Oh Mama! This Dog Sure is Vocal in the Bath [Video]

Chinese Crested

Chinese Crested Basics If you’ve been looking for a breed of dog that makes an excellent companion in a myriad of ways – avoids barking, gets along with children, and gets along with other dogs – you could do far, far worse than opt for a Chinese Crested. The Chinese Crested dog is considered among the best companion breeds for a number of reasons: not only for those mentioned, but for its appearance, general demeanor, and ability to perform tricks. In other words, acquiring a Chinese Crested for yourself and your family can be a great decision indeed. There are two kinds of Chinese Crested dogs – the Powderpuff and the Hairless. Both types are odorless, non-shedding, and hypo-allergenic, which makes them a great dog for allergy sufferers. If you have the opportunity to acquire one for yourself and make it a part of your family, you’ll find it makes an ideal pet for households with small children and it’s a dog that won’t make strangers feel unwelcome. If there ever was a “house dog,” this is one. The Chinese Crested dog is considered among the best companion breeds for a number of reasons. Origin Despite what its name suggests, many people do not believe that the Chinese Crested actually originated in China. For one, the Chinese Crested does not keep in line with a number of ancient Chinese dogs like the Pug or the Chow Chow. The Chinese Crested has too recent a history to be counted among those breeds in pure historical longevity. Where, then, do Chinese Crested dogs hail from? Many believe it’s actually Africa, being referred to as an African Hairless Terrier in texts across the 19th century. (Note: Of course, the 19th century is far off from the origins of the more ancient Chinese breeds.) Because there is genetic evidence of being related to the Mexican Hairless, this further confuses the issue, although following the genetic line will probably lead you to form a more accurate opinion. Those who do believe the Chinese Crested originated in China note that the Chinese Crested had a lot of maritime experience, being brought around by Chinese sailors. The truth is probably a combination of all of these, as the Chinese Crested was believed to have descended from African roots. Pedigree

If Your Dog Eats Fast, Green Interactive Feeder Forces Him to Slow Dow

Does your dog eat fast? Slow down meals with this interactive feeder It’s no shock to learn that today’s pets are getting fatter. Besides diet and exercise, there are other measures you can take to help regulate your dog’s weight. If your dog eats fast and then starts begging for more food, an innovative product that can help is the Green Interactive Feeder. Remember how your parents always told you not to play with your food? Well, the same doesn’t hold true with your pets. If your dog eats fast, you know about the dangers of bloat or the risk of vomiting, gagging and unpleasant gasses. Green Interactive Feeder turns meal time into play time, while forcing your dog to slow down and work for his food. How The Green Interactive Feeder Works No matter what size your pooch is, this interactive feeder fits perfectly. Designed to stimulate while slowing the eating process, Green resembles a patch of grass. Just pour your dog’s allotted mealtime kibble in between the blades of grass and watch him go to work. He’ll use is tongue and nose to get at those tasty morsels. Watch the video below to see a hungry pup in action… it’s entertaining to watch! Green Interactive Feeder turns meal time into play time, while forcing your dog to slow down and work for his food. Green Pluses If your dog eats fast, Green prolongs meal time. This means there won’t be any puking, gagging or smelly gas issues to deal with. Even worse is the threat of bloat, an issue cause by fast eating that can result in death. While your pup is busy figuring out how to get at his din-din, you can sit down to yours without having to deal with a pair of pleading eyes looking up at you for scraps. The Green Interactive Feeder is made from hard plastic (without phthalates), can be used both indoors and out and is dishwasher safe. You can learn more about the product and where to buy it on the Green Interactive Feeder website. Does your dog eat fast or is he on a restricted calorie diet? Would you try a product like Green Interactive Feeder? Do you have tips to help dogs slow down while eating? Please leave us your comments in the section below. As well, watch the video of the Green Interactive Feeder in action – it’s fun to watch!

Bringing A Dog Home From the Shelter – What To Expect The First Day

Congratulations on the new addition to your family! Bringing a dog home from a shelter can be an emotional and stressful event- here are some expert tips to make the transition as smooth as possible. Congratulations! You’ve just adopted a dog from the shelter. But the excitement doesn’t stop there – the first day home is an emotional one for the humans and a stressful one for the shelter dog. Even if the change is a great one, it’s still a big change, and it can have an impact on your new pet’s behavior. The air of excitement and the new period of adjustment can even catch you unprepared and lead you to make some beginner’s mistakes when it comes to welcoming a new dog into the household. However, there are a few things you can do when bringing a dog home from the shelter that will make the first few days in your dog’s new home happy and calming, as well as help to establish your place as pack leader. Ease them into it We know that the first thing you want to do when bringing a dog home from the shelter is to shower your new pooch with hugs and kisses. But hold off. Yes, a hug to humans conveys love and acceptance, but to a dog, it signals dominance and invasion of space. Give him some space until he has gotten to know you a bit better… then let the loving commence! This usually takes a couple of days, but as soon as your dog is comfortable in a new situation, they’ll be up for cuddles. Don’t force your new shelter dog into uncomfortable situations and take things slowly – you have many happy years ahead for the both of you. However, just because you don’t want to signal overwhelming dominance to your new pet, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t establish yourself as the leader of the pack right away. Being firm and confident will not only help you train your dog later on, but it will actually help your dog feel more comfortable around you. Tone it down a notch or two On the day that you’re bringing a dog home from the shelter, we’re going to ask you to do something you might not expect – don’t bring him inside (just yet). This is an eventful day and it’s likely that your shelter dog will be full of energy. After you park the car, take your new dog for a walk to burn off some of that excess energy. In addition to helping him burn off that excitement-generated energy, a walk will also give your dog to unwind and relax a bit before being introduced to his new home. As well, you’ll be establishing yourself as the pack leader – just be sure the dog stays beside or behind you on the walk. A walk around the neighborhood is a great way to introduce your pup to his new surroundings, and it gives him a chance to give the area a good sniffing. Give them the apartment tour Now it’s time to go inside. But don’t just let your new shelter dog off the leash to investigate his new home. You’re the pack leader, remember? It’s your job to set down the rules right from the start. You go through doors and entranceways first, followed by the dog. Lead the dog around your home on a leash, going from room to room (you always taking the lead and going in first). Spend about 10 minutes in each room, letting him sniff around. Be sure that other family members don’t come rushing at the dog with kisses and hugs (we established why earlier in the article). Other family members should greet the dog calmly, not talking to him and letting him sniff them. Gradual introductions are best in any case, especially with shelter dogs, You might not know their past, but it’s likely to have been a ruff one if they ended up surrendered to a shelter. This is why it’s best to keep their stress of meeting new people to a minimum and give them time to adjust to all the changes before expecting them to become a social butterfly. Prepare a safe haven beforehand Your dog’s bed or crate should be set up before bringing a dog home. Save his area for the last stop on the tour. Give him a chance to sniff it and leave a few bones or treats out for him – that way, the dog will always see this as a positive place. If your dog is calm at this time, you can start petting and showing him affection. Rub his head, belly or back, but resist giving him a hug just yet. It’s very important that your dog is calm for this part. If he is still hyper, take him for another walk to help tire him out. A cozy corner of your home where your rescue dog can retreat for some alone time is absolutely crucial. If things get too overwhelming and he feels like he needs a timeout, a comfy bed in the corner of the room or a reassuring nest that can be a furnished crate are just what he needs to relax. Once you’ve commenced the tour of the house and he’s been introduced to the other family members, feel free to give your shelter dog some food and water. Also, be sure to take frequent bathroom breaks until you’ve established a routine. Going to sleep Your first day of excitement is not over yet- it’s time for your dog to sleep in their new home for the first time. It can be hard for a dog to relax and go to sleep somewhere where they are not accustomed to, but the fact they’ll be knackered from all the excitement works in your favor. However, sleeping arrangements will still require a bit of an effort from your side. Most people opt for setting up a crate for their rescue’s first night in their home, even if they are not planning on crating their dog in the future. Not only that a crate will ensure that your new family member doesn’t go out and make a mess of things while he’s still adjusting, but it will also give him a sense of safety and security to have a secluded nook to curl up in. You can even place the crate in your bedroom if you want him to know you’re nearby and there’s nothing to be afraid of. Consider Fido’s Fuel In all likelihood, you’ll be getting your new furry best friend used to food and treats he may not be used to. If you want to continue to feed him the food he was eating with his breeder or the shelter/rescue, what-have-you, that’s fine. But it’s likely you’ll want to switch it up and you’ll want to be careful about how you do. According to the AKC, if you switch your dog’s food too quickly, you may see him suffer from signs of gastrointestinal distress. This could look like vomiting, diarrhea or even a lack of desire to eat. It could also look like him wanting to wolf everything he can down because he’s simply not absorbing enough nutrients from what he is eating. The AKC recommends the following schedule (if at all possible and you have access to the current/old food) for switching a dog’s food when you first get them: Day 1: 25% new diet and 75% old diet.Day 3: 50% new diet and 50% old diet.Day 5: 75% new diet and 25% old diet.Day 7: 100% new diet. This will also be the time you learn about your dog’s sensitivities, as if this timeframe doesn’t seem to do the trick, you may need to give him a bit longer of an adjustment as you mix the foods. You will never go wrong supplementing with a great probiotic/fiber/digestive enzyme supplement to keep gastrointestinal distress down and increase his overall gut health quality. Mostly, you’ll want to watch how he does, and make sure that he adjusts to the new change well. If it seems he adjusts too well, and eats like he’s never eaten before, you may want to look at feeders that will slow that gulping down. Dogs who eat too quickly can deal with issues like regurgitation too. If you’ve rescued your dog from the shelter, odds are they’re not used to not worrying about food, so they may have a propensity to wolf it down. At the end of the day, bringing a new dog into your home and life is something different for the both of you. But it’s something different that’s PAWESOME and you can totally do it. Just follow these tips and remember that every transition is just that–a transition. It’s not permanent and once he (and you) settles into routine? It’ll be like he’d always been there!

Dachshund

Dachshund Basics You may know it as the “Weiner Dog,” but its actual breed name is Dachshund. Known for its long, stretched-out appearance and short legs, there are three types of Dachshunds: long-haired, wired-haired and short-haired. The only difference between the three is size and coat description; the distinct build is the same in any of the types. Boasting a regal and intelligent expression on its face, the Dachshund has a long head with protruding and arched eyebrows, a long muzzle with a scissor bite and very strong teeth. Its eyes are either brownish black or deep red. Another distinguishing characteristic is its long ears that are soft to the touch. If you’re looking for a happy addition to your family, you can’t go wrong with a Dachshund – it always has a friendly look on its face. Read on to learn more about the breed. You may know it as the “Weiner Dog,” but its actual breed name is Dachshund. Origin The Dachshund can trace its origins hundreds of years ago to Germany. Some sources place the origin of the breed as far as the 15th century, but a more likelier number is late 17th to early 18th century, when first concrete mentions of a dachshund-like breed can be found. Books from that era describe certain dogs named “Dachs Kriecher” (meaning “badger crawler”) or “Dachs Krieger” (“badger warrior”), and it is largely believed that this is when the Dachshund breed was actually developed as such- the previous mentions were more general and referred to all types of dogs fulfilling the role of badger hunting rather than a specific breed. Bred to track and hunt badgers, this breed was developed with the specific sport in mind. The Dachshund was engineered for this hunting activity and it is directly reflected through its unique body shape. Its short legs let it burrow deep into the badgers’ dens and its long, sturdy tail gave the hunters a “handle” they could pull to retrieve the burrowing dog out from the den. As well, its large and paddle-shaped paws made digging efficient and its loose skin ensured it wouldn’t tear as the dog tunneled into tight burrows. The smaller Dachshunds were used to hunt hare and rabbits, while the larger ones caught smaller animals like otters and foxes. Interestingly, the smooth-haired type of Dachshund is believed to be the oldest of the tree, with the wiry and long-haired variants being developed later in the breed’s history. While originally developed to be used for hunting, in the 1800s, Dachshunds moved from hunters to cherished and pampered pets. It is then when the dogs were bred to be smaller in size- the Dachshunds became about 10 pounds lighter in this transition. Not unlike most small dogs in that period, Dachshunds were beloved lap dogs of ladies and nobles, and started enjoying all of the perks that came with their new status. Similarly, the breed was then bred and selected for other traits that would make it more appealing in its new role, such as playfulness, affection, and friendliness rather than a prey drive- which, truthfully, did survive in the breed to this day in some form (it’s mostly the garden beds that bear the brunt of it). Pedigree

Rover Boutique Offers Designer Dog Clothes for Refined Pooches

Your pup will strut his stuff in cool Canadian Designer Dog Clothes Some dogs like glitz and bling, other prefer to don a more refined, classic style. And for posh pups that love designer dog clothes, there’s Rover Boutique. A Canadian-owned and -operated company, Rover handcrafts durable and timelessly designer dog clothes for fashion-conscious dogs and their owners. Rover offers a selection of shirts, dresses, outerwear and accessories in six sizes to accommodate dogs from the small to big (they also do made to measure as well.) Perfect for a day on the water, the navy peacoat is made from mid-weight cotton twill and features a double-breasted design with velcro closure. We love the Skipper Peacoat, part of the Classic Collection. Perfect for a day on the water, the navy peacoat is made from mid-weight cotton twill and features a double-breasted design with velcro closure. Rover has a variety of coats, blazers, dress shirts (the Oxford shirt is too adorable for words), bow tie collars and dresses that will set your pooch apart from all the other dogs at its next obedience class reunion. For designer dog clothes that definitely make a statement, you can check out the full line of clothing at Rover’s website.

Study Finds That Classical Music Calms Kennel Dogs

Pump up the tunes. Music soothes the stressed-out beast… or in this case, an anxious pooch. Whoever said “music hath charms to sooth the savage breast” absolutely nailed it according to researchers at the University of Glasgow! Working in conjunction with the good folk at the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, they ran a two-week study on rescue dogs being sheltered at a re-homing center. While half were observed in silence, the other half had classical music pumped into their kennels. The process was changed up the second week, with the first group now receiving the musical treatment. Related: Could Music Ease Your Dog’s Separation Anxiety? You got it…. Stress levels decreased significantly when music played. The boys were apparently more “in-tune” with the selections than the girls and overall the canine audience spent less time standing around barking when music was played. Heart rates were monitored, saliva samples taken and behaviour observed to arrive at the results and by the end of the first week, the conclusions also proved that like us, our best friends need to switch it up a little. They’re looking for a little variety here, not the same old, same old. Hmmm…. Maybe “How Much is that Doggie in the Window”, “Hound Dog” or better still, “Who Let the Dogs Out?” Related: Dogs Listen To What We Say And How We Say It So while heart rates and behaviours typical of kennel stress returned to normal by the end of the week, it was clear the classical music did have a positive impact in this study which forms part of a series of animate and inanimate environmental enrichment techniques that are being used with kennels to try to minimise the stress experienced by dogs. Here’s a thought: I wonder if their “Bach” is worse than their bite? Okay, somebody stop me! [Source: Business Standard]

Best Dog Shirts

Dog shirts are both fashionable and practical: your pet can flaunt a fun design while staying warm and toasty during chillier days of the year. Take a look at our selection of best dog shirts for pooches of all styles and sizes!

DOT Report Outlines 2014 Pet Injury And Fatality Numbers On Airlines

Planes, trains or automobiles… never has family travel been easier, right? Not so fast! Official numbers from 2014 regarding air travel with pets may be hazardous to their health. Sadly, while our vacation checklists may include comfortable walking shoes, a good book and sunblock, they often fail to tackle the needs of our best buddy, who doesn’t always get first class treatment by the airlines. Related: What To Do If Your Dog Gets Sick While Traveling According to recently released figures from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), in 2014 not all members of our family made it to their destination in good shape… or alive. It reported 17 animal fatalities and 26 injuries. On the top of the list was United Airlines, with five deaths and 13 injuries. All making the list was Alaska Airlines (3 deaths, 11 injuries); Delta Airlines (4 deaths, 0 injuries); American (3 deaths, 0 injuries); Hawaiian (2 deaths, 0 injuries); and Sky West (0 deaths, 2 injuries). Related: A Jet Setters Guide To Dog Travel Insurance While most of the injuries and deaths occurred when pets escaped their cages and were either injured in the process or hit by vehicles, some were attributed to the stress of air travel – particularly those with underlying conditions. And in some instances airlines have actually stopped accepting short-nosed or snub-nosed breeds such as Pugs and English Bulldogs where the anxiety is known to be particularly severe. But this doesn’t mean Rover has to miss out on precious vaycay time! Because many airlines require a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel you will be having a conversation with your vet. They can outline the details for pet air travel in cargo and help you decide on next steps. He or she can also write an Acclimation Certificate that will waive the low temperature Federal regulation as dictated by the Animal Welfare Act. And remember that flying is an unnatural experience for our pets with air pressure, different smells and sounds causing anxiety. For those pets relegated to flying “cargo class”, here are a few basic tips to help ease the experience: Secure his personal space by crating him before you enter a busy airport.Make sure his favourite blanket or toys are in his crate – anything that is familiar to him and will provide comfort and entertainment.Ensure anything that might cause injury (thinking leashes, etc.) is removed from the crate.Don’t let him begin his journey on a full tummy or bladder. You wouldn’t want to and neither does he. He should fast at least six hours before being crated, with a poop and scoop stop as close to departure time as possible.Do make sure Rover has access to water sufficient to keep him hydrated during the flight.And save the tearful goodbyes for Aunt Shirley’s holiday visit! If you’re upset, he’s upset. If you’re calm, he’ll be calm. Lastly, don’t discount other travel options. Amtrak piloted a Carry-On Pet program last year with 145 passengers signed up and growing. Sadly, in Canada unless dogs qualify as supporting special needs, pets are considered “baggage” and are seconded to VIA’s “sometimes heated” storage cars. So while we’ve all heard the phrase “it’s not the destination, it’s the journey”… for your pet it really is! [Source: AAHA]

Best Decorative Dog Crates

Decorative dog crates combine function and aesthetics into one design. Not only are they beautifully designed and can double as furniture, but they also provide your pet with a safe, secluded nook of their own.

Adoptable Dog of the Week – Maerdy

This gorgeous guy is a party on legs! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Maerdy, a 2-year-old Australian Cattle Dog (Blue Heeler) from Gretna, Nebraska. He is neutered, current on age-appropriate vaccinations, microchipped, and housetrained. Maerdy doesn’t do well with other dogs, but he’s great with cats. He hasn’t been tested around kids, but due to resource guarding, it might be best if he goes to an adult-only home. Maerdy’s Tale This beautiful pooch is full of life – he’s always ready to go on an adventure! Not unlike all Blue Heelers, Maerdy is also very smart and energetic, so he will need an active, experienced owner that will help him spend all his energy productively and help him blossom. He has great house manners and displays basic beginner obedience skills, but owing to his great intelligence and drive to please people, he could learn so much more with the right peeps beside him. Maerdy is a very friendly dog (that will lick you to death if you allow him) and will quickly warm up to you, but would prefer to be the only dog in the household. He does fine with other dogs in an outdoor setting but can be a bit overprotective with his food and toys, so he wouldn’t get along with another dog in the family. For the same reason, it might be best if there are no small kids in the family, either, to avoid any potential mishaps. On the other hand, Maerdy loves cats and gets along great with them! If you want an active, energetic dog and have a house with a securely fenced-in yard, Maerdy just might be your guy. For more information about him and how you can be the one to adopt him, contact Heartland German Shepherd Rescue (HUGS).

Yes, This $30K Samsung Dream Doghouse Is Necessary [Video]

It’s about time! A “techno-pad” designed to meet Rover’s both real and imagined needs is nicer than ours. Electronics manufacturer Samsung, maker of the first flat screen television, has peered into the future and apparently that future includes a $30,260 (£20,000) two-room luxury dog kennel complete with treadmill and hot-tub for those pooches who have put in a hard day’s night and been working like a dog! Related: KoolDog Indoor Dog House Perfect For Condo Living Recently introduced at Crufts 2015 (the world’s largest dog show), the Dream Doghouse also includes a fully padded bedroom for those with so much energy they’re bouncing off the walls, a Samsung Galaxy Tab S so your best buddy can choose to watch his fave shows or (sit down for this one) to summon you through either the interactive video link or a push-to-woof call bell as well as a paw-operated treat dispenser for self-service (consider the upside: one less reason to summon you). Related: Top 7 Luxe Pet Friendly Hotels Where Posh Pooches Can Get Away From It All Designed by a team of about 12 architects and fabricators, the proto-type took six weeks to complete and speaks to Samsung’s recent survey that says 64 per cent of dog owners think their pets would benefit from more technology and gadgets, such as treadmills and tablets. Seriously?

Havanese

Havanese Basics A toy dog straight from Cuba, the Havanese is a lapdog, performer, and companion. A loved favorite all across the world, it emerged as the national dog of the country it hails from and the iconic symbol of its capital, Havana- which is how the breed got its name. Happy to be the center of attention at all times, this breed is curious, playful, and affectionate towards children, strangers, dogs, and all other pets. This breed will work to please everyone and are quick learners. Considered as the ideal loyal friend and a loving pet, the Havanese has a lot to offer in every aspect. A perfect pet and a wonderful companion for the entire family, the Havanese does better in warmer climates (it is from Cuba, after all) and will spring into action at the first sign of fun. What is more, this breed is characterized by its solid health and a fun and energetic personality. In essence, they are such lovable dogs whose charm is hard to resist. Let’s learn a bit more about this breed. A toy dog straight from Cuba, the Havanese is a lapdog, performer, and companion. Origin This breed originated in Cuba, by way of Spain. An old breed, the Havanese was once a lapdog for royalty before making its way into the households of everyday people. The breed was once called Blanquito de la Habana, which translates to Havanese Silk Dog. Generally, it is believed that the dogs Havanese breed originated from were first found in Tenerife – the largest island of the Canary Island group. It is likely that they belong to the bichon family of dogs, and that they arrived in Havana, Cuba on board of Spanish trade ships. Over the centuries, with some careful interbreeding, the charming Havanese that we know and love today has emerged. In the 1970s, when many Cubans had to flee their country, their Havanese pets were often by their side. In the end, several families from Cuba brought their Havanese to the US, where the breed gradually gained a foothold and became recognized. Nevertheless, it can still be hard to find a breeder near you. Expect waiting lists and expensive prices if you have your heart set on one. Still, the wait will certainly be worth it – Havanese are hard to resist! Pedigree

Best Dental Sticks for Dogs

Dental sticks for dogs help your pet maintain oral hygiene while enjoying a yummy treat at the same time. Tasty, nutritious, and super fun, dental sticks for dogs come in all kinds of flavors and textures – here are some of our favorites!

Best Dog Exercise Pens

Dog exercise pens help keep energetic dogs safe both indoors and outdoors. Easy to store and super practical, these dog exercise pens are great to have around!

Bordatella: Kennel Cough Symptoms And Treatments

It’s not just a common cold – be on the lookout for these kennel cough symptoms and know what to do about it. Also referred to as Bordatella, kennel cough is the most common, and one of the most serious, upper respiratory infections in dogs. Not only is this disease common, but it is also highly contagious, especially if your dog has not been vaccinated. As a pet parent, you need to know the basics about kennel cough in dogs including the causes, symptoms, treatment options, and methods of prevention. Related: Reverse Sneezing In Dogs Kennel Cough Symptoms and Causes There are several causes of kennel cough, also known as tracheobronchitis, but the two most common are the parainfluenza virus and mycoplasma. It is also thought that canine adenovirus type 2, canine herpes virus, and reovirus may also contribute to kennel cough. In many cases, the appearance of symptoms results from a combination of these causes. Parainfluenza virus typically results in mild symptoms that only last five or six days unless a secondary bacterial infection occurs. The most common bacteria seen in cases is Bordatella bronchiseptica and it typically causes kennel cough symptoms to manifest within two to 14 days of exposure. Related: 7 Common Veterinary Treatments For Dog Allergies The most common of the kennel cough symptoms is, of course, a dry hacking cough – in some cases, the cough is heavy enough to be followed by retching. Other kennel cough symptoms may include a watery discharge from the nose, lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, and pneumonia – only is the most serious of cases does kennel cough result in death. This is most commonly observed in puppies and in immunocompromised dogs. In mild cases of kennel cough, infected dogs typically continue to eat and behave normally. Treatment Options Kennel cough is typically diagnosed through the observation of symptoms and through a history of exposure to other dogs, often in a kennel or rescue facility. In order to identify the individual agents involved in the disease, bacterial cultures and other tests may be performed. Once the diagnosis has been made, there are several treatment options for kennel cough: medical treatment with antibiotics, cough suppressants, steroids, and aerosol therapy. In mild cases of the disease, cough suppressants and antibiotics are most common. For severe cases, antibiotics are often used, especially if the dog is showing signs of pneumonia or if he has stopped eating. In severe cases, steroids and cough suppressants are generally avoided because the dog may be at risk for immunosuppression. Prevention Methods Perhaps the most common and effective method for preventing kennel cough in dogs is vaccination. Many vets will agree, however, that the only way to truly prevent kennel cough is to avoid exposing your dog to other dogs. Unfortunately, vaccination does not entirely protect your dog from contracting the disease, but it may help to lessen its severity. Certain vaccines can be used on puppies as young as three weeks of age and the puppy will be protected within three to four days of the vaccine. It is important to realize, that after vaccination dogs are capable of shedding the virus for several days – it takes up to four days for a dog to be protected after receiving vaccination. Once a dog has been vaccinated, a yearly booster is recommended – if the dog will be in regular contact with other dogs, however, a booster every six months may be recommended. Kennel cough is a highly contagious and often serious disease that can affect dogs of all ages. The best way to protect your dog is to learn all you can about the disease and to have him vaccinated according to your vet’s recommendations.

Cavachon

Cavachon Basics Choosing a dog can be incredibly difficult. There are so many incredible breed options out there. There are so many adorable doggos just begging to be loved. How could anyone possibly choose?! Fortunately, designer dogs help, combining the trains of multiple puppers in one perfect package. If you can’t make up your mind between the gentle Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the playful Bichon Frise, the Cavachon may be just the dog you are looking for. It combines the best of both worlds! As the offspring of two very popular small breed dogs, this hybrid promises to be a wonderful companion and a family pet. Plus you get all of that in an unbelievably adorable package! How could anyone possibly resist? This designer dog is not accepted by the AKC because it is technically a hybrid or crossbreed rather than a purebred dog. If you aren’t concerned with showing your dog, however, this may not be a problem at all. Despite the lack of official recognition, these lovely mixes offer a lot to their owners. In general, they are cute, smart, friendly, and have a sweet nature. What more could anybody want? However, you should keep in mind that the appearance and temperament of designer dogs like the Cavachon varies greatly from one litter to another. But, for the most part, you can expect a combination of Cavalier- and Bichon Frise-like characteristics. The only question is which parent’s genes will prevail! It’s a surprise every time. No two Cavachons are alike, even within the same litter. Still, given how wonderful his parents are, Cavachons tend to make for incredible companions regardless of how the gene pool shakes out. These dogs are bred to be loved and you will be powerless to resist their charms if you bring one into your home. If you can’t make up your mind between the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Bichon Frise, the Cavachon may be just the dog you are looking for. Origin Up until the Labradoodle became a worldwide phenomenon, designer dogs weren’t even a term, let alone a trend. Generally, all mixed breed dogs were considered to be mutts, no matter what their lineage was. That was snobbish judgment and thankfully those days are over. Everything changed when breeders realized that by intentionally crossing purebreds, they could eliminate some of the hereditary health issues and create improved new breeds in the process. Of course, it’s silly to think that there haven’t been any crosses between purebreds until designer dog breeds came to be. It’s just when their mixing became intentional that the dogs were selected for certain qualities rather than just being a product of an “accident”. Gleneden Kennels of Virginia claims to be the first to cross a Cavalier King Charles and a Bichon Frise in an effort to produce a new breed. According to them, the first litter of Cavachon was born in 1996, in the United States. Over 20 years later, the Cavachon continues to be a popular and beloved hybrid responsible for bringing furry joy to a vast number of happy homes. Pedigree

Corgipoo

Corgipoo Basics There are many reasons why popular breeds are combined to produced a designer dog. Sometimes it’s for temperament, sometimes it’s to heighten physical attributes in working dogs, and sometimes it’s simply deliver a dog with a compounded cuteness that is absolutely irresistible. The Corgipoo falls into the latter category. This mix between a Corgi and a Poodle has been bred specifically to melt your heart and they’ll do it every time. The Corgi is the Queen’s favorite dog, while poodles are a staple in many North American families. These dogs are known pranksters, and by adding the poodle into the mix, we get something that might just be even more adorable (and hypoallergenic) than either parental breed. Corgipoos are one of the tricksters in the dog world, but thankfully their antics are generally adorable. These stubby-legged imps seem to enjoy their antics and take into account that it’s tough to get mad at them due to the cuteness. They will get away with murder and you will love them for it. That’s what happens when designer dog breeds are created purely for maximum cuteness. So, is this lovable hybrid the right dog to bring home to your family? There’s only one way to find out. Keep your eyes glued to this page and scroll away. All will be revealed shortly. The Corgipoo is a mix between a corgi and a poodle – and they are sure to melt your heart. Origin As with most designer dogs, there is quite a bit that we still don’t know about the origin of the Corgipoo. This is a relatively rare and recent hybrid, which only makes matters more complex. You see, Corgipoos are what’s considered a designer dog, meaning they were created from two already established AKC recognized breeds. But, even though their parents are AKC purebreds, these dogs are not recognized by the American Kennel Club or any of its international counterparts. They are seen as mixed breed dogs before anything else, and their ‘unpredictability’ makes it impossible for major organizations to acknowledge them as a part of their roster. It’s a shame, but that’s the nature of these organizations. Only once a hybrid breed has had enough generations to have established stability and predictability are organizations like AKC willing to welcome them into their ranks. While there have been no breeders that stepped up and claimed the Corgi Poodle mix as their own, it’s safe to assume that the origin of the Corgipoo ties in with the rest of the ‘doodle’ mixes. In the late 1980s, it became all the rage to crossbreed other breeds with Poodles, in hopes the hypoallergenic coat gets passed on to the offspring (amongst other things). It’s clear that the Corgipoo is also a part of that trend, so it’s highly likely that the breed was created sometime in the last 20 years. Other than that, there’s sadly little known about when and how breeders started to specifically focus on the Corgipoo. Sadly, there simply isn’t much of a documented history for designer dogs, so we’ll likely never know how the Corgipoo started it’s journey to capture the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. Pedigree

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

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