Everyone in my house was interested to read about the recent approval of the new dog flu vaccine. Even though I love chicken, I don’t think I’d be interested in getting the flu just to eat some chicken soup. The vaccine will protect dogs from getting H3N8, the flu virus that is thought to have mutated from a strain of flu found in horses and started an outbreak in dogs. I read that some cases have been seen in North Carolina and also because it is a new disease it spreads very quickly.
There are other things, besides a vaccine that you can do to keep your furry kids healthy. The most important thing is to try and stay away from other kids that might be sick. This includes sharing water, food or playing with dogs that exhibit symptoms. The symptoms of this flu are coughing, sneezing, runny nose, tiredness and fever. You can also make sure they are eating a healthy diet. And, if your dog starts to cough they probably need to see the doctor. A cough doesn’t always mean the flu, but it usually means some sort of illness.
The best thing to do is talk with your veterinarian. They will know best if your furry kid needs the flu vaccine.
My whole family is in love with toys from JW Pet Company. I have quite a few of them, including the Ruffians Octopus , Cuz Dog , Dino, Squeakin Birdie and Bowlin’ Pin. They are made from 100% natural rubber and are soft enough to chew, but sturdy enough to last a long time. They also come in very bright colors. I’m pretty good at getting them to stop squeaking, but it doesn’t matter, they are the greatest toys around. My favorite is probably the bowling pin.
It’s my outside toy and the first thing I do whenever I go outside is grab my bowling pin. I love to chase it, or just run around the yard carrying it. Even though I’ve had it for years, I still get super excited to see that bowling pin every time I go outside.
My wonderful Aunt Kerry (from Aunt Kerry’s Pet Stop) recently found another JW toy for me. It’s the JW Pet Peas in a Pod Rubber Dog Chew Toy, (affiliate link) but we just call it my pea. It is another great, sturdy toy that I love to play with! It is fun to chase because you never know where it’s going to bounce.
I got my pea just as we were leaving to go out of town. I played with it all weekend and am still enjoying it today. Here is a short video of me with my pea while traveling. I’m a trained professional – kids do not try this at home (or on the road).
I highly recommend any of the toys from JW Pet Company for hours of enjoyment. My buddy, Leo (he’s a Boxer) loves his JW toys too!
We have been working with Wrigley to let him not be crated while we are not home. A few months ago we would not have left him out of his crate unsupervised. However, at two and a half, we have decided he is old enough and mature enough to handle being out alone.
The process began with times when we were leaving for VERY short trips (15 minutes or less). Then we increased the lengths of time after several successful outings. We’re now up to 6 hours of alone and free in the house time.
I can not stress enough how important it was for us and Wrigley that we set him up for success. He is always left with some fun treat. Sometimes it’s a KONG Classic Kong Dog Toy filled with peanut butter; or a nice meaty bone. We also have a puzzle toy (Food Cube Large Size) we fill with dry kibble. As he manipulates it, he is rewarded with food! We are very pleased with the progress he is making and enjoy the fact that he does not have to spend time in his crate when we leave the house.
I, Jenn have taken over Wrigley’s blog to let his readers know about a book I just finished. The book is called Holistic Guide for a Healthy Dog by Wendy Volhard & Kerry Brown (affiliate link). I did read it from cover to cover, but you would not have to if time were an issue. The book is a very good resource for holistic nutrition for your dog. It begins with information about the importance of proper nutrition. Diseases, poor skin and coat and even behavioral issues can be traced to poor nutrition. These and more conditions can also be cured by moving away from commercial foods and feeding your dog the nutrients they need. There is lots of valuable information about your dog’s nutritional needs. The authors break down an extensive list of amino acids, vitamins and minerals that your dog requires. They give the benefits of each, and also its forms, digestibility, contraindications and other important information. There is also discussion of many different issues and health problems that your dog could suffer from and dietary remedies for those issues.
I have read some complaints about this book because it does deal with non-traditional methods. However you feel about that, the vast amount of nutritional information is well worth it. I think this is a great reference book for those who are interested in feeding their dog he healthiest diet possible.
Happy Fourth of July everyone! This a holiday, I really enjoy celebrating. Hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill, people all around who want to pet me. OH YEAH, I love the Fourth of July!
I also am a proud American dog and I thank God everyday that I live in a Country where pups and people can live free.
This holiday weekend, remember to keep yourself and your canine friends safe. Drink responsibly! If you are drinking….DO NOT DRIVE! Be careful of the sun! Apply sunscreen liberally and often (don’t forget your canine companion can burn too). Heat stroke can happen! Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, you and your pup!
Fireworks are plentiful this holiday. You four-legged friend my be afraid. Plan for their safety. Here’s some tips from the The Humane Society :
To protect your pet on the Fourth of July, take these precautions:
Resist the urge to take your pet to fireworks displays.
Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects—even death—in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but they do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.
Keep your pets indoors at home in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you’ve removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him company while you’re attending Fourth of July picnics, parades, and other celebrations.
If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.
Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn’t leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.
Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of being reunited with their owners.
There was an ice cream party at my Aunt Kerry’s store last weekend. I had to miss it because I had to work (this sales manager job is ruining my social life).
Because my Aunt Kerry loves me (I’m her favorite, don’t tell anyone) she saved me some ice cream. Here’s my video of my Aunt Kerry giving me ice cream. Hope you enjoy the video as much as I enjoyed the ice cream.
Not everyone is as loved as I am. Some poor pups are still looking for their perfect forever home. My friends at Dalmatian Rescue of Southwest Virginia are working hard to find everyone great homes (like mine). Please consider donating to them or just donating through your searches.
Designate Dalmatian Rescue of Southwest Virginia (Elliston, VA) as the charity you support
I just wanted to take time to thank everyone who voted for me in the Top Dog contest! I didn’t win, partly because the contest was set to run through July 21st but then on June 21st the powers that be decided to end the contest on that day. With less than 3 hours to go we received the message that the contest was ending.
We regret that we were not able to send out a blast for last minute votes (as many did) but it was a busy and exciting day for our business that day (Here’s the reason we were not available). Again, thanks to everyone who voted for me! Next time I’ll be better at shaking babies and kissing hands
It seems that the NY Post is having a contest to pick the best three firehouse pups.
I’m not prejudice but thought it would be nice to do a little campaigning for my spotted pals. So, go and vote…vote you conscience (i.e. vote for Stewie & Yogi)
Stewie – Ladder 159, Brooklyn
Also known as “Stewball,” he was found in 2003 and now is an FDNY fixture, claiming the door seat in the firetrucks and leading visitors on tours of the firehouse.
Yogi – Engine 74, Manhattan
Playful and upbeat, Yogi rings the firehouse bell when he wants a treat and likes to wear a seatbelt in the firetruck.
As most of you know my family owns a soap company. We make all natural skin care products for pups and people. For the last several weeks I have been accompanying my family to the Carolina Beach Farmer’s Market every Saturday. It’s a ton of fun! Kids (and adults) fawn all over me and love to pet me. One kid even called me a ‘brown dotted dog’…now my family has nick-named me dot brown I just grin and say ‘ what can brown do for you’. (I digress).
So, today – my mom stops to pick up lunch. She went to a shop close to our house that we frequent called ‘The Fire House Subs” It’s a franchise that was started by firemen and they have great dalmatian spotted table tops. So, the fire house near us is owned by Lou and Jan Tabor. Of course we became fast friends with them because my Alpha’s last name is Tabor (mine too).
Anyway, long story longer…my mom stops to get lunch and Jan says to mom ‘I was just talking about you’ she said a family had come in and mentioned the Carolina Beach Farmer’s Market and Jan had said that she had customers who had a booth (and she was going to tell about us) but the woman said I don’t remember any of the vendors except the one with the nice dog. Jan replied was it ‘Wrigley the dalmatian?’ and of course it was!!
My family says I have had a bit of a big head ALLLLLL afternoon. I think it’s deserved – I’m like a rock star
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that the Firehouse Subs are the awesomest! or as best I can tell from those rare occasions I can steal a bite. Stop by and see Jan at 5920 Carolina Beach Road, in Wilmington. Tell her Wrigley sent you
Everyone in my house was interested to read about the recent approval of the new dog flu vaccine. Even though I love chicken, I don’t think I’d be interested in getting the flu just to eat some chicken soup. The vaccine will protect dogs from getting H3N8, the flu virus that is thought to have mutated from a strain of flu found in horses and started an outbreak in dogs. I read that some cases have been seen in North Carolina and also because it is a new disease it spreads very quickly.
, 
, 
, 
and 
. They are made from 100% natural rubber and are soft enough to chew, but sturdy enough to last a long time. They also come in very bright colors. I’m pretty good at getting them to stop squeaking, but it doesn’t matter, they are the greatest toys around. My favorite is probably the bowling pin.
, (affiliate link) but we just call it my pea. It is another great, sturdy toy that I love to play with! It is fun to chase because you never know where it’s going to bounce.
filled with peanut butter; or a nice meaty bone. We also have a puzzle toy (
) we fill with dry kibble. As he manipulates it, he is rewarded with food! We are very pleased with the progress he is making and enjoy the fact that he does not have to spend time in his crate when we leave the house.
by Wendy Volhard & Kerry Brown (affiliate link). I did read it from cover to cover, but you would not have to if time were an issue. The book is a very good resource for holistic nutrition for your dog. It begins with information about the importance of proper nutrition. Diseases, poor skin and coat and even behavioral issues can be traced to poor nutrition. These and more conditions can also be cured by moving away from commercial foods and feeding your dog the nutrients they need. There is lots of valuable information about your dog’s nutritional needs. The authors break down an extensive list of amino acids, vitamins and minerals that your dog requires. They give the benefits of each, and also its forms, digestibility, contraindications and other important information. There is also discussion of many different issues and health problems that your dog could suffer from and dietary remedies for those issues.
