Is it way beyond your budget or that of your parents? The ‘tail-wagging’ news is you can still enjoy the benefits of owning a dog with minimal expenses.
Believe it or not, several affordable dog breeds are perfect for potential dog owners like you. Issues such as breeder’s reputation, color, and bloodline are factored in. Some pups of the same breed are affordable and that is one of the reasons to persuade your parents to get a dog.
#1 Chihuahua
You can indeed get a chihuahua pup from a puppy mill between $100.00 and $300.00 but we don’t recommend that. Instead, go to a reputable breeder who can sell it to you between $500.00 and $1800.00 depending on factors like the bloodline and the type of chihuahua (e.g. teacup, apple head).
You will not spend a fortune feeding this small breed. A bonus is that due to their petite sizes, the cost of quarterly deworming is not as much since it is based on weight.
On average, you’d spend about $120.00 each month for food, grooming, flea treatment, and dog insurance.
#2 American Foxhound
If what you are hoping for is a large affordable dog, you’d never go wrong with an American Foxhound. This is one of the most affordable breeds that you can find in the market. You can have it for as low as $400.00.
It is a low-maintenance and sweet-tempered dog that can live peacefully with other pets and kids.
Yes, this dog breed may be heavy eaters but it is one of the healthiest around. That said, you can save a lot of money on vet expenses. The monthly upkeep shouldn’t be more than $200.00.
#3 Border Collie
A beautiful and active dog that is included in the list of the least expensive dogs for 2020. You can purchase it for less than $600.00 but can be cheaper if you will adopt it.
Monthly, you’d spend an average of $60.00 on food and $28.00 on insurance. For vet visits, an annual $200.00 or thereabouts is expected.
Summary
All the 3 dog breeds we mentioned are easy on your wallet and can save you a fortune over many dog expenses. Just be sure that you buy or adopt one that will suit your lifestyle, space, and even your personality.
You may have heard people using turkey tail supplements for their dog’s health.
But does it actually work? Is it just another marketing ploy to get you to buy yet another dog vitamin?
And seriously, what do turkeys got to do with it?
In this post, we’re exploring what turkey tail is and delving into the research on it’s reported health benefits for dogs. If you’re interested in trying it yourself, we’ll outline how to give it to your dog too.
What is Turkey Tail?
Turkey tail mushrooms are fungi that grow on tree trunks or fallen trees. They can be found in different parts of the world, including the U.S. The multicolored disc-shaped mushrooms are used in traditional Chinese medicine, typically made into an extract (Yun zhi). It’s often used to treat respiratory problems, but people take it as a supplement for a variety of things.
If you’re wondering “what does this have to do with turkeys?” the mushroom was named after the animal because of its colors match that of a turkey’s tail.
In humans, some studies suggest that turkey tail can be useful at fighting some cancer types. Like other mushrooms, the fiber content means it’s healthy for digestion too. Other research suggests it could be useful for gut bacteria and preventing obesity. Mainly, turkey tail is sold as a standalone supplement or supplement blend for immune-boosting benefits (although the data isn’t clear if the way it impacts the immune will actually stop you from getting sick).
While we’ll speak about turkey tail mushroom’s benefits in this post, it’s important to note that the research isn’t definitive. Data shows us that there may be several benefits to dogs and humans alike, but more studies need to be done before we label it as a cure for anything.
The side effects of turkey tail mushroom in humans seem to be rare and mild if they occur. You may experience digestion issues, such as bloating or gas.
Is Turkey Tail Mushroom for Dogs: Safe?
Enough with the info about turkey tail mushrooms for humans. Is it safe for dogs too?
Turkey tail mushrooms are safe for dogs and sold in supplement form specifically for them. Dogs don’t have the enzymes needed to break down the fiber in fresh mushrooms, so feeding them cooker or in supplement form is the best option. Of course, if you decided to cook turkey tail mushrooms for your dog, they should be plain and without any harmful ingredients or spices added.
While feeding turkey tail mushrooms to dogs is generally safe, you should always contact your vet before introducing a new food into her diet. You should also avoid using it as a “cure” for any dog ailment without medical advice. For example, if your dog has cancer, they need vet treatment more than a supplement. Always seek evidence-based treatments before turning to alternative home remedies for dogs.
Benefits of Turkey Tail Mushrooms for Dogs
There’s quite a few reported benefits of turkey tail mushroom for dogs. But it’s important to note that each vary in their scientific data. That is, some benefits are backed up with studies while others are more anecdotal.
Many of turkey tail’s benefits for dogs revolve around 2 components:
Polysaccharide-K (PSK)
Polysaccharide-P (PSP)
Both PSK and PSP are beta-D-glucans. These bind to receptors in immune cells, which can trigger immune changes. These changes may increase or balance out immune cells, depending on what’s needed for a specific dog’s immune system.
There’s more reasons why the mushroom may have advantages for our furry pals. Although it needs to be confirmed, research suggests beta glucans benefits for dogs include:
Decrease blood glucose levels
Decrease total cholesterol
Stimulates immune response
May Balance Immune System
Often, when we want to protect ourselves or our dogs, we speak of “boosting” the immune system. However, “balance” would be a more appropriate phrase. If we boost out immune system too much, it can cause it to overreact and create disorders. For example, it’s thought that people with rheumatoid arthritis actually have a very powerful immune system that evolved to protect them from diseases. The bad side is that it’s so powerful that it causes joint issues. When you consider that, do you really want to boost your dog’s immune system? Probably not.
“Balancing” the immune system means that it responds appropriately to threats. If it’s underactive, it becomes more active to respond and fight off viruses. If it’s overactive, it calms down and only react to real problems.
As discussed above, turkey tail mushroom for dog’s immune system may be beneficial because it may change what it needs to, stimulating or balancing response. So, if your dog already has an autoimmune disease, it can help regulate the system instead of boosting it even more.
Another reason why turkey tail may be good for a dog’s immune system is because it’s a prebiotic. Prebiotics help keep the gut healthy and the better your dog’s gut, the better his immune system will respond.
A balanced immune system means your dog can better fight off things like:
Bacteria and germs
Parasites
Viral illnesses (ex. the flu)
Turkey Tail for Dog Cancer
There’s also some evidence to show that turkey tail could be beneficial for dogs who have cancer. In a 2012 study, researchers studied the effects of PSP in turkey tail on dogs with hemangiosarcoma, a cancer with a high chance of spreading. In other words, dogs diagnosed with this aggressive form of cancer don’t live very long. However, researchers found that treating it with PSP in turkey tail seemed to improve the lifespan. Take a look at these survival rates:
No treatment: 86 days
50mg-kg/day: 117 days
100mg-kg/day: 199 days
Interestingly, PSP is an approved anti-cancer drug in China and Japan.
In a 2012 study, turkey tail was also associated with better survival times in people with various cancers. It’s unclear whether this association is the cause of longer survival and if it is, we don’t know if that translates to dogs, but it’s hopeful.
As always, we recommend seeking out treatments that have more evidence to back them first. However, in some cases, you may prefer turkey tail to extend end of life. For example, if a treatment surgery costs thousands of dollars and you can’t afford it, and you know it will only extend your dog’s life a few months, it may be more practical to try turkey tail. It may also extend your dog’s life at a fraction of the cost. But, if your dog is given a long lifespan using evidence-based treatments, that could be the most logical option to take. Some people also use turkey tail alongside other treatments.
Turkey Tail Mushrooms for Dog Digestion
As we mentioned above, turkey tail mushrooms contain beta glucans. This, combined with their prebiotics, can benefit your dog’s digestion system. That may mean easier, firmer poops, less constipation and less gas.
It’s worth noting that gas could be a side effect for humans who consume turkey tail mushrooms, so the same may be true for dogs too. While it may ease flatulence, it could also be a side effect.
Combats Yeast
When the levels of yeast in your dog’s body becomes unbalanced, it can overtake and cause problems like:
Hair loss
Itchy skin
Diarrhea
Hot spots
Ear infections
Since turkey tail has antifungal properties, it can help balance out yeast by fighting unnecessary levels.
Turkey Tail for Dogs for Chemotherapy
Like humans, some dogs with cancer undergo chemotherapy. Although this can help kill the cancer, it can have negative side effects, like weakening the immune system.
Studies on humans show that PSK, found in turkey tail mushrooms, may help stop these negative effects. In one study, patients undergoing chemotherapy were divided into 2 groups: those who would take PSK alongside chemo and those who didn’t. Those who took PSK lived longer than those who just received the chemotherapy. A similar study was repeated on over 8,000 patients with the same conclusion: those receiving PSK live longer.
Again, we need to point out that although these results are promising, but they aren’t definitive in humans, much less dogs. More research needs to be done to figure out if PSK in turkey tail is the cause of living longer after chemotherapy. In the meantime, you can ask your vet to ‘OK’ you using it alongside other therapies.
How to Give Dog Turkey Tail Mushrooms
If you’re considering giving your dog turkey tail mushrooms, we suggest contacting your vet before introducing anything new to the diet as a general rule. This is especially important if your dog is suffering from a condition or disease, like cancer. You want your dog to have the best treatment possible, so try to seek out evidence-based treatments before resorting to natural home remedies. Since turkey tail is safe for dogs, your vet will likely ‘ok’ it while giving you advice for other possible solutions.
Here are the possible ways of giving your dog turkey tail mushrooms.
Cooked
If you’ve decided to feed your dog turkey tail mushrooms in natural form, avoid giving it to her fresh. As noted above, any mushroom may irritate a dog’s digestion. As an alternative, cook it plainly or use a supplement or extract instead.
Supplements or Powders
The most common turkey tail for dogs is in supplement form. There’s 2 main types to look out for:
Mycelium— These supplements only use the root of the mushroom instead of the whole fungus. The drawback is that mycelium supplements typically contain fewer beta-D-glucans. If you do choose a mycelium product, make sure it has a high percentage of beta-glucans.
Fruiting Body—This means the supplement uses the whole mushroom. It’s dried and turned into powered form. This is the ideal choice if you can find it.
If you’re giving your dog a supplement in capsule form, she probably won’t willingly take it whole. Instead, sneak it into a piece of food, such as a cube of cheese. You can also purchase pill pockets.
If you’re using a powered turkey tail supplement for dogs, you can sprinkle it in her food or mix it in with something she loves.
Some supplements are sold as blends containing turkey tail and other herbs.
Extract
Turkey tail is also sold in extract form. Your dog may not willingly let you drop the liquid into her mouth, so you can drop it into her kibble to be absorbed instead.
Turkey Tail Dog Dosage?
You can give your dog turkey tail mushrooms as a daily supplement. Keep in mind that the dosage for a human looks a lot different than the dosage for a small dog. Since their body weight and build is different, they often need a smaller amount.
The correct turkey tail dosage for dogs depends on the product you’re using, so check the label. If you’re using a dog-specific turkey tail, it will likely list the dosage by weight or breed size. Dog-specific supplement blends may also have different dosages than a turkey tail-only blend.
If you aren’t using a dog-specific turkey tail blend, firstly make sure that the product only contains turkey tail. Supplement blends may contain other herbs or ingredients that may be harmful to dogs. You should also make sure it’s high-quality so your dog isn’t getting what she needs and none of what she doesn’t. Since these were formulated with humans in mind, most won’t come with dosage instructions for dogs. In this case, you can calculate it yourself:
Check the dosage on the bottle
Assume dosage is meant for a 150 lbs. person
Calculate the dosage according to your dog’s weight (it will likely be a lot less)
Start with a low dosage and work your way up, if needed
Another way around calculating your dog’s dosage is simply to ask your vet. Give them a call and tell them the product you purchased. If they’re unfamiliar with it, let them know the dosage for humans and ask for a recommended dosage for your dog. Even better, ask them before purchasing so they can give you recommendations for high-quality turkey tail supplements.
Your vet may also make special dosage recommendations based on your dog’s ailment. For example, some dogs with cancer have high dosages.
As always, you should monitor your dog after giving her a new food or supplement to make sure she doesn’t react. If she has any negative reactions, discontinue use and/or contact your vet.
Where to Buy Turkey Tail for Dogs
You can find turkey tail at your natural health food store or a Chinese medicine/herb store. You can also order it online on Amazon.
Summary on Turkey Tail Mushroom for Dogs
Some evidence suggests that turkey tail for dogs may help balance their immune system, combat yeast and improve digestion processes. It may also play a role in dogs diagnosed with cancer: Those who took a turkey tail supplement appeared to live longer. Similarly, it may also lengthen life for dogs who’ve underwent chemotherapy by helping their immune. Since the results aren’t definitive, you should always seek evidence-based care with your vet before turning to supplements.
If you’re interested in trying turkey tail mushrooms for dogs, you can buy it in natural, powered, capsule or extract form. Read the bottle for dosage instructions for dogs. If the product was formulated for humans, ensure it’s safe for dogs and only contains turkey tail. Then, calculate the dosage for your dog using the tips above, or, more easily, contact your vet for suggestions.
If you’re a big fan of the holidays, once they roll around, almost everything needs to be themed.
Your décor. Your drinks. Your food. And yes, your dog.
Lucky for you, Ms./Mr. Christmas Obsessed, we have 15 holiday-themed dog toys to keep pupper busy this season.
They can all be found on Amazon for under $20.
Christmas Dog Toys on Amazon
It’s time to throw away all those raggedy toys and give your doggo an upgrade. Here’s 15 options to stuff in his stocking this holiday.
#1 Holiday Dragon Dog Toy
This red dragon proudly wears a Santa hat while waiting to be destroyed by your dog. The squeaky toy claims to stand up to tough play because of its “Chew Guard Technology.”
Pawsative Ruffview: “This is the second one of these we have purchased for our little dog. He loves it, and it seems to be very durable. The first dragon lasted about 4 months before he tore the heck out of it, which was a record in our house. He was able to defeat the squeaker in the second in a couple weeks, but still loves the Christmas Dragon. We also have a second dragon by the same company. It is also very durable, and a favorite in with our dog.”
If your dog hates ginger flavor but still wants to get into the holiday spirit, give her this adorable toy. It comes with a squeaker and comes in small and large versions.
Pawsative Ruffview: “My Weimaraner is enjoying his new Christmas present. He’s tired now from all his Christmas excitement.”
These gingerbread people wait inside their house for your dog to find them. This hide and seek game keeps your dog busy while he wonders where his buddy went!
Pawsative Ruffview: “My 1 year old puppy loves his ginger bread house. I bought for him to give it to him for Christmas. He loves it so much. He has to hump it lol.”
If your pup likes varying fabric in his toys, this is the set for him! The candy cane and tree toy are made from canvas-type fabric while the other two are made from a softer fabric. All include squeakers to keep your dog entertained.
Pawsative Ruffview: “Fitz has a reindeer toy that is his absolute favorite from a few years ago so when I saw this bundle I had to get it. The toys have different textures and also squeak. The reindeer is a bit for my 6.5lbs Pomeranian/Papillon mix but I’m sure he will love sleeping with it and chewing on the rubber hooves. We are going to share the toys with our larger pup friends so overall I am happy with this purchase!”
If your dog is one that love to hoard toy balls, this will be his ultimate gift. There’s 4 balls of each color: red, blue and green and all feature some sort of holiday design, including tress or snowflakes.
Pawsative Ruffview: “My little yorkie, Gus loves playing fetch with these Christmas balls. Very colorful and festive for the holiday season. I can see the bright colors so I don’t step in them.”
What makes this hedgehog festive? Well, it’s the little Santa hat he wears, of course. This squeak plush toy if perfect for playing and cuddling. It comes in small, large and extra-large for every breed.
Pawsative Ruffview: “This has held up pretty well. It has a really strong, large (and loud) squeaker. In some plush toys, you have to search around for the squeaker, but not this one. It is just starting to get a hole in the side after almost four months of heavy use. The boys have removed some stuffing, but they still fetch and squeak it without trying to rip it apart. It’s the current favorite toy in my three dog house.”
The perfect size for small and medium-sized breeds, your dog can chew on the fabric Santa or squeak his toy sac. Just make sure he doesn’t destroy it before Christmas Eve—Santa still has a lot of gifts to deliver, you know.
Pawsative Ruffview: “This Santa has a squeaky ball in his bag of presents. Really cute toy for pups. Wouldn’t recommend for strong chewers but great otherwise. Will make a great addition to our fur baby ‘s stocking.”
If you don’t want to package up all your dog gifts, you can simply purchase an all-in-one gift like this stocking. It has 4 toys, including 2 squeakers, a rope and a tennis ball.
Pawsative Ruffview: “My dog loves getting these for Christmas. I wrap them up. Come Christmas morning, I will have 20 packages total under the tree and he will run right to the one that is his even though it is wrapped and none of the other gifts are open. I don’t know how he knows, but he does. He is 15 this year and we will see if he does in again on Dec 25.”
To be honest, this toy looks a little creepy to me, which means it’s something most dogs will probably love. Ideal for small breeds, it comes with a squeaker to spread the joy of the holiday season.
Pawsative Ruffview: “We have a very active chewer and expected this to be a toy for Christmas morning, but puppers is still playing with it! Good purchase!”
Okay, this isn’t specifically a Christmas toy but it kinda is—moose are reindeer, right? Regardless, we had to include a Kong toy on this list because, in my experience, they last the longest out of any plush toys. Since there’s less filling, it means less mess and it also has an extra layer of material to increase durability.
Pawsative Ruffview: “My dog does not put his down, I have rolled over and it’s been in bed with me. I have gone to the kitchen and it’s on the floor in the kitchen. I’ve gone outside and it’s in the yard. He loves it. he carries it around like it was a treat. I gave one to my sister’s dog m, he absolutely loves it, he flips it and flops it all around the house. I gave the other one to a friend of mine. she asked me where I got it and if they had any others because her dog absolutely loves it. They all carried around by the antler‘s and by the tail. They flip it they catch it. they run around the house with it. they absolutely love it great toy for medium to extra-large dogs.”
Now your dog can also enjoy Starbuck’s holiday peppermint mocha. This adorable toy even has the “cocoa dusting” on top and can be enjoyed all year around.
Pawsative Ruffview: “My baby is obsessed with these coffee look alike dog toys! He originally stole the puppermint mocha toy from our dog’s toy bin, and being that she’s a lab, she so graciously allowed him to acquire it as his own. I got him this toy so he could have a coffee mug like mommy and daddy and he loves it just as much as the other one.”
This pack is suitable for puppies and medium-sized breeds who want a little more color in their holiday. It comes with a tied ball and 4 types of knotted ropes to keep your doggo busy all season long.
Pawsative Ruffview: “Both of my girls love these! They get so excited with them! They don’t usually chew on their ropes other than tugging on them so they stay intact! Cute and Christmassy! Great stocking stuffers! I wanted to use them for that, but they knew exactly what it was when I removed it from the Amazon packaging! ?”
Santa, a reindeer and a snowman. What more could your pup want? These squeaky pals contain no stuffing which means no mess if your dog rips them up.
Pawsaive Ruffview: “If my dogs could rate this toy, they would give it a 10/5. They have a large container full of toys, and no matter where I hide them inside the container…they…will…find them!!! They are OBSESSED with these toys. Despite being so happy that my dogs are in love with these toys I must warn you….the squeaking from these toys will haunt your dreams. The background music to my life is these squeaker toys. I try to watch a movie in peace, but they are always squeaking. When friends are over, they are squeaking. When I am trying to sleep, they are squeaking. I don’t know how much longer I can allow my dog to play with these toys because I just need one day without the squeaking.”
This soft and cuddly toy makes the perfect bedtime companion for any dog. The red snowflake scarf he wears makes it perfect for the holiday season but subtle enough to use all day along.
These plush bones are unlike regular toys– they’re designed as penguins, reindeer, snowman and Santa. You get 4 in a pack, so if your dog rips one up, there’s still 3 more to tear though.
Pawsative Ruffview: “Our dog loves these toys. Really cute and well made!”
Maybe you accidentally raise your voice a little too much.
Maybe you give your pup too many treats one day.
Or maybe you give into her cute puppy dog eyes.
In any case, owning a new dog is a learning curve. Whether you have a puppy or full adult, here are the most common mistakes new dog owners make.
10 Mistakes New Dog Owners Make
We bet you can relate to a few points on this list of mistakes new dog owners make. Read on to discover how to correct them.
#1 Using Words Instead of Gestures
Of course, dog’s don’t know language… or at least, not yet. When you’re training your puppy on something new, try to use hand gestures alongside words. For example, just saying “lay down” is harder for a pup to remember. Picking a hand signal to go along with it will be easier for them to recall. You can make dog training easier and quicker by pairing every command with a gesture.
#2 Putting Off Training
You should start training your dog as soon as you get her. It’s easier to train dogs as puppies before their bad habits have been set in. Even if you get your dog as an adult, train her right away so she knows how to behave in her new environment.
Before getting a dog, make sure it’s a time in your life where you can set aside time to properly train her. This includes the basic commands as well as potty training and socializing. Your dog should be exposed and desensitized to noises, children and other animals. The sooner this happens, the more likely you are to be successful at it.
#3 Not Being Consistent
“Puppy dog eyes” is a phrase for a reason: they can be hard to say no to. And when your dog does something bad, it can be easy to look over it and continue to delay training.
It’s important to be consistent in your training. For example, if your dog jumps up at people, letting it go just these couple of times helps reinforce a bad habit. Instead, take time the time to say the commands and teach your dog in the moment. If you live with others, be sure they’re clear on the rules too so your dog isn’t confused.
#4 Too Many Treats
Your dog is going to hate me for this one. But it’s true. Often, when we get a new puppy we’re so excited that we buy tons of treats. We then proceed to feed them a ton of each variety. The bad news is that they can add up quickly—especially for a small pup! Try to keep treat feeding to a limit.
#5 Buying Only The Finest Things
Look, your dog isn’t going to know whether his brush costs $5 or $70. Really.
There’s some things you should spend the extra dollar on because it usually means higher quality, like dog food or tough dog toys. But there’s many high-priced dog items that your pup just doesn’t care about, so save your money. For example, if your dog doesn’t chew apart toys easily, you don’t need to spend $30 on a tough Kong toy. Or, a $20 dog bed will be just as comfortable as a $100 one.
#6 Getting Frustrated
Let’s admit it, your puppy is the cutest thing the world but he can be pretty frustrating. Whether he’s acting up, not listening, not learning commands or fussing when you try to clip his nails—the list of time you could lose patience is endless.
As much as you want to yell, remember that’s not the right thing to do. In fact, even being internally upset is something dogs can sense. Remaining calm is best because your dog will pick up on the calm energy. For example, let’s say your dog keeps moving and doesn’t want his nails clipped. You know you need to get it done and you’re getting frustrated. Your dog is picking up on this and is likely to have even more anxiety. Instead, let your dog go for a moment and take a break. Take a few deep breaths and calm down your energy before returning to nail clipping. You’ll probably notice that your dog is also calmer.
If you don’t believe in the “Woo-Woo” of this, consider this: your dog can feel your heart beating. If it’s too rapid, he knows your nervous or upset, which makes him act differently too.
#7 Not Puppy Proofing Your Home
If you get your dog as a puppy, consider it like having a toddler: Safety and hazard proof your home. Puppies are curious creatures and they can find things you didn’t even know you had. And they love to bite things too. To prevent anything bad from happening, clear the area (especially the floors and low, open shelves).
#8 Going to the Vet Too Little or Too Much
Many people think dog’s don’t need to go to the vet. However, as puppies, they should always have a first visit to the vet to make sure everything is ok and to get their shots.
The second mistake is becoming over paranoid about your dog and going to the vet for every little non-issue. Although you mean well, you could end up in debt from thousands of dollars in vet bills that were easily preventable. Of course, if there is an issue, you should go to the vet. However, many times the bill can be avoided by simply calling your vet, telling them the issue and asking for advice. For example, if your dog as worms in his poop, the vet may recommend an over-the-counter medication instead of going in for an expensive visit.
If you’re unsure of the issue and it’s not an emergency, you can always research it first and ask experts for free. There’s groups on Facebook where you can post your question and only real vets can comment. You can check out Ask A Veterinarian or Pet Vet Corner.
#9 Not Reading Cues
Just like babies, dogs have certain cues that signal what they need. Although it can be different for different dogs, some are the same. For example, when my dog has to poop, he paces back and forth and gets his sniff on. I know that’s when he needs to be taken out. Similarly, waiting by the door could mean he has to pee.
Other things, like being overly annoying, usually means that your pup has too much energy and she need to burn some off—so she’ll need more exercise or play time. Another one: Repeat licking of their lips could mean their nervous because they know or think they’re in trouble. Get to know your dog’s cues and follow them.
#10 Listening to Everyone’s Advice
When you get a dog, tons of people will probably give you advice. Some good, some bad. But something to realize is that you don’t need to take all the advice you get.
For example, a friend may tell you that’s it’s ok to feed your dog junk because she does, and her dog is okay. Another friend may tell you that feeding your dog anything other than a raw meat diet is just cruel. Before listening to someone, do your own research. In some cases, ask your vet for recommendations.
Summary of Mistakes New Dog Owners Make
Every dog owner, even seasoned ones, make mistakes with puppies. Just like parents, we learn how to better act with our canines with each passing day. This list includes the major mistakes new dog owners make and how you can fix them. Remember though: Don’t be too hard on yourself! Having some self-compassion can go a long way in the training puppy process.
If your dog mows down on everything too quickly and you don’t want her to hurt her stomach, invest in a slow feeder or puzzle bowl. The designs inside the bowl act as a challenge for your pup, making her slow down.
#3 Too Much Neck Pull? Try a Harness
If your dog pulls on walks and you have to adjust her by pulling back, it can eventually lead to neck strain and pain. To help prevent some of this, get a harness instead of a collar. These make it easier to control your dog while walking, but also takes the force off of just their neck.
#4 Get Pill Pockets
If you need to give your dog medication, it can be very difficult to get her to eat it. One easy way is to buy pill pockets. These are treats that have a hole where you can insert the medication without your dog even knowing.
#5 Make Pill Pockets
If you don’t want to buy pill pockets, you can also make your own. Think of dog-safe foods that you can wrap around the pill. For example, hiding the capsule in a small piece of processed cheese is something most dogs wouldn’t reject. Of course, if you give your dog daily pills, you’re better off with something healthier, like a treat pill pocket.
#6 Sock Treat Toy
Has your dog wrecked all of his toys and needs a new one ASAP? Make one by taking an old sock and stuffing kibble inside. Seal the end of the sock with something, such as an elastic or string. Your dog will sniff it out and try to tear through it to get to the goodies.
#7 Store Dog Food in Pitcher
Hate pouring your dog’s food out of the bag every morning? An easier and less messy way is to keep dog food inside a pitcher, that way you can simply pour it out. Just make sure it has a tight lid so the food doesn’t go stale.
#8 3-Ingredient Dog Treats
Some people think making dog treats is difficult. It’s actually easier than making human baked goods. Many recipes only require a few ingredients. For example, check out these 3 Three-Ingredient Dog Treats.
You can buy Paw Print Ornament Kits on Amazon. The final product will be a keepsake you can hang on your tree every year. However, you can also make a DIY Paw Print Ornament with things you already have inside your home.
#11 Freshen Bad Breath
If your dog has smelly breath, you can freshen it up by putting some parsley into his dog food.
#12 Put Sound On When You Leave
If your dog has some separation anxiety issues, put something on the TV or radio when you leave the home. In my experience, dog’s love the voices and colors in kid’s shows!
#13 Dog Cocktails
Having some friends over for drinks and your dog is feeling left out? Of course, your dog can’t drink alcohol, but she can enjoy some other alternatives. Check out these 5 DIY Cocktails for Dogs.
#14 Help Dog Adjust with Clothing Piece
Let’s say you’re rescuing a dog from a family that can no longer take care of her. To make her feel more safe in your home, ask if the family can give you a piece of clothing they wore. Place it inside her cage or bed. The scent will remind her of home and calm her. This is also a good trick to use if your friend is babysitting your dog and she has separation anxiety. Even if your dog gets anxious leaving every day for work, it’s a nice thing to do!
#15 Soften Kibble
Whether your dog has trouble chewing or you just want to spice up their meal, you can add warm water or broth to make it into a mush she’ll enjoy. (This isn’t a good every day idea for most dogs though since they need to eat harder foods to scrub off teeth plaque.)
#16 Use Baby Gates
If you don’t want your dog to go into a certain area of the home (especially snooping puppies), simply use a baby gate.
#17 Broth Pupsicles
Dogs love chicken broth! You can make it with low-sodium store-bought chicken broth. But you can also make a healthier version simply by boiling whatever chicken you have left over. Pick out the bones, keep the meat chucks and freeze it in an ice cube tray for some pupsicles.
#18 Use Treats When Training
Training a puppy can be a long and frustrating process if she doesn’t get it right away. However, it’s made a lot easier when you include treats as rewards.
#19 Exercise to Reduce Dog Annoyances
Is your puppy being annoying? Constantly getting into things, tearing things apart, snooping everywhere she shouldn’t be, licking or nipping you? There could be different explanations. But most commonly, dogs act annoying because they’re bored. An easy way to make this stop is by getting her some exercise and wearing her out.
#20 Chose Tiring Exercises
If you have a high-energy dog, tiring him out may take more time. Unlike other dogs, walks may not cut it. Exercises that require more stamina will get the job done. For example, playing fetch down a hill is more difficult for her. Jumping for a toy or stick also takes a lot more effort and will wear her out sooner.
#21 Dryer Sheet for Thunderstorms
If your dog is afraid of thunderstorms, one reason could be because of the static electricity in the air (they can feel it even though we can’t.) Interestingly, rubbing a dryer sheet over their fur helps minimize this.
#22 Vacuum Your Dog
Many dogs hate vacuums, but with some training, they can get used to it. Vacuuming your dog’s hair with a proper attachment is a good way to get rid of dog dander instead of letting it fall all over the home.
#23 Essential Oils for Dogs
Essential oils for dogs can be used in several ways, such as reducing anxiety or helping to clear up hotspots. However, only a small amount should be used in very specific ways. And some essential oils shouldn’t be used on dogs at all. To read more, check out 10+ Safe Dog Essential Oils.
#24 Use Hand Signals Over Words
When you’re training your puppy, you need to realize that she doesn’t understand English. Although she’ll eventually catch on, dogs typically remember hand gestures easier than command words. So, while you may be saying “sit,” remember to pair with a hand signal to make it easier for her to recall.
#25 Use Cage as Side Table
Have a small apartment and having trouble figuring out where you should put your dog’s cage? You can use it as a side table. Place it beside your sofa and put a tray onto as a stable surface you can put things on.
#26 DIY Sickness Meal
If your dog is sick or is having trouble keeping things down, one of the best things you can feed her is plain rice and chicken.
#27 Kiddie Pool to Cool Off
Hot day? Get a kiddy pool and fill it up and let your dog splash to cool off.
#28 Use Paw Protector
Salt used to melt road ice and hot pavements in the summer can burn your pup’s paws. One way to stop this is to apply some paw wax before heading outside.
If you give your dog treats and toys for their birthday or Christmas, consider wrapping them up for a fun game. Although wrapping paper may be hard to get through, many dogs can tear tissue paper. If she doesn’t know how, show her at first and she’ll likely learn when she smells the goodies inside. Just make sure she doesn’t get it stuck in her mouth!
#31 Make Peeing Outside a Celebration
Trying to teach your dog to go outside? Act like it’s a celebration every time your dog pees or poops in the right place. Give him verbal praise and a treat as a reward!
#32 Spice Up Kibble with Spices
Yes, you can add some spices to your dog’s food to give her some variety. Here’s a list of 6 Spices Good for Dogs.
#33 Stop Nail Bleeding with Cornstarch
If you cut your dog’s nail and she starts bleeding, it can be hard to stop it. You can buy Kwik Stop, but you can also make something similar simply by dipping your dog’s paw in cornstarch.
Summary of First Time Dog Owner Tips
If it’s your first time owning a dog, you’ll likely go through some learning curves. Even if you’ve had many dogs before, the hacks in this post can help make life easier and happier for you and your canine.
Housebreaking your puppy can be one of the most frustrating parts of training them. You feel like you failed, you aren’t sure why your dog doesn’t understand, and you’re left with a big mess to clean up.
Then, consider that happens several times a day.
There’s no doubt it can be difficult to stop accident. But if you’re wondering how to stop your dog from peeing inside, it’s possible!
The tricks in this post will help you teach your dog to go outside only.
How to Stop Dog From Peeing Inside
If you’re having trouble housebreaking your dog, follow these steps to get results.
#1 Aim for No Inside Pees
So there’s two schools of thoughts around this. Some people think that your dog should only go outside, no matter how young they are. Others think that your dog will pee inside anyway, so teach her to go on a pee pad first, then work your way toward going outside.
Here’s what I found the most helpful: Aim for no inside pees. That’s because, even if on a pee pad, your dog will get used to peeing inside. When you get a puppy, you should aim to spend as much time at home as possible. This is so you can make sure they’re not chewing on things and they’re safe—but also so that you can potty train them.
If you’re not home or go to work and your dog has to be alone, she’ll need to use pee pads or grass. If you can prevent this, it’s a good idea to. If you don’t, it will create another habit your dog will need to unlearn. At the very least, don’t encourage your dog to use the pee pad while youre home. Even if you’re really busy, keep taking her outside, no matter how frequent.
And please, don’t treat pee pads and fake grass boxes as a litter box. If you do, you’ll take the responsibly to making him pee indoors like a cat.
#2 Use a Pee Pad
I know, this contradicts the first rule. But hear me out: Having a pee pad by the front door could be a way to show your dog where to stand when she needs to go out.
For example, I aimed to take my dog out every time he lifted his leg, looked like he was snooping, or if it had been longer than an hour or two and he was due. However, accidents happen. Having those accidents on a pee pad by the front door has taught him to stand there when he needs to go out. And to this day, he still does it.
#3 Hold a Mini Celebration for Outdoor Pees
Your dog has to know peeing outside is the right thing. He’ll catch on easier if you make a really big deal out of it. Praise him with kind works and pets and of course, reward him with a treat for every pee. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in teaching your dog to pee outside. After all, if he gets food each time, why would he waste his urine indoors? He’ll understand peeing inside the house is for newbs.
#4 Go Out Often
When puppies are little, they need to pee very frequently. As I mentioned, try your best to be at home as much as you can during this time. This way, you can take her out constantly and she will learn quicker. Even if your dog isn’t showing any signs that she has to go out, you should still take her out every hour or two. That’s because it will stop inside accidents, which will break the habit of peeing inside.
As your puppy grows, you’ll need to take her outside less and less and it won’t be a constant run outside every hour.
#5 Go for Longer Walks
If you find that you take your puppy outside and she comes right back in and pees inside, try taking her on a longer walk. This way, she’ll find more scents to pee on and get all her urine out. That means she’ll have less pee for inside accidents, which will also make her break her habit sooner.
#6 Take Your Dog to Grass
If you live in a city, it’s a good idea to take your dog to patches of grass to pee. Compared to pavement, dogs often learn better on grass and feel more comfortable there. One reason could be because grass traps a lot more scents than concrete—making her more keen to leave her scent.
#7 Stop Accidents In Motion
If you see your dog peeing inside, stop her but do it without getting angry. Don’t yell. Instead, make a loud noise to distract her enough to stop. This could be a clap or a noise like “ah.” Without being aggressive, this stops your dog in motion.
Next, take her directly outside. Even if you think she’s already got all her urine out inside, she still should be taken outside. This is because she will learn to associate peeing with being outside. If you just leave her to continue playing, she won’t get that memo.
#8 Eliminate Smell
If your dog has peed somewhere inside the home and it’s not cleaned properly, it’s likely he will find the spot later and remark it. To avoid this, eliminate the scent the first time. For example, cleaning with water probably won’t do the trick. Use an appropriate cleaner or something made specifically to remove scent.
If you have a carpet and have tried your best to clean it and your dog still pees there, consider shampooing it using a carpet cleaner. It may be a big job, but if your dog has marked it up enough, it may be the only way to stop your pup from peeing there.
#9 Routine
When it comes to training your dog, routine is one of the most important things. Pups are creatures of habit and if you give them a set of steps, they’ll eventually memorize it. In the beginning, you’ll take out your dog many times each day, so your routine will change in that respect. However, some things remain the same. For example, the time you wake up and take your dog out should remain the same. And, the last pee before bed should remain similar too (you’ll probably need to take her out for some overnight pees though).
Summary of How to Stop Dog from Peeing Inside
Stopping your dog from peeing inside is a learning process full of many tries, failures and cleanups. That’s normal. To ensure your dog is learning more each day, follow the tips in this post. The most important part is to remain consistent! Your canine won’t learn in one day or even a few—but with your patience and love, she’ll catch on soon!
If you don’t take probiotics, you probably know someone who does.
But are they really necessary for dogs? What issues do they help with?
In this post, we’re talking about why you should consider probiotics for your dog.
What are Probiotics for Dogs?
Probiotics supplements contain flora bacteria that are natural to your dog’s body. This “good” bacteria is found on your dog’s skin and in their organs and cavities, like their mouth or nose. We call it “good” bacteria because they help keep your dog healthy and ward off infections and problems. In other words, good bacteria can fight bad bacteria.
For a dog to remain healthy, they need to have adequate amounts of good bacteria. Although their bodies naturally produce it, some dogs don’t have enough. And, even if they do, adding a little extra can give them a health boost.
How Do Probiotics Help Dogs?
Taking probiotics mainly helps your dog’s G.I. system. The G.I. tract and the bacteria within it are what makes digestion and absorbing nutrients possible.
With good bacteria, your dog has a healthy G.I. That means she can expel toxins, digest food properly and absorb the nutrients that fuel her body.
Without enough probiotics, your dog can begin to show digestion issues. This may include the effects of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Symptoms include diarrhea, conspiration, flatulence and an upset stomach. She may also suffer from issues that stem from poor absorption of nutrients. Since good bacteria help fight the bad, the imbalance could mean it’s difficult for her to fight off infections, making her more susceptible to illness. In this way, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and stomach flus can become more common.
Giving your dog a probiotic helps balance the bacteria, making her stomach healthier. But it also helps her immune system in general.
Does My Dog Need Probiotics?
Probiotics are a good idea to give your dog because they can help ensure a proper balance between good and bad bacteria. However, supplements are particularly important for some dogs.
If your dog suffers from any of the above problems, you should always check with your vet to see if there’s an underlying issue. He or she may also recommend a higher dose of probiotics depending on the situation.
Although supplements can be given daily, in any dog’s life, there’s probably a point in time where probiotics are particularly helpful. For example, if you’re changing your dog’s brand of food, it can take a while for them to get used to it. During this process, her digestion may change. Probiotics can help ease her into the new food without as many issues, such as constipation or diarrhea.
Like humans, dogs also go through periods of heavy stress. This could include a big change in their daily schedule or moving homes. In any case, probiotics may help mitigate the effects of stress.
Another time supplements are useful is if your dog has an infection and is prescribed antibiotics. Although these drugs are necessary to kill the infection; unfortunately, it also kills the good bacteria too. To help level this out, we need to introduce more good bacteria, like a probiotic.
Summary of Probiotics for Dogs
Probiotics help keep your dog healthy by introducing good bacteria to fight off bad bacteria. This can benefit their immune system by making them less likely to get sick. Most commonly, it helps issues with their stomach. Taking a probiotic supplement could mean fewer stomach aches, better poops and less gas.
Looking to step up your pumpkin carving game this year?
There’s so many mystical options from witches with brooms to killer ghosts and goblins. But why not be inspired by your 4-legged family member? Yep, there’s SO many ways you can incorporate your love for dogs into Halloween. First up, it’s with pumpkin carvings.
Whether you’re looking up dog pumpkin carving ideas for yourself or your child, you’ll be sure to find something interesting on this list.
In this post, we’re featuring 10 pumpkin carving ideas.
How to Turn Any Image into Dog Pumpkin Stencil
When you find an image you like, print it out and tape it to your pumpkin. Use a sharp knife, thumbtack, or pointed tool to trace the outline from the stencil onto the pumpkin. It’s easy. Watch the video below to learn how.
Dog Pumpkin Carving Ideas
This cute pumpkin captures your dog in his natural state: with his tongue out, reading to receive all his Halloween candy!
If you don’t want to carve a full dog, you can just do an outline! Although this one looks super simple, there’s one thing to consider: the lines are really thin. That means it can actually be harder to carve without ruining. To prevent that, you can make the lines a little thicker.
Carve your dog’s breed… in this case, a husky. This husky in particular looks overly pleased with himself, wouldn’t you say? I’d venture to guess it’s because he’s stolen that extra bag of candy you’ve been hiding.
Probably one of the simplest carvings: A paw print! It gives off a huge glow too, making it the perfect option for lighting up your stoop.
If your dog has a lot of hair, this is the carving for you! Perfect for dogs with the most beautiful mustaches.
Another husky from a different point-of-view. Play around with angles when choosing your dog carving.
With the very thin ear lines, this may be difficult carving to pull off– but so cute! He looks a little worried too, giving it a bit of a spookier feel than the other pumpkin dog carving ideas on this list.
We love the shading added to this pug– makes it even more realistic! As you can see, certain parts are completely carved out like normal. But what makes it special is that other parts only have the pumpkin skin carved off. Some of it is left behind to create the look of the pug having hair.
Instead of your traditional wolf howling at the moon, why not carve a dog? This is another Halloween dog carving idea to make your stoop look festive.
Everyone will know you’re a dog lover when they pass by this pumpkin 🙂 Since the spaces around the dog are thicker, this one is easier for children to do. As always though, make sure to have adult supervision, especially with the difficult parts, like the thin spaces for the ear.
These two pumpkin dog stencils are creative and can be personalized. For the first one, carve a B and instead of 2 Os for BOO–make the Os dog paws. For the second dog pumpkin carving, carve your dog’s breed with her name below.
This creative pumpkin carving is perfect for dachshunds! On the first pumpkin, carve the dog head. On the second, a thick line for the dog’s body. On the third, the dog’s 2 back legs and tail.
For another dachshund-themed stencil idea, carve “Happy Halloweenie” above your dog carving.
We saved the funniest and strangest pumpkin carving idea for last: a dog pooping!
Non-Carving Pumpkin Dog-Themed Ideas
If you don’t want to get messy with pumpkin carving, you can still make some dog-themed decorations. Here’s our two favorite ideas.
Place 4 small white pumpkins below a large orange pumpkin to act as dog feet. Top it with a stuffed animal dog head.
Paint a pumpkin white and stencil or draw on dog paws. One by one, cover each dog paw in glue. Sprinkle sparkles on the glue and shake off the excess.
Summary of Pumpkin Dog Stencils Ideas
If you have a pup pal in your home, why not get inspired by him to create your own pumpkin dog carving? Using the ideas above, you can create your own stencil. Print it out to size and use a pin to put lines along the shapes where you need to cut. Remember, kids should always be accompanied by adults when doing pumpkin carvings.
