September is National Service Dog Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and showing appreciation for the extraordinary work service animals do every day for the people in their care. National Service Dog Month honors these working dogs for making millions of lives better and safer.

As partners and companions to our human species, dogs understand us and can read our emotions. They have intrinsic therapeutic capabilities. Even an untrained dog can be an emotional anchor for a person with anxiety or depression, but a trained service dog can bring specific techniques to bear.

Help us celebrate and spread the word about service dogs and all the amazing things they do for us during National Service Dog Month in September!

Service Dogs: Working Canines Who Deserve Our Thanks

Service dogs help those with debilitating medical conditions, from autism to blindness, seizure disorders and hearing impairments, diabetes and those who need physical assistance, and they also serve our wounded warriors suffering from conditions like PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and mobility issues.

Service dogs provide companionship while inspiring confidence, and they live to serve, protect, and assist their handlers. They help their humans perform tasks, overcome disabilities, and live fuller lives.

All of these animals dedicate and often risk their lives to help their humans.

Where Did National Service Dog Month Start?

Originally called National Guide Dog Month, National Service Dog Month was established in 2008 by actor and animal advocate Dick Van Patten.

After a visit to Guide Dogs of the Desert in Palm Springs, Van Patten was so inspired that he launched a fundraising drive to benefit guide and service dog training schools throughout the country.

What began as a single fundraiser evolved into an annual celebration of the extraordinary work that service dogs do.

Where Do Service Dogs Come From?

Many service dog organizations have a twofold objective: to provide a trained companion animal for people in need and to save an animal’s life by using rescue animals for this work. With thousands of dogs dying in shelters every year, simply because they are homeless, it’s a perfect partnership.

Dozens of organizations look to shelters for rescue animals who can have another chance at life as service companions.

Animal Farm Foundation is one these groups. They’ve established a service dog training program so rescued Pit Bulls can train for work traditionally reserved for other breeds.

Dozens of other organizations are training service dogs to meet specific needs:

• Canines Companions for Independence
• Canines for Disabled Kids
• Guide Dogs of America
• Patriot Paws
• Best Friends Animal Society

Service dogs are therapeutic and train to help their owners manage a variety of physical and emotional disabilities. They have a legal right to go everywhere in support of their person. They deserve a month for us to celebrate their work and honor these loyal companions who make life better for so many of us.

Will you help us celebrate National Service Dog Month in September? Have you ever relied on a service dog for assistance? Let us know in the comments below!

Caring for a dog is a big responsibility. You can find many guides online, like from The Pampered Pup to tell you the best dog foods, or the best flea collars. But many people don’t know the best ways to keep your dog safe—especially when it comes to snakes!

You should know that when you walk your dog or let them play in the backyard, there is always a possibility they could encounter an unsafe situation. All pet owners should know how to identify venomous snakes, and how you can keep your dog away from them in the future! Here’s everything you need to know to protect your pet.

What do venomous snakes look like?

There are many different kinds of venomous snakes throughout North America. Though they vary in appearance, there are some key signs to tell whether or not a wild snake is venomous.

·       Most of the time, a venomous snake will have a varying color pattern. If you see a snake that is one solid color, it is most likely harmless.

·       Venomous snakes have a triangular-shaped head. Harmless snakes will have a more rounded head. This is because the venom glands require more room in a snake’s head.

·       Venomous snakes have rattles. If you see a snake with a rattle, it is the venomous rattlesnake. Some harmless snakes copy the rattling noise but lack the actual “rattle” on the end of the tail.

·       There will also be a possible heat sensor in dangerous snakes. These heat sensors look like a small depression on the head, and are called “pits” (which is where “pit viper” comes from) Not all dangerous snakes have a pit, but if it does, it is a dangerous snake.

Even if you don’t know how to identify these snakes in the wild, you should treat every snake you see as a venomous one. This is the best way to ensure that you don’t get poisoned or get your dog into trouble.

So how do I keep my dog safe?

Ensuring that your dog is safe in your backyard or on a walk is relatively straightforward. You can use training techniques or control your environment to help them stay safe. Here are the best methods to keeping your dog safe from snakes:

1.     Teaching them to “leave it.” This means that the dog will be able to respond to a command such as “leave it” when they need to turn their attention away from something. Start of teaching your dog to ignore smells, toys, and other dogs. Then you can train your dog to ignore snakes in controlled environments with real snakes.

2.     Keep a short leash. When you’re on a walk, a shorter leash can give you more control over your dog and where they walk. It may take a few walks for your pet to get used to it, but making sure they are close to you is a great way to monitor them.

3.     Remove any wood from your backyard. If you find that you have snakes in your backyard, get rid of any piles of wood where snakes may live in.

4.     Fence and chemical barriers to keep snakes out. Solid fences can prevent them from sneaking through. Combining this with snake-deterring chemicals can help your dog run freely in the yard once more.

In conclusion

As a responsible pet owner, keeping your pets safe should be your number one priority. Always keep in mind these signs to tell dangerous snakes apart from harmful ones, and make sure you take the proper precautions against these snakes with training or environmental control. Do this, and you won’t have to worry about your pet getting hurt.

Man and dog have lived together for thousands of years. These shaggy beasts have helped us hunt, guarded our houses and looked after our livestock. Over time, technical progress has made many of the functions our four-legged friends performed obsolete. However, the relationship between dogs and people have remained largely unchanged – they only moved to a slightly different level.

So, why would a person need a dog these days?

There are many reasons for this. In fact, quite a few dog owners have no idea why they got their four-legged friend in the first place. Sometimes, it’s got something to do with their unfulfilled childhood dream. When we were kids, we all wanted to have a dog, but, unfortunately, our parents wouldn’t let us get one (either due to unsuitable housing conditions or for some other reason). However, our childhood dream remained deeply embedded in our subconscious mind. And now that we’ve grown up, the “dreamer” inside us finally gets to realize our long-cherished desire.

When you need a college paper, you go to professional writers. However, when you need a pet, you get a dog! That is exactly why some people look for cute retrievers, while others are obsessed with charming Labradors. In any case, there are many dog breeds of dogs in the world and everyone can find one to their liking.

But did you know that some of them can really make you gape in surprise?

1. Azawakh

The Azawakh is a greyhound breed native to Africa. For centuries, humans have used them for hunting animals and guarding their houses. They are able to endure hot weather and are very hardy. The Azawak was bred by nomadic tribes living in one of the most inhospitable places on our planet. Unfortunately, they left behind little material evidence of their presence; in fact, they did not even have their own writing.

As a result, no information about these animals was available until the beginning of the 20th century. Although the exact age of the canine is unknown, the Azawak belongs to one of the oldest breeds. Researchers agree that these dogs evolved from domesticated wolves some 14,000 years ago.

Petroglyphs found in their habitat area, i.e. the Middle East, India, and China, date back to the 6th-8th centuries BC and depict them hunting different animals. Back then, the Sahara was most fertile and covered with lush vegetation.

Although the Sahel (the location the Azawakh originally comes from) is much more fertile than the Sahara, it remains a harsh place to live in. The scantiness of resources prevented the locals from keeping a lot of dogs, which is why they left only the best puppies alive.

Because the Azawak is capable of developing very high speeds in extremely hot weather, they are used for catching fast-running animals.

However, what makes the Azawakh unique is that they can perform security functions. Traditionally, they sleep on rooftops, and when a predator approaches, they are the first to notice them and raise the alarm.

2: Peruvian Inca Orchid

The first Peruvian dog was spotted by Spanish colonizers. These animals had been bred in Peru for hundreds of years before our era. The Peruvian Orchid of the Incas has two subspecies: the first one is bald, while the second one is covered in hair. According to the breed standard, the bald subspecies is to have little hair on top of their head, legs and the tip of their tail. The locals kept the bald ones as their pets and used the hairy ones for hunting. Nowadays, the naked Peruvian dog, as it is called in their homeland, is a rare sight in Peru.

Outwardly, this hairless dog resembles a little deer. It’s so rare that Peruvians consider it a national treasure. The Incas believed that dogs could cure a stomach ache and relieve the symptoms of some incurable diseases, such as asthma.

Apart from the lack of hair, the naked Peruvian dog has some other unusual characteristics. For example, the Inca orchid doesn’t sweat with their tongue but with their body. It is a nocturnal animal that becomes active in the late afternoon and stays awake during the night.

3. Tibetan Mastiff

The Tibetan Mastiff is considered one of the first dogs to be bred by man. It was used to protect the herds and houses of the Tibetan people. The breed is independent, protective, and very loyal, which makes it an excellent guard dog. This is an ancient breed of dogs and is presumed to be the ancestor of all Molosser dogs.

Tibetan mastiffs have lived with humans for several centuries and learned to understand them really well. They are not aggressive and require no round-the-clock care and attention. You should consider getting one if you need a patient, loving and understanding friend.

Initially, Tibetan mastiffs inhabited the northern slopes of the Himalayan mountains. Hence, their name and increased endurance. They are really unpretentious and can become their owner’s fearless and devoted protectors.

Important facts about the Tibetian Mastiff:

• Be careful – your cute teddy bear can have an adult weight of 45 – 75 kg. The size of the dog makes it unsuitable for living in a city apartment.

• Tibetan mastiffs are usually active in the morning and evening. If your schedule does not allow you to walk with them at this time – this breed is not for you.

• Tibetan mastiffs are very intelligent, independent and stubborn; they are also very sensitive to changes in their owner’s mood.

• Tibetan Mastiffs need early socialization.

• This breed is not recommended for inexperienced owners. The Tibetan Mastiff needs a confident coach who is consistent, firm, and loving.

• Not recommended for families with small children.

4. Bergamasco Shepherd

The Bergamasco is an ancient breed of dog, of which origin very little is known. Experts believe that their ancestors were mastiff-like dogs that accompanied the nomads coming from the East. Whatever the case may be, the Italian city of Bergamo in Lombardy is now considered a birthplace of these big and shaggy animals. It was there that these dogs began to be bred for shepherds in mountainous areas.

You cannot confuse the Bergamasco with any other dog breed. They may look scary but they are actually very good-natured and obedient. Bergamasco dogs grow attached to all members of their family but are particularly fond of children and their owners whom they consider their leaders.

The Bergamasco has well-developed protective instincts. If you are looking for a guard dog, this will be your safe bet. Yes, it can hardly be compared with the Caucasian Shepherd or any another service dog, but it is perfect for the role of a universal pet. The dog does not need to be put on a chain – it will be quite happy living in a private house and going outside now and then.

Like other shepherd dogs, the Bergamo is perfectly trainable. Of course, sometimes it may be stubborn, but it can be easily fixed. In fact, it is all a matter of finding the right approach.

5. Bedlington Terrier

This dog breed originated in Great Britain. Being a cross between the Bedlington terrier, dandy-dinmont terrier, and otterhound, the Bedlington was originally meant to be a hunting dog. However, English gypsies also used it for dog fights and pickpocketing. Later on, the efforts of its breeders resulted in it getting the graceful forms everyone loves so much. The first official club of Bedlington lovers was founded in 1873.

The dog is common in America, Canada, Europe, Australia, South Africa, and Russia. Outwardly, this elegant animal looks like a neatly trimmed sheep.

Important facts about Bedlington:

• The Bedlington can be hard to train

• Early socialization with other pets is a must to prevent problems

• Bedlington Terriers need training or else they will be bored and cause trouble

• Males can be fierce fighters if they are challenged by another dog

• Bedlingtons are very intelligent and fairly easy to train

• Bedlington terriers love digging holes

• You’ll need a fenced yard because they run very fast.

When it comes to pet health, one common misconception is that veterinarians are schooled to care for any species of animal that comes their way.

In reality, most Doctors of Veterinary Medicine (DVMs) that can be found online specialize in common domestic pets, not exotic species. As such, you will need to consult a specialized vet for animals such as rabbits, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and even fish. You might also want to check your financial situation and the exact costs involved with owning an exotic pet. You might be surprised to learn that the associated costs of owning an exotic pet can reach thousands of dollars, if not more. You better budget the expenses before going into this, just get a free budget template, consult with Pet store owners and find out the exact costs of keeping your dream pet.

Here’s what you need to know about choosing the right medical expert for your special companion.

What is an exotic veterinarian?

In a typical School of Veterinary Medicine, veterinary practitioners-in-training are taught a streamlined, generalized curriculum that addresses core concepts of animal health.

Technically, any board-certified veterinarian can treat exotic pets as long as it is legal to own the animal in question, but finding a local vet to do so can be a challenge. Once a vet has obtained their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, there are schools that offer additional training and licensing in Zoological specialties beyond the sphere of traditional domestic pets.

Vets who choose to specialize in exotic pets are usually accredited to associations that bring them on as members such as the Association for Avian Veterinarians, the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarian, or the Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians. 

When to consult an exotic vet

Trial and error is usually the experience that exotic pet owners face when their pet becomes ill. It can be difficult to find a specialist that is within a reasonable distance.

The first line of practice should be to consult veterinarians in your area and inquire if they are willing to treat your pet — there is a remote possibility that a number of them will be willing to try. If you have no luck, ask local vets if they have a referral to an exotics vet. If not, the organizations named above will provide you a member directory of exotic vets with their contact information.

As previously mentioned, depending on the type of exotic pet you may be able to find a local vet who has experience treating these species. Birds, small mammals such as rabbits, and even some domesticated reptiles may have come across a local veterinarians’ exam table — experience gained is an experience given.

If you do find a local vet willing to examine your exotic pet, always enquire about the DVM’s experience with the animal and make a sound judgment call:

• Always inquire about adequate equipment applicative to your animal. Exotic pets can range from the smallest to the largest of species, so you will want to make sure that your selected vet has the equipment to examine animals of varying weight and size.
• Be sure and inquire about your vet’s comfort and ease in handling exotic pets, as these animals can be much more difficult to restrain and make calm in comparison to everyday domestic pets.
• Ask if the vet has any continuing education or board certification in a nationally recognized association for exotic species.

That last point is the most important. Veterinarians who wish to specialize in exotic animals usually choose to continue their education with one of these institutions and if so, these doctors are your best bet when choosing an exotic vet. As an additional benefit, DVM’s with board-certified credentials will most likely have after night care available for your exotic pet. 

For large and dangerous types of exotic pets, you will want to consult veterinarians who have training with those specific species. Although local inquiries should always be your first search — especially in an emergency, it can become increasingly difficult to find a vet willing to take these cases. A search of national associations for the particular species will provide you with the comprehensive results.

The bottom line

Exotic veterinarians have no one area of training when obtaining their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. It requires additional training and board certification for a vet to be recognized as an exotic vet. 

Since there are some general vets who may have minor experience in treating some exotic species, it never hurts to do a localized search to check for experience with your animal. The best bet for finding an exotic vet is to consult the nationally accredited associations whose board-certified members are comprehensively trained to address health concerns of exotic pets.

We only want the best for our pets, be they scaly, fuzzy, furry, or fluffy. With busy schedules it can be tough to be there for them every time they need us, and sometimes their toys, food, and routine can become just plain boring.

Year after year new research emerges and as a result new pet care inventions are put on the market. You might not be aware of how much fun you and your pet can have during feeding time with some of these cool new products available.

We all know now about “automatic” water dishes, which fill your dish after the water drops below a certain level, but what about automatic feeders? Or other engaging methods of feeding your animals so it isn’t a mindless task?

Here are just a few fun or innovative ways to make sure your pets get the nutrition they need, whether you are home or not.

1.     Automatic Cat Feeder

Many pet owners know about automatic dry food feeders, but what about automatic wet food feeders? Most felines need a good balance of solid and wet food for a good diet and to receive the right nutrients. When you work long hours, it might be difficult to keep them on a consistent schedule of wet and dry food.

However, the good news is that an automatic cat feeder for wet food does exist, and it can make the life of a cat owner so much easier. You won’t have to worry about that feeding schedule again!

2.     Puzzle Feeders for Dogs

Like children, dogs need lots of stimulation and engaging activities to keep them entertained and to help them learn. Instead of putting your dog’s meals in a boring old bowl, consider getting an interactive or puzzle feeder, which challenges your dog just a little bit more in order to find their food.

It sounds like it might be unfair, but these puzzle feeders are not as complicated as they sound. Many are simply in the shape of a maze, and some are made of soft rubber in different shapes and textures to engage the dog’s curiosity. It’s a great way to entertain and feed your dog all at once!

3.     Make it a Hunt for Snakes

Snakes get most of their exercise in their natural habitats during hunting. For snakes in terrariums at home, no matter how large or small the tank or the snake, simply dropping their food into the cage can lead to a number of things – a hunger strike from the snake, the snake getting obese, or misleading signs of aggression.

A way to engage your snake and prevent these other possibilities is deceptively simple – experts have said to make your reptile hunt.

If your terrarium has a lot of décor, try hiding the prey in a difficult (but not impossible) spot. Prior to placement, rub the mouse (or whatever food) around the tank to create a trail for your snake to follow. This will simulate a hunt and give your snake some exercise too!

4.     Food Ball for Bunnies

If you have a rabbit, you know how energetic they can be. Many companies have started creating food balls, which encourage rabbits to put in a little extra effort to get their food. These toy-feeder combos enrich your bunny’s life by providing them with an engaging activity and food at the same time. The toys are relatively simple and highly affordable, and make for a great addition to a bunny’s life.

Feeding Your Pet Just Got A Lot More Fun

There are so many ways to make mealtime more fun for your pets, whether it be toys or presenting a challenge. Feeding methods change depending on the species, so sometimes you just have to get creative when the routine becomes boring.