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Great Ideas to keep your dog cool

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Eco Friendly Stuff Sacks and Molly Mutt's Go Hand in Hand

 

 

Sent to you by Amanda via Google Reader:

 

 

Eco Friendly Stuff Sacks and Molly Mutt's Go Hand in Hand

via PetSugar by PetSugar on 6/18/09

I know what an investment a dog bed can be. You pick out just the right size, color, shape, and feel, then dig into your pocketbook cause your furry friend is totally worth the price. But, after a few months, do these new digs seem totally worn out, leaving you searching for yet another new bed? This happened in my household a few times and let me tell you, North does not appreciate musical beds. So instead of shelling out $50 or more for a store bought dud that will end up in a landfill, take a more wallet and earth friendly approach to bed buying. Check out Stuff Sacks.

Stuff Sacks ($10-15) allow you to use old blankets, sweaters and pillows that would have otherwise been tossed out, and turn them into stuffing for Fido's new bed. Find out more about the Stuff Sack, and its perfect partner when you read more.

A tough 100 percent nylon bag holds all the stuffing for the bed, while a Molly Mutt Duvet Cover ($20-$40) wraps it up in a nice little package - you're not only saving money by using what you already have as bed stuffing, but you're making a smaller footprint on the earth to boot. In fact, you can toss the entire Stuff Sack in the laundry when it needs a wash, or take everything out and wash like a load of laundry. Now, you won't have to lug your Great Dane's bed down to the laundromat's super load washer anymore! (PS, with the price of the sack and the duvet cover combined, you're still probably spending less than you would if you bought a bed from the pet store.)

 

 

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Summer survival tips for a happier, heathier pup and environment!

via Raise a Green Dog! by Johann The Dog on 6/9/09

Summer is finally here, and dog am I happy! I love summer, all the fresh air, fun times outside in nature, swimming, hiking, agility, picnics, and lots more.

But there are lots of dangers out there for us pups during the dog days of summer. So we wanted to put together our top 10 green dog living survival tips, to help you have the healthiest, safest and most environmentally responsible summer ever!

Here we go....

Tip #1

Us dogs we spend a lot of time in our yards, it's an extension of our home! So be sure and keep those lawns super safe and free of harmful chemicals. Those pesticides, insecticides and herbicides are super dangerous for us dogs (and humans too). So go organic and feel free to safely enjoy your lawn and help the environment too!

Tip #2

Heat can be a killer. So take lots of precautions when having fun with activities outside. Make sure there's plenty of filtered fresh clean water available at all times. Wear some pup boots if you're pounding the pavement, it can be super hot on sensitive paw pads. Keep your pup cool with an eco-friendly cool coat and lots of shade. Cool down your pup with cool water on the paw pads and on their tummy. Not too cold though, it can be too much of a shock. And very importantly, learn the signs of heat stroke and the location of the nearest emergency vet hospital, just in case.

Tip #3

Summer is traveling time! So be sure and practice all the important safety measures when traveling, like buckling up your pup in the car, taking lots of extra filtered water from home and transporting that water in a leach proof container. And stock up on healthy organic foods for your trips. Take along those biodegradable bags to pick up the doo and help the environment. Add a first aid kit and emergency contact info to your car or vehicle. And make sure your pup is wearing their tags at all times.

Also, help us share with other folks about the dangers of leaving pups in cars, because they can heat up like ovens and become killers!

Tip #4

Contrary to pupular belief, not all dogs know how to swim coming out of the womb. We need to learn how to become confident and be safe in the water. So teach your dog to swim for safety's sake. And check out an float coat (that's what we use when we go canoing!)

Tip #5

Get your exercise in the early morning or later in the evening when it's cooler. Taking those long walks or hikes, and other activities during the cooler parts of the day will be much more fun.

Tip #6

Watch out for dangers when you're out and about. You know those puddles, retention ponds, river and streams could very well be laced with lots of lawn and farming chemicals, so try to find safer alternative places to swim, like a fun kiddie pool in the backyard, or a nice chemical free swimming pool, supervised of course! Gracie and I absolutely love our kiddie pool on a hot day!

Tip #7

Fleas and ticks love the summer weather just as much as we do. So what's a dog to do? Take healthier and safer precautions in preventing and deterring these nasty bugs. The EPA and the Natural Resource Defense Council has provided us with warnings of the dangers of many over the counter flea and tick medications. So get educated, there are safer alternatives.

Tip #8

Summer is a time to celebrate and a time for super cell storms. All that celebrating humans do can be very stressful for us pups. Loud noises, large crowds and fireworks can sometimes be way too much for some pups. And that nasty thunder and lightening can scare a pup half to death! So try and minimize these stressful situations, and look into a pheramone or homeopathic remedy that may help relieve your pup from some of the suffering of summer bangs.

Tip #9

On super hot days (like we have here in August and late July) we plan time to have fun indoors! We have fun learning new tricks. It works our brains and tires us out just as much as a long walk would. So when it's super hot, take the time to learn something new and have fun at the same time.

Then have your Mum, whip up a nice cool Homemade Frosty treat all your hard work!

Tip #10

Get out there and have fun! Enjoy your summer, the healthy way for you and the environment!

How can we help aging dogs?

From the Cain and Able Blog:

 

Cain turns 13 on Halloween this year. When we take him to the dog park, he still acts like a puppy chasing all of the other dogs around and causing trouble. He is always up for a walk or a game of chase. But, where we notice his age is when he gets home. He is utterly exhausted – all he will do is sleep, sometimes even forgoing his food to try to recuperate. He is often very stiff after exercise, and when he yelps upon standing, we know his arthritis is really bothering him. Watching any loved one grow older is difficult and as pet parents, we want to do everything we can to eliminate or ease the effects age has on our dogs.

As humans and pets age, nutrition and exercise become more and more important. In addition to feeding your dog a healthy diet and keeping him/her active, here are 5 things you can do to help your aging dog:

1. Keep his/her teeth clean. If plaque is not removed from the teeth, it will eventually break off and be absorbed into the blood stream, which can lead to clogged arteries and accelerate the overall aging process.

2. Bathe regularly with shampoos free from harsh detergents, artificial colors, and synthetic perfumes. It is important to keep your dog clean because the skin of an older dog may lose its elasticity and become thinner, and thus more subject to injury and infection. However, you must be careful not to use products that will exacerbate the aging process. Harsh detergents, synthetic perfumes, and artificial colors can dry out the coat/fur, causing allergic reactions, eye irritations, skin rashes, and hair loss.

3. Brush your dog's coat every day. As a dog ages, his fur/hair becomes thin and brittle (just like humans). They are also more likely to develop allergies and skin problems because the capacity of the oil-producing sebaceous glands diminishes, which can cause the onset of allergies. Brushing your dog more frequently will help stimulate the production of natural oils, which can keep their hair from becoming more brittle.

4. Give your dog vitamins and/or supplements. Talk to your vet about your dog's particular issues for recommendations. My dogs, Cain and Able, currently take a daily multi-vitamin and a supplement called Boswella, which is a natural anti-inflammatory made from Frankincense and helps with achy joints.

5. Give your dog lots of love and attention. Since older dogs tend to be less playful, we play with them a lot less often than when they were pups. Older dogs may want attention in a different way than they did when they were pups, but they crave it and need it nonetheless.

Growing danger: Toxic plants pose pet threat

Growing danger: Toxic plants pose pet threat
Some of the most common, and beautiful, ornamental plants can be deadly for pets. Among the most dangerous are azaleas, rhododendron, oleander, foxglove and lily of the valley.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31130769/from/ET/

15 Minutes to a Better Bond

Got 2 minutes? Pet with Purpose. Instead of zoning out watching SNL and absentmindedly patting your pup, focus on your dog while you pet him. Like people, your dog can tell when he has your attention. Feel free to spill about your day, even. Your BFF--best furry friend--will appreciate the extra effort. Got 3 Minutes? Hide and Sniff. Hide your dog's favourite treat somewhere fairly easy to sniff out, then guide her along with the appropriate level of praise: good girl, you're very close! The positive vibes and subsequent reward will put the pep back in her paws. Got 10 minutes? Mutt-ssage. Connect with your dog by giving her a relaxing massage. By giving a regular, thorough massage, you'll be able to familiarize yourself with your dog's normal lumps and bumps and will notice any changes that may warrant a check up. See a step-by-step illustrated guide to how to give your dog a massage.  

 

Source:  Modern Dog Magazine