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Adopting a mistreated dog: things to consider, care…

Adopting a dog that has suffered mistreatment is not easy for anyone, as in most cases, there are after-effects on their character and behaviour, especially if they have suffered it for a long period of time. For all these reasons, it is important to take into account the situation of the animal in order to help it in the process of adaptation as much as possible.

The methods of raising a mistreated dog should always be based on trust and respect for the dog. Take note of everything you need to take into account.

Adopting an abused dog

What does dog abuse look like? Abandonment, physical injuries, shouting, beating, leaving them tied up or locked up for a long time and not providing them with the medical and emotional care they need are some of the most common types of animal abuse that exist.

Therefore, the first thing to do is to learn how to detect when a dog has been mistreated. Some studies have been able to compare the behaviour of domestic dogs with those that were mistreated, and the results showed that, in the obviously mistreated dogs, there are behaviours such as:

  • Hyperactivity.
  • Fear of unfamiliar people or dogs.
  • Aggressiveness.
  • Persistent barking.
  • Repetitive or bizarre behaviour.
  • Hyper-attachment.

When a dog has been mistreated for a long time, these behaviours are exacerbated, but in addition, a certain sadness and depression can be detected.

What to look out for in abused dogs

Generally, a dog that has been abused experiences behavioural changes that may never go away, especially when it comes to aggression and mistrust.

Therefore, a dog that has suffered constant abuse by people will probably be afraid of them for the rest of its life, or certainly for a long time. Unfortunately, excessive fear or aggression sometimes cannot be improved, as there have been cases where it is impossible to achieve complete rehabilitation of the animal.

Another type of behaviour that continued abuse can bring to dogs is some kind of compulsive disorder, such as excessive barking at all hours, licking surfaces for no reason, chasing their own tails or obsessively digging on any terrain.

These kinds of obsessive behaviours can diminish his quality of life, damage his social relationships, and especially his relationship with his new family when he is rescued or adopted.

For this reason, it is important that you follow some recommendations from the experts to try to rehabilitate, understand and accompany an abused dog, always based on trust and respect.

Advice and care: how to live with an abused dog?

If you adopt a dog that has unfortunately suffered mistreatment, it is important to make an effort to make the animal feel confident and relaxed in its new home, especially during the first few days.

It is therefore important, whenever possible, that dogs spend a few days of adaptation in a place with certain restrictions, separated from other animals and children living in the house (without closing the door on them!), so that they feel independent, are not overwhelmed and gain confidence in their new home.

The room where you keep them should have a warm and comfortable bed, water and enough food. Contact should not be forced, it is better if you try to approach them little by little every day to create a means of communication with the new member of the family. If the problem is very severe, you may choose to consult a canine behaviourist, i.e. an ethologist who can help you in a more profound way in your relationship with him, but also in his relationship with his environment and family.

You have to understand that this calm situation is also new to him. Accept the idea that his mistrust will diminish over time. Give him the space and time he needs.

If you are patient, adopting an abused dog can be a wonderful experience, and a much more grateful dog for having been rescued from suffering. Go ahead and adopt and change the life of a furry one!

How to act with your pet in a risk situation

It is always better to have something and not need it than to need something and not have it. This applies to many aspects of modern life, but when it comes to natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires, floods, or emergencies like wars, having a plan of action is essential. Unexpected situations are likely to happen in life and preparing for them when animals at home is essential to maintain our responsibility and safety over them.

Action plan in the face of a risk situation when there are animals in the home

Understanding that the worst can happen at any time is a good starting point for addressing preparedness for natural disasters or other risky situations with pets. Most people go to great lengths to protect family members or property, but it is also absolutely necessary to protect pets in case of an emergency, since they are in our care.

If you have more than one animal at home, designate a family member for each pet. This person will be tasked with protecting your assigned animal during an emergency. When your family works together, you have a better chance of staying safe and healthy.

How to prepare?

When thinking about pet emergency preparedness, it’s important to recognize that you and your pets can become separated. To reduce the chances of loss or permanent separation, make sure your pets are chipped. Also, updating any contact information that has changed will also be important.

If you must evacuate your home, you can prepare a list of places where you and your pet can go together. Many public evacuation or rescue sites are not equipped to handle our animal companions. Research places that can safely house people and pets. Ask family or friends if their homes are viable options for spending time with them.

How to deal with the situation?

Many emergencies can happen suddenly, with little or no warning. This is especially dangerous if your animals are away from home at the time. For example, at the first suspicion that the weather is changing radically, call your pets inside the house or ask a friend or neighbor to do it in your absence. Pets may tend to hide during terrible weather or even run away in fear.

Prepare a room-refuge in which to remain calm. Store water bottles, trash, garbage bags, leashes/harnesses, canned food, medications, and comfortable pillows and blankets. A flashlight, radio, and pet first aid kit can round out your preparedness kit for natural disasters or pet emergencies.

Other things to consider

It is never recommended to leave pets at home during an emergency. If you leave the house, they better go with you. If you’re not home during an emergency evacuation, your property may be searched by firefighters, EMTs, and other security professionals. A list of pets inside your home, posted near the front door or windows, can help rescue them. Their names, breeds, ages, and specific care instructions could save their lives in an emergency. We always recommend putting your name and contact number on your pet’s collars, so you can be contacted if necessary.

We know the uncertainty and fear that can be caused by both natural disasters and exceptional emergency situations, such as wars. The current situation in some parts of the world can make us reflect on preventive preparation for these emergencies, the best way to take care of ourselves, but also of our furry family members.

Why is the Iberian lynx in danger of extinction?

The Iberian lynx (Lynx Pardinus) is a wild cat found on the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe, and more specifically here in Spain. It is currently listed as endangered on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) red list, which is the world’s most comprehensive inventory of global conservation of biological species. In recent years, the threat category of the Iberian lynx has changed from “Critically Endangered” to “Endangered”. Despite this, the Iberian lynx remains the most endangered feline in the world.

In this article, we will review its current conservation status, explain what makes this feline especially vulnerable, and assess the reasons why the Iberian lynx is in danger of extinction today.

Characteristics of the Iberian lynx

The Iberian lynx is one of the most elusive species in the world, in fact very few people have ever seen an Iberian lynx in the wild. To better understand this mysterious feline, we are going to explain its most striking physical and behavioral traits:

  • It has a tawny coat of brown colors with spots that vary in each individual. Their fur also allows them to perfectly camouflage themselves with the bushes.
  • Its head is small and is characterized by having a kind of “beard” on its chin, which is present in both males and females, although it is longer in males.
  • Their ears are elongated and triangular, ending in furry tips, which are longer in females.
  • Its tail is short and ends in a black fur tassel. They hold their tails up when they are alert.
  • Its legs are robust and long. They have four fingers with retractable claws that allow them to hold onto their prey.
  • It is difficult for them to adapt to environments other than their own, which makes their survival even more challenging.
  • Regarding its diet, the favorite prey of the Iberian lynx is the wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), which accounts for up to 90% of its diet.
  • Bobcats are solitary and territorial creatures that do not normally interact with each other. They only come together during the breeding season.
  • Adults defend their territory and rely on scent markings to deter other individuals of the same sex.

Where exactly does the Iberian lynx live?

As we mentioned before, the Iberian lynx is endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, so its wild population is limited to this area. Its area has decreased by 99% in the last 50 years, since it occupied about 5,800,000 square hectares in the 1950s, but only about 35,000 square hectares in the year 2000.

Both its geographical limits and the size of its populations are currently not known exactly. It is estimated that lynxes inhabit Extremadura, Andalusia (the region with the largest population), Castilla-La Mancha and some areas of Portugal.

The typical habitat of this species is the well-preserved Mediterranean scrub, where it hunts its prey (rabbits) and finds caves that it uses as burrows. There is a low probability of finding lynxes along the roads or in urban areas in general in the Iberian Peninsula. In addition, lynxes avoid open spaces, farmland, and forests, except during breeding season.

Why is the Iberian lynx in danger of extinction?

The Iberian lynx is one of the most endangered animals in Spain. Several factors are responsible for the decline of the Iberian lynx population, which has caused this species to be currently classified as endangered. The main reasons for the precarious status of the Iberian lynx include:

  • Destruction and modification of its habitat: during the last 50 years, the population of the Iberian lynx has decreased due to changes in the landscape and the transformation of scrub areas into agricultural and forest areas, which has caused a drastic reduction in its habitat.
  • Fragmentation of their habitat: to reproduce, lynxes need to be able to move freely to find a mate. However, they are increasingly isolated from each other as their territory fragments. There is little chance that this species will develop a large and viable population due to the fragmentation of the Mediterranean scrub where they live. In addition, the loss of their environments favors the mortality of young lynxes when they move to other areas.
  • Prey decline: Iberian lynxes and several other animal species rely primarily on rabbits, making them an important part of the food chain. However, in the last decade, numerous diseases have caused wild rabbit populations to decline. The decline in rabbit populations, along with the destruction and conversion of former lynx habitats, have played a key role in reducing the lynx population. Despite being excellent hunters and being able to take larger prey such as roe deer, there is no evidence that the lynx hunts other prey when rabbits are scarce.
  • Traffic accidents: Traffic accidents, which have become more common in recent years, are another threat to the future of the lynx. In fact, being hit by a moving vehicle still poses the biggest threat to these cats. Although the number of Iberian lynxes has quadrupled in the last three years, the number of lynxes killed on the road has grown at an even higher rate in the same period of time.

Conservation of the Iberian lynx

Due to the near disappearance of the species in recent decades, a series of measures have been taken to ensure its protection and conservation. In 2002, there were only 94 of these animals in the wild. Thanks to the efforts of different organizations, the lynx population reached 547 in 2020. It is expected that by 2025 the Iberian lynx will be listed as “vulnerable” if the trend continues in this way. Different measures are being carried out to ensure the survival of this species:

  • Different plans and budget for its conservation: there are currently several projects underway to increase the chances of survival of the Iberian lynx. Some of these projects, such as the Iberlince conservation programme, have received more than €70 million since 2002, half of which comes from the EU and the other half is a combination of funds from local authorities and private donations.
  • Captive breeding: There are several programs that aim to conserve the species outside of its natural habitats for a variety of reasons, including being able to maintain a genetically healthy and viable population in captivity. As soon as the population center in Andalusia was secured, it became imperative to create new populations in other parts of the country for the lynx to reproduce.
  • Reintroduction of the species: by releasing captive-bred specimens, the aim is to increase wild lynx populations and develop genetic diversity, thus ensuring their future survival. So far, 305 of these wild cats have been reintroduced since 2011, more than was expected when the program began in the early 2000s. In addition, new Iberian lynx populations have also emerged naturally, that is, without need to reintroduce them.
  • Recovery plans for its main prey: there are plans to restore the wild rabbit population in these areas. This will help maintain the food chain and provide food for the Iberian lynx and other species. In addition, it has been proven that, depending on the rabbit population, a female lynx can give birth to more or fewer offspring. In regions where more rabbits are available to hunt, the number of pups can double.
  • Creation of an action plan to prevent road deaths: Local authorities have implemented a series of urgent measures to combat this problem, including the installation of more traffic signs to alert drivers, the reduction of the speed limit in certain areas, the inspection of road fences and the facilitation of wildlife crossings.

At Hospital Veterinario Glòries we hope that all these measures continue and bear fruit, making the conservation of the Iberian lynx stabilize in Spain and Portugal.

What to do if you find an abandoned dog?

Unfortunately, there are still too many people who act rash and fall short of the responsibility of caring for a dog. According to reports from the Affinity Foundation, 162,000 dogs were abandoned in Spain during 2020. With the proactive campaigns and the pandemic, this number has been lower than in previous years, but it is still too much.

There is no single answer to the question, what do I do if I find an abandoned dog? However, we want to talk about it to guide you and know how to act in case you find an abandoned dog.

How to help an abandoned dog

The first thing to understand with an abandoned or lost dog is that it will probably be very scared, and therefore you must exercise caution and not approach it invasively (not even inadvertently). If they have had a traumatic experience, they may react negatively, try to flee, or even act aggressively.

You can find an abandoned dog anywhere. Often people take them to remote areas and leave them on the side of the road or in some remote location. The dog is often disoriented and confused in the surroundings. They may be trying to get back home, but you will lose any odor traces, so you won’t know where to go. However, it is also possible for dog owners to abandon an entire house and leave the dog behind. If this is the case, the dog may be walking the property. If a dog is on the property, and you have reason to suspect that it has been abandoned, you should call the local authorities, as you will not have the right to enter without authorization.

Not all the dogs that you see on the street alone are abandoned. Many may have gotten lost while chasing a car from home or let curiosity get the best of them, and they got lost. However, if the dog is lost, the protocol will be very similar to that for abandoned dogs. We will talk about them later.

How to approach an abandoned dog

When trying to get close to an unfamiliar, lost, or abandoned dog, you should look around to make sure its owners are not around. You can make an incorrect assumption and cause undue stress on the animal. However, if you are sure the dog is alone, don’t force him to do anything that makes him uncomfortable. The goal is to gain their trust and prevent them from running away:
Start by approaching the dog from the side, not directly from the front. Speak in a calm and measured voice. You can say soothing words like “good dog” or “very good” “quiet”, etc., to show your tone of voice and your positive intention
Get down a bit. Extend the palm of your hand open and flat, fingers down (never in the direction of his mouth) and let the dog sniff it. Avoid making sudden movements.

Don’t stare at them, approach them directly, or give them any aggressive impression. It can misunderstand you.
If you have food, try shredding it and scattering it on the ground. In this way, you can capture his attention, create a positive situation and build trust.

Attracting an abandoned dog

If the dog has approached you voluntarily, you can take advantage of it and check your collar for dog tags. This should include the contact information that the owner will have added. A recently lost dog will most likely have a healthier coat and generally look well-groomed. If this is the case, you should take them to the nearest veterinary clinic and see if they have a chip to find their owners.

The abandoned dog does not come near you

If the dog does not trust you, refuses to approach, or is behaving aggressively, do not try to catch or hold it. You should contact the relevant authorities, which we will detail in this article. Always act calm and always consider your own safety as well as that of the dog.

Who do I call if I find an abandoned dog?

If you find an abandoned or lost dog, who to call will depend on the situation. If the dog approaches you, he is friendly and does not pose a threat to himself or others, then first you should be able to take him home without problems. If there is a dog walking on the road you must be very careful. Going behind the wheel and not parking in a proper place could cause an accident.

Find a safe place to park and try to lure him to the car. If the dog is aggressive, stay away from him. You will have to call the appropriate service to get support. The least we can do if we cannot take the animal to a veterinarian, or if we cannot help it in any way, is to call 112 and ask them to put us in contact with the local police or with Seprona (Nature Protection Service in Spain).

What is cold pressed pet food? Pros and cons

The concept of “cold pressing” for olive oil will sound familiar to many, right? But have you ever wondered what is behind the term “cold pressed dog food”? Did you know this type of pet food? In this article we will talk about natural feed, and in particular we will try to clarify what cold-pressed feed is. In addition, we will end by listing some brands of cold-pressed feed that you could find in Spain. Are you interested in this topic? Well, take note!

What is natural feed?

Natural feeds are those whose ingredients are of a magnificent quality. The main ingredient in these foods is usually meat, although, very important: only meats that are suitable for human consumption are selected. What does this mean? Well, it means that if these meats were sold for a human food factory, they would pass all the necessary controls and, after all their processes, we could consume them by buying them in supermarkets. This meat is known as type “A” and is sold to factories free of by-products or animal waste such as beaks, feathers or legs, guaranteeing that the protein it contains is of exceptional quality.

On the other hand, natural feed must meet other characteristics, such as the amount of cereals it contains in its composition. Cereals are necessary for our pets, but only in controlled doses, due to their source of carbohydrates. But there are also feed called grain-free (without cereals), for dogs and cats with intolerances, which do not finish digesting these components well.

These feeds use another class of ingredients, such as potatoes or peas, as a source of carbohydrates. Once we know the concept of natural feed, we can talk about one of its best alternatives in production: cold-pressed feed.

What is cold pressed feed?

To get the cold-pressed pellets, the manufacturer mixes the ground ingredients and takes them to a press that shapes the pulp into pieces suitable for dogs and cats: a roller presses the food, shaping the feed with the appropriate diameter. . Even during the cold pressing process, the feed will heat up due to the pressure. However, temperatures are normally limited to around 75º (the minimum required by law to ensure that the feed is free from salmonellosis is 70º) and no steam is used.

The different process is apparent at first glance, and the granules physically resemble the original ingredients. Therefore, people who like to give their dog a near-natural diet tend to choose cold-pressed dry foods more often.

This pressing system is also known as pelletizing. With this new way of preparing pet food, environmental contaminations are avoided, better digestion of the pellets and they are also more palatable for our furry ones.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cold Pressed Dog Food

As is often the case on the subject of pet food, there is a great diversity of opinion on the different methods of dry food production.

Advocates of cold pressing use additional nutrients as an argument in their favor, because in particular the secondary plant substances of herbs and berries can be absorbed to a greater extent by the dog’s body due to the gentler processing. This means that you benefit more from the antioxidants they contain, which counteract the aging process and can prevent damage to cells.

Since the ingredients are not pressed so densely, more of the “raw essence” of the ingredients is retained, making this a tasty pet food! Proponents of cold-pressed food claim that the flavor of natural ingredients is best maintained this way.

If your dog consumes and tolerates cold-pressed feed well, you will be providing him with a food that is high in protein, natural as well as balanced, which can improve his health.

Brands of cold-pressed or pelleted feed

Being a relatively new type of pet food in Spain, the truth is that there are not many brands that choose this production system, as both the machinery and its manufacture are much more expensive. But fortunately, little by little, those pet food companies that continue to innovate and improve the quality of their products year after year are making room for themselves.

All of them not only bet on this new production, but also take care of the ingredients so that they are of the highest quality. This would be the case of brands such as Luposan and Markus-Mühle, which certify the origin of the cruelty-free meat, betting on semi-free breeding.

And you, have you already tried giving cold-pressed feed to your dog or cat? Have you noticed the difference? How was the experience? We would love to know how you have experienced the process of change of feed at home and what is your assessment of the change.

What are the endangered birds around the world?

Birds are part of the group of endothermic vertebrates (that is, warm-blooded) and have a great variety of shapes, sizes and colors. Although many find it difficult to believe, they are direct descendants of dinosaurs, and for more than 200 million years they have been undergoing a series of changes. This has made them become one of the most successful groups of animals in terms of colonization, since flight has given them that great advantage.

But many species are very special, either because of the habitat they need, their diet or because of environmental changes, which has led on many occasions to survive under some type of threat, which in the long run could become a danger of extinction. .

If you want to know which are the world’s endangered birds, keep reading this article and you will find out everything.

Birds in danger of extinction in the world

Today, around the earth, there are a large number of bird species that are under some threat of survival. Next we will tell you some of the species that are categorized in serious danger of extinction:

  • Galapagos penguin (Spheniscus mendiculus).
  • Vinous parrot (Amazona vinacea).
  • Tobiano Macá or Tobiano Grebe (Podiceps gallardoi).
  • Monera or Philippine Eagle (Pithecophaga jefferyi).
  • Kakapo (Strigops habroptilus).
  • Helm or helmet calao (Rhinoplax vigil).

Why are there birds in danger of extinction?

The unstoppable human activity has caused in recent decades the decline of many populations of bird species. Environmental destruction and deforestation have caused both the birds that live in the treetops to make their nests, as well as those that do so on the ground, are on the verge of complete extinction.

In addition, another interesting fact to take into account is that the lands where windmills are built, for example, cause the death of thousands of birds year after year, since many of these mill farms are located in places where routes of migratory birds. Similarly, electricity grids, hunting, illegal pet trade, road construction and pollution are other of the many causes that have caused the reduction of bird populations, as well as many of them are about to disappear.

All this produces profound environmental changes, at a physical and ecological level, which profoundly affect many species of birds, especially those with very specific biological requirements. In addition, many species are forced to abandon their vital areas, forcing them to move to more urban areas where they are more vulnerable by human presence. Another very important factor in recent decades has been climate change, which has been causing environmental modifications and which also produces changes in the ecology and biology of many birds by modifying their migration, reproduction and nesting patterns.

9 reasons to adopt a dog

We continue in summer and the number of dogs abandoned by owners who do not know what to do with their pets on vacation increases considerably, unfortunately, every year. Spain, without going any further, is one of the countries that head the European lists on pet abandonment year after year.

Many of these dogs will hopefully be found and taken to shelters, shelters and kennels, and others will unfortunately have a much more tragic end. Some of these dogs have also been abused and exploited. Everyone deserves a decent life and to be in a home where they are valued, cared for, and loved. Therefore, from our blog we want to give you some reasons to encourage you to adopt dogs instead of buying them.

Why adopt a dog?

Having a dog is important. Before taking such a step you will have to consider a number of questions. We know you have plenty of love to give, but do you have the time? Do you have the space? You are patient? And resources? If you have answered yes to all the previous questions, keep reading because we are going to give you a few more reasons that you should take into account when making a decision like this.

Your life will get better

Many of the dogs that come to the animal shelters have suffered some kind of mistreatment or come from spending days on the street abandoned, with all that this implies (hunger, fear, cold or heat), due to owners without sense of the responsibility they believe that abandoning an animal is a legitimate option.

You’re gonna give it a home

These dogs have mostly had the misfortune of being abandoned by their family. They deserve a second chance in a home where they are loved and cared for as they deserve. Other dogs that come to the kennels or shelters have not even lived in a home with a family, and unfortunately the only thing they know about the man is abuse.

You will save his life

Many people do not take sterilization measures and by the time their female dogs have puppies they decide that they cannot take care of them. Many of them end up abandoned, wandering the streets and highways where they face traffic accidents.

If you adopt instead of buy, you do not contribute to the abuse

When you buy a puppy without any type of control, you may be contributing to the exploitation without knowing it, since there are dogs that are forced and poorly cared for to obtain purebred puppies and then monetize the same offspring.

Mixed-breed dogs are still dogs

That it is not of breed, or everything “stylized” that one wants a dog to be, does not mean that it will not give you love or it will not be the most faithful to you or your best friend. Many dogs are neglected because of their appearance, which is completely superficial and cruel on the part of humans.

Adult dogs also offer experiences to owners

There is a false belief that getting a puppy dog ​​is better to educate him. But the truth is that it is not true, you can continue teaching your dog things no matter how old he is. In addition, there are contexts and occasions in which an adult dog will always be the best option, since in general they are already educated in many useful behaviors on a day-to-day basis: for example, it can be the perfect companion for an older person, it is they will keep company and the dog as an adult will enjoy greater serenity.

Disability is also a reason to adopt

Due to serious mistreatment, many dogs are in the shelters maintaining some type of injury or physical sequela (apart from the emotional one). They are the ones who precisely need the most love and you can be their best friend and their maximum support. Dogs with disabilities or emotional sequelae also deserve love and a family in which to feel cared for, like everyone else.

If you can’t adopt, become a volunteer

Some of you will not be able to have a dog, for whatever reasons, and it is understandable and mature to recognize it. But if you want to contribute your grain of sand, you can help them by volunteering at a shelter, kennel or shelter of your choice. There are many dogs that do not get out of these places because nobody adopts them, but you can go take care of them, play with them and give them all your love.
You will grow as a person
There are many dogs with emotional and physical consequences in shelters, by adopting them you can change their life and make them believe in people again, filling them with love, respect and care. Adopting a dog will teach you what it is like to have a faithful friend who will always be by your side.

If you are interested in adopting a dog, becoming a volunteer in a shelter or offering to host them, do not hesitate to contact them as they need your help.

Dog beaches in Spain: is it possible to take them with you in summer?

If you have reached this article it is probably because you have a dog and you love to see him enjoy running on the beach. When the holidays arrive we do not know where we can go without being prohibited from going by going with our pets. In Spain it is possible to take them with you, but it is better to go to the right beach since they can fine you for being there with your dog. So that you have no doubts about which ones to take to enjoy a summer beach day together, we bring you a list of some of the most appropriate in all of Spain.

The best beaches for dogs in Spain

These are some of the Spanish beaches that you can go without problem with your dog:

Playa La Rubina  (Empuriabrava, Girona)

This has been the first beach for dogs (officially) in Spain. It was inaugurated in 2012, and was largely enabled to provide service to all European tourists traveling to the area with their pets. It is currently one of the best beaches for dogs on the peninsula, as well as an example of coexistence between bathers and dogs.

If you live near the area and have not yet taken your pet there, it is worth the trip. La Rubina Beach is located within the Aiguamolls Natural Park.

Llevant beach in Barcelona

During 2016, the Barcelona City Council itself carried out a pioneering initiative in Spain, enabling a section of a beach only for bathers to go with a dog in summer. It was an initiative with such good reception that year after year, since then, it has been repeated. At the entrance to the enabled section, there is a person scanning the chips of each of the dogs: one of the rules is that no dog without a chip can pass. Normally its use is available from mid-June until the end of the bathing season.

La Balsa de La Arena (Deltebre, Tarragona)

This incredible beach occupies a large area, has very fine sand and is surrounded by a beautiful landscape. If you are looking for tranquility, this is the ideal beach for you and your dog throughout the year. If you are from the area, you should know that the Bassa de l’Arena Dog Beach is located after the Riumar Beach, surrounded by practically virgin and natural environments.

Playa Agua Amarga (Alicante)

This “doggy beach” was inaugurated in 2016, and since then many people have come to meet and enjoy it with their dogs. It is located between Alicante and Urbanova, in front of the desalination plant. It has good access by car and a large parking area. Also, it has a beach bar where you can find refreshing drinks for yourself and water for your pet.

Playa de l’Ahuir (Gandía, Valencia)

You will only find this dog beach open during the summer, just like the one in the city of Barcelona. It is a very well equipped beach, with showers, toilets, even with rescue and surveillance personnel who take care of the environment so that all the rules of use are met. Without a doubt, this has become one of the best dog beaches in all of Spain.

Canine Beach of Torre del Mar (Torre del Mar, Málaga)

This is a beautiful fine sand beach opened in 2016, when the City Council was able to modify its ordinances to allow dogs to go along a section of its coast. In addition, it has an exclusive area for play and entertainment with dogs.

Bayas Beach (Castrillón, Asturias).

In Asturias we find the Bayas Beach, opened as a dog area in 2016. According to many, it is the best dog beach in Asturias, which also allows access throughout the year. It is surrounded by perfect green areas to disconnect from the noise of the city and enjoy nature.

The part enabled to go with dogs in Playa de Bayas is the westernmost area, next to Los Quebrantos beach in Soto del Barco

Arenal del Jortin, in Soto de la Marina (Bezana, Cantabria)

Arenal del Jortin is a small cove located on the right side of the San Juan de la Canal beach, in Soto de la Marina. It is a perfect place to enjoy a family beach day with your dog; it is for many the best dog beach in all of Cantabria.

Llenaire beach (Port de Pollença, Mallorca)

This is one of the best dog beaches on the island of Mallorca, and one of the most popular for families with dogs. The environment that surrounds it is beautiful.

Despite being a rock and stone beach, Playa de Llenaire has a beautiful setting and a large pine area where you can also enjoy a nap in the shade.

La Guacimeta, in Playa Honda (San Bartolomé, Lanzarote)

In the Canary Islands they also have incredible beaches to go with your dogs. In this case, the Playa de la Guacimeta is located on the island of Lanzarote, and due to its mild climate, it is perfect to enjoy it at any time of year accompanied by your pet.

Dangers with dogs on the beach

Most dogs spend amazing days on the beach. They enjoy games in the sand, socialize and refresh thanks to the sea water. Still, it’s important to note that going to the beach with your pet also carries some risks that you should watch out for. First of all, you must take care that your pet does not ingest too much sea water, as it can lead to severe poisoning. What’s more, there are cases where the animal has died after one of these poisonings due to excess salt water.

Another danger you should avoid is long exposure to the sun for your pet, as they can lead to the animal suffering from heat stroke. Therefore, if you are going to spend a day at the beach with your dog, do not forget to always carry a lot of water so that he can drink from it when he is thirsty, also try to have a shade time, so that he does not spend too much time in the water if you see that he is swallowing water, and if after leaving the beach you notice that he has diarrhea or vomiting, if he is too tired or acts differently than usual, do not hesitate and take him to the nearest vet.

How Coronavirus Affects Pets

Despite the fact that many specialists link the origin of the coronavirus to a hybridization of the viruses of bats and snakes, the truth is that it is not yet clear what started this pandemic that is plaguing the world, nor is there any link that determines that animals are sources of contagion or that affects them in any way.

Some organizations realize that this virus is only transmitted between humans and that animals are not contagious or carriers of it. Thus, there would be no reason to think that our pets can be a source of infection or that they are in danger like people.

From the World Health Organization – WHO, they say that, given the information that is currently available, there is not enough evidence that viruses can affect pets, which could give some comfort to the owners of pets.

According to the College of Veterinarians of Barcelona, ​​dogs and cats are susceptible to diseases caused by other viruses of the same family, but not specifically by Covid-19, the name by which this type of coronavirus is known and to the cause of the current problems.

With these data, it is possible to infer that domestic animals are not at the same risk as exposed people. However, it is necessary to take into account certain tips in order to prevent any complication that may lead to health problems for our pets.

Tips to avoid contact of the virus with pets

Like people, it is convenient to avoid contact of the animal with those people who have been diagnosed with coronavirus. This, because there are other types of coronaviruses that can cause disease in animals, so limiting contact is the best form of prevention.

If we have a patient who has tested positive for coronavirus at home and interaction with the animal is unavoidable, it is necessary that the affected person wear masks at all times, including when he is near the animal. In these cases, it is not necessary to put masks on the animal.

All other measures to prevent the spread of the virus are applied in the same way for the care of the pet. Thus, it is necessary to interact as little as possible with the animal and disinfect the objects that are used to feed it, as well as the leash and the area in which it sleeps.

It is convenient to clean the legs of the animal when entering the home each time it is removed to relieve itself, and, if possible, disinfect the pads with alcohol.

There is no need to carry out any diagnostic tests on the pet, nor to carry out any special care for the animal. Anyway, it is advisable to maintain fluid communication with the vet, to clear any doubts that may arise.

Ideal applications for pet owners

There are for almost everything we can imagine, and pets could not remain outside their reach, we refer to the apps, technological tools essential for our daily lives and that can also help to care for our pets.

Today, there are many applications on the market that are ideal for, for example, learning about pet care, training, managing your diet or following up on your veterinary controls; For that reason, we are going to present some of the best ones, so you can download them to your Smartphone and tell us about your experience.

Dogo – Your dog’s favorite application

It is one of the most downloaded for its versatility and excellent use. With Dogo, you have the possibility of training your dog in obedience, teaching tricks and keeping track of suggested daily workouts, with more than 100 routines designed in the app.

The application works thanks to a marker that, through an audible signal, indicates the specific moments in which the dog should be rewarded, as well as the moment for the execution of any of the commands of the exercise routine.

It has a clicker, a sound signal that emulates a dog whistle and is considered one of the most effective forms for training. This application tracks progress and also offers the possibility of feedback with experts.

Dog Health

It is the perfect app so you don’t miss any information from the veterinarian. Dog Health is geared to allow you to track the health of the pet, grouping medical history, visits, vaccination, medicines and growth data.

With this application it is possible to have the data of several dogs simultaneously, keeping each one of the primary personal information that goes from the name and date of birth, to each date and reason for visiting the veterinarian.

Pet’s diary – Animal and pet care journal

This application is ideal for those who want to keep track of every moment of their pet. Pet’s diary is a space to store data on important days, keep track of new behaviors, advances in training, dates of illness or travel.

It allows you to organize the information registered according to different categories that the same user creates, grouped to your liking. The app stores information chronologically and allows you to have a timeline of what happened in the life of the pet.

Train your dog

It is one of the most complete applications for canine training; It has a reserve of more than 500 videos where they teach training routines, tricks to train the dog, curious facts and more.

This free application is considered an entire canine care library at all levels, with one of the largest reserves of videos available in an app; It also includes tutorials with delicious canine food recipes.

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