Author: rgoessel

As the loving pet parent that you are, you’ve probably done everything possible to keep your dog in prime health. You provide him with the most healthy foods, make sure he exercises daily, and even book appointments with the vet for preventative care. 

That’s all great, now, up next is his teeth! Pups cannot get cavities like us, but they can have other dental issues like tartar, plaque build-up; and in the long run, gingivitis.

Beyond bad breath and yellow teeth, these dental problems can become a big deal if they’re not taken care of early. So, to avoid them altogether, here are 4 tips that would surely help: 

1. Brushing Regularly

In puppy parenting, brushing your pup’s teeth is an experience that might take a while to get used to; for both you and your pup. But, it’s the easiest and most cost-effective way for you to ensure oral care right at home. It’s advisable to brush your dog’s teeth daily to prevent the build-up of bacteria, plaque, or tartar. To do this:

• Get a soft-toothed brush or a finger brush and special toothpaste formulated for dogs. Always use pet-formulated toothpaste! Why? Human toothpaste contains substances that are not great for dogs.

• If brushing directly proves to be a battle or you simply want to switch up dental care routines, you can make use of dental wipes. When rubbed against your puppy’s teeth, it helps get rid of plaque, and remaining food particles.

• Another alternative is using dog mouthwash. When diluted into water bowls, the mouthwash helps in killing germs and reducing plaque. Please, do not use human mouthwash.

You can find all of these products at your local pet supply store or veterinary office.

2. Feed Appropriate Foods

To make oral care even easier, you can grab some treats that are great for cleanliness. Dry foods are generally better than soft foods. The crunchy treats help scrape away tartar as they feed. Soft foods, however, stick to the teeth and cause faster build-up. Ask your dog’s veterinarian  for a diet plan if you’re at a loss at which way to go.

3. Use Chew Toys And Bones For Cleaning

There are several synthetic chew toys and bones specifically designed to keep your dog’s teeth and gums clean. The constant gnawing at these toys removes plaque and causes them to secrete saliva that protects their tooth.

However, avoid giving your pup hard nylon toys or natural bones. For one, they may chew so hard that it comes apart and lodges or obstructs. Secondly, your pup’s dentition may not be sufficiently developed and hard bones can cause damage. 

4. Schedule Checkups And Cleanings

Even with your finest efforts to keep your fur baby’s oral health top-notch, it’s unlikely that you give a thorough cleaning the way a vet would. 

Take your dog to the vet (six months intervals) to carry out routine checkups, teeth polishing, and gum line cleaning.

However, if you notice any of the following symptoms below, we recommend scheduling a vet visit versus waiting for your bi-annual dental appointment.

• Has terrible breath.
• Produces excessive drools.
• Extra teeth (has a lot of teeth growing in a small space).
• White, swollen, or bleeding gums.
• Broken, discolored (brown, gray, or black) or crooked teeth.
• Is sensitive to touch around the face.
• Exhibit a change in eating and chewing habits.

Bringing a pet home for the first time is super exciting but at the same time, you could feel overwhelmed. Your lifestyle (and your family) is about to take a new turn; for the better. 

You might be thinking about the new responsibilities, but it really wouldn’t feel that way. If anything, they are very enjoyable and you would start looking forward to them in no time. 

Now, to make the whole transition process very easy for you and your pup here are some tips that you can follow: 

1. Prepare Supplies Beforehand

One of the key ways of eliminating any stress with having a new pet is getting many of the required supplies beforehand. 

Leashes, collars, litter boxes, identification tags, water and food bowls, toys, treats, and food are all necessities when bringing your pet dog home.   

If you know the food your dog has been eating, it’s best to get the exact same one for your pup. Introducing new foods right away, together with the change in environment, can stress your pet and disrupt his digestive system.

2. Puppy-proof Your Home

Imagine your puppy as a toddler in the house. And just like toddlers, they have a knack for getting into places they shouldn’t or gobbling up things unsafe for their health. 

To this end, you need to gate off dangerous areas, remove wires from the way, and secure decorations firmly. Puppies are always on a treasure hunt, so ensure everything that could hurt them is taken out of their little paws’ reach.

3. Set Up A Routine

When you just get a pet, it is best to establish a consistent routine right away to allow peaceful transitions. Create a routine or playtime, bedtime, and mealtime. Plan for walks, extra trips to parks, and even bathroom breaks.

When planning the routine, note that pups require more exercise and bathroom breaks more often than adult dogs.

4. Find a Good Vet

Getting a good vet will make adapting to your pet almost seamless. A good vet will educate you about behavior patterns, your dog’s health, and everything you need to know about owning a dog. 

Schedule an appointment during the first week you get your pet; and as time progresses, annual and semi-annual appointments should be regular.

5. Start House-training Sessions

As soon as you get your new pet, it is great to establish rules through training sessions. Consistency with training sessions will help them understand what you want and build confidence. It’s so difficult to erase a bad habit when it’s established. 

6. Make Her Comfortable 

Just as kids love having playrooms and places to rest, pups also appreciate places to relax. Set up a section for your pup to just chill.

7. Be Patient

You just have a new family member coming into your house. You need to be patient with your pup and reduce any form of excessive expectations. Life is going to be different, so give yourself time to adjust. Soon enough, you’ll find out that you’ve gotten a loyal friend for life.

Every puppy is perfect in its own way and the magic is in choosing one that is just perfect for you. As a great dog lover, you would probably have a hard time choosing one to live with and love. 

This is because the longing eyes and antics would draw you to them so that you would go home with every single one of them if you could. But choosing that one pup to pour all of your love on shouldn’t be too much of a hassle if you know exactly what you’re looking for. 

Not certain what it is you’re looking for? This article is here for just this. Here are some tips that would help:

1. Do Your Due Diligence 

You need to have sufficient knowledge of the various dog breeds before going ahead to make a choice. Factors ranging from size as an adult to grooming needs to exercising and feeding should all be considered. 

If there’s a particular breed you’re interested in, you should go on the internet and research in-depth so that you’re not caught unprepared at any point.  In addition, if you have a family, you would have to consider other members of your family. 

All of this information will be gathered when you do your due diligence. 

2. Physical Appearance 

A puppy‘s physical appearance is an essential metric for the selection process. Does she look like she’s healthy overall? Is she active or does she just cower in the corner? 

Similarly, features such as the eyes should be clear, the ears should not have a discharge, opening the mouth, the gums should be pink and healthy. 

Furthermore, breathing through the nose should be soundless and done with ease, the fur must look healthy, and check the underbelly for the umbilical hernia. Zero protrusion is what to look out for.

3. Temperament/ Personality 

Doing your due diligence would give you an idea as to the temperament of the dog breed that you’re interested in. However, in addition to that, you should begin observing in person the moment you walk in the door. 

Typically, you shouldn’t order a pup, walk in yourself and watch how the pup interacts with you. For instance, does the pup have a fast recovery rate from the startle of hearing a loud sound like a book drop? 

When you move around the room, does the pup tag along? The answers to questions like this would give you an insight into your puppy’s temperament. 

4. The Right Pet Store 

More than anything, the place where you get your puppy from goes a long way in determining quality of life, particularly in their first few weeks of life. You can always get a notable pet store close to you by doing some internet search, and you might be able to visit the puppies before they are grown enough for new homes. 

This is usually around when they are 7-12 weeks of age. Given that the pet store workers are experienced, you would be able to communicate freely. And of course, you can have them answer some key questions for you.

Potty training is one of the most important first lessons that you have to teach a new pup. Since they haven’t been told otherwise, they wouldn’t see anything wrong with messing the floor up or doing their business anywhere they deem fit. However, you do not want a house-turned-pup toilet on your hand. So, here are some 5 steps to potty train your pup: 

1. Set Up Your Home  

The idea behind potty training is teaching your dog that the entire house is their extra-large den simply because they are known for being averse to soiling their own space. For this, you would need to restrict your pup’s movement around the house until he is old enough to roam without incident. 

You would be needing a dog crate or a baby gate that would restrict your pup to that particular area. The more time they spend there, the less they would feel inclined to mess the place up, hence, potty training would move swiftly. 

2. Use a Potty Cue 

The idea behind a potty cue is so that your pup knows exactly what time it is when you use the word or phrase. It would imply that it’s potty time and at a point, you would be able to get your pup to go potty just by saying it. 

The phrase can be anything, just one that doesn’t come up in regular conversation. The idea is to use the word or phrase just as your dog is starting to do its business in the right spot. 2-3 days after, once you think he’s connected the cue to potty, start mentioning it just as he is getting in potty position. 

After this, the next step is to give it before he even gets into position. This would register as the word or phrase for ‘time to go’.

3. Treating 

Pup training consists of a great deal of treating for positive reinforcement. When you give your dog a treat for doing something, it implies that it is a desirable one and he starts to connect the action to the treat. 

During potty training, if your dog goes to the potty in the right spot, and gets a treat, but never does during accidents, he would start to note that it is the right thing to do. 

Since timing is crucial, you might need to add an approving sound like a click or “yes” at the precise time, and then give the treat later. This way, your pup knows that the treat was for that particular action. 

4. Create a Schedule 

You shouldn’t be alarmed by the fact that you might have to take a puppy to potty up to 10-15 times daily. As a rule of thumb, the bladder develops to hold urine longer every month in pups, so, a month-old pup would be able to hold his bladder for an hour while a 5-month old pup would hold his bladder for up to 5 hours. 

Therefore, it is essential to create a schedule that your pup would start to associate with potty time. For instance, you can make it: First thing in the morning, right after each meal, when your pup gets up from napping, at regular intervals during the day and evening, and right before you go to sleep. 

5. Allow for Playtime 

After your pup has eliminated in the right spot, you can allow him to play around for some minutes without fear that he would soil the place. After this, you can then have him go back to the restricted area. Playtime should be based on the rate of development of your pup’s bladder.

You probably consider yourself a maestro when it comes to identifying dog breeds. The good ol’ reliable German Shepherd, the adorable Labrador Retriever, or the spoiled Chihuahua. 

There are breeds that you see and can identify at the drop of a hat. However, there are a number of dog breeds that are not all that common. There is even a possibility that you’ve never heard of them. Here’s 5 of them:

1. Azawakh 

Azawakhs are known for their fierce loyalty and protectiveness of their owners. Unlike other dog breeds that smell before seeing, this breed is a sight hound and mostly discovers its prey using its sights. 

It stands regal with long legs and has its origins in the Sahel region of Africa, where it stood guard over nomad’s tepees while withstanding the harsh conditions. 

This breed was introduced to America in the 80s, was entered into the American Kennel Club’s Foundation in 1997, and is known to shy away from strangers.  

2. Telonian 

The Telonian is a Malaysian breed and the only known one at that. Specifically trained to catch vermin by the Orang Asil indigenous people, this breed moves really fast and has great sensory abilities. 

It also has a surprising climbing ability which is clearly an adaptation to the homes of the Orang Asil people that were built on stilts to prevent invasion by wild animals. 

3. Norwegian Lundehund 

With a long history dating as far back as the ice age, the Norwegian Lundehund is one of the rarest of dog breeds alive. They feature a crimson coat and were originally intended for hunting down Puffin birds on the edges of coastal cliffs. 

As a result of this hunting environment, over the years, this breed has mastered scaling rocky cliffs. In addition, although pretty close to extinction, it is known as a breed that builds a close-knit relationship with its owner.

4. Thai Ridgeback

The Thai Ridgeback sees its origins in Thailand and just along the breed’s back, you would find a ridge similar to that of the Rhodesian Ridgebacks. This ridge which is found in only three dog breeds refers to a strip that grows away in the opposite direction of the fur. 

Although for a while, they could only be found in Thailand, the breed has started to spread gradually. However, they are notable for their great escape methods and need a close eye kept on them. 

5. Otterhound 

The British Otterhound is ranked one of the most vulnerable dog breeds In the UK. It is believed to be as old as the medieval age and bred mainly to stay on guard during fishing. 

It is kinsmen with the Bloodhound and displays similar virtues such as determination and dexterity. This breed features a healthy and impressive crop of hair and makes for a great companion anyway. 

They eat in a pretty messy manner, and their grooming, well, you can definitely handle it. 

Your dog’s nutritional needs supersedes every other in terms of importance, it is what guarantees your pup would live a long, healthy life. You may skimp from time to time on grooming or neglect to take Milo walking on rare occasions. But for his meals, you want to pay extra care to guarantee that he’s getting all the right nutrients in the right proportions. What are these vital nutrients? Check them out: 

1. Water 

A mature dog’s lean body mass is made up of about 70-80% of water. It is vital for digestion, regulating body temperature, and even the elimination process. On a biological level, it serves as a transportation system for conveying nutrients to the various cells. 

Your pup’s water needs depend on activity level, health, and temperature. Most dogs can regulate water intake on their own, and if your dog is on high-moisture food, they would generally take less water. However, always make clean and fresh water available. 

2. Fat

Fat is a better source of energy than both protein and carbohydrates, supplying up to twice as many calories. It also provides omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which function in protecting the organs, absorbing fat-soluble vitamins, and boosting a healthy nervous system. 

On the flip side, excess fats can cause gastrointestinal problems or pancreatitis, so, it should be well regulated. Pup fat sources include plant-based oils like hemp seed and flaxseed as well as low-mercury fish and fish oil. 

3. Protein

Protein is a source of both essential and non-essential amino acids that your dog needs to stay alive and healthy. Pups are unable to produce their required amount of proteins, so they need to get it from their diet. 

Proteins are responsible for a range of structures ranging from bones to muscles to nails and even healthy hair. It also has some energy components and complements that are supplied by carbs and fat. Fish, eggs, and lean-muscle meats are great sources of protein for pups. 

4. Carbohydrates 

Dogs are able to get a measure of glucose from fat and protein, therefore, carbs are not essential. However, they are important because they are the main source of glucose which supplies energy for daily activity. 

A good measure of carbohydrates also provides the body with minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins for general pup health. It can be gotten from gluten-free grains and legumes. 

5. Vitamins

Vitamins play several important roles such as aiding blood clotting (K), boosting the immune system (A), functioning as antioxidants (C and E), amongst others. 

They are usually required in minute quantities and can be gotten from diets like dog-friendly plant-based foods or muscle meats. 

6. Minerals 

Minerals are essential to the body for sustaining metabolic functions and play a major role in various processes. 

For instance, calcium and phosphorus are a major constituent of bones, iron transports oxygen, zinc aids injury recovery, nerve transmission is aided by sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium amongst other functions. 

Dogs are unable to naturally manufacture minerals, hence, their only source is their diet. Feed like meat and bone is rich in phosphorus and calcium respectively while a great source of zinc is shellfish. 

You are finally taking the summer trip and bringing Ruby along! Planning for a humans-only summer trip is not so much of a hassle, you just have to bring along the regulars. But if you’re going with your pet, then you need to be certain that you’ve made adequate preparation for them. Here are some things to know before beginning the trip:

1. A Visit to the Vet!

A big summer trip or any one for that matter calls for a visit to the vet first off. The main purpose is to check that they’re healthy enough to undertake the journey. It wouldn’t be ideal for a pet who’s facing a series of health or nutrition problems to embark on a big trip. Similarly, a thorough checkup and getting up-to-date vaccination are vet activities, so you shouldn’t be skipping this step. 

2. A Trip Calls for a Carrier  

It would have been a nice idea for your pup to sit up in front, seat belt all tucked in and looking pretty. However, if you would be going on a major trip, whether via land or air, you would need a carrier to guarantee a positive trip experience. You need to size up your crate to supply your pet with more room to move around and great ventilation. It is advisable to purchase the crate in advance so that your pet can get acclimated to it. 

3. Aim for Cool Weather 

For air travel, some airlines only permit pet cargo travel in the mornings or evenings when the weather would be cool. A pet-safe airline like Lufthansa only allows for snub-nosed pet travel when it is guaranteed that both departure and arrival locations would have temperatures under 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Pups are unable to regulate their body temperature as we do, so you would need to look out for cool weather. This applies to road trips too, ensuring that the air conditioning works just great. 

4. Get Their ‘Groom’ On!

Some pre-travel summer grooming might not be a bad idea for your pet. Depending on the breed, they might stand to benefit beyond just looking great. You would need to be careful with the length of their coat. This is because your pup’s hair serves as a cooling system for her and a measure of hair left on could help prevent the skin from experiencing sun damage. So, cutting hair short or giving them a buzz cut could be exposing them to a lot of discomforts during the trip. 

5. Tire Them Out 

Plenty of exercise before departure time is bound to have your pet snoozing or lying around passively during the trip. Not exercising Ruby can cause her to experience anxiety all through the trip, something you want to avoid. Before heading out to the airport or starting the car, get some quick exercises because a tired pup is a calm pup. 

We all want to spoil and care for our pets as best we can, and one major factor that plays in is the financial aspect. This implies money spent on feeding, the vet, pet supplies, grooming products, and toys amongst others. For the most part, this is money that you probably don’t mind spending and perhaps you even enjoy doing so. But certainly, you won’t mind learning some ways to cut back, so, here are some proven ways to save money as a pet parent: 

1. Prioritize Your Pet’s Health 

It’s a fact that most dogs are not big fans of the vet. But maintaining your pup’s quality of life and saving yourself money involves routine trips to a capable vet. By ensuring that your dog gets adequate exercise and a healthy diet, you can start wading off ailments that may come later in their lives. 80% of dogs over age three experience dental problems, so, make sure to keep your pup’s teeth healthy. 

2. Work With a Budget 

Lesson 101 in saving money is working with a budget. This budget would be based on your dog’s needs and topping the list would be recurring expenses like quality food. Some expenses that are far in between such as a vet visit should be planned for ahead of time. After breaking down monthly expenses that are absolutely necessary, you can eliminate the ones that can be dispensed with, and you’re on track to saving money. 

3. Make Your Dog Treats 

You’d be surprised at what all the money you spend on treats sums up to. We can’t help spoiling our pups with chewy treats and tasty goodies and making them yourself can save you a great deal of cash. Homemade dog treats using ingredients you already have at home are surprisingly easy to make and healthier even! You could also make a significant portion and preserve in the freezer. 

4. Regular Doggo Playtime  

If you’ve seen the movie Marley and Me, then you probably understand where this is coming from. A tired dog is a happy dog and in addition, can save you a great deal of money. If you have a dog who constantly needs physical or mental exercise for stimulation, and they aren’t getting it, they could lovingly take it out on your shoes or couch. Provided their teeth and claws can get in, they would stimulate themselves. Save yourself extra expenses by creating playtime for Fido!

5. Groom Your Dog at Home 

Bath time is a pretty great time for bonding. There’s nothing like saving yourself money while deepening the loving bond between you and your pup. Professional groomers could cost a pretty penny, and there’s the stressful drive down there too, depending on how often you groom. When you’re grooming, make sure to concentrate on the coat, the paws, the inside of the ears, and other semi-hidden parts of your dog’s body.

Rewarding Max from time to time for being such a good boy is bound to make him happy. In addition to toys and other products that you can get at the store, you can pour your heart into making a DIY accessory. It could be a couple of toys to boost his plaything portfolio or a comfy piece of cushion for him to snuggle up to. Sound like a plan? Then you should totally check out these exciting DIYs for your dog:

1. Braided T-Shirt Toy 

For this, all you need is a pair of scissors and 2-3 old T-shirts (preferably cotton). 

• Cut the hems off the shirts,
• Make even slits that are about 2-3” wide along the base of the shirts, then rip them up to get the slits,
• Tie off one end of the strips after you’ve gathered them together, and then divide the strips into thirds, 
• Braid starting from the tied part and make your way down to the untied portion of the shirt, all the while ensuring that your braids are tight,
• Once you’ve braided all the way to the bottom, tie it off there and cut off strips that won’t be useful. 

And then you would have made the perfect toy for Max!

2. A Chew Toy 

Making your pup a chew toy is perhaps one of the easiest DIYs. It doesn’t require any cutting up, or braiding, or sewing. All you have to do is:

• Find an old sock that is still pretty firm,
• Wash if dirty. You don’t want Max tasting your feet, do you?
• Get a clean tennis ball,
• Stick it in the sock, and tie the open end up. 

And voila, a great chewing toy for your beloved Max. 

3. Suitcase Dog Bed 

Your pup might have a bed in his designated room or corner, but does he have one in the room where he spends most of his time? The living room. A suitcase dog bed is a super convenient way to solve this minor problem. For starters: 

• Look for a suitcase that your dog would fit into width-wise,
• Get a regular density foam insert from a store that you trust,
• Get fabric that would serve as a covering or case for your foam,
• Cut your foam up so that it perfectly in the bottom of your suitcase,
• Slip your mattress into your pre-sewn cover, make it removable so that you can wash it,
• Fit the foam into your suitcase. 

Watch Max turn this bed into his watchtower. 

4. Dog Shampoo 

Take a break from harsh chemicals and go a bit natural. All you need for your dog shampoo is one cup of dish soap, one cup of apple cider vinegar, two ounces of glycerin, and a bottle to pour your shampoo in. Vinegar has antibacterial and antiseptic properties that calm inflammation and skin irritations, glycerin also helps moisturize your dog’s fur and prevent irritation. You can get glycerin at a drugstore. 

• Pour all your ingredients into a jar, starting with the dish soap,
• Mix by shaking the ingredients thoroughly until even mixing has taken place,
• Pour the mixture into your bottle and keep until the next time you want to wash your pup. 

Beyond licking their food bowls clean and being a good sport at fetch (particularly Golden Retrievers), your pup probably boasts a range of capabilities that you don’t even know about. Are you sometimes surprised by occurrences like your pup picking up a scent that is very far off, or even detecting when you’re sad or scared? No, it’s not sorcery! It’s merely dog physiology, and here are 5 mind-blowing facts that you probably didn’t know about pups generally:

1. Incredible Sense of Smell 

Comparing the area of the human brain that is responsible for smelling to that of your pup, theirs is about 40 times larger. This implies that your dog can pick up a lot more smells than you can imagine. It’s no surprise that they are often used in airports for sniffing out drugs or even people during investigations. They can even pick up on your feelings by smelling a change in your perspiration when you become scared or nervous. It’s not unheard of for a dog to detect certain diseases and there are now cancer-sniffing dogs. 

2. Some Dogs Can Outrun a Cheetah 

This probably sounds far-fetched since you know the cheetah to be the fastest animal. And the Greyhound, the fastest dog breed alive reaches a top speed of 45mph in seconds, while the cheetah easily tops this at 70mph. However, the cheetah can only keep this up for about 30 seconds, while a greyhound can run at 35mph or more for up to 7 miles! So, in the long run (literally), a greyhound would end up overtaking a cheetah. 

3. Super Sensitive Hearing 

You know how you try to tread lightly around sleepy Daisy, but she still stirs, well, it’s because pups can hear much softer sounds than we can. Also, they can hear sounds from further away too! They hear amazingly high frequencies and this one feature contributes to why they’re great for search and rescue. Combining their sense of smell and super-sensitive hearing seals their status as the best trackers. 

4. Doggo Intelligence is On Par With a Two Year Old Human’s

Wonder why your toddler and your pup get along so well? It’s probably because they speak the same language! Studies have shown that your dog can understand up to 250 words or gestures, placing their intelligence on the same level as your two-year-old’s. But of course, your dog is easier to train than your two-year-old, and would probably do what you want her to more often. 

5. Your Dog Has a Dominant Paw!  

Yes, a few studies have centered around this and shown that just like humans, pups also favor a particular paw over the other. How to know your dog’s? Well, give him one of his favorite toys or games and see which paw he reaches out to pull it closer first. Also, look out for the first paw that your pup puts out when preparing to walk. This is another way of detecting their preferred paw.