pets

Pet Toys

/ susanbulanda / Leave a comment

Note: This article is my opinion, based on my experiences with many dogs, cats and birds.

Pet owners spend a considerable amount of money on toys for their pets. Toys are important for pets; they give pets something to do and, in some cases, build the bond between the pet and owner. While I will refer mostly to dogs, this article applies to all pets.

It is important to realize that there is no regulatory body for pet toys. What that means is that manufacturers can use whatever material they choose to make pet toys. Unfortunately, many of the products that are available are not safe, either because of a chewing or a toxic substance risk.

When picking a toy for your pet, you should consider the type of animal it is and what it likes to do. Dogs like to fetch, toss and chew and shred toys. This satisfies their natural hunting instinct. Cats like to chase, pounce, carry and sometimes tear up toys.

Birds generally like to tear apart, peck and toss toys. Although many birds play with toys in various ways. I had a budgie who liked to “herd” plastic balls into a tight group.

When considering a toy for a pet, keep in mind that if there is a risk associated with the toy, the risk increases if the pet is small. This is because it takes less material to block their intestines and less toxins to make them sick or kill them. This is why a pet owner should carefully evaluate what toy they give their pet.

I feel that toys for dogs pose the most risks because dogs tend to chew and eat pieces of their toys more than other pets. Know how your dog likes to play with a toy before you pick one out for him. Some dogs will totally destroy a stuffed toy or a plastic one. Other dogs like to carry a toy around and will not destroy it. Many dogs are obsessed with getting the squeaker out of a toy that has one. My terrier is a squeaker killer. He will work on a toy almost endlessly until he gets the squeaker out. Then for the most part, he loses interest in the toy.

Puppies almost always chew a toy until it is destroyed and they are more likely to eat the pieces of the toy. For this reason, plastic toys are a higher risk for puppies. Regardless if your dog is a puppy or an adult, plastic toys in general are the highest risk.

Because dogs like to chew and destroy toys, they are less likely to play with the chew-proof variety of toy. Some of the hard nylon toys are coated with a scent and when the coating wears off, the dog loses interest in the toy. Stuffed toys pose a problem because the stuffing, which can be ingested and not digested. The stuffing in most dog and cat toys are fiber fill which is a form of plastic and can block intestines.

If a dog owner is going to give their dog one of the many products on the market designed to clean the dog’s teeth while they chew the toy, be sure to check the ingredients. Most dental chews for dogs are only 96% digestible. What is the other 4%? Some of these products have plastic in them to make them last longer.

Those chew products that are designed to be eaten, should break down in five to ten minutes when placed in water, if not, it is a high risk for your dog. These types of products can block a dog’s intestines. Because of a dog’s short digestive tract, these products do not have enough time to break down if they can break down at all.

This is also true of any rawhide product. I personally do not approve of any animal product such as cow hooves, pig’s ears and rawhide. These products are often treated with formaldehyde as a preservative and cured in arsenic. Many people think that rawhide comes from a butcher, but in reality, rawhide comes from a tannery. Also, keep in mind that any wild domestic canine does not eat bones, skin or hooves.

This is evident when you see a dead deer along the roadside. After everything, animal, bird and insect are finished feeding on the carcass, the things left are hide, hooves and bones. The main risks for letting a dog eat rawhide are contamination, choking hazard, and intestinal blockage. A number of pet related organization discourage giving dogs rawhide.

(https://m.facebook.com/PlanetPawsMedia/photos/a.114414471966777/883417478399802/?type=3&p=30)

Rope toys are acceptable if your dog does not chew them and swallow the threads. The safest rope toy is one made of cotton instead of nylon. Cotton has a better chance of breaking down if it is ingested whereas the nylon will not.

It is never a good idea to give a dog old shoes or slippers because of the chemicals used to make them. It is especially difficult for a puppy to understand that old shoes and slippers are OK to play with, but new shoes and slippers are not. If you insist on giving your dog rawhide remember that rawhide comes from a tannery and dogs have a very sophisticated sense of smell. Therefore, a dog of any age can smell the similarity between rawhide and other leather products, which include furniture, gloves, jackets and briefcases.

Bones are not a good choice for dogs either. Again, it is not natural for dogs to eat bones. Many of the “natural” bones have bacteria on them that can harm both dogs and people who handle them. Some of the stuffed bones that are treated can be safer for a dog who likes bones. The danger associated with bones are splinters from the bone and bacteria.

The bottom line is to know your dog. If a toy becomes small enough to swallow it should be taken away from the dog. By knowing your dog’s play habits you will be able to decide what toy is safe for them to play with. The best toy is one that allows you to interact with your dog, playing fetch games, chase games or whatever your dog likes. If you understand your dog’s breed, it will guide you to selecting the right toy for your dog. All dogs and cats can benefit from puzzle toys and treat dispensing toys. The main thing is to keep your pet safe and happy.

Susan Bulanda’s books

/ susanbulanda / Leave a comment

With the holidays approaching I thought I would post about the books that I have written. They make wonderful gifts to friends and family as well as yourself. If you order from my website you will get an autographed copy. PLEASE NOTE that if you live outside the United States you need to contact me for the cost of postage, the postage on my website is only for the US. The cost of mailing the books outside of the US often costs more than the book so if you can get it through Amazon or a local book store you will save a substantial amount of money. Also note that all of my books are traditionally published by established publishers.

The Business of Dog Training: How to Succeed as a Successful Dog Trainer – will guide you through every aspect of running dog training business from what kind of trainer you want to be to how to deal with clients. This is a must have book for those people who want to become dog trainers as well as those who already have a business.     2024 First Place Dog Writers Association of America – Maxwell Award

Miitary Dogs of WWII – covers all the countries involved in WWII. It names famous dogs as well as mascots. It covers the dogs that served as SAR dogs in England, helping to find buried people in bombed buildings. It explains training methods as well as the missions that the dogs went on and how they saved lives. There are about 100 photos included in the book.      2023 First Place Dog Writers Association of America- Maxwell Award

K9 Obedience Training: Teaching Pets and Working Dogs to be Reliable and Free-Thinking.  This explains how to teach a dog the basic obedience that is the foundation for all other training. The methods used in this book allow the dog the freedom to think for themselves rather than perform robotically where creativity is discouraged. Free-Thinking is necessary for all working dogs. Obedient disobedience is also covered. The book explains what not to do and why. Some fun tricks are included.

K9 Search and Rescue Troubleshooting: Practical Solutions to Common Search-Dog Training Problems – explains the typical SAR dog training problems and offers solutions for the SAR dog handler. The solutions apply to all disciplines in canine search and rescue. It explains how the puppy stages of development can have lasting effects on the behavior and training of a dog. Often people adopt an older dog to train and do not understand why the dog behaves the way it does, this book gives insight to those issues. Although K9 Search and Rescue Troubleshooting: Practical Solutions to Common Search-Dog Training Problems is written for the SAR dog handler, the information contained in it applies to many training issues that are not related to SAR.      2020, Certificate of Excellence, Dog Writers Association of America.      2018, First Place, National League of American Pen Woman.

Soldiers in Fur and Feathers: The Animals That Served in WWI – Allied Forces: A unique, collection of accounts about many different animals that served in WWI. There are many rare photos. What is especially interesting about this book is that it includes many of the mascots that the soldiers kept. Some went into the trenches with the men. For example, there is an account about how a cat saved the life of a soldier, how a pair of geese slated to be Christmas dinner wound up being kept as mascots, and one soldier had a huge Golden Eagle as a pet. WWI was a transitional war from animal power to mechanization, therefore many species of animals served, such as oxen, horses, mules, camels, pigeons, and dogs in many capacities. 2012: Second Place Winner, National League of American Pen Women, Finalist for the Alliance of Purebred Dog Writers Arthur Award,      Certificate of Excellence for the Cat Writers Association of America.

Faithful Friends: Holocaust Survivors Stories of the Pets Who Gave Them Comfort, Suffered Alongside Them and Waited for Their Return: The only book written about the animals of the Holocaust victims, recording a part of history that has been overlooked. Some of the stories are sad and some joyous, but all are a part of history. Learn about Nicholas the French Bulldog owned by a woman who was part of the French resistance, and how he came to tour with the German army. Also, the dogs who somehow survived the war and were reunited with their owners and many other stories about dogs and cats.      2012: Dog Writers Association of America, Maxwell Award,     Certificate of Excellence Cat Writers Association, 2012; National League of American Pen Woman 2nd place  

God’s Creatures: A Biblical View of Animals explains the role that animals play in the Bible and how God uses them. It explores the nature of animals and miracles that involve them. It answers questions such as, do animals go to heaven, do they know and obey God, can they be evil?

Boston Terriers, a book all about this wonderful breed of dog. Learn about their care, training and personality. The book has fun sidebars that give personal accounts of Boston terriers.        2002 – First Place Maxwell Award for the Dog Writers Association of America (only available on Amazon)

Ready: The Training of the Search and Rescue Dog: Adopted worldwide as the training book for SAR dogs. This book has been in print since 1994 and is in its second edition. It gives the SAR dog handler a training plan for all disciplines of canine search and rescue.       First place for the National League of American Pen Woman, 1996. Also nominated best book of the year, 1994 Dog Writers Association.

Scenting on the Wind: Scent Work for Hunting Dogs: helps the hunting enthusiast understand how weather, wind and terrain features affect scent. It is a great aid for people who compete in field trials or who do any kind of scent work with dogs. Only available from the author’s website http://www.sbulanda.com

Real Estate Today, Seller Beware! – explains how to save thousands of dollars when selling your house. Available on Amazon

Do it yourself anti-cancer diet for pets

/ susanbulanda / Leave a comment

While this article is old, it does have important information for pet owners to consider. According to the article adding the Budwig diet to your pets daily diet can go a long way to prevent cancer in dogs and cats.

Some of the breeds that are more susceptible to cancer are:

Bengals (cats)
Boxers
Great Danes
Labradors and many of the Retriever breeds
Persians (cats)
Rottweilers
Saint Bernards
Scottish Terriers
Siamese (cats)

According to the article the following are some of the contributors to cancer:

Over-vaccination
Overuse of topical chemicals and flea and tick medications
Lawn treatment
Fluoridated water
Obesity
Certain pet food ingredients

Some of these pet food ingredients include:

Ethoxyquin
By-products
Dyes
Molds/fungi
Simple carbohydrates like corn, wheat, and soy

The diet was discovered by Dr. Johanna Budwig a German Biochemist. Dr. Budwig found that two ingredients helped prevent cancer.

Budwig Recipe:

2 tablespoons flaxseed oil, fresh, refrigerated

1/4 cup cottage cheese, organic

Mix together so that the cottage cheese is no longer oily. If it is still oily, add more cottage cheese.

Feed this mixture to your pet two or three times a day every day on an empty stomach. Wait one hour to feed a regular meal.

Every day. Feed 1-2 teaspoons for cats, up to ½ cup twice a day for large breed dogs.

Make fresh at each meal. Flax seeds can be used but should be ground fresh then mixed into cottage cheese.

A DIY anti-cancer recipe for your pet – Truth about Pet Food

A DIY anti-cancer recipe for your pet

Children often have a closer relationship with pets than siblings

/ susanbulanda / Leave a comment

When Matt Cassels, at the University of Cambridge, studied the data set from the Toddlers Up Project led by Professor Claire Hughes at the Centre for Family Research, he made some interesting discoveries. He found that children often have a closer relationship with their pet than their siblings.

This gives us new information about the depth of the human animal bond, even in children. The Toddlers Up Project has collected information over a ten-year period about the social and emotional development of children. The research included data from the children, their parents, teacher and siblings.

Cassels found that children who suffered from adversity in their lives were more likely to have a stronger relationship with their pets than their peers. The types of adversities ranged from divorce, illness, instability, and disadvantaged backgrounds.

What is interesting is that these children would turn to their pets, confiding in them instead of peers even though they knew the pets did not understand what they were saying.

The study showed that children with stronger relationships with their pets had a higher level of prosocial behavior, such as helping, sharing, and co-operating than their peers.

I personally have seen the positive impact of pets on children and would love to see more research about the role pets play for young children who do not have siblings.

Children have bonded to dogs and other animals throughout history. One famous actor got his nickname because of his Airedale, Duke, was his constant companion. That actor of course, was John Wayne.

For more information about Matt Cassels study go to:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/05/150513135011.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fplants_animals%2Fdogs+%28Dogs+News+–+ScienceDaily%29

Early spay or neuter in dogs

/ susanbulanda / Leave a comment

There is an on-going debate over spaying or neutering dogs before they reach maturity. In the United States, most veterinarians, shelters and rescue groups encourage dog owners to spay or neuter their dogs before or by six months of age, before a first heat for females. The AKC Health Foundation has been researching the pro’s and con’s of early spay/neuter in Golden Retrievers.

They have compared dogs that were spay/neutered before one year of age and after one year of age. What they have found so far is that the timing of spay/neutering had a significant effect on the health of the dogs. They found that early neutering of male dogs more than doubled the risk of Hip Dysplasia but did not have the same affect on female dogs.

Early spay/neuter increased the risk of cruciat ligament tear (CCL) and lymphosarcoma (LSA) in both sexes. Late spaying in females increased the risk of hemangiosarcoma (HAS) and mast cell tumor (MCT). Intact female dogs had no mast cell tumors.

As a result of this study, the AKC CHF is extending its research to include German Shepherd Dogs, Labrador Retrievers, Dachshunds, Rottweiler’s, Chihuahua’s, Standard and Miniature Poodles. 

The question remains, what should a dog owner do? No one wants to increase the risk of health issues in their pet.

First and foremost is talk to your veterinarian and ask them if he/she is aware of the most recent studies concerning the effects of early spay/neuter. After researching the facts, the dog owner must evaluate their ability to handle a dog that is not spayed or neutered. How the dog will behave depends in part on how well it is trained and its breed as well as its individual personality.

Some considerations are:

Should I wait until my dog reaches sexual maturity and then have the dog spayed/neutered?

If I have a female dog can I keep the dog safe from being bred until it reaches or passes sexual maturity?

Can I deal with the discharge that comes with the “heat” cycle?

Do I have a prevention plan with my veterinarian to take care of an unwanted, accidental breeding with my female dog?

Do I have a plan to deal with an unwanted litter of puppies?

Can I keep my dog, male or female under control to prevent them from wandering/escaping during a heat cycle?  Females will wander to spread their scent to try to lure a male and a male will run away to find a female when he picks up her scent.

Can I control my male dog to keep him from marking?

If my male dog has a tendency to be aggressive, can I handle the aggression (toward humans and other animals) that sometimes manifests itself in un-neutered male dogs?

These are just a few of the important decisions a dog owner should consider when deciding if they should have their dog spayed or neutered before sexual maturity or at all.

Sue’s Note: For many years people who own working dogs, such as Border Collies that are used for herding have said that if a dog is spayed/neutered before maturity that they do not work as well. Some people feel that the dog does not fully mature mentally if they are spayed before a first heat for females.

New Study Updates Spay-Neuter Timeline Guidance for Popular Dog Breeds

Dog sports help children with cancer

/ susanbulanda / Leave a comment

Dog sledding is a popular sport in many countries around the world. Competitive dog sledding can be a grueling sport, but recreational dog sledding can be a lot of fun, especially in the winter when many people are confined to indoor activities. Many years ago I had a small team of Siberian Huskies that I did sledding with.

         Much to my delight, I read about a study conducted by Fédéric Sotteau who is the founder of the French non-profit group Sourire á la Vie in Canada and Dr. Nicolas André, a pediatric oncologist at the Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille, France, where they found that dog sledding provided positive results for children who were being treated for cancer.

         There were eleven children ages ten – eighteen years old and five chaperones which included doctors and nurses who participated in the expedition.

         Many people, including doctors’, think that children who are being treated for cancer are too tired, weak or sick to participate in sports or other physical activities. The children themselves lose faith in their abilities to be active as well.

         After going through a program of physical conditioning and training, the children were allowed to participate in the expedition. The reason why the study group picked dog sledding was to provide a unique sport experience that included a change of scenery and bonding with the sled dogs as well as the adventuresome aspect of the event.

         The study showed that adapted physical activity is very beneficial to children with cancer, their physical and mental health benefit from the program.

         It would be great if more groups sponsored this type of therapy for children with pediatric cancer.

ecancer. (2015, July 28). Dog sledding offers a healthy dose of adventure for children with cancer. ScienceDaily. Retrieved May 22, 2025 from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/07/150728092057.htm

Home on a Budget: Simple Ways to Make Your Space More Dog-Friendly

/ susanbulanda / Leave a comment

by guest blogger, Cindy Aldridge cindy@ourdogfriends.org

You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars turning your home into a playground for your dog. The truth is, a little intention goes a long way when it comes to creating a space where your dog feels safe, engaged, and comfortable. Whether you’ve got a new puppy, an older rescue, or just a best friend who deserves better, there are plenty of smart, affordable ways to tweak your home and yard without blowing your paycheck. It’s not about fancy gadgets—it’s about small upgrades that speak your dog’s language.

A Cozy Corner Just for Them

Every dog needs a spot where they can relax and feel like it’s truly theirs. You don’t need to build a fancy indoor dog house or order custom furniture to make this happen. A cozy dog bed tucked into a quiet corner with a couple of old throw pillows and a soft blanket can go a long way. Add in a few favorite toys, and suddenly your pup has their own personal sanctuary without you spending more than twenty bucks.

DIY Dog Gates Without Breaking the Bank

Those sleek, adjustable pet gates you see online might be appealing, but you can build a perfectly functional one for a fraction of the cost. Repurpose an old baby gate, or even better—use scrap wood and a few hinges to create a simple swing gate. If you’re not too handy, tension rods and fabric panels can do the trick in smaller spaces. The goal is to create boundaries that keep your dog safe while still giving them room to move.

Freepik

Yard Patrol: Creating a Safe Outdoor Space

You don’t need a pristine backyard with a six-foot privacy fence to give your dog a good time outside. Start by checking for any gaps in your current fence—chicken wire and zip ties can help seal off escape routes on the cheap. Lay down inexpensive ground cover like mulch or pea gravel to reduce muddy paws and protect grass from turning into dirt patches. Even adding a few potted plants that are safe for dogs can create a more inviting and stimulating environment without requiring a landscaping budget.

Wiring Smarter Outdoors

If your dog loves spending time outside, exposed wiring or poorly placed outlets can quickly turn a good yard into a hazard zone. Moving outlets higher off the ground or away from chew-prone areas helps reduce risk, and rerouting exposed cables into conduit tubing adds a layer of protection your pup won’t be able to gnaw through. You can use a trusted app to hop on a video call and consult an electrician for advice who’ll walk you through your options, offering real-time solutions based on your setup. You’ll also be able to find local, background-checked pros who can handle the job in person.

Pallet Projects for Practical Pet Perks

Wood pallets are a goldmine for budget DIYers, especially when you’ve got a dog in the house. You can build everything from raised food bowls to outdoor platforms where your pup can perch or nap. Most of the time, you can find pallets for free behind grocery stores or warehouses—just be sure they haven’t been chemically treated. Sand them down, slap on some paint, and you’ve got a solid, dog-friendly project that looks good and costs next to nothing.

Keeping Them Cool in the Heat

Dogs can’t regulate heat as well as humans do, so giving them a place to cool off is key—especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors. You don’t need a fancy dog pool or air-conditioned dog house either. A kiddie pool from the dollar store works just fine for splashing around, and a cheap canopy or shade sail can keep the sun off their backs. Freeze water bottles or wet towels and place them in shaded spots to help them cool down even more when the temperature spikes.

Paw Protection Starts at the Door

If you’ve got hardwood floors or tile, your dog’s paws might take more of a beating than you realize. Rugs and runners—especially the kind with non-slip backing—can save your dog some strain and help prevent accidents. You don’t have to buy new ones; hit up thrift stores or check online marketplaces for gently used options. And for muddy days, setting up a small paw-washing station near the door with a bucket and towel can keep both paws and floors in better shape.

Entertainment Doesn’t Have to Cost a Thing

Keeping your dog mentally stimulated at home is just as important as getting them out for walks. You can make your own toys and puzzles out of things you already have—old T-shirts can be braided into tug toys, and cardboard boxes become treasure chests with a few treats hidden inside. Even simple games like hide-and-seek with treats around the house can engage their brain. It doesn’t take much money—just a little time and creativity.

You don’t need a huge budget or a brand-new home to make your space more comfortable for your dog. Most of the improvements that really matter come from understanding your dog’s needs and using what you already have to meet them. Whether it’s setting up a special nook for rest, keeping their paws safe, or giving them something to play with, the little things add up. What you’re really building is trust—and that’s more valuable to your dog than any fancy product ever could be.

Discover expert insights on animal behavior and training from Susan Bulanda, a certified consultant and author. Explore her blog for practical advice and inspiring stories that deepen your connection with pets.

What It Takes to Start and Run a Sustainable Pet Business

/ susanbulanda / Leave a comment

by guest blogger, Cindy Aldridge, cindy@ourdogfriends.org

There’s a gentle rebellion happening in quiet corners of cities and suburbs alike. People are building businesses that don’t bulldoze the planet, especially in the pet care space, where ethics and affection collide. You see it in the compostable poop bags, the cruelty-free shampoos, the local, low-waste doggy daycares. If you’re someone who cares about the environment and can’t help but coo at a golden retriever in booties, starting a pet care business rooted in sustainability may feel less like a career and more like a calling. But make no mistake, it still demands spreadsheets, sweat, and strategy. You can’t just wing it with good intentions and a compost bin.

Choose Your Niche

Don’t let the word “pet” fool you; it’s a wide world out there. From high-end grooming vans with solar panels to subscription boxes for gerbils, the possibilities spiral fast. Start by picking one lane and owning it. The most grounded way to do that is to look into profitable pet services already out there and ask yourself where your values intersect with demand. Is it organic pet treats? Low-stimulation dog walking for senior pups? Think like a caretaker, but plan like a capitalist. Even good hearts need to keep the lights on.

Sustainable Practices

This is where your ideals become infrastructure. Sustainability in pet care goes beyond tossing recyclables in the blue bin. If you’re opening a pet grooming studio, swap single-use plastics for glass or biodegradable alternatives. For in-home services, plan routes efficiently to reduce emissions or offer virtual check-ins for anxious pet parents. There’s a growing movement encouraging entrepreneurs to embrace sustainability without tanking your bottom line. Even small gestures like repurposing towels or using local suppliers can build credibility. You’re not just cutting waste, you’re creating a business with a conscience.

photo from Freepik

Licensing and Legalities

Paperwork doesn’t purr, but it keeps you out of trouble. You’ll need a business license, possibly animal-specific certifications, and maybe even zoning approvals depending on your location. Insurance is non-negotiable. And don’t forget the money—it costs to register, insure, and outfit a startup, especially one where animals are involved. A breakdown of the costs to start a pet sitting or dog walking business might open your eyes to how quickly expenses can stack up. Budget more than you think and plan for the surprises. They always come.

Build Your Business Know-How

It’s tempting to believe that passion alone will carry you, but the truth is that a little financial fluency goes a long way. If profit margins and marketing metrics make your eyes glaze over, consider going back to school—seriously. A flexible business management degree program can give you the vocabulary and structure you need to turn a dream into a functioning, ethical company. Most online programs are designed for busy people juggling work, pets, and life. Don’t mistake this as fluff education. It’s a power move for anyone who wants to play the long game.

Marketing and Community Engagement

The best customers are the ones who believe in your mission as much as your services. To reach them, get local. Partner with eco-conscious pet brands, show up at green markets, host adoption events. Most importantly, start telling stories on Instagram, via email newsletters, at meetups. You don’t need a PR firm to build a community around your business, but you do need consistency and heart. Customers notice when your messaging feels real and your mission runs deeper than the About page. Be the kind of business people root for.

Scaling Your Business

Growth should feel intentional, not like you’re getting pulled behind a runaway sled dog. Before hiring staff or expanding into new services, track what’s working and what feels clunky. Does demand justify duplication? Are you delivering at the same quality, or are you stretched too thin to care about the compost bin? Scaling can be sustainable if it follows the same ethos you started with—low impact, high integrity, human-paced. Your future team should share your values and your vision, not just your logo.

Starting a sustainable pet care business isn’t a Sunday side hustle or a cute hobby. It’s a commitment, like any real relationship. One between you, your values, your clients, and yes, the animals that make it all worth it. If you do it right, your work becomes more than just transactions and tail wags. It becomes a daily demonstration that capitalism doesn’t have to be careless. Just careful, thoughtful, and a little bit obsessed with doing things better.

Dive into the captivating world of animal behavior and pet care at Susan Bulanda’s Blog, where passion for pets meets scientific exploration!

available at http://www.sbulanda.com

Dog fur vs dog hair. What is the difference? Does it matter to people who are allergic to dogs?

/ susanbulanda / 1 Comment

Dogs have a wide range of coat types, from very short with no undercoat to very long with dense undercoats to everything in between. Their fur can be silky soft to wiry hard.

The truth is that chemically, both dog hair and fur are the same, so what is the difference?  Dog hair has a longer growth cycle, similar to a person’s hair that will grow long if not trimmed. Dog fur always stays the same length. For example, you never see a long haired Boxer or Pointer and you never have a Poodle that does not need a haircut.

One difference between fur and hair is the texture. Hair is finer, often softer and usually wavy or curly. When you have a dog with hair that does not have an undercoat, is wavy or curly, the hair will trap the shedding hair and dander inside the coat, giving the impression that the dog does not shed and is allergen-free.

Dogs that have silky coats, regardless if they have a longer growth cycle or not, have a greater risk of having their coats mat, the longer the coat, the greater chance that it will mat. This means that the dog’s owner must groom their dog on a daily basis.

Mats are caused by the individual hairs twisting and forming a dense tangle of hair. Often the mats work themselves into such tight clumps close to the skin that the base of the hair will constantly pull, causing considerable pain for the dog. The closer the mat works itself to the skin, the more difficult it is to remove it and the greater risk there is in nicking the dog’s skin while trying to remove the mat. Maybe some of you remember as a child having tangles in your hair and how it hurt to pull them out. A mat in a dog’s coat hurts even more than that.

The most common places for mats to form are behind the ears, in the “arm pits” by the front legs and between the dog’s toes.

When you consider what type of dog to own, it is important to consider the grooming needs of the dog based on the type of coat it has. For those people who purchase mixed breed dogs, such as Labradoodles, or any Poodle mix, there is no way to tell what type of coat the dog will have. These dogs are not hypoallergenic as some people claim.

If a person is looking for a dog for themselves or family who has allergies, it is best to check with a doctor that is an ENT-Allergist or a doctor that specializes in allergies to see what preventative measures can be taken. It would be a good idea to spend time with the breed of dog you are considering to see if there is an allergic reaction. Sometimes people can tolerate a very short haired dog such as a terrier but cannot tolerate a short haired dog in the hunting group.

Breeds of dogs that are bred to be water dogs, such as Labradors, typically have more oil in their coats to protect them from the water, which can trigger an allergic reaction in some people. Another factor to consider which only a doctor can test for is the degree that you are allergic to dogs. Some people have a mild allergic reaction and medication can keep it in control. Some people cannot tolerate dogs at all. Also keep in mind that part of living with a dog when you have an allergy to dogs is keeping your house what I call, allergy clean. The dog dander and hair can build up in a home, especially in carpet, which can contribute to a person’s allergic reaction over time.

With a little bit of research and by knowing the truth about dog hair/fur, someone who wants a dog but is allergic to them, or wants a mixed breed dog can determine what type of dog to get. For those with allergies it is always safer to stick with a purebred dog because you can be sure of what you are getting. Most quality purebred dogs cost the same and sometimes less, than the over-priced “designer” mixed breed dogs that are available which are no more hypoallergenic than any other dog.

Breed Specific Legislation -Bully Breeds

/ susanbulanda / 2 Comments

Breed specific legislation has become a worldwide phenomenon, targeting for the most part the American Pit Bull terrier and any dog that resembles a Pit Bull or what is sometimes called a Bully breed. What is even sadder is that after over ten years of this prejudice, it continues. Many shelters will not adopt dogs that fit this description and often people who are interested in adopting a dog will avoid dogs that are labeled a Bully breed or look like one.

The fallacy of this attitude is that the behavior of an individual dog cannot be completely determined by its breed. Ironically, the Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Terrier are the only breeds that were bred not to bite their handlers in a situation where redirected aggression would likely occur.  

Because of breed specific legislation dogs that are labeled as Bully breeds often are killed or misused. The owners of these dogs are penalized if they try to get homeowners insurance or rent a place to live. The real tragedy is that dogs are often judged by how they look. A recent study has shown that veterinarians and shelter workers are often asked to identify what breed(s) a dog is, and the dog is labeled accordingly. DNA tests on the dogs classified as Bully breeds have shown that they were mislabeled up to 48% of the time. The study also showed that dogs labeled as a Bully breed often dramatically decreased their chances of being adopted.

This is very sad because most of the assessments were done by merely looking at the dog. It is often very difficult to determine what a dog is just by looking at it. For example, what would a Boxer/Labrador mix look like? Or a Boxer mixed with two or three other breeds. Consider what a Bull Terrier or even a Boston terrier mix would look like or a Bulldog mix. Even consider what a Rottweiler mix could look like.

The chances of a dog being a mix of something other than a Pit Bull is very likely.   Consider the fad of creating “designer” dogs. Keep in mind that designer dogs are a fancy name for mixed breed dogs that are usually a cross breed.

free clip art

Why then does it seem that the Bully breeds or Pit bulls have more attacks and sometimes fatal attacks on people? The answer is twofold. One it has to do with the way the dog was raised. Often the dog is purchased for protection, dog fighting, or as a status symbol. In many cases the dog’s owner does not know how, or care to properly train and socialize the dog. Two, poor breeding and improper breeding can create a litter of dogs that are more aggressive than the breed standard dictates. If you add a lack of proper socialization to that, there is a high risk that the puppies from that litter will have behavior problems, aggression being one of them. This is also true for any other breed or mixed breed of dog.

Also consider that many small dog bites are not reported because they do not do the damage that a larger dog bite does. If a small dog bites and it is reported, the media does not sensationalize it the way they do if it is a Pit Bull or Bully breed attack. What this means is that statistically there may be many more dog bites from other breeds of dogs.

Throughout history various dogs had the reputation of attacking people. There was a time that people feared the Doberman Pinscher, the German Shepherd and the Rottweiler. Today it is the Pit Bull and Bully breeds.

I recall years ago when I was showing my red Doberman that a teenage girl came up and was loving and kissing my dog, who was kissing her back and wiggling with delight. She asked me if this was a Vizsla? I said no that it was a Doberman. She gasped, quickly pulled back and said, “I’m afraid of them.”

It is interesting that in a day when we have become politically correct to the point of adnauseam, we treat our dogs the complete opposite.  

In conclusion it would seem that until we hold owners more accountable for the behavior of their dogs, and until we properly identify what a breed(s) a dog is, Pit bull and Bully breeds will continue to be a target and suffer as a result. Ironically there are other breeds of dogs that are truly unsafe, yet no one targets those breeds.  

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/02/160217140622.htm?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+sciencedaily%2Fplants_animals%2Fdogs+%28Dogs+News+–+ScienceDaily%29