learn empathy and compassion by caring for their pet, while developing a higher level of self-esteem by taking care of their pet-owning responsibilities. 4. Health Is Wealth Studies have found that babies raised in close contact with a pet get sick less often in their first year of life, meaning fewer visits to the doctor's office. Exposure to pet dander and the microbes that pets carry into the home from the outdoors is suggested to improve babies' developing immune systems. Research has also found that children who grow up with dogs experience a reduced risk of allergies. 5. Don't Worry, Be Happy! Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of dogs in early childhood is simply that they make children happy! Interaction with animals has been proven to raise levels of serotonin and dopamine, which are the chemical building blocks of positive feelings. All science aside, playing and interacting with dogs is just plain fun — and it's bound to brighten any kid's day. Growing up with a dog can enrich the lives of children in so many ways. Having a dog join your family may be one of the greatest gifts we can give our kids.

How to Feed Your Puppy

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity How to Feed Your Puppy Published by Alpha Dog Training of Utah https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ (801) 910-1700 Whether you’re shopping for puppy food in store or online, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. With so many options to choose from, how do you know what to feed your puppy? Good nutrition is important for growing puppies. A quality food now can help ensure your puppy grows into a happy, healthy dog. Here are some tips to help you find the right food for your puppy. Importance of Feeding Puppy Food Simply put, puppies need puppy food. Puppies grow fast and need a high-calorie, nutrient-dense food to support their growth and development. Expect to feed puppy food for about a year, or until your pup reaches full maturity. What to Feed Your Puppy Although puppies need puppy food, it’s not that simple when there are so many to choose from. Puppy food comes in a variety of options, from dry kibble to canned wet food. Plus, there are formulas for large and small breeds and other specific health needs. Regardless of the specific type of food you choose, there are essential nutrients all puppy food should contain. Key nutrients to look for in a high-quality puppy food include: • High-quality sources of protein to support a growing body • Minerals like calcium and phosphorous to support growing bones and teeth • High-quality fats to support growth and energy • Antioxidants to support your puppy’s developing immune system • DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid, to support brain and vision development If your puppy’s food contains these essential nutrients, you can feel confident he’s getting the nutrition he needs to grow up healthy and strong. Dry vs. Wet Puppy Food Many puppy foods are available in dry or wet varieties. Both are a healthy and tasty option. Just make sure they’re both complete and balanced. Some wet foods are “all meat,” which won’t satisfy your puppy’s nutritional requirements. If you’re trying to decide between dry and wet food, there are a few different factors to consider. Most puppy owners find dry food more convenient since it doesn’t spoil as easily. You can feed either wet or dry food exclusively or a combination of the two. Regardless of which option you choose, ensure you aren’t exceeding the total recommended daily calories based on your puppy’s size. If you decide to incorporate both wet and dry food into your puppy’s feeding program, it is critical to understand that the caloric contribution of both should not exceed your puppy’s daily caloric or energy requirements. The caloric content is reported on the packaging, and you should use these values to understand how much wet product will replace the dry and vice versa. One thirteen-ounce can of wet food may contain four hundred and seventy-five kilocalories and replace approximately one cup of dry puppy formula. In this scenario, you could substitute a thirteen-ounce can of wet food for one cup of the daily dry food recommendation.” Remember, as your puppy grows, his body condition may change rapidly, so it is important to adjust as necessary to maintain his ideal body weight. You can find more feeding and calorie information on the brand’s website or consult your veterinarian to assist you in developing a feeding plan specific to your puppy’s needs. Large vs. Small Breed Puppy Formulas Dry or wet isn’t the only thing to consider when choosing a puppy food. You also need to factor in your puppy’s breed size. Large breed puppies have a higher risk of developing joint problems as adults. Feeding a large breed-specific puppy food can help support joint health and mobility into adulthood. Small breed puppies have smaller mouths, so they may prefer the smaller kibble found in small breed-specific puppy formulas. Small breed puppies also have a higher metabolism and therefore require more energy and a more nutrient dense diet. How & When to Feed Puppies Choose a quiet place for your puppy’s food and water bowls away from distractions and temptations like food prep areas and dining tables. Give your puppy three equal-sized meals each day. Establish a feeding routine or schedule by feeding him the same amount of food at the same times each day, which can make housetraining easier. Avoid overfeeding your puppy, as this can lead to excessive weight gain and other health problems. This includes treats, which should make up no more than 10 percent of his daily caloric intake.

What Should Your Dog's Poop Look Like

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity What Should Your Dog’s Poop Look Like Published by Alpha Dog Training of Utah https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ (801) 910-1700 When your dog is healthy, his poop shows it. It can be large, firm and range in shades of brown. A sudden change, like blood in your dog’s stool, tells you something is wrong. You can tell the health of your dog simply by looking at your dog’s poop. The proof of a pet’s digestive health is in the poop. There are several ways to evaluate your dog’s digestive health: • Frequency: your dog should poop at least one time a day. • Color: may depend on the food you feed your dog • Consistency: firm stools are ideal What does blood in dog stool look like? If your dog is pooping blood, it is a sign of a problem. Blood in your dog's poop (or stool) can show up in a couple of ways. • Bright red with streaks • Black and tar-like What can blood in dog stool mean? If your dog is pooping blood, or you suspect he is, call your veterinarian. No worries about sharing too many details. The more thorough your description, the easier it will be for your veterinarian determine what is happening. Blood in your dog's poop (or stool) can show up in a couple of ways: • Black and tar-like: may indicate blood that has been digested • Bright red with streaks: may indicate that a little blood has been digested, if at all How will your veterinarian evaluate your dog’s stool? Your veterinarian may ask you to bring a sample of your dog’s poop. And she will ask you what you’ve noticed: diarrhea, straining, a change in frequency or mucus in the poop. Vets use tools like an in-depth microflora analysis, a Fecal Score System and a texture analyzer. How are dog stools evaluated for health? There are many characteristics to look at beyond the presence of blood in dog stool. They include: • Stool form • Odor • Fecal density • Stickiness • Food digestibility • Nutrient absorption • Stool bacterial levels • Composition • Presence of parasites What role does microflora have in your dog’s digestive health? A healthy gut microflora balance can help promote a healthy immune system, healthy digestibility and good stool quality. A good balance of microflora in your dog's digestive system can also: • Produce nutrients • Promote nutrient absorption • Boost overall health How to promote your dog’s digestive health? You don’t have to wait until your dog has a digestive issue. Here are some proactive steps you can take today: • Pay attention to your dog’s poop • Determine what is normal for him • Take note of blood or mucus in your dog’s poop • Talk to your veterinarian about changes you see Switch Your Pet’s Food Responsibly To avoid digestive upset, transition your pet’s food slowly over 7-10 days. Each day gradually add more of your pet’s new food as you decrease the amount of the previous food.

Assissing Your Dog's Weight

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Assessing Your Dog’s Weight Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ (801) 910-1700 Assessing Your Dog’s Weight Maintaining a healthy weight is one of the most important concerns when it comes to your dog’s health. Factors like diet and exercise in the right amounts can help keep your dog at an ideal weight. Do You Need to Adjust Your Dog’s Diet? Here are 3 simple ways to tell if your dog's diet needs an adjustment. • Rib Check: Place both of your thumbs on your dog's backbone and spread both hands across his rib cage. You want to be able to feel his ribs. Actually, feeling your dog is important, as the coat of many dogs will make a visual check difficult. • • Profile Check: Examine your dog's profile – it’s best if you are level with your dog. Look for the abdomen to be tucked up behind his rib cage - this is ideal. • • Overhead Check: Looking at your dog from overhead, identify whether you can see a waist behind his ribs. Most dogs at a healthy weight should have an hourglass figure. If you find that your dog's ribs and waistline aren't where they're supposed to be, adjust the amount of food offered accordingly and consider more exercise. Hopefully these tips will help you keep your dog healthy and fit.

Teaching your Puppy to be a Good Neighbor

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtrainingsaltlakecity Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ (801) 910-17-- You understand that establishing good neighbor relations means being respectful of other peoples’ property and well-being. This goes for your canine loved one as well. Here are a few helpful tips to keep peace in the neighborhood… • When you walk your puppy, keep him off private property, unless you have permission from the owner first. • Pick up after your puppy. Pick up your puppy’s waste promptly all the time, and everyone will be happier. If you have kids, this task could be an opportunity to learn about responsibility. • Prevent fence running and barking. If your puppy does this, particularly if he is a large breed puppy, it could be something your neighbors won’t like. Supervise closely during social hour. • Manage barking. If puppy is barking outside, bring him in. If he barks inside and you can’t control it, it’s time to get some professional training. After all, minimal barking makes for minimal headaches all around. • Keep puppy on a leash. It may seem like common sense, but allowing your puppy to run loose outdoors can be dangerous for him, and possibly for others. Even if your puppy is impeccably behaved, it’s still a good idea to keep him on a leash for safety reasons. • Keep puppy health. Feed him nutritionally complete and balanced puppy food such as Purina® Puppy Chow®. Take your puppy to the veterinarian regularly to keep his vaccinations current, and be certain he is free from internal and external parasites. • Identification. Proper identification for your puppy is important. Puppies should wear collars with an identification tag. Be sure to follow your city’s rules and regulations regarding puppy registration. • Have fun! Introduce your puppy to other neighborhood puppies early on. Go for group walks or take a trip to the puppy park with other owners in your area. It’s a great way to get to know your neighbors, and your puppy may enjoy the company of a new playmate or two.

Your Puppy and Your Apartment

#AlphaDogTraining #dogtraningsaltlakecity Your Puppy and Your Apartment Published by Alpha Dog Training https://www.alpha-dog-training-slc.com/ (801) 910-1700 For your puppy, living in an apartment isn’t just having a different amount of space. It’s a different way of life. Make it easy on them… and you… with these tips. Make room for playtime. Outdoor space will be limited in an apartment complex, so scope out the territory for parks and available grass for walks and play. Be sure to take waste-scooping materials when you and your puppy head outside. If your pup will stay mostly indoors, make a designated play space he can get used to. Keep toys in the house in one place, like in a basket in the corner, to help maintain and define the space. Commit to training. Training is very important to make your puppy a good neighbor and to help keep him safe. Immediate obedience to commands like "Down" and "Come" may keep your pup safe if he slips out of his collar or his leash is dropped in a busy area, especially one with lots of car traffic. Keep clean. No one wants to live with someone who smells. Bathe your pup as necessary (remembering that puppies require fewer baths than humans). Brush your puppy regularly, getting rid of hair or fur, to prevent excessive shedding. Establish boundaries. Don’t allow your new puppy, as cute as he may be, to sleep on your bed. Your pup should know to go to his crate or other bed area at night. This will help communicate what is your space and it will keep your bed clean. Be prepared for loud noises. Puppies are often startled by the unpredictable nature of urban areas. Help reassure your puppy that urban sights and sounds are not threatening. Remain calm and "happy" when unexpected and startling things happen, such as sirens and other noise. Praise and help reinforce your puppy's positive, controlled behavior in these situations. With proper care, training, and management, even seemingly unlikely breeds and breed mixes can cope with urban living. Although puppies need room to run, what’s more important is the quality of your interaction and attention.