Top 10 Totally Terrific Toques For Dogs

by Diana Faria

May 5th, 2021 12:00 AM

Get a-head (get it?) of winter fashion trends. Top your pooch with a toasty warm (and utterly adorable) Canadian-inspired toque.

1. Tolog Rainbow Set

Let your pup get all footloose and fancy-free while staying toasty and warm in this adorable toque and legging set for well-dressed pooches everywhere. Why do we all of a sudden have “Let’s get Physical…” running through our heads?

2. Mihachi Snowflake and Reindeer Toque

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Say hello to festivity with this scarf and toque set! The knit set is super soft and cozy and will have pups everywhere painting the towns red! Or whatever color they want to paint them because they’ll be so stinking adorable as they do!

3. The Worthy Dog Hat

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This doggie hat had soft and comfy ties to keep it on your pup and his head nice and warm on any cool outing. There are side-seam openings to keep it on, so you can also use the ties as a decorative show for that ever-so-casual look your dog might be going for!

4. FLAdorepet Snood

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This cozy snood (toque with some extra neck and ear covering…similar to a balaclava) will have your pup looking festive all the time, but he’ll just love how warm and toasty he is! Santa Who? Oh, yes! Santa Paws!

5. Hip Doggie Snood

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And if you’re looking for something a bit more fru-fru, check out Hip Doggie’s Snood will get you in all the feels. The super-soft yarn is winter-weighted and will keep your dog’s neck and ears warm the whole season long.

6. Zoo Snoods Fox Dog Toques

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Don’t worry, they will forgive you. They always do. But could you honestly forgive yourself if you don’t buy this adorable fox snood that will keep your canine truly warm this winter? Zoo Snoods have a handy sizing chart so you are sure to get the right fit. Each snood is handmade an won’t itch as it is made from a super soft, hypoallergenic yarn that will help keep them warm and allergy free. It is made for full coverage so it will keep your pet’s neck, hears, and head warm in the cold winter weather. Admit you are going to have them wear it inside too, and we don’t blame you! It is so cute!

7. MUYAopet Toque

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What’s better than a soft and snuggly toque to keep you warm this winter? Why one that has a matching scarf that comes with it, of course! Made with soft knitted yarn, you can scrunch the scarf over your dog’s collar for a snug fit and they’ll look super stylish in their matching set! Matching matters, you know!

8. Pup Crew Fair Isle Bones Knit Toque

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Who doesn’t love a Fair Isle Print? This soft pom-topped toque will keep your furry best friend warm (while looking cool) wherever you go this winter. It has an elastic chin strap that keeps the hat in place and it’s the perfect addition to your dog’s winter wardrobe. Because you know he has to have one!

9. Aviation Trapper Toque

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Dogo Design’s Trapper channels aviator dogs of old, but keeps them adorable and warm at the same time today. Made with soft faux (of course!) fur lining and denim backing for the vintage look, it’s what the outdoor doggos are digging this season.

10. Festive Trapper Toque

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And if you’d like to jazz a trapper toque up, this Pup Crew Red Plaid will do the trick! It’s the classic trapper design with shearling lining so your doggo’s head is warm on chilly winter days. The ear holes make it a comfy fit, and the chin strap keeps the toque in place without you worrying about ears and head getting cold!

Diana Faria

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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

Afghan Hound

Afghan Hound Basics One of the oldest dog breeds and certainly one of the more “aristocratic” breeds, the Afghan Hound has become known as a sort of “king of dogs” for its appearance, general demeanor, and general nobility as a breed. Very well-suited for dog showing, these dogs are gentle and respond well to that type of attention. The Afghan Hound’s coat is remarkable, although it requires plenty of grooming. When an Afghan Hound walks in the room, people certainly take notice. There is a lot to learn about the Afghan Hound, as it has a particularly rich and ancient history and have several aspects of its personality that make it a unique dog. Considered better-suited for older children who understand how to interact with dogs, it will not be a dog for everyone. People who need a versatile working dog, for example, can probably find a better breed in the Bouvier des Flandres than they can in the Afghan Hound. Let’s learn more about this dog and what makes it part of dog breed royalty. The Afghan Hound is known as “king of dogs” for its appearance, general demeanor, and general nobility as a breed. Origin Originally hailing from areas like the Sinai Peninsula (the Afghan Hound was even mentioned/portrayed in ancient Egyptian papyrus and were painted in Afghan caves as far back as 4,000 years ago), there’s no denying the ancient origins of the Afghan Hound. Despite this long history, the breed has remained relatively pure, which means the modern deviations are not far off of the historical Afghan Hounds. As a sighthound (a dog that hunts by sight rather than necessarily using scents or the nose), the Afghan Hound has a rich history of working that its appearance might not convey. It has been both used as a shepherd and hunter, hunting down game such as deer and goats. With a thick coat, they were able to function in extreme seasons, which gives them a general outdoor versatility one would not necessarily expect. The Afghan Hound is generally considered an original without much of a pedigree to speak of… or, rather, it is one of those rare breeds that can be considered its own pedigree. Pedigree Because the Afghan Hound is such an old breed of dog, its pedigree is essentially zilch – there’s not a lot known about it. Historians can discern some hypothesis, knowing the areas where the Afghan Hound probably originated. But beyond that, the Afghan Hound is generally considered an original without much of a pedigree to speak of… or, rather, it is one of those rare breeds that can be considered its own pedigree. Food / Diet The food you give to your Afghan Hound will not be untypical for that of most dog breeds, but many people try different foods in order to “treat” the Afghan Hound’s coat – people who show their Afghan Hound, in particular. You don’t have to take any special precautions in your dog’s diet beyond assuring essential nutrition and a general food level that keeps the dog at a healthy weight.

Australian Cattle Dog

Australian Cattle Dog Basics You have to leave it to dog breeders: they make very simple names for their breeds. There is perhaps no better example of that than the Australian Cattle Dog, so dubbed because it was bred in Australia for – what else? – herding cattle. Because of the terrain of Australia, this cattle dog has been bred to have plenty of endurance, cover long distances, and generally have an assertive and athletic demeanor. But if you’ve found your way to this site, there’s a good chance you’re wondering about the Australian Cattle Dog as a family pet, not necessarily as a working dog. There’s good news on this front: the Australian Cattle Dog is known for an up-tempo, friendly demeanor that is generally considered to be healthy enough personality-wise for a family to take home. Like any breed, this brand of dog is not without its own challenges and unique characteristics, but that’s exactly what you’re here to explore. Let’s take a closer look at this unique-looking breed and find out more about what makes the Australian Cattle Dog such a special type of dog. The Australian Cattle Dog is known for an up-tempo, friendly demeanor, the perfect dog for a family. Origin Just look in the name! These dogs are Australian, they’re bred to herd cattle, and, well, they’re dogs. Of course, anyone simply guessing about Australian Cattle Dogs is able to figure out just this much when it comes to this breed, so let’s dig a little deeper and find out some more. Naturally, the history begins Down Under. While many people might associate a breed of dog, for example, the German Shepherd, as being more classic breed, the Australian Cattle Dog actually goes back even further in terms of documented history. You’d have to start around 1802 if you want to learn about this breed of dog (and, if you’re taking notes, the German Shepherd would officially emerge in the same century, albeit some time later). A man named Thomas Hall realized the need for a certain type of dog that would be suited to the task the Australian Cattle Dog has been named for, so he imported a number of breeds of similar type and with similar abilities and bred them. The dogs were useful and popular enough that they eventually rose under the name of Cattle Dog – throughout the 19th century, their popularity grew rapidly. Eventually they became more popular in the United Kingdom and United States, as well. Pedigree

Teach Your Dog To Be A Canine Good Citizen

Is your dog a Canine Good Citizen? Your dog knows the basics when it comes to obedience, but it’s time to take it to the next level. Your dog can be a Canine Good Citizen! Sure, you may think your pup is already pretty awesome, but you can make sure that your dog has all the good manners to be considered a Canine Good Citizen. Plus, you’ll get a fancy-schmancy certificate to hang on the wall and brag about. What Is The Canine Good Citizen Program? Set up by the American Kennel Club in 1989, the Canine Good Citizen Program (CGC) rewards dogs that have good manners both at home and in the community. To complete the program, your dog must pass the two-part, 10-step CGC test. Not only will this program teach your dog good manners, but it also focuses on responsible dog ownership for you. Reasons to take the Canine Good Citizen Test Of course, better doggy manners and a certificate from the American Kennel Club are enticing reasons, but there are more benefits that come with it. If you’re just starting out on obedience training, it’s a dynamite place to start. Once you start the training process, the bond between you and your dog will grow stronger. And kids can get into the fun too – there are club across North American that offer courses just for kids and canines. By performing and mastering the steps in the Canine Good Citizen program, you’ll notice your dog picking up good habits. These include responding well to household routines, having good manners in around people and other dogs, and loving their owner that much more (if that’s even possible!). And there’s no telling where this will lead you. After you finish up with the Canine Good Citizen program, there’s nothing stopping you from tackling agility, tracking, and performance events. You may think your pup is already pretty awesome, but you can make sure that your dog has all the good manners to be considered a Canine Good Citizen. What Dogs Can Participate? Any dog can be a Canine Good Citizen! Pure and mix breeds are welcome to take the test. And there are no age limits. Young pups and senior pooches are eligible. Dogs must be old enough to have received necessary immunizations (such as rabies vaccines). Depending on where your dog takes the test, there may be few exceptions relating to participation. If you take it at an AKC show or with a dog training school, you’ll have to abide by the regulations set out by the organization. Where Do You Go For The Test? Countries all over the world offer the training and testing for the course. Breed and dog clubs, dog training schools and community clubs offer Canine Good Citizen training and can administer the official test. As well, dogs can be tested during AKC shows. Do you think your dog has what it takes to be a Canine Good Citizen? Are you interested in learned more? Learn more about it at the American Kennel Club’s website. You can see the full list of steps and requirements after the jump. And tell us how many of the 10 steps your dog can already do by leaving a comment. AKC Canine Good Citizen Test Test 1: Accepting a friendly stranger The dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation. Test 2: Sitting politely for petting The dog will allow a friendly stranger to pet it while it is out with its handler. Test 3: Appearance and grooming The dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so. Test 4: Out for a walk (walking on a loose lead) The handler/dog team will take a short “walk” to show that the dog is in control while walking on a leash. Test 5: Walking through a crowd The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three) to demonstrate that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places. Test 6: Sit and down on command and Staying in place The dog will respond to the handler’s commands to 1) sit, 2) down and will 3) remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers). Test 7: Coming when called The dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10 feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog. Test 8: Reaction to another dog To demonstrate that the dog can behave politely around other dogs, two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 20 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries, and continue on for about 10 feet. Test 9: Reaction to distraction To demonstrate the dog is confident when faced with common distracting situations, the evaluator will select and present two distractions. Examples of distractions include dropping a chair, rolling a crate dolly past the dog, having a jogger run in front of the dog, or dropping a crutch or cane. Test 10: Supervised separation This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain training and good manners. Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, “Would you like me to watch your dog?” and then take hold of the dog’s leash. The owner will go out of sight for three minutes.

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

Adoptable Dog of the Week – Zoe

Zoe is fun and frisky – and she’s also our Adoptable Dog of the Week! She’s a young Australian Shepherd mix looking for a family in Atlanta, Georgia. Zoe is already spayed, up to date with shots, good with kids, and good with dogs. Zoe’s Tale: Zoe is a 1.5-year-old female Australian Shepherd mix. She’s the life of the party and loves everyone, including kids, dogs, and cats. She’s such a fun loving and sweet girl. Zoe LOVES to play with other dogs and gets along great with any dog she meets, whether they’re submissive or dominant. Zoe’s ideal home has a tall fenced yard and another playful dog her size or larger. She loves to play and can play a little rough for small dogs. She’s spayed and current on shots. Because she’s so active, her new home will need a physical fence. To learn more or to adopt Zoe, please visit A Wecome Home Animal Rescue.

Cat Takes Her Dog For A Walk

Well, I guess we know who the boss in this household is! We love how the cat takes charge. Sure, the dog may seem a little hesitant at first, but he goes along with what the cat wants after a few tugs. This is the perfect set up for dog owners who just don’t feel like walking the dog… get the cat to do it! Watch the video below to see the cat taking the dog through its paces.

5 Tips to Keep Your Dog From Digging in the Yard

Digging up your yard might be one of those dog habits you don’t dig! But is there any way you can cover up this natural dog behavior? One of the most common behavior problems dog owners face is digging. A small hole in the yard may not be a big problem, but what do you do when your dog destroys your flower beds and leaves dozens of craters all over the yard? Let’s go over the basics about why dogs dig and how to curb this behavior. Why Does Your Dog Dig? Each dog is an individual but most dogs share a few common traits or behaviors – one of them is digging. Some dogs only dig in certain areas where it won’t do any harm, but others will completely destroy your yard, covering it with holes and destroying your flower beds. Before you can attempt to stop your dog from digging up the lawn, you first need to understand why he does it. Many dogs dig simply for entertainment – you may already be familiar with the saying that a bored dog is a destructive dog. Digging is a perfect example! Sometimes dogs will dig for comfort or protection as well; they may dig a hole in the ground then curl up inside it for comfort or to escape the heat. In some cases, dogs dig for attention or they may be chasing after some kind of prey. Related: Why Do Dogs Hump? Tips to Stop Your Dog from Digging Digging is a completely natural behavior for dog. Even so, it can become a problem if your dog exhibits it at the wrong time or in a way that you don’t like. The important thing to remember is that you should not attempt to completely eradicate natural behaviors like digging or chewing – your best course of action should be to redirect these kinds of unwanted behaviors toward a more appropriate outlet. Here are 5 tips to help you put an end to yard digging: Supervise your dog outdoors. In many cases, dogs dig out of boredom or as a means of seeking attention so you may be able to curb this behavior simply by keeping an eye on your dog while he is outdoors. Let him outside to do his business but don’t let him dally.Make sure your dog is properly exercised. For many dogs, digging is a means of working up pent-up energy. One of the best ways to discourage destructive behavior as a whole is to make sure your dog’s needs for exercise are met on a daily basis.Provide shade for your dog. Some dogs dig holes in the yard as a means of escaping the heat during the summer – the dirt is cool so they dig a hole and curl up in it. To prevent your dog from digging for this reason, just make sure your dog has a comfortable, shaded place to rest outside.Create a safe digging space. For many dogs, digging is not just something they like to do – it is something they have an instinct for. If your dog comes from a breed that was developed to flush small game, it may be an ingrained behavior. Try setting aside a small area of your yard where digging is allowed and encourage your dog to use it.Redirect digging behavior. When you find your dog digging somewhere in the yard where you don’t want him to be, clap your hands or make a loud noise to startle him so he stops. Once you have your dog’s attention, lead him to the safe digging space and encourage him to dig there. Once he does, praise and reward him – it shouldn’t be long before he learns where he is and is not allowed to dig.

Top 10 Lola B. Boston Looks for Halloween

What will the most fashion forward dogs be wearing this Halloween? We asked Lola B. Boston about her boo-tiful costumes, and she gave us her Top 10 looks for a spook-tacular outfit. While some folks reserve costumes for October 31, the Lola B. Boston Halloween Parade lasts 31 days! Somewhere along the way, the question “what is your dog going to be for Halloween?” became “what hasn’t she been for Halloween?” Once you get inspired, the possibilities are endless. Pet stores, big-box stores, craft stores, and even drug stores have a range of pet costumes on display. Are you shopping on a budget? No worries – you can hit the jackpot at your local kids’ consignment store and dollar store. Do you need a little inspiration for your dog’s Halloween costume? Here are our top 10 “looks” Lola B. Boston will be showing off this month! Traditional Frights

Science Finally Discovers ‘Who Let the Dogs Out (To Walk)’

Science just answered the age-old question (and catchy song) of who let the dogs out. A study shows that pet owners who feel more motivated to walk their dogs fall under the ‘Lassie Effect.’ The study, a collaborative effort between the University of Liverpool and The University of Western Australia, took an in-depth look at what factors motivated people to let their dogs out… for a human-escorted walk… and what emotions were and feelings were connected with those who walked their dogs more (or less). Dr. Carri Westgarth of the Institute of Infection and Global Health led the study, and found that owners who claimed they felt more encouraged to walk their dogs fell under what the team called the Lassie Effect. The data was collected from over 600 dog owners who participated in 10-year study of Perth residents called RESIDE (a study conducted to examine the impact of urban design on public health). Related: How To Walk Your Dog Safely In the Big City The survey focused on ‘Dog Encouragement To Walk’ (how often an owner’s dog encouraged him or her to walk in a month’s time) and ‘Dog Motivation To Walk’ (where simply having a dog encouraged a pet owner to walk more) and examined positive and negative associations with each. Dr. Westgarth found that increased dog walking behavior was found when both dog and owner factors were associated with the pet owner’s feelings of encouragement and motivation to walk their dog, and more specifically, even, that owners felt more motivated to walk their dogs (especially larger ones) if they believed that walking kept their dogs healthy and happy. Related: Seniors Who Walk Their Dogs Enjoy Better Health They also found that when pet owners felt more strongly attached to their dogs, and even felt familial toward them (who doesn’t?), more walking occurred, with pet owners feeling that their dogs were happier with more walks–which encouraged them to take more. Conversely, Dr. Westgarth found that pet owners were not as motivated to consistently walk their dog if they thought their dog was too old or sick, or if another family member already had the responsibility to typically walk the dog. This week, the study results were published in the BMC Public Health and will lead the way for more research into walking pet behaviors–and how that can help both humans and their furbabies have the best quality of life.

Fashionable Fall Picks for Fabulous Pooches

When the temperatures start to drop, make sure you have the means to keep your four-legged friend both warm and fashion-friendly with these fall picks. 1. Loud and Proud

Popware For Pets Has The Scoop On Portion Control When It Comes To Fee

Always dish out the right amount of dog food with the KlipScoop We’re hearing more about the dog obesity problem and it’s getting concerning. Need proof? According to a recent report published in Modern Dog Magazine, over 30 percent of dogs in North America are overweight or obese. This problem can be attributed to the fact that we tend to over feed our pups. Popware for Pets has come up with a way to control potions when feeding dogs… and it’s pretty simple and convenient (in a forehead-slapping, why-didn’t-we-think-of-it kind of way).

Best Costumes Your Dog Wishes You Never Found

What better way to celebrate All Hallows’ Eve by dressing up your dog in a ridiculous outfit? Put any of these costumes on your dog and prepare for the evil eye. 1.UPS Driver

Doggie Dining Takes A Trip Into Drive-Thru

They say it’s a “Dog eat dog ” world… and one entrepreneurial Dog Mama took that to heart. She turned the tables and opened Bane and Vader’s, a trendy and healthy Doggy Drive-thru restaurant! The ‘clean-eating’ trend keeps trending. More and more People want to eat fresh foods, clean foods. So, why wouldn’t we want that for our dogs too? Turns out, we do, and Easton, PA dog mama Amanda Brown has decided to make that a little easier for us. She’s opened Bane and Vader’s (affectionately named for her two adorable English Bulldogs), a restaurant for dogs that allows pet parents to drive-thru and buy healthy meals for their on-the-go dogs. Related: Forget Doggy Bags! Restaurants That Serve Dog Friendly Menu Items Brown partnered with Freshpet, a fresh dog food company committed to natural and fresh options for pets, to serve what she calls, “Yappy Meals,” which come in all varieties of diets to meet the needs of all doggies. Offering gran, grain-free and raw foods, customers are able to choose meals that are based on ingredients like chicken, turkey, beef, bison and salmon. Then, dogs are given the option of choosing additional pooch-friendly foods like apples or green beans to delight their canine tastebuds. They can even choose extra yummy toppings like healthy cottage cheese or protein packed peanut butter!

Famous Fat Cat Who Inspired Meme Honored With Statue

Made famous by a meme, Istanbul’s iconic fat cat, Tombili, was forever memorialized in a statue, on the very sidewalk where she liked to chill out. You’ve probably seen her on social media somehow…a meme or giphy of the most chill, laid-back fat cat you’ve maybe ever seen. A feline celebrity icon of not only her Ziverby, Istanbul neighborhood, but of the world, Tombili (the Turkish word often used for [s]chubby[/s] more plump pets) passed in August, but will forever live on in a sculpture designed to capture her most famous pose. Related: Five Instagram Accounts Cat Lovers Should Follow

Best Horses for Trail Riding

For avid horse riders, it is not all about competing and shuffling through different equestrian competitions. Sure, you can excel at barrel riding, obstacle courses, racing, and even dressage – but there is also a less competitive, calmer side of horse riding to explore. When you want to feel one with nature and deepen the bond between you and your horse, trail riding is the thing to do. Just brave the wilds, explore the trails, and see what your mount is truly capable of. Trail riding is a popular equine activity, and can last from just a few hours up to several days and weeks. Of course, trail riding can have a competitive side as well – if that’s your cup of tea. Either way, you will need a special mount in order to succeed: a horse that is sure-footed, hardy, and able to tackle any type of terrain. This list of the 10 best horses for trail riding will certainly help you in your selection – read on to find a perfect match!

A Guide to Dog Menstruation

If you have an intact female dog, you’re going to have to deal with menstruation. Here’s what you need to know to ensure that time of the month goes smoothly. Every woman is familiar with “that time of the month,” but did you know that female dogs go through the cycle of menstruation as well? In dogs, it’s called the estrus cycle but it’s typically referred to as “heat.” Keep reading to learn more about this cycle and how to deal with it. When Do Female Dogs Start Menstruating? A female dog will have her first heat cycle when she becomes sexually mature – when she reaches puberty. There is no one-size-fits all guide to when a dog will reach puberty because it depends on a variety of factors, primarily breed and size. Generally speaking, female dogs can have their first heat around the time they reach 6 months of age (which is why most veterinarians recommend spaying female puppies before that age). Smaller breeds often go into heat for the first time before they reach six months and larger breeds may not have their first cycle until they are 12 to 18 months old. Regardless what age it happens, a dog’s first heat cycle means they are capable of becoming pregnant. Related: Understanding The Dog Heat Cycle How Often Do Dogs Go Into Heat? Once a female dog has her first heat cycle, she’ll go into heat roughly twice a year, about every six months. It takes time for a dog’s cycle to become regular, however, and breed size influences how often the cycle happens. Small breeds, for example, may cycle three times a year while large and giant breeds may only have one cycle every 12 to 18 months. To determine how often you can expect your dog to go into heat, do a little research on the breed or ask your veterinarian. What Are the Signs of Heat in Dogs? It’s a good idea to pay attention to the signs of heat so you can protect your dog against unwanted pregnancy. The earliest sign of heat is swelling of the vulva, but you probably aren’t paying a lot of attention to that part of your dog. The first thing you’re likely to notice is a bloody discharge. Some dogs bleed more heavily than others, so you may need to put a diaper on your dog or be prepared to do a lot of cleaning. Related: What is an Ovary-Sparing Spay? Once the cycle begins, the discharge will become increasingly waterier and the dog may start to display marking behavior. During this time, the dog will also be putting off pheromones – pheromones which a male dog can detect from a great distance. When the discharge becomes watery, this is when the dog is most fertile and when she will be receptive to breeding. If the dog is bred during this window, she is most likely to become pregnant. The Basics of Pregnancy in Dogs Once a dog becomes pregnant, she enters the gestation period – the period during which the puppies develop in her womb. This stage lasts 9 weeks, or about 63 days. It won’t be for three weeks after conception, however, that you’ll be able to detect the pregnancy. After about 28 days, a veterinarian will be able to palpate the dog’s abdomen to feel the puppies and it is safe to perform an ultrasound after about 25 days. At 6 weeks, the puppies’ bones will have calcified enough to show up on x-ray. The cycle of life is a beautiful and amazing thing, but there are risks associated with pregnancy in dogs – especially for breeds with large heads like Bulldogs. Failing to spay a female dog also increases her risk of uterine infections and certain types of cancer. Think very carefully before you choose to breed your dog and if you’re sure you aren’t going to breed her, it’s best to have her spayed by one year of age.

Northern Red-Bellied Turtle

Northern Red-Bellied Turtle General Info The Northern Red-Bellied Turtle is also referred to as the Northern Red-Bellied Cooter. There are three distinct breeds of red-bellied turtles, and they are isolated from one another geographically. However, they all have broad red stripes on their carapace, along with a varied red and black pattern on their plastron. Northern Red-Bellied Turtles are also referred to as Northern Red-Bellied Cooters. Native Habitat These turtles are usually found in freshwater bodies of water, such as ponds, creeks, streams, lakes, and rivers that also provide basking areas and a soft substrate that is used for hibernating. However, these turtles can also survive in brackish water. The Northern Red-Bellied Turtle prefers permanent ponds with a lot of vegetation. It is found in states ranging from New Jersey to North Carolina, although it has also been found in Massachusetts. Overall Description

Top 10 Totally Terrific Toques For Dogs

Get a-head (get it?) of winter fashion trends. Top your pooch with a toasty warm (and utterly adorable) Canadian-inspired toque.

1. Tolog Rainbow Set

2. Mihachi Snowflake and Reindeer Toque

3. The Worthy Dog Hat

4. FLAdorepet Snood

5. Hip Doggie Snood

6. Zoo Snoods Fox Dog Toques

7. MUYAopet Toque

8. Pup Crew Fair Isle Bones Knit Toque

9. Aviation Trapper Toque

10. Festive Trapper Toque

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Top 10 Totally Terrific Toques For Dogs

Get a-head (get it?) of winter fashion trends. Top your pooch with a toasty warm (and utterly adorable) Canadian-inspired toque.

1. Tolog Rainbow Set

2. Mihachi Snowflake and Reindeer Toque

3. The Worthy Dog Hat

4. FLAdorepet Snood

5. Hip Doggie Snood

6. Zoo Snoods Fox Dog Toques

7. MUYAopet Toque

8. Pup Crew Fair Isle Bones Knit Toque

9. Aviation Trapper Toque

10. Festive Trapper Toque

Popular Pet Guide

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