A Dog’s Purpose Cancels Premiere, But Opens Quietly Amid Abuse Alleg

Airedale Terrier

Airedale Terrier Basics Of all the terriers, there may be none that so embody what we imagine this type of dog to be than the Airedale Terrier. An authentic English terrier finds its home in a specific place – Airedale, of all places – but is just as happy to make its home with and your family. Like many terriers, you will find that this dog is capable of a lot of love, a lot of companionship, and can even make an excellent playmate. Its overall attractive coat is hard to resist for the younger members of your family and you’ll find there’s nothing quite like petting a terrier. There’s a reason, after all, they call Airedale Terriers the so-called king of terriers. But is the Airedale Terrier for you? Depending on the type of “dog person” you are, your answer will vary. Each dog breed has its own strengths and weaknesses, and these strengths and weaknesses mean specific breeds can be more suitable to certain types of dog owners. As we learn about the Airedale Terrier, we’ll also learn about the terrier group as a whole and hopefully you’ll just find a little something out about the types of dogs you’d prefer to bring home. Let’s find out more about the Airedale Terrier. Like many terriers, you will find that this dog is capable of a lot of love, a lot of companionship, and can even make an excellent playmate. Origin Like many terriers, the Airedale Terrier hails from the British Isles – England, specifically. Many people hypothesize that the Airedale Terrier comes from the Aire valley in England, which obviously lends itself to the dog’s name – although names can be deceiving, particularly if the wrong one catches on. Since the Airedale Terrier’s history, like many other breeds, is focused on the 19th and 20th centuries, when it started gaining recognition, we can safely say that this breed did probably arise out of that region in England. How were they bred? They were bred as jacks-of-all-trade, able to provide both companionship, a keen hunter’s instinct, and have developed a sporty, active demeanor. The first Airedale Terriers – or at least their ancestors – were not very similar to the Airedales that we see today. This makes this specific breed a relatively recent development in the world of terriers. Pedigree

Chow Chow

Chow Chow Basics One of the most ancient of dog breeds, the Chow Chow – like other ancient breeds – hails from Asia. It first originated in Mongolia before being transported and bred in China. With a distinctive appearance (its name in Mandarin approximately translates as “puffy-lion dog”) full of hair and resembling a bear crossed with a dog, it’s hard to miss this dog. But what is its popularity like in the United States, and can these dogs be considered friendly roommates for you and your family? As we delve deeper into the world of Chow Chows – which is really the ancient world of dog breeds itself – we’ll find out more about what makes the Chow Chow such an interesting and unique breed. As it turns out, the rich history of this dog can be traced to working-class roots but the breed has risen to become more of a show dog and companion dog – or both, because when you have this breed as a companion, you’ll want to show it off! Here is an overview of the breed. One of the most ancient of dog breeds, the Chow Chow – like other ancient breeds – hails from Asia. Origin Like the Pug, another ancient breed, the Chow Chow comes from Asia. Specifically, the breed originally hails from northern China or Mongolia – and its history extends back as far as thousands of years. Even DNA analysis has confirmed that the Chow Chow is actually the oldest breed of dog in existence, its breed purity having been maintained for millennia. If that’s a little intimidating for you as a new dog owner, consider that these dogs survived so well because they made such excellent companions, and even workers, although they do have more cat-like personalities, as we’ll learn later one. In terms of tracing the dog’s history to specific dates, there are sculptures of Chow Chow-like dogs that date to the Han Dynasty, which ran from 206 B.C. to 22 A.D. Their history even comes up through the United States, as President Calvin Coolidge owned a Chow Chow.

Boxer

Boxer Basics You don’t usually come across someone who doesn’t know what a Boxer looks like. Enjoying widespread popularity, Boxers sport that square jaw line and impressive under bite that gives them a fighter-like appearance. Sporting strong legs and deep, loud barks that make you take notice, Boxers are an impressive breed that is great for families. Notorious for being incredibly intelligent, Boxers are often used for service purposes like police dogs and therapy aid. Along with Golden or Labrador Retrievers, Boxers rank among the most popular dogs for this important work. It’s not just its intelligent that makes it a real people dog – Boxers love being around people! They love human affection, especially from children, and will never leave your side when you’re at home. There are plenty of reasons why a Boxer will make a welcome addition to your family – read on to find out more about this breed. Notorious for being incredibly intelligent, Boxers are often used for service purposes like police dogs and therapy aid. Origin We’ve filled you in on the recent history of the Boxer breed. They make great pets, service dogs, and even guard dogs. But let’s go back to its past, where you’re sure to find in much more interesting. Developed in Germany in the 19th century, Boxers were used by butchers to control cattle and for hunting purposes (they could run and hold down wild boar and bison), as well as being one of the first breeds of dogs used as police and military dogs. Unfortunately, they were also used for dog fighting – a Boxer would stand up on its hind legs and “box” with its opponent. Boxers were later imported to America after World War I, and gained popularity in the late 1930s. Pedigree

Belgian Malinois

Belgian Malinois Basics If you don’t stop and look twice, you might confuse the Belgian Malinois with a really tough-looking German Shepherd. That would be a big mistake and an unfair burden to put on the Belgian Malinois. Although they both hail from the same general region of Europe, there are some key differences between the breeds that you’ll want to be aware of. Considered good as a guard or police dog, the Belgian Malinois actually looks like the police of the dog world, strong and square and certainly ready for action. He’s a pupper authority figure. Ready to keep all other dogges in line. While the Belgian Malinois can be incredibly loyal and even obedient, they’re definitely not a dog for someone who isn’t able to demonstrate authority over a dog. If you’re a particularly passive owner who prefers a dog who develops its own personality naturally, the Belgian Malinois is probably not for you. They can be territorial and while not always aggressive, they’ll need proper training and socialization from a young age to bring out their innate friendliness and general cooperation. This is not an an ideal pet for a first time dog owner. It takes a certain type of owner to keep up. Are you that type of owner? There’s only one way to find out. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. All will be revealed. By the end of this article, you’ll either be running out to bring home a Belgian Malinois or frantically searching for a different dog. So what are you waiting for? Read on… If you don’t stop and look twice, you might confuse the Belgian Malinois with a really tough-looking German Shepherd. Origin One of four Belgian sheep dogs – that is, dogs commonly used to herd sheep – the Belgian Malinois is actually far more popular in its home country of Belgium than it is in the U.S., even despite the relative popularity of the German Shepherd. Hard to believe, but true. While there are three other breeds of Belgian sheep dogs, many have considered them all the same breed with minimal differences, such as the color of their coat. Even so, the Belgian Malinois gained American Kennel Club recognition as a breed in its own right in 1959. The breed is just that well respected. In the United Kingdom, however, the more European way of acknowledging this dog as part of a larger breed is still adopted. This can make for some confusion between the two continents, but when you see a Belgian Malinois, there can be little mistaking that you’re looking at a very serious dog indeed. Pedigree

Dogue De Bordeaux

Dogue de Bordeaux Basics An ideal guard dog for anyone with experience in handling and training dogs, the Dogue de Bordeaux – also known as the French Mastiff or the Bordeaux Bulldog – has the versatility of being a strong, fearless guard but also having gentleness around the house, including with children. Like other guard dogs, it will need to be raised in a way that socializes it with other dogs and with people so that it understands who represents a real threat and who does not. As a large dog, it can be intimidating for some, especially children, but generally the personality of this dog is very calm provided it doesn’t feel anyone is infringing on the household. Teaching the dog to be relaxed around strangers you welcome will be important, and you just may find that this unique, heavy dog becomes a neighborhood hit. And you’ll definitely feel safe with a Dogue de Bordeaux in your presence – so that’s not an issue. When many people imagine French dogs, the Dogue de Bordeaux is not what they have in mind. But when it comes to the breed you’re interested in, this might be exactly what you had in mind. Let’s learn more about this “Bordeaux Bulldog.” The Dogue de Bordeaux has the versatility of being a strong, fearless guard but also having gentleness around the house. Origin The translation of Dogue de Bordeaux could perhaps be described as “Bordeaux Mastiff,” but it is also known as a French Mastiff in areas outside of the country, particularly in America. As for its historical origins, the translations are not so clear. Many think the Dogue de Bordeaux could have descended from the Tibetan Mastiff and the Bulldog – which would certainly make the nickname “Bordeaux Bulldog” more appropriate. Dogs in the Middle Ages in the Aquitaine region may have also been ancestors to the modern Dogue de Bordeaux, and by the end of the Middle Ages, its use as a companion and guard dog was more frequent. Although the Dogue de Bordeaux took a heavy hit during the French Revolution, it regained its numbers throughout the years and a man named Raymond Triquet helped it to survive by taking the breed under his wing. The dog’s very tough history includes use in war, guardianship, and even training in hunting large game like bears, bulls, and jaguars. It was only recognized by the American Kennel Club in 2008.

Rub-A-Dub-Dub – A Pug In A Tub Is This Week’s Wet Wednesday Winner

Chillin’ out in the tub – that’s how Nacho the Pug rolls. Livin’ the Pug Life in Seattle, WA, Nacho is our fourth Wet Wednesday Weekly Winner. Here’s what his mom Winnie has to say about him: “This is my chubby pug named “Nacho”. He is 6 years old now and is a bundle of joy. Here’s a picture of him taking a bath – he loves taking bath! He thinks it is one of the best things in life besides food! LOL! Looking good, Nacho! We’ll be sending him an earthbath prize pack worth $55-$65. There are still two more weeks to go, which means two more winners. Send a photo of your wet dog to photos@petguide.com. You can take a look at all the contest details in this post. And let us know what wet dog you like best on our Facebook Page. Enter now!

Best Reef Aquarium Supplements

There are unique challenges to keeping a reef aquarium. To properly maintain this type of tank, you need the right reef aquarium supplements.

Alaskan Klee Klai

Alaskan Klee Klai Basics If you love the look of the Alaskan Husky but don’t think you can handle such a large dog, the Alaskan Klee Klai may be the perfect solution. This breed has the looks and temperament of an Alaskan Husky but is much smaller. In fact, the breed comes in three different sizes – toy, miniature and standard. No matter which size you choose, you will find that the Alaskan Klee Klai is a beautiful and intelligent breed that makes a loyal family pet. If you love the look of the Alaskan Husky but don’t think you can handle such a large dog, the Alaskan Klee Klai may be the perfect solution. Origin The Alaskan Klee Klai is a Spitz-type breed that was originally developed during the 1970s to create a companion-sized version of the Alaskan Husky. The first Alaskan Klee Klai was developed by Linda Spurlin by mixing the Alaskan Husky with the Siberian Husky and the American Eskimo dog. The breed was first released to the public in 1988 and was accepted by the American Rare Breed Association in 1995 and the United Kennel Club in 1997. The breed has yet to be recognized by the AKC. Pedigree

Best Substrates for Saltwater Tanks

Make your saltwater tank look its glorious best. Decorate your aquarium with the best substrates for saltwater tanks and let it shine!

Bravo Recalls Select Pet Foods Due To Possible Salmonella Risk

Bravo is recalling select lots of Bravo Turkey and Chicken pet foods for dogs and cats because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products. The recalled product was distributed nationwide beginning on November 14, 2013 to distributors, retail stores, internet retailers and directly to consumers. The product can be identified by the batch ID code (best used by date) printed on the side of the plastic tube. Here is a list of the recalled products: 1) These products are being recalled because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Raw Food Diet Bravo! Turkey Blend for Dogs and Cats Product Number: 31--102 Size: 2 lb. (32 OZ) plastic tubes Best used by date: 11--05--15 UPC: 829546311025 Keep Frozen Bravo! Blends All Natural Chicken Blend diet for dogs & cats Product Number: 21--102 Size: 2 lb. (32 OZ) plastic tubes Best used by date: 08--11--16 UPC: 829546211028 Keep Frozen 2) These products are being recalled out of an abundance of caution because they were manufactured in the same manufacturing facility or on the same day as products that tested positive. Premium Turkey Formula BRAVO Balance RAW DIET Product Number: 31--405 Size: 5 lb. (80 OZ) 2.3KG plastic tubes Best used by date: 11--05--15 UPC: 829546314057 Keep Frozen Bravo! Blends All Natural Chicken Blend diet for dogs & cats Product Number: 21--105 Size: 5 lb. (80 OZ) 2.3KG plastic tubes Best used by date: 08--11--16 UPC: 829546211059 Keep Frozen The recall was initiated after routine testing by the Nebraska Department of Agriculture revealed the presence of Salmonella in two lots of product. This batch tested negative by a third party independent laboratory prior to release for distribution to consumers. No additional products affected by this recall. The company has received no reports of illness in either people or animals associated with these products to date. In addition to the voluntary recall of the above products, Bravo has chosen to voluntarily withdraw the following poultry products from the marketplace to provide its customers with the certainty of safety. Those products include all sizes (2 lb., 5 lb. and 10 lb.) of Bravo Chicken Blend(s), Bravo Turkey Blend(s), Bravo Balance Chicken Balance and Bravo Balance Premium Turkey Formula frozen raw diet products with best used by dates between June 20, 2016 and September 18, 2016. This is being done out of an abundance of caution despite no evidence of any manufacturing defect or distribution problem. None of these products are known to have tested positive for the presence of pathogens. This market withdrawal has NOT been requested by the FDA, but is being done voluntarily by Bravo. The recalled product should not be sold or fed to pets. Pet owners who have the affected product at home should dispose of this product in a safe manner (example, a securely covered trash receptacle). Customers who have purchased the recalled pet food can return to the store where purchased and submit the Product Recall Claim Form available on the Bravo website for a full refund or store credit. More information on the Bravo recall can also be found at www.bravopetfoods.com, or call toll free 1-866-922-9222 Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (EST).

How Do You Introduce Your New Dog to Your Partner?

They are two of the most important things in your life and you want them to get along. Here’s how to introduce your new dog to your partner. Bringing home a new dog is always exciting, whether it’s your first or your fifth. During the weeks and days leading up to the homecoming, it is easy to get caught up in that excitement. You’ll find yourself daydreaming about your new dog and all of the fun you’re going to have together. Getting excited about your new canine companion is great, but there are a few practical things you need to think about as well. How are you going to introduce your new dog to your partner? It may sound simple enough, but there are some key things you should do. Read on to learn more. Related: Is It Okay to Have Sex in Front of Your Dog? Tips for Introducing a New Dog to Your Partner Meeting the family of your significant other is always a big deal. You want to make a good impression because your significant other is important to you and you want the people close to them to like you. The same goes for your own family – but especially for your dog. If your dog doesn’t like your significant other, you might find yourself seriously considering breaking things off. Related: Is Your Kid Ready For a Pet? Here are some tips for introducing your dog to a partner: Bring home an item of your partner’s clothing and let your dog sniff it. Do this several times and pair it with a sweet reward like a belly rub or a tasty treat.Plan the meeting for a neutral location such as a park or a dog-friendly restaurant. Your dog will be less protective of you if the introductions happen outside the home.Bring along a handful of your dog’s favorite treats to ease him over. Give your partner a few of the treats as well to offer your dog as a sign of good faith.Have your partner stand back and let your dog make the first approach – when your dog does approach, have your partner let him get the sniffing out of the way before reacting.Once the initial introductions are made, have your partner give your dog an especially tasty treat or play a quick game – this will help solidify a positive association in your dog’s mind.If your dog is a little insecure, you might need to start more slowly by rewarding even small signs of interacting with your partner (such as making eye contact or taking a few steps toward them)Have your partner feed your dog his dinner or go for a quick walk just the two of them.If you have plenty of time to kill, take a nice walk with the three of you or play a game before you all head home together. Adding a new member to your family is something everyone should be excited about. Make sure that your first introduction goes smoothly by following the tips above. Remember that every dog will react differently, so take what you know about your dog’s personality and make adjustments to these steps as needed.

Reasons Why Grooming Your Dog is Important

Shave and a haircut – even your dog needs one! Whether you do it yourself or you take him to a professional, here’s why grooming your dog is important. If you own a dog, you’ve probably already resigned yourself to the fact that everything you own will be covered in dog hair. Some dogs shed more than others, but regular brushing can help minimize the amount your dog sheds. Brushing your dog is something you should do at least once a week, but many dog owners fail to keep up with this routine task. Keep reading to learn why grooming your dog is so important and to receive some handy tips. Related: All About Hand Stripping The Top 4 Reasons to Groom Your Dog Grooming your dog is about more than his appearance. Of course, your dog looks best when he’s just been brushed or trimmed, but there are many other benefits to grooming your dog regularly. Here are the top four reasons you should groom your dog regularly: It helps him look his best. On top of making your dog look extra cute, grooming improves his appearance for the people he interacts with. People may be wary of an unkempt dog while a clean, well-groomed dog looks more inviting.It’s a good chance to check his health. As you’re brushing your dog, it’s a good opportunity to check for bumps or lumps that could be hidden under his fur. If you come across a spot that’s tender or painful, take a closer look and call your vet if needed.It provides an opportunity to bond with your dog. The more time you spend with your dog, the closer the two of you will become and grooming is a great opportunity.It helps keep his skin and coat healthy. Your dog’s skin produces natural oils that protect the skin and keep the fur shiny and soft. Brushing helps distribute those oils more evenly. By now it should be obvious that grooming your dog is an important part of your job as a dog owner. Read on to learn some simple tips to making grooming easier than ever. Related: What is a Double Coated Dog? Simple Tips for Grooming Your Dog It is recommended that you brush your dog once a week at a minimum, more depending on his coat time. You should also bathe your dog as needed and take him to the groomer for a trim if he has a coat that never stops growing. Grooming doesn’t have to be a chore, but it does require some effort. Here are some simple tips to making grooming your dog a breeze: Keep plenty of treats on hand – reward your dog for staying calm and letting you work.Try to brush for a few minutes every day to stay on top of shedding.Take care of mats as soon as you notice them before they get bigger.Bathe your dog once every three months or so using a dog-friendly shampoo.Trim your dog’s nails every week or two to keep them at an appropriate length.Try using a grooming mitt for brushing to make the work easier. Grooming is a great way to spend quality time with your dog while also keeping his coat shiny and healthy. Plus, the more you brush your dog the less he’ll shed. It’s a win-win!

Pekingese

Pekingese BasicsWhen you are asked the oldest breed of dog around, what do you think of? You might think of the more simply-named dogs – the Pug would be an excellent guess. You might think about dogs that go back to the days of shepherding (German Shepherd, anyone?) or retrieving (Retrievers). But you’d be pretty far off-base with many of those European-centralized guesses. That’s right: the Pekingese is one of the oldest dog breeds known to man, having originated in ancient China. Like the also-ancient Pug, the Pekingese is a toy dog that was bred to be good company and comfortable on your lap.But these days, the Pekingese has an even richer history placed firmly on its foundation of strong pedigree. As a toy dog, the Pekingese bears many similarities to a number of small breeds such as the Japanese Chin or the Pug, but when it comes to its modern-day classification, it’s apparent that this dog is a breed all its own. But if you’re wondering whether or not it will make a good pet for you and your family… that remains to be seen. Keep reading:The Pekingese is a toy dog that was bred to be good company and comfortable on your lap.OriginAs stated already, one of the defining characteristics of the Pekingese breed might not be its unique physical characteristics – it might be its own history! The breed doesn’t look it, but it’s one of the most foundational breeds that students of dog history are aware of.Naturally, the Pekingese get their name from a reference to what is now Beijing, as well as the Forbidden City. The Pekingese dogs were a favorite of Chinese imperial nobility, which explains its current stature as a world-famous toy dog. Throughout history, the Pekingese has kept a remarkable amount of its original breeding.

Could Music Ease Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety?

Music to soothe the anxious beast… for when your dog is home alone. Research has already shown that classical music is calming for dogs. Now, a Grammy-winning musician is teaming up with a new dog-centric TV channel in the hopes that they can create a soothing home-alone experience for latchkey pooches. We all hate leaving our canine companions home alone. If we could bring our dogs to work every day here at the PetGuide offices, believe us, we would. You can also believe us when we say that no computer cable would go un-chewed and no co-workers’ lunch would go un-snatched (from right off their desks) if our pooches had their way. So alas, they stay at home while we’re working, as most doggies do. But still — don’t you wish there was a way to keep them happy and calm until you get home? With 12 million dogs in America suffering from separation anxiety, we sure do! Related: How To Handle Separation Anxiety Well, that’s exactly what DogTV, a new channel specifically targeted to dogs, is hoping to accomplish. DogTV has also found an unlikely partner in Andrew Dost, pianist for the Grammy award-winning band FUN (“We Are Young”). Dost has signed on to compose music for the dogs who tune into programming on DogTV, with an aim towards creating relaxing tunes to sooth your pup while you’re gone. The songs, which incorporate actual dog panting noises and the sound of pooches running through snow, have a classical, mostly keyboard-based (with a little harp and vibraphone thrown in for good measure) sound to them. DogTV even researched and produced guidelines for Dost so he’d know how to compose dog-friendly tunes. Having listened to the songs ourselves, we’ve gotta say: They’re pretty darned relaxing. In fact, we’re feeling … very … sleepy… Uhhh, just kidding — we think. But if you’re having trouble falling asleep at night, this might just be a good place to start. To learn more about DogTV and the creative process behind Dost’s songs for pooches, check out the story from ABC News below.

How To Groom Your Dog at Home

What are you to do when Fluffy starts looking far more matted than amazing? What can you do when your regular grooming shop is not available and you have learn how to groom your dog? We’ve got the answers! So it’s been a while since your dog had a spa day, huh? We feel you. And we know how important it is to keep your pup clean, healthy and happy. The thing is, that’s hard to do if you’re staying at home due to COVID-19, and you’re not able to get your pet groomed. Like many other facets of life, we adjust, and we overcome. We’ve got some great tips for how groom your dog during a pandemic. Regular Bathing Still Beneficial So, with teleworking and all only requiring you look presentable from the waist up (and that’s if you even use the camera!) you may have let showering become…well, something you get to if you get to it. But, if you’re going to be grooming your dog at home, you’re going to want to make sure your pet still gets regular baths if they were getting them from the groomer. To make sure bath time is successful, follow these tips: If your dog has a coat, give him a good brushing to get out mats and dead hair. Pugs, Shar Peis…dogs with loose skin may need extra attention, so be careful with their folds.Make sure the tub/sink you’re using only has about 2-4 inches of water, and it should be lukewarm. If you have a spray hose, you’ll want to gently use that to spray. If you don’t have a spray hose, just use a cup or pitcher (best if plastic and unbreakable) to make sure your dog is good and wet.Be sure not to spray or pour water near ears, eyes or nose. You’ll want to be careful there.Once your pet is wet, gently massage shampoo onto their body. You’ll want to start at the head and work to the tail. You’ll probably want to really rinse as it may seem like the bubbles will last forever. Once rinsed, repeat with a second, smaller amount of shampoo. Be sure you’re telling him or her what a good boy or girl she is!Once clean, dry really well. Use an absorbent towel to give a good rub-down and be sure to get around their ears. If you have dogs prone to ear infections, you’ll want to be extra careful there. Great, My Dog Is Clean But Needs A Cut. Help! Now that Fido is clean, you may be done. But, if your pet needs a good haircut and you’re clueless? You’re in good company. But don’t fret because we’ve found and fallen in love with Amy Leigh, the Go Groomer. Leigh is from Pennslyvania, and runs a fun dog grooming channel on YouTube. She started in the grooming business in 2002, and has continued to grow as a professional groomer ever since. Even better, she now shares all her knowledge with US, and she does so in such a fun way! She’s as cheerful as they come, and she started her YouTube channel in 2018 to connect with people all over the world. She answers questions live every week, and gives you detailed and specific information for your dog as if she was right there with you! If you can’t catch her weekly shows, she has lots of grooming videos for just about every type of grooming question you can answer, including how to groom your dog at home during a pandemic!

Pros and Cons: Meal Feeding Vs Free Feeding Dogs

How and when do you feed your dog? Don’t think it’s important? Think again! Let’s go over the pros and cons of meal feeding vs free feeding dogs.It turns out that there’s a lot to think about when it comes to feeding your four-legged chum. One of these things is if you should go with meal feeding or free feeding dogs. If you’re not aware of these concepts, here’s a quick rundown for you: Free-feeding is when you have food available for your pooch at all times and he gets to choose when and how much to eat. Meal feeding is when you give your dog meals at set times every day (ideally, twice a day for adult dogs and three times a day for puppies), and take them away after 30 minutes to an hour, if he doesn’t finish the lot. Of course, there are pros and cons to each method. Check them out and decide which way of feeding is right for you and your pup.Related: How is Commercial Dog Food Regulated?What is Free Feeding?Just like it sounds–feeding freely an unlimited amount of food for your dog to graze on as he desires.Sometimes it’s limited, as you can still control the portion you give, but you leave it to your dog to eat when he needs or wants, and how much at each time.The thing is–not all dogs can be free feeders because they will just wolf all the food at once. It really depends on your dog, though, as many dogs do well with free-feeding if they feel secure in knowing there’s always a meal. In homes with multiple dogs, it’s less easy to ensure each dog gets just what they need.What is Scheduled Feeding?It’s probably just what you think of when you think of ‘feeding the dog.’ It’s giving your dog a set amount of food one to three times a day, and dependent upon each dog. Scheduled feeds typically go according to the dietary needs of a dog and your dog actually will start to ‘tell’ you when it’s time for breakfast or dinner.Scheduled feeding often seems to be the choice of vets because it lets you really track what your dog eats, as well as how much. It lets you and your dog bond–with your dog knowing he can count on you. You’re able to help with potty training because you have a better idea of when he needs to potty and it may just be more convenient for you both.Pros of Meal Feeding DogsYou control how much your dog eats, which should lessen the chance of overeating and obesity.It’s easier to notice if your dog is refusing food, which could be a sign that he’s unwell.It’s the most suitable way to feed wet or fresh foods that might go bad if left out for too long.If you have more than one dog, you can separate them at meal time if food aggression is a problem.It may lessen the chance of your dog getting bloat, and you’ll be around to get him veterinary treatment if he does bloat.Meals can be used as a reward.It gets your dog into a routine, which can help calm anxious pooches.Related: AutoDiet Feeder Puts An End To Your Pets’ All-You-Can-Eat BuffetCons of Meal Feeding DogsIt’s best to stick to roughly the same meal times each day, so you need to be around at this time to feed your dog.You may accidentally be feeding your dog too much or too little.Your four-legged friend might feel pressured to eat, even if he’s not hungry.Pros of Free-Feeding DogsIt’s more convenient for owners who don’t have a regular schedule. This is one of the most obvious advantages of free feeding. If you have a very busy daily schedule, or you are hit with an especially demanding work week, you can always count on your dog having ready food to eat. So, for example, you need to stay extra long at work today. Your dog will likely be fine without your company for those extra few hours, but they still need to eat. With free feeding, you can have that peace of mind, knowing that food is available to them. In theory, your dog should eat the correct amount of food for his needs (but, in practice, this isn’t always the case). A dog with balanced eating practices and a quality daily schedule, will often stick to the routines and norms of their daily life. This means that if they are used to eating a certain amount of food each time, the same will go for free feeding once you attempt it. So, even though there is a mountain of food in front of them, your doggo will eat the regular amount and return later for the next feeding time. But if you know your doggo is a voracious eater, this rule won’t work. Dogs don’t feel the pressure to eat their food right away, as they’re aware it will be there when they want it.Some people claim it can lessen food aggression. There are some doggos that are simply overly protective of their food. Even though no one threatens to take it, these pups will go the extra mile to make sure all the food is theirs. But when they know that there is plenty to go around, the drive to resource guard can quickly disappear. Cons of Free-Feeding DogsCan slow the progress of toilet training in puppies, as you can’t schedule post-meal potty breaks. While this might not be such a big con, and might not be so important this early on, it can still happen, especially if you are big about those post-meal potty breaks and potty training overall.Some dogs will eat even if they’re full, which can lead to obesity. Most doggos are very voracious, and will eat like a vacuum whenever they can. Imagine their joy when they face a big mound of food! So they will devour it, and eat and eat and eat, even after they had their fill. This overfeeding can lead to so many issues, especially with the digestive system. Bloating, gassiness, vomiting, diarrhea, and anything similar can become a big issue. But most dangerous is obesity which can quickly happen due to overfeeding. With obesity, your pet’s health is directly threatened in many ways, and you will need to react quickly. Free-fed dogs tend to be less food motivated, which can make training more difficult. A doggo with a full belly loves a good afternoon snooze. But a dog that knows there is a big pile of food always waiting around the corner, will have no motivation for anything else but snoozing and chilling. And that’s no good. A dog needs to be energetic and have exercise, and to follow that natural instinct of acquiring their food. When there’s food always ready in great amounts, the motivation to do anything else quickly drops down to zero. You can’t free-feed foods that will spoil. This is somewhat logical, but it’s worth mentioning. If you have dog food that really should not be left in the open for long, free feeding is immediately out of the question. Such foods will get spoiled really quickly, sometimes quicker than you think. This is especially true in those hot summer months. With such foods you are risking feeding your pet spoiled food, which can quickly lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and an upset stomach – at the very least.As you can see, both methods have their good and bad points. It really boils down to you and you pooch. If you’re out a lot or work irregular hours, it might not be possible to meal feed your dog. However, if this is the case, you should bear in mind that dogs do need companionship and shouldn’t be alone too much of the time. As for your four-legged friend, if he’s the kind of dog who will eat everything in sight, no matter if he’s hungry or not, then free-feeding probably isn’t for him!

Top 10 Best Virtual Vets: Veterinary Telemedicine For Your Pets

While a global pandemic may have made the need for virtual vet visits much greater, online health care for pets has been a growing industry for a while. With convenient times, options and pricing, telemedicine for pets makes a lot of sense. We’ve scoped out the best veterinary telemedicine services around. What Is Veterinary Telemedicine? Veterinary Telemedicine is very similar to human telemedicine/telehealth appointments in a lot of respects. Obviously, if your pet is in need of in-person veterinary care for whatever reason, you’ll want to contact your veterinarian and schedule that appointment. But sometimes, the anxiety of the vet can be overwhelming for a pet, particularly if it’s essentially something that can be talked about or is a fairly easy-to-identify issue. Veterinary telemedicine allows you to speak to either a veterinary technician or a licensed veterinarian over video, voice or text and that peace of mind can be priceless. Sometimes, what you think may be a major issue is minor and a quick talk with a licensed professional (without having to go into the office with your pet) can make a huge difference for you both. Do Veterinarians Actually Diagnose And Prescribe Online? The answer to that is “Yes, they do, ” and, “No, they don’t.” True telemedicine will be able to offer (some) diagnosis and prescription services, but typically requires a vet client-patient relationship (VCPR) according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. What that means is that a vet must have seen your pet in person first, typically within a year, in order to do phone/video diagnosis or prescribing of medicine. More and more online practices are encouraging their patients to participate–having them come in for that initial meet-and-greet and look over so that should emergency pop up, they’re able to schedule a telemedicine appointment with you at your convenience. Telehealth services for your pet also include what is typically called Teletriage and generally speaking, that’s what most pet parents are lookng for when they feel like their dog’s poo looks a little off or their kitty seems to be eating less and hiding more than usual. Pet parents want to be able to get in touch with a professional with ease and when they need to. That’s where Teletriage comes in handy. Most of the time, pet parents really just need triage, general advice, guidance and support from their veterinarian and vet techs, and that’s just what most veterinary telemedicine services will offer exactly when they need it. Experience speaking here, but we find that’s often at 1:00 am after Fifi has lost her cookies twice that night and your vet’s office is obviously closed. Why Choose Veterinary Telemedicine? In a nutshell? Veterinary telemedicine is a great option for the same reasons that many telehealth for human appointments are. They are typically offered on super-convenient schedules for you, which makes them easily accessible for most. They’re an affordable way for your pet to ‘see’ a vet at almost anytime of the day or night, and can often preempt an otherwise super expensive trip to the local emergency animal hospital just to find out a teaspoon of salt may have been all your dog needed to barf up that sinus infection antibiotic of yours they scarfed off the counter. True story, and for the record, our vet said that the medicine wouldn’t hurt our dog, but it sure was nice to just be able to do a quick telehealth chat with our vet to find that out. And most of all, though virtual vet vists can obviously replace the need to see the vet in-person sometimes, the peace of mind you can get about your pet’s well-being from the comfort of your own (and their) home is priceless. It can mean the difference between that expensive emergency hospital run or just waiting until the morning when your vet is in the office and can see your pet in-person (if needed) and is often much less stress on your pet too. The Best Veterinary Telemedicine Services 1. Vetster

Texas Heeler

Texas Heeler BasicsThere are many types of dog out there. Everyone has their favorite type. Some like toy dogs, others like show dogs, a few seek working dogs, etc. But there are some folks out there for whom only a herder dog will do. Smart, highly trainable and protective, the Texas Heeler is a herder through and through. This designer dog will impress you with his wit and personality, both of which have made him a popular choice for many in Texas and even outside his native state. The lovely appearance is just an added bonus. It’s tough to feel indifferent to those wiggly butts and one of a kind looks. These pups are absolutely adorable. That’s just a fact.Also known as the Queensland Heeler or the Blue Heeler, the Texas Heeler is a hybrid breed resulting from the crossing of an Australian Cattle Dog and an Australian Shepherd Dog (In other words, the Texas Heeler combines two of the finest herders into one!). The Texas Heeler is an active and intelligent breed that exhibits a combination of the characteristics of both parent breeds. Because the Heeler is a hybrid, different litters may produce dogs with different physical and temperamental characteristics. Yet, for the most part, the Texas Heeler is a friendly dog and an excellent herder. These dogs also show an affectionate and loving side, creating a strong bond with their owner. You can’t always predict what to expect from a hybrid dog, but those two qualities are practically guaranteed to be in this pup’s personality. Texas Heeler is a perfect pet for families with older children, active owners, or people who live on a farm and want a reliable companion and working dog in one breed. However, while the unique ancestry of this hybrid makes him an ideal choice for many prospective pet owners, there are many other options who would also be a quality match. Is this hybrid truly the right dog for you? Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place to find out. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll on to learn everything that there is to know about the Texas Heeler and whether or not the pooch will fit into your lifestyle. These are multi-faceted doggos with plenty to offer to everyone! An excellent watch and herding dog, the Texas Heeler is a hybrid breed resulting from the crossing an Australian Cattle Dog and Australian Shepherd Dog.OriginCrossbreeding dogs is a process that has been practiced for hundreds (if not thousands) of years Yet, despite that long history, it is difficult to tell when the Texas Heeler breed actually originated. Sadly, there just isn’t much documented history available about this or any other hybrid pooch. Most people count the moment when the breed transitioned from unplanned crossbreeding to intentional development of a new hybrid breed as the beginning of any hybrid dog’s history. However, there’s no information about when this happened for the Australian Cattle Dog and an Australian Shepherd Dog mix. It is known that the Texas Heeler is most commonly found in Texas (obviously), but no one breeder or kennel has been officially credited with the creation or development of the breed. Sadly, this is one of the great canine mysteries. However, it is believed that Lucy Guynes may have been responsible for registering the first Texas Heeler in 1970. Unfortunately, that guess is the closest thing that we have to a history of this beloved pooch.After decades of crossbreeding, this intelligent and active designer dog is one of the more popular mixes. While predominantly in demand in his home state, the Texas Heeler is quickly stealing hearts all across the country. And with good reason too! The unique mix of those two purebreds results in a dog that’s suited for the role of pet and of working dog. Beyond that, this pup tends to excel at doggie sports, too. These are active dogs who love to show off their physical prowess.Pedigree

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