We are loving this infographic from the helpful Vet’s over at Chastain Veterinary Medical Group which details common symptoms, signs and treatment for Canine Allergies.
Stay healthy and share the care!
How To
Bark Heard Round The World
Where in the world are all the dogs?
We have the answer! Maybe this has been the question keeping you up at night… or maybe not. Well we did the research on dog demographics and found out where all the dogs are.
Whether traveling with your pup or trying to decide where to move, it is great to know the cultures and places that are best for your pooch. Using statistics brought to us by statisticbrain.com, we see the most popular countries dogs:
| Most Popular Countries of Residence for Dogs | Number of Registered Dogs |
| United States | 403,760 |
| Canada | 23,068 |
| Philippines | 13,232 |
| United Kingdom | 7,835 |
| Australia | 5,301 |
| Singapore | 2,688 |
| Malaysia | 1,726 |
| Indonesia | 1,537 |
| Brazil | 1,085 |
| New Zealand | 868 |
| India | 747 |
| Mexico | 702 |
| Germany | 683 |
| Netherlands | 594 |
| South Africa | 583 |
http://www.statisticbrain.com/dog-statistics/
The US seems to have the most pups by a landslide! Lets see which states within the US are in the dog state of mind? Can you find your state?
| Most Popular States of Residence for Dogs | Number of Registered Dogs |
| California | 52,051 |
| Texas | 31,011 |
| Florida | 23,116 |
| New York | 21,717 |
| Pennsylvania | 15,191 |
| Ohio | 13,841 |
| Illinois | 12,918 |
| Washington | 11,383 |
| Michigan | 11,180 |
| Georgia | 10,929 |
| New Jersey | 10,638 |
| North Carolina | 10,604 |
| Virginia | 9,608 |
| Massachusetts | 8,281 |
| Ontario | 7,965 |
Within these states, we have found the top ten friendliest cities for dogs. Does your city welcome dogs with open paws? Find out which do:
1. Austin, Texas
2. Bar Harbor, Maine
Crusoe The Celebrity Dachshund/Flickr
3. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
El Condor/Flickr
4. Carmel, California
Vicki and Chuck Rogers/Flickr
5. Chattanooga, Tennessee
Michael Hicks/Flickr
6. Chicago, Illinois
Chris Bentley/Flickr
7. Colorado Springs, Colorado
Andrew Doak/Flickr
8. Key West, Florida
9. Portland, Oregon
Lulu Hoeller/Flickr
10. Sonoma Valley and Napa, California
Do you think your city is dog friendly?
What do you think can be added to your city to make it more dog friendly?
August 15th is Check the Chip Day
Friday August 15 has been declared as “Check the Chip Day,” by the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA) and the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).
What is the day?
Check the Chip Day serves as a good reminder to make sure your dog’s microchip contact information is correct.
What are the benefits?
Microchips greatly increase the chances that you’ll get your pet back if he/she is lost or stolen…but a microchip only works if its registration information is accurate.
What steps do I take?
Step 1: Make an appointment with your veterinarian for microchipping if your pet isn’t already microchipped (then make sure that your pet’s chip is immediately registered)
Step 2: Check your already-microchipped pet’s registration information in the microchip manufacturer’s database, and make sure it’s up-to-date.
*To check your pet’s registration information go to AAHA’s Universal Pet Microchip Lookup Tool
How do I spread the word?
Celebrate and join Check the Chip Day event on Facebook
Share the Flyer
Where can I hear more?
American Animal Hospital Association‘s President Dr. Kate Crumley talks about the importance of microchipping. Listen HERE from Steve Dale’s Pet World about the importance of proper pet identification, most importantly microchipping.
Grab your kleenex for this emotional video of a reunion between a dog and dad thanks to the chip:
Gimme more!
- Check the Chip Day (podcast)
- Microchip IDs help return lost pets (video)
- Give your pet a chip! (podcast)
- Lost and found (podcast)
- Microchipping of Animals
- Frequently Asked Questions about Microchipping
- AVMA Policy: Microchipping of Companion Animals
How to Make Your Dog Happy
I don’t know about you guys but I spend far too much time staring into my dogs eyes trying to understand if she is happy.
I know a few things for fact:
- She loves snuggles
- She loves treats
- She loves elephant the toy she’s had since the day I got her 13 years ago (Who I have managed to not lose, which I consider a feat, even though he may have been damaged slightly by a curling iron once and years of her playing with it..)
Souffie happily asleep after getting hours of cuddles
The there’s all those human things I think I project on her- her need for having more dog friends her desire to sniff a new scent. So even though she is not exactly what you would call friendly towards other dogs, I still feel she needs to socialize and keep trying to help her make friends. This is a losing battle. I’ll also try and spice up our walks and take a different path so she’s not bored by the usual smells and sights on our walks.
But all this wasn’t enough for me. Because doing this once in a while wasn’t going to make her happy in the long run.
So I’ve devised a method to measuring Souffie’s happiness. While not a direct formula (snuggles x treats x 20 minute walk) this at least makes me feel like I am taking care of all her needs. And I’m sharing it with you, because I’m sure I’m not alone in this!
After a bit of research, I found Tamar Geller’s Loved Dog. And I love it. In the book she talks about the 7 needs a dog has. Building on that I’ve broken it down into 3 main elements that I call the Doggie Happiness Index, DHI, which address a dog’s needs: physical, mental and social.
Physical- pretty straight forward… but happiness starts with health right? Here I look at all health, exercise and nutrition. Making sure she is moving enough, not eating too much and not getting over spoiled with treats
Souffie on her way to attend a wedding
Mental– dogs crave routine and security for peace of of mind. So I try to make sure Souffie has a built and established routine (which is not always easy). Also I make sure she is mentally stimulated. She spends a lot of time on her own so I like to get her games that require some thinking, like puzzle toys and treat balls and when we are together try and play more challenging games or teach her a new trick (it is possible to teach and old dog new tricks!)
She demands to be the center of everyone’s attention
Social– well obviously snuggle time falls in this category. And we can’t forget that dogs are pack animals and like hierarchy (which is also linked to their sense of security) so I make sure to get her around other people (and dogs when possible) and make sure she feels loved all the time.
In fact she wouldn’t even let me write this post since it was Souffie time!
So that’s my DHI. This is still a work in progress and would love to hear from you if you have any more ideas or improvements!
I love using Hachiko to help me track all of this! I can set goals for Souffies activity, with an added bonus of knowing how active she was on her own, so I know for how long we need to talk. Also I make sure to log her food and treats so I can both set a routine and also make sure I don’t over feed her (she is getting a bit well… huskier lately!).
Souffie with her Hachiko Sensor. Stylish and fun!
Hachiko Smart Sensors are a great way to keep track of your dog’s activity and behavior. To set routines and make sure they are receiving the care they deserve. Learn more about it and how it can help you keep your dog happy on their website. And to make you happy use the promocode HAPPYDOG to get $5 off!
8 DIY Summer Snacks Your Dog Will Love
We love sharing with our dogs, but when it comes to iced cream, we don’t like to share with anyone:
Make your dog their own refreshing summer snack with our top summer recipe picks:
1. Your pup will love these healthy and refreshing Blueberry Dog Cookies.
2. Were also going bananas for this Canine Cookie with bananas and blueberries.
3. Let your pup experience the delicious and healthy mix that is fruit and nuts with these easy-to-make Apple and Peanut Butter Dog Treats
4. Pupsicles: Frozen dog treats are great for keeping pups occupied and cool in the summertime, better yet they can be used to soothe teething pain in puppies.
- Berries and cream, berries and cream, I’m a little pup who likes berries and cream.
6. Add in some veggies with these Spinach, Carrot, and Zucchini Dog Treats.
7. Your dog have a summer birthday? Celebrate with these creative and festive pupcakes.
8. No time for cooking? Pop it in a blender and in the freezer like these easy to make frozen Dog Smoothies.
Comment with any fun family recipes you want to share!
Translate that Bark
Language barriers are hard! Especially between species! Understanding your dog’s wants and needs can be ruff. How can a dog be man’s best friend if they cannot understand one another?
It is imperative that every dog parent communicate with their dog and learn to understand what it means when their pup runs to the door or wags their tail. Our dogs have minds of their own and it is our job as parents is to try and understand the speechless conversation that goes on every day between pups and their parents.
Use this handy infographic to decipher your pooch’s body language:
Unfortunately no dog-human translator exists just yet but until then we’re loving October Jone’s blog Text From Dog. Check out his book being sold on Amazon!
Until doggy translator’s exist, Hachiko is the closest we’ve found to giving your dog a voice!
Remember, to listen to your pup:
9 Summer Tips for Your K9
It’s hot this summer so be sure to keep cool but don’t forget about your furry best friend during your dip in the pool. Here are some tips brought to you by dog experts Cesar Milan and Tamar Geller on how to care for your hot dog this summer!
1. Exercise at sunrise or sunset- Are you an Early Bird? Night Owl? Use it to your advantage and sneak in a walk either early morning or late at night to avoid the scorching heat of mid-day.
2. Use doggie boots- As the sidewalk can be hot, be sure to protect your dog’s paws with boots. Were lovin’ these kicks- and they’re a fashion statement too!
3. Beware of dog dehydration- Dogs cool themselves by panting so be sure to check for signs of panting hard, staggering gait, rapid heartbeat, dazed look, restlessness, dark red or purple gums and/or tongue, vomiting, excessive drool, bloodshot eyes, and lethargic behavior- these are all signs of dehydration.
4. Have water handy- Throw us a bone here, or just a drop of H2O every so often. Make sure to carry a water bottle while on your walk. You can even strap it onto a doggy vest which can double to cool down your pup.
5. Keep it shady- Be sure to take breaks in the shade if your dog has been out in the sun for a while. Set up a fan or sprinkler to allow your dog a bit of relief from the rays. If theres no shade in sight, create some with this handy pet canopy.
6. Start from the bottom- Dogs cool from the bottom up so be sure to spray from underneath when rinsing off. Try laying down a cool wet towel for your canine pal to lay on and rest.
7. Let em’ dig- By nature, dogs dig to keep cool so if they start digging at the ground, let em’ go!
8. Let them test the weather- Let them out for a bit before your walk to feel the weather for themselves. They will understand better why they are going for a shorter walk than usual if they assess the weather beforehand.
9. Dogs can swim too- Next time you go for a dip to cool off, bring your pup. Swimming can be another great form of exercise for dogs if they are comfortable in pools. Keep it safe with a flotation device!
Click here to read more from our experts Cesar Milan and Tamar Geller!
Comment below how you’re keeping your dog cool this summer:
Spring is here! 8 things to do to prepare your dog for the changing season
Spring is in the air!
The spring breeze, the longer days, the joys of being outside in the warm sunshine. We love spring, and we are oh so glad it’s back!
But before you throw reckless abandon into the wind, use our easy spring checklist to make sure your god is just as ready for the changing season as you.
- Grooming– ‘Tis the season for shedding. Get a leg up on hairballs but taking your pooch to the groomers for a weather appropriate cut.
- Flea control- Warm weather brings back an assortment of fleas, ticks and the likes. Check out our recommendations on various methods to keep them away.
- Heartworm prevention– mosquito’s are back ad can bring with them one of the largest dangers to household pets. Now’s the time to get back on the heartworm prevention medication if you took a break during winter.
- Seasonal allergies– While we may be sneezing with watery eyes and a leaky nose, dog allergies tend to show up on their skin. Keep an eye out for excessive itching. If you think your dog has allergies visit your vet, and look at our guide to homemade remedies that can help ease their itching.
- Exercise and get into shape– This is the perfect time to start working off those winter pounds. If you have been extra lazy this winter start slow with long walks and work your way up a jog in the park.
- Shade and water– While this is important year round it’s even more important now! If you are for long periods made sure that your dog is getting some rest in the shade, and enough to drink. We love this portable water bowl which is a snap to carry around.
- Microchip– if your dog is going to be spending more time outside it’s best to get them a microchip. Just in case..
- Keep e’m clean– Running around in the spring to us = running around in the mud. We absolutely love Dog Tails to clean up after a long days play!
Get your lazy dog a little more active
Some dogs are just content to sleep all day, hang out and chill. But even the laziest of dogs needs a little action in their lives. And sometimes you just have to be the tough love parent and get them moving!
Try these 5 simple tips to get them going:
- Be social and fun, try taking your lazy pooch to a dog run, or a dog park. Being around other dogs may wake them up and at the least get some playful time in
- Dust off those old cobwebs and get some mental stimulation by teaching your dog a new trick
- Get fit! Try and incorporate more exercise on walks such as sprints or running up and down some stairs
- If the only thing they will get up for is food, make them work for it. Hide treats around the house and turn it into a game of “hide and seek”
- Try and understand the reasons they may be lazy. Could it be health or diet related? Worth having a conversation with your vet about this!
What do you do to motivate your lazy pets?
Moving With Your Dog
Moving. That word can send a shiver up our spine like no other. Packing everything into boxes, hauling it across town (or even worse across country). It’s exhausting just thinking about it. But you also know the silver lining. The new house, new town- and in the end it’s worth it.
You dog, however, has no idea what’s going on.
So as you are planning your move and trying to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible, don’t forget to make sure to take extra precautions to make the move as simple as possible for your pet.
- Before the move – Build a checklist of things to take care of- be sure to include:
- A visit to the vet- If you are moving far and you are leaving your vet go in for one last visit. Use this time to:
- Get refills on all medications
- Get any vaccines you need
- If you are traveling long distance it may be worth getting a sedative
- Ask for a copy of your dog’s medical history and vaccination records
- Also always worth checking with them if they have a recommendation for a vet in your new area
- Visit your groomer- here again if you are moving far then it’s worth a last to your favorite groomer. This is especially useful if you are going to travel by car because clipping those nails and a little trim can help keep your car looking spiffy.
- Build a travel plan- You may just be moving a few streets down, but if you are moving farther away make sure to think out your travel plans
- If you are flying to your new home double check the airline requirements- you may need a health certificate or an updated vaccine record
- If you are driving to your new home be sure to plan the trip in advance:
- Look at dog friendly hotels, restaurants and plan plenty of pit stops
- Update your dog’s microchip- We The night before you leave update your dog’s microchip information with your new address
- If you are moving close it’s worth to take your dog there ahead of time to start exploring the area
- A visit to the vet- If you are moving far and you are leaving your vet go in for one last visit. Use this time to:
- Packing:
- Order your packing supplies (boxes, tape, etc.) and have them arrive a few days in advance so your pooch can get used to them
- Involve them in the process. Let them sniff the boxes and poke about so they are not surprised when everything is packed away
- Be reassuring and give a little more attention than usual (extra treats and snuggles)
- But also try to maintain your normal routine- normal walks, feeding schedule and no special treatment like sleeping in your bed!
- Pack your pooches belongings (bed, toys, etc.) last
More after the jump…
