Dogs are man’s best friend; their loyalty and dedication are unmatched. Picture this, it’s 6 am on a cool Sunday morning, and your best friend is constantly barking for absolutely no reason. Not so cute anymore right? There are solutions to your problem, which will leave everyone happy. Mentally and physically occupy your dog Many times, excessive barking is a sign that your dog isn’t getting enough physical activity. The barking is a way for it to release this energy. The dog could also lack mental stimulation and is showing their distress through excessive barking. This can be remedied by taking your dog on a daily walk and giving him tasks that will use his mental and physical strength to complete. This exercise should help to release some of the pent-up energy and help to reduce the constant barking or encourage barking for the right reasons. We suggest interactive dog...
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Probiotics are becoming a common word in our vocabulary, thanks to important research that has been done on gut health. Foods like yogurt, kefir, kombucha, and fermented vegetables are becoming increasingly popular, thanks to their high probiotic content. Just as humans can benefit from improved gut health, so can dogs. Here, Purina Fortiflora Nutritional Supplement will be reviewed. Purina Foriflora Nutritional Supplement contains vitamins and minerals, as well as Enterococcus faecium, which is a common probiotic found in both human and animal supplements. This probiotic is intended to be fed once per day, and is a powder sprinkled over a dog’s food. The ingredients are: animal digest, Enterococcus faecium, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate, Brewers Dried Yeast, Vitamin E Supplement, Zinc Proteinate, Beta-Carotene, Salt, Manganese Proteinate, Ferrous Sulfate, Copper Proteinate, Calcium Iodate, and Sodium Selenite. The Purina Fortiflora Nutritional Supplement is intended for dogs who have suffered (or are currently suffering) from diarrhea and...
Continue reading » Dog Product ReviewsNo Comment One of the most frustrating occurrences for a pet owner is to have an otherwise potty-trained dog begin having accidents in the house. In fact, potty problems are one of the top reasons that dogs are returned to shelters or re-homed. Here, reasons your dog is having accidents in the house will be discussed. Stubborn Proteins If your dog is having accidents in the house in the same spot each time, the most likely reason is that the area has not been adequately cleaned with an enzymatic cleaner. Dog urine contains proteins that act as a “calling card” to your dog’s nose. Until those proteins are removed, your dog will continue to do his or her business in that location. To remove stubborn proteins, use a cleaner that is specifically formulated for destroying these enzymes, such as Nature’s Miracle. Underlying Medical Condition Medical problems such as urinary tract infections,...
Continue reading » BehaviorNo Comment Chihuahuas are among the oldest – and most popular – dog breeds in the world. Currently, the Chihuahua is the 30th most popular dog in the United States according the American Kennel Club, but is a Chihuahua right for you? Temperament Despite being a toy-sized dog, Chihuahuas have a lot of personality. According to the AKC breed description, they should be “sassy, charming, and graceful,” with emphasis on sassy. Indeed, Chihuahuas can become aggressive and territorial when not properly socialized. In addition, Chihuahuas are extremely loyal dogs and have a tendency to become protective over a favorite human. Size, Coloring, Upkeep Male and female Chihuahuas should weigh 4 – 6 lbs and stand 6 – 10’’ tall at the shoulder. There are two different coat lengths: short and long. Contrary to popular belief, long-haired Chihuahuas are lower maintenance than their short-coat counterparts, as they shed less frequently. There are nine...
Continue reading » Dog BreedsNo Comment 
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,...
Continue reading » Dog Product ReviewsNo Comment As you schedule your summer vacation you will be faced with a dilemma: what to do with your dog while you are away? There are many options for pet owners, including leaving your pet with a boarding kennel or dog sitter. Which of these solutions is best? The pros and cons of a boarding kennel or dog sitter will be discussed. Boarding Kennel A boarding kennel is a commercial facility that specializes in housing animals. There are many types of boarding kennels, ranging from strictly cage free, caged with cage-free play time, or caged with individual exercise. Pros The benefits of boarding kennels are numerous. Most notably, leaving your dog at a boarding kennel ensures that your pet is cared for by professionals that are licensed and insured in addition to being subject to inspection. Boarding kennels are typically staffed 24 hours per day, and have protocols in place for...
Continue reading » PlanningNo Comment Dog treats are an indispensible item for pet owners. They assist in training, are perfect for hiding medication, and help your dog know that he or she is loved. However, with the wide selection of available dog treats on the market, it can be difficult to determine which is best. Here, Bil-Jac America’s VetDogs Skin & Coat Treats will be reviewed. The Bil-Jac company has been producing high quality training treats made from real food since 1947. The ingredients in these liver-flavored treats are simple: chicken, chicken meal, wheat flour, glycerin, phosphoric acid, salt, potassium sorbate, citric acid, mixed tocopherols, calcium propionate, BHA, and rosemary extract. With a 20% protein content and only 9.9 calories per treat, these made-in-the-USA treats are a great option for your pet. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from each purchase of Bil-Jac America’s VetDogs Skin & Coat Treats goes towards America’s VetDogs. This non-profit...
Continue reading » Dog Product Reviews, Food/TreatsNo Comment 
Dogs with scrunched noses, cute wrinkles, and large eyes have become increasingly popular. However, short-nosed breeds (also known as brachycephalic dogs), have additional needs versus a typical hound dog. Here, everything you need to know about brachycephalic dogs will be discussed. What does Brachycephalic Mean? Brachycephalic generally means that an animal has a skull that is short and broad, with the width at least 80% of the length. The general characteristics of a brachycephalic dog are a significantly shortened nasal pathway, an elongated soft palate, dramatically restricted nostrils (stenotic nares), a hypoplastic trachea (abnormal growth in the trachea that results in narrowing), and everted laryngeal saccules (i.e. saccules that grow into the airway and restrict respiration). Which Dog Breeds are Brachycephalic? There are a number of brachycephalic dog breeds. The most common include: Affenpinscher American Bulldog Boston Terrier Boxer Brussels Griffon Cane Corso Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Chihuahua (apple-headed) Dogue...
Continue reading » Dog BreedsNo Comment Frequently bathing your dog is the best way to remove unwanted odors, allergens, loose fur, dirt, and debris. However, many dogs have sensitive skin that can become irritated when washed too often. To keep your pet’s skin and fur healthy and itch-free, oatmeal shampoo is the most recommended cleanser by veterinarians. Here, Bio-Groom Natural Oatmeal Anti-Itch Shampoo will be reviewed. Bio-Groom Natural Oatmeal Anti-Itch Shampoo is made from all natural, soap-free ingredients and is specially designed to relieve dry and irritated skin. The main ingredient is 2% raw colloidal oatmeal USP, which is an ingredient that has been proven to relieve irritated skin in both dogs and cats. There are no parabens or dyes, and the cleansers in this product (corn, coconut, and palm kernel oils) are from 100% renewable and biodegradable sources. Bio-Groom Natural Oatmeal Anti-Itch Shampoo is safe to use with topical flea and tick medications, and has...
Continue reading » Dog Product ReviewsNo Comment The most common health issues – particularly for purebreds – are eye, nose, and ear disorders in dogs. In many instances, early detection is crucial for preventing worse problems in the future. Here, how to spot eye, nose, and ear disorders in dogs will be discussed. Ears The most common eye, nose, and ear disorders in dogs are undoubtedly ear infections among dogs. This is especially true for pets with floppy ears or excessive hair growth. Cocker spaniels, beagles, Labrador retrievers, and Bassett hounds are among the most likely to suffer from frequent ear infections. The best way to determine whether your dog has an ear illness is to watch his or her behavior. Excessive head shaking and ear scratching are two telltale signs that your dog’s ears are bothersome. Next, peer into your dog’s ear with the help of a flashlight. If the skin appears red and inflamed, an ear infection is...
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