Having a puppy is a fun but can be a challenging experience. To help you survive puppyhood, we found some of the best resources on everything from the first night to housebreaking your new furry family member.
Many dogs love snow but the harsh weather, salt and other de-icers can cause dry/cracked paws. Fortunately, there are a few easy steps to help protect your dog’s paws this winter.
Help keep your dog’s heart healthy with these three amazing superfoods.
CarrotsCarrots are a great source of vitamins A, C, and K not to mention fiber. (It’s also good for your dog’s eyes).
Changes in your dog’s activity level, such as decreased eating or drinking, or changes in their bathroom habits are common signs that your dog needs to see a vet. But sometimes the signs aren’t always that obvious. Here are four signs that you should bring your dog to the vet…
According to PetMD, some herbs and spices are not only safe but good for your dog! Aloe vera is a pretty common herb that is recommended for burns or skin irritations that your dog may have. Ginger is a tasty spice that can be added to homemade cookies to settle your doggie’s tummy. A less common herb is goldenseal; this powerful antibiotic is useful when made into a tincture and used for eye infections. Turmeric is an ancient herb that has been shown to reduce inflammation and help with bowel issues. However, it should be used with caution because it can also act as a blood thinner. Lastly, hawthorn has been shown to be beneficial especially, for older dogs with heart problems; it is an excellent antioxidant. Always check with your vet before administering any herbs or spices to your dog....
Read MorePet Medical Alert Tag Although Canada does not currently have a central registry that manages medical alert pet tags, you should still consider adding an alert tag to your pet’s collar if your dog or cat has medical issues. This way, if you get separated from your pet, whoever finds your furry friend will know that your pet has special needs. [caption id="attachment_1347" align="alignleft" width="150"] Photo Credit: Dog Tag Art[/caption] You could have the tag engraved with the words “takes medication” or “diabetic” as a caution. In the United States there are several organizations that provide medical alert pet tags and keep a registry of these pets. These registries were proven to be valuable when natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods struck certain parts of the U.S. Pets who were wearing these medical alert tags received the medical attention they required more quickly than if they had not been wearing them....
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Keeping your dog happy can be tricky depending on the type of dog that you have and how much time you have to spend with your dog. Taking your dog for a walk in a different neighborhood might stimulate the senses and keep your dog interested. A territorial dog might be less dominant in a neighborhood that is less familiar and therefore easier to walk.
[caption id="attachment_1169" align="alignleft" width="300"] Photo Credit: Yoel Ben-Avraham[/caption] Once your pet has been to the vet, it’s not easy to come back home and care for your sick pet. However, the following tips might help you to weather this difficult time until your pet is up and about. When your dog has to take pills and you’re not comfortable placing the pill on the back of the dog’s tongue there are alternatives. For example, you can crush the pill and feed it with food. However, some savvy dogs might refuse to eat if you do this, so you can try hiding the pill in peanut butter, cheese, or meat and have them lick it off your hand. Another way is to hide the pill in a small piece of oatmeal bar; the fruit filling usually disguises the pill smell. If your dog won’t drink, try floating pieces of meat in the...
Read MoreStart brushing your dog’s teeth when they are puppies and continue into adulthood. You can use a soft human toothbrush if you don’t want to buy a special dog toothbrush but do not use human toothpaste because they are not formulated for dogs. Instead, there are many inexpensive dog toothpastes that will do the job. If your dog is not used to having their teeth brushed there are alternatives such as chewing on bones. Bones are a natural way to clean your dog’s teeth. However, some vets are against giving your dog bones because they are concerned that it may cause injuries. If this is your view as well, then you might consider using a dental product; there are several on the market that you can spray into your dog’s mouth. These products are formulated to loosen the plaque and tartar on your dog’s teeth. If your dog’s teeth are really brown...
Read MoreOmega-3 & omega-6 fatty acids are two types of unsaturated fats. Dogs with allergies and other inflammatory conditions may benefit from adding omega-3s to their diet. There are a number of supplements on the market especially for dogs or you can try adding fresh fish, flax seeds, or omega-3 eggs to your dog's diet. Always check with your vet regarding the best dose of omega-3 to meet your dog needs; in some cases over supplementing can lead to a decrease in the vitamin E stores in your pet's body....
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