I’m longing for Shiva
A dog’s lifespan lasts for 10-13 years. We may want them to live longer and stay by our side as we grow older but there are things that we need to bid our farewell. The moment that dog owners fear the most happen to me recently. It’s been three weeks since my pet Shiva, left. At first, it is hard to accept that she’s gone because I’m so used to having her beside me. What hurts the most is staying at home reminds me of a lot of memories of her together. Staying in the living room, bedroom, kitchen, and even the bathroom. I feel so empty when she left. I had times when I cried terribly because I missed her. Nevertheless, life goes on when you lose someone in your life. You continue your daily routine even if you’re so used to having their presence. This is Shiva. She’s ¾ Shih Tzu & ¼ Poodle. Shiva was with me for nine years. Shiva was the type of dog that sticks by your side no matter what. You’ll feel her presence because she’s by my side wherever I go. When Shiva got older, she loved to sleep. Every time she’d sleep, I’d tiptoe because she easily wakes up if she senses that I’m about to go out. Shiva is an introvert around other dogs because she didn’t have any other dog friends besides her sister growing up. Although she’s an extrovert when she’s playing with me, she always sneezes if she’s in her hyper phase. After bathing her, she’s extra playful & likes to run around annoying her sister. I remember the first time I had Shiva. It was along with two other puppies because their mom was my main dog, Hershey. When Hershey was about to give birth, she was running around the house, panicking, one thing led to the other, there they were, Fourchette, the male puppy & Shiva. We initially planned to sell them all but I was too attached to them so we ended up selling the only male puppy. We kept and raised Fourchette and Shiva with us. Staying at home wasn’t boring when I have these two adorable puppies with me. I enjoyed my alone time at home with their company. During my stressful times, seeing their cuteness enlightens my mood. Raising two puppies was never an easy job. Raising a dog is just like raising a kid. You aren’t just the dog’s best friend or a pet owner, you’re a mother. I had these puppies with me at a very young age. Being their mother is a tough responsibility. You have to pay/buy a lot of things as well such as dog food, grooming, healthcare, and necessities. You have a responsibility to watch over that dog. It gets tiring especially at times when you have a lot on your plate & you have to tend to their needs at the same time. It’s super stressful thinking about the finances of raising dogs, however, aside from that, it feels good to have them because you can play/talk/bond with them every time. It feels good because you know that someone loves you no matter what. Even though you forgot to take them out to pee, even though you have to clean after them always, even though you have to feed them before you, yourself could eat, you know that their love for you is still greater than yours. Coming home knowing that someone is eager to greet you is one of the best feelings in the world. If I could describe this feeling in one word, that would be bittersweet. Raising a dog could be a pain in the ass but it gives you too much happiness. Honestly, during the early years, I didn’t have any time for them at all because I’m at school from morning till afternoon. Every time I came home, I had to do chores/assignments/manage my business. It was routine that I had to bathe them every Saturday & that’s it. But when the pandemic hit, I was drawn much closer to them because I had more free time. The pandemic made me an actual fur mom from merely just being their “owner”. I had more time to attend to their needs, play & spend time with them. I think all of the memories we’ve made are special but I always appreciate her, even more, when she tried to comfort me every time I’m feeling sick or crying. Shiva knows me too well. I felt like we had a deeper connection. March 2022, she had these flesh wounds randomly appearing on her skin which went on for weeks. I tried self-medicating her but it didn’t work. We eventually went to the vet & they prescribed us 8/9 very costly medications. The wounds went away for a month or two but they came back again so I tried medicating her once more but the wounds weren’t getting better anymore and I figured that there was already something wrong inside of her that was causing her wounds. She became weaker and weaker. As the mother of my pet, I knew she couldn’t take it already; if the doctor would do surgeries or any type of procedures on her because of her age & condition, I somewhat accepted that Shiva was about to go to doggy heaven. I repeatedly told my family that I’m ready to let her go if the time will come. I don’t want to extend her agony with her condition. After Shiva’s death, I wasn’t used to not seeing her wait for me on the stairs when I woke up, I felt a bit lonely because she was not there anymore. My eyes were swollen for straight two days then there were days I miss her, I burst into tears again. I miss Shiva’s presence who keeps on following me around and who keeps on wagging her tail just to ask me to play with her. I miss seeing her
Ali Fatani – My Best Friend Cody
Today is Cody’s birthday; he’s my dear friend, in fact, my best friend. My neighbor Miss Ella’s Great Dane a decade ago gave birth to four puppies. My mom knew how much I wanted a puppy, so she convinced Miss Ella to sell her one of the puppies, and I got one as a gift on my birthday. It was the best birthday gift ever; as of now, that birthday gift has turned into my family. Cody is turning 12 today; he was once a little puppy who came to our home wearing a small rainbow-colored collar. My best friend puppy was shy and slow, innocent but eventually became the naughtiest little mutt in the neighborhood. When he was around three years in his prime of mischief, he became the neighborhood star. In the evenings, it was time for him to collect dog treats from all over the block in exchange for some hugs and handshakes. Sometimes, he’d drop me off at the school bus in the mornings. It gradually became an everyday routine. As soon as I returned from school, we’d have lunch together. Then take a nap and return to our evening collection of dog treats from the neighbors. It was like every day was Christmas and Santa was all around us. My neighbor, Miss Ella, who gave Cody to me as a gift, had given two other puppies to her cousin and had kept one puppy with herself, whom she named Elena. An old lady, Miss Ella liked her solitude and kept to herself mostly. As Elena grew old, Miss Ella decided to let her make some friends. Elena started coming to our house to hang out with Cody and me in the afternoons. When the two siblings met, they fell in love immediately; the phrase “love at first sight” had come true. Cody and Elena were on their way to make babies, and I had to break the news to Miss Ella. Since I had completed school, I was home all day, so I prepared a gift basket for Miss Ella and knocked at her door in the afternoon. She opened the door, thinking I was here to take Elena for her evening play date. She passed me her leash, and I handed her the gift basket I had made. I told her I had to talk to her about something, and she invited me in. As I walked in, I saw posters of my favorite rock bands and a guitar beside the sofa. “I never knew you play the guitar and listen to my favorite rock bands,” I said. “These are my daughter’s collection,” she said. Miss Ella got me a cup of tea, and we started our conversation slowly and steadily, discussing life in general, about my best friend puppy , my life, her life, and the first cup of tea that didn’t feel like the last. She was a warm and gentle soul with a good heart, and her home was homely and cozy. In the middle of our conversation, I told her about Cody and Elena’s love affair, and she very comfortably digested the fact that we cannot stop nature and that it was probably meant to be. She knew letting Elena meet Cody would mean the two mating somewhere soon. We both enjoyed each other’s company and kept meeting for cups and conversations. A few days after our first meeting, Miss Ella told me her daughter Lilith would be visiting her for a few days. I gave Miss Ella the idea that we should all celebrate Cody and Elena’s wedding. She thought it was a great idea. Lilith arrived, and the festivities began. We all went dog shopping, got a new bed for Cody, toys, collars for the babies, and even a custom-made tuxedo for Cody and a dress for Elena. It was such a blast. The whole neighborhood was invited. We celebrated my best friend’s wedding, during which Lilith and I realized how comforting it was to be in each other’s company. When she learned that we both play the guitar and listen to the same music. The fact that Miss Ella was also my tea time buddy and that instead of hanging out with other boys and girls, I was hanging out with her mother, who was now like an aunt to me. Unlike Cody and Elena, we didn’t express much at the wedding. She went back to Los Angeles, and we spoke on the phone now and then until Elena had her babies. We kept a small celebration again. This time the festivities were louder but in silence. Someone had to make the first step. I bought a dog leash that said “I love you” and gave it to Lilith and told her this was for Elena. Lilith had a flight the morning after Elena’s delivery. She left, and with her went my heart and the hope they would return. The next day she sent me a package with a dog leash that said, “I love you too.” Today, I’m happily married to my second best friend, all because of my best friend puppy, Cody.
Can Dogs Learn From Games?
BEST DOG GAMES By: Nelson Ansah Have you ever wondered how your dog can identify you? If you’re thinking by your scent, you’re not wrong. But it goes beyond that. Dogs are constantly on alert about their environment. They want to know everything about it and, of course, about the people around them. Who is a friend? Who is a threat? You can say it’s their survival instincts. For dogs, all time is learning time. Whether you’re walking them to the park or watching a movie indoors, they’re looking for visuals and cues that tell them how to behave in that setting. You can take advantage of this trait to train your dog the way you want. One of the best ways to do that is through games. Games are an excellent way for you to train your dog while having some fun. So, we’ve gone ahead and found four amazing games that can teach your dog a lesson or two. The Name Game Dogs are adventurous. They love to go out and explore their environment, seeing, smelling, and hearing some unusual things. You probably have no problem with that, but you’ll want your dog to return at your beck. That’s where the name game comes in. The name game involves getting your dog’s attention by mentioning its name and giving it a treat for every response. Essentially, a response to a call = treat. Once your dog gets the routine, you can change it. For instance, you can add a distraction. Let someone else walk by as you call your dog’s name. If your dog responds, you can then reward it. It’s vital to not set your dog up to fail. It’s training, and your dog isn’t going to get it all on the first try. Begin with little distractions and routines, then work your way up. You can find more step-by-step instructions on the name game here. The Hot and Cold Game This next game is excellent for clicker training your dog. First, figure out what you want to teach your dog. It can be anything at all-maybe picking keys up from the floor. What you do then is to sit back with your bag of treats and wait for your dog to try its luck. If your dog moves towards the keys, shout a hearty “hot” and throw some treats near the keys. If it moves away from the keys, shout a less excited “cold” to acknowledge that as the wrong direction. Finally, if your dog edges back to the keys, shout a more excited “hot” again. Don’t forget to toss a treat in there as a reward. This game helps you teach your dog some tricks and whatnot. Pretty easy, right? The Shadow Game It’s a joy to have your dog walk by you without the need for a leash. That’s not an easy place to get to, but luckily, the shadow game can help. Begin by walking with your dog on a leash in a quiet environment. You’ll need to have some treats handy here. Start walking in any direction, and if your dog catches up with you, reward it with a cookie. Now, your dog can get ahead of you during the walk. When this happens, turn a slight 180 degrees and drop some treats near you. You then call or pull your dog back into munch on your goodies. While your dog is busy with its treat, take a few paces away and wait for it to catch up. Give your dog a goody every time it catches up with you. You’ll have to repeat this game for your dog to begin following you willingly. The goal here isn’t to drag your dog by the neck. Then, you’re simply teaching nothing. The You’ve Got a Friend in Me Game As the name suggests, this game is more of a trust-building technique. It helps you connect with your dog and build a lasting bond. Plus, it’s quite easy to pull off, so many dog owners like this technique. Here’s what to do. First off, you have to get your dog to lie on the floor. If your dog is able to do this, you need to heap some praise on it. Next, walk around your dog to its rear and gently outstretch your legs so you have one on either side of it. This move can freak your dog out, so be gentle and don’t stay in that posture for long. You can now return to facing your dog and give it a treat for good behavior. Repeat this for a while until getting behind your dog doesn’t alarm it. Now, instead of going head to tail, go side to side. Make sure your dog is still quite comfortable while you do this. Keep this routine up until you can move all around your dog without it fidgeting. Also read: best-ways-to-have-you-dog-make-you-breakfast-this-is-a-test/
The PAWsome Angel
Have you lost a loved one in your life? Whether it’s a family member, close friend, or colleague, being apart from them for the rest of your years can be painful and heartbreaking. A companion you need to say goodbye to. You are not alone. I’ve experienced such loss and the grief that came with it. Two years ago, on August 1, 2019, my grandmother named Tessie died of intestinal or colon cancer. She’s been suffering from the disease for as long as I can remember. Despite her condition, she never failed to rise above it and continued working almost 24/7. That is how she coped, by using her remaining strength from her weakening muscles and hoping that all the regular aches would go away. All my family members and relatives witnessed her everyday struggle. From waking up early in the morning at the age of 65 to sleeping with abdominal pain. Sadly, her courage was beaten by her illness. And one morning, I just knew that my life will never be the same as it was. By accepting, remembering, and loving my grandmother from afar, every day became lighter. The pain was still there, but embodying her fearlessness illuminated the light within my living soul. I am a firm believer that when one says goodbye, life never stops but we’ll be directed. We just have to find the best pathway, appreciate what we have now, and look for a companion. Pro tip: the companion doesn’t have to be a human being or person with perfect glass skin; sometimes the best ones have furs and wagging tails. Three weeks later, my family and I heard of a dog opening for adoption from an old friend. The latter, however caring and pet-loving, confessed he cannot afford to raise a new dog. Everyone knows that a true warrior for the animals will extend all their affection, effort, and money to bring the best out of the fur friend. At first, I kind of hesitated at the idea of opening my doors to a new potential clingy and face-licking member. After several discussions, weighing the pros and the cons, answering the who, how, where, and especially why questions, one day, I just went home with a tiny, black and tan Mini Pinscher on my favorite sofa. I personally named her Ji-Soo, following one of the famous and visually pleasing Korean pop personalities of my generation. The experience of having her brought a tantamount of joy and realization. Like any other new pet, she was very shy and always looked for a hideout. I guess she thought that with her dominating black color she would camouflage along with the pile of clothes in my room. But I and the rest of my family remained patient as we adored her small steps. Back then, just hearing her barks made me draw a curve on my face and even take videos of it, knowing that she often does that for the time being. I gave my time and best shot to make her feel comfortable and warm up. From buying the right food, going into dog clinics, getting vaccinated, and more. She was even rocking like a Kardashian as I shopped for clothes for her. She was a superstar! Time went by, and my Ji-Soo warmed up and affectionately showered love on me. When I woke up from sleep, she was already on my bed waiting for a massage or belly rub. The moment I ate my breakfast, she was almost on my side munching her favorite dog food. When it was time for me to go to work, all I could hear was her puppy’s cry and eyes. Believe me, I did feel the connection like she was telling me not to go. Every single day of my life changed for the better. I was excited to go home knowing that Ji-Soo will be waiting on my doorstep wagging her tail and ready to jump on me like we had not seen each other for decades. That is what makes her amazing in most ways possible. That is the art of having my dog, Ji-Soo. She doesn’t speak my language, but her smartness makes her understand the words “no”, “sit” and alike through my tone of voice and body language. Just like a loyal friend, when I try to communicate with her she gives me eye contact, making me think she’s a genius. The most memorable moment I had with my dog was when I was having a mental breakdown. What’s amazing about her was she’s the first one to notice among others. When I felt wanting to attach myself to the bed for as long as I thought, she was there, offering her free cuddling service. She certainly boosted my serotonin and dopamine. Ji-soo, for me, is more than a dog- she’s my family. She came into one of the lowest moments of my life but her affection reciprocated the grief in me and fixed the broken pieces of my heart. Sometimes, I wonder, can Ji-soo be my grandmother, an angel in disguise?
Avoid Small Dog Syndrome By Practicing These 7 Things
When you bring home a puppy or dog, you’ll quickly notice their adorable quirks and odd behaviors. One common challenge many owners face is getting their dog to eat in the designated spot. Does this sound familiar? Read on to learn why some dogs resist mealtime routines—and how to train them to dine where you want. Dogs may avoid their bowl area for several reasons: Environmental Distractions: Noisy rooms, high foot traffic, or competing pets can make mealtime stressful. Choose a quiet corner for feeding. Uncomfortable Setup: Slippery floors or bowls that slide around can deter a dog from eating. Place bowls on a non‑slip mat or elevate them on a stable stand. Negative Associations: A loud noise or interruption during a meal can leave a lasting impression. Pair feeding time with praise or a small treat to rebuild positive feelings. Health Concerns: Dental pain, digestive upset, or even fatty lumps around the jawline can make eating uncomfortable. Always consult your veterinarian if you notice changes in appetite, lumps, or weight. Training Tips to Establish a Consistent Feeding Spot Create a Routine Serve meals at the same times each day. Consistency builds confidence and habit. Lead your dog to the bowl area before placing food down—reward them for standing in position. Use Positive Reinforcement Mark the correct behavior (“Yes!” or click) when your dog approaches the bowl stand. Only say your release cue (e.g., “Eat”) once they’re in the proper spot. Optimize the Feeding Station Elevated Bowl Stand: Reduces neck strain and prevents bowls from sliding. Non‑Slip Mat: Adds stability, catches spills, and protects floors. Shallow Bowls: Some dogs prefer bowls with low sides for easy access. Monitor and Adjust If avoidance persists, check for health issues—dental exams or dietary sensitivities may be needed. Experiment with different bowl materials (stainless steel, ceramic, or BPA‑free plastic) until you find one your dog likes. By combining a calm, distraction‑free environment with consistent routines and rewarding good behavior, you’ll have your dog happily eating right where you want—no more mealtime meltdowns! Ready to upgrade your dog’s dining experience? Buy now: Elevated Stainless‑Steel Dog Bowl Stand
Tips for Teaching Your Dog to Wear Clothes
By: Nelson Ansah Dressing up your dog is as fashionable as it is functional. Doggy dress-ups are especially important if you live in an environment with a shifty climate and love going out with your dog. As much as you’d love to go on a walk, you’d have to consider how the weather affects your dog. Maybe it’s too cold out, or it’s raining. These conditions are not ideal for your dog, but luckily, there are lots of dog clothes out there you can turn to. The only problem is that your dog may not like wearing clothing very much. In fact, most dogs don’t like it. They’d rather run and hide than be forced into extra sets of covers. Fortunately, you can teach your dog to like wearing clothes. In this article, we’ll reveal practical techniques to help accustom your dog to wearing clothes and provide tips on choosing the right outfit for your dog. Let’s get to it. Start Early It’s always easier to get your dog to do something they’ve done before. This means that you’ll have to teach your dog to wear clothes at an early age. The ideal time to introduce your dog to dog clothing is during the socialization period. This is usually between 7 to 14 weeks of its birth. At this point, your dog knows next to nothing and is simply learning how to live. If you get it right, your dog may grow to love dog clothing. This doesn’t mean you can’t train your adult dog to wear clothes. There are techniques to get your adult dog to love wearing clothes, which you’ll learn next. Use a Milestone Strategy Your dog may not like wearing clothing all at once, especially if it’s an adult dog. It just isn’t used to wearing clothes. However, there’s a workaround to change this. Remember that your dog won’t like wearing clothes the first time. It’s a whole process, and you’ll have to be patient if you want to take that walk with your dog. Also, don’t jump in all at once. Put the clothing around your dog for short intervals at first. It’s advisable to give them 10 to 15 seconds in the clothing over different training sessions. You’ll have to treat your dog after each session as a reward. Choosing the Right Outfit for Your Dog Don’t expect your dog to like every outfit you pick out for it. For instance, your dog may not like antlers, even if you’re aiming for a Christmas look. It’s important to note that choosing the right clothing for your dog goes beyond mere fashion statements. Here’s how to pick the right clothes for your dog: Easy On, Easy Off Ensure that the clothing you pick out is easy to put on and even easier to take off. One way to get this right is to have your dog’s measurements. You don’t want your dog to feel constrained because of its clothes. It’s a good idea to avoid clothing that covers your dog’s legs and face. Having to pull the clothing over your dog’s head should be a deal-breaker too. Ultimately, you should be looking at clothing that fastens at the belly and leaves space for the face and feet. Consider the Materials Picking the right clothing material is pivotal to your dog’s learning to wear clothes. Fabrics that are too heavy tend to be too warm for dogs, while lightweight fabrics tend to give more freedom and leave room for air. However, lightweight fabric like cotton may easily get wet in the cold and that’s just bad for your dog. Choose the clothing with the temperature in mind, so your dog doesn’t have a hard time outside. Check Reviews By reading some online reviews, you can find the best clothing options for your dog. These reviews usually reveal what clothing works for what dog breed, so you know what to go with. If you happen to go to a brick and mortar pet store, you can always ask the person in charge for some clothing recommendations too. When to Give Up Your dog’s comfort should be a priority here. You know your dog best, so you’ll have to be subjective about this one. If you think your dog doesn’t like the clothes, take them off. The aim is to get your dog comfortable with wearing dog clothing, but if it’s not working, then it’s not working. However, there are several clothing ideas you can try out without completely dressing your dog up. You can try a scarf on its collar, a bandana, or even a bow. It’s all up to you.
Feeding a New Puppy
A puppy’s feeding schedule depends on his age. Younger puppies need more frequent meals. Older puppies can eat less often. Feeding new puppies can lay the foundation for adult doghood. Proper nutrition from complete and balanced puppy food has a positive impact on your puppy’s growth and development. How many times a day should a puppy eat? Regardless of age, it’s important to establish a feeding schedule for your puppy. Puppies less than 6 months old most puppies are fully weaned from mother’s milk between six and eight weeks. Once weaned, puppies should get three Scheduled feedings a day. Make sure you know the total amount of food he needs per day based on his weight and divide that amount among the three feedings. For puppies 6 months to 1-year-old around six months of age decrease the number of feedings to twice a day: Once in the morning and once in the evening. 1 year & up Many puppies reach maturity around their first birthday. Some large breeds take 18 months to 2 years to fully mature. Once your puppy has reached full maturity based on his breed size, you can feed him once or twice a day. When you do transition to a different food for example, When they move to be a puppy to an adult dog-do it over a week or so, by mixing the new and old foods together and gradually increasing the percentage of new food. Once you’ve put your puppy’s bowls down, they’ll smell and nose the food to test the temperature. When they’ve started eating make sure to keep an eye on them to ensure their safety but don’t fuss over them while they’re eating as it could cause protective, aggressive behavior. Leave the bowls down for 15 to 20 minutes then remove them, even if there is food still uneaten, this will help them learn they must eat when you decide. You should also feed your puppy after you’ve eaten or at a different time completely to demonstrate the hierarchy of the household. Always make sure there is plenty of water available, and change it regularly. Giving your puppy scraps or leftovers can result in bad behavior as it confuses their routine. Similarly, try and avoid offering food as a reward too frequently and not do not offer treat food as a way to entice them to eat their “main” food-it is too confusing for your puppy and may result in them not eating.
How to Groom Your Dog At Home Easy Steps
Good grooming helps your dog feel and look its best. The good news is that dogs don’t require as much as humans! Frequent grooming doesn’t just polish your dog’s looks. It also helps you inspect for underlying health problems like fleas or infections. Professional dog groomers are well-trained but also leave a hole in your pockets. Here’s where I tell you my secret: at home grooming for dogs can be just as professional as a groomer! Save your money and time by learning how to groom a dog in this simple guide. Dog grooming for dummies takes you on an extensive guide on how to groom a dog at home. From nail trimming to bathing and paw care, we’ll cover everything there is to grooming. If you’re learning how to take care of your best friend a bit better, you’re in the right place. But before I jump into the dog grooming steps, let me give you a quick buying guide on things you’ll need to groom your own dog. Buying Guide For Grooming Your Own Dog Before you start grooming your dogs, make sure you have the right kit. With so many brands out there, which ones are best for your dog? Don’t worry, I’ve researched and gathered everything you need to buy for your dog’s grooming session! For Teeth For teeth, you can’t go wrong with Vet’s Best Dog Dental Set. This set includes a toothbrush for your dog along with enzymatic toothpaste. Made to strengthen your dog’s dental health, this is a must-have item in your grooming endeavors. For Hair If your dog sheds a lot, you want a brush that works wonders. Thankfully, Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Dog Brush comes to the rescue! One side has stainless steel bristles to detangle hair, while the other dense side helps distribute natural oils back to your pooch’s coat. Dogs with denser and long coats should use the Safari Grooming Comb for easier brushing. When it comes to shampoos, all dogs deserve to enjoy the Burt’s Bees Hypoallergenic Dog Shampoo. It is 97% all-natural and works best for all dog breeds and coat types. Pair it with the Everyday Isle Dog Conditioner because it’s a grooming dog DIY must-have! You will also need a microfiber-absorbing towel like the Bone Dry Pet Grooming Towel For Nails Nail trimming for dogs requires special clippers and the Safari Professional Dog Nail Trimmer does the job perfectly! Precision combined with durability, this is the perfect pick for your dog’s grooming. For Eyes Eyes can be cleaned easily with some damp cotton. However, if your dog has tear stains that won’t go away, you should use Lavish Tear Stain Remover. The formula doesn’t irritate your dog and can quickly clean any stubborn tear stains. For Paws and Nose Your dog’s paws and nose should remain moist at all times. Pet owners who want to pamper dry noses and paws should opt for Pet Head Oatmeal Natural Paw Butter because it’s simply one of the best products available! You can also check out Palmer’s for Pets Cocoa Butter Balm or Burt’s Bees All-Natural Paw & Nose Lotion. Made with products like rosemary and olive oil, these lotions make sure to lock in moisture. 5 Dog Grooming Steps To Follow Cleaning Your Dog’s Eyes You want to begin by cleaning your dog’s eyes. Grab a warm and damp cloth and gently rub your dog’s eyes to get any unwanted gunk off of it. While you’re doing so, you should check for any signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or teary eyes. Dogs with tear stains will need the tear stain remover we mentioned in our buying guide. Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears Ears are the next step of at-home grooming for dogs. Dog ears are capable of gathering dust and wax over time. Leaving it for longer can lead to infections or worse health problems for your dog. If your dog is irritated and constantly itching or shaking its head, it may be a sign to clean your dog’s ears. Start by grabbing a Q-tip and gently clean any excess gunk out of your dog’s ears. Make sure to be gentle and not harsh as it can worsen the situation and irritate your dog for the next steps. Moisturize The Nose And Paws Having moisturized nose and paws is very important to your furry baby’s health. You should move to the nose and check to see if the snoot is moist naturally. Dogs need moist snoots to be able to breathe normally without problems. If you feel like your dog’s nose or paws have dried unusually, you should gently apply the pet balms we mentioned in our buying guide. These deliver moisture deep into your pup’s skin and help restore healthy skin for your furry friend. Brush And Detangle The Coat Thoroughly It is time to care for the coat! Whether you are thinking of cutting a dog’s hair or shaving a dog entirely, the first step is always to start brushing your dog’s coat thoroughly. Use specific hairbrushes meant for dogs to detangle hair like this one. Daily brushing of your dog’s coat helps to get rid of tangles, maintain a smooth, lustrous coat, and avoid matting. A metal bristle comb is ideal for keeping your dog’s long hair smooth and luscious. To maintain it nicely, brush your dog’s hair a few times every week. Brushing your dog’s fur regularly will help to maintain it silky and detangled if they have curly hair that is particularly prone to matting and matting. Trim Your Dog’s Nails Now it’s time to bring the scissors out. Nail trimming will be an easy process with most dogs but a little error can cause your dog to bleed. You will need to be exceptionally careful when trimming your dog’s nails and will need special dog nail trimmers. Start by ensuring your dog is comfortable in its position. Then you want to identify where your dog’s capillaries
Why Does My Dog Stink?
By: Nelson Ansah Dogs are great buddies. They’re adorable, cuddly, and spark us to life with gullible moments every now and then. We love to have them around and most often feel the urge to hug them tight. Fulfilling this urge can be problematic, especially if you can smell your dog from a mile away. You shouldn’t be able to tell your dog is home only because of the stinking trail they leave behind. Sadly, even the best dogs can stink. It’s not your dog’s fault, though. According to Ashley Bourgeois, DVM, DACVD, from Animal Dermatology Clinic Portland, “Dogs pick up scents from their environment. Dogs with yards often smell like grass, and dogs from rural homes sometimes smell like hay. With smaller dogs, their owners hold on to them a lot, so they smell like their detergents or perfumes.” It may take more than a simple bath to expunge odor from your dog. In this article, we treat you to some likely causes of your dog’s odor and provide practical solutions so you can keep your dog and home smelling nice and fresh. Dog Farts If you’ve been around your dog when it lets loose some gas, you can testify it’s no joke at all. Some dog farts are powerful enough to clear an entire room. Luckily, there are easy remedies you can turn to. First off, remember that the most likely cause of flatulence in dogs is intolerance of certain ingredients in their diet. Try changing your dog’s diet to one of higher quality. Higher quality foods are those filled with meat-based proteins. If you already feed your dog high-quality food, the problem may be indigestion. You can solve this by adding some probiotics to his food. Some findings in an Irish study show that “supplementation with a specific strain of probiotics reduced the duration of diarrhea from seven to four days. It also eliminated the need for antibiotic treatment by about 10 percent over placebo.” Additionally, dog farts can be a sign of an underlying medical issue. So, it’s good to see your vet when the farting continues. Allergies Allergies in dogs mainly come from two sources; their food and the environment. These allergies manifest by excreting foul-smelling oil from certain glands in your dog’s skin. Moreover, this oil itches your pup’s skin, which leads to scratching and then infection. Imagine pungent oil mixed with an infection. That’s not something a simple bath can put in order. Allergies can be tricky to treat, so it’s best to visit your vet for the right prescriptions. If you don’t have all the time to see your vet, there are allergy pills for dogs you can use. Anal Sac Infections All dogs have to mark glands on their bottoms. If you see a dog smelling another’s bottom, they’re probably looking for these marking glands. These scent sacs are very important to your dog and can cause extreme pain when disrupted. Not to mention the stinking excreta that are left on your dog’s skin. Fortunately, you can tell if your dog’s anal sac is disrupted or not. One sign of a ruptured anal sac is scooting (your dog dragging his bottom on the ground). If you see this behavior, contact your vet immediately for an inspection. Ear Infections Another reason your dog may be stinking is an ear infection. Your dog can develop an ear infection in many ways. These ways include: The residue that develops in your dog’s ear should give off so much odor, so if you notice your dog’s ear is stinking, you have a problem. For example, dogs have certain tissues in their ears to combat bacteria. If the bacteria and yeast can break down those defenses, there’s a much deeper problem than the stench. You’ll have to send your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Dental Infections Would it surprise you to know that close to 85% of pets under 3 years of age have dental infections? They’ve gone 3 whole years without brushing their teeth! This statistic is more dangerous than it sounds. According to Registered Veterinary Nurse Korina Stephens, “Poor dental care doesn’t just affect your pet’s mouth. The bacteria generated by gum disease could eventually enter their bloodstream and potentially damage their heart, liver, or kidneys.” This implies that your dog’s malodorous mouth may be a symptom of an underlying dental infection. You need to visit your vet when this happens. If that’s not up to your lane, you can turn to dental products. Ensure the products you purchase have the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s seal of acceptance on them. This council evaluates dental products, so you can be sure you’re getting quality products. Takeaways There are several reasons for your dog’s gutting smell. It may be a lack of baths, frequent swimming without correct drying procedures, or even playing in the yard. But more often than not, your dog’s odor may be connected to a medical issue. If your dog has allergies, anal sac, dental or ear infections, or even passes off-gas strong enough to clear your room, you should be worried. It’s time to see a vet. Read more: Tips to Help Your Dog Live Longer
Dog products I have been very pleased with that came from Amazon
Dog poop bags Earth Rated Product (RED) Edition Amazon: Click Here It can be a frustrating task to buy the right poop bags for your dog when there are countless options out there. But those additional qualities that come with these products are what make Did you ever think buying poop bags from the Earth Rated Store also gives you a chance to give back to society? Earth Rated has partnered with Red along with other iconic brands to fight global health emergencies. When you buy from their limited edition of Earth Rated (Red) Edition, they will donate $1.75 to the Global Fund, for a total of $100,000. you buy them. Yingdelai Dog Poop Bag Amazon: Click Here One step towards protecting the environment is to replace plastic with other degradable products. A biodegradable non-plastic poop bag that does not harm the environment is the Yingdelai Dog Poop Bag. Yindelai’s bag is made of vegetable-based ingredients and decomposes within 18 months. The fresh-scented poop bags come with a dispenser and has received thousands of positive reviews and numerous 5-stars on Amazon. With 540 bags in total, you can use this super value package for close to six months. Earth Rated (RED) Edition Yingdelai Dog Poop Bag Price 11.99 $ 18.04 $ Dispenser No (Can be bought separately) Yes Material Plastic Vegetable-based ingredients Scented No Fresh Scented Number of Bags 270 540 Size 9×13 9×13.5 Pooper Scooper GoGo Stik ST Pooper Scooper and Dootie Rake Amazon: Click Here The GoGo stick, unlike any other traditional pooper scooper, is a stick to which you can insert a poop bag of any style or size. If you are looking for something that takes up less space and is easy to use, then the GoGo stick is just for you. You can even avoid the hassle of washing it after every use. It is lightweight and can be carried around easily and even hung anywhere for storage. You can use it with the Dootie Rake for convenience or you can just simply use the Gogo Stick without the rake as well. This is a great alternative to the usual pooper scoopers as it is very easy to use and handy. Arm & Hammer Swivel Bin & Rake Pooper Scooper Amazon: Click Here The Arm and Hammer Swivel Bin and Rake from Pet make looks similar to any other pooper scoopers in the market, but this specific one comes with a huge capacity and can be used multiple times. The swivel bins are easy to use and the Arm & Hammer baking soda-activated waste bags that come with it helps to keep it clean. However, if you want to reduce waste and do not want to use the poop bags, you can use the swivel bins directly and just wash them after. GoGo Stik ST Pooper Scooper and Dootie Rake Arm & Hammer Swivel Bin & Rake Pooper Scooper Price 39.95 $ 15.98 $ Material Aluminum, HDPE, ABS, Silicone Plastic Bin No bin. The poop bag needs to be inserted into the stick Swivel bin to easily clean up poop multiple times. Size 37 inches (height) 32 inches (height) Dog Carrier Doggyhut TOBI Large Pet Bike Trailer. Amazon: Click here If your dog is feeling lazy to get outdoors and walk, why not take her out for a ride. The Doggyhut TOBI Pet Bike Trailer comes in three colors and has amazing safety features such as the reflectors, safety flag, and adjustable safety leash. There are numerous dog bike trailers out there in the market, however getting one that is strong and reliable ensures the safety of your dog while you are on the road. Doggyhut’s Bike Trailer comes with a one-year warranty and has a vinyl layer that can block the wind. It can be folded flat and is not a hassle to carry around. Taking your dog for a bike ride is definitely going to be an exciting experience for you and your dog. K&H Pet Products Travel Safety Carrier Amazon: Click Here An easy-to-use pet travel carrier is a must-have for every pet owner. This carrier from K&H Pet Products is for anyone who wants to keep things quick and easy. Your pets will receive a view with the mesh window and it allows for easy access with its multiple openings. The small size of this carrier makes it fit into the front seat of any car. Your dog will be comfortable and cozy in this lightweight travel carrier. K&H Pet Products Travel Safety Carrier for Pets Retrospec Rover Waggin’ Pet Bike Trailer Doggyhut TOBI Large Pet Bike Trailer Price 69.99 $ 169.99 $ 144.99 $ Waterproof No water resistant waterproof Size 24 X 19 X 17 Inches 30 x 19 x 17 inches 53 x 29.5 x 35.5 inches Compatible for a Car Seat Yes No Yes
