Brrr! It's been freezing lately, even for us over in usually sunny California. In fact, we've been experiencing more rain than we have seen collectively in the last decade! With that said it got me thinking a lot about how to keep my two pups, Sherlock and Watson, warm and cozy.
Most people, especially those of us in temperate California, assume our dogs don't need anything extra in the wintertime, and that their fur and instincts will protect them from the biting cold, but that is often not the case.
]]>Most people, especially those of us in temperate California, assume our dogs don't need anything extra in the wintertime, and that their fur and instincts will protect them from the biting cold, but that is often not the case.
It is important to consider your dog's size, fur thickness as well as breed mix when determining whether your dog needs a little something extra to keep warm. For instance, while a Husky or Husky mix might thrive and even enjoy the cold and snow, a small terrier/ chihuahua mix like my two 6 lb dogs absolutely shivers at the slightest breeze.
Over the years I've learned that if my little canine companions were going to join me on rainy day outings or even snowy adventures they'd need some protection from the cold, so now in the winter you'll often see both Sherlock and Watson sporting a sweater, scarf, snood, raincoat, and even PJs.
Live where it snows or like taking winter trips to the snow with your pup? Make sure to check your dog's paws frequently for signs of cold-weather damage like cracked paws or bleeding. Keep an eye on your dogs gait while walking in super cold and/ or snowy weather because per the American Veterinary Medical Association "sudden lameness may be due to an injury or may be due to ice accumulation between its toes. You may be able to reduce the chance of icefall accumulation by clipping the hair between your dog's toes."
Just as human skin gets dry and itchy during cold weather, a dog's skin and paws can also become dry, itchy, and/ or cracked. Try to keep winter baths to a minimum and consider adding a little olive oil or coconut oil to your dog's food. This may help moisturize their skin from the inside out. For dry paws try a paw balm to help condition and moisturize them. My dogs personally love their "pawdicures."
And lastly, while it is technically legal to leave dogs outside as long as they have some coverage from the elements in most US states, it is best to keep your dog indoors to ensure their safety. A good basic rule of thumb is that if it's too cold for you, it's too cold for them.
Have some other good cold weather safety tips? Let us know in the comments!
]]>Shelters only have mixed breeds- There is a misconception that shelters only have mixed breed dogs available for adoption, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, Found Animals estimates that about 25% of all dogs in the shelter are pure breed. Recently at the shelter I works for we’ve seen a lot of purebred huskies and shepherds come through our doors.
There are no young dogs or puppies in shelters- This myth couldn’t be further from the truth since shelters are often responsible for taking in litters of abandoned puppies when they are found as strays or brought in by a family who’s unspayed dog had an accidental litter. Puppies are usually sent to foster homes and oftentimes adoption staff already have a waiting list of families eager to adopt a puppy, so if you are interested contact your local shelter and let them know what you are looking for.
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If the dog ended up in the shelter they must have behavioral issues- Dogs end up in shelters for a number of reasons that range from their guardians passing away unexpectedly to being seized from a guardian who wasn’t taking good care of them.. the reasons are endless. Most of the time bad behavior or issues with personality have nothing to do with why a dog ends up in a shelter. All responsible humane societies, SPCAs, and rescue groups give their dogs a temperament test and those with serious behavior problems such as aggression are not made available for adoption.
Shelter dogs are untrainable- All dogs are trainable. Yes, sometimes older dogs can take longer to train than a younger dog, but they are trainable. Just think of it like a young child learning a foreign language versus an adult. It is typically much easier for a young child with a more elastic brain to learn and retain a foreign language than it is for an adult with a more rigid brain.
Shelter dogs have health issues- Although shelters take in dogs with health issues the vet staff treats each and every animal that comes through its doors, plus they spay/ neuter, microchip, and vaccinate every dog.
Speaking from experience I can whole heartedly say that shelter dogs are awesome, but in case you don't take my word for it then read on for 10 amazing reasons why shelter dogs are simply the best!
As the weather continues to warm a lot of pup parents will want to enjoy a bit of sun and swim with our furry pals. But before you bust out those umbrellas and floaties make sure you and your pup are caught up on some safety tips to make every poolside day as safe as they can be!
Consult with your Vet
Before throwing your dog into the deep end, so to speak, make sure to consult with your veterinarian. It is important to know whether your dog is healthy enough to enjoy a bit of swimming. This is especially important for older and senior dogs as they can sometimes have underlying issues you may not know about such as arthritis or even a heart condition.
Teach your dog to swim
This might seem like a no-brainer, but make sure your dog is comfortable in the water and able to find the exit at all times. If your dog starts to panic and they cannot keep a clear head then she might drown. If you are not comfortable with this task enlist the help of a dog trainer. They are more equipped to handle your dog’s fear of water or teach her a few swimming basics. Here is a great article from PetMD that will help you teach your dog to swim.
Invest in a doggy life vest
Life vests are great for those dogs that love the water but won’t be great swimmers. They provide extra buoyancy and come in bright colors so that your dog not only floats, but is also highly visible. But remember that your dog should still be attended to at all times when he is near bodies of water even if he is wearing a doggy life vest.
Learn doggy CPR
Whether you’ll be spending a lot of time poolside it is always a good idea to learn doggy CPR. Being able to administer this life saving service is vital should your pooch accidentally drown. Lots of shelters and animal organizations offer classes on the proper techniques. Check your local shelters for classes and other resources.
Always watch your dog
Don’t leave your dog unsupervised when he is frolicking through the water even if he is a strong swimmer. Your dog could get tired or accidentally swallow some water and you need to be ready to spring into action!
Fence in your pool
Just like with children make sure that if you have a pool in your yard it is fenced in if you are unable to supervise your dog at all times when she is outside.
Keep your dog cool
According to the ASPCA, the natural summer heat intensifies near water and like humans you’ll need to ensure Fido stays hydrated and has easy access to shade.
Rinse with clean water
Once you and your pup have had your fill of the summer poolside fun make sure to rinse her off with clean, fresh water. This will help remove chlorine and other chemicals that can be harmful or dry out her skin.
Have fun!
If you follow these safety tips you and your pooch are sure to have a fun poolside summer all season long!
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Never in a million years did I think I would become one of those crazy dog people that loves her fur babies like human children, but after 2 years and 2 dogs I can confidently and proudly say that I am a DOG MOM! My Watson and Sherlock are a part of the family and as such I show them tons of love and affection in various ways and even scold them every once in a while when they misbehave. I spoil them with treats, playtime, and most of all cuddles. But sometimes it can be difficult to tell if our dogs love us as much as we do them. Here are just 8 ways dogs show their affection for us.
Tail Wagging
Perhaps one of the classic and easiest ways to know that your pup just adores you is with the wagging of his tail. In recent years it has been determined that not all tail wagging means a dog is happy.
It can depend on which way he wags his tail. A study found that happy dogs tend to wag their tails more to the right while nervous dogs would wag to the left. So if you see your pup’s tail moving a lot to the right you can be sure that he loves you a whole lot!
Playing/ Wrestling with You
Some dogs like to show their affection by simply playing a round of tug of war or wrestling with you. This is an excellent sign that your dog trusts you to be gentle and that you aren’t going to take playtime too far.
Dogs also engage in playtime with their humans as a way to also say that they are super fun to be around.
Cuddle Time
One of the best perks about having a dog or dogs is all the potential cuddles to be had. In fact, when your dog comes over willingly and lays down with you for a good cuddle session then it means that she wants to be physically close to you.
Dogs are historically pack animals and many enjoy the company and extra warmth of their human companions.
Your Dog Stares At You
Have you ever caught your pup staring at you while you do the dishes or are simply reading a book? Well this is not necessarily because he is trying to figure out what you are doing, but it is yet another way for him to show you how much he loves you.
A study by Miho Nagasawa of Azabu University in Japan found that dogs making puppy dog eyes at their humans experienced a rise in oxytocin, or the “love hormone.” Additionally, it was found that when a human holds the gaze of their dog the human also experienced a rise in oxytocin levels in the brain, creating a sort of positive feedback loop between the dog and its guardian. I guess this is why they love to give us those puppy dog eyes and we enjoy those dog/ human staring contests.
Yawning
If your dog is a yawner then it is likely that she is ultra comfortable around you and the family. Dogs who feel safe with their people tend to have a loose mouth and might even appear smiley.
This is a type of mirroring behavior that shows that your dog is emotionally close to you. In other words, if your dog yawns when you yawn then she has empathy with you and vice versa.
Your Dog Wants to be in Your Vicinity
Even if your dog isn’t necessarily a big cuddler you might find that he is acts as a little shadow following you around the house (Watson and Sherlock do this from time to time throughout the day). This isn’t because he is being nosy, but instead it is his way of showing you he cares.
Dogs tend to want to at least be in the same room as their humans because of their instinct as pack animals. It is a natural inclination for your dog to want to be in your company because you are his pack now. Just be on the look out for signs of separation anxiety in your dog. Getting too attached to you can lead to behavioral issues like constant barking and destructive behaviors.
Your Dog Greets You at the Door
A good sign that your dog loves you is if she greets you at the door. This doesn’t mean going crazy and jumping all over you. In fact, a super over the top crazy greeting can be a sign of separation anxiety rather than an indicator of affection or love.
Your dog should approach you with a wagging tail to indicate she is happy that you are home.
Watching You Leave Calmly
It might seem that if a dog is calm as you are getting ready to head out the door he must not be that affectionate, but the opposite is actually true. If your dog panics when you leave it is likely a sign of separation anxiety rather than their affection for you.
Calmness in dogs is a sign of affection because it means that they trust you and are confident that you will return. It is an odd idea to wrap your head around at first, but if you watch your dog closely as you leave and return you’ll see how being calm and confident is a sign of your dog’s love for you.
What does your dog do to show you they love you? Let us know in the comments below.
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Personalized Dog Bone Ornament
Our ornaments are handmade with polymer clay. Featuring an adorable clay holly decoration and personalized with the pup's name of choice these ornaments make a one of a kind addition to any Christmas tree!
Protect yourself and others and show your love of dogs with a handmade, double thickness, cotton face mask. Complete with elastic ear straps and wire at the nose area, these masks are made for a custom fit over your nose and easy to put on and take off.
These handy key rings come in a variety of fabrics and are pawfect for short walks around the neighborhood with your favorite pup. They are the perfect size for your house key and a few essentials like the all important poop bags!
Hand Sanitizer Holder with Refillable Bottle
Now you can be keep your paws clean any time with one of our travel hand sanitizer holders with refillable 2oz bottle!
Made with high quality 100% cotton and muslin fabric they are easy to clean. Plus, with the easy to use lobster claw clasp you'll be able to take your sanitizer on the go, including your social distancing dog walks.
Beat the winter blues and dry paws with this homemade natural paw balm infused with lavender oil to soothe/ relax, vitamin E oil to get those paws super soft, and shea butter for extra moisture. It’s also great for elbows and other dry areas.
These handy little coffee cup cozies close with an elastic loop and button. The sleeve is made to fit 12-18oz drinks. Keep it with you in your purse or back pack for on that on the go cup o' joe.
These handmade dog bone memo holders are the pawfect way to display important reminders or adorable photos of Fido. Made of polymer clay and painted by hand they are a great addition to any room in the home!
Looking to put your personal stamp on it? We offer personalization options like adding your pup's name or other saying at no additional cost!
]]>Personalized Dog Bone Christmas Stocking
$30.99- $34.99
Nothing says Christmas more than a row of stockings hung by the chimney with care and now your pup can join in too!
With our handmade, quilted dog bone shaped stockings featuring a hand crafted satin ribbon bow your fireplace will be complete this Christmas season as your dog gets to partake in the stocking stuffer fun. Plus, the stockings come in two different sizes so pooches of all sizes can have the perfect sized stocking.
Holiday and Christmas Bandanas
$6.99-$10.99
These oh so adorable bandanas are the pawfect way for your pup to ring in the holidays. Plus, with their over collar design you won't have to worry about the bandanas falling off or your pooch losing it on your holiday romps through the snow.
Holiday and Christmas Bow Ties
$10.99
Ring in the holidays with these fun and festive bow ties!
They come in a variety of fabrics including a red and black plaid, adorable white snowflakes on red, and even a classy black and gold metallic print. With one of these fantastic bow ties your pup will be the dapperest at the next holiday party.
We have a limited number available so act fast.
$53.99- $58.99
Our handmade pajamas for dogs and pajama loungewear pants for hoomans is the perfect gift!
Made to order with high quality flannel this matching set lends a warm and comfy outfit that is also light weight! Choose from our oh so cute prints for the pawfect touch to your holiday season.
$6.00- $27.50
These oh so cute cards are all made by hand (stamped, cut, and assembled) in original designs. The Merry Christmas card holds a standard size gift card and the Happy Holidays card features a snow globe shaker feature with glitter snow.
They make the perfect accompaniment to any gift and are even great as a keepsake!
$11.99- $17.99
As the days grow shorter and the nights get colder help your pup stay warm while also being stylish with a handmade doggy cowl scarf.
The cowl scarves come in four different sizes and easily slip over your pup's head and won't fall off as they frolic through the falling leaves.
$9.99- $17.99
Fa la la la la, la, la, la, la! Christmas is just around the corner so make sure it is wooftastic with a hand crocheted doggo santa hat.
Enjoy the warmth and spirit of Christmas with your pup in a Santa style hat. They also make the perfect gift for the dog lover in your family! Made with a soft acrylic yarn they are easy to wear and care for. Hats come in a variety of sizes.
With October being adopt a shelter dog month we thought it would be an excellent time to share with you that because of all the wonderful orders from 2018 we were able to sponsor the adoption fees of two senior dogs! You might ask why we chose to sponsor senior dogs. The simple fact is that dogs aged 10+ are much more difficult to adopt out. Senior pups are often more subdued in shelters and as such don’t tend to catch the eye of potential pawrents. Additionally, senior dogs can sometimes come with health issues that most people aren’t willing or able to put in the extra effort. By covering the adoption fees of these older and wiser pups means it gives adopters one less expense to worry about and hopefully encourage them to consider a dog they might have overlooked.
And now on to the fun part! The second lucky that we sponsored with help from customers like you is Puff, a senior, mini poodle mix. Here is what Marin Humane had to say about this beloved pooch:
“Sweet Puff was surrendered to Marin Humane when his people could no longer care for him. Puff is looking for a wonderful place to spend his golden years. He is not interested in other dogs or interacting with them.
Puff is in love with his person, or whoever is holding the leash. He follows them around, sits on their lap, and gives them his undying attention. Did we mention that he walks like a dream on leash and doesn't require a ton of exercise?
Puff would prefer a relaxed lifestyle with a person who is home most of the time.”
Puff was adopted soon after we sponsored him and is no longer available for adoption, but rest assured that he is doing very well with his new family. If you are looking to add a four-legged friend to your family then check out all of Marin Humane’s adoptable animals here. Can’t make it to Marin Humane? Then head to your local shelter. You’re new furever best friend is waiting for you!
]]>They Are Unique
Purebreds are born from two parents that have similar physical characteristics as well as temperaments. Mixed breeds are great because their genetic make up is well, mixed up! This means that there is a greater variety of temperaments, personalities, and physical characteristics than with purebred dogs. In fact, no two mutts are the same!
They Are More Flexible
Mixed breeds tend to be more flexible and are thought to adjust more easily to a variety of households and living conditions than purebreds. Purebreed dogs are often bred with specific characteristics in mind such as herding, hunting, and retrieving.
They Can Compete!
A lot of times people have the impression that only purebreed dogs are permitted to compete in national and international dog competitions. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Mixed breeds can compete in a variety of competitions from agility to fly ball.
They Can Be Service Dogs
Believe it or not purebreeds do not have a monopoly on the service dog market. Nowadays mixed breeds are increasingly being trained to be service or therapy dogs to perform specific tasks for their handlers. In fact, many trainers consider them equally capable as the pure breed service dogs.
They Have Fewer Health Issues
There are those that claim mixed breed dogs are healthier than purebreds due to a greater mixing of their genetics. Although this has yet to be scientifically proven we do know that some purebreds are prone to certain inherited illnesses such as hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and cataracts.
You Won’t Be Supporting Puppy Mills
We’re very lucky here in the state of California with the ban of puppy and kitten sales in pet stores. This in theory will help discourage commercial dog-breeding operations. If they don’t have clients to sell these dogs to then they won’t make money. But even better, when you adopt a mutt from your local shelter you won’t inadvertently be supporting a puppy mill. Instead, your adoption fee will go directly to other dogs in need. And the cherry on top. You’ll pay a lot less for your new best friend!
You’ll Help Reduce Pet Overpopulation
Instead of purchasing from a breeder consider adopting a mutt and you’ll have so much more impact. When you adopt a mutt at your local shelter you’ll also be helping to combat pet overpopulation. In fact, three-fourths of the millions of pets in shelters in the US are mutts waiting for their furever homes. By adopting you’ll be giving one more shelter dog his/her forever home.
Resources
https://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/care/top-ten-reasons-mixed-breeds-are-awesome
https://www.homeopet.com/why-mutts-are-awesome
https://www.petcarerx.com/article/5-reasons-mixed-breed-dogs-make-great-pets/1296
*The Woof Warehouse is not a specialist or expert in the health of dogs. We always recommend seeing your personal vet for any and all health related issues and concerns.
]]>Brushing
Regular brushing whether your dog has a long or short coat will help remove dirt and allergens which often collect in your dog’s fur. Over time these can build up and cause your dog’s fur to smell particularly bad.
Brushing can also help reduce shedding by removing dead skin cells, and loose fur. An added benefit to regularly brushing your dog is that it will redistribute the natural oils in your dog’s fur for a healthy and clean coat. Not to mention you’ll be building a stronger bond with your pup!
Pet Wipes
Pet safe wipes are a great way to do small bathing touch ups on your pup. Not only are these wipes handy at getting all of the daily dirt and gunk out of your dog’s fur, but they come in all kinds of wonderful scents like mango and vanilla!
Try wiping down your dog’s body as well as their paw pads, and rear end for an all over clean. Make sure to keep the wipes away from your dog’s eyes because it could cause irritation. If your dog has a particularly dirty face, such as tear stains, try some wipes that are specially formulated for use around sensitive areas like their ears and eyes.
With tons of brands out there you’re sure to find the ones that work for you and your pup.
Freshening Sprays
Along the same lines as pet wipes you might also want to give freshening sprays made specifically for dogs a try. These special deodorizing sprays not only give your dog’s coat a burst of freshness, but can also help condition your dog’s fur.
When you are using these sprays make sure to refrain from spraying your dog’s head or face as it could accidentally end up in your pup’s eyes or ears causing irritation. In fact, the way I have found to be the best way to apply it is to spray my own hands first and run my hands through my dogs’ fur. Not only will you ensure the safety of your pet, but it will be a lot less intimidating if they think it’s just another awesome scratch session verses pointing a bottle at them and spraying them with some unknown liquid.
[promo]Dry Shampoo
While no-rinse dry shampoos have been popular with us humans for years only recently have dry shampoos become a big deal with pet parents. There are spray and powder versions available as well as mousse types. You can even try making your own with baking soda, cornstarch, and pet safe essential oils.
Not only do these dry shampoos help neutralize any odors in your dog’s coat, but it can also help keep their skin and fur healthy.
Good Oral Care
Something a lot of pup parents don’t often think about with regards to keeping our pups smelling fresh is oral hygiene. Dogs can end up with all kinds of dental problems just like humans including tartar and plaque build up as well as gum disease. These dental issues can all lead to not only stinky breath, but other health issues down the line.
By regularly brushing your dog’s teeth and providing them with dog safe dental chews is a good way to combat these common oral hygiene issues, including smelly breath.
Clean Dog Bedding
So you’ve given your dog a bath and tried numerous techniques to keep your dog smelling fresh for longer than a day, but he still smells! Now what?
Try simply washing your dog’s bandanas, pjs, bedding, toys, and other items he likes to hang out with. By cleaning all of the dirt, bacteria, and natural body oils off your dog’s bedding you’ll prevent the odors from transferring back to your pup. And if the dog bed insert can be washed don’t forget to clean it as well!
Resources
https://barkpost.com/life/dog-clean-without-bath/
https://blog.myollie.com/dog-bath-alternatives/
https://www.puppywire.com/clean-dog-between-baths/
*The Woof Warehouse is not a specialist or expert in the health of dogs and cannot be held accountable for the health and wellness of your pet. We always recommend seeing your vet for the best care of your beloved pups.
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Ahh… Easter. That springtime holiday with painted eggs, blooming flowers, decorative baskets, egg hunts, and of course the Easter bunny. But beware because there are many dangers that can cause lots of issues and are threats to the health and safety of your dog. Read on to find out more.
Food Coloring
One of the hallmark activities of Easter is coloring and dyeing hard boiled eggs for the all important egg hunt. But be careful because not all dyes are safe for consumption. Make sure you purchase non-toxic dyes just in case Fido gets into them.
Although the consumption of food safe dyes is not an immediate concern for our pets if your dog gets into a lot of food dye you’ll want to contact your vet or pet poison hotline for advice. Adverse reactions to food dyes are unlikely; however, if you notice any adverse reactions like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, etc. after your dog has consumed food dye you should contact your vet or emergency pet hospital immediately.
Basket Fillers
When it comes to bringing the holiday spirit those of us with kids often give Easter baskets full of goodies. Unfortunately for our pups the things we include in these baskets can pose a serious risk. Plastic grass, plastic eggs, foil candy wrappers, and small Easter toys which are often popular fillers are also dangers for our dogs. Not only can these items clog your dog’s digestive system, but they can be the cause of gastroenteritis or even pancreatitis. In order to remove these items and save your dog’s life surgery is often necessary.
If your dog has ingested one of these basket fillers he may exhibit vomiting, dehydration, weakness, diarrhea, loss of appetite, pain, bloating, and/or weight loss. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog call your vet or emergency pet hospital immediately.
Rotten Eggs
The time honored tradition of hiding Easter eggs for the kiddos to find is a fun activity, but can pose a hazard to dogs. Forgotten or lost and rotting eggs in the backyard, if ingested, can lead to food poisoning of your pup.
Xylitol
Recently talks about xylitol has been going around the dog blogosphere because some peanut butters have changed their formulas to include this dangerous artificial sweetener. What some of us may not be aware of is that xylitol is often found in sugar-free candy, baked goods, and gum. It can also be found in other household items like toothpaste, and vitamins. While harmless to humans it causes a rapid release of insulin in our dogs if ingested. This then leads to an extreme drop in blood sugar. Some serious side effects of xylitol ingestion include liver failure and even death.
Signs your dog might have ingested xylitol includes weakness, vomiting, and seizures among others. Xylitol ingestion should be treated as a medical emergency which requires immediate attention by your vet or local emergency pet hospital.
Chocolate
When most of us think of pretty much any holiday chocolate comes to mind. And as we all know, this tasty treat is toxic to our beloved pooches. Dark and unsweetened chocolate tends to be the most toxic because it contains high concentrations of caffeine and theobromine. Both of which are extremely dangerous to dogs.
Signs that your dog has ingested chocolate includes diarrhea, vomiting, hyperactivity, abnormal or elevated heart rate, and even seizures in severe cases. The ingestion of chocolate should be treated as an emergency, so contact your vet or emergency pet hospital as soon as you suspect your dog has consumed chocolate.
Ham and Other Fatty Foods
Ham, lamb, and other tasty fatty foods are typical Easter fare; however, these foods can upset your pup’s stomach. In more serious cases the ingestion of fatty foods can lead to pancreatitis which can be life threatening.
Some symptoms of ingesting fatty foods includes vomiting, bloating, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weakness, dehydration, fever, and lethargy. Contact your vet if you think your dog has eaten a large amount of fatty food or exhibits any of the above symptoms.
Meat Bones
While dogs would love to gnaw on over left over ham and other meat bones they can pose a serious risk to our beloved pups. Cooked bones can splinter into shards which can cause choking and puncture wounds to your dog’s mouth, throat, or intestines. If internal punctures or lacerations aren’t treated with emergency surgery it can lead to death.
Resources
https://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/10-easter-dangers-pets
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/exercise-caution-when-giving-your-dog-a-bone/
https://www.lucypetfoundation.org/easter-hazards/
https://www.wellnesspetfood.com/our-community/wellness-blog/veterinarians-top-5-easter-hazards-pets
*The Woof Warehouse is not a specialist or expert in the health of dogs and cannot be held accountable for the health and wellness of your pet. We always recommend seeing your vet for the best care of your beloved pups.
]]>As most of you may already know a big part of our mission is to help shelter dogs find loving and forever homes and as such we donate 5% of our profits to Marin Humane. This amazing non-profit shelter is where we adopted our two tiny muses (Watson and Sherlock) from.
With all of the wonderful orders from the past year we are able to sponsor the adoption fees of two senior dogs! You might ask why we chose to sponsor senior dogs. The simple fact is that dogs over the age of 10 are much more difficult to adopt out. Senior pups are often more subdued in shelters and as such don’t tend to catch the eye of potential pawrents. Additionally, senior dogs can sometimes come with health issues that most people aren’t willing to deal with. By covering the adoption fees of these older and wiser pups means it gives adopters one less expense to worry about and hopefully encourage them to consider a dog they might have otherwise overlooked.
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As most of you may already know a big part of our mission is to help shelter dogs find loving and forever homes and as such we donate 5% of our profits to Marin Humane. This amazing non-profit shelter is where we adopted our two tiny muses (Watson and Sherlock) from.
With all of the wonderful orders from the past year we are able to sponsor the adoption fees of two senior dogs! You might ask why we chose to sponsor senior dogs. The simple fact is that dogs over the age of 10 are much more difficult to adopt out. Senior pups are often more subdued in shelters and as such don’t tend to catch the eye of potential pawrents. Additionally, senior dogs can sometimes come with health issues that most people aren’t willing to deal with. By covering the adoption fees of these older and wiser pups means it gives adopters one less expense to worry about and hopefully encourage them to consider a dog they might have otherwise overlooked.
And now on to the fun part! One of the lucky pups that we sponsored the adoption fee of is Poochini, a 10 year old, 10 lb Chihuahua Cross.
According to Marin Humane “Poochini is a no-nonsense, plush toy loving boy who would like to hang out with like-minded grown-ups. He'll work a room, own its contents and insist you love him like the awesome little man he is.
Poochini can be bossy or downright standoffish with other dogs, but the right fit can also result in a great friendship. He is currently enjoying the company of kennel mate, Pochi, who let's Poochini run the show. He is the ideal companion for an adult-only household with some prior canine experience. His affection knows no bounds and his charm is infectious.”
We wish Poochini the best of luck in his search for his furever home and can’t wait for him to find the perfect family to spend his retirement years with!
If you would like to find out more about Marin Humane and/ or how to adopt Poochini visit their website.
]]>Now that we’re in March and coming upon spring we’ll soon be deep in flea and tick season in many parts of the country. So how can you and your dog be prepared?
When it comes to fleas and ticks it’s important to be prepared not for the sake of being prepared, but because an infestation of these pests can adversely affect your dog’s overall health.
Now that we’re in March and coming upon spring we’ll soon be deep in flea and tick season in many parts of the country. So how can you and your dog be prepared?
Why Being Prepared is Important
When it comes to fleas and ticks it’s important to be prepared not for the sake of being prepared, but because an infestation of these pests can adversely affect your dog’s overall health.
Among other things fleas and ticks are effective carriers for diseases and parasites which can be transmitted to your dog. Flea allergy dermatitis is one of these common ailments that comes with flea bites. In fact, each flea bite can cause minor skin irritation which then leads to the trademark scratching that you see in all of those flea medication commercials. In more serious cases some dogs have been found to be allergic to the saliva of fleas. This can cause much more intense irritation of the skin, itchiness, and even hair loss as a result of constant scratching. Fleas can also cause anemia in your dog because they take in 15 times their own weight. With anemia your dog may experience a dramatic drop in their red blood cells which can lead to pale gums and a lack of energy.
Ticks carry a host of diseases like Lyme Disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia, and in rare cases can cause tick paralysis. These are often known as vector-borne diseases and pose a very serious danger to your dog. Some of the symptoms of tick-borne illnesses can be loss of appetite, fever, joint swelling, and swollen lymph nodes. In fact, symptoms of these diseases often go unnoticed and by the time the diseases are caught it is often too late. This is why regular vet visits are also so important.
Be Prepared Around the Home
The best, most effective way to prepare for flea and tick season is to simply prevent an infestation to begin with.
If you live in a more rural area with tall grasses make sure to trim them back. Fleas and ticks thrive in long grasses and are more able to move around from place to place. Wild animals can often be carriers of both fleas and ticks so make sure to remove anything from your property that attracts them like open trash cans.
Additionally, if you walk your dogs daily or even occasionally be sure to avoid heavily wooded areas with tall grasses where fleas and ticks tend to hide. This will help minimize your dog’s exposure to the pests.
Medications
Another preventive measure is to use a year round flea and tick preventive whether it is oral or topical. These medications are by far the best way to prevent an infestation to begin with. Oral medications tend to work the best because it can’t be accidentally washed off like the topicals and won’t accidentally fall off like the collars. They are typically given once a month and easy to administer because they are flavored like treats. My two are given Nexgard once a month even though they are mostly indoor dogs and they absolutely love it! They think it’s an awesome treat. Talk to your vet about the best option for your dog and check out this chart from the American Kennel Club (AKC) to find out the flea and tick season in your state.
Give Your Dog a Bath
While an infestation of fleas or ticks is not a result of having a dirty dog, bathing your pup regularly can help keep the pests at bay. Poorly maintained coats that are matted and dirty tend to attract fleas and ticks as they are ideal breeding grounds for larvae. Plus, having a clean dog will make it much easier to spot if one of these pests has hitched a ride on your pooch.
What to Do If Your Dog Has Fleas or Ticks?
We all know that the best way to get rid of fleas and ticks is to prevent an infestation in the first place, but sometimes those pesky pests just can’t be avoided. So what do you do if your dog already has fleas or ticks?
Fleas are small, dark brown insects that are often a problem for most dog owners year round. If you spot fleas on your dog you can try some topical treatments to kill the fleas. There are special shampoos you can try that will help get the adult fleas and the larvae which is crucial because if the larvae are left on your dog they’ll eventually hatch and you’ll have the same problem all over again. Once the fleas have been killed and washed from your dog it is best to start your pup on a regular preventive flea and tick medication. If you are unsure of how to get rid of the fleas talk to your vet and find out their recommended method. And don’t forget to deep clean your house to eliminate any fleas that may be lurking in carpets, rugs, sofas, and bedding.
Ticks can be seen or felt on your dog. They often attach themselves around your dog’s head, neck, ears, or paws. Once you notice a tick on your pet it is best to remove it as soon as possible. The safest way to remove ticks is as follows:
If you’re ever unsure or afraid to remove the tick yourself call your vet and they’ll be able to assist you with the removal. They’ll also be able to test your dog for any diseases that might have been transmitted from the tick to your dog.
When in Doubt...
If you are ever unsure of how to prep for flea and tick season or notice one of these pests on your dog give your vet a call. They’ll be able to provide you with a lot of relevant information and work with you to find the best preventative treatment for you and your pup.
Resources
http://www.centralveterinary.com/blog/preparing-your-pet-for-flea-and-tick-season
https://www.petsafe.net/learn/its-that-time-again-how-to-prepare-your-dog-for-flea-and-tick-season
https://brookfallsveterinary.com/preparing-your-pet-for-flea-and-tick-season/
https://www.petplace.com/article/general/pet-health/are-your-pets-ready-for-flea-and-tick-season/2/
https://earthbath.com/dog/its-tick-season-keep-your-dog-tick-free-with-this-complete-tick-qa/
https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/evr_dg_fleas_on_dogs_and_what_you_can_do_about_them
https://pets.webmd.com/ss/slideshow-flea-and-tick-overview
*The Woof Warehouse is not a specialist or expert in the health of dogs and cannot be held accountable for the health and wellness of your pet. We always recommend seeing your vet for the best care of your beloved pups.
]]>If you’ve ever leaned in to cuddle your favorite pup and then recoiled at the stench emanating from your dog’s mouth then you’ve come into contact with the dreaded “doggy breath.” Now this isn’t the puppy breath you’re used to, but a, more robust and pungent odor that tends to offend even the most strong stomached of us. Here are just a few facts and fixes for that infamous doggy breath.
Facts:
Doggy Breath Isn’t Normal
Most dogs have a normal unpleasant smell from their mouths from normal digestion, especially if they have recently eaten a meal. Your dog’s breath might not smell minty fresh, but it definitely shouldn’t be off-putting to the point of making you recoil. And moreover, really bad breath isn’t a symptom of aging. It is often a sign of something much more serious.
If your dog’s bad breath is extreme and is constantly around it might be because your dog has periodontal disease which affects the teeth and gums of dogs. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria from plaque and tartar build up on your dog’s teeth. The bacteria in the tartar and plaque is toxic to gum tissue and if left unchecked can lead to gum irritation, infection, pain, and even loss of teeth either on their own or via veterinarian extraction. Additionally, long-term issues with periodontal disease can lead to other health issues such as cardiovascular (heart) disease which can be fatal to your dog. If you find your dog’s breath cringe-worthy then it might be time for a trip to the vet.
Other Reasons Your Dog Might Have Bad Breath
Although periodontal disease is a common cause of extremely bad doggy breath it bears keeping in mind that there may also be other reasons why your pup’s breath might smell so bad. This is why it is so important to take your dog to the vet when you notice over the top bad dog breath. Here are just a few more causes of bad breath:
Foreign Items
Sometimes bad dog breath can be caused by a foreign item or substance being stuck in your dog’s mouth/ teeth. Vets have seen pretty much everything from bones to sticks lodged in dogs’ mouths that their owners hadn’t spotted. Additionally, if your dog is prone to eating non-food items like feces or garbage that can also cause pretty bad doggy breath.
Kidney Disease
Failure of your dog’s kidney or kidney disease can cause bad breath that often smells like ammonia. This is because the waste that is normal processed by the kidneys builds up in the blood stream and then can present the bad smell in your dog’s mouth.
Oral Tumors
Although your dog’s teeth and gums can be the cause of bad breath, oral tumors may also be a potential issue. Oral tumors often grow too fast for blood vessels to keep up with supplying fresh blood and this can create areas of dead tissue in your dog’s mouth. These dead tissue areas start to rot and thus the bad dog breath. Oral tumors can vary in size and shape so if you happen to notice any discoloration or masses in your dog’s mouth make sure it gets checked out by a veterinarian.
Diabetes
Diabetes, especially diabetic ketoacidosis can make your dog’s breath smell particularly bad. If your dog has untreated diabetes you might notice a sweet, almost fruity smell emanating from your pooch’s mouth. If left untreated diabetes can suppress your dog’s immune system thus allowing bacteria to flourish in your dog’s mouth producing a strong smell.
Genetics is a Factor in Dental Health
Although any dog can develop major dental issues like periodontal disease there are breeds which are more susceptible to mouth problems. Lots of toy breeds like Yorkies, Pomeranians, and Poodles and longer-snouted breeds like Collies tend to be more prone to oral issues. Talk to your veterinarian at your annual check up to determine your options for maintaining your dog’s best oral hygiene.
Fixes:
Brush Those Pearly Whites
Because dental or periodontal disease is most often the cause of bad doggy breath the most simple way to prevent any issues in the first place is to simply brush your dog’s teeth regularly. Find a toothpaste that your dog likes such as chicken, beef, or even vanilla. Believe it or not these flavors do exist! Just be sure to avoid human toothpastes because the flouride content of these pastes can be toxic to pets. I also typically use a toddler toothbrush which works great to fit in any size dog mouth and has softer bristles. Start small by brushing daily for 15-30 seconds at a time and gradually work up to longer brushing time around 2 mins or so. Once your dog has good dental health you shouldn’t need to brush your dog’s teeth more than 2-3 times a week to maintain good oral hygiene. Here is a great video on how to brush your dog’s teeth correctly.
If your dog has a large build up of plaque and tartar then a trip to the vet is in order. Your vet will be able to scale your dog’s teeth and scrape away all of that gunk. Additionally, if there is substantial tooth decay below the gum line your vet can extract those teeth that could eventually cause issues down the line.
Even if you brush your dog’s teeth regularly, over time plaque and tartar will slowly build up requiring a trip to the vet for a deep clean. This is completely normal and isn’t cause for alarm. Plaque and tartar accumulation is only a concern when it happens over a shorter period of time due to poor dental maintenance (ie. minimal to no brushing of your dog’s teeth).
Try a Dental Chew to Complement Brushing
While a regular brushing routine can help keep major dental problems like periodontal disease at bay a dog safe dental chew can do a lot to help support this. I use a special water additive that helps prevent plaque from sticking to my pup’s teeth. It is great because I just add the recommended amount to my dogs’ water dish when refilling it and they don’t even know it’s in there because it has no taste!
Another product I add to my dogs’ dental hygiene routine are chew toys and dental chew treats. I prefer to use appropriately sized Nylabones in the mid to harder range as it provides my pups not only the opportunity to chew and get excess energy out, but the act of chewing in itself scrapes my dogs’ teeth and thus is another form of brushing. I tend to avoid raw hides as they have been shown to be quite difficult to many dogs to digest and can cause gastrointestinal issues.
In terms of dental chew treats my two enjoy pretty much any flavor of Greenies, but there are lots of options out there so do your research and take the time to figure out what your pup likes. Lots of pet stores sell dental chews individually so you’ll be able to test each type out without breaking the bank! And again, the dental chews offer another opportunity for scraping the teeth, plus Greenies are made with all natural ingredients and are easy to digest. This is especially important for my two because they have sensitive tummies and Greenies have never been an issue for them. But remember that chew toys and dental chew treats are not meant to be a substitute for regular tooth brushing.
Try Fresh Parsley
Adding a little fresh chopped parsley to your dog’s food can help combat stinky breath barring any other oral health issues. So why does the old adage of parsley help with bad breath? This is because parsley is naturally anti-microbial and is effective in preventing the growth and multiplication of bacteria and other germs in your dog’s mouth.
Annual Vet Visits
One of the easiest ways to combat oral health issues and bad doggy breath is to make sure you get your precious pup in for those annual vet visits. Your veterinarian will be able to take thorough look at your dog’s mouth to make sure there aren’t any major issues or dental disease. They’ll also be able to give you advice on how best to take care of your dog’s oral hygiene whether that is through special food additives, how to brush your dog’s teeth correctly, or when your dog is expected to need a deep clean.
And if you ever notice your dog having a hard time chewing, bleeding gums, loose teeth, or nasal discharge visit the vet immediately. They’ll be able to better assess the situation and help make sure your dog gets back into tip top shape.
Resources
https://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/7-reasons-your-dog-has-bad-breath
https://www.petcarerx.com/article/five-facts-about-dog-and-cat-bad-breath/331
https://www.zukes.com/dog-blog/5-facts-and-fixes-for-doggy-breath/
https://www.natural-dog-health-remedies.com/parsley-benefits.html
*This is not a sponsored post.
**The Woof Warehouse is not a specialist or expert in the health of dogs. We always recommend seeing your vet for the best care of your beloved pups.
]]>As most of you may already know a big part of our mission is to help shelter dogs find loving and forever homes and as such we donate 5% of our profits to Marin Humane. This amazing non-profit shelter is where we adopted our two tiny muses (Watson and Sherlock) from.
With all of the wonderful orders from the past year we are able to sponsor the adoption fees of two senior dogs! You might ask why we chose to sponsor two senior dogs. The simple fact is that dogs over the age of 10 are much more difficult to adopt out. Senior pups are often more subdued in shelters and as such don’t tend to catch the eye of potential pawrents. Additionally, senior dogs can sometimes come with health issues that most people aren’t willing to deal with. By covering the adoption fees of these older and wiser pups means it gives adopters one less expense to worry about and hopefully encourage them to consider a dog they might have otherwise overlooked.
]]>As most of you may already know a big part of our mission is to help shelter dogs find loving and forever homes and as such we donate 5% of our profits to Marin Humane. This amazing non-profit shelter is where we adopted our two tiny muses (Watson and Sherlock) from.
With all of the wonderful orders from the past year we are able to sponsor the adoption fees of two senior dogs! You might ask why we chose to sponsor senior dogs. The simple fact is that dogs over the age of 10 are much more difficult to adopt out. Senior pups are often more subdued in shelters and as such don’t tend to catch the eye of potential pawrents. Additionally, senior dogs can sometimes come with health issues that most people aren’t willing to deal with. By covering the adoption fees of these older and wiser pups means it gives adopters one less expense to worry about and hopefully encourage them to consider a dog they might have otherwise overlooked.
And now on to the fun part! One of the lucky pups that we sponsored the adoption fee of is Susie, an 11 year old, 8 lb Chi Mix.
According to Marin Humane “Susie is an adorable Chihuahua mix who is looking for a perfect retirement home. Although she isn't a puppy, Susie is cute, energetic and full of life. She takes a bit of time to warm up to new people, but once you are in, you are in.
Not much seems to bother this girl, and she would make a great companion for a family so long as children learn to be respectful of Susie.
Susie enjoyed meeting other small dogs she here, even helping some of the shy dogs come out of their shell. She would enjoy life with other dogs.
This little girl has so much love to offer, and can't wait to find a home of her very own.”
We wish Susie the best of luck in her search for her furever home and can’t wait for her to find the perfect family to spend her retirement years with!
If you would like to find out more about Marin Humane and/ or how to adopt Susie visit their website.
**Update 3/5/19**
Since writing this post we've been informed by Marin Humane that Susie has since been moved to a different shelter where she awaits her forever home. We'll be selecting another pup to sponsor.
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When it comes to our beloved dogs most people say that their four legged friends love them. But is it true? Can dogs feel love in the same or similar ways in which we do? The good news for us is that there are researchers who investigate the canine-human relationship and have provided some answers to the all important question of whether or not our dogs reciprocate our unconditional love.
Humans and dogs have a long and shared history together. Most scientists agree that domesticated dogs and humans have been living alongside each other for at least 10,000 years. In fact, research from a 2013 study shows that both humans and dogs have been genetically adapting to one another since humans first began domesticating dogs over 10,000 years ago. Based on this and other studies there is now a surprising amount of evidence that our dogs do in fact love us.
One of the first pieces of evidence comes from neuroscientist Gregory Berns. In a small 2014 study he and a team of experts scanned dogs’ brains and found that the brains of dogs light up differently when they smell their owners compared to other dogs or people. In order to conduct this study Berns and his team trained a small handful of dogs to sit still in an MRI machine in order to monitor the part of dogs’ brains that coordinates their neural reward system. However, it wasn’t 100% clear whether the dog truly loves their owner, or if it simply associates its owner with food and rewards. In either case there is something to be said with this kind of scientific research of the connection between the dog’s brain and his olfactory senses since dogs navigate the world through their sense of smell.
Another piece of evidence is often referred to as the “oxytocin-gaze positive loop.” Oxytocin is a hormone produced in the brain and often referred to as the love hormone. We experience the oxytocin-gaze positive loop when we hug loved ones or gaze into their eyes. This hormone has been important in facilitating bonds and relationships between humans. And based on a 2015 study in Japan it looks like our pups may have adopted this important bonding pathway. In this study scientists found that humans and dogs were in fact engaging in cross-species gaze-meditation and bonding. When engaging in this way with their dogs it was found that humans and dogs use the same oxytocin system as when we hug or gaze into the eyes of our loved ones. To test this result the same researchers also tested this system on wolves and they found that wolves rarely look humans in the eye and don’t appear to release oxytocin meaning this is a behavior unique to domesticated dogs.
The final piece of evidence is based on your dog’s behavior. In fact, dog owners regularly state that their dogs show them affection through various behaviors such as eye contact, licks, and tail wagging. Additionally, dogs are one of only a few animals other than humans that run to their humans when scared or startled. Think about all the other domesticated animals out there and what they do when they get scared or startled. Do horses or cows run to their humans when they get spooked? Does your cat run to you when startled by fireworks? In fact, most other domesticated animals choose to run and hide even from us humans when they get scared which is quite different from what most dogs choose to do. In addition to the behavioral cues, a study from 2016 found that dogs can in certain instances recognize human emotions based on our faces when combined with the tone of our voice. In this study researchers placed photos of happy, sad, and angry faces of humans in front of the test dogs and then played happy, sad, and angry human voices in unfamiliar languages. In most cases the dogs looked at the face that matched the tone of the human voice.
But is any of this enough proof to definitively state that our dogs love us? Some researchers say that this is in fact enough proof, but others would state that we won’t know for sure unless dogs can report feeling love because dogs may not have the same understanding of love the way that us humans do. But in the end what really matters is not whether science can prove that our dogs love us, but whether we believe that they do.
Resources:
https://mic.com/articles/104474/brain-scans-reveal-what-dogs-really-think-of-us#.BVvCMED0x
https://www.theodysseyonline.com/11-reasons-golden-retrievers-perfect
No matter what you celebrate the holidays can be hazardous for our furiends. With all the unusual smells, sights, and sounds from decorations, presents, and treats your dog can be tempted to misbehave even when he may be a complete angel the rest of the year. Read on for a few simple tips that will allow your pup to enjoy the holiday cheer without a trip to the vet or emergency room.
Christmas Trees
One of the most common holiday items in homes across America is the Christmas Tree. While being a classic decoration the Christmas Tree can pose risks to your dog whether it is live or artificial.
Candles
It might seem obvious to state that candles can burn your pup, but most of us forget about the fact that a pet might accidentally knock them over. Falling, hot wax can cause burns and the flames can cause house fires. If you plan on lighting candles this holiday season make sure pets are supervised, keep them out of reach of your dog and/or keep your dog out of rooms with lit candles.
Treats
Around the holidays we love to treat our pets, but it bears reminding to be just as careful as you are any other time of the year.
Holiday Plants and Flowers
Poinsettias, mistletoe and other popular plants are staples in many homes during the holiday season. But they can cause stomach issues and may even be poisonous. Keep these and other holiday plants out of reach of your dog. Check out the ASPCA’s info on the topic here.
Gifts
Presents and gifts are a cornerstone of any holiday celebration, but they can pose a hazard to your pooch.
Even with all of the above safety tips in place, none of us are perfect and if you suspect your dog has gotten into something he shouldn’t contact your vet or pet emergency room as soon as possible.
And just because decorations and gifts can pose a risk to your dog it doesn’t mean you can’t spruce up your home for the holidays. Just make sure it is done with the safety of your sweet pooch in mind.
Happy Pawlidays from all of us at The Woof Warehouse!
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Christmas and the holiday season is a time of gathering with family and friends to celebrate and share good food, so why can’t your dog join in the fun? Here are just a few ways to give your dog the best Christmas ever!
Personalized Dog Stocking
These personalized quilted dog stockings are the pawfect cozy addition to your mantle this Christmas season! Choose from a red or beige colored stocking with an embroidery personalization option. Made with a high quality cotton fabric and batting the stockings are made to last and bring some holiday joy to your dog’s Christmas. Coming in both a small and large sizes you’ll be able to select the appropriate size for your dog.
]]>Christmas and the holiday season is a time of gathering with family and friends to celebrate, share good food, and exchange gifts, so why can’t your dog join in the fun? Here are just a few ways to give your dog the best Christmas ever!
Personalized Dog Stocking
These personalized quilted dog stockings are the pawfect cozy addition to your mantle this Christmas season!
Choose from a red or beige colored stocking with an embroidery personalization option. Made with a high quality cotton fabric and batting the stockings are made to last and bring some holiday joy to your dog’s Christmas. Coming in both small and large sizes you’ll be able to select the appropriate size for your dog.
Homemade Dog Pies
Did you know that pumpkin is actually a safe and tasty treat for your pups? Well they are and now you can make yummy pumpkin pie for your dog to enjoy during the holidays! Here’s a great peanut butter free recipe from Pink Cake Plate.
Matching Dog and Human Loungewear
Matching loungewear and pjs have been trending for dog lovers this holiday season and now you and your pup can participate!
Made with a premium flannel these soft and cozy matching sets you and your pup will make a statement on social media. Not to mention all the extra comfy cuddles you’ll be able to enjoy. Choose from a range of patterns and sizes. Want a more custom fit for your loungewear pants? Just leave your measurements in the notes section of your order free of charge!
Christmas Bandanas
Not all pups might be up for dressing in a sweater or funny hat, but you can’t go wrong with a festive bandana.
Check out these amazing holiday bandanas and these limited edition holiday bandanas! They are just absolutely adorable and super easy to slip right over your dog’s collar for a no slip pawfect look. You can even personalize them with your dog’s name. Just contact the maker here.
Homemade Christmas Meal
It can be tempting to feed your dog Christmas table scraps, but unfortunately for our four legged friends these foods can wreak havoc on their digestive system. Instead, try whipping up a special holiday meal just for your pup. One of my pup’s favorite combos is plain boiled chicken, rice, sweet potato, and green beans. Not only will it be a healthy alternative to table scraps, but your dog will absolutely love it! Here is a great resource I use often to ensure I make balanced meals for my two pups.
Dog Friendly Wrapping Paper
Unwrapping presents on Christmas morning is perhaps one of the most iconic holiday traditions. And now your dog can participate without worrying about your dog accidentally ingesting potentially toxic paper. Traditional wrapping paper is often treated with bleach and chlorine. Dog friendly wrapping paper is often made with soy based inks and designed to be non-toxic to pets while offering a fun way for your dog to be a part of the Christmas morning excitement! Check out Amazon for options.
Dog Santa Hat
Looking to dress your pup as Santa Paws then look no further.
These hand crocheted Santa snood hats are the perfect accessory for your pup. They are super soft and will keep your dog’s ears nice and toasty all holiday season long, not to mention they’ll make for some pretty epic Instagram photos!
Burrow Bed
Does your dog get cold easily or just love to burrow under a cozy blanket or two? Well then this is the bed for him!
With a built in blanket your dog will be able to easily “tuck” himself in and stay warm all Christmas even until Santa Paws makes his appearance. Made with a super soft and comfy fleece these beds are designed with real functionality and practicality in mind. Watson and Sherlock absolutely love theirs and know your pup will love one too.
No matter how you choose to celebrate this Christmas your pup's will love all the loves, pets, and cuddles!
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The holidays are a time of great joy and celebration with parties, dinners, and get-togethers, but for our four-legged family members it can be a time of high stress. Whether you’ll be hosting at home or packing up your dog and the family for a trip to visit friends and family know how you’ll help keep your pup calm and comfortable so everyone can enjoy the holidays.
Spending the holidays away
If you’ll be spending the holidays away from your dog make sure to plan ahead for your pooch. Whether you’re going to bring your pup along or have to leave him behind make sure you have a plan.
Traveling with your dog
If you are planning on traveling and bringing your dog along remember that leaving the familiarity of home can cause anxiety in both you and your pup. Make sure to help your dog feel comfortable no matter where he is by packing his favorite toys, bed, blankets, treats, and his regular food. If your dog is crate trained and sleeps and/or enjoys spending time in it then make sure to bring it along so your pup can retreat to a safe place. Familiar and favorite items can help your pooch settle in and relax.
It is also advised that if you are traveling by car to keep your dog in a travel safe crate so that your pup isn’t able to move freely about the car. Not only does it keep your dog from getting underfoot or climbing into your lap while driving, but it also prevents them from being thrown from the car or running off should you get into an accident. If you can’t fit a crate in your car consider getting a pet approved seat belt/harness to keep your dog safe and secure.
Lastly, make sure that if you’re traveling with your pet then make sure he has identification tags on at all times and pack an emergency first aid kit for your dog. And don’t forget to take frequent breaks so your dog can go potty and stretch his legs.
Leaving your pup behind
If you can’t bring your pup along plan for their care either at home or at a boarding facility. For those dogs that don’t do well in kennel situations or you are simply concerned about your pup catching kennel cough then having a responsible friend, neighbor or pet sitter stay care for your dog is a viable option. It can cost a bit more than boarding your dog in a standard kennel, but it will give you peace of mind knowing that your dog is comfortable at home in familiar territory.
If you decide to board your dog in a traditional kennel find a facility that can accommodate your dog’s needs. Take a tour of the facility to check out the accommodations. Make sure the facility has caring, certified, and professional staff in addition to webcams so you can check on your dog throughout his stay. Have questions ready to go. Some of the things you may want to know are:
Spending the holidays at home
If you’ll be the one hosting the holiday get-togethers then make sure you have a plan for your pup, especially since he’ll likely be seeing a lot of unfamiliar faces coming and going from his home. Prepare a safe zone for your dog to retreat to where he feels comfortable. This might be a crate or small corner in a quiet room where his bed, comfort items, and water bowl is. Let your guests know that your dog needs space so that he doesn’t get overwhelmed.
If you think your dog might react poorly to unfamiliar guests and/or children then you might want to consider keeping your pup in a different room or area separated by a baby gate. Play soft, calm music and provide a safe and calm experience by including your dog’s bed, blankets, or other comfort items. You can also give your pup an interactive toy or two, like a Kong, to keep him busy.
And lastly, keep decorations and cords away from dogs that have a tendency to chew on things around the home. Brightly colored ornaments and tinsel can be a tantalizing toy for your dog, but ingesting these items can cause a lot of problems and lead to a costly visit to the vet’s office. Keep all decorations out of reach of your dog, especially in his safe zone.
Stick to a routine
Whether you’ll be traveling with your pet, leaving him with a trusted friend, or hosting parties at home make sure you stick to your dog’s routine. Believe it or not this simple act can help your dog get through the holidays relatively stress-free. Part of keeping the normal routine means feeding your dog at the same time(s) and taking walks or exercising at the usual times. It can be helpful to set alarms on your phone to remind you of the daily routine. And don’t forget to dole out the affection and play time so your pup doesn’t feel thrown off by all the flurry of activity and unfamiliar faces.
No matter how you are celebrating this holiday season these tips and tricks will help keep your pup as stress-free as possible.
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Tag Those Puppies Up and Keep Them Calm
On a night like Halloween lots of us will see a flurry of visitors in various and even adorable costumes. It is important to remember that having too many strangers arrive at the front door can often be stressful and frightening for dogs. Even some of the most well trained pups have been known to door dash with that many strange faces coming and going. To prevent your dog from darting out the front door keep them in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick or treating hours. And also make sure that your pooch’s tags are up to date with proper identification including at least your phone number and the name of your dog. If your pet is microchipped that is even better! Having proper identification for your pet can be a life saver should he or she get out.
To Costume or Not to Costume…
It is important to remember that not all dogs enjoy wearing costumes and in fact for those that dislike the trend it can cause undue stress. If you want to dress up your pet for the holiday make sure to try their costume on before the 31st. Not only will this give you a good gauge of whether your dog is ok with wearing costumes, but you’ll be able to make sure that it fits properly. Make sure your dog can still move and breathe properly in any costume. Check the outfit for any pieces that dangle and/or can be chewed off easily as they can present a choking hazard. Costumes that don’t fit properly can get caught and twisted on other objects around them which may lead to injury.
If your pet is not into costumes there are ways that they can still participate in “dressing up.” Try out a festive collar or one of these Halloween themed bandanas.
Stash the Candy
While we are ever vigilant dog pawrents it bears reminding that candy can be dangerous to pets. Chocolate, especially dark or baking, is extremely toxic to dogs, but we also have to be mindful of all those popular sugar free candies that contain xylitol. Xylitol is a substitute for sugar and even very small amounts can begin to cause a sudden drop in blood sugar in your dog and lead to loss of coordination and even seizures. If you suspect that your dog has ingested something toxic call your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control Center.
And remember that even candy wrappers can pose a threat to dogs as they can be ingested and cause gastrointestinal blockages. Make sure that all candy and wrappers are kept well out of reach of your pooch.
Beware the Spooky Decorations
Halloween decorations can be tons of fun but they can also pose a potential hazard to your pooch. Pumpkins and Jack-o-lanterns are one of the most iconic decorations but be sure to watch pets closely around them as dogs can easily knock over a lit pumpkin and accidentally start a fire or even burn themselves. Plus, once pumpkins begin to rot they can pose a risk to your dog if they accidentally ingest some. Also be wary of uncooked corn cobs which if ingested can cause upset tummies in dogs and can even cause physical blockages of the digestive system.
While battery powered and electric powered decorations are far safer than the open candle ones it they can still pose a threat to your pooch. Dogs who are prone to chewing on cords can receive potentially life threatening electrical shocks or burns. Batteries if they are ingested can cause chemical burns if they are chewed open and/or gastrointestinal blockages if swallowed whole.
Have A Night In
Pranksters have been known to tease, steal, and even injure or kill pets on Halloween night. While black cats are more prone to catnapping and cruelty this time of year it is always a good idea to bring all your pets indoors in the few days and nights leading up to Halloween unless they are under constant supervision when outdoors. Check out this article on some indoor activities to keep your pup busy. Or try enjoying a Halloween flick and some quality cuddle time with your dog.
No matter what you do with your pooch this Halloween season keep them safe with these tips and remember to call your vet or emergency pet hospital if you suspect your pet has gotten into something or injured themselves.
Happy Howloween!
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What is a Service Dog?
According to the ADA service animals are defined as “a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability.” This definition means that a person’s dog must have undergone specific training to assist said person with specific disabilities. In addition to helping people with physical disabilities a service dog may be trained to help a person with depression and remind them to take their medication. Or someone with epilepsy may have a dog trained to anticipate a seizure and help the person stay safe during the seizure.
Do Service Dogs have to be Professionally Trained?
The ADA states that service dogs don’t have to be trained by a professional to be considered a service dog. However, the dog must have been trained by someone to do a specific task before being taken into public places like restaurants and stores. Some State or local laws cover animals that are still in training and there may be other laws and restrictions in your area. The best bet is to check your state and local laws for service dogs in training.
Are Service Dogs Required to be Certified or Registered as a Service Animal?
According to the ADA service dogs are not required to register as a service animal or have any proof that they have been certified, trained or licensed. In fact, there is no mandatory registration of service animals and cities and other government agencies cannot force an individual to register or provide proof of certification of his or her service dog. However, service dogs are subject to the same licensing and vaccination rules that are required of all dogs in your particular city or town.
Can You Ask if a Dog is a Service Animal?
The ADA states that staff at business establishments may ask only two questions in situations where it is not obvious that a dog is a service animal to determine whether it is a service animal: “1)is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and 2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform?”
Staff are not permitted to require or demand documentation that the dog is a service animal or require that the dog demonstrate its task, or ask about the person’s disability. Additionally, service dogs are not required to wear any special identification such as a vest, ID tag, or special harness. However, if a service dog is out of control of the handler and they do not nate effective action to control the dog staff may request that the dog be removed.
What is an ESA?
According to the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP), dogs may be deemed an emotional support animal (ESA) by a medical professional if they provide a therapeutic benefit to an individual with a mental or psychiatric disability. The dog may or may not be trained to perform specific tasks for the handler. Unlike service dogs ESA dogs are not permitted into public places like restaurants, grocery stores, etc.
What do ESA Dogs do?
ESA dogs can provide a variety of roles including improving one or multiple symptoms of the handler’s disability based on a medical professional’s opinion and prescription. This can include helping calm people with anxiety, stress, and even depression.
How do Dogs Become ESAs?
In order for a dog to be considered an ESA the person seeking a special designation for their dog must see a licensed medical professional for treatment of a verifiable disability. In other words a medical professional such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or physician must write a note stating that the person’s dog is needed to help with that verifiable disability. Dogs that are designated as ESAs do not need any special training and are not required to perform specific tasks.
Where are ESAs Allowed (and not Allowed) in Public?
Unlike service dogs, ESAs have a lot more restrictions in terms of what kinds of public spaces they are allowed in. Most of us are familiar with the fact that service dogs are permitted in all public spaces with their handlers. With ESAs businesses are not required to allow an ESA in their establishments. For instance, if you have an ESA dog and want to eat in a restaurant said restaurant has the right to refuse entry to your ESA as it is not a protected public space by law. Other places that are not required to allow the entry of an ESA dog includes, but is not limited to, hotels, retail stores, and the workplace.
Although most establishments do not allow ESAs through their doors there are certain instances when the law protects the entry rights of ESAs. According to the Fair Housing Act ESAs are permitted into apartments and rented housing when the dog or animal provides some sort of assistance related to the person’s disability. Additionally, the owner of the building or house cannot charge extra for a person to have his or her ESA with them. Interestingly, even college dorms have to abide this law. In fact, there have been more than a few instances when colleges haven’t allowed ESAs and they have been financially penalized for not complying with the Fair Housing Act.
In addition to the Fair Housing Act, the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) permits people to travel with their ESAs free of extra charge. But the person the ESA is traveling with is required to have the proper documentation from a licensed medical professional attesting to the ESAs necessity. Without a recent letter from a licensed medical professional airlines can deny an ESA’s access to the cabin of the airplane.
Service Dogs and ESAs are very different and as such are afforded different rights under US Federal law. This article has only scratched the surface of the main differences between the two classifications. For more and up to date information we recommend checking your federal, state, and local laws as they pertain to service dogs and ESAs.
Resources
https://www.ada.gov/regs2010/service_animal_qa.html
https://www.canineprofessionals.com/assets/docs/ServiceDogs/esa%20document%20final.pdf
https://esadoctors.com/where-can-i-take-emotional-support-animals/
*I (the author) am by no means an expert in the topic and do not offer the following facts in the article as legal advice. For accurate information regarding your particular situation please contact a professional.
]]>During the peak summer months the pavement can be a real danger for our four-legged family members. It is important to take the time and do a little research on what you can do to help protect their paws from damage such as burns and overall roughness. Read on for some of our top tips for paw safety in the summer.
Take Walks When It’s Cool
Throughout the day the pavement gets a good beat down from the sun heating it up to extreme temperatures. We often don’t realize it because we are almost always wearing shoes, but for our pups it can be far too hot!
In fact, hot pavement can burn the pads of paws and cause damage and pain to your pooch. So, if your dog loves his or her daily walk make sure to take those during the cooler times of day like the morning before the sun reaches its zenith or later in the evening once the sun has started to set and the pavement has had some time to cool off.
Not sure if the pavement is cool enough? One way to check the heat level of the pavement is to simply place the back of your hand on it. If you have to pull it away immediately because of the heat then it is too hot for Fido. Once you are able to leave the back of your hand against the ground without needing to pull it away it’s cool enough for your dog’s daily walk.
Stay on the Grass
Of you do have to take your dog out for a walk or potty break in the middle of a hot day try to keep him or her on grass or dirt where it will be cooler under their paws.
Stay away from sidewalks and other paved areas to avoid burning. A shady park is a great place to take your dog on a warm afternoon.
Moisturize Their Paws
Rough and cracked paws tend to be more susceptible to burns and peeling. To avoid this consider moisturizing your dog’s paws to prevent injuries and burns. A favorite of ours is Watson’s Pawesome Paw Balm.
Made by hand in small batches and with natural and organic ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and vitamin E oil it helps soften and treat dry and cracked paws.
Try Dog Shoes
If your dog doesn’t have an aversion to having something on his or her feet try some dog shoes. They are a great way to protect your dog’s paws from all kinds of surfaces including hot pavement.
Make sure they fit your dog properly to avoid potential dangers such as tripping or falling over. There will inevitably be an adjustment period for your pup and just make sure that he or she is always monitored when wearing the shoes.
Use Paw Wax
Paw Wax is a great way to protect the pads of your dog’s paws from the cold and the heat as well has harsh chemicals and road salts.
Check your local pet store or Amazon for a good selection of brands.
Check Their Paws
When you get home from your walk or outing this summer check your dog’s paws thoroughly. Check for burns, but also make sure to look for bugs, thorns or debris between the paw pads.
Lots of harmful things can hide in those crevices for a long time before your dog starts to show discomfort. If you notice anything out of the ordinary call your vet.
Paw Burn First Aid
During the paw check or if you suspect your dog has burned his or her paws then you’ll need to tend to it immediately. Here are 4 easy steps for treating burned paws:
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If your pups are like Sherlock and Watson then they love a good day at the beach! There’s nothing quite like sun, surf, and sand to help get the pups tired. But make sure you are prepared with these tips to make your next trip to the local beach a fun and safe one.
Keep ‘Em Cool
Warm weather at the beach can be a real hazard to your dog’s health. Make sure that you provide a nice shady retreat in the form of an umbrella or tent. Don’t forget to always provide plenty of fresh, cool water.
Make sure to look for signs of overheating. And if you have a short-muzzled pooch like English Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Boxer, etc. remember that they can overheat more quickly than dogs with longer snouts. Here are some of the signs of overheating in dogs:
Excessive and rapid panting and drooling
Issues with coordination
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Loss of Consciousness
Keep Their Paws Safe
The sand can also get quite hot for your dog’s sensitive paws. Take care to provide plenty of breaks from the sand by setting up your dog’s very own blanket or towel to lay down on.
Check The Rules of the Beach
Remember that beach rules are often laws and therefore punishable as such. Make sure to check out the rules which may include staying off of protected areas, cleaning up after your dog, leash laws, and vaccinations. Every beach can be different.
Collars and Tags
This pretty much goes without saying, but whether you are taking your pup to a beach that allows off leash play or not it is extremely important that she has a collar with up to date information like her name, your phone number, and her doggy license. These forms of identification will help others get her home in the event that she does run off or you lose her. You never know what can happen in an exciting and highly distractible environment.
Sunburn Protection
Dogs that have extremely short fur, that have recently gotten a trim, and those dogs with lighter skin color and/or pink noses are susceptible to sunburns just like humans! Check your local pet store or online for dog safe sunscreens to help protect your pooch. Don’t use any sunscreens that contain zinc because it can be toxic to dogs if they ingest it and avoid sunscreens that contain fragrances as they can be irritating to dogs.
Make sure to apply the sunscreen to your dog’s ears, nose, and anywhere else that sees direct sunlight. This includes the inside of the back legs. If you have a hairless breed consider a light shirt for additional protection.
Doggy Recall
One aspect of beach day safety many of us, including myself, forgets about is your dog’s recall. This means that your dog comes back to you when you call him or her every time. This is an important skill especially if you’ll be spending time on a beach that allows dogs off leash. Not only is it important for the safety of your dog, but also for the safety of others. You want to know that you have complete control over your pup even when there are a lot of distractions around. If you want to know how to teach your dog to recall check out this great article by the Humane Society.
Water Safety
Whether your dog likes the water or not it is important to make sure Fido is able to swim in case he gets swept away. If you have access to a pool or other safe calm body of water you can begin by teaching your dog to swim there. Also consider getting a life vest for your dog. Not only can it help keep your dog safe as he runs and swims through the water it can also be a good way to be able to spot your dog from a short distance since many come in neon colors.
Seawater
Keep a close eye on your dog at all times, but especially if he or she enjoys swimming in the ocean or frolicking through the waves. Make sure your pooch doesn’t drink too much seawater as it can cause gastrointestinal irritation that can act as a laxative or induce vomiting. Additionally, salt water on a dog’s skin and paws can cause dryness and therefore cause itching. Avoid this by rinsing your dog with fresh water before leaving the beach or when you get home.
Bring Toys (and Enthusiasm)
Bring some of your dog’s toys and make sure they’re ones that you and your pup won’t be upset about losing. And of course don’t forget to bring lots of enthusiasm and positive attitude to beach day!
]]>Whether you have a new puppy or an old timer who’s been around the block there are just those dogs that will chew just about anything in the house from furniture to shoes. So how can you prevent your pup from destroying the legs of your kitchen table that’s been in the family for four generations? Read on for tips and methods on getting your pooch to ditch the shoes for good.
Redirect Chewing to a Toy
When your catch your dog trying to chew the furniture or his next shoe interrupt the behavior and redirect him to an appropriate chew toy. A stuffed Kong is one easy way to distract him from the inappropriate item he’s chewing on. If you fill it with some of his favorite treats then he’ll likely be more drawn to it than your beautiful oak armoire.
If a Kong isn’t really your dog’s style then you can choose any toy you want your dog to chew on instead of the items in your house. It doesn’t really matter what toy it is as long as you are consistent with interrupting the inappropriate chewing and redirecting to an appropriate chew toy. For puppies try a teething toy that can be put in the freezer to help with the pain of their adult teeth coming in.
Lots of Exercise
Not only is regular exercise great for your dog’s overall health, but it can help minimize destructive chewing behaviors. Simply put, a tired dog/pup is less likely to get into things and chew them up.
Exercise also produces endorphins and therefore a calming effect on your dog. Daily exercise can include walks, runs, or even highly engaging play time.
Get a Pet Camera
Sometimes certain situations or times of day trigger a dog to do their destructive chewing. Having a pet cam on hand will help catch your dog in the act and can also provide valuable information about when and what things he likes to chew, especially when you have to leave your home. With this all important information you’ll be able to better understand our dog’s chewing habits and tailor a solution to your specific dog. For instance, if you notice your dog’s destructive behaviors only come out when you have to leave her alone for a period of time then it might be a sign of separation anxiety.
Supervise Your Dog
Until your dog learns the rules of what he is allowed to chew try tethering him to you with a leash or in a space where he can’t destroy things he isn’t supposed to.
Provide fresh water and plenty of toys and chewies that he is allowed to have to keep him entertained.
Spray Deterrents
Something you could also try are spray deterrents. You can often find them at your local pet store. These special sprays are formulated to taste bad to your dog and therefore deter her from chewing your house to bits. Just simply spray a bit on the things you don’t want your dog to chew. Then reapply every day for a few weeks in a row. It’s that simple. But remember that the spray deterrent alone won’t be the magic bean that solves your dog’s destructive chewing behaviors. Use these sprays in combination with some of the other techniques and tips in this blog post for a more successful treatment of destructive chewing.
Treats
To get your dog to stop chewing on the inappropriate item try offering a treat in exchange for that toilet paper from your bathroom.
You can even add the command of “Give” as the cue for your dog to release the object currently in her mouth for a yummy treat.
Have Realistic Expectations
And last but not least, make sure to check yourself for realistic expectations. This means that you should have some patience when getting your dog to change the destructive chewing behavior. Remember that he needs time to learn the rules of the house and you need to do your best to keep things out of his reach.
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One of the biggest questions I see constantly circulating on the pup parent forums is “what are some of the best toys for aggressive chewers?” So here are just some of the longest lasting toys we have found for dogs that enjoying ripping toys to shreds and tips for finding a suitable chew toy for your dog.
Kong Extreme
As a dog parent I am sure you’ve heard of Kong and even perhaps have a couple in your possession, but did you know that they make them with varying degrees of toughness? The Kong Extreme is made with the toughest rubber and has the ability to entertain your pup for hours especially if you stuff it with tasty treats. Read this blog post for ideas on what to put in your pup’s Kong.
Nylabone DuraChews
My two pups, Watson and Sherlock, love their nylabones and even though they aren’t aggressive chewers it keeps them completely entertained. Good thing for dog parents of aggressive chewers is that they make a version for heavy chewers. The Durachews are made of tough and durable nylon that will stand up to some of the most heavy chewers. The dental cleaning ones have the added benefit of extra texture that will help clean your dog’s teeth and massage their gums. There are even different flavors like chicken, lasagna, and even mint!
GoDog Plush Toys with Chew Guard
Just because your dog is a power chewer it doesn’t mean he has to miss out on the fun of plush toys. Check out the GoDog plush toys with chew guard. They feature a double-stitched seam for extra strength and will outlast the standard plush toys at your local pet store. There are a wide variety of stuffed animals to choose from and many can be found on Amazon.
Benebones
The extra hard bones are made of super strong nylon and good grade ingredients that are used to flavor the bones. You won’t have to worry about chemicals or artificial flavors because Benebone doesn’t use them! And all of their products come in various sizes and are made in the USA. Many of their awesome products can be found on Amazon and in pet stores. Watson and Sherlock personally love the wishbone shape.
ChuckIt! Ultra Ball
If you’ve got a heavy chewer that also loves to play fetch then a plain old tennis ball just won’t cut it. So try a ChuckIt! Ultra Ball. It’s made with a bouncy rubber that gives it a tougher skin. It can withstand a ton of tossing, fetching, and chewing. They’re also pretty affordable and available with a squeaker if that’s what your pooch loves. Sherlock loves hers and she has tons of fun both chasing it at the dog park and casually squeaking it at home on the sofa.
Tips For Picking The Right Toy For Your Heavy Chewer
It can be difficult to find the perfect toy for your enthusiastic pup. So we’ve got a few tips to help you find the right toy for your dog.
Many dog toys claim to be indestructible and it is easy to believe these claims. So can dog toys actually be made to be indestructible? The short answer is no. Take the indestructible claims with a grain of salt and only purchase dogs toys based on recommendations from others who can vouch for the toughness of dog toys.
Even though durability and fun are important remember that the safety of your dog is always the #1 priority. You don’t want your fur baby to accidentally ingest broken pieces of toy that could harm them in the end.
The toughness of a toy is important so that it remains in as much of one piece as possible while your pup chows down. When giving your destructive chewer a toy, even one that is super tough it is important to watch your dog closely to make sure they don’t accidentally injure himself. More on this topic below.
What the toy is made of is also an important part of the selection process. Opt for toys of non-toxic materials since it the toy will likely spend a good amount of time in your dog’s mouth. It is almost nearly impossible to create an indestructible toy and so if your pup will be breaking pieces off and potentially ingesting them (on accident of course) it is best to select a toy that will only break off miniscule pieces that are made of non-toxic materials.
Another part of selecting the right toy for your power chewer includes making sure you select the right size. If the toy you choose is too small then it’ll be far too easy for your pup to either destroy in no seconds flat or swallow in its entirety. Heed the suggestions from the manufacturers, but also take into consideration your individual dog and his or her mouth size.
If you read a lot of reviews on toys made for dogs that are heavy chewers you’ll find it difficult to identify a single toy that has all positive reviews. And that is simply because every dog is a little different. This is why it is important to carefully supervise your dog when you give her a new toy. This will allow you to intervene if the toy becomes a danger to your dog. This includes is a large piece breaks off that your dog could choke on or even potentially break a tooth.
Final Thoughts
In the end all the suggestions in the world can only guide you so much in finding the right toy for your aggressive chewer. What it all boils down to is knowing your dog and his chewing tendencies. It might take some time and a few destroyed toys to figure out the best toy fit for your pooch, but fret not because once you land on the perfect toy for your pup you’ll be glad you took the time and spent the money on the process.
**The Woof Warehouse is not a paid sponsor of companies or products mentioned in this blog post.**
]]>In talking with my sisters and mom, who also have dogs, we somehow got on the topic of our pups (I know, crazy!) and why their paws always smell like Doritos. Now, first of all you might think that we are a little crazy because who goes around smelling their dog’s paws. But I can assure you that we in fact did not suffer from strokes or go insane. We simply notice the corn chip smell of our pups’ paws when they decide to cuddle with us on the couch or in bed. And we were amused to find that these “Dorito paws” as we dubbed them were not mutually exclusive to our own dogs, but in fact common among several of our friend’s pooches as well. So why exactly do some dog’s paws smell like Doritos and others not?
The Dorito or corn chip smell on some dog’s paws can be attributed to natural bacteria found on their paws. So most of the time there isn’t anything to be concerned about. Remember, dogs can sweat through the pads on their paws just like how people sweat through their feet. The sweat (and bacteria) from the paw pads becomes trapped in the coat and between the pads and therefore leaving a distinct Dorito smell on the feet.
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Some people claim that the corn chip odor comes from a poor diet or cheap dog food because it often has corn as the main filler. They also claim that switching to a less corn based diet with a more premium dog food can help reduce the smell, but that is not usually the cause of the Dorito paws. But a higher quality food can lead to many other amazing benefits in your dog’s overall health.
So the short answer to this often mysterious question is that your dog’s Dorito paws are likely a result of his or her natural odor and nothing to be concerned with. And if you are like me and don’t mind the smell then there isn’t really any additional grooming to be done. If, however, you find the scent of Doritos in the morning a little less than pleasant there are things you can do to help cut down on the stench. Here are just a couple easy ways to help cut down on that corn chip odor:
Wash your dog’s feet thoroughly when giving him/her a bath. Rub the shampoo between the pads of the paws really well and make sure to get the fur between their toes. Remember that the sweat and bacteria that causes the Dorito smell get trapped in the fur.
Trim the fur between your dog’s paw pads regularly to leave fewer places for the bacteria and sweat to collect.
If the smell is out of control and strong you might want to consider consulting with your vet and make sure it isn’t a symptom of an underlying problem such as a yeast infection or other skin condition.
Random Facts About Your Dog’s Paws
Keeping your dog entertained while you’re at home is a challenge on its own and when you’re away it can be exponentially more difficult. Here are a few fun and creative ways to occupy your pup when you’re out and about.
Kong
One of the tried and true tricks to keeping your dog occupied while you’re away is to provide a stuffed Kong. You can change it up each time with different treats and stuffings. Read our blogpost on different things to stuff in a Kong for ideas.
Snuffle Mat
Make a snuffle mat to provide your dog with the opportunity to sniff and search for hidden treats. It basically consists of a rubber mat with strips of fleece tied to it the loose ends create hiding spots for the treats. Check out Pinterest for ways to make your own snuffle mat.
Puzzle Toys
For the uber smart dog try out a puzzle toy. It might take a little training for your dog to understand how to use it, but it will be well worth it! Not only will your dog be rewarded with a tasty treat or two, but it will exercise his/her mind.
Hide Treats
If you have a dog that enjoys sniffing and finding things try hiding treats around the house. You can hide anything from dog biscuits to Kongs and even hearty fruits like blueberries. Just make sure that you check the hiding spots when you get home for any unfound treats.
Turn on the TV or Radio
Sometimes the sound of the radio or tv will help keep your dog entertained. The sounds will stimulate your dog’s brain and help soothe or calm them. I like to leave classical music on for Watson and Sherlock while I am gone.
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Lick Mat
These are great for dogs that eat too quickly, but also great for keeping dog entertained. Simply fill them with tasty treats and food such as peanut butter, cream cheese, premium wet dog food, or even canned pumpkin. You can find all kinds at pet stores and on Amazon, or just try using a plastic container lid.
Self Fetching Toy
If you have a pup that loves to play fetch a self fetching toy might be for you. There are a few different models out there and can provide hours of entertainment for your pooch both outside and inside. You’ll probably have to train your dog how to use it, but once you do it’ll be his/her new favorite gadget!
Rotate Your Dog’s Toys
Only put out a few toys at once and rotate them every day or so. This will help keep your dog interested in their usual toys for longer. Plus, he/she will get excited when the “new’ toys come out.
Get a Pet Cam
There are all kinds of pet cameras out there these days. Find the one that works for you and your budget and getting talking to your pet. Some even have the ability fling treats and it’s a great way to check in on your four-legged pals while you’re away.
Make a Busy Bucket
If you have a dog that would like a challenge but you don’t want to spend a ton on a new toy then try making your own busy bucket. Simply take a plastic or aluminum pail, put some treats in the bottom, then put a toy your dog likes on top of it and surround the empty space with a hand towel. This will promote problem solving and reward your dog with treats for figuring it out.
Bored dogs can be destructive and who can blame them. It’s no fun being at home alone! Hopefully some of these ideas will help keep your dog entertained the next time you have to leave him/her home alone.
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Being a pawrent to your precious pups can be very fulfilling. I certainly can’t imagine my life before my little fluff balls, Watson and Sherlock. They are the inspiration for The Woof Warehouse and bring me in return so much joy and unconditional love. And as such I spoil them every chance I get. Here are just a few ways to tell if you are an awesome dog mom or dad!
What are some other ways you let your dog know that you’re the best pawrent? Leave ‘em in the comments below.
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