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Extensive Guide to Feeding your Dog

Picky eater dog
Did you know that dogs have varying nutritional needs, just like humans?  Contrary to popular belief, a dog’s nutrition should depend on numerous factors such as age, activity level, and the presence of any medical conditions.  Here, everything you need to know about feeding your dog in every life circumstance will be discussed.  Life Stage
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Why Do Dogs Do That: Zoomies Edition

Has your dog ever sprinted around your house, bouncing from chair to couch and back again with an unrivaled amount of energy?  If so, you are not alone in wondering what just happened?  This phenomenon is known as frenetic random activity period (FRAP), otherwise known as the zoomies.  What are zoomies, why do they occur, and how can they be stopped?  All of these questions will be answered here. What are Zoomies? Dogs can develop zoomies at any time, although most dog owners observe them after a bath, when a favorite human has returned home, or after a potty break.  The main characteristics of zoomies are wild bursts of energy where the dog seems to have no concept of its size or strength – or of your furniture and valuables.  While zoomies are completely normal, they can be dangerous for unsuspecting humans, animals, or china collections that are in your...
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Product Review: Zesty Paws Allergy Immune Bites with EpiCor

The diagnosis of allergies in dogs is on the rise, which means more veterinary visits for pet owners.  Dogs with chronic allergies are more likely to suffer from repeat skin and ear infections, both of which can hinder a dog’s quality of life. Allergy treatments often have side effects such as sedation, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased itching and scratching.  For these reasons, dog owners frequently turn to natural allergy remedies to holistically solve the problem.  Here, Zesty Paws Allergy Immune Bites with EpiCor will be reviewed. Zesty Paws Allergy Chews Allergies can occur when the immune system is overreactive or under-supported.  Therefore, targeted immune system support can be very beneficial for dogs that suffer environmental, seasonal, food, or skin allergies. Zesty Paws Allergy Immune Bites contain colostrum, apple cider vinegar, and wild Alaskan salmon oil, all of which are common allergy fighting, natural ingredients.  Additional antioxidants control pollen and histamine...
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Do’s and Don’ts for Dog Owners: Lessons Learned the Hard Way

As a dog owner, I look back to my childhood in horror and cannot believe what awful dog owners my parents were.  I know that sounds harsh, but the level of pet-parenting dogs receive today is vastly different than it was 20 – 30 years ago.  Today I am what might be called an over-protective pet parent, but I am probably this way due to years of learning from my parents’ mistakes.  Here are my top do’s and don’ts for dog owners, gathered from my own experiences growing up. Don’t Assume All Dog Breeds are the Same Before I was born, my parents had only ever owned purebred cocker spaniels.  Until I had a spaniel of my own, I never understood why my parents thought dogs didn’t need training or exercise [note:  I do not recommend not training or not exercising a spaniel; rather, some dog breeds just happen to...
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6 Changes to Make with your Dog in 2020

A new year often spurs people to make significant changes in their own lives; but what about the lives of their pets?  Though 2020 is in full affect, consider the following in order to improve the life of your dog.  Sign Up for a Class Together Many pet owners wish they spent more quality time with pets while also wishing for better behavior and more socialization.  You can check all of these boxes by enrolling your dog in a training class.  Even if your dog has already mastered basic obedience, there are plenty of opportunities for teaching your pup new tricks.  For instance, introduction to Agility, Rally-O, or Canine Good Citizen training may all be appropriate for your dog. Learn to Make DIY Dog Treats More than half of household pets in the United States are obese, which leads to expensive health problems, decreased quality of life, and a shortened...
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The Importance of Good Gut Health for your Dog

Increasing research has shown that good gut health is vitally important for all mammals.  Not only is the immune system housed in a dog’s gut, but healthy bacteria are responsible for emotional response, nutrient absorption, and digestion.  Here, everything a pet owner needs to know about a healthy gut and your pet will be discussed.  What Does Good Gut Health Mean? What does it mean to have a healthy gut in a dog?  The digestive system is filled with good and bad bacteria.  There are specific colonies of good bacteria, each with a specific job.  When those bacterial colonies are well-populated and balanced, the dog’s digestive and immune systems function properly.  However, when the bad bacteria outnumber the good, the dog can suffer many health consequences.   Signs of Poor Gut Health There are numerous signs that your dog’s gut health is not in tip-top shape.  These symptoms include: Allergies/itchy skin...
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Product Review: Missing Link Ultimate Hip & Joint Formula

Nearly every senior dog will develop hip, joint, and arthritis pain as they grow older.  Oftentimes, arthritis pain can be managed with exercise and nutrition due to the inflammatory nature of this disease.  There are many supplements on the market for dogs that promise to alleviate arthritis pain, but which ones live up to these claims?  Here, The Missing Link Original Ultimate Hip & Joint supplement will be reviewed.  The Missing Link – Original Ultimate Hip & Joint Missing Link is marketed as the original superfood supplements for dogs.  The parent company was started in 1892 by a husband and herbalist wife duo who were interested in finding a way to keep their working horses healthy.  Eventually, Mary Ida Young capitalized on her herbalist background and created a company dedicated to providing premium care to animals.  Missing Link is formulated with so-called “superfoods” that are naturally sourced and contain high...
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13 Signs of Pain in Dogs

Pain is a very serious condition for dogs.  Not only does pain reduce a dog’s quality of life but it can also put others in danger, due to aggression.  Many dogs have high pain tolerances and instinctively do not show signs of pain.  Therefore, any obvious pain symptom should be taken very seriously.  In addition to noticeable pain there are subtle signs that pet owners can look for, both of which will be described here. Signs of Pain The signs your dog may be experiencing pain include: Change in Sleep Patterns Dogs that are painful tend to sleep more frequently throughout the day.  If your dog is suddenly less active, consider whether pain (such as arthritis) may be reason.  Additionally, a dog that is more restless throughout the night may also be suffering. Withdrawn Attitude Does your dog normally cuddle with you on the couch but suddenly spends most of...
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Dog Product Review:  DogsWell Chicken & Cranberry Squares Super Boost for Immune Support

The best treats for dogs are ones that are high-quality, a great value, made in the USA, and provide additional benefits beyond positive reinforcement.  Here, a treat that checks all these boxes – DogsWell Super Boost for Immunity Support Chicken & Cranberry Squares – will be reviewed.  DogsWell The DogsWell company believes in supporting canine wellness proactively.  Their dog treats are all made from real meat, instead of meals or by-products.  Each treat variety also provides additional benefit, such as hip and joint, immune system, or skin and coat support.  All DogsWell treats are made with high-quality ingredients that are sourced in the United States.  Chicken & Cranberry Squares Super Boost for Immunity Support DogsWell Chicken & Cranberry Squares Super Boost for Immunity Support is made with whole ingredients that are designed to provide immune system support.  The addition of antioxidants from vitamins C and E not only act as...
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Dog Allergies: Is Aqoquel Right for your Dog?

Constant itching, scratching, head shaking, and skin or ear infections are the norm for dogs with severe seasonal allergies.  Not only are these symptoms frustrating for dogs, but they can be aggravating for pet owners as well.  Many veterinarians are touting prescription Apoquel as a miracle cure for allergies.  What are the benefits and side effects of Apoquel, and is this solution right for you and your dog?  These questions, and more, will be discussed.  Photo by: www.lifeinthedoglane.com Allergies in Dogs Dogs experience many of the same allergies as humans, including grass, pollen, mold, weeds, dust mites, and even pet dander.  The main difference is how allergies manifest in dogs.  Instead of sneezing, watery eyes, and congestion, dogs experience a whole-body histamine release.  This reaction causes extreme itching, scratching, and yeast overgrowth.  There are many ways to minimize a dog’s reaction to allergens.  However, not all of them are feasible for...
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