What Are Dog Hot Spots?

When used in reference to technology, hot spots are usually a good thing. But the same isn’t true if this term is used when talking about a dog. While hot spots can also be referenced by their scientific names of superficial pyoderma or pyotraumatic dermatitis, all these variations refer to the same issue. That issue is when a dog’s skin is infected or inflamed.

When Your Holiday Visitors Don't Like Dogs

Now that the holiday season is officially underway, you may be expecting holiday visitors in just a couple of weeks. While hosting guests for the holidays does take planning and effort, getting to spend quality time with people who matter to you is always a very special experience.

Why Dogs Bow When They Want to Play

One of the reasons that being a dog owner is such a rewarding experience is dogs are incredibly expressive animals. If you stop and think for just a second, chances are you can easily list a variety of different ways your dog expresses itself. While some of the actions that dogs take are pretty self-explanatory, others can seem a little foreign to us humans. A perfect example of that is bowing. Regardless of your dog’s size, breed or age, you’ve probably noticed it bowing. You’ve probably also noticed that your dog seems to bow at specific times. If you enjoy seeing your dog take this action but are still scratching your head in regards to exactly what it means, keep reading to get the full scoop:

Prepping Your Dog for Trick-or-Treating Visitors on Halloween

One of the reasons that fall is such a great season is it’s the time of year when Halloween takes place. This holiday is special for most because it provides spooky fun for both children and adults. Although there’s a lot for people to like about Halloween, it’s important to be aware of its potential downsides. The issue we want to focus on today is why Halloween can be a stressful experience for dogs. While dogs with an anxious personality are especially prone to having a less than stellar time on Halloween, all the increased activity of this holiday can create stress for just about any dog.

Since no dog owner wants their pet to feel bad, the good news is there are steps you can take to minimize your dog’s stress on this festive night. In fact, we’ve put together a guide on exactly what you can do:

1. Safety First

One of the most important things to remember about Halloween night is due to all the extra noise and activity going on, there’s a chance that your dog will panic. If that happens, you don’t want your dog to take off in a state of confusion. That’s why it’s worth double-checking your home to ensure there aren’t any spots where that could happen.

2. Minimize Noises

Regardless of whether or not you’re going to be home on Halloween night, you can help keep your dog calm by creating a quieter space for it. Opting for a bedroom or other spot that’s farther back in your home is ideal. You can create a space for your dog to rest and put any items like toys that it really likes. In terms of dealing with the noise, turning on a TV or radio and also a box fan works well for creating a consistent murmur that will drown out other random sounds.

3. Staying Inside is Generally Best

While there are some dogs who do fine in crowds and won’t be bothered by things like kids running around in masks, plenty of dogs will get overwhelmed by that type of environment. So if you have any concerns about your dog’s ability to handle stress, the best option is to let your dog stay in the comfort of your home.

4. Don’t Forget About the Danger of Candy

Most dog owners know that candy and dogs are a potentially dangerous combination. However, given the increased amount of candy that may be around your home this month, we simply want to remind you to keep these goodies in a secure spot where there’s absolutely no chance of your dog reaching. If you feel guilty about everyone else in your household getting to enjoy Halloween sweets, you can include your dog by giving it one of our tasty dog treats ..