Elli gets really rough paws every now and then. She gets them all year long, but a bit worse in the winter.
This past summer I stopped at a specialty pet store and picked up a product that I thought might help her. The product is called 100% Natural for Pets: Paw Rescue Spray.
Of course, after I bought the spray her paws smoothed out so I didn't get a chance to use this new product until a few days ago.
The problem with sprays is that they terrify Elli. So I have to spritz a gauze pad and dab onto her feet. So far the product does seem to sooth her paws after application. But, her paws are still scratchy. I've only used the product a few times, so maybe it takes more consitancy to really make a difference.
The nice thing is that the product is 100% all natural. It protects paws from heat and cold, conditions and cleans cracked irritated pads, prevents brittle nails and splitting, and is non-staining and non-sticky. I also found it to absorb quickly so you don't have to worry about your dog walking on the floors afterwards.
The company that makes this product offers a full line of other products, inlcuding the invisible boot (which I would like to try out). The prices range from $10-12. You can find their products in select stores, or, order online.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Happy Holidays!
Elli is getting excited with all the decorations going up, and presents under the tree. Strangely though, she has never been too interested in all the changes in the house that come around holiday time. She barely even looks at the tree.
This will be her second Christmas. Last year she got soooo many treats and toys. But, this year I only got her a couple presents. She will be getting a new pink sweater, a few treats and raw hide bones in the shape of candy canes to share with her friends. I may pick her up a toy as well, but she really has enough toys to play with. She'll just be happy getting to spend time with her extended family. And, trying to sneak any turkey bits that may fall onto the floor.
This will be her second Christmas. Last year she got soooo many treats and toys. But, this year I only got her a couple presents. She will be getting a new pink sweater, a few treats and raw hide bones in the shape of candy canes to share with her friends. I may pick her up a toy as well, but she really has enough toys to play with. She'll just be happy getting to spend time with her extended family. And, trying to sneak any turkey bits that may fall onto the floor.
Happy Holidays!!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Paw Nation
I recently came across the Paw Nation website. It is a site devoted to all things pets. There are main categories such as health, news, product reviews, and photo galleries. But, it doesn't stop there. There are tons and tons of categories that suit every animal lovers needs. There are links to other pet sites, pet horoscopes, advice for travelling with your pet, nutrition, and breed information (these are just a few examples).
The entries are short blog-style that are easy to read. I also thought they had some unique and interesting stories with cute pictures to go with them. The articles will make you love animals even more, and be even more amazed by their true stories.
The entries are short blog-style that are easy to read. I also thought they had some unique and interesting stories with cute pictures to go with them. The articles will make you love animals even more, and be even more amazed by their true stories.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Booties
We are in the midst of the first real snowfall in the GTA so I thought it would be the perfect time to write about a product I found last winter.
Elli loves the snow and we still go on walks even when the sidewalks are covered with ice and snow and that dreaded salt. I've looked at various dog boots and even tried a couple on Elli in the stores. But I never purchased a pair because I couldn't find any that would actually stay on, or that Elli would actually walk in.
Last winter I came across an inexpensive (less than $20) option that I thought I would try. The product is called PAWZ the company site can be found here. The boots are made from natural rubber and are waterproof. They protect against chemicals used on snow, ice or lawns, liquids, sand, red clay stains, salt, fire ants, soil, swimming pool liner tears, hot pavement, and post-surgical infections.
The boots come in different sizes, I got Elli extra small. Twelve boots comes in a package and they are reusable until they tear then you can just throw them away and use a new pair. The boots are easy to use and slip on and off with a little pull, but most importantly they stay on when you want them to.
Last winter Elli only used one pair and they never wore out. They kept her toes dry and clear of ice and salt. She was able to walk normally and didn't seem to mind wearing her boots.
Here are some pictures of Elli in her PAWZ boots. Her hair is so long here it puffs out the top!
Elli loves the snow and we still go on walks even when the sidewalks are covered with ice and snow and that dreaded salt. I've looked at various dog boots and even tried a couple on Elli in the stores. But I never purchased a pair because I couldn't find any that would actually stay on, or that Elli would actually walk in.
Last winter I came across an inexpensive (less than $20) option that I thought I would try. The product is called PAWZ the company site can be found here. The boots are made from natural rubber and are waterproof. They protect against chemicals used on snow, ice or lawns, liquids, sand, red clay stains, salt, fire ants, soil, swimming pool liner tears, hot pavement, and post-surgical infections.
The boots come in different sizes, I got Elli extra small. Twelve boots comes in a package and they are reusable until they tear then you can just throw them away and use a new pair. The boots are easy to use and slip on and off with a little pull, but most importantly they stay on when you want them to.
Last winter Elli only used one pair and they never wore out. They kept her toes dry and clear of ice and salt. She was able to walk normally and didn't seem to mind wearing her boots.
Here are some pictures of Elli in her PAWZ boots. Her hair is so long here it puffs out the top!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Obedience Classes
For some reason I had always imagined that when I got a dog I would take her to obedience classes. I thought people who did this always had well-behaved dogs.
Even with those good intentions I ended up not taking Elli to a formal class. Sometimes I wish I had, but I truly think training a dog comes down to consistency. I decided against taking Elli to class because of the cost, I was also concerned that I would take her and she wouldn't really learn anything like some other dogs I know.
Elli knows tons of tricks. The problem is she really only does them consistently when there is a delicious treat in front of her nose. She also has a tendancy to get distracted. I need to take time to work on her obedience on a more regular basis. I know with a bit more consistent training she would be able to do anything I ask her to.
I have taken Elli to a couple free classes at the local Petsmart. She liked these and seemed to have fun with the other dogs. I also felt that her training was at least on par with the other dogs there (who most likely also did not take formal classes).
When I think about my next dog and if I would take that one to classes, I'm not sure. I think it depends on the type of dog. A larger dog would probably need better training since he would have the potential to do more damage. Anyway it's something to think about. In the meantime, I'm going to work with Elli and get her to do her tricks without a treat. That's the goal at least.
Even with those good intentions I ended up not taking Elli to a formal class. Sometimes I wish I had, but I truly think training a dog comes down to consistency. I decided against taking Elli to class because of the cost, I was also concerned that I would take her and she wouldn't really learn anything like some other dogs I know.
Elli knows tons of tricks. The problem is she really only does them consistently when there is a delicious treat in front of her nose. She also has a tendancy to get distracted. I need to take time to work on her obedience on a more regular basis. I know with a bit more consistent training she would be able to do anything I ask her to.
I have taken Elli to a couple free classes at the local Petsmart. She liked these and seemed to have fun with the other dogs. I also felt that her training was at least on par with the other dogs there (who most likely also did not take formal classes).
When I think about my next dog and if I would take that one to classes, I'm not sure. I think it depends on the type of dog. A larger dog would probably need better training since he would have the potential to do more damage. Anyway it's something to think about. In the meantime, I'm going to work with Elli and get her to do her tricks without a treat. That's the goal at least.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Tiburon Treats
Tiburon Treats is an all-natural gourmet dog treat company based out of Whitby, Ontario. I purchased a bag of the Canadian Cheese Dreams treats for Elli last spring when I came across the company's booth at Pickering's pet fair. The treats were a good size and smelled absolutely delicious! Elli certainly enjoyed them. The bag also came packed so it was worth the money.
The treats are available in 12 premium flavours including: Buster's Ranch-Style Beef Cuts, Kiana's Peanut Butter Shortbread, and Shorty's Sniff and Bite Veggie Squares.
There is also a line of wheat/grain/gluten-free treats.
The products are all natural and are made without sugar, salt, additives, or by-products.
You can order online, or purchase the treats in select stores (listed on the company's site).
The treats are available in 12 premium flavours including: Buster's Ranch-Style Beef Cuts, Kiana's Peanut Butter Shortbread, and Shorty's Sniff and Bite Veggie Squares.
There is also a line of wheat/grain/gluten-free treats.
The products are all natural and are made without sugar, salt, additives, or by-products.
You can order online, or purchase the treats in select stores (listed on the company's site).
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Cruelty Charges at Toronto Shelter
Today the Toronto Humane Society got a huge amount of negative press. Senior officials at the River Street location, including the president, chief veterinarian, shelter manager, manager and shelter supervisor, were all arrested and charged with animal cruelty.
This raid came as a result of a six-month investigation that started with the Globe and Mail and was executed by the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
The shelter was investigated because of claims by former volunteers and employees of poor living conditions for the animals including lack of fresh food and water, poor disease control, ignoring recommendations made by veterinarians, the shelter's policy of euthanasia, and mismanaging charitable donations.
News reports showed animals with lesions on their bodies, severe dehydration, and even a cat whose skin peeled off when officials tried to pick it up.
How could people work for The Humane Society but treat animals in such a cruel manner?
This raid came as a result of a six-month investigation that started with the Globe and Mail and was executed by the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
The shelter was investigated because of claims by former volunteers and employees of poor living conditions for the animals including lack of fresh food and water, poor disease control, ignoring recommendations made by veterinarians, the shelter's policy of euthanasia, and mismanaging charitable donations.
News reports showed animals with lesions on their bodies, severe dehydration, and even a cat whose skin peeled off when officials tried to pick it up.
How could people work for The Humane Society but treat animals in such a cruel manner?
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