Dog Articles

Bringing a dog into your life often means that trips out of town can become a little more complicated. Sometimes you can’t bring your dog with you, sometimes you don’t want to bring them with you, and some dogs simply don’t want to go with you — at least not all the time. Where do you leave your dog when you’re away? This is usually a tough question, especially if you can’t find someone you know who has the time (or experience) to care for your pet. On the other hand, Internet pet sitting services have made it easier than ever to find a sitter, but not all sitters are created equal. And many people prefer to board their dogs at their vet or with another reputable facility.

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Topics: Dogs, travel with pets, holiday safety, Travel, pet sitting, treatment authorization, pet health, pet sitter, dog boarding

Ah, Halloween; the time of year when no one is allowed to say that you can’t dress up as a superhero while eating enough sugar to put yourself into low-Earth orbit. For you, Halloween might be a fun reprieve from normal clothes, as well as a candy-fueled kickoff to the holidays. But for a dog it presents a new batch of hazards. Here are the Top 10 Halloween dangers for dogs you need to watch out for.

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Topics: Dog Safety, pet safety tips, Dogs, Xylitol Dogs, canine chocolate toxicity, Toxicity in dogs, Blog, Pet costumes, Dog costumes, Halloween, Trick or Treat

Does tug of war make dogs aggressive?

You might have heard that playing tug of war with your dog, especially a puppy, puts them on the path toward aggression. If you’ve heard this, you’ve heard wrong. 

Playing tug of war with a dog will not necessarily cause them to become aggressive. How you play tug of war might lead to aggressive behaviors, but it’s remarkably easy to stay on the right path. Why would you want to? Well, playing tug of war with your dog can be extremely beneficial for both of you.

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Topics: Play & Environment, Dogs, Dog Behavior, Dog toys, aggression in dogs, how to play with your dog

Potty training on the 28th floor

You’ve done your research to find the perfect puppy for your apartment life and you bought the toys and training aids. The phone numbers for your veterinarian and animal poison control are on the fridge, puppy classes are booked, and your homemade first aid kit is at the ready. Now the time has come to finally welcome home the new addition to your family, but there’s one problem: you’ve just entered the front door of your 28^th floor apartment and your new puppy needs to go... NOW!

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Topics: Dogs, Puppy Training, Puppy, Crate training a puppy, Dog Behavior, Potty Training, Adopted Dogs

Warm water gently flows down the body. Strong, yet tender hands massage the perfect combination of soaps and conditioners from head to toe. Each hair is expertly styled—bringing out all the beauty that hides beneath. Finally, the nails are shaped, filed and finished to rival the best mani-pedis around. 

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Topics: Puppies, Dogs, Socialization, Anxiety in Dogs, Blog, Grooming

Your dog and their groomer—a relationship of trust

Since the day you got your newest four-legged member of your family, you have (hopefully) been preparing them for the outside world and all the experiences that’ll come ahead. One of the more important aspects of their socialization is relationship building. Relationships with family, friends, their veterinarian, other dogs, maybe even a kitty or two. Another important bonding experience that they’ll most-likely have is with their groomer. After all, the dog/dog groomer relationship is based on two-way trust. Each have to be—not just comfortable with the other—they need to have confidence in each other. Neither the dog, nor the groomer, wants to have any fear whatsoever from the other. Remember, there’s a lot of personal space being invaded while your pup is getting all cleaned, cut and coiffed!

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Topics: Dogs, Socialization, Anxiety in Dogs, Blog, Grooming

Bringing Home a New Dog

Bringing home a dog is an exciting time for everyone involved. However, while you get to return to the comfort of your home, your new pet might not initially feel the same comfort. They’re in an unfamiliar environment with new people, new smells, and a new routine.

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Topics: Dogs, Dog Behavior, Blog, Potty Training, Separation Anxiety, Adopted Dogs

The holiday season often means vacation

And while it’s always nice to include your pets in your travel plans, doing so isn’t always practical or possible. It’s at times like these that more and more people are turning to pet sitters and family/friends to watch and help care for their cats and dogs (and other pets).

When you're away from your pet though – who's authorized to make their medical care decisions on your behalf?

You'll likely think to leave behind instructions regarding feeding, walking, and medicating your pets. But are you aware of the importance of leaving whoever is going to be watching after your pets another very important bit of information, too – authorization for medical care decisions in your absence? 

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Topics: Dogs, travel with pets, holiday safety, Cats, Travel, pet sitting, treatment authorization, pet health

National Pet Suffocation Awareness Week is Nov. 25 – Dec. 1, 2018

Pets suffocate in chip and snack bags literally every day. It takes as few as 3–5 minutes for a dog or cat rummaging through a bag for crumbs to asphyxiate. It can happen to any pet, regardless of their size, age, or strength; and it can, and has, happened even when the pet owners are in the same home, maybe even in the next room over.

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Topics: pet safety, Dogs, Cats, Pet Suffocation, Chip Bags

Arthritis and Dogs: A Common and Treatable Problem

Our dogs are living longer these days, which is unequivocally great! With advancing years though it’s common to see a host of medical and cognitive problems develop in aging dogs. One of the big ones, and one which can often be the easiest (yes, that’s right, I said “easiest”) to deal with is when dogs start to have problems getting up and getting around. Fortunately, helping your aging, arthritic dog with such mobility issues doesn’t mean you have to remodel your house or move to a single-story rancher. Helping them and improving their quality of life also needn’t be backbreaking (or bank-breaking) for you, and it isn’t even all about medications! There's lots of simple, inexpensive, and effective things you can get and do to improve your aging, arthritic dog's mobility.

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Topics: Dog Health, Dogs, medication, Pain, Arthritis in dogs, Dog-friendly products, Mobility, Aging