Commentary We sometimes see consumer-facing content that misses the mark. Sadly, thousands of pet owners will read this and, trusting the internet, act on some of the suggestions. Here are three of the eight suggestions that were not well thought out: Buying pet food in bulk: Economies of scale from big bags of dog food diminish when not used up within four to six weeks … [Read more...]
Catnip. How and why it works on some cats
Cats get high off catnip by inhaling nepetalactone, the organic compound found in catnip which scientists believe their brain interprets as cat pheromones. Catnip sensitivity is hereditary, develops when cats mature to about three to six months and is inherited in only about 50 percent of cats. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. INSIGHTS: Consider this for social media posts … [Read more...]
7 ways to set an effective puppy schedule
Sharing advice for new puppy owners, the author urges them to set a schedule for their puppies and be patient and consistent about following it. This is good to share via social media, newsletters and in new puppy kits. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. INSIGHTS: For puppies that attend daycare, pet owners should mirror the daycare schedule at home as much as possible. … [Read more...]
Exploring holistic care remedies and therapies for common dog ailments
If for no other reason than to answer animal owner inquiries, we recommend veterinary teams review the information in the article linked below. Anderson Cox covers acupuncture to essential oils and more. Exploring natural remedies and therapies for common dog ailments is not a trend, rather a shift towards a more balanced, whole approach to canine health, Cox says. He … [Read more...]
6 foods we eat that can kill dogs
Big John turned his back away from the grill’s side table briefly to answer a question from a guest. In a flash, the guest’s dog went grill-surfing, grabbing a sizeable chunk of garlic-infused and onion powder-dressed roast. Now, a nice dinner was missing, and there was a chance the dog might get ill. Despite those big brown begging eyes, we have to be careful with these six … [Read more...]
Tips and tricks for teething puppies
Teething puppies generate tons of questions for all animal health pros. Each pup has its own toothy challenges and there is not a universal way to deal with the discomfort and consequences. In the article linked here, the authors address ways to help a teething puppy be more comfortable. It is a good reference to share with puppy owners on social media or in newsletters. Gum … [Read more...]
Why thunderstorms upset some dogs
There’s no scientific evidence proving why some dogs are more bothered by storms than others. In this article, the author posits that dogs feel the storm coming and offers ways to help them feel less stressed. Sound only plays a small part in dogs’ overall fear of a thunderstorm. As the storm approaches, barometric pressure drops, making static electricity more common and … [Read more...]
The latest trends in canine fashion
Canine fashion has rapidly evolved over the past few years, writes Anderson Cox. He reviews the latest trends and categories of what’s fashionable for dogs. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. INSIGHTS: Traditional, functional or frilly, dogs dressed in apparel almost always make us look. … [Read more...]
Houseplants: 6 to keep, 6 to keep out of pet spaces
With the holidays over, some pet owner’s homes are getting reset for the rest of winter and early spring. Offices, too, are getting a fresh look. Plants are often a part of these space revitalization activities and in some cases contractors choose and care for the greenery. Houseplants, beyond being decorative, are assets to purify the air and remove toxins but, not all … [Read more...]
Dog fitness and canine endurance methods
Fitness trends for canines are trending higher. From endurance exercises to agility training, many pet owners are ensuring their furry pals stay in top shape year-round, writes Anderson Cox. He covers the health benefits and reviews myriad options for getting dogs the exercise they need to thrive. A ‘one size fits all’ approach simply doesn’t work. Factors such as breed, age, … [Read more...]
11 ways dog owners could be stressing out dogs without realizing it
Pet owners’ everyday activities may unknowingly cause their dogs stress. These include smoking, sunglasses and hats, staring too intensely, tight hugs and more. This is great content to share on social media and in newsletters, as well as review with clinic, retail and pet boarding employees. Source: BUSINESS INSIDER, January 19, 2024. Link. Also see: Dog mental health … [Read more...]
Breaking dogs’ barking habits (video)
There are many reasons dogs bark and it is unrealistic to expect one to stop barking altogether. The video shares ways to reasonably reduce barking and help dogs learn to bark less. It is worthy of sharing on social media or in newsletters. Adding a message about consistency in commands among family members, daycare and dog sitters is important to avoid confusing the … [Read more...]
Mutt mail. Subscription boxes for dogs
Complimentary Commercial Content The number of pet subscription boxes filled with items curated by pet loving marketers continues to grow. The Happy Puppy Tips team shares a few options in this article. Our AHD office dog, Li’l Buddy, is a benefactor of a family member who subscribes to one of these services for their Golden Retriever. A new toy or two comes home after every … [Read more...]
Winter Solstice. Shortest day and longest night of the year.
Today marks the longest night of the year and the shortest day of the year. Along with shorter days, many people experience seasonal affective disorder. From reducing stress to easing feelings of loneliness and depression, encouraging research shows dogs could bring the dopamine boost our brains need during the darkest of days. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. Along with … [Read more...]
Counting calories, treats, client education. Avoid the math.
There are lots of variables when calculating the maintenance energy requirement for a pet and its owner. One of them involves honesty about how many treats and how much table food must be accounted for in addition to any prepared diet. The math need not be scary since charts are available and are easy to share with pet owners. MER Calorie (kcal) needs = 1.6 [70 x (weight in … [Read more...]
Why pets do (fill in the blank)?
Addressing pet owner inquiries, the authors share answers to dog and cat owners’ most commonly searched questions. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. INSIGHTS: Share this and discuss with your team to see if they have a consistent answer for these common questions. … [Read more...]
The best way to store dog food may surprise you
In recent dog food recall announcements, we noted comments about how dog food is stored. Storage information is not readily found on several brands’ websites. After a bit of digging here’s what we found. Key points: store dog food inside in original bags for best results, refresh monthly.” We reviewed packaging and labels from more than 12 brands for storage instructions, … [Read more...]
Mental stimulation and enrichment matter to dogs
Mental stimulation is key help develop dogs’ cognitive behavior, as well as their overall well-being. Physical exercise is great and necessary for a dog, but it’s only half of the equation. It doesn’t take complex toys, it’s mostly just simple, fun games with its owner.” Source: AKC, January 2009. Link. Many of the hyperactivity and destruction problems dog owners struggle … [Read more...]
The catnip craze: How and why it works
Catnip sensitivity is hereditary in only about 50 percent of cats and doesn’t develop until a cat is about three to six months old. Senior cats seem to lose their sensitivity. Average-aged cats with the catnip sensitivity gene, get a strong instant high by inhaling nepetalactone, the organic compound found in catnip. Nepetalactone binds to receptors inside a cat’s nose, … [Read more...]
Mutt mail: Top subscription boxes for dogs
Contains Commercial Content There are a growing number of pet-focused subscription boxes positioned as curated by fellow pet lovers. Boxes of toys, goodies, treats and accessories are shipped directly to the pet owners’ homes. We’re including the article and a link to a deeper subscription service list so animal health pros are aware of these services and which ones are … [Read more...]
Pet friendly locations offer help so dogs aren’t home alone
Taking dogs out and about helps improve their mental stimulation. A growing number of retail locations offer pet friendly access to myriad new sights and smells for dogs. The author reminds pet owners to call stores for their policies and to do a reality check. If dogs aren’t good in crowds, or aren’t the most well-behaved on a leash, a few training classes are in order before … [Read more...]
Shedding season tips
Contains Commercial Content Most pets experience intensive shedding during fall and spring. Whether a retailer, groomer, pet sitter or veterinarian, shedding season is a good time to reinforce skin care and offer tools and tips to manage the hairy situations to pet owners. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. … [Read more...]
Reasons to hire an animal trainer
Best intentions aside, many people have limited time and knowledge to train a new dog. Discussing details of hiring a trainer, the author shares eight benefits of engaging a professional trainer and what to seek in one. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. INSIGHTS: As we expect our pets to be present in a variety of social environments it is critical to help them acquire the … [Read more...]
Store pet food properly for best nutrition and value
Pet food is not getting cheaper. Many common storage methods are not the best way to ensure pet foods maintain their quality and are safe. Keep your pets food in its original packaging and be sure to properly seal it between feedings to keep it at its freshest. “ Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. … [Read more...]
Tear stains, eye boogers and gunk
Allergies, infections, hairs, blocked tear ducts and yeast are reasons dogs eyes can get gunky or stained. The author explains the reddish stains are caused by iron released from the breakdown of red blood cells which becomes part of a pigment-containing molecule called porphyrin. Porphyrin is in dogs’ tears and causes the actual staining. The author shares a few tips to … [Read more...]
Caring for the outdoor cat
Caring for an outdoor cat may be an oxymoron if considering lifespans. Indoor cats outlive outdoor cats by as much as 10 years. The author shares some proactive measures to help keep cats safe while they’re away from home including microchipping, vaccination and parasite prevention. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. Before opening the door to feline freedom, consider investing … [Read more...]
Tostitos toes: Why dogs paws sometimes smell like corn chips
Frito feet; pup-corn paws; Tostito toes . . . vets have heard it all! Pseudomonas and Proteus bacteria are a type of yeast present in most dogs’ feet. Activated by exercise, the bacteria cause the smell when dogs sweat. Washing feet with warm soapy water is the first line of defense to reduce the odor. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. Indications of an infection needing … [Read more...]
Safety required around poison ivy, oak and sumac for humans and pets
In many parts of the U.S., the edges and undergrowth of stands of trees, timber, forests and marshes contain poisonous vines. These plants are poisonous because of urushiol, a potent oily sap found all over the plants. While rare, dogs get poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac through touch or ingestion. A dog's fur protects against the urushiol. But areas of a dog's body … [Read more...]
Make traveling with dogs easy and fun
With careful planning and preparation, traveling with dogs can be fun and less stressful on the pet than being left at a pet sitter. It is not for everyone, however. Here are three resources = to help dog owners enjoy traveling with their dogs. Sources: 8 tips to get your car pet-friendly, Happy Puppy Tips. Link. Ideas to help dogs, especially puppies, feel at ease … [Read more...]
Tips to make car travel pet friendly
Vacation season is almost here. Traveling with a pet can be enjoyable with preparation and planning. The tips shared here can make the whole experience more enjoyable and hassle-free for the pet and passengers. Source: Happy Puppy Tips. Link. … [Read more...]