Dental hygiene is just as important for dogs as it is for humans. Like people, dogs can experience dental disease and cavities. In fact, 80% of dogs over the age of three experience dental disease, most commonly, periodontal disease. Keeping your pups teeth clean is …
Whether you got a new pup for Christmas or are looking to add one to your family this year, you’re probably overwhelmed with all that comes with bringing home a new puppy. There are thousands of articles about the best foods, treats, and toys that …
If you live in a colder environment that experiences snow and icy conditions, you may be wondering the best practices for taking Fido outside in the winter. Many dogs love to play in the snow, and their daily walks should not be stopped just because the temperature drops. However, taking precautions is necessary to keep your pup safe and warm all winter long. Today I’m sharing 5 tips for taking your dog out in the snow.
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1. Know When They’re Too Cold
My Siberian husky adores the cold and snowy weather. She’ll stay outside for hours in the snow if I let her, however, this isn’t the case with every dog. While some breeds are built with thicker coats to protect them from freezing temperatures, many have shorter coats that don’t protect them quite as well.
When introducing your dog to the snow, let them out for short periods of time and keep a close eye on them while they’re out. This is one of the most important tips for taking your dog out in the snow.
Keep an eye out for signs that they’re too cold such as:
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to bring them indoors.
2. Acclimate Them to the Cold
Introduce your dog to the snow and cold weather in brief periods of time. If they do well outside for 10 minutes, you can try 20. As long as your pup doesn’t seem too cold, they’re fine to stay out longer. Once you notice they’re getting too cold, bring them back inside.
3. Learn How to Warm Them Up
If you think your dog is too cold, do your best to warm them up as quickly as possible. Throw a blanket or towel in the dryer for a couple minutes and then wrap it around them. A hot, wrapped, water bottle is a good tool for warming up a dog quickly as well.
If you have a small breed or short haired dog, buying them a coat or sweater is a good idea for keeping them warm while they’re outdoors.
4. Watch for Antifreeze
Antifreeze tastes sweet to your dog, but is toxic. Avoid letting your dog lick or eat anything off of the ground during the winter and always wipe down their paws after walks or time spent outdoors.
5. Protect Their Paws
Like humans, dogs also experience chapping in the colder months. Protect their paws from cracking by using a paw balm or moisturizer regularly.
You can also purchase booties for your pup to keep their paws warm and safe as they play.
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Every year thousands of people across the globe make a pledge to eat healthier in the New Year. This year, get your pup in on the healthy eating trend as well. While dog treats aren’t necessarily made to be healthy (they are treats after all), …
Rawhide chews have been a popular choice amongst pet parents for years. They last forever, they’re reasonably priced, and dogs seem to love them. Despite their popularity, rawhide is incredibly dangerous for your pet. They’re made with toxic ingredients and pose as a choking hazard. Today I’m going to share the dangers of rawhide and alternatives you can buy instead.
Rawhide is the inner layer of cow or horse hides. They’re cleaned and stripped of hair and go through a similar manufacturing process as leather. The process of cleaning rawhide uses chemicals, such as sodium sulfide, that are toxic to dogs. They are then soaked in hydrogen peroxide to whiten them before being pressed into dog chews. Rawhide is often coated in a meat flavoring to make them more appealing to dogs.
Choking
Choking is the biggest of the dangers of rawhide. Rawhide starts out as a durable chew but as it gets wet it becomes soft and stretchy. It’s common for dogs to accidentally chew off a piece that is too large to swallow. When this happens the rawhide can get lodged in its throat, blocking the airway, resulting in a choking dog.
Signs of choking in a dog include:
Blockage
Another one of the dangers of rawhide is blockage. If a piece of rawhide is successfully swallowed, it can swell up in the stomach or intestines and cause a blockage of the digestive tract. When this happens surgery is often required to fix it. Because rawhide is not digestible, dogs must pass it should they swallow any. When they don’t, a blockage can occur.
Contamination
Salmonella is a danger of rawhide chews because they are made from animal skin. Humans and their pets can contract salmonella from infected rawhide chews. It’s not uncommon for rawhide to have traces of salmonella in them and there have been multiple instances of rawhide chews being recalled due to salmonella contamination.
So are you convinced that you shouldn’t be giving rawhide to your pet yet? Luckily, there are plenty of alternatives for those dogs who love to chew.
Bully sticks have been one of my dogs favorite treats since she was a puppy. They are a natural chew and easily digestible making them a great treat for dogs of all ages. They come in a variety of sizes to suit every dogs chewing styles.
Himalayan yak chews are a thick chew that are great for tough chewers. They are made of hardened yak and cow cheese and will last longer than most natural chews.
3. Marrow Bones
You can purchase marrow bones at many pet stores or from your local butcher shop. They are the larger bones of animals, such as the hip bone, making them less of a choking hazard.
Fish skin sticks are chews made from the skin of fish. They are one of the healthiest chews you can give to your pup and most dogs absolutely love them. They are a smellier treat though and may best be enjoyed outside.
5. Dental Chews
There are tons of dental chew options on the market so it is best to research thoroughly to find the best one for your pet. Dental chews are generally 100% digestible and will remove plaque from dogs teeth while giving them the satisfaction of chewing.
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Puppies have been at the top of Christmas wish lists for years. Many boys and girls dream of running downstairs on Christmas morning to be greeted by a ball of fluff under the tree. But is gifting a puppy for the holidays a smart decision? Controversy has surrounded the topic for decades. Luckily, for those with their heart set on a furry friend for Christmas, the gift of a puppy isn’t a horrible idea. As long as you follow these tips, you can give the ultimate gift this holiday season.
Surprising the family with a dog may not be the best way to go about gifting a puppy for the holidays. A dog is a commitment for many years and you have to ensure that the entire household is on board for caring for it. Talk to your family to make sure everyone is committed to feeding, walking, and caring for Fido forever. You don’t want anyone to get bored of him once he’s no longer a cute and tiny puppy.
Research different dog breeds before picking the one that is best for you. All dog breeds have different behavioral traits and health concerns that come with them. You have to do your research to plan how to best care for and train your new family member. Don’t pick a puppy based solely on looks, as that will change as they grow anyway. Sure, that golden retriever is a tiny ball of fluff now, but in a year he will be a large, crazy, shedding machine and you have to be prepared.
Many Christmas puppies find themselves in shelters come summertime, because their family prepared for a puppy and not a large breed dog. According to the AKC, there are over 340 dog breeds recognized around the world. This means there’s a breed out there for every lifestyle. Do your research to make sure you pick the best one for you and your family.
If you’re gifting a puppy for the holidays, research the different breeders and rescues in your area before settling on one. Ensure your pup is background and health tested to avoid issues later on. Never buy from a pet store or backyard breeder.
Dogs cost a lot of money. You will need supplies such as bowls, leashes, food, and treats. You’ll have to pay thousands of dollars over the years in vet bills. If you travel frequently you’ll need to arrange pet sitting or boarding. Make sure that you’re in a good situation financially before gifting a puppy for the holidays.
The holidays are a stressful time full of hustle and bustle. If you have your heart set on surprising your kids with a puppy on Christmas morning, consider wrapping a framed picture of the dog. Then you can pick it up once the holidays have whined down. This way, you’re still gifting a puppy for the holidays, but you aren’t having to make plans for where he or she will be while you go to visit family for Christmas dinner.
Purchase all supplies before bringing home your new furry friend. This way you won’t be out during last minute holiday shopping, trying to find dog bowls and toys. Here is a list of some must-have puppy items to make sure you have everything you need before gifting a puppy for the holidays.
Pros
There are a lot of pros to gifting a puppy for the holidays! Everyone is home from school and work, meaning you have plenty of time to dedicate to training and caring for the new family member. You can get the whole family involved in naming the puppy and learning all the responsibilities that come with being a dog owner. Plus, a puppy is a gift that nobody will ever forget, and it’ll be a fond holiday memory for years to come.
Cons
You’ll likely be traveling to visit family, or having family come to visit you for the holidays. This will be stressful to the puppy as they try to get used to their new environment. Another con of gifting a puppy for the holidays is that the colder weather makes potty training even less fun. New puppies have to be taken out very frequently when they’re learning to go potty outside. If it gets cold where you live, this is an important factor to consider.
While there is a lot to consider, gifting a puppy for the holidays can be done successfully. Have you ever been gifted a puppy for the holidays? Share your stories in the comments below!
This post may contain affiliate links. The holidays are all about spending time with family, being grateful, and getting great deals on all the products we want and need. With Black Friday only a couple days away, it’s time to start planning your shopping to …