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Why E-Collar Dog Training Is Not Recommended

By
Dr. Kate Mornement Phd, CAAB
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7
E-collar dog training is not recommended by most expert trainers, as it can traumatize the dog.
Research suggests that e-collar training can cause unnecessary harm to dogs, increasing the potential for stress, anxiety, fear, and aggression. Credit: Vera Aksionava | Getty Images

E-collars are dog-training devices used to deliver several stimuli to the dog wearing the collar, including auditory, vibration, and electric shock. There are several e-collar devices available: remote-controlled, noise-activated, and “fenceless” containment systems. The collars are designed to pair the auditory and/or vibration stimulus with the delivery of the shock so that dogs learn to avoid the electric stimulus by performing the desired behavior. E-collars have been used in dog training since the 1960s and remain controversial today, having been banned in many countries.

The E-Collar Dog Training Debate

With the rise of social media and dog training “influencers,” e-collars have gained more traction due to a resurgence in their popularity. In addition, a number of scientific studies conducted over the past 20 years have investigated the efficacy, benefits, and drawbacks of training dogs with e-collars.

Opponents of e-collars argue that they cause pain, are no more effective than humane, reward-based training methods, and negatively impact welfare (Blackwell & Casey, 2006; Schilder & van der Borg, 2004).

Supporters of e-collars argue that pain experienced during training is not the worst possible consequence for dogs and that the devices are a valuable training aid for addressing problem behavior such as predatory chasing and poor recall (Johnson & Wynne, 2024). Supporters of e-collars believe they “saves lives” by addressing problem behavior that would otherwise lead to euthanasia.

The Problems With E-Collar Dog Training

Despite claims that modern e-collars can be used at low levels without causing harm, research and expert consensus overwhelmingly caution against their use due to significant welfare concerns.

The Impact of Pain, Discomfort, and Fear on Learning and Behavior

E-collars rely on aversive stimulation to suppress undesired behavior, and research has shown that punishment-based methods can cause stress, fear, and pain, which can negatively impact learning and behavior. For example, studies comparing dog training with a shock collar to positive reinforcement methods found that dogs trained with e-collars showed more stress behaviors such as lip licking, yawning, and lowered body posture (Cooper et al 2014).

In a study by Schilder & van der Borg (2004), behavioral responses from dogs during a training sessions that had a history of e-collar training were compared to a group of dogs who had not previously been trained with an e-collar. The researchers observed that the dogs who had previous e-collar training showed more signs of stress and had presumably learned to associate their owner with receiving shocks, even outside of the normal training context. They concluded that shocks received during training are not only unpleasant but also painful and frightening and that the welfare of dogs trained with e-collars is at stake.

Do Tone and Vibration Features Have a Place in Training?

Manufacturers of e-collars often claim that the tone and vibration settings provide a “non-aversive” way to gain a dog’s attention, serving as a neutral signal or recall cue. These claims suggest that vibration or auditory signals can replace positive reinforcement training methods by offering a quick and reliable way to communicate with dogs. However, there is little scientific evidence to support the idea that these cues are inherently neutral or positive from the dog’s perspective. Instead, their effectiveness often relies on the same principles of avoidance learning and negative reinforcement that make shock training problematic.

Another issue with tone and vibration training is that it assumes all dogs perceive these stimuli in a uniform way. However, behavioral science emphasizes that learning and emotional responses are highly individual and context dependent. This means that some dogs may habituate to vibration or tone cues, whereas others may experience increased stress, confusion, or even fear-based reactions.

Ethical Considerations and Welfare Implications

The use of shock collars in dog training raises a number of ethical concerns about the humane treatment of our canine companions. Indeed, prominent veterinary, animal behavior, and animal welfare organizations have taken a position against e-collar use in recent years, stating that the stress, anxiety, fear, and potential for aggression caused by e-collars are too great for e-collars to be a recommended training tool. Furthermore, e-collars have been banned or heavily restricted in many countries and states across the world due to animal welfare concerns.

Why Fear-Free Dog Trainers Don’t Use E-Collars

Fear-free dog trainers don’t use e-collars because they recognize the adverse effects these devices can have on dog behavior, learning, and welfare. Instead, fear-free trainers focus on the use of good management practices, positive reinforcement, keeping dogs under threshold for fear and anxiety, and training with consistency rather than looking for a “quick fix.”

Science-Backed Alternatives to E-Collar Dog Training

Modern behavioral science overwhelmingly supports the use of positive reinforcement training as the most effective and humane method for modifying behavior in dogs. Numerous studies show that reward-based training leads to improved learning outcomes, better welfare, and a stronger human-animal bond. In contrast, aversive training methods like e-collars increase fear, anxiety, and aggression (Ziv, 2017; de Castro et al., 2020).

For example, China et al (2020) found that reward-based training was more efficient than methods that included potentially aversive stimuli such as electric stimuli. They concluded that the professional use of a reward-focused training regime was superior to e-collar training and that an e-collar is unnecessary for effective recall training. Given the additional potential risks to the animal’s wellbeing associated with use of a shock collar, they concluded that dog training with these devices causes unnecessary suffering due to the increased risk that a dog’s wellbeing will be compromised through their use without good evidence of improved outcomes.

Positive reinforcement is considered the gold standard because research shows dogs trained with rewards are more engaged, retain learned behavior for longer, and exhibit less stress-related behavior.

Other science-backed alternatives to e-collar training include:

  • Capturing – The dog offers the desired behavior and is reinforced.
  • Luring and targeting – Food or a target is used to guide the dog to perform the desired behavior.
  • Differential reinforcement – Alternative, more desirable behavior is reinforced in favor of the problem behavior (for example, sitting instead of jumping up).
  • Good management – Preventing rehearsal of unwanted behavior through proactive management (e.g., baby gates) to help set dogs up to succeed.

The Future of Dog Training Without E-Collars

A growing body of research on dog behavior, training, and welfare suggests that reward-based training is not only generally better for dog welfare and dog-owner interactions but is also proving more effective than aversion-based training for successful training outcomes.

E-Collars have the potential to cause unnecessary harm to dogs and that is why their use has been banned in many countries to date. Prioritizing positive reinforcement training and avoiding e-collars and other harsh training tools leads to better welfare and a stronger, more trusting bond between dog and owner.

 

Can My Dog Have Down Syndrome? (and Other Questions About Dog Genetics)

By
Joan Merriam
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3
Dogs cannot have down syndrome, but they can other conditions that have a superficial resemblance.
Although dogs can’t have Down Syndrome, they can have genetic conditions—such as canine congenital hypothyroidism, pituitary dwarfism, and congenital hydrocephalus—that may appear similar. Credit: Nan Liu | Getty Images

We all know that our dogs can be afflicted with many of the same diseases and conditions that we humans suffer from: the flu, allergies, GI upsets, and—at least for me—the possibility of stumbling over or slipping on an object and ending up with something like a torn ligament. Then there are the diseases with genetic components like certain cancers, epilepsy, kidney disease, and diabetes, just to name a few.

But there are some conditions—especially genetic ones—that are unique to humans. One of them is Down Syndrome. So, the answer to the question in the title is: No, dogs cannot have Down Syndrome.

Why Doesn’t Down Syndrome Affect Dogs?

The answer lies in genetics, which is how traits are passed down from one generation to the next. These traits are found in DNA, chromosomes, and the genome. DNA is the molecule in the cell nucleus that contains genetic instructions for all living organisms. Chromosomes, which come in pairs (one from the father and one from the mother) are comprised of DNA and a protein. All of an organism’s genes make up the genome, which is unique to each organism.

Genetically, we have many similarities with our dogs—in fact, we share almost 85 percent of our DNA with dogs—but there are also some very important differences. The main difference is that dogs have 39 sets of chromosomes (78 in total), while humans have 23 sets, for a total of 46. Down Syndrome happens when there is a full or partial copy of chromosome 21, bringing the total to 47. Because dogs have a total of 78 chromosomes, there is no equivalent to the human 21st chromosome in a dog’s genetic makeup.

Other Canine Genetic Abnormalities that Mimic Down Syndrome

While dogs can’t have Down Syndrome, they can possess chromosomal abnormalities that lead to conditions similar to that disorder. These include developmental disabilities, difficulty with coordination, as well as distinct physical features such as a flattened face, shorter limbs, and smaller stature. One example is canine congenital hypothyroidism, which is caused by low or absent levels of thyroid hormone at birth, resulting in slow growth, a large and protruding tongue, short limbs, and cognitive delay.

There are other conditions in dogs that could be confused with Down Syndrome. These include pituitary dwarfism, which comes with increased risk of kidney disease, dental issues, and hearing loss; congenital hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in the brain that causes brain dysfunction; deficiency of growth hormone; and portosystemic shunt, which results in stunted growth, poor muscle development, and abnormal behaviors such as disorientation and circling, staring into space, and seizures.

Genetic Similarities Between Humans and Dogs

Sometimes, the effect of a shared gene is identical between humans and dogs, as is the case with EPAS1. Sparked by low-oxygen conditions, this gene stimulates the body’s responses to hypoxia—low oxygen levels in body tissues—at high altitudes and is shared by people living in the 16,000-foot-elevation Tibetan Plateau and the dogs that live there. Similarly, the EPS8L2 gene is involved in childhood deafness, as well as hearing loss in Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs.

Other times, the shared gene’s influence is similar, but not exactly the same. One example is a defect in the SCN3A gene, which affects human speech development. In dogs, however, genetic changes near the canine equivalent of the SCN3A gene are associated with frequent howling. Howling may not be the same as speech, but perhaps they’re two sides of a similar coin!

Some Common Canine Genetic Disorders

More than 900 inherited disorders have been identified in dogs. Here are some of the most prevalent:

Allergies

Both skin and internal allergies are very common in dogs, as they are in humans. One especially prevalent inherited allergy is atopic dermatitis (a chronic skin condition that causes intense itching), commonly caused by allergies to substances in the environment such as pollens. Some dogs are also genetically predisposed to developing food allergies; approximately 10 percent of dogs develop itchy or chronic skin problems due to food allergies. The most common dog food allergens are proteins such as chicken, beef, dairy, lamb, and eggs, along with wheat and soy.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia, most commonly seen in large dogs, is a deformity of the hip that causes abnormal looseness of the hip joint, leading to degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis. Although hip dysplasia is most often genetic, it can also be affected by factors such as diet, environment, exercise, growth rate, muscle mass, and hormones.

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes is a disease in which the cells of the pancreas either stop producing insulin or can no longer produce adequate amounts of it. The most common form of canine diabetes is similar to human type 1 diabetes, requiring lifelong insulin therapy. Most often seen in older dogs, the risk of developing the disease varies between different dog breeds; research suggests that genetic factors contribute to an animal’s susceptibility to developing diabetes.

Mitral Valve Disease

Mitral valve disease (MVD), the most common genetic cardiovascular disease in dogs, represents 75 percent of all canine cardiovascular disorders. MVD is a chronic, degenerative heart condition that affects the valve between the left atrium and left ventricle of a dog’s heart. In studies, up to 30 percent of dogs with MVD will progress to heart failure and death as a consequence of the disease.

Hereditary Cancers

While not all cancers are hereditary, some dogs carry specific genes that predispose them to developing certain types of cancer.  The most frequently diagnosed inherited canine cancers are lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, mast cell tumor, and osteosarcoma. It is generally believed that dogs develop cancer about twice as frequently as humans.

In the end, if you’ve been worried that your dog may have Down Syndrome, you can rest assured that he doesn’t. However, if your pup displays any signs similar to human Down Syndrome, contact your veterinarian for a thorough evaluation.

Old Dog, New Dog

By
Nancy Kerns
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0
Two dogs relax casually in a field of grass.
In spring of 2022, I foster-failed and kept puppy Boone, even as I was managing 15-year-old Otto’s failing health. I would absolutely do it all over again, but if I had been able to read the book then, I could have prevented a few regrets. Credit: Nancy Kerns

I had the opportunity to read a pre-publication proof of Whole Dog Journal contributor Kathy Callahan’s newest book, co-authored with Helen St. Pierre, and I can’t recommend the book strongly enough. Old Dog, New Dog helps dog owners anticipate the potential pitfalls of bringing a new young dog into a home already inhabited by a senior dog—and adroitly steer around them in order to seamlessly create a joyful, trauma-free blended canine family.

The book is a perfect collaboration between Callahan—who has made puppy-raising the center of her dog-training career and focus of her two previous books (Welcoming Your Puppy from Planet Dog and 101 Rescue Puppies)—and St. Pierre, the founder of the senior animal rescue and sanctuary Old Dogs Go To Helen and who has provided hospice care to hundreds of senior dogs. Each author is acutely aware of the unique needs of dogs who are in the life stage of their specialty, so the text is able to advocate equally strongly for the new pup, the senior dog, and the humans who will need to juggle and balance the dogs’ needs!

The cover of the book, "Old Dog, New Dog," from author Kathy Callahan.
The book is available for pre-order from Amazon now; it will be shipped in June.

This isn’t a long, technical read; there are just six short chapters, and they can be read overnight. The first talks about managing the health and wellbeing of senior dogs; the second discusses how to manage puppies from day one in order to support good behavior in their new home. The third chapter explains how to introduce the senior and puppy and manage their time together so they enjoy and do not frustrate or hurt each other.

The fourth chapter discusses how to add a new adult dog to a family with a senior dog. Given that these interactions are often more fraught with consequences than senior/puppy meetings, the advice in this chapter is particularly valuable.

Chapter five offers guidance through one of the most painful experiences that we dog owners go through: coping with and managing the last days of our senior dogs. It’s full of clear-eyed, practical tips and heartfelt, poignant counsel on how to fully care for everyone involved with the senior dog so the memories of those last days are not tinged with regret or guilt.

And chapter six helps the family move on with their new dog, even in the throes of grief over the passing of the old dog. It’s a small chapter, but brings up important issues that, if not addressed, can often affect and cloud a family’s relationship with the new dog.

When Otto was in his 15th year of life in 2022, I added puppy Boone to our family. It wasn’t a disaster, but there are a few things I wish I had done differently. If I had been able to read Old Dog, New Dog back then, I could have prevented a few regrets.

I’ll be buying copies of this book to give or loan to everyone I know who has a senior dog and will be adding a new dog to their family. It’s available now on pre-sale through Amazon.com; click here to purchase.

Can I Put Hydrocortisone On My Dog?

By
Dr. Noelle Perry, DVM
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0
You can put hydrocortisone on your dog
If your dog seems to be itchy, scratching, and nipping at himself, your best bet is to contact your veterinarian. But, if it doesn’t appear to be an emergency, hydrocortisone cream may give your dog temporary relief. Credit: Kypros | Getty Images

It’s Saturday afternoon, the veterinary clinic is closed, and your dog is scratching at a spot on his belly. The dog is just acting itchy, so you wonder, “Can I put hydrocortisone on my dog?”

Before I even answer that question, STOP! You need to take some good-quality photos of the area pre-treatment so that if the problem doesn’t get better (or gets worse after the application), your veterinarian can see what the area looked like originally. This can help your veterinarian select appropriate treatment and/or diagnostic tests for your dog.

 

Glucocorticoids vs. Anabolic Steroids

There are two classes of steroids: glucocorticoids and anabolic steroids. In the body, glucocorticoids are steroids that are produced by the adrenal gland and are involved in responses to inflammation and stress. Stress can include so much more than what we humans typically think of as “stress.” It can include good things like excitement and bad things like the stress an illness puts on the body. Anabolic steroids are typically the sex hormones and what people are generally thinking of when they hear stories of people trying to build muscle through steroid use. Glucocorticoids, however, can cause muscle atrophy when used long term.

Side effects of glucocorticoids such as hydrocortisone can include:

  • Elevated liver enzymes
  • Increased drinking and urination
  • Increased appetite
  • Muscle wasting
  • Thinning of the skin
  • Slow hair regrowth

Yes, You Can Put Hydrocortisone On Your Dog

Hydrocortisone can be used topically in dogs, but its use should be limited to certain situations unless you have consulted your veterinarian. It should be used only on intact skin, not open wounds, or infected skin. It is best used in cases where there is mild inflammation from allergies or insect bites. In addition, hydrocortisone cream should be applied with just a thin film to the affected area not slathered on as if you were icing a cake.

Extreme caution should be used if applying anywhere on the face. Avoid getting any product in the dog’s eyes. The same goes for applying products in ear canals.  If the affected area is on the mouth or nose where the dog will almost certainly be able to easily lick the product, then avoid its use unless under the direction of your veterinarian. Note: Avoid prescription-strength products unless under the direction of your veterinarian.

My Dog Licked Hydrocortisone Cream

It’s preferable that your dog doesn’t ingest the hydrocortisone. Ingestion of hydrocortisone in any form, whether cream, spray, or other formula, can be a problem if too much of the medication is ingested. In some cases, ingredients in a product other than the medication itself can cause an adverse reaction or toxicity.  For this reason, products labeled for use in dogs are preferable.

It’s important to understand that topical steroids like hydrocortisone can be absorbed systemically (even if the dog isn’t licking them). This is yet another reason the product should only be used short-term unless directed by your veterinarian.

Poison control: If your dog gets hold of a tube of hydrocortisone cream and ingests it, consult your veterinarian or animal poison control right away (ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 or Dog Poison Helpline (855)764-7661). Remember, too, that a 10-lb. dog that licks hydrocortisone cream has ingested more drug per pound of body weight than a 100-lb dog that ingested the same volume.

Stop Dog From Licking Cream

Use of an Elizabethan collar or body/surgical suit made of breathable material can help you’re your dog from licking topicals. You can also redirect your dog’s attention with a walk, play session, or a meal may be enough to get him to leave the area alone.

While the first half hour or so after application may be most critical to avoid licking, licking the affected area should be avoided in general because it may lead to self-trauma or increased risk of infection. A light breathable bandage may help but sometimes bandages end up trapping moisture and causing other skin issues.

In general, use hydrocortisone cream only in appropriate cases and use it sparingly, meaning short term and in small amounts. Take steps to prevent ingestion.

If the area in question is not improving within a few days, consult your veterinarian. If the area looks worse, stop the product and consult your veterinarian. Finally, if your dog displays any systemic signs of glucocorticoid use from the topical hydrocortisone, stop the product immediately, unless you have been using it long term. If that’s the case, consult your veterinarian on how best to discontinue the medication.

Concerns about Homemade Dog Food Recipes

By
Dr. Mary Cope, PhD
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Homemade dog food recipes must include complete and balanced nutrition in order to be healthy.
Homemade dog food can be healthy if done with proper guidance by a board-certified nutritionist. Credit: Humonia | Getty Images

The idea of preparing homemade dog food appeals to many people. Homemade diets allow dog owners to control what goes into their dog’s food bowl and provide their dog with individualized care. The problem, however, is that homemade dog food recipes are often nutritionally incomplete, which means they don’t supply dogs with all the nutrients needed for good health.

The risks associated with nutrient variability in ingredients, lack of proper testing, and the potential for deficiencies, toxicities, and nutrient imbalances can make homemade dog food hazardous for long-term canine health. However, when formulated correctly with the right supplementation and professional guidance, homemade dog food can be a healthy and rewarding option for you and your dog.

Inconsistent Nutrient Content in Dog Food

One of the biggest challenges with homemade dog food is the inconsistency of nutrient content in raw ingredients. Ingredients such as meats, vegetables, and grains can vary widely in nutrient content depending on their growing conditions, seasonality, source, storage conditions, and processing methods.

Meat: In meat, protein content, fat levels, and micronutrient density can differ based on the animal’s diet, breed, and age. For example, grass-fed beef contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids than grain-fed beef, but it may be lower in other essential nutrients.

Vegetables: In vegetables, the vitamin content can decrease significantly during storage or improper cooking. B vitamins are highly sensitive to heat and degrade over time.

Grains and Legumes: Some grains and legumes contain anti-nutrient factors that can interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients. These variabilities are accounted for in many commercial foods by performing batch testing on raw ingredients before they are used.

Cooking Methods: How you cook your dog’s food can play a role in nutrient availability. The cooking process may destroy or reduce some nutrients, while increasing the availability of others, leading to imbalances that cannot be accounted for when looking at the nutrient composition of the ingredients alone.

Complete and Balanced Dog Food

Commercial dog foods must meet standards set forth by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and undergo nutrient analysis testing in a laboratory to confirm the guaranteed analysis listed on the packaging. Homemade diets rarely undergo these tests, as they are expensive and require sending the diet to an external laboratory for analysis.

Even recipes that seem balanced may fail to provide complete and consistent nutrition. A research team at University of California, Davis, examined 200 recipes and found that 95% of the recipes they looked at were deficient in at least one essential nutrient and over 83% of these recipes contained multiple nutrient deficiencies.

Because dogs have specific dietary needs, missing even one essential nutrient can lead to severe health problems over time. When formulating a diet, not only do you need to worry about deficiencies and toxicities, but nutrients can also interact with each other, causing synergies or antagonisms. This means that, even though the nutrients in the diet may be within a normal range, their reactions with other nutrients impact absorption and utilization in the body and may cause deficiencies or toxicities. These complexities make formulating a balanced homemade diet extremely difficult without expert guidance.

Help with Homemade Dog Food Preparation

If you want to home-prepare meals for your dog but want scientific precision, there are tools and resources available to help pet owners take some of the guesswork out of their diet formulation. Do not rely on random internet recipes. Instead, use Balance.it, PetDiets, or consult a veterinary nutritionist to ensure your recipe meets all the nutritional requirements for your pet.

Balance.it is one of the most popular formulation sites. Developed and approved by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, Balance.it offers a comprehensive solution for pet owners seeking to prepare nutritionally balanced homemade diets for their dogs. The platform provides a powerful recipe generator that tailors meal plans to your dog’s specific needs, ensuring the correct proportions of meats, vegetables, and other ingredients. Users can select ingredients and the website will generate a recipe based on nutrient levels. Balance.it also supplies essential supplements that deliver all necessary vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to guarantee complete and balanced nutrition.

PetDiets is another reputable company that provides formulation guidance from board-certified veterinary nutritionists. PetDiets offers a tailored approach for pet owners interested in preparing nutritionally balanced homemade diets for their dogs. Their automated online tool provides access to over 100 veterinary nutritionist-certified recipes, ensuring meals are complete and balanced for long-term feeding when prepared as directed. For those seeking personalized guidance, owners can request a customized homemade diet formulated for their dog’s specific needs. If your dog has specific dietary restrictions or health issues, the team of veterinary nutritionists at PetDiets can provide the guidance needed to ensure your pet is receiving all they need to thrive.

Even when using fresh, high-quality ingredients, homemade dog food often requires additional supplementation to meet all nutrient requirements. Balance.it, Annamaet, and The Farmer’s Dog are just a few of the homemade dog food supplements available on the market. The veterinarian nutritionist or formulation software you are working with will be able to recommend a supplement to complete a diet.

These supplements are not interchangeable, so be sure to stick with the product that is recommended. Also be sure to cook the ingredients according to the directions; over or undercooking ingredients can impact their nutrient availability and digestibility. Proper storage is also important. Keeping a home-cooked product for longer than recommended can result in the degradation of vitamins and other nutrients.

By following a science-backed tool like Balance.it, working with board-certified veterinary nutritionists, like those working with PetDiets, using high-quality supplements, and ensuring proper cooking and storage, you can ensure you are providing a safe and balanced homemade diet that supports your dog’s health and well-being.

The Best Food for Small Dogs

By
Dr. Mary Cope, PhD
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The best dog food for small dogs combines a healthy balance of nutrition and calories.
Small dog food should focus on nutritional challenges faced by small dogs. For example, a Papillon, pictured here, has a basal metabolic rate that is over 50% that of a Great Dane. Credit: Laures | Getty Images

Small breed dogs, which are dogs that weigh 20 lbs. or less, are wonderful companions, and we want to feed these dogs properly. While the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) has not established nutrient recommendations specifically for small breed dogs, there may be some benefits to feeding your little dog a diet specifically formulated to target many of the issues small breeds face. When looking at labels for healthy dog foods for small dogs, consider these elements:

 

 

Small Dogs Burn More Calories. Small dogs have a higher mass-specific basal metabolic rate (BMR) compared to their large-dog counterparts. This means that, per pound, small dogs tend to burn more calories while at rest. A study published in Aging Cell found that Papillons have a mass-specific BMR that is over 50% higher than that of a Great Dane’s.

Calorie-Dense Foods Work Well for Small Dogs. Small dogs also tend to have a higher percentage of lean body mass compared to large dogs, which requires more energy to maintain. Because of this, small dogs require food that is calorically dense and high in easily digestible protein to not only help meet their increased energy requirements but also help maintain their lean muscle mass.

Optimal Levels of Healthy Fats Are Important Small Dog Foods. In addition to high-quality animal protein sources, small breed dog food should contain optimal levels of fats for sustained energy. Healthy fats, such as fish oil, chicken fat, and flaxseed oil not only provide a source of concentrated calories, but also support skin and coat health. The addition of L-carnitine to the small dog’s diet can also help with the maintenance of lean body mass by promoting efficient fat metabolism.

Probiotics Support Digestion. Additional probiotic supplementation in small dog food can help support healthy digestion, overall health, and vitality. When it comes to probiotics, consistency is key. By finding a diet that has probiotics already added, it ensures they are given daily. In addition to probiotics, prebiotic fiber provides a food source for beneficial bacteria in your dog’s gut. Ingredients such as inulin are an excellent source of this beneficial fiber.

Small Dogs Have a Longer Lifespan

One of the many benefits of small dogs is their long average lifespan, with some breeds living well into their late teens. However, their high metabolisms, combined with their increased age expectancy, can lead to greater oxidative stress.

This oxidative stress can have negative impacts on immune health, cellular function, and overall vitality. Including foods or ingredients rich in antioxidants to their diet, such as vitamin E, vitamin C, and beta-carotene, can help neutralize free radicals, reduce inflammation, and help support a strong immune system.

Additionally, taurine, an amino acid found in meat-based proteins, plays a crucial role in heart health, which is especially important for small breeds that may be predisposed to heart disease, such as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Maltese, Shih Tzus, Toy Poodles, and Chihuahuas.

With age comes the natural degradation of joints, so providing chondroprotective agents, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, glucosamine, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), and chondroitin can help keep small dogs mobile and comfortable for longer as they age. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids have also been shown to help support cognitive health, which also tends to decline with age. Look for foods that have fish oil or marine microalgal oil added to the formula or consider adding a high-quality fish oil to your dog’s food as a supplement.

How to Choose the Best Dry Food for a Small Dog

So, with all of this in mind, how can you find food on the market that fits your little dog’s needs? Fortunately, many formulas are designed specifically for small breed dogs. These diets consider the small dog’s higher energy needs, smaller mouths, and potential health concerns.

When choosing the best dry food for small dogs, look for formulas that contain high-quality animal protein as the first ingredient, a healthy fat source, probiotics, antioxidants, and L-carnitine to support healthy metabolism and muscle maintenance. Additionally, a smaller kibble size ensures your dog can comfortably chew their food.

Some Whole Dog Journal recommended brands—including Orijen, Acana, and Diamond—offer small breed-specific recipes in a variety of proteins, allowing you to choose one that best suits your dog’s taste and dietary needs.

How to Choose the Best Wet Food for a Small Dog

For picky eaters, or senior dogs with dental concerns, wet food may be a better option. The stronger aroma and softer texture can make mealtime more appealing, especially for dogs that may have lost some of their appetite or struggle with hard kibble. Wet food also provides additional hydration, which is particularly beneficial for older dogs prone to kidney issues or urinary tract concerns.

The best wet food for small dogs will prioritize high-quality protein sources and incorporate ingredients to support overall wellness. Whole Dog Journal recommended brands such as Instinct, Canidae, and Stella & Chewy’s offer specialized small breed formulas that cater to different dietary preferences and nutritional needs.

Transitioning Your Small Dog’s Diet

Regardless of whether you choose dry or wet, it is important to transition your dog gradually to prevent gastrointestinal upset. A slow transition over seven to 10 days is recommended. This helps your dog’s system adjust smoothly and reduces the risk of diarrhea or stomach discomfort.

Small breed dogs may require more calories per pound than large dogs, but they are also at greater risk of becoming overweight or obese due to their small frames. Even a slight increase in bodyweight can have a significant impact on their overall health. Obese dogs, regardless of size, experience higher rates of cancer, osteoarthritis, diabetes, and shorter lifespans. It is essential to monitor portion sizes carefully, feed a balanced diet, and follow proper feeding guidelines provided by your veterinarian.

Providing proper nutrition tailored to the unique needs of small breed dogs can help ensure they live long, healthy, and active lives. Healthy food for small dogs is rich in high-quality proteins, healthy fats, antioxidants, probiotics, and joint-supporting nutrients can go a long way in maintaining their overall well-being. Ultimately, the best for your small breed dog will depend on their individual preferences, activity level, and any specific health concerns. Consulting your veterinarian and choosing a high-quality small-breed formula can help your little companion thrive for years to come.

Leaving Your New Puppy

By
Linda Aloi
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0
How long can you leave a puppy alone? Not long.
The problem with leaving puppies alone is that they tend to excel at getting into trouble. Note the circle around puppy’s foot at the top of the ex-pen. Credit: Hammarby Studios | Getty Images

I have a sign hanging near my back door that says, “If I can’t bring my dog I’m not going.” Of course, it is meant to be humorous, but it is truer than I care to admit. I am lucky in that, as a trainer, I have been able to bring my dogs almost everywhere I go. Not everyone is as fortunate. Let’s see if I can help you make plans for your puppy, should you be forced to leave him home alone.

First, sorry, but do not leave your young puppy in a crate for a long time. Your youngster needs food, water, attention, potty breaks, and exercise. A puppy should not be left alone for more than a few hours, like no more than four hours, and even then, you need to have a secure and SAFE setup. If you’re at work all day, you need an alternative to leaving your puppy home alone.

Now, we can discuss what that safe and secure setup may entail.

Are You Ready to Leave a Puppy Alone?

Before bringing your puppy home, you should be all set up for his arrival with food, toys, a crate, and maybe an ex-pen or a safe room for the crate. If you are lucky, your breeder has already done some crate training with the puppy. Crating is a good way to keep your pup safe when you are not home. If not, you need to do some crate training.

Choosing a Crate for Leaving a Puppy Alone

I’ve used both solid plastic and wire crates. I have a 5-month-old Golden Retriever and used wire because that’s what I had. I was also home most of the time to supervise. I think, for most puppies, solid walls like you see on a sturdy plastic crate are safer and cozier for a puppy.

I like to set the crate inside an ex-pen. This allows the pup to sleep in a clean crate, and potty, drink, eat, and play in the larger area. I recommend placing a tarp on the floor, then puppy pee pads on top. Yes, these pads may get ripped up, so make sure your pup isn’t chewing up and swallowing the pieces. If he is, you need an alternative.

An alternative is to have a pan the pup can go potty in. My breeders used alfalfa pellets or shavings in the pan, which kind of created a litterbox. Check with your breeder and use the same material to provide a similar environment if you can.  If you have a small room, like a laundry room, the same set up could be created as with the ex-pen but be sure nothing is on the floor or anywhere in the puppy’s reach. Look around your pup’s environment at all the things he could get in to when you are not home.

If you put a warm blanket in the crate, will your pup chew on it and swallow fabric? Then he doesn’t get a blanket.

If it’s a wire crate, could he get a foot caught in the wire? I used duct tape to close a gap when my pup slipped a tiny paw through a wire doorway.

Make sure your crate/ex-pen set up is not near an electrical cord, outlet, or anything else on the outside he may reach for. With puppies, if there’s a temptation, they will go for it.

Leaving a Puppy in an Ex-Pen

My Golden puppy took about a week to figure out she could climb up the sides of her ex-pen. Fortunately, I had an ex-pen top to snap on to prevent escapes. Remember, what appears to be safe during week 1 may not be as safe in week 6.

I purchased several inexpensive little cameras and placed them around the house. It enables me to use my phone to check the home front making sure the canines are OK. There are all kinds of things that can be operated remotely. You can even drop a treat into a crate when you are not home!

So, now that you have your pup safe and comfortable, it’s time to run an errand or go to work. Start for short periods of time so your pup gets used to you leaving and knows you’ll be back. Start by just working around in the backyard for an hour or so at first.

If you can, tire your pup out and he will be more likely to sleep while you are gone. Remember, if your puppy has a big drink after playtime, he is going to want to relieve himself shortly thereafter so you might want to get one more trip outside before departing.

If you do have to leave for several hours, leave the crate door open so the pup can come out and satisfy some of those needs while in the ex-pen. Make sure your puppy has safe things to keep him busy when you are not home.

If you work all day, you need to come home at lunch to tend to your puppy. Or arrange for someone to stop by and do the same. Perhaps a neighbor or a reputable dog walker could visit. When I let my friend’s dogs out at lunch time, I leave them with a treat that she had prepared earlier and froze. Inside the treat—a safe one like a Kong—are yummy things like canned dog food, pumpkin, peanut butter, yogurt, moistened kibble, etc. By the time the puppy has finished, they are relaxed and full and ready for a nap. And before you know it, mom and dad are home!

Puppy Doggie Day Care

An alternative to having visitors stop by is to enroll your dog in a doggie day care. They can attend half or whole days, and most have a puppy room for the youngest of guests. Even two or three days a week can make a difference for an active puppy. Do your research, talk with other dog owners and trainers (and your veterinarian) and find dog day care that meets your needs.

Keeping your puppy engaged and active when you are home will help. Be sure to use your time wisely when you are home. Enroll in an evening puppy training class or sign up for an online class and do it. You can fit in puppy training at night. Lots of age-appropriate exercises and enrichment games are a must for a puppy to grow into a happy, healthy dog. Alone time is not a dog’s favorite, but they learn to adjust and accept it if you put all the pieces in place.

How to Teach a Dog to Lie Down

By
Debby McMullen, CDBC
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0
Treats and patience are an important part of teaching a dog to lay down.
Teaching your dog to like down requires short, consistent training sessions and lots of high-value treats. Credit: Almoa JS | Getty Images

Are you having a difficult time teaching your dog to lie down? With some dogs, it’s more difficult than others, but it’s not impossible. The reason is likely that you are not properly communicating what you want. In some cases, however, timid dogs are less comfortable lying down. It’s up to you, as the trainer, to determine where your difficulties lie, pun intended. If your dog is not frightened or worried about life in general or something in the environment, then teaching him to lie down is not difficult.

Many dog lie down as a default versus a sit default. Herding breeds will often lie down without sitting first. The trick is to capture, or “mark,” that behavior if you have been unsuccessful luring it.

By “capturing,” I mean when your dog lies down, say a soft “yes” if that is your marker word (or use a clicker, if that is your normal marker). If you use this marker word to teach new behaviors, that will go into the dog’s mental file of “things Mom or Dad like that I do.” However, that said, if your dog does not have a default down, then luring is the way to start.

Luring Start from Sit

Does your dog already know a sit cue? It’s easy to move to a down from that position. You don’t need them to lie down from a stand in most cases, unless you are competing in obedience.

If your dog has mastered a sit cue, simply place a tasty treat in your hand with your fingers closed, after showing the treat to your dog. Then flip your hand over so that your palm faces the floor. Keep your hand just under your dog’s nose and pretend that there is a string attached to your dog’s nose that you are bringing to the floor. Move your closed hand slightly into your dog’s space while moving downward slowly. Watch their body language to determine whether their body indicates following what your hand is doing or whether they are confused and will begin to stand up.

If they appear confused, lure them to a stand and ask for a sit again and reward that position. If you are down on the floor with them, it’s easier to move your own body in such a way that you are shaping your dog into that down position. If you even get an appearance of a down without the entire body touching the floor, softly say “yes” then and food reward. From there, if you are staying calm, shaping a full down is easy.

Once your dog is luring into a down position (lying down), start adding your verbal cue (most trainers use the word “down”) as you repeat the hand lure action and treat the dog for lying down.

Eventually, with consistent repetition and daily short training sessions with lots of rewards, your dog will learn to lie down on cue. Many dogs lie down on just the verbal “down” cue, while others learn to down with either the verbal and/or a hand cue that indicates down.

A Little at a Time

The trick with teaching your dog to lie down—or anything else for that matter!—is to not push your dog into frustration. Do this in tiny increments and stop before frustration sets in. Try again later. Short training chunks are better than one long frustrating on both sides training sessions.

Many dogs are more comfortable being lured into a down while on a raised soft surface. Even their own dog bed can suffice for such an endeavor. Once you get the behavior to appear reliability, that is when you add the actual word cue of down just as you are luring it and just before you verbally mark it. Or whatever you wish you call it. Have fun while teaching your dog so that you both enjoy the journey.

And, remember, once your dog learns to lie down on cue, you still should reward the behavior as often as possible to reinforce the cue throughout her life.

Caption: Teaching your dog to like down requires short, consistent training sessions and lots of high-value treats.

Download The Full March 2025 Issue PDF

By
Nancy Kerns
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  • Feeding a Picky Eater
  • Aggressive Behavior
  • Canine Cognitive Dysfunction
  • De-Stinking Shampoos
  • Apartment Dogs
  • Staph Infections
  • How Dogs Think
  • Counter Surfing
  • Is Neem Oil Safe?
  • Raw Bones
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Canine Longevity Drugs

By
Dr. Debra M. Eldredge, DVM
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0
Dog longevity drugs are an active area of research, and progress has been made in helping dogs live longer.
One thing every dog owner agrees upon is that our dogs just don’t live long enough, but the dream of longevity drugs may be right around the corner. Credit: Jaromir | Getty Images

Despite what you might have heard or read, dog longevity miracle drugs don’t really exist. If they did, I would want them for my own dogs! That said, there are drugs under study and even under the FDA’s watch that might increase quality and quantity of life for some dogs in the near future. We just don’t think we’re there yet.

 

 

Where Are We in Dog Longevity Drugs?

The Dog Aging Project (DAP) is a consortium of veterinary institutions working with dog owners to study aging in dogs. They are considering how dogs age, why they age, and what, if anything, we can do about the aging process.

A current study, based at Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, is evaluating the drug rapamycin for aging in dogs. Called TRIAD, which stands for Test of Rapamycin In Aging Dogs, this study is the third test looking at rapamycin to increase canine longevity. You can even enroll your dog in the study, if you wish.

Rapamycin is a generic drug that has been used to reduce immune responses to transplants in people. Also called sirolimus, this medication has been used extensively for people who receive kidney transplants, for example.

Earlier studies have shown that rapamycin helps heart muscle to beat more efficiently and easily to counteract some of the aging changes in the heart. In addition, the drug has positive influences on cognitive function and mobility. Eventually, these effects may all add up to a longer, healthier lifespan for your dog.

Another research group, Loyal, is looking at drugs that affect different aging processes. This private company attacked the problem of aging by considering cellular mechanisms that contribute to aging.

Their drug LOY-001 works to decrease levels of insulin growth factor 1. This growth factor is considered a key biomarker hormone influencing cell growth. It is believed to be a factor in the short lifespan of so many large- and giant-breed dogs.

Loyal’s second drug, LOY-002, works on canine metabolism delaying the onset of some age associated health problems and reducing the impact of others.

These research groups have clinical trials that you may enter your dog in. The clinical trials have specific criteria for participating dogs and require you to be available for periodic evaluations at the veterinary clinics and hospitals that are supporting the studies.

Enrolling Your Dog in TRIAD

The Dog Aging Project will enroll dogs with minimal criteria for owner input-based work. Certain testing may be required at various times such as bloodwork. By participating, you and your dog are contributing to knowledge that might help all dogs.

If you don’t want to participate with your dog or perhaps want to do a clinical trial but your dog doesn’t fit the necessary criteria or you live too far away from a study center, consider donating, perhaps in memory of a beloved dog. It will be challenging for any type of medical research in the next few years. These studies can provide vital information for dogs and people.

Average Dog Lifespan

Without an available miracle drug to keep our beloved canine companions alive and well longer, we must rely on taking the best care of our dogs possible.

Looking at canine longevity, there are some dog lifespan trends. In general, smaller dogs and mixes tend to live longer. Chihuahuas have a long lifespan, with many living to be 15 to 18 or even 20 years of age. Other long lived small breeds include Dachshunds, Toy Poodles, and Jack Russell Terriers.

On the opposite spectrum, giant breeds such as Great Danes often only live 7 to 10 years. Irish Wolfhounds live even fewer years, on average.

Genetic Illnesses

Some breeds are affected by cancer tendencies. Bernese Mountain Dogs, Flat Coated Retrievers, and Golden Retrievers are plagued by potential cancers that can cut their lifetimes short.

Small breeds are prone to cardiac problems, but many of these dogs can be managed for years with the appropriate medical treatments. If your Doberman Pinscher gets diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, on the other hand, your time with your companion is generally limited.

Beyond breed predilections for causes of death, it is important to recognize that each dog is an individual. Just because your neighbor’s Golden Retriever died at 10 doesn’t mean that your Golden might not live to 14. There are things you can do to increase the chances of a long life for your beloved dog.

Start by looking at the ancestors of your dog. Within breeds, there are lines that are known for longevity. Look into how long dogs in your dog’s pedigree lived. Try to learn why they died. Early death by being hit by a car simply means that line may be prone to fence jumping or digging out of the yard. Early death due to genetic kidney failure is a different story.

Veterinary Care for a Dog’s Long Life

Beyond searching out long-lived lines, you need to do your part. Preventive care can make a huge difference in your dog’s lifespan. Appropriate vaccinations can keep your dog from a puppyhood death from parvo, for example. You don’t want to over vaccinate your dog, but it’s wise to discuss with your veterinarian core vaccines and noncore ones that might be necessary for your dog’s lifestyle.

Practice good parasite control for both internal and external parasites. Fleas and ticks can carry many dangerous diseases that could cut your dog’s life short. Internal parasites deprive your dog of essential nutrients. Heartworms are deadly if untreated and can cause residual damage even if caught and treated. Preventives can help your dog stay healthy.

Exercise for a Long Lifespan

Keep your dog active in mind and body. Trick training, competing in sports, and taking long hikes with plenty of sniffing all contribute to dog health. And of course, one of the “biggies” is keeping your dog fit and trim. Just as with humans, obese dogs may have shorter lives than normal weight dogs by as much as 2½ years.

Taking the best care possible of your dog is the most efficient and practical way to ensure your dog lives as long a life as possible. Love every day with your dog because no one knows what the future holds.

How Do Dogs Get Ringworm?

By
Kate Basedow, LVT
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0
An owner applies medication to ringworm on a dog's nose with a cotton swab..
Ringworm produces characteristic circular skin lesions. Treatment is usually topical, although sometimes oral pills are needed, too. Credit: Ruslan Dashinsky | Getty Images

Ringworm in dogs is a contagious fungal infection, including from dog to human. This is one of those instances where sharing is not caring! You can protect your dog from ringworm by keeping her away from dogs and other animals known or suspected to have ringworm.

 

 

Ringworm in Dogs

Dermatophytosis, commonly known as ringworm, is a fungal infection on the skin. It can be caused by several different fungi, but the most common is Microsporum canis. Despite the name, ringworm is not caused by worms. The name comes from the telltale shape of the skin infection, which is circular.

When a dog becomes infected with ringworm, she will develop patches of bald, scaly skin with broken hair. These patches can vary in size and shape, though the classic circular lesion looks like a ring. Some dogs will have bumps on the skin as well as having a dry, scaly appearance.

Most dogs with ringworm are not itchy. Affected dogs may have one lesion or several throughout the body. Occasionally, ringworm can infect the nails. This causes abnormal claws that are rougher in texture and brittle, leading to broken nails.

How Dogs Get Ringworm?

Dogs can get ringworm from other dogs or from humans or any other animal that has an active infection. If your dog brushes against another animal’s ringworm spot, they may become infected in turn.

Ringworm spores can also be present on furniture, bedding, or grooming tools that are used on an infected animal and then be spread to another dog that comes into contact with the contaminated item. Spores can remain in the environment for up to 18 months.

Puppies and immunocompromised dogs are at higher risk of contracting ringworm than healthy adult dogs.

How Do Indoor Dogs Get Ringworm?

Unfortunately, not every animal that has ringworm will show visible signs. Some are carriers who do not show infection themselves, but can pass the fungus to other animals. Even if your dog never goes outside or interacts with wildlife, she can still be exposed to ringworm through other pets or even through human family members.

How to Treat Ringworm in Dogs

Your veterinarian will check suspicious areas of your dog’s skin with an ultraviolet lamp that causes some strains of ringworm to glow. The veterinarian will also take a skin scrape and some hair samples to culture in a lab and see if fungal spores grow.

Once your dog has been diagnosed with ringworm, treatment will start. Treatment usually consists of both topical and systemic therapies, plus thorough cleaning of the home environment.

Your veterinarian will likely prescribe an antifungal ointment or shampoo that will help kill ringworm on the surface of the skin. Read the instructions on medicated shampoos carefully, as many of them are most effective if you let them soak into your dog’s skin and coat for several minutes.

Systemic therapy consists of oral antifungal pills. This helps to target any stubborn fungus that resists or is too deep to be affected by the topical treatment. Antifungals usually need to be taken for six weeks or more to fully clear the infection.

Stop Ringworm Spread

Vacuum all areas of your house where your dog spends time and wash all bedding. Dilute bleach can be used to kill the fungus. Regular and thorough cleaning will prevent other family members from becoming infected and prevent your dog from being reinfected.

Dogs can still be contagious for three weeks into treatment, so minimize contact with children and other animals and wash your hands thoroughly after touching your dog.

Your veterinarian will do at least two skin scrapes and cultures to monitor your dog’s progress and make sure the infection has cleared at the end of the treatment period.

Be Patient

Dealing with a ringworm infection isn’t fun, but with patience and persistence you can treat your dog’s infection and prevent anyone else in the house from getting it. Follow all treatment instructions, keep your infected dog separate from other pets, and clean frequently.

How “Bird Flu” Could Threaten Your Dog

By
Nancy Kerns
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2
Bird flu can pose a hazard to pets, including dogs and raw pet food can be a disease vector for the illness.
People whose dogs retrieve waterfowl should be especially alert for signs in illness in their dogs. Credit: Julia Christe, Getty Images

The “bird flu”, or avian influenza, has been around for a long time; it’s circulated in wild birds since the late 1990s. But like all viruses, it mutates over time—and influenza viruses are known to mutate very quickly. What’s more, some emerging strains are deadlier than others, and that’s the case with the latest avian influenza virus, which initially emerged in 2021-2022. This strain has been labeled as “highly pathogenic,” meaning it causes severe disease and has high mortality rates.

Some states are seeing extremely high numbers of dead wild birds. In places like Chicago, people have called the city to report hundreds of dead ducks and geese washed up on the shore of Lake Michigan. Large numbers of dead migratory birds have been reported in Michigan, Massachusetts, Kansas, Colorado, Montana, and Idaho. Further, bird flu has been detected in a number of animals that kill and eat sick birds with the infection, or that scavenge on birds that have died of the infection, including rats. According to the California Department of Public Health, avian influenza has been found in mountain lions, raccoons, fishers, skunks, and bobcats. Most infections in wildlife have been detected in the fall season when migratory birds pass through California. Hundreds of dead seals with the infection have been found on beaches worldwide.

So that’s where dogs and dog owners come in. The attraction of dogs to dead animals is legendary. Dogs like to roll in, and some dogs will try to eat, any dead animals they may come across. If you find a dead bird on your walk, make sure your dog does not come in contact with it! And if you walk your dog in an area where a large number of dead birds have been reported, keep them on leash and don’t let them near the dead birds. Prevent them from chasing geese or ducks that are lingering in parks, and don’t let them eat water fowl poop!

Further, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), “Cats and dogs may become infected if they eat sick or dead infected birds, drink unpasteurized milk or cream from infected cows, or eat undercooked or raw meat, and there might be other ways the virus spreads. Although the likelihood of dogs catching avian influenza continues to be very low, several barn/feral cats have become severely ill from H5N1 infection since the outbreak in cattle began.”

Here is more information from the AVMA about the potential for avian influenza in cats and dogs:

“Clinical signs of HPAI infection in cats are better known than in dogs. Signs in either species may include the following:

  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Low appetite
  • Reddened or inflamed eyes
  • Discharge from the eyes and nose
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Neurologic signs, like tremors, seizures, incoordination, or blindness

Immediately contact your veterinarian if you notice any of these signs. Animals with severe illness may die. Because several of the listed signs are often encountered with common respiratory diseases of cats and dogs, your veterinarian likely will need to run some tests to help determine the cause. Be sure to let your veterinarian know if your pet may have eaten a dead bird or other animal, or consumed unpasteurized cow’s milk.”

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A couple of days ago, I received a text from a dog-training client, wondering about a video she had just watched—and which she linked in the text. “Is meat meal bad for dogs?” she asked. She followed that message with, “I get that she’s selling her own pet food, but is it (meat meal) that bad?”
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