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  • Top 5 Ways to Show Your Pup Affection

    Communication with your dog is mainly done with your facial expression, your voice/tone, and body language. This isn’t any different when you want to show your pet affection. And you have the tail-wagging and loving slurps to confirm that they love you right back. Now, let’s take a look at 5 ways you can show your pup affection: 

    1. Gaze Into His Eyes 

    Recall that your pup watches your facial expressions closely. Therefore, he would perfectly understand a gentle, loving gaze. While at it, you could use calm words affirming how much you love him. Raising your left eyebrow is also seen as a display of affection. Doing this releases oxytocin, a hormone that helps your pup relax and acts as a bonding agent. Watching his gooey eyes may also trigger an oxytocin release in you. 

    1. Scratch Behind the Ears 

    Your dog’s ears have receptors that are known to stimulate the release of endorphins, which makes him feel real good. Replace a pat on the head with a gentle scratch or patting behind the ears, and you would see the pleasurable response. Rub his ears gently too, and accompany that with other forms of petting. This says “I love you” to your pet in very certain terms. 

    1. Hang Out Together 

    Your pup can tell when you want him around. Including your pup in your busy day, like letting him hang around when you’re working makes him feel loved. It could be a simple act of letting him curl up at your feet while you’re sitting at your desk or letting him snuggle in your lap. On occasions like a family dinner or movie night, you could move your pup’s place close to the dining table or allow him to play with his favorite toy on the couch while seeing the movie. These are just a few suggestions. 

    1. Snuggling 

    Your pup has a lot of energy and sure does like to run around a lot. But after a long day, there’s nothing he loves more than snuggling next to his favorite human. A nap on the couch together or lying in the grass outdoors makes him feel like you’re part of his pack. Pets love physical contact and they thrive on it. However, they might not appreciate hugs, but cuddling on the couch, now, that’s one thing they love. 

    1. Treats! 

    One way to show your pup a whole lot of affection is by giving them treats! This isn’t just when they’ve been good or successfully carried out a command. Random treating and petting your fur baby shows him that you love him. Note that you shouldn’t feed your pet with just treats, because they may not always contain all the primary nutrients. Also, avoid giving human junk food and snacks, they contain more calories than your pup needs. Remember, treats should be given in moderation. 

  • Fun Ways To Celebrate Your Pup’s Birthday (Gotcha Day)!

    Hurrah! Your pup’s gotcha day is just around the corner, and you’re probably looking to do something special. They are a big part of our families, so with all the excitement around, you can be certain that he would enjoy every single moment. Thankfully, there are several ways to give your pup an incredible birthday. So, here are some ideas you can explore in making your pup’s special day super memorable: 

    1. A Doggo Birthday Party!

    What better way to celebrate your dog’s special day than by throwing them a party. To make the party more like it, you could invite some friends and neighbors to come along with their dogs (preferably friendly pooches). If this would be your first party, then you should keep the numbers down. You could play fun pup games, share dog-friendly cake, and share bags filled with goodies and treats that dogs love. For an outdoors party, ensure that the dogs are properly supervised, have constant access to fresh water, and are shaded from the sun.  

    1. Hike a New Trail 

    You know just how much your pup loves his daily work, yes? Now, imagine you hiked a new road filled with new smells and sights, wouldn’t that make Max giddy with excitement! This is one way to give your pup an incredible gotcha day, take him someplace new and let him play around. Go lax a bit so that he has the freedom to take in the new smells. Visiting a new park is a nice idea too!

    1. Play His Favorite Games 

    Dogs have a whole lot of energy and sometimes it’s hard to keep up with their energy levels, so we do what we can, and it’s on to the next playtime! For Max’s birthday, it would be nice to spend some extra time playing the games you know that he loves. This is definitely one way to make your dog feel special on this day. Some exciting game ideas include Fetch/Frisbee, Tug of War, Hide & Seek, and you could even play Find The Treats where his keen sense of smell is rewarded with his favorite treats. 

    1. Go Swimming!

    Most dogs like splashing around in the water, and if your pup is that way, then a swimming session would be wonderful fun! You could visit a local beach or find a dog-friendly pool in the area. Just make sure to follow all the safety rules and bring fresh water along for wash up. 

    1. Shower Him With Gifts and Treats  

    Are birthdays really complete without gifts and treats? The same goes for your adorable pup. If the usual maximum was three to four treats per day, go as high as seven and see whether he doesn’t know it’s a special day. You could also take the day off to cuddle with him on the sofa, make an extra special meal, sing him a birthday song, make a birthday hat for him, and take cute pictures of him. This would definitely make a memorable one for both you and Max. 

  • Pet First Aid; You Should Know This!

    Dogs have a very inquisitive nature and danger is a strange concept. Some strange object? They’re chewing on it already. This makes for a possibility of potential physical harm. Sometimes, minor emergencies might arise and all you need is basic knowledge of pet first aid. 

    So, here is some essential pet first aid information that you should know: 

    1. Noting the signs

    There’s a possibility that you didn’t see what happened, and this is why noting signs is essential. For starters, you have to know your pet’s regular behavior. If he’s acting out of character, then there might be something wrong and you should start probing. Factors like a sudden change in appetite, smell, or behavior can indicate something out of the ordinary. 

    Furthermore, a sign like gasping or panting, could imply airway blockage, throwing up could indicate food poisoning, and so on. 

    1. Checking For a Pulse 

    Just like it is in humans, knowing how to check for a pulse in your pet is essential. The upper third of your pup’s thigh region is the best place to check. Simply curl your hand on the thigh and squeeze gently from underneath. The artery which transports oxygenated blood should be pulsing. 

    It is advisable to use any finger apart from the thumb for this because the thumb has a strong pulse too, and may affect the accurate gauging of your pet’s pulse.To get the number of beats per minute, simply time the pulse for 15 seconds and multiply this by 4. 

    1. Muzzling Your Pet 

    When a dog is frightened or in pain, they might likely bite. Muzzling your pet is something you should be able to do. 

    However, if your pet is panting, muzzling is out of the question, since they need that air source. Since he’d most likely be on the floor, gently approach and encourage him to place his nose in the muzzle. Once that’s done, clip the muzzle on and ensure that it is snug. Not too tight, but not so loose that he can pull it off.  

    1. Dealing With a Choking Hazard 

    A choking hazard can successfully block your pet’s airway and prevent him from breathing easily. Some clear signs of choking or airway obstruction include extreme distress, apparent choking sounds, continuous coughing and he may also rub his face along the ground. 

    The easiest way to dislodge a potential choking hazard involves two simple steps:

    • Suspend your pet in the air upside down, holding up their back legs. 
    • Note the area where the ribs end and the abdomen starts, and then firmly deliver a blow to that area. 
    • Repeat that about four times. 

    Another method is the Heimlich maneuver. 

    1.  Transporting Your Dog 

    A major section of pet first aid entails carrying your pup the proper way. When transporting your pup,

    • Slide your dominant arm gently underneath your dog’s chest and let it remain between his front lungs. 
    • Lift him gently, and let his backside cozy between your arm and body, for extra support. 
    • Place your dominant arm behind his back legs, and use your other arm to wrap and support the front of the chest. 

  • Fun Games to Play With Your Pup This Summer

    Summer calls for spending a lot of time outdoors. The garden comes alive and everywhere looks so beautiful. There are new smells and you definitely want to give your pup a feel of this “happiest time of the year.” Your pup loves nothing more than playing with his favorite human, and we understand that. 

    So, here are 5 game ideas that you can explore in the backyard, the garden, or the park:

    1. Frisbee 

    This feels like an upgraded version of fetch because Fido would be chasing over longer distances. You know how much he loves to fetch, so you can imagine how much more fun Frisbee would be for him. This game also aids agility and is a great way to exercise. If you’re only just starting out, use a soft disc instead of regular hard plastic frisbees. Fido might get a couple of hits in the face when getting the hang of the game, and a hard frisbee in the face can discourage him from continuing. 

    1. Hide and Seek 

    Bring Fido’s tracking and sniffing skills to the fore with a game of hide and seek. You could even recruit family members so that it’s a lot more exciting. Hide in a secluded spot and call out to him to find you. The longer it takes, the more exciting it is for him. To increase excitement further, you could have multiple family members calling out at the same time. As he gets better at tracking everybody down, you could raise the bar on the challenge. Let’s see how Fido aces this tracking test. 

    1. Tug of War 

    The excitement in Fido’s eyes would be almost palpable, and this is a guarantee. Tug of war is one of the games that pups love the most. The main reason, of course, is the fact that you’re trying to get something from them. They have a natural back and forth tugging instinct associated with getting food. Therefore, their natural instincts kick in here. To play, a rugged stuffed toy or strong rope toy works fine. Just ensure that it isn’t fraying so that your pet doesn’t ingest string.  

    1. Treasure (Treats) Hunt

    This is a great way for your pup to have fun, and be rewarded with his favorite treats at the end. Hide his favorite treats all around the garden, in different locations, and of course, the smelly ones. So, he has to track down all of these treats while the smells pleasantly assault his senses all over the garden. You can change hiding places from time to time while he’s at it, making the game extra fun. 

    1. Water Games

    A hot day out in the garden goes beautifully with water games. You could use a kiddie pool filled with water and allow your pup to go crazy. If you have a pool, and Fido can swim, this works just fine too. Also, you could visit a pet-friendly beach and watch him splash around in the waves. A game of fetch with a ball would fit in just nicely into the mix too.  

  • Preparing Your Pup for His First Vet Appointment

    So you’re the parent of that preppy new pup? Congratulations! You’ve gotten his crate, a couple of matching leashes, favorite chew toys, and stocked up on the best foods you could find. Great! Now that you’ve found your perfect pup, it’s time to schedule a vet appointment. Because, as cute and energetic as Boomer can be, he can feel less-than-awesome sometimes. Hence, your cute Boomer is going to need a team to keep him healthy. 

    Say hello to the Vet Clinic!

    However, the first trip to the vet can be stressful for your little fluff ball if he isn’t prepared for it. It’s his first time after all. You want to make the experience as smooth as possible and less daunting, there are a couple of habits you need to inculcate before dropping by the vet’s office. 

    If you’re a new proud parent, here are few tips to help you prepare your pup for a visit to the vet:

    1. Accustom Your Puppy With Car Rides

    It’s a bad idea to only take your pup for a car ride only when it’s a trip to the vet. Soon enough, he will associate car rides with fear and scary shots. 

    Make brief trips to enjoyable places such as a park or just sightseeing. If you’re concerned about the safety of your buddy during the trip, you can place him in a crate or use a canine harness restraint. Let him play with one of his toys to cheer him up. 

    And if you want to take it up a notch, you could spritz calming fragrances in the car. This kind of scent would relax them as dogs possess a powerful nose.  

    1. Introduce The Vet Clinic Beforehand

    Visiting the clinic ahead of time may be difficult if you’re busy, but your pup would appreciate the effort. It’ll make an enormous difference to your dog’s real appointment. 

    You can get to the clinic when it’s less busy and crowded with ‘strange’ dogs. Let your pup get familiar with the waiting room, the exam room, and the staff. The team will most likely say hi to your dog and drop a few treats. Since there will be no procedures and lots of people eager to play with him, the clinic won’t provoke fear for your pup.

    You can even take the time to fill out the necessary paperwork. 

    If possible, take two or three trial runs before the actual appointment for maximum results.

    1. Remain Calm On The Big Day

    Dogs are quite sensitive. 

    It’s a known fact that pups pick up the energy of their owners and act accordingly. Meaning, yes, your emotions are contagious. If you’re making a fuss, your pup is likely to as well. 

    Get all the information and items you need to prepare in advance from the clinic—a list of medications, stool samples, urine samples, etc.

    Don’t change your routine, and remain cheerful so your baby knows nothing is wrong.

  • 7 Best Gift Ideas For Your Pup

    Your fluffy BFF loves your undying attention and love, no doubt about that. But once in a while, it would be nice to spoil them with gifts that show appreciation for  their goofiness and support. Honestly, it’s actually a cute moment of bliss to see Lucky get excited over new toys.  

    If you need the inspiration to shop for the special pooch in your life, or even to gift a dog-lover, this ultimate guide will assist you to pick the best. 

    Here are 7 cool gifts you can give your dog this season… because you’re a cool parent:

    1. Fluffy Blankets

    One item we would recommend getting for your fur baby is a fluffy comfy blanket. Every dog likes to curl up in something comfy, so this should be at the top of your list. Make sure you get blankets that are machine washable because…they WILL get dirty. 

    1. Smart Dog Collar

    Gifting your dog a smart collar will help you monitor your dog’s activity. Some even come with the feature of allowing you to compare it with the other pets in the neighborhood. You can also track down his location through GPS technology and create geo-fences around specific Keep-Out Zones. Hence, you can get alerted when your pup leaves a ‘safe zone’.

    1. Grooming Shampoo

    Who wouldn’t like their fur looking all silky and shiny? We know your pup would. Treat him to a luxury shampoo and conditioner that not only keeps him clean but leaves him smelling like bursts of sunshine.

    1. A Portrait 

    Wouldn’t it be incredible to buy your pet a pretty nice portrait? You’re probably thinking that your pup doesn’t have an eye for art. However, it doesn’t have to be Rembrandt. There are a number of various options, and a pretty good idea could be a picture of a dog sipping tea or holding a cigar in a tuxedo. A pretty hilarious image, and fitting gift too!

    1. Food Puzzles

    Do you want a challenge for your smarty pants pup? Then, a food puzzle is a great gift item for him. Asides from it being fun, it also gives his brain the needed mental stimulation that aids proper behavior. 

    The puzzle consists of multiple holding cups that you can place treats into. By nuzzling and pawing at the compartments, your dog can learn how to find and retrieve goodies. Hello, scavenging instincts!

    1. Anxiety-Reducing Toys

    Whenever your baby is feeling anxious—because of location changes, you’re going to work or loud noises—it’s only natural that you would want to ease his fear immediately. Several toys can self-warm and they mirror an actual human hug, giving your fur baby a sense of safety or being snuggled.

    Another example of an anxiety-reducing material is a lickable mat. The continual process of licking a flavored surface releases hormones in your pup’s brain that cause him to relax. It also keeps their attention focused on the task; invariably reducing their stress level.

    1. Personalized Pet Bowls

    Get gorgeous ceramic bowls that can be customized with the name of your fur baby and designed to your taste. 

  • Teaching Your Pup to Answer Commands: Tips on Training Your Dog

    Since you absolutely adore your bundle of fluff, you would want to keep her safe by ensuring she learns basic obedience to commands.Dogs easily fall prey to distractions. One moment Betsy is chewing on her favorite toy in the park, the next, she’s running fast ahead, chasing a butterfly. 

    Teaching your Betsy basic commands will prove useful to keep her away from potential danger and of course, skunk attack!  Another upside is the fact that you can take the leash off of her and have a successful outing.

    To help you make that dream come true, here are basic tips on how to teach your pup to answer commands:

    1. Get All Your Materials Ready

    To start on the right note (or nose!), you need to get the necessary tools that are required for successful training. You will need a leash, a proper collar, and, of course, a large supply of treats for positive reinforcement.

    Having something to eat motivates every dog. 

    1. Speak In Clear Tones

    When uttering commands to your little pup, you need to speak in a normal, rational tone—that inspires trust and confidence. 

    Yelling passes the message that you’re upset and it could stress her out, making her more anxious. It could even risk damaging the precious bond with your puppy.

    Use an excited voice when you want to praise your dog for following commands. When you want to deliver a correction, employ a growly tone. But when you want to issue commands that speak with more authority and less correction, use a flat, low-pitched tone. 

    1. Use Concise Commands

    Choose commands that are not just clear, but easy to remember for consistency. This will prevent your dog from being confused. Some common commands include:

    • Sit
    • Stay
    • Heel (to keep her walking at your side)
    • Down (to lie down)
    • Stand 
    • Come
    1. Have Brief Training Sessions 

    Dogs have a short attention span, therefore, it’s advisable to have brief training sessions that span around 10-15 minutes. Introduce the commands bit by bit. 

    Recall that these commands are habits that your dog needs to pick up. And like all habits, repetition strengthens them. Do 5-20 repetitions of one command before moving to the next one.

    1. Practice Outdoors 

    Practicing indoors with your little buddy helps her build behaviors without distractions. However, you need to certify that your dog can listen to commands in an unfamiliar environment. 

    Hence, outdoor pieces of training are necessary. Here, your dog will understand that commands you issue inside or in your backyard, means the same in all situations. 

    1.  Reinforce Good Behavior 

    Positive reinforcements are meant to reward your dog and help her understand when she performs well. Reward her with treats, but ensure to keep it small; since you’ll be using them many times. 

    Also, avoid treats she would need to actively break apart—it would only lead to distractions.

    In addition, mix verbal rewards with food rewards; eventually cutting down on the frequency of treats.

  • 5 Extinct Dog Breeds You Didn’t Know About

    You’ve heard of dinosaurs going extinct; and even mammoths and elephants. But have you heard of dogs going extinct? Yeah, it happens!.

    Before dogs became our fur babies that we dote on, paw and foot, they actually worked for us; doing basic tasks. You may be asking, how did they go extinct? Well, we have answers!

    Centuries ago, as dogs developed with humans, they were mainly bred to perform various tasks and that was their sole purpose. Hence, if a dog was useful based on the ability they possess or need they fulfilled, they were in high demand. If that need shifted, the task they were made to perform became obsolete. And sadly, the dogs fizzled into extinction.

    Although these breeds are extinct, we still see some descendants of these amazing creatures today.

    Let’s have a look at some of these dog breeds.

    1. Talbot

    The dog was common in England during the Medieval periods, but was believed to be brought from Normandy, France, by William the Conqueror. Primarily hunting hounds, they were small or medium-sized in appearance. 

    Around the 17th century, Talbots became a distinct breed, but didn’t hang around for long. During the 18th century, they were declared extinct. Most enthusiasts estimate that the reason for their extinction lies in the presence of more efficient hunting dogs. 

    Historians believe that the Bloodhounds and Beagles are proud descendants of this breed. 

    1. Dogo Cubano

    The Dogo Cubano, also known as the Cuban Mastiff, proliferated in Cuba even though they weren’t natives. 

    Their bodies were well built and robust. Plus, they possessed powerful legs and a keen sense of smell. They were used to protect livestock, great company for hunting and effective sentries too. 

     This breed was crossed with other breeds and eventually lost.

    1. Paisley Terrier

    The Paisley Terrier originates from Paisley, Scotland. They were small, with long, soft coats that were stunning and got them categorized as “fancy” pets. The dog served two primary purposes: to serve as a companion and as a show dog. 

    However, because of their high maintenance and grooming-intensive procedures, its popularity declined (in the late 1800s). Its legacy, however, can still be seen today in other breeds such as the Yorkshire Terrier.

    1. Moscow Water Dog

    The Moscow Water Dog originated in Russia, where it was bred to serve as water rescue dogs after World War II. 

    They mainly served the purpose of dragging sailors on to safe land from the water. 

    Since they were bred in small numbers and incredibly rare, they became extinct in the 1980s.

    1. Salish Wool Dog

    Also known as Comox Dog, the Salish Wool dog was a small wooly white creature.

    Their white ‘wool’ fur, rich in thickness and texture, was prized and sheared during early summer to make blankets and other textile products. 

    Regardless of their great beginnings, the Salish Wool dog became extinct at the start of the 20th century. Its extinction was attributed to mainly crossbreeding—which made their line ‘impure’. 

    Another reason why they went instinct was that sheep came along, and were a better source of wool. So, the Salish Wool Dog wasn’t much needed anymore. 

  • Top 5 Best Dog Movies

    What’s better than cuddling your dog in your home or walking them in the park? It’s seeing their furry cuteness on the big screen. These movies that depict dogs’ amazing qualities and their connection with humans are sure to make you laugh, cry and tug all your heartstrings. Here are the top five best movies that will guarantee your viewing pleasure. 

    1. Old Yeller (1957)

    Although released in 1957, this movie is sure to tug at your heart with the powerful depiction of a loving relationship between a young boy and a stray dog. The movie displays the fierce loyalty of a dog and would have you kissing your little pooch at the end.

    1. 101 Dalmatians (1961)

    Again, Disney doesn’t disappoint with this memorable story in 101 Dalmatians. The movie centers on Roger Radcliffe—A computer game genius and his dog, Pongo. 

    Pongo, tired of the single life, goes to find a mate for both of them. Finding a match in the Dalmatian, Perdita and her owner, Anita, he stages an encounter. Soon, Pongo and Perdita have a litter of babies—101 puppies. This catches the attention of Cruella De Ville, who wants to use their fur to make a coat for herself.

    But hey, this is Disney; so her plan doesn’t fall through. 

    If you are a dog lover, this movie is guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat, laughing out loud.

    1. Lady And The Tramp (1955)

    This iconic animated romance by Disney defined the childhood of many; and for good reason. It tells the story of two individuals—the Lady, (a classic spaniel breed) and the Tramp (a street dog)—from opposite ends of the world. 

    The lady adores her family but starts feeling left out when her dog-parents decide to have a child. Soon after, she meets the Tramp who introduces her to the ways of the street. It’s a fun movie that takes us through their many perils, funny moments, and of course, Hollywood’s famous date scene—the spaghetti and meatballs trick. 

    1. Marley And Me (2008)

    This movie will make you fall in love with your fur baby even more deeply. It will also make you appreciate how much your dog makes life bearable when it throws you lemons. 

    The story tells the tale of a couple who get a dog and try to be mature dog parents. Marley, in his free-spirited manner and mischievous antics, teaches them significant life lessons along the way. 

    The movie is filled with hilarious scenes and tear-provoking moments, so you do need to get ready to wipe some.  

    1. The Secret Lives Of Pets (2016)

    If you’ve ever wondered what your dog does when you leave the house, this movie had the same thought and ran with it. 

    It’s a movie that talks about a terrier, Max, who is living the best life with his owner. When she adopts another dog, Duke, Max wants him far away from his perfect life. The animation follows their misadventures and plans to beat a common opponent. The movie is hilarious, touching, and can be viewed by anyone.

  • Pet Fun Activities 101

    Have you thought of taking your pup out for a road trip? Or just ripping apart cardboard boxes? What about making a puzzle for them to solve? 

    There are several benefits that these activities bring. They provide your furry friend with the easiest way to promote mental and physical states. It also helps enhance the bond that exists between you both. 

    These activities aid your dog with socialization (as they encounter new places, people, and events). Another main advantage is the health benefits it gives your buddy. 

    Whether you prefer activities that require low energy (or can be done indoors) or high energy that will leave you both panting, this list will give you ideas on memories you both can make to last a lifetime. 

    1. Take A Tour Around The City

    Pretend you’re a tourist for one day, and take a day to explore the city. You can plan different stops you would make, including little stops at dog-friendly stores that reward your pup with treats and a full water bowl.

    1. Go Swimming 

    Some dogs love the water. If your fur baby is like that, let him explore that part of the world. But, before that happens, ensure the water bodies—lake, swimming pools, or the beach—are pet-friendly. Either way, it’s always a great idea to bring along a life vest specialized for dogs. 

    1. Take A Training Class

    It is not unusual for your dog to bounce around with excess energy. Take him to a training class that allows full expression of his energy. There might even be a little competition that allows your pup to show off his skills. 

    1. Teach Him A Trick

    Every dog likes learning new things; regardless of age or type. Hence, it’s a great idea to teach new tricks that will impress not just you but your friends in the long run. 

    The best part is that there are several videos online that could help you with the stunts. Don’t forget to give your dog a treat with each stunt he completes. 

    1. Go Shopping 

    Several dog-friendly stores allow your dog free reins in the store. Sometimes, you don’t need to leave your four-legged friend at home while you go shopping for surprises. Take him shopping and let him help in the little way he can—possibly barking his consent. 

    1. Netflix and Chill

    Relax with your canine buddy on the couch or in your bedroom. Turn on a dog-friendly movie—The Lady and The Tramp, 101 Dalmatians, or Marley and Me—and snuggle together with treats within reach. 

    1. Play Outdoors

    It doesn’t matter if it’s winter, summer, or autumn, there’s always something fun to engage in outside. Run through the snow or play catch with snowballs (in winter), jump over piles of leaves (in autumn), or play in the sprinklers during the hot summer. It may not seem like much, but these simple activities make the happiest memories. 

    1. Throw Your Pup A Party

    And who said pups can’t have parties? That’s right, no one. You probably know some friends who also have dogs as pets. Invite them over for a party during his birthday or a national holiday.