Doggie’s Accessories

Often items can be knocked over by a pet and eaten before anyone notices.  Always take care to place medicine and other chemicals out of the reach and in an area that your pets can’t accidentally knock over.  Many over the counter pain relievers are toxic to pets and dogs can’t metabolize even small amounts and the result is poison to your dog.  Chocolate is toxic to dogs and causes vomiting diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythms, dehydration, hyperactivity and seizures.

Other toxic items in the home include rodent poisons, household chemicals such as bleach and toiletries.  Several household plants are toxic to pets such as amaryllises, azaleas, hyacinths, lilies and poinsettias.  Dogs are often attracted to antifreeze because of its sweet taste.  all spills and leaks should be cleaned before your pet has a chance to lick and eat the poisons.

Provide your dog with plush dog toys to keep her entertained as you keep dangerous items out of their reach.  We all want our pets to be safe and contented.

Don’t forget your dog when you dress up this Halloween.  People who usually don’t dress their pooch often will dress their dog for the excitement of Halloween.  Dog costumes are now popular and often as popular as people costumes.  You can make your dog a cheer leader, doctor,superhero, glowing boney dog, pumpkin, fairy princess or just about any character of you choice.

Today the details on most Halloween dog costumes are very distinctive and often elaborate.  With workmanship  on the costumes that is impressive, you will want to go several parties and show off her adorable costume.  Many costumes use velcro strips at the chest and under the stomach to make the costomes stay in place and add to the bueaty of the costume    

Hello everyone!  I am Sandi a 4 month old Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.  At this time in my life I am busy chewing on anything I can find and allowed to chew on.  Teething as a puppy can be a discomfort just like teething is for a baby.  Some days it really hurts that is why I keep myself chewing on my soft puppy teething blankie with the attract chewy teether bone which helps ease my teething discomfort.  I have other dog toys that helps keep me entertained.  My stimulating plush dog toys, a rope play tug of toy and hard rubber dog bone keeps me busy for hours.  Chew toys will help during the teething stage that all dogs go through.

Many people would allow me to play around the house when they’re not home.  Often this allows me to chew shoes, purses or any item in my path.  The best way to prevent destructive chewing and training is to put me in my puppy crate.  To do this, you need a crate that is just big enough for me to turn around in.  The crate should be a safe and cheerful place for me.  I should always have toys in my crate to keep me entertained.  Crate training me will not only prevent destructive chewing, but will also aid in potty training and create a positive and safe environment for me to be when you’re not around.  When you leave me in the crate during the day while you are gone remember to leave me food and water too. I can get thirsty while you are gone. 

Dog feeders are made from various types of products,  Generally the most inexpensive feeders are made from plastic.  The plastic feeder can sometimes be chewed and parts swallowed by your dog.   A stainless steel feeder will not rust and cannot be chewed. Stainless steel bows are easy to clean and are dis washer safe. Stainless Steel comes in several sizes and is a little more expensive than plastic. 

Ceramic feeders are like wise easy to clean and are dish washer safe.  Their weight makes it more difficulty for small dogs to move causing spillage.  Ceramic bowls comes in a large variety of patterns and styles.  Raised feeders are often used for larger dogs and provide more comfort for your dog.  A Gravity or an automatic dog feeder are handy for vacations and when you can not return at their regular feeding time.  

Short haired or hairless dog can burn on their backs if they are left in the sun and have no protection from shade.  When you take your dog to play in the park they can get sunburned and it is as painful for them as it is for us when we burn.

Exposer to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can lead to many problems.  Sunburns can cause hair loss, scabbing on the top of the nose and skin cancer.  When our pets are groomed and clipped short they can easily burn because their skin is exposed.  One way to protect your dog from sun burn is a dog tee shirt which protects the dog’s skin and prevents sunburn. 

Providing your dog with play toys can help stop destructive behavior and with the correct type of toy can also clean her teeth at the same time.  Dental chew toys are generally hard rubber, rope or nylon dog toys that are very durable and usually last longer that non dental chew toys.  Nylon bones, rope bones and hard rubber chew toys come in a variety of sizes and are an aid in cleaning teeth.  Natural chew toys as pig’s ears are OK but are quickly consumed.

Bone shaped toys as rope from cotton material: hard rubber bones are good for most chewers and can be used as a throw toy or as a tug toy  Dental designed toys help to clean the dog’s teeth and massage her gums.  

Soft bedding can help support the bones and joints making the dog more comfortable.  Some beds are better for arthritic dogs especially a plush dog bed such as a hammock beds.

 As your dog ages, she may not be tolerant or patience as she once was.  Supervise playtime and try keeping her away from young children who love to hug and play with your dog.

 Tile and hardwood floors may be slippery and may be difficult for your dog to walk on.  Consider throw rugs for the comfort of your dog.  

Grooming is important for an arthritic dog.  Brushing will help remove mats and tangles which can cause itching and pain in an older dog.

Most dogs enjoy being brushed and at the same time you are keeping their coat healthy.  A long haired dog requires frequent brushing to prevent their hair from matting.  A dog with medium length hair should be brushed at least weekly.  A short haired dog can usually go several weeks with out the need to be brush to keep  their hair neat.  If your dog enjoys being brushed you can brush her daily regardless of length of their hair.  It is wise to brush your dog often when they are shedding.  A good dog brush is important to properly care for your dog

Is your puppy howling, whining or barking?  Puppies whine for a reason.  If the problem is not corrected immediately, whining can become a habit that is intensely irritating and annoying.  Many dogs use whining, howling and barking as a means to control their owners.

Train your dog by :

Confining your puppy to a crate or small room or pen and always give your puppy the benefit of the doubt.  When she begins whining, immediately take her to her toilet area.

Teach  your dog to accept isolation and privacy.  Train your puppy to travel in a dog tote carrier.  Accustom your puppy to being left by herself, even if you are home.  make sure your puppy is comfortable.  Is your puppy hungry, thirsty, too hot, too cold, uncomfortable, sick or has lost her toy under the furniture?  Know that all your puppy’s physical needs are met and you have taken the time to accustom her to isolation, then teach her that whining is unacceptable.

Don’t give in and reward your puppy for whining.

Don’t hesitate to appropriately reprimand unnecessary whining.

Don’t let your dog feel abandoned.

Don”t let your puppy soil her crate.

When around water always keep a lookout for your dog.  A strong swimmer can sometimes get into trouble and need help.  When you go boating you should outfit your dog with a dog life jacket that is made specifically for dogs. 

Should your dog fall into a cold lake or pool you must watch for signs of hypothermia.  If your dog shows any signs of shivering, or sickness it is best to consult a veterinarian.  Its best to keep your dog away from stagnant pools of water as the water may contain harmful bacteria or toxins.