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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Is a German Shepherd Dog Right for You?

Following the success of Rumor, the German Shepherd Dog that won Best in Show at the 2017 Westminster Dog Show, German Shepherd puppy purchases will be on the rise this year.  Is a German Shepherd Dog right for you? Temperament The German Shepherd Dog (GSD) is commonly used for police, military, and guard-dog work.  Therefore, this breed is described as “self-assured.”  GSDs are also curious, intelligent, obedient, and highly protective.  Like most working dogs, German Shepherds thrive on having a job to do. Size, Coloring, and Upkeep German Shepherds are large dogs, with males weighing 66 – 88 lbs and females weighing 49 – 71 lbs.  Males are 24 – 26’’ at the shoulder, while females are slightly smaller, standing 22 – 24’’ tall.  One of the most distinctive characteristics of the GSD is its black and tan coat.  However, the American Kennel Club recognizes 11 colors, including black, back...
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Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dogs

Just like humans, dogs can benefit from using food as medicine.  One of the most popular nutritional supplements that can be found in any grocery store is coconut oil.  The benefits of coconut oil for dogs will be discussed here. What is Coconut Oil? Coconut oil is derived directly from the coconut through a pressing process.  Coconut meat is pressed to extrude the oil, which contains a high amount of healthy acids, vitamins, and minerals.  Most notably, 90% of the fats in coconut oil are comprised of medium chain triglycerides, which have “superfood” health benefits. What are the Benefits of Coconut Oil for Dogs? Shiny Coat If your dog has a dull coat, coconut oil can be applied directly to your dog’s fur as a natural leave-in conditioner.  Alternatively, coconut oil contains beneficial acids, such as lauric acid, that can naturally improve your dog’s skin and coat condition. Healthy Skin...
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Teaching your Dog Impulse Control

Even though dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, they still occasionally behave in a way that is counter to what their humans would like.  A major contributing factor is that dogs tend to act on impulse, not stopping to “think” about the consequences of their actions.  Fortunately, dogs can be conditioned to control their impulses, which will be discussed here. What Types of Impulses do Dogs Have? Dogs and toddlers are often compared to one another because they behave impulsively, such as running through open doors, jumping on favorite humans when they walk through the door, and immediately gobbling up any food that falls on the floor.  Dogs that are deemed to have “behavioral problems” are typically ones that act impulsively. What is Impulse Control? Impulse control involves teaching your dog counter behaviors that force him or her to divert attention away from an object, human, or animal. ...
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