Archive for July, 2010

Dogs will jump for joy when you help out in your community!

We asked and you answered. A week or two ago, we decided that instead of writing another blog post about caring for your dog, we would put up a post that would showcase some of your favorite volunteer organizations and pet-related charities. The response has been great and now, we’re proud to present the organizations that you work with, care for, and feel dedicated to serve!

Please, take the time to look at these organizations and see how you can get involved in the cause:

AKC Canine Health Foundation: As part of the American Kennel Club, the Canine Health Foundation works with some of the best organizations involved in caring for our pets to “develop significant resources for basic and applied health programs” so that the quality of life for both dogs and their owners may be improved. Its partnerships with Purina and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (just to name a few), makes the AKC Canine Health Foundation the largest non-profit funder of exclusively canine research in the world. Learn more at AKCCHF.org.

IMOM: IMOM stands for In Memory Of Magic and this pet charity is dedicated toward helping people help pets through neutering and spaying programs, animal rescues, animal care education, and support for sick, injured, and abused pets. You can learn more about this organization at IMOM.org

Gulf Coast Companion Animal Relief Program: Created by the Louisiana ASPCA, this charity offers support for those affected by the Gulf Oil Spill in the form of free vet care. With so many families struggling in that region, the numbers of surrenders to the LA SPCA are rising. Free pet food, vet care, registration, spaying, neutering, and vaccinations are just some of the services offered. You can learn more at LA-SPCA.org.

Service Dogs of VA: This organization raises, trains, and places dogs to assist people with disabilities through a network of volunteers that provide time, attention, training, and financial support. It is also a member of Assistance Dogs International, a coalition of not-for-profit organizations that train assistance dogs. If you want to learn more about this Virgina-based service organization, visit ServiceDogsVA.org.

The Frederick County Humane Society: Based in our hometown of Frederick, MD, the Frederick County Humane Society provides affordable services, resouces, and programs to keep pets happy, healthy, and in life-long homes. To learn more about the Frederick County Humane Society, check out FCHS.org.

What are some animal-related charities you support? Tell us and we’ll put together a list for a future post! Remember, these organizations are only one part of the puzzle. To make a difference, you need to show your support. Donate your time, hold a fundraiser, or just make a simple donation. Either way, you’ll be helping improve the lives of many animals in your community.

Treating your dog can be an important part of cultivating a good relationship, not to mention, obedience training. However, finding the right treat for your pup can be tough. You want something tasty but nutritious. Luckily, K9HealthSolutions.com has the perfect fit.

NubOnubs treats are perfect for rewarding your pet without feeling guilty about what’s inside every bite. Able to be taken on the go or given daily as a great treat, NubOnubs are yummy, nutritious, and a great fit for any pup and pet owner.

NubOnubs treats are made from 100% freeze dried beef and come backed by the same reputation of quality and consideration for your pets health as Dinovite. There’s no corn, wheat, fillers, or chemical preservatives. Just yummy, beefy goodness that your pet can enjoy when he’s been a good dog.

The best part: they taste great! NubOnubs treats, because they’re freeze dried, lock in that great beef flavor and nutrition, which means your dog gets more out of each and every bite.

Get your NubOnubs treats today at K9HealthSolutions.com.

If you’ve ever made a long trip (or even a short trip) in the car with your dog, you’ve probably dealt with some form of canine car sickness. Just like humans, dogs can start feeling icky after being in a car for long periods of time, usually for two reasons: One is motion sickness affecting balance and two is car-related anxiety caused by a fear or trauma. If your dog suffers from car sickness, there are things that you can do to ease the discomfort of your pet while ensuring that both you and your pup get to your destination stress-free.

According to the American Kennel Club, here are some things you can do to curb canine car sickness:

1.) If your dog is prone to motion sickness, try taking small steps to get your dog used to the feeling of the car by doing some things outside of your vehicle. If you spend time cuddling your dog upside down in your lap, rolling him around on the ground (in play), or picking her up in the air, the sensations are similar to that of car travel.

2.) Don’t feed your pup right before your car ride or if you must, keep it light. An upset tummy can be an instant trigger of car sickness.

3.) Avoid putting your dog in the farthest backseat where there is the most motion. If you can, have a friend drive and keep your dog as stationary as possible on your lap or near you on the seat.

4.) If your dog gets anxious in the car, try getting him or her used to it by spending a few minutes in the car every day. Try a few minutes while in park and then maybe another few minutes with the car turned on. NEVER leave your dog in the car unattended. Instead, sit with your dog in the car and offer praise. You can also try bringing a toy to keep your dog calm or distracted.

5.) Finally, you can try making little trips with your dog to get him or her used to the feeling of being in the car. Start out by just going up and down the driveway. Then, over time, gradually increase the distance.

Try some of these tips to make canine car sickness history. Just don’t forget that it’s important to secure your pet in a crate, carrier, or harness so that he or she isn’t at risk for injury while in the car. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Romeo The Cat – and Pugsley too – are two “rascallly boys raising money for rescues” and we just had to share their stories. Romeo The Cat is a great blog dedicated toward raising money and awareness for animal rescues so that animals can get the love and care they need when they need it most. The site has a really cool fundraising program called FURPOWER, which you can learn about here.

Romeo The Cat shares some awesome pictures, stories, and of course, information on how you can help animal rescues.

Also, Romeo and Pugsley told us to spread the word about other project, BlogPaws.com, a network of pet bloggers. Basically, BlogPaws is designed to be a blogger community where pet bloggers can meet and learn from each other so that they can forward their mission, whether it’s educating pet owners or raising money for rescues. Be sure to check them both out!

Have you heard of Pawesome.net? If not, you totally need to check it out! This pet-lover’s paradise gives power to the pets by posting tons of great videos, articles, tips, product reviews, and more so that pet owners are always in the know when it comes to caring for their furry friends.

They just launched a brand new site and it looks fantastic! We love all of the great videos they post, plus, the helpful hints they give for caring for our pups while keeping up with the fun factor. Unlike other dog blogs, this one is all about having fun, living life to the fullest, and of course, giving lots of lovin’ to our pets.

Check out Pawesome.net today!

Dog Milk is all about sharing what’s fun, stylish, and funky when it comes to caring for our pets. This dog blog offers tons of product reviews and awesome pictures of some of the latest and greatest dog gear. Now, it’s not an actual store. It’s just a really awesome place to hang out if you’re looking to find something cool or interesting for your pet.

If you want to find the most stylish pet bed, the perfect pet portrait, or the best gourmet treats for your pooch, then Dog Milk is the place to go. Their sister site, Design Milk, is known for being on top of all that’s edgy in modern design. Think of Dog Milk as the must-see list of the coolest dog care products out there.

Plus, Dog Milk has been featured in Modern Dog Magazine and has two doggie advisors to back it up! Beans, a Boston Terrier, and Lulu, an American Bulldog, help run the show by providing expert advice to Jaime, the creator of the blog, so that you know you’re getting an expert perspective on what’s cool in doggie design.

It’s National Ice Cream Month and people everywhere are running out to celebrate the occasion with a scoop of their favorite flavor. But why shouldn’t your pup be included too? This month, try serving up any of these delicious, dog-friendly ice cream treats!

Puppertime Fruit Pop
One 8-ounce container of plain yogurt
1 cup strawberries, hulled
1 banana, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon of honey
water

In a blender, puree all of your ingredients until creamy. Then, add a little bit of water to make the mixture a bit more pourable. Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid, or about 5 hours. Then, just let your pup enjoy a cube or two at a time! He’ll love this fruity and refreshing treat on a hot day!

Poochie-Keen Ice Cream Poppers
2 cups plain low-fat yogurt
Mashed bananas
2 tablespoons honey

Mix together all of your ingredients and freeze in an ice cube tray, about 5 hours or so. Then, serve to your pup a cube at a time. It’s just like a little bite of ice cream!

Doggone Sundae
2 cups low-fat plain yogurt
1 can salt-free, fat-free chicken broth
Your dog’s favorite treats

In a large mixing bowl, combine the yogurt and broth and beat until completely blended. Set aside. Then, take an ice cube tray and pop a small piece of a treat into the bottom of each cube cup. Then, spoon the mixture over the treats and fill up each cup. Freeze overnight and then pop out when your dog deserves a special treat!