Blog

  • German Shepherd’s Shedding – There’s Help!

    On occasion, almost all dogs will shed their coats to some degree.

    However, ’tis true when they say that German Shepherd puppies are prolific shedders! This means they shed all year around. Sure, the weather plays a part of how much, but the shedding never really ends. The biggest factor that plays a role in slowing it down a bit is their diet. There’s help! Read on to learn 7 tips to regulate the shedding of German Shepherd puppies.

    • Feed German Shepherd puppies high quality diets.

    One of the most effective ways of reducing shedding is to provide a healthy diet. Inexpensive dog foods are primarily comprised of ingredients that are difficult for German Shepherd puppies, (and dogs in general) to digest, such as corn and grain. Find food that has meat as the main ingredient.

    • “Treat” your dog to human food occasionally.

    We’re using the word “treat” modestly, so don’t go overboard. Foods like bananas, sliced apples (without the seeds), cucumbers, and lean meats are all moisture rich foods that will help your German Shepherd puppies to stay hydrated. These foods also keep their coats shiny and smooth, thus reduces the shedding.

    • Add olive oil or flaxseed oil to your German Shepherd’s food.

    Begin by giving 1 tsp. (5 mL) per 10 pounds (4.5 kg.) of his body weight. These oils contain omega-3 fatty acids that helps to calm inflamed skin, decrease dandruff, and improve their overall coat texture.

    • Ensure your German Shepherd has access to clean, fresh drinking water at all times.

    As we’ve previously mentioned, moisture rich foods keep your pups hydrated. The same, obviously, goes for water. Dehydration can lead to dry skin, which can cause excessive shedding and also illnesses.

    • Prior to spring season, invest in and use deshedding tools.

    Before German Shepherd puppies have their winter coats fall off, deshed them. You want to do this in the fall, as well. Lest you forget, your furniture, carpets, and clothes won’t!

    • Every day is “brush” day.

    To truly stay on top of your pup’s incessant shedding, you must brush him every day. There are no exceptions. Grooming German Shepherd puppies daily removes excess and loose fur and redistributes your German Shepherd’s skin oils into its fur.

    • Give your German Shepherd regular baths.

    Typical adult German Shepherds usually only needs a bath three or four times a year, that is if you’re brushing him on a regular basis! His hair will fall off in the tub or bathing area and not on your floor or furniture! Be careful not give him too many baths, as this will defeat the purpose by drying out his skin, and thus causing more shedding.

     

  • Pets and Seniors

    Many research studies have been conducted regarding the significant benefits of pet ownership for seniors.

    They affect their mental, physical, and emotional health positively. In essence, they are good for their mind, body, and spirit. Small dog breeds and dogs in general have been found to provide loving day-to-day companionship, physical exercise, and socialization for seniors, increasing their quality of life vastly. They are therapeutic in that they promote the flow of feel good hormones in the brain and body, consequently lowering blood pressure, stress, and heart rates. If you’re considering creating this unique bond either for yourself or a loved one, you’ll benefit greatly from this list of small dog breeds who are a breeze!

    Shih Tzu

    Shih Tzus are known for the friendly and playful dispositions. They are ideal for apartment living and were bred to be companions, so they’re perfect. These small dog breeds require daily walks and some indoor playtime and then lots of lap loving! Their coats will require daily grooming, which can be peaceful and strengthen the senior/pet bond.

    Poodle

    Poodles come in three sizes – standard, miniature, and toy. The smallest of the bunch are Toy Poodles and they’re lap dogs, as you might have guessed. What makes these small dog breeds particularly suitable for seniors is that they’re highly intelligent, easy to train, and they don’t shed, which means people with allergies can own them. Toy Poodles are energetic, but have the least amount of the three types and can adapt to a more sedentary lifestyle, if needed.

    Yorkshire Terrier

    The biggest downside to these small dog breeds is their long hair that will certainly require lots of grooming, professional is recommended. But despite that, they are small and adaptable making them a perfect pet companion for seniors, especially those in assisted living homes. A daily stroll suits them just fine and it will provide just enough physical activity for their owners, too!

    Pug

    Their small, wrinkly faces, short legs, and inquisitive personalities makes the Pug a comedic and friendly senior companion. The always pleasant Pug is easy to and willing to please. These small dog breeds snore, so you may want to consider buying some ear plugs if you decide to bring this dog into your home!

    Cocker Spaniel

    Okay, we’re sneaking this one on the list! Though they aren’t typically categorized as small dog breeds, some of the runts can be! Cocker Spaniels are great companions for seniors. They have even temperaments and are generally happy and healthy dogs. They can be energetic, so a daily walk will treat that energy just fine. Their beautiful coats will need some grooming, but it’s not a labor intensive task. They are truly known to be joys to seniors.

     

  • Buy A Pup For Sale From Petland – Set Your Mind At Ease

    For over 45 years, Petland has been the retail pet industry leader for animal care, always committed to animal welfare and to providing quality pets.

    When you purchase a pup for sale from us, you help to accomplish our mission of enhancing the enjoyment of the human animal bond. Here are five facts you should know about buying a pup for sale from Petland:

    Petland is committed to responsible pet sourcing.

    When a customer asks, “Where do Petland dogs come from?” we can answer with confidence. When purchasing a pup for sale from us, you can rest assured that all of Petland’s dogs come from three primary sources:

    1. USDA licensed breeders and distributors with no direct violations on their latest inspection report. The breeders have a veterinarian documented socialization and exercise program and follow the veterinarian’s protocol for skin, coat, nail, and dental hygiene.
    2. Hobby breeders as defined by the Animal Welfare Act, who raise their dogs in a humane manner, and
    3. Local adoption pets that are vet checked. Some of our puppies and kittens come from local animal shelters or from members of the local community as part of Petland’s Adopt-A- Pet Program.

    Our knowledgeable staff can answer any of your questions.

    The number one reason why an individual becomes a Petland franchise owner is their love for pets. We celebrate our love for animals and pride ourselves on being pet experts. If you’ve found the perfect pup for sale and want to take her home, any of our staff members can be a great resource if you. We firmly believe in sharing our knowledge with potential owners and the pet community.

    A Petland Pup For Sale Comes In A Wide Variety Of Breeds

    If you are in the market for a specific breed, chances are we have it! Our network of USDA licensed breeders provides us with a vast selection of puppies that are up-to-date on vaccinations and deworming and are microchipped. When you purchase a pup for sale from Petland you also receive the name and address of the puppy’s breeder and a written health warranty for the puppy.

    Select Petland locations offer financing.

    Buying a pup for sale doesn’t have to break the bank! Select locations offer pet financing. This is an affordable and ethical alternative to pet leasing. The application process is simple and approval decisions are made within minutes, so you can buy the pup for sale of your dreams today and pay later.

    You become part of the solution.

    When you purchase a dog from Petland, you join of community of happy pet owners bonded by their love for animals and dedicated to ending animal homelessness. By purchasing a Petland pup for sale, you support a company that donates to rescues and you become educated with the long term needs of your dog. This education and proper pet training decreases the number pet owners who give their dogs to rescues due to bad behavior and solves the problem of overpopulated shelters.

     

  • 5 Ways To Prevent Obesity in Dogs

    As humans, it’s quite natural for us to pay close attention to our health and weight.

    It’s in magazines and on television so often that it’s practically ingrained in our brains. What’s not more prevalent is the same amount of attention paid to our furry family members. Sure, we may have seen a commercial or two about specific dog brands catering towards their weight maintenance, but still – that’s not enough. When people decide to buy a dog, their weight may not be on the top of their priority list, like house training for example. With that said, we want to give you 5 tips to prevent obesity in your dog, so that he can live a long and healthy life!

    1. Familiarize yourself with your dog’s ideal weight.

    Here’s an interesting and commonly unknown fact. Most owners will buy a dog and not have a clue as to what their ideal weight should be. This is the easiest tip and the first step in monitoring and staying on top of your pup’s healthy. This is so important to know, because it will help you make the best dietary decisions when feeding your dog.

    1.  Exercise, exercise, and exercise!

    Ah, exercise…it’s a word many dread and some actually love! No matter what emotion it evokes, the reality is that it’s necessary for both humans and dogs. There’s just no getting around it! When you buy a dog, make the commitment to exercise her, especially once you’ve mastered #1, the aforementioned tip. Depending on your dog, a daily stroll may be all that’s required. If you buy a dog of a larger breed, it kind of goes without saying that a stroll won’t cut it. Take your dog to a park and let him run about or if you’re a bike rider or jogger, take him along with you. This is beneficial for both you and your dog!

    1. Stay abreast with your vet.

    If you’ve noticed that your dog has put on a few extra pounds, contact your vet. Your veterinarian is the best place to start. They can give you a meal plan, yes we said meal plan! A recommended goal weight and professional plan of action is suggested, as opposed to you going at it alone. Keep in mind that an overweight dog can truly experience discomfort in their joints and they are prone to additional injuries. Your veterinarian can also help you rule out other ailments that can cause obesity, such as hypothyroidism.

    1. Make dietary changes, if needed.

    First and foremost, try hard to avoid feeding your dog table scraps and human food, in general. When you buy a dog, you can also buy treats for him, but opt for low fat, low caloric, and healthy ones. They exist, trust us! Stick to a feeding schedule rather than a free-for-all. Treat treats just as that – treats! If your dog seems to be grazing and appears hungry, try giving her fresh veggies, as they’re an excellent source of fiber and can be filling. Based on the advice and consultation with your vet, it may not be necessary to change your pet’s food, but rather the quantity.

    1. Continuously monitor your pup’s weight.

    Check your pup’s weight regularly, just as you would do for yourself. It’s imperative to know if your efforts of weight loss or maintenance are paying off, just as you desired. If weight loss is your goal, they should be losing approximately 1 lb. a month. Again, stay in contact with your vet regularly to ensure the laid out plan is working.

     

    We recognize that when you buy a dog, there will be some areas that are forgotten or that you may not have known about, but we’re hopeful that these tips will be helpful. Keep in mind, you control what and when your dog eats. Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to maintaining a long and healthy life. You can do it!

  • 7 Things You Didn’t Know About The Blue Frenchie

    Fun Facts About The Blue Frenchie

     

    •  They AREN’T French!

    Say what? Contrary to their name, the Blue Frenchie doesn’t have French origins at all. This is always a surprising fact for many Blue Frenchie owners. They are actually the sisters to English Bulldogs, who hail from a small area in England called Nottingham. It’s widely unknown why or how they got their names, but it’s also widely agreed upon that they aren’t from France.

    •  They don’t do laps…but they’re lap dogs.

    The Blue Frenchie is not a good swimmer. They don’t do well in water at all and they don’t like it either. There are plenty of dogs that innately are great swimmers and love the water, but the Blue Frenchie isn’t one of them! They prefer the dry land, period.

    •  They aren’t recognized.

    The Blue Frenchie is not recognized by any dog breeder associations. You can not show or train a Blue Frenchie in any competitions, strictly because of their color. The only French Bulldogs allowed in shows are those with the color palettes of brindle, white, fawn, or a combination of white and brindle.

    • Blue Frenchies freeze!

    Because of their single coat, they can become cold very easily. You’ll notice a Blue Frenchie constantly curled up in a tight warm ball during the winter or when air conditioners are furiously running during the summer. Invest in some sweaters or t-shirts for these babies, as they’ll happily comfortably sport them all year ‘round!

    •  They are big time snorers!

    Upon one glance, you can notice their flat faces. Unfortunately, this means that they have very labored and audible breathing patterns. It’s called brachycephalic. The Blue Frenchie is not a quiet dog! You’ll often here them when they’re just being and breathing and certainly when they’re sleeping. Invest in some earplugs, because despite their small size, they are big snorters!

    •  They’re pretty and a pretty penny.

    The only difference between a regular French Bulldog and the Blue Frenchie is the color, which makes for the largest difference…the price! They are almost twice as much as the price of the “regular” French Bulldog. The Blue Frenchie is much more difficult to find. They cost a lot more money to maintain physically, because of their serious health issues, especially because of their allergies. They also have other neck and back issues, due to their short and curved spines. If they have an allergic reaction, a typical vet visit can run you anywhere from $300 – $700.

    •  They’re lazy.

    Blue Frenchies are not very active dogs, nor do they require it to be happy and healthy. They aren’t prone to obesity. They like to just chill, typically with you. They’ll enjoy a nice walk or a few moments outside, but then back to the couch to cuddle they go!

     

  • 5 Tips To Feeding Your Rottie Puppy

    The Rottie puppy is a beauty.

    Their strong, muscular body and black and brown coat commands your attention. Beyond the surface of their stunning appearance, you want to keep proper care of their health, which in turn reflects how beautiful their coats radiate. We’ve compiled some 5 tips for you to incorporate when you’re feeding your Rottie puppy.

    Creature of Habit

    For starters, dogs are a creature of habit. They thrive best when a routine is part of their daily schedule. This means it’s necessary to stick to a routine when it comes to feeding them. For adult dogs, the best time for meals is during breakfast time in the morning and dinnertime at night.

    Proper Balance

     Your Rottie puppy should always have a proper balance of the six basic food nutrients. They are carbohydrates, minerals, proteins, water, fats, and vitamins. Your Rottie puppy will display signs of deficiency if these essential nutrients are not available. They can and should be fed 2 or 3 times a day to prevent bloat. Give your Rottweiler a ration of 4 or 5 small meals a day until she’s about a year old.

    Meals

    As a general rule of thumb, Rottie puppy food is changed to adult food when he has reached almost 90 of its body weight. As with any dog, this shift in diet should be gradual and carefully executed, to allow your Rottweiler’s digestive system to get used to the change of food. The change should take place over a span of five to seven days. Below, follow one of the two guidelines to gradually changing your Rottie puppy’s diet:

    • You want to begin with mixing very small amounts of the new food to the old one, over a period of five to seven days.

    OR

    • Try fasting your Rottie puppy for one meal. At the next meal, mix a quarter of the new food with a normal amount of old food. For the next five meals, increase the amount of the new dog food to one half of its normal consumption of the old dog food. Ultimately, you’ll fully and seamlessly transition from the old to new food.

    Meat Lovers

    Rottweilers are classified as carnivores, just like any other dogs. They absolutely love to consume meat. Should you decide to satisfy your Rottie puppy’s carnivorous desires, it is best to give him raw meat. Be sure that the meat is clean and not contaminated, to mitigate any resulting illnesses or diseases.

    Proper Diet

    You can always tell if you’re feeding your Rottie puppy a proper diet, based on their lustrous coat. Happy dogs are those that are active and have proper nutrition. Those without the aforementioned will get sick easily and disconnected with their surroundings. The Rottie puppy diet should include sufficient amounts of carbohydrate food sources like protein from meat, and cereals, together with salt, vegetables, animal oil, and other sources of vitamins and minerals.  

     

  • 5 Hunter Breeds To Meet Your Rural Needs

    In life, sometimes we want what we want and there are times when we need what we need.

    If you live, work and breath in rural or more countryside areas, sometimes you actually have a need for hunting dogs. They serve the purpose of guarding and herding your farm animals. We have purebred puppies that will meet your needs and we’ve compiled a list of 5 hunting breeds of dogs.

    Chesapeake Bay Retriever

    Nicknamed “The Chessie,” these purebred puppies have an origin date of 1807. Two Newfoundland dogs were rescued from a shipwreck off the coast of Maryland, near the Chesapeake Bay river. They were bred for duck hunting with other water loving breeds and eventually they became the family friendly, outdoorsy, and energetic Chesapeake Bay Retriever. They will happily charge through a long day of hunting.

    Beagle

    Beagle purebred puppies are seen as the the quintessential “hunting dog.” If you are hunting varmint like rabbits, the Beagle is your dog, hands down! They are known to track and follow a scent until they tire or the scent disappears! Beagles have been described as having a “nose with feet!”

    American Foxhound

    American Foxhounds, just as their name suggests, were bred with the purpose of hunting foxes, and although a somewhat rare breed, they are still known to do so. Deer hunters have used these purebred puppies for their excellent running skills during deer season. When it comes to the American Foxhound, they are great at what they do and will practically chase down anything you train and tell them.

    Labrador Retriever

    It’s a known fact that Labrador Retrievers are household favorites, however the same goes for the countryside and their impeccable hunting reputations. Retriever breeds make the best hunting dog and are revered as the best that’s ever did it! Their thick coats allow them to be in cold weather for hours. They are best known for hunting ducks, but they can also help you out with any type of small game.

    Bloodhound

    The Bloodhound is the largest scent hound there is! These purebred puppies were originally bred for hunting deer, wild boar, and since the Middle Ages…for tracking people! They live up to the expectation of their name, with their unparalleled tracking abilities and strong noses making them excellent hunting dogs.

     

  • We Just Love Long Hair Puppies…And So Will You!

    Don’t say long hair puppies aren’t fabulous, when you know they are!

    Puppies with long hair are preferred by many! Besides how beautiful their luxurious coats can look, many owners love grooming and taking care of their long hair puppies. We’ve put together a list of 5 long hair puppies that are absolutely lovable.

    Have a Havanese, Why Don’tcha?

    The Havanese is the national dog for Cuba. These little beauties have a long lifespan of 13-15 years. They can be found in many color combinations, but best of all – their furs are very long, straight and silky! They are excellent family dogs and provide endless companionship.

    Afghan Hounds

    Now THESE are long hair puppies to be envied! They have bouncy, long and silky fur all over their bodies, which are tall and lean. The Afghan is said to be one of the oldest existing dog breeds. They are also known as the Kuchi Hound or the Kabul Hound. They are a gorgeous breed and definitely benefit from professional and regular grooming.

    The Ever So Soft – Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier

    This breed originated in Ireland over 200 years ago. They share a common ancestry with the Kerry Blue and Irish Terrier, but are distinguished separately by their soft, silky, long coats. They are great family dogs, especially for those with kids. These long hair puppies require daily brushing every day, but since they don’t shed, they only require baths and trimming every other month!

    Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkies)

    These long hair puppies may be in the toy group and member of the small dog breeds, but they pack a good punch!  Their long and silky coats give the appearance of being just a handsome lap dog, but their demeanor matches that of large dog breeds, serving as sometimes overly protective watchdogs. They are one of the more popular long hair puppy breeds!

    Can You Handle The Komondor?

    At first glance, you may not know their names, but you definitely know their giant “mop dog” appearance! These fluffy and shaggy fur babies commonly command attention everywhere they go. You wouldn’t know it, because their eyes are barely visible, but Komondors are used today as sheep guardians! Their coats require detailed and professional attention. As an owner, be ready to separate their cords by hand regularly to prevent matting and to maintain their distinctive coats! Because of the sheer volume of their hair, they must be towel dried as much as possible, as it can take two or three days for these long hair puppies to dry!

  • Hmmm…Which Are Best, Hybrid Puppies or Purebred Puppies?

    There are so many awesome puppy breeds in both categories, it can be hard to know which way to go!

    There’s a great debate within the dog buying/owning community as to whether one should own hybrid puppies or purebred puppies. So what’s the difference? Purebred puppies are dogs that have been carefully bred to produce offspring with identical characteristics and traits of the parent breeds. Hybrid puppies are a cross of two pure breed dogs. This really is a personal decision that should be made. At the end of the day, we really recognize that either choice is arguably a sound and reasonable one based on many factors. Neither is right or wrong, but rather based on an individual preference for each owner’s lifestyle. To help you make a choice, we’ve compiled some of the most commonly asked questions regarding purebred puppies and hybrid puppies.

    Are purebred puppies healthier?

    Most hybrid puppies are pretty unpredictable in a lot ways, from their size to their haircoats! Purebreds are tested for issues usually known to affect the breed. This is to ensure only healthy dogs are being bred. Most diseases are being detected and eradicated this way. When breeds are crossed, it creates hybrid puppies with unknown results, thus they really can’t be tested in advance. However, it should be said that hybrid puppies are relatively healthier than their purebred brethren.

    What are the temperaments of purebred puppies?

    Now with this question, the answer is easier to answer and relatively straightforward. Purebred puppies possess a temperament that’s fairly predictable based on breed standards. Hybrid dogs have a few question marks attached to them! For most hybrid puppies, you get characteristics from both parents, but it’s impossible to tell exactly how they’ll turn out.

    Are there hypoallergenic purebred dogs?

    Technically, there’s no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog.  There are, however, low-to-no shedding dogs with little-to-no amounts of dander. Hybrid puppies that are a cross of two or more breeds may or may not grow into a low shedding adult dog. It’s kind of a toss up.

    What’s the verdict?

    As we mentioned previously, this is a personal choice. People who own and love dogs are passionate about them. Some may favor one breed over the other. Ultimately, all dogs are wonderful and beautiful in their own rite and whichever you choose to own depends on your lifestyle. What’s most important is that any dog purchased or should be done with reputable breeders and research should always be conducted to ensure that your puppies have the healthiest and happiest life with you!

  • Tips for Raising Happy Apartment Puppies!

    Gone are the days and misconceptions of all dogs living in homes with lavish backyards. There are breeds that thrive in small environments!

    You can raise happy condo or apartment puppies. It just takes a little more planning and foresight. Follow these tips when considering adding a dog to your apartment.

    Research, research and more research!

    Firstly, you want to be absolutely realistic about what kind of dog you want and if they’re actually well suited for apartment life. Most large dog breeds won’t gel well in small spaces, so small to medium sized dogs are recommended. Big dogs may become frustrated with being cooped in tight spaces and may resort to destructive behavior like chewing or scratching.

    A little preparation goes a long way

    Once you’ve decided on the apartment puppies you want to have, you want to puppy proof and prepare your house. Protect your floors. Put some items like potted plants in higher places, so that curious pups won’t inspect them. Educate yourself on harmful foods for dogs and keep them away. Create a space specifically for your dog, by getting a dog bed, some toys and food and water bowls. If you have the room, create two spaces for your dog to enjoy and rest. You’ll also want to find a place for their crate.

    Take a look at your schedule

    You, most assuredly, need to create a routine. Dogs thrive best when they have one. Feed him at the same times in the same places every single day. Take them for walks at the same time. It might not be immediately evident, but they will become more compliant with a consistently executed routine.

    Apartment puppies still need exercise

    Now that your dog has joined your home, you’ll soon learn that apartments puppies will need exercise just like dogs that dwell in larger homes. They are excitable and need to burn that energy. Take them for at least two walks a day. Socialize them by allowing them to run freely in neighborhood dog parks. You’ll thank us later. Promise!

    Invest in some training classes

    Lastly, get professional training and make it a priority. No one wants a dog who barks incessantly or won’t listen to your commands. It can make life unbearable and you’ll question your decision to have apartment puppies. If you’re unable to actually obtain or attend professional training, invest in books or other training techniques via YouTube. Remember, consistency is key!