Dogs We Luv!

2 months ago , George came home with us and finally, I got my long time wish to care for a dog . I knew from the start that it will not be easy, that there will be challenges, that I will have more chores to do, that having a dog is a BIG responsiblity. Now that George is here, I had to go back to everything I researched about dog training. Obviously, actual dog training is a whole different thing from theory. It was even more difficult than I expected. George was not exactly the easiest puppy to train. Like most puppies, he is energetic, curious, impatient, naughty, and sometimes he does things that can really try your temper. In two months, George has managed to destroy at least 6 (if i'm counting right) of our slippers, there are 2 large holes on the wall, and the kitchen counter has been badly chipped and chewed on. I am so thankful that my husband is supportive about it and helps me out in every way he can. Although he wasn't too enthusiastic about bringin...

Yesterday's Etsy Finds are Puppy Approved and I'm loving it! I wish I could get George one of these goodies. I thought the bedside lamp and dog house was so cool! I love the tags by cristina ashley design and poochy couture . Here are more fun stuff to pamper your pooch:) pooch sweater by: a and b originals bedside lamp and dog house by: madshome dog tag: poochy couture dog bed by: bow wow beds dog bowl by: bailey bowls tag by: cristina ashley design collars L-R: codyscreations ; lola and winston emmaginables : whinny and woof

I enjoyed browsing through the shop looking for my favorite items for the Jonathan Adler giveaway contest by Holly of Decor8 . The shop has lots of quirky and pretty things for the home and these doggie beds from Jonathan Adler 's shop caught my eye. dog bed by Jonathan Adler Bones Doggie Bed by Jonathan Adler I think George would love sleeping on this bone cushion :)

At long last, we have a dog! weeeee! Meet George! He's a 2-month old mixed breed. We're still getting to know him as he just got home yesterday. George Inspecting the Camera Hiding he's cute face from the cam, hehehe this little guy knows how to pose! Big Yawn! Loving the Attention Handsome George! Isn't he adorable???

Like people, dogs also need to have their teeth cleaned. Canine teeth need regular brushing to prevent cavity build-up and tooth decay. More importantly, taking care of your dog’s teeth is a great way to protect your dog from diseases or infections that may start from the build-up of bacteria in the mouth. Brushing your dog’s teeth does not need to be an unpleasant experience. Here are tips on how to make brushing time easy and enjoyable. Use a toothpaste for dogs . Ask your vet for a recommended brand of doggy toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste as some ingredients may be too strong for dogs and unsafe to swallow. Also, dog's would never like the mint flavor of toothpastes people use. Introduce the new taste . Put a small amount of the doggy toothpaste on your finger and let your dog get accustomed to the taste of this new treat. Do this for a few days. You may need to experiment on different flavours of toothpastes for dogs until find out the flavor your pooch likes ...

Among humans, the problem of obesity is very real. Among pets, obesity is a problem often overlooked. Based on the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention’s (APOP) 2008 Pet Obesity Study , “an estimated 50% of dogs and cats in the United States are overweight or obese.” Apparently, the prevalence of preventable diseases in pets such as Osteoarthritis, Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, Heart Disease, respiratory disorders, and some forms of cancer is directly related to the increase of obesity cases in both dogs and cats. Causes of Pet Obesity It is interesting to note that pet owners who lead an inactive lifestyle are most likely to have overweight pets as well. The lack of physical activity can be unhealthy and even dangerous for humans and pets alike. Having a dog can be physically beneficial if the dog owner actually walks his/her pooch regularly. If you’re too lazy or too busy to go out and walk your dog or run with your dog, either you, your dog or both of you may be...

Bo, the Portuguese Water Dog has officially arrived at the White House. After some controversies as to the 6-month old PWD’s origin, the Obama’s welcomed the first pooch to his new home last April 14. Apparently, Bo was a gift from Ted Kennedy (who also has 2 PWDs from Bo’s breeder) after Bo’s first owners gave him up. I’m not very familiar with this breed so I came up with this research: Portuguese Water Dog History Aptly named the Portuguese Water Dog, this canine breed was originally a fisherman’s dog in Portugal. Known for its strength and exceptional swimming ability (the PWD can swim all day), it was the perfect fisherman companion (to retrieve fishing nets, carry messages from the boat to shore, guard boats, and dove for fish). Appearance: The PWD is a medium built dog. The size and height proportions range from 20-23 inches, 42 to 60 pounds for males; and 17 to 21 inches and 35 to 50 pounds for females. The body is solid, muscular and well-balanced. PWDs have...

I want to share this very cool discovery for all dog lovers which I found through MadebyGirl . It's a green and fun way to give your dear pets the comfort they deserve. What are we talking about here? A dog duvet and sack which becomes a relaxing dog bed from Molly Mutt - an online dog bed shop. All you need to do is fill the stuff sack with your old stuff (worn out clothes, blankets, rags), cover it with the duvet and voila. . . your earth-friendly, reusable doggie bed is ready. What's great is that everything is recyclable and washable. You can throw in everything into the laundry, including the sack, the stuffing, and the duvet to make it clean again. No need to throw in your old dog bed to the trash when it gets dirty. Check out the Molly Mutt shop to see choices of colors and designs. Prices range from $20-$40 depending on the size plus, enjoy 10% discount on your purchase if you're a MadebyGirl reader. Drop by MadebyGirl to avail of the discount. ...

When buying a dog house, two important factors are priority: Comfort and Safety. The style and design may satisfy your eyes, but never compromise your dog's needs. Here is a smart guide on buying a dog house: Consider the size of your dog . Naturally, the house should be a place where your dog feels safe and comfortable. Make sure that there is enough room inside so he/she can move in all directions conveniently. See to it that the height of the house is just right for your dog's breed. Make sure that the material is durable. Some dog houses are made out of wood and some are made out of plastic. Wooden dog houses are ideal for a backyard setting while plastic dog houses are easy to clean and maintain. You need to decide which material is most appropriate for your dog. Make sure that the house is durable and strong enough to carry your dog's weight, especially if you have a large dog. Consider the weather . If you live in a cold region, an insulated dog...

Every dog owner must learn about dog-proofing. Dog-proofing means making your home a safer place for both you and your pet. Here are some tips: Use doggie doors and gates (with security) for entrances or spaces that you want to block off. Make sure that there are no choking hazards (screws, paper clips, rubber bands, coins, needles, and other small things) lying around on the floor especially if you have puppies. If you have a lawn, make sure that there are no hazardous chemicals or materials on the ground or within reach. If you’re going to have a party at home, don’t forget to consider both your guests’ and dog’s safety especially if there will be kids. You may want to confine your dog or hire a dog sitter for the day. Give your dog his own toys that he can safely play with. If your floor is carpeted, vacuum daily to get rid of fur and dander. Groom your dog regularly. For furniture, choose materials that are durable and easy to clean. Use slipcovers t...

Dog owners must protect their dear pets from ticks and fleas. Aside from itchiness and discomfort, these unwanted pests can bring fever, typhoid, Lyme disease and other serious dog diseases. The worst thing about ticks and fleas is that they multiply very fast. Eggs can hatch within a week and stay hidden under your dog’s fur before you even realize that there is problem. This is why it's important to regularly check your dog's skin before or after bathing. Prevention Is Better than Cure Make sure that the area where your dog stays and take strolls are clean. If there are signs of infestations, using chemical sprays is the best way to exterminate these dreadful crawlers. However, make sure that your dog’s feeder and toys are safe from these chemical sprays. What if your dog has acquired ticks and fleas? Daily inspection must be done to remove ticks and fleas from your dog’s skin. Ask your vet for an anti-flea or anti-tick soap, powder, collar or treatment that ...

Brushing or combing a dog’s coat is very important for good grooming. Long haired dog breeds need every day brushing while short-haired dogs may require combing at least once or twice a week. Here are tips on how to make grooming a fun and enjoyable time for your dog: Start early. It’s best to train them while they’re young. If you adopted an older dog who wasn’t trained for grooming, it’s never too late to start training. Sit or stand your dog in a comfortable spot. Run your fingers through his fur. Brush his paws or legs first so he can see what’s happening. Praise your dog if he’s behaving well. If not, don’t give up. Introduce the brushing or combing routine every day for just a few minutes. It shouldn’t take long before your dog realizes that grooming is not a bad time after all. Don’t give yourself a hard time. Find a suitable place for your pup or dog to sit or stand on while you brush his/her coat. Make sure that it would be the same spot for grooming even ...

In response to a comment from my last post What If My Dog Has Diabetes ?, this entry will be about Feline Diabetes. Just like dogs and people, cats too can develop Diabetes Mellitus . Among cats, those who seem to be at a higher risk of developing this condition are male cats and obese cats. The signs of Feline Diabetes are similar to that of Canine Diabetes which includes: lethargy or laziness excessive thirst and hunger frequent urination unexplained loss of weight increased appetite weakness in the legs Upon check-up, a vet must conduct urinalysis and blood tests to come up with a correct diagnosis. If a cat is diagnosed to be diabetic, insulin injections may be recommended to help control the disease and avoid complications. It is good to know that with early detection, you can help your cat lead a normal life. For more information on Feline Diabetes, check out this website .

Just like humans, dogs can also acquire Diabetes. Diabetes Mellitus is a result of a deficiency in insulin- an enzyme that helps body tissues absorb blood sugar. Without insulin, sugar or glucose will not be able to enter the cells and will remain in the blood stream. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels in the body can therefore cause organ malfunction and illness. According to veterinarian studies, dogs between the ages of 5-7 years are more at risk of acquiring this condition. Female dogs and overweight dogs are also at a higher risk. If you have a dog, it is recommended to see the vet at least twice a year for an overall check-up. Indeed, early detection of diabetes can save a dog’s life. What are the symptoms of canine diabetes? The most common signs to watch out for are: lethargy or laziness excessive thirst and hunger frequent urination unexplained loss of weight Note that these symptoms are also common in other dog diseases. If your dog is experiencing any...

Dogs are not possessions. They are friends. They are family members. And if you’re going to share your home with a dog, you need to be ready for the joys and the responsibilities. Questions to con sider when choosing a dog: Are you an active person? Do you have allergies? (If you do, read For Dog Lovers with Pet Allergies ) Do you have kids? Do you live in an apartment? Should you get a large dog o r a sm aller dog? If you live in an apartment, a smaller dog breed may be best unless you have time to take your dog out on walks every day. Larger dog breeds generally have greater needs than smaller ones (in terms of food, exercise, hygiene, veterinary services, etc.) Seriously consider this: Do you have the time, energy, and money to care for a larger dog? However, if you’re looking for a jogging or a walking partner, small dogs may not be the best companions. Large dogs are perfect for this lifestyle. Dogs and Temperaments Like people, dogs also have their...

Notice how untrained dogs pull on the leash as their human helplessly tries to make them stop? Dog walking can be a lot of fun, but if your dog isn’t following your lead, it can be very strenuous and frustrating. How do you train a dog to walk properly and follow your lead? Here are the steps: Before putting on the leash, let your dog sit and stay * * . Dogs love to go out for walks and seeing you with that leash in your hand can make him ecstatic. Never put on that leash until he sits and stays. If you do, he’ll get used to jumping around and would never stay still as you put on the leash on his neck. If he continues to jump around, put the leash away and repeat the command “Sit”. Make sure that your dog understands that unless he does as told, he’s not going out for a walk. If he sits and stays, and waits for you to put on the leash, praise him, give him a pat and assure him that he’s done a good job. Walk him to the door. After putting on the leash, your dog may...

Teaching a dog about discipline is very important and meal times are the perfect time to teach your dog a few tricks about good behavior. Here are three important lessons on dog feeding: Use feeding time as trainin g time. Because you are the one providing food, your dog should learn to recognize you as the leader of the pack. Never tolerate barking, jumping or growling as you prepare his food or as you put down his feeding bowl. Your dog should patiently sit and wait for you and not the other way around. Say the command “Sit” and wait for your dog to do so before letting him have his food. If he refuses to obey your command, ignore him. Don’t give his food until he stops barking or jumping. When he’s quiet, say the command “Sit” and observe. If he’s done well, praise him and give him his bowl. Soon your dog will learn that if he wants to be fed, he must behave properly. *If your dog isn’t trained to “Sit”, you can start the lesson on How to Teach Your Dog to Sit a...