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The Healthy Hound Newsletter #54

Written by: Dina Fantegrossi
Dina Fantegrossi is the Assistant Editor and Head Writer for HomeLife Media. Before her career in writing, Dina was a veterinary technician for more than 15 years.Read more
| Published on December 19, 2020

In This Issue

● Why Is My Dog Limping?
● Making An Estate Plan For Your Pup
● 2020 Pet Of The Year
● Expectations For Your New Dog
● Less Scary Vet Visits
● Christmas Tree Hazards

Recent Food Recalls

11/13/20 – Albright’s Raw Chicken Recipe
10/8/20 – Sunshine Mills, Inc. (20 Brands)
9/22/20 – Billy+Margot Wild Kangaroo & Superfoods
8/24/20 – Nature’s Menu With Chicken & Quail

HEALTH ALERT #1

Why Is My Dog Limping?

Our dogs can’t tell us when their limp is caused by a strained muscle or something more serious like bone cancer. That’s why it is so important to take it seriously when they favor one or more limbs.

Vets typically recommend seeking fast attention for limping that comes on suddenly and/or lasts more than a few minutes. After all, it is always better to be safe than sorry!

These are 8 of the most common causes of canine limping.

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

Simple, Safe 3-Ingredient Dog Shampoo:

  • 2 cups warm water

  • 1/4 cup nontoxic dish soap

  • 1/2 cup white vinegar

Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to mix.

HAPPY, HEALTHY MUST HAVES

Wholesome, Festive Treats Your Dog Will Love

The fewer ingredients your dog’s treats have, the less likely they are to cause health problems. Happy, Healthy Sweet Potato & Cranberry Treats contain only eight raw ingredients: Sweet Potatoes, Oat Flour, Oatmeal, Rye Flour, Cranberries, Brown Rice Syrup, Ginger, and Cinnamon.

They are all-natural, contain no preservatives, and are 100% sourced and produced in the USA.

Best of all, your pup will love them!

QUIZ OF THE WEEK

How long does it take the average rescue dog to feel safe and secure in their new home?

  1. 3 Days
  2. 3 Weeks
  3. 3 Months

Not sure? Read on to find the answer!

HEALTH ALERT #2

How To Ensure Your Dog Is Cared For After You Are Gone

Nobody likes to contemplate their own mortality, but creating a solid plan for your dog in the event of your passing may be the most loving thing you ever do for him.

Without a living will or some alternative plan, your pup could find himself in a shelter…or worse.

This post offers helpful tips for ensuring your dog is taken care of should you pass away.

IN THE NEWS

TIME Magazine Names Rescue Animals The 2020 ‘Pet Of The Year’

This year, in addition to their annual “person of the year,” TIME magazine decided to name a pet of the year. It seems that among the many negative events of 2020, rescue animals enjoyed a significant increase in adoptions making this a great year to be a shelter critter.

Amid the pandemic, many families chose to foster and permanently adopt thanks to their extra free time. So it only makes sense that instead of having one pet of the year, all rescue animals were crowned winners!

Find out how rescue dogs, cats, and pocket pets are having the best year ever.

A Tip From +THE HEALTHY HOUND

Avoid holiday stress by keeping your dog’s routines intact. Walk and feed them at the usual times, and provide familiar items like their favorite toys, treats, and blankets.

BEHAVIOR & TRAINING

The 3-3-3 Rule: Set Your New Dog Up For Success

Giving a rescue dog a forever home is one of the most selfless and rewarding things you can do for an animal in need. However, unlike the movies, some dogs do not instantly bond to their new families or acclimate to their new homes.

For this reason, rescuers and trainers came up with the 3-3-3 Rule to help new pet parents understand what their dogs are going through.

Learn what to expect from your new dog after 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months.

VET CORNER

Kinder, Calmer Checkups? Reducing Vet Visit Anxiety

Is your vet’s office Fear Free®? While no vet can claim complete serenity for every animal that visits their clinic, many have taken extra steps to give dogs and cats a kinder, calmer experience.

They use soothing pheromones, non-slip exam tables, and segregated waiting rooms to prevent stressful interactions between dogs and cats – among several other touches and techniques.

Find out how a Fear Free vet clinic can make appointments easier and safer for you and your dog.

TIS THE SEASON

Protect Your Pup From These Christmas Tree Hazards

Among all the other holiday dangers, who would have thought your Christmas tree could be such a hazard to your pup?

From needles and tree water to ornaments and electrical cords, here’s everything you need to know to keep your canine companions safe this holiday season.

CHRISTMAS TREE HOLIDAY HAZARDS TO AVOID

Do you have a question or topic you’d like The Healthy Hound to address in an upcoming newsletter? Click here to let us know!

Quiz Answer:

3. 3 months. While every dog is a unique individual, it is not uncommon for rescue dogs to require several months before they feel entirely safe and secure in their new surroundings.

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Find all past issues of The Healthy Hound Newsletter here.

 

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