Stop Unwanted Barking Before the Holidays

Posted on December 9, 2021 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Sometimes, we like it when our dogs bark. It lets potential intruders know there’s a canine guarding the house. It alerts us to someone at the door. Or it tells us our dogs are ready to come in from outside.

But some dogs can go overboard on barking, keeping a constant high-pitched commentary going on about everything outside or inside the house. Your neighbors might not appreciate it, and there may be city ordinances against a barking dog.

If you’re worried your dog may be more vocal, especially during the holidays, here are some things you can do to curb the behavior, in addition to teaching them basic obedience training commands.

Why your dog barks

Knowing what sparks your dog’s impulse to yap can go a long way to helping resolve the issue. Try to notice if there’s a time or location that inspires the barking. Are there certain people, animals, sounds or objects that seem to rile up your dog?

Territorial barkers take their job as guard dogs seriously. They’ll often perch at your front window and bark at every person, dog or squirrel that comes within eyesight.

Others are social barkers. Their ears perk up at the sound of another dog barking in the neighborhood, and they join in the chorus.

Many dogs bark because they’re bored or they’re seeking attention from you, another person, or a dog. Of course, any response from you, even to holler “stop barking,” gives them what they want: your attention. So the barking is likely to continue.

Dogs who create a ruckus when left at home alone may have underlying separation anxiety. These dogs are often truly distressed and may require the help of your veterinarian or a veterinary behaviorist to treat the underlying problem before the barking can be addressed.

The same goes for dogs who bark out of fear or anxiety. They may bark because they can’t escape from the person or thing that’s triggering them to be upset, whether it’s a stranger, another dog, or a vacuum cleaner. This kind of bark may be a warning to back off before the dog becomes aggressive. In this case, professional help may be necessary.

What you shouldn’t do

Don’t punish or yell at your dog for barking. Punishment may add to the dog’s fear and make barking worse. If your dog is seeking attention, any attention you provide — even negative — rewards the behavior and encourages it to continue.

Don’t be inconsistent. Don’t reward your dog for barking at some things, like people who come to the door, but not other things, like squirrels.

Don’t use shock collars. Some dogs will temporarily stop barking with shock collars and citronella collars, which emit a citrous scent with barking — but they eventually figure out a way around them. Positive reinforcement of quiet behavior is always better.

Don’t get your dog excited about arrivals at your door. Saying “who’s here” in an excited tone may motivate aroused barking when you really want your dog to stay calm.

Don’t leave a muzzle on your dog. Immobilizing your dog’s jaw for any amount of time can impair drinking and proper breathing and will most likely increase your pet’s anxiety.

What you should do

Start by working with your veterinarian or certified trainer to determine what is causing your dog to bark. Pinpointing the cause will help determine the most effective behavior modification techniques to help your dog.

Avoid barking triggers. If your dog barks at everything outside the window, apply a window film or close the curtains. For pups who are overexcited on walks, go for a stroll during low-traffic times when you’re less likely to run into others.

Distract your dog from surroundings. For dogs who bark when on leash, reward them for walking by your side and looking in your eyes for guidance. When a dog nears, train your dog to sit and touch its nose to your hand. With positive reinforcement such as treats, you can make yourself more interesting than the dogs that walk by.

Teach the “quiet” command. Start by asking your dog to speak. Then, say “quiet” and give your dog a reward for not barking. Gradually lengthen the amount of time your dog needs to stay quiet until they receive the reward.

Increase the exercise. If your dog is barking out of sheer boredom, make a commitment to a long walk each day. A tired dog is often a quiet dog.

Teach your dog an alternative behavior. Dogs that bark when the doorbell rings can be trained to go to their mat and be quiet. You will need to start this training weeks before the holidays to give your dog time to master the behavior. Also, instruct visitors to make their entry low-key and to ignore the dog until they’re quiet.

Replace fear with good things. If your dog is afraid of strangers who come to the door, distract your pooch with treats and keep doing so until they are relaxed when the stranger is in the house.

Don’t leave your dog in the yard alone. Supervise your dog while they’re in the yard, or better yet, keep them occupied with games of fetch or playing with toys.

If you run into any roadblocks, consult your veterinarian or certified trainer. With a little effort, you’ll never even know that Santa came down the chimney until Christmas morning!

Acute vs. Chronic Pain: When Your Pet Needs Help

Posted on December 2, 2021 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Your dog or cat can feel pain in all the ways you do. Maybe it’s the throbbing of a sore tooth. The dull ache from an old knee injury. Or the sharp stab of a cut on a paw pad. The difference with pets’ pain is that they don’t always tell you when it hurts.

Like animals in the wild, pets may hide signs of pain to prevent them from appearing vulnerable to predators. That’s why it’s your job to keep close tabs on your pet and notice when something may be wrong. If your pet isn’t as active as they used to be, don’t write it off as just part of the natural aging process. Any change in your pet’s behavior could be a sign of pain.

Acute vs. chronic pain

In medicine, most pain is classified as either acute or chronic. Acute pain tends to come on suddenly or lasts for a short time, dissipating once inflammation resolves and healing occurs. It’s often brought on by trauma, surgery or an inflammatory condition, such as an illness.

If you twist your ankle, for example, you’ll probably feel immediate pain, which will improve once you prop up that leg on a pillow and allow the swelling to resolve. It’s important to recognize acute pain and treat it immediately, or acute pain can become chronic.

Compared to acute pain, chronic pain is more complicated and generally lasts longer, sometimes even for the pet’s lifetime. Osteoarthritis is one condition that can cause chronic pain, because the disease can’t be cured and tends to progress over time.

Left untreated, chronic pain can snowball. The animal’s brain can become so sensitized to pain that a nerve signal meant to relay a small amount of pain is perceived as being much more painful. Early recognition and treatment of pain is important to prevent this exaggerated form of pain perception from developing.

Acute pain may be treated by resolving the source of the problem, such as removing a fractured tooth or resting the affected area and/or a short course of veterinary pain relief medications. Chronic pain, on the other hand, is typically managed with a combination of treatments which may include medications, physical therapy and other interventions.

Signs of pain in pets

Sometimes, it can be obvious that your pet is in pain. Maybe they’re limping on a bad foot or pawing at a broken tooth. But since pets often will try to hide pain, the signs can be subtle. Since you know your pet better than anyone, you’re the best person to recognize when your dog or cat is a little “off.”

Possible signs of pain (both acute and chronic) include:

    • Whining, whimpering or groaning (dogs)
    • Meowing, hissing or even purring (cats)
    • Decreased appetite
    • Withdrawal or hiding
    • Obsessively licking or biting at a body part
    • Restlessness
    • Reluctance to move
    • No longer jumping up or using the stairs
    • Seeking affection more than usual
    • Dilated (enlarged) pupils
    • Flattened ears
    • Aggression in a normally friendly pet
    • Guarding a body part

How to help your pet

  • Schedule a veterinary exam as soon as possible — The doctor will try to determine the source of the pain and possible treatment.
  • Give veterinary prescriptions as directed — Try not to miss a dose and call your veterinarian if your pet shows evidence of any side effects.
  • Keep a pain journal — Note how often your pet seems to be in pain, and if possible, videotape the painful behavior for your veterinarian to observe.
  • Make your pet more comfortable at home — Depending on the source of your pet’s pain, small changes can be made to help your pet’s well-being. For example, pets with arthritis may benefit from a padded bed and ramps to make it easier to get into the car or onto furniture.
  • Don’t give your pet any human medications — Some can be dangerous for pets, so always consult your veterinarian first.
  • Keep your pet at a healthy weight — Extra pounds can put additional stress on painful, arthritic joints.

Whether it’s acute or chronic pain your pet is dealing with, if you pay attention to the signs, there’s almost always something you can do to make them feel better.

Help Homeless Pets Celebrate Thanksgiving

Posted on November 18, 2021 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Many families extend a Thanksgiving invitation to friends who don’t have family nearby. Since dogs and cats are part of the family, shouldn’t we offer the same courtesy to animals in the same predicament? In other words, why not share some Thanksgiving love with shelter and rescue dogs and cats?

Here are a few ways you can give thanks for pets by helping those without families this holiday season:

Foster a homeless pet for the holidays. Shelter and rescue facilities can be full of sights, sounds and smells that are unfamiliar and even scary for dogs and cats. Many of these organizations are looking for temporary homes for animals for a week or more. When you foster a pet, you can provide a quiet and loving home for these pets during the holiday season.

Put together a care package. Rescues and shelters are always in need of supplies, from dry and canned dog or cat food to toys and treats, kitty litter and large, gently used towels. Why not bring homeless pets a gift basket from your family? You can always call your favorite local rescue and ask what items are especially needed at this time of year.

Feed a homeless person’s pet. For someone living on the streets, it can be hard enough to find a nutritious meal for yourself, let alone for your dog. The nonprofit organization Pets of the Homeless lists drop-off centers for pet food or donations for emergency veterinary care. This organization is linked with food banks, homeless shelters, food pantries and soup kitchens that can deliver the pet food to those who really need it.

Volunteer your time at the shelter. Plenty of animals could use some one-on-one time with a human being. And what human couldn’t use another dog or cat fix? Many shelter and rescue organizations are looking for a people who can help walk dogs, exercise small critters, socialize cats and scrub kennels. It won’t cost you a thing, but it’ll sure make some animals feel good.

Participate in Giving Tuesday. On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, people all over the world will make donations to their favorite nonprofit organizations. It’s your chance to support a cause that’s close to your heart, like your local shelter or rescue. You can even specify where you’d like the money to go, such as a fund for those animals who are sick and need medical or surgical care.

The best gift of all: adoption. Do you have room in your heart and home for a new pet? There are plenty of dogs and cats who would love nothing better than a forever home. It’s a tremendous kindness to a lonely dog or cat. But it’s also a gift to yourself — and one that truly keeps on giving.

Adapt Your Home to Make Your Senior Pet More Comfortable

Posted on November 11, 2021 - 3:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Do you have a golden oldie pet in your house? If so, they’re probably experiencing age-related changes to go with their greying muzzles. Chances are, they have a creaky joint or two. Their hearing or vision may not be what it used to be. And some may even have a bit of memory loss.

As part of Senior Pet Month, we’re sharing some simple changes you can make around the house to help your older pet feel more comfortable.

Keep changes to a minimum — If possible, refrain from rearranging the furniture, which can feel disorienting to a senior pet. A consistent, predictable routine can also help your pet feel less stressed or anxious.

Check the thermostat — Older pets may have thinner coats or trouble regulating their body heat during the cold winter months. An extra sweater or blanket can help. Avoid using heating pads, which can burn tender skin.

Make it more accessible — Senior dogs and cats often suffer from arthritis, which can make it painful to climb or descend stairs and jump onto furniture. A carpeted ramp can make stairs easier. With a footstool positioned near the couch, your pet can make two smaller leaps to curl up next to you. Consider placing a litterbox on each floor and make sure the sides of the box are low enough for your cat to step over easily.

Prevent slips and falls — Your older pet’s muscles may not be as strong as they once were. That’s why it helps to cover slippery hardwood or linoleum floors with non-slip rugs or yoga mats in areas your pet often walks. Keep the floor clear of toys or clutter that your pet may trip over. Your pet’s nails and the hair between the footpads should be trimmed so it’s easier for them to get traction when walking. Use baby gates to prevent an accidental tumble down the stairs.

Add padding — Help cushion old bones with special orthopedic pet beds, or simply add a cozy comforter to the current bed.

Make it easier to see in the dark — Older pets may have compromised night vision, so adding a nightlight or two in the hallways may help them get around.

Improve communication — Pets with hearing loss can be taught simple words or commands with visual hand signals.

Raise food and water dishes — Since it can be difficult for senior pets to stretch their necks low, save them the effort by elevating their dishes a few inches.

Help with grooming — There’s a reason older pets can look a bit scruffy: they may not be limber enough to clean hard-to-reach body parts. The fur can become matted, especially in long-haired pets, which can be painful as it pulls against the skin. Regular brushing can help them look and feel their best.

Don’t skip the veterinary visits — Early diagnosis and treatment of age-related diseases can help keep your older pet healthy. If needed, medications for conditions such as arthritis can help relieve your pet’s pain so they can keep up with their favorite daily activities for as long as possible.

An interior graphic detailing 10 different ways to make your home more comfortable for your senior pet.

Dogs at Work: Siberian Huskies

Posted on November 4, 2021 - 2:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Huskies originated in northern Siberia, one of the coldest and most inhospitable regions of the world.

There, they served as sled dogs and companions for the Chukchi people, carrying food and supplies between inland settlements. Over time, these semi-nomadic people were forced to extend their hunting territory to the sea. Thankfully, their huskies were uniquely capable to tow sleds laden with walrus meat over long distances in snow and arctic temperatures.

In the early 1900s, a Russian trader by the name of William Goosak brought Siberian huskies to Nome, Alaska, to help carry precious cargo during the Gold Rush. The dogs became famous for their sledding capabilities, especially after winning long-distance races such as the All-Alaska Sweepstakes.

The event that really put huskies on the map occurred in 1925, when a husky named Balto led a team of sled dogs more than 650 miles to Nome, Alaska, to carry lifesaving antitoxin for children suffering from an outbreak of diphtheria. Owned by the famous musher Leonhard Seppala, Balto is memorialized with a statue in New York City’s Central Park.

An interior graphic detailing six fun facts about Siberian huskies.

What Strikes Fear into the Hearts of Pets?

Posted on October 28, 2021 - 2:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

With Halloween around the corner, friends and neighbors will do their best to send a shiver down your spine. But have you ever wondered what frightens dogs and cats?

Pets can develop fears and the exaggerated fears known as phobias. But unlike the make-believe ghosts and goblins of Halloween, some pets’ fears are so real that they can cause anxiety and lead to behavior problems, aggression or even property destruction and self-injury.

Fears can develop in an animal for many, many reasons, from traumatic experiences to genetics. But in pets, many common fears can be traced back to the ever-important socialization period of a pet’s early life. Fears may develop because of lack of exposure to people, places and situations during that socialization period, which is the first 12 weeks of life for dogs and the first 9 weeks for cats.

Common dog and cat fears

Both dogs and cats can develop a fear of just about anything. It may be rational, such as a pet that howls in fear during car rides after previous episodes of motion sickness. Or it can be apparently irrational, like the dog who shrieks every time the silverware drawer is opened.

Some pets are afraid of strangers and may bolt out of the room when the doorbell rings. Or they may come unglued when they meet a baby, a child, or a man in a uniform. Other pets may be frightened of other animals or of a specific breed of dog.

Certain situations, like a trip to the veterinary clinic or groomer, or a walk on slippery hardwood floors, can make pets shake in their paws. Pets can even be frightened by an unfamiliar object in the house, such as a new fan.

Common phobias in dogs include noise phobia, thunderstorm phobia and separation anxiety. Pets can also suffer from more than one phobia. In fact, many pets with thunderstorm phobia also have separation anxiety.

Signs of fear and anxiety

Fearful pets often feel anxiety, or a sense of unease in anticipation of a threat, that may be mild or severe.

Anxious dogs may pace, pant, drool and tremble. They often lick their lips and yawn. Cats can hiss and arch their backs, or they may nervously overgroom, resulting in hairless patches.

Both dogs and cats may freeze in place, hide, cower or try to make themselves appear small by curling into a ball, tucking their tails close and pinning their ears against their heads. Pupils are often dilated (enlarged), the hair on their spine may stand up and they may whimper or yowl. They may lose their appetites or become aggressive. Some may empty their anal glands or eliminate inappropriately.

These are all signs of a distressed pet, and under no circumstances should the pet be punished, which usually only exacerbates the pet’s fear and anxiety.

Overcoming Fears

The best way to help a fearful pet is to make an appointment with your veterinarian or a veterinary behavior specialist as soon as possible. They can work with you to help identify what’s causing your pet’s fear. They’ll also give your pet a thorough physical to make sure there aren’t any underlying medical problems that might contribute to the behavior. Typically, your veterinarian will recommend a combination of treatments, which may include behavior modification, environmental changes or, if needed, medications.

For the pet that runs when the doorbell rings, for example, you might start by changing the doorbell chime so it’s less likely to cause anxiety in your pet. Then, gradually desensitize the pet to the doorbell cue by asking family members to ring the bell and enter, so the pet recognizes that the sound results in a positive event. As your pet becomes more comfortable, provide a treat or toy each time they remain calm after the doorbell.

Then you can place your pet on a leash and gradually have other people your pet may be familiar with enter the door. Ask these people to ignore your pet and avoid eye contact. Treats may be tossed toward the pet to invite them to approach the person. In this way, work to gradually reduce the space between the person and the pet. Once your pet is comfortable with this, try having strangers come to the door, all the while rewarding your pet for non-fearful behavior.

Helping your pet overcome fears requires time, patience and positive reinforcement for every advancement he or she makes. But helping relieve anxieties can improve their quality of life, which makes it all worth it.

A Taste of the Wild Guide to Pet Grooming

Posted on October 26, 2021 - 2:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Pet grooming at home isn’t always easy. Have you ever tried to keep an unwilling dog in your bathtub? Or tried to wrestle with the pointy ends of your cat in a futile effort to make them a little less pointy?

Bathing, trimming, shaving, snipping … not every at-home pet grooming task is suitable for every pet or pet parent. But with a little guidance (and maybe some extra hands), you too can handle pet grooming, no matter how big or small your pet. It’s not hard to keep your pets looking sharp and smelling great.

While every pet is different, and some even look forward to you enlisting outside dog or cat grooming services or making a trip to the pet grooming salon, it’s also possible to conduct regular grooming in your own home with just a little bit of hands-on grooming instruction.

So here’s our collection of our pet grooming advice in one handy Taste of the Wild Guide to Pet Grooming. Whether you have senior dogs who need regular grooming or large dogs who struggle during nail trims, we’ll help you attend to your pet’s specific grooming needs. Read on for everything you need to know about pet grooming!

8 Tips for Do-It-Yourself Home Pet Grooming

A close-up of a person using a pair of nail trimmers to clip a cat's claw.
Here’s a little advice for at-home pet grooming.

Do you know what to do if your dog has been skunked? Or how often you should trim nails or even brush your furry friend? Or what you need to consider when choosing a shampoo for your pet? Here are some tips you may not have considered when opting to tackle (sometimes literally!) your pet’s grooming head-on.

READ MORE TIPS ABOUT AT-HOME PET GROOMING

Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears

A doctor's hand holding a dog's ear open for examination.
Ear cleaning of large dogs or small dogs doesn’t have to be a struggle!

Believe it or not, healthy dog ears actually come with a self-cleaning feature. So, if the ears aren’t bothering your dog, it’s usually best to leave them alone if your furry friend gets regular checkups. Sometimes, however, underlying allergies, secondary bacterial or fungal infections or other problems can disrupt the natural ear-cleaning process and make it necessary for you to clean your dog’s ears. Here’s how to make it easy on you and your dog.

READ DOG-EAR CLEANING 101

How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog or Cat?

A groomer washing a dog's head and ears with shampoo.
Bathing your dog or cat doesn’t always require a grooming salon.

Giving your pet a periodic bath is a good way to help clean, shine and freshen the scent of their coat. But how often should you actually bathe your pet? Do you wait until your pet fails the “smell check” or should the pet bath be a regularly scheduled event, no matter the look and feel of the furry friend? Will too much bathing cause flaky skin or dandruff? Can too much or not enough bathing impact your pet’s health?

What, exactly, is the right amount to bathe your pet? The answer varies, but here’s a way to figure it out for yourself.

READ HOW OFTEN TO BATHE YOUR PET

Pet Nail Trimming Doesn’t Have to Be a Wrestling Match

A white and brown dog holding its paw out to shake with a human hand.
Your pet’s nail trims don’t have to be a headache.

Some pets just get off on the wrong paw when it comes to nail trimming. If their first nail-trimming experiences were painful or scary, they’ll do their best to squirm their way out of it going forward. But it doesn’t have to be that way. If you have a puppy or kitten, you can make sure they have a positive experience from the start.

But even if your pet is older and hides behind the couch whenever the clippers come out, it is possible to retrain the lil’ furball.

READ OUR NAIL-TRIMMING TIPS

At-Home Pet Grooming Is All About Knowing Your (and Your Pet’s) Limits

A corgi covered in soapy suds during a bath.
No need to go to the grooming salon.

Handling your pet’s grooming at home can save you time and money while creating a bonding experience between you and your pal. But without a plan in place and without knowing your limits and the limits of your pet’s comfort, the best of intentions might lead to a soggy bathroom at best or disaster at worst. If you have any questions or concerns about how to groom your pet at home without endangering your pet’s health, contact your veterinarian. And remember that there’s no shame in leaving the pet grooming to the professionals!

Adventures in the Wild: Road-Tripping with Your Pets

Posted on October 21, 2021 - 2:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

The best things about a road trip with your dog? He or she won’t complain about your off-key singing (although they may howl with you). They won’t roll their eyes if you finish the bag of cheesy popcorn by yourself. And they’ll never ask, “Are we there yet?”

If you’re planning to put your car odometer to work, here are some tips for safe and happy travels with your dog.

Prepare for the trip

  • Check in with your veterinarian. Make sure your pooch is current on vaccines and parasite preventives. Ask the doctor if there are any health risks you should be aware of at your destination and request a copy of your pet’s vaccination record in case you need documentation when crossing state lines.
  • Dogs who are low-energy couch potatoes should be checked to make sure they’re physically able to hike or participate in any other activities you have planned. If your dog is queasy on car rides, talk to your veterinarian about medications to help prevent nausea. Dogs who need sedatives for car travel are probably more comfortable left at home with a sitter or at a boarding facility.
  • Get your dog accustomed to car rides. If your pup hasn’t spent a lot of time in the car, start by taking short rides to fun places, like the dog park (see the “safety first” section, below). Then gradually extend the time in the car.
  • Pack all pet essentials. That includes food and water bowls, food, bottled water, poop bags, leashes, medications, grooming tools, a pet first aid kit, pet bed and toys.
  • Book rooms at pet-friendly hotels. Make sure your dog will be welcome at each stop by exploring websites like BringFido to find pet-friendly hotels.
  • Brush up on obedience. Commands like “come,” “drop it,” and “stay” may be crucial when your dog is in unfamiliar territory.
  • Check your dog’s ID. Because dogs can escape at rest stops or be scared by loud noises and run off, make sure ID tags include your current phone number. Call your microchip company to ensure your contact information is up to date. If you plan to stay at one location for any amount of time, make a temporary tag with that address.

Safety first

  • Make sure your dog is properly restrained in the car. Never let your dog ride “shotgun” or in someone’s lap in the front seat. This can lead to driver distraction, and in the event of an accident, your pet may be seriously injured by an airbag.
  • In an accident, an unrestrained dog can become a projectile, potentially harming other passengers and themselves. It’s best to keep your pet in the back seat in a harness that’s fastened to a seat belt, or in a kennel in the back of the car. The kennel should be roomy enough for the dog to stand, turn around and lie down inside. It should also be secured in place, so it doesn’t slide around.
  • For information about pet kennels and harnesses that have been safety tested and certified, visit the Center for Pet Safety, a nonprofit consumer advocacy group that works to protect pets during travel.

Hit the road

  • Prevent motion sickness. If possible, feed your dog about four hours before you leave. Try not to give your pup food or water during the drive, when the car is moving.
  • Keep your dog inside the car. Don’t let your dog hang its head out the car window; this can result in eye injuries, and dogs have been known to jump out of the car and into traffic. Dogs should also never ride in the bed of a pickup truck, even if leashed in (and of course, not in a carrier on the top of the car).
  • Use the child safety button to lock windows. This will prevent your pet from accidentally pushing any control buttons in the back seat that could create a dangerous situation with the windows. If it’s hot, aim an air conditioning vent at your dog.
  • Make a pit stop every 3 to 4 hours. Your dog will need to stretch his or her legs, go potty and have a drink of water. Let’s face it; you will too. If possible, put the leash on your dog before opening the car door.
  • Never leave your dog alone in the car. If you’re traveling to warm destinations, your dog can suffer from heatstroke in a matter of minutes. And pets can be stolen!

With a little preparation, there’s no limit to the road trips you can take with your best pal.

RELATED POST: Road Trip! RV Life with Pets

The Great Dane, Once a Fierce Wild Boar Hunter

Posted on October 14, 2021 - 2:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

Although you might assume Great Danes originated in Denmark, the breed traces its origins to Germany.

Centuries ago, German nobility bred this giant breed to hunt and kill wild boars. To create a powerful hunter, they combined the height of the Irish wolfhound, the speed of the greyhound and the muscular brawn of the English mastiff.

The result was a swift and ferocious dog, the sheer size of which made thieves think twice before approaching a carriage or stepping foot onto an estate. Over time, the noblemen began to call them Kammerhunde, or chamber dogs, and dressed them in velvet-lined collars as a reward for their protection and companionship.

As boar hunting became less popular, selective breeding was used to transform the hunting dogs of the past into the gentle giants they eventually became.

In 1880, the Germans banned the name “Great Dane” and called the breed “Deutsche dog” or “German dog,” at the same time founding the Deutsche Doggen Club of Germany. Some English-speaking countries still tend to call the breed by its original name.

Today, the breed is generally seen as a companion pet, but their typically gentle demeanor makes them perfect for work as a therapy or service dog. Surprisingly, Danes can excel in agility, weight pulling, tracking and obedience.

An interior graphic detailing seven fun facts about Great Danes.

Are Pet Wellness Plans Worth It?

Posted on October 7, 2021 - 2:30 pm by
Taste of the Wild

The term “pet wellness plan” can be confusing. After all, why would your pet need a wellness plan if it’s already feeling well?

Perhaps a better phrase is “preventive care plan.” The whole point is to be proactive and to prevent health problems from happening to your pet in the first place. This approach protects your pet’s quality of life and is usually much less expensive than a reactive approach, where health problems are treated after they occur.

Pet wellness plan vs. pet health insurance

Although these two concepts are easily confused, they are essentially different. Pet health insurance is designed to protect your bank account from unexpected medical expenses, like your pet being hit by a car, or if other unanticipated medical events take place. It generally provides peace of mind that, in the event of a major health problem, you can do what’s best for your pet, and not be constrained by financial limitations.

Pet wellness plans, on the other hand, are typically bundled preventive products and services that your veterinarian may offer for your pet’s particular life stage or, in some cases, for certain chronic diseases. Making matters even more confusing, some pet health insurance companies also offer wellness plans that reimburse you for preventive care expenses.

What’s best for your pet?

While wellness plans can vary by veterinary clinic and insurance company, a typical preventive plan for a puppy or kitten might include all the preventive care that might be expected in the first year, such as regular physical exams, vaccinations, deworming, flea and tick preventives and possibly neuter or spay surgery. In some cases, plans may include unlimited preventive office visits or discounts on emergency or illness visits.

You can also find preventive care plans for adult pets and senior pets that may include screening x-rays and dental cleanings. Some clinics also offer packages for chronic conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease that include regular preventive care that may be needed throughout the year.

Veterinarians typically bundle these products and services at a discount, in exchange for your loyalty to that clinic (the plans are typically exclusive to a specific practice). With wellness plans offered through pet insurance companies, you are usually reimbursed no matter which clinic you go to, but you may pay a premium for this flexibility.

It’s a win/win situation

In either case, wellness plans allow you to spread veterinary expenses into predictable monthly payments so good preventive care is easier to fit into your budget.

Wellness plans usually include regular exams, blood work or other diagnostics that will help your veterinarian detect diseases early, when treatment is often more effective and more affordable. Wellness care helps protect other members of your family too: Preventing internal and external parasites in your pet helps protect family members from zoonotic diseases, those that can be spread from animals to humans.

Of course, true pet wellness goes beyond medical care. As a pet owner, you should also make a plan to give your pet regular exercise, mental stimulation, proper training, and daily human interaction, including those ever-popular belly rubs.