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Doing the Heimlich Maneuver For a Dog

We all know that dogs are wonderful companions, but even the most obedient pup can occasionally start ignoring commands. This can be a big problem, especially in the springtime, as they are suddenly inundated with smells and exciting sounds they may not have had all winter.

If you’ve noticed your furry friend tuning you out, don’t worry — you’re not alone, and there are gentle ways to help your pup get back on track.

Sit & Stay Pro Tip — Listen Up!

Understanding Why Your Dog Might Be Ignoring You 

Before jumping to conclusions, it’s important to understand why your dog might be ignoring commands. Dogs don’t disobey out of spite; there’s usually a reason behind the behavior. For our editor’s pup, springtime in their neighborhood means lots of bunnies to sniff for. If a bunny is in sight or smell, it can mean Puggsley is not listening to his human.

Distractions

New environments, people, or other animals can easily draw your pup’s attention away. This applies to any season, which is why it’s crucial to always be alert on walks with your pup and not be on the phone or doing something else.

Inconsistent Training

If commands aren’t reinforced regularly, dogs may forget what they mean. That consistency is important for them but also important for you—dog training goes both ways. Use the same commands and tone of voice every time, and avoid repeating commands multiple times — say it once and wait.

Boredom or Lack of Motivation

Sometimes, dogs need a bit more encouragement, like tasty treats or enthusiastic praise. This reinforces good behavior and makes listening fun again.

Stress or Anxiety

Just like humans, dogs can feel overwhelmed, making it hard for them to focus.

Health Issues

If your dog is suddenly ignoring you, a vet check-up is wise to rule out any hearing problems or discomfort.

Listening Up to Your Pup

Your pup may not be listening to you, but in order to fix it, you also have to “listen” to your pup. Their ignoring your commands will indicate something to you, whether it’s their distraction, a health concern, or a need for more training. Communicating and listening effectively goes for them and us as their dutiful humans.

Remember, every dog is different, and progress takes time. Before you know it, your pup will respond enthusiastically, eager to show you how much they love being your best friend.

Could you pay $10,000 for a pet emergency?

Unexpected vet bills can be a financial burden, with some procedures costing $10,000+. Without coverage, you’d have to cover these expenses out of pocket.

Pet insurance companies can offer up to 90% reimbursement for covered claims, providing peace of mind and protection against expensive medical bills.

Don’t let unexpected vet bills stress you out. Protect your pet and your finances with top-rated pet insurance.

PROTECT YOUR PET

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Dog Food and Supplement Recalls

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

• Savage Pet - Cat Food Chicken for potential bird flu exposure

• Wild Coast Raw - Frozen Boneless Free Range Chicken Formula raw pet food for cats for possible bird flu exposure.

• Blue Ridge Beef - Natural Mix for potential salmonella.

• Blue Ridge Beef - Puppy Mix for potential salmonella.

The Smile Section

If you have a photo and/or story that can make us smile, send it to [email protected].

Vet Recommendation — Checking for Hearing Loss at Home

If you want to check your dog’s hearing at home, you can try a few simple tests. Start by making different noises when your dog isn’t looking, such as clapping your hands, jingling keys, or squeaking a toy. Observe whether your dog reacts by turning their head or perking their ears. Try using sounds of varying pitches and volumes to see if certain frequencies catch their attention more than others.

Another method is the "call test." Stand behind your dog and call their name in a normal tone of voice. If there’s no response, gradually increase your volume or try using a whistle. You can also test their response to other cues, like the sound of food being poured into their bowl. If your pup shows little to no reaction to these sounds, it may be a sign of hearing loss, and a visit to the vet is highly recommended.

Treats

• 🐶 Mom’s Helper: Check out this pup who clearly has opinions about how their mom makes the bed.

• ✍️ Join Our Facebook Group and Share Photos of Your Pup(s)!

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