Top 3 Treatments for Itchy Dog Ears

Itchy, sore, and smelly ears aren’t fun for you or your dog. There are several reasons your dog could have overly itchy ears but the most common ones include season allergies and ear infections. Give your pup some relief by using one of the three itchy ear treatments below.

1. Otomax
   Otomax can be used to treat outer ear infections in your dog. This treatment is particularly useful for treating bacterial infections by combating bacteria while also soothing inflammation. This product should not be used if your pet is experiencing a fungal or viral infection. Otomax is administered by applying several drops of the antibiotic ointment into each ear.
2. Amoxicillin
   Amoxicillin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic that can be used to treat your dog’s ear infection. In addition to ear infection, Amoxicillin can also treat a skin infection, urinary tract infection, and dental infections. Typically, Amoxicillin is administered by oral pill, but drops are also available if your pup has a hard time taking medication.
3. APOQUEL
   If your pup has seasonal allergies that result in frequent scratching or even cause ear discharge or odor, ask your vet about APOQUEL. APOQUEL works fast to provide itch relief to your dog and is administered through a small pill. This medication is not a steroid or antihistamine, so side effects are less severe.

Itchy and sore ears can make your dog miserable so don’t wait to treat allergy symptoms or infections. Ask your vet about prescription medication treatments so you can give your dog quick relief.

Canines Bring Comfort During Stressful Times

The adage goes that dogs are “man’s best friend”. This is true on a number of levels. Not only are everyone’s best friend in the best and worst of times, but they are always there. If there is nobody else around to talk to, confer with, or bounce ideas off of, dogs (and pets in general) will always be there.

With so many people cautious to leave their homes these days, even being in proximity to another person can be difficult. The basic instinct of being human needs to be with or around other humans. While the exposure time varies greatly, we need to have time with people or even know that it is an option.

In the middle of this global time where travel is discouraged and even restricted, this feeling of isolation and separation isn’t unique. Dogs have been used in many situations to comfort and relax humans. For example, dogs who stay with people (especially children) during court proceedings, children reading to dogs in libraries, dogs visiting patients in hospital, and dogs visiting colleges to calm student’s nerves during exam preparation. The outcome is the same; dogs have a calming effect in stressful situations.

Research shows that when dogs and humans interact, oxytocin is released into the body. This hormone is known to have a calming effect and was shown to be present in people who interacted with dogs. Dogs can also provide a sense of emotional security by physical touch (laying next to you on the couch), or may also increase physical security depending on the breed, size, and situation.

In a national survey by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) and Mars Petcare, 85 percent of respondents agreed that interaction with pets can help reduce loneliness, and 76 percent agreed that human-pet interactions can help address social isolation.

That statistic reinforces what pet owners already know, that through thick and thin, dogs really do make man’s best friend.

How working from home impacts our pets

With most of the world in lockdown and having to work from home, it is understandable that most pet owners are overjoyed at the prospect of spending more time with their furry friends. But does your dog feel the same way, and how is working from home affecting them?

Well, there is no simple answer to this and pet behavioral experts believe that it is all down to who your dog is and his own, unique personality and individual needs.

The first thing to remember is that we are now encroaching on our dogs’ usual territory during the day and disrupting their normal routine. While some dogs love having their owners around 24/7, others might feel confused by this change and could struggle to adapt to their newfound routine.

Photo by Lum3n on Pexels.com

Some dogs may pick up that something is wrong, especially during this time of high anxiety and worry about the Coronavirus, job losses, economic uncertainty and loved ones who are affected by the virus. This can, in turn, cause them to become anxious and act out in negative ways.

Many dogs are used to getting out more than they do at the moment, with some owners taking them for walks several times a day, car rides and out and about to run errands. When this is taken away, they have a build up of unused energy and can become upset when they cannot used this pent-up energy. Other dogs, who traditionally only get one rushed, short walk during the day, might be delighted at now being walked for a longer period and at their pace.

If you think your dog might be depressed or upset at being cooped up indoors, why not buy or make them some new toys to keep them occupied? If you have a garden, spend some time with them playing with them or teaching tricks.

5 Ways To Memorialize Your Pet

This post contains an Amazon Affiliate link. If you choose to purchase through the link it doesn’t increase your purchase price, but Amazon will pay a small commission which helps keep this blog going.

The passing of a pet is always a difficult situation. Often, they are a member of our families and, increasingly, are reaching the same status as children in a traditional family.

The process of watching a beloved pet age and go through any number of issues before passing, or if there is a sudden loss; is never easy. While the grieving process can be long and difficult, there are ways to memorialize your pet so that while they aren’t with you as they once were, you can still have a visual and tangible reminder of them. Those items will help those who see relive the good memories of their lives while they were with you.

Some of the ideas below are items that are purchased, while others are DIY. Both have their benefits, but having a hand-crafted memorial is very fitting given the nature of the relationship between you and your pet.

Shadow Box

A shadow box is a small collection of sentimental items arranged in a case to hang on a wall, or place on a table. Often, pictures are included, a small notecard with a poem, you could include a favorite small toy, or other items that your pet had a special connection to. Their collar, or their ID tags can be placed in a prominent place in the shadow box.

You can purchase many shapes and sizes from your favorite local hobby store, Amazon, or build your own.

Check out these plans for DIY shadow boxes from the Rogue Engineer.

Urn

While we think of urns as mostly for human ashes, they are also available in smaller sizes, and different ornemenation for pets. Cremation services are widely available across the United States, and can be coordinated with a veterinarian or often you can bring your pet their directly after they have deceased.

After cremation, the ashes will need to be picked up and will be in a plastic bag inside a cloth sachet, typically inside a decorative box.

Engraving is often available and a special quote can be etched into the urn. “You’ve Got A Friend In Me”, and “Gone But Not Forgotten” are two perfect phrases. You can also have their date of passing included.

Urns can be set up on a mantle, or ledge at home with a collar or ID tags draped over the top.

Manufactured Diamond

A growing trend for human ashes is exerting a very high amount of pressure on them over an extended period of time, which turns the ashes into a diamond. This can be tinted to finish in many colors and set into any jewelry piece. The same can be done with pet ashes.

The process is typically to request a kit, return the ashes to the diamond company, and wait up to 10 months while the diamonds are grown. After that, the diamond is returned to the sender and can be brought to any jeweler where they can be set into an existing piece (ring, necklance, bracelet, earrings, etc…) or set into a new piece.

This is a highly tangible way to bring the memories of your pet with you whever you go.

Paw Print Imprint

Keeping an imprint of a pets paw print on display can be a great reminder of the individuality of your pet. The shape, size, depth, and contours of the impression can bring back memories of times spent together curled up a home, or how those feet endlessly chased their favorite flying toy.

Several inexpensive kits are available online, or oven-baked clay can be used and is available at most craft stores. Below is a recipe you can craft at home without having to make a purchase. Check out this basic oven baked clay recipe from Allrecipes.

This doesn’t only need to be done after a pets passing. It can be a great reminder today of how special your pet is and how important their companionship and loyalty is while they are with us!

[One more thing]

Given how special the animal-human bond is, it seems appropriate to memorialize a pet in a special way. There are lots of great resources online, this is only a glimpse of some of the most popular ways.

What is important is to savor every moment with your pet while they are here. They bring comfort, warmth, companionship, and a patient ear when we need to get something off our chest. Often, they follow us through many stages of our own lives and are the ‘constant’ that we need to help get us through some of life’s rough patches.

One thing that always comforts me is the Rainbow Bridge poem. It makes a great addition to any memorial to your pet.

Amazon has a beautiful photo frame with the Rainbow Bridege poem printed next to the picture area.

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….

Author unknown

Five of the most important things to look for when finding the perfect dog bed

There are hundreds of dog beds to choose from when looking online and in pet stores, however it is important to very carefully weight the following factors when selecting the correct one for your dog.

While some characteristics may seem obvious at first glance, as you dog start using the bed you will find that other factors may be more important that they initally seem. For example, the look of a bed may seem important, however, if your dog is a breed that is a tough chewer and they begin to attemp to gnaw at the bed, you will find that durability ultimatley is more important than design.

When selecting a dog bed, breed is an important factor to keep in mind. Some dogs are in hearantly curious so they may find pleasure in ‘digging’ at their bed. If you dog is getting up in years and needs more support, an orthopedic bed may be a better option. Should your dog be a large breed, having foam or ‘over stuffed’ plolyfill may be what you should be looking for.

Below, I have listed five of the most important factors when selecting the perfect dog bed. Take into consideration your dog and rank each one to help narrow down the perfect place for your pooch.

Design

The patterns and colors that dog beds come are made is virtually limitless. Whether you are trying to find a bed that will coordinate with the room it will be in, or if you would like the bed to blend in with it’s surroundings, you can find hundreds of options when it comes to colors and prints. Beds mostly come in solid colors, although you can find an increasing availability of prints in muted or bold schemes. For the most part, the bottom and sides of the bed usually are made of coordinating colors to the top, which is the most visible. While the top of the bed may have a pattern or contrasting color, often the sides and bottom are not of the same design.

Durability

Beds range from lightweight fabrics all the way to ultra-durable canvas-type cloth. Mostly, beds are made from synthetic materials like polyester and nylon, however there are some cotton and fleece available. Durability is very important to consider if your dog is a heavy chewer, or has anxiety, or separation issues. If they are left at home alone during the day, they could use the bed as a tool to take out their anxiety, which ultimatey leads to its destruction.

Stuffing

The inner fluff of the bed comes in three categories, PolyFill which is like ‘plastic hay’; long thin strands of plastic that are usually contained in a second, inner pouch, the second filling type is foam and can be in an ‘egg crate’ form, either in one piece or broken up pieces, and the last type is ‘other’ which could be cocoanut husk, cotton scraps, or cedar chips. All types have their pros and cons. The most common filling materials are polyfill and some form of foam. Polyfill tends to compress over time making for a bed that flattens. Foam can be made from many different densities with the most dense foams keeping their shape the longest. Selecting a foam filling may be the best option for large breeds.

A consideration should be made as well if an orthopedic bed is needed to provide extra support, or if the dog using it like to support their chin on a raised side. Also, for dogs that like to curl and sleep in corners (or pressed up against a human), they may like having a U-shaped raised edge along the back and sides of the bed.

Shape and Size

One of the most important factors should always be matching the size of bed to the dog that will be using it. The folks at www.Make-Your-Own-Dog-Stuff.com have a great page on correctly measuring your dog for the prefect fit. I would say it’s never wrong to be liberal with your measuring. Your dog may add a few inches (or pounds) as they age and it is good to give them room to grow into.

Beds also dont’ come in just rectangles. There are many other options including circles (for dogs who like to curl), bone-shaped beds, chaise lounge shaped beds, and even beds that look like rugs – to blend in more naturally.

Ease of Cleaning

Some dogs are prone to drooling while sleeping, others may experience an accident as they age, sometimes they will bring food or other soggy toys to bed which require that the bed is occasionally cleaned. Often beds will have a removable cover which can be washed in the regular machine laundry, while others are made from waterproof materials.

In closing, the ‘perfect dog bed’ is the one that they seek out and use, and that lasts a long time. Using the factors above can help you identify the correct bed your dog will be sure to love.

The Year Of The Pet Apps

Mark your calendar, folks, 2019 is officially the year of the pet app. This year we have witnessed so many new and revolutionary apps launched for dogs and their people.

Recently, the Puppr app has taken the world by storm. Updating the age-old ‘clicker training’ method, Sara Carson worked with developers to customize videos and chat features into an app which would be accessible to every dog household. Now, everyone has a super-easy way to start training at home with the help of an America’s Got Talent finalist.

Dig is the dating app for dog people. Ever gone on a date where your match didn’t like dogs? Not anymore! Ensure canine compatability and have confidence that your relationship is off to a great start with this app to connect humans, who both love dogs!

My Talking Pet has been around for several years but now gaining some serious traction. Upload a pit of your pet, click on a few points on the picture, then watch as your pet turns into a vocal virtuoso as their mouth follows your words. Use some fun preset phrases use your own!

Furbo is a fun hardware and software combination that lets you watch your dog through the wifi-enabled camera, but also toss treats to them remotely, and interact through the built-in microphone! Great quality settings for high and low bandwith connections, and an integrated LED in the camera to visually show when it is broadcasting. Check the current price on Amazon using the link above.

WoofTrax is a great app to help get and keep you and your dog active, but also donate to a great cause. Fire up the app and grab the leash because all the time and steps you track while walking your dog can add up to a donation to many available dog-centered groups! Read the details in the app to ensure your maximum donation.

Masking ‘Dog Smell’ For A Fresh Home

No matter which breed of dog you have, inevitably they will eventually smell like ‘dog’. While some dogs are smellier than others, a mild dog smell is normal. This article from PetMD goes into detail why dogs have that unique smell.

The Pet House Candles from One Fur All are larger than a tea light and have a burn time of 10 – 12 hours! The Fresh Citrus scent is a light peach and pear aroma that gently covers odors in a room without becoming overpowering.

Their 10-pack features their best-selling, innovative scents include:

• Lavender Green Tea
• Fresh Citrus
• Sunwashed Cotton
• Pumpkin Spice
• Lilac Garden
• Moonlight
• Mango Peach
• Evergreen Forest
• Vanilla Sandalwood
• Bamboo Watermint

 

If you like the scents of the mini candles, they are offered in a larger 60-hour burn time size. The link goes to their Jasmine Lilly scent on Amazon.

These soy wax candles are infused with refreshing essential oils and surround a 100% cotton wick. The candles are dye and paraffin free, and are non-toxic. The perfect odor-neutralizing solution to air freshening in pet-friendly homes.

As a highly-rated seller on Amazon, One Fur All offers a 100% satisfaction money back guarantee. Its hard to believe that anyone could be dissatisfied by these products, and their review history speaks to that fact.

There are sprays, sachets, plug-in, and table-top options for freshening the air in homes with pets, but these candles add a warm ambiance to any room.

Keeping your house safe with pets around is the paramount concern of any pet household. These candles help to ensure that the environment stays safe and happy for every member, human and canine.

Sugar Cookie Decorating Tutorial

Browsing through the internet this week, I came across Anne from Flour Box Bakery and her tutorial videos. These cookies look amazing! She has tutorial and links to supplies to make cookies for every occasion. One video that stood out to me was her dog cookies. While they aren’t formulated for dog eating (they are meant for people to eat), the design and attention to detail was incredible enough I had to share. Please enjoy!

Check out the Flour Box Bakery!

 

If baking, or cookie decorating is your passion, check out this Corgi cookie cutter set from Amazon. Happy Baking!

Questions and Answers About the Seresto Collar for Dogs

Every dog in his house has worn a Seresto collar. They are an easy, and maintenance-free way to prevent fleas and ticks. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about Seresto collars for dogs.

• How tight should I fasten the Seresto collar around my dogs neck?

According to the product manual, the Seresto collar should be tightened firmly enough so that the loose end of the collar pulls through the clasp at the end, and you should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and neck.

• Can I bathe my dog while they are wearing a Seresto collar?

Yes. The Seresto collar is designed to be worn during bathing and still achieve 8 months of prevention. However, the efficacy of the collar will be reduced when dogs are shampoo-bathed or go swimming more than once a month.

• Are the chemicals in the Seresto collar safe to use around the house?

The pesticides used in the Seresto collar are safe to use in the household. Special precautions should be taken when the collar is used in the same household as children. Do not allow small children to play with the collar or reflectors. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing. Wash hands with soap and water after fitting the collar. The collar must not be used on animals other than dogs. Scratching or mild coat loss may occur after a new application of a collar.

• What pesticides are found in the Seresto collar?

The active ingredients in the Seresto collar are Flumthrin, and Imidacloprid. Read more at this blog post about these ingredients and those found in other flea and tick collars.

• Must I attach the reflectors to the Seresto collar?

No, it is not mandatory to attach the reflectors to the Seresto collar. Attaching them to the Seresto collar will help increase visibility at night if you dog goes outside. To ensure safety, they must be installed according to the package insert.

• Is the Seresto collar a choking hazard for my dog?

When fitted according to the instructions in the packaging insert, the Seresto collar is safe to leave on your dog. It features a ‘break away’ design that will loosen the collar if it becomes entangled.

• Are the active ingredients in the Seresto collar different from other brands?

Manufacturers of several brands of flea and tick collars use a combination of several pesticides. Find out which brands use a mix of which chemicals by reading this article.

• Where is the best place to buy a Seresto collar for my dog?

Seresto collars are available at most major pet stores and are often in a large display. Amazon keeps Seresto collars in-stock year round, and you can elect to add them to a subscription so new collars will automatically ship when it is time to replace it.

• What size Seresto collar should I buy for my dog?

Seresto collars are available in two sizes; for large and small dogs. Dogs under 18 pounds should wear the Small size, and dogs 18 pounds and over should wear the Large size Seresto collar.

• What company manufactures the Seresto collar?

BayerDVM is the veterinary-focus subsidiary of pharmaceutical manufacture Bayer Health that produces the Seresto collar.

Holiday Cards From Canine Companions

Today my order of holiday cards arrived from Canine Companions For Independence.

The packet of cards arrived just in time for mailing to friends and family.

From the CCI website:

Professional Canine Companions instructors teach the dogs to master over 40 commands in six to nine months. After training is successfully completed, the dogs can go through Team Training and be matched with adults, children or veterans with a disabilities, or professionals assisting clients with special needs. Team Training culminates in a joyful graduation ceremony for graduates beginning a new journey and for puppy raisers witnessing their puppies’ achievements.

Canine Companions is funded by private contributions from individuals; gifts from businesses, civic groups and service clubs; grants from corporations and foundations; and ongoing fundraising activities such as special events and mailings.

If you would like to make a donation to CCI, please use the link below.

Please visit our donate page for more ways to give.