Author Archive
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Longest Living Dog Breeds – Which are They and Ways to Achieve a Longer Life
The average life expectancy of a dog varies based on many different things. Variables such as having a proper diet, remaining at a healthy weight, and routine veterinarian wellness checks do come into play. Despite all of these things, some dog breeds in general, tend to live longer than others. Below we compiled a list of the top five dogs breeds that have the longest average life expectancy.
New Guinea Singing Dog
The New Guinea Singing Dogs, also referred to as NGSD, are native to the Highlands of Papua New Guinea. These free-roaming dogs have evolved naturally on the island over thousands of years and were not discovered by scientists until about 1950. They have an extremely long average lifespan of about seventeen years.
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is the smallest recognized dog breed, named for the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where it was first noted in the mid-19th century. It is believed that the Chihuahua is thought to derived from the Techichi, a small dog kept by the Toltec people of Mexico as long ago as the 9th century. This breed of dog has an average lifespan of about seventeen years.
Toy Poodle
The Toy Poodle was originally bred in the early 20th century as a companion dog. This breed is known for its loyalty and intelligence. The poodle was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1886 and has been a family favorite for generations. This breed has an average lifespan of about sixteen years.
Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier was originally developed in southern England during in the mid-1800s by Parson John Russell. The intentions were to create a working terrier who would hunt with hounds, bolting foxes from their dens so the hounds could chase them. This family pup has an average life expectancy of sixteen years.
Cockapoo
The Cockapoo was first created in the 1960s, when a breeder accidentally combined the genetic material of a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle. This breed has since taken off in popularity and adored by many families around the world. His long average life expectancy of sixteen years is much thanks to his Poodle parent.
Five Basic Tip to Keep Your Dog Healthy
1- Feed Your Dog a Healthy and Balanced Diet — Always read the ingredients of their food. It is also important to feed your dog the proper amount of food. Variables such as the size of your dog, his activity level, and age must be considered. Feeding your dog too much will result in weight issues as feeding him too little will result in nutrition issues.
2- Dental Care — Routine teeth cleaning is very important. This is not always easy, but with practice this task becomes second nature in time.
3- Keep Your Dog Active, But Don’t Overdo It — Most dogs do well with about thirty minutes of physical exercise every day. It is important to make sure you keep an eye on your pup while exercising to make sure he is not overdoing it.
4- Provide Mental Enrichment and Stimulation — Play with your dog. Human interaction which includes talking to him will help to stimulate his mind. One-on-one playtime vs just allowing him to run around the yard alone is an example of this.
5- Regular Veterinary Visits — Do not wait for there to be a health concern. Routine wellness checks for your fur-legged friend are very important.
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Dog Harnesses
Are you considering making the transition from a basic dog collar to a dog harness? Many people have made the switch because a harness offers more control of over a dog which is especially important on outdoor walks. Harnesses also prevent neck discomfort that standard dog collars cause. Despite dog harnesses being the best choice for our fur-legged friends, they must fit your dog properly in order to be most beneficial. In this blog, we will explain the importance of proper harness sizing for pups and help you determine your dog’s accurate harness measurements.
First, let’s review some of the primary benefits of a dog harness.
Less pulling on walks: A dog harness is positioned along the dog’s back and chest, which makes it more difficult for a dog to take his owner for a walk instead of his owner taking him for a walk. Unlike a typical dog collar that allows a dog to securely plant his feet on the ground, gain traction, and pull forward, a harness gives the dog’s handler more control of their entire body. This will prevent a dog from taking over on the walk and allow his handler better control.
Less pressure on the dog’s throat and neck: The design of a dog harness allows for the pressure points to be on his chest. This prevents your dog’s neck and throat area from being constricted, which is more comfortable and much safer than a standard dog collar. A dog harness is recommended even more so for dogs who suffer from disc conditions and arthritis.
Much better control of your dog: Some dogs can slip out of standard dog collars, which only offer one point of security around their necks. It is improbable for your pup to accidentally slip out of a properly fitted dog harness, even if your dog is a master of escape.
Basics Fitting a Dog Harness
As great as a dog harness is, it is only effective when it properly fits your dog. The harness must be secure against a dog’s body and should not allow for any slipping or rubbing against the skin. Harnesses that are too tight may cause discomfort for your pup. Harnesses that are too loose on your pup increase the risk of them slipping out of it and running off. This is why assuring the harness is placed properly over your dog is key.
The Two Finger Rule
When determining if your dog’s new harness is right for them, you should always follow the two-finger rule. This means that you should be able to place two fingers snuggly under the harness when it is secured. More than two fingers mean the harness is too loose. Less than two fingers mean the harness is too tight. This amount of slack allows for comfortable movement for your dog while also preventing him to be able to escape it.
Properly Measuring Your Dog for a Harness
Pet supply stores generally have a sizing chart for each product sold. This chart will provide measurements and specifications of each dog harness for sale. Comparing this size chart to your dog’s size is very important.
Measure Your Dog’s Neck Girth
You can use a flexible plastic measuring tape to measure your dog’s neck. Measure the area around where a collar would typically be placed. Remember to use the two-finger rule in this measurement, as some slack is necessary. Make a note of this measurement by writing it down.
Step 3: Measure Your Dog’s Chest Girth
Next, you will measure your dog’s chest girth by using the same measuring tape and measuring the widest portion of your dog’s rib cage. Be sure you measure around completely, with the end of the tape coming together on the top of the dog’s back. Make a note of this measurement by writing it down.
Step 4: Measure Your Dog’s Body Length
The last area measurement needed is your dog’s body length. Using the same measuring tape, measure your dog from his neck to the base of his tail. Certain dog harnesses require this measurement which is good to have just in case. Make a note of this measurement by writing it down.
After taking these measurements and writing them down, you will be able to compare them with the sizing chart for your harness of choice. It is also recommended to talk to staff at the pet supply store who can address any questions or concerns you may have before buying the harness.
Getting Adjusted to Using a Dog Harness
Getting adjusted to using a dog harness (for you and your pup) is generally an easy transition. Many dog owners find that once they start using a harness for their dogs, daily walks become easier and more enjoyable. Taking the time to find the proper dog harness will yield years of safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable walks.
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How To Stop Your Fur-Legged Friend from Barking at Strangers
We love our dogs a lot as they provide us with a lot of joy, but excessive barking can be very difficult to handle, especially on a daily basis. Many dogs will naturally begin to bark when they see someone they do not recognize. Although this is a good thing in some instances, in most, it is unnecessary and annoying. The repeated sound of a barking dog will also eventually annoy neighbors and could land you in hot water with your local authorities. So how do you teach your dog not to bark at strangers?
Why do dogs bark at people they do not know?
First, let’s look at why dogs bark at people in general. The most common reasons are:
General excitement bark: Simply said, dogs are excited to see and interact with new people! Most dogs are very social creatures, and when approached by someone new, they are eager to meet and interact with them. To determine if the barking is excited-based, look at their tail. A highly energetic and wagging tail typically means a happy and excited dog.
Territorial bark: Many dogs are territorial of their home, property, and family. Some dogs view a stranger as someone who is not authorized to be at their home and or as a potential threat to the family living there. The territorial bark is used to warn the stranger to stay away. It is also used to alert the dog’s family that a possible intruder is approaching for safety.
Lack of socialization bark: Dogs that have not been raised in social environments tend not to know what to do when a new face is observed. Barking is a natural reaction in dogs, and this behavior may take place by default. Allow your dog to socialize with other people and pets, which will help him to better accept new people. Fear bark: Your dog may have just been alarmed! Even dogs that are properly socialized and who are not overly territorial can be alarmed and begin to bark. Dogs are designed, for the most part, to be alert and to guard. This can happen to even the most laidback pup, who will bark when scared.
How To Stop The Unwanted Behavior
Do not overreact to their barking. Dogs that bark for attention know their barking is effective when they get a reaction from their human family. Like a child who acts a certain way when he or she needs attention, dogs do too. Limiting your reaction will allow your pup to see that his barking will not result in any attention.
Walk Away
When you walk away from a dog, he recognizes there is no reward. When he barks at someone and you walk away, he may begin to associate the excessive barking with something he should not do. Paying too much attention to the negative behavior may end up making it worse.
Distracting Them
On the flip side, some dogs need a distraction in order to take away their focus on what is causing them to bark. If your dog begins to bark, simply distract them with noise. This can be accomplished by shaking your keys, slapping your hands, whistling, or using one of his favorite squeaky toys. If this is effective, he should be rewarded, which will associate positive behavior with a reward.
Need To Remember You should not forget that your dog is a dog. Dogs do bark and do get excited for various reasons. It is in their DNA! Being patient with your dog is needed in all instances. Although excessive barking can be a nuisance, keeping cool and not overreacting is a great first step in managing it. Your dog can tell when you are stressed, so a calm and patient demeanor with him is what will yield the best results.
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Dog Dental Month is a Reminder To Keep Those Teeth Clean
Keeping your dog’s teeth clean is a non-negotiable aspect of maintaining their general hygiene.
Apart from less serious consequences of poor dental health such as mouth odor, a more serious problem could arise in the form of plaque.
Eventually, plaque mixing with other minerals in the mouth hardens to become tartar which eventually causes gum disease, decay, and other oral health problems. Regular dental care helps to prevent all of this. In addition, here are some other benefits:
Avoiding Periodontal Disease
Tartar on dog teeth may cause gum infection and inflammation. This may result in the gum beginning to recede, resulting in the teeth being exposed and vulnerable. Further progression of this may lead to gingivitis where dogs lose their teeth.
From Gingivitis, further progression sees development of even more debilitating periodontal diseases. Regular brushing is advised, a minimum of three times a week, and ideally, every day.
Preventing Tooth Loss
Certain structures in your dog’s mouth are responsible for keeping teeth in place. These structures may weaken, or get infected or damaged over time. This sort of damage could result in teeth loosening or falling out.
Adequate dental care helps to strengthen and maintain these teeth-supporting structures. This implies that your dog keeps his teeth to enjoy his meals as well as avoid the pain of potential teeth issues.
Stopping Organ Damage
Bacteria responsible for the formation of plaque can find their way into the bloodstream and spread to the heart, liver, and kidneys. When this happens, the process is referred to as bacteremia.
Bacteremia can lead to long-term organ damage and complications. To avoid this, an ideal visit to the vet once a year is necessary to get the mouth professionally cleaned.
Subsequently, any seemingly apparent mouth problems should be taken to the vet.
Conclusion
Maintaining great dental health in dogs cannot be overemphasized. Start right away!
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Are You Getting a New Puppy This Year?
Choosing a pet eventually boils down to various factors such as upkeep requirements and space available, amongst others. These factors are of vital importance in the selection process, so, here are the major ones in detail:
Breed Type
Each breed comes with a unique set of characteristics such as size, temperament, intelligence, and general behavioral features.Broadly, breeds may be classified as Designer breeds, Pure breeds, Small breeds, Medium, and Large breeds. To determine which is best for you, evaluating your needs and using that as a guide is ideal.
Upkeep Requirements
Some breeds require more frequent grooming than others. Some are high-energy and would need to be frequently exercised.Others may need special foods kept out of their diets. These are all factors you should consider before choosing a new puppy.
Space Available
This factor mainly plays into the eventual adult size of the dog. If yours is a rural farmhouse with lots of space, you could opt for a large breed or one with lots of energy.On the flip side, living in a metropolis, perhaps an apartment building, might require a considerably smaller breed size with low energy requirements. Designer breeds and small breeds could be a good call here.
General Needs
In addition to routine visits, how often would the puppy need to see the vet? What are their nutritional requirements? Does the breed require lots of physical attention? These are questions that fall into the general needs of the pup, and one you should consider closely. The idea is to opt for a breed that you can take adequate care of.Dogs come in various breeds, sizes, colors, temperaments, and have various maintenance requirements. Ensure to go for one that suits your lifestyle perfectly.
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Winter is the Siberian Husky’s Favorite Season
The Siberian Husky is one of the most beloved dog breeds in the US. This comes as no surprise as they boast a lot of great qualities. This article highlights important and interesting facts about this exquisite breed.
History
The Siberian Husky’s origin can be traced to the Chukchi people of the Chukchi Peninsula located in eastern Siberia. They bear no relation to wolves.In 1908, they were brought to Nome, Alaska to be used as sled dogs. The breed evolved and was developed to be used in sled dog racing. Over the years, they have evolved into beloved household pets.
Snow & Winter
The Husky loves snow and winter generally, and the white background makes for a picturesque one for Husky photography. They are biologically adapted to cold and can tolerate cold temperatures as low as -75F (-59C).Coat
Siberian huskies feature what is referred to as a double coat. They have a top coat and an undercoat. This serves to keep them insulated or cool, as needed. The overcoat is long and water-resistant, while the undercoat is shorter and warm.Colors
The most common coat colors of the Siberian Husky include the following:- White
- Black
- Gray & White
- Sable & White
- Black & Tan
- Silver-gray
- Black & White
- Grey
- Red & White
Some huskies may feature some other colors, but those are quite rare. They also have spectacular eye colors.
Huskies have a common base eye color of brown. However, all Husky pups are born with blue eyes. This remains until they are about 1-2 months old, after which you can tell which would turn brown and which would remain lighter.
Some pups experience heterochromia which makes their eyes bi-colored or parti-colored. Some huskies also have green eyes which are pretty rare. Huskies are an interesting breed indeed; they are very playful, adorable, and make for great pets.
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Top 5 Designer Breed Puppies for 2022
Designer breed puppies are taking the internet and in turn, households by storm for a range of reasons.
Top on these is the fact that they are bred from crossing two purebred dogs to retain some specific desired characteristics. In other words, these breeds are the elite. So, here are the top 5 designer breed puppies for 2022:
Teddy Bear (Shih Tzu x Bichon Frise mix)
With their round eyes, hanging ears, black, white, and brown colors alongside curly hair, you could mistake them for an actual teddy bear. The Teddy Bear is super cute, always ready for playtime, and is hypoallergenic.
Goldendoodle
This breed is quite popular owing to their adorable look and intelligence. They are after all a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. The Goldendoodle teems with energy and is known to be thoroughly loyal.
Bichon Poo (Bichon Frise x Miniature Poodle mix)
These pups are small, happy, and super smart. They basically took the best qualities from both parents. The Bichon Poo are low-shedding, cuddly, playful, and while they might bark excessively, you can always nip that in the bud.
Pomsky (Siberian Husky x Pomeranian mix)
This breed boasts a whole lot of energy and loves to play. They have an independent nature, so you might spend some extra time training. However, the Pomsky’s lovable nature and cute size make the extra worth it.
Cavachon (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Bichon Frise mix)
This is one playful breed! They are characterized by their friendliness, loyalty, and intelligence. The Cavachon aims to please, and take to training easy. To keep them happy, moderate grooming and exercise does it.
You know what they say about good things coming in small packages, this defines most designer breed puppies.
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Treats, Toys, or Both For Christmas?
Deck the halls with treats and toys! Santa Paws is around the corner with his sack of gifts and your puppy has stayed off Santa’s naughty list. You are looking forward to sharing the festive spirit with Lucy but you have no idea what exactly to get her for Christmas. Does she want treats or does she want toys?
You can never go wrong with toys. Toys keep your puppy busy and playful while taking her attention off some other things.
Self-amusement toys
These are more durable toys your Lucy can play with while she’s alone. You can get bone-shaped chew toys.
Training toys
These are toys that help with teething and help your puppy know what is okay to chew on. This includes chewing toys and balls.Comfort toys
These toys are typically plush items your puppy bonds with. This includes stuffies Lucy can snuggle with.
Interactive toys
These toys help build and strengthen the bond between you and your puppy. A tug rope, a pacific loop, or frisbee fit into this category perfectly.Treats
No doubt, aside from toys, Lucy deserves special treats for Christmas. After all, Christmas is the season of giving and no one is more appreciative than she is. You indulge in a lot of goodies that can’t be shared with your puppy. Instead, treat your puppy to a stocking full of treats for Christmas.
To start with, you can get your puppy different treats. These include dental treats to keep your puppy’s pearly whites in the best shape, training treats, bones, and fake bones.
As an excellent puppy parent, you should not just get just toys or just treats for your puppy. Find a good mix of toys and treats instead! -
Here Is Your Puppy “DO NOT EAT” List For The Holidays
Christmas time is a time to indulge. It’s expected that you want to spoil your puppy too with some extra treats during this period.
However, most of the foods you enjoy eating during Christmas aren’t necessarily good for your canine buddy. You need to be extra careful because this period can bring along extra dangers you need to look out for.
Here’s your puppy’s “DO NOT EAT” list for the holidays.
- Chocolate
Chocolate is a common treat for many during the holidays. However, chocolate is poisonous to dogs. Ensure you keep it completely out of your puppy’s sight and reach.
- Onions
Onions are commonly used in Christmas stuffings. It contains thiosulphate, a substance harmful to dogs. Ensure you avoid onions in your puppy’s diet.
- Grapes
Grapes can be highly toxic to dogs and just one or two, if consumed, could turn out fatal. Make sure you keep them away.
- Raisins
Just like grapes, raisins can be highly toxic to dogs. Stay vigilant so your puppy does not eat any treats containing raisins.
- Granulated Sugar
Sugar is generally bad for dogs and is unhealthy. Sweeteners like xylitol, common in peanut butter, are also dangerous to your puppy’s health.
- Raw Potato
Raw and green potatoes contain solanine in their skin which can cause poisoning.
- Garlic
Garlic belongs to the same family as onions, leeks, and chives and is equally toxic to dogs.
- Avocado
Avocados make a nice addition to human dishes but can be fatal for dogs because of a toxin called persin.
- Macadamia Nuts
Sweet macadamia nuts are a common snack during Christmas. They can however be dangerous for your canine buddy.
- Caffeine & alcohol
Leaving cups of alcohol, tea, or coffee around with dogs in the house is never a good idea. Dogs are sensitive to alcohol and caffeine in coffee and other drinks.
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Accessorizing Your Dog for the Holidays
Playing dress up with your pup can be so much more fun than you can imagine. This is because there’s such a wide range of clothes and accessories to explore. Jackets, shirts, bows, scarves, sweaters, leashes, tags, designer handbags! There’s so much that the ideas just keep flowing.
If you’re looking to dress your pup up and turn Ruby into a fashion icon, here are some pretty remarkable ways to go about this:
Matching Outfits
Do you think you have a pretty epic fashion sense? Then perhaps dressing your pup to match your outfit isn’t such a bad idea. This is definitely one that would turn heads.
‘Cool’ Get-Ups
Sunglasses, bandanas, dog booties, floral shirts, bow ties, if dogs could vote, your pup would definitely cart away the top dresser of the year award. In addition, outfits and accessories like this look awesome in pictures!Matching Kids’ Bows and Dogs’ Bows
It’s not uncommon to see parents dress both pups and kids in matching bows. They’re both such sweet babies after all, and they do look absolutely adorable.
Designer and Blings!
Who says only humans get to wear designer clothing and expensive jewelry? You can get designer clothes and bags custom made for your fur baby. You could also take it a step further, investing in a nice necklace suitable for your pup.Jackets, Sweaters, and Scarves
Winter is coming! How best to keep your pup warm outdoors than by opting for clothing options that are practical, yet fashionableInvesting in some cuddly and fashion forward sweaters, jackets and scarves make for Ruby looking like an elegant lady.
Beyond looking great, always ensure that your pup is totally comfortable in any outfit or accessories. This is primary.