Category: Petland

  • June 26 is National Take Your Dog to the Office Day!

    In 1999, when Pet Sitters International (PSI) suggested National Take Your Dog to the Office Day, it might have been a bit of a hard sell. After all, our fur babies do demand attention, particularly if they are young or not well socialized. But people around the nation agreed that our canine companions should have a special day and the first Friday after Father’s Day was set.

    Even though having your pal beside your feet might hinder your tasks a bit, there are three solid reasons for following this nationally recognized day. Perhaps pointing these out to your boss will make him (or her) a believer, too.

    1. The most obvious, of course, is that most people love dogs. They are often cute and winsome and their tails wag and eyes laugh whenever someone even looks their way. Her soft, fluffy coat or his silly expression draws people in and just makes them feel a bit happier. Naturally, you are filled with pride when others see your beloved pooch and make sweet remarks about him.
    2. This reason is the one that might win your boss. Positive interaction among coworkers has ratcheted up a notch when Fido breaks the ice with that shy colleague you’ve been unable to draw into a conversation. The team member you’ve thought you had nothing in common with shows her delight in your dog and introduces you to her own fur baby. Better communication and teamwork are surely tradeoffs for having your pup at work with you once a year.
    3. Another reason is that more and more frequently employers are allowing pets in the workplace. Why you ask? Well, it makes for a fun, happier environment as well as lowers stress levels of employees and creates an environment that is more flexible and creative. 
    4. Dogs in the workplace nurture productivity. When employees are less stressed and happier, they have a better chance of being productive and allows for the creative juices to flow. Dogs can create a camaraderie that may not have happened before and those relationships at work can spark new ideas. 
    5. Healthcare benefits abound! When people have dogs, they are shown to take more walks which reduces stress and obesity. Other health benefits are that with lower stress levels and healthier lifestyles, that reduces the amount of time that people spend at the physician’s office. Less time at the doctor means more time being productive and happier. Who doesn’t like happier, healthier employees? Plus, when pet parents are more proactive in their pet’s care, they also tend to be more proactive in their own health as well. 2 birds, 1 stone. Well, in this case, 2 dogs, one ball. 

    If you are the boss at work and would like more information about celebrating Take Your Dog to Work Day, a free tool kit is available for you to download, full of tips and resources to help make this special day a success. So grab your briefcase and a doggy bag of treats and set the pace for your company!

  • DIY Summer Treats For Dogs

    It’s getting hot y’all, and it’s time to find some fun, easy ways to keep you and your pup cooled off and staying healthy. Here are 5 DIY summer treats that are sure to make everyone happy!

    What’s your favorite treat? Lots of people dip into the cold stuff when the summer heat makes us long for cooler temperatures. If you like ice cream, your dog will, too. But don’t just scoop it out of the freezer and into his bowl! Ice cream for humans may contain additives and sugar that can make your pal really sick—or worse. Dogs can be lactose intolerant, too. But that doesn’t mean you have to leave him out of the fun.

    ●  Doggy ice cream. Purina® makes a product called Frosty Paws that’s sold in supermarkets and that dogs really love. It comes in two flavors, original and peanut butter. Or, make your own! Here’s a great recipe for frozen puppy treats that are as much fun to make as to watch him enjoy. Just combine a cup and a half of chopped strawberries with two mashed bananas. Melt about half a cup of coconut oil and then blend it all together. It should be about the texture of ice cream, but you can thin it out with water if necessary. Pour into paper cups and cover with plastic film. Top it with a dog biscuit standing on end to make a delightful, yummy “pupsicle!”

    ●  Peanut-butter bites frozen treats. Dogs absolutely love peanut butter! And what’s not to love? Blend some strawberries and blueberries together in a blender. Scoop a teaspoon of peanut butter into each well in an ice-cube tray and fill with the blended fruit. freeze until solid and then store in the freezer in plastic bags for on-hand snacking.

    ●  Greek yogurt. If your dog is not lactose intolerant, Greek yogurt is a great summer treat. Don’t overindulge your buddy, though, because dairy products can cause loose stools. A little bit is a great treat!

    ●  Starbucks® has a secret menu just for our fuzzy friends! When you’re getting your favorite drink, ask for a Puppuccino and the barista will promptly serve whipped cream in a cup for your little pal. (Again, this treat is only for dogs who tolerate dairy.)

    ●  Frozen chicken bone broth. Yep. That’s all there is to it. Pour some low-sodium chicken (or beef) bone broth in an ice-cube tray and give your buddy a cooling treat with ease.

    Remember these important tips for summer fun with Fido.

    1. Make your daily walks early morning and late evening to avoid the heat of the day.
    2. Never, ever leave your dog in the car, even for only a few moments with the windows cracked. On a mild 75° day, your car can heat up to 100° in a mere 10 minutes. Brain damage, heatstroke, or even death can follow quickly.
    3. Keep his water bowl fresh and cool. If you must be outside in the heat, offer him water every fifteen minutes.
    4. Are your feet hot? If you find hot pavements uncomfortable, imagine how his feet feel. Booties are available, or you can pick him up and carry him across hot spots. He’ll love you for it!
  • Best Home-Made Treats for Your Dogs

    The summer has arrived and brought warm temperatures with it. While you’re out enjoying the beaches and hiking trails with your best friend, make sure that you’re both staying nourished and hydrated.  Here are some treats that both you and your pup can enjoy!

    Melon Berry Froyo Bones

    This simple, mouthwatering recipe is brimming with vitamins, antioxidants, and sweet flavor. Imagine a yummy, berry popsicle with the tangy addition of frozen yogurt.

    Ingredients:

    • An ice tray (you can find custom molds on Amazon)
    • 2 cups watermelon
    • 1/4th cup of water
    • Equal parts blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries (about 2 each) 
    • 1 cup yogurt

    What to do:

    First, use a spoon to stir the berries into a cup of yogurt and place the mixture in the fridge to chill. Grab your ice tray and fill it about a quarter of the way up with the watermelon mixture. It takes about 2 to 3 hours to freeze.

    Once the watermelon has frozen completely, take the ice tray out and fill the remaining space with your yogurt concoction and place it back in the freezer until solid. When you’re hanging out poolside, pop one of those babies out and break off a piece for your pup too. Cheers!

    Baked Pumpkin Poppers

    These tasty treats are more for our dogs than for us, as they don’t contain any added sugar. Even if you’re a beginner baker, you can’t mess these baked goodies up. Think of these as donut holes for pups!

    Ingredients

    • ½ a cup Flaxseed
    • 1/4th a cup pumpkin puree
    • 1/4th a cup peanut butter
    • 1 cup flour
    • 1 cup whole wheat flour
    • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
    • 1/4th water
    • 2 bowls, an oven, and a pre-sprayed baking sheet

    What to do:

    Preheat your oven to 325 degrees.

    Mix the flour and whole wheat flour in one of your bowls. Use the second bowl to thoroughly stir the flax seed into the water. It’s important not to skip this step! Mixing the wet and dry ingredients too soon will make it difficult to merge them later on.

    Add the peanut butter, pumpkin puree, and cinnamon to the wet ingredients. Once you’ve got a thick paste going, you can slowly begin mixing in the flour. Take your time and be sure not to rush this step; by now, you should have almost a cookie-dough texture. Use your hands to knead out any dry patches of flour.

    Roll your dough into small, donut-hole sized balls and place them onto your baking sheet. Since there isn’t any baking soda included, you don’t have to set them very far apart as they won’t expand.

    Depending on your oven, these treats could take 15-21 minutes to cool, so continue to keep an eye on them during that timespan. If you’ve got a senior pup, you can take them outright at the 15-minute mark for a softer, easier to chew option.

    Coconut Carob 

    Something about the taste of chocolate and bananas is just so satisfying, isn’t it? Our dogs can’t eat cocoa derivatives, but carob is the next best thing. You and your best friend can eat this recipe frozen or chilled.

    Ingredients:

    • 2-3 bananas
    • 3/4th a cup of peanut butter
    • 1-2 TBSP of carob for flavor
    • An ice tray

    Start by mashing up your bananas and stirring them into the peanut butter, if you have a hand-mixer, go ahead and use it for this step. However, you can also use a fork or spoon. Then, add the carob; this part is really at your discretion. If your dog has never had it before, consider making your first batch with one tablespoon and see how it goes.

    Place the mixture into an ice mold and allow them to freeze. If you don’t have one, you can always allow the blend to chill in the fridge for a few hours so that it’s not completely frozen. Once cold, add it to your dog’s breakfast, and throw a spoonful into your oats for a yummy wake-up meal!

  • Best Cat Breeds for People With Allergies

    Spoiler Alert! There’s no easy way to say this, but there’s no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat. Feline saliva and skin glands contain a naturally occurring enzyme called Fel D1. Fortunately, there are quite a few breeds out there that produce less of this protein and are considered allergy-friendly.

    The Siberian Cat

    These frisky, independent kitties have multi-colored coats that are less prone to tangling than other long-haired breeds. Although there is a bit of seasonal shedding with the Siberian, they don’t create as much dandruff. Less shedding means less skin flaking on your furniture and clothes!

    The owner of a Siberian Cat should be fine if their allergies are on the lighter side. Those with more severe issues may want to consider a short-hair or naked breed.

    The Balinese

    If you don’t fall in love with their cream-colored coat and brown booties, you’ll definitely fall into a trance when staring into the big blue eyes of a Balinese. These talkative kitties love to greet their family members with a sweet “meow!” 

    They do have longer fur similarly to the Siberian, but the Balinese lack an undercoat. So, owners can expect to see very little Fel D1 exposure with these cats. Balinese felines are especially sweet, playful, and make great companions for children. If your child wants a furbaby of their own but lives with an allergy, this may just be the right breed for your family.

    The Sphynx

    For those who get the worst of the coughing, sneezing, and overall irritation that comes with having a cat allergy, meet the Sphynx. These interesting felines are completely hairless! Donning only their soft, wrinkly skin, this gentle breed gets a little chilly from time to time.

    They love to cuddle and don’t mind wearing a light, non-abrasive sweater for warmth and protection. These cats are a bit of a double-edged sword; no fur means no shedding, but it also entails far more grooming. The Sphynx produces quite a bit of oil due to being hairless, which means they’ll also need to be bathed every couple of weeks, at least.

    While there are some very short-haired Sphynx varieties, they’ll need the same kind of care as their naked counterparts.

    Devon Rex

    Imagine a Sphynx with a fuzzy, curly, thin coat of fur. That’s the Devon Rex breed in a nutshell! Their skin, and their fur are both incredibly delicate, and it’s not necessary to brush them out. Rather than regular bathing, the Devon Rex benefits from being wiped down with a damp cloth or unscented wipe every so often.

    These cats have a rather strange personality, owners have described them as being accepting of petting and attention. However, they want to be treated like royalty, and they let you know it! Your kitty may appear to be standoffish at times, but when you want a cuddle buddy at night, the Devon is happy to curl up…right next to your neck and face. The good news is that they’re one of the top choices available for people with really terrible cat allergies.

  • Why Socializing Your New Puppy Is Important

    Man’s Best Friend:  Why Socializing Your New Puppy is So Important, and When and How to Get Started       

    From the first moment that man and dog befriended one another until today, that relationship has long moved beyond that of man and pet—our dogs are now undeniably beloved members of the family.  Worldwide there are at least 900 million canis lupis familiaris (dogs) and at least 80 million of them live in America alone.  Approximately 48% of all American families include at least one canine member today.

    Socialization of Your Puppy

    Behavioral issues such as fear, avoidance, and even aggression are issues that can be easily avoided through a process called “puppy socialization”. Not only is socialization one of the most important things that a human will do for his furry friend, but it can also easily be one of the most enjoyable, rewarding things as well, frequently with the added benefit of strengthening the bond between a human and the newest member of the family!  

    One of the most critical steps in any puppy’s development, socialization is key to ensuring that your new best friend will not only be happy, but friendly, confident, and well-adjusted throughout their lifetimes by introducing them to life in a human’s world.  Proper socialization means introducing the puppy to different types of people, environments, scents, sights, smells, sounds, other animals, and even other dogs!  This kind of socialization will ensure a happy, well-adjusted companion that acclimates quickly and easily to new situations.  At its most basic, socialization simply means that you are introducing your new best friend in a positive, safe way to all of the sights and sounds that are likely to be a part of their world. 

    When To Start Socializing Your Puppy

    Between around three and twelve weeks of age, puppies are more curious and accepting of new things, and should not yet show signs of aggression or fear.  Before twelve weeks, puppies are still at an impressionable stage and are more likely to absorb their new experiences instead of hiding from them or reacting aggressively.  By eight weeks, it is important to introduce as many people as possible in order to prevent fear or shyness later in life.  Puppies do not begin to become wary and cautious of who and what is in their world until around twelve to eighteen weeks, at which time they may begin to show signs of aggression.  

    While timing is an important factor in the socialization process, it is also to remember some other key factors.  Patience is a very important part of the process, and it is always the dog who will set the pace.  Socialization is a process, and it will take time, patience, and repetition.  Exposure to something new is not the same thing as socialization to something new, and mistaking the two will lead to a poorly socialized dog who is likely to develop behavioral issues later in life.  

    Notice Your Puppy’s Body Language

    Your dog should walk away from any new experience feeling positive about it, and wanting to do it again.  It’s also important to remember that it is only your dog who can make the determination if an experience is positive or not, and a great indicator of this is to keep an eye on their body language.  Loose, wiggly body language is a good indicator that your puppy is having a positive experience.  

    If you do not see body language that indicates that your dog is having a positive experience, now is the time to move on until another day or time. Make sure that you continue to work on positive reinforcement, even when you have to move away from a particular experience. This will ensure that your puppy continues to trust you as you go through the socialization process.

    Finally, remember never to force an interaction.  Again, body language is key.  If your dog does not want to experience or interact with something at a given moment, that’s okay. Move on and try again another time.  Forcing interactions will only cause fear and anxiety in whatever you are attempting to socialize your dog to at the moment.

    Continue To Keep It Fun

    Socialization can look and seem like an overwhelming, daunting process, but it shouldn’t be, for you or your puppy.  It should be an easy, fun process that allows the two of you time to bond just as much as it allows your puppy to get to know the world around him!  

    If you have never socialized a puppy before, there are numerous checklists online that break the process down into small, simple steps in order to help cut down on the anxiety for both of you.

    If you’re feeling anxious about socializing your puppy, you can always seek out a professional trainer at your local pet store or even your local doggy daycare. They can help both you and your puppy traverse those obstacles so you both are feeling comfortable. Make it a fun and enjoyable experience for both of you, and at the end of the process you’ll not only have a well adjusted and happy pet, but you will also have established a strong bond between the two of you!

    Good luck and have fun!

  • Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Cats

    We’re all aware that our feline counterparts are highly intelligent, and highly strange beings. Cats have shown us that they’re smarter than dogs, and they’ve got their own agenda. Somehow, they’re still full of mystery. 

    Here are some things you didn’t know about your cat!

    Chirping As A Hunting Technique

    Felines are able to vocalize over 100 sounds, several of those sounds appear in the form of a chirp. While it is not entirely clear why our cats imitate the noises of rodents and birds, the current belief is that chirping is both a way to initiate play, but more often than not it is an expression of frustration.

    When our cat’s prey drive is activated and they’re unable to act on their desire to hunt, they become visually fixated on the animal that they see and imitate the sound that they hear. 

    Once in a blue moon, a lucky owner may get a kitty who likes to chirp as a means of saying hello!

    Cats Sweat Through Their Paws

    There is a common myth that dogs sweat through their paws, but this theory actually rings true for cats! In addition to regulating their body temperature through panting, moisture is secreted through the glands in their feet. When feeling anxious or distressed, your kitty may leave small, wet footprints across the floor that quickly evaporate.

    Owners notice this most often during vet visits. Once their cat realizes they’re on their way to an appointment, perspiration rapidly appears on examination tables and inside of plastic kennels. However, it’s completely natural and nothing to be concerned about! 

    On the other hand, a feline that hasn’t had exercise and hasn’t been in the heat but continues to pant, may not be feeling well.

    Each Little Snoot is Unique

    The design of a cat’s nose is just like the fingerprint on a human, each has its own distinctive imprint. Have you ever noticed that dogs tend to greet nose-to-butt? Cats are more likely to sniff each other’s noses upon meeting, and this is how they learn to explore their surroundings as kittens.

    Felines secrete hormones from the pores within their nasal cavity, forehead, and cheeks. If your sweet ball of fur has lovingly pressed or bumped their face against yours, they may be trying to share that special scent with you! 

    Another purpose for snoot bumping has to do with claiming territory. Your kitty may be communicating to other felines in the area by saying “Hey! This is MY human!” through the chemicals in their pheromones. 

    In fact, your cat may do this with everything in your home. So, if you’re the proud owner of a lioness, you’ll definitely want to get her spayed! This way, she won’t have a heat cycle or attract any unwanted suitors to your doorstep. 
    Male cats can pick up the scent of a female over a mile away. If you don’t plan on having her spayed, keep your kitty and her pheromones indoors…unless you’re hoping to raise a little pride of your own!

  • DIY Fun Cat Projects to Keep Fluffy Entertained

    A cat is a very intelligent, curious, and playful animal, and when she is bored, she will keep herself entertained, frequently with destructive behaviors such as destroying furniture with her claws.  Providing Fluffy with constructive and stimulating activities not only helps to avoid this behavior, but it also keeps her healthy and happy as well.  With a little bit of patience and creativity, providing her with activities and toys can be fun and affordable for both of you, and can promote bonding time for you as well. 

    Empty cardboard boxes and shopping bags left on the floor are instant entertainment, providing kitty with somewhere new to explore, and dark places to hide.  Consider using several boxes and bags to create a tunnel for your cat to explore.  Hide food throughout the tunnel and even throughout the house so that she can “hunt” for her food, which will keep her entertained and can even help to keep her from overeating.

    Cardboard Cat Castles

    A new trend taking over social media has been the cat tank. All you need is some free time, some cardboard, and the limits to what fun things you can build for your kitty are only limited by your own imagination! Since many of us are taking the time to stay home, we’re sure there are a plethora of cardboard boxes around the house. Use these to make tanks, castles, and more for your furry friend. There are endless activities you can do. 

    Toilet paper roll cat toys

    One thing that can be found in every home (at any time) is an empty toilet paper roll or paper towel roll.  Instead of throwing them away, take them, some scissors, and Fluffy’s favorite cat treats or catnip to make easy toys that you and Fluffy can enjoy together for hours of fun!

    You can make simple rings for them to play with or you can go the extra mile and do ring balls, a treat rattle, or use several TP rolls to make a treat puzzle. Go nuts with all of the different ways you can use paper rolls to entice play with your kitties.

    Water Bowl Planter For Cat Grass

    A cat grass water bowl can be an intricately designed and complex system, or it can be as simple as a planter with grass in it placed in a water bowl, but the benefits to your cat’s digestion system and nutrition are immense! It can help aid a cat’s digestion by helping prevent hairballs from building up in their stomachs and increasing nutrients like fiber, niacin, and vitamin b into their systems!

    Cats absolutely love cat grass, so this is a great way for them to not only nibble on the grass but get fresh water as well. Plus, if your furry friend is a messy water drinker they will inevitably water the plants. 

    T-Shirt Toys and Tents

    The next time you’re faced with letting go of your favorite t-shirt, why not turn it into something for Fluffy to enjoy, like tying it into bow ties to complement your tuxedo cat? There’s nothing cuter than a kitty with a bow tie

    Do you have a window loving kitty or simply want to turn an old shirt into a new rest spot? Follow these simple steps and create a whole new spot for your kitty to play, rest, and nap in. In just a few simple steps, you have a whole new spot and saved those dollars for some extra treats – for you or kitty.

    With a little bit of free time and imagination, there’s no limit to the fun that you can make for you and Fluffy while finding great ways to repurpose items otherwise destined for the landfill. Whether you are getting your ideas from your friends, the internet, or your creations come entirely from your own imagination, you can give Fluffy plenty of options to keep her entertained all the time.  Regardless of whether you are purchasing or building toys for Kitty, the most important ingredient to keeping her entertained is you!

  • Fruits & Veggies That Double as Dog Treats

    You’re munching down on a delicious, juicy mixed fruit bowl. Your best friend walks over, staring at you with those adorable, pleading eyes. You hesitate for a moment, unsure of whether or not it’s safe to share your snack with him.

    Well, here’s some good news! Your dog can easily ingest many of the same fruits and vegetables that you and I enjoy. Instead of buying expensive (or questionably cheap) treats from the pet store, try some of these natural, healthy options that you’ve already got stored in the pantry.

    I Like to Eat, Eat, Eat, Apples & Bananas!

    Both of these tasty treats are high in fiber and potassium, essential nutrients for healthy kidneys and digestion. In addition to their crunchy texture, apples are like nature’s floss. Your pup will love the semi-sweet flavor, and they’ll be getting rid of the odor-causing plaque that builds up between their teeth. Add a bit of peanut butter for an extra dose of healthy fats and protein.

    Bananas, on the other hand, happen to be a fantastic choice for senior pets who need some extra vitamins but have a tough time chewing. Mash half a banana up and mix it in with your dog’s regular food, or slice up a firmer one and sprinkle the pieces over their kibble.

    Then, eat the other half!

    Blackberries

    This may come as a surprise, but dogs absolutely love the taste of blackberries! The firm outer skin combined with the satisfying burst of juice is an excellent way to add a little flavor to your pup’s meal while keeping blood sugar levels in check. Our pets are just as susceptible to cancer-causing free radicals as we are, so it’s paramount to provide them with a regular dose of antioxidants to fight off rogue cells. 

    Luckily, blackberries contain both antioxidants and Omega fatty acids, promoting healthy skin and a shiny, soft, supple coat of fur.

    Green Beans & Carrots

    When freshly chopped and mixed with a veggie broth, your dog will go nuts for a surprise helping of green beans and carrots. As we know, carrots are an essential part of optical health. Vision deterioration is a common symptom of aging in canines, so starting prevention methods early might help your pup’s eyesight remain sharp for a longer period of time.

    The carrot’s trusty partner, green beans, fills up the tummy and keeps our four-legged friend at a healthy weight. Obese canines and dogs who carry excess fat are more likely to have hip problems. Green beans are a magnificent source of calcium, iron, protein, vitamin K, and vitamin C.

    Not to mention, they’re packed with folate, a crucial enzyme necessary for optimal brain function.

    These are Snacks, Not Meals!

    Since berries and fruit contain a higher level of naturally occurring sugar than veggies, you should save those for special occasions! If you’re introducing these foods to your pup for the first time, take it slow. Once their body has adjusted, you can gradually increase the serving size based on your pet’s individual needs and requirements.

  • Steps to Introducing Your Pet to a Newborn

    Becoming a best friend and protector to your new bundle of joy is an exciting role that many canines are proud to take on. On the other hand, some dogs aren’t into the whole baby thing at first, and others just aren’t really sure how to respond to the little tyke.

    Help your pup and your family ease into the process of getting to know each other with some pre-baby preparation.

    Establishing New Boundaries

    Before your newborn comes home, your dog needs time to adjust to the new environment. While you may not have taken notice or been bothered by it before, you’re not going to want your pup following you into every room of the house when rocking or feeding. 

    Create off-limits spaces by using simple commands like “kennel up,” “out,” or “go lay down.” Once the requirement of the command has been met, reward your dog with a treat or affection. By offering a positive result for good behavior, your pup will understand that this isn’t a punishment. You’re just establishing a new routine.

    The time for introductions and family inclusion will come, but the last thing you want is to be carrying your newborn across a room…only to trip and fall over a curious canine. 

    Helpful Trick: Buy a babydoll from your local dollar store. If possible, pick one that cries or makes noise and carry it around the home the way you would your newborn and use it as practice. 

    Setting the Mood

    If possible, have a friend, family member, or pet sitter take your dog for a brisk run or walk to wear off excess energy. During this time, bring your newborn inside and allow other children in the home to express their excitement. Once everyone has calmed down a bit, have another adult help with initiating the first greeting between your pup and the new little person in their life.

    Leash your dog as a precaution; it’s not necessary to pull or restrain. They’re going to be curious…

    “This baby smells so different, so good! It’s so tiny! Can I lick it? Can we play together?”

    Allow your dog to sniff the baby’s feet and tell them what your baby’s name is. Doing so will help them recognize that the newborn is a who, not an it. As long as they’re calmly following “sit” and “gentle” commands, your pet should be given permission to observe, sniff, and listen to the soft cooing of their two-legged sibling.

    You know your dog best, if they growl, become tense, or appear to behave in a way that you recognize as aggression, stop the session immediately. Take a break, and revisit. 

    Work As A Team

    Once you feel that your newborn has reached a stage where they can safely go for stroller rides, bring your pup with! Walking together is by far one of the most primal ways for owners to bond with canines. Use this opportunity to help them get used to the presence of the baby and create the natural union of bringing them into The Pack!

  • Should My Dog Be Eating Grass?

    Are you finding yourself wondering if you bought a cow instead of a dog? If so, you’re not alone in this dilemma. Many dog owners find themselves scratching their heads and wondering why their beloved pooch is dining on the backyard grass. You may be asking yourself if this is normal behavior and if it’s good for him. So, let’s dig a little deeper into this doggy behavior. 

    It’s more common than you might think, so you don’t really have to be concerned about them eating grass. Pica, the disorder that is characterized by eating non-food things, could indicate a nutritional imbalance or alert you to some boredom that is commonly found in puppies and younger dogs. 

    Most veterinarians consider this activity to be normal and has also been observed in wild dogs as well. In one small-scale study, 79% of 49 dog owners and their dogs with regular access to grass said that their pooches ate grass or some other backyard vegetation. 

    So, why is your dog eating grass? Some people think it’s because their dog isn’t feeling well and others while others dispute that thought by saying that dogs couldn’t possibly be smart enough to eat grass to treat an unsettled tummy. Also, even after grass-eating, most dogs don’t vomit and typically weren’t unwell prior to chowing down on this green delicacy. 

    Another thought is that dogs are trying to improve their digestion, potentially treating stomach worms, or fulfilling some unmet nutritional needs like getting nutritional fiber. If you think that your dog needs more fiber in her diet, try finding a food that is higher in fiber to see if that helps. If it doesn’t, then Bella just might like the taste and texture of grass. 

    Sometimes, dogs eat grass out of pure boredom. If that is the case, then increasing playtime or upping your walking routine would be beneficial. Find some new activities or take your dog to your local Petland and pick out some new sturdy toys that will keep him occupied. 

    Lastly, while grazing on your lawn may not be harmful, you need to make sure that when you’re out you should work on curbing your dog’s appetite for grass. The reason for this is because you don’t know what kind of herbicides or pesticides that may have been used. These can be very toxic to dogs, along with certain types of vegetation.

    So, while you are sure now that you don’t have a cow with paws on your hand, keep watch over your dog to make sure that his diet is the right one and he’s not munching your neighbor’s marigolds.