How to Keep Your Dog a Healthy Eater
Food plays a major part in every dog’s life. Not only is it a basic survival need, but it is used for training as well. With dogs being so food driven, many can develop behavioral issues such as picky eating, food aggression, and medical issues from not enough, or too much food. With a few simple steps, you can prevent or treat these issues head on.
Many dogs, especially the larger breeds of dogs such as labs, shepherds, mountain dogs and more, can have the issue of eating too quickly. This can lead to many problems such as choking, vomiting, and bloating since the food is not being properly chewed and broken down for digestion. There are some easy ways to handle this issue at little to no cost. One way is to ration their food, as in give it to them a little bit at a time to slow down their eating. If you don’t want to stand there and monitor their meals every time you can also try putting a larger rubber toy into the bowl with the food. This forces the dog to slow down by working around the toy to get to the food. A toy that would work well for this would be the Chompy Romper Drumstick Dog Toy. Another way to get your dog to slow down, is by placing the food pieces into puzzle toys that enable your dog to use their brains and skills to get the food. Our Interactive Puzzle Dog Toy is perfect for this solution.
Another eating issue that dogs frequently encounter is becoming a picky eater. Sometimes without realizing it, owners can be making their dogs into picky eaters by adhering to their dog’s refusal to eat certain foods. While it’s important to find a high-quality, nutritious dog food that your pet enjoys, it is not necessary to try 30 different foods or feed them human food because of a refusal to eat. So when your dog starts becoming a picky eater, try taking their food away after 10 minutes if your dog will not eat. After a few minutes, put it back down. This demonstrates that the food will go away if not eaten, and a hungry dog will eventually eat. However, if your dog usually eats well and all of a sudden is refusing to eat, seek veterinarian attention. This sudden change can indicate a health issue of some sort. Always remember, dogs are a part of our family, and nutrition and eating is just as important for them as it is for us. Make sure you are feeding your furry friend properly, and nutritiously.
Exercise for Both Dogs and Owners
Staying is shape is an issue that millions of people struggle with daily. What most people don’t consider along with that subject is the health of their dogs as well. Overweight dogs, much like people, can struggle with diabetes, damage to joints, bones, and ligaments, heart disease and many more devastating health problems. Many consider their dogs a part of the family, so we must make sure we take care of their health just like we would a family member. With these few simple exercise tips, you and your dog can become healthier and stay in shape while having fun together!
The simplest form of exercise for your dog is fetch. Most dogs absolutely love the idea of chasing their toys and bringing it back for another throw. It gets your furry friend running, and jumping, while not even realizing they are getting a work out. Our Grriggles Flyers Dog Toys come in a variety of colors and are not only fun to chase, but fun to chew as well. Their nylon and rope design make these toys durable for even the strongest chewers. To include a little exercise for you as well, try throwing these in an open field or dog park and moving around with your dog. With football season quickly approaching, get into the spirit and play a family game of football, including your dog! These Air Kong Squeaker Footballs are perfect for a game of doggie football and they even float! Don’t forget to dress your dog in the part as well with our new NFL Dog Apparel. You can outfit your dog in your favorite team jersey, or simply a collar and leash for walks as well.
If sports and fetch aren’t your dog’s favorite activities, you can try a number of other things as well! Simply long, brisk walks can go a long way with getting you and your fur baby in shape. Try taking different routes, providing your dog with new sights and smells to keep them busy and entertained. Taking an obedience class together is also a great way to get moving, and learn new tricks in the mean time. These classes not only provide great skills, but socialize your dog with others as well. With these quick and easy exercise tips, both you and your pup can lead healthy, happier lives.
How to Keep Your Dog Clean and Happy
All year round dogs find new ways to get dirty and into things they shouldn’t, especially during the summer when a lot of time is spent outside. From rolling in mud, to jumping in lakes, dogs are constantly in need of a quick bath and brushing. Trips to the groomers for baths can add up quickly. Doggie Vogue offers a wide variety of products to help keep your pet well groomed and with these few simple at home care tips, your dog can stay clean and healthy for less!
Before putting your dog in the bath, lay down a rubber non-slip mat so your dog can stand up okay and not feel uncomfortable. Make sure you have all your supplies ready before starting the water. All dogs have different types of coats, many need certain qualities in their shampoos to ensure proper coat care. With our Ugroom Dog Shampoos you can choose the shampoo to best fit your pup’s needs. For the sensitive dogs and puppies, our hypoallergenic dog shampoo is a gentle, tearless formula that leaves your dog’s coat silky and smelling great without any irritation. If your furry friend suffers from dry, flakey skin then our oatmeal dog shampoo is the perfect fix. This formula features oatmeal, lavender and cucumber extracts to moisturize and soothe itchy skin. Some dogs can be fearful of the water or try to jump out mid bath, so remember to make the bath a fun experience for your dog! Try bringing some water friendly toys in, or giving them a nice massage with the shampoo to calm their nerves.
The real hassle of doggie bath time is when it’s time to get your dog out of the tub and dried off. When your pup gets out of the tub, they most likely will give one big shake to get the water off them, this is unfortunately inevitable. So make sure you’re wearing clothes you don’t mind getting a little (or a lot) wet! Instead of trying to make your pooch stay calm and still while you dry, make it a fun game. By using our Microfiber Dog Drying Gloves you can give your dog a nice belly rub or massage while drying them with this great bath accessory. These gloves make drying your pet quick and easy with their ultra-soft, ultra-absorbent microfiber material. After your dog is dry and smelling great, your mission is complete, until your fur baby gets into the next pile of mud!
Summer Fun for Dogs and Owners
The summer heat and humidity can wear you and your pet out, but during this time of year it’s important to stay busy and have some fun! Most outdoor activities for people can be easily altered to include your furry friend as well. Going to the beach is a great way to cool off and relax during the hot days. Many cities have dog friendly beaches so you can bring your pet with you! Our Dog Beach Cabanas are fashionable and functional for your beach outing. You can use these at the beach, at the park or anywhere with sun to keep your fur baby cool and relaxed. Remember to bring a few dog toys to play with at the beach too!
Another great way to bond with your animal is to attend your local baseball teams “dog days”. Many professional as well as minor league teams have special days that allow you to bring your pet with you to the ball game! You and your pup can enjoy hot dogs and nachos at the ball park while watching your favorite team, and socializing with other pets. This is not only fun for you, but a stimulating experience for your dog too! You can even buy them one of our MLB Dog Jerseys or maybe hat to match you and your favorite player.
If your dog is the food driven kind, which many are, you can find a local dog bakery or café to take your pup to and get them a tasty treat. Or if you’re looking for a meal yourself, many cafes and bars allow dogs on their patios as well! That way your dog can enjoy the sun and the smell of food with you. Another good summer activity for dogs and owners alike is to take a class. Many pet stores and dog schools offer summer classes on socialization, agility, training, and more! This way you can improve your dog’s behavior and skills while bonding and having fun at the same time. These classes can also assist with exercise for your dog and yourself, leaving you both in better shape and happier! So remember when the weather is hot and you have nothing to do, think of these few fun ideas and get up and do something! The summer goes by faster than you know it and why not spend it bonding with your best furry friend?
Fourth of July Tips for Dog Owners
The 4th of July can be an amazing, fun holiday for all to enjoy. Remember to include your dog in the fun as well with these fun Independence Day toys and outfits. However, during the festivities dogs can become anxious, frightened and unpredictable at the constant boom of fireworks. When dogs become nervous it can lead to behavior that is out of character such as chewing household objects, having accidents, or trying to run away from their owners to escape the sounds. The constant loud noises, flashing, heat, and whistles of fireworks can heighten a dog’s anxiety, and hopefully these few steps can help calm your dog’s nerves, as well as your own.
If your dog doesn’t mind the fireworks and have watched them calmly with you before, then go ahead and bring them with! However, if you are unsure as to how your dog deals with the sounds or know they do not like it, leave your pup at home where it’s quiet and they can feel safe and at ease. Pick a place where they feel the most comfortable i.e. their crate, your bedroom, kitchen etc… and put your dog there with a favorite Independence Day toy and water. Sometimes leaving a TV or radio on can help distract your furry friend from the outside noises and feel more like people are at home with them. Make sure to leave the lights on, and close all curtains so the dog cannot see the flash of fireworks.
Before all the fun begins, you can also do a few things to help calm your dog’s fear of fireworks. Take your pet on a long walk during the day. This will help tire them out and make them less anxious when it comes time for the fireworks display. Also, remember to let your pup outside plenty of times beforehand to lessen the chance of having an accident while you are gone. While many dogs can be fearful of this fun holiday, some also love it! Whether your dog is a fan or not, you can help them feel part of the family by including your dog in picnics, barbeques, and more during the day. And when you are putting on your festive holiday colors, remember to outfit your dog with 4th of July spirit as well.
Entertaining Your Dog During Long Summer Days
Keeping your dog entertained during those long summer days while you’re working can be a daunting task. Many dog owners can feel guilty about leaving their furry friend home alone all day, especially when the weather starts getting nicer. The sun is shining, the skies are blue, and your dog is pouting in the window. Hopefully these few simple ideas can help keep both you and your pet happy during those long days at the office. The best way to keep a dog from destructive behavior while alone is to make sure they get proper exercise before you head out for the day. Although it may not sound fun waking up an hour earlier, getting up and walking the dog before you leave can provide great exercise for both you and your pet. With a morning walk, dogs will be more inclined to lounge for awhile after you leave to recover from their exercise, much like humans. This can really take the “edge” off their morning eagerness and excitement of a new day.
Another way to keep your fur baby entertained during what may seem like an endless day at work is to leave them an activity to do. A new toy can provide activity and entertainment for your pup to pass the time. One toy that may stand out above the others is the Satellites Dog Toy . This rubber toy by Grrigles® is built tough to withstand even the toughest of chewers and can be stuffed with treats to provide an extra challenge for your pet. There are also toys such as the Fruity Dog Ropes that provide a sturdy cotton rope infused with fruity flavors to keep your dog chewing for hours.
For the dogs that just can’t go the whole day being alone, try asking a neighbor or friend to stop in to give your dog some much welcomed attention, or even a walk. If your dog is good with children and well behaved you can even ask one of the neighborhood kids if they would like a job walking your dog during the day. This provides your dog with a mid-afternoon walk as well as giving a neighborhood kid a little summer spending money. Just make sure they are well informed about your dog’s behavior and are old enough to handle the responsibility and size of your dog. Also, if your dog cannot stand being alone, you can always try leaving on a radio or TV to provide some background noise so they don’t feel so isolated. With the help of these few, easy ideas, your dog can stay happy and entertained while alone during those summer days. Hopefully they will help ease the guilt about leaving your fur baby alone as well!
How to Tame an Aggressive Dog
With temperatures climbing and summer quickly approaching, it’s important that dogs get ample exercise during those long summer days. However, many pet owners avoid taking their pets on walks and to family outings because of aggressive behavior previously displayed by their dog. Keeping your dog cooped up during summer months because of the fear of running into other dogs can be damaging to both owner and pet. Exercise is a key step in taming an aggressive dog; they need an outlet for that energy. Even dogs that were socialized as a puppy can develop aggressive, hyper behaviors later on. Make sure to consult with an expert or your vet before trying these methods if you do not feel comfortable.
Teaching your dog to walk calmly on a leash, as discussed in the last blog is a key first step in the process of taming your dog, but there are other tricks and trades one can try to promote a calm, submissive behavior. First, it’s important to fit your dog with the proper collar, or harness before beginning the walk. A dog harness may be more appropriate for dogs that pull, because it gives the owner more control over the dog’s chest area, which is their main source of strength. After fitting your dog with the proper attire, you’re ready to move forward with the walk. Make sure to keep treats on you during an outing with your pet, as most dogs respond well to food.
Most owners tend to avoid the other dog approaching during the walk, but this only prolongs the issue instead of dealing with it head on, so to speak. If you have a friend with a calm, submissive dog, you may want to ask for their help in dealing with the issue. Using a dog you know will not provoke aggressive behavior from your pet can be extremely helpful. As the other dog approaches, make sure you have a firm grip on the leash, but do not hold it with too much tension as dogs can sense your feelings, and your tension and nerves can be transferred to their mentality. Dogs have unbelievable senses of when their owner feels threatened or nervous, so maintain a calm attitude. Taking a deep breath can be very soothing for tension.
Make sure you put enough space between the dogs eliminating the chance of attack. Place your dog in a sitting position, with their butt facing the other dog. This is a submissive position and will help break their aggression. As your dog struggles and gets worked up, give them a touch on their chest, just forceful enough to break their concentration on the other dog. Remember not to push the dog, just a firm touch. Breaking the dog’s focus on the other is crucial to taming aggression. Once the mind is not consumed by thoughts of the other dog, your pet will calm down and learn to ignore. After this process is finished and your dog is cooperative, make sure to reward with lots of praise and even a few little dog treats. By trying out these few methods, you can make socializing your dog with others a much calmer experience, which leads to a happy dog and owner.
Ten Ways to Show Your Dog How Much They Are Loved
There are many reasons dogs are referred to as man’s best friend. They provide us with unconditional love, unending devotion, unlimited affection, and protection when we need it. As owners, we may find ourselves getting caught up in our busy lives and schedules and taking advantage of these wonderful gifts our dogs give to us. Here are ten simple ways you can give back a little of the love your dogs shower you with, and make them feel loved:
1. Make sure to always scratch your buddy’s belly and behind their ears - they especially love that!
2. Always make sure your dog gets enough exercise. When they need to go out, let them out. When they want to play outside, play outside with them. When they look tired and lonely, take them for a walk. Especially older dogs - the walks are great for them!
3. Make conversation with your dog. Although they can’t understand what you’re talking about they can get just as enthusiastic by giving you a big loud bark! It is a great way to bond with your furry friend Also, they won’t tell you to “shhhh!” or give you ugly looks!
4. Always make time for your dog. No matter how busy your schedule is take at least a half hour out of every day to have “doggy and me” time. Remember that they have feelings too, and don’t want to be forgotten about!
5. When your faithful companion does something fabulous give them a reward, such as a dog treat. They like to know that they are behaving the way you want them to, especially during training.
6. Try to feed them well. Remember that dogs are just as delicate as people. We cannot give them everything they want! There are so many foods that are bad for them. Be careful, their little hearts are much smaller than ours and they don’t know any better. We want our buddies around as long as possible!
7. Try spoiling them. Take them for a drive on the weekends, and maybe even try giving them a nice doggie massage. This is easy to do while grooming them.
8. Always be prepared! What if something were to happen and your pup got sick? Be sure to save money - we all know that vet bills can be quite expensive!
9. Never yell at your dog. Yes, our dogs will sometimes do things that get on our nerves. They may piddle in the house, bark, or chew on something we love, but those are just material things that can be replaced. Our furry friend’s love and respect can’t be.
10. Give your dog his own space. It’s only fair to set up a specific area that is just for them. Put their dog bed there, as well as a favorite toy, a blanket, and anything that your pup loves!
Even if you only take just a little extra time a day to try some of these activities, the bond between you and your furry friend will grow and your pup will feel extra special. With all of the things our pooches do for us, loving them back is the least we can do!!
Household Items that Can Harm Your Pet
Most pet owners try to protect their pets as much as possible while on walks, in the car, or away from home, but did you know that some of the biggest hazards to your pet’s well being are found right inside your home? Many of the regularly used products we find lying around our home are quite harmful to our pets, whether we know it or not.
We all like to indulge in our pets and give them a special treat of people food every once in a while, but some of those “treats” could inadvertently make your pet very ill or even cause death! Most pet owners are well aware of the dangers chocolate can cause to our canine friends, but there are many other foods that are just as dangerous. Raisins, grapes, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, walnuts, potato peels, tomatoes, coffee, and avocados are all quite harmful too! Xylitol is an ingredient often used in sugar free candy, cookies, and gum and even in small doses can cause liver damage and low blood sugar in dogs! Cooked bones of any type should be avoided – once a bone is cooked, it will easily splinter and can tear your dog’s internal organs! Fruit pits and seeds such those from apples, cherries, and peach pits contain cyanide, which is a poison.
Did you know that many of the common plants found in or outside of your home are harmful or deadly to your pets? Azaleas, lilies, oleander, rhododendron, sago palms, tulip bulbs, yew, ferns, aloe, elephant ears, honeysuckle, mistletoe, poinsettias, holly, and many types of ivy are all very common, and very dangerous to your pet! Before you buy new plants, check to make sure they are not harmful to your pets. In some cases, it just takes ingestion of one leaf to kill! If you do have indoor plants, make sure that they are out of the reach of your pet, such as on a high shelf or counter. If you have a cat that likes to climb or a dog that gets into everything, you may want to consider getting rid of any harmful plants all together… Better safe than sorry!
Most household cleaners are safely used around pets. However, always make sure that these products are safely put away. If ingested, these same products are not so safe! Pine oil cleaners can cause liver damage if ingested. Some dogs and cats like to drink out of the toilet bowl. If you use any sort of puck that remains in the bowl to clean it automatically, you are better off keeping the lid closed- These chemicals are hazardous to your pet’s health and should not be ingested! Mouse and insect killers that are placed around the house can harm your pet’s paws if they come in contact with it. They are also damaging if your pet eats them! Keep all cleaning products in a secure cabinet out of the reach of your pet and keep them in their original packaging or a clearly labeled and tightly sealed container.
There are many other every day things around your house that can hurt your pets if ingested, such as tobacco, mothballs, NSAIDS such as Tylenol and aspirin, fabric softener, detergents, and sun block. Pennies minted after 1982 contain zinc, which can cause kidney failure and damage to red blood cells if eaten. Any small objects such as toys, string, or rubber bands can pose a choking hazard, as well as cause intestinal blockage or strangulation.
It is always a good idea to have a pet first aid kit , in case of emergency, but if your pet comes in contact with a toxin, its best to take them immediately to a vet. Some signs of poisoning are vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, listlessness, fever, and muscle tremors. Timing is critical when treating accidental poisoning. The longer a toxin is present in your pet’s body, the more damage done!
How to Properly Walk Your Dog
Walking your dog is one of the many joys of being a dog owner. It is a chance for you to spend time with your furry friend and bond. Unfortunately, for many of us dog owners, taking our pups out for a stroll can be a nightmare. Does your dog pull? Does it feel like he is walking you, instead of the other way around? With just a little training, you can curb this negative behavior, and enjoy, rather than dread, your walks together.
The easiest way to introduce a leash and encourage good walking habits is to start when your dog is a puppy. Get a light-weight dog leash and attach it to your puppy’s collar . Drop the leash on the floor and let your puppy drag it around. Talk to him, pet him, whatever makes your puppy feel comfortable. Leave the leash on for a few minutes at a time, several times a day, to help your pup get used to having a leash attached. Never leave the leash on your puppy when he is unattended- he could get tangled around something and get hurt.
If your dog is used to wearing a leash, you can move forward with training. The most important thing to remember when walking your dog is to never let them walk in front of you- always on your side or behind you. When you allow your dog to walk in front of you, you are giving him the message that he is the pack leader, over you. In a dog pack the leader always goes first. The reason dogs pull is because when they walk in front, they feel that they are the leader. To your dog, this is a big responsibility and will make him anxious, and in turn, pull on the lead. If you train your dog to “heel”, or walk beside you, he will view you as the leader and can then relax and enjoy his walk.
“Heeling” means that your dog walks beside your knee and matches your pace, then immediately sits when you stop. The heel position is on your left side. To train your dog to “heel”, begin with the dog on your left side. Say “heel” and begin to walk forward. If your dog pulls ahead, spin around suddenly and begin walking in the opposite direction. The dog will follow you, naturally, and this will put him right back at your side. Again, say “heel”. When he is back in place, praise your dog and give him dog treats . Repeat this action every time he pulls ahead. It may be frustrating for a while, and take a bit to get where you are going, but it will be rewarding for both you and your dog in the long run.
