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If you still have to do some holiday shopping for the serious dog lovers in your life, here are some last-minute ideas for great presents.
Consider buying them gift certificates to a local pet supply store or prepaid vouchers for miscellaneous services at their vet’s office. You could also put together a gift basket of beauty and health products you know your friend uses. While dog-oriented gifts may not be right for everyone, those “love me, love my dog” friends and family members will appreciate anything that helps them take care of their pets. Helen Fazio and her dog, Raja, are world travelers. Visit their blog and follow them on Twitter. |
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There’s more to selecting a leash than choosing a snazzy color. Depending on the breed and size of your new dog and where you live, you may need a short, tight leash for urban walking or a longer one for countryside hikes and hunting.
Inspect your dog’s leash regularly to make sure that the buckle, stitching, and leather or fabric are in tip-top shape, and replace it immediately if you see any weak spots. It should go without saying that a leash breakage can quickly lead to a loose dog in a potentially dangerous environment. Some dogs get very excited about their leashes because they associate them with playtime and outdoor walks. Keep your pooch’s leash stored safely out of his reach to prevent choking and ruined leashes. D.P. Hesano is co-founder of the online doggy lifestyle shop FidoDogTreats.com |
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With the addition of a new puppy to your home comes the purchase of requisite canine accessories. There are many factors to consider when choosing a crate, but size is at the top of the list.
The compassionate human urge is to purchase a crate that is too large to allow the pet to have some extra room. However, it should be just large enough for your pooch to lie down and turn around comfortably. A kennel that is too large will allow your dog to divide his or her crate into sections — and unfortunately, one of those will become the bathroom. An appropriately sized crate should be comfortable for rest but not much more. Most people do not want to purchase a second crate in anticipation of a growing dog, so consider a larger crate with a removable divider. D.P. Hesano is co-founder of the online doggy lifestyle shop FidoDogTreats.com |
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Unlike some of our less than generous relatives, our pets don’t complain when they aren’t party to the gift opening fever during December. But if the holidays are about giving, then there isn’t much more gratifying than watching an appreciative pup become acquainted with a new Yuletide doggie toy. A dog can become tired of a single toy, so it is best to have a rotation of chews that can take turns keeping him busy.
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It’s now hunting season in many areas of the country. To keep your dog safe during hikes in the woods, it is always best to stick to property you know is safe and/or posted.
If you must go hiking in areas where you may run into hunters, both you and your dog should wear bright, non-natural colors. Jackets in fluorescent orange are available for dogs and give visual cues to hunters that your pup is not a deer or turkey! Casey Lomonaco owns Rewarding Behaviors Dog Training in Binghamton, NY. |
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Neem is a medicinal tree that grows in India. For centuries, people have used oil from its bark to enhance lustrous hair. Safe for use on humans and pets, Neem oil shampoo actually kills fleas by attacking their exoskeletons and suffocating them.
At the first sign of fleas, shampoo your dog well with Neem oil shampoo and let it rest on the skin for 10 minutes, if possible, before rinsing. This gentle shampoo can be used often, but it will not destroy fleas in your home environment. You will have to address those predators some other way. Special thanks to Three Rivers Holistic Veterinary Clinic in Madison, New Jersey, for this helpful tip! Helen Fazio and her dog, Raja, are world travelers. Visit their blog and follow them on Twitter. |
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We like to think of ourselves as responsible dog owners. When we take our pooches for a walk, post-poop cleanup is a necessity to keep our neighbors happy and our streets and parks clean.
Scoopies help make it easy for us to hold up our end of the cleanliness bargain. These smart, simple plastic bags are mitten-shaped, so you can slip them over your hands or winter gloves. They come in a small, convenient dispenser box that is designed to be looped over your dog’s collar and carried by your pet. Best of all, Scoopies are completely biodegradable — so they should be completely gone in about 18 months. Rick E. Zee is the pet product expert for the online dog supply shop FidoDogTreats.com. |
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Go organic to fertilize your lawn and ditch those nasty chemicals to get a great result next in the spring — and a healthier, safer lawn for you and your dog.
Now is the time to get your lawn ready for the upcoming harsh winter months. This year, try fertilizing your lawn with an easy-to-use, quick-acting fish emulsion. Made from by-products of the fish industry, it’s organic, healthy, and safe for your dog. Just add to a hose-end sprayer and spray your entire lawn and garden. It’s safe for all plants — even the ones you eat! Leslie May and Johann (the dog) are the founders of Raise a Green Dog, an online portal for all things green and healthy for your dog. |
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When people buy pets on impulse, they are often woefully underprepared for the new addition. Take some time to plan ahead and stock up on essential doggie supplies. Choose some food and a variety of chews and toys. You’ll also need a leash, an appropriate collar or harness, a crate, and potty cleanup bags.
Don’t forget to buy some treats, so you can start reinforcing desirable behaviors immediately! Casey Lomonaco owns Rewarding Behaviors Dog Training in Binghamton, NY. |
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Our dogs have suffered through this sometimes torturously-hot summer alongside us. So when the thermometers are flirting with triple digit temperatures, our pets appreciate whatever we are able to do to help keep them cool and comfortable. Freezy Pups has introduced make-at-home organic doggie popsicles that are not just delicious and organic, but are also pretty darn cute with their dog bone shape. Offered in four dog flavors, they are likely to slow your pooch’s panting while offering nutrition. You simply combine their pre-measured mix with water, stir and freeze in the Freezy Pups’ treat tray. This simple but innovative line of frozen treats won an award for the best new natural product at the global pet expo.
D.P. Hesano is co-founder of the online doggy lifestyle shoppe FidoDogTreats.com |
