Puppy Play Time: 4 Top Toys

“Dog toy” is like the swear word of the house.  We don’t like to talk about them because we can’t seem to find a toy that will last longer than 20 minutes in our house.  I have noticed that anything with a seam or squeaker seems to be instantly shredded to pieces.  The squeaker is the prize in the center for my dogs and they like to throw it around and squeak it all day. 

Remember to always monitor your pets when they are playing.

Having three dogs who are avid chewers, shredders, or destroyers, if you will, makes buying toys more difficult than doing a backflip.  And toys aren't cheap!  I have compiled a list of the longest lasting toys (with one fun, bonus surprise toy) that have survived the greatest test of all: facing the wolf pack!

4.  Nylabone Original Dura Chew Dog Chew

The Nylabone is a long lasting chew toy that doesn’t splinter or break apart.  This is one of my top favorites because of its durability.  They also come in different flavors!

3.  Air KONG Squeaker Tennis Balls

I have one dog in particular that loves tennis balls.  The KONG ball seems to be the longest lasting tennis ball I have found.  An all around classic toy!

2.  VIP Products Tuffy's Red Paw Ring Dog Toy

Tuffy’s Ring toys are very long lasting and durable.  They work well for tug-of-war and even can be thrown like a disc! 

1.  KONG Dog Toy

This toy is great in our house.  A multi-purpose toy that they can gnaw on and get treats out of the center from.  The KONG is such a great, long-lasting toy because the pups never get too caught up on trying to tear out seams and can get their favorite treats inside with a little bit of effort!

Bonus! Petco Marketplace Playtime Dog Toys

To be honest, this line of toys run very cheap and I am so surprised that they have lasted so long in my house.  My dogs love these toys and seem to just enjoy throwing them around with each other.  

What is your pets favorite toy?  Comment below!

Doggie First Aid: Preparation for Pup Owners

Image courtesy: Ready Nutrition

There is nothing more terrifying than dealing with a puppy emergency - trust me, I know.  Nobody wants to deal with a puppy emergency, but in the event that one does happen you will be comforted in knowing that you do have supplies readily available.  It's a great idea to prepare a first aid kit and keep it well stocked.

After my first true puppy emergency, I realized that I was not prepared for a worst case scenario to happen.  I went on searching the internet to find a list of things that dog owners should have to help with any type of first aid emergency.

Here’s a list of supplies you should have in your first aid kit, courtesy of Cesar Milan, along with my personal recommendations: 

Medical Records and Emergency Phone Numbers

It is important to have an updated medical record on hand in case of an emergency along with a list of nearby emergency or 24 hour vets.

Wound Spray

I recommend having Vetericyn on hand at all times if you are a pet owner.  Vetericyn is non-toxic and free of chemicals.  It helps with hot spots, rashes, cuts, and irritated skin.  Check out this website for more information!

Bandages

Bandages are useful for wrapping cuts or scrapes.  Make sure you get something like this so it doesn't stick to your dog’s fur. The bitterness of the bandage keeps pups from licking/removing the wrap! 

Eye Wash and Ear Wash

In the event that your pup gets something in their eyes or ears, make sure you have a reliable eye wash and ear wash to properly rinse the area.

Dog Cone

Dog cones have many uses and are not just for keeping a dog from getting at hot spots!  Cones can prevent dogs from scratching their face, itching hot spots, and is very helpful in protecting pups after they have surgeries (so they do not tear out stitches)!  All three of my dogs wore cones at one point to keep them from tearing stitches.

Muzzle

Muzzles have a negative association in the public eye but they have many different purposes.  Dog activists are looking to change the negative association with dog muzzles into a more positive, preventative association.  Dogs tend to return to “animal instinct” when wounded, in pain, or if they are unfamiliar with dogs.  Check out these fun muzzles! 

Hydrogen Peroxide

Peroxide has a plethora of uses and should definitely be in your puppy first aid kit!  This can be used in case of an emergency to induce vomiting.  If you cannot get to an emergency facility in time this option can be utilized to buy you extra time but it is not recommended as a replacement for emergency vet care.  

So what do you think?  Do you have your doggie first aid kit prepared?  Are you ready if an emergency were to take place? Comment about what's in your first aid kit.

Chocolate Toxicity: Hey! Where Did That Chocolate Cake Go?

Did you know that chocolate, especially dark chocolate and baker's chocolate, is extremely poisonous to dogs and can be fatal?  Any amount of chocolate can result in hyperactivity, tremors, high blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, seizures, respiratory failure, and cardiac arrest.  See Pet’s Web MD for the full article here! 

Chocolate toxicity is a very serious matter.  With Valentine's Day coming up, please make sure you take precautions in keeping your chocolates and sweets out of your pet's reach.

I learned how common chocolate toxicity is, especially during the holiday season.  My terrifying experience happened on Christmas Eve, 2013.

I had baked a three layer German Chocolate Cake for Christmas Eve at my parents’ house and was so proud of my cake!  It was homemade and the presentation was spot on.  I brought the cake over to my parents’ house but it turned out that everyone brought dessert so only a quarter of the cake was eaten.  I decided to take it home and would bring it in to work for the following days.

I anxiously walked into the house, excited to see my dogs, and set the chocolate cake down on the counter top.  The regular routine for when I come home is lots of hugs and play time with the dogs so we went on with our normal routine – not even thinking about the devilish chocolate cake.  

Image courtesy http://www.gooddogspot.net/

It wasn't until I ran to the bathroom - I was gone for a minute at most - and came back out into the kitchen when I saw it.  The entire serving plate was on the ground; the plastic wrap was neatly pulled back, and the entire chocolate cake was GONE.

My first reaction was instant panic!  My two little pups, who were maybe only seven months old at the time, had devoured the entirety of the cake while the older dog sat back and watched.  I could imagine him thinking, “I’m not getting in trouble for this!”

I immediately grabbed my laptop and looked up some quick information on dogs eating chocolate and become even more frantic.  Chocolate is poisonous for dogs and I knew that I had to get them to the emergency vet immediately or the results could be fatal.  I immediately crated my older pup, leashed the two little ones, and we drove off to the emergency vet. 

Arriving at the emergency vet was a huge relief.  They were extremely fast and kept me updated on the entire process.  They immediately induced vomiting on the two young pups.  After the long, excruciating process, they gave the pups charcoal to help prevent the absorption of any remaining toxins and lots of fluids to keep them hydrated.

It was very frightening to hear that my little pups could have died from one stupid mistake.  Needless to say, I won’t be leaving anything on the counter top ever again. 

Six Comfort and Safety Tips for Dogs During Winter

(From left to right: Tifa, Lulu, Zero)

There is no denying that winter is here!  As a proud pup owner, I never truly thought of how difficult the winter season could be when you have three, high-energy dogs who love to play and run.  If you’re like me and live in an area where the snow seems endless there are many things you should know!

Here are my six simple tips to help you keep your pups comfortable, active, and safe during the winter season.  My tips were inspired by an article found on PetMD.  For the full article and descriptions on pet safety tips check out the article here! 

1.  Snow Pups

Does your pet enjoy being outside during the winter seasons?  I know my dogs do!  I always make sure to monitor my dogs when they are outside on cold days.  If your dog is smaller make sure you keep a keen eye on them.  Also, wipe off any snow they may have on them when they come inside!

2.  Stay Bundled Up

If your pets enjoy being outside as much as my pups do, I highly recommend getting them a coat, sweater, or extra layer to keep them warm.  Would you be comfortable going outside without a coat?  No way!

3.  Burnin’ Off Some Steam

I noticed an extreme change in my dogs’ activity level during the winter season.  I try to encourage them to exercise and stay active by offering new toys, playing with the laser pointer (which they love), going on short walks, and even letting them chase me around the basement.  Don’t let your dog get the winter blues – be creative and keep them entertained!

4.  Chow Time

Just like other mammals, dogs also tend to “hibernate” and conserve energy during winter.  I had to adjust the food amount for my dogs because they were not eating a normal serving amount.  Pay close attention to your pets and make sure you adjust food servings accordingly to avoid having a real “husky” pup!

5.  Salty Paws

Salt can cause a lot of trauma to a pets paws.  I personally do not put any salt in my backyard and I make sure to take off my shoes when entering my house so that I do not bring any salt into my home.  Try putting boots on your dog to avoid sore paws or use a pet-friendly alternative to salt.  Check out more tips here!

6.  Neighborhood Watch

I can’t stress the importance of watching the neighborhood for pets left outside during the coldest of days.  If you see an animal outside for too long please do something!  If you have outdoor cats or strays around you try to offer a den so they have some type of refuge to stay warm in.  You may be their only hope in getting into a warm and cozy home!