News & Blogs for Dogs

Right Dog For The Right Home 

Owning a dog is a long-term commitment, regardless of the size, shape, and temperament. It is no secret that their everlasting companionship and unconditional love is well worth the sacrifices you make, BUT are you ready for those sacrifices - that responsibility? Not everybody is, despite the idea of having a furry friend to cuddle with.

The responsibility of meeting a dog’s needs can be overwhelming, but making sure that you pick the correct breed for your lifestyle can help ensure both your pup and you will lead a happy life. A few important questions must be considered to make an educated decision for your lifestyle:

1. What size dog are you interested in and why?
2. Does the size dog that you are interested in seem realistic for the space that you live in?
3. How energetic do you want your dog to be?
4. How much time are you able to devote to exercising your dog?
5. How much time are you able to devote to playing with your dog?
6. Are you looking for a very affectionate dog?
7. Do you have other pets? What have their reactions been towards other pets in the past?
8. How much time are you able to devote to training your dog?
9. Are you looking for a protective dog or one that just loves everybody?
10. Do you have children? Is the breed that you are considering good with children?
11. Are you able to keep up with the grooming needs of the breed you have in mind?
12. Do you live in a primarily hot or cold climate? (it is important to consider this before bringing home a dog who can not adapt to the climate that you live in)

Once you have answered all of these questions, look into breeds that are the closest match to your answers. Doing your research before bringing a new furry friend into your home will ensure you and your new pup will live a happy life together.

Source (Image): Canine Kids
Source (Image): Mark Vette

A Dog's Vision

Many people still believe that dogs are colourblind, only seeing black and white. This is a very popular misconception that even the most devoted dog lovers believe.  Dogs are limited in their spectrum of colours if we compare it to human vision, but they do see some colour!

Dogs' eyes contain two kinds of cones, while humans have 3. Cones are photoreceptor cells in the retina of the eye - essentially, they enable pups to distinguish blue from yellow, but not red from green. This is also the most common variation of colour blindness found in humans - and this is simply because they lack the third kind of cone that is in the eyes of humans who can see normally.

The neurons inside a dogs' eye are very active in response to the colour yellow, or shades similar. That activity slows down when blue light hits the cones. Red and green light have a neutral effect on these neurons, so they don't perceive any colour in response to red and green light. In place of these colours, dogs see shades of grey.

Since red objects tend to be darker than green ones, dogs typically use this sense to determine the difference between these two colours.

This is just one of many reasons why our furry friends are so unique!

Source: Live Science 
Source (Image): Improve eye sight 
Source (Image): The League of Dogs

Most dogs do not love getting their nails trimmed but here are some helpful tips on how to make the experience less stressful and more PAWsitive:

1. Ensure that you have the right size nail clippers for the right size dog (This is important because if you try using a clipper that is too small, you may cause pinching or splitting of the nail).
2. Ensure that your clippers of choice are sharp 
3. Desensitize your dog's paws (work on simple stroking and touching of the paws before attempting to clip them)  
4. Always have lots of your dog's favorite treats to offer before, during and after the clipping
5. Keep the nail trimmers almost parallel to the nail
6. Cut a little bit of nail until you can see the beginning of a circle (this is the beginning of the vein that runs through their nails) 
7. Don't squeeze the toes, ouch!
8. Cut a small amount every 2 weeks for maintenance 
9. Keep styptic powder on hand in case you do cut the quick
10. PRAISE PRAISE PAISE your dog after every nail trim (even if they are used to it)

Source (Image): Dog Guide

Source (Image): PEI MAG

Dental disease is one of the most common diseases affecting dogs around the world. You may notice from time to time that your dog has bad breath, red gums or even tartar and plaque build up on their teeth. Just like humans, dogs dental health declines over the years leading to infections and disease of vital organs. That is why it is so important to keep our canine companions mouth clean and kissable! One way of doing so is regular toothbrushing. 

Some of you might be saying "yeah right, my dog won't let me do that!" But we are here to provide you with some helpful tips on making toothbrushing a positive experience for your best friend. 

Getting Ready To Brush

Patience is key when introducing something new to our pups. As they are masters at feeding off of our energy, we want to make sure we are in a calm and patient state. Once your energy is channeled to the right place, focus on these few steps before beginning the toothbrushing process. 

1. Find a toothbrush that is designed for pets or a very soft toothbrush designed for kids. 
2. Dip your finger into something tasty like beef bouillon or tuna juice and rub it along their gum line to get them used to the feeling of having something on their teeth.
3. Next try dipping a gauze square into your choice of juice, place it over your finger and rub teeth in a circular motion. Once your pup is comfortable with the process then try to look for a toothpaste with their favorite flavour.
4. Practice holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the tooth surface and move it in a circular motion.

Brushing Time!

Now that you and your pup are ready for the brushing process, follow the steps below for a successful experience. Before you begin, make sure you have the toothbrush, favorite toothpaste and most importantly the well-deserved treat to finish off. 

1. Find a calm and relaxing room to begin. 
2. Put a small amount of toothpaste on your finger and let your pup lick it off.
3. Gently lift your pups lips (starting from the back of the mouth).
4. Put a small amount of toothpaste on the toothbrush and starting brushing in a circular motion. 
5. Brush as many teeth as your pup will allow.
6. End with a reassuring pat and a dental appropriate treat.

Remember that this is a new and sometimes stressful process for your furry friend. You may need to take it slow and build up to brushing the whole mouth once daily. As you want this to be a positive experience, make sure that you reward your pup after each brushing experience. Be sure to choose a treat that possess dental benefits, to make sure you're not adding to the existing build up of plaque and tartar such as our Bullwrinkles Dog Treats.

Source (Image): Ruff Ideas

Source (Image): Cesarsway

Source (Image): Celiasue

Here's a little something from your friends at Bullwrinkles to brighten up your Monday!

Dog's Sense Of Smell 

Fun Fact: A dog's sense of smell is about 1000 times keener than humans, but do you know why?

Dogs use their nose and mouth to smell. As a dog intakes a scent, that scent sits in their large nasal cavity. The nasal cavity is divided into 2 chambers and contains over 220 million olfactory receptors. The mucus in their nostril grabs onto the scent particles and the olfactory receptors process them. 

Dogs also occupy an additional  olfactory chamber called a Jacobson's organ. This organ sits at the bottom of the nasal cavity and contains 2 fluid filled sacs that let them taste and smell at the same time!

Dogs sense of smell is their primary source of communication. They use it to determine the sex of other dogs, locate a female dog in heat, track animals, pick up pheromones, determine the mood of another dog or human, and the list goes on.....

Of course one the most exercised uses of their nose is to locate their favorite food and treats! Check out our Liver Lover Treats that are known for their irresistible aroma and flavor! 

Source: Animal Planet
Source (Image):  Bark Post
Source (Image): Pet Net