Is Jack Frost Nipping At Your Dog's Nose?

Are you living in one of America's cold spots, or any place where winter's chill may make your dog's nose get colder and wetter than usual?

If you are, then you'll want to review the tips I've written for protecting your dog during the winter. Coat or not, dogs can and do get cold if left outside too long, even to the point of frost bite, which you wouldn't wish on anyone - most of all your dog.

So do read the article about dogs and cold weather.
You can find it here.

Holiday Time Is Nearing...Are You Ready?

Holiday time seems to creep up on me and suddenly it becomes a mad dash to get everything done - like now!

If you're in the same situation and wondering what to get your dog at a modest cost, how about a cozy new bed? The Caddis dog beds are very popular and affordable. You can check them out here.

Or, if that's not needed, a new toy is always welcome - perhaps one you can use for training also. You can find lots of good ideas here.

Plus more specifically:

Plush Dog Toys

Dog Chew Toys

Christmas Dog Toys

Dog Squeaky Toys

and lastly, a Dog Toy Box to stash everything in.

There, now that should make your Christmas pet shopping easier!

Organic Dog Shampoo - Know Your Ingredients!

The benefits of organic dog shampoo became even more apparent to me the other day. I was reading an article about the risky toxic substances that quite often show up in pet products. Even the most well-meaning dog owners may find it baffling to sort out the bad from the good.

Reading labels is a must - not all manufacturers care about your pet's safety. Here are a few shampoo ingredients to avoid that have been tied to serious health risks:

Lauramide DEA, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Ammonium Lareth Sulphate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Methylisothiazolinone, D&C Red No. 33, FD&C Yellow No. 5.

More information about non-toxic dog organic shampoos and conditioners
can be found here.

Give Your Dog A Great Smile!

When I see a dog with a gleaming smile, it tells me the owners have done their homework and know about the importance of dog dental care. Sadly, this is one area that is often overlooked - though not intentionally I'm sure.

Some well-meaning folks think "doggie" bad breath is natural and after a while their nose believes it too! The fact is, bad breath often precedes the start of something big.

I encourage all dog owners to read this information to learn how to prevent serious dental and other health problems by the simple use of dog dental products.

Dating and Dog Lovers

Dog lovers and dating really can go hand in hand.

You don't have to leave Rover at home when you date. If you're a single pet lover, you just need to find a soul mate who loves pets as much as you do.

It's not difficult to find a friend who will enjoy being on a date with you and your dog!

Go here now to get the whole scoop, so you won't have to feel bad leaving your pet home alone.

Dog Food Comparisons

If you want to do your own dog food comparisons, my top tip would be to start by throwing out the well known brands that are subsidiaries of major multinational companies. These are the ones most likely to contain low quality ingredients including by-products and a lot of strange sounding chemicals.

Once you get started on your own search, you will quickly realize that it is a big job. So before you put a lot of time and energy into it, you might want to read some information I've written about dog food comparisons here. It may save you a little time!

Veterinary Costs Are Rising - What that might mean for your dog!

When owners face hard decisions concerning the treatment of an ailing pet, having pet insurance may be their dog's only lifeline!

The rising costs of vet services has led to sad ramifications for many dogs and cats and other pets.

I recently read a pet industry research report that points to a significant number of pets being euthanized for the reason that owners could not afford either the vet care or other medical bills. Another outcome was that some pets needing medical attention, were just not taken to the vet for the same financial reasons - possibly causing the pet to live with pain. In these cases, most likely dog insurance would have helped these unfortunate pets.

While dog owners, as well as other pet owners, may think that pet insurance is unaffordable, in the long run this is typically a false assumption, IMHO.

Potty Training Your Dog? ...Anyone Need Help?

Potty training your dog - it's the top priority for families bringing home a new dog, whether it be a puppy, a shelter rescue or an adopted adult pet.

No matter what the situation, everyone needs some tips and advice.

With the "Christmas" season right around the corner - a popular time for puppy-giving, anyone expecting a puppy or canine family member might want to bone up on the basics of puppy potty training.

Help is to be found at the potty training school, as well as an alternate training method using the indoor dog potty.

Make A Dog Bed For Your Spoiled Pooch - Christmas Is Coming!

Whether you've put your dog on a Christmas budget or not, making a dog bed for your special pooch, is an easy and cheap project.

Not only that, you can literally put a lot of "you" into the bed, which will make it very "intimately" attractive to your pet! Plus, there are a few other nice benefits that are not so obvious.

I hope I've raised your curiosity level enough, to check out the details here.


You can find even more dog-spoiling articles on this page.

Orthopedic Dog Beds

Arthritis is a condition that affects many dogs, but it is not always apparent that they have it. You could call it a silent disease because the stressful signs of pain often do not appear until many years after it begins.

Armed with this awareness, caring pet owners may want to take some preventative measures to counteract its symptoms - before the disease becomes apparent. Here are a few helpful ideas to consider:

A dog spends a great deal of his time horizontal, so he deserves a good dog bed! And, whether a dog has arthritis or not, he will definitely enjoy the added comfort and support of an orthopedic dog bed. These beds contain memory foam providing the top level of comfort and distributing a pet's weight more evenly to relieve pressure points.

Dogs tend to do a lot of jumping and bending during their lifetime which can add greatly to joint stress. To cut down on the amount of this activity, ramps are steps for getting into a vehicle, a boat, to the couch or to your bed, are a big help. Likewise, raised dog bowls alleviate the bending.

Does your pet have to look like he's hurting to receive these aides and added comforts? Think about it, you may be saving him from years of suffering in silence by these few simple additions.

Dog Houses - a popular selection!

Every dog needs a dog house, but there are so many to choose from that you may fall asleep before you find your favorite one. My advice is - don't get caught up in a long search, just go to this page where I've already done the work so you don't have to :-)

Here you will find a selection of houses that I think are the best for price, style, function and popularity.

Summertime - how to get rid of dog fleas - aargh!

Yes, it's that time of year when fleas are looking for a home!

Get out the dog flea repellent if you want to prevent fleas from moving in on your dog and in turn, your home. Fleas are resilient and it takes a bit of diligence and planning to banish these parasites.

If your dog has fleas, don't waste time - get your dog flea remedies "battle plan" started right away so that you and your dog can enjoy a flea-free summer.

You'll find all you need to know about flea prevention for dogs as well as how to get rid of dog fleas here.

Dog Breeds - Learn more about them!

Some people get so excited about the prospect of getting a dog, that they don't take enough time to really ask themselves the question: "What is the best dog breed for me?"

There is certainly a lot of chemistry involved in choosing a dog, but underneath the initial attraction, are the expectations you might have that relate to a dog's personality and traits. Once you take these into account, you'll be much better prepared to find your best match for a lifetime dog pal!

Get all the dog breed information you need at the dog-spoiling-made-easy.com website here.

Dog ID Tags And GPS Dog Locators

With the arrival of summer weather, no doubt your pets are enjoying the outside world more frequently. Whether it's on a vacation trip with the family, an outing to the local dog park and beach, or even just out in the back yard.

It comes to mind that is a good time to check our pets ID tags to make sure they are securely attached and undamaged. Should they become lost, pet tags are the first line of defense.

Dogs are inquisitive by nature and given an opportunity to escape and go exploring, they wont generally pass it up.

There are some innovative products on the market today to identify pets if they get out, as well as gps systems for tracking their whereabouts.

You can find a wealth of information to protect your precious pets here.

The battle of the fleas!

We're heading into the main time of year when fleas like to get very intimate with your dog, yard and even your home.

The best way to avoid a battle and give them the brush off is to take steps to protect your pet and your environment long before they invite themselves in.

I've written a helpful article with tips to alert you to the first signs of them on your dog, then how to get rid of them, plus how to keep your dog, yourself and your home flea free!

Get started now.

Looking For Love - A Dog That Is!

When you come to the decision that a dog is a fine animal to invite into your home and your heart, the next step is to go about finding the one who is waiting for you somewhere.

Some of the places to look include the classified ads, the professional breeders, the breed rescues, and the local shelters.

It can be a bit confusing, so I've written a guide to help you out when you set off on your mission to find Rover.

It's appropriately called Dog Buyers Guide. And, I think it will give you a lot of insight into what things to consider.

It's a kind of magic when you see that certain dog and know that this is the one you want to be pals with forever.

Happy tails to you.

Another vote for homemade dog food.

I recently read that Martha Stewart feeds her dog a homemade diet. I'm sure most of you will you'll agree that Martha is not only a good cook, but a very savvy lady. So it came as no surprise to me that she is also a smart and caring dog owner.

So what are you waiting for, put a smile on your dog's face by switching to a homemade menu if you haven't already done so.

You can find homemade dog food information here, here and also here.

Finding Fido

If your doggie goes AWOL, you'll be less likely to panic if you have made sure your pet wears a collar with an ID tag, rabies vaccination tag and city license.

In fact it's a good idea if he also has a designer tag with additional contact information beyond that on his city license. For example, if you've signed your pet up with a registry service, they can maintain several of your private contact numbers and you will only have to list their number on the tag.

A great digital tag you may want to consider, lets you enter 40 lines of text in the display. This is especially useful if your pet has any important health issues that need timely medication. Plus it is easy to update the information if necessary. You can find the Dog-E-Tag here.

Whatever you do, make sure your pet is adequately protected when it comes to his dog ID tags.

Doggie Record Keeping

So, can you find your dog's medical records or licensing receipt if called upon to do so in an emergency? Don't feel bad if you answered "no" - you can keep company with many other dog owners in the same boat!

But, help is at hand, in the form of a digitized system that lets you retrieve his records at a moment's notice, because it is stored on your computer. And, beyond the basics, your dog's record can include many other important records including proof of ownership, breeding details, vet contact information, adoption papers (if relevant).

You can check out this handy system here.

Now you can he a hero to your best friend down when it's really important!

Dog Mansions - A Spoiled Dog's Castle!

I'll cut to the chase and tell you that there is nothing to compare with these spectacular custom dog houses. Each one is an artistic design resulting from collaboration between the designer, builder and of course the customer. They are built from the ground up employing the highest construction standards and top of the line materials.

The end result is a unique dream of a dog house that you and your spoiled pooch can justifiably be proud of.

Do check out these custom doggie mansions that are more than just a cut above any other dog house - they are the creme de la creme!

The Best Dog Food

If one good thing came out of the pet food recall, it is that dog owners have become much more savvy about selecting food for their dog.

I've long been a promoter of natural organic dog food that you make yourself from fresh ingredients. Other reliable options include top quality premixed nutritional bases to which you add fresh meat and vegetables, or complete organic meals.

I've just completed a new article highlighting what I consider the top choices among natural organic dog food which I hope will be a useful guide to dog owners.

Every Pet Needs His Dog Toys

Smart owners see the value of dog toys beyond the obvious playtime. Toys keep a pet from becoming bored when owners are gone and also provide exercise and mental stimulation.

Since dogs have mainly left behind the jobs they once had to keep them busy and motivated, toys can fill the void to provide regular activity.

Some of the best toys are Nylabones and Kongs which satisfy a dog's need to chew. Other ones that owners can enjoy with their dogs are the interactive rope type toys. And, the obvious ball type toys, like orbees, are fun for every dog.

Keep a fresh stash of dog toys for a more healthy, happy pet!

Nurture Your Aging Dog!

It's a fact, your dog won't be a puppy forever! But, hopefully you realized when you first brought him home that your commitment was for his lifetime.

In many ways, when a dog is getting on in years, this is the time for the true dog lover to shine and give back the unconditional love that has long been received.

Some dogs remain very youthful throughout their lives, while others start to show the signs of aging as time passes.

Find out about what you can do to help your aging dog here.

There are many things that can help a senior dog stay vital and have a happy and healthy life.

Stem Cell Treatment For Dogs

Great news for dogs.

Anyone who has a dog suffering from arthritis will want to find out about the breakthrough stem cell therapy that the Vet Stem Company in southern California has developed.

The regenerative therapy is made from the dog's own fat cells and appears to be very effective. The Vet Stem Company is offering a course to vets who are interested in offering this treatment in their practices. They also have a list of vets around the country already qualified to provide the treatment.

The is the company website: www.vet-stem.com/

Afghan Dog Breed

If you want a dog that draws attention like a celebrity, then the Afghan is definitely one to consider. This dog has a very glamorous appearance and an aloof demeanor to go with it. I think he knows he looks pretty special.

Underneath the gorgeous flowing coat of the Afghan, is a very affectionate and gentle dog. And, much like a celebrity, he does like to get attention! In fact he's been getting attention for the more than 5,000 years that the Afghan breed has been around.

If a touch of the exotic strikes your fancy, you can learn more about the Afghan dog breed here.

Hemp Dog Collars - A Natural Choice!

If you are interested in making a move to more eco-friendly buying habits, hemp dog collars are one of the ways to do this when making pet purchases.

In addition to being biodegradable, hemp dog collars are also resistant to mildew and shrinkage which is nice for a dog that likes to get wet.

Usage of hemp goes back thousands of years, and IMHO is an attractive "natural" option to consider for dog collars, leashes and even dog beds.

One interesting bit of trivia, is that the first American Flag was made from hemp!

A Portrait Of Your Dog

A picture, or in this case a portrait, is worth a thousand words, so the saying goes.

If you have a dog who means the world to your family, a pet portrait is a great way to capture his likeness to enjoy for years to come. It's also a good way to give Rover's ego a real boost :-)

Artists have come up with some very creative ways to accomplish your pet's portrait without a lot of fuss or expense. Take a look here to get some neat ideas and you'll see what I mean.

A portrait makes a unique birthday gift for your pet, or as a surprise gift for a friend who has a treasured dog.

Pet Sitters - For The "Homebody" Kind Of Dog!

If you have the kind of dog that's not a traveling hound, you may want to consider pet sitters when you go on a trip.

Some dogs just prefer to have a predictable routine, stay close to home and kick back on the couch listening to pet music. Others may suffer from motion sickness, or don't do well in dog boarding facilities.


Pet sitters are also useful if you have a variable work schedule or have to travel for your job. Many owners use these services to make sure their dog gets a daily walk and some companionship while they are at work.

It's just another way to spoil your dog in a positive way.

The PON - another little dog quiz

Do you know which dog is affectionately referred to as the PON? You don't?
Well I'll give you a hint - it's also known as Polski Owczarek Nizinny.

Still unsure? OK, if you a little language-challenged as I am, I'll make it even easier. How about Polish Lowland Sheepdog. Ah, now I'll bet that's better.

Whichever name you prefer, or can pronounce, one thing we're all sure to agree on, is that this dog is very appealing. In fact he's the ultimate shaggy dog, with a clownish personality to match.

A "Naturally" Cleaner Dog!

When it's time for bowser's bath, more dog owners are becoming interested in using an organic dog shampoo.

Fueling this interest, is the concern about chemical-laden shampoos scented with synthetic fragrances, that can have irritating consequences for a pet's sensitive skin. And going a step beyond this, products that are formulated with natural, bio-degradable ingredients, are not only more gentle for our pets, but are also considered more friendly to the environment. A win-win.

For a spoiled doggie, organic dog shampoo is a naturally good choice to make, IMHO!

Organic Dog Beds

I've lately been on the trail of eco-friendly products for dogs. This post is to draw attention to some good candidates I found in the category of dog beds.

Many of these beds contain recycled material that have been ingeniously transformed into soft and comfy cushion filling, that will provide hours of enjoyable snoozing for Fido. Not only that, the fillings themselves can be recycled when a new bed is desired. A win-win situation in my book!

Other nice features of eco-friendly beds include use of organic and sustainable materials.

If you are interested in "green" products, these organic dog beds are worth considering IMHO.

How "Green" Is Your Dog?

There's a lot of talk these days about the impact of our carbon footprints on the planet. And it will probably not surprise you to know, that our four-legged friends are now a part of the discussion.

IMHO as a dog master, I have to agree that it's a good idea to help Fido clean up his pawprints along with us humans!

After spending a bit of time boning up on organic, recyclable, and earth-friendly pet products, I've started a series of articles on the subject.

If you're interested in the move toward eco-friendly awareness, you can read more about Natural Pet Products here.

Affenpinscher - Small Dog Breed

The Affenpinscher is one of the most intelligent and boldest of the toy dog breeds, though not as commonly seen as other small dogs. Very popular as a family pet, he is protective and makes a good watchdog.

The Affen has a cute rather comical expression and shaggy coat. He is a clean dog that doesn't require much grooming.

If you enjoy playful pets, the Affenpinscher is that and a whole lot more!

Italian Greyhound - Small Dog Breed

The Italian Greyhound - a miniature greyhound belonging to the Toy Dog Group, is an ancient breed originating more than 2000 years ago.

During the 16th century, this breed, as well as other miniature dogs, were very popular in Italy - hence the connection in the dog's name.

Among his fine attributes are: his very affectionate nature, his easy grooming, his lack of doggy odor and his adaptability to almost any environment.

Although he looks delicate, the Italian Greyhound is quite hardy and remains playful quite far into his adult years.

Silky Terrier - Small Dog Breed

The Silky Terrier, from the toy dog group, is a charming and alert little terrier about 9-10 inches tall, with a lovely coat that lives up to his name.

He was originally developed in Australia during the 19th century, but eventually made his way to England.

Although his coat is long, a nice feature is it's a single coat and doesn't shed.

If you're considering a small dog breed, the Silky Terrier should be on your list of possibilities, IMHO.

GPS Dog Collars - Find Your Roaming Dog Fast!

If you're away from home for extended periods, a GPS dog collar will give you peace of mind in the event your dog should accidentally get out, or finds an opportunity to go roaming. Another really nice use for them is the ability to track your dog if you hike out in wilderness areas with your dog off leash.

Although these high tech devices are somewhat expensive, they can save you from an enormous amount of stress if you have a lost dog.

Some GPS dog collars track within a given radius, while others can track no matter where your pet may roam. It's a combination of GPS and cellphone technology!

IMHO, they are a very worthwhile investment.

Toy Fox Terrier - Small Dog Breed

The Toy Fox Terrier is a good choice for someone looking for a low maintenance small dog breed. He has a nice smooth coat and always looks neat and clean. Grooming is a trivial matter.

This cute little dog has distinguished himself as an excellent service dog to the disabled, being of particular value to the deaf.

The Toy Fox Terrier, belonging to the Toy Dog Group, is a cheerful dog who stays youthful and affectionate throughout his life.

Chihuahua - Small Dog Breed

The Chihuahua, often referred to as the smallest dog in the world, is also an ancient breed with very early roots in Asia.

The Chihuahua comes in two coat varieties, one short and smooth, the other being longer and more feathery. He is a bold little dog with a strong personality and prefers the company of his own breed over others.

Hollywood and the advertising media have done a lot to draw attention to this dog. One of his most recognized roles is that of the Taco Bell Chihuahua.

The image above is the Chihuahua Puppy Calendar for 2008.

Poodle - Small Dog Breed

There are three sizes of Poodle: toy, miniature and standard. The kennel club breed standards are the same for all heights. The one we are discussing today is the Toy Poodle whose ideal height is 10 inches or less.

Although it is frequently assumed that this breed originated in France, they actually started in Germany. The standard size is claimed to be the oldest line in the breed, though the smaller varieties were developed soon after.

Poodles were originally used for retrieving in water and are excellent swimmers. However, some of the smaller ones, were used in England for truffle hunting and became known as Truffle Dogs.

There is much more to learn about the fascinating Poodle dog at their favorite website.

Pekingese - Small Dog Breed

Did you know that the Pekingese dog is one of the world's oldest dog breeds. He has strong roots in ancient Imperial China and was so significantly important to the royalty, that commoners were not allowed to own them.

This little dog is tough, confident and much sturdier that he looks. In fact a Pekingese dog was one of two "canine" survivors of the Titanic disaster.

A word of caution - although this dog has many good qualities, he does like to be the boss, so train him early that you're in charge if you don't want to end up with a cute little tyrant!

Japanese Chin - Small Dog Breed

One unique trait of the Japanese Chin is that he has the unusual habit of using his paws for self grooming - much like a cat.

This very appealing little dog, belonging to the toy dog breed classification, has ancient origins in China, though much of its development occurred in Japan.

If you're looking for a special looking small dog that is not a barker, you can learn more about the Japanese Chin at his favorite website.

Papillon - Small Dog Breed

The first thing you'll notice about the Papillon dog are his ears. They adorn his head like butterfly wings, hence his name, which is the French for butterfly.

The history of this breed, whose ancestors are believed to include various small spaniels, dates back to at least the 16th century. During this period, they were very popular with royalty. Paintings of Louis XIV and his family, provide evidence of his presence in the royal households.

Marie Antoinette and Madame Pompadour were also said to be avid admirers of them.

Today, the Papillon, previously known as the Dwarf Spaniel, is a popular small dog that becomes very attached to his owner and likes nothing better than being by his side at every opportunity.

Yorkshire Terrier - Small Dog Breed

If you want a perfect little lap dog, look no further than the charming Yorkshire Terrier. Long gone are the days when the Yorkie had to work for a living chasing down and exterminating the rat population in the industrial workplaces of Yorkshire, England.

Nowadays, they mostly get to enjoy lots of coddling, to which they respond in kind by giving their master lots of affection.

Aside from being pampered, they enjoy the arena of competition and do very well in agility.

Believe it or not the Yorkshire Terrier also is a good watchdog. A lot for your money IMHO.

Manchester Terrier - Small Dog Breed

Can you image a Manchester Terrier, who weighs in at around 12 pounds, killing 300 rats in just under an hour? Hard to imagine, right? But that's how the story goes about "Tiny," a Manchester who in 1848, supposedly accomplished this feat.

Originally called the Black and Tan Terrier, these little dogs did originally work to control the population of rats, foxes and other vermin in the industrial north of England during the 1800's. They get their name from the city of Manchester, which is where development of the breed was centered during this time period.

Nowadays, the Manchester Terrier, a somewhat rare dog, is valued as an affectionate and lively companion. He is a very clean, low maintenance pet and also being very alert, he makes a good watch dog.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Small Dog Breed

If you are seeking a lap dog with royal connections, then you might take a fancy to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This sweet faced spaniel with a gentle expression, was adored by King Charles II which did oodles to make the dog very popular. So much so, that they were named in his memory.

The Cavalier, from the Toy Dog Group classification, is better looking IMHO - and incidentally, has the look that the King so admired - than the English Toy Spaniel (known in England as the King Charles Spaniel). Gets a bit confusing doesn't it!

Well here's a tip on how to tell the difference if you want to make sure you get the prettier one:

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is larger, weighs between 12 and 18 pounds, has more regular looking eyes, a flatter head and longer nose.

On the other hand, the more homely one is smaller, weighs 8 to 14 pounds, has a pug nose, a dome shaped head, an undershot jaw, and large, prominent eyes. In other words, a more pug like appearance, which I hasten to add is irresistible to some folks.

Go check them both out, if you're of a mind.