Eco Friendly Dog Products

Posted: 26th January 2012 by Michelle in Pet Supplies
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Dog lovers everywhere love their animals and they also love the planet. When it comes time to take care of their animals, they are always on the lookout for great products that will not harm the environment. Taking care of the environment and your dog at the same time makes you feel great. It is a win-win situation.

The first place to look for such a product is in their dog shampoos. If you need to use a hypoallergenic shampoo, then try Vet’s Best Hypo-Allergenic Shampoo made with all natural ingredients. This great shampoo is made with vitamin D and aloe vera so that your dog’s coat will shine. The dog will probably stop its scratching since its coat will feel so great.

The second place to look for environmentally friendly products is in their feeding bowls. Many companies make feeding bowls for Fido from bamboo. The very best ones are made by the Harry Barker Company. These bowls combine bamboo with rice husks. All bamboo that is cut will fully regrow within seven years. Rice husks are a byproduct of the production of rice. This makes it totally earth friendly so you can feel great about feeding Fido in this product as there are no chemicals to leach into his water or food.

Of course, after feeding your dog, you will have to clean up after him. BioBag USA 100% Compostable Dog Waste Bags are the perfect solution when cleaning up after your dog. They are 100 percent compostable so you will do the earth a huge favor with no plastic bags that fill up the landfill. These bags make it easy to clean up with a pack of 50. You will feel great that you are helping to take care of the world.

You will love being able to take care of the environment at the same time that you are taking care of your dog. It is so easy with the right shampoo, the right feeding and watering bowls and the right dog waste bags. With these three products your dog will stay healthy and your world will be a better place.

Saving Money on Dog Products

Posted: 21st December 2011 by Michelle in Pet Supplies
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Having a dog requires not only your constant time and attention, it is also a responsibility that costs money as you need to make sure your dog has the right medical care, food, water, shelter and toys for a happy and healthy life. One of the ways you can start to save money on dog products is to start with shopping smarter for dog food. Your dog eats every day, and therefore, dog food will be one of the larger and regular costs associated with your dog. Shopping sales advertisements, clipping coupons, using a Target coupon code online, contacting manufacturers for coupons and free samples, buying in bulk at warehouse clubs and comparing prices can all help shave some money off of your food budget for your dog.

To save money on other items, shop at discount stores and look for clearance rack items when you need dog beds, collars, leashes and even toys. You can also share items with other dog owners if you want something different, and have a friend who has a dog as well. In fact, for cages, crates and feeding bowls, you can find lower cost alternatives by shopping at second hand stores and flea markets.

The health of your dog can also be a big expense, and especially if your dog requires maintenance medication for a medical condition. To save money you need to have pet insurance and make sure to shop online or seek out the best price for all medications so you can save money on all dog products. You may need to have a prescription from your veterinarian for medication, however, if you are open and honest with your vet that you are trying to save money; the majority of vets will willingly give you prescriptions or work with you to order medications from a less expensive source if the vet cannot match the best price you have found elsewhere.

What Is Your Dog Allowed to Eat?

Posted: 15th November 2011 by Michelle in Dog Food
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It is important for dogs to get the right nutrition so they live long and healthy. The kind of food they eat will affect the quality of their lives. Dogs that eat unhealthy foods are prone to sickness. The results could be fatal. Just like humans, dogs have particular nutritional needs too such as:

Bones. The dog’s body system actually needs bones to be able to function properly. Bones are made up of living tissues which provide dogs with a variety of nutrients such as minerals, proteins and fats.

Meat. Meat should be given to dogs within limits. The healthy dog diet should not comprise mainly of meat and should include other important nutrients too like vegetables and fruits. Meat provides dogs with protein, methionine, potassium, sodium and Vitamin B.

Vegetables. These are necessary part of the dog’s nutrition because they promote the dog’s health. Vegetables contain omega 3 essential fatty acids, vitamins, phytochemicals and antioxidants necessary for them to stay healthy and fit. Avoid giving dogs onions and garlics though because these can cause anemia. Vegetables that are beneficial to dogs are: celery, spinach, cayenne pepper, broccoli and carrot. Natural balance dog food is always the way to go.

Offal. These are internal organs of animals. They are needed in the dog’s diet but in small amounts. Liver provides a huge concentration of vitamin A. Kidneys are great source of protein, vitamins A,D,E,K, essential fatty acids, zinc, iron and B vitamins. Tripe is another animal organ that provides health benefits to dogs. Tripe contains essential enzymes, omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, phytonutrients and probiotics. Heart is another animal organ that should form part of dog food. Heart is a great source of taurine, vitamin B, iron, essential fatty acids and vitamin A.

Fruits. Fruits should form part of the dog’s diet. These are energy foods like carbohydrates. They contain enzymes and antioxidants which keep the dog’s body healthy. Fruits can also slow down the degeneration and aging process. Remove the seeds, stems and leaves of the fruits before giving them to dogs. These can cause problems if not removed.

Fruits that are excellent for dogs include whole apple, whole pear, whole orange and whole grapefruit. Avocado should not be given to dogs because they contain persin which is toxic to them. Grapes and raisins should not be given to dogs either because these can lead to kidney failure. Macadamia nuts is a big no-no for dogs because this can poison them. Persimmons, peaches and plums are also dangerous to dogs because these can cause intestinal inflammation.

These foods provide dogs with energy, help maintain health of liver, brain, heart and nerve tissue. Glucose in meats helps the brain function better. It also helps build anti bodies that can strengthen the immune system and wards off illnesses. Deficiency in these nutrients can cause poor health and various health problems in dogs.

Fun Clothes Your Dogs Can Wear

Posted: 28th October 2011 by Michelle in Toys
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We all love our pets. They bring a certain happiness into our lives that is unexplainable. One thing that we enjoy doing is dressing up our dogs. It seems a little silly but dog clothes is somewhat of a guilty pleasure for pet owners. Then there are some that share no guilt in it at all. They love to dress their dogs up like little people. Besides many pet owners consider their dogs their “babies” anyway, so it seems natural and harmless fun. Sometimes you can find matching dog t shirts so that you and your lovely companion can look a like and “wow” the town.

Surprisingly, there are some dog clothes that can actually benefit our dogs. If you have a short-haired dog, a certain piece of clothing can actually keep him or her warm in the winter and provide a layer of protection from the sun in the summer. So when you are shopping for fun dog clothes, there are some features you should consider before you make a purchase, such as: materials, durability, size, safety, style, design, washable.

These features of course will protect you pet and provide him or her the highest level of comfort. You undoubtedly do not want your dog to be uncomfortable just to make you happy? It does not matter if you choose a fun Hawaiian shirt, ballerina tutu, or angora sweater you should make sure that you pick clothes that are made from lightweight, sturdy, yet comfortable materials. Believe it or not, dog clothes are not cheap, so you want to make sure that, just like your clothes, you have these clothing items for a long time. Besides, once your dog reaches a certain age his body is not going to change that much. Make sure that you check the care labels in order to determine how to care for your dog’s clothes. Also, check the stitching as well as the seams for durability and quality.

Now onto the fun stuff. The design, style, and color of the dog is ultimately up to you but you should get items that reflect your dog’s personality. There are literally hundreds of doggie designers that can create either one-of-a kind pieces for you and your dog or you can pick something equally fabulous off of the rack. If you have a small dog, like a Pomeranian, chihuahua, or Yorkshire Terrier, you can find cute things like paw protectors to cover their dainty little feet. There are also pajamas, coats, and parkas that you can buy to protect their thin coats. Not to mention all of the cool accessories that you can get as well; from hats, sunglasses, to bedazzled collars and even tiaras. You can even find matching outfits and complimentary costumes to be worn on special occasions.

So when choosing dog clothes have fun with it but keep you dog’s comfort level at the forefront too.

How to Care For a Dog

Posted: 3rd September 2011 by Michelle in Dog Care
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So, your mind is made up, you’ve researched different breeds and have decided to adopt a canine companion. Not a cat, not a gerbil, not a parakeet but a dog! No matter whether you obtain your canine from a pet store, rescue, shelter or breeder, the requirements to properly take care of a dog are much the same. There will be certain differences required depending on whether the dog is an older mature adult or a puppy.

First and foremost is preparing your home for the dog. Where will the dog stay most of the time, inside or out? If out, do you have a fenced yard when the dog is out or how will the dog be contained so it doesn’t run off? If not a fenced yard, possibly a kennel? If that is where the dog is to stay the next thing to consider is your year round climate. The dog will require protection from the elements. It will need shade from the hot summer sun, heat and humidity and somewhere warm and dry in rain, hail and snow storms not to mention severe cold and wind chill temperatures.

If the dog will be kept in the house it will need to be house trained to not eliminate inside. A crate is good for this. Not only can you contain the dog when you can’t be home but it also creates a safe feeling and place for the dog to be as dogs are considered den animals similar to wolves and coyotes. The crate will help to keep the dog out of trouble.

A good quality dog food and dish for the food will need to be purchased, as well as a water bowl, a collar and leash, grooming tools-brush, comb, nail clippers and shampoo unless you decide to hire a groomer will keep your dog in tip top shape.

Also keeping your dog is necessary for taking care of your dog. Walking on a daily basis helps to keep your dog fit. If you don’t have time to walk your dog hiring a dog walker can help. An easy search for example “dog walkers san francisco” will find you a great trained dog walker. Walking your dog and playing outside is necessary for a dogs well being.

So, your home is ready, you’ve made your purchases and have picked out the dog of your choice. You are now ready for the big day when you bring your new dog home and begin to learn all there is to take care of a dog. Don’t make it harder than it has to be. Get to know the dog, take him from room to room in your home and let him sniff and get to know your scent. Take him outside and walk him around the borders of your yard. Fill his water bowl with cool clean fresh water and give him a drink. If it is around meal time when you will be normally feeding him, prepare his food bowl. When he has finished eating, take him outside again for awhile and give him a chance to eliminate. If he is not ready then, wait awhile and try again. Let him rest in his new environment and get used to you. When bedtime arrives, make sure to take your new companion outside one more time and then put him in his crate if that is where he is to sleep. Make sure to praise him each time he does what you are trying to get him to do. Communication with a dog is very important but takes time. Include play time and training and it will all fall into place quickly and soon you will be a disciplined dog owner and care giver.

Don’t forget to properly clean and care for your dog as well as locate a good vet who will administer the proper vaccinations and medicines needed for flea and tick control and a healthy life to help you enjoy life with your new companion and take the very best care of your dog.

How to Clean Your Dog

Posted: 22nd August 2011 by Michelle in Dog Care
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Keeping your dog clean is very important. Dogs are always prone to fleas and those horrible smells. No dog owner wants their dog to smell and have fleas. In order to keep a dog fresh and clean you have to clean them regularly. Their hygiene is just as important as yours is but unfortunately, very few people know how to clean their dog correctly. Continue reading to learn how to clean your dog the right way.

1. Gather all the items needed.
Before you get your dog, make sure that you have prepared a workspace. Have all of the items you need such as dog shampoo, sponges, towels, and conditioner ready.

2. Brush your dog
The first thing that should be done before washing your dog is brushing through your dog’s coat. Make sure to check for ticks, inspect your dog’s skin, and make sure the coat is healthy.

3. Wet the coat
Thoroughly wet the dog’s coat before applying any shampoo. Do not forget to wet the tail, legs, belly and chest. You should think about investing in a handheld bidet to help clean your dog’s sensitive areas.

4. Apply shampoo
Apply a generous amount of shampoo and work into a lather. Do not forget to clean the face and head of your dog as well (be careful not to get soap into the eyes). Also, be sure to clean inside the ears with a damp towel.

5. Rinse
Rinse out all the shampoo. If you choose to add conditioner do this now then rinse again.

6. Dry
Thoroughly dry your dog and apply eardrops to avoid ear infections.

Overall, cleaning your dog is an easy process that should not take much time. Just ensure that they are clean and that their skin and coat are healthy. Bath time is the perfect way to spend time with your dog and give it the care that it needs.

How to Adopt a Dog

Posted: 7th July 2011 by Michelle in Adoption
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The decision to adopt a dog and bring them into your home is a lasting one and should be made with careful consideration and thought. It can also be a rewarding experience as long as you take into account some important factors. What breed of dog best suits you and your family? Are you looking for a puppy or adult dog? How much room do you have for the dog to run around and play? The following are some helpful tips to ensure you and your new addition have a lasting friendship.

Research the various breeds to determine the type of dog that will best fit in with you and your lifestyle. For instance, if you have children, select a dog that is family oriented and gets along well with kids. Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers make excellent choices for homes with small children. If you have limited room and space, select a smaller type of breed like Beagles and Boston Terriers.

Take into consideration how much time you will be able to devote to the dog. Think about what will happen to the dog when you are at work or away traveling. Do you have a spouse, family member, neighbor or pet sitter that can help with the dog when you’re away for more than a few hours? This all needs to be sorted out before bringing a new addition into your home.

Now that you’ve done your homework, it’s time to begin the search. There are a number of places that you can adopt a dog from like the pound, animal rescue organizations and shelters. Fees are typically low and the dogs have been spayed or neutered.

Once you’ve arrived at the adoption center, meet as many dogs as possible before making your decision. Play with the dogs, take them out for a walk and get to know their personality traits. This will help you determine if they are the right fit for you and your home. Look for a dog that is endearing to you physically and in terms of their personality also. Take into consideration how well the dog responds to you. Do they appear excited and playful? Do you feel a bond or connection?

When it comes to selecting a dog, trust your instincts. You will know which dog is the perfect fit for your home. The right dog will be a loving addition for years to come.