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Roxy was only two years old when she found herself in a shelter kennel. Shelter staff knew that as a Pit Bull breed she would have a tougher time finding a home than other dogs, but nobody expected her to spend nearly eight years there!

Despite her long stay, Teckles Animal Sanctuary staff described Roxy as a fantastic, cheeky dog.

“She can be a little nervous on occasion but with the bribe of a few sausages, she becomes very loving and loyal. She has a cheeky character and loves to play with tennis balls.

“Roxy is looking for an understanding family who will give her time to adjust to home life. She loves her food and snuggling under a duvet!”

Unfortunately, life isn’t all sausages and snuggles. Roxy needed a home with loving, understanding people who could commit to having her as their only dog. It was another trait that worked against her.

For 2,764 days Roxy waited. Finally, at the age of 10 years old, Roxy’s family came and took her home this December.

But this wasn’t a sudden “want-a-dog-for-Christmas” adoption. Leanne, a groomer, and Sam are both avid animal lovers, and fell in love with Roxy’s grey muzzle and sweet face. Roxy, however, needed more time to get to know the couple. For six months they visited her twice a week to let her become comfortable with them. They spent time with her at the shelter and had home visits to help her slowly adjust to a new life. When it came time to move, they chose a home with a yard for Roxy even though she hadn’t moved in with them yet. The couple did everything they could to make sure that Roxy would be happy when she came home.

Finally, on December 1, Roxy became an official member of their family! Shelter staff had fallen in love with her, but were happy to see her off to her new home.

Thanks to the patience of her new parents, Roxy has settled at home just fine! Leanne tells Gloucestershire Live:

“She loves to be tucked up into her blanket. She also has her own bedroom which is like a small child’s bed. Before she was so used to all the noise from the kennels which was fine and what she is or was used to but now I think that she is catching up on the peace and quiet.”

Just this week, Roxy celebrated her first Christmas at home in 8 years with her new family.

Roxy continues to settle in and come out of her shell. Leanne and Sam report that she’s doing well on walks, and though she’s still nervous, she’s even making friends with other dogs!

“Within just over a week Roxy has settled amazingly and made herself right at home. She spends most of her day snoozing in one of the many places she has to choose from. She can not wait for her walks to the park where she has even been starting to befriend some dogs! And then spends all evening cuddled up with mum or dad on the sofa under a blanket. She is such an angel and we are so happy she is with us”

Teckles Animal Sanctuary, where Roxy lived for 8 years, is having funding issues, and may have to shut down! You can help them out by visiting teckelsanimalsanctuaries.co.uk, offering a donation or spreading the word!

 

H/T: gloucestershirelive.co.uk
Featured photo: Teckles Animal Sanctuaries/Facebook

 

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Sniffles, a senior rescue pooch without a nose, became a viral sensation this week when Florida-based Poodle and Pooch Rescue put out a call for potential adopters. After an overwhelming response from across the country, the group announced they are currently weeding through “200+ emails, voice messages, social media inquires and applications” in order to choose the perfect forever home for the special pup.

Little Sniffles was first rescued in July 2017 by the Puerto Rican group, Rabito Kontento (Happy Tails). He was then adopted by a Florida family in early 2018. While his friends at the rescue were ectstatic, their joy was short-lived. On December 19, Sniffles escaped his home and was captured by animal control.

It wasn’t the first time Sniffles had run away, so Rabito Kontento decided it was best he be rehomed. At first they considered bringing him back to Puerto Rico where his adoption opportunities would be limited. Instead, they teamed up with the dedicated folks at Poodle and Pooch Rescue to help him find a home in the states.

Sniffles was suffering from hookworm and roundworm infections, indicating he was not being properly cared for. His new pals at Poodle and Pooch went to work restoring his health, and on December 24 they were ready to share his loveably unique face with the world!

After his one-of-a-kind mug went viral, much speculation circulated about how Sniffles lost his nose. Some suspected he was born that way, but Rabito Kontento took to Facebook to share his heartbreaking backstory. Once known as “Otto,” they believe he was attacked by a pack of dogs during his time as a stray in Puerto Rico. His wounds were so severe it took several surgeries to repair the damage.

Sniffles was left with crooked, protruding teeth, a missing nose, and a signature snort – none of which have prevented dog lovers from falling in love with him!

In their most recent update, Poodle and Pooch expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received on Sniffles’ behalf. They are asking those touched by the special pup’s story to consider adopting one of the many other deserving dogs in their care.

“Sniffles is going to be a-okay and we ask that you please set your sights on some of our other dogs in need….Squeaky, Checkers, Jasmine, Noel, Savannah and Dolly (just to name a few!). And if you are not in a position to adopt, we hope that you will consider donating (blue donate button on our FB page or any donate button on our website at www.PPRFL.org) so that we can save other special needs dogs that are running stray or at animal controls around the state.”

 

H/T to NewsLeader.com

Featured Image via Facebook/Rabito Kontento

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Obesity in dogs is a very serious problem, and it’s rates are increasing daily. It’s estimated that roughly half of all dogs in the United States alone are obese – that’s 35 million dogs! Obesity can cause many illnesses such as diabetes and even worsen joint and back problems. Obesity is also one of the most common reasons injuries occur in our dogs. Most importantly, obesity leads to an increase in many diseases, including cancer, and can rob years off your dog’s lifespan.

12 Vital Tips for Preventing Obesity in Your Dog

Maintaining your dog’s proper weight is easier said than done, so here are some helpful tips we’ve compiled for you to keep as a guideline:

#1 – Understand Ideal Weight & Body Shape

Many owners feel that their dogs are the appropriate weight for their size, but unfortunately this is not the case. Even many veterinarians have gotten so used to seeing obese dogs, they can’t even tell when dogs are fat! A dog should have a defined waist, with ribs easily felt but not visible. This guideline goes for most breeds. While some, such as bulldogs, should be stockier and heavier than others, they still should not be allowed to become the giant bowling balls we see walking around!

Photo by Purina Veterinary Diets.

#2 – Scheduled Feeding

While not many people free-feed their dogs (meaning, they leave a full bowl of dog food out all day), some still do. It’s rare for dogs to self-regulate their eating, and most owners find that food doesn’t stay in the bowl for long. If we filled it up every time it was empty, our dogs would never stop eating! Free access to food increases our dogs chances of consuming too much and becoming overweight. Scheduled meals are more appropriate, because we can regulate how much our dogs eat and when.

Photo by Seiichi Nojima on Flickr.

#3 – Portion Control

One of the benefits of scheduled meals is that we can regulate our dogs’ food consumption. Since each dog is different, we can control how much each of our dogs are eating per day. It’s important to find out how much your dog needs to eat in order to maintain a healthy weight. If your dog is overweight, try decreasing the amount of food offered by 1/4. Gradually decrease the amounts until your dog is at his desired weight. Remember not to guess and actually measure the amount of food given – this way you’ll know exactly how much your dog needs.

#4 – Get Moving!

This is for you and your dog! We know that everyone always talks about exercise being needed for weight loss, but that’s not the only reason it’s important. Exercise maintains your dog’s physical health as well as his mental health. A dog that lacks proper exercise becomes unhappy and typically starts displaying undesirable behaviors, such as chewing and digging. Keeping your dog on a regular exercise schedule will keep his weight appropriate and his mind clear.

#5 – Beware of Diet Foods

There are a lot of dog foods on the market that are marketed towards owners looking to take a few pounds of their pets. But it’s important to read the labels on these foods. Most of them lessen the amount of nutritious meat ingredients and add in more nasty fillers. They are lower in calories, but also lower in nutrition – which means you’re left with a dog feeling very hungry and not getting all of the nourishment he needs.

Photo by Mateusz Michalik on Flickr.

#6 – Regular Weigh-Ins

Just like with people, weekly weight checks are great for our dogs too! When you weigh your dog weekly, you can see how well your new diet and exercise plan is working – if at all. All dogs are different, so they each need their own custom regimens. By keeping track of your dog’s starting weight and how much she’s lost since the beginning of the diet, you can make sure your dog is losing weight at the right speed. Too much weight loss too soon can be bad for her as well.

#7 – Get Everyone On Board

This means the people! If you decide that your dog needs to lose weight, but someone else keeps sneaking her treats, you’ll never see any progress! All this does is create some tension between everyone and confusion for the dog. If you’ve got a pup on a diet and she’s not losing any weight, be sure to check with the rest of the family.

Photo by Jessica Petersen on Flickr.

#8 – Food is Love

Most of society in any country today is revolved around food. When we want to share a good time and celebrate with friends and family, there are often great meals to be had. There’s nothing wrong with this, because it’s the way we work as social animals. To us, food means love. If you’re having a hard time cutting back on treats and meals, just remind yourself of this. Your dog doesn’t think you love her any less, and because you’re feeding less doesn’t mean you don’t care! Many people feel guilty about not feeding their begging pooch, so they give in. But just as you might feed yourself when feeling emotional, doesn’t mean you should also feed your dog. You can show her love with toys and play just as easily.

#9 – Take Treats into Account

This is especially important if you’re training your dog often. Training is typically done with treats, and you might feed a lot of treats in any given session. Keep this in mind when planning your dog’s meals. Subtract the amount of treats given from the meal, and you won’t end up with a dog that’s overweight. Many people don’t lessen their dog’s meals when they are feeding more treats, and overlook what’s often a large increase in calorie consumption.

#10 – Substitute with Veggies

When we do decrease the amount of food our dogs are used to eating, they often do become hungrier. In order to counteract this, we can add in fresh, steamed vegetables like green beans or spinach. These are high in fiber but low in calories, so they help our pets feel full while still allowing for the diet to continue.

#11 – Rotate Your Dog’s Toys More Frequently

It sounds simple, but by simply rotating your dog’s toys, you can increase their activity levels. Like children, dogs quickly become bored of seeing the same toys day after day. By hiding your dog’s old toy for a period of time, and then reintroducing them, you’ll keep them fresh and more likely to be played with. Or you can add a new toy to the dogs collection (for each toy sold here on iHeartDogs we also donate one to a shelter dog!)

#12 – Cut Carbs, Increase Protein

Its easy to believe that dry dog food is formulated with our dogs best interest in mind. The reality, however, is that kibble was created for convenience sake, and is packed with carbohydrates and sugar that allow it to be shelf stable.

By slowing reducing the amount of carbs and sugar your dog is consuming, and replacing with more biologically appropriate protein, (which is their ancestral diet), you can shed weight off your pup. One popular way to increase protein is by adding a raw egg in place of some kibble. Or consider adding some single ingredient, freeze dried protein toppers to your dog’s bowl.

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On December 11, Margo Waldrop pulled up to her local Starbucks drive thru window just as she has every day since the store opened. As always, the baristas greeted Waldrop and her dogs enthusiastically.

But this day was different from the rest. Sadly, it was dog, Lily’s last day on Earth. She had cancer, and was scheduled to be euthanized later that day.

When Waldrop broke the news to the coffee shop employees, they treated the pooch to a Puppuccino and comforted the grieving dog mom.

Upon pulling up to the window the following day, Waldrop was surprised and overwhelmed to find that her friends at Starbucks had even more love and support to offer.

They presented her with a vase of flowers, a homemade loaf of pumpkin bread – Waldrop’s favorite – and several personal sympathy letters. They also paid for her daily coffee.

Later that morning, Waldrop posted photos of the flowers, letters and bread on Facebook. “I would like to remind you all how many wonderful people are in the world, something I was reminded of this morning,” the post began.

Waldrop went on to share her experience and express her gratitude to the folks responsible for shedding some light on a very dark day.

“I can’t even begin to tell you how good that made me feel. This team of baristas, and their manager Lars have made me feel so welcome since they opened the store almost a year ago. Such good people to remember that one of their regulars was going through a tough time. Thank you Starbucks!”

 

 

H/T to KOCO News 5

Featured Image via Margo Waldrop

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Dogs are curious animals that love to participate in everything we do. When it comes to medications, these traits sometimes put them in danger.  According to the Pet Poison Helpline, nearly 50% of all pet poisonings involve human drugs, with pain relievers, antidepressants and heart meds topping the list of common culprits. Do you know what to do if your dog eats human medication?

Whether or not a case of accidental medication ingestion is a serious emergency depends on the type and quantity of the drug. If your 80 pound dog snags a single Benadryl tablet off the floor, he is unlikely to even feel drowsy, let alone have any ill effects. However, several over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs are harmful or deadly to dogs, even in small amounts.

If your dog eats human medication or any potentially harmful substance, contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline Immediately.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Nearly every household has one type of NSAID or another. This category of drug contains Ibuprofen – which comes under the brand names Advil and Motrin – and Naproxen, which has the brand name, Aleve. These medications are used to reduce inflammation and pain. While they are quite safe for humans, just one or two pills can cause stomach and intestinal ulcers or even kidney failure in dogs.

Symptoms of Ibuprofen or Naproxen Poisoning include:

• Vomiting
• Bloody vomit
• Diarrhea
• Black, tarry stool
• Inappetance
• Lethargy
• Inappropriate urination or thirst
• Abdominal pain
• Seizures

While NSAIDs like Ibuprofen and Naproxen are harmful, there are several medications approved for veterinary use to help dogs suffering from pain and inflammation.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Excedrin)

Acetaminophen is widely known by its popular brand names, Tylenol and Excedrin. It may also be found in over-the-counter medications labeled for cold, flu and allergy symptoms. Used as a safe, effective pain reliever and fever reducer in humans, Acetaminophen can cause liver failure and red blood cell damage in dogs.

Symptoms of Acetaminophen Poisoning:

• Lethargy
• Swelling of the face and/or paws
• Difficulty breathing
• Brown or blue gums
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Jaundice

Antidepressants (Effexor, Cymbalta, Prozac, Lexapro)

When a dog eats human medications that fall under the antidepressant category, there are a variety of possible results. Some of these medications are safe in small quantities, and may be used to help pups dealing with anxiety or behavioral issues. Others cause clinical symptoms ranging from sedation and lethargy to over-stimulation and anorexia. If your dog ingests a large amount of drug, a condition known as serotonin syndrome may be seen.

Clinical signs of serotonin syndrome include:

• Central Nervous System sedation or stimulation
• Vomiting and/or Diarrhea
• Tremoring
• Seizures
• Hyperthermia
• Abdominal pain
• Dilated pupils

Benzodiazepines & Sleep Aids (Xanax, Klonopin, Ambien, Lunesta)

These medications are designed to help humans sleep and feel less anxious. Strangely enough, they have the opposite effect on about half of the dogs who ingest them. Rather than becoming calm and sedate, they act nervous and agitated. In other dogs, these drugs work a bit too well, causing severe lethargy, incoordination, and slowed breathing.

Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Poisoning:

• Severe sedation
• Incoordination
• Aggression
• Agitation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Respiratory depression
• Cardiovascular depression

Blood Pressure Drugs

There are two major types of blood pressure drugs, ACE Inhibitors and Beta-blockers. ACE inhibitors are sometimes used to treat high blood pressure in dogs, and are generally quite safe. If your dog eats a small amount of this type of medication it may cause low blood pressure, dizziness and weakness, but is not life-threatening. However, you should still contact your vet, as dogs with kidney failure or heart disease may be more seriously affected.

Beta-blockers, on the other hand, can cause toxic poisoning in dogs. Even small amounts of these drugs can dangerously drop a dog’s blood pressure, leading to heart and kidney failure.

Symptoms of Beta-Blocker Overdose:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Collapse
• Slowed heart rate
• Lethargy

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)

Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine work by constricting the blood vessels in the nose to reduce post-nasal drip. These medications can be very dangerous to dogs, causing symptoms such as vomiting, dilated pupils, severe blood pressure changes (hypertension), abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, and seizures.

Preventing Accidental Medication Ingestion:

Dogs are very resourceful and occasionally accidental ingestions happen. Luckily, there are precautions you can take to reduce your dog’s risks. Dr. Ernie Ward offers the following tips:

 

• Never leave any medications on low countertops or tables where a curious canine could access them.
• Keep your purse high out of reach if you carry medications inside.
• Keep all medication and supplement bottles securely closed with childproof caps.
• If you spill a liquid or topical medicine, immediately and thoroughly clean it up.
• If you spill your pills, pick them up right away and count them.
• Never give your dog any kind of medication or start a supplement without first talking with your veterinarian.

 

While it is not always life-threatening when a dog eats human medication, it should always be treated as such. Pets metabolize medications very differently than humans, so even a drug that seems harmless could potentially cause problems. If your dog ingests any human medication – including vitamins or herbal supplements – call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline’s 24-hour animal poison control center at 855-764-7661 immediately.

 

H/T to Pet Poison Helpline

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Just in time for the holiday season, restaurant chains Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins have announced their newest initiative in spreading joy to children across the country. The two companies already power the independent charitable organization called The Joy in Childhood Foundation, and their newest endeavor focuses on bringing smiles and laughter to children’s hospitals nationwide.

The program is called Dogs for Joy, and it’s going to provide full-time therapy dogs to patients, families, and staff at many of the country’s children’s hospitals.

While therapy dogs are a relatively common sight in hospitals, very few hospitals have in-house programs where the dogs do more than visit patients a few days a week. With over 2 million dollars in grant money, Dogs for Joy will help children’s hospitals set up programs for in-residence therapy dogs.

These “facility dogs” will be trained and cared for in the same hospitals where they visit patients. The money will go toward investing in therapy dog training, staff training, and all the food, toys, and supplies the dogs will need. The goal is to get as many therapy dogs into full-time employment as possible.

As the concept of inviting therapy dogs into hospitals takes hold, more healthcare officials are recognizing the special breed of healing only dogs can provide. Simply patting a trained therapy dog’s head can reduce stress and make a scared child feel calm and happy. Therapy dogs provide comfort during necessary medical procedures, and they can even demonstrate to children how to take pills or put on a hospital gown. They nuzzle with worried family members, wag their tails for tired staff, and bring a general sense of love and acceptance everywhere they go.

Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital in Ohio will be the first to receive a Dogs of Joy grant of $150,000. They plan on putting the money to good use by funding a brand new program and welcoming two therapy dogs into full-time employment. Careful planning has gone into making sure the program will be successful. The dogs will take turns visiting patients and attending events, and specially trained staff will ensure the four-legged coworkers also receive the best possible care.

Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins are determined to make full-time therapy dogs a reality for as many children’s hospitals as they can. They’re encouraging hospitals to apply for a grant on the foundation’s website. The deadline for applications is March 31, 2019. In the meantime, several new therapy dog programs will be standing up early next year, and we can’t wait to see what kind of impact they’ll make on millions of children and their families.

h/t: PR NewsWire

Featured image via Facebook/The Joy in Childhood

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Billions of dollars are spent every year on food, supplements and accessories for dogs. Small dogs are toted in their own designer purses and dressed with color-coordinated booties. Specialty toys encourage learning and training. Bottom line: gift ideas for small dogs can be a little overwhelming.

If you are looking for unique and memorable gift ideas for small dogs, start by thinking about the dog lover that calls themselves mom or dad. Dog lovers stop at nothing to find the latest trends for their baby.

Here are some great gift ideas for dog moms and dog dads everywhere.

Small Dog Gift Ideas by Occasion

Gift ideas vary depending on the reason for buying a dog gift. While most dogs find presents under the Christmas tree or for their birthdays, there are many other times of the year to get a dog (or his owner) a present.

Holiday Season Gift Ideas for Small Dogs

Holiday gifts for small dog owners start with traditional reindeer ears, peanut butter dog biscuits and flannel pajamas to sleep by the fireplace waiting for Santa to come. There are many other great gift ideas for dogs during the holiday season.

Pet Pillow: What dog doesn’t need a new cozy pillow to lay his head on while waiting for his owner to start his favorite movie, Lady and the Tramp. Holiday pet pillows help small dogs fall fast asleep so the reindeer can land on the roof undetected by alert ears.

Dog Jacket: The snow and freezing conditions of winter mean that even the thickest dog coats can leave a dog chilly. Small dogs often start to shiver. Keep those pups warm during the snowball fight with a jacket that is both stylish and functional.

DNA Test: Dog owners always wonder about the actual breed of dog they have. Even a papered pure breed might have traits suggesting some breed other than his known parents. A DNA test is an interesting gift to understand the quirks of man’s best friend. It also helps pet owners mitigate potential genetic health issues.

Personalized Stocking: All family members should have a stocking on the mantle. Give a small dog an extra special stocking with her name stitched in. Once filled with her favorite dog treats, she’ll know Santa thought she was a good girl.

Bow Tie: The holidays are filled with many holiday parties. Prep the pup in style with a fashionable bow tie collar.

“Dog Perignonn” Plush Toy: Let the pup ring in the New Year with his very own plush bottle of Dog Perignonn. He’s sure to be the life of the party without needing to worry about being the designated driver.

Family Matching Pajamas: Nothing says family more than matching pajamas. Now families can get a pair for mom, dad, kids, dogs and even the family cat. Enjoy a night in with the entire family watching a movie and cuddles on the couch.

Moncler Mondog Jacket: The dog wearing the Moncler Mondog Jacket is the style-envy of the neighborhood. It is both stylish and warm for those cold winter walks around town. This jacket comes in a variety of colors to go with a small dog’s favorite colors.

Heated Pet Bed: Since dogs can’t have hot chocolate, give them a heated pet bed to cozy up while mom dog enjoys a cold winter’s night indoors. A safe way to keep your dog cozy without having him steal your covers.

Paw Print Ornament: A little craft-time together helps a family bond. Paw print ornament kids are located at most craft stores where mom dogs and dads can create a unique keepsake Christmas ornament for the tree.

Housewarming Gifts for Small Dogs 

When a small dog moves into his new home with his parents, he can feel a little overwhelmed. Few things are familiar and most of his items may even be packed away when he first gets there. But new digs mean new things for your furry friend. Here are some gifts for the dog that needs to set up his new dog pad.

Sheffield Dog Bed: Every dog loves being the king of the castle and nothing says “king” better than his very own Sheffield Dog Bed. The sleigh bed platform design is easy for him to climb in, feel safe and cozy and leaves dog owners a little more space on their own beds.

Flirt Pole: Small dogs like hunting little critters just as much as kitty cats do. In fact, many dog breeds are bred as critter hunters. This is why the flirt pole resembling a fishing pole is a great gift idea for the pet owner who wants to keep their puppy busy without a lot of running around themselves.

Tornado Treat Dispensing Dog Toy: The smart toys are all the rage because large and small dogs alike are starting to do algebraic problems. To help dogs get ahead of the puppy training curve, a Tornado Treat Dispensing Dog Toy forces the dog to work the puzzle before the treat is accessible.

BarkBox Gift Subscription: Dogs don’t bark at the mailman when their own little care package arrives every month. The Barkbox comes filled with seasonal treats, chew toys and special toys that will have your dog jumping in to get started.

Neater Feeder: Even small dogs benefit from the ergonomic design of the Neater Feeder. Not only does this food dish holder keep a dog’s head perfectly aligned, but it also keeps feeding time clean without slashing of water and overflow of food.

Pawdicure Kit: Give small dogs a little pampering with a pawdicure in between grooming sessions. Working with your small dog’s claws not only keeps her healthy but is an important bonding period where a dog builds trust with her owner.

Insect Repellant Bandana: A simple and stylish way to protect dogs from fleas, ticks, mosquitos and flies when away from home. The bandana is odor-free but treated with repellant that withstands up to 70 washes.

Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed & Carrier: Make traveling as luxurious as home for your small dog. This mobile pet carrier has a cushioned bed to helps pets feel safe and comfortable. Less stress on pets leads to more enjoyable excursions for the entire family.

Pet Stroller: That tiny four-legged furball just can’t always keep up with the pace of an active family. But no one wants to stay at home. A pet stroller lets small dogs enjoy a day out with the perfect place to rest while on the go.

Year-Round Gifts for Small Dogs

Holidays throughout the year are a great way to let that small dog and his owner know how much you care. Whether a Mother’s Day gift to honor the dog mom or graduation gifts to celebrate training success, get in the party mood with these small dog gift ideas.

Bone Toggle Collar: For the stylish pup in your life. This leather toggle style collar will make any small dog find their big dog posture. It’s the perfect accessory to a day out shopping with mom.

Pet Wi-Fi Camera: A perfect gift for the pet owner who feels guilty about leaving Fifi at home alone. The pet wi-fi camera lets pet owners see their pets while they are away. Interactive options even reward the pet for answering the call.

Dog Breed Chef’s Apron: A chef’s apron is the perfect companion to your companion helping catch those accidental scraps that make their way to the floor. Honor that little taste tester with the ultimate in kitchen styles with a special dog breed chef’s apron.

Friendship Collar and Bracelet: Like mom dog, like dog daughter. Isn’t that how the saying goes? This friendship collar is the ultimate matching accessory that gives mom a bracelet that matches her dog’s stylish collar.

Pet Massager: Even dogs need some help with rest and relaxation and the pet massager is the perfect solution. A couple of rolling balls that guide along the back muscles of your pup will certainly relax their body after a busy day playing fetch.

Pooch Selfie Ball: No mom dog or dad is without a phone full of dog photos. But selfies can be hard when the little pooch gets distracted. Solution: the pooch selfie ball sits over the phone so the dog’s attention is on what he wants, the ball. Instagram watch out!

Fetch Machine: It isn’t always convenient for dog parents to play fetch. But that little puppy doesn’t need to wait if he has his very own fetch machine that launches a ball down the hall or across the backyard. He brings it back, drops it in and starts all over for hours of fun.

Dog Teepee: Stylish and practical, small dogs love having a dog teepee. It gives them a place of seclusion to sleep and adds a fun whimsical element to a room compared to a traditional dog bed.

Custom or Handmade Gift Ideas for Small Dogs

Pet owners love custom gifts. Find the perfect handmade or customized gift idea to make every dog feel loved and unique.

Personalized Pet Harness: Many pet owners use a harness for their dogs to make walking and handling a little safer for both. A personalized pet harness embroiders the dog’s name and contact information on the harness. Customize color combinations to match the dog or his owner’s personality.

Socks or Leggings: Get customized socks or leggings with your dog’s picture on it. With low-cost drop shipping imprint companies, these are easy to do and a fun way to always keep your dog’s personality with you at all times.

Fast Book: Every dog has a story and a fast book helps tell that story in your favorite pictures. These are small so they can easily fit in a purse to show your small dog off when he can’t be there with you.

Doggie Clone Plush: Send a picture in and get a little plush copycat of your dog – well copydog. Your dog may be confused with the intruder that looks like the one in the mirror but he’ll grow to love his plush companion as much as you do.

Memorial Gifts for Mourning Owners

It’s hard to talk about the grief of losing a dog. For the mourning dog owner, it can be hard to describe the emptiness that happens with a void that doesn’t seem like it could ever be filled. If you know someone who has just lost their dog or is spending their first holiday without their furbaby, think about a gift that will not just be a beautiful memorial but opens the door for a conversation to help them get through the grieving process.

You could get a personalized memorial stone or cremation urn that becomes a beautiful celebration of the life for the dead dog. Hand drawn sketches and portraits are another way to memorialize a dog that has died. Some companies offer sympathy boxes for pet owners in grief and many charities will allow you to donate on behalf of a pet owner in memorial of their loved dog.

Choosing a Small Dog Gift

With so many great ideas, how does a gift-giver choose? Consider the personality of the pet, the personality of the owner as well as any allergies or health restrictions the pet may have. Also, consider the lifestyle of the dog family. It doesn’t give anyone any enjoyment if a gift just doesn’t fit the activities that the dog and his owner do regularly.

Toys as Choking Hazards

There are a lot of toys on the market for dogs. Heck, most dogs can enjoy a good stick to gnaw on. This means that dog owners and gift givers need to be aware of potential choking hazards. Just like kids, there are many toys not made with safety in mind and the pet industry is not regulated to the same degree as for human babies.

Be aware of plush toys that have parts such as eyes or buttons that easily come off. These can choke a small dog or even their big brothers). The inside of the toy is also a danger if the dog ingests it. The stuffing of the plush can obstruct digestive tracts. Rawhides, antlers and bones also become choking hazards and in some cases lead to digestive issues.

Always supervise dogs with toys and remove the toys when they start to break. When buying toys, look for items that don’t have a lot of extra parts sewn together or added on. The less there is to break off, the easier it is to manage the dog’s play with the item in a safe fashion.

If you are concerned with whether a dog product is deemed safe, go online to see what others are saying about the product. Does it last long or get destroyed quickly? The Center for Pet Safety does a lot of safety tests and ratings of products found in the market to give a more scientific review of dog toys, carriers and other products.

Health Issues and Treats

Some dogs just can’t have the same types of food or treats as others. Deficiencies in many popular dog brands have led to allergies, digestive issues and weight problems for some dogs. If you plan on buying specialty treats of any sort, make sure it won’t create a health issue.

Small dogs watching their waistline need low-calorie treats. Don’t let the size of the treat fool you. There are recipes that let a small dog have a big treat designed to fill him up with fewer calories.

Ask questions about ingredients. Many dogs have sensitive tummies. Treats that are too rich in protein might lead to diarrhea. Just like humans, some dogs might also have allergies to things like peanuts, thus peanut butter treats are out of the question. While most pet owners know what their dog can or can’t have, a gift giver should ask to make sure everyone remains healthy and happy.

The Dog’s (and Owner’s) Personality

A fetch machine is a great idea until you realize that the dog could care less about chasing after a ball. As hard as it is to believe, many dogs don’t have the attention span for extended periods of fetch.

Buying a play gift for a tog means understanding the dog’s personality. Retrievers and many sporting dogs love to play fetch and will go nuts with anything that makes the game even better. Then there are hunting dogs like little terriers that really love squeaky toys as they pretend to be the hunter around the house.

And then you have those, like the pug, whose favorite game is sleeping on a friendly lap. He’d probably love the matching pajamas. Spend the time to learn about the dog, its breed and regular habits to find a gift that matches the dog with the best possible item.

Setting a Gift Budget 

Dogs might choke on some toys; people tend to choke on the sticker prices of pet products.  American pet owners spent nearly $70 million on their pets in 2017 meaning it can be easy to rack up some costs with pet gifts. Quality gifts are not cheap and finding that special something that is as unique as the relationship between a dog and his owner means specialty gifts.

Buying a present for your own small dog is easier than buying one for a friend. After all, money is no object for your own furbaby. Plus, there isn’t a guarantee that Fido’s friend will love what he does.

Set a budget before you start shopping for gifts. This gives the search a narrow focus. Then create a list of gift ideas. You might not be able to afford the Moncler Mondog Jacket, but if you know that is what you are looking for, you can start to look for similar items at a better price point. Whatever you end up buying, check reviews to make sure the product is good quality and not hazardous.

via Whisker Therapy

via Whisker Therapy

When we clean our homes, we assume we’re making it safer for our loved ones. By getting rid of the microscopic viruses and bacteria that hang around our homes, we’re keeping a clean, healthy environment. But what we use when we clean can have negative effects on our pets’ health if we’re not careful. You wouldn’t leave open containers where your dog could drink them, but those same chemicals can still be harmful to your pets once they’re out of the bottle.

 1. Ammonia

It’s likely that you keep products containing ammonia in your home even if you don’t have a big bottle labeled “AMMONIA” under your sink. Ammonia is commonly found in oven cleaners, window cleaners, and wax for hardwood floors. If you have stainless steel surfaces in your home, be aware that it is also found in stainless steel cleaners.

Ammonia can be harmful to both you and your dog as it causes irritation and burns mucus membranes. Several cleaners containing ammonia come in spray-form, so you should wear a mask while using them and your dog should be in another room. Breathing in a cleaner that contains ammonia–or consuming left behind residue–will cause damage to your dog’s nose, mouth and throat. Continued exposure to these harmful chemicals can also lead to respiratory issues. You might begin to notice your dog coughing or otherwise having trouble breathing.

 2. Chlorine/Bleach

We use chlorine in bleach, toilet bowl cleaners, disinfectants, and dishwasher detergent. But bleach isn’t poison just to germs, it’s poison to our pets as well. Just inhalation of chlorine can cause kidney and gastrointestinal damage, and consuming chlorine bleach can cause serious poisoning. You may notice coughing, lethargy, vomiting, drooling, diarrhea and seizures, among other symptoms. Be on the lookout for bleached fur around his mouth and nose, and the smell of chlorine coming from him.

It’s important to keep anything containing bleach out of reach of your dog at all times. Don’t trust the foul taste of bleach to stop your dog from eating it – dogs put all kinds of things in their mouths if they are suddenly curious about something.

If you own a pool, the chlorine shouldn’t bother your dog if properly diluted. It may cause a tummy ache if he drinks too much, but it’s not likely to do any major damage. However, you should keep the chlorine tablets for your pool in a closed container and away somewhere that would be impossible for your dog to reach.

 3. Glycol Ethers

Glycol ethers are commonly found in all-purpose cleaners, liquid soaps, and spot cleaners. If you want to know if anything in your cabinet contains glycol ethers, look in the ingredients list for “Ethylene glycol,” “propylene glycol,” or “diethylene glycol” – all of which are toxic to your dog if consumed. It may even be inside some containers marked “natural” or “green” so it’s imperative that you check for this.

Glycol ethers have been linked to lung damage, kidney damage, and anemia in humans and animals. According to Pet Poison Helpline, there are three stages of poisoning:

Stage 1: (30 minutes to 12 hours post-ingestion) Similar to alcohol poisoning. Your dog may be uncoordinated, drooling, vomiting, or experiencing seizures. He may also be very thirsty and urinating more.

Stage 2: (12-24 hours post-ingestion) Your dog may appear to get better, but very severe internal injuries are still happening.

Stage 3: (36-72 hours post-ingestion) Severe kidney failure. Your dog may not want to eat, and will be tired, drooling, vomiting, and experiencing seizures or even coma.

Keep your dog occupied in another room away from where you’re using chemicals containing glycol ethers. Clean up any spills quickly.

 4. Formaldehyde

It’s not weird if you think of funeral homes when someone mentions formaldehyde. It’s most commonly known as an embalming agent, but we use it around our homes to clean, too. It’s found in soaps, fragrances, general purpose cleaners, and even in some pet shampoos!

Formaldehyde is a severe skin and eye irritant. It also has negative effects on the respiratory and nervous systems of the body. The EPA recognizes formaldehyde as a carcinogen – which means that it can cause cancer, but does not always cause cancer in those who are exposed to it.

5. Quarternary Ammonium Compounds

Also known as “QUATS” – they’re commonly used in fabric softeners, and you may find them in the ingredients list on cleaner labels marked “antibacterial.” They can cause skin irritation, and were found to be one of the leading causes of contact dermatitis in humans over a 10 year study. It’s also thought that they may cause respiratory issues, including asthma in healthy humans.

Dogs can also get contact dermatitis. You may notice skin inflammation and itchiness, blisters and sore patches. He may lose hair, and have lesions or ulcers. Watch out for red patches and scaly, dry, or thickened skin. A vet can treat your dog’s contact dermatitis and relieve his irritation, but it’s important to get rid of whatever might have caused it. You may have to start doing your laundry – especially his bedding – without fabric softener. There are other simple options to keep your clothes static-free. Switch out your fabric softener for a little vinegar – it will do the same job and won’t leave its pungent smell on your laundry.

 

 

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via Whisker Therapy