6 Reasons You Need To Camp in Style With Your Pooch in an RV

7 Pet-Friendly Hotel Etiquette Tips

It’s time for a vacation! If you’re renting a hotel room, you’ll want to make sure that your pooch is a good guest with these pet-friendly etiquette tips. There’s nothing better than taking a well-deserved vacation… except for taking one with your canine companion in tow. Unfortunately, not all hotels are accepting of pets but there are an increasingly large number of hotel chains and independent hotels that open their arms to patrons with pooches. Even if a hotel is pet-friendly, however, there are certain rules you’ll be expected to follow. Here are out top seven pet-friendly hotel etiquette tips. Etiquette Tips for Pet-Friendly Hotels You should never assume that a hotel will accept your pet, even if they advertise themselves as a pet-friendly hotel. Many hotels that accept pets require an additional deposit or they set aside specific rooms for pet owners. To make sure that you and your canine companion have a pleasant and hassle-free stay, follow these seven etiquette tips: Make sure your dog is housetrained. Unless your dog is fully housetrained you shouldn’t be taking him anywhere except for a walk or to the vet. Even if you clean up after him, an accident could leave stains or unpleasant odors for the next guest. Related: Proper Canine Camping Etiquette For Well-Mannered Mutts Don’t bring any unwanted passengers. Before you take your dog to a hotel, make sure he is free from parasites like fleas and ticks – you don’t want to start an infestation or cause a problem for the next dog owner. You should also make sure he’s caught up on his shots so he doesn’t accidentally spread something to the next dog who stays in the room.Avoid leaving your dog alone. You may not be able to avoid leaving your dog alone for an hour or two at dinner time but try not to leave him alone all day. If your dog is uncomfortable in the room he may be prone to destructive behavior that could damage hotel property.Bring your own food and water bowls. Not only will bringing your dog’s own food and water bowls make him feel more at-home, but it is a lot more sanitary than using the hotel’s ice bucket. If you forget to bring your own, ask the hotel for special bowls to use. Related: 6 Reasons You Need To Camp in Style With Your Pooch in an RV Try to keep your dog from barking. While you might be immune to your dog’s incessant barking, your fellow hotel guests aren’t and it is very rude to let your dog bark all night. If you have to leave your dog alone in the room, make sure he has toys to keep him occupied so he doesn’t bark out of boredom.Be honest about your dog’s size. Some hotels have size or breed restrictions for dogs. As silly as it may seem to you, they exist for a reason so don’t lie about your dog’s size and try to sneak him past the front desk. If you’re honest with the hotel manager and can convince him that your dog won’t be a problem, he may let you keep him anyway.Clean up after your dog. This should be a no-brainer for all dog owners but some people still fail to clean up after their pets. Whether your dog is doing his business in the outdoor greenspace or he makes a mess in the room, clean up after him – it’s your responsibility. If you’re planning to take a trip with your dog, plan ahead to ensure that your pet-friendly accommodations will be ready and waiting for you. Be sure to confirm your trip a few days out as well, just to make sure that everything is in order.

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

Yorkshire Terrier

Yorkshire Terrier Basics There are many different Terriers, but only one Yorkie. This is a superstar breed, beloved by small dog lovers for generation and with good reason. It’s hard not to fall for a Yorkie. Loyal and loving, these are dogs that owners bond with for life. Once you’ve had a little Yorkie in your life, it’s hard to go back. Are they flawless animals? Obviously not. No dog is perfect. But ask anyone with a Yorkie in their life and they’ll tell you that these energetic little fluff balls come close. The adorable Yorkie has that unmistakable, cute look that can’t be resisted. They are spunky, goofy, cute and confident – with plenty of affection for their humans. And this makes them fantastic family pets and dogs for single owners alike. Originating in England as rat and small vermin hunters, the cuddly Yorkshire Terrier has become a go-to lap dog (a much better lifestyle than rat eating). They may have started out as a working class dog, but their beautiful coat later made them a favorite in dog shows. Often referred to fans of the breed as “Yorkies,” this bold and fearless dog makes a great addition to any family. However if it’s a quiet and laid back kind of dog that you’re looking for, you’re out of luck with the Yorkshire Terrier. A feisty breed, the Yorkie loves attention and tends to bark. In many ways it’s a true breed of the English working class. A Yorkie too loves a bit of action and is full of energy – but at the end of the day, it’s all about love and good nature. Either way, keep in mind that this pup will make his presence known, for better or worse. That said, don’t let those character traits scare you off. The Yorkshire Terrier makes a great pet for families with older children and if properly socialized as a puppy, these little guys will make friends with all of the other animal members of your household. Read on to learn more about this enchanting breed and see if it’s a fit for your family. While they may not be for everyone, those who love Yorkies will never go back to another dog breed. Here is what you should know about the breed before you make it a part of your family. Often referred to fans of the breed as “Yorkies,” this bold and fearless dog makes a great addition to a family. Origin The Yorkshire Terrier was first bred in the 19th century in the county of Yorkshire, England to catch rats and other vermin in clothing mills. The Yorkshire Terrier was owned predominantly by the working class. In particular, they tended to live in the homes of professional weavers. An evolution of other terrier breeds, the Yorkshire Terrier can trace its heritage from the Waterside Terrier, Manchester Terrier and Paisley Terrier. So this sweet little pup has quite the pedigree. A part of the English Kennel Club since the club was started in 1873, the Yorkshire Terrier came to the U.S. in the 19th century where it has remained a popular breed. The portable pooch was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885, and has become a popular breed in North American thanks to its big personality and luxurious coat. Perpetually popular, these dogs are favourites at pet shops and dogs shows alike. Pedigree

Chesapeake Bay Retriever

Chesapeake Bay Retriever Basics For many people, understanding dogs is simple. They find a friendly, loyal, easy-to-get-along with breed like the Golden Retriever or Labrador Retriever and they’ll never want for a good friend again. But for the dog lover who appreciates all sorts of breeds, the Retriever doesn’t only sporty, friendly dog most of us grew up learning about. There’s more to the retriever story, and one only has to travel to the United States – and the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, specifically – to find it. Of course, by now you know we’re referring to the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, perhaps one of the great under-appreciated dog breeds out there. You won’t have to look far to find a quality dog after you’ve encounter a Chesapeake Bay Retriever or two; many times, whether you live on your own or with a family, a great Chesapeake Bay Retriever will be exactly what you’ve been looking for in a dog. The uniquely American heritage and breeding is a benefit to those of us who keep our dog breeds simply and domestic. Here’s a little bit more about this great breed of dog that more people should be talking about. The Chesapeake Bay Retriever is a classic retriever when it comes to behavior and training. Origin You don’t have to be a rocket scientist or, more fittingly, a dog historian to figure out where the Chesapeake Bay Retriever hails from. It’s not a trick question: the Chesapeake Bay Retriever does indeed trace the origins of its unique breed to the Chesapeake bay on the Atlantic seaboard of the United States. What’s unique about the origins of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, however, is that you can trace their lineage to two very specific dogs. These dogs, named Sailor and Canton, were brought to Maryland at the dawn of the 19th century and bred with other dogs in order to create a breed unique in and of itself. These two dogs weren’t Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, but they were known as Newfoundland dogs, which suggest that you can indeed trace the history of the Chesapeake Bay Retrieve further back if you want. The retriever has become a favorite in the Maryland and Chesapeake Bay area, even becoming Maryland’s state dog in 1964. If the history of Sailor and Canton is ever challenged, we at least know that the breed was recognized as its own in the late 19th century, not unlike many breeds we would consider “older” than the Chesapeake Bay Retriever.

Giant Schnauzer

Giant Schnauzer Basics In the world of dog breeds, there is perhaps no dog with a more intimidating name than the “Giant Schnauzer.” But when you actually take a look at the breed, you find that the Giant Schnauzer is really a fairly compact dog for its size and, given enough exercise, can actually be a calm companion. That being said, there are a lot of unique things about this breed you’ll want to be aware of before you’re sure that this is the right breed for you. Although they’re known as “giants,” this breed is simply a larger breed, and is only really a larger version of the Standard Schnauzer. These dogs don’t have to be as intimidating as they sound, but you should certainly know what you’re doing if you want to be able to acquire a dog of this breed, train it, socialize it, and help it to grow into the confident, friendly dog that it deserves to be. If you’re a good owner, you’ll probably find that the Giant Schnauzer is perfectly capable of being a good dog in return. Like all Schnauzers, it’s no surprise that the Giant Schnauzer hails from Germany as the country of its origin. Origin Like all Schnauzers, it’s no surprise that the Giant Schnauzer hails from Germany as the country of its origin. Specifically, the Giant Schnauzer comes from the Bavarian areas of Germany, making it a true German country dog and one that has been bred and well-suited for an outdoor lifestyle. The Giant Schnauzer rose to prominence at the dawning of the 20th century, giving it a similar timeline to many of the more popular German breeds of today, including the German Shepherd. Closely related, of course, to the Standard Schnauzer, the Giant Schnauzer also comes from a lineage that includes German Pinschers. Known as the Riesenschnauzer in Germany – a simple translation of “Giant Schnauzer” or “the giant” – the origins of the Giant Schnauzer’s habits come from herding and driving cattle in Bavaria. The Giant Schnauzer also has a history of being used as a guard and police dog, as did many hearty breeds in the same area and relatively same historical timeline as that of the Giant Schnauzer. Pedigree

Story of Airport Service Dog’s Retirement Party Gives Us Wings!

A loyal canine employee at a Florida airport has been given the retirement party of a lifetime after several years of hard work and faithful service. The Orlando International Airport is a busy place, and one that often requires much extra bag-sniffing to be done by the airport’s animal squad patrol. One member, Gema, has spent the last five years as a loyal airport employee, daily serving and protecting, and has just recently retired as the diva she is. Related: Therapy Dogs Land at Dallas Fort Worth Airport

Shelter Spotlight: Dharma Rescue

What a brilliant idea! Dharma Rescue saves dogs from overcrowded shelters and trains them as therapy animals. Each year, millions of adoptable pets are euthanized because the shelter system is overcrowded. Puppies and kittens are the first to find new homes but the pets that are a little bit older, have medical problems, or that are struggling with the shelter environment often don’t show well and are left homeless. Dharma Rescue is dedicated to saving those forgotten pets from the shelter system and giving them a new life as a therapy animal. History of the Dharma Rescue The Dharma Rescue was founded by Susan Fulcher, a dog groomer with more than forty years of experience. For years, Fulcher nursed her love for dogs by doing volunteer work and fostering for a local shelter. Eventually it became more than just a hobby – it became a full-time job and a passion of hers. At the suggestion of one of her customers, Fulcher eventually decided to start her own shelter – the Dharma Rescue. Related: Pets of the Homeless This organization is dedicated to rescuing disabled dogs from high-kill and high-risk shelters and training them to be therapy dogs, effectively giving them a new lease on life. Susan Fulcher and the members of her team believe that every animal deserves the opportunity to live life to the fullest and that is exactly what they aim to provide for disabled dogs – a full life well lived. What Services Does this Shelter Provide? The Dharma Rescue is dedicated to rescuing disabled dogs and to giving them a new lease on life as ‘DAWGS – Disabled Animals Who Generously Serve’. This organization takes dogs from death row and turns them into fully trained service animals. Related: Luvable Dog Rescue Dharma Rescue is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides disabled dogs with a place to stay, medical care, and rehabilitation – they also spay and neuter all of their dogs. In addition to rescuing dogs from high-kill shelters, they also care for dogs that have been abused or are critically ill. They also care for senior dogs and cats. When Dharma Rescue takes in a dog, they not only rehabilitate him but train him to be a therapy dog – volunteer handlers from the organization take the dogs to local schools and hospitals to spread love and cheer. How Can You Offer Your Support? There are several ways you can support Dharma Rescue. The organization is always in need of donations to help them provide the food, shelter, and medical care their DAWGS need. The organization is always on the lookout for volunteer handlers for their therapy dogs, for sponsors, and for people to adopt their rehabilitated pets. If you’d like to adopt a dog from Dharma Rescue you can find a list of adoptable pets on their website as well as information about their adoption fees and the application process. You can submit donations by mail or through Paypal by clicking on the “Donate” button on the website. The next time you think about adopting a pet, don’t go straight for the puppies or the pure breeds – think about the needs of the less fortunate pets, the ones who are old, sick, or injured. These dogs deserve a second chance just as much as any other dog and the Dharma Rescue makes it their goal to give those dogs that second chance – you can join them by offering your support.

Karelian Bobtail

Karelian Bobtail Breed History The Karelian Bobtail is a rare, beautiful, and unique feline breed from the Republic of Karelia, which is located between Finland and Russia. It is also a naturally bobtailed breed that should not be confused with the Kurilian Bobtail. Because the bobbed tail gene is an inherited recessive gene, both parents of a litter of Karelian Bobtail kittens must have a bobbed tail in order for the kittens to have this same distinctive characteristic when they are born. The Karelian Bobtail is a rare, beautiful, and unique feline breed. Breed Traits

Top 10 Polite Canadian Dog Deals (Eh!)

Celebrate 150 years of Canada being the nicest, most maple-syrup-coated country there ever was by covering your dog in Canuck-inspired gear, eh. 1. Canadian Collar

Top 10 Best Dogs for Seniors

Pets make perfect companions for aging people. If you’re looking for a pooch to spend your golden years with, here are the best dogs for seniors. In addition to lowering your stress level, blood pressure and heart rate, pets are a tremendous source of companionship and dogs in particular are a great source of socialization. Did you ever walk a dog and not get into a conversation with someone? That’s super rare. From health benefits to a bigger social circle, there are plenty of merits of being a pet owner. For seniors, fur kids provide a sense of purpose, a source of exercise and they can be a great addition to an empty nest that’s beginning to feel a little lonely. Nothing can brighten your day like a wagging tail of a pooch that follows you wherever you go! A four legged friend can make you look forward to the future days once more. However, when it comes to becoming a dog owner in your senior years, there are some important factors to consider before choosing your four legged companion. In your golden years, you want a pet that will enjoy your lifestyle the same way you do, and that will fit in perfectly with your pace and routine, maybe even improve some parts of it. But, with the amounting difficulties that naturally come with old age, you would want to consider easy-going, low maintenance dog breeds that don’t require too much exertion or have needs you would have difficulty meeting. So, to make sure you and your new furry friend will be the right match, choose one of the senior-friendly dog breeds- or, find an adorable rescue mutt that fits all senior-friendly dog criteria to share your home and heart with. Either way, we’ve got you covered with the list of top 10 dog breeds for seniors and a short guide on important factors to consider when choosing a dog for someone older. (Photo credit: McIninch/Bigstock) Pembroke Welsh Corgi

Woman Covertly Smuggles Dog Into Hospital to See Sick Grandmother

A young woman swaddled her dog to look like a baby in order to cheer up her hospitalized grandmother, and the pics have gone viral! Shelby Hennick and her grandmother are close. She and her grandmother only live 20 minutes apart in Santa Maria, California, and Shelby visits both her grandparents and her grandmother’s 13-year-old dog, Patsy, often. Related: Cats on Laps Shelter Animals Bring Senior Citizens Special Love However, Shelby’s grandmother was recently paralyzed due to a poor medication reaction, and she wound up in the hospital after a fall. Shelby says her grandmother fell often, sadly, and the latest trip to the hospital had her so down, because she missed her husband and beloved Patsy. Patsy had been in her grandmother’s care since she was just a bottle-fed puppy only weeks old. They adored each other, but as in the case of most hospitals, dogs were simply not allowed. Knowing a visit from Patsy would be just what the doctor ordered (sort of), she figured she could get the pooch in via an undercover disguise. She swaddled Patsy like a baby, saying that the hospital staff had gotten to know them well enough to just wave them on by.

Get Catty With Feline Eye Masks and Paw Socks

A Japanese company introduces us to a new way of being a crazy cat person. Check out these eye masks and paw socks that are guaranteed to bring out your inner cat. Okay, okay. I know it is no secret that every now and then I get a giggle from some of the crazy dog and cat things that come on the market out of Japan. I mean, seriously… cat shaped bread? Just because? Umm, okay. But, they may be on to something with the latest thing we’ve found: Cat Eye masks and toe pads. Japanese retailer Felissimo specializes in cat products, and the may have got the cat by the tail with these newest feline goodies. Related: Cats Run Japanese IT Offices Like The Bosses They Are The cat eye masks are designed to cover your eyes at night to sleep, even allowing you to include a calming warm or cold compress to soothe the eyes. The best part? They were designed to make it seem as if you and a ginormous cat were playing peek-a-boo together. With a marketing pitch of imagining a lovely (and apparently large) cat covering your eyes and being there with you, Felissimo wants to lull you to cat zen!

Halo Hosts NYC Pop Up Shop to “Do Good” for Pets

We love to shop – especially when it’s for a wonderful cause. And that’s why we were excited to hear that Halo, Purely for Pets, a natural pet food company co-owned by Ellen DeGeneres, is hosting a “Pop Up Shop.” Being held now until June 26, Halo’s Pop Up Shop can be found at The Corner, located at the Roger Smith Hotel, 501 Lexington Ave. at 47th St in New York City. During this month long event, called “Halo City Tails – NYC,” pet lovers will be able to help pets in need. You can meet adoptable pets from local shelters and rescues, enter weekly raffles, attend pet performances and hear from experts like Dr. Marty Becker, “America’s Veterinarian.” If you’re in the area, pop in and support the Halo Pet Foundation with a charitable contribution. You’ll pick up some merchandise from the Ellen Show, and have a chance to win prizes like shelter donations, tickets to see the Ellen Show in Los Angeles, and more. Don’t worry if you don’t live in New York City. Halo is also running a social media “Check in for Charity” campaign, where you can participate in City Tails and “do good for pets” by visiting Halo retailers for a chance to win 10,000 meals of Halo from Freekibble.com for a shelter of your choice. You can check out an updated calendar of events, hours and participating New York retailers at Halo’s City Tails website. Photo credit: Long Island Pet Professionals

You Can’t Unsee This Crazy Wall-to-Wall Cat-Decor House [Video]

Some people want to buy a fixer-upper; others want a house that’s perfect right out of the box. This house in Arizona is neither of those houses… unless you are the ultimate crazy cat person! Every now and then, we’ll run across something that blows our mind. I mean, we know pet lovers can be passionate about their fur babies, and we totes get it when they dress like them or take them to prom. Related: 9 Signs You’re A Crazy Cat Lady But, there’s this house that’s for sale in Arizona that admittedly has us shaking our heads. It’s not just any house, it’s what one might call a cat house in the truest sense of the word. A two-bedroom, one bath house is going for $240,000 and let us tell you, that’s quite possibly the deal of the century if you love cats.

Quiz: Can You Guess The Working Breed?

What is the Proper Aspirin Dosage for Dogs?

Aspirin has been around for ages, and it is one of the essential medicines today. It is efficient for a variety of aches and ailments, and millions around the world use it on a daily level. In fact, you probably already have this popular headache medication in your medicine cabinet. But if it works for you, will it work the same for your pet? When your doggo is hurting, you might reach for aspirin in an emergency. However, you should first consider whether this medicine is safe to give to your dog, and if it is, what is the proper aspirin dosage for dogs?When you have a headache, you probably reach into your medicine cabinet for a bottle of aspirin. Over-the-counter pain relievers like this are inexpensive to purchase, easy to find, and they work well for general pain relief. That makes them very popular around the globe. When your dog is in pain, however, the solution may not be quite so easy as with us humans. So don’t rush into things, and refrain from barging into the medicine cabinet. Keep reading to learn more about whether aspirin is safe for dogs and, if so, what the proper dosage is.Related: Can I Give My Dog Aleve?Is It Safe to Give Your Dog Aspirin? Aspirin was discovered sometime in the mid 1800s, and was an instant hit in the medicinal world. It belongs to a class of medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs. These medications are available over-the-counter in various forms such as controlled release tablets and immediate release tablets. Dosages vary as well, and there are various formulations to treat specific forms of pain. One of the primary uses for aspirin, however, is to treat pain and inflammation related to various forms of arthritis. Surely you’ve used it on occasion, when having a stubborn headache or a toothache. So, when your pupper is aching, it would seem logical to reach for aspirin as a quick solution. But is it so?You’d feel good to know that veterinarians sometimes prescribe aspirin to dogs suffering from musculoskeletal inflammation or osteoarthritis. Aspirin works by inhibiting an enzyme called cyclooxygenase which produces inflammatory prostaglandins. Unfortunately, in addition to inhibiting this enzyme, aspirin also acts as an anti-coagulant which prevents the blood from clotting. Though NSAIDs like aspirin have fewer side effects than steroidal medications, there are definitely some risks included. If you do give your dog aspirin, do so only with your veterinarian’s guidance and follow his dosing instructions carefully. Needless to say, you should never take such matters into your own hands and pretend to be a veterinarian. Before any medication is administered to a dog, there are numerous things that need to be taken into account – by professionals. The breed, the size, the medical issue, the proper dosage, and so on. So, the first thing you should always do is seek the help of a veterinarian. They’ll tell you what needs to be done.  Related: Meloxicam for Dogs: Is It Safe?What’s the Proper Dosage of aspirin for Dogs? While aspirin is not approved by the FDA for use in dogs, some veterinarians do prescribe it. The recommended dosage is somewhere between 10mg and 40mg per kilogram, depending on your dog’s condition. You should also know that there are different kinds of aspirin out there and not all of them are safe for dogs. Enteric-coated tablets, for example, are designed to protect the lining of the intestines from irritation, but this coating can prevent your dog’s body from breaking down and absorbing the tablet. As you can see, there are plenty of risks involved, and those risks are known by veterinarians. Don’t try to do this on your own. Before giving your dog aspirin, make sure you tell your veterinarian about any other medications he may be taking. Aspirin can interact poorly with digoxin, certain antibiotics, anti-coagulants, corticosteroids, and various other drugs so it pays to be cautious. Even if you don’t think it is significant, tell your veterinarian everything so he has enough information to determine the level of risk that comes with giving your dog aspirin. Only after all of these facts have been established, can the treatment proceed. What Are the Potential Side Effects? While it may technically be safe to give your dog aspirin, there are safer options – drugs that have been approved by the FDA for treating pain in dogs. And these are usually the first choices of all vets. Still, if you do give your dog aspirin, be on the lookout for side effects because they can happen even if you administer the proper dosage. Potential side effects of taking aspirin may include the following:VomitingDiarrheaUlcersBlack, tarry stoolLoss of appetiteHemorrhageSeizuresComaDeathEven if you use the right dosage, you should still monitor your dog closely after giving him aspirin to make sure he doesn’t have a negative reaction. After all, no two dogs are exactly the same, and some minor (or major) side effects might appear even with all the proper steps taken care of. If you notice any of the symptoms above, or if your dog just starts acting differently, take him to the vet immediately for treatment.What Does Aspirin Poisoning In Dogs Look Like?Unfortunately, dogs can suffer from aspirin poisoning. It may happen if dogs get into aspirin or other salicylate-containing products in your house and take in too large a dose. It may be you giving too large a dose. It could come from a single incident or repeated dosing for something like osteoarthritis. Either way you take it, the options and scenarios are numerous, and once the deed happens, you should know the symptoms to look for and how to prevent the worst from happening. As we’ve said, if your dog has other medical conditions like clotting disorders, liver or kidney disease, that may put them at greater risk of aspirin poisoning. Particularly if your dog is already taking steroids or other NSAIDS.Because aspirin and other NSAIDs block some of the chemical processes in your dog’s body that can cause inflammation, they can also block important processes that are key to your dog’s kidney, liver and clotting functions too. This is how poisoning occurs.Initially, you may not see any signs or symptoms of aspirin poisoning. The biggest issue you’re likely to see is gastro problems and ulceration (which will cause bleeding). Your dog may have abdominal pain, vomit, have diarrhea or really dark stools. They may not have an appetite and their gums may turn pale. They may be depressed or lethargic and even have what looks like seizures or coma. If your dog has accidentally taken any aspirin/salcylates, you have to contact your vet and/or the Pet Poison Helpline asap. The number is 1-800-213-6680. Even if you are using the proper dosage of aspirin for dogs, you still want to watch–everybody metabolizes differently.Natural Ways to Help Ease Discomfort in Your DogWhen our dogs are showing signs of pain or discomfort, we naturally want to find a solution to make them feel better. In some situations, this may be accomplished through the use of pain medications as prescribed or recommended by your veterinarian. However, there are other ways that you can help to make your dog as comfortable as possible. These methods are a great choice if you are waiting for the pain killers to take effect or for situations where pain killers may not be recommended.A common solution used for our own aching joints, hot and cold therapy can help to provide temporary relief of aches and pains. Try applying an ice pack or a heating pad to the area of your dog’s body that is causing discomfort. Be careful not to apply extreme heat or cold directly to their skin as this can cause additional problems. Instead, you can wrap the ice pack or heating pad in a towel to provide a layer of protection. If an ice pack is not an option, you can reach into the freezer for anything handy – a bag of frozen vegetables is a good example. If your dog’s aches and pains are caused by a condition like arthritis, you may be able to manage their ongoing pain levels using a joint supplement. Containing beneficial ingredients like glucosamine, repairing the cartilage in your dog’s joints to strengthen them and prevent pain. This isn’t a miracle solution that will eliminate any problems that they are facing, but it can help significantly.There are some food and ingredients that have been credited with having anti-inflammatory properties. Including these items in your dog’s regular diet can help to regulate and manage any ongoing pain. Some popular examples are turmeric and fish oil.Advise with your vet about such foods. Alternative therapies aren’t just for humans! Consider reaching out to a holistic veterinarian or alternative practitioner of acupuncture or massage therapy to discuss the treatment options for your dog. Not only will these treatments help to relieve pain by encouraging blood flow and circulation, but they can also help to reduce your dog’s stress levels.Provide your dog with a comfortable orthopedic dog bed to relax and sleep on. Not only will this help immediately by allowing them to rest comfortably, but the bed can also help on a more long-term front. Orthopedic beds are designed to avoid pressure points. If your dog often sleeps on the hard floor or ground, switching to an orthopedic bed can help to prevent triggering this pain moving forward.Limit activities like jumping up on furniture and climbing stairs that can trigger additional pain. If necessary, use special measures to prevent them from jumping up. Sometimes, dogs retain their enthusiasm even when their body can’t follow. You can also use safety gates to block off stairways and, where possible, provide a ramp for easier low-impact access.While none of the options here is a substitute for proper veterinary care, they can be used in conjunction with your dog’s medical care to provide comfort and relief. However, if you do notice that your dog is showing signs of pain, it is recommended that you start by contacting your veterinarian to ensure that there isn’t an underlying cause that needs to be addressed.In the end, it goes a long way to repeat once more that no pet owner should take such things into their own hands – no matter their experience and confidence, a veterinarian is a medical professional and only they can prescribe proper treatment. This is not only related to dogs but all other pets as well. If you notice any aches or symptoms, get in touch with a veterinarian as soon as possible. Giving pets medicines of your own choosing can only cause more trouble than good. Of course, taking good care of your pet is imperative in every way – establish a good routine of health care, and ailments should be less likely to happen in the first place.

Bocker

Bocker Basics Both the Beagle and Cocker Spaniel are well-mannered, sweet dogs who would love to spend endless hours cuddling and playing with you. So you can imagine what a mix of these two dogs would be like – it’s a good thing there’s the Bocker! A designer dog with two purebred parents, this loving hybrid might not be one of the best known mixes out there, but he is rapidly gaining popularity. And for all the right reasons, too! The Bocker dog is sweet, easy going and relaxed. They make a perfect companion, family pet, and a cute little watchdog- all bundled up in one furry package. Of course, when it comes to designer breeds, every dog is different – your Bocker dog may look more like a Cocker Spaniel but their personality is like that of a Beagle’s, or vice versa. This is just a part of their unique charm- each Bocker is truly one of a kind! However, no matter how cute and sweet the Bocker is, these dogs are not a perfect fit for every dog owner. Like all breeds, this hybrid also has unique needs and quirks and will require a family that can provide him with the best life possible. To make sure that the Bocker really is the right dog for you, read on! Despite being sweet and easy going, training a Bocker may be a challenge as they like to do things their own way. Origin

French Boodle

French Boodle BasicsOh la la! This lovely little pooch who traces back their parentage all the way back to the land of croissants and art is ready to conquer your heart. The fun-loving little French Boodle is a great fit for families with kids and other pets. He brings the intelligent, playful personality of the Poodle together with the affectionate, friendly characteristics of the French Bulldog for an entertaining yet willful dog that loves to be the center of his family’s attention. He will thrive with people that will shower him with love and can spend a lot of time with him – that’s why big families, seniors in their retirement, or singles that work from home all make a great match for this breed. These dogs are not overly active, so they can fit most lifestyle – they’ don’t need strenuous daily exectice to stay happy and healthy, but rather regular short walks around the block and some quality playtime. The fun-loving French Boodle brings the playful Poodle together with the friendly French Bulldog.OriginAs the French Boodle is classed as a designer dog, he doesn’t have a well-documented history. There’s a murky line between when people started intentionally producing first Poodle and French Bulldog mixes and crossbreeds of this parentage that were results of, well, “accidents”. Either way, it’s safe to ssume that the French Boodle shares its origin with most other designer dog breeds – dating it back to 1990s and 2000s when most of these unique “hybrid” dogs came to be. This is the period when breeders started intensively mixing and matching purebred DNA to produce a dog that was ideally free of the health issues that often plagued the parent breeds. In addition to a healthier animal, breeders also began to develop dogs that met the demand for smaller, hypoallergenic and gentler forms of popular breeds.Pedigree