Tara Maurer
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@Gus Gus we have an article on best plush toys for dogs that includes some sturdy options. What breed is your pup? You could also take a look at some of our breed-specific toy articles for recommendations.
Hey @Gus Gus! My pup also loves plushies. I have made his plushies special by having a scheduled playtime with his favorites. After our morning walk and meal, we have playtime with Rio’s plushies. It’s nice because I can sip my coffee while he squeaks, tosses, shakes, and fetches his plush toys. When he starts to chew the toy, I will redirect him to a rope toy or Benebone and put the plush toy away. This has significantly cut down on his plushie destruction, as he knows that ripping up the plush toy will result in it being taken away. This also makes his plush toys even more special; he excitedly waits by the “toy closet” each morning for playtime with mom.
Hi @lizbeth, we have a few articles covering the topic of best wireless dog fences, including reviews of top sellers in the category. If you’re nervous about discomfort, many companies now offer audio or vibrational corrections instead of shock or static correction. With these options, you train your dog to turn back when they hear an audio tone or feel a gentle vibration.
As you’ve likely discovered, finding a quality, vegan joint supplement for dogs can be difficult. The plant-based dog food company Wild Earth makes a joint supplement that features vegetarian glucosamine, anti-inflammatory turmeric root, algae-sourced omegas, and hyaluronic acid for joint lubrication. It’s a quality formula that protects cartilage health and supports inflammation reduction. Plus, it’s peanut butter flavored! Let us know if you give it a try!
Funny Fuzzy is one of my favorite pet bed brands. You can find a variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and styles on its website. Have you checked out Etsy? You can find some great options there, too. This knotted pet bed seems like it would be up your alley.
@lizbeth, I hope your cousin’s dog is doing okay. It’s good that the dog was quickly treated with antibiotics, but there are other ways to support their immune system as well. Make sure the dog’s diet includes leafy vegetables to encourage detoxification. Encourage your cousin to look into human-grade foods or even homemade meals during recovery that feature fruits and vegetables. Get a probiotic to increase levels of good bacteria, which helps immunity and will replenish the bacteria that were killed while using the antibiotic. You’ll want a higher culture count, like the Vital Planet powder featured at the link. Look into a curcumin (turmeric) supplement for dogs as well, which offers anti-inflammatory benefits.
@lizbeth I love that your pup enjoys carrots! They are packed full of good stuff—carotenoids, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fiber. As these carrots are a treat, the general rule is that any treats should not exceed 10% of a dog’s diet. If you dog is small, I’d say 1-3 carrots per day. Medium-sized, try 5-6. Large dog? A handful should be fine.
You mentioned that your dog is healthy and has been dewormed. Has she been to the vet? If she’s in the clear medically, you could try changing her food.
One in four Labradors carry a gene variant that affects how their brains perceive hunger and fullness. This puts them at a greater risk of weight gain and obesity (it’s hard to say no when they’re begging!). Additional fiber can help your dog feel more full without the extra calories. We have an article on high-fiber dog food options.
That being said, sometimes dogs need more than the recommended guidelines, based on their metabolism and activity level. This would be a good things to consult your vet about.
One more thing to consider: Is your dog bored? Just like humans, when dogs are bored or stressed, they might seek out food for a nice dopamine hit. Make sure to to give your pup plenty of walks, playtime, and social interaction for their overall wellbeing.
If you’re nervous about the effects of prescription medication, have you considered any holistic remedies? My pet also hates trips to the vet. I have her take VetriSCIENCE Composure Treats (Amazon) as well as CBD. I’ve also switched from a vet that’s 30 minutes away to one that’s only a 10 minute trip, which made a huge difference. While I’ve not used a mobile vet, our writer, Sally Jones, wrote a helpful article on the topic.
Not a spray, but I love the Garden Weasel (Amazon). When I first moved into my house, I went through the whole yard with this thing. Yes, it took a while, but it was so satisfying to pull those suckers out by the root. That, combined with aeration and overseeding the lawn, and I now get maybe two or three dandelions each season.
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I also love Blue; he was one of my son’s favorite characters. My all-time favorite cartoon dog is Clifford the Big Red Dog, and I also love Max from The Grinch. Along with that, Scooby Doo, Mr. Pebody, and the Slinky Dog from Toy Story are big favorites.I forgot about Slinky!
Like you said, a lot of this will be dependent on your dog. Here’s some ideas to try:
- Blueberries
- Boiled chicken
- Dehydrated meat treats
- Peanut butter
- Scrambled eggs
- Squeeze tube cat treats
- Turkey breast
- Whipped cream
100%! Vizslas are great for sporty pet parents. They are super speedy and excel at endurance running. Plus, they are known for their trainability. Other breeds to consider: Weimaraner, Border Collie, Dalmatian, Australian Shepherd, and German Shepherd.
I’m a big fan of the Springer water bottle (As seen on Shark Tank!). The brand sells multiple sizes, styles, and colors. You squeeze the bottle to dispense water into the bowl/lid, and release the stopper to drain excess water back into the bottle. There’s zero waste, which is great when traveling. For more options, view our article on best water bottles: https://www.caninejournal.com/best-dog-water-bottle/
Yes, my blankets have also been a victim of frequent humping. Some dogs just like to hump, whether they’re excited, anxious, or over-stimulated. The key is to correct and redirect. That being said, humping can also be a medical problem, so be sure to check with your vet. The topic is covered in more detail here: https://www.caninejournal.com/why-does-my-female-dog-hump-my-male-dog/
