Easiest Way to Clean Your Dog’s Teeth

September 21, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Use DentAcetic Wipes for Easy Dog Teeth Cleaning

Dog kisses are the best! However, stinky breath dog kisses that could curl your lashes from the horrible smell are not so good. We all know that smelly dog breath stems from tartar buildup, but dogs hate tooth brushing. Insert DentAcetic Wipes.

How Do DentAcetic Wipes Work?

Like most dog owners, I’ve tried hundreds of dog dental products. Some worked, but a majority of them did not. Brushing my dog’s teeth works–I’ve taught my dogs to enjoy the process–but there was still a lingering foul smell coming from Stella’s mouth (Bull Terrier). Her teeth were noticeably free of tartar, so what was the cause? Upon further inspection, I noticed a fine line of redness along her gum line where teeth and gum met.

After a quick vet visit, Stella was sent home with DentAcetic Dental Wipes. I decided to research this stuff before sticking it in her mouth.The main ingredients were 1 percent acetic acid and sodium hexametaphosphate. Yes, I cringed too while I was trying to pronounce these massive words. Time to research!

RELATED: Small Dog Dental Care Tips

What are in DentAcetic Wipes?

Acetic Acid

Vinegar is watered down acetic acid and it’s used in just about everything from condiments to household cleaning supplies. Also, acetic acid inhibits bacteria and fungus growth and is used in many medications.

Sodium Hexametaphosphate

Sodium hexametaphosphate is used as an emulsifier and thickening agent in many foods, such as canned milk, artificial cheeses, roast beef, ice cream and even beer. Containing sodium and phosphorus, it’s found in just about everything, including pet food. Interestingly, it’s also used in many teeth whitening products because it not only removes stains, but it also prevents future stains and calculus (tartar).

The Verdict

Feeling a bit better about the ingredients, it was time to try them out. Each container contains 25 round thin wipes that can be easily folded into quarters around your finger. Before use, I squeezed each wipe to remove excess liquid to prevent any product from dripping down Stella’s throat. These wipes do have an odor, but it smells like cloves with a hint of vinegar mixed in. My dogs didn’t seem to mind them at all.

After using these wipes for one week (three times per week), Stella’s breath was odorless. There was no longer a sour smell present and her teeth were noticeably whiter too. And that tiny red line along her gum line was gone. To keep Stella’s breath odorless and her teeth free of tartar, I use these wipes twice a week. And yes, I still brush her teeth too, but only a couple of times per week.

It’s worth a try! I would love to hear what you think about DentAcetic Wipes!

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How to Paint Your Dog’s Nails

September 15, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Tips on Painting Your Dog’s Nails

Yes, I’ve done it! Stella Mae (Bull Terrier) looks adorable wearing hot pink nail polish. It just makes me smile. Before reaching for your nail polish, check out these tips that will make painting your dog’s nails much easier for both of you.

Use Dog Nail Polish Only

It’s pretty important to only use dog nail polish because dogs lick their feet and have a different skin pH than people. Plus, dog nail polish is water-based, toxic-free (no nasty chemicals, such as formaldehyde and toluene), odor-free and drip-free, and dries within seconds. Hmm, maybe I should try this stuff on my toes. Also, most dog nail polishes provide a vibrant color with one coat, so no need to add additional layers. When polishing, keep nail polish from touching skin–no need for globs of polish.

You can choose between bottles of nail polish or polish pens. Personally, I’m a huge fan of polish pens. Pens don’t drip and can slide under sprigs of paw hair surrounding your dog’s nails and dry super fast. Also, you can draw dots and animal prints as well as layer colors if you want to glam it up.

White dog nails will look great in all dog nail polish colors. However, dark nails seem to absorb only certain colors. Think pastels, neon colors and anything bright. Some reputable dog nail polish manufactures offer white base coats for dark nails, so all nail polishes will pop.

Pull Back Excessive Hair

All dogs pretty much have stray hairs poking around their nails, so it’s best to push the hair back with the thumb of your opposite hand. I’ve heard stories of people placing pieces of old pantyhose over a dog’s paw and pulling it up so dog nails pop out while holding back long hair. While that sounds good, you’ll have to hold the pantyhose in place while nails dry, and I don’t think dogs would enjoy that process.

Reward Nail Polish Sessions

Please don’t force your dog to endure nail polish sessions. You’ll end up with hot pink polish all over the place. Take a week or so to teach your dog to enjoy handling of her paws. It’ll make it much easier.

Also, ask a friend to hold a peanut butter stuffed toy in front of your dog, so she can happily lick away while you’re polishing her nails. Take frequent breaks. Only paint one to two nails. Allow them to dry for 40 seconds or so. Eventually, with lots of practice, you’ll be able to paint one paw at a time while your dog snoozes or enjoys a food stuffed toy.

Removing Dog Nail Polish

Your dog’s nail polish will chip quicker than our pedicures. Remember, your dog doesn’t wear darling little sandals to protect perfectly painted nails, so expect chips within a few days. Normally, I wait until all polish has worn off before refreshing the color or applying a new color. If you must remove your dog’s nail polish, only use acetone-free polish removers and then promptly wash your dog’s paws to remove any residue.

Pawdicures are adorable. Just keep your dog safe and make it fun!

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How to Choose a Sport for Your Dog

September 8, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Top 5 Dog Sports

Sports aren’t only for humans. Sports can be quite enjoyable for dogs as well. With so many different activities out there, you may feel intimidated choosing the right dog sport for your pet. In this article, we describe the five most popular dog sports you and your dog should try.

Getting involved in a dog sport can help strengthen the bond between you and your dog while providing your companion with an enriching experience. It never hurts to get out there and try something new that you both may enjoy. Remember to have fun with it!

Sports to Play With Your Dog

Not every dog or person, for that matter, will enjoy or excel in every sport. This is why it’s a good idea to make a list of your dog’s characteristics and match them up to the activity that best fits him. Below is a list of the most common sports for dogs.

• Rally Obedience (Rally-O)
• Agility Training Classes
• Flyball Classes
• Disc Dog
• Freestyle

Rally Obedience

During rally obedience, you and your dog navigate through an obedience course that requires stopping at designated stations to perform an obedience cue. This is a great sport for people new to the dog sport world and want to take basic dog obedience up a notch! All purebred and mixed mutts of all ages can compete. Before you play this game, make sure your dog’s vaccinations are updated and he has an understanding of basic obedience, such as “heel,” “sit,” down,” “stay,” and “come.”

Agility

Agility is a true sport where handler and dog need to work together. In agility, you help guide your dog to complete an obstacle course. This is a timed sport, so faster is better. This course can be challenging, but very enjoyable for you and your dog.

Agility classes are open to all types of dogs–even big, short, fast or slow ones. I’ve watched small dogs dart through an agility course right along with the typical Collie. There is really no breed too big or small for this activity. Is your dog full of energy and has great focus? Then this could definitely be the sport for him. Don’t forget you’re guiding him through the course, so this will be a great workout for you as well!

Flyball

Flyball is a rally race for your dog. This dog sport is fast-paced and fun for everyone involved. Dogs are divided into teams of four. Each dog races across a 51-foot course where he hurdles over a series of jumps, triggers the release of a ball, retrieves the ball and brings it back to the finish line before the next dog is allowed to go.

This sport is open to all dogs of any breed or size that is energetic and loves a challenge. This is a great sport for social dog owners who enjoy being part of a human-human team as well as a human-dog team. It’s also a loud sport because the dogs are having a blast.

Disc Dog

Disc dog is advanced Frisbee for you and your dog. You throw the disc and your dog catches and retrieves it. This sport is judged on distance and tricks–turning an everyday game into some competitive fun!

If you already play Frisbee with your dog and want to step it up a notch, this is a great sport for you. Your dog gets to do what he loves and burn off some energy while you get to spend some quality time with your best friend.

Freestyle

So you like to boogie? Then get your dog involved too! Yup, you can really dance with your dog. It’s called Freestyle. Any breed, big or small that has an owner with a flair for dance, would be great at this dog sport. Find your inner “Night Fever” move!

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Do Donations to Stray Dogs Actually Help?

September 4, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Yes, Donations to Stray Dogs Do Help

Dog Donations — IrynaTiumentsev/Deposit Photos

We’re flooded with donation requests every day–sometimes multiple times a day. However, most of us click past photos of dogs’ pleading eyes, heartwrenching animal cruelty cases and shelters filled to the brim with dogs. Some pictures of these abandoned dogs are burned in our retinas forever.

Look, I’m just as guilty as you. I quickly click past those haunting faces because it hurts my soul and I feel so helpless. Seriously, how could I help a dog down in south Louisiana? I live so far away. Then I wonder, do donations really work and, if so, does the dog in need actually receive every penny?

Then, a heinous dog abuse case crossed my path and I refused to look away. I had to help. After that experience, I can now answer your burning question. Yes, every penny does help a defenseless abandoned dog and it does something more–it changes your life too.

Dog Donation Facts

When researching donation behaviors (I find behavior fascinating!), individuals make up 75 percent of giving in America, according to Talk About Giving. Wow! It’s not the size of the donation that matters. It’s the heart behind the giver that makes the difference.

It seems lower income households give the most, which is not shocking, as we know what it’s like to need. Helping a defenseless animal will bring a sense of accomplishment, inner peace and deeper connection with fellow animal lovers. It’s indescribable.

How Donations Break Down

If done correctly, every penny is applied to an abandoned dog’s needs. We’ll talk about identifying legitimate fundraisers in another article because it can be tricky. If you’re interested in becoming an abandoned animal advocate, I have advice on starting up fundraisers myself. You can check out the story that changed me forever.

Most stray dogs need immediate veterinary care, food and a safe place to rest. So let’s discuss how small donations really do add up.

Food

Dog food costs range between $15-$60 per month, depending on the size and health condition of the stray dog. Most strays are very skinny, so they may eat four to six cups of dog food a day.

If 10 people donated their coffee money for one day ($5), they can feed a large dog for an entire month or two small dogs for a month.

Spay/Neuter

Most female dog spays hover between $100-$250. If 15 people donated their lunch money for one day ($10-$15), it will cover one female dog’s spay.

Male dog neuters are significantly cheaper, as it’s less invasive, so costs hover around $80-$150. Again, if eight people donated their lunch money for just one day, they would pay for a neuter.

Veterinary Costs

One stray dog’s veterinary care costs range between $150-$500, depending on his specific needs. When donating for veterinary care, ask the dog’s advocate to post an estimate of the dog’s veterinary costs and choose the portion of the bill you’ll cover. Most givers like to know where their costs go, so choosing provides a type of reassurance.

One nice dinner out ($30-$45) would cover a full vet exam.
Sacrificing $80 (nice dinner for two) would cover a dog neuter.
Donating $15-$30 would cover tests to check for intestinal parasites.
10 people donating $10 each would cover medications needed to treat any issues.
Eight people donating one night out ($25) would cover a high risk spay.

Every amount counts. If every person helped rescue one dog a year, we would make a huge difference! Be a dog’s voice.

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How to Train Your Dog to Play Fetch

August 28, 2015 by Fanna Easter

Play Fetch, Exercise Your Dog

As day-to-day life gets busier and busier for most of us, it gets harder and harder to find the time to exercise our dogs properly. All dogs need some sort of exercise, but the amount varies depending on your dog’s breed. I’m sure you’re aware of your dog’s energy level and how he requires a moderate amount of daily exercise. Allow me to explain a fun game that will poop your pup out and give you time to spare.

Why Play Fetch?

Fetch is a great game to teach your dog. It builds a strong relationship and provides lots of physical activity. One of the great things about the game is you can play it anywhere–indoors or outdoors, which is convenient during extreme weather conditions and apartment living.

Choosing a Fetch Toy

Choosing a fetch toy is a very important part of the fetch process. If your dog is not interested in the toy, then he’s not interested in the game.

Find two toys that are easy to throw, such as tennis balls, rubber toys and squeaky toys that your dog finds enjoyable. Now, all fetch toys should be able to bend easily. If they’re too hard, they can fracture your dog’s teeth.

If your dog tends to like stuffed toys, you may want to try the Kong Wubb. This is a Kong toy covered in furry fabric material with dangling pieces. Whichever toy you choose, make sure your dog likes it and the toy is only used for fetch games. If your dog is not interested in toys, that’s OK. We can charge the toys and build a positive association. To do this, pair the toys with a yummy treat and reward your dog and interact with them with the toy.

Teaching Your Dog to Play Fetch

There is more than one way to teach your dog the game of fetch. Today, I will discuss the two most common ways that may work for you. You can either choose to use only one of them or even combine both methods to see what works best for you.

Use Food Rewards

This particular method works really well for dogs who are not really motivated by toys and play.

First, stock your pocket with really yummy, high value rewards. Play with your dog and introduce the fetch toy. Next, toss the toy for your dog to retrieve. Once your dog begins running and grabs the toy, verbally praise him. Encourage your dog to come back to you by making kissy noises and patting your leg. When your dog returns to you with the toy, trade a treat for his toy. This teaches your dog to release the toy–win-win situation!

You want to practice this exercise several times for short periods to keep your dog interested in the game. Once your dog is happily retrieving the toy and finding the behavior (game) rewarding in itself, you can begin fading the food reward and only reward randomly or at the end of a good game.

Use Two Toys

If your dog really loves toys, this may be the way to go when teaching fetch.

First, take your chosen fetch toys. Begin light play with your dog to get him excited about a play session. Toss the first toy, encouraging your dog to retrieve it. Praise your dog once he runs toward the toy.

Once he grabs the first toy with excitement, encourage him to head back your way with some kissy noises or pats on the leg. If this doesn’t work, show him the other toy. Maybe even give it a squeak or bounce. Once he returns back to you, trade your dog for the second toy (dog drops first toy on ground) and then immediately throw the second one.

Ping bong back and forth for short periods of time to keep the dog interested in the game. Continue to use two toys until your dog finds the game rewarding in itself, eventually eliminating the second toy.

Now Play Fetch!

Now you and your dog have a fun game to play that will give your dog the exercise he needs and help continue to strengthen your relationship. I encourage a nice fun game of fetch every day, especially if you’re unable to take your dog for a walk. Remember, end your fetch game before your dog becomes disinterested, so he’s anticipating the next game.

Sources:
www.akc.org
www.kongcompany.com

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Easiest Way to Clean Your Dog’s Teeth

Use DentAcetic Wipes for Easy Dog Teeth Cleaning

How Do DentAcetic Wipes Work?