GIVE THE SPECIAL DOGS IN YOUR LIFE THE GIFT OF GOOD HEALTH

When it's time to give a gift for dogs, whether it be for a newly adopted dog, a dog's Birthday or Gotcha Day, or gifts for the holidays, it requires some thought. The most common gifts are dog toys, treats for dogs, and adorable dog clothing or other accessories.  These happy occasions are an opportunity for dog parents to focus on making sure their dog (or other pet) stays healthy.  So help them along by giving a special dog in your life the gift of good health!

Toys, treats, and cute pet apparel are fun gifts for sure, but giving a gift that can contribute to Dog Health and longevity is extra thoughtful and special!  It's a gift to the dog parent as well, because it's something that could help extend the unconditional love and priceless moments they will share together. It can also help lower Veterinary bills - a healthy dog won't get sick as often which may result in fewer trips to the Vet!

At Christmas, Santa loves to Give Dogs the Gift of Good Health

When I think about how to keep my own dogs healthy, I think of these pet products

5 Dog Health Products 

They may not be items you would normally think of when selecting a gift for a dog or other pet, but a gift that contributes to a dog's health is always a great choice!

SUPPLEMENTS FOR DOGS

When researching supplements for dogs, I noticed a common theme.  The theme I keep seeing is that a dog who is eating a healthy, well balanced diet probably doesn't need dietary vitamin supplements.  However, many Veterinarians say that supplements falling into the following 3 categories can definitely be beneficial for many dogs.  

Glucosamine and Chondroitin 

Many dogs suffer from joint pain, especially as they age. As dogs age, the natural production of glucosamine in the body slows down and can lead to joint pain.  Chondroitin is a natural substance found in cartilage.  When coupled with glucosamine, it can have a beneficial effect on your dog's joints. Less aches and pains? Yes, please!

According to VCA Hospitals (owned by Mars Petcare),  "Chondroitin sulfate is the major glycosaminoglycan found in cartilage. It promotes water retention and elasticity in the cartilage, helping to ensure adequate shock absorption and adequate nourishment of the tissues that line the joint.  Like glucosamine, with which it is often combined in supplements, chondroitin may also inhibit the production of inflammatory mediators that are destructive to the joint."

According to PETMD, in an article on Dietary Supplements For Pets, "Supplements that are formulated for joint health include the ingredients glucosamine and chondroitin, which have been found to be useful in treating arthritis in both humans and animals."

I wouldn't want joint pain to prevent my Siberian Husky, Icy, from running around like a mad dog in the snow!

With supplements that contain glucosamine and chondroitin, "Pets with arthritis may experience significant pain reduction, allowing improved mobility in arthritic limbs.  Increased mobility leads to more ability to exercise, thereby improving strength." - VCA Hospitals.  And I would add to that; increased mobility can lead to losing excess weight, which helps ease stress on a dog's joints!  

Maximum joint protection to maintain your pet's mobility.  Cosequin DS Joint Health Supplement in tasty chewable tablets. 

Wouldn't it be great to give a gift that can help a dog you love have healthier joints and stay active?!

Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are essential to pet health and are an important part of a dog's diet. These essential fatty acids are found in various plant and animal sources, and are usually present in good quality pet food in varied amounts.   

Omega 6 fatty acids are required for normal reproduction, growth, immune function, and skin and coat health.   

According to PETMD, Omega 3 fatty acids may help with skin conditions, allergies, kidney function, lymphoma, heart disease, cognitive function, arthritis, and more.

As always, be sure to check with your Veterinarian before adding any supplements to your pet's diet.

I didn't realize that GNC had a line of pet supplements. We've been shopping at GNC stores for our own vitamins and supplements for decades, so I was happy to see that GNC has a supplement for dogs that contains Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids.  I haven't tried GNC Omega Essentials yet, but they're definitely something I'd like to try for my dogs! 

I like that their fish oil supplements pictured below are in chewable format instead of tablet/gel capsule form.  A chew is sometimes easier to give pets, especially when they're chicken flavor like these.

GNC Naturals Omega Essentials soft chews contain 230mg of Omega3 and 6 fatty acids. Contains NO wheat, corn or soy,  artificial colors or flavors. 

I discovered Salveo Petcare's OMEGA 3 Wild Fish Oil and Wild Salmon Oil with Omega 3  I started adding these to my dogs' diets.  I love that they are human grade, free of GMO's, and have no artificial preservatives. I add these fish oil supplements directly to their food, which is so easy.  You can find their products on Amazon . (this is NOT an affiliate link)

Probiotics

I had never heard of giving dogs probiotics until just a few years ago.  But when Icy got sick with a really bad stomach upset the Veterinarian gave her antibiotics.  He prescribed a probiotic along with it because he said that antibiotics can upset the balance of the "good"  bacteria in the digestive tract and that a Probiotic would put back the good bacteria that could be compromised by antibiotics.  

Probiotics are living microorganisms similar to the “good” bacteria naturally found in your dog’s digestive tract.  Antibiotics and other drugs can upset the balance of “good” bacteria in your dog’s intestines.  It can also be upset by emotional or physical stress, or eating strange foods or items they're not supposed to eat.

A Probiotic can help keep the balance of good & bad bacteria in your pet's digestive tract

The digestive tract is the largest immune organ in a dog or cat's body.  A healthy balance of good bacteria is important to help keep their immune system strong and prevent infection and diseases.


According to an article written by Dr. Marty Becker in VetStreet, the three supplements I mention above can be especially beneficial for aging dogs.   "Talk with your veterinarian about what your pet does and doesn’t need, because individual care is important. But in general, here are the three supplements I find myself recommending often to my patients."  In the article Dr. Becker proceeded to discuss the benefits of these supplements; Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) Omega-3 and Omega-6,  Glucosamine with Chondroitin Sulfate, and Probiotics.

Before giving any supplements to your dog, have a conversation with your Veterinarian to make sure s/he agrees with starting your dog on the supplement(s) you are considering.  

It goes without saying that any supplements you want to give your dog should be purchased from a reputable company.  If you're purchasing online, make sure you know something about the company and that they are reputable.  

PET INSURANCE

Veterinary bills can be expensive!  Regular Vet exams can be costly, but when an unexpected injury or illness comes up it can be catastrophic.  What if your dog or cat needs expensive Veterinary care to pay for a serious injury or illness, but you can't afford to pay for it?  That's when Pet Insurance can be a lifesaver.  

Not all Pet Insurance is the same.  Some plans require you to use Veterinarians from their list of participating Vets, which may require switching to a new Veterinarian. Many pet parents don't want to do that.

Pet Insurance can be a great gift - it's the gift of  Peace of Mind

Not all plans cover every injury and illness.  They don't all offer the same coverage either, and many don't cover pre-existing conditions.  PETMD has several informative articles on Pet Insurance.

When Icy was a puppy I won a year's worth of Pet Insurance at a fundraiser.  It wasn't the most exciting prize in the contest but it seemed very useful.  The disappointing thing was that using it would have required me to leave a Veterinarian we loved, which I wasn't willing to do.  Unfortunately, it was pretty much a waste for me because of that one requirement.

A Pet Insurance policy gives a dog owner peace of mind, knowing they could pay for expensive critical Veterinary care if needed!  Just be sure to do some research before you select the company and plan you want to give as a gift to someone.

PET FIRST AID KIT

One of the things I can't do without both at home and when traveling with our dogs is a Pet First Aid Kit.  I have given First Aid Kits as gifts to a few of my friends and it's always a big hit. It's something many pet parents don't buy for themselves until they experience a first aid emergency.  If I had a dollar for every time my dogs have gotten injured or sick and needed the first aid kit, I'd be rich!   

I always tell people about the time we were traveling through New Mexico and my dog Icy cut her paw open on broken glass on her last potty break of the day - at 11pm.  No Veterinarian's were available.  Our first aid kit was a life saver! I used the Hydrogen Peroxide to clean the wound, applied antibiotic ointment, and bandaged her paw to help slow the bleeding and keep it clean.  It was so scary, paw pads bleed a lot more than I expected!

I really like Kurgo, we have used many of their products.  I found this wonderful Pet First Aid Kit online. It has everything you need to administer first aid for your pet.  It's great to have for those just-in-case emergencies at home, or out on adventures with your pet.   Believe me, a comprehensive Pet First Aid Kit is a gift that would be much appreciated by any pet parent. 

Kurgo's stylish and functional 50 piece pet first aid kit folds up to fit into backpacks, glove compartments and more, and includes a guide with instructions on how to assist your pet with most medical emergencies. 

PET DENTAL HEALTH

According to PETMD, around 80% of dogs over the age of 3 have some form of dental disease.  It's the most common health problem effecting dogs.

Pet oral health is an important part of a dog's overall health.  Dental cleanings can cost hundreds of dollars and more, depending on how many teeth may need to be extracted. The procedure also requires your pet to be put under anesthesia.

Clean dogs teeth & freshen breath with a Toothpaste and Brush Set for dogs 

There are a lot of inexpensive pet oral care products you can use at home to help keep your dog's teeth clean and healthy like pet toothbrushes and toothpaste, as well as water additives.  Note: you should never use human toothpaste on pets! 

If you find it difficult to brush your dog's teeth like I do, Oratene makes a water additive you can add to their drinking water that helps prevent plaque & tartar buildup.  They also make a Brushless toothpaste for pets!  I know, it's brilliant right?!  I use these Oratene products for my dogs regularly.

Zymox Oratene's Brushless Pet Oral Care products.

A cute gift basket or gift box with a toothpaste & brush set for dogs, or some brushless pet toothpaste, a bottle of pet Brushless Oral Care Water Additive and some dental chews would make a fun gift. As Dr. Seuss said, "Teeth Are Always In Style" !

GIFT CERTIFICATE TO AN ONLINE PET PHARMACY

Let's face it pet medications are expensive!  Whether it's medication for a pet's medical condition like diabetes, or preventative medications like heartworm prevention or flea & tick control, those costs add up.

A great gift for a healthy dog idea would be a gift card to an online Pet Pharmacy like 1800 Pet Meds .  It can really save a dog parent some money.  Find out which pet pharmacy they use and get them a gift certificate!  If you plan to choose an online pharmacy yourself, make sure you research and find one that is reputable! I use Pet Meds myself and have for years and I'm very happy with them.

If they don't use prescription medications for their dog, a PetSmart, Petco, Amazon Pets, or Chewy  Gift Card is always a welcome gift!  They all have a broad selection of non-prescription pharmacy items, and pretty much everything else for pets.

THE GIFT OF GOOD HEALTH IS A GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING!  

While you're gifting everyone else, Treat Yourself to something fun, you deserve it!  In my RedBubble Store online, you'll find clothing and other items that celebrate the UNCONDITIONAL LOVE of dogs.  This beautiful, unique design was created especially for Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them by Brooklyn artist Mendydraws

Visit my RedBubble Store to find t-shirts, Hoodies, Tote Bags, Backpacks,  Phone cases and more with our unique dog designs!

Do you think you would enjoy receiving a gift of Good Health as a gift for your dog?  Which of these products do you think might be the most useful dog health gift for you?  Tell us in the comments!

DISCLAIMER: I am not a Veterinarian or Vet Tech, nor do I play one online!  I only share pet health & safety information based on my own research, conversations with my dog's Veterinarian, or experience with my own dog or foster dogs.

Santa is Coming To Town!

Santa Paws is coming soon!  Have you been Naughty or Nice ??

Oh Crap.  I probably shouldn't have chewed Icy's blanket up in July.  I hope Santa has a short memory!

A puppy may seem like the perfect holiday gift, but getting a surprise puppy or a dog for someone else is often a the worst gift idea if you don't put some careful thought into it.   

Remember, there's a breed specific rescue organization for nearly Every breed of dog or cat out there!  Please Adopt Don't Shop whenever possible.

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WHY A PUPPY CAN BE THE WORST HOLIDAY GIFT

It's that time of year again, the holidays are upon us!  Thinking about giving someone a puppy for Christmas? Think again! It's a big decision that needs careful consideration. 

At this time of year we carefully consider holiday gift ideas for the people we love.  We rack our brains trying to decide on that perfect gift, a special gift, one that demonstrates how much we love them.

A puppy or dog may not be the best holiday gift! 

This holiday season many peoples' thoughts will turn to giving the ultimate gift that keeps on giving.  The one that can actually love you back - that's right, a puppy!   Before you say "Yeah, that's it I'll get the person I love a puppy for Christmas!"  HOLD UP!  Sure, it sounds like a great idea, but have you put enough thought into whether or not a puppy might give a little too much?  Will a puppy be more than the recipient is able to handle?

Everywhere you look they're tugging at our heartstrings!  Puppy stores, dog rescues, and animal shelters are full at Christmastime, and online ads for puppies kick into high gear all through the holidays.  Even at animal shelters people are often there to adopt a puppy or a dog for someone else. 

It seems like the perfect gift idea, you're so sure it's the right gift for that special someone. It will bring them so much joy, right? Probably, but it will also bring huge responsibilities, including financial responsibilities, to the new puppy owner!  

There's a lot to consider before you bring a puppy or dog into a home.  Even if someone constantly talks about how much they want a puppy and it sounds like they're on the verge of getting one, they may not be prepared for the responsibility at this time in their lives. So before you decide that a puppy is the perfect gift for someone else, be sure their lifestyle will support the lifelong commitment of owning a dog. 

> If the person you are giving a puppy to travels frequently it may be an issue.  You need to spend time with a new puppy!  They have to bond with their new owner and family and the pup needs training.  Who will care for the dog while they are at work or traveling?

> If the they live in an apartment complex or a neighborhood with a Homeowners Association (HOA) there may be restrictions on the breed or size of dog they can have.


> If the person lives with someone else such as a roommate or their parents, those folks must all be consulted before bringing a new pet into the home.  

> Are there other animals living in the home already?  If so, that is a big consideration. You don't want to upset the dynamic of the home.  A new pup has to be a good fit for existing pets and must be properly introduced to resident pets when you bring him home.

> Assess the ability to afford ongoing costs of dog ownership, especially vet bills every year; annual vaccinations, checkups, and visits to the vet for occasional illness or injury.  What if they need to spay or neuter the dog themselves?  That can be a significant expense.  Are you willing to pick up the tab for that?  

> Training for both a puppy and an older dog are essential. Training can be expensive!  Including a gift card towards training is an excellent addition to your gift of a puppy or dog.

> Make sure  no one in the household is allergic to dogs!  Even the so called "hypo-allergenic" dogs can be an issue.  There really is no such thing as a totally hypo-allergenic dog.  Many breeds have hair rather than fur which is helpful, but some people are still allergic to them.

> Everyone in the household should be on board with adding a new dog, and responsibilities for pet care should be clear and realistic.  If the recipient is your own child, make sure responsibilities of caring for the puppy are well thought out and that it’s the right time to add a dog to your family.  Caring for a pet is a great learning experience but don't expect a 7 year old to walk and feed a dog on a daily basis!

Although it sounds magical, I'm not a fan of surprising someone with a puppy or dog as a gift. A dog is a living being that will require lifelong care.  Bringing a dog into your home is not something to be taken lightly.  

Once you've gone through the above considerations and you're reasonably sure a canine companion would be the right gift, help them make the right decision about what kind of dog to get.  It will be just as wonderful a surprise to thoughtfully gift wrap a stuffed animal dog, an animal shelter gift card, a photo of a cute puppy, or even just a leash.  Watch their eyes fly open wide as you tell them that right after Christmas you’ll be taking a trip together to pick out a dog! 

Spend a cozy evening together with a hot cup of cocoa deciding whether to get a puppy or an older dog, and what type of dog would best fit their lifestyle.  

Their excitement will continue to build as they prepare to add a new furry member to their family.  Make an adventure out of searching for just the right puppy or dog together. Visit a pet supplies store together, or shop online, to select all the basic things needed for a new puppy or dog.  The time you spend searching for their new best friend together will be a gift in itself, and a treasured memory!

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Puppies are irresistible, but is a puppy the right Christmas gift?

Please Adopt rather than Shop if possible, or be sure you select a dog from a reputable breeder.  Avoid online ads for puppies and do some research to help ensure your puppy isn't from a Puppy Mill!

Did you know there are breed specific rescue organizations for just about every breed of dog?  What better gift than not only giving a dog, but saving a life in the process!

Visit our 2022 Holiday Gift Guide for Dogs and Dog Lovers to find the perfect gift for all the dogs and dog lovers on your Christmas gift list!

What you need to know before bringing home a new puppy or dog 

Have you ever given or received a pup as a gift?  Leave us a comment and share your experience and advice!