The Loving Bowl Puts A New Slant On The Way Dogs Eat

by Amy Tokic

Published: May 3rd, 2015

the loving bowl puts a new slant on the way dogs eat

Flat-faced dogs rejoice – there’s now a bowl made just for you! A simple modification on a traditional design, The Loving Bowl serves up a new take on doggy dishwear.

How can you improve on the design of the average dog bowl? “You can’t,” you reply. “It’s a bowl – how are you going to improve on it? Add on laser beams?” Okay, I have to admit, the laser beam upgrade is pretty cool and I’d be willing to pay for that. I’m thinking more along the lines of how to make food more accessible to your dog, while cutting down on mess and chance of bloat. It’s a good thing that The Loving Bowl thought of a way to make all of this happen, because frankly, I’m still stuck on the laser beam idea (PEW! PEW!).

Meet The Loving Bowl – it’s dinnerware for your flat-faced dog or cat (also referred to as brachycephalic breeds). Anyone with a smoochy face pet knows the difficulties they have to deal with when it comes to eating. Thanks to the shorter muzzle, it’s harder to get at the kibble in the bowl, as it’s lying flat on the bottom of the bowl. But The Loving Bowl added a few modifications – they made the bowl over-sized and they gave it a simple slope.

Related: Green Interactive Feeder

With its over-sized feeding area, The Loving Bowl’s design offers an always-exposed slope that pets instinctively know how to use (Oscar picked it up in just a few tries – some dogs may take a little longer than others). Pets can maneuver their kibble from the bottom of the bowl to the slope, where they can grasp their food with ease. The 45-degree allows your pet to separate his food in the bowl, while enjoying a comfortable feeding position.

This means no more dropping kibble on the floor – seriously, it’s like finding a kibble trail to Oscar’s hiding spots with the old bowl. Now, he eats his food where he’s meant to… at his bowl! It also comes with a dip at the front of the bowl, which allows for a pet to effortlessly reach his food without overextending his neck and fighting gravity. Other bonuses: The Loving Bowl can help with digestion issues; cut down on gas and bloat; slows down the eating process; and keeps your pet’s face clean.

The Loving Bowl is made from a high quality ABS food grade plastic and is best suited for dogs and cats between 10 to 24 lbs. There’s a new stainless steel version that’ll be available this summer, and it’s designed for dogs 25 lbs. and up. It comes in three colors (white, pink and blue) and sells for $29.99. You can order yours online at The Loving Bowl website.

Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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How Much Outdoor Time Does My Dog Need?

Spending time outside is very important for overall physical and mental health, both for humans and animals alike. Our pets, dogs especially, can be quite dependent on the time they spend outdoors. It helps stimulate them, keep them mobile and active, and also helps them spend all that extra energy they have stored which in turn impacts their behavior for the better. But as it is with everything in life, there is always too little and too much of a good thing. So in the end, it does make you wonder – just how much outdoor time does your dog need? And, can you really overdo it? Let’s find out!How Much Outdoor Time Does My Dog Need?The amount of outdoor time your dog needs can vary based on factors such as their breed, age, health, and individual preferences of your dog. It can’t really be the exact same for all dogs out there. Just like humans, some pooches have preferences of their own. Some love to snooze and relax, and aren’t really fans of going outside and zooming about. Others, however, can’t get enough of adventures in the great outdoors. Still, in general, all dogs require at least a small amount of daily outdoor exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. With that in mind, these are some main factors that could influence the amount of time your pet needs to spend outside of the house:BreedDifferent breeds have different energy levels and exercise requirements. High-energy breeds like Border Collies or Labrador Retrievers may need more outdoor time compared to lower-energy breeds like Bulldogs or Basset Hounds. As you get to know your pet and the specifics of their breed, this too will become apparent. AgeAge plays a major role in dog energy levels. Puppies generally have more energy and may require several short play and exercise sessions throughout the day. Adult dogs on the other hand usually need at least 30 minutes to 2 hours of exercise per day, depending on the breed and individual needs, whereas seniors usually don’t have as much energy so one walk a day will do just fine for a pooch in his golden years.HealthDogs with certain health issues may have specific exercise restrictions. Consult with your veterinarian to determine an appropriate exercise plan for a dog with health concerns. Don’t overdo it with your dog, if the vet prohibits it. The same goes for seniors, who can’t really play all that much outside. SizeDog size is a big factor in determining energy levels and the need for outdoor fun. Smaller breeds may get sufficient exercise with a shorter walk or playtime, while larger breeds might need longer and more vigorous activities.Individual PreferencesSome dogs are more active and enjoy activities like fetching, running, or hiking, while others may be content with a shorter walk or playtime in the yard. On the other hand, some breeds, due to their inherent traits, might love relaxing outside, even when it's chilly. Others, though, will love the warmth and coziness found indoors. 

Why Is My Dog Licking and Chewing His Paws?

You might think it’s gross, but your pooch certainly doesn’t – canines are known to lick themselves as a way of grooming. While your dog might lick their body thoroughly to keep it clean, sometimes, their self-grooming can be abnormal. If you notice that your pet is licking or even chewing their paws obsessively, it should raise concern. This type of behavior might indicate an underlying medical issue, so here’s what you need to know before you phone your vet.Is It Normal for Dogs to Lick and Chew Their Paws?While some licking of their paws after they get dirty can be perfectly normal, constant licking or chewing of the paws is certainly not usual behavior. There could be several reasons behind this, and it could indicate that your attention and even intervention are needed. Here are some of the most common reasons why dogs lick and chew their paws.Allergies:  Allergies, including food allergies, environmental allergies (such as pollen or dust mites), and contact allergies (for example, from cleaning products or lawn chemicals), can lead to itching and discomfort in dogs. Paw licking and chewing can be a response to this itching. If you suspect that an allergy might be in question, don’t hesitate to visit your vet.Skin irritation or infection: If your dog's paws are red, swollen, or have an unpleasant odor, it may indicate a  skin infection or irritation. Bacterial or fungal infections, as well as foreign objects like splinters or thorns, can lead to serious issues down the road. Again, if you notice any of the above, it’s time to visit the vet.Dry or cracked paw pads: Dry or cracked paw pads can be uncomfortable for dogs. Licking and chewing may be their way of trying to soothe the discomfort. This happens to many dogs, and can be caused by their environment, the surface on which they walk, and many other things. Luckily, you can prevent this with paw wax that will create a barrier between the pads and the walking surface, or treat existing issues with paw butter that soothes and repairs the pads. This particular  2-in-1 paw butter and wax is a favorite of mine because it is made from all-natural ingredients and heals cracked paws in no time – while simultaneously preventing future irritation and dryness. 

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