Cesar Millan Reads to Your Dog While You’re Out, Thanks to Audible

by Lori Ennis

August 10th, 2017 12:00 AM

cesar millan reads to your dog while youre out thanks to audible

Reading is fun-damental… for dogs! Cesar Millan won’t be whispering to your dog, he’ll be reading to him, with Audible’s latest offering to pet parents.

Audiobook company Audible has teamed up with ‘The Dog Whisperer,’ Cesar Millan, to offer a new service to busy pet parents. The audiobook selections will be geared to dogs, but designed to help their humans feel less guilt when they have to be separated.

Related: Rapper Hits All the Right Notes with Calming Song for Dogs [Video]

In essence, these audiobooks will ease separation anxiety for humans when it comes to leaving their dogs! Millan believes that the books will help dogs and their owners be calmer when they are apart, and that humans can feel like they are giving their pooches a little ‘company’ when by themselves.

The selection of books will be chosen by Millan, and have their own featured page on Audible’s website. But be cautioned, you just might want to listen in too, with titles like Soldier Dog and The Art of Racing In The Rain (Cesar’s pick this month)!

The new venture is based on research from 2015 that showed dogs who were kenneled to be calmer and rested when listening to audiobooks, versus listening to music (even music designed for dogs!) or no background noise at all. More, Millan’s also looked into the effect of audiobooks on dogs and found that dogs tended to show positive behaviors after they’d listened to audiobooks.

Millan believes audiobooks tend to have a consistency of tone that television, radio and some podcasts just don’t have, and humans can choose books where the narrator’s gender matches their gender, giving more familiarity and comfort to their dog.

Related: Adorable New Photo Collection Captures Little Girl Dancing With Dogs

Audible is a $14.95/subscription service, but they’ve released a new audiobook by Millan that is free for download. The company has also announced that $.10 of each download for the rest of the year will be donated to the North Shore Animal League in New York.

So, really, what do you have to lose? You and your dog get some great ‘reading’ in and you help pets in a no-kill shelter. Pardon me while I go tell Alexa to choose a book for my pups right now!

Lori Ennis

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Target Pairs With BarkBox To Offer Cool Pet Products In-Store

If you love BarkBox, you’re going to be excited by this news. Target and popular subscription service have teamed up to offer cool pet products in store locations. Let’s be honest. You go to a store and you see something you want, but in this day and age, you don’t buy until you price match, right? C’mon…we all do it. We go to Amazon and we see what’ll cost us there (or an assortment of other retailers) and we compare. Related: Cesar Millan Reads to Your Dog While You’re Out, Thanks to Audible Retailers know this–and in effort to make that happen just a little less often, they’re thinking outside of their brick and mortar boxes to see how they can continue to compete. Hence, an alliance with popular online/subscription service BarkBox that will bring those super cool products you often see fabulously marketed on social media right into your local Target–where they’ll be marketed under the “Bark” line of pet products. In case you’ve been living under a rock, BarkBoxes are cool subscription boxes for our pooches… full of stuff that has you and your dog have never seen or tried, dropped off at your door monthly. Target will have those same products in-store, giving pet parents even more options in an Amazon-type world. Target officials like to offer the newest and coolest things to their customers, and they recognize that online and subscription-based offerings have a great following. Pair that with the, “You never leave Target without spending at least $100!” phenomena and it’s a winning combination for brands and consumers alike. BarkBox launched in 2012, has over 500,000 subscribers and over $100,000 million in sales last year. Not too shabby, and totally up Target’s alley of being the retailer that attracts younger and higher-income shoppers. Recent studies show that Millenials are spending way more on pets than any other generation, and looking for high-end pet products all the time. This pairing will certainly appeal to that demographic. Related: Survey: We’d Rather Have Pet-Related Perks Than Pets in the Workplace And, having products in an actual store will be an opportunity for Bark, as CEO Matt Meeker says they realize not every pet parent is into subscription services. This will allow them to get their products to pet parents everywhere, making more dogs even happier. Target clearly is looking to make it’s pet parents happy, as it’s also expanding it’s in-brand pet line Boots & Barkley to include 200 new pet items, as well as partnering with Wit & Delight’s Kate Arends for a pet clothing and accessories line. Good job, Target! Good job!

Interested in Pets for Adoption? Adoptapet Has Thousands Looking for A

Before You Shop, Consider All The Pets For Adoption On Adoptapet.com There are thousands of pets for adoption and it makes sense that you should look into this option before you go to a breeder. Just look at the numbers – about 4 million dogs and cats are killed each year because of overpopulation. Overall, about 25 to 30 percent of dogs for adoption are purebred and 70 to 75%, of course mixed-breed pups that can’t wait to find their forever home. This is where Adoptapet.com comes to the rescue! Adoptapet.com is North America’s largest non-profit pet adoption website. By connecting with over 12,000 animal shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, pet rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies, this site showcases thousands of pets for adoption, for free. Prospective pet parents can browse the site to find their perfect pet. Related: 7 Ways a Shelter Dog Can Improve Your Life How It Works Adoptapet.com wants to make the search of its pets for adoption as simple and easy as possible for you. You can search for dogs, cats or other animals based on a number of options. Just put in your Zip or Postal Code, along with the distance, breed, sex, size, color and age. There’s also consideration for special needs and bonded pairs. Click GO Fetch Now and you’re presented with a list of animals that match your requirements. Because Adoptapet.com is connected to pet agencies across North America, the list is long. It will be hard to pick just one (so you should totally bring home two or three). By connecting with over 12,000 animal shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, pet rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies, this site showcases thousands of pets for adoption, for free. What’s Next? Once you’ve found your match, you contact the rescue organization that listed the particular animal. And that’s easy, because Adoptapet.com has all the relevant contact information provided. You don’t have to do any additional research to track them down. Each adoption agency has different rules, regulations and processes, so be sure to check out the website before contacting them. Related: 6 Ways Your Life Will Change When You Adopt A Dog What Else You Can Do to Help If you want to go the extra mile for these furry cuties, you can spread the word. On each animal posting, you can share the pets for adoption on popular social networks or you can email it to a friend. Just because it wasn’t the dog or cat for you, perhaps it’s the perfect match for one of your friends. And that will give you a warm feeling inside! Adoptapet.com Extras Adoptapet.com has lots of extras. On each of the individual pet posts, there are links that let you donate to a shelter and print pet information. There are also pet articles that cover a host of important topics. On top of that, there’s the Save-A-Pet TV show, where famous pet owners such as Drew Barrymore, share their experiences with us. Remember, when you adopt a dog or cat from a humane society, an animal shelter, an SPCA, or a dog rescue or cat rescue group, you are saving a life. And that makes you a hero – just one look into your pet’s eyes reaffirms that fact. And Adoptapet.com is your partner in saving lives! To get paired up with pets for adoption, visit Adoptapet.com now. If you know of an animal rescue or advocacy site or organization that can use a little extra publicity, please tell us about it. We love to share this information to our readers.

Bichon Frise

Bichon Frise Basics Just when you think you’ve gotten all the dog breeds figured out, you take a look at a dog that looks like a Maltese and find out that it’s not a Maltese at all – it’s actually a Bichon Frise. Fantastic! More time studying dog breeds is clearly called for, which means you get to expand your knowledge of pets just a little more. Okay, so maybe not everyone likes homework. With that in mind, let’s get it all out of the way and focus on this curious dog known as the Bichon Frise, French for “curly white lap dog.” Hey, the French are nothing if not a little bit literal. This dog can be considered a large toy dog and, while it looks similar to the Maltese, does have some distinctions that make it a breed in and of itself. And although the fluffy white coat can intimidate potential dog owners who don’t like the idea of a lot of grooming, the Bichon Frise is surprisingly low-maintenance, meaning that they’re not big shedders and won’t be a hamper on that roommate of yours with dog allergies. Convinced that the Bichon Frise is a unique breed worthy of study yet? Good. Because we’re about to focus on the individual characteristics of this French breed that will help you to understand why so many people walk around with Maltese-looking dogs that actually have all the positive qualities of that other breed, the Bichon Frise. This curious dog is known as the Bichon Frise, French for “curly white lap dog.” Origin The Bichon Frise is, predictably, a French breed. As you can glean from the root word “Bich,” the name of the dog has its root in quite literal and old French translations. Like the Maltese, the different Bich breeds came from the Mediterranean area and have a long history throughout the Europe and European trade. Sailors would bring similar breeds around with them and, thanks to its cheerful personality, these dogs would be a hit, especially in locations like Spain. Later on, Italian nobility found these breed types to be very enjoyable and no doubt gave them plenty of lap time. This background in sailing can still be evidence as the breed can sometimes enjoy swimming and retrieving, although the Bichon Frise is certainly not a hunting or retrieval dog. Throughout history, the Bichon Frise has enjoyed French attention from the courts of Napoleon III to the streets of Paris. The breed was formally recognized in the recent centuries just as many dog breeds have been. Pedigree

Poodle

Poodle Basics When you think of a poodle, what kind of dog do you think of? Many of us immediately imagine the Toy Poodle. However, that is only one of the many types of Poodle out there. Sure, the Toy Poodle is iconic, but as a breed, the Poodle has a surprising amount of variety and versatility. Poodles can be athletic, rambunctious, energetic – just about anything under the sun. At least relative to the expectations of Poodles that many people bring to the table. People are far too willing to put the Poodle in a box of limited expectations. The Poodle deserve more respect than that. They are such a rich and exciting dog breed filled with possibilities. Hopefully over time, The Poodle will finally get the respect that they deserve as one of the most exciting, versatile, and intelligent dog breeds around. The Poodle is an extremely smart dog, ranking second only below the Border Collie as the most intelligent dog breed. They are highly-trainable and make excellent service and therapy dogs. As family pets and companions, these popular dogs are loving, playful and even a bit mischievous. You’ll never be bored with a Poodle by your side. In fact, you’ll have to keep an eye on your Poodle companion to make sure that they don’t use those big and powerful brains to get up to trouble. While a lot of people might think of Poodles as the epitome of a lapdog with an elaborate hairstyle, these dogs come in all sizes- from toy to standard Poodles that weigh up to 70 pounds. If you want to find out which type of Poodle is the right one for you- or if the breed is a good match for your family in the first place- read on. As you may have gathered by now, there are so many different types of Poodles out there that almost impossible that that there won’t be one that can fit into your lifestyle. As a breed, this dog has a surprising amount of variety and versatility. Origin The Poodle might seem like a posh show dog, but these dogs actually started out as working dogs (generally as water retrievers, or “gun dogs”). Their original role was to assist hunters in retrieving waterfowl (such as ducks) from the water. Their curly coat, which is now primped up for dog shows, was valued for its moisture-resistant qualities. The German word “pudel,” in fact, actually refers to all the splashing these pips would get up to during any hunt. The English word “Poodle” was derived from it. Even though the breed originated in 19th century Germany, the standard was perfected in France, which considers Poodle to be a national dog breed. These dogs are now known primarily as show dogs and pets. Selective breeding had a great deal to do with this change in perception. There are three varieties of Poodle, and according to the American Kennel Club, the oldest of these varieties is the large or ‘Standard’ variety. The Poodle was bred to have a water-resistant coat – which helps explain the quality of the current dog’s coat – that was eventually groomed and patterned according to taste and style rather than worrying simply about functionality. Other types of Poodle today include Toy and Miniature. Although they retain the main traits of their full-sized relatives, their compact size makes them a perfect fit for condo and apartment dwellers. They are generally quite well behaved pooches who can get on well within a small space and can be left alone for extended periods of time without causing too much trouble. Other types of Poodle today include Toy and Miniature. Pedigree

Chinese Shar-Pei

Chinese Shar-Pei Basics Let’s put it this way: when you own a Chinese Shar-Pei, you know you own a Chinese Shar-Pei. It’s one of the most distinctive-looking breeds available – certainly one of the dog breeds that makes other uninitiated dog lovers ask “what breed is that?” Well, they have good reason to be curious: this is actually one of the rarest breeds out there and despite its relatively rich history – considering the breed’s numbers – it was not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club until 1991. The chances are if you’re looking for a Chinese Shar-Pei, you’re going to have more difficulty than simply making the decision of choosing the right breed for you. Acquiring this dog can be a bit difficult, but for many people, the adventure is worth it. A Shar-Pei can be a very protective dog that bonds well to a close-knit group of people, but without proper handling and training from a young age, it can become a bit territorial. Let’s find out more about this impressive and rare breed of dog that will certainly become a main attraction wherever you decide to take it. A Shar-Pei can be a very protective dog that bonds well to a close-knit group of people. Origin Where else could the Chinese Shar-Pei come from if not China? Its name roughly translating from Mandarin into English as “sand skin,” the origin is similar to that of many old Chinese breeds like the pug. In other words, it goes back through a lot of history. Although no definitive dates are available regarding the early development of the Shar-Pei, historians believe it can be traced to the Guangdong province and southern provinces of China. During their early days in China, the Chinese Shar-Pei would be used for a number of reasons, often by peasants: the dogs could be used for protection, for hunting, and for herding animals. This has given the modern version a certain athletic versatility and a wide taste for different types of both exercise and play. As time went on, the Chinese Shar-Pei was also used in the upper classes as a fighting dog, although this practice went out of style after the Communist revolution. After the Communist revolution in China, the Shar-Pei population was nearly wiped out, and to this day it is among the rarest breeds in the world. Pedigree

Can Dogs Detect Cancer?

A dog’s nose is a powerful tool used for many different purposes. But can dogs detect cancer? Read on to find out more. Every year, more than 1.7 million new cases of cancer are diagnosed in the United States. According to the National Cancer Institute, over 38% of men and women will be diagnosed with cancer at some point during their lives. Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and scientists are constantly working on ways to detect it in the early stages when it is still treatable. Though cancer screenings have progressed by leaps and bounds, it is the more unconventional screening methods that are the most impressive. One of the most impressive cancer detection methods might be right under your nose or, more specifically, your dog’s nose. Keep reading to learn more about whether dogs can detect cancer. Related: Dog Detects Early-Stage Lung Cancer With Incredible Accuracy How Strong is Your Dog’s Nose? You already know that your dog’s sense of smell is stronger than your own, but do you know just how strong your dog’s nose really is? Your dog has the ability to pick out the subtlest of scents, filtering them out from all of the other smells around it. To put it in numeric terms, your dog smells in parts per trillion – that’s the equivalent of a drop of blood in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools. Your dog’s sense of smell is 50,000 times as strong as yours. When you walk into a room, the first thing you do to get your bearings is look around. The first thing your dog does when he enters a room is take a good whiff, picking out all of the individual smells. Your dog’s nose is extremely complex and has the ability to process scents in a unique way. Each nostril can smell independently of the other and your dog’s brain puts together those myriad smells into a 3-D picture in the dog’s brain. Related: How Strong is a Dog’s Nose? How Do Dogs Detect Cancer? It makes sense that your dog can follow the scent of a prey animal and that he can tell from the other room when you open a bag of chips. But how do dogs detect cancer? Dogs can be trained to sniff out everything from explosives to drugs. Though scientists don’t fully understand what a dog is picking up when he detects cancer, dogs have been trained to detect cancer in urine and breath samples. One example is a study using 5 dogs – two Portuguese Water Dogs and three Labradors – who were trained to detect breast and lung cancer. The dogs were asked to smell samples from 169 individuals, 86 of whom had cancer. The results? All five dogs accurately identified the samples from the cancer patients. The tricky part about training a dog to detect cancer is targeting the specific scent you want the dog to identify. Cancer scent is a complex combination of thousands of particulars that are completely unique to each person. It takes hundreds of samples or more for the dog to learn to detect healthy breath and to be able to differentiate it from the scent of cancer. Though there are plenty of amazing stories about cancer-detecting dogs, there is still a great deal to be learned about how dogs do it and whether this ability can be harnessed for medical purposes. Time will tell whether man’s best friend has any true cancer-detecting potential.

Chock Full Of Carob Chip Dog Treat Recipe

Chocolate is deadly to dogs, so they miss out on the joys of chocolate chip cookies. But they can have the next best thing – carob! Carob is naturally sweet, low in fat, high in fiber, has calcium, and contains no caffeine. You have to be a bit extra when baking with carob, as it can burn. It’s a good idea to set your oven 25°F lower than usual when baking with this ingredient. Chock Full Of Carob Chip Dog Treat Recipe Makes about 30 cookies Ingredients: 2 cups brown rice flour 1.5 cups oat flour 1 cup carob chips 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 egg 1 cup water Directions: Preheat your oven to 350F degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Use a spoon or use your hands to knead the dough to moisten it throughout. Continue until you have a stiff, dry dough.Roll out dough onto parchment paper or floured countertop. Dough should be ¼ inch thick. Use cookie cutter to cut into desired shapes. Place on lined cookie sheets.Bake in oven for 20-25 minutes. Place on cooking racks and store in fridge or freezer in air tight containers. What an ooey, gooey treat! Oscar loved them and they looked great. I think that these treats would make wonderful doggy birthday or special occasion presents (or any occasion treats!). Try them out and let me know what you think of them. What Is Carob? Made from bean pods found on the carob tree, carob is a sweet and healthy fruit that is often use in recipes as a replacement for chocolate. It was first used for its health benefits approximately 4000 years ago by the ancient Greeks. Today, it can be purchased in many forms including powder, chips, syrup, extract, and even as dietary pills. Why is it so commonly used in dog treats? While there is no denying the fact that carob looks like chocolate and even shares a similar sweet yet bitter taste, however, the real reason so many dog lovers use carob is what it doesn’t have. Carob pods don’t contain the substances that make chocolate so toxic for dogs such as phenylethylamine, formamide or caffeine. Benefits of Carob for Your Dog Not only does carob make a great dog-friendly substitute for chocolate, but it also carries some great health benefits for your pup. Carob pods are packed with several vitamins and minerals including vitamin B2, calcium, magnesium, and iron. Like many other fruits, it’s a good source of fiber and pectin, aiding the digestive system. Its consumption has also been linked with lowered cholesterol and relief from diarrhea.

Say Bye to Tug O’ Walks: Best Dog Harnesses to Stop Pulling

There are many different dog harnesses to stop pulling to pick from–find out how to make the right choice.Every dog is excited to go outside and strut their stuff, but some pooches can get a bit too excited on walks, pulling and tugging you along. Not only that leash pulling can be frustrating as heck, but you might also experience shoulder and wrist pain from trying to keep your eager pooch under control. If you want your dog to behave when you walk them on a leash- and avoid those red sore palms and painful joints, no-pull dog harnesses are the answer. These specially designed dog harnesses to stop pulling use humane but effective tactics to prevent your dog from wiggling and tugging on the leash.

Buying Guide: What Are the Best Large Dog Crates?

Read on to find out why crating could help your dog and which large dog crates are worth your money.For some dogs, crates are a necessity. Whether it’s for transportation purposes, for potty training or simply to give your dog a safe spot to retreat to when he’s anxious, a crate can have many uses. People mistakenly think that crating is inherently cruel, but the truth is far from it. Sure, it can be cruel if you leave your pet unattended for hours on end locked in a crate, but no one is recommending that. Proper crating practices are humane and beneficial for dogs, and as long as you know how to train your pooch and introduce them to a new routine, there should be no problems concerning the crate.

Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Etienne

There’s a lot of love in this little fella! Meet Etienne, our Adoptable Dog of the Week. He’s an adult Chihuahua from San Francisco, CA. Etienne is already neutered, housetrained, purebred, up to date with shots, not good with kids, good with dogs, and good with cats. Etienne’s Story: Etienne is an adorable, spunky little 7lb. Chihuahua. He is white with tan spots, a fluffy tail, and big brown eyes. He is 7 years old, but has tons of energy, and is in perfect health. TinTin, as we call him for short, loves going for long walks, and then curling up in a sunny place. He is a perfect companion in the car. He settles down with no jumping around or whining. He previously lived with one dog, and currently lives with three dogs and a cat in his foster home. While he seems to be getting along fine with his “pack”, he does not do well meeting other dogs outside. We are working on his social skills, but he may not be a dog park dog. He is very food motivated, so training is not hard. Etienne’s ideal home would be with someone who could be home with him most of the time, and has had experience handling small dogs. He can sometimes be snappy, but is easy to leash. And he even loves being dressed in his striped sweater! We think he would love being an only pet so that he could get all the attention. He can live with other animals, but they should be confident as he can be feisty. Thanks to a generous grant from Maddie’s Adoption Fund, Etienne’s adoption fee has been waived through the end of 2014! For more information about Etienne, please visit Adoptapet.com.

How Do You Know If Dog Daycare Is Safe?

Are you a little hesitant to leave your pup at doggy daycare? Read these tips before dropping your dog off for the day. It’s natural to be worried about your four-legged friend – you wouldn’t make a very good pet parent if you were blasé about his safety – so it’s fair enough to wonder whether or not doggy daycare is safe. On the whole, doggy daycare centers are risk-free and shouldn’t pose a problem for your pooch. Of course, there’s always a small danger, but no more than there is taking him to a dog park or letting him off the leash in a meadow. The important thing is to check whether the doggy daycare into which you’re thinking of enrolling your precious pup takes all the necessary safety precautions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and do your research so you know that their facilities and procedures are up to scratch. Appropriate Groupings They say that too many cooks spoil the broth; likewise, too many dogs can certainly spoil the daycare experience. Check with your doggy daycare to make sure that all pups are split up into small groups, with appropriate pals. Not only should dogs be split up by size, they should also be divided according to age and energy level. For instance, a small dog might be the same size as a puppy from a large breed, but the two are going to play differently, have different needs and generally not be a suitable match. Staff Qualifications and Training All staff at a doggy daycare should have at least some training. There are certain daycare centers where every staff member will have recognized pet care certificates or other qualifications, whereas other daycares do their training in-house. It’s up to you what your comfort level is regarding this, but all employees who’ll be working with the dogs should possess appropriate canine knowledge. It’s important for them to be trained in understanding doggy body language, as this is vital for preempting any problems and avoiding fights. Visiting Hours Your doggy daycare should have an open door policy to all pet parents. Before you enroll your dog, you should be allowed to inspect all areas of the daycare facility. When your dog is attending, you should also be able to drop in at any time and to pick your dog up early, if necessary. If a doggy daycare center doesn’t let you do any of these things, that should set off alarm bells. If they’re acting like they have something to hide, then they probably do. Physical Safety Not all doggy daycares are created equal, so it’s important that you look around the facilities to check they’re safe for your dog. Make sure that any outdoor areas are securely fenced in. There should be no gaps in the perimeter and fencing should be tall enough that larger dogs wouldn’t be able to jump over. Also make sure that there are no jagged edges or pointy bits on which your dog could hurt himself. Stranger Danger Make sure there’s some sort of policy in place to prevent a stranger from coming in and picking up your dog. How they stop this from happening will vary from center to center, but be certain that they’ve thought this through and there’s no chance of a dog-napping. Health and Behavioral Checks The main risk at doggy daycare is that a fight will break out. However, as long as the daycare is careful about which pooches it lets through its doors, then no problems should arise in the first place. Before you can bring your dog to his first day of daycare, he’ll usually have to be assessed by the staff to ensure that he’s not aggressive or reactive and is generally a good fit for the center. If you’re not asked to have an assessment, this is a bad sign as it means that none of the other dogs there will have had one, either. Dogs who attend daycare should also be in good health and you should expect that all owners are asked to show their pets’ vaccination records.

Pumpkin Spice Pet Essentials For a Perfect Fall

It’s that time of year…the Pumpkin Spice is back and better than ever. As you sip your seasonal latte, don’t leave our furry friends out in the cold. Pumpkin is a wildly popular food for pups, as they seem to love the taste and don’t even realize the health benefits of pumpkin as a superfood. Well-known to be good for the gut in humans and their best friends, pumpkin is one of those squash fruits that’s been feeding us since before we even began recording time or history. So what’s so great about pumpkin and why do people and pets lose their gourds when it’s pumpkin spice season? What pumpkin spice pet products must you and your doggo have and where can you find them? Read on…we have the skinny on those round buggers! What Exactly IS A Pumpkin And How Do You Spice It? Pumpkins are members of the Cucurbitaceae family. This food family includes over 700 species, and many of the Cucurbita family are squash (like pumpkins) or gourds. While we tend to think of anything round-ish, orange-ish and stemmed as a pumpkin, the reality is that they’re squashes. The most popular, and the ones that Starbucks depends on to pay their mortgage from September through Peppermint Mocha seasons are those that belong to the Cucurbita pepo group. These are your typical field, pie, miniature and naked-see pumpkins and the ones that we typically decorate with and carve for contests (although some of the larger decorative pumpkins belong to the Cucurbita maxima family). The ‘spice’ part of pumpkin spice really doesn’t have much to do with pumpkin at all, actually. ‘Pumpkin spice’ is generally a combination of ginger, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon and allspice. Because those spices are often used in the most famous fall dish of them all—pumpkin pie—they’re grouped as ‘pumpkin spices.’ And, for the most part, as long as the amounts of any of those spices are small, they are not typically considered toxic to your dog (goes for humans too). If your dog was to ingest large amounts, especially of cinnamon, they could get pretty sick and have issues with their livers. Nutmeg has a toxin called myristicin in it, and in large quantities, nutmeg can bring disorientation, abdominal issues, seizures and hallucinations about. While ginger is often thought to be a good tummy-soother, in large quantities, it can cause fatigue and upset tummy in your dogs. So, at a time of year where we see pumpkin spice in everything from breads, cookies, drinks, ice cream, cereals, beers, teas, yogurts, soups and even hamburgers, you’ll always want to make sure you know what is included in the ingredients of anything your pet ingests. That said, the ingredient content of pumpkin spices is typically minimal in most of those products, and it’s other ingredients that can really make your dog sick. Many foods are made with the sugar substitute xylitol, and xylitol can put dogs into kidney failure and kill them rather quickly. Raisins are also toxic to dogs and often included in many pumpkin spiced items. Caffeine isn’t great for dogs either, so as cute as a Puppucino is, be sure that it’s only whipped cream that you give your dog and not the espresso that accompanies a human’s drink. Peter, Peter Pumpkin Eater So why should you consider pumpkin spice pet products? The most convincing argument aside from sheer adorableness is that pumpkin is full of vitamins and minerals that can make a big difference in the health of your dog. Pumpkin is full of Vitamin C, beta-carotene and potassium and it’s often used as a flavoring for picky dogs because they can’t seem to get enough of it. For dogs who are a bit on the, ahem, fluffier side? Pumpkin is a great filler food that’s low-calorie and can help keep them svelte without sacrificing too much bland in their diet. And, pumpkin can help regulate your dog’s intestinal tract and gut flora because of its fiber content. This helps them maintain healthy weights (as well as builds their immune systems to be even stronger.) Pumpkins are full of antioxidants that stem from the carotenoid family. They are easily absorbed and prime fighters of oxidative damage in your dog because they sit in the cell membranes and fight tons of ickies that age our dogs before their time. They’re a long-acting antioxidant like blueberries which can be difficult to find fresh during the fall season. Paging Dr. Pumpkin And the best part about pumpkin is that while it’s obviously in abundance during the autumn season, you can buy pumpkin any time of the year. This is good news as pumpkin makes a great addition to your pupper’s first aid kit as a tummy helper. Pumpkin has long been used in dogs to help their digestive systems. Pumpkins have soluble fiber, which absorbs water in your dog’s digestive tract and makes their stool less runny and icky. Inside your dog’s gut, the fiber fermentation that occurs also makes fatty acids. These fatty acids give energy source to your dog’s cells and can help lower the pH level of your dog’s large intestines by stimulating water absorption and intestinal sodium. Many vets recommend pumpkin to help diarrhea in your dog. As well, fiber from pumpkins can act as a prebiotic in your dog’s gut. Prebiotics are pivotal as they fuel and feed the growth of probiotics and helpful bacteria in your dog’s gut. Just like in humans, good bacteria in your gut makes for good tummy (and immune health) and the fiber in pumpkin can do that for your dog. Pumpkin can also help mild constipation in dogs, but experts suggest that if your dog is constipated, you find out why and rather quickly so you avoid any issues with GI backup that could lead to surgery. Veterinarians recommend that when feeding pumpkin to your dog for whatever reason, you make sure it’s pumpkin you’re feeding them, and be especially wary about pumpkin spice products that may contain xylitol. As well, canned pumpkin spice products may have added salts, sugar and spices that could irritate their tummies and that defeats the purpose. Perfect Pumpkin Portions, Please When it comes to giving your doggos pumpkin, we always suggest checking with your veterinarian for proper pumpkin portions. Different dog sizes, health issues and dietary needs will obviously affect the right portion for your pet, and your vet is the first resource when it comes to making sure your pooch is healthy. Generally speaking, a teaspoon/tablespoon a day could be what the doctor ordered, but it could be as much as two-four ounces of canned pumpkin a meal. That’s if you’re adding to kibble or canned/wet dog food. If you are adding pumpkin to your dog’s store-bought food, just remember that you may want to pull a hair back on the portion size of the food since the pumpkin will act as filler. If you make your dog’s food, pumpkin is a fabulous ingredient as it can be a carb that can be combined with rice (or just used as the carb content). It’s considered a fruit, but offers a vegetable serving when looking at ratios of ingredients for appropriate homemade dog food proportions and it’s a great way to entice picky dogs to eat their meals Whatever you give, be careful not to give your dog the leftover from your porch pumpkins. Pumpkins that you’ve carved (or not) and have been sitting out on your porch/yard as decorations are harbors for bacteria and mold and you don’t want to take chances of making your pup sick. Especially not when you can by 15 oz. cans of organic pumpkin for a little more than a dollar. You Scream, I Scream, We All Scream For Pumpkin Spice It’s almost a rite of the seasonal passage, though, isn’t it? To indulge in all the pumpkin spiced pet products we can just makes this time of year even more fun for our pups, doesn’t it? That said, we’ve scoured the globe and asked dog parents what their favorite pumpkin spiced pet products were and we’re sharing them with you. Rest assured, they’re safe for Fido and bound to make this time of year even more fall-licious than it already is. Petguide’s Top Pumpkin Spice Pet Products 1.Pumpkin Spice Pet Cologne

How Important is Routine in Your Dog’s Life

Routine is important to our lives – so it’s no surprise to learn that it’s also vital to our dogs’ well being. Here’s why you should incorporate routine in your dog’s life. We’re all creatures of habit. We get up at the same time each morning, will typically take the same route into work (ever found yourself going into auto-pilot?) and block time each day for exercise (ahem) or to settle in to watch our favorite Netflix shows at night. Routines provide structure and a sense of calm in our day-to-day lives and that’s why it should come as no surprise that our pets crave that same type of ritual. For a dog, having an established routine reaffirms to him that his primary needs (food, water and shelter) will be readily available whenever he needs them. Simply knowing these needs are satisfied can help prevent him from going into “survival” mode – in other words, mooching, raiding the garbage or scarfing down the cat’s food – just in case his source of sustenance is suddenly cut off. In fact, for many dogs the inability to anticipate he will receive regular meals or opportunities for outdoor exercise or even be able to respond to his owner’s expectations (fear of punishment) can become a source of constant stress for him. This anxiety seems to be innate – in other words no matter how well you treat your dog, without the positive reinforcement that comes from a regular routine, these fears can still surface and result in him acting out in ways that can include incessant barking, being irritable or snappish, constantly begging for hand-outs, piddling on the floors or even becoming physically ill. Related: 5 Ways to Manage Dog Stress What to do? It’s clear that whether you have just adopted a new puppy or you’re enjoying the companionship or a more seasoned pooch, getting them into a fairly rigid routine that works for you both, is what will ultimately be key to having a harmonious relationship. And you may be surprised to learn that setting up an effective routine – one that not only helps provide your dog with a sense of stability but you with the confidence that he’s going to remain well-behaved even if you aren’t around during the day – really isn’t all that difficult. In fact, there are a number of opportunities for you to influence your pet’s behavior simply by introducing some simple yet consistent practices to your every day routine. Here are just a few for you to choose from: Regular Meal Times Okay, this one really isn’t optional. Feeding your dog at the same time each morning and evening is an important part of his day and something he really looks forward to. Think about the last time you had a food craving and just couldn’t wait to dive into that special dish. Every meal time is like that for your dog and when you change it up or decide to feed him later, it becomes a cause for concern in his eyes. Did you forget him? Are you still planning to feed him? Are you punishing him? Establish a set time for each meal and do everything in your power to stick to it. For those who free-feed their dog (leave food out all day) a structured meal time can help reinforce positive behaviors and also help keep that excess weight off… just something to consider. This set meal routine is also a great jumping-off point for the creation of other routines such as: Strategic Potty Breaks If you regularly walk your dog first thing in the morning, shortly after he has been fed and / or just before you settle in for the night, he is likely starting to learn that he can hold off on doing his “business” until this special time. And because he can anticipate this outdoor time is going to be happening throughout the day, he doesn’t stress about it – he knows that relief will be coming his way shortly. Without having an established potty-break routine, your dog loses the ability to anticipate when he might be able to do his business and is more likely to respond to the urge to relieve himself whenever the mood strikes. Related: Why Exercise is a Gift of Love to Your Dog Exercise He Can Expect Few dog breeds are inactive or flat out hate the idea of exercise. In fact, even those dogs that don’t fancy getting up off the sofa will still appreciate the mental stimulation that comes from a good walk around the neighborhood. Remember, it’s not just about giving your dog a piddle-break but about his need to let off steam, stretch his legs and go for a run or brisk stroll with his human pack leader – you. Scheduling a walk or two each day with your dog not only keeps him (and you) fit, but helps prevent him from becoming bored and destructive. And it also gives him something he can anticipate and look forward to. Want to change-up a ho-hum walk? Why not tackle his natural instincts with a few interactive games in the backyard – throw a ball for a retriever, go for a run with a terrier or toss a frisbee for a border collie. Anticipating Rewards Can Keep Grooming Fun Brushing my dogs is not their favorite past-time however we tend to visit off-leash parks where overgrowth abounds and they end up with burrs and tangles in their long ears and curly coats. And while they have been treated for them, I’m always on the look out for ticks and other parasites they may have brought home on them. This quick inspection and grooming is completed after each walk and we’ve found a way to make it a little more fun (because they’re not lovin’ it). Now, as soon as we’re finished, they are rewarded with a treat for being cooperative. This small gesture, repeated after each comb-out has turned the grooming routine into something they expect and are a little more willing to accept. Let’s face it, not all routines are going to be something your pup enjoys however they may be necessary (crating, vet visits, baths) and its up to you to alter the outcome by creating a more positive expectation. Which leads me to… Related: Fear Free Veterinary Strategies Dispensing of the All-Important Treat We all know that treats, chews and biscuits should never become part of your dog’s routine diet any more than chocolate and ice cream should become part of ours. So be careful not to establish this type of expectation by randomly offering them goodies without a good reason. Only dole out their fave treats for stellar behavior and ensure your pooch understands the importance of earning this treat. It can be as simple as the aforementioned grooming or simply sitting on command, not barking at a passing dog or even just performing a basic trick (give-a-paw). The end result is that he knows he can anticipate receiving a reward based on certain behaviors and that the treat jar isn’t just an extension of his food dish. Much Needed Down Time Just like our own lives, not all of your pup’s routine is about timing and scheduling – sometimes its about consistency. That’s why having a regular, protected space away from the hustle and bustle of daily life is important for your pet. Whether your dog is a young pup or an old codger, he’s going to appreciate some quiet time if the house is full of young kids, strangers or simply a change in energy (think Christmas, summer holidays, etc.). Having a dedicated spot where he knows he can escape can be the difference between a calm, cooperative dog and a stressed, snappish one. His secret hideaway could be a crate, a closet, a quiet place in the basement or his own special bed. Simply providing your pet with a familiar place he considers his own and that he can regularly retreat to (or be retreated to) will help him work through the daily distractions of a busy household. Related: Why You Should Take Your Kids to Dog Training Classes More Effective Training There’s no better way to get the best out of your dog than by taking a consistent, routine approach to training. By providing him with simple commands that he can accomplish and then acknowledging him with a reward of your choice (treats, pats or praise) you’re establishing a positive routine and setting expectations that he can comprehend and respond to. The key here, is consistency of command so that you don’t confuse and confound your pooch. Now the best way to achieve consistency is to ensure that not only are all members of the family using the same commands and recognition for a job well done, but that those who interact with him on a regular basis (sitters, walkers, trainers, groomers) are doing likewise. Establishing any routine with your pet requires time and patience but the rewards will be worth it. As you want and expect regular feedback from your superiors, so does he. And when he’s done a good job, he knows it!

Adoptable Dog of the Week- Darby

Get ready to fall head over heels for this pretty pooch! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Darby, a 7 years old American Pit Bull Terrier mix from Phoenix, Arizona. This lovely gal is spayed, up to date on her vaccines and housetrained. Darby is a friendly pooch that gets along with other dogs and loves hanging out with kids. Darby’s Tale Darby’s an intelligent, friendly, loving pooch- there’s only one thing missing. A forever family! This adorable doggo has been waiting for her happy ending for too long, and it’s truly a miracle that someone hasn’t already adopted her. Not only that Darby is quite a looker, but she also has a fantastic personality. She’s full of energy, a happy-go-lucky dog that will put a smile on your face every day. An easy-going, friendly pooch, Darby gets along with other dogs, although she’d have to meet your pet first before making a commitment. She didn’t get the opportunity to spend a lot of time with other canines, but judging on her wagging tail and extroverted personality, she’d do great with a four-legged roommate. Darby also loves older kids and wouldn’t mind sharing her new home with a youngster that would love to play with her. She is active and full of energy, so count on lots of playtime and walkies to keep this adorable pittie smiling! Darby’s a smart cookie that learns fast and won’t have any trouble picking up new stuff. She’s already housetrained, and has some obedience training under her belt- she even did well at agility. She’d really blossom with the right peeps by her side, so if you think your family has what it takes to make Darby the luckiest pooch in the world, contact Mayday Pit Bull Rescue & Advocacy for more info.

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Arabian Mau

Arabian Mau Breed History The Arabian Mau is one of the oldest of all of the natural feline breeds. Only recently has this desert cat become recognized as an actual breed, even though it has been common in the Arabian Peninsula, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, for over 1,000 years. In fact, if you go to those parts of the world, you will commonly find Arabian Maus living as street cats, surviving independently and adapting to their environment even as the deserts are transformed into cities. “Mau” is actually the Egyptian word for “cat,” and these kitties are active at night, preferring to sleep during the day just like their ancestors did in order to avoid the hot sun of the desert. So, this might be something to consider before bringing one into your family, especially if you would be annoyed by a pet that tends to prefer the nighttime to explore and play. This is a popular breed because, in addition to the Arabian Mau’s beautiful appearance, they can also develop a strong bond with their human family. So, if you are in search of a natural feline breed and you are ready to devote a lot of time and attention to your furry companion, the Arabian Mau might be a stellar choice. The Arabian Mau is one of the oldest of all of the natural feline breeds. Breed Traits

Mastador

Mastador Basics If you are specifically seeking out a dog who will quickly feel like a member of the family, then you may have just found your newest furry relative. The Mastador is a great family dog with a tremendously friendly yet protective nature. Gentle giants in the truest sense, these large dogs might look intimidating to some, but they are actually very sweet and make perfect pets for families. Some dogs are big enough to pose a threat, while others are big enough to cuddle properly. The Mastador falls into the latter category. They love affection, being involved in family activities, as well as playing with their owners, kids and other dogs. A Mastador can be protective and will defend their home and family if they feel it’s necessary, so socialization and behavioral training should be completed at an early age. This is a dog that requires special and attentive training, so be sure to keep that in mind and make that you are up for the responsibility. The unique combination of traits is something that the Mastador owes purely to his parents. As a designer dog breed, this big sweetheart of a pooch is actually a mix of two purebred dogs- the Bullmastiff and the Labrador Retriever. The two parental breeds pass on the best of their traits to the offspring- accounting for the mix of protective and sweet in the Mastador. With a pedigree like that, it’s easy to see why this pooch is so beloved. Of course, even though the Mastador is an adaptable dog that does well in various living situations, these hybrids are not a perfect match for everybody. They require experienced owners who will know how to assert themselves as the leader of the pack. Similarly, their energy levels and size should also be considered before you make a final decision. So, is the Mastador the dog that you’ve been looking for? Well, the good news is that you’ve come to the right place to find out. All you need to do is keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. Everything that you could possibly want to know about these glorious canines is about to be revealed. So, to find out if your family would make a perfect match for the Mastiff and Lab mix, read on! The Mastador is a great family dog with a tremendously friendly yet protective nature. Origin While his lineage hales from the United Kingdom (specifically Bullmastiff) and Newfoundland, Canada (specifically Labrador), the Mastador hybrid actually originated in the United States. Yet, apart from the place where this rare and impressive breed was first developed, there’s not much else we do know about the origin of the Mastador. The majority of designer dog breeds faces the same “issue” mainly because of the fact that there have always been around, but rather than being intentionally developed, they were often the results of accidental pairings between purebred pets. There’s very little documented history about hybrids. It’s uncertain when specific breeders even began specializing in the Mastador. No breeders have come out and claimed that the Bullmastiff and Labrador Retriever mix was their creation, so there’s no way to know when or who first bred Mastadors intentionally. However, the general information er have about hybrids gives us an idea about the Mastiff and Lab mix, too- it’s highly likely that first litters of this new breed were born sometime in the last 15 to 20 years. Unfortunately, we aren’t able to determine much more of a specific history than that. Pedigree

Study Proposes Smartest Dog Breed And You May Be Surprised

Dogs are smart, that’s for sure. But some breeds are thought to be more intelligent than others. While many might put Border Collies, Poodles or German Shepherds at the head of the smarty-pants list, a new study finds the Belgian Malinois to be the top dog.

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