Doggie Blog

The Best Ways To Make Moving Easier On Your Pet 0

Moving is stressful enough on us, whether it's a temporary move or a more permanent one. While we have to deal with packing, taking care of forwarded mail, utility hookups, and getting our affairs in order - our pets are stressed during a move as well.

You can make it less stressful on the both of you with this list of the five best ways to make moving easier on your pet.

1. Familiar Surroundings

Have you ever noticed your dog dragging out an old, scruffy toy even though he has new ones? That is because it's familiar and the scent makes it their own. Your new place is going to smell, look, and feel different from the old one. Yet, your pet's toys, bedding, and other belongings have the scent they are used to.

Make sure to have their things ready to bring out and set up in the new place. The scent will carry from location to location and give them a sense of home.

2. Keep a Routine

If at all possible, keep your pet's same routine. If you normally take your dog for a walk at 9 PM, make sure to do the same at the new place. Even with the area smelling different, this will just create new adventures for your dog. Feeding schedules should be kept intact as well as bathroom breaks.

A change in routine is one of the major factors in your dog or cat's stress levels, so a normal routing helps keep them calmer.

3. Have Patience

Your stress level may already be through the roof but remember that a move is hard on your furry friend, too. You may notice behavioral issues and problems that weren't there before. This in no way means that your pet has suddenly become a problem child. Instead, your pet may be acting out due to a change in their environment. Stability is key and with any move, everything is out of place in your pet's eyes.

Take it easy and have patience when it comes to your any behavior that seems out of place. Your dog or cat may be anxious and confused so it will take some time to adjust.

4. Entertainment and Exercise

Your pet needs both during times of normalcy but during a stressful time, it is even more important. Make sure that your pet has plenty of exercise to keep their stress levels down and their energy expended.

Entertainment is important too. Mental activity is another area where you can take advantage of moving time. Have your pet find their toys in a special place like a game of hide-and-seek. Or if you have children, this is an excellent opportunity to keep both entertained while you're trying to move.

5. A Quiet Place

Before, during, and after the move - it is a good idea to find a place where your pet can be away from all of the foot traffic. Just like you'd rather be with your dog (or cat) they'd rather be with you. However, a move is a hectic time that causes a lot of anxiety.

Be sure your furbaby has a place they can get away from it all. And make sure to have their toys and bedding nearby.

Moving can be a real demanding time, but it doesn't have to be stressful on your pet by following these tips.

19 Quotes About Dogs All Dog Owners Will Love 0

There are few things as special as the bond between people and their dogs. Of course, that doesn't mean things are always perfect, or that the relationship doesn't have many twists and turns along the way. We've chosen 19 of the best quotes we could find about dogs, to give you a laugh, perhaps an "aw" moment, or even that nod of recognition, "Yup, I understand that!"

Enjoy!

1. If only we could see ourselves the way our dogs see us.

2. Our dogs have true wisdom hidden behind those sorrowful eyes!

3. Dogs, perhaps, have a special place beyond the Rainbow Bridge.

4. From the man who created Snoopy, an accurate assessment.

 5. Did a special dog make your life complete?

6. How many of your secrets does your dog hold?

7. A love that is rare among humans, is standard issue with canines.

8. Every pooch loves a belly scratch or two.

9. Is your dog a hard worker?

10. The perspective of dogs on their fellow canines remains a mystery.

11. Many humans probably feel like they don't give enough to their dogs, who give so much to us.

12. When you have wounds, do you go to your dog for advice on how to heal?

13. Has your dog taught you to follow your intuition?

14. It can take some convincing to let your dog know that you really are sane after all -- some food and playtime usually helps!

15. What does your outside say to the world, and your inside say to your dog?

16. Many people wonder what their dogs are thinking when they are left to fend for themselves during the day. Do you worry?

17. Is your dog your role model?

18. Who's the best-behaved in town?

19. Do you ever play this game with your dog to test his intelligence?

Do you have a favorite quote that didn't make the list? Let us know by leaving a comment!  

The Ten Best TV/Movie Dogs of All Time 0

Dogs are our best friends in real life ... and in fiction, they're just as important. Here's our list of the ten best movie dogs from TV and movies!

10. Brian Griffin

By far the most normal member of the entire "Family Guy" household is ... well, a talking, oft-inebriated dog. We'll put him here instead of the Simpsons' Santa's Little Helper. Here's a clip of his greatest moments (a highlight reel that is definitely not for children).

9. Wishbone

A dog that brought us wonderful stories every day? What a pal! This Jack Russell terrier remains one of the greatest figures in public television history.

8. The Beast from "Sandlot"

The fearsome dog that threatened to menace Squints, Benny "The Jet" Rodriguez and the rest of the childhood baseball gang actually turned out to be kind of a lovable softy. However, the "Pickle the Beast" scene remains one of the greatest movie scenes ever (in our humble opinion).

7. Underdog

Of course, every dog is a superhero! However, Underdog is one that actually got his own television show. For almost a decade, the heroic (and oft-rhyming) dog battled crime - often having to save Sweet Polly Purebred from the clutches of evildoers. Have no fear - Underdog is here!

6. Beethoven

All movies should be sure to include a gigantic St. Bernard in its cast somewhere, just so they can compete with the slobbering beast at the heart of this funny, heartwarming family comedy from 1992. A fun fact about this movie - it was co-written by John Hughes (writing under the name Edmond Dantes), writer and director of famous 80s comedies like The Breakfast Club and Planes, Trains and Automobiles.

5. Buck from "Married With Children"

It couldn't have been easy for the Bundys' shaggy Briard dog, not in that dysfunctional household; no wonder poor Buck grew up to become so snarky. Still, of all the Bundy members, he might have been the smartest.

4. Brain, from "Inspector Gadget"

Poor Brain, always having to bail the bumbling and perhaps overly resourceful Gadget out of whatever sticky situation the detective finds himself in. It's not an easy task. Luckily, he's got a significantly more intelligent owner in Penny to take care of him - most of the time.

3. Lassie

Star of books, film, radio and television, the legendary rough collie is the go-to canine when a hapless little boy (or girl) somehow gets stuck down a well.

2. Eddie from "Frasier"

Despite some behind-the-scenes mischief, the faithful companion of Martin Crane (and a constant pest to Frasier, Niles and the rest of the gang) was always a welcome part of the Seattle-set sitcom.

1. Air Bud

This multi-sport star is the Bo Jackson of the canine world - a golden retriever who earned all-star stars in basketball, football, soccer, baseball and volleyball over seven fun movies.

What are your favorite TV or movie dogs? Let us know by leaving a comment below! 

6 Tips to Keep Your Dog Happy and Healthy This Winter 0

Winters can be tough on humans. There's the cold, the snow, the freezing rain, the sleet, the lack of direct sunlight ... that's tough. However, they can also be tough on our favorite four-legged friends. Winters can be just as hard on doggies as they can be on humans. So, how can you ensure your favorite doggie pal makes it through the winter unscathed? Here are 6 quick tips to keep your dog happy and healthy this winter.

1. Try giving them a warm coat...

Yes, your mom or dad's favorite wintertime admonishment works just as well for your dog. If they're not of the overtly hairy or shaggy type, putting a snug little sweater on your dog before they head out on their walk will help them to keep warm in winter. Plus, if you poke around online, you should be able to find an adorable design or too (maybe something winter or Santa themed?).

2. Be judicious with the doggie baths...

You may have a regular frequency for a doggie bath, depending on how smelly/dirty your furry friend gets. However, excessive baths during the wintertime can actually dry out the skin on your dog during the cold winter months - which could lead to some health problems. Don't go overboard with the canine baths in these cold months. If you do notice dry skin on your dog (especially prominent in elderly dogs) during these months, apply moisturizer.

3. Take a "paws" to look at your dog's feet...

There's a chemical smorgasbord on the grounds of most cold-weather climates during the winter, with all of the deicers and rock salt that gets tossed around to help eliminate the snow and slush. Those chemicals can be harmful to a dog, especially if they're ones to lick their paws. Be sure to give a quick wipe of their appendages after a walk on the sidewalk or a road so you can get those chemicals off of their skin.

4. Don't go crazy with outdoor time...

Your dog may love to play in the snow, but they're still at risk for hypothermia and illness if they're out there for too long. Make sure you tightly regulate how often they're out in the cold and the elements.

5. Keep up their caloric intake...

Trying to stay active in the cold could require a boost in your dog's food; make sure they're getting enough calories in order to maintain the needed energy during the colder months.

6. Make sure they have plenty of water...

Dogs can just as easily become dehydrated in the wintertime as they can in the summer. Make sure that their water bowl is constantly full (and ensure that the wintertime bowl is plastic, so they don't run the risk of having their tongues freeze to metal).