Dog Beds

Dogs need a comfortable place to rest because they can spend up to 16 hours a day sleeping! When you look for a dog bed, there are several things to consider:

• First, you should buy a bed that fits the size and sleeping habits of your dog.
• If your dog likes to curl up in a ball and "nest" inside the bed, then a round bed with sides is probably the best choice.
• Other dogs like to stretch out when they sleep, so in this case a pad or large bed would be ideal.
• Think about the covering of the bed. It should be soft and washable.
• If your dog is older he may need an orthopedic or heated bed. 
• If you use a crate as a sleeping area, make sure it has a comfortable pad inside for your dog to sleep on.

Dog Grooming

If you own a dog that needs a lot of grooming, look for grooming packages that include all the supplies you'll need for your specific breed. Many catalogs and Web sites carry these packages to make it easier for owners to care for their dogs’ coats. These packages are available for just about any breed, long- or short-haired.

Surprisingly, it's not just the long-haired dogs that need specific grooming supplies. Breeds with extremely dense, thick coats like Akitas require more grooming than other long-haired breeds because their coats tend to shed and mat. Investigate dog grooming supplies to keep your dog's coat in tip-top shape!

Dog Care—Chewing

It's hard to get mad at your dog for chewing because it's normal dog behavior. However, you can control your dog's urge to chew with training, providing the right dog chewing toys and discouraging chewing on other items.

• Choose a variety of chew toys and see which one your dog likes best. Then, reward your dog with treats when he chews on the toy.
• To discourage chewing on other items, you may have to confine the dog during the day while you are away from home. You can also use a variety of preventive spray products on the market that taste bad and discourage chewing.
• Encourage your dog to chew on appropriate items, but don't punish him excessively, as anxiety and harsh punishment methods can actually cause him to chew more.

Dog Care Services

If you have to leave your dogs home alone, there are some great alternatives available that will keep them happy and healthy while you're working or traveling. Many dog care services will send sitters to your house to walk, feed and administer medications to your dog. Most of these dog care services are licensed and bonded, and have a vet on call in case of emergencies.

In addition, many cities and towns now have doggie day care centers, where your dog can spend the day while you work. Your dog can play and interact with other dogs and get the vital exercise he or she needs. Dog care services are becoming more varied and available every day as more people bring the joy of dog ownership into their lives.

Dog Dental Health

Dental care is essential to your dog's overall health and well-being. While your dog's teeth will be routinely examined during bi-annual checkups, veterinarians recommend that annual dental cleanings begin at age five.

You can also provide at-home dental care to ensure your dog has healthy teeth year-round. Use a brush, sponge or pad made especially for dogs to brush the teeth. Choose a brush that fits the size of your dog's mouth and is easy for you to use. Only use dog toothpaste because human toothpaste can upset your dog's digestive system.
How can you train your dog to look forward to having his teeth cleaned? Always have a tartar control treat ready for your pet as a reward. 

Dogs and Benadryl

Has your dog ever been stung by a bee? Does your dog have allergy problems resulting in itchy skin? Vets often recommend Benadryl or baby Benadryl to relieve these symptoms, but there are some important things you should know before taking the responsibility to dispense medications to your dog. In the same way all dog supplies are not created equal, over-the-counter (OTC) medications also have many variants. Do not give your dog generic Benadryl substitutes unless you know the ingredients list.

Some generic medications contain other things that can be poisonous to your dog, such as Tylenol or Ibuproferen (found in Advil and Motrin). Always consult with a vet before using OTC medications. Vets know taking care of dogs includes calculating the proper dose for any medication according to your pet's size, and without proper dose calculations you could unintentionally overdose a dog with OTC meds. Learn what's right for your specific animal and you can care for an ailing dog with confidence.   

Pain Management for Dogs Using Aspirin

Adult dogs with joint problems such as arthritis can get relief from a small dose of aspirin, but it is very important to know the limits of aspirin, proper doses according to body weight, and other factors. Dogs can't handle prolonged use of aspirin; a condition called ASA Toxicosis occurs when dogs get too much at once or smaller doses over an extended period. Symptoms include sluggish behavior, vomiting blood, weakness, and an unsteady gait.

Treatment options for overdoses are limited, especially if liver damage has occurred, but if you catch the problem early enough the dog may be able to recover. Never administer aspirin to a puppy or a pregnant dog, and always check with your vet for advice before trying to medicate with aspirin. It's very important to know that when aspirin is allowed, you cannot substitute with other pain relievers such as Motrin or Tylenol. These alternative pain medications are toxic to dogs. Ask your vet about the latest dog care information to learn of new developments in dog pain management. You may pay more for a dog-specific pain medication, but you may find a more appropriate long-term solution.   

Senior Dog Care

As your dog ages, his nutritional needs change. You may have to switch to a senior dog food formula so your dog doesn't gain weight, and you may notice a change in your dog's activity level. Watch for other signs of aging: a change in eating and drinking habits, limping, bumps, sores on the skin and under the skin, decreased activity and mobility and hair loss.

If you notice any of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet immediately. These could be signs of other serious diseases that can afflict a senior dog, such as arthritis, kidney disease, diabetes, and even loss of mental function. Many of these symptoms are simply a normal part of the aging process, while others can indicate a more serious condition.

Dangerous Dog Toys

Your dog loves to play, and play is a great form of exercise. Just be careful what kind of toys you choose for him because not all of them are safe. For example, bones and sticks might seem like the perfect fetch toy, but they can splinter and break, leaving sharp edges that can injure your dog or be ingested and cause internal damage.

Other examples of what to avoid include:

• Soft dog toys like socks and latex toys. When they shred your dog might eat them, causing an internal obstruction.
• Rawhides aren’t a good choice either, even though they are sold across the nation as toys and chews. They can block the intestines if they are swallowed whole, and some are coated with arsenic, a toxin to dogs, as a preservative.
• Balls, like tennis balls and other play balls, can be swallowed by larger dogs and cause choking. If the ball has a squeaker inside, and the ball tears or rips, a dog might swallow the squeaker. This can cause choking or internal problems. 

Durable Dog Toys

If your dog is extra tough on toys, look for dog toys that are guaranteed not to break. There is a plethora of such toys on the market, and many of them bend, float on water and are guaranteed not to harm your dog. Durable dog toys last longer so your dog will get more use out of them.

Keep in mind that most cheap dog toys aren't resilient, so you'll end up buying more of them in the long run. Invest in durable dog toys, which might be more expensive up front but will last far longer.   

Organic Pet Toys and Supplies

Organic pet toys and supplies are a growing trend in the pet market. Several manufacturers have created organic and recycled products from bedding to organic food and treats. These sustainable goods help save vital resources on the planet, but they have another benefit. Because they are created out of organic materials, they are often safer than your average toy for your pet to enjoy.

Several of these pet toys and supplies are created from recycled materials like plastic or rubber, while others are made out of sustainable resources such as hemp. They are still tough enough to stand up to rough play but they won't harm your pet or the environment. 

Pet Toys for Multiple Dogs

Dog toys and cat toys may have similar designs in some cases, but since dogs are pack animals their toy needs are more complex. There are many schools of thought on sharing toys in a multiple dog household, but your best bet is trial and error unless you've already seen some evidence of territorial behavior associated with dog pet toys. If you are introducing a new dog into the pack, or starting a two-dog home for the first time, try keeping the new dog's toys separate until the dominant dog has asserted itself and the situation is stable.

When you feel the time is right to try sharing, try introducing some new, cheap dog toys and see what happens. You may see some dog toy sharing even before you have a chance to buy new dog toys, but chances are this won't happen until the pecking order is sorted out. Never try to force dogs to share when they don't want to, sometimes the best policy is simply to buy two of everything.   

Rubber Chew Toys

Be sure to avoid soft rubber chew toys with rubber nubs or bumps on the surface. These small pieces of rubber are very easily broken off of the toy and swallowed. A better choice in dog chew toys are natural toys made of safe, organic materials, or hard plastic toys that won't break or shred. However, be aware that even a hard chew toy can break under constant chewing.

NOTE: If your dog chews off a piece of a hard chew toy or starts vomiting after playing with one, take him to the vet immediately. 

Stuffed Pet Toys

Never give your pets a stuffed toy that wasn't created especially for animals. The toy could be adorned with plastic eyes, decorations and other accouterments that your pet might swallow.

Many stuffed toys are filled with materials that could be toxic to your dog if the toy breaks open and he eats the stuffing. Keep in mind that toys made for children won't stand up to the type of rough play your dog can put a toy through, so even if they are non-toxic, sooner or later you'll end up with a mess of filler all over your house or yard. Stuffed pet toys are created especially for animals; they are more durable and animal-appropriate.

Make sure the stuffing in the pet toys you buy is non-toxic and that the seams and details are strong and secured. If you have any doubts about stuffed pet toys, ask your vet or look for another toy that may be more suitable for your particular pet.