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  • Dog Behavior And What It May Imply

    If you own one of these fluffy angels, it’s only natural for you to want to know what they are thinking. Sometimes, you might catch them doing something weird or comical that makes you go, ‘Why on earth would you do that?’

    Now, no two dogs are exactly the same. They each have their own defining personality. But all dogs share similar behavior patterns that give us an inkling of what they are feeling.

    In this article, we discuss the different behaviors your pup can exhibit, in basic dog language, and what they mean.

    1. Head Tilting

    Cocking their head to one side is one of the cutest expressions that your dog can pull off. It’s almost like they are questioning what is going on. 

    Experts say that they are trying to figure out what they are hearing and the location of the noise. Another reason they might do this is that they are trying to pick up some commands they’ve gotten accustomed to, maybe ‘heel’ or ‘walk’

    However, if your dog cocks her head without a trigger or appears not to have control over it, it could be a health issue. You need to see your vet as quickly as possible.

    1. Eating Grass

    Yes, your pup eating grass is normal. However, this behavior is a sign that they lack some important nutrients in their diet. Another reason could be that they may be dehydrated or want to get rid of intestinal worms in their bellies. In such scenarios, it’s best you contact your vet for advice on their diet.

    1. Constant Digging

    Dogs dig a lot. And we’re pretty sure your pup is no different. They dig when they’re bored, or want to hide their important belongings, or when they need a cooler spot to stay. But, when they dig inside the house as well—couches and blankets—it can be a nuisance. 

    This behavior is completely normal. Get your furry friend busy by engaging her with interactive games. However, if the digging really distresses you, you can employ the services of a trainer to reduce the habit.

    1. Chasing Their Tail

    Does your Goldie spin in circles, chasing her tail? It’s a cute scene to watch and a very normal activity. It’s just another fun way she releases energy. However, if she does the activity excessively, it could be a sign of an anal or skin infection.

    If this progresses to something constant and extreme, your dog might have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Did your jaw drop? Yep, Dogs do have OCD. You will need to see your vet concerning the tail chasing.

    1. Eating Poop

    We’ve spoken about the cute behaviors, the weird patterns, and the funny ones. Now, it’s time for the ugly and downright gross behavior—eating poop. 

    As grotesque as it sounds (or looks), your pup eating poop is actually quite common. The truth is, we may never pinpoint exactly why they do this. 

    But different theories speculate that they do this because they may be hungry, anxious or stressed, or purely out of natural instinct.

  • Dental Care Tips For Puppies: 4 Tips To Keep Their Mouths Healthy

    As the loving pet parent that you are, you’ve probably done everything possible to keep your dog in prime health. You provide him with the most healthy foods, make sure he exercises daily, and even book appointments with the vet for preventative care. 

    That’s all great, now, up next is his teeth! Pups cannot get cavities like us, but they can have other dental issues like tartar, plaque build-up; and in the long run, gingivitis.

    Beyond bad breath and yellow teeth, these dental problems can become a big deal if they’re not taken care of early. So, to avoid them altogether, here are 4 tips that would surely help: 

    1. Brushing Regularly

    In puppy parenting, brushing your pup’s teeth is an experience that might take a while to get used to; for both you and your pup. But, it’s the easiest and most cost-effective way for you to ensure oral care right at home. It’s advisable to brush your dog’s teeth daily to prevent the build-up of bacteria, plaque, or tartar. To do this:

    • Get a soft-toothed brush or a finger brush and special toothpaste formulated for dogs. Always use pet-formulated toothpaste! Why? Human toothpaste contains substances that are not great for dogs.
    • If brushing directly proves to be a battle or you simply want to switch up dental care routines, you can make use of dental wipes. When rubbed against your puppy’s teeth, it helps get rid of plaque, and remaining food particles.
    • Another alternative is using dog mouthwash. When diluted into water bowls, the mouthwash helps in killing germs and reducing plaque. Please, do not use human mouthwash.


    You can find all of these products at your local pet supply store or veterinary office.

    1. Feed Appropriate Foods

    To make oral care even easier, you can grab some treats that are great for cleanliness. Dry foods are generally better than soft foods. The crunchy treats help scrape away tartar as they feed. Soft foods, however, stick to the teeth and cause faster build-up. Ask your dog’s veterinarian  for a diet plan if you’re at a loss at which way to go.

    1. Use Chew Toys And Bones For Cleaning

    There are several synthetic chew toys and bones specifically designed to keep your dog’s teeth and gums clean. The constant gnawing at these toys removes plaque and causes them to secrete saliva that protects their tooth.

    However, avoid giving your pup hard nylon toys or natural bones. For one, they may chew so hard that it comes apart and lodges or obstructs. Secondly, your pup’s dentition may not be sufficiently developed and hard bones can cause damage. 

    1. Schedule Checkups And Cleanings

    Even with your finest efforts to keep your fur baby’s oral health top-notch, it’s unlikely that you give a thorough cleaning the way a vet would. 

    Take your dog to the vet (six months intervals) to carry out routine checkups, teeth polishing, and gum line cleaning.

    However, if you notice any of the following symptoms below, we recommend scheduling a vet visit versus waiting for your bi-annual dental appointment.

    • Has terrible breath.
    • Produces excessive drools.
    • Extra teeth (has a lot of teeth growing in a small space).
    • White, swollen, or bleeding gums.
    • Broken, discolored (brown, gray, or black) or crooked teeth.
    • Is sensitive to touch around the face.
    • Exhibit a change in eating and chewing habits.

  • Food Items You Should Never Feed Your Dog

    You love your pup dearly and want to give her the best in the world; from the best toys to the tastiest treats.
    As a dog parent, it’s important to feed your pup healthy foods and it is crucial to know what foods NOT to give them. In this article, we’ll be talking about  5 food items that you should never feed your dog. 

    1. Avocado

    Avocado is healthy for humans because of the omega fatty acids it has. But avocado also contains a toxin called persin that is dangerous for your pet. Dogs can develop breathing difficulties, stomach pains, and fluid buildup in the chest.   

    The avocado pit is the most dangerous part of the avocado as it can cause a choking hazard and is loaded with persin.

    Next time you reach for an avocado, make sure it’s nowhere near your fur baby.

    1. Grapes And Raisins

    Never feed your dog raisins and grapes. Not even a few. They can cause rapid kidney failure, and even a small amount can send your buddy to the ER. 

    The exact mechanism and toxic substance behind this kidney failure are still unknown, but over 30% of dogs are victims of this every year.The initial signs of ingestion are usually vomiting, fatigue and diarrhea. 

    So, it’s best to keep bowls of grapes, breakfast cereals, and raisin cookies (raisins are basically dried grapes) out of their little paws’ reach.

    1. Chocolate

    If you open a brand new chocolate bar, your baby pooch will come running to you. Yes, they love chocolate but chocolate is one of the most dangerous foods to feed your dogs even in moderate quantities. 

    They contain theobromine and caffeine that are easily metabolized by humans but not dogs. The slow metabolism allows buildup to toxic levels and can cause diarrhea, stomach pains, and vomiting.

    The severity of these side effects will depend on the size of your pup, and the type of chocolate ingested. The darker the chocolate is, the more dangerous it is for your fur baby; this places white and milk chocolate as the least toxic.   

    Taking in too much chocolate could lead to tremors, internal bleeding, seizures, and even worse. We suggest avoiding it all together.

    1. Chewing Gum, Toothpaste, And Candy

    Have you thought of your pup smacking away at chewing gum? Funny, right? Honestly, not so much. Chewing gum, candies and even toothpaste contain an artificial sweetener called Xylitol that is lethal to dogs. 

    It causes a rush of insulin and a significant drop in blood sugar. Symptoms can start within 30 minutes of ingestion. These include weakness, vomiting, seizures, and even coma.

    According to experts, chewing gum containing Xylitol is a hundred times more dangerous than chewing regular gum. 

    1. Garlic And Onions

    Garlic and onions are two combinations that are guaranteed to give you dragon’s breath, but they do more than that to your dogs. Onions contain substances that cause irritation in their gastrointestinal tracts and damage their red blood cells. If the onions are a lot, it could lead to anemia. 

    Garlic has the same effects as onions but is considered five times potent than onions. It causes oxidative damage to the red blood cells, nausea, weakness, irritation, and elevated heart rate.    

    Other foods that could possess a threat to your fur baby include:

    • Alcohol
    • Salty foods and snacks
    • Fruit seeds (peach, plum, apple, cherry)
    • Macadamia Nuts
    • Raw meat and fish

    We suggest asking your veterinarian for a list of approved, pet-friendly, human foods before sharing snacks and meals with your furry friend.

  • Tips For Adapting To Having A New Pet

    Bringing a pet home for the first time is super exciting but at the same time, you could feel overwhelmed. Your lifestyle (and your family) is about to take a new turn; for the better. 

    You might be thinking about the new responsibilities, but it really wouldn’t feel that way. If anything, they are very enjoyable and you would start looking forward to them in no time. 

    Now, to make the whole transition process very easy for you and your pup here are some tips that you can follow: 

    1. Prepare Supplies Beforehand

    One of the key ways of eliminating any stress with having a new pet is getting many of the required supplies beforehand. 

    Leashes, collars, litter boxes, identification tags, water and food bowls, toys, treats, and food are all necessities when bringing your pet dog home.   

    If you know the food your dog has been eating, it’s best to get the exact same one for your pup. Introducing new foods right away, together with the change in environment, can stress your pet and disrupt his digestive system.

    1. Puppy-proof Your Home

    Imagine your puppy as a toddler in the house. And just like toddlers, they have a knack for getting into places they shouldn’t or gobbling up things unsafe for their health. 

    To this end, you need to gate off dangerous areas, remove wires from the way, and secure decorations firmly. Puppies are always on a treasure hunt, so ensure everything that could hurt them is taken out of their little paws’ reach.

    1. Set Up A Routine

    When you just get a pet, it is best to establish a consistent routine right away to allow peaceful transitions. Create a routine or playtime, bedtime, and mealtime. Plan for walks, extra trips to parks, and even bathroom breaks.

    When planning the routine, note that pups require more exercise and bathroom breaks more often than adult dogs.

    1. Find a Good Vet

    Getting a good vet will make adapting to your pet almost seamless. A good vet will educate you about behavior patterns, your dog’s health, and everything you need to know about owning a dog. 

    Schedule an appointment during the first week you get your pet; and as time progresses, annual and semi-annual appointments should be regular.

    1. Start House-training Sessions

    As soon as you get your new pet, it is great to establish rules through training sessions. Consistency with training sessions will help them understand what you want and build confidence. It’s so difficult to erase a bad habit when it’s established. 

    1. Make Her Comfortable 

    Just as kids love having playrooms and places to rest, pups also appreciate places to relax. Set up a section for your pup to just chill.

    1. Be Patient

    You just have a new family member coming into your house. You need to be patient with your pup and reduce any form of excessive expectations. Life is going to be different, so give yourself time to adjust. Soon enough, you’ll find out that you’ve gotten a loyal friend for life.

  • Appropriate Dog Park Behavior

    Visiting the dog park for your dog is like going to a party where you get to meet cool people and hang out. Dog parks offer a super nice environment where your pup can go off-leash and finally experience a measure of reckless freedom for a while. 

    However, dog parks also feature the presence of other dogs, hence, the need to behave right, respecting other dogs and dog parents present. So, here are a couple of appropriate dog park behavior tips that you should know about: 

    1. Always Be In Control 

    You need to exert your authority as the alpha animal at all times, and no, this doesn’t mean you should be mean. Your pup just needs to know that you are in charge and this is essential especially when other dogs are around. 

    You need to train your pup to respond when he’s called. The idea is to use a phrase or a word that wouldn’t be commonplace at the park; consider it your secret code word. When he responds, reward him with treats during training; this is great for reinforcement. 

    1. Observe Before Entry 

    A great dog park with proper planning would have a double entrance and sport two gates. Don’t just breeze through the gates without taking a look around first. 

    Keep your dog on a leash through the first gate and ensure that the conditions are optimum; nothing that would spook your pup before releasing him. If there are a lot of dogs swarming around the gate or there’s a scuffle, pause at the gate so that the other pooches get used to yours so that they don’t get overly excited. 

    1. Keep an Eye Out for Signs

    A big part of being a pup parent is being able to look out for signs; reading canine behavior. When dogs are playing, they typically have their ears relaxed, their tails wagging, and would occasionally lower their front end to the ground to “play bow.” 

    For riled dogs, the whites of their eyes become more obvious with the shrinking of their pupils, their ears stay firmly pinned back, and their tails would either be between their legs or stand at half-mast. 

    Snarling is pretty commonplace, but snarling with the lips curled back calls for extra attention. In cases like this, you can use a treat to distract or break it up with a loud clap or noise. 

    1. Watch Your Dog Closely 

    Recall that the dog park is about your dog and not necessarily about you. It might seem like a good time to get on your phone and reply to texts, but this might not be a great decision. 

    You should keep an eye on your pup to ensure that he doesn’t wander off or get in trouble with other dogs. Similarly, you would have to pack up your dog’s business. While most parks provide plastic bags, taking your own isn’t a bad idea either. 

    Also, if you notice your dog chewing on something that didn’t come from you or sniffing in suspicious areas, it might be time to call him back. 

  • Choosing the Perfect Pup

    Every puppy is perfect in its own way and the magic is in choosing one that is just perfect for you. As a great dog lover, you would probably have a hard time choosing one to live with and love. 

    This is because the longing eyes and antics would draw you to them so that you would go home with every single one of them if you could. But choosing that one pup to pour all of your love on shouldn’t be too much of a hassle if you know exactly what you’re looking for. 

    Not certain what it is you’re looking for? This article is here for just this. Here are some tips that would help:

    1. Do Your Due Diligence 

    You need to have sufficient knowledge of the various dog breeds before going ahead to make a choice. Factors ranging from size as an adult to grooming needs to exercising and feeding should all be considered. 

    If there’s a particular breed you’re interested in, you should go on the internet and research in-depth so that you’re not caught unprepared at any point.  In addition, if you have a family, you would have to consider other members of your family. 

    All of this information will be gathered when you do your due diligence. 

    1. Physical Appearance 

    A puppy‘s physical appearance is an essential metric for the selection process. Does she look like she’s healthy overall? Is she active or does she just cower in the corner? 

    Similarly, features such as the eyes should be clear, the ears should not have a discharge, opening the mouth, the gums should be pink and healthy. 

    Furthermore, breathing through the nose should be soundless and done with ease, the fur must look healthy, and check the underbelly for the umbilical hernia. Zero protrusion is what to look out for.

    1. Temperament/ Personality 

    Doing your due diligence would give you an idea as to the temperament of the dog breed that you’re interested in. However, in addition to that, you should begin observing in person the moment you walk in the door. 

    Typically, you shouldn’t order a pup, walk in yourself and watch how the pup interacts with you. For instance, does the pup have a fast recovery rate from the startle of hearing a loud sound like a book drop? 

    When you move around the room, does the pup tag along? The answers to questions like this would give you an insight into your puppy’s temperament. 

    1. The Right Pet Store 

    More than anything, the place where you get your puppy from goes a long way in determining quality of life, particularly in their first few weeks of life. You can always get a notable pet store close to you by doing some internet search, and you might be able to visit the puppies before they are grown enough for new homes. 

    This is usually around when they are 7-12 weeks of age. Given that the pet store workers are experienced, you would be able to communicate freely. And of course, you can have them answer some key questions for you.

  • Health Benefits of Owning a Dog

    Dogs provide us with unconditional love, companionship, comfort, and a whole lot of wet licking too. Your dog’s exciting welcome at the end of a long day does a great deal of cheering you up, and having a pup who relies on you gives you a sense of parenthood. 

    In addition to these, did you know that owning a dog also does wonders for your health? Studies have shown that owning a dog improves your physical and mental health significantly. Here are some of the most common health benefits of owning a dog:

    1. They are Great for Your Heart 

    Perhaps the most essential benefit on this list, dog owners typically have lower blood pressure, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels relative to non-dog owners. This is a clear indication that owning a dog helps to significantly lower the risk of heart diseases and ensure general heart health. For senior citizens, they help maintain joint health since you would have to do a bit of extra moving around if you have a pup. 

    1. They Get You Exercising 

    Most dogs generally have high energy levels, and they wouldn’t reduce their activity for you to keep up. Rather, when you’re out on walks, you would find yourself striving to keep up with their pace. This helps you to get some exercise in and truthfully, it is a lot more fun than taking a walk or jogging in the park alone. Similarly, older adults who walk their dogs regularly are more mobile and tend to have a lower body mass index compared to non-dog walkers. 

    1. They Keep Depression at Bay 

    Playing with a pup helps improve general mood and reduce tension as well. This is a result of a release of serotonin and dopamine within the body system which are neurotransmitters that make you feel good. You would get a feeling of calmness and peace. Therefore owning a dog keeps depression away and it is a great idea for people who suffer from mild to moderate depression.   

    1. They Help You Get In Shape 

    In addition to hitting the gym and getting a lot of cardio in, another way to drop a few pounds is by owning a pup. Since walking them involves physical activity on your part, you burn calories while doing this. Similarly, they might force you into a sudden sprint sometimes, all of this physical activity ensures that you start dropping pounds in no time. 

    1. They Give Purpose and Meaning 

    Not having someone to love or be responsible for takes a toll on mental health sometimes. This is particularly evident in the lives of retired folks. Owning a pup makes you have to do certain things, these come in the form of responsibilities that you would absolutely enjoy. If you’re feeling down, you would still have to walk your dog and the outdoors would most likely improve your mood. Being a pet parent staves off isolation and loneliness which helps keep cognitive decline at bay. A pet gives you a reason to get going in the morning because they are practically helpless without you and trust you 100%. 

  • Potty Training in 5 Steps

    Potty training is one of the most important first lessons that you have to teach a new pup. Since they haven’t been told otherwise, they wouldn’t see anything wrong with messing the floor up or doing their business anywhere they deem fit. However, you do not want a house-turned-pup toilet on your hand. So, here are some 5 steps to potty train your pup: 

    1. Set Up Your Home  

    The idea behind potty training is teaching your dog that the entire house is their extra-large den simply because they are known for being averse to soiling their own space. For this, you would need to restrict your pup’s movement around the house until he is old enough to roam without incident. 

    You would be needing a dog crate or a baby gate that would restrict your pup to that particular area. The more time they spend there, the less they would feel inclined to mess the place up, hence, potty training would move swiftly. 

    1. Use a Potty Cue 

    The idea behind a potty cue is so that your pup knows exactly what time it is when you use the word or phrase. It would imply that it’s potty time and at a point, you would be able to get your pup to go potty just by saying it. 

    The phrase can be anything, just one that doesn’t come up in regular conversation. The idea is to use the word or phrase just as your dog is starting to do its business in the right spot. 2-3 days after, once you think he’s connected the cue to potty, start mentioning it just as he is getting in potty position. 

    After this, the next step is to give it before he even gets into position. This would register as the word or phrase for ‘time to go’.

    1. Treating 

    Pup training consists of a great deal of treating for positive reinforcement. When you give your dog a treat for doing something, it implies that it is a desirable one and he starts to connect the action to the treat. 

    During potty training, if your dog goes to the potty in the right spot, and gets a treat, but never does during accidents, he would start to note that it is the right thing to do. 

    Since timing is crucial, you might need to add an approving sound like a click or “yes” at the precise time, and then give the treat later. This way, your pup knows that the treat was for that particular action. 

    1. Create a Schedule 

    You shouldn’t be alarmed by the fact that you might have to take a puppy to potty up to 10-15 times daily. As a rule of thumb, the bladder develops to hold urine longer every month in pups, so, a month-old pup would be able to hold his bladder for an hour while a 5-month old pup would hold his bladder for up to 5 hours. 

    Therefore, it is essential to create a schedule that your pup would start to associate with potty time. For instance, you can make it: First thing in the morning, right after each meal, when your pup gets up from napping, at regular intervals during the day and evening, and right before you go to sleep. 

    1. Allow for Playtime 

    After your pup has eliminated in the right spot, you can allow him to play around for some minutes without fear that he would soil the place. After this, you can then have him go back to the restricted area. Playtime should be based on the rate of development of your pup’s bladder.

  • Must-know Tips for Pet Parents

    If you talk to any pet parent, they would definitely have something to say about what they did to get their pups where they are now. Some would give you general tips that work, and also mention some that are specific to their pet which they discovered along the line. 

    However, the fact remains that certain tips are bound to make your journey as a pet parent an extra pleasurable one. And this is exactly what this piece seeks to cover, so, here are some vital ones:

    1. Knowledge is Key 

    Before bringing your pet home, it is essential to find out if they suit your lifestyle. For instance, if you’re on the move for significant periods, a low-energy dog would be ideal. 

    Since he doesn’t have high energy levels, a 20-30 minute walk and he’s good. A high-energy dog on the other hand would require a lot of time to burn off nervous energy, or he might take it out on your apartment, haha! 

    Care requirements are an important factor too, learn about that and determine whether or not you can deal with it. 

    1. Environmental Enrichment 

    Even if you don’t work long hours, there is practically no way you’re home 24/7 with your pet. And this is precisely why you need to get your pet toys and other products that work as stimulants for their senses. 

    For pups, food-dispensing toys are a great idea and would keep them occupied for significant periods. To distract them even further, you can get other toys that are really attractive but would engage their attention. This also helps them develop mentally. 

    Furthermore, consider the aesthetics of their environment, decorate their room or favorite spot tastefully. 

    1. Maintain a Schedule 

    Pets can derive plenty of benefits when you create a routine for them and stick to it. Activities like mealtimes, bedtime, bathroom break, and playtime should happen at the same general time every day. To build a  routine for them, you can make use of reminders on your mobile phone to notify you at the precise time. 

    Another benefit this offers is that you’re able to perfectly organize your schedule around your pet’s with no clashes. Since you get to fix the times, some tips are fixing meal time before you eat so that you don’t get your pup looking up with gooey eyes and timing their first bathroom break just after you wake up. 

    1. Proper Identification 

    While you might not picture it possible for your pup to up and wander off one day, it doesn’t hurt to prepare for the likelihood of this. This keeps you on the safe side as compared to not preparing at all. Your pet could break rank outdoors in pursuit of an interesting subject like a butterfly or maybe you forgot to shut your door firmly. 

    Important tips include keeping recent pictures of your pet, microchipping for easy tracking, knowing the process to take for reporting a missing pet amongst others. 

  • Getting Your Pup Used To a New Environment

    Needing some time to adjust to a new location also applies to your pet. Matter of fact, it might take a bigger toll on Cecil because she thrives on the familiar; familiar places, intimate knowledge of room locations, all of that stuff. 

    So, uprooting her from the familiar and taking her to an all-new location might have her acting up; it can even be downright traumatic. This is why you need to make sure that she gets used to the new conditions as quickly as possible. Here are some tips that can help: 

    1. Create Familiar Feelings 

    If you’re moving to a new home, the biggest mistake you would make is tossing out all of your dog’s toys, thinking you would get her new ones. 

    To create a sense of familiarity, you would need objects that your dog was familiar with previously such as her toys, bed, feeding and drinking bowls, the cloth she liked to tug on, her favorite ball, all of these things. 

    This way she isn’t thrust into an all-new experience that is difficult to handle. 

    1. Extreme Patience Would be Needed 

    Your pup would be getting a new location for her bed, her feeding and drinking bowls, different-smelling grass, basically a whole new environment. It would therefore take some getting used to for her, it might take a while to get a perfect peeing spot, so, you would have to sit tight while she circles round and round. 

    She has to test out all the corners before selecting her favorite, might not like the location of her bed, etc. New preferences take a while to establish, and you would have to be patient through all of this. 

    1. Spend Quality Time With Cecil   

    Of all the familiar things you brought along, the most familiar remains your face, your scent, your touch, your voice, everything about you. So, a great deal of her getting adjusted to a new environment lies on your shoulders. 

    Spend time playing catch outside so that she gets used to the sight and smell of that and start taking regular walks along the same path so that she adjusts to that gradually. Once the feeling of familiarity starts to return, she would be less tense and carefree once again. 

    1. Maintain Your Routine! 

    Doesn’t it surprise you sometimes that at exactly 5:45, your dog is at the door waiting and wagging its tail to welcome you home? 

    While dogs may not understand passing time, they do have a perception of it and if you have a routine, it’s easy for them to catch up to it. In a new location, do your possible best to maintain your routine because Cecil thrives on it. 

    Wake up at the same time, go to bed at the same time, breakfast, walk Cecil, playtime, all of these using the former schedule. This easily recreates the sense of routine and allows for easier adjustment.