Ever since I was a kid I've loved animals, especially cats and dogs. Sadly, I found out early on that I'm allergic to cats, but it didn't stopped me from having them! When I was growing up in New York, my 3 Uncle's had a deli in the city. They often had kittens in the back of the store. Spaying and neutering wasn't a big thing back then and the Uncles didn't mind taking in stray cats. My Uncles would give the cats scraps of deli meat, a saucer of milk, and one of their many food delivery boxes with a blanket to sleep in. Needless to say, this made for excellent lodgings for a kitty that found herself Pregnant In The City! I'm pretty sure there was a secret network for wayward cats who were in the family way that led them straight to my Uncle's store!
Pregnant Cats In The City somehow managed to make their way to the NY City deli owned by my Uncles!
CAT ALLERGIES BE DARNED
When we visited my grandmother's house, I couldn't wait to stop by the deli, which was around the corner. Not because I wanted the candy or chips they sold there, or because I wanted a bologna sandwich, but because I was always hopeful there would be kittens in the back! After hugging the Uncles the first words out of my mouth were always "Are there any kittens today?" Many times I was not disappointed. I would run to the back of the store to find the latest litter of kitties and plop myself down to play with them. They were largely stray kittens but I was always able pick them up and play with them. Invariably, I'd leave the deli with bright red, watery itchy eyes. I didn't care, I was going to play with the kittens anyway and there was nothing anyone could do to stop me! Back home on Long Island, stray cats often made their way into our yard. When they did, we set out the welcome mat. They had food, water, and blankets in a cardboard box to sleep in. My cat allergies were always present, but again I didn't care. I wanted to handle the cats and play with them. I loved them all!
Adorable stray kitten from a litter of cats that ended up at my sister's house.
When I was finally old enough to get a place of my own, one of the first things I did was look for a kitten to adopt! I unexpectedly ended up with two cats in a one bedroom apartment, wreaking havoc on my allergies. You can read about my Accidental Pet Adoption here. It got so bad that I had trouble breathing and ended up with asthma. I finally had to see a doctor, and in questioning me he realized the cause of my asthma was living in a small apartment with 2 cats. He strongly urged me to give my cats away. No Way!! I told him I already loved both cats to pieces and there was no way in hell I was giving up my feline furbabies. He shook his head and told me I could end up with asthma for the rest of my life. "So be it!" I said. I just had to keep my cats, Mousey and Maggie, so I began to research ways to help diminish my pet allergy symptoms.
HOW I REDUCED MY CAT ALLERGY SYMPTOMS
Here are the things I did to reduce my allergic symptoms: 🐈 The cats could no longer sleep in my bedroom, it was my "cat free zone" 🐈 I wiped the cats down with wet paper towels daily; sometimes twice a day 🐈 I vacuumed every single day and followed up with a wet mop to keep the dander down. Thankfully I had hardwood floors and not carpeting which helps a lot. 🐈 I dusted every few days using wet cleaning cloths instead of a dry cloth to keep dander and fur down. 🐈 I washed my cats' bedding frequently and kept the litter box super clean. Following the above steps helped a lot but it wasn't quite enough. I still suffered with frequent asthmatic symptoms due to pet allergies for several years, but I didn't care, as long as I had my cats. When Maggie was the only cat left in the considerably larger house I lived in by then, my symptoms lessened a lot. It was still difficult but quite manageable.
MORE WAYS TO REDUCE PET ALLERGY SYMPTOMS:
If I had known about it, there were other things I could have done to help reduce my allergy symptoms to cats as well: 🐈 I should have gotten a clean air machine with a HEPA filter! They weren't as common back then and I didn't know much about them. 🐈 I could have gotten a removable couch cover which can be removed and washed. If I had drapes I would have washed them regularly. 🐈 A few companies make pet allergy sprays that act as allergen blockers, although I'm not sure how well they work. Have you used pet allergen blockers? If so, did it help? 🐈 Allergy shots and prescription oral allergy medications. I didn't want to consider allergy shots, I hate needles! But that probably could have helped a lot as well.
I was allergic to my cats Maggie and Mousey, but I didn't care!
After all that, was having cats worth going through asthma symptoms and constant daily cleaning? YOU BET IT WAS!! The love of a cat is not to be underestimated and I would do it all over again. I have two dogs now but I look forward to getting another cat in the near future. Thankfully, I'm not allergic to dogs, just cats! NOTE: I'm not a doctor or Veterinarian, I'm just sharing how I handled my allergy to cats. If you're allergic to cats but you really want a cat, you may want to check with your doctor first. YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY this post: Stray Cats In The Hood? TNR 'em!
Do you have pet allergies? If so, how have you handled them? Please leave a comment and tell us about it. We love when you howl back at us!!
I get a kick out of dressing Icy and Phoebe in matching bandanas. I haven't put them in matching outfits yet, but maybe for Halloween I'll get matching dog costumes!
Icy and Phoebe in matching Natural Balance bandanas we got at the BlogPaws conference last year.
Icy and Phoebe in their matching cheeta print bandanas. These are my favorite!
If you ask me Who Wore It Better I'll never be able to answer, I'm way too bias! My dogs are both beautiful to me. 💖
Do you dress your pets up in matching collars, bandanas, or clothing? Tell us about it in the comments.
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'sOMEGA 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.
I recently had the pleasure of visiting a state of the art Veterinary Clinic in Florida. Do you know what this weird looking piece of equipment is?
I was really impressed that this Veterinary clinic is using 3D printing to help repair leg injuries in pets!
I was pretty impressed when I learned that it's a 3D printer used to help Veterinarians caring for pets with leg injuries. I find that pretty fascinating!
Phoebe is reading up on how 3D printing is used in Vet care!
Check back with us in a few days when I share more about the high tech Veterinary care pets are getting at this new state of the art clinic!
People say that life is a journey. It's not a race or a destination, it's a journey to be enjoyed and experienced. I don't know where my life's journey will take me, but I'm ready to go down any road as long as my dogs are with me! If you're anything like me, your pets are family and they make life better in so many ways. My dogs, Icy and Phoebe, are a huge part of my life. They make me laugh with their adorable antics, cheer me up when I'm feeling down, and motivate me to get up and experience life's fun and adventure, even when I feel too lazy to get off the couch!
Our dogs are family, loyal companions who love us unconditionally. For that devotion, they deserve premium 100% natural treats, like True Chews®Dog Treats!
On my life's journey, three things I can't do without are; Tail wags, Sloppy kisses, and Treats. Lots and lots of dog treats, preferably All Natural Dog Treats! Nothing but the best will do for my pups, so I only give them premium treats like TRUE CHEWS® Dog Treats. I partnered with TRUE CHEWS to share my journey with Phoebe. Life wasn't always easy for her, but together we worked through it to give her the best life!
This post is sponsored by True Chews® Dog Treats and the BlogPaws® Pet Influencer Network™. I am being compensated to help share information about the True Chews line of all-natural dog treats. but Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. All statements made reflect my true opinion of the product. True Chews is not responsible for the content of this article. I have a close bond with both my dogs, but Phoebe and I share something extra special. Our journey together didn't start off easy, though. In fact, when I first adopted her she was so filled with fear that it prevented her from embracing life. I first met Phoebe at the animal shelter where I was volunteering. I wasn't looking for another dog but she was so adorable and sweet, I fell in love with her immediately and adopted her that day! I had no idea she was harboring extreme fear issues that would prevent her from enjoying life.
In this 2 minute video, I share the story of my journey with Phoebe. I'm so proud of how she transformed from terrified shelter dog to a happy, confident member of our family! (NOTE: To turn on video sound, click on the sound icon at lower right to remove the x, OR right click on the video and select Unmute)
Now Phoebe wakes up happy each day, embracing life with joy and anticipation of what the day might bring! Weather it's a road trip, a hike, or an outing around town Phoebe is up for it! Dogs give us their unconditional love, 100% of the time. That kind of love deserves the very best we can give them. The folks at True Chews feel the same way! That's why they created True Chews all natural Dog Treats.
Here's what I love about TRUE CHEWS dog treats:
👉 They are 100% Natural dog treats, made using only natural ingredients 👉 They are both Made and Sourced in the U.S.A. 👉 They are Made with premium cuts of meat, which are always the #1 ingredient listed 👉 They contain NO meat by-products, artificial flavors or preservatives
TRUE CHEWS dog treats were created by pet parents for pet parents. They're committed to making Wholesome, 100% Natural dog treats. The best part? My dogs love them!
On a recent shopping trip to the pet store, Phoebe pondered which True Chews dog treats she likes best! I think she wanted to buy one of every kind but we stuck with the Chicken, Duck, and Beef Premium Jerkey Cuts! Delicious!!
Hmmm, which of these fabulous TRUE CHEWS dog treats do I love best?
Treat Them Well!
Life's journey with our dogs is special. Make it even more special with TRUE CHEWS 100% Natural, Made in the USA dog treats.
When we hit the cafe, I have a snack for myself, and Phoebe gets a special TRUE CHEWS treat!
You can find TRUE CHEWS dog treats at pet specialty stores like PetSmart, Petco and online at Chewy.com.
Connect with TRUE CHEWS by visiting their Facebook Page
Is your life's journey made better with your dog? Tell us about it in the comments!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of True Chews. The opinions and text are all mine.
I have always loved the Fall, but I'll admit I took it for granted year after year. Only after living in Phoenix, Arizona for nearly 10 years did I really appreciate the joy of a majestic Fall season. In Phoenix they joke that there are only two seasons; Hot and Hotter! Although we loved living in Phoenix, we soon missed the blazing beauty of the Autumn leaves. Even driving on the highways you can't help but be struck by Fall's gorgeous hues. The bright yellows, fiery reds, and deep rust tones create a stunning landscape against cool, crisp, sunny skies. Dogs love Fall too, so I've compiled this Guide to Dog Friendly Fall Adventures!
Enjoying the beauty of Fall with my dogs
I love outdoor activities with my dogs in every season. Each season is special, with it's own brand of fun things to do with your dog unique to that season. Fall is one of the best times to embark on outdoor fun activities and adventures with dogs! The weather is cooler and the Summer crowds have thinned out. As October approaches we start thinking about Pumpkins, Hiking & Biking in cool weather, Fall Festivals & Costume Parades, Apple Picking, Corn Mazes, Fall Foliage, and Hay Rides! So much FUN and bonding to be had with our dogs during the Fall season!
Great Fall activities to do with dogs
Plan Fall adventures now before the beauty of Autumn is gone!
My dogs love outdoor Fall activities and Halloween treats!
FUN FALL ACTIVITIES TO DO WITH YOUR DOG
Be ready for outdoor Fall activities with dogs by having the right gear! For all that outdoor fun with the dog, you want to make sure your dog is comfortable and safe!
Fall hike with my dog
The two activities I look forward to the most with our dogs are hiking and bike riding. We hike and bike in Summer, but heat and humidity often makes hiking and biking trips with the dogs short. Not so in the Fall, here's when we go all out!
BIKE RIDING WITH DOGS
Bicycle riding with your dog is a great activity, but you should do it safely. Dogs have a habit of getting too close to the wheels of the bicycle or crossing out in front of the bike. To avoid an accident I bought a Bicycle Leash for my Husky, Icy. A bike leash for dogs keeps your dog next to the bike and away from the wheels! I use the Walky Dog Plus bike leash, but there are others on the market. I couldn't find dog bike leashes in bicycle stores (weird, right?!), but a Google search pulled up several. Walmart, Chewy and Amazon have a couple of them online.
My dog Icy gets so excited when she see's my bicycle come out!
My Walky Dog Plus dog bike leash helps me bike ride safely with Icy
You can usually bike ride from early Fall until December in the Northern U.S. In this video you can see how the bike leash keeps her at a safe distance from the bicycle.
Bike riding with your dog is not only a total blast, it has health benefits for both of you! Need more reasons to bike ride with dogs? Here are 6 Reasons To Bike Ride With Your Dog!
My dogs are very different in size, strength and endurance. I can't bike ride with both of them together on bike leashes, but I could attach a Pet Basket for Bicycles to my bike for a smaller dog. That way both dogs could join in for bike rides and not feel left out. PetSmart, Chewy, and Amazon sell bicycle baskets for small dogs (or other small pets) online.
A bicycle basket made specifically for small dogs or other small pets!
HIKING WITH DOGS
We've done so much fantastic hiking with our dogs, from Sedona, Arizona to Montauk, Long Island with tons of places in between! I have to say, hiking is probably my favorite activity to do with dogs. I love to get out and explore nature with my dogs. It's a great activity for the 4 of us to do together. Although my dogs are active at different levels, hiking is something they can easily do together. If Icy and my husband forge ahead, it's no big deal to stop and wait for me to catch up with my smaller dog.
DOG CLOTHING AND OUTERWEAR
When I think about my dogs being safe and comfortable during outdoor Fall activities, the first thing I think about is clothing and outerwear. Being a Siberian Husky, Icy pretty much never needs dog apparel of any kind! As soon as Fall weather arrives however, some small dogs get chilly. I always had to break out a sweater or jacket for my dog Phoebe when the weather turned cool. They have the cutest clothing for dogs, especially for smaller dogs.
My dog Phoebe in her Cheeta print sweater - I love the pink bow!
For cold Fall mornings, or if there's a chance of rain, your pooch might need a waterproof dog coat like this one. I love the adorable wool hood on this jacket!
Phoebe was always cozy warm in her hot pink Winter dog jacket
When we go on longer hikes, I often use a dog backpack for Icy. It helps with carrying gear like water bottles, snacks, bowls, and waste bags. It also helps reduce her pulling on leash! Many dogs pull on their leash. Using a backpack is one way some trainers recommend to reduce the pulling. Be sure to check with a trainer or pet store staff on how much weight is appropriate for your dog to carry in the pack, if any. The rule I've heard is to never put more than 10% of a dogs weight in a dog's backpack.
We often used a backpack for Icy on hikes. It helped keep her from pulling like the sled dog that she is! She can carry her water bowl, water, and snacks!
Some dogs may require less weight or none at all in a backpack. Check with your Veterinarian before using a weighted backpack on your dog for the first time. Here are more tips to get your dog to Stop Pulling On Leash. This stylish Dog DayPak by Outward Hound is neon green with reflective accents so Icy is visible among the trees. You may not consider reflective safety strips when hiking, but more than once we've found ourselves still hiking after the sun has set. Sunset is often when wildlife start hunting - yikes!!
Make sure you bring plenty of water on any outing with your dogs! Remember to bring along portable bowls and a water bottle.
SAFETY FIRST!
Fall is actually prime season for Fleas and Ticks! Be sure to protect your dog with Flea & Tick control likeBravecto which provides up to 12 weeks protection from ticks and fleas in a tasty chew. Note: Always Consult your Vet before you begin using any flea/tick product.
Fall is prime Tick and Flea season! Make sure your dog is protected
If you plan to take your dog near beaches, lakes, ponds, pools, or out on a boat you should consider a Life Jacket for Dogs. A life jacket is a great safety option for dogs around water, especially if your dog is unfamiliar with the area, isn't a strong swimmer, or if she'll be out on a boat.
Icy wears this Outward Hound life jacket when we're near water
I also like the Kurgo Surf 'n Turf life vest which doubles as a life vest or rain coat. It has 2 handles to help get your dog in and out of the water, and reflective trim. The flotation layer can be removed so the waterproof shell can be used as a raincoat!
If your Fall adventure with your dog involves a car ride or a weekend getaway, consider a Dog Carrier or Pet Crate and a Dog Safety Harness for the car.
PET CARRIERS AND CRATES
There are SO many beautiful and versatile pet carriers to choose from these days. Pet carriers come in lots of shapes and sizes, some models even have wheels. A carrier or crate is a great way to keep your pet safe and secure while riding in the car or at the airport. If your Fall adventure involves taking your dog or cat on an airplane, here is some information you should know; Tips For Air Travel With Pets.
Phoebe loved her Sherpa pet carrier! I often left it open for her on the floor of my office so she could nap right next to me.
Outdoor Fall adventures with the dogs usually come with mud, sand, or dirt! For all those great outdoor Fall adventures with your pup, make sure you protect your car seats with a Car Seat Cover like this one from 4Knines! They come in all sizes to fit pretty much any vehicle you've got. 4Knines makes great car seats, I love our 4Knines back seat cover for our Honda CRV! Investing in a quality seat cover like the one we got from 4Knines is a great idea.
Outdoor adventures with dogs almost always involve mud, sand and dirt!
Even if you have a car seat cover don't forget to bring along Pet Wipes and a Towel or Paper Toweling. You'll probably wantto get the dirt off their paws before going back into the house after a day of outdoor fun & adventure! I always have pet wipes in the car and in my backpack, you just never know what your dog will roll in, step in, or swim in! If there's anything massively stinky to roll in, my dogs are sure to find it! One of the things I can't do without on any of our adventures with the dogs is a First Aid Kit. I can't tell you how many times we've traveled with our dogs or gone on long day trips and needed the First Aid Kit! It's essential to get a pet first aid kit, or assemble one yourself. I'll never forget the time my dog Icy cut her paw open on broken glass on her last potty break of the day. It was at a hotel in Albuquerque, around 11pm. No Veterinarian's were available and our first aid kit literally saved us! Paw pads bleed a lot more than I expected!
You can find Pet First Aid Kits online, there are tons of them. You can also assemble one yourself. Make sure you have a bag or case fits well into a backpack or your overnight bag. We never leave home without a first aid kit for dogs!
In our Dog First Aid Kit we have antibiotic ointment, essential to prevent infection if our dogs cut themselves. I use Zymox Topical Cream with .5% Hydrocortisone. This cream is made specifically for pets and is used for wound care, hot spots, and skin infections. Anther fun Fall activity is to head for your favorite dog friendly cafe for a mug of steaming pumpkin spice latte, hot apple cider or hot chocolate. While you relax and enjoy a delicious Fall beverage, your dog can enjoy a special chew stick or her favorite toy, right beside you. Pumpkin picking is a perennial Fall favorite, so look for a dog friendly farm and take your dog pumpkin picking! I love taking pictures of my dogs out in the field among the bright orange pumpkins, the photos come out so pretty with all that Fall color. Rich Fall color brings so much warmth to a photo.
One thing we look forward to all year in our area are the Fall Festivals and Pet Costume Parades. It's so much fun to see all the dogs out and about, trotting alongside their family enjoying Fall festivities. A Pet Costume parade is always fun. Some people are really clever in the costumes they create for their pets! It's so inspiring.
Icy marched in our town's Pet Halloween Costume parade looking BOO-tiful in her Headless Horseman costume!
I'm sure this year's hottest Dog Halloween Costumes will be super heroes again, like Wonder Woman for the girls and Spider Man or Super Man for the boys. Do you dress your dog up for Halloween? What will your dog, cat, lizard, or other pet be for Halloween this year? Tell us in the comments!
I love the little skirt on this Wonder Woman costume, it's so cute!
You don't even have to leave your own yard to enjoy the beauty of Fall with your pet. Rake up the leaves in your yard and let your dog or cat play in them! Throw his favorite ball or toy into the pile and watch him have fun digging and jumping through the leaves to retrieve the prize. So what if you have to rake the leaves up again, it's worth it! Once again, I'll be searching for a dog friendly Hay Ride and Corn Maze! I was unsuccessful last year. I'm always excited to see Fall themed dog treats, like Greenies Pumpkin Spice flavored Dental Chews for Dogs! No reason why our pets shouldn't enjoy the flavors of the season, right? While you enjoy a mug of hot apple cider or a pumpkin spice latte at an outdoor cafe, give your dog a pumpkin spice flavored treat to enjoy and celebrate Fall together!
Pumpkin Spice flavor treats for dogs. Our pets should enjoy the flavors of the Fall season too!
If you have the time, you can make your own dog treats with Fall themed flavors like pumpkin, apple, or pear. Here's a simple, no bake Pumpkin Spice Dog Treat Recipe. I take advantage of all those freshly picked pumpkins of Fall. I add some pure pumpkin to my dogs' food each morning to give them the health benefits of pumpkin all year round.
In the Fall I make my own pumpkin mush for them from fresh pumpkins we bring home. I add around a tablespoon of it to their food each morning. If you've never made fresh pumpkin mush yourself, you'd be surprised at how much pumpkin mush even a very small pumpkin can yield!
My dog Phoebe, surrounded by pumpkins at our town's Fall Festival!
🐾 After removing the seeds inside, I cut a fresh pumpkin into large chunks and boil until the pieces are soft. 🐾 Then I peel off the outer skin (Skin comes off easily after boiling) and mash it all up in a bowl. You can puree it in a blender if you prefer. 🐾 Cooked pumpkin freezes well so it should last a couple of months in the freezer. Always check with your Veterinarian before introducing any new food into your pet's diet. Never feed raw pumpkin to your pet, raw pumpkin can make them sick.
Whatever you do to celebrate Fall with your dog, cat or other pet be safe and Have Fun!!
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Please visit my ETSY store, Nature and Critters, where you'll find lots of products for Fall and all year round! Printable art prints, Pet Health Tracker, Pet Emergency Preparedness checklist, Holiday products, and more, all inspired by pets and nature.
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