Posts Tagged ‘dog’
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7 Tips for Choosing the Best Food for Your Dog
Whether you’ve just brought your new puppy home or you’re looking for the right food to help your best buddy as he enters his golden years, dog food options are plentiful. As helpful as this can be, it can also be overwhelming. Fear not! Below are 7 tips to help you choose the best food for your furry baby.
Consider your dog’s life-stage and activity level
Two of the biggest factors in choosing your dog’s food are her age and level of activity. Puppies and active breeds need more calories than senior dogs or those who prefer to take it easy most of the day. Puppy formulas, nutrient blends for active dogs, low-calorie options, and more recipes are available to match your dog’s unique nutrient needs.
Check the packaging label for adequacy statements like “complete and balanced for all ages” or “complete and balanced for growth and reproduction.” This statement is more than a product description, it’s based on the high standards set forth by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), ensuring that the food meets the diet needs addressed.
Size matters
Your tiny Chihuahua may have an appetite to rival your rottweiler, but that doesn’t mean they should get the same food. Choose a brand with kibble small enough for your dog to eat safely and comfortably.
What’s in a name?
“Beef entree” or “beef dinner” may sound more enticing than “beef dog food,” but they are lower in the actual protein. Food blends described as dinner, entree, or nuggets only need 25% of the protein, whereas the simpler “beef dog food” must contain 95% of the protein named.
Additionally, foods “with beef,” “with cheese,” or “with salmon,” are only required to have 3% of the named protein. Those labeled as “beef flavor,” “chicken flavor,” etc. only contain minimal traces of the protein—just enough for your dog to taste.
Look at the ingredients
Dogs are omnivores and get their nutrients from multiple food sources, including meat, vegetables, grains, and fruit. However, a good rule of thumb is to make sure that meat or meat-meal is the first ingredient listed. Avoid those with grains, tubers, or vegetables listed first. While these non-meat sources are good for dogs, meat should be the most prevalent ingredient.
Is grain-free right for your dog?
Grains are a great source of carbohydrates, and most dogs can easily digest them. Although rare, some dogs do have gluten allergies. If you notice that your dog is excessively licking his paws, scratching excessively, or experiencing diarrhea/vomiting, check with your veterinarian to figure out if the problem is a grain allergy or another issue before changing their diet.
Read the label
Much of the information covered in these tips can be found in the food label. Like food for human consumption, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates dog (and cat) food. Under the Agency’s guidelines, dog food must contain labels with the following information:
- Product name
- Net weight of the product
- Name and address of the manufacturer
- Guaranteed analysis
- List of ingredients
- Intended animal species (i.e. dog or cat)
- Statement of nutritional adequacy
- Feeding guidelines
Although labels can be difficult to understand, reading them will help ensure that you’re choosing food that meets your pup’s needs and your expectations.
Talk to your veterinarian
If you’ve read the label researched manufacturers, and still can’t decide on the best food for your best boy. They’ll be able to make recommendations to meet your nutritional requirements and satisfy your dog’s belly.
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Help Your Senior Dog Maintain a Healthy Diet
They may always be your furry babies, but as your dog gets older, their diet needs change. To make sure that your best pal feels great in their golden years, here are a few healthy diet and nutrition tips for senior dogs.
When is a dog considered senior?
The age that your dog becomes a “senior” is largely determined by their breed and weight. In a WebMD article, Dr. Mark Nunez, president of the California Veterinary Medical Association from 2009-2010, “little dogs live to about 15 to 20 years of age, while bigger dogs live to about 12 to 15 years.” He further explains that a dog is considered a senior when they reach half of their life expectancy. For larger dogs this around age six, and for smaller dogs, it occurs around eight or nine.
Fat and calorie considerations
Like humans, dogs metabolisms slow as they age. For many dogs, the result is weight gain and risk for obesity. To help your pup maintain a healthy weight, choose foods with lower, healthy fats and fewer calories. While not all fat is good for dogs, especially cooked fat like grease, fats like omega-3s (commonly found in fish oil) can be a great addition to your dog’s diet and may help curb joint inflammation and arthritis.
In contrast, some older dogs may get thinner as they age. This weight loss could be the result of a decreased sense of smell or taste or even issues chewing related to gum or tooth decay. In this case, the AKC recommends a diet higher in fat to improve the palatability of the food and calorie intake.
If there are no underlying health issues and your older dog turns their nose up at dinner time, you might consider trying a new flavor of dog food or make dry kibble more enticing with warm water, chicken broth, or a small amount of canned food.
Protein
If you’ve heard that protein is bad for older dogs because it overtaxes their kidneys, the AKC says not to ignore this myth. In fact, the club actually recommends that a minimum of 25 percent of calories in a senior dog diet should come from protein. This increase helps support your pal’s immune system and the ability to repair tissue.
Treats
Who doesn’t want to share treats with their faithful companion and best friend? However, many commercial dog treats are filled with calories and can undo all of the hard work you’ve done to provide your dog with a solid diet.
A PetMD article suggests rewarding your dog (no matter the age!) with fruits and veggies, such as seedless apple slices, blueberries, pear slices, carrot pieces, or even frozen peas.
Senior Dog Foods
There are several dog foods on the market specifically designed for senior dogs. Many of these are lower in calories and include antioxidants, as well as omega-3, glucosamine, and chondroitin sulfate supplements to help you take the guesswork out of feeding your aging pup.
Just as aging in humans varies from person to person, the same goes for dogs. Make sure to check with your veterinarian when choosing the best diet for your dog.
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DIY Grooming Best Practices and Tips
Grooming is essential for dogs. Beyond looking good, proper grooming helps maintain your furry baby’s health. Whether due to time or finances, it’s not always possible to get your dog to the groomer as often as you’d like.
In this blog, we’ll outline some tips and guidelines to help you keep your best pal looking and feeling great between trips to the groomer.
Have the Right Tools
Before you begin, make sure that you have everything you need to create a great home grooming experience for you and your pet. One essential item in your home grooming kit is a brush.
Regularly brushing Fido’s fur not only keeps it looking its best, but it also helps avoid and eliminate matted hair, massages your pet’s skin to activate natural oils that keep it moisturized, and reduces unwanted hair on clothes and furniture. Choosing the right brush for your pet’s coat helps maximize these benefits. Below is a quick rundown of the most common types of dog brushes.
- Slicker Brush: These brushes have short wires close together on a flat surface. Ideal for removing tangles and mats, breeds with medium to long hair or curly hair, such as golden retrievers, Yorkshire terriers, and cocker spaniels, benefit the most from slicker brushes.
- Bristle Brush: Characterized by tightly packed natural bristles, these brushes are best for dogs with smooth, short hair, like Boston terriers, Jack Russell terriers, and pugs. The bristles help remove excess fur and debris, leaving behind a shiny, healthy coat.
- Rake: These brushes are designed to penetrate thick coats on breeds like German shepherds, Chow Chows, and malamutes. Shaped like a razor, these brushes use slight pressure to remove dead undercoat and tangles. Hartz points out that you should choose a rake with bristles approximately the same length as your dog’s hair. Rakes that are too short can miss the inner layer of undercoat, and those that are too long can irritate the skin.
- Pin Brush: This brush looks similar to those typically used on human hair with thick, plastic-capped bristles. These common brushes are most effective when used as a finishing brush to remove any remaining fur before it sheds and fluffs a freshly groomed coat.
Below are some additional grooming essentials:
- Shedding blade
- Grooming table with a grooming arm for your pup’s safety and security
- No. 10 grooming clippers
- Nail clippers or a grinder
- Styptic powder (for nail bleeds)
- Pet-safe shampoo
Preparing Your Dog for Grooming
Grooming shouldn’t be a stressful experience for you or your pup. To ensure the best possible results, start slowly. Gradually get your dog used to being touched in sensitive areas, like feet, nails, or ears, and with behaviors like brushing or nail clipping. As your dog gets used to your grooming ritual, offer snacks and rewards for positive behavior. In addition, work on keeping your calm. For example, if you are nervous about clipping your dog’s nails, she can sense it and may try to get away.
A full grooming session probably won’t be possible immediately with your dog. It will require patient, incremental and consistent work to reach a point of comfort and trust with your at-home grooming routine for you and your dog. As Dr. Neil Marrinan of Old Lyme Veterinary Hospital points out, “90 percent of the work will be before, and away from, the actual 10 percent of grooming.”
Grooming Basics
- Brushing: As mentioned above, brushing is the central component of any healthy grooming routine. Brush your dog a few times a week for a few minutes each session to remove dirt, debris, and excess hair. Check out this article from Preventive Vet for brushing tips and best practices.
- Bathing: Although your dog doesn’t require daily bathing, regular baths are necessary. How often to bathe your pup is largely determined by their coat type, activity level, and health needs. This article from the AKC can help you determine how often your dog should make a splash in the bath.
- Cutting and Shaving: If your dog has mats, needs hair trimmed around their pads, or requires a shave for comfort during warm weather, these can both be safely done at home. Start with a clean, DRY hair. Place the grooming table in a quiet area, secure your dog on the grooming table, and then carefully cut or shave your dog.
When shaving your dog, remember that the blade can get hot and potentially burn your dog’s sensitive skin. If you’re unsure about cutting or shaving your dog’s coat, consult your veterinarian or a professional groomer for lessons and guidance.
- Nail Trimming: Many pet owners choose nail grinders over clippers. While these may be less nerve-wracking in the long-run, you still have to get your pup used to the sound of the grinder before you can engage in a full nail-clipping session.
Regardless of using clippers or a grinder, you still need to use safe clipping techniques to avoid cutting nails too short, splitting, or chipping. With clear nails, clip until you see the pink (“quick”) of the nail. With dark nails, remove a little at a time until you see a small black dot. If you do accidentally cut the nails too short, have styptic powder on hand to quickly stop the bleeding. When using clippers, use quick clips rather than slow movements to avoid chips and splitting.
When done properly, at-home grooming can help maintain your dog’s coat between professional grooming sessions, save money, and even be a bonding opportunity.
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National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day
November 7 is National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day. One of the most common cancers among dogs, lymphoma accounts for as much as 15-20% of new canine cancer diagnoses. This day is an opportunity to create awareness and educate others on the disease, treatment options and more.
In 2011, renowned dog agility trainer and competitor Terry Simons learned that his beloved companion Reveille had lymphoma. He immediately started researching treatment options. However, Simons was frustrated with the lack of accurate information available.
Working with trusted professionals, Simons was able to determine the best treatment path for his furry baby. In fact, Reveille thrived during treatment and even had the best agility season of her career. After losing Reveille just over a year after her diagnosis, Simons wanted to honor her legacy. He founded Canine Lymphoma Education Awareness and Research (CLEAR), a non-profit dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of canine lymphoma through clinical research and also serving as a resource to help dog owners interested in prevention and treatment of this devastating disease.
Simons worked to establish November 7 as National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day, and in 2015, it was officially observed for the first time.
Whether you’re sharing your experience or educating yourself on canine lymphoma by watching one of CLEAR’s award-winning documentaries on canine, Join Simons and CLEAR to show your support. Don’t forget to use #CanineLymphomaAwarenessDay to join the collective voice across social media outlets.
NOTE: Here’s a link to the trailer for the first doc they created, I think. It specifically focuses on lymphoma. I think later docs have focused on other types of cancer.
https://clearcaninecancer.com/my-friend-changing-the-journey/
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It’s Deaf Dog Awareness Week
National Deaf Dog Awareness Week is the last full week of September. According to the AKC, as many as 5 to 10 percents of dogs have some degree of hearing loss, either in both ears (bilateral) or in one ear (unilateral). However, this doesn’t mean that you and your dog can’t enjoy a happy, active and fulfilling life together. In this blog, we’ll cover some of the causes, symptoms, and tips for living with a dog with hearing loss.
Causes of Deafness In Dogs
Deafness in dogs can have multiple causes. Some dogs are genetically predisposed to deafness. Dogs with white, merle, or piebald color patterns, as well as blue eyes, may be at higher risk for deafness.
Hearing loss in dogs can also be acquired. Some of the most common causes are from wax or debris buildup, untreated ear infections, medicine toxicity, injury and old age.
Signs & Symptoms of Deaf Dogs
Dogs can exhibit signs of deafness as young as one week old. Some of the most common signs include:
- Changes inattentiveness and obedience, such as failure to respond to familiar commands
- Difficult to wake when sleeping
- Not acknowledging every day sounds like doorbells/door knocks, vacuums or your voice
- Excessive barking
- Shaking or tilting their head
If your dog exhibits any of these signs, please see your veterinarian immediately. They will perform a series of tests to determine not whether or not your dog has hearing loss, as well as the degree of the potential loss.
Living with a Deaf Dog
Despite their disability, hard-of-hearing dogs are very trainable. However, there are some basics to keep in mind to make sure that your dog feels safe and comfortable.
- Approach your dog carefully. Dogs with hearing loss can be easily startled. To avoid this, stomp your foot when you get near them so that your dog can feel the vibration. Then, touch or pet them gently on the back to let them know you’re near.
- Sleeping dogs can be startled especially easy. To wake your dog, gently place your hand in front of your dog’s nose so that they can smell you. Then, pet them on the back as they wake up.
- Monitor their activity. With their hearing limitations, it’s important that deaf dogs are never left unattended when outdoors unless they’re in a fenced-in area. Since they can’t hear traffic or horns, keeping your dog on a leash in open areas is best.
- Alert others that your dog is deaf. To avoid strange touches or overwhelming situations, purchase a collar, harness or vest that indicates that your dog is deaf.
- Train your dog with hand signals. That’s right! Your dog can learn to recognize sign language. Animal Wellness Magazine offers this guide to help you learn more.
- Visual cues from flashlights or by turning the lights off and on can also grab a dog’s attention.
- Add a bell to their collar. If your dog is missing or gets lost in the house, a bell will help you find them.
Having a deaf dog can be extremely rewarding and offer unparalleled bonding experiences! Take time this week to celebrate the resiliency of these remarkable dogs (because deaf dogs rock), along with their pet parents.
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3 Things to Think about Before You Buy a Puppy
Are you thinking about adding a puppy to your household?
This is an important decision and we want you to take a few things into consideration before you make this big leap. There are more positive reasons than not to add a pet to your household. However, there are certain things to consider before committing to taking care of a precious dog. A puppy can be a lot of work to take care of and need a home that is sure to give them the love and affection they need. Here are a few questions to consider before buying a dog.
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Does a new dog fit into your family’s lifestyle?
In order for a puppy to grow and thrive, mentally and physically, they will need to have a healthy home. We implore you to think about your current lifestyle, which includes your leisure time and your work obligations. Will your new pup be home alone for long periods of time? Does everyone in your family want a dog? These are some things that you must discuss.
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Do you or anyone in your family have allergies?
One of the most common allergies are to pet hair but this does not mean that you can’t buy a dog. Consider looking at hypoallergenic dogs so you can enjoy having a special friend, like the rest of the population that owns a dog.
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Do you have a sedentary lifestyle?
Are you okay with walking your dog several times a day? Puppies grow up and if you do not have a backyard, walking your dog can be quite the commitment. We want you to be sure of what you’re dedicating yourself and your family to, some dogs need daily and rigorous exercise and some don’t. Either way, this is something important to consider when you buy a dog.
So what do you think? Are you ready? At Furry Babies, we can help you make this decision. Give us a call today!
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March 23rd, 2019 is National Puppy Day!
In America, we celebrate everything from foods to pooches!
So, it’s no wonder there are several days specifically for our furry family members. Did you know that National Puppy Day 2019 is March 23rd? This is a day set aside to specifically to honor the puppies in the world that need homes, whether it’s through adoption or purchasing right here at Furry Babies! Before you make this choice, we suggest that you take into consideration the below factors!
Pets Are More Than Just Pets
Pets are such an important part of many lives across the world and adding one to a household is not an easy or flippant decision. We do not recommend that you ever purchase a puppy as a gift for anyone without taking into consideration who and how the puppy will be raised. Pets should be a well thought out and a loving decision made.
Finances
Keep in mind that your puppy won’t be a puppy forever. Depending on the breed, they may quadruple in size and that can quadruple your expenses. Before you get a dog, make sure that you’ll be able to support your pup financially. Essential items like food and toys and crates are obvious, but not all expenditures are predictable. Like humans, dogs have accidents and get sick. Plan for those unexpected moments.
Selecting The Breed
As you’re celebrating National Puppy Day 2019, think about the type of breed of dog you want to bring home. Do you want a big dog or a medium-sized dog? Are you looking for a travel companion or a quiet couch buddy? What about the sex of the dog? Do you want long-haired or short-haired dogs? Think about all of these options before you make a decision.
We have all of these and more at Furry Babies, but we want you to make an informed decision. Contact us today to discuss your options for your home and lifestyle. Take the time to peruse our currently available puppies by clicking here http://furrybabiesinc.com/puppies-for-sale/. We can help you make the best decision and talk to you about financing options, as well! Let us help you celebrate National Puppy Day 2019!
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Can a Cat and Dog happily coexisting together?
Though we only sell dogs in our stores, we are animal lovers in general!
We recognize that our furry friends won’t stay with us forever and that they’ll be joining a new home before we know it! Our furry babies will be going to various types of homes and in each case, we want the very best and we especially wish for smooth transitions. For instance, if you purchase one of our miniature Schnauzer puppies for sale and plan to take him home to where you currently have a cat, we want you to know how to introduce them. Take a look at our three tips for introducing your cat and dog.
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Makes Scents
If possible, please make arrangements so that the current resident animal isn’t in the same room when the new addition comes the first time. Upon bringing your new pup home, allow him to take a supervised tour of the house. He will certainly smell the other animal that lives there. Joining a new home is already a stressful situation for your pup, so the introduction should start with their scents getting acclimated to the other.
After the tour, let your pup approach the threshold where he can smell the cat’s scent and vice versa. This way, both animals can smell but not see each other. Watch his body language for levels of excitability or angst. If your pup is calm, award him with praise and treats. If he cries, barks, or scratches at the door, work with him to distract his focus with a training session or meal time. Do not move to step two until your pup isn’t focused or obsessed with the door.
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Sighting
Miniature Schnauzer puppies for sale are little gems that people bring into their homes and hopefully, your feline family member will feel the same. In this next step, take your time. How long your pets stay separated behind the door really depends on how they have reacted to each other. Only when they’re both relaxed do we recommend that they are physically introduced. Use a gate to separate them but allow them to see each other. When both parties seem relatively relaxed (a little excited is okay), move them to an area where they can see each other, but there’s still separation. A gate or screen door will work best.
If you have an extra pair of hands, have a friend or family member help you. Pay close attention to their body language again. Expect them both to be a bit excited, because that’s normal. Attempt to get your dog to look at you and occasionally divert his attention from the cat. If this happens, praise him! Next, allow them to move closer to each other. This step takes time so you must do it slowly. You want your pup to focus primarily on you and not the cat.
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Shake on It
During this last step, you will remove the gate or whatever physical barrier you’ve inserted. Miniature Schnauzer puppies are highly trainable so hopefully, this won’t be a difficult last task. Now is the time to put a leash on one of the newly purchased miniature Schnauzer puppies for sale you’ve purchased and let him approach the cat. Ideally, their little whiskers will meet each other.
Again, watch their body language. If you see any signs of aggression, separate them. It’s normal that both will have some type of response. When they are calm, praise them both with treats and positive words. This will take a few days for them to become fully used to each other. With your patience and diligence, you’ll have a cat and dog happily coexisting under one roof!
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3 Lovable Poodle Facts
People just love Poodles!
Whether it’s their curly hair or their statuesque and regal demeanors (in all sizes), they are simply adored and favored! We have Poodle puppies for sale, and we know that you’re going to love them just as much as we do. Here are just a few reasons why!
Fact #1
You know for sure that you want to purchase Poodle puppies for sale, but you’re not sure if you want a tiny or small one. Well, you’re in luck because Poodle puppies for sale happen to come in three different sizes – standard (large), miniature (medium), and toy (small).
Fact #2
Besides their beautiful and worldly familiar looks, they’re widely known for their high level of intelligence. Next to the Border Collie, Poodles rank #2 in the smart department. You can teach them numerous fun and useless tricks or train them to be effective assistants for people with disabilities. Poodle puppies for sale are commonly used as therapy dogs, which also has a lot to do with their generally joyful dispositions.
Fact #3
While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, Poodles come pretty darn close! This is one of the top reasons why our Poodle puppies for sale don’t stay with us for long! People who suffer from dog allergies often purchase our Poodle puppies for sale. They shed very little and produce small trace amounts of dander, which is the allergen. Poodles are often mixed with other hypoallergenic dog breeds for this purpose.
You’ve just been equipped with 3 common and endearing facts about Poodles. We know you’ve just fallen in love with one of our Poodle puppies for sale, so now is the time to stop into one of our locations to pet a Poodle and take one or more home! And by the way, we can help you finance a puppy if you don’t have the immediate funds! Furry Babies offers financing on all our of our puppies. Getting approved is easy!
Whether you’ve picked out one of the puppies in our gallery or plan on coming into the store, fill out an easy application at any of our five locations to finance a puppy of your dreams! Contact us today for more information.
