Doggie Stress 101

     Doggie stress is a huge part of any canine's life. It can cause various adverse effects on your pup's health, such as immune system issues, decreased appetite, vomiting, and other potentially self-destructive habits. Some stress is useful as a good motivator, but in large amounts, stress will cause the aforementioned array of health issues and sometimes more.

     Decreasing stress can be accomplished in a variety of ways including medications, the widely popular "ThunderShirts", and even some good old-fashioned training. We prefer not to try medications unless absolutely necessary, as Marou is sensitive to many substances already. Training has done very little to help, so, with recommendations from a number of friends and acquaintances, we are going to try a thundersthirt to hopefully ease Marou's stress, and I will be posting a review when we finally do get one.

     Stress in many canines is situational, with kennel anxiety and separation anxiety being the main complaints from owners who I've met. Both of which are very difficult to overcome without professional help. "Crate games" have been known to help with kennel anxiety to an extent, but they aren't a definite solution, nor are they always a practical solution. One very important thing to remember when it comes to kennel anxiety is to never use the kennel as punishment to avoid the negative idea that it could give to your pooch. The only cure i have found for separation anxiety is company.

     As with anything concerning your pooch, you are the final authority on any decision, and you are always free to get creative with your remedies for common issues.

Omega 3 Fish Oil Supplement

     We've had Marou on an Omega-3 Fish Oil supplement for approximately a month now, and it has improved his skin and coat health dramatically. It has alleviated his sensitive skin greatly. He also likes to play will the caplets like little toys.

     We find it easier to get him to eat them if we poke a hole in them with a needle or snip a small piece off with a pair of scissors to allow the oil to seep out. He will squeeze the oil out by himself if we open up a hole for it.

     Now that he has learned that the delicious oil comes from inside the caplet, he is a lot more willing to eat it and thoroughly enjoys it.

     Since starting him on the supplement, we have noticed that his coat is shinier and softer, and his overall health has improved every so slightly. The only downside to the fish oil is that it does expire, and it can expire before you realize it. No one wants to taste expired fish oil, after all.