Archive for the ‘Petcare’ Category

• Twenty Awesome and Interesting Dog Facts — You’ll “Dig” Them!

  We love dogs as much as you do and although we may be a tad biased, we never get tired of learning more about them! We are sure you will find some of these dog facts interesting so we will share. How many of these facts did you know?

  1. The most “pupular” dog in the United States is the Labrador Retriever and has been for more than thirty straight years.

  

  2. Your pup’s nose print is extremely unique, very much like a person’s fingerprint.

  

  3. Nearly half of US dog owners allow their fur-legged friend to sleep in bed with them.

  4. A recent study determined that senior dogs dream more than younger dogs.

  5. Three out of four people who send a holiday greeting card sign the name on their dog on it.

  6. A dog’s sense of smell is absolutely incredible. To put this into perspective, a human’s nose has approximately five million receptors. Your pup’s nose has between 250-300 million receptors!

  7.The famous Rin Tin Tin, who was a German Shepherd, was nominated for an Academy Award.

  8. Scientists discovered that a dogs’ noses can sense thermal radiation, (heat) which is why blind or deaf dogs are still capable of hunting.

  9. The Beegle has been a family favorite dog for almost ninety years. In fact, it is the only breed that was among the five most popular breeds in 1934 to date.

  10. Have you ever watched someone yawn and then yawned yourself? The same thing happens to dogs. Give it try next time you are getting tired and watch what you pup does!

  11. Have you ever watched your dog curl up into a ball when they go to sleep? This is a natural way to protect themselves while asleep. This position allows them to be less vulnerable.

  12. The Basenji dog breed can yodel!

  13. The Australian Shepherd is not Australian. It was actually first bred in the United States.

  14. Although many believe the ever-popular Labrador Retriever was originally bred in the United States, its roots are from Newfoundland.

  15. Dogs are good for your health. Did you know that a human’s blood pressure tends to actually go down while petting a dog? (As does the dog’s!)

  16. The United States has more pet dogs than any other country in the world. 75 million!

  

  17. A “Beagler” is the name of a person who hunts with aBeagle.

  18. Many believe that dogs are colorblind. They actually are able to detect blue and yellow.

  19. Did you know that all puppies are born deaf?

  

  20. The black spots on Dalmatians actually develop as they mature. These puppies are generally born all white.

  No matter which way you spin it, dog are amazing creatures that play a big role in our life. They provide us with love, companionship, and loyalty. Despite these facts being amazing, none of them compare to how amazing our fur-legged friends are to us!

• Simple Life Hacks for Dog Owners

  Below is a list of our favorite at-home dog hacks for dog owners. These tips and tricks will help you save time and are also pretty neat to try! They range from cleaning up loose dog hair to easy ways to check for fleas.

  Dryer Sheets Pick up Dog Hair

  Looking for an easy way to clean up dog hair? Use dryer sheets! They pick up loose dog hair with ease. Simply rub a dryer sheet over your furniture or wherever else pet hair collects and watch it disappear! Dryer sheets will allow for the hair to cling which makes this routine chore quick and easy to accomplish.

  

  Use Baking Soda to Clean up Pet Urine

  Every dog will eventually do it. When your dog pees on the carpet sprinkle some baking soda on the spot and allow it to sit for twenty to thirty minutes. The baking soda will absorb the liquid and help to remove the odor. Once dried simply vacuum it up! Depending on how saturated the carpet is, a second round may be needed which should do the trick.

  Check for Fleas by Giving Your Dog the White Towel Test

  Do you suspect that your pup has fleas? Or do you just want to check and make sure he doesn’t? Have your dog lay on a white towel while you examine & brush their fur. The white towel will make it easy to see any loose flea dirt that falls from your dog. Although these critters are very small, they will be able to be seen on a white or very light-colored towel.

  

  Make Your Own DIY Pill Pockets with Peanut Butter, Milk & Flour

  One of the most popular life hacks for dog owners was finding a way to get their dog to swallow pills. If you’re having a difficult time getting your dog to swallow pills consider making your owntreat by mixing peanut butter, a dribble of milk, and coating it flour. Form each treat into a small round shape the size of your thumb nail. This will keep the pill secured inside the treat assuring your fur-legged friend takes his medicine.

  Soften Up Dry Food Using Warm Water

  If your pup has a hard time eating his kibble, consider mixing a little warm water over the food first. This will soften the kibble and allow your pup to enjoy his meal. This especially helpful for dogs who may have sensitive teeth.

  

  Skunk Spray? No Problem.

  If your dog was sprayed by a skunk the odor can be overwhelming and difficult to get rid of. One of the best ways to combat this unpleasant odor is by using pet soap, peroxide, and baking soda. These ingredients will help to remove the odor from your dog. At times, two or more rounds of cleaning your dog may be needed. Always use caution around your pup’s eyes when washing him, especially with the soap and peroxide.

  Use Flour, Cornstarch or Baking Soda to Stop Your Dogs Nail from Bleeding

  It happens to the best of us. We accidentally trim our pup’s nails too short and they begin to bleed. Use a homemade mixture of flour, cornstarch or baking soda with water until it’s a thick paste. Once the past forms apply it to the injured nail with moderate pressure for a few minutes. This will help clot the area that is bleeding.

  

  Make Training More Fun by Alternating the Rewards

  Rather than just giving praise for a new trick, add some tasty treats to the mix. When your pup follows the rules or is in the process of potty training, a small treat can go a long way. Alternating the types of treats will help keep your pup’s attention. This is a form of positive reinforcement and a great way to keep you fur-legged friend proud of his accomplishments.

• 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.

• 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.

• The BIG Dog

  Despite their massive and intimidating appearance, large dog breeds are generally well-tempered, warm, loving, friendly and loyal animals! Throughout history, these dogs have been relied on for their strength which helped them to excel in guarding territory, protect livestock, and farm work. If a large dog is what you want than this is the blog for you. Below are the top six largest breeds of dogs and some information about them.

  English Mastiff

  At the top of our list of big dogs is the English Mastiff. This breed is recognized by the American Kennel Club. The biggest English Mastiff on record is named Aicama Zorba and broke the scale at 343 pounds. Typically, however, male English Mastiffs weigh 160 to 230 pounds while female English Mastiffs weigh 120 to 170 pounds. These dogs also stand about 30 inches tall at the shoulder, with females being slightly shorter.

  Boerboels

  The Boerboel generally weighs between 150 and 220 pounds, with no difference given between females and males. Farmers in South Africa began using this breed after initially developing them to hunt leopards and baboons. This dog is a very large and powerful dog and is known to be somewhat aggressive, so good socialization training at a young age is needed.

  

  Saint Bernard

  Saint Bernard dogs are large, strong and dominant in size. Male Saint Bernards typically weigh in between 140 and 180 pounds while female Saint Bernards tend to weigh between 120 and 140 pounds. Most Saint Bernards stand just under thirty inches tall at full maturity. This breed was developed to help rescue Alpine mountaineers. The face of a Saint Bernard has a distinct appearance with a wrinkled brow and short muzzle.

  Great Dane

  The Great Dane is another large breed of dog. Male Great Danes tend to weigh in between 140 and 175 pounds. Female Great Danes generally check in between 110 and 140 pounds. The largest Great Dane in the record books was named Zeus. This gigantic dog stood nearly four feet tall and stood seven feet four inches high when on his back legs. This being almost two feet taller than the average man.

  Leonbergers

  According to the American Kennel Club, male Leonbergers weigh between 110 and 170 pounds. Female Leonbergers generally weigh between 90 and 140 pounds. Both male and female Leonbergers stand about 30 inches tall at maturity. The Leonbergers has a unique lion-like mane around its neck and chest which magnifies its large appearance. Water rescue teams often use this breed because of their water-resistant coat. Many also deploy this breed to herd animals and as watchdogs because of their size.

  

  Tibetan Mastiffs

  Tibetan Mastiffs are large and solid dogs. Male Tibetan Mastiffs weigh between 90 and 150 pounds. Female Tibetan Mastiffs weigh between 70 and 120 pounds. They stand about two feet tall at maturity and are known to make an excellent watchdog. If a large dog is what you are looking for this is definitely a breed to consider.

  Anatolian Shepherd

  Anatolian Shepherds were initially developed in the Kangal region of Turkey to guard and protect livestock. Although this breed is large and strong and protective, they tend to be very gentle around their family. Male Anatolian Shepherds weigh between 110 and 150 pounds while female Anatolian Shepherds weigh between 80 and 120 pounds. They stand about thirty inches tall at maturity.

• Top Ways to Keep Your Pup Happy

  We love our puppies, and so do you! Nothing will stop us from doing things for them to make them feel happy and loved. Below are some ideas of ways that you can improve their life, and they are much easier than you may think!

  Boost Up the Exercise Routine!

  Our pups love being active, especially with their family. A jog in the park or a walk through the neighborhood will get your pup’s heart beating and tail wagging. Some parks even offer secured off-leash areas, which is a great place for a game of fetch. Regardless of what you do, keeping your fur-legged friend active and well-exercised is a great way to keep them happy.

  

  Mental Stimulation

  Mental stimulation for your pup is a great way to fight boredom and stay mentally active. Taking your dog to new places and on new adventures is a great way to accomplish this. Instead of just walking your dog for exercise, try playing games that require them to follow commands. This is a good way to keep their mind sharp and happy.

  Positive Reinforcement

  When training your pup be sure to use positive reinforcement techniques. Your dog wants to make you happy and is generally happy when you are. While training him, be sure to use the same words when they accomplish an act correctly, followed by an extra pat on the back. Your dog can sense the tone in your voice, so using a consistent and upbeat voice when he does good will allow him to sense your happiness and feel the same way.

  

  Who doesn’t like a good massage? Well, your pup loves them too! Test out different massage techniques for your pup, and when you see one of his back legs twitching, you found the right one! This will allow you and your pup to bond while promoting relaxation. A good brushing of your dog will also accomplish similar results and make him look good too!

  Let Them Relax

  Many dog owners find it more convenient to keep their pup’s collar on day and night. Although this will save you time, collars can cause discomfort if left on too long. Consider removing your pup’s collar in the evening before bed so he can relax. A relaxed pup is a happy pup!

  Feed Them Well

  Properly fueling your pup has many advantages. For one, their overall health. A properly fed dog will look and feel better than a dog that is being fed low-quality dog food. Long-term health also greatly depends on the quality of his food. A treat here and there and fine but feeding your dog twice a day in twelve-hour intervals tends to keep their energy levels balanced.

  Grooming is Good

  Every dog needs to be groomed. Some breeds require more work than others based on their coats, etc. Daily brushing of your pup is very important as it will prevent stubborn knots and matting from forming. Not only will your dog look better being groomed, but he will feel much better too.

  Pay Attention

  Your dog seeks your undivided attention. Regardless of how busy your day is, be sure to pay your pup quality attention. That can be lying down together, petting while talking to him, or even teaching him a new trick. Your one-on-one attention with your dog is very important. This will allow him to feel loved and allow your bond to be even stronger.

  No matter how you keep your dog happy, know that he relies on you and loves your presence. Taking the time each and every day to show your fur-legged friend love is good for his health and will allow him to know he’s special.

• Which Dogs Shed the Least?

  Many of us believe that owning a dog and dealing with shedding goes hand in hand. And in many cases that is the truth. However, there are dog breeds that shed very little to none at all. If you are looking for a low shedding or no shedding dog, this article is for you. We will go over a list of not only great family dogs, but dogs that are easy to care for and are not known for excessive shedding.

  Bedlington Terrier The Bedlington Terrier requires some grooming, but they don’t shed. This breed is a gentle and caring family dog that makes a great fit into most families. They are not hard to care for and quickly bond with their family. The Bedlington Terrier is certainly a top-notch dog that will win your heart and lap in no time.

  

  Bichon Frise

  The Bichon Frise is best described as being a happy, social, and energetic dog. The Bichon Frise does need routine grooming to maintain their clean white coats which grow, not shed. Due to this, this breed has less dander, which generally makes this pup a good dog for allergy sufferers. Between not shedding and being so lovable, the Bichon Frise is a highly recommended family dog.

  Brussels Griffon

  The Brussels Griffon is an all-around fun and happy dog. The rough-coated version of this breed does not shed and is easy to groom. They are low maintenance pups that have very loyal and outgoing personalities. They do well with children and other pets inside the home.

  Kerry Blue Terrier

  Another top choice for those looking for a non-shedding dog is the Kerry Blue Terrier. This breed is a wise choice for folks looking for non-shedding and somewhat non-allergenic dogs. This breed is known for being affectionate, playful, and all-around fun to be around. They make tremendous family pets and are relatively easy to care for.

  

  Maltese

  The Maltese is a small, easy-going, and charming dog that has a single white silky coat. Basic routine care is needed in keeping this pup looking its best but is overall is a simple dog. They are considered low-shedding dogs which will allow for more playtime than vacuuming time. The Maltese has a long history of making a great pet and is sure to win your heart in no time at all.

  Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier

  The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier is a medium sized dog that has a soft and wavy coat that requires basic care. This breed is considered to be a low-shedding dog which means a lot less dander. The Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier makes a great family pet thanks to its warm and approachable demeanor and is known to quickly bond with its family.

  Barbet

  The Barbet originated in France and has become very popular in the United States over the last few years. This breed has a very tightly-curled coat which is non-shedding. They are very friendly dogs that tend to be loyal and loving to their families. The Barbet will generally quickly form a strong bond with you and your family. They also have eager to please personalities and enjoy showing off.

  Regardless whichever fur-legged friend wins your heart, you have made a great decision. Dogs (high, medium, low, or no shedders) offer amazing companionship and normally offer years of happiness. All dogs will require basic care to look and feel their best and by taking the time to select a dog that best fits what you are able to provide it, will allow you and your new best friend to be happy and content.

• The Top Five Dogs for Families That Have Children

  Many parents ask which breed of dog would be the best for their family. Kids love dogs and most dogs love kids, but there are some dogs that generally do better around children than others. You have to admit, kids are curious and at times a little rough which is why having a dog who’s tolerable around them is important. Other great qualities in a dog that will be around children include low to no aggression, not overly powerful as to accidently hurt your child while playing, and a warm and loving demeanor. You also do not want a breed of dog that doesn’t want to be “bothered” because many kids just want to play, play, and play some more! If you are considering a family pet and you have children this blog is for you. Below you will find our pick of the top five dog breeds that do great around children.

  Labrador Retriever

  Year after year after year the Labrador Retriever ranks the most “pupular” dog in the United States. This breed is simply amazing and ranks number one in our kid friendly and mom approved list of dogs. They are loving, caring, social, and have very approachable demeanors. They love your attention and are gentle around children.

  Breed Assessment Traits and Qualities:

  • Personality:Friendly, gentle and playful
  • Energy Level:Moderately active
  • Good with Children:Very
  • Good with Other Dogs:Very
  • Shedding:Moderate
  • Grooming:Daily brushing
  • Trainability:With ease
  • Height:21 to 25 inches tall at maturity
  • Weight:55 to 80 pounds at maturity
  • Life Expectancy:10-12 years
  • Barking Level:Average

  

  French Bulldog

  The French Bulldog is at the top of our list for many reasons. They are a very gentle and affectionate breed of dog that does exceptionally well with children. They are patient and loving and enjoy to play. They are not overly energetic or pushy which is why they are safe for smaller children. They almost never show signs of aggression and enjoy both indoor and outdoor playtime. This breed continues to be very popular around the world and makes a great fit into almost any family.

  Breed Assessment Traits and Qualities:

  • Personality:Loving, playful, gentle, and smart.
  • Energy Level:Lower than average
  • Good with Children:Very
  • Good with other Dogs:Very
  • Shedding:Low
  • Grooming:Two to three brushes a week
  • Trainability:With ease
  • Height:11-13 inches at maturity
  • Weight:20-30 pounds at maturity
  • Life Expectancy:10-12 years
  • Barking Level:Low

  Golden Retriever

  The Golden Retriever was designed for those who wanted a medium-sized dog that would do well in wild-fowling, both upland game and waterfowl. Today’s Golden Retriever is a sought-after gorgeous dog that does well in families that have children and other pets in the home. They are very social and gentle dogs that have an easygoing and warm demeanor. They enjoy being close to their family and are great around children. They almost never show signs of aggression and are a pleasure to be around.

  Breed Assessment Traits and Qualities:

  • Personality:Smart, easy to get along with and caring
  • Energy Level:Moderately active
  • Good with Children:Very
  • Good with other Dogs:Very
  • Shedding:Average
  • Grooming:Daily brushing
  • Trainability:With ease
  • Height:21 to 24 inches tall at maturity
  • Weight:55 to 75 pounds at maturity
  • Life Expectancy:10-12 years
  • Barking Level:Average

  

  Pug

  The small but mighty Pug also ranks high on our list because of his playful, loving, and warm demeanor. This breed has a social and outgoing personality and packs a lot of energy in a small body. The Pug does great around children because of this and is not known to show aggression. Their tolerance level allows them to play well with children who are still learning how to be around dogs.

  Breed Assessment Traits and Qualities:

  • Personality:Outgoing, curious, and playful
  • Energy Level:Moderately active
  • Good with Children:Good
  • Good with Other Dogs:Good
  • Shedding:Routinely
  • Grooming:Two to four times a week
  • Trainability:Generally easy
  • Height:10-13 inches tall at maturity
  • Weight:14-18 pounds at maturity
  • Life Expectancy:13-15 years
  • Barking Level:Average

  Collie

  Collies are very smart and energetic dogs that love human interaction and outdoor activity time. They are gentle and patient around children and are not known to be at all aggressive. This breed has a very long history of making a marvelous family pet and is sure to win your heart too. Collies also tend to be able to adapt well with other dogs in the home.

  Breed Assessment Traits and Qualities:

  • Personality:Caring, alert and playful
  • Energy Level:Very active
  • Good with Children:Very
  • Good with Other Dogs:Yes
  • Shedding:Moderate
  • Grooming:Two to four brushes a week
  • Trainability:Easily trained
  • Height:22-26 inches tall at maturity
  • Weight:50-75 pounds at maturity
  • Life Expectancy:12-14 years
  • Barking Level:Moderate

• Ways to Make the Holidays Safer for Pets

  As the holidays approach we think about nice family dinners, festive music, and holiday cheer. It is a time of year like nothing else and there seems to be a unique peace in the air. What many dog owners do not realize is it is also a risky time of the year for our fur-legged friends. Not because Santa will scare them when he comes down the chimney, but because of very common items in our home that come out this month.

  People food

  Let’s start off by talking about food. During the holidays we often have get-togethers and share meals much larger than an average dinner. Many foods that we will enjoy should not be eaten by our fur-legged friends. Below is a list of foods that are the most dangerous for dogs to eat.

  • Rich, fatty foods.
  • Meats that have bones in them
  • Onions and garlic
  • Chocolate
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Raisins/grapes
  • Nuts
  • Milk Products

  

  Potpourri and Candles

  Although potpourri and candles look and smell great, they can make your fur-legged friend sick should he use them as a treat. Candles are also a fire hazard should your dog knock one over that is lit. Always keep items such as these well out of your dog’s reach. If these items are on a counter or table take into consideration that your dog still may be able to reach them. Playing safe than sorry as to wear you leave these items is also recommended.

  Holiday Plants and Flowers

  A very popular item found during the holiday season is decorative plants such as holly and mistletoe. Many plants and flowers can cause your dog to become very sick if digested. Dogs are always curious to try a new “food” and certain items such as these can cause your dog harm. Be sure to place these items in an area that your dog is unable to reach. We often place flowers near a window for sunlight which is also an area your dog has access to.

  Tinsel On Your Christmas Tree

  Whiletinselisn’t “poisonous” per se,it’s extremely dangerous to your dog should he consume it. Swallowing tinsel can lead to internal issues as well as basic choking issues for your dog. Tinsel is generally shiny which catches your dog’s attention and may be too much for him to resist. Many dog owners do not even bring this item into their homes as a precaution. If you must decorate with tinsel, keep it in an area completely out of reach of your dog or you may be spending Christmas morning at the veterinarian, not unwrapping gifts from Santa!

  Secure Your Christmas Tree

  You can’t really blame this one on your pup. Afterall, they wake up one morning and magically there is a seven-foot pine tree in their living room! As beautiful as this tree looks, it does cause a safety hazard. Dogs are naturally attracted to trees and tend to want to hide under and behind them. It does not take much for a Christmas tree to topple over which could injure your pup or anyone near it when it falls. This can also result in damaging the decorations on the tree which can be very costly. By taking a few minutes to properly secure your tree can end up saving you a lot of problems in the end.

  

  Safe Haven for Your Dog

  If you intend to have a holiday party which involves a lot of people, consider putting your dog in a room dedicated just for him away from the commotion. The room should have water and food and you should periodically check on your pup. A soft blanket or dog bed would also be a nice fixture in the room while he hangs out there. Although some dogs want to party as much as grandma does, some tend to get quickly get scared of the noise and want to be left alone. You know your dog better than anyone and should determine this before the party begins. This is also a wise decision if your dog is a runner because the front door may be opened and closed dozens of times which would allow for him to escape.

• What Dog Food Ingredients Should You Avoid?

  You are what you eat. And that expression applies to our fur-legged friends too. Some dog food brands skimp out on the actual healthy ingredients (chicken, beef, etc.) and replace these proteins with fillers. Fillers do not add much nutritional value to what they are eating and, overall are not recommended. Current research is bringing to light that many of these unhealthy ingredients can trigger allergies in your dog as well.

  What Ingredients Should You Avoid?

  Butylated Hydroxyanisole, also known as BHA, is a chemical preservative found in many dog foods and treats. It is used to preserve fats and oils. The CDC lists this ingredient as a known carcinogen that has negative effects on the liver and kidneys of animals. Some countries actually banned this substance due to this. Although the effects might not be noticeable in small quantities, over a long period of time, feeding your dog food that has BHA in it can contribute to health issues.

  

  White Flour

  White flour is usually used as a filler and binding agent in dog food. It is a bleached flour that contains little to no nutritional value. White flour has even proven to cause spikes in blood sugar. This means it may make your dog feel full, but not for a sustained period.

  Unspecified Meat or “Meat Meal” With “unspecified” meat in your dog’s food, what it is can be a mystery and risky. These meat meals are usually low quality, leftover meats with minimal regulation and or control of quality. Although these products are in many dog foods, try to avoid them. At the very least, pick a dog food where the specific type of meat is listed.

  Artificial Colors and Flavorings

  Artificial coloring and flavors are added to dog foods to create a more appealing appearance and smell. They are usually listed specifically, and the most commonly found dyes in dog foods are Red 40, Blue 2, and Yellow 5 and 6. These artificial ingredients are simply unnecessary and have been linked to hyperactivity, hypersensitivity, and allergic reactions to foods.

  MSG

  MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is not usually listed on pet food ingredient lists. It is more often found in autolyzed yeast, hydrolyzed protein, calcium caseinate, protein isolate, texturized protein, natural flavors, hydrolyzed yeast, yeast extracts, soy extracts or concentrate, sodium caseinate, monopotassium glutamate, glutamate or glutamic acid, or disodium inosinate or guanylate. These ingredients are used to enhance the flavor of dog food but are not necessary.

  Corn Syrup

  Corn syrup is a concentrated sweetener that is derived from corn. It is inexpensive to produce and is often added to processed dog foods to add flavor without costing a lot of money. Corn syrup, like white flour, causes your dog’s blood sugar to spike, which is not healthy and known to cause health issues down the road.

  Farmed Salmon

  Farmed salmon refers to salmon that is grown inland in artificial habitats. These are not fish in the actual ocean, have never seen or been in the ocean, and are grown specifically to be harvested for food. If they are found in your dog’s food, they will be simply listed as salmon, salmon meal, or salmon oil. If the salmon in your dog’s food is wild-caught, it will be listed as so. Farmed salmon is not nearly as nutritious as wild-caught salmon.

  Nitrates

  Nitrates, more specifically sodium nitrite, is a common preservative found in dog foods. It is used to preserve meat products. This preservative, although currently deemed safe to be used in dog food, has been linked to a blood disorder called methemoglobin as well as cancer.

  STPP

  STPP, or sodium tripolyphosphate, is a common ingredient in laundry detergent that softens the water. In dog food, it is used as a preservative. Since it is an actual chemical that does not contain any nutritional value, it is best to avoid it in your dog’s food. Taking the time to shop for quality dog food will yield a better long-term health outlook for your dog. Just because an ingredient is approved for use in dog food does not always mean you should use it. Natural ingredients are always recommended and should be looked for.