Home » Articles posted by Anna Weber (Page 6)

Product Review: Outward Hound Interactive Toys

Interactive toys are a great way to keep active and curious pets from being bored.  They can be used on rainy days, when the owner is away from home, or during times when your dog needs to be occupied.  Here, three Outward Hound interactive toys will be reviewed. Outward Hound Treat Chaser Treat Ball The first of the Outward Hound interactive toys is the Treat Chaser Ball, which is perfect for a puppy or young dog.  Treats are placed in the ball, which has two small slots.  The dog must figure out how to roll the ball in order for the treats to fall out.  For dogs that eat their meals too quickly or require extra mental stimulation, breakfast or dinner can be placed in the ball (up to ~1.5 cups of kibble). Advantages of this product include BPA, PVC, and phthalate free design that is safe for your pet. ...
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Is a Cocker Spaniel Right for You?

Cocker Spaniels enjoyed a surge of popularity in the United States in the late 1950’s thanks to Disney’s Lady and the Tramp.  Since then, the Cocker Spaniel has remained among the 30 most popular breeds in the United States.  Is a Cocker Spaniel right for you? Temperament The temperament of a well-bred Cocker Spaniel can be described as happy, intelligent, and gentle.  This breed is a well-known family dog thanks to its loyal, trusting nature and friendly, playful personality.  While a Cocker Spaniel will bark to alert you that someone is at the front door, these sweet dogs would rather lick an intruder to death than serve as a vicious guard dog. Size, Coloring, and Upkeep Cocker Spaniels are well-known for their small size, soft coat, and long, dangling ears.  Female Cockers should stand 13.5’’ – 14.5’’ tall at the shoulder, while males stand 14.5’’ – 15.5’’ tall.  Both sexes...
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Product Review: KONG Comfort Control Grip Harness

In a previous post the Harness Lead, a no-pull harness that places pressure behind a dog’s shoulders when he or she pulls on the leash, was reviewed.  While this harness is great for every-day use, there are certain instances when it is not appropriate, such as travel and when your dog joins you for a run.  For these situations, the KONG Comfort Control Grip Harness is preferred, which will be described here. The KONG Comfort Control Grip Harness is a harness that loops around the dog’s neck and has two attachment buckles around the dog’s chest, behind the front legs.  There is also a padded handle affixed to the top of the harness that runs along the dog’s back for extra control.  The harness is fully adjustable, and a medium-sized harness can be made to fit a dog with a 20’’ – 30’’ chest.  The harness material is high-quality woven...
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Pet Poison Month: Most Toxic Substances for Dogs

  March is pet poison month; do you know which substances are most poisonous to dogs?  Listed here are the top 8 most toxic substances for dogs that are found in your home and yard. Prescription Medicine One of the most toxic substances for dogs that causes numerous problems each year is prescription medication for humans.  Heart medication, blood pressure pills, antidepressants, and pain medication can all be disastrous for canines.  When you are prescribed medication make sure your pills are stored out of reach from your pet and that each dosage is accounted for each day.  Even one small pill can cause serious problems for a small dog. Flea and Tick Products Even though flea and tick products are generally safe for dogs, improper use or ingestion can lead to pet poisoning.  Always make sure you are giving your dog the proper dosage.  In addition, ensure these products are...
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Product Review: Seresto Flea and Tick Collar

Flea and tick season is almost upon us, and experts are warning that Lyme disease will be especially rampant in 2017.  You have many options in the fight against fleas and ticks, and the Seresto Flea and Tick Collar will be reviewed here. The Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick collar is an adjustable rubber collar that provides 8 months of continuous protection against fleas and ticks for your dog.  This patented technology ensures slow release of pesticide to your dog’s skin.  Unlike other flea and tick collars, this product is odorless and non-greasy.  It also has a safety mechanism that will cause the collar to break should the flea collar become stuck, thus trapping your dog. There are many advantages to this product.  Some owners find that their dogs are sensitive to topical flea and tick treatments, resulting in discomfort or a rash.  The Seresto collar is milder than these...
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Teaching Your Dog the Clean Up Command

All dogs require mental stimulation, some more than others.  If your pet is constantly zooming around the house looking for a job to do, these two commands are perfect for teaching to your pet.  Here, teaching your dog the clean up command and name recognition will be discussed. Benefits of these Commands The benefits of teaching your dog these complex – yet surprisingly simple – commands are vast.  First, you will provide your dog a job to perform, which is necessary for many breeds, particularly those with a working background.  If you have a German Shepherd, Siberian Husky, Border Collie, or any other breed that was originally bred for work you should consider training the name recognition and clean up command. Next, these games are fun.  You can impress your friends and family by telling your dog to retrieve the purple dinosaur, and watch as they are amazed that he...
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Product Review: Zuke’s Mini Naturals Wild Rabbit Recipe Dog Treats

Choosing the right dog treats for your pet can be difficult.  After all, dog treat quality and manufacturing ethics have come under scrutiny in recent years.  Many dog owners struggle to find high quality treats that are also budget-friendly.  Here, Zuke’s Mini Naturals Wild Rabbit Dog Treats will be reviewed. Zuke’s Mini Naturals Wild Rabbit Dog Treats (hereafter simply referred to as “Zuke’s”) are soft, miniature sized training treats that are made from real rabbit.  Each treat has only 3.5 calories, and they are free from common allergens such as corn, soy, and wheat.  Better yet, these treats are manufactured in the United States. These Wild Rabbit treats are the perfect choice as a high-value reward when training breeds with strong prey drives, such as Beagles, Labrador Retrievers, and Bloodhounds.  The scent of a favorite wild animal is far more enticing for most hunting dogs than peanut butter or chicken-flavored treats. The...
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Product Review: Harness Lead

Leash pulling, harness escaping, and fears of your dog’s leash becoming detached from the collar or harness are all common problems.  Here, the Harness Lead will be reviewed, which overcomes many of these issues. The Harness Lead is an intuitively designed product made from a single piece of exceptionally strong, woven nylon that can withstand up to 37,000 lbs of pressure.  This product is designed to wrap around the dog’s chest in order to eliminate choking and gagging that occur when pressure is applied to the trachea, such as with traditional no-pull products.  The Harness Lead applies pressure based on your dog’s movements, ensuring you never have to violently correct your dog.  Additionally, since the Harness Lead is comprised of one single piece of rope, you never have to worry again about a leash malfunction. The Harness Lead is a great product for anyone whose dog pulls.  Best yet, the...
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Product Review: Soggy Doggy Super Shammy

Do you struggle to dry your dog’s paws after a morning walk?  Is drying your pet after a bath both time-consuming and difficult?  Are you tired of muddy paws on your furniture?  We experienced these issues with our dogs, which led to purchasing the Soggy Doggy Super Shammy.  Here, the Soggy Doggy Super Shammy will be reviewed. The Soggy Doggy Super Shammy is a large (31’’ x 14’’) microfiber towel.  Covering the towel are additional microfiber nodules that increase the shammy surface area, resulting in extra water absorbance.  In fact, the manufacturer claims this towel can hold up to 7 times its weight in water.  This towel is great for wiping off muddy paws, since dirt and debris cling to microfiber more readily.  Additionally, the towel has hand pockets that improve your dog drying ability.  The Soggy Doggy Super Shammy is washer and dryer safe, adding to its convenience. This...
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Product Review: Kyjen Slo Bowl

Slow bowls are dog dishes that force a dog to eat more slowly in order to avoid upset stomach and gastric torsion (bloat). [amazon_link asins=’B00FPKNRF0′ template=’ProductAd’ store=’ndop-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’f4135d4b-f79b-11e6-9118-91b51c57fca2′] I first purchased a Kyjen Slo Bowl in 2014 for my dog, Sadie, who is a 30 lb beagle/chow mix.  Prior to purchasing the bowl, we had started fostering dogs.  What we did not know at the time was that when other dogs are present, Sadie will inhale her food and throw up 10 – 15 minutes later.  I was concerned she would eat too quickly and develop bloat.  The vet, on the other hand, was concerned that throwing up regularly was causing her to have a few digestive issues.  Our veterinarian strongly recommended we find a slow bowl. Why I Chose The Slo Bowl I chose the Kyjen Slo Bowl because of the value, as well as the design.  Some...
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