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Is A Beagle Right For You?

Are you considering whether a beagle is right for you and your family?  Before bringing home a new pet you should understand any quirks the breed might have, and whether you and the dog would a good match.  Common beagle traits are discussed below. Temperament Beagles are known for their kind, fun loving, and trusting temperament.  They are excellent family dogs that are equally suited to cuddling on the couch and playing in the yard.  Although beagles are poor guard dogs due to their easy going nature, their tendency to bark or howl when excited makes them excellent watch dogs. Size As medium –sized dogs beagles top out at 13 – 16 inches tall at the shoulder, weighing 25 lbs for males and 23 lbs for females.  Pocket beagles are even smaller, standing less than 13 inches tall and typically weighing 15 – 18 lbs. Other Pets? While beagles get...
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The “84-Year Old” Sock-Chasing Beagle: How to Maintain Your New Dog’s Health from Puppy Years to Senior Dog

An article by one of our other readers 🙂 “Catherine, look around the corner,” my husband says quietly. I poke my head out from our kitchen entrance. I see our beagle, Rocky, in the hallway. Rocky stands still, staring at me. A sock dangles from his mouth. I step forward. Rocky darts away in the opposite direction. I chase after him to get the sock. This sock chasing routine is one Rocky has enjoyed for years. My husband, Matt, and I often joke he has the energy of a two-year old. But our little guy, Rocky, is 12. (That’s like 84 years old in human years.) I can’t express how wonderful it is to see Rocky grow into a healthy, energetic older dog. I’ve cared for Rocky ever since he was a puppy. I’d like to pass on seven tips that can help you on your new journey with a...
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Product Review: Shark Cordless Pet Perfect II 18-Volt Handheld Vacuum

A daily battle in most pet friendly households is dog hair.  For us, we seem to find dog hair in the most unlikely places:  in our microwave, in the refrigerator, on the toilet seat, and on our ceiling fans.  Over the past year it has become increasingly clear that my Daredevil handheld vacuum cleaner was no longer able to keep up with the amount of fur my two dogs were shedding.  After a quick online search, I came across the Shark Cordless Pet Perfect II 18-Volt Handheld Vacuum and immediately purchased it after reading the raving reviews.  Below is my opinion of this life-changing product.  Shark Vacuums Prior to my desperate internet search, I had never heard of the Shark brand.  I was immediately impressed by the number of positive online reviews.  I specifically wanted a handheld vacuum cleaner that was designed to pick up pet hair.  The fact that...
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Up Pup 4-Step Dog Stairs Review

There are many reasons to discourage your dog from jumping onto furniture, including injury prevention and pain management.  Instead, pet steps can be utilized to encourage your dog to climb onto furniture in a safer way.  Numerous sizes, styles, and heights of pet steps are available.  Here, the Up Pup 4-Step Dog Stairs will be reviewed. About Up Pup 4-Step Dog Stairs The Up Pup 4-Step Dog Stairs are extremely lightweight, carpeted pet steps.  These steps stand 28’’ tall and weigh 2 lbs.  They are also available in other heights.  The steps are two-tone in color, with cream colored carpeting covering the face of the steps and dark brown fabric covering the rest of the structure.  This covering can be removed and washed in a washing machine.  According to the manufacturer, the Up Pup 4-Step Dog Stairs can support up to 200 lbs.  Why We Purchased Up Pup 4-Step Dog...
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Product Review: Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Treat Jumpin’ Stix Venison & Sweet Potato

Treats are an integral part of daily life for most dogs and their owners.  Regardless of whether you are teaching your dog an important skill, encouraging good behavior, or simply showing your pet some love, treats are useful.  For dog owners with pets who have food allergies or sensitivities, finding the right foods can be difficult.  Here, a limited ingredient treat manufactured by Natural Balance will be reviewed. Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Treat Jumpin’ Stix – Venison and Sweet Potato Natural Balance Jumpin’ Stix are manufactured by the Natural Balance company, which specializes in limited ingredient dog food.  The Natural Balance company formulates their food and treats from wholesome, high quality ingredients that are easy to digest and are safe for pets. Natural Balance Jumpin’ Stix are formulated for dogs who require a grain free, limited ingredient diet and who also have joint mobility concerns.  These treats are free from...
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Product Review: Pawsome Naturals Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil

Blog Review logo for Pure Natural Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil
Nutritional supplements are an important component of care for many dogs.  Whether used for preventing, treating, or curing disease, supplements are a very powerful tool that many pet owners do not realize they have at their disposal.  Here, Pawsome Naturals Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil will be reviewed. Tester:  Lucy Lucy, my 15 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, received Pawsome Naturals Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil with her dinner.  As recommended on the bottle’s label, she received 1 pump of oil each day. Although Lucy is aging, she has great mobility but suffers very badly from skin allergies.  Her tell-tale allergy symptom is a red, watery, gunk-filled right eye that can be very bothersome for her.  She also develops dandruff and is very itchy in the Spring.  We chose for her to receive the fish oil supplement over our Beagle mix in hopes we could clear some of her skin and...
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Product Review: Hanzi Pets Pure Antarctic Krill Oil Soft Chews and Premium Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil

Supplements are an important component of keeping our dogs healthy.  There are many different types of supplements available, all geared towards addressing various concerns such as joint health, skin and coat, gut health, allergies, and general wellness.  Today I will be reviewing two different products, Hanzi Pets Tru-Krill Premium 100% Pure Antarctic Krill Oil Soft Chews and Hanzi Pets Tru-Salmon Premium Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil. Hanzi Pets Hanzi Pets is a company based in Burbank, California that is dedicated to the creation of products that promote health, sustainability, and value for pets (and their owners).  Their line of oceanic pet products addresses many ideals, such as being: Made in the United States in an FDA-inspected facility and are cGMP (current good manufacturing practice) certified. Sustainably sourced, ensuring pet owners do not have to worry about any negative impact their purchases might have on delicate ecosystems or the environment. Human grade,...
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My Experiences as a Senior Hospice Foster Provider

A large part of my life revolves around rescue work and caring for my ever-rotating menagerie of dogs.  I have become accustomed to the many questions people have when they find out that I not only foster dogs, but I purposely choose to “foster” dogs that are nearing the end of their lives.  I put foster in quotes, because for many of the dogs that we take in, we know that they will not find another home. The number one question I am asked is, “How can you take in a dog that you know is going to die?”  The answer to this question is simple:  If I don’t take in this dog, chances are very good that no one else will and the dog will die prematurely, perhaps never having known love or proper care. Today I will share my story of how my husband and I became involved...
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What Type of Dog Would be a Good Fit for your Home?

While many people believe a dog is just a dog, this theory simply isn’t true.  Certain dog breeds will make better companions than others in particular situations.  Finding the right fit for your home will increase your – and your dog’s – happiness, while minimizing the risk of potentially having to re-home a pet.  Here, common situations that pet owners face, including the right dogs for each scenario, will be discussed. You Don’t Have a Lot of Space Many people believe that owning a dog requires a large home.  However, there are many types of dogs that thrive in small dwellings like apartments, and even prefer them.  Some of the best dogs for living in small spaces are quite unexpected.  These include Great Danes, Greyhounds, and American Bulldogs.  Other common apartment breeds include toy-sized dogs such as Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, and Toy Poodles.  In general, companion dogs and brachycephalic (short-nosed)...
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Product Review: Greenies Dental Chews

Dental hygiene is important for dogs, as an alarming percentage of household pets suffer from periodontal disease.  While many veterinarians recommend regular tooth brushing and dental cleanings, few owners provide routine dental care.  Here, Greenies Dental Chews will be reviewed. Greenies Dental Chews are green, tooth-brush shaped treats that are designed to clean teeth and freshen breath.  The treats are dense, yet soluble, and require chewing in order to completely break down.  This chewing action controls plaque and tartar buildup.  The ingredients found in Greenies Dental Chews include wheat flour, wheat protein isolate, glycerin, gelatin, oat fiber, water, lecithin, poultry flavor, minerals, choline chloride, dried apple pomace, fruit juice color, vitamins, and turmeric color. The benefit of Greenies Dental Chews is that this product maintains the health of a dog’s mouth while also doubling as a high-value reward.  For instance, when I adopted my beagle mix, Sadie, from the shelter,...
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