Your dog’s kennel should be a safe, comfortable space where he goes to relax instead of throwing him inside when it’s time for you to leave him alone. A bare kennel isn’t exactly the most inviting environment for your fur child. Here are 6 tips for making your dog’s kennel a comfy bedroom instead of a bare prison cell. #1 – Make sure it’s big enough Your pup should be able to stand up, turn around, and stretch out comfortably in … Read more
Introduction On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic. As panic and misinformation continue to spread along with the virus, many pet parents are concerned about what this may mean for their dogs. In order to answer your questions and help allay your fears, we have created a comprehensive guide to caring for dogs during the coronavirus pandemic. While they are not the ones getting sick, this crisis is definitely affecting their lives. … Read more
Dog lovers rejoice! A dog’s place in the world is changing. For many people, the days of dogs being a second-class citizen are a fast-fading memory. Our furry friends are becoming more and more welcome in every aspect of our lives. Restaurants, public transportation, parks, and even employers are wagging their tails in excitement and welcoming four-legged guests! The day we’ve all dreamed of is finally here. We never have to leave our BFFs home alone again! Corporate Canines Are … Read more
Whether you’re new to raising a dog or if you’ve been doing it for years, you’ve probably made plenty of mistakes. A dog is so much more than just a cute companion because they have a lot of specific needs. Many dog lovers make the same mistakes as they raise their pups, but it’s never too late to make a change for the better. It’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them as you get to know your dog. … Read more
If you love cooking for your family members, your dog should be no exception. It’s easy to pick out cute treats near the checkout aisle at the pet store, but you can have more fun making fresh treats for your dog at home. We’ve got a recipe for homemade Chicken-Flavored Jello treats your dog will go nuts for, and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen. These doggie snacks can be made with just a few … Read more
Having live plants in your home not only adds beauty and a nature to your interior, it can make your home a healthier environment. Plants purify the air inside your house as they take in CO2 and “breathe” out pure oxygen. What many dog moms don’t realize is that many houseplants are toxic to dogs. In an effort to make your home more inviting and healthy, you could be introducing a toxin to your fur baby. We know you don’t … Read more
Most dog people know that some outdoor plants like oleander and sago palms are toxic to dogs. What you may not realize is that there are tons of household plants that are dangerous, or even deadly, to dogs. Knowledge is power and having an awareness of plants that can be toxic, or even fatal, to your best friend is the key to preventing close calls with your dog’s life. Hart Nursery in Cape Town recently warned their followers of the … Read more
Having tummy trouble is the worst. We humans feel powerless against nausea and the unpleasant things that go along with it. When our pups are sick, it’s enough to break our hearts. If you find yourself caring for a pup with a stomach bug, you may wonder what you can give him to alleviate the symptoms and make him feel better. Can you give your dog OTC human medicines? Let’s take a look at what you might have on hand … Read more
It’s a scene we’ve all been party to a million times or more. The table is set, the family is seated, and as you attempt to take that first bite of the delicious meal you’ve lovingly prepared, you become distracted by a most unwelcome site. Your beloved family dog is seated very nearby, eyeing your food longingly, perhaps with a long string of drool making its slow descent to the floor. Never does your dog sit so still or so … Read more
Have you met “The Smartest Dog in the World”? In 2014, 60 Minutes introduced the world to Chaser, a border collie with a vocabulary of more than one thousands words. Woah.Wouldn’t it be fantastic if your dog knew the difference between your shoes and boots and could bring them on command? You may not have the time (or patience) to teach your dog a thousand words. That’s okay. There are easy ways to increase your dog’s intelligence and decrease boredom … Read more
Buying dog toys seems super simple. You pick out something, remove packaging, give it to your dog and you’re done. But managing your dog’s playtime, including which toys you choose for him, can directly affect his quality of life – and yours! If you’re making any of the following common dog toy mistakes, know that changing up even one of these things can make a big difference for you both. 1. Not Replacing Worn-Out Toys We don’t ask our dogs … Read more
We all want the best for our pets, but life sometimes gets in the way. When there is a sudden illness or accident, it can leave us facing large vet bills we weren’t expecting. A job loss can make it hard to feed ourselves and our beloved pets, and having to move can leave you wondering how you’re going to take your pets with you. Luckily, there are resources out there to help you through hard times. So if you’re … Read more
When we clean our homes, we assume we’re making it safer for our loved ones. By getting rid of the microscopic viruses and bacteria that hang around our homes, we’re keeping a clean, healthy environment. But what we use when we clean can have negative effects on our pets’ health if we’re not careful. You wouldn’t leave open containers where your dog could drink them, but those same chemicals can still be harmful to your pets once they’re out of … Read more
Adopting, volunteering, and donating are all part of being an animal advocate, but there’s another important piece of that puzzle. Dogs rely on compassionate people to speak up for them. They need neighbors, friends, and random strangers to recognize the signs of trouble and do something about it. Whether it’s a case of neglect or physical abuse, what you decide to do when you witness animal cruelty matters. Reporting animal cruelty saves lives, and no one should ever turn their … Read more
One second your dog is by your side, and the next, you see her turn tail and sprint in the other direction. Or maybe you let her into the yard for a bathroom break, and now she’s nowhere to be found. It takes only one second, only one small mistake, to lose your dog. It’s a situation that can quickly turn dangerous, and every second she’s missing, you don’t know if she’s hurt, afraid, hungry, or in trouble. It’s up … Read more
The mud. The mess. The holes. No, there was not a major battle in your backyard. Just the battle to stop your dog from digging! Digging can cause a lot of headaches and make it impossible to enjoy your outdoor space. Lawnmowers break, grass dies. And the mud. Mud everywhere. There are a few reasons your dog might be trying to turn your yard inside out. And believe it or not, few of those reasons are his fault! To stop … Read more
Working dog moms and dads hustle every day to provide for their pups. Unfortunately, that means leaving those adorable balls of fur home alone for most of the day. The guilt is real, and few bosses accept, “But my dog is sad!” as an excuse to take the day off. Some dogs handle the lonely work week better than others, but that doesn’t make leaving any easier. What does make it easier is knowing you’re doing everything you can to make … Read more
Depending on your dog’s personality, the arrival of house guests could mean a few different things. First, for the nervous dog, strangers in the house could send your pup straight to his favorite hiding spot under the bed. For protective pups, there’s the risk of confusing friend for foe. And finally, our easily excitable tail-waggers can’t help but cause chaos during already hectic visits. Regardless of the category, your four-legged family member falls into, introducing your dog to guests doesn’t … Read more
Bringing home a dog—regardless of size—will always take planning and forethought. There are toys to buy, a house to dog-proof, and sorting through potential vets can be a job within itself. Your new family member will always require special attention and care, but there’s no denying the fact a 120-pound Newfoundland is not the same as a 12-pound Chihuahua. The more dog you have, the more there is to think about. Great Danes, Mastiffs, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers—if you can’t … Read more
Your fur baby is used to being the center of attention, but that’s all going to change once he meets the family’s newest bundle of joy. His unique personality will play a big role in how he reacts to having a human sibling, and now’s the time to start thinking about their introduction. Some dogs are nervous and afraid of tiny humans, and others are overly excited about meeting a new friend. Either way, how you introduce a dog to … Read more
There are people proud to call themselves Team Dog and others firmly on the feline side of things, but the world doesn’t have to be split into dog people and cat people. In fact, if you’re an animal lover, you probably appreciate the jolly innocence of dogs just as much as a cat’s independent charm. You love them both, and you want both your dog and your cat to live peacefully by your side. But before you all live happily … Read more
Sometimes going for a long walk or a trip to the park just isn’t possible. When you are sick, snowed in, or the temperature skyrockets, finding ways to exercise your dog indoors takes a bit of creativity. The next time you find yourselves trapped inside, keep your pooch from going stir-crazy with one – or more – of these fun indoor activities. 1. Treadmill Some dogs need more than just a leisurely stroll to stay happy, fit and healthy. Dog … Read more
During my career as a veterinary technician, clients often asked me for advice on performing successful nail trims at home. The process of trimming dog nails is actually quite simple. Most people just need help getting their pups to cooperate! Luckily, even dogs that despise the clippers can become acclimated to the process, or at least learn to tolerate it. Below are 9 tricks for making nail trims go smoothly – even on dogs with black nails or furry paws. If … Read more
The first 24 hours after a dog goes missing are crucial, but luckily the odds are in your favor. A survey conducted by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals found that 93% of lost dogs return home safely! In addition to creating fliers and scouring the neighborhood, these 11 tips will help bring your missing pooch home faster. 1. Bring along a taste of home. Most lost pups are found within 20 minutes during a regular neighborhood search. As soon as … Read more
Nutrition and ingredient labels can be confusing enough on “human foods,” but trying to read them on your dog’s kibble bag — marketing ploys included — it can be downright cryptic! What’s more, certain terminology can be very misleading, with words defined by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) that may not mean exactly what you think. This is incredibly frustrating for pet parents who only want to give pooches the healthiest food they can find for their budget. … Read more
If your dog can finish an entire meal in less time than it takes you to say, “Bailey, slow down!” you have a chow hound on your hands. These are the dogs that inhale their food without bothering to chew or even check what they’re eating. Labs are notorious chow hounds, but they come in all sizes, breeds, and personalities. Gulping food in record time is an impressive skill in some circles, but eating too fast is a serious problem … Read more
Tellington Touch, or “Ttouch” was developed by animal expert Linda Tellington Jones, who received an honorary doctorate for her work with animals. It was originally a method of training meant for horses but was adapted in the 1980’s for other animals – including our dogs. It’s now used in over 23 countries in homes, training facilities, zoos and wildlife rehabilitation centers, and gets incredible results for those who know how to use it! The Tellington Touch method is meant to … Read more
Your backyard is where your dog is free to run around and soak up the sun, but it’s your job to make sure that happy place doesn’t end up being a dangerous place. You’ll need to look at your yard with a critical eye to spot the things that might get a curious sniffer or mischievous mind into trouble. Most of the things on this list are everyday items you probably have in your yard right now. They’re safe when … Read more
*Sponsored Content* With summer fast approaching, many of us our itching to hit the road. And if you’re a doting dog parent you’re planning on bringing Fido along for the ride, right? But where to stay?…Well, Red Roof Inn has a pawesome deal for you — and just in time for upcoming getaway. Not all hotels are pet-friendly, and many claim to be… but their policies aren’t always crystal clear and disguised with hidden fees. Bottomline: you may not always … Read more
The word “comfort” conjures images of a big, cozy bed on a late Sunday morning. Feeling relaxed in your environment, however, is about more than fluffy pillows and a fleece blanket. It’s the feeling of both safety and confidence. It’s knowing that wherever you are and whomever you’re with, you’re secure, satisfied, and feeling happily at home. Rescue dogs—regardless of their background—deserve homes where their comfort is a priority. After life in a shelter and overcoming whatever past experience earned … Read more