Dogs, man's best friend: objects to keep your dog happy

The dog (Canis lupus familiaris), called domestic dog or can, and in some places colloquially called chucho, tuso, choco, among others; is a carnivorous mammal of the canidae family, which constitutes a subspecies of the wolf (Canis lupus). In 2001, it was estimated that there were 400 million dogs in the world. Their size (or size), shape and coat are very diverse depending on the breed. It has a highly developed ear and smell, the latter being its main sensory organ. Its average longevity is 10 to 13 years, depending on the breed.

The domestic dog comes from a common ancestor or ancestral group that dates back to approximately thirty thousand years ago and since then has spread to all parts of the world. The first fossil remains of dogs buried along with humans were found in Israel and date back to about twelve thousand years ago. Since then, dogs and humans have evolved together, both in African and Eurasian cultures, as well as in those that populated America and remained without contact with those until the 15th century. Dogs share the human environment, habits and lifestyle, such as diets rich in cereals and starch. Inadequate nutrition, as well as the use of antibiotics, is the cause of the development of many inflammatory and immunological diseases. About four hundred dog diseases have a human equivalent, especially Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders, as well as cancers, autoimmune diseases and cardiovascular diseases.

They have a great relationship with humans, such relationships include serving as companion animals, guard animals, working dogs, hunting dogs, water dogs, racing greyhounds, guide dogs, sheep dogs or herding dogs.

Why do dogs follow us everywhere?

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Dogs may have been domesticated thousands of years ago, but they are still considered part of a group like their wild ancestors

Dogs, our beloved pets, usually follow us everywhere, a behavior that, depending on how we feel that day, we can consider annoying or comforting. But what is the reason for "man's best friend" to do this?

Although there is no certainty shared by all scientists, according to Mental Floss, most researchers highlight a number of reasons that justify such constant accompaniment.

One is their herd mentality. Dogs may have been domesticated thousands of years ago, but they are still considered part of a group like their wild ancestors.

When there are no other dogs around, their human family becomes their pack. As experts explain, this genetic instinct is also what motivates dogs to observe you closely and seek your physical contact.

We are their "pack"

Another explanation for this behavior is to be found in the bond we have with our pet. Puppies up to 6 months old get attached to their human owners as if they were their mothers and, when they are adults, they maintain that bond: their owners give them care and affection and the dogs see them as beings that give confidence and security.

One theory points out that it is something "interested" and is that our dog is looking for us to reward it, either with food or with love

The latest explanation science has given to this canine behavior has more to do with the owner and how he relates to it than with the animal's natural instincts. When a dog is trained and educated, positive reinforcement takes place, that is, the pet is rewarded with treats or prizes for its good actions or behavior. This can cause the animal to relate the presence of humans to those rewards, so it follows him wherever he goes looking for a treat or a token of affection.

Whether it's for one reason or another, it means your dog sees you in a positive light, so it's best to enjoy his extra company, and not be afraid to close the door when you need some time alone.

Your dog is a privileged one: 70% of its fellows live in the street

With the end of confinement, dog abandonment has increased by 25%. The worst thing is that there is still the summer, the time when more pets are abandoned.

70% of the dogs that populate the world are homeless, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) collected by the Royal Canine Society of Spain (RSCE) on the occasion of World Dog Day, which is celebrated this Tuesday, July 21. This means that, of the 800 million dogs counted worldwide, about 500 million live abandoned and have no roof under which to sleep.

Despite the fact that the dog has always been a faithful companion of man, to this day it continues to suffer situations of abandonment and mistreatment throughout the world. Without going further, in Spain about 138,000 dogs are abandoned every year, according to data from the Affinity Foundation, a figure that in this 2020 could increase, since the end of the confinement due to the covid-19 pandemic has meant an increase in abandonments of 25% compared to the same dates last year.

Thus, with an increase in the abandonments, with the ravages of covid-19 still present and in the middle of summer -main time of abandonment-, the Real Sociedad Canina de España has launched the campaign 'Ni un perro sin hogar; ni un hogar sin perro' to fight against this problem and to make society aware.

With the ravages of covid-19 still present, the arrival of summer creates the perfect storm for man's best friend

This work has been underway since the state of alarm was decreed, as the RSCE has already detected an increase in the demand for puppies in full quarantine (specifically 50%), which could lead to the current situation, as now many have realized the responsibility that is to have a dog and do not want to assume it or, on the contrary, the economic situation pushes them to leave their pets, as their maintenance costs around 1,250 euros per year.

For this reason, the RSCE proposed the creation of a mutual veterinarian for families with pets with fewer resources, so that they can cover their dog's medical expenses and not be forced to abandon them or put them down if they fall ill.

As the president of the RSCE, Julián Hernández, reminds us, the work to achieve zero abandonment is something that belongs to everyone, but he also considers it important to highlight the work of responsible breeders, "the main ambassadors against this social scourge", who are involved in "the development and promotion of dog breeds, in responsible and controlled breeding, in the universal and mandatory identification of all their specimens and in teaching and advising all those who want to put a dog in their lives".

More sanctions and more education

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Therefore, the Royal Canine Society has asked the Directorate of Animal Rights, which is already working on the drafting of the new Law on Animal Protection, to increase penalties for abandonment and abuse, so as to eliminate the sense of impunity that now exists for committing these crimes. Likewise, it bets on animal education as a fundamental tool to make society aware of respect for animals and empathy, which would help to achieve the goal of zero abandonment.

70% of the dogs that populate the world do not have a home, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) collected by the Royal Canine Society of Spain (RSCE) on the occasion of World Dog Day, which is celebrated this Tuesday, July 21. This means that, of the 800 million dogs counted worldwide, about 500 million live abandoned and have no roof under which to sleep.

Despite the fact that the dog has always been a faithful companion of the man, nowadays it continues suffering situations of abandonment and mistreatment all over the world. Without going any further, in Spain about 138.000 dogs are abandoned every year, according to data from the Affinity Foundation, a figure that could increase in this 2020, since the end of the confinement due to the covid-19 pandemic has meant an increase of 25% in the abandonments compared to the same dates last year.

Thus, with an increase in the abandonments, with the ravages of covid-19 still present and in the middle of summer -main time of abandonment-, the Real Sociedad Canina de España has launched the campaign 'Ni un perro sin hogar; ni un hogar sin perro' to fight against this problem and to make society aware.

With the ravages of covid-19 still present, the arrival of summer creates the perfect storm for man's best friend

This work has been underway since the state of alarm was decreed, as the RSCE has already detected an increase in the demand for puppies in full quarantine (specifically 50%), which could lead to the current situation, as now many have realized the responsibility that is to have a dog and do not want to assume it or, on the contrary, the economic situation pushes them to leave their pets, as their maintenance costs around 1,250 euros per year.

For this reason, the RSCE proposed the creation of a mutual veterinarian for families with pets with fewer resources, so that they can cover their dog's medical expenses and not be forced to abandon them or put them down if they fall ill.

As the president of the RSCE, Julián Hernández, reminds us, the work of achieving zero abandonment is something that belongs to everyone, but he also considers it important to highlight the work of responsible breeders, "the main ambassadors against this social scourge", who are involved in "the development and promotion of dog breeds, in responsible and controlled breeding, in the universal and obligatory identification of all their specimens and in teaching and advising all those who want to put a dog in their lives".

Therefore, the Royal Canine Society has asked the Directorate of Animal Rights, which is already working on the drafting of the new Law on Animal Protection, to increase penalties for abandonment and abuse, so as to eliminate the sense of impunity that now exists for committing these crimes. Likewise, it bets on animal education as a fundamental tool to make society aware of respect for animals and empathy, which would help to achieve the goal of zero abandonment.

Fines to owners who neglect their pets increase the number of those collected in the street and overflow the city councils.

Today there are more than 400 dog breeds recognized around the world that have become "a cultural heritage and a historical and anthropological heritage of incalculable value"; hence the importance, according to the RSCE, of transmitting this knowledge and this part of history from childhood through animal education programs, which is another of the main requests of the Royal Society to the Government in view of the new legislation.

The food that could give your dog a heart attack

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Concerned about your pet? The link between dilated cardiomyopathy and diets without cereals or grains has been investigated for some time

The dog is man's best friend, with the permission of cat lovers. He has remained faithful to him for millions of years, they have hunted together and, nowadays, he walks and sleeps by our side, he keeps us company and gives us infinite love without asking us anything in return. You have to love him by force. The problem is that sometimes, without realizing it, we get too used to our life.

We're not talking about having to keep to a certain schedule, go for a walk at certain times while the rest of the time he spends at home or even sleep when you do, but we're talking about diet. There are many food plans that have become fashionable in recent years, from intermittent fasting to keto, to paleo. However, when it comes to feeding your dog, you can't think the same way.

The dogs that consume diets without cereals can have a greater risk of suffering cardiac problems

It may sound a little crazy to you, but it's not unreasonable: many people decide that their dogs should be on a cereal- or grain-free diet, perhaps because of sensitivity or allergies. However, it's a bad idea, because according to the latest studies, published in 'PLO One', dogs that eat a diet without cereals can have a higher risk of suffering heart problems. Researchers from the University of California, Davis examined the behaviors and diets of 24 Labrador retrievers who developed taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy (a condition in which the heart's chambers expand and do not work well in pumping blood). Then they compared those dogs with 52 others of the same breed but in good health.

Among the group that experienced the deficiencies and dilated cardiomyopathy, 23 of the 24 dogs had been fed grain-free diets, rich in legumes, or some combination of both. Eleven of the dogs with both conditions also had congestive heart failure. When given taurine supplements and foods that were not grain-free, 15 out of 16 dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy had improvements in their heart health within an average of eight months after the study. Among the 11 dogs with congestive heart failure that had been prescribed a diuretic, nine recovered from the condition and five were able to discontinue treatment with the drug, according to the journal 'Best Life.

Among the group that experienced the deficiencies and dilated cardiomyopathy, 23 of the 24 dogs had been fed grain-free diets

Furthermore, this is not the first study that is carried out in this respect and that draws very similar conclusions. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported in 2018 that it had been investigating the link between dilated cardiomyopathy and diets without cereals or grains. According to the FDA investigation, among a group of 515 dogs with the problem, 91% were fed cereal-free diets and 93% were fed peas or lentils among the main ingredients.

And, fortunately, if you're one of those who for some reason would rather your pet didn't eat grains because he's sensitive to certain ones, there are options that can help him stay well without increasing his risk of heart disease. Consult a veterinarian and monitor your dog if he's been on this kind of food for a while, to avoid any problems.

Going on vacation with your dog? Here's how to take him in the car to avoid fines

Few owners are aware of the regulations governing the transfer of pets by car and failure to comply with them can result in fines from the DGT of 100 euros.

Summer has already arrived and with it the longed-for vacations. In spite of the current situation of health crisis due to the coronavirus pandemic, Spaniards are also betting this year on making their trips; it is not for less, after three months of confinement. At this point, several doubts arise before taking those days of relaxation - in addition to the new protocols on beaches and pools by the covid-19 -, such as what to do with the pet.

If you have decided that your dog or cat will accompany you on your vacation, you should first know the existing road safety regulations so that you can transport them in the car without fines. The Association of Entities for the Technical Inspection of Vehicles of the Community of Madrid (AEMA-ITV) makes it very clear: 'pets do not pass the ITV'. For this reason, they remind us that traffic regulations consider animals to be merchandise and, therefore, there are guidelines to follow when carrying them in vehicles. Complying with these rules is important because, as the Guardia Civil has reminded us, it is stated in Article 18 of the General Regulations of Traffic, the driver must have "permanent attention to driving", without distractions, and must take care of the "proper placement of objects or animals transported so that there is no interference between the driver and any of them. However, a survey conducted by RACE and the National Association of Friends of Animals last March shows that one in five drivers who travel with their pets do not use a restraint system and 70% of people who have animals are unaware of the law regulating their transportation.

The first step is the simplest: decide how the animal will travel in the car. As a tip, from AEMA they recommend using a carrier (for small or medium size) or cage but, of course, should not go loose. To fix them in the vehicle you can use a safety belt or harness or use nets - they can be hooked to four points of the car in the trunk - and bars to separate the front seats or passenger area. The important thing is that the animal is properly restrained, whether they are short or long trips, as stated in the last campaign of the Directorate General of Traffic (DGT).

Once the journey has begun, and so that the pet remains calm, you can take some of its favorite toys, "it will give them peace of mind", says the Association. Not to mention water and food to keep them hydrated and nourished. However, no matter how attached the pet is, it is forbidden to leave them locked up in tourism, especially in the summer season, as they can suffer heat stroke if the temperatures are high and they remain alone for a long time. In addition, AEMA makes special emphasis in an important detail: that the dog does not take out the head by the window. This is an act that can be dangerous for any person when the car is in motion and, therefore, it is also dangerous for the animal. Also, both the Guardia Civil and the EEA agree that if the animal is loose this can distract the driver or interfere with his point of view, which would be a breach of the regulations. Moreover, the risk may be even greater because if the car is driven at a speed of 50 km / h, the weight of the animal is multiplied by 35 in case of accident. As if this were not enough, the DGT imposes economic fines ranging from 100 euros and could reach 200 if the animal is located in the driver's cabin.

How many times must a dog be fed?

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Find out how often man's best friend eats

Research, led by the Institute of Food and Nutrition Science and Technology (ICTAN), showed that eating more than four meals a day, as well as maintaining an optimal speed during them, contributes to greater thinness and less body fat. And, although not all people follow this recommendation to the letter, the truth is that most of us tend to eat between three and five meals a day. It is a frequency that we have more or less clear. However, the subject is much more confusing when we talk about pets. Specifically, how many times should a dog eat?

From the pet section of the WebMD portal, which specializes in health and well-being issues, we are provided with various dog food systems. The first one is very convenient, although it has its disadvantages: allowing the dog to decide when to eat. "It implies leaving the food all day long so that the dog can decide when to eat. It is a method for very active dogs that burn a lot of calories. For dogs that are at a healthy weight," explains WebMD. The disadvantages? When you have two pets in the house, this method can cause conflicts between them.

But we have alternatives. The second feeding system proposed by the WebMD experts is the portion control system. In this case, we must first find out from the vet what the ideal weight of our dog is. Once we have this information, we can provide the dog with the recommended amount for that weight in the bag of feed. However, WebMD recommends dividing this amount of food in two doses: "It is better to do it twice a day at intervals of 8 to 12 hours". That way, we manage to increase the frequency without exceeding the recommended daily amount.

Finally, from the specialized magazine they advise a hybrid system for those owners who have a dog without any kind of overweight problem, and therefore can eat more freely, but do not want to leave the food all day in the house for hygiene reasons. The attraction of insects and rodents from the food in the bowl makes many people decline the free feeding system. For all of them, the experts at WebMD recommend scheduled feeding. "It involves giving your dog a certain amount of time, like thirty minutes to eat," they explain in more detail.

And what happens when that time is up? Well, we have to remove the bowl of food until the next dose. Again, we're back to where we started: how often do you give that dose? As we saw when we talked about the portion control system, it is recommended that the programmed feeding takes place every eight or twelve hours. This way, "when we offer them food again, the dogs will be hungry and ready to eat again". But this system has many other advantages beyond our comfort by not having an organic source attracting animals to our home.

As told by PetFinder, one of the world's leading pet adoption organizations, "having regularly scheduled feeding schedules allows us to monitor our dog's health. The reason? "If our dog normally eats enthusiastically as soon as we leave the bowl in the air, he will notice the lack of appetite much more clearly when it occurs, often an indication that he is not well. In addition, programmed feedings make it easier for dogs to get used to defecating at specific times. These are all advantages.

10 ways to make your dog happy

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Have you ever wondered how you can make your dog happy? How do you usually feed it? Do you let it smell everything in its reach? And are regular walks usually part of your routine? In this article we share some tips to make your pet feel like the king of your house. Let's learn about 10 ways to make your dog happy.

Try to keep him clean and brushed

Dogs like to feel clean and cared for. That's why regular brushing not only makes your pet look pretty, but also helps prevent some skin diseases. Besides, that moment is very important for both the animal and the owner, since it helps to strengthen the bond between both. You will surely enjoy the interaction that can be achieved with your little friend.

Keep their ears clean to avoid mites or infections. Brush his teeth frequently and bathe him at least once a month.

Cut his nails

On the other hand, pay attention to your dog's nails. When they are too long, your pet could be seriously affected. Ask your vet what the best tricks are for trimming them.

Choose the right food

Food is also very important. Therefore, choose a high quality food that promotes the health and wellbeing of your dog. And don't forget to adjust it to your pet's age. Don't let your puppy be fed adult food.

Keep his water bowl fresh. A bowl of fresh water is vital for your pet's good health. So always keep his bowl full of water.

Avoid fleas. These annoying insects can make your pet feel really uncomfortable. Besides, they cause allergies and transmit diseases.

Pay attention to their health

Spaying or neutering is a good option to preserve your dog's health. They lead longer and healthier lives and also avoid overpopulation of animals.

Your dog should be thin. Don't give him any food leftovers and keep his regular exercise routine.

Try to keep any toxic element out of his reach and don't medicate your dog with remedies that are usually prescribed to humans.

Play with your dog

Every day play with your dog. Make a game dynamic. You'll be surprised how much your mood can change, and of course, your dog's too.

Also, take your dog for daily walks. It is very important that you do it. Your dog needs to spend all the accumulated energy and what better than to do it in some walk.

If you have the possibility, you can take your dog on a trip with you. The countryside, the beach, or perhaps a forest far from the city can be a good option for your pet to change his air.

Take a look at your little friend's toys - are they safe and durable? Pay close attention to the small parts. They could be swallowed or have sharp edges.

Let him explore his sense of smell

Dogs love to smell everything around them. Through their sense of smell, they discover their mediate universe. Take your dog to a park, an open field or to his favorite trail and let him smell all the new scents. You can combine this activity with a game. Have you tried going out in the garden and playing with a rubber ball? How about trying a flying disc?

Have him chew

When dogs chew they reduce their stress. It also helps their barking to decrease. Provide your dog with chew toys that are safe and allow him to satisfy his instincts.

Try to understand their language

Low tail? This can mean fear or anxiety. Wagging your tail? Happiness, of course! Watch your dog's body language so you can be more attentive to his needs.

Making your dog happy, pampering and more pampering

Hug your dog. Cuddles are very necessary for dogs and humans. Improve the interaction with your pet and make him feel that he is the most important one in the house.

Keep him safe

It's not obvious. Millions of dogs are lost every year. Make sure your dog is not one of them. Determine the best identification option for your friend, whether it's a collar tag, a microchip or a tattoo. And, of course, make sure you comply with local laws.