While you might consider your dog to be your baby, canines have nutritional needs that are different from those of any human babies you might have in your care. It’s not recommended to let your dog drink leftover breast milk because they likely won’t be able to digest it well. Adult dogs are likely to be lactose intolerant, which means pretty much any milk will be devastating to their tummies. At the very least, human milk isn’t nutritionally adequate to support growing puppies. Alternatively, goat’s milk contains less lactose than other types, making it a safer choice for dogs of all ages.
Why Can’t Dogs Drink Human Breast Milk?
Like humans, dogs become partially to fully intolerant to lactose as they age. While an occasional nibble of some dairy products such as cheese might not hurt them, human milk and cow’s milk contains a significant amount of lactose that can make their tummies throw tantrums.
Even though puppies may not be lactose intolerant, they shouldn’t rely on human breast milk for growth and development. The nutritional needs of dogs and humans are totally different. Puppies who regularly drink human breast milk instead of canine milk or formula made for dogs may have developmental issues.
Is It Ever Okay for Dogs to Drink Breast Milk?
Although we definitely don’t recommend feeding your dog breast milk on a regular basis, it could occasionally be justified based on the situation. A few years ago a Colorado woman made international headlines when she breastfed a starving foster puppy who’d lost its mother. She credited her actions with saving its life, noting that the puppy who had formerly been the runt but now was bigger than its siblings.
The news media and veterinarians cautioned against following her example as a general rule. Dr. Amber Williams commented on a news story warning that there are zoonotic diseases that are transmittable between humans and animals, so she didn’t recommend people following suit. However, she concluded that the Colorado woman’s action was probably okay since it was a one-time, life-saving situation. Just don’t make a habit of it.
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Milk Alternatives for Puppies
If you’re fostering a young dog who urgently needs milk, a formula or milk replacement that’s made for dogs is the safest choice that’ll meet their dietary needs. However, there may be cases where the local pet store is out of stock or closed, and you have a screaming, starving puppy on your hands.
For emergency situations, you can try goat’s milk recipes. You can find goat’s milk at your grocery store, or at a pet store in dry or liquid form. All you need to do is mix 10 ounces of goat’s milk with 1 raw egg yolk, 1 cup plain full fat yogurt, and ½ teaspoon corn syrup. For the yogurt, you can use goat’s milk yogurt or cow’s milk yogurt since there isn’t a devastating amount of lactose in those dairy products. We recommend steering clear of cow’s milk in general, though, because it can upset your dog’s stomach.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that all mammals are raised on milk, there are distinct nutritional differences among species that make their milks non-interchangeable. If you have a starving puppy on your hands, giving them milk replacement that’s formulated for dogs is the safest option. If you’re out of commercially manufactured puppy formula, you can make a homemade goat’s milk recipe to keep them satisfied until you can find more. Your adult dog can’t handle human breast milk because they usually become lactose intolerant over time. It’s best to save the breast milk for human babies and opt for a refreshing bowl of goat’s milk for the pups.
Separation anxiety is a condition that many dog owners are faced with and can be quite difficult to remedy. Dogs of all sizes, ages, and breeds can experience separation anxiety, and not only is it heartbreaking for both the dog and their family, but it can also be problematic and lead to many unwanted behaviors.
One of the many ways to help dogs manage their distress is through toys, but what kind of toys could be therapeutic for anxious pups? Well, that’s where we come in. We have scoured the reviews of fellow dog owners to bring you a list of the best dog toys for separation anxiety that are available on the market in 2023.
When it comes to choosing a great toy for your dog, it’s hard to go wrong with a KONG. We give the KONG Classic our pick for the best overall dog toy for separation anxiety not just because it’s great for keeping your dog occupied, but it’s also incredibly durable.
The KONG can easily be stuffed with kibble, the KONG Stuff’N Easy Treat Paste, or any of your dog’s favorite treats. This is a great way to keep your dog busy and soothed while you are out as they work to get their reward that is hidden inside.
KONG toys are non-toxic and come in all different sizes, making them ideal for any breed. They even have extra durable options for those heavy-duty chewers. They are also dishwasher safe for easy cleaning and make an excellent fetch toy. The only downside is that once dogs figure out how to get those treats out, they get quicker and are occupied for shorter periods.
Pros
Durable and great for heavy chewers
Relieves boredom and keeps dogs soothed
Comes in different sizes
Dishwasher safe
Cons
May not last for long periods
2. Starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball – Best Value
The Starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball is an excellent choice if you need relief for your dog’s separation anxiety. It’s also the best dog toy for separation anxiety for the money. This ball works as an anxiety reducer by keeping dogs healthily occupied through encouraging natural foraging behaviors and challenging them to get their treats.
These balls are not only great for separation anxiety, but are ideal for all kinds of play since they roll, bounce, and even float. Interlocking treats can easily be used in the chew ball or you can simply add in your dog’s kibble or favorite treats.
Another plus to this toy is that it is free of latex, vinyl, and phthalates and can be thrown in the dishwasher for cleaning. The downside is that it’s too big for small breeds and owners of serious chewers report it being destroyed in no time, so it may not be ideal for those powerful jaws that like to rip apart their toys.
The iDig by iFetch is an excellent toy that not only can help with separation anxiety, but can help save your furniture, carpet, and maybe even backyard from those pesky digging behaviors. The iDig has pockets that allow you to hide treats and toys inside, making it even more fun and interesting.
The base is made from hard shell plastic so it is suitable for aggressive diggers of all sizes. The straps are machine washable and can easily be removed when it’s time for a cleaning. Overall, this is an excellent toy for both mental and physical stimulation.
The downside to the iDig is that it’s fairly expensive, but there are not a lot of toys quite like this on the market. There were also some reports of some fraying of the material after extended, frequent use.
The Snuggle Puppy made by Smart Pet Love is an excellent choice for little ones that are suffering from separation anxiety and need a little comfort. Snuggle Puppy is crafted as a behavioral aid to help alleviate feelings of loneliness as new puppies go through the crate training process and learn life away from their mother and littermates.
This toy will help provide comfort by mimicking the body heat and heartbeat of a live companion with its disposable heat packs and heartbeat simulator. There are several different color choices available and Snuggle Puppies are machine washable and very easy to clean, which is a huge plus during the messy puppy stage.
Snuggle Puppy will come with two AAA batteries and one disposable heating pack that lasts approximately 24 hours. The material used to craft these cuddly friends is advertised as safe for human use. The downfall is that this is a stuffed toy that is easily chewed up, so owners should supervise use.
The Licki Mat can be used as either entertainment for separation anxiety or as a slow feeder for those that like to gulp things down. It promotes licking, which is linked to an endorphin release that can help soothe and calm your dog if they are feeling stressed out due to separation.
Licking up their tasty treat will keep them entertained and will even induce saliva production that can aid in overall dental health. The Licki Mat is crafted to be environmentally friendly and is made without any BPAs.
Licki Mat can be used for dogs of all sizes and owners are impressed with it overall. There aren’t many cons to having the Licki Mat around other than this isn’t your typical toy that can be used for separation anxiety as well as playtime.
Pros
Great for soothing
Encourages licking which releases calming endorphins
Keeps dogs entertained
Great for dental health
May help with dental health
Cons
Not your typical toy
6. Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Brick Puzzle Game
This Outward Hound Brick Puzzle Game is a great way to provide some much-needed mental exercise to keep your anxious dog’s mind busy. You simply hide the treats away in the puzzle and allow your dog the pleasure of figuring out how to get to them.
This is a very rewarding game, as your dog gets their favorite treat as a reward for all their effort. You can change the difficulty level with the white plastic blocks. Having something that challenges them can certainly help with separation anxiety and ease their mind a bit.
Unfortunately for the big dogs, this toy is designed for the smaller breeds. Owners did report that it wasn’t as sturdy as they preferred and particularly clever dogs have figured it out easily, making them solve the puzzle much too quickly.
The Chill Playtime Kit is a great all-in-one toy that is great for medium and large-sized dogs that suffer from separation anxiety. This kit comes complete with a durable chew toy that is BPA and latex free and a delicious treat spread that is made with a peanut-based spread with naturally calming ingredients such as melatonin and chamomile.
You can fill the ends of the Chill bone with the tasty treat spread to keep your dog occupied and soothed when they are feeling anxious. It will have them take time out to relax and work to get every last bit of the paste out of there.
This is a great choice for medium to large breeds but is much too large for small dogs. The bone is very durable and great for heavy chewers, but some owners did complain it has a strong smell even after several washes.
The Jolly Ball Teaser Ball is made specifically for dogs that love balls – which is why it’s a ball within a ball. Made from high-density polyethylene durability, this toy is designed to roll around in an erratic pattern and keep your pup entertained and wondering how in the world he gets that ball out of there.
This is great for separation anxiety because of how mobile and exciting the toy is and the challenge it poses will keep them busy. You can even add in some peanut butter or other spreadable treat to entice them even further.
Jolly Ball’s Teaser Ball is also a great toy for individual play and as a water toy for pool days or time spent on the river, lake, or beach. It comes with several different size options so dogs of all sizes can get in on the fun. Owners of serious chewers do report the outer ball being easier to destroy than they’d hoped with pieces of the plastic being chewed off.
Pros
Comes in different size options
The ball within a ball feature is very entertaining
Easily add treat spread to keep your dog even busier
Zippy Paws makes some super fun hide-and-seek toys that can make great options for separation anxiety. The Burrow Log & Chipmunks is one of the many different cute creature options that is made from plush and features a log and squeaky toy chipmunks that you can hide on the inside.
This is a very well-reviewed interactive toy that can keep your dog occupied as they work to get those chipmunks out. Other than promoting lots of mental stimulation and excitement, this toy is very easy to clean since it’s machine washable.
The downfall is that this is in no way meant for heavy chewers, so if you have an anxious dog that likes to chew, the plush is much too easy to destroy. It’s a good idea to supervise your dog during play to prevent them from swallowing the material.
The multiple-level Trixie Flower Tower is a fun, interactive toy that makes your dog put on their thinking cap and figure out ways to get to those tasty treats. This toy requires your dog’s concentration and will keep their mind busy, so it can be a great tool for separation anxiety sufferers.
It has non-skid rubber feet to keep the toy in place as your dog gets to work. You can either increase or decrease the difficulty level by removing cones and you will even be provided a little booklet that contains training advice.
Whether you choose to use treats or your dog’s regular kibble, you can hide it in many different places. This toy isn’t really big enough to accommodate large breed dogs, but it’s great for small to medium-sized breeds. There are some complaints that it isn’t as sturdy as expected, so that’s something to keep in mind, but overall, this toy gets great reviews from lots of dog owners.
Pros
Challenging interactive treat toy
Great mental exercise
Comes with booklet with training tips
Increase or decrease the difficulty level
Cons
A bit too small for large dogs
May lack sturdiness
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Right Toys for Dogs With Separation Anxiety
Consider Your Dog’s Preferences
Not all dogs will enjoy playing with all types of toys, so it’s important to know and understand your dog’s preferences before making a final decision. For example, your dog may love balls and will do best with a toy that is either a treat dispensing ball or an interactive ball toy of some sort. You’d hate to waste your money on something that doesn’t suit their fancy in the first place.
Image Credit: hedgehog94, Shutterstock
Make Sure It’s an Appropriate Size
Before you purchase a dog toy, especially if you are online shopping, check out the size of the item and the breed sizes it is designed for. You do not want to purchase a toy to help you deal with separation anxiety only to have it not be size appropriate for your dog.
Keep it Mentally Stimulating
Separation anxiety happens when a dog is apart from their owners and becomes incredibly distressed. Having a toy that keeps them occupied and mentally stimulated will help distract them from their anxiousness and they work to solve a puzzle or get that treat worked out.
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Treat Dispensers Are Great
Most dogs take very well to treat dispensing toys because the way to most dogs’ hearts is through their stomachs. Treat dispensers entice them and give them the motivation to focus on the toy rather than on the stress of being apart from their people.
Consider Your Dog’s Chewing Habits
Some dogs are heavy-duty chewers while others may not chew hardly at all. Destructive chewing behavior is very common with separation anxiety, and if this sounds like your pup, you want a toy that can hold up under those sharp teeth and powerful jaws. You don’t want to offer soft, plush toys or those that are easily destroyed to a hardcore chewer.
Image Credit: Alena Veasey, Shutterstock
Keep Safety in Mind
Remember that toys are best used under owner supervision since no toy is indestructible. They can pose a choking hazard or could lead to foreign body obstruction if swallowed. Remember to talk to your vet if you have concerns over what kinds of toys (if any) they would be comfortable with you leaving down while you are outside the home.
Additional Tips for Dealing with Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety can be difficult to remedy and finding toys is just one of the many tools you can use to help ease your dog’s anxiety. Toys aren’t going to be an end all be all and solve the problem though, so here are some extra tips to keep in mind.
Don’t Leave Them Alone for Long Periods – At First
Crate training is recommended for every dog and while some may graduate to being left out of the crate while you are away, it shouldn’t start that way. Never leave your dog alone for long periods in the beginning and make sure you start slow and work your way up to more extended time away. You can start by leaving them alone for 5 minutes, increase to 20, then an hour, and so forth. This can help them get used to your absence gradually.
Image Credit: Iryna Kalamurza, Shutterstock
Exercise Your Dog
A tired dog is a more relaxed dog. If you know you are going to need to leave the home, try taking some time out to exercise your dog before you go. Depending on the breed and energy level, you may have to carve out more time for certain dogs. Try going for a walk, jogging, or even taking them outside and letting them play for a while. When they are back inside and ready to wind down, then you can leave so they can spend the time you are gone getting their much-needed rest.
Don’t Put Emphasis on Leaving the Home
A lot of owners make the mistake of kissing their dog goodbye, telling them how much they love them and making it very obvious they are leaving the house. If you are saying goodbye before you leave, do so long before you walk out the door, so your dog isn’t associating the two. Simply get things in order before you go, keep your energy calm and assertive, and leave the house without any change in energy. Dogs pick up on a lot, and when they realize you’re about to go, it can kick their anxiety into overdrive.
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Turn on Comforting Sounds While You Are Out
One way to combat separation anxiety is by turning on familiar noises while you are away. This can help comfort your dog since they are hearing normal sounds that are going on in the home while you are there. This can be the television, music, or even an audiobook. That background noise can be very helpful to certain pups.
Talk to a Professional
If you are concerned about your dog’s separation anxiety, it’s a good idea to get in contact with your veterinarian for guidance. You may even need to rule out any underlying health conditions before you start tackling separation anxiety. If you have been working on helping your dog with this issue to no avail, there’s no harm in contacting a professional dog trainer for some help. Separation anxiety can be difficult to treat and a professional opinion can never hurt.
Conclusion
When it comes to toys for separation anxiety, the reviews speak for themselves. The KONG Classic is a great overall choice because it comes in many different sizes, is durable, and holds all kinds of treats your dog must work to get out. The Starmark Treat Dispensing Chew Ball is very wallet-friendly and offers ball-loving dogs a great way to keep busy. The iDig will keep your dog busy and encourage natural digging behavior. There is no shortage of great choices out there, but remember that toys are only one tool in the process of solving separation anxiety.
Note: This article’s statistics come from third-party sources and do not represent the opinions of this website.
One question that a potential dog owner should ask is how much exercise their new dog will need. If you want a dog that fits into your lifestyle, you should do your research on the breed first.
Walking your dog is a necessity, but sometimes life gets in the way, so you might find yourself considering asking a friend for help or hiring a professional dog walker. The most important thing is that your dog gets their daily exercise.
Since dog walking is such an integral part of taking care of a dog, here are interesting and potentially helpful statistics about dog walking in Canada.
In 2022, approximately 7.9 million Canadians owned pet dogs.
In 2022, there were 4,691 businesses in the pet care industry in Canada, which includes dog walkers.
In 2019, 90% of Canadian homes had greenspace within 10 minutes of their homes.
The average dog walker walks an average of 300 minutes every week.
Canadians with dogs walk an average of four times a day.
Dog walking has a positive effect on mental health.
Professional Canadian dog walkers make an average of $29,250 per year.
Canadian dog walkers charge between $10 to $40 for each walk.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, dog walkers were considered an essential service in Ontario.
People returning to work after the pandemic caused an increased demand of 137% for dog walkers.
Dog Walking Statistics
1. In 2022, approximately 7.9 million Canadians owned pet dogs.
(Financial Post)
This statistic was taken from a nationwide survey, and it also states that cats outnumber dogs in Canada. In 2022, there are about 8.5 million cats. From 2020 to 2022, 200,000 dogs were adopted primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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2. In 2022, there were 4,691 businesses in the pet care industry in Canada, which includes dog walkers.
(Statistics Canada)
These businesses also include pet sitters, animal shelters, trainers, and groomers.
3. In 2019, 90% of Canadian homes had greenspace within 10 minutes of their homes.
(Statistics Canada)
The most popular activity for Canadians in 2019 was walking. About 72% of Canadians walked to these close-by parks and greenspaces, many with their dogs by their sides.
Image Credit: Mabel Amber, Pixabay
4. The average dog walker walks an average of 300 minutes every week.
(Research Gate)
This statistic is based out of Victoria, B.C., and the study found that compared to the average of 300 minutes a week for dog walkers, those without dogs spent an average of 168 minutes walking. Dogs are a great way to get more exercise!
5. Canadians with dogs walk an average of four times a day.
(CBC)
Canadians are recommended to get a minimum of 1 hour and 50 minutes of exercise every day. Dog walkers do at least 10 minutes more walking than this.
Image Credit: Piqsels
6. Dog walking has a positive effect on mental health.
(Frontiers)
A 2021 study found that not only does dog walking provide physical exercise, but it also keeps us mentally healthy. Your blood flow and circulation increase in the body and the brain, which helps boost your mood. Walking is also known to help with depression.
Professional Dog Walker Statistics
7. Professional Canadian dog walkers make an average of $29,250 per year.
(Talent)
This annual salary works out to about $15 an hour, but how much you make depends on how many dogs you walk and how long you walk them. Entry-level positions might start at $25,545, and experienced dog walkers could make up to $50,850 annually.
Image Credit: Jaromir Chalabala, Shutterstock
8. Canadian dog walkers charge between $10 to $40 for each walk.
(Finder)
The longer they walk, the more they make. 30-minute walks will cost less compared to walks that are 1 hour or more. Additionally, dog walkers in more densely populated cities, such as Vancouver or Toronto, will charge more than those in smaller cities and towns.
9. During the COVID-19 pandemic, dog walkers were considered an essential service in Ontario.
(CP24)
This was accomplished with a petition signed by just over 5,700 dog owners asking the provincial government to call dog walking an essential service, which was granted. This enabled professional dog walkers to continue working.
Image Credit: Tomasz_Mikolajczyk, Pixabay
10. People returning to work after the pandemic caused an increased demand of 137% for dog walkers.
(CBC)
Many people adopted dogs during the pandemic for company, but when they had to return to work, this left many dogs with a very different home environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Walkers in Canada
Do professional dog walkers need a license?
Big cities like Toronto require a Commercial Dog Walker Permit if you regularly walk four to six dogs. This includes paying fees. Beyond this, some pet owners might expect some kind of training, particularly in animal first aid, as well as insurance and references. (City of Toronto) (Canadian Dog Walkers Association)
What if you can’t take your dog for a walk?
Interactive puzzle toys can keep your dog occupied for a while. You can also use treat dispensers or just fill up a Kong with peanut butter. Beyond this, play your usual games with your dog, like a game of tug, or try teaching them a new trick.
If you have a highly energetic dog that needs a walk, call upon your neighbours, friends, and family, or hire a dog walker until you’re ready to take them out yourself. (Vetstreet)
Image Credit: alexei_tm, Shutterstock
How should you walk a dog with a health problem?
If a dog has health issues, taking them for a short and light walk can still benefit them. But always speak to your vet before having your dog do any exercise. They will give you ideas on safe ways to ensure that your dog gets the right exercise safely.
How else can you exercise a dog?
Beyond taking walks or playing tug, there are so many options that will give your dog the right amount of exercise, and both of you will have a blast doing it! Swimming, agility trials, herding, playing fetch, and just old-fashioned running will give your dog amazing exercise!
Conclusion
Taking your dog out for regular walks is a necessary part of dog ownership. Some dogs require just a short trip, while others need hours! Not only do dogs greatly benefit from your daily walks, but you also do.
That said, there are times when you can’t take out your dog, which is when hiring a dog walker can be valuable. Be sure to check their references and credentials and otherwise do your due diligence before placing your fur baby into someone else’s hands.
Double-check with your vet before you change any of your dog’s exercise routines, particularly if they are a senior, a puppy, or have a health condition. We all want to keep our best friends around for a long time!
