How Does Dog Sizes Matters?

admin
We all know that the experience of having a large dog is different than having a small dog. Practically speaking, when a Great Dane has diarrhea it is (literally) a much bigger deal than a Pomeranian suffering from the same condition. When the 5 pound tea cup poodle doesn’t want to get the car the owner just picks him up; not quite the same simple solution with the 150 pound Irish Wolfhound. Everything costs more with big dogs, from food to medication to bedding. Big dogs are more likely to have problems with joint disease while in comparison, little dogs are more likely to have heart problems, diabetes and dental disease. People play fetch more and… Read More Continue Reading

Dog Grooming – Start Young

admin
Many people acquire a dog and don’t give grooming a second thought until the dog smells bad or is shedding to the point that dog hair tumbleweeds are rolling across the floor.It’s important to know that when you adopt a dog you understand what her grooming needs are so you can address them before she is uncomfortable and you are frustrated. Rule number one is to start young. If you are working with a puppy, start right away, even if she doesn’t need to be brushed. I suggest handling paws, looking in ears and lifting lips to look at their teeth on a regular basis to get your dog used to handling. If you adopted… Read More Continue Reading

Stress Relief for your Pet Dog and Cat

admin
Over the course of the last decade, there’s been overwhelming evidence to support the idea that chronic stress plays a contributing role in a variety of medical conditions in humans. Accordingly, it may not surprise you that researchers have similarly determined that long-term stress can be a factor in the medical and compulsive disorders of companion animals. Feline lower urinary tract disease, inflammatory bowel syndrome, obesity, gastric bloat, noise phobias and separation anxiety have all been found to have a chronic stress component in both dogs and cats, however, compared to humans, relatively little research has been published regarding stress and its effects on our fur kids.  Some presume that… Read More Continue Reading

Congratulations on deciding to add a new puppy to your family!

admin
Before the big day, there are some important pre-puppy tasks that will set you up for success with your new friend It is best to go shopping and have important puppy items in place before you bring puppy home – you will feel better prepared and more focused on your new family member. These items include food and water bowl, food, chew toys, brush, bed, crate, collar and leash, ID tag, gate if applicable, and an odor neutralizing spray. Having a puppy is like having a human toddler in your home – you need to puppy proof to keep puppy safe and keep items you care about intact!  Store household… Read More Continue Reading

Maintaining Mobility in Senior Pets

admin
For people and pets, it is incredibly important to start maintaining fitness early in the aging process. Lifelong endurance training in pets and people ensures improved oxidative capacity of skeletal muscle and metabolism in elderly individuals. First off – good nutrition is essential, and in order to maintain optimum health, senior pets need a highly digestible diet.  In order to build muscle, senior pets also have greater demands for vitamins, minerals and nutrients, which is why giving senior pets a wellness supplement in addition to their regular diet is critical to help maintain overall health. Our furry senior citizens need their vitamins too! Overweight patients have a higher risk of… Read More Continue Reading

Is your dog getting ants in his pants?

admin
Is your dog getting ants in his pants? If you are like most dog owners, the plunge of winter temperatures has dampened your enthusiasm for outdoor activity, causing angst for your cooped-up canine. Many animal behavioral specialists reported that dogs that didn’t receive regular exercise during the winter became antsy and reactive in the spring and some developed unwanted behavioral patterns. Additionally, it is not good for a dog’s health to be active in the summer and a couch-potato in the winter. For optimum mental and physical health, many veterinarians recommend that dogs receive 45 minutes to an hour of daily, consistent exercise and enrichment, broken up into shorter intervals.… Read More Continue Reading

Facts about BARF and Homemade Diets

admin
Feeding raw and homemade diets has become an increasingly popular trend among pet parents.  In 2004, it was estimated that the majority of dogs and cats in the United States received 90% or more of their nutrition from complete and balanced commercially prepared foods. However, 8 years and several recalls later, have fueled pet parents with a desire to provide the very best for their companion animals. You are asking good questions about the best nutritional choices for your pets and looking for safe alternatives.  As in any free market economy, there are many more alternative diets available today from which pet parents may choose, but how safe are these… Read More Continue Reading

How Much Does that Puppy in the Window Really Cost? Pet Cost Calculator

admin
How much does that dog really cost?  As a matter of fact, you may be in for a surprise.  There are many resisidual costs associated with purchasing or adopting a pet. Do the Math! When considering adoption or purchasing a new puppy have a look at our cost calculator. The calculator is a broad generalization of what your actual cost may be over the lifetime of ownership. There are many costs to consider. Pets require more than food and water to live a healthy and happy life. Try our pet cost calculator today! Pet Cost Calculator By Brian Mossenburger – Certified Dog Trainer Continue Reading

Winter Puppy Care

admin
With temperatures dipping and much of the nation locked in Winter Storm Cleon, the next few days may be a challenge for people parenting new puppies.  Puppy owners will need to be aware that their puppy will need a little special attention to stay warm, happy, healthy and safe this winter. Follow these helpful tips to keep your puppy at her best during the cold months ahead. No matter how bad the weather is, puppies have lots of energy and need exercise.  The challenge is that warm weather breeds, such as chihuahuas, yorkies and Italian Miniature Greyhounds, are intolerant to cold temperatures. Arctic breeds, such as Malamutes, Huskies and Saint… Read More Continue Reading

Pooch Etiquette at the Park

admin
As America’s love of dogs continue to grow, so does the popularity of leash free dog parks. These parks provide open spaces for dogs to run canine company to socialize with, as well as offering a great venue for pet parents to meet and socialize with fellow dog lovers. As with any communal space, each of us has a responsibility to keep these parks safe and fun. Dogs that do best in a leash free environment generally have fairly confident and reasonably social personalities. You should never bring a dog that is in heat – this can lead to unplanned pregnancies as well as aggressive behavior even among normally well-behaved females. Do… Read More Continue Reading