MyDogGoneNatural

It is always better to err on the side of safety when it comes to sharing your space with a family fur member.  Just like you would want your child to be safe, think of the furry family member as a four legged child and think about things that might be harmful if viewed by your dog child.

Often we don’t even think that the everyday items in our homes and even outdoors can be dangerous for our dogs.  You can prevent accidents in your home with some very simple pet-proofing techniques that also apply to small children.  Keep all household poisons, toxins and plants that are unsafe, out of reach of your dog’s mouth.  Some of these household chemicals taste and smell irresistable to our furry friends.

It is easy to become overwhelmed by the glut of supplements for our dogs that are more readily available each day!  And, it is important to remember that supplements are an enhacement, not a substitute for a wholesome, nutritious diet.

Here is a list of some of the common ingredients in canine supplements and a brief description of their function.

Antioxidants:  Vitamins A, C, and E are the most common and they function to slow down the oxidative damage of aging in the dog’s cells.

Chondroitin/Glucosamine:  Promotes joint health by anti-inflammatory effects and also promotes cartilage repair.

Soothe the Urge to Chew

Probably at one time or another, we have learned one of the most difficult lessons with our dogs:  Give them their own things to chew, or they will take ours.  Recognizing that a dog’s natural inclination is to chew, the things that are acceptable should be those that we offer and preferably not our furniture, clothing, shoes, or dangerous household things, such as wires or plastic bottles that contain toxic chemicals.

Make sure that chewing is not destructive in any way.  It is not difficult to train your dog to abide the rules of the chew.

WOW! Some do come with directions

Learning that some of the identical parent principles applied to children also hold true for our furry friends, is oftentimes quite a relief to those who may be a bit apprehensive about how to ensure that they have a friendly, courteous and well mannered canine who participates regularly with the family and those who visit your home.

Almost like judging a book by its cover, except completely different

With all of the focus and fuss on health, nutrition, and dietary concerns for both dogs and their humans, we have all become far more aware of what we’re doing before making a food purchase.

Whether we’re buying a snack or a dog treat, a roast or a bag of organic dog biscuits, it is in our best interest to read the label.  However, there are times when we are confused since not all of the words are used in their strictest sense and often the definitions are blurred deliberately to steer us in the direction of a purchase.  Not always intentionally misleading, the terms used for labeling in pet foods and treats are not always clear to us, as consumers nor are they even crystal clear to those in the industry!

Has Your Dog Changed From Peaceful To Aggressive? 6 Tips That Can Help

Wrap it up and don’t forget the air holes…

Everyone loves the feel of a soft new puppy and the smell of their warm puppy breath on your face.  They are a great idea if you have a specific plan in mind.  If not, animal shelters often bear the burden of the unwanted dog.

There are some considerations when you decide that a live animal is a good idea.  Remember above all else that a dog is a tremendous commitment not a gift to be offered on a whim.

Know and think about these factors:

A Few Pointers to Ensure a Safe Holiday with the Tree and the Dog Too

It’s pretty difficult to believe that Christmas is almost here and many people are putting up holiday decorations and even our family furry friends are excited about it.  Even though you know how to keep both the tree and the canines in the house safe, it doesn’t really hurt to repeat some simple tips that will help everyone to enjoy the holiday season.

Think about these easy to do things:

Why have a dog?

Dogs seem to fill a void in a human life that no other living creature seems to be able to touch.  They find their way inside your heart and leave paw prints everywhere through our life with them.  Even beginning to imagine life without hearing the pitter patter of dog feet in the hall way, or listening to the song of a basset hound as you enter your driveway in the evening after a hard day at work.

The types of pets they had

Probably everyone, if they took a moment to daydream about their dream pet, would arrive at a very unusual sort of animal with which they would like to share their life.

As a child, and well into adulthood, I always wished for any number of very odd creatures that I thought might be interesting to share my life with.  Among the menagerie I chose a wombat, aardvark, anteater, Patagonian caavy and a number of other non-traditional creatures.  Of course, I never had any of them and instead I shared my growing and adult years with delightful, unique and irreplacable dogs.  I wouldn’t change any of it.