Category: Best Dog Blogs

These Three Huskies Are The Cutest Escape Artists You’ll Ever See

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

These Three Huskies Are The Cutest Escape Artists You’ll Ever See

Siberian Huskies are known for their striking multicolored eyes, signature facial markings, and unique “voice”. Something else Huskies are famous for? Their escape abilities.

Often called the “Houdini” of dogs, Siberian Huskies can escape from nearly anywhere and everywhere. No matter how secure the fence, gate, or crate is, Huskies have an innate ability to open them.

Three Huskies from Iowa are no different.

Gracie, Kona, and Crimson live with Callie Gansen in Dubuque, Iowa. The siblings are three peas in a pod and just happen to be the world’s cutest escape artists.

One day, Gensen wanted to share their escape tactics with the world. She decided to film the three of them escaping, which she says they do daily.

Gansen decided to share the video to a Facebook group dedicated to Huskies. Then, she uploaded it on YouTube.

The video begins with all three of them behind a seemingly secure gate. Gracie then takes a few steps back, jumps high in the air, and completely clears the fence.

Kona

“I usually have to put a fence on top of the fence that’s shown in the video to keep that one from jumping it,” Gensen said.

With Gracie free, it was Crimson and Kona’s turn. Rather than exert effort to jump the gate, Crimson decided to use a more tactful approach. He uses his nose and teeth to loosen the lock on the gate door. Mere seconds later, he manages to open it. Kona promptly follows.

Once Crimson reaches Gansen on the couch, he gives a signature Husky “growl” as if to say, “I told you I’d get out.”

50 Greatest Dog Names

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

50 Greatest Dog Names


The 50 Greatest Dog names. That is a big statement. We have used research form our friends at BarkPost to see what they listed as the classic 50 dog names. They did some research and these are the sure fire names that are always in the top dog name lists. So here you have it:

The 50 greatest dog names:

1. Spot

2. Buddy

3. Bandit

4. Benji

5. Ginger

6. Patches

7. Fido

8. Socks

9. Brownie

10. King


11. Bella

12. Charlie

13. Lucy

14. Rocky

15. Max

16. Lady

17. Lassie

18. Lucky

19. Sparky

20. Beauty


21. Fluffy

22. Daisy

23. Sadie

24. Princess

25. Rex

26. Teddy

27. Bear

28. Shadow

29. Lady


30. Missy

31. Sasha

32. Roxy

33. Coco

34. Cricket

35. Champ

36. Milo

37. Rufus

38. Scout

39. Samson

40. Bailey


41. Jake

42. Toby

43. Duke

44. Winston

45. Hunter

46. Gracie

47. Angel

48. Stella

49. Honey

50. Sugar

Does your dog’s name appear in the all-time Top 50?

If you’re looking for more pet names, visit All Name Ideas today!

Understanding And Treating Cataracts In Dogs

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

Understanding And Treating Cataracts In Dogs

Have you ever seen a dog with a white tint to their eyes? If you’re wondering what it may be from, it could be cataracts. A potentially life-threatening disease, cataracts should be treated as soon as symptoms appear. Read on to help understand and treat them in dogs.

What are Cataracts?

Cataracts are a largely inherited disease and are more frequent in purebred dogs. They are defined as the clouding of the lens of the eye. They can progress slowly or quickly, causing blindness in a few days or a few weeks.

A cataract isn’t a film over the eye, it’s a change to the inside of the clear sack that contains the lens. A minor clouding or fogging that doesn’t interfere with vision is known as an incipient cataract. Immature cataracts tend to cloud the larger portion of the lens and can result in blurred vision.

When the entire lens clouds up and complete vision is lost over time, it’s known as a mature cataract. As it progresses even further, the pupil will turn a bluish to even white color. A cataract doesn’t always mean blindness, though.

How They Develop

Cataracts can develop at any age. The Cocker Spaniel, Siberian Husky, Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, and Golden Retriever are all more prone to the disease. Diabetes can also cause them. Nearly 75% off dogs with diabetes will become blind from cataracts within a year. In fact, they can develop overnight in dogs with diabetes – one night they go to bed with normal eyes and the next morning they wake up with white eyes!

If this happens, take your dog to the vet immediately.

Cataracts can also be caused by the toxicity from drugs such as heartworm preventatives, vaccines, and flea and tick medicine. Underlying eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy, glaucoma, or uveitis can also cause this disease. Eye trauma can also lead to cataracts. Lastly, senior dogs can develop this disease due to aging but they are mostly slow to develop and don’t cause serious eyesight issues.

Treatment

If you spot some clouding in your dog’s eyes, take your pup to the veterinarian immediately. From there, they might recommend a visit to a veterinary ophthalmologist. If the cataracts aren’t major, they will be monitored and rechecked often. Anti-inflammatory eye drops may also be prescribed.

If the cataracts are major, surgery may be recommended. Surgery is more effective if it is done sooner rather than later as mature ones are harder to treat. Surgery is usually successful and most dogs have near-perfect vision post-surgery.

Prevention

One way to prevent cataracts is to prevent diabetes. You can prevent diabetes by keeping your dog at a healthy weight. Since diabetes almost always end in this disease and involves surgery, the best way to prevent them is to prevent diabetes!

There are many other holistic approaches to preventing cataracts like not over-vaccinating your pet, feeding a high quality diet, and adding supplements to their food.

5 Hairless Dogs Breeds You Didn’t Know Existed

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

5 Hairless Dogs Breeds You Didn’t Know Existed

When you think of cute dog breeds, you probably don’t think of hairless dogs. But we’re here to change your mind. Hairless dog breeds are often overlooked for those with thick, full coats – but these furless pups are just as cute as their furry counterparts. Here are five hairless dog breeds you didn’t know existed – or needed.

Xoloitzcuintli (Mexican Hairless Dog)

This dog breed may be one of the toughest to pronounce (its “show-low-eats-queent-lee”), but they are an interesting one. Xolo (or “show-low”) for short, the Mexican Hairless Dog is native to Mexico and descended from a few breeds of Old World dogs. They existed in Mexico for more than 3,000 years.

This breed was considered sacred by the Aztecs. They believed Xolo’s helped their masters souls safely pass through the underworld. Aztec legend has it that the god Xolotl made this breed from a small sliver from the Bone of Life – where all mankind came from. Xolotl provided this gift with instructions to guard mankind and provide safety from the dangers of Mictlan, world of Death. Some people in Mexico still believe this to be true! (www.featuredcreature.com).

Today, the Xolo is a loving, intelligent breed with protective qualities.

Chinese Crested

Despite its name, the Chinese Crested did not come from China. They are actually descendants of Africa or Mexico, but were reduced in size by the Chinese. The Chinese Crested comes in two varieties: the Powderpuff and the Hairless. The Powderpuff is the hairier of the two, but the amount of fur can vary on both breeds. They were bred to be companions and the Chinese believe this breed had healing powers.

This is a breed unlike any other dog in that they hardly have any desire to go outside and play. They will lie with you for hours and have an innate ability to know what you’re thinking. Chinese Cresteds are a social breed and will bond quickly. They are, however, weary of strangers.

Argentine Pila Dog

Dating back to more than 3,000 years, the Argentine Pila Dog is native to Argentina. During the Spanish colonial times and into the 20th century, this breed was popular among the aboriginal middle class as well as peasant families. It was during that time they were given the name, which is the colloquial Spanish term for “naked” or “hairless”.

Their warm skin acted as bed warmers for the older crowd, especially those suffering from rheumatism. Pila’s were also highly regarded as watchdogs. Though they are rare today, breeders are trying to reestablish the breed.

Peruvian Inca Orchid

This unique-looking breed dates back to pre-Incan times. Pottery from that area shows the Peruvian Inca Orchid in full detail. The Spanish conquest of Peru actually almost caused this breed to become extinct. Thankfully they survived thanks to some rural citizens believing this hairless pup had mystical powers.

The Peruvian Inca Orchid can be either completely hairless or have a small patch of hair on the top of their head. They are known to be affectionate, loyal, playful, and charming.

American Hairless Terrier

Deriving from the Rat Terrier, the American Hairless Terrier is quite a rare breed. The breeds history starts with Feists, mixed breed terriers brought from Europe to North America around the 18th century. From there, the Rat Terrier was born by breeding Feists with Italian Greyhounds, Beagles, and Miniature Pinschers. One litter of Rat Terriers produced a completely hairless pup, later named Josephine. She was the first known American Hairless Terrier.

This breed is known for their intelligence, playful nature, and alertness. They are affectionate and good with children, too. American Hairless Terriers are protective of their families and can will actually break into a sweat if scared or hot.

If you’re looking to add a new member to your family, don’t count out the hairless ones! Not only are they uniquely cute, they also make wonderful companions. Just be ready for some confused stares while out on the town.

Best Dog Breeds For Runners

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

Best Dog Breeds For Runners

Are you a runner? Do you want a furry, four-legged running partner keeping up with you as you two stride gracefully down the city streets, or though winding paths in the woods?

The good news is most dogs love to run. And, most dogs thrive on the increased exercise. 

But, some dog breeds are better runners than others

Not all dogs are built to jog. Some love long distance running. Others thrive on sprinting. Others like nothing more strenuous than a stroll in the park. 

How do you know which to choose? 

First, what type of runner are you? Jogger? Beach sprinter? Love high-speed running?

Here are the 5 Best Dog Breeds for Runners

Weimaraners 

These dogs love to jog because they are built to run long distances. They are well muscled, energetic, and thrive mentally and physically on lots of exercise. 

Greyhounds

Sprinters. These dogs were bred to race. You may find one that likes jogging, but most will love to accompany you on short, intense burst sprinting. 

Pit Bulls 

Sprinters and short distance runners. Because they are heavily muscled and built low to the ground, Pitfalls excel at sprinting and fast jogging for short distances. If you want to run the 50, 100, or 200, a Pit bull will love every step of the race. Longer distances can be tough on their joints. They’re built like shot-putters, and you don’t see many shot-putters running marathons.

Golden, Yellow, and Black Labradors 

These breeds like both long, slow jogs, and shorter, more intense sprint-type runs. Labs are always one of the most popular breeds because they’re very affectionate, well-behaved, and loyal. But, they can be destructive if not exercised enough. They are a working breed, so they need lots of exercise. This makes them the perfect running companion!

German Shepard

This powerful breed loves exercise. Because they love sprinting, jogging, and everything in-between, the German Shepard is one of the best dog breeds for runners of all kinds. But, make sure you intend to exercise a lot. The GSD is a working breed, so they require much more exercise than many anticipate. If you are doing near-daily road work, the GSD is for you!

Beagles

Sprinting, agility training. Beagles tend to have short legs and are built low to the ground. Many associate this hound breed with laziness. But, they are actually very high energy, and one of the most agile dog breeds in the world. If you are a sprinter, the beagle is your kind of dog.

If you are an athlete that likes to do agility training, your Beagle will train right along side of you. But, make sure you do all running in an enclosed area. The Beagle’s nose can get him in trouble because they are natural wanderers, and run surprisingly fast. 

What Makes Your Dog Become Overweight?

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

What Makes Your Dog Become Overweight?

One of the easiest ways to keep your dog healthy is to make sure they don’t gain too much weight. Obviously, we don’t want a dog that’s too thin, nor do we want to resist their cute begging faces when it’s time for treats.

But, when a dog gains too much weight, it puts a lot of stress on their system – both inside and out. 

What Factors Can Make a Dog Become Overweight?

The most common cause of obesity in dogs is overeating. Some breeds like Beagles and hounds are classic, well-known over-eaters. 

And, many owners hate to restrict their dog’s food when they notice that there’s been weight gain. But, the reality is that you don’t have to force your dog onto some extreme diet to get them to lose the unwanted pounds. 

Improve the Quality of Dog Food

There are scientists that believe that lack of nutrition in the American diet is a major contributor to the obesity problem among humans. Simply, we are eating more food than necessary because the food we eat lacks the nutrients our bodies need. 

The same goes for dogs. 

Cheap food offend mean cheap ingredients. If you feed your dog a kibble full of fillers, they’ll need to, and want to, eat more to get the nutrition they need. 

If you are on a tight budget, you can increase your pup’s nutrition without spending a lot of money. Making homemade chicken broth and adding it to their food will provide them with a host of healthy vitamins and minerals. And, it costs almost nothing to produce. 

Adding ground pumpkin to their food will help add vitamins and fiber, and will also help your dog feel more full when eating. 

If you can afford the good stuff, look for ingredients that are considered “suitable for humans.” This means that the food in the bag isn’t old, mold, or couldn’t pass the test for people to eat it. Look for ingredients like: beef, fish, chicken, eggs, vegetables, fruits as the first 5 ingredients listed. 

Lack of Exercise and Activity

Just like us, if your dog doesn’t exercise, they’ll gain weight. Puppies and young dogs avoid this problem because they have so much energy to burn, but even young dogs can gain weight. 

And, as your dog passes into adulthood, their need for exercise increases. 

Plus, walking, working out, and playing not only helps control their weight, but it helps their muscles, bones, joints, organs, and mental health. 

Can Medical Problems Make Your Dog Become Overweight?

If you are feeding them great food and exercising with them, but they’re still gaining too much weight, then it’s time to see the vet. 

There are a few medical causes of obesity:

  • Hypothyroidism – suppressed thyroid can lead to serious weight gain. Can be treated with medication combined with better eating and exercise
  • Cushing’s Disease – this disease causes a problem in your pup’s adrenal glands. This leads to a disruption in your dog’s metabolism. Your vet may be able to treat this problem with medication
  • Pituitary Gland Diseases – because the pituitary gland is the “master gland,” problems here can cause the whole system to go out of whack. This includes weight gain. 
  • Diabetes – much like with people, diabetes can cause fat gain. And, it’s tough to tell if weight gain caused the problem or did diabetes cause he weight gain. But, the most important thing is to have your vet help you. Losing fat, especially in the mid section, can help fight diabetes in your pup

Track Their Food and Activity Levels

Feed your dog the best food you can afford, in sensible portions.

How To Trim Your Dog’s Nails Using A Nail Grinder

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

How To Trim Your Dog’s Nails Using A Nail Grinder

Just like human’s, dogs nail grow – and grow and grow – until it’s impossible not to cut them. Some dogs are completely fine with the occasional nail trim while others act like you are trying to harm them.

If your dog is terrified of getting their nails trimmed – especially with a nail grinder – you will have to be patient and teach them that it’s not as bad as it seems. If you teach your dog to associate the nail grinder with something positive – like a treat – they’ll start to learn to love it.

The key is to use really good people food – like chicken, pepperoni, or steak – to get them used to the sound.

As soon as you turn on the nail grinder give them a piece of food. That way, they’ll associate the sound with something pleasant. Once your pup gets used to the sound, you can work with them on actually grinding their nails.

If you’re dog isn’t too fond of paw handling, try doing the same treat process as you did with the nail grinder. The dog will begin associating delicious food with their paws being held.

Once your pup is ready to get their nails done, the first thing to do is provide a comfortable space for your dog to sit or lie down. Always make sure you have treats ready, too.

Then, turn the nail grinder on and ask for your dog’s paw. With a firm but gentle grip on their paw, briefly put the grinder directly on the dog’s nail to grind some of the nail.

Let go of your dog’s paw and praise them for a job well done with a tasty treat.

Then, repeat with the rest of their nails!

It may take a few tries, but once your furry friend associates the nail grinder with positive reinforcement – like treats and praise – they’ll be begging you to trim their nails in no time.

Is Rawhide Actually Safe For Your Dog?

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

Is Rawhide Actually Safe For Your Dog?

It’s nearly impossible to walk down the pet aisle at the supermarket without seeing a section for rawhide treats. Coming in all shapes in sizes – from bones, to sticks, to circles – it is a widely popular treat for dogs. Not only do they keep dogs busy, dogs absolutely love them. But, is it really safe? Let’s take a deeper look into the world of this tasty treat.

What is rawhide?

Rawhide is made from the inner layer of horse or cow hides. When making it, the hides are cleaned then cut or ground. From there, they are pressed into chewable treats for dogs. Some treats contain chicken, beef, or liver flavoring to make them more appealing to pups.

What are the benefits of rawhide?

Dogs have a natural instinct to chew. They need to chew and some will spend hours upon hours chewing on anything they can get their paws on. Chewing provides mental stimulation and can help relieve anxiety. Since many of these treats are large and take a while to chew, it helps occupy your pup.  Puppies can benefit from it, especially when used as alternative to shoes.

Rawhide is also helpful in managing your dog’s dental hygiene. Chewing it keeps their teeth clean, jaw strong, and their breath fresher. Pups that regularly chew on this treat tend to have less plaque and tarter build-up on their teeth.

What are the risks of rawhide?

Though many dogs can consume rawhide regularly without any issues, there are certain risks – some serious – that dog owners need to watch out for.

One risk is contamination. Rawhide, like other pet toys, can contain small amounts of toxic chemicals. Furthermore, Salmonella or E. coli contamination is also a possibility. Humans can even be at risk if they come into contact with contaminated rawhide.

Another risk is digestive irritation. Some dogs can simply be allergic or sensitive to rawhide (or other ingredients used to manufacture the product) and can suffer from digestive problems like vomiting or diarrhoea.

A third, and probably the biggest, risk is choking or blockages. Some dogs don’t know how to properly chew a rawhide and will attempt to swallow large pieces. If this happens, it can get stuck in the esophagus or other parts of the digestive tract. If it isn’t too large of a piece, a vet can typically remove the piece(s) through the throat. But, if the piece is too large, abdominal surgery may be needed. If not treated or resolved, a blockage from rawhide could easily lead to death.

Some signs of contamination, digestive irritation or blockage are: gagging, repeated swallowing, regurgitation, vomiting, diarrhea, signs of pain, refusal to eat, and lack of energy. If you see any of these signs, take your pup to the vet immediately.

How to ensure your pup safely chews rawhide:

You can take certain measures to ensure your dog safely consumes rawhide. First, talk to your vet to make sure you are giving your pup the proper amount. The smaller the dog, the smaller the piece, is a good place to start, though.

If you have multiple dogs, separate them when offering them this treat. This way, they won’t feel the need to eat it quickly or swallow big bites.

Take the treat away from your dog when it is small enough to swallow whole. Some dogs tend to be possessive, so having them sit while offering them another (tastier) treat can help.

But the main thing to do is supervise your pup! Don’t leave them alone with rawhide and make sure they aren’t eating it too fast.

While most dogs can safely consume rawhide, knowing the risks can help if an issue ever does arise. Being prepared will ensure your pup safely enjoys this chewable treat!

What To Do If Your Dog Ate Something They Shouldn’t Have

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

What To Do If Your Dog Ate Something They Shouldn’t Have

We all know dogs will eat almost anything they can get their paws on. Whether it’s dropped food on the ground or your dinner. Most of the time it’s no cause for concern, but what about when your dog ate something they shouldn’t have? Here’s what you should do if that happens.

How to Tell if They Ate Something Toxic or Foreign

One way to tell if your dog ate something they shouldn’t have is by observing their symptoms. If they are showing signs of vomiting (beginning as food and ending in water) or gagging, a painful abdomen, fatigue, diarrhea or constipation – contact your veterinarian immediately. Other symptoms include a lack of appetite and changes in normal behavior.

Immediately Bring them to the Vet

If your dog ingested something foreign and you’re unable to contact your veterinarian, take them to a 24-hour emergency animal clinic. One mistake some owners make is they wait to see if the object passes on its own, according to Dr. Shari Brown. Dr. Brown advises against trying to induce vomiting yourself without a veterinarian’s okay since some foreign objects cause more harm coming back out.

Treatment

If the vet believes your dog ate something they shouldn’t have, they will most likely recommend X-rays as this will help them assess the severity of the situation and determine treatment options. However, some veterinarian’s may be able to help the object pass by inducing vomiting.

In a more severe situation, an endoscopy may be required. With this scenario, the vet will guide a long tube down your pup’s throat and remove the object from their stomach.

If the object has made its way to the dog’s intestines, surgery may be required. Once the object is in the intestine, there is a greater risk for complications because some parts of the intestines may have to be removed.

Prevention

The best way to avoid a trip to the emergency animal clinic is by preventing your dog from ingesting a foreign object in the first place! One way to do this is to keep any potentially harmful objects or foods out of reach. Whether it’s baby-locking the cabinets, closing off certain rooms of the house, or keeping objects off the counter.

And, if your dog has a habit of chewing and swallowing the stuffing or squeakers in their toys, keep them out of the house!

So if your dog is a lover of all food and toys, make sure to take preventative measures to avoid an emergency trip to the vet!

Can Dogs Cry Tears Of Sadness?

Posted on by Orla O'Keefe

Can Dogs Cry Tears Of Sadness?

Has your dog ever stared at you with sad eyes? Maybe even with a tear or two? If you thought they may have been crying, you aren’t alone. Many owners assume their dog cries tears of sadness, but that is actually not true. Although dogs are sensitive and compassionate creatures, dogs cannot cry tears of sadness. So what does it mean if your dog looks like they’re crying and how do they react to someone else crying? Read on to learn more.

Why Dogs “Cry”

Like humans, dogs have tear ducts that helps keep their eyes functioning properly. Unlike humans, though, the tear ducts drain liquid back towards the nose and throat area. But, just because they don’t cry out of sadness, doesn’t mean they don’t experience sorrow. Dogs grieve in their own way – not by shedding tears but by becoming aloof or lethargic.

So, if your dog looks like they are crying, it might be a sign something is wrong. Allergies can cause eye watering. Dogs can be allergic to environmental factors like dust, pollen, and smoke or food ingredients. If your dog has an infection, you may notice yellow, mucusy, or bloody tears. If your dog’s tears look like that, bring them to the vet immediately.

Dogs can also suffer from blocked tear ducts which causes eye discharge known as epiphora. You can tell it is epiphora if the area around their eye is damp. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms.

Active dogs can suffer from scratched corneas. Rough play or running through thick bushes can lead to a scratched cornea and cause your dog to paw at their eye, blink a lot, or have an inflamed eye area.

Lastly, a dog could simply have a speck a dirt or eyelash stuck in their eye. If this is the case, the tearing should clear up on its own but watch for more serious or prolonged symptoms.

A Dogs Response to Tears

Now that you know why dogs cry, it’s time to look at how they respond to someone else crying. Studies have shown that dogs respond to tears uniquely. Dogs are more likely to approach a person who is crying over someone is humming or talking. They also respond with submissive behavior to someone who is crying.

Though it is not proven that dogs can understand our pain or demonstrate empathy, the fact that they can differentiate between humming and crying points to a stronger overall response than just curiosity.

So, next time you notice tears in your pup’s eyes, make sure it isn’t a sign of something more serious. And next time you’re feeling down, watch how your dog reacts to you. You may be surprised how responsive they are!

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    Most of my day is spent playing with dogs. When they nap, I’m here working on my blog. You’re welcome to reach out and connect with me.

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