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What Does Your Dog Do When You Are Gone?

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 01:34:56 +0100

Should Your Dog Sleep In Your Bed???

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 21:10:35 +0100

Many people let their dogs sleep in bed with them, for instance our dalmatian Daisy sleeps with us every night! Fortunately for me my husband produces more body heat, therefore leaving me most of the bed (see picture below).

According to a recent survey of pet owners by the American Pet Products Association, nearly half of dogs sleep in their owner's beds. The survey found that 62% of small dogs, 41% of medium-sized dogs and 32% of large dogs sleep with their owners. So is it healthy to have your dog sleeping in your bed? If you suffer from allergies or asthma doctors say it is not healthy to have your pet in bed with you. So if you don't have a medical condition and Fido sleeps with you, can you get a good night's sleep? A study released by the Mayo Clinic Sleep Disorders Center found that half the patients in the study had a dog or cat, and 53% of those pet owners said their pets disturbed their sleep in some way nightly.

Some "experts" say having your pet in bed with you is hazardous to your health. Others say that it is impossible to get a good night sleep when Fido snuggles up to you.

What do you think?

Check out our Facebook page to see what others are saying!

Apps for Your iPhone or Droid for Dog Lovers

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:35:56 +0100

Click on the link below to check out some fun and informative apps for your smart phone!

http://woof.doggyloot.com/soldiers-befriend-dogs-in-afghanistan-video/

Clean House vs Dog Hair: Who will win?

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:05:39 +0100

5 Best Vacuums for Pet Hair

Rigorous Testing Reveals Hairball Busters

Whether you have a dog or a cat, shedding is a common issue at home. It falls to the floors, hides behind doors, and lingers on upholstered furniture. It's everywhere.

A vacuum is typically the preferred weapon of choice when battling shed pet hair, but which one works the best?

We went to the professional testers for the answer.

Top-Rated Vacuums
To narrow down the list of their top picks, Consumer Reports^® Magazine recently tested 70 vacuum models and conducted a survey with 5,000 magazine subscribers to determine typical usage and concerns.

To get the best test results, the magazine's technical team used shed fur from a Maine coon cat because "it's especially long and provides a rigorous test for the dozens of vacuums reviewed each year."

Testing criteria included agitator brush and belt endurance; handling — flexibility, weight, turning and overall ease of use; cord length; bin functionality —how often are bag or bagless models emptied; and noise level — too loud for pets?

Here are the top 5 rated upright vacuums based on Consumer Reports testing:

1. Miele S 7210 Twist

Receiving 73 points out of 100, this model from the high-end Miele brand scored the best overall points during testing. The Twist has a bag, suction control and a full bag indicator, plus a swivel neck design for tighter turning. It performed "excellently" with pet hair and on carpeting, "very good" on bare floors, for noise and tool airflow. Handling received a "good" rating. Average cost is $450.

2. Miele S 7580 Bolero

With a score of 72 points, this second model from the Miele brand also has a bag but testing showed it was a bit more difficult to handle, compared with the Miele Twist. It is also costs twice as much, but comes with a HEPA filter, offers suction control and has a full bag indicator. The vacuum performed "excellently" with pet hair, "very good" on carpet and bare floors, and for noise and tool airflow. Handling received a "good" rating. Average cost is $800.

3.Panasonic MC-UG775

With 71 points out of 100, the Panasonic features a full bag indicator and a HEPA filter, but does not come with suction control. It performed "excellently" with pet hair, on bare floors and for tool airflow. The model received a "very good" nod for carpeting, while noise and handling received a "good" rating. Average cost is $500.

If you’re interested in a lower cost, lighter weight version of the Panasonic, their MC-UG693 model received 67 points out of 100 and while it has suction control, it does not feature a full bag indicator or have a HEPA filter. It performed "excellently" with pet hair, on bare floors and for tool airflow. Consumer Reports gave it a "good" rating for carpeting, noise and handling. Average cost is $200.

4. Hoover WindTunnel Anniversary Edition

This affordable model received 70 points out of 100 and is available with either a bag (U5491-900) or without a bag (U5786-900). These models do not have suction control, but they feature a full bag/bin indicator and come with a HEPA filter. Both models performed "excellently" with pet hair, on carpeting, and on bare floors. They received a "very good" rating for tool airflow while handling and noise scored a "good" rating. Average cost for bagged is $115, bagless is $160.

5. Dyson DC28 Animal

Scoring 68 out of 100 points, this popular brand is bagless, features a full bin indicator and has a HEPA filter. Consumer Reports notes that the brand is one of the more reliable when it comes to upright models. The “Animal” performed "excellently" on bare floors, and "very good" with pet hair, on carpeting and for tool airflow. It received a "good" rating for handling. Average cost is $500.

How Cold is Too Cold to Walk the Dog?

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 13:15:37 +0100

So winter has finally arrived in Nebraska(darn it) and in case you are wondering "how cold is too cold to walk my dog". here are some basic guidelines to follow!

A general rule of thumb is if it is too cold for you, it’s too cold for the dog. But make sure you looking at weather fairly. “Don’t want to” and “too cold” can be two different things. It is important for your dog get some physical activity even in the winter.

The flip side is if you have an active and enthusiastic dog, it is still you, not the dog, who needs to decide when to go out. I can tell you there is nothing more embarrassing than carrying your heavy 50 lb dog down the block because refuses to put paws on the ground because it’s too cold.

Others things to look at when deciding when is cold “too cold”: the dog’s breed and type of coat, her age, any health conditions, and what she’s wearing if anything.

It also depends on who you are asking. After talking with my and three other local vets, I compiled these guidelines.

By “cold”, I mean 32 degrees F (0 C) or below.

Generally, many healthy medium or large size dog can walk for up to 30 minutes as long as it’s above 20 degrees F (-7 C). (Don’t forget to factor in the wind. If the wind chill is 10 degrees than we’ll call the temperatures is 10 degrees.) Lower than 20 degrees, walks of 10 to 20 minutes are OK but protection on the dog’s feet is highly recommended. For smaller dogs, cut the time to 15 or 20 minutes for temps above 20 F/ -7 C. Below 0 F / -18 C, everybody stays in. If it is snowing, it’s OK to walk if it doesn’t bother the dog and they have an appropriate coat or fur, but shorten the walk still. Wind and moisture lower body temperatures faster.

Age
Very young or very old dogs should stay in if the weather is below freezing. If under 40 degrees, consider a dog sweater or jacket and booties. Puppies and older dogs have trouble regulating their body temperature. Both are more prone to injuries on slippery surfaces, puppies due to lack of coordination and older dogs due to loss of flexibility.

Health conditions

With conditions like arthritis or hip dysplasia, for his comfort, it’s better to keep the dog inside if the temperature falls under 40. Check with your vet about any conditions your dog has.

Temperament

Just because your dog does not want to go out doesn’t mean she should stay in. Use your judgment more than the dog’s. If the weather is appropriate (not bitterly cold, not very wet), get the dog outside, even if for a short while. It is still important to get some physical activity even in the winter. When walking in the cold, you still want to consider safety as well, especially for the feet.

Dogs having fun in the SNOW

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 00:20:26 +0100

Cleaning Your Dog's Ears

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:41:48 +0100

In a 2008 pet health study conducted by the VPI pet insurance company, ear infections were the number one reason dog owners sought veterinary care. Thorough and regular ear cleaning and maintenance can help your dog avoid ear problems and infections.

Many dogs do not like having their ears cleaned, which makes doing a good job very difficult. It is helpful, before you even begin cleaning your dog's ears that you learn how to make this grooming experience pleasurable for your dog.

Handling Your Dog's Ears

Practice handling your dog's ears gently. Give delicious treats while you massage the outside of and eventually the inside of the ear. Repeat this until your dog really enjoys having his ears handled. Once your dog accepts all kinds of ear manipulation with your hands, repeat the procedure using a cloth and then with cotton balls.

Your Dog's Ears

Dogs with heavy, floppy ears generally need to have their ears cleaned more frequently than dogs with prick ears (which stand upright and allow for better air circulation), and dogs that have a lot of hair in the inside of their ears may require additional maintenance (increased cleaning and for some, plucking of hair growing in the ear).

If your dog is itching his ears a lot, if the ears smell funny, are very red or inflamed, if your dog is constantly shaking his head, it is best to visit your veterinarian as these may be indications of an existing ear infection or other ear problem.

Cleaning Your Dog's Ears

Frequent ear cleanings (weekly) will keep the ears free of wax and debris, and will also allow you to understand what your dog's ears look like when they are healthy. This enables you to more easily recognize any abnormalities in the ear should they arise.

Consult with your veterinarian about recommended dog ear cleaning products. To clean your dog's ears well, you will need an appropriate ear cleaner, a number of cotton balls, and if possible, a helper - someone who can feed the dog treats and keep him calm during the process.

Some dogs have a lot of hair on the inside of the ear. This hair can serve as a reservoir for dirt, debris, and accumulations of earwax. Ask your veterinarian or groomer whether plucking is recommended for your dog. Plucking takes a bit of skill and finesse and can cause discomfort when done incorrectly, so is best left to professionals who have experience on plucking ear hair in dogs. Watch your vet or groomer closely as they pluck the dog's ears, asking any questions you may have about the procedure. Be well prepared with some yummy treats while the vet is plucking the ears, to make this a positive experience for your dog.

Once the ears are free of hair, it is time to begin cleaning. Wash your hands well before and after ear cleaning, and have your supplies ready.

Squirt a small amount of ear cleaning solution into the ear canal. Do not force the nozzle of the bottle into the ear canal as you can cause significant damage this way - only the tip of the bottle should be inserted into the canal. Once you have the solution in the ear, massage the base of the ear to encourage distribution throughout the canal. Be prepared for your dog to shake his head after you apply the solution.

Take a cotton ball and rub the inside of the ear to remove any discharge or any accumulated wax. You may use a Q-tip to get in the crevices at the base of the ear, but do not insert the Q-tip into the ear canal itself. When the base of the ear is clean, you may use soaked cotton balls or a soaked wet cloth to clean the ear flap out toward the tip.

The College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University has published great how-to instructions with photos. The restraint methods shown at the top of the article will likely be unnecessary if you have trained your dog to love having his ears manipulated in advance.

If your dog will not tolerate ear cleaning or if you are unsure of how to go about cleaning your dog's ears, you may want to consult with your veterinarian and have her do the cleaning for you. It's always easiest to learn a new skill if you have someone well experienced in its practice to coach and guide you so that you can learn the correct way to implement the task.

Vaccinations for dogs...what is the real scoop?

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:38:55 +0100

It's important to have your dog vaccinated at proper intervals and ages. Leptospirosis vaccines especially causes lots of controversy. Lepto can spread to people and it is becoming more prevalent, so many vets are now recommending giving it with initial puppy vaccines and boostering every year. Check below for more on vaccinating your pet and for other pet care related information
The timing, frequency and components of vaccines that dogs should receive are all hotly contested. However, most vets, including Dogster's own Dr. Eric Barchas , agree that dogs don't need vaccines at 0-7 weeks, 21-24 weeks or at six months.

The general consensus at this time is that dogs should receive DHPPs (that's distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus) every 3-4 weeks, beginning at 6-8 weeks of age and ending at around 14-16 weeks of age. That basically boils down to shots at 8, 12, and 16 weeks. DHPP should be re-administered at 1 year and then every three years thereafter.

Bordetella vaccines are optional and should be based upon lifestyle. Some vets think Bordetella should be administered every 6 months, others vote for every 12 months.

Leptospirosis vaccines cause lots of controversy. Lepto can spread to people and it is becoming more prevalent, so many vets are now recommending giving it with initial puppy vaccines and boostering every year. This is a marked change from a few months back, when many vets thought lepto shots weren't worth the perceived risk of increased adverse reactions caused by lepto vaccines.

Some states require rabies vaccines annually while others require this to be done every three years, so be sure to check with your vet.

Here's a basic vaccination schedule most vets can agree on:

Happy Halloween

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:12:45 +0100

Happy Halloween
Funny Halloween Videos for dog lovers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpmc6LXlNms

Benefits of our dog walking services

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:53:15 +0100

Dog walking companies in Omaha have risen in popularity over the past several years due to the increasingly busy schedules of dog owners. Exercise is important for dogs of all ages, and a dog walking service can help owners provide it.

Our dog walking service offers more than just routine walks. Our dog walkers take the pups on dog runs to maximize the needed exercise. To socialize a dog, we may include group dog walks. Housebound Hounds also performs taxi services if an owner can not find time to take a dog to the vet or groomer, the dog walker will provide transportation and supervision.

Our dog walking company may also provide private boarding for a pet. For owners who would rather keep their dogs at home, some services provide day and night time pet sitting. This is ideal for dogs that need to remain on a specific schedule. Other services may include medication dispensing, feeding, and cleaning a puppy’s crate or potty pads.

Our dog walkers are ideal for those who can’t meet the demands of their precious pets. We fill in the necessary gaps by keeping dogs happy and safe.

blog

What Does Your Dog Do When You Are Gone?

Should Your Dog Sleep In Your Bed???

Apps for Your iPhone or Droid for Dog Lovers

Clean House vs Dog Hair: Who will win?

5 Best Vacuums for Pet Hair

Rigorous Testing Reveals Hairball Busters

Top-Rated VacuumsTo narrow down the list of their top picks, Consumer Reports® Magazine recently tested 70 vacuum models and conducted a survey with 5,000 magazine subscribers to determine typical usage and concerns.

1. Miele S 7210 Twist

2. Miele S 7580 Bolero

3.Panasonic MC-UG775

4. Hoover WindTunnel Anniversary Edition

5. Dyson DC28 Animal

How Cold is Too Cold to Walk the Dog?

Dogs having fun in the SNOW

Cleaning Your Dog's Ears

Handling Your Dog's Ears

Your Dog's Ears

Cleaning Your Dog's Ears

Vaccinations for dogs...what is the real scoop?

Happy Halloween

Benefits of our dog walking services

Top-Rated Vacuums
To narrow down the list of their top picks, Consumer Reports^® Magazine recently tested 70 vacuum models and conducted a survey with 5,000 magazine subscribers to determine typical usage and concerns.