By Laura A. Hofman

Anyone who shares their life with a dog knows they area a member of the family. As such, they need to be comfortable in your living space, including your garden. Here are some easy and practical tips to creating a dog friendly garden that you and your best friend will love…

What Is A Dog Friendly Garden?

The most important factor to consider when creating a garden your dog will love is their personal habits. Is your dog inquisitive by nature? Do they like to dig and chew? How much space do they need to run and explore?

Examine your dogs habits and research the breed if necessary. If your dog enjoys digging, like a beagle for example, you’ll want sturdy plants that are easy to replant. Similarly, if your furry friend likes a full out gallop now and then, it is important to give your pet enough area to roam and run.

A dog friendly garden is essentially an outdoor living space that both you and your pet can enjoy. Your dog’s safety is of primary importance, so you will want to choose plants that aren’t harmful to animals if ingested. From your viewpoint, you won’t want to constantly replace damaged plants and flowers, so consider your pets habits when choosing places to plant.

Choosing Your Plants

When you own a dog, chances are great they will occasionally interact with your plants when running, fetching, or playing. Choose sturdy species that can withstand a little rough housing. Also, consider where your dog likes to nap and eliminate. You won’t want your prized plants damaged by their daily routine.

If you have a boy dog, choose plants that are immune to the nitrogen in their urine. Boy dogs mark their territory, so your plants will get sprayed now and again. Certain types of plants are immune, like viburnum and spirea. Interestingly, shrub roses are another great choice. Not only are they sturdy and hardy, but they are practically immune to dog urine.

After a while, your dog will learn its space boundaries. Dogs are highly adaptable creatures and in general will cooperate with your landscaping ideas. Be sure they have enough shade, a place to nap outdoors, and room to run and you should be fine.

Plants To Avoid In A Dog Friendly Garden

There are certain species of plants that can be toxic to dogs. That said, the risk really lies in your dog’s habits. Most dogs will exist peacefully with plants and won’t chew and gnaw at them. Even if your dog is a chronic chewer, you can alleviate your worry by giving them dog bones that will keep them busy for hours.

With that said, there are a few plants that should give you pause. They include lilies, tulips, and azaleas. When ingested, these plants may cause severe digestive problems for your pet, so exercise due caution. For the most part though, if your dog is properly exercised daily, they really won’t be inclined to chew on plants.

Summary

Designing a dog friendly garden is well worth the time for both you and your pet. You will be able to match your landscape preferences with your dog’s habits by following a few simple tips.

Examine how your dog interacts with your outdoor space and plan accordingly. Also, be sure to properly exercise your dog to help curb their inquisitive nature and avoid nuisance behavior like chewing and possibly damaging your plants.

Laura A. Hofman is an expert gardener and pet lover who enjoys helping you get the most enjoyment from your outdoor living space. Discover the secrets of a dog friendly garden by visiting Laura’s new website dedicated to eco friendly and cost effective gardening tips for dog lovers. You’ll find it at: http://www.dogfriendlygarden.com

By Kimberly Case

Choose the right dog toy. Photo by Aussiegall

Dog treats and toys are not a one-size-fits-all purchase. There are products designed with puppies in mind while others are created for adult dogs only. This can pose a problem when specific items are given at the wrong age. Whether you are buying dog treats and toys for your new pup or for someone else’s’ take care to choose the right products.

Treats for Puppy

Although a puppy can probably swallow some adult dog treats, these have not been made with a puppy’s growing body in mind. They can create serious digestion problems as well as be harmful to puppy teeth. Look for biscuits that are designed specifically for puppies, such as AKC puppy training treats. These are a great choice because they come pre-sized for a small puppy mouth. They are also designed to help you get a good start on training. Just because they are smaller and designed for your young dogs’ growing body doesn’t mean they lack in taste, either. AKC dog treats include real liver among the ingredients.

Puppy Teeth Treats

Puppy teeth are very different from adult dog teeth. They are not intended to remain long term, and can be damaged. N-Bone has created a puppy teething ring treat. These are very unique because they are completely digestible but crafted to optimize chewing for a young dog’s teeth. The teething ring measures three and a half inches, so it is very easy for a little dog to carry and maneuver without trouble. No nylon or rubber pieces are used to there is less concern for choking hazards or stomach problems.

Bones for Puppies

Any dog owner knows that bones are a great way to keep their pet occupied. They can also help work out frustration and clean teeth. Puppies, on the other hand, may find adult dog bones too hard and heavy to get their jaws around. Nylabone has created the Toro puppy roll bone which is ideal for a growing dog. These dog treats are bones that are a little softer and made in short sticks. They even come in enticing flavors, such as bacon. Calcium has been added while salt and sugar has been left out to keep the Toro dog bones healthy for pups. These dog treats will last longer when given to most breeds.

Plush Toys for Puppies

Plush dog toys are a fun addition to your dog’s collection, however make sure you are choosing the right toy that will keep your growing dog safe. Stick with plus dog toys that do not have small parts which could be broken or chewed off and swallowed. Also make a point to check your pet’s toys daily and remove worn toys that have tears or damage. This is especially important when using plush toys that have squeakers or rattles inside. Your pet can free these items, which are not meant to be played with individually. If uncertain, always err on the side of safety and throw the toy away. If you are careful and selective about the dog treats and toys you give your pup, he or she will have no problem growing into a strong, healthy adult.

Article by Kimberly Case of dogtreatstogo.com- Where you can find a large selection of Dog Treats including Dog Biscuits and Salmon Dog Treats Online!

By Jennifer P. April

Checking your dog’s ears regularly can tell you a lot about his health. In fact, dog ear care is an important component of your companion’s health.

Keep in mind that if you check your dog’s ears every couple of days, you might see some early signs of problems. Use both your sight and smell in checking for any symptoms. Actually, your sense of smell may be more effective at times.

This technique could definitely help you notice any signs of problems or infections.

On a normal basis, dog’s ears do not smell bad. A stinky ear is a sign of trouble.

One possibility for problem dog ears are ear mites. These can be detected if you see there is a waxy, dark-colored discharge.

Another symptom of illness are pus-like discharges which means that there may be a bacterial infection.

Yet another reason for a dog’s foul-smelling ear is allergy related. There can also be a secondary yeast infection. If you don’t find and end the source of the yeast/allergies, this will require ongoing treatment with mixed results.

According to some vets, ear problems in both ears can even indicate ailing liver or kidneys.

Which canine breeds can contract ear infections most easily?

Having floppy ears is a reason some dogs contract frequent ear problems, since there is less air that pass through the ear canals. This is why spaniels and bloodhounds can be pretty susceptible to such.

Thick hair growth inside the ear may also cause a problem, like that of a Lhasa Apso. Dogs that like to swim may also expose their ear to ear infections.

In case that the thick hair growth is the cause of the ear problem, you can trim the hair on the inside of the ears.

How do you clean your dog’s ears?

A simple solution of water and vinegar is the best and provides antibacterial properties. Just mix 1 part plain vinegar to 2 parts water. Use a clean cloth or cotton balls. Wet the fabric with the vinegar/water solution and wipe out the inside of your pet’s ears.

Dog ear care is so important to your pet’s health.

If you’d like to learn more about dog ear care and natural solutions to your dog’s health problems, please visit my website where I share natural solutions to your dog’s health and you can sign up for my free 7 part ecourse, All Natural Dog Solutions.

Jen P. April is passionate about dogs! Visit her website http://www.all-natural-dog-treat.com for tips, tricks and all natural techniques for caring for your dogs in the healthiest way possible.

There are homemade dog treat recipes and you can sign up for her 7 part ecourse, All Natural Dog Solutions Free!

By Brigitte Smith

photo by exfordy

Animals have lived for centuries in the wild, thriving on the most organic and simplest of fare, so why should today be any different? Unless they evolved to take on opposable thumbs to start operating stoves and ovens it would be safe to say that our canines are still meant to eat food in its most natural state. A raw dog food diet (sometimes referred to as the BARF diet) is one of the best ways to keep your dog healthy and strong.

Raw dog food is easy to prepare – you don’t even have to cook anything, that’s the point. Cut up chicken necks, backs and legs complete with the skin to provide the fat and calcium that are beneficial to the dog. Mix in fresh vegetables like carrots, broccoli, cucumber with raw meat or any organ meat. Chop the bones and the other ingredients into small pieces to prevent any danger of the animal choking on his food.

As you make his meals, always make sure to include grains and fruits in his dog supplies. Fresh fruits particularly supply antioxidants that will aid in keeping your pet from certain diseases. Season meals with herbs and spices that will make the food more interesting to eat for the canine. Garlic is an excellent healthy ingredient but do not overdo it. Too much of this pungent bulb can be the cause of digestive problems for the poor animal.

Walking your dog gives him opportunity to feed on the grass that cover the park and line most homes. If he does, let him go ahead and munch on these blades. Grass actually cleanse the canine’s colon and will help in proper elimination of undigested food in the doggie’s digestive tract.

One of the most obvious benefits of giving your pet a diet of raw food is a set of white teeth and them having fresh breath – better than their commercial pet food fed buddies at least. This is thanks to the enzymes found in natural food as well as lessened amount of toxins. It is these toxins that get stuck between their teeth that cause bad breath.

Another good reason to switch to this all raw diet is the decrease in the quantity of poop the dog makes; and the smell of it is not as bad as it used to be. You can determine through the appearance of the stool, how to improve the diet of the canines. If the stool looks too soft, you need to put in more bones to the meals. On the other hand, if the stool is too hard, raise the amount of vegetables you serve in his meals.

Perhaps the best thing about this is that you won’t need a lot of dog supplies – but the advantages are considerable. Imagine wounds and allergies healing faster, their coats are shinier, their stamina and energy levels are higher, among others. If not for the regular check-ups, your vet might be calling you because he misses seeing your pet. Transition your pet from processed to natural food gradually but begin as soon as you are able – you will not regret it.

To find out more, and to check out essential dog supplies and health information for your pet, you are sure to discover great finds at HealthyHappyDogs.com where the author talks about everything you need to know about raw dog food – so go to the premier resources for Dog Health – HealthyHappyDogs.com and HealthierDogs.com.

By Destin Davis

Some people feel like they are saving money by buying the cheapest dog food on the market. The truth is, the better food you feed your dog, the less visits you will have to make to the vet (and you know how those visits can easily add up). Eating dog food that contains bad ingredients can make your dog unhealthy, shorten their life span, make their skin and coat look dull, and have your dog looking older than he really is. So do your best to only feed your dog good dog food!

The very first thing you want to do is READ the ingredients on the bag, look at what kind of meat is in the bag. The meat is going to determine how your dog receives his protein. You may want the meat to be either lamb, chicken, turkey, or fish. Keep in mind that the first ingredient listed is the main ingredient.

What you don’t want to find is a turkey, chicken or fish by-product. The by-product of chicken can include almost any part that is not used, like the neck, feet, intestines, etc.

Now you want to take a look at the grains in the food. What you ideally want to see is rice or oatmeal as the grain ingredient. Rice and oatmeal are easy for dogs to digest. If your dog’s food has corn, you may want to switch it up.

Corn is used as cheap filler and some dogs have problems with it. Dogs that are allergic to corn will start itching, scooting their butts, or getting ear infections (again, more trips to the vet). These are all signs that the dog isn’t able to tolerate the corn in the food. Corn is an ingredient that you want to weed out when searching for good dog food.

If you know your dog has a problem with wheat (or any other grain) you may want to check out some grain free dog foods as an option. Wheat can irritate your dog worse than corn, so be careful if your dog is known to have a problem with wheat.

Preservatives

Yasha, photo by tibchris

The last thing we want to explore is the preservatives. If the food contains bha, bht, propyl gallate or ethoxiquin (which is alleged to be linked to liver damage in dogs) you want to avoid buying it for your dog.

The best preservatives you can find in good dog food is vitamin e (like mixed Tocopherols). Vitamin e allows the food to be preserved as natural as possible.

Discover the secrets to well balanced dog food recipes for a healthier dog, and easily master reading commercial dog food labels. Uncover secret tricks that will increase his lifespan by more than 8 years by visiting http://www.doggieworld.info.

By Raymond Remi Rheault

Photo by Mike Baird

I really think that getting the dog out for a run is important and I do my best to get her out all year long. Of course, there are inconveniences no matter what season it is. In the winter it’s wet paws on the back seat of the car, but even wet paws are better than the mud soaked ones that comes with fall or spring! In the summer my problem isn’t really dirt so much as the heat.

Dogs need a lot of water, and if they get a lot of exercise they need much more. Have you ever thought about how you would feel if you ran as much as your dog? I’d be pretty near dead, I’m sure. It’s amazing really, the amount of effort they put into it. A dog needs almost an ounce of water for every pound on their body. Depending on the season, this can be tricky.

In the winter it’s as simple as letting your dog eat snow. He or she will want to, so there’s no encouragement required. Still, bring a bottle of water and keep it warm if possible. In the spring and fall, depending on where you are, there are usually lots of places to find running water or newly formed mega-puddles. It’s important to be aware that near major roads there can be unknown toxins in puddles, so try to keep your dog away. Find a lake or stream.

In the summer, bring a dog water dish in the car with you and go for a nice long ride with the windows down after you take your dog for a run. They’ll appreciate the cool wind. Be careful with your choice of water dish though, as it’s easy to spill in the car when you’re making corners (or if your dog is a messy drinker) and spills can lead to unpleasant odours and ruined upholstery.

I recommend the K9 Travel Mug, it fits directly into your cars cup holders, is spill resistant, and made of durable stainless steel.