Like humans, dogs can put on weight if they overeat or don’t exercise enough and, like their two-legged friends, it also tends to happen over time without us noticing. Since our pets rely on us for food and exercise, we can be part of the problem. A lot of dog owners are unaware that their dog has packed on the pounds and obesity is becoming an issue. Extra weight, or in the worst case, obesity can cause serious health problems for your dog. The extra fat can cause heart and lung problems, strain on the joints, diabetes and a shorter life expectancy. The two main things to watch out for are changes in behavior and changes in physical appearance. Know the signs and check them often, so that you can act fast and put Daisy on a diet.

Physical Changes

The Rib Test

One of the best and easiest ways to check if Charlie has got too chunky is the rib exam. First, have a look to see if you can still see a waist curving below the ribs. Then use your hands to feel down the sides of your dog, over the ribs. Take note of what you can feel. Ideally , you should be able to feel the ribs, without seeing them (if you can see your dog’s ribs under its coat, then it’s too thin) If you cannot feel the ribs at all, that means there is an excessive layer of fat which means that Patsy is, indeed,  a little plump.

Body shape

While body shapes vary between breeds, your dog should have a definite upper body, waist and legs. It helps to look at it from above. You should see an hourglass figure with a definite waist. If there is not much definition and your pooch is rather tub-like – this could be a sign that there is a little too much bulge. Other signs to look for are apparent abdominal distension, and fat deposits around the neck, shoulders and base of tail.

Get her on the scales

If you are getting a yearly check-up from your vet, your dog will be weighed at this time. To keep an eye on your dog’s weight, you could weigh monthly at home. Weigh yourself first and then pick up your dog and weigh the both of you to determine their weight. If your dog is too big to pick up, arrange a monthly weigh-in with your local vet. Keep track of the results and watch for any major fluctuations.

Behavioral Changes

Keep a lookout

When you are out for a walk with your pooch, take a look at the way it moves. Is it more like ‘waddlies’ than ‘walkies’? Does he or she seem to struggle when they run, tire easily or have less energy? Loss of breath, once you have ruled out stress or heat, is also a sure sign that Sherlock is out of shape.

Have they lost interest in games like fetch, pursuing cars or chasing tails? These are all good indications of a weight problem. Apathy in your dog could be because the weight keeps them from being active and affects their stamina. Of course apathy could also be a sign of something else, so do take them in for a check-up.

Difficulty scratching or cleaning themselves

Your dog should easily be able to reach those tricky spots when scratching or grooming themselves. If he or she struggles in anyway, this could be another sign that Fido got fat.

Stomach issues

Dogs that are hefty usually have problems with their digestion. Constipation, excessive gas and other digestive issues might have their origin in the extra pounds.

Is This Your Dog?

Once you have established that your dog is too bulky, there are number things you can do. Firstly, it’s time for that diet. Find out the ideal weight for your breed. The best way to determine what your dog should be eating is to visit your vet for a checkup and discuss your concerns with them. Your vet will be able to help you choose the right food and the right amounts of food for your pet dog. Lower calorie dog food is available on the market and you can also exercise portion control by feeding it smaller portions and tracking how much it eats. Don’t ever severely restrict your dog’s food and always follow the vet’s guidelines.

Definitely cut out the treats as they are often high in calories. If you are trying to train your dog with treats then consider using praise and a good rub behind the ears, rather than a high calorie treat as a reward.

Remember that as pets get older, they will have different caloric and nutritional requirements, so take that into consideration when formulating the diet plan.

Just important is daily exercise for shedding those pounds. If your dog is really fat, you might have to start off slowly and build up as they manage better. If time is an issue, you could pay a local teenager to walk your dog, or hire a professional dog walker.

As someone once said “If you dog is overweight, you probably need more exercise!”

Sharing photos of dogs on Social Media, these days, is almost a competitive sport.  While we all appreciate a well-placed, cute, dog snap, how do you know if you are simply oversharing?

The first step is to observe your dog’s behavior. Does Rover roll his eyes every time you get your phone out? Are you not getting enough cheese from your Chihuahua? Is your Poodle sick of posing?  Could there be too many frills on Fifi?

How do you know when you have crossed the line? It is, after all, one of the signs of being a crazy dog person.

Take our quick quiz to find out if you are taking too many shots of your four-legged friend.

1. What do you take more photos of?

1. My dog
2. My spouse/significant other/child – with dog
3. My best friend

2. How many times have you put human clothes on your dog for a photo

1. More than 10 times
2. A few times
3. Never

3. What percentage of your photos on Facebook is of your dog

1. 80% or more
2. 40%
3. Less than 20%

4. What percentage of your photos on Facebook is of your dog

1. Definitely
2. One of my favorite
3. What’s that?

5. Does your dog have its own Instagram account?

1. Of course!
2. No, but what a good idea!
3. What?

6. Would you rather:

1. Take a Photo of your Dog
2. Take your dog for a walk (and maybe get a photo of it)
3. Walk and play with your dog?

7. How often have you posted blurry photos of your dog?

1. Often
2. Once or Twice
3. Never

8. Does your Facebook profile pic include your dog?

1. Always
2. Occasionally
3. Never

9. Have you lost followers because of dog photo oversharing?

1. Yes
2. Maybe
3. No

10. Do your friends and family make subtle or sarcastic comments about the frequency of your dog pics?

1. Never – they unfollowed me ages ago because of my rampant dog photo sharing
2. Sometimes- to tell me how cute my dog is
3. They do not know I have a dog.

Mostly A’s

Doggone it! You are oversharing and well on your way to being THAT crazy dog person. You could tone it down a little. Take your dog out for a walk and a play and leave the phone at home. Precious memories of being with your dog don’t all need to be documented.

Mostly B’s

Sounds like you have cracked the good dog-life balance

Mostly C’s

You could post a few more shots without losing your street cred.  Share your dog just a little more.

When it is not funny

Sharing photos of your dog can be heartwarming, and even make someone’s day. There are some photos, however, that should not be shared.

Photos or posts of frightened pets. Signs of distress in your pet can include ears held back, wide eyes with visible whites, tail tucked and bodies tense and crouched. It is not worth stressing out your do to get that perfect insta shot. Rather wait to get a natural shot of your dog in its happy place.

Dogs and kids. Take great care and make sure that you respect your dog and your kid when taking these kinds of photos. Never put your child in danger of a dog bite to get that great shot. Dogs are animals and can be unpredictable, especially when stressed or annoyed. Examples of inappropriate child and dog shots are:  holding a baby right in a dog’s face, young children lying, standing or sitting on top of dogs, a baby reaching into the dog’s food bowl. It is not the dog’s fault if something happens.

Hopefully you have established that you are not overdoing it and always posting appropriately. Keep it up and let your dog have its day!

If you have ever been to Greece – land of sun, sea and ancient mythology – you will have noticed the stray cats and dogs wherever you go. There are, in fact, over 20,000 of them. Some of them are well fed by the community and roam the streets freely; others are neglected, abandoned and abused. The combination of limited resources for unwanted pets, lack of a clear policy and action by the government and cultural beliefs about neutering has contributed to the problem. Although things are improving with animal associations raising awareness and putting pressure on municipalities to reform – a lack of funds is part of the problem. Animal cruelty awareness has a long way to go in Greece; however, the tide is turning with an increase in the number of animal associations who are doing valuable work in the community. Adopting a rescue dog from Greece is easier than ever.

Street Dawg

Abandoned puppies on the side of a road are, unfortunately, quite common in Greece. The sterilization of dogs, especially working, is not a common occurrence. Cultural beliefs that neutering is unnatural and that animals should be free to procreate, exorbitant vet fees and lack of awareness all contribute. Often, litters of sheepdog puppies are abandoned on the side of a road if the owners are unable to take care of them. They can be seen almost everywhere in Greece. Should you choose to pick one up, it is a good idea to take it to a local vet who will help you through the process of micro-chipping, vaccinating and getting your dog ready for the trip to its new home. Don’t forget its siblings. You could try to find a shelter or rescue center for them. Your new pet could be ready to leave within 21days.

Animal Adoption Organizations in Greece

There are a number of shelters and adoption agencies in Greece that have been set up by both local privates and expats living in Greece to try to address the problem. Many of these initiatives are charities and self-funded endeavors. Greece is becoming an increasingly popular place to adopt a dog from and the process is fairly simple. Many rescue organizations in Greece have ‘Pet Chauffers’ who will fly over your new-found friend for you if you are based in Europe. It is also possible to adopt older dogs from these agencies and most of them have excellent websites with photos of the dogs that are up for adoption. These organizations are usually run by passionate animal lovers who will be delighted to find you a dog. While you are on holiday you can visit and bond with your dog before the journey home. All of the main cities have these kinds of agencies and many of the islands do too.

Logistics

To take your dog out of the country, you must meet the following requirements:

• Have your dog microchipped – this tiny chip, the size of a grain of rice, is your dog’s permanent I.D. It can also be used to locate you if your pet is lost and picked up and taken to a local vet or animal shelter.
• Vaccinations – Once fitted with a microchip, your pet must be vaccinated against rabies. The length of the waiting period after vaccinations is usually 21 days. Puppies younger than 3 months, may be permitted to travel without the vaccination in accordance with each country’s conditions, which should be checked with your embassy.
• Pet Passport – If from Europe, get a European pet passport which will contain details of your dog’s vaccinations, the microchip number, a description of the dog and your details as the dog’s owner. If your pooch’s new home will be outside the EU, more procedures are probably necessary. Again, the staff at the rescue agency will be able to help you with the details.
• Parasite treatment – Some countries insist on getting treatment for tapeworm and other parasites. Even if not required, it is an excellent idea to get this treatment, usually in the form of a pill as some types of parasites are transferrable to humans.

Going Home

Once chips, paperwork and vaccinations are in order, it’s time to take your new pet home. If you have left your stray in Greece to wait out the 21 days for the rabies shot, you can make use of pet travel services and Pet Chauffeurs in the location of the adoption. If you choose to do it yourself, you will need to check with the airlines and airports of all your connecting flights about their policy on travelling with a dog. Usually the dog can be checked in as carry-on luggage or freight, depending on size. You might need a special airline-approved kennel for the trip. Make sure you have enough travel provisions, like dog food and water and sanitary products. Flights can be delayed or canceled so it’s good to be prepared.

Once you have made it home, be sure to contact the regional animal health officials to make sure you comply with all your local pet laws.

The love and devotion of a rescue dog is profound. Make a difference today and adopt a stray!

Athens

• Friends of the Strays of Greece
• Athens Area Humane Society
• SCARS 

Thessaloniki

• Love for Pets

Santorini (Cyclades Islands)

• Santorini Animal Welfare Association

Corfu (Ionian islands)

• Corfu Care Shelter Perouladis
• Corfu Dog Rescue

Zakynthos (Ionian Islands)

• Zante Strays

Rhodes (Dodecanese Islands)

• Paws & Claws

Peloponnese

• Dash Dogs

Taking Fido on your dream holiday to Greece is most definitely feasible. If you already know of the joys and difficulties of travelling with a dog, you are one step ahead. Here is the lowdown on Greek island hopping with your four-legged friend.

All in order

Sorting out the paperwork is the first thing to think about. The standard requirements for bringing a pet into Greece are that your pet must be micro chipped and registered, and must have had a rabies vaccination within the last 12 months, but more than 30 days ago. The microchip must be ISO 11784/11785-compliant.

It is generally easier if you come from an EU country. As an EU national, you can freely travel with your dog if it has a European pet passport, which you can get from any vet.

If you are traveling with pets in Greece from outside the EU, other conditions may apply and more documentation is needed. The Greek Embassy in your country of residence will be able to give you an update on the exact requirements.

If your pet transits through a high-rabies country, then a Transit Declaration will be required stating that your dog remained within the airplane or airport and that they had no contact with rabies-carrying animals.

Getting there and around

Pets should enter Greece directly or transit through another EU Member State. Flying into Greece from non-EU countries with a pet requires that you do so at Border Inspection Posts at international airports in either Athens or Thessaloniki.  The following Greek Island airports also allow entry of accompanied pets: Rhodes, Kos, Kalymnos, Mitilini, Mirina (Limnos), Chios, Ermoupolis (Syros), Crete (Iraklio and Chania) and Corfu.

All dogs must be free of disease when examined at the port of entry to Greece. If your dog is not well, further examination by an authorized veterinarian may be required, at your expense.

Pets can enter Greece in the cabin, either as air cargo or checked baggage. Island hooping in Greece is easy as the Greek ferries allow pets to travel on deck as long as they are on a leash, under full responsibility of the owner. For larger breeds and longer trips, most Greek ferries have specially-designed pet cabins or kennels.

If you are entering Greece by international ferry from Italy the same applies. Arrangements for taking your pet on the ferry should be made at the time of booking your tickets. Facilities vary according to the Ferry Line.

Local Animal Etiquette

Greeks are mostly tolerant of dogs, and pet ownership and awareness of animal rights are on the increase. Having said that, the older generation and those with young kids may feel uncomfortable around dogs. Care should be taken not to offend the locals. Always ask if you can bring your dog into the café or tavern. Never give your dog plates from the table to eat off and make sure those sitting near you are ok with a dog in a restaurant. In outdoor places, there is usually no problem, but your dog may not be accepted in indoor restaurants for sanitary reasons

By law in Greece, dogs are allowed in every outdoor public space as long as they are accompanied on a leash, with their health documents, or pet passport, available.

Many Greek hotels do accept pets, but this should be checked beforehand. Some city or boutique hotels, do not allow pets on their premises. There are some pet-friendly hotels in Greece that have specially designed rooms for pet owners and usually have facilities for pets and direct access to a garden or yard.

It goes without saying that you should always clean up after your tyke.

 Beach bumming with Buddy

Greek law states that dog owners are allowed to take their pet to any beach in Greece as long as the rules are respected. Waldo will go wild for the Greek beaches, especially if he is a swimmer! With the extremely high temperatures in summer in Greece, it is important to keep your dog cool and comfortable. Dehydration can be avoided by always having water with you, for you and your pooch. There are some fantastic collapsible silicon bowls available that fit in a bag or dangle on the lead. Seek out shade and watch for signs of over-heating (uncontrolled panting, lethargy, vomiting, rapid pulse)

One of the best doggie activities to enjoy with your dog is swimming. Dogs are allowed to swim in the sea in Greece, but you should be respectful of other swimmers and choose more secluded beaches. Luckily in Greece if you are prepared to walk a little, such beaches can always be found. Other dog owners tend to congregate at these beaches and you may even make some friends. Take care with water in the ears. Ear infections should be treated immediately by a vet.  If they shake their head a lot, scratch their ears and seem uncomfortable, they could have an ear infection.

Infernal Insects

Summer in Greece is glorious, but insect bites and stings are common. Fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and also gnats (sand flies) will buzz around your dog.  Some bites lead to infection and can cause inflammation. Some are carriers of diseases which can be fatal.  Mosquitoes and gnats can be carriers of two deadly diseases:  heartworm (dirofilariasis) and kala-azar (leishmaniosis) respectively. Travelling in Greece increases the chances of exposure to these two serious diseases.  Ensuring that your dog is well protected against bug bites will keep them safe from these buzzing bearers of illness.

With paperwork done, pet-friendly travel and accommodation booked and some good bug spray – you and your canine companion and ready to enjoy a summer holiday in Greece!

Here Are Some of the Most Popular Mixed Breed Dogs Available

Are you more of a Mutt lover than a Pedigree person? How about a mixed-breed dog? Any dog descending from two or more different breeds are referred to as mixed breed. If it’s Mother Nature, it’s a mutt. If it’s done intentionally, it’s a crossbreed. Generally mixed-breed dogs are healthier and have longer life spans than pedigree dogs and the wider gene pool is beneficial for the overall health of the dog.

Dog breeders create hybrids between specific breeds, to achieve certain personality and physical qualities.

Cheagle

A cross between the Beagle and the Chihuahua, this active, amicable and fun-loving dog is a great choice for families with older children and active singles and couples. Its convenient size means it is suited to apartment living as long as it gets plenty of exercise. Outgoing like the Chihuahua and loving like the Beagle, it tends to be a barker and is better suited to older kids who already know about dogs.

Cockapoo

The mix of the Cocker Spaniel and the Poodle is very popular, and for good reason. One of the oldest hybrids, they are easy going and don’t shed a lot so are a good choice for people with allergies. Sociable like the Cocker Spaniel with the low-shedding, low-dander coats of the Poodle, this loyal breed are great for “fetch”, love swimming and need regular exercise. They can be needy and hate being left alone for too long.

Labradoodle

Mixing the Labrador and the Poodle results in a clever, friendly dog that love playing and make first-rate additions to an active family. They also make excellent companion for the elderly providing a calm, therapeutic presence. Hypoallergenic fur from the Poodle and the intelligent, easily trainable qualities from the Labrador bring about praiseworthy guide dogs… more

Bullmatian

The Bulldog and Dalmatian mix creates a charming dog with a distinctive appearance. Ideal for singles or families with experience training dogs and who have spacious living arrangements, preferably with a yard. Bullmatians are friendly, social and lively.  They can have a stubborn streak, can be tricky to train, and need a lot of exercise, but with loving perseverance, they make attentive, joyful pets.

Goldendoodle

Breeding the Poodle with the Golden Retriever, the Goldendoodle is a gentle, affectionate dog that is ideal for families. Many a Goldendoodle has been trained as a service dog, sniffer dog or therapy dog. Good for colder climes, they come in a variety of sizes depending on the type of Poodle that the Golden Retriever is crossed with. It is one of the most beloved mixed-breed dogs. Agile and sporty, it is an outstanding choice for active families, known for their affection and goofiness. Left alone for too long can stress out these lovely dogs.

Puggle

A cross between the Beagle and the Pug, this dog has an easy-going nature and is playful and lovable. Small and stocky, they are a little more robust that other small dogs – a very good choice for a family with many children. Its playful spirit will keep you entertained. They can, on occasion, be a little stubborn and uncooperative. Puggles can be barkers if they take after the Beagle side, and might need some training to stop it. Not a big fan of cats, the Puggle’s Beagle instinct may take over and cause problems with any feline friends.

Schnoodle

Sweet-natured and affectionate dogs – the cross between the Poodle and the Schnauzer gives rise to a spritely family dog, or a therapy dog. Bright and on-the-ball, Schnoodles are easy to train and like to try to communicate. Their coats won’t shed as much, from the Poodle side and they have the sturdiness and liveliness of the Schnauzer. Often small, they make superb jogging companions and are quintessentially happy dogs.

Goldador

The mix of two of the most popular dog breeds, Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers, results in friendly, pleasing dogs with good and gentle natures. Goldadors are often trained as working dogs and make excellent bomb detection, search and rescue, therapy and guide dogs. They are fun-loving and active, needing a lot of play and exercise to develop well. With the sensitivity of the Golden Retriever and the tolerance of the Labrador Retriever they are loving, loyal and cheerful companions. Goldadors are active and need daily exercise and a large living space. Hiking, swimming and “fetch” are firm favorites.

Labsky

Mix-breed Labrador and Siberian Husky puppies are loyal and intelligent dogs that were originally bred to help hunters. They make lively and playful pets who cohabitate and collaborate well with people. Great with children and adults alike, the Labsky is also a watchful guard dog. They are energetic, highly trainable, and great swimmers who need to be active and have substantial space. Lack of exercise can cause obesity in these lovely animals and can make them unhappy, so be sure that you have the time and energy to keep up with them. They also shed a lot of fur. Be prepared for a touch of stubbornness from the Husky side.

Yorkipoo

Yorkipoos are a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Miniature Poodle and are a bundle of fun! The size of this dog makes it especially suited to apartment life. A sweet, affectionate and attention-loving lapdog with hypoallergenic fur, it often delights its owners. A tendency to yap can come through from the Yorkshire Terrier side and they will definitely need training, but make sure it is gentle, as they have a stubborn streak. They are energetic, too, so need a walk at least once a day.

If you are thinking of getting a dog, consider one of these popular mixed-breeds. As always make sure the breeders are ethical and check the shelters for a rescue dogs. Generally healthier and reasonably priced with many advantages over pedigreed breeds – they make fantastic pets!

So, you got a puppy?  Being a puppy parent is an exciting and challenging time filled with love, adventure and mess. If it is time to take your bundle of joy out to meet the big dogs, you‘ll need to think of a few things before doing so. Here are some handy tips to get you and your pup started.

When Can Puppy Meet other Dogs?

Most vets agree that the best age for socializing is from about 7 to 16 weeks. At this stage of your little one’s life, she is ready to be social and learn doggy etiquette when out and about. While many vets insist on keeping your puppy isolated until her vaccinations have been completed, waiting too long means missing the best developmental window for socialization. The best bet is to compromise a little and allow your puppy to meet a few dogs. If the vaccination status of the other dog is unknown, it’s best not to mix until 10 days or so after the second vaccination. Dogs that you do know, who have been vaccinated, are the best choice. At the age of 12 to six weeks she needs constant socialization. This will help her to develop good social skills and be well-rounded member of canine (and human) society.

Back to School

Going to puppy training classes with your baby pooch can really help when it comes to introducing them to other dogs. You could enquire about a puppy’s class or a class where puppies are welcome. You’ll get to meet other dog owners too, with the added bonus of a watchful eye and professional help from your trainer. There might even be a ‘puppy pre-school’ in your area where every precaution is taken to ensure easy-going socialization in hygienic conditions, minimizing the risks to your puppy’s health, while getting important playtime in with new-found canine friends. Puppy preschools are specifically designed for dogs eight to sixteen weeks of age.  At pre-school, your puppy will also learn to inhibit his bite – an essential skill to acquire before heading out in public!

Keep your cool

It’s vital to stay calm yourself. Little Rover will pick up on any anxiety you may have and could reflect this. Bring the tone of your voice down, low and calm, and offer treats for good interactions with other dogs. Exercise caution with bigger, unknown dogs and never leave your puppy unattended while meeting a new dog. Same-sex dogs are more likely to have issues, so getting to know the opposite sex first may help to avoid problems. Good meet and greet etiquette requires a good sniff of the rear. Face to face sniffing could mean things are not going so well. Be on the lookout for signs suggesting aggressive behavior form both your puppy and other dogs. Get your dog out of the situation immediately if this happens – without panicking yourself.

Body language

Get to know canine body language. Once you understand the different signs, you will be more able to understand both your puppy and the other dogs you come into contact with.  Dog parks are an excellent place to meet a range of dogs. Of course, this means a range of personality types, too. Do check out the other dogs; don’t let your puppy get bullied. Dogs communicate mainly through body posturing. Understanding when play is getting too rough or when your puppy is feeling uncomfortable is useful.  Spotting aggressive behaviors is easy if you know the signs. Circling,  tails  held above heads, faces pulled tight with strange expressions, walking around on toes, and tail language can all be signs that things are about to kick off.  If you see any of these signs, proceed with care and keep your puppy safe.

Daily Exposure

Exposing your tail-wagger to other dogs and people is an essential part of their socialization. Daily walks are a great way to entertain your puppy and help them form bonds. If you have friends with dogs, you could organize a puppy playdate in the park or at home. It’s up to you to set the tone, and being with friends that you know will ensure that everyone is feeling comfortable and create a friendly atmosphere to encourage bonding. Daily practice goes a long way to ensuring that your tyke is comfortable with others.

Better Safe than Sorry

Be careful of big and older dogs that could be intimidating. Know the signs of discomfort in your pup and be ready to step in with a reassuring word or pat. It is better not to let your puppy jump all over the other dog, no matter how excited she is. Always determine the mood of the situation and react accordingly.  Don’t force them, either, and take him to areas where there are non–threatening dogs. Both dogs should be on a lead for first contact. Free playing together can come later, with dogs that you know and get along with. Negative experiences can be traumatizing for your little one, so take care to keep things positive and go slowly

If things don’t gel with another dog, don’t worry about it. You don’t hit it off with everyone you meet, and neither will your dog. She will soon find her crowd and get along better with some dogs than others.

Introducing your puppy to other dogs is essential for their development and can lead to new friendships for both you and your dog. Confidence will be built with each successful interaction and pave the way for a healthy, happy hound!