Is an English Bulldog Right for You?

The quest to find the perfect dog breed for your family can be difficult.  Pet owners should match activity level, space requirements, and trainability with their individual needs.  Listed here are considerations pet owners should make before purchasing or adopting a Bulldog.  Cost English bulldogs are among the most expensive of breeds because of the cost that goes into their health and care.  A well-bred Bulldog will cost $1,500 – $4,000.  Potential Bulldog owners should ask themselves whether they are willing to pay this price, as a poorly-bred Bulldog may be prone to a myriad of serious (and expensive) health problems.  Why is the cost so high?  Part of the reason is that English Bulldogs have a difficult time reproducing.  This breed is known for having an exceptionally wide head and body.  Adult Bulldogs are unable to reproduce naturally, and therefore must be artificially inseminated.  Additionally, it is rare for...
Continue reading »

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...
Continue reading »

Is Your Dog Hydrated: What Dog Owners Need to Know about Hydration

This is not enough water for your dog Water is essential for good health, yet many dogs are chronically dehydrated.  Here, everything a dog owner needs to know about dehydration and dogs will be discussed.  Why is Hydration for Dogs Important? Adequate hydration is necessary for all mammals because it aids in nutrient transport and absorption, proper digestion and metabolism, and body temperature regulation.  Dogs that are dehydrated can suffer serious health problems such as diarrhea, vomiting, heat stroke, heart failure, kidney disease, seizures, and death.  How do Dogs Become Dehydrated? Unlike humans, dogs are unable to carry a water bottle with them for easy hydration throughout the day.  Instead, they must wait for times when cool, clean water is available (Amazon carries some nice dog water bottles that can be found here).  Additional factors that affect hydration include climate, body size and shape, coat condition, age, pre-existing health conditions,...
Continue reading »

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...
Continue reading »

Caring for a Dog Post-Surgery

After a dog has surgery – whether for a routine procedure or an emergency – there is a level of care that must be taken to ensure your dog does not have complications.  Here, everything a pet owner should know about caring for a dog after surgery will be discussed. Types of Surgery Dogs require surgery for a variety of reasons.  Surgeries range from minimally to highly invasive.  Types of surgery include: Spay / Neuter Orthopedic Cardiovascular Tumor Removal Gastric Wound Repair The more invasive the surgery, the greater the risk of infection.  For instance, a neuter has fewer complications than a spay.  Additionally, a dog bite carries the greatest risk of infection because of bacteria introduced from the other animal’s mouth. Wound-Closing Methods There are many different types of wound-closing methods, each of which has advantages, disadvantages, and care requirements.  The most common wound-closing methods are: Absorbable Stitches Absorbable...
Continue reading »

Yard Mushrooms and your Dog – Know What to Look For

Throughout the spring, summer, and fall there are many types of mushrooms that naturally grow in backyards.  Although many mushrooms are harmless, there are certain varieties that can poison your pet.  Here, mushrooms that are dangerous to your dog will be discussed as well as what to do if your dog ingests a poisonous mushroom. Dangerous Yard Mushrooms There are four types of dangerous mushrooms.  Category A mushrooms are most toxic and destroy kidney and liver cells.  Category B and C mushrooms affect the nervous system and can cause symptoms such as hallucinations.  Category D mushrooms cause gastrointestinal distress, such as vomiting and diarrhea.  Regardless of the type of mushroom your dog consumes, the most likely symptoms include: Vomiting Diarrhea Abdominal pain Disorientation Lethargy Weakness Jaundice Lack of coordination Excessive drooling Seizures Coma Fly Agaric (Amanita Muscaria) The Fly Agaric is common in wooded areas throughout North America.  This mushroom...
Continue reading »

8 Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool this Summer

Although winter seems to have only ended a few short weeks ago, the dog-days of summer are already here.  As the weather warms up, it is imperative to keep your dog’s core body temperature cool.  Every year, thousands of dogs are hospitalized due to complications from heat stroke, which occurs at alarming rates in canines due to their inability to cool themselves.  Listed here are ways to keep your dog cool this summer. Kiddie/Dog Pool One of the cheapest and easiest ways to keep your dog cool in the summer is to invest in an inexpensive kiddie or dog pool to keep in your backyard.  By filling the kiddie pool with cool water and placing it in the shade, your dog will always have a cool spot to retreat if overheating.  While it is never recommended to leave your dog in your yard unattended, this method is especially useful for...
Continue reading »

Product Review: PROGENY BB Dog Breeding Supplement

Just like humans, dogs can benefit from increased micronutrient and prebiotic intake, particularly before pregnancy or during lactation.  The same nutrients that help support a healthy pregnancy and puppies can also benefit non-pregnant dogs, particularly if they suffer from inflammatory issues such as arthritis or inflammation.  Here, PROGENY BB Premium Brood Bitch Formula will be reviewed, which is a powder supplement intended for pre-breeding nutrition, when nursing, and for dogs with allergies or arthritis. PROGENY BB Dog Breeding Supplement Progeny BB Dog Breeding Supplement is formulated for the health and well-being of both a female breeding dog and her puppies.  This product is custom manufactured in the United States at Kauffman Animal Health in Lebanon, PA and distributed by Scientific Resources, Inc.  The advantages of PROGENY BB Dog Breeding Supplement include: Increased litter health and fewer failed pregnancies and losses Lactation support Amino acid formula for improved muscle and organ...
Continue reading »

Dogs vs. Moles: Digging Season has Begun

Not only do digging dogs destroy the yard [say that 5 times fast!], but they also track a huge mess into the house.  Warmer weather has brought small critters – such as moles – out of hibernation, which many dog breeds lover to hunt.  Listed here are ways to keep moles out of your yard. Why Do Dogs Dig for Moles? There are many reasons that dogs dig in the yard, including boredom, attention-seeking, warm weather relief, and in search of small animals.  If your dog is a terrier of any type, however, chances are that your dog is seeking small rodents.  After all, many terriers were specifically bred for rodent-control, and certain breeds (such as the Jack Russell Terrier), were developed for controlling mole problems. Thanks to your dog’s keen sense of smell and hearing, your dog will likely detect the presence of a mole long before it makes...
Continue reading »

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...
Continue reading »