Michelle Schenker

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Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 33 total)
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  • in reply to: Is the salt they put down for snow safe for my dog? #139036

    While the small amount they get is generally not going to do any harm, there are also other things you might consider.

    1. Clean your dog’s feet when you get home from walks.
    2. Put booties on your dog to protect them from the salt and the cold surface.
    3. If you are putting down the salt, there are pet-friendly solutions.
    4. Call your community representative or city to find out what kind they use and research whether it’s pet-safe.

    Hope this helps.

    in reply to: Can gray squirrels eat dog food kibble? #134910

    Squirrels are opportunists, especially when it comes to eating. So, if you put out dog food, they will definitely eat it up and likely bring their family members too! However, dog food is designed to suit a canine’s nutritional needs, not those of a squirrel. So, feeding dog food to squirrels could lead to nutritional imbalances that could hard the squirrels over time.

    Keeping with seeds, nuts, and fruits would be a better choice for those hungry squirrels and perhaps you consider donating the dog food to a local animal shelter instead.

    in reply to: Are Dachshunds good with cats? #134908

    My sister has a dachshund and three cats who have lived happily together for 5+ years now. In fact, due to their size and temperament, they are considered a good breed to coexist with cats, but every animal is different.

    So, while I cannot vouch for all dachshunds, it is certainly possible and worth a meet and greet of the dog and the new kitty to see how it goes. Understanding how to best introduce dogs and cats is crucial to a smooth transition with this new relationship and for everyone in the home.

    in reply to: Two leash method for training dogs to walk without pulling? #133095

    Hey there, Jessica! Standard leashes attach to a collar or harness. When you talk about a leash attaching to the front, it is normally the case that the leash is still a standard one, but this is a different type of harness. Some harnesses even offer both a back and front attachment ring.

    You are correct that many trainers claim that a front attachment can work better for dogs that pull. The most popular anti-pull harness is the Easy Walk Harness, which uses a front attachment ring. We have used this product and found it can work well for some dogs. You can learn more about this option in our Easy Walk Review (which includes a review of the Gentle Leader, which may also be a good option to consider).

    Let us know what you decide and how it works!

    Thanks for your thoughts.. here is our article on the topic to add more depth to the topic.

    in reply to: How can I play tug of war with a dog that’s unmotivated? #133039

    Like humans, dogs can lose interest in activities over time. So, I would not push it if Shelbie is not into playing tug-of-war anymore. Plus, as dogs age, their energy levels reduce, too.

    Our 14-year-old Lily loved playing tug-of-war as a youngster. She could not get enough. But around age 6-7, she started showing less interest in that and all games. Over time, she stopped playing any games. She still enjoys watching other dogs play, but she does not have the energy or stamina to participate herself anymore. But she still loves going on walks, snuggling, and eating. She’s definitely living a great life, even if it has changed a little over time.

    in reply to: Warming Dog Beds #133061

    Yes, if you are looking for an indoor option, our dog LOVES his Cozy Cave. It is not technically warming, but since the dog burrows inside of it, it is naturally heated somewhat by the dog’s body heat.

    For outdoors, K&H makes a great heated bed. Its heat element activates with your pet’s weight and reaches 102°F. This outdoor electric bed goes into eco-mode when not in use and meets electrical safety standards. The downside: this bed is not water-resistant, so it should be under a shelter of some sort, and it plugs in, so it needs to be near a safe outdoor outlet.

    Pumpkins are safe food for dogs, and we even give canned pumpkins to our dogs when they have digestive issues to settle their tummies. But you obviously don’t want your dog to eat the Jack-O-Lantern you worked so hard on, nor should he eat it once it starts decomposing. To learn more about the topic, read our article about Pumpkin Safety for Dog. And, to discourage him from messing with your pumpkin, you might consider a dog-safe deterrent.

    in reply to: German Shepherd Breed Mixes #133008

    This article provides 21 popular German Shepherd mixed breed combos for you to consider, along with temperament, energy levels, size expectations, etc. I hope this helps you find the right dog for you. In our experience, knowing this info and then visiting your local shelter and meeting dogs firsthand is the best way to pick your next furry friend.

    The best thing you can do for your dog and your peace of mind is to talk to your vet about starting a weight-loss run routine with your dog to find out what they advise. Every dog is different, so your vet will know what is best for your pet.

    My guess is that they will advise you to start with more regular walks and work up to runs. You will get there in no time and she will reach her target weight, thanks to your loving care. All the best.

    You cannot know for sure until she stays, but you might consider taking her for one night when you are in town for a trial run. Then, if anything goes wrong, you are still around to go pick her up. And if that is not possible, maybe take her for a tour of the facility before you leave her there for an extended stay to make sure she seems okay.

    in reply to: Why is Trupanion so expensive? #132983

    There are probably lots of reasons but one of the bigger ones in our opinion is that they are the only pet insurance company that is traded on the stock market, so they have investors who expect quarterly growth on their investments. This investor focus makes it hard for them not to raise prices regularly.

    They also spend way more than anyone else on the vet channel to develop and promote their product with vet customers. This costs a lot of money to maintain a program like this.

    in reply to: Cute Dog Bed Recs? #132755

    Our dog Barley loves to burrow into his Snoozer Cozy Cave and he looks so cute with his little paws sticking out or his tail wagging from underneath.

    in reply to: Hand-stripping vs Clipping – What Does My Dog Need? #132878

    Hi Rach,
    The primary difference in preferences comes down to a trade-off between speed and quality. Clippers get the job done much more quickly and efficiently but leave less room for custom lengths in different coat areas. Hand-stripping is when you remove the loose guard hairs using your hands, often pulling the dead hair out by the roots. Groomers tend to prefer clipping due to its speed, but if you have the time and patience, your dog’s coat will be healthier and mat less with hand stripping, but it may be less comfortable for your dog. Hand-stripping gets the best results with wiry, coarse-haired dogs like Terriers and Spaniels.

    in reply to: Does leash length really matter? #132964

    Hey Beachgal,
    In the U.S., the maximum length for a leash in a public park tends to be 6 feet long. It also gives your dog a little room to roam and sniff around while still keeping them mostly controlled. For this reason, this is the most common length you will find.

    However, if your dog is hard to control, you will likely want the shorter leash. For example, I prefer using a 4-foot-long leash with our stronger, harder-to-control pitbull mix. The shorter length also keeps them closer to you, which can make them feel more secure.

    If you have a retractable leash that is often significantly longer than 6′, you can use a Sharpie to mark off 6′ on the cord to know the length you should use in parks with this maximum leash length requirement.

    I hope this information is helpful and you are able to find the right leash for your pup.

Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 33 total)

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