Dog Solutions: Seniors, Puppies and MoreA Pet Solutions Giveaway!

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© All Things Dog Blog
Senior Dog Comfort Products

Still missing our Xena after 18 months, I have found a flood of new products for senior dogs on the market. Today I'd like to introduce you to a few, and offer giveaways to share some of the  samples I was provided by Petco recently. The products featured here will be given away in combinations as shown on the Rafflecopter entry form at the bottom.


The Silver Tails Senior Products focus on ways to make your aging dog healthier, more comfortable, and easier for you to care for. Their Pet Bed Cover was a fun surprise for me. I removed it from the package to examine it, and discovered a nice adjustable elastic that will allow the cover to go over most any small to medium-sized dog bed. The bed cover is a very fashionable brown.


Inside the bed cover are removable inserts of Bamboo Charcoal for air purification, helping eliminate odors, and absorbing dampness. The cover has a waterproof lining, yet is machine washable. Even the bamboo charcoal insert can be hand washed and placed in the sun to dry and recharge its odor-absorbing properties.

For your Fido with sore muscles, arthritis or hip displasia, the Infrared Massager has 2 heated heads (small and larger) and switches that allow you to choose between heat, small massage head, larger massager, or a combination. This handheld massager is battery operated and comes with an electric recharger. It may also be used on cats.

© Silver Tails
Hand Held Massager

I have an additional item, unpictured above, that came without packaging, as it had been photographed. This Handheld Massager is not heated, but offers other features and different massaging heads for a more hands on experience. If you win this product, you'll find all the information about how to use it and its benefits at the link above. Most importantly, massage assists an older dog's circulation, which often needs help as a dog becomes less active.

© All Things Dog Blog
Comfort for Your Senior

The Comfort Zone with D.A.P. (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) helps to reduce stress in puppies and dogs. This diffuser plugs into any wall socket and has been proven to help control excessive whining, destructive chewing, trembling, hiding and panting. The pheromone lasts about 30 days. Refills of this liquid can be purchased at Petco, in store or at this link.


The Rafflecopter entry form should appear at the bottom of this post. If you don't see it immediately, simply click on the title to refresh this post, and it should appear quickly. 




Full disclosure: Petco provided the products included in this giveaway as a promotional opportunity. I was not paid to provide this giveaway by either the manufacturers or Petco. There is no purchase required to enter.

Be Your Dog's Best Friend: Living Life to the Fullest

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Training Your Dog

Provides a Lifetime of Good Behavior

Think about your own daily routine for a minute. You rise early and eat breakfast. After a few preparations, you head off to work where you get mental stimulation, a chance to solve problems, and an opportunity to socialize--most of us anyway. Even if you work from home like I do, you probably have ample opportunities to get out for errands, meetings and appointments. You meet friends at Starbucks or have dinner out. You shuttle kids to dance and baseball, visit the library, the mall, and your friends.


Now contrast that to the life of the average dog. Most dogs get a few short walks a week, and generally are left to fend for themselves while their owners head off to work. My pack is lucky to have a work-at-home leader. But what about others? 


Can you imagine the boredom of being left behind 2 walls for the entire day, with only a chew bone and a few toys. Think about this from the dog's viewpoint. He wants to play, but with who? He wants to chew, but knows he'll be reprimanded when his owner arrives home, if he does.After an hour of pacing the house, checking all windows and doors for possible escape, Fido drops for a nap, mostly out of pure boredom. No wonder he is so happy to see you when you arrive home!


Have I described your dog? There is something you can do about it. New Years is coming and along with it that Resolution you always consider. How successful have you been with achieving those goals? Maybe this year's resolution could revolve around your Rover. Try one or more of these on for size:

• I will walk my dog for a total of 1 hour or more every day, so he will get to see the sights and smell the smells of the world's smorgasbord.
• I will create some Busy Bones to freeze, and leave one with my dog each time I depart for more than a couple of hours.
• I will shop for some safe, mentally stimulating toys to help my dog enjoy problem-solving activities to work his brain and tire him out.
• I will rotate toys so that each time I offer one, it will seem like a long lost friend.
• Knowing that many dogs will not eat or drink while their owner is away, I will assure Fido is fed and given an opportunity to eliminate before I leave. I will always leave an adequate amount of fresh water available.
• I will evaluate my home's dangers to my dog and block access to these or remove them, if possible.
• If my dog is in the house-training phase, I will arrange sufficient bathroom breaks and walks with a neighborhood friend or petsitter, to help my puppy learn good house manners.
• I will provide training to assure that my dog is well-behaved and not a danger to others.
• I will socialize my dogs with both humans and other dogs from an early age to assist him in learning good manners and having healthy relationships.
• When I leave for a long outing, I will assure that my Fido is fed, tired from activity, and ready for a long nap to pass the time.
• When I return after a long day, I will reserve time to exercise and practice training or have playtime with my dog, to continue the bond and expend his pent-up energy.

© Carrie Boyko
Mentally and Physically Stimulating
Activities will Bring Out the Best in Fido

Which Resolutions would suit your dog the best? Think about him when planning your New Year's Resolutions. Remember that this relationship is one that will give back more than you put into it, for many years to come. Build the bond!

Fido Friendly Magazine Takes Dog Talk One Step Beyond

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© Carrie Boyko

Is it Too Late

 to Enter the Photo Contest?

Recently when I had the opportunity to guest post with Fido Friendly's Blog, I learned first hand just why their print magazine is so special. Taking dog talk to the lifestyle level, Fido Friendly covers topics such as travel, wellness, health, and even fashion, along with the usual training and dog care advice that most magazines dole out as a regular routine.


Fido Friendly has carved out a niche for themselves as the elite magazine for dog lovers, and along the way has befriended their online peers--bloggers--and become a part of their ranks, as well. 


Taking up the torch of helping the rescues, Fido Friendly has engaged themselves in a Cross-country adoption tour cleverly named "Get Your Licks on Route 66". A rather radical approach to pet adoption, this campaign operates from an RV that tours 7 states along the famed Route 66, building awareness and helping with shelter events along the way. Teaming up with the North Shore Animal League America, Fido Friendly is out to make a difference.


Wondering how they did with this interesting venture? You can check their Tour Route here or visit posts like those at the following links of both the North Shore Animal League and Fido Friendly.


In their own way, Fido Friendly is helping with the Be the Change effort, started by the Blogpaws group, a fun bunch of pet bloggers that just want to make a difference. Welcome aboard, Fido Friendly. 


Would you, my readers, like to try out a FREE copy of Fido Friendly Magazine? I have 2 recent copies that will go to two lucky readers who can answer this question:

In a recent edition of Fido Friendly, 

a photo contest showed off the dogs'

 ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___. 

It's okay. You can cheat and look it up in their online version. The first two correct answers left here as comments will win. Ready...Set...Go!


Want to subscribe to Fido Friendly? Click the ad here and you'll be done in a jiffy!

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Doggie Inspiration Abounds

by Carrie Boyko

Having just returned from a blogging conference, I'm overflowing with inspiration and more ideas for sharing how to make your life with dogs a happy one.


One of the challenges at the conference was a request from Cesar Canine Cuisine to post a tidbit on the little gestures (#lovethemback) we dog lovers do to show our dogs how much we care. That's a no brainer for me, as many of you know I am all about exercising my pup's mind AND body to stimulate his brain, while helping him flush pent up energy.


Dogs were not intended to stay behind 4 walls each day and get tons of loving and attention. They need exercise, and this is my primary message. By using problem-solving toys, thinking games, various types of exercise and training, I try to keep the dogs' energy and hyperactive enthusiasm at a level that can be tolerated by even the most squeamish of visitors.


If you're looking for ways to exercise your dog that move out of the daily walk and into something a bit more stimulating, check out my blog, as well as Cesar Canine Cuisine's site for more ideas. Let's all get backpacking, biking, trail hiking, swimming, playing mind games, and learning new behaviors that make our home life more enjoyable.


Finally, as a result of this post, Cesar Canine Cuisine will be sending me a package of goodies to share with one of you, as a part of their #lovethemback promotion. I'll be posting more about this as we move through the Fall. My coffers are full from the conference and I am eager to get some contests and giveaways going. Are you ready to win some prizes?!! Stay tuned for more on all the free goodies coming your way.

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"Pants for Dogs" Provides Fun, Fashionable Solutions for Many Dog Needs

Well, folks, doggie diapers for our ladies in heat are no longer our only solution. And doggie depends are so yesterday. Pants for Dogs has come out with a whole line of britches, for girls and boys alike. And why shouldn't we offer a fashionable solution for our pups' embarrassing little problems? Take a look at some of the unique ways your Fido can frolic in fun fashion.

Image, courtesy of Pants for Dogs ©

Panties for Girls

Ladies, both young and mature, can choose from a variety of adorable, feminine looks or fiesty, tomboy prints and styles. You can help Fifi pick just the right look for her personality.

Image, courtesy of Pants for Dogs ©

Jumpers with Suspenders

Jumpers like the one shown above, are fashioned especially for our pups 'sans tails'--bulldogs, boxers and all their wag-challenged friends. I think this bandanna print for boys is a great 'country boy' look.

Image, courtesy of Pants for Dogs ©

A Better Belly Band

Cummerbunds, as the folks at Pants for Dogs call them, are fashioned for our fellas who need a little extra protection from leakage. (How else can I say that without coming right out with it!) There are 16 different prints to choose from, once again helping you pick the belly band that is right for your Rover. Oliver and I like the Dish it Up design. Thankfully, he does not need this protection.

Image, courtesy of Pants for Dogs ©

Thongs for Dogs

A Sleek, Sassy Design

Finally, we'll wrap up this review with the fashionista's latest. "Thongs for Dogs (TM) kick it up a notch with flashy spandex and a sleek, sassy design that brings comfort to a new level without compromising function." As they say on their website, "it is all about ease of movement." Isn't that pretty much the deal with our own thongs, ladies?

Further, the folks at Pants for Dogs want dog owners to understand that Thongs for Dogs work particularly well with the coated breeds and wide-thighed athletic dogs--better fit is more comfortable. Your pup can choose regular or bikini cut for her best fit. I'm all for that. Look out Victoria's Secret...here comes Thongs for Dogs!

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Dog First Aid and Poison Control Information at your Fingertips

by Carrie Boyko

(c) Carrie Boyko

First Aid for Wounds

No Chewing Stitches!

First Aid for our dogs is always on my mind when Hurricane season arrives in Florida. I am pleased to announce the addition of a new resource page to All Things Dog Blog: Pet Emergency Resources covers all your bases--poison control information and treatment and first aid resources of all kinds. The national poison control hotlines are included in red to help you find them quickly. In addition, I've included a 3-step triage for your priorities in the Pet Emergency Resources sidebar, so check it out--before you really need it.


Pet Emergency Resources will be available to you, 24/7, in my sidebar. You'll find it located with the picture of Tanner that you see at the top of this post. Just click the picture or one of the links to get quick info.


A few years back, when four of these nasty storms hit Central Florida during one season, our home was clobbered. We lost 8 large pines--two falling on our home--and these stately trees ripped up 40 feet of sidewalk. No matter, though, our whole family was safe, including the critters.


That year I really took preparation seriously, and thank goodness I did. Non perishable food, water, bedding and essentials such as medicines and first aid supplies were set aside in the safest room of the house for all of us--furry companions included. Even Patches' litter box found a corner to reside for that 'just-in-case' experience. Fortunately we did not have any tornadoes, so our bunker was left unused. Better safe than sorry.


Today's post is here to remind you that, although you may not be in the Hurricane zone, each geographic area has its own particular brand of natural disaster to prepare for. Whether it be sinkholes, earth quakes, ice storms or tsunamis, you do need to have a list of necessities ready for the possibility. A first aid kid for your family and your pets is essential to providing emergency care, when a vet is not available or accessible.


And poison control information at your fingertips is critical in those first minutes after a 'no-no' has been consumed. Prevention is key. First, check all your house and yard plants for safety. Make sure all members of the household know that food, chemicals and medicines must always remain out of reach, when not supervised. Many of our favorite foods are poisonous to our pets, even as they are delightful to us. Chocolate is the best example, of course, however there are many more.


Following are a few resource books you may want to consider owning. Pet Emergency Resources may not be available if your power is down. Having one of these on hand could prevent a tragedy--well worth the cost of the book:

• Dog First Aid, by the American Red Cross
• Field Guide to Dog First Aid for the Outdoor, Hunting or Working Dog, by Randy Acker
• First Aid for Dogs: What to do When Emergencies Happen, by Dr. Bruce Fogle
• Safe Dog Handbook: The Complete Guide to Protecting Your Pooch Indoors and Out, by Melanie Monteiro
• Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, by Drs. Eldredge, Carlson, Carlson, and Griffin
• What's Wrong with My Dog? 150 Symptoms and What to Do About Them, by Jake Tedaldi
• First Aid for Dogs: What to do Before You Take your Dog to the Vet, by Justin Wimpole, PhD.
• Rescuing Rover: A First Aid and Disaster Guide for Dog Owners, by Heath and O'Shea
• Practical Pet First Aid, Dr. Mark Anderson 
• How to Look After Your Dog (an illustrated guide), by Peter Larkin
• Hands-On Dog Care, by Copeland and Hamil

Good luck in your quest to be prepared for your region's disaster possibilities.

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Do-it-Yourself Dog Bandages

by Carrie Boyko
all rights reserved 

(c) photo copyright Carrie Boyko 2010

Tanner Models His Bandage

Earlier this year, Tanner had a couple of wounds that required some creative measures to keep them clean, while still allowing air to help them heal. When he injured his neck with too much vigorous scratching, I crafted a bandanna bandage to cover the area. It actually worked really well to keep him from further injuring the spot.

(c) photo copyright Carrie Boyko

The Rear View

Now it is Oliver's turn. I caught him pestering a belly button itch too many times yesterday. When I finally turned him over to check it out, I discovered a very red, bare spot, with an apparent bug bite in the middle. His scratching had irritated it until he couldn't leave it alone.

(c) photo copyright Carrie Boyko

Belly Band in Place

While I was out of town visiting my mom, I was unable to pop over to the vet, so I took evasive measures. Oliver now sports a bandanna belly-band. It looks sort of like a belt, covering the area to protect it from his scratching. 

Before putting on the 'belt', I applied some anti-itch and anti-bacterial ointment, and it seems to be doing the trick. His efforts to scratch have abated, and he is napping peacefully. Much better than an e-collar, don't you think?

(c) photo copyright Carrie Boyko

No More Scratching

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How to Clip Your Dog's Nails

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Another tip for hassle-free pedicures that you may have heard: Dogs need to come to accept humans handling all parts of their body. You can help your dog along with this by gently massaging, petting and feeling all her parts on a regular basis. Small treats throughout these sessions, until she becomes more accustomed, will help her stick with you while you work through all her body parts. Building up her tolerance of your handling will be helpful throughout her life, whenever she is hurt, has a tick that must be removed, needs grooming and has a vet visit. As you hold her, massaging her ears, feet, tail, snout, belly, etc., give her soft  praise and reward her with a special treat at the end of your session.

Remember, this should be a positive experience, so if you have an especially resistant pet, start with short sessions and gradually work up to longer periods of handling, giving plenty of praise and encouragement. These sessions will greatly help you with trimming her nails, as well as clipping fur, removing ticks and other tasks that require her to be held, handled and remain still for you. Don't give up!

If you need clippers, be sure to buy the right size for your dog:

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