Meow Monday: Inspiration for the Week

To start the week off, I’m sharing a few fun cat & dog related quotes for inspiration! Enjoy!

“Dogs have owners, cats have staff.” ~ Anonymous

“There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.” ~ Ben Williams

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”~ Mahatma Gandhi

“Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.” ~ George Elliot

     “An animal’s eyes have the power to speak a great language.” ~ Martin Buber

And just because I couldn’t resist….a quick vid of an adorable duo, a cat & it’s chihuahua friend! Be sure to watch to the end!! (*video originally posted on youtube by ZachScott)

How To: Trim Dog Nails

A quick trim is important for your pups grooming routine and if you want to save some $ then you can follow a few steps to trim your dogs nails at home!

Some dogs naturally “trim” their own nails by enough hard-surface contact, while others need some help to keep nails at a comfortable length.

#1 priority is making sure both you and your dog are comfortable and confident about the whole ordeal – while it is quick and painless for your dog, they can often be squeamish to a new noise/sensation but make sure you stay focused and steady!

Watch the video below for a great demo on trimming your dogs nails with both clippers and a grinder. (Video previously posted by SceneItB4 on YouTube)

->Remember, if you have a young puppy, trimming its nails now can get it more comfortable and used to the experience. With all things in pet training, even like walking on a leash or riding in the car, it can take time, patience and practice!

QUESTION: Do you trim your dogs nails or bring your dog to a groomer?  Leave your answer below in the Comments!

**Personally, even though both of my dogs are calm enough to stand for me trimming their nails, I opt not to trim either one!  My Weimaraner, Buddy, gets plenty of running and has always managed to have well-manicured nails. While my lab mix Lily, on occasion will get a quick trim from me, but generally only needs a trim about every 6 months and then I choose to pay the $5 at the local groomer.

Introducing Dog and Cat

Even if you’ve been a pet owner before, you know that every animal behaves differently. When introducing animals of different species, there are a few things you can do to make things go smoothly.

Introducing Dog and Cat:
*Cats can have a mind of their own and quick reaction time. Concentrate on controlling your dog and watching it’s movement or behavior signs.

*Only introduce a dog that you know will listen to your commands and has your respect. A puppy can, out of playfulness and instinct, accidentally hurt a cat or kitten.

*A great tip to introduce a shy kitty to it’s new K9 friend, is by scent training. Take an old blanket, towel or even a plush toy, and use it for a day or two, then toss in the room with your cat. Your cat will become curious and then more comfortable with the scent of the dog.

->Proof that all animals can get along….& hope for humans too! Watch the video below (originally posted Youtube, bisonfilms):

QUESTION: What are your tips for introducing cat and dog? Any personal success/ failure stories? Share below in the Comment section!

Fresh Finds: FDA Approved Treat Canisters

When storing even my own food or treats, I certainly think about the eco-safety of the material/container I’m using and it’s no different when I think of my pups too!

Plastics can leach harsh chemicals into your pets food and with today’s advancements in eco-friendly materials, there’s no reason you can’t find an option to fit both your style and budget!

Some of the top eco-approved materials used in todays storage containers include: Glass, Bamboo, Recycled Plastics and other Recycled materials.  Get creative – some of the top eco-friendly storage containers have been sitting around your house for a long time! Consider filling mason jars or “upcycle” an old pasta jar into a fun, eco-friendly treat jar!

 As the EcoDog blogger and healthy treat advocate, I’ve dug up several option for eco-safe storage for dog food & treats!

Dog Treat Canister Bon Chien Good Dog

FDA approved treat container by "Harry Barker"

Woodland Treat Jar

Bamboo food sack with zip lid

Want to make your own?  Head to the craft store and grab some puff paint or glass enamel paint & create your own style!  Add some fun paw prints, dog bones or your lucky pup’s own name!

Get creative with an old container & make your own treat jar!

Don’t forget to hop on over to the EcoDog shop to fill up your treat jars!  ecodogpets.com

GoodFellas Rescue in Mill Creek, OR

This week, the EcoDog is featuring the GoodFellas Rescue in Mill Creek, OR & a few of their adoptable dogs, Capone, Betty Boom & Kojack!

Right now, Capone, Betty Boom & Kojack are in Mill City, Oregon at the GoodFellas Rescue Center and are looking for a forever home!

About Capone…

Male

Age: Under 1 yr

Breed: American BullDog

*Friendly, playful but looking for a house with no cats!  Also, please be familiar with the breed and ready to love a big sweetheart! (At about 9 mos he weighed approx 60 lbs)

Likes: Loves bones!! And swimming!

Dislikes: Cats! & Sharing food & treats.

Video of Capone online & his full Petfinder.com profile, click HERE

About Betty Boom…

Female

Age: Baby

Breed: Pit Bull Terrier

*Outgoing, playful. Short hair. Looking for someone who wants to give her a lifelong home!

Likes: Being social!

Dislikes: n/a

Visit Betty Boom‘s full profile on Petfinder.com at:

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/18976191

About Kojack…

Male

Age: Adult

Breed: Chihuahua

*Looking for a house without kids where he can rule! A great guy that was surrendered because his home was simply tired of him! Poor guy! Would make a fantastic travel buddy but needs to be leashed!

Likes: Snuggling, being cute, running in a fenced in yard.

Dislikes: Kids.

Visit the link below for Kojack’s full profile on Petfinder.com

http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/12834159

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For more information on how to adopt one of the dogs above, contact GoodFellas Rescue in Mill Creek, OR!

Phone: 503-897-2426

 Email: adopt@goodfellasrescue.org

Woof Wednesday: Dealing with Anxious Dogs

*woof woof*

Most dog owners at some point in time have dealt with, or known, an anxious dog. Whether its just begging for an afternoon run, vet visit or full on owner separation anxiety, it can often cause headaches for both the dog and owner!

Some signs of anxiety include:

*Howling or crying when you leave

*Destroying furniture or other valuables when you are gone

*Over-excitement when you arrive home

There are several options other than dosing your dog with anxiety-reducing medicine.  Help set your stress-inclined dog up for success and know that when you yell or punish an anxious pup it only make the situation worse! If your dog is often stressed when you leave, try a few strategies like:

*Setting up a crate for your dog while you are gone

*Placing valuables out of reach

*Leaving a few toys out for playtime or stress-relief

*Low volume, calming music or radio

*Plenty of food and water

Have you dealt with an anxious dog?  Share your own personal tips in our Comment section below!

For tips from another dog owner/blogger, Visit “The Anxious Dog Blog” for stories about the struggles of training anxious pups.  The Anxious Dog Blog offers tips, stories and links to help you succeed in training your stressed out dog!

How To: Dog Bandanas

Dog bandanas are a quick & fun project to whip up in an afternoon. They are a great way to “upcycle” old tshirts, blankets or fabric scraps too! Your pup will love to show off its sweet, new style and you can be proud of your eco-crafting skills when you reuse old materials/clothes!

The vid below (which Buddy & I love because of the Weimie, of course…!), shows an easy to follow how-to of making dog bandanas!*

*This video was originally posted by lovetosewjudi

Looking for fabric scraps to reuse for your projects? Try asking friends, family or even neighbors!

Still searching for fabric scraps for your bandana projects? Post in classified sections like in local newspapers and online at craiglist.com

Don’t have the time to make your own but still want to support the doggie bandana style? We’ve dug up some handmade options for your eco-shopping pleasures!

Country Stars Dog Scarf by caninedesign

Girly Pack of Bandanas by BlackStandard

Citrus Dog Scarf by caninedesigns

Ethno Style Dog Scarf/Bandana by AbsoluteBegiNNer