Your new puppy is the cutest thing on four legs: all floppy ears, oversize feet, and youthful exuberance. She’s a wonderful addition to the family, but there’s one problem – her razor-sharp little teeth tear through everything with the energy of a whirling dervish. You’ve sacrificed your favorite heels, your kids’ toys, and the legs of the dining room table to her teething, and your patience is at an end. You’ve got to make peace with your puppy and her need to chew.

Take heart: it will get better. A puppy’s incessant chewing is related to two things: teething and the need to explore her new world. She’s really not much different from a baby – when babies are cutting teeth, they drool and chew; and while small people explore their world with their hands, small dogs explore with their mouths.

By the time a puppy is eight weeks old, she has about 28 puppy teeth; over the next year these teeth are shed to make way for about 42 adult teeth. It’s a less than pleasant process, and one that causes your puppy some pain and frustration. Chewing helps alleviate discomfort, and may also help push the new teeth through the gums. Your best tool during this time is patience and love; expecting a puppy not to chew is much like expecting a infant to stop crying because you told him to. It doesn’t happen, because the baby – whether canine or human – can’t stop. That said, here are a few tips to help you get through this challenging time:

• Don’t offer your puppy an old sock or shoe to chew on. She doesn’t know the difference between “old” and “new,” and as soon as the item you give her wears out, she’ll assume it’s ok to grab another one from your closet. Never let her think it’s ok to chew on any of your possessions. That means “puppy-proofing” the area where you keep your dog most often, removing any item that cannot be used for chewing.
• Some puppies chew out of boredom or excess energy. Redirect that energy with a little entertainment! Take her for a run; teach her to fetch; wrestle with her in the back yard.
• Excessive chewing while you’re away can indicate separation anxiety. Try rubbing your pup’s bedding and toys between your hands before you leave the house; she will get comfort from your scent.
• Provide her with appropriate chew treats and toys. The Dingo brand Munchy line is perfect; they are softer than our original chew so they don’t overexert baby teeth, but have the same premium rawhide and a great real chicken taste.
• Remember she’s just a baby! Just as you teach your children the proper way to behave, you must teach your puppy. Patience and gentle guidance now will pay off in the years to come when you find yourself with a loving, faithful, well-behaved adult dog.

Great article from the Today Show, MSNBC and the Associated Press:

LOS ANGELES — Ready for your dog’s days of summer? Everybody seems to have a list of tips.

Most are no-brainers. Don’t leave dogs in hot cars or let them walk on hot asphalt, play too hard or get too much sun. Apply flea and tick repellents, and if you’re in a mosquito-prone area, talk to your vet about heartworm prevention pills. Take dogs on walks early or late to avoid midday heat and provide ample drinking water.

But there are other risks that come with heat, vacations and outdoor play.

Here are some ways to keep dogs healthy and comfortable this summer, with tips from veterinarian Louise Murray, vice president of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals’ Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital in New York City.

Grooming
A dog’s coat is like insulation, warding off cold in the winter and heat in the summer. Trim, but don’t give your dog a crew cut or such a close shave that it takes away that protection.

Dogs get sunburn and skin cancer, so never cut fur shorter than an inch. (In some breeds, even an inch is too short.)

Dogs shed more in summer, so brush to get rid of extra fur along with fur that’s matted from water play.

Heat relief
Most pets find cool, shady spots to lie down, but some — especially animals that are overweight or can’t tolerate heat — might benefit from cooling beds, mats or vests.

The mats get filled with water, which mixes with a high-tech gel to create a cool, waterbed-like cushion. Consumer reviews are generally positive but caution that some beds spring leaks (or are chewed by dogs).

Food
No food will keep your dog cooler, but food helps keep body temperature up, so dogs may not need to eat as much in the summer.

If your dog stays at a dog-friendly hotel with you or at a kennel, consider bringing food from home. A change in diet can cause diarrhea.

Barbecues and picnics are a veterinarian’s nightmare. Keep pets in the house or on a leash to prevent them from being fed or lapping up things that are bad for them, whether it’s spilled alcohol or onion dip. Onions, garlic, grapes, raisins and chocolate are the most toxic foods for dogs.

Vacations
Dogs can get carsick if they’re not used to driving, so go for small trips before a road trip.

On boats, consider a doggie life vest. Protect the dog from gasoline and other toxic products. At the beach, provide drinking water so the dog does not drink salt water.

On planes, if your pet is small enough, keep it in the cabin with you. Call ahead because some airlines limit animals per flight. Be prepared to pay a fee and check on necessary paperwork.

If your dog must fly as cargo, note that the U.S. Department of Transportation says short-faced breeds like pugs and bulldogs die during air transport at much higher rates than other breeds.

If you’re boarding your dog, remember that many kennels require proof of vaccines such as rabies and kennel cough.

Lawns
Some lawn products are toxic to dogs and cats. Weed killers and herbicides are the worst — some cause cancer. Some fertilizers are also toxic. All a dog or cat has to do is walk on the lawn and lick its paws to be exposed.

In 2010, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center received more than 4,000 calls related to garden toxins. These include herbicides, plants (hydrangea, tulips, azaleas, lilies), insecticides, mushrooms, fertilizers and cocoa mulch.

Overheating
Recognize overheating if you see it — excessive panting, difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, seizures, and elevated body temperatures over 104 degrees.

“A lot of dogs will just keep running until they drop because they have so much heart and so much energy,” said Murray. “You have to be proactive.”

Animals with flat faces, like pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively.

Sponge the animal with lukewarm water and seek veterinary care if you suspect overheating.

Windows
Murray’s clinic sees two or three pets a week that have fallen or jumped from apartment windows, roofs, balconies or fire escapes. Multiple limb fractures or potentially deadly internal or brain injuries often result. Use window screens, open windows from the top instead of the bottom, consider child-safety window guards.

We loved this amazing story … amid the tragic situation confronting Joplin, MO, here is something heartwarming for dog lovers:

Dog with two broken legs finds owner after storm
By Liz Goodwin

A scruffy Alabama terrier mix named Mason was whisked away by fierce twisters last month, prompting his owners, who lost their home in the storm, to fear the worst. But the redoubtable mutt apparently crawled back to his home days later with two broken legs in a remarkable tale of survival.

Local news outlet WBRC reports that Mason was blown away by the storm from the garage in Birmingham where he was hiding on April 27. His owners looked for him everywhere but couldn’t find him. Two and a half weeks later, though, they found Mason waiting for them on their front porch when they returned to the house to look through the debris.

Workers at the Birmingham Jefferson County Animal Control shelter are now caring for Mason, since his owners say they can’t take care of him while they piece their lives back together after the storm. “This is probably the most dramatic we’ve seen as far as an injury in an animal that’s survived this long. It’s kind of tapering off, the amount of animals we’re seeing because of the storm. For an animal just to show up on someone’s porch after this time was pretty remarkable, especially with the condition he’s in,” shelter worker Phil Doster told the news station.

Mason is “doing fantasic” after his May 20 surgery where metal plates were attached to his bones so they could heal, Doster told The Lookout in an email. “We are excited that he will be going back to his family and to the home where he finally returned after 3 weeks,” he wrote. Mason is expected to be able to walk completely normally after he recovers in about six weeks, though his front legs will be a bit shorter than his back legs. Mason’s family has requested to not be named in the media, Doster added, but they are “very excited” for Mason to come home when their house is again habitable in about five weeks.

Pets are often forgotten victims of natural disasters such as the fierce storms and tornadoes that have battered the Midwest the past few months. The Human Society of the United States has sent rescue teams to find pets in Joplin, Missouri, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and other hard-hit areas.

Chewing and dogs go together like peas ‘n carrots. Dogs are instinctively driven to chew, a need rooted in the deepest recesses of the canine brain, no doubt intertwined with … well, we don’t know what exactly, but we do know dogs love to gnaw. And some dogs REALLY love it.

How do you know you’ve got an aggressive chewer on your hands? If you have to ask, you probably don’t. Let’s just say that if your dog can lay waste to an appropriately-sized regular rawhide chew in less than an hour; if floss toys are mere thread before you finish making dinner; if the words “snap, crackle, pop” make you think of your dog’s chew instead of Rice Krispies; if every pair of shoes you own is in shreds, you’ve got one.

So now what to do? Don’t worry – Dingo’s got you covered. Our Dingo Mega Rawhide Bones were created for dogs who chew like it’s their doggone job. We took our premium rawhide and compressed it into a tight mold around our tasty real-meat-in-the-middle beef to create one long-lasting chew that will keep even the most aggressive chewers occupied for a good long while. Your dog will satisfy his need to gnaw, his teeth will be healthy, your shoes will be safe, and you can stop blowing the household budget on chew treats and toys that don’t last the hour.

What do the furry guys and gals themselves think of Dingo Mega Rawhide Bones? In the words of Spike, a poodle whose need to chew sometimes gets the best of him, “These are the real deal if you love to chew like me. I recommend these to all my fellow chewers out there.” From the mouths of dogs … what more proof do you need?

Left alone, rawhide is almost indestructible and has an unlimited shelf life. But left alone, what good are these tasty, healthy chew treats for our very best furry friends? Left alone our pooches never get to enjoy their chewy, real-meat-in-the-middle goodness, and that just won’t do. So let’s talk about how to best take care of your rawhide chews so that your dog gets the very most out of each and every one.

First, keep your rawhide in a dry container away from any moisture. This will keep them tasty and germ-free, ready for you to hand over to your dog chewing satisfaction. Dry rawhide chews will not attract bugs, but basted ones may, so be sure to put those in an airtight bag or container.
When rawhide gets moist (as it’s apt to do in your dog’s mouth) it begins to get chewy and to harbor bacteria from dirt and saliva. After a good working-over, it’s best to take the rawhide away from your dog and let it dry out so it firms up again.

Once the rawhide has been gnawed to a small piece, you might want to take it from your dog if he’s known to swallow such things.

Never let your dog work on a rawhide chew treat for more than a week. At that point it’s pretty dirty and the germs have begun to accumulate – best to throw it out and let your pooch sink his teeth into a new one.

At Dingo, we are proud to use only the very best premium rawhide wrapped around our unique real-meat-in-the-middle center. All our chew treats are extensively tested to ensure chewing safety and satisfaction.

Bon appétit!

Recently we held a “Great Things Come in Small Packages” Sweepstakes, inviting all our Dingo dog families to submit fun stories and pictures about their furriest members and their favorite chew treats. Everyone received a $5 coupon for Dingo treats, and one winner was chosen at random to win a year’s supply of Dingo. Here’s the winner’s story all about a Jack Russell terrier named Baby – and a photo of Baby checking out his jackpot!

“Baby is a 3-year-old Jack Russell terrier. Baby was a puppy that my friend gave away. He was very cute and looked like bunny, small with no tail. We decided to adopt him! We called him “Baby” Because we are deaf and it’s easy to voice call “Baby.” He is very smart and trained – he even knows sign language since we are a deaf couple. He knows the signs for “Mom” and “Dad” and “restroom” and “No”. He is always playful with any toys and always there for me in a minute, when I am sick or cry or hurt. Baby is one of our children since he is part of family! He is very friendly to any visitors in our home. When we are going to bed, he jumps on the bed and walks under my blanket and sleeps with us! Funny thing, when we are hugging and kissing, guess what Baby is doing? Jumping and barking at us, wanting to join in, so we grab him and hug together and kiss! I know he is jealous when we hug or kiss! We are dog lovers! If you see a puppy or dog that needs a home, please adopt dogs from animal shelters or anywhere, he will protect you and will always be part of your family! If you can’t adopt the dogs or any animal, you can support and donate money or anything to animal shelters!!”

We’d like to give a great big bark-out to all our contest entrants – thanks so much for sharing your pet with us! You can read more stories on the Dingo website, and keep an eye out for future sweepstakes.

Baby and his treats!

One of the most lovable elements of a pooch’s personality is his sense of play. From puppyhood through senior status, almost every dog has games and toys that take him to his happy place.

Playing with your dog serves several purposes. First, it’s fun! It will strengthen your bond and build your friendship. Second, it burns off energy in “bouncy” dogs, especially puppies who need lots of activity to keep them out of trouble; in older dogs, it’s a great way to help them get the exercise they need throughout their lifespan. Play can also be used as a reward for good behavior – many dogs will do anything for a good game of fetch and a belly rub. And last, games are a great accompaniment to training because it represents a chance to remind your pet that you’re the alpha dog whose commands must be obeyed.
Games can go beyond a simple round of fetch. Here’s a quick list of familiar children’s games that can be tweaked to give your favorite furry friend (and yourself) an awesome round of fun.

• Find the Button – You’ll need a treat like Dingo Goof Balls to play this one. Start by putting your dog in the “stay” position and place the treat where she can see it. Release her and let her eat her treat. Repeat this process a few times, moving the treat to different positions so she gets the idea. Next, hide the treat where she can’t see it, but make sure she can see where you go. Release her and let her find it, or show her if you have to. As the game progresses, make the hiding places more difficult and make sure she keeps her “stay” position until you release her. This is a great way to reinforce the “stay” command.
• Hide and Seek – This one works very closely to the version you grew up with. While out of your dog’s line of sight, call him to come to you. Greet him with plenty of enthusiasm. Increase your distance and start hiding behind things (the couch, the door, etc.) to keep your buddy interested. This is a great game for kids to play with their dogs.
• Jumping – many dogs love to feel the air under their paws. Just prop a long wrapping paper roll across two chairs and stand on the other side from your dog. Call her name and watch her leap! Reward her with a small treat like Dingo Ringos afterwards. A word of caution – don’t try this one with a puppy; his bones are too fragile.
• Tetherball – just as many dogs can be taught to catch a flying Frisbee, they can also be taught to play a good game of tetherball. If you have a tetherball set, start batting the ball around and show him how to bat it back with his paws. Again, a little reward for a game well played is always a great idea!
Dogs naturally love to move and are eager to please their owners. Before you know it game time will be best part of the day for you and your canine companion!