Ear Infections In Dogs; How To Identify, Treat and Prevent Them

Ear infections in dogs are one of the most common health issues for dogs. In fact, ear infections are one of the 6 most common dog health problems, according to PetMD. Knowing how to identify, treat, and prevent ear infections in dogs is an important part of routine dog health care.

Ear infections are uncomfortable and painful for dogs. If left untreated, in a worse case scenario it could cause the dog's ear drum to rupture, or the dog could even end up losing his hearing!

Ear Infections in Dogs

Some dog breeds are more prone to developing ear infections than others. Bassett hounds with their large floppy ears, Cocker Spaniels who tend to have hairy ears, as well as Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and Labradoodles because of their love of being in the water, can often get ear infections.  These are just a few of the dog breeds that are prone to frequent ear infections, but any dog can get ear infections.

My little girl Phoebe had very short legs and larger floppy ears. Her ears always got dirty because they were so close to the ground. She trailed her ears in everything; sand, mud, water, even bunny poo got in her ears!  I kept her ears trimmed short and had to clean her ears often, not just because they got so dirty but also to help avoid ear infections.

To prevent dog ear infection, I cleaned Phoebe's ears often

What are the symptoms of an ear infection in a dog?

🐾 One of the most common signs that your dog may have an ear infection is excessive scratching of the ears or pawing at the ears.

🐾 A foul odor coming from inside your dog's ears is another indication your dog may have an ear infection. Some say it makes their dogs ears smell like Fritos, or Yeast.  

🐾 Excessive head shaking may also indicate an ear infection. 

🐾 Redness, swelling, scabbing, or any kind of bleeding or discharge coming from your dog's ear could be symptoms of an ear infection.

If you observe any of these symptoms in your dog, contact your Veterinarian right away!

What Causes Ear Infections in Dogs?

Many things could result in your dog getting an ear infection, but there are a few more common causes of ear infections in dogs and puppies.

> Excess moisture, usually from swimming or bathing, in the ears creates an environment that encourages the buildup of yeast and bacteria inside dogs' ears', which can lead to infection. 

> Dogs with food or environmental allergies are often prone to ear infections. The dog's body may respond to the allergy with an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast, which can cause infection.  

The best way to treat ear infections that are caused by allergies is to determine what is causing the allergy to begin with and eliminate it. It can be a food allergy, seasonal allergies, or allergy to a product being used on the dog such as a medication or fur/skin products.  You don't want to get into a futile cycle of constantly treating ear infections caused by allergies and never fully resolving the root cause. It's a waste of time and money, and your poor dog will suffer with a vicious cycle of continual allergies and ear infections.

> If ear mites get into your dogs ears, that can also lead to ear infection. When I volunteered at the animal shelter in Phoenix, dogs brought in by animal control often arrived with their ears infested with ticks and ear mites. It was so awful, I can't even imagine how uncomfortable those dogs must have been! We'd immediately treat them for both ticks and ear mites.

> A foreign object that gets lodged inside a dog's ear can also lead to an ear infection. If it's lodged deep enough inside the ear canal you may not be able to see it.  A Veterinarian will need to do a thorough ear exam to locate and remove the foreign body.

> Dogs with very hairy ears, like Cocker Spaniels, can cause the ear canal to get clogged, making it difficult for the dog to expel debris or waxy buildup normally, by shaking their heads to expel wax and debris from their ears.

Treating A Dog Ear Infection

Personally, I believe that some pet care treatment is best left to the professionals rather than attempting to treat the problem yourself. A dog's ear infection, if left without proper treatment, could potentially lead to serious hearing loss or ear damage. I'd rather let the Veterinarian treat my dog's ear infection rather than taking a chance trying to deal with it at home. 

If you try a treatment at home and it turns out to be the wrong thing for the type of ear infection your dog has, not only will you be wasting precious time looking for the cause and an effective treatment, you could actually make the infection worse!

It's important to ascertain what is causing the dog's ear infection, what type of infection it is (bacterial, yeast, fungal, foreign object in the ear, etc) and determining what type of treatment is appropriate.

When you bring your dog to the Vet for an assessment of your dog's ear infection, s/he will perform a thorough examination of the ear inside and out. The Vet will fully examine the ear canal and extract any material or debris. Your Vet will then examine what was extracted under a microscope and may also run several tests on the material to narrow down the type and possible cause of your dog's ear infection.

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Ear Infections in Dogs

Your Veterinarian may prescribe a medicated ointment, eardrops, or other ear cleansing medications.  The Vet may also prescribe antibiotic, antifungal, or steroidal medication to treat your dog's ear infection. 

If the infection is severe, or has been ignored for too long, surgical options may be needed. 

The Vet will determine the proper course of treatment for the type and severity of ear infection in the dog.

How to Prevent ear infections in dogs

Prevention is always the best medicine, and that's definitely true when it comes to preventing dog ear infections. There are a few simple things you can do to reduce the chances of your dog getting ear infections.

The first order of business is to determine if there is an underlying cause of the dog's ear infection, especially if the infection is recurring.  

It could be allergies or another medical issue that is causing ear infections. There could even be an object stuck inside your dog's ear canal that isn't visible to the naked eye. Your Veterinarian will do an examination, and run some tests if needed, to find out what is causing the infection in your dog's ears.

Once you've ruled out any underlying issues that may cause an infection in your dog's ears, you can take steps to help prevent your dog from getting ear infections by following these 4 easy dog care steps. 

🐾 Most importantly, keep your dog's ears Clean, Clean, CLEAN and Dry.  Clean your dogs ears regularly with a dog ear cleaner. Don't use human ear cleansers or other cleaning products, they can be harmful to pets. And never put a Q-tip or other object inside your dogs ear! You can clean the inside flap of her ear with a cotton ball, but never put anything inside the ear canal!

🐾 As soon as your dog comes out of the ocean, pool, lake, creek or other body of water wipe the inside flaps of her ears to get rid of excess moisture.

🐾 Take steps to prevent ear mites. Flea & tick medication can usually prevent them. Be sure to regularly examine your dog's ears for ear mites, especially after being outdoors.

🐾 Like so many other ailments, a healthy diet and exercise can help prevent ear infections, and other dog health issues, by ensuring your dog has a healthy immune system. A weak immune system can make your dog susceptible to ear infections and other ailments.

Under guidance of your Veterinarian you may want to consider adding a probiotic and supplements to your dog's diet to help keep her immune system strong and able to ward off infection.  Always consult your Vet before making any changes to your dog's diet.

I add fish oil, a probiotic, and bone broth to my dog's diet. My Veterinarian agreed that all these supplemental ingredients would be beneficial to my particular dogs. 

I also give my dog treats that are healthy, with natural ingredients if possible, like salmon treats, fish skins, joint health treats and fresh vegetables and fruit I know she likes. Always consult with your Veterinarian first, before adding any supplements to your dog's diet.

🐾 If your dog has a lot of ear hair, keep the hair inside your dog's ears well groomed. This is best done by an experienced groomer or your Veterinarian. They have the expertise needed to neatly trim dogs' ear hair without nicking the inner ear flap or inadvertently poking the dog's inner ear with a sharp grooming tool. 

The skin on a dog's ear flap actually bleeds a lot! An inexperienced groomer once nicked the inside of Phoebe's ear flap and had to use a blood clotting powder to stop the bleeding quickly. That was scary!

I have been extremely lucky, neither of my dogs have ever developed ear infections. My Husky Icy and my Maltese mix Phoebe never liked the water all that much so their ears didn't get soaking wet too often and excess moisture was rarely an issue. 

We do a lot of hiking with our dogs though. Going through dense grass and bushes can result in a lot of debris getting into their ears so I've always regularly inspected and cleaned my dogs ears, especially after hikes. 

As long as there are no underlying health issues or allergies that cause ear infections, keeping your dog's ears clean and dry definitely helps reduce the odds of dogs getting ear infections. 

An infection in a dog's ears can wreak havoc on their health and cause considerable discomfort. It's easy to overlook a dog's ears as being a dog health concern, but being aware of your dog's total health includes paying constant attention to dog ear health. I hope these tips have been helpful!

Has your dog or cat ever had ear infections? If so, how did you handle it?  Please leave us a comment and share - we Love hearing from you! 💕

More Pet Health Tips you may find useful:

The Health Benefits of Bone Broth for Dogs

How To Keep A Dog's Heart Healthy

The Wave of the Future in Holistic Healing for Pets

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HEALTH BENEFITS OF MANUKA HONEY FOR DOGS

Veterinarians have recognized the health benefits of Manuka Honey for dogs and other pets, and it's use in veterinary care is steadily increasing. 

Health benefits of Manuka honey for dogs

The healing properties of honey in general have ancient origins. It was used for sore throats, open wound healing, burns, sores, and digestive issues. Over time, honey had been largely put aside as an agent for health and healing. But in recent years, doctors and holistic practitioners have once again turned to honey, especially Manuka honey, as a natural healing remedy. 

Health Benefits of Manuka Honey For Dogs

Veterinarians are harnessing the health benefits of Manuka honey for dogs. Manuka honey can be taken orally for various types of healing and general health benefits, or it can be applied externally for healing wounds and skin conditions.

👉 The most notable benefit of Manuka honey is it's antibiotic and antimicrobial properties. The antibiotic properties are much higher in Manuka honey than in other types of honey. It can treat a wide range of bacteria and microorganisms. 

👉 Manuka honey is high in Antioxidants, Enzymes, and Flavinoids. It contains Amino acids, B vitamins, Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium, Copper, Potassium and Manganese, which all help to boost a dog's immunity.

👉 Manuka honey soothes soreness in the throat, which is especially helpful for dogs with kennel cough.

👉 Manuka honey helps soothe skin irritations due to hot spots caused by allergies. It can soothe skin infections and skin diseases in dogs as well.

👉 Manuka honey is considered a prebiotic so it's beneficial for Gut health, helping to restore the balance of good bacteria in your dog's gut.

👉 Manuka honey has Anti-inflammatory, Antiviral and Antifungal properties.

👉 Manuka honey can improve oral health by fighting oral bacteria. This can help prevent tooth decay and dental disease.

👉 Manuka honey for dog wounds in particular is gaining a ton of popularity in Veterinary care.  The honey provides a moist wound environment and serves as a protective barrier for the wound area. This helps prevent infection in dog wounds. Manuka honey can help increase tissue regeneration, or "granulation" in open dog wounds. 

I saw how Manuka honey for dog wounds can work with my dog Phoebe. She was fighting infection that caused a severe gaping wound on her neck. The giant wound it created had actually been granulating tissue and closing up at an astounding rate! The application of honey to her gaping neck wound was one of the critical treatments she received over a 6 week period. Sadly, Phoebe ultimately lost her battle with the serious infection that was ravaging her body due to other complications. 💔

How Manuka Honey Is Different From Other Honey

Manuka Honey comes from the Manuka tree, which is Native only to New Zealand and Southern Australia. The honey is produced by bees that pollinate flowers on the Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium, also known as the Tea Tree). 

Manuka honey is produced by bees that pollinate flowers of Manuka trees in New Zealand and Australia

The biggest difference between Manuka honey and other honey is that Manuka honey contains antibiotic and antimicrobial properties that other types of honey do not. Methylglyoxal is the active ingredient in Manuka honey that contributes to the antibacterial ability of the honey. Manuka honey has many other beneficial health properties as well.

Is Manuka Honey Safe For Dogs?

Manuka honey is safe for dogs to eat in small quantities. It is also safe to apply Manuka honey to a dog's open wound, although it should be applied to a dog's wound under the direction and guidance of a Veterinarian. In 2015 the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved the use of honey for wound healing. 

Methylglyoxal (MGO) is the strong antibacterial chemical that naturally occurs in Manuka honey. The standard for judging the strength and quality of Manuka honeys is based on the MGO grade.

When I purchased my first jar of Manuka honey for my dogs I didn't know about the MGO specification. Unfortunately, I ended up with a brand of Manuka honey that doesn't use the MGO designation. They have their own proprietary method of measuring the quality of their Manuka honey. My dogs loved the honey I purchased, but now I only use Manuka honey that has an MGO grade designation.

As with most honey, Manuka honey has a high sugar content so it's not healthy for diabetic dogs to consume. It's also not recommended for puppies under 12 months old.

How Much Manuka Honey Should I give My Dog?

First, have a conversation with your Vet about whether or not your particular dog can eat Manuka honey, and if so how much. The recommendation for dogs is usually a small amount per day, with the exact amount based on weight.

When Phoebe was battling severe infection I gave her 1/2 teaspoon of Manuka honey once or twice a day. I wanted to add the antibiotic properties of Manuka honey to her diet to give her a health boost as she fought that severe infection.

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How much Manuka honey should I give my dog?

Where To Buy Manuka Honey for Dogs

Because of it's unique healing properties, especially antibacterial properties, and the fact that the plant from which it is made is found only in New Zealand and Australia, Manuka honey isn't cheap! You won't find it on the shelves of every grocery store like dozens of other types of honey. 

Manuka honey is most often found in specialty food stores, health food stores, or online. Wherever you buy it, be sure it's from a reliable merchant and that you're getting authentic Manuka honey from New Zealand or Australia.

Two key terms you should know when buying Manuka honey:

UMF - Unique Manuka Factor is a grading system developed by the New Zealand UMF Honey Association. Manuka Honey produced in New Zealand is eligible for UMF Certification. Reputable manufacturers of authentic New Zealand Manuka honey will have a certified UMF label on their products. UMF gradings of Manuka honey products go from 5+ to 22+.

MGO - Methylglyoxal is the chemical that naturally occurs in Manuka honey. It's what determines the honey's antibacterial effects. The MGO number refers to the number of milligrams of Methylglyoxal the honey contains. The MGO indicates the grade of honey and will appear on the product's label as well. MGO gradings go from 83+ to 1000+.

As you can probably guess, the MGO and UMF numbers impact the price of the honey. The higher the MGO or UMF numbers, the higher the price. 

When first introducing Manuka Honey into your dog's diet, start conservatively. You probably don't want to run out and buy the highest grade of honey you can afford, especially if your goal is to give your dog the health benefits of Manuka Honey vs. treating an infection or wound. Ask your Vet or a holistic health professional for guidance if you're not sure what grade of honey to buy.  For my own dog I look for an MGO somewhere from 263 to 514 for general wellness benefits. Manuka honey is expensive so be ready for some sticker shock!

I would be remiss not to mention that there is debate over true Manuka Honey being exclusive to New Zealand, and that true Manuka Honey isn't produced in Australia. However, Australian Manuka honey advocates argue that Leptospermum scoparium, the trees from which Manuka honey is made, grow native in Southern Australia as well. 

Personally, I buy New Zealand Manuka honey because I like the official UMF certification and the MGO ratings put forth by New Zealand's UMF Honey Association. Both Manuka honey products are made from the Manuka tree, but you can decide for yourself which Manuka honey to buy, New Zealand's or Australia's. Learn more about Australian Manuka honey on the Australian Manuka Honey Association web site.

I have made Manuka honey a part of my dog's overall health routine. I give my dog Icy some on a teaspoon, or I just add it to her food. She loves the taste, and I love the added health benefits! 

My dog loves the taste of Manuka honey, and I love the health boost it gives her!

As always, whenever you add a new food or supplement to your dog's diet, check with your Veterinarian first. Your dog could have a health condition that would make honey inappropriate for her. Dogs with diabetes should not consume honey due to the high sugar content. Puppies under 12 months shouldn't consume it because their immune systems are still developing. 

Your Vet knows your dog, so be sure s/he is in agreement with Manuka honey benefits for dogs and with adding Manuka honey to your dog's diet.  

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Get the Health Benefits of BONE BROTH FOR DOGS

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Have you considered using Manuka honey for your pet? Leave us a comment and share your thoughts!

HEALTH BENEFITS OF BONE BROTH FOR DOGS

Bone Broth for dogs is getting a lot of attention these days. It's being touted as the latest and greatest "super food" for dogs, loaded with healthy nutrients.  The health benefits of bone broth for dogs have pet parents buying packaged dog bone broth and making homemade bone broth for dogs themselves.

WHAT IS BONE BROTH FOR DOGS

Bone broth for dogs isn't a complete and balanced meal. It can be added to your dog's food, but it shouldn't be treated as a complete meal or replacement for a dog's food. It's great as a meal topper or an added ingredient to offer additional nutrition and taste to your dog's meal.

As for how much bone broth to give a dog each day, follow the guidance on the package. You can also consult with your Vet.  I give Phoebe, a small dog of 10 lbs, about 1/8 cup of bone broth each morning, mixed in with her regular dog food. Icy gets slightly more than that with her food.

Bone broth for dogs is basically made from the bones of beef, pork, poultry or other animals. It also contains other nutritious animal components such as ligaments, tendons, and bone marrow. If you want to make your own dog bone broth instead of buying it, there are a number of YouTube videos and online articles with instructions on how to make bone broth for dogs. 

You may be wondering if you can give your dog store bought bone broth that is intended for people. Most human grade bone broth sold in grocery stores is healthy for people, but check the ingredients list carefully to ensure it doesn't have added salt, garlic, onion or ingredients your dog is allergic to. If you're not sure consult your Veterinarian. 

IS BONE BROTH SAFE FOR DOGS

If you follow me on Facebook, you know that my sweet girl Phoebe, 13 years old, has been battling serious infection for over a month.  Fighting the infection has taken a big toll on her. I've watched her get weaker and weaker each week. It's terrifying to see my dog's energy level drop to a point where she sleeps all day and night and is barely responsive. I was feeling helpless, I had to do something to help her.

Phoebe is on all the appropriate medication for the infection she's fighting, but I felt I needed to do something to help boost her energy and health, giving her more strength to fight the infection. 

I feed my dogs a very healthy diet, but I felt Phoebe needed something more to be strong enough to fight this deep infection. I wanted to find more health boosting foods and nutrients to supplement my dog's diet. I'd been reading a lot about the health benefits of bone broth for dogs, so I decided to explore the options.

Health Benefits of Bone Broth For Dogs

A Bone broth for dogs recipe is made largely from the bones of beef, pork, or poultry. The bones from lamb, duck, fish, or bison can also be used. The bones are boiled for long periods of time in order to extract the nutrients from the bones. Similar to soup or stew, other ingredients can also be added such as vegetables and other nutrients. 

If you're wondering where to buy bone broth for dogs, you don't need to look very far. I found that most pet stores that stock premium pet care products carry bone broth for dogs and bone broth for cats. 

I visited a couple of pet supply stores to see what was available in terms of bone broth for dogs. I wanted to see the various types of bone broth being sold and I wanted to study the ingredients lists on packaging. 

I was delighted to find that some of the dog food brands I have high regard for, especially the more natural ingredient brands, make their own brand of bone broth for dogs! 

There were several varieties to choose from; Chicken bone broth for dogs, Beef bone broth for dogs, and Turkey bone broth for dogs were the most common varieties I saw on the shelves.  

Several dog bone broth packages stated they had additional nutrients added to their bone broth recipe like Turmeric, sweet potato, apple, pumpkin and other ingredients that are healthy for dogs.

I bought a few different brands of dog bone broth to try and was delighted that both my dogs loved them all. I had added some to my Siberian Husky dog Icy's food as well to give her a health boost and she loved it!

If you decide to buy bone broth for your dog, read the ingredients on the package carefully to be sure they don't contain anything your dog is allergic to. As always, consult your Veterinarian before adding any foods or supplements to your pet's diet. Your Vet knows your pet best, so let him or her know any time you add a food or supplement to your dog's diet.

BENEFITS OF BONE BROTH FOR DOGS 

With all the essential vitamins and minerals contained in bones, here are some of the many benefits of bone broth for dogs :

🐾 Beneficial for digestive and gut health due to it's gelatin content

🐾 Can help with daily liver detox due to it's high Glycine content

🐾 Contains chondroitin, glucosamine and hyaluronic acid, which support joint health

🐾The bones contain minerals that help maintain teeth and bones, such as calcium, magnesium and phospherus

I've been adding bone broth to my dogs food for several weeks. Phoebe's infection is still raging but she looks much better! She's put back some of the weight she lost from the illness and seems to have a lot more energy and alertness. Now, I can't attribute that improvement to the bone broth for certain, she's been on medication and I also added other nutritious food and supplements to her diet. But I will say that I'm very glad I added bone broth to my dogs' diet. I believe it has been helping her, and I love the healthy ingredients contained in dog bone broth. 

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Health Benefits of Bone Broth For Dogs

I'm convinced that dogs don't have to be ill or lacking a nutritious diet to reap the health benefits of bone broth for dogs. After what I've learned, I've decided to incorporate bone broth in both my dogs' diet regimen permanently.

Have you ever given your pet bone broth? Tell us about it in the comments! We Love hearing from you.

DOG FRIENDLY VERMONT VACATION

Planning a dog friendly vacation? The dog loving state of Vermont is gorgeous all year round. Cool and lush forestry all Summer, Stunning Fall foliage, and a Winter Wonderland through the colder months. I learned to ski at the Killington ski resort in Vermont's Green Mountain region. Back then I didn't realize just how dog friendly the state of Vermont is!

Plan your Dog Friendly Vermont Vacation

Vermont has so many fun year round activities: Skiing, Tubing, Ice skating, and Snowmobiling in Winter. Swimming and Fishing in the many lakes, and Hiking the majestic mountains along miles of beautiful trails in any season.

If you're looking for a fun dog friendly vacation, Vermont is a great choice. Here are some of the best sights and activities you and your dog can do together in dog friendly Vermont.

Dog Friendly Hiking in Vermont

So much natural beauty and forestry make hiking one of the best attractions in Vermont. In fact, 78% of the state of Vermont is forestry, and there are plenty of Dog friendly hiking trails to enjoy throughout the state! 

The Long Trail is the best place to start when looking for dog friendly hikes in Vermont. The Long Trail system, constructed in the early 1900's, runs for 273 miles through the state of Vermont. It starts at the Massachusetts state line and runs North all the way to the Canadian border. The trail is primarily maintained by the Green Mountain Club. The best part is that all the trails along Vermont's Long Trail allow dogs!

Dog Friendly Manchester VT

Stroll the streets of Manchester Vermont, a quaint dog friendly town in Southern Vermont. There are lots of shops, restaurants, and other interesting places to see. Many eateries in Manchester have outdoor seating areas that allow dogs.  Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Charlie's Coffee House, where they have an extensive coffee, breakfast, and lunch menu and they'll welcome your dog! It's a breath of fresh air to ditch the big box coffee place for a quaint coffee house that supports locally made and sourced food and beverage products.

Visit the pet friendly Orvis store, where you and your dog can stroll through the pet department on the second floor. Your dog can pick out a toy, some yummy treats, a bed or some chic high quality outerwear. You can also walk the beautiful grounds out back where your dog will be mesmerized by their lovely, serene fish pond. They give fishing lessons at the pond for humans.

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The Ben & Jerry's ice cream store has an outdoor dog friendly patio where you and your furry companion can enjoy an ice cream treat together.  Remember that chocolate is toxic to dogs, so opt for a small cup of plain vanilla for your dog.

We didn't have time to visit Ben & Jerry's, but we did stop at the adorable Cold Cow Creamery with their super cute dog friendly outdoor patio. There's plenty of seating available. Icy and Phoebe enjoyed a cup of vanilla ice cream while we had Oreo cookie shakes. I just love their pink picnic tables - how cute are they!

Icy and my husband on Cold Cow Creamery's outdoor dog friendly patio in Manchester

Stratton Mountain Ski Resort

I've never had the opportunity to ski Stratton Mountain.  I was amazed at how beautiful the base mountain area was, even in September!  The Market is the area at the main base lodge. You can find restaurants and bars, a great deli, and some shops. The area is surrounded by a lovely courtyard with outdoor seating. 

We enjoyed delicious sandwiches from the Stratton Mountain Deli. Afterwards we strolled the grassy base mountain area, admiring the beauty of Stratton's majestic mountains. With or without snow, it's stunning!

There are several pet friendly lodgings available in the Stratton Mountain Ski area.  There are several area dog parks as well, where you can let your dog play off leash.

Dog Friendly in Stowe, Vermont

One of the coolest dog friendly activities in Vermont has to be at

Stowe Mountain resort. They actually have a dog friendly Gondola Skyride that whisks dogs and their owners to the top of the Mount Mansfield! Dogs are only allowed on the Gondola during the Summer months, but that is definitely an awesome dog friendly attraction, don't you think?  There's always snow at Stowe, as they say. Except in Summer when you can ride a gondola with your dog!

Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury, Vermont

A really special place to visit is Dog Mountain in St. Johnsbury, in Northwestern Vermont.  It's a 150 acre farm that actually has it's own doggy chapel. The chapel is dedicated to beloved dogs who have passed on. We didn't get a chance to see Dog Mountain but I've heard so many great things about it. There are dog friendly hiking trails and ponds for your dog to swim in.  There's also an art gallery with dog themed art pieces. Dog Mountain, is definitely on my list of places to visit in Vermont for next time. And there certainly will be many next times!

Pet Friendly Places To Stay In Vermont

We had no trouble finding plenty of dog friendly places to stay in Vermont. There are many Vermont hotels that welcome dogs, as well as dog friendly vacation rentals listed on VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner) and Airbnb lodgings. It's always such a relief to find a good selection of pet friendly hotels and rentals when we travel.

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A Dog Friendly Vermont Vacation is great any time of year!

Growing up in New York, I have always loved the mountains and quaint towns of both Vermont and New Hampshire. I have so many fond memories of both places, their natural unspoiled beauty always soothes my soul. Hiking the mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire with my dogs is more special than I can say. If you ask me, dog friendly vacations are the best kind of vacation! For information on a dog friendly vacation in Vermont, check out the Dog Friendly Vermont state site page. 

While you're in the area, take a trip next door for dog friendly vacation fun in New Hampshire!

Successful tips for a Road Trip with Dogs

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HOLIDAY FOODS THAT ARE BAD FOR DOGS

The holidays are here, and the risk of dogs coming in contact with dangerous foods your dog should never eat can be high. Although some human food is healthy for dogs to eat, there are many foods, especially holiday foods that are bad for dogs, cats and other pets.  

Veterinarians and Pet Insurance Companies report that the holidays bring an increase in pancreatitis, gastroenteritis and other health issues due to dogs ingesting human foods that are toxic to pets. Keep your holidays Merry and Bright by avoiding a potential pet health emergency.

HUMAN FOODS THAT ARE TOXIC TO DOGS

As soon as my sister walks through the door, one of the first things she says is "Can I give the dogs a treat?" For some reason, people that don't have pets often feel compelled to give my dogs treats or sneak them food from the dinner table.  They don't realize there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs, some can even be fatal!  

Holiday Foods That Are Bad For Dogs

Traditional Thanksgiving, Christmas and Hanukkuh foods can be very rich and loaded with ingredients that are harmful to dogs.  

Here are the most common people foods to avoid feeding your dog, not just during the holidays but all year round.

* Onioins

* Garlic

* Chocolate

* Alcohol

* Turkey skin and fat trimmings of meats

* Macadamia nuts or Walnuts

* Chips or pretzels (they contain too much salt)

* Grapes and raisins

* Caffeine (keep dogs away from coffee and tea)

* Any food that contains Xylitol, commonly found in candy, baked goods, and "sugar free" foods and beverages

Sauces and gravies often contain these ingredients, so don't let your dog lick up gravy or sauce.  Marinated meats, dips, baked goods and other dishes may also contain food ingredients that are harmful to dogs.

If you're baking or cooking from scratch make sure the dog doesn't get into ingredients like baking soda, baking powder, onion powder or salt, apple cores or seeds from apple pie making, yeast, sugar, or spices. These foods can be poisonous to dogs.

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Human Foods That Are Toxic To Dogs & Other pets

Don't let your dog chew on cooked bones from meat or poultry. Cooked bones are too soft, they can splinter and pierce your dog's intestines or cause a blockage.

HUMAN FOODS THAT ARE HEALTHY FOR DOGS 

Now that we've talked about foods that are bad for dogs, are there healthy human food alternatives you can give dogs during holiday festivities? Yes! There are plenty of delicious human foods that are safe for dogs to eat, so they can celebrate the holidays safely along with you.  

Human Foods That Are Healthy For Dogs

In addition to holiday food for us humans, I put together a collection of human foods that are healthy for dogs, so Icy and Phoebe feel included. Having pet safe human food on hand not only allows me to include the dogs in holiday festivities, it also discourages my guests from slipping them unhealthy food or snacks from the dinner table! 

These human foods are healthy for dogs, and most dogs love at least a few of them!

* Carrots

* Bananas

* Blueberries
* Apples
* Sweet Potato (Cooked, not raw)
* Pumpkin (100% canned or fresh pumpkin, cooked not raw)
* Peas

* String Beans
* Pineapple
* Broccoli
* Organic applesauce
* Organic Peanut Butter
* Nonfat Yogurt
* Eggs (boiled, scrambled, poached - not cooked in butter, fat, or vegetable oil - olive oil is ok)

Icy and Phoebe love pretty much all of these fruits and veggies, and they especially love eggs.  I often mix these foods in with their regular dog food. I like the added nutrition and they love the taste and variety.

For holiday gatherings, I put out my platter of healthy human foods for dogs and let guests know they can freely give my dogs treats from the platter instead of sneaking them table foods that are unhealthy or toxic to dogs. 

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When the big holiday meal is served, my dogs eat right along with us. I make them a plate of turkey (No Skin!) with pumpkin, peanut butter, nonfat yogurt or applesauce, and some of the vegetables above.  They know it's a special holiday meal made just for them, and they feel included in our holiday feast.

Keep your dogs and other pets safe during the holidays. However you celebrate, Icy, Phoebe and I wish you and your families a joyous and healthy holiday season!!  🎄 ❆

Would you add any foods to the list of people foods that can be dangerous to pets?  What about the list of human foods that are healthy for pets? Please leave us a comment, we love when you bark back to us!

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