Table of contents for Dogs: Our Best Friends in Real Simple

WE GOT OUR handsome mutt, Rusty, eight years ago. I’d found him on Petfinder, a site that matches rescue animals and humans. (If you haven’t heard of it, beware. It is a time suck and may lead you to adopting an animal you didn’t know you needed. Ahem.) He was being fostered after he’d been found in a box in a parking lot in Arkansas. A rescue transport brought him and other dogs up for rehoming in the Northeast. It was a rainy October night when my family and I met the bus. We’d told our older daughter, then 8, that we were meeting friends. Despite the fact that we were at a park-and-ride off I-95 in Connecticut on a Friday night, and there was a crate in the…

DOGS AND children can be a great combination—under the right circumstances. The pup needs to like kids. Some do, some don’t. Some dogs are afraid of children. Even dogs who do get along with kids need to be trained and taught to understand boundaries. Here are some suggestions of how to proceed. Socialize Your Puppy Puppies go through a critical period of development between the ages of about 8 weeks and 16 weeks. They are more likely to learn to accept and be comfortable with different people and situations if they are socialized during this time. If you have a new puppy, have him get to know children in a positive way; introduce him to little ones of various ages in a variety of situations. The kids have to…

HAVE YOU BEEN to the vet’s office lately? According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, pet owners can spend more than $29 billion on veterinary bills every year. One way to help curb the cost of vet bills is pet insurance, which is similar to health insurance you’d purchase for yourself or your family, and may help with covering the cost of things such as routine checkups and unexpected emergencies. Pet insurance has increased in popularity in recent years. In fact, from 2022 to 2023, the number of insured pets grew by over 23 percent—a total of 5 million by the end of 2022. Is pet insurance worth it? Here are a few pros and cons to help you decide. The Pros YOU HAVE LOTS OF OPTIONS All vets…

Make Sure Your Pup Is up for It Not all dogs are cut out to pound the pavement. “Smooshed-faced, brachycephalic breeds [bulldogs, pugs, and Boston terriers are a few] can have a hard time breathing and should not go for runs,” says Justine Lee, DVM, a veterinarian in St. Paul, Minnesota, who regularly runs with her pit bull mix. What Dogs Make Good Jogging Partners? Those known for obedience, strength, and intelligence, such as English springer spaniels, vizslas, and Weimaraners, are great jogging buddies, according to the American Kennel Club. But breed isn’t everything, and don’t count out mutts. Other factors to consider are age (by 7 years old, dogs can start to lose a step), height (little legs have a hard time keeping up!), weight, and any previous…

PROPER NUTRITION is as important for dogs as it is for humans—necessary for their health and well-being. The factors are pretty much the same ones you consider for your own meal planning: figuring out the food you want to serve, being able to pick out quality ingredients, and keeping the tab within your budget. Figuring Out Your Pup’s Needs There’s a lot of information about canine nutrition available online, but it can be challenging to navigate and come up with a plan you’re confident about. Not all sites are reliable, and even among experts, opinions may vary. Your veterinarian is always the best resource. If you still have questions about what to feed your pup, you may want to ask for a referral to a veterinary nutritionist. Canine Nutrition…

ALTHOUGH YOU should generally avoid giving people food to your pet, there are some items that you can safely use as treats or with meals to make dog food more palatable. Opt for whole, unprocessed foods low in fat, salt, and sugar, such as unseasoned, boneless, lean meats and certain plain fruits and vegetables. Feed small portions as treats, remembering the rule that treats should make up no more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily intake. Avoid giving pups the following items, as they can be harmful or even toxic: • Alcoholic drinks or foods • Bones, antlers, and animal hooves • Caffeinated drinks or foods • Chocolate • Grapes/raisins • Macadamia nuts • Onions • Pits and seeds from fruits/vegetables • Xylitol (found in sugar-free or reduced-sugar…

THERE’S NO denying that the unconditional love from a four-legged friend makes us happy. We’re all pretty much aligned on that: Almost 90 percent of dog and cat owners said their pets have a positive impact on their mental health, according to a recent poll by the American Psychiatric Association. “I’m an absolute believer that my life has been made richer through my experience with animals,” says Hal Herzog, PhD, professor emeritus of psychology at Western Carolina University, who studies animal behavior. Herzog adds that, although we can be sure our pets brighten our days, he and his colleagues are still studying the science behind how they do it. Sticking with the theme of this issue, we looked into the available research and broke down some ways our animals…

IN THE FIRST WEEKS of March 2020, as my home city of Los Angeles shifted from deep denial to imminent lockdown, my Instagram feed filled with entreaties to foster shelter animals. The idea was that even if you weren’t in a position to adopt a pet permanently, you would probably be stuck at home for a while (maybe even a whole month!), and by giving an animal a break from the stress of a shelter environment, you’d make that animal more adoptable—by someone else, of course. My beloved dog, TyTy, had died in January, just before his 15th birthday, and I had no plans to fill that vacancy anytime soon. During TyTy’s old age, I’d started traveling a lot for work, and I’d come to rely so heavily on…

ONE OF THE hardest parts of being a new dog owner is getting him—and you—used to being left alone. It’s a process that can take some time, says Brett Endes, owner of the Dog Savant, a training service in Los Angeles. A good starting point is teaching him the “place” command. Announcing “place” directs him to stay on his bed or in his crate—ideally in a different room than the one you’re in. To do it, guide your pup into place with a leash, pause until he sits down, then give him small, low-calorie treats (preferably training happens before mealtime). After he’s gotten the hang of it, instruct him to lie down in his place. Gradually increase the amount of time between “down” and treating him. Tether the leash…

PROPER TRAINING and socialization are among your dog’s basic needs, and it is important to teach your fur baby to sit, stay, come, go to his crate, drop it, and go potty outside—and the sooner the better. Establishing consistent protocols from the outset will make life together easier for you and your dog. Use Positive Reinforcement This means you reward the behaviors you like and ignore the ones you don’t. There are lots of ways to acknowledge Spot’s good work: treats, playing with him with a toy or with other pets, or anything else the dog responds to. “Rewarding” techniques can even be used to teach fully potty-trained canines to ring a doggy doorbell to let you know when they need to relieve themselves. Make Training Fun Keep training…

YOUR DOG gets thirsty and water is essential, but there are several factors to consider before allowing him to drink from a shared water bowl, including where—and how clean—the bowl is, as well as the health of your pet. Among the risks of a communal bowl: contamination from saliva, bacteria, viruses, or parasites in the soil or mouths of other pups. “Dogs tend to put both paws in the water bowl and even pee and turn around and poop in the water bowls, for reasons we pet owners will never understand,” says Lindsay Butzer, DVM, a vet in Boca Raton, Florida. She warns that a dog with a runny nose or a cough can transmit the Bordetella virus, spreading kennel cough, while dog urine that gets in the bowl…

THE PROBLEM “My dog pees on the grass and our lawn looks terrible. What can I do?” THE PROS Shea Cox, DVM, medical director of BluePearl Pet Hospice; Frank S. Rossi, PhD, associate professor of horticulture at the School of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; Michael Shikashio, certified animal behavior consultant in Noank, Connecticut THE LOWDOWN It’s a common misconception that the acid in urine turns grass yellow or brown. In fact, the real culprits are the nitrogen and salt in pee. When urine hits grass, it sucks the moisture out of the plant cells, leaving behind a “burn” spot. Female dogs generally do more damage to grass because they squat, emitting a more concentrated stream than male dogs do. The good news:…

THE PROBLEM “My dog gets anxious and jumpy when there are fireworks; sometimes he runs away.” THE FIX The whole day and night leading up to the big day—whether it’s July 4, New Year’s Eve, or another local celebration—keep your pup indoors, as people in your area may start to celebrate early. Your dog may not be a flight risk, but if she is spooked by the firecrackers or fireworks, it could be all too easy for her to escape your yard. If you know she is afraid of loud noises, do not bring her to a fireworks show. Your pet will not suddenly overcome her fear. Be sure your pet is wearing a well-fitting collar with up-to-date ID tags at all times. Should worse come to worst, you…

AS WITH ANY activity, especially one involving animals and wheels, the motto is: safety first. If you want to train your pup to accompany you on bike rides, make sure she is the type—typically larger, more athletic breeds—that is up for it physically. Smaller, overweight, arthritic dogs or those with orthopedic injuries, heart or lung issues, or breathing difficulties are poor candidates. Step one is choosing a harness or bungee leash specifically designed for pups and bikes. Look for ones with attachments that keep the leash from getting caught in the wheels and provide leeway if your dog suddenly pulls in a different direction. If your dog pulls, stops, runs ahead, or cuts in front of you on walks, it will be the same—and more dangerous—on a bike. If…

THERE ARE A number of reasons parents like their children to have pets, some obvious (companionship and responsibility) and some less so (improved emotional and physical health). But it’s the adults who need to help foster a good relationship between all the little ones. The work is a family affair and starts even before the first meet-and-greet with your potential new pet: All household members need to participate in a discussion about a dog’s body language, communication signals, and behavior. They also need to be aware of the ground rules—kindness toward the animal, the importance of feeding and walking schedules—before the dog comes home. Your veterinarian can be a great resource for these chats, which can help set up everyone for success and increase the chances of a strong…

Before You Adopt Pets with disabilities—a chronic illness, physical disability, neurological issue, or vision or hearing loss—are less likely to get adopted. And that’s a shame because they can be especially rewarding. Before committing, think about what obstacles might arise and how you’d overcome them. If you rescue a dog that has to take medication multiple times a day (and you don’t work from home), could you pay a dog walker to administer the meds while you’re out? If you adopt a blind pet, could he manage your stairs? If you’re unsure about the financial, time, and emotional investments, consider a trial run by fostering a pet with a disability. Be Nosy at the Shelter When you’re at a shelter or adoption event, keep a level head (despite all…

JUST AS WITH other family members, dogs’ needs and living expenses impact the household budget and bottom line. According to the American Kennel Club, the average annual cost of dog ownership ranges widely, but a ballpark figure is $2,400 a year. That price tag includes food, treats, dog toys, beds, leashes, and routine veterinary care, among other things. Savvy owners, however, have a helpful list of money-saving hacks. Shop Supplies at Discount Stores The cost of purchasing pet supplies like beds, bowls, and toys can quickly add up, but that doesn’t have to be the case, says Stephanie Mantilla, a former zookeeper who is now an enrichment specialist and positive reinforcement–based animal trainer for Curiosity Trained, in Houston. Mantilla suggests shopping at discount department store chains to score a…

Narrow the Options You can’t be with Lucky 24/7, but how do you find the right doggie daycare, sitter, walker, or boarding facility? Ask for Recs Ideally, your friends, family, vet, or groomer can refer you to a sitter or (preferably) cage-free boarding facility they trust. Otherwise, organizations such as the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters and the International Boarding & Pet Services Association can help you find a provider. Choose someone with a lot of positive reviews who has already completed a background check. Ask for references, and don’t book them until you’ve met face-to-face. Which leads us to… Connect in Person Schedule a tour of the facility or a meet-and-greet with the sitter. Find out if the facility is climate-controlled and what the pet-to-staff ratio is.…

THE PROBLEM “I want to take my dog on vacation, but will it be too stressful for him?” THE PROS Andrea Arden, founder of Andrea Arden Dog Training, New York City; Angelica DiMock, DVM, shelter veterinarian at the Animal Humane Society, Golden Valley, Minnesota; Lindsey A. Wolko, founder of the Center for Pet Safety THE FEAR OF FLYING Think you’re uncomfortable on a plane? It’s even less fun for animals. When you can, leave your pets at home. If you must bring them, you can either carry them into the cabin with you or place them in cargo. (Trained service animals fly free with passengers; notably, in late 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation stopped considering emotional support animals to be service animals.) In the plane cabin, your pet…

Baths Before you fill the tub or sink, lay down a towel to keep your dog from slipping. Brush her fur before bathing, then wet her face with a damp cloth. Soak her body with a pitcher of warm water or a handheld showerhead. Rub in shampoo and rinse it out, squeegeeing her fur with your hand until you don’t see any suds; use the damp cloth to rinse her face. If your pup starts to pull a Baywatch hair flip as you’re washing her, place a hand on her head to help hold her still. Stash a towel within reach so you can lift it to form a barrier when you’re ready for your pup to shake off—or be prepared to slide the shower curtain shut with the…

A DOG’S THICK, oily coat is water-repellent, which helps it dry faster, but it can also trap and absorb various organic materials from the water. These microorganisms may remain on the coat as the water evaporates, leaving behind a foul odor. To help remove the smell: • Use a hose with a shower-like nozzle to rinse your dog off after he is done swimming for the day. Rinse longer than you think is necessary to remove pool chemicals or materials from a stream, a lake, or the ocean. • If your dog is a frequent swimmer, consider keeping his coat trimmed or shaved short, or spraying him with a coat conditioner before he takes a dip. • Try a pet-specific deodorizing spray to mask the odor until you can give…