Does Your Dog Need A Dog Water Fountain?

As a self-described dog mom extraordinaire, I pride myself on following all the rules when it comes to first-rate pet parenthood. I make sure my dog is regularly groomed, that her teeth are brushed, and that she eats a well balanced diet packed with all the nutrients her little six-pound body needs to thrive. I …

The Best Dog Ramp

I work with dogs every single day so you can rest assured I come across all shapes, sizes, ages, and breeds. And each dog I work with is different. Every good boy and girl has his or her own unique personality and needs, and this is perhaps one of my favorite things about working with …

What Is The Best Dehydrated Dog Food?  

Our dogs give us so much, so it’s no wonder we are always looking for new ways to give back to them in return. One of the best ways we can show our dogs how much we care is by making sure they are living their happiest, healthiest lives possible. These days, there is so …

What Are The Best Wireless Dog Fence Options?

There’s almost nothing as nerve racking as opening your front door and having your dog shoot out past your legs towards a busy street when you were least expecting it. Trust me, I know. It happened to me and I nearly had a heart attack. Wouldn’t life as a dog parent be so much easier …

The Best Dog Purse For Fashionable Dog Owners

Calling all fashion forward dog folks – this article is for you. If you are on the move and want an easy way to tote your pooch, you may be in the market for a dog purse. But before you go into your closet and grab your favorite Louis Vitton, there are a few things …

Best Dog Itching Remedies

Dogs, much like humans, can have itchy dry skin. Some of the reasons that may itch are because of food allergies, fleas, ticks, or just plain dry skin. With the dry skin and itchy fur, there are a variety of ways that one helps keep their dogs skin from itching. From dry shampoo to sprays, …

Best Dog Sweater

Let’s face it. Dogs get cold. On top of this: Owners love to embarrass and be goofy with their dogs (I know I do at least.) While dogs fur gives them an extra layer of protection, sometimes, it just isn’t enough. Along with this, holidays and birthdays are a great time to dress your dog …

Best Family Dog – 10 Best Kid Friendly Dog Breeds

My dog Kyra is the friendliest dog in the world. She doesn’t have an aggressive bone in her body, and she greets every person and dog she meets with a tail wag and a slobbery kiss. My dog Kyra, the friendliest dog in the world.  No dog lover needs to be told that dogs are …

15 Best Dog Bike Trailer Brands

I’ll be honest. I wasn’t a big fan of bicycling as an adult until I moved to sunny California and discovered the absolute joy only a beach bike coupled with a beach sidewalk can bring a person. I’m telling you, there is nothing as wonderful as cruising down the Malibu coastline with your favorite fur …

Orijen Dog Food Review

Orijen brand dog food is kibble reimagined. They promise real, biologically appropriate ingredients without preservatives or fillers. While all of this may sound familiar, a closer look at the ingredients list and an exploration into how the company operates as a whole tell a very different story from anything we’ve seen before in dry dog …

The Best Dogs for Seniors and Retirees

When my Dad retired a few years ago we were a bit worried that he would be lonely or bored in retirement. My mom thought it would be a good idea for him to get a dog, and soon they adopted Cindel, a 2-year-old shepherd-husky mix. Cindel, my Dad’s new retirement buddy. Cindel and my …

15 Best Dogs for Children

Although I don’t have any kids of my own, I do have a 2-year-old nephew and many friends with young kids, so I’m grateful that my dog Kyra is naturally great with children. I still need to work with her on remaining calm when the kids get hyper – and she still tries to lick …

What Is The Parvo Vaccine And Does Your Dog Need It?

When I became an official dog mom several years ago, I was tormented by thoughts of something bad happening to my new little fur child on my watch. She was, afterall, so small and helpless. “She may be out of sorts for the next few days, so if she doesn’t eat or doesn’t have an …

Why We Love Rachael Ray Dry Dog Food — Yes, the Kibble! 

Rachael Ray is a household name for food — human food, that is. When I first saw that she’s behind a brand of dog food, too, I was intrigued. What made her dog food special? Why should I buy it for Eira, my Alaskan shepherd? At first, I didn’t buy it. Eira seemed happy enough …

Struggling With Dry Skin On Dogs? Try These Products

Guess what temperature it was here in the Anchorage area of Alaska yesterday? 0 degrees Fahrenheit. When I let Eira out in the morning to go potty, the clip on her lead was frozen. I had to rub it between my hands to melt the ice keeping it stuck together. I put water out for …

Best Dog for Single Women

It’s true that we tend to think of a dog as the perfect family pet, but single women shouldn’t write off the idea of having a dog. There’s no reason that single women can’t experience the benefits of having a dog in their life just as much as a family, if not more! That said, …

Best Dog for Single Men

Although we tend to think of a dog as the perfect family pet, single people shouldn’t write off the idea of having a dog. There’s no reason that single men can’t experience the benefits of having a dog in their life just as much as a family, if not more! However, taking on the responsibility …

The Bullmastiff – Ultimate Breed Information Guide

There are few dogs more intimidating than mastiffs. And the bullmastiff, especially, possesses a self-confidence and athleticism to make anyone think twice about approaching them. But these dogs are more than just stoic guardians. In the right home, they can be devoted and gentle family pets. Keep reading to find out if you have what …

The Best Puppy Playpen

Last Thanksgiving was a wild one. At only two months old, Eira was an energetic, high-needs puppy and we couldn’t leave her home. We still hadn’t purchased a crate for her and didn’t want to leave her alone in the house. The last time I’d done that, I had tried to keep Eira enclosed with …

15 Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs

Many of us have probably read about the benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for humans, but were you aware that it is useful for your dog as well? Does your dog have itchy, dry skin? How about constant rashes on or below their paws? If you answered yes to either of these, Apple Cider Vinegar …

The Best Dog Shedding Brush

Ah, dog shed. Maybe if you’re lucky, you have a dog that doesn’t shed hardly at all, ever, like a yorkie. Or maybe you’re like me and you have always had big, furry dogs that grow thick coats in winter or anytime the weather gets cold and then sheds for weeks once things warm up. …

The English Bulldog – Ultimate Breed Information Guide

The upturned expression, stubby legs, and oversized head make the English bulldog one of the most recognizable breeds in the world. The fact that they are extremely popular helps a little, too. With looks like that and a personality that makes them a good fit for suburban families, apartment dwellers, and everyone in between, it’s …

The Bull Terrier – Ultimate Breed Information Guide

As one of the most unique looking breeds in the world, you can probably easily picture a bull terrier when you hear the name. The Target dog, Spudz Mckenzie–the bull terrier’s funny looks and equally funny disposition make them perfect for show business and advertising. Despite their charismatic, clownish personalities, these dogs aren’t perfect for …

The Best Diet Dog Food

It’s hard not to smile at an overweight dog waddling around a house. And yet, obesity contributes negatively to several of the leading causes of death for dogs, including cancer, issues related to bloat, and heart disease. Keeping our dogs at a healthy weight is crucial for their overall wellbeing, too. But sometimes, we get …

A Complete Guide to Terrier Breeds

When most of us think of terriers, we have a certain type of dog in mind. Those of us who have experience with the small terrier group will conjure up an image of a Yorkie or a West Highland White Terrier — feisty, fearless little dogs with a distinct stubborn streak. Medium-sized dog lovers might …

How Much to Neuter a Dog

All dog owners know how expensive it can be to have a dog – sometimes much more expensive than we expected! On top of food, toys and regular vet bills, which can cost the average dog owner around $1,000 a year, we also have to be prepared for major vet expenses, like getting your dog …

How Much Does It Cost to Spay a Dog?

We all know that owning a dog can be expensive – sometimes much more expensive than we expected! Between food, toys and regular vet bills, the average dog owner can expect to spend around $1,000 a year on their dog, and that’s not including major vet expenses like getting your dog fixed.  It pays to …

How Much Does It Cost to Put a Dog Down?

Just how much does it cost to put a dog down? One of the most difficult parts of loving a dog is having to make end-of-life decisions for them as pet owners. Our dogs become members of our families, and we love them almost as much as we love the rest of our family. Most …

Is VICTOR Dog Food Really That Great for Dogs? 

As dog parents, we’re always looking for the very best food we can feed our dogs. Time and again research shows that finding a high-quality dog food can make the difference between a life of discomfort, aches, and weight gain and a life of activity, energy, and comfort. Sometimes it can be hard to afford …

10 Common Dog Behavior Problems and How To End Them

Behavior problems are a common reason owners give for surrendering pets to shelters or rescue organizations.  Approximately 3.3 million dogs are surrendered to animal shelters each year.  One in five of these dogs will be euthanized. Correcting behaviors and keeping dogs in loving homes is not only easier on dog owners, but literally saves lives. …

How to Treat Dog Allergies

Have you ever noticed your dog obsessively licking or scratching his skin, biting or chewing his paws, or dragging his butt across the carpet or floors as you desperately try to redirect your dinner guests’ attention? These behaviors are nothing to sneeze at.  If your dog has shown any of these symptoms, chances are good …

Pet Emergency Funds: Why You Need One and How to Get Started

One of my closest friends is an avid animal lover. At one point she had 3 dogs, and her routine vet bills were already stretching her tight budget. Then the unthinkable happened – she was out ice fishing with her husband and their dogs when her oldest dog Dexter cut his paw open on a …

Is Kirkland Dog Food Safe for Dogs?

For the longest time, I didn’t pay attention to what food my dogs ate. Part of this was because I lived with my parents and was a child. They took care of buying everyone’s food, the dogs’ included. We had not come across Kirkland dog food and Kirkland products yet. But once I was a …

Is Glucosamine Safe for Dogs? 

I’ll never forget receiving a life-changing text one morning from my dad. I was nineteen years old and couldn’t wait to go home from college for Thanksgiving. My dogs, Bella and Clancy, would be so excited to see me, and I them. I loved seeing them as much as I loved seeing my mom, dad, …

The Best Citronella Dog Collar 

I have a confession to make: last year, when Eira was a puppy who ran off all the time if she wasn’t on her leash and who yowled and howled almost constantly, I borrowed my neighbor’s shock collar against my better judgment. I was sick and tired of trying to train Eira how to behave …

Best Rolled Leather Dog Collar 

If you’re like most people, you may have put a little bit of thought into which collar you bought for your dog. You probably went to the local pet store and checked out their display, searching for the cutest collar for your sweet little Fido. Maybe you gave it a few tugs to make sure …

The Best LED Dog Collar 

Back when my German shepherds were young, we lived in a house across from a huge field. In the wintertime, we’d take the dogs out for nighttime walks in the snow. There’s nothing like the peaceful darkness of a winter sky. Snow provides a light background for you to see your dogs with — mostly. …

The Best Dog Thermometer 

One of the first things new parents purchase before they have a baby is a thermometer. Parents know that in the first three months of a baby’s life, any hint of fever can be a huge problem. If their little one happens to feel too warm one evening, they can quickly read the baby’s temperature …

Best Dog Pools

If your dog loves water, most likely, you have been looking for great ways to cool them off. Whether taking them to a local river or body of water, or spraying them with a hose, many owners of dogs that love water look to make those hot days enjoyable. Local pools often do not have …

Best Dog Blanket

As a dog owner, you should always be looking to keep your dog happy as possible. Dogs, like humans, need their sleep. An option that may make these tasks easier is buying your dog a dog blanket. The dog blanket often depends on your pet’s size and needs. Smaller, less furry dogs might benefit from …

Should You Spay vs Neuter Your Dog – Pros and Cons

New dog parents find themselves wondering whether and when they should have their canine companion spayed or neutered. Is it time to spay your new female pooch? Or neuter your male canine companion? Knowing when to spay a dog, especially when they have already reached adulthood can be harder to determine. Excited about bringing your …

5 Ways to Save on Vet Costs

Owning a dog can be both incredibly rewarding and shockingly expensive. As a Financial Planner, I often help my pet-parent clients budget for regular dog expenses and plan for the unexpected ones. Vet care can be one of the most expensive parts of owning a dog, accounting for more than 25% of the total annual …

15 Fun Ways To Celebrate Your Dog’s Birthday

Is your dog a member of your family? If you answered yes, then we are totally twinning, because same. We’re not weird, and we’re not alone. Recent studies have shown that people can come to have the same type of bond and attachment to their dogs as parents do with their children. So it’s no …

Best Dog Hats

When we humans get ready for the day in the sun, we make sure we’re ready. We don’t want our skin to burn, so we pack our sunblock. To keep our eyes and noses protected from the glare, we bring sunglasses and hats. We wear light, fresh clothing and fill several bottles full of water …

Best Dog Mat

Making sure our dogs are comfortable as possible seems to be one of the most important things about the relationship with animals. When looking at different options for not only just crates, but for everyday relaxation; price, size, comfortness and durability are usually details that are most important. Dogs in general love to have something …

100 Best Male Dog Names

Coming up with the perfect name for your new puppy can be one of the most fun and exciting things about adopting a dog. Owners wants the best for their pooches and that extends to their names. Male dog names can be particularly challenging as it is difficult to select a name that either sounds …

What to do When Your Dog Suffers from a Torn ACL

My black German Shepherd was about nine years old, healthy, and active when she came into the house one night limping on her back leg. I thought she might have pulled a muscle or something, as she liked to dash about the backyard, particularly if there was a cat around! I waited to see how …

Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

Although most pet owners couldn’t put a price on their beloved dog, it’s important to face the fact that owning a dog is expensive – often more expensive than we expect. Routine vet costs alone will easily cost you hundreds of dollars per year. When you consider the fact that most pet owners will experience …

Best Peanut Butter For Dogs

We all know dogs LOVE a good treat. As a human, I have a great passion and love for Peanut Butter, and I consider it something that I have found that dogs LOVE as well. While surprising your puppy with this treat can be a wonderful moment, there are still some things to consider. Ingredients, …

The Best Car Harness and Seat Belt for Your Dog

When my family German shepherd, Clancy, was about seven years old, I found out just how important it is to secure a dog to any vehicle she is riding in. Clancy and Bella were riding in the bed of my dad’s truck on a Saturday-afternoon drive in the mountains. She’d been riding in the bed …