Archive for December, 2021

• Are You Getting a New Puppy This Year?

  

  Choosing a pet eventually boils down to various factors such as upkeep requirements and space available, amongst others. These factors are of vital importance in the selection process, so, here are the major ones in detail:

  Breed Type
  Each breed comes with a unique set of characteristics such as size, temperament, intelligence, and general behavioral features.

  Broadly, breeds may be classified as Designer breeds, Pure breeds, Small breeds, Medium, and Large breeds. To determine which is best for you, evaluating your needs and using that as a guide is ideal.

  Upkeep Requirements
  Some breeds require more frequent grooming than others. Some are high-energy and would need to be frequently exercised.

  Others may need special foods kept out of their diets. These are all factors you should consider before choosing a new puppy.

  Space Available
  This factor mainly plays into the eventual adult size of the dog. If yours is a rural farmhouse with lots of space, you could opt for a large breed or one with lots of energy.

  On the flip side, living in a metropolis, perhaps an apartment building, might require a considerably smaller breed size with low energy requirements. Designer breeds and small breeds could be a good call here.

  General Needs
  In addition to routine visits, how often would the puppy need to see the vet? What are their nutritional requirements? Does the breed require lots of physical attention? These are questions that fall into the general needs of the pup, and one you should consider closely. The idea is to opt for a breed that you can take adequate care of.

  Dogs come in various breeds, sizes, colors, temperaments, and have various maintenance requirements. Ensure to go for one that suits your lifestyle perfectly.

• Winter is the Siberian Husky’s Favorite Season

  The Siberian Husky is one of the most beloved dog breeds in the US. This comes as no surprise as they boast a lot of great qualities. This article highlights important and interesting facts about this exquisite breed.

  

  History
  The Siberian Husky’s origin can be traced to the Chukchi people of the Chukchi Peninsula located in eastern Siberia. They bear no relation to wolves.

  In 1908, they were brought to Nome, Alaska to be used as sled dogs. The breed evolved and was developed to be used in sled dog racing. Over the years, they have evolved into beloved household pets.

  Snow & Winter
  The Husky loves snow and winter generally, and the white background makes for a picturesque one for Husky photography. They are biologically adapted to cold and can tolerate cold temperatures as low as -75F (-59C).

  Coat
  Siberian huskies feature what is referred to as a double coat. They have a top coat and an undercoat. This serves to keep them insulated or cool, as needed. The overcoat is long and water-resistant, while the undercoat is shorter and warm.

  Colors
  The most common coat colors of the Siberian Husky include the following:

  • White
  • Black
  • Gray & White
  • Sable & White
  • Black & Tan
  • Silver-gray
  • Black & White
  • Grey
  • Red & White

  Some huskies may feature some other colors, but those are quite rare. They also have spectacular eye colors.

  Huskies have a common base eye color of brown. However, all Husky pups are born with blue eyes. This remains until they are about 1-2 months old, after which you can tell which would turn brown and which would remain lighter.

  Some pups experience heterochromia which makes their eyes bi-colored or parti-colored. Some huskies also have green eyes which are pretty rare. Huskies are an interesting breed indeed; they are very playful, adorable, and make for great pets.

• Top 5 Designer Breed Puppies for 2022

  Designer breed puppies are taking the internet and in turn, households by storm for a range of reasons.

  Top on these is the fact that they are bred from crossing two purebred dogs to retain some specific desired characteristics. In other words, these breeds are the elite. So, here are the top 5 designer breed puppies for 2022:

  Teddy Bear (Shih Tzu x Bichon Frise mix)
  With their round eyes, hanging ears, black, white, and brown colors alongside curly hair, you could mistake them for an actual teddy bear. The Teddy Bear is super cute, always ready for playtime, and is hypoallergenic.

  

  Goldendoodle
  This breed is quite popular owing to their adorable look and intelligence. They are after all a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. The Goldendoodle teems with energy and is known to be thoroughly loyal.

  

  Bichon Poo (Bichon Frise x Miniature Poodle mix)
  These pups are small, happy, and super smart. They basically took the best qualities from both parents. The Bichon Poo are low-shedding, cuddly, playful, and while they might bark excessively, you can always nip that in the bud.

  

  Pomsky (Siberian Husky x Pomeranian mix)
  This breed boasts a whole lot of energy and loves to play. They have an independent nature, so you might spend some extra time training. However, the Pomsky’s lovable nature and cute size make the extra worth it.

  

  Cavachon (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Bichon Frise mix)
  This is one playful breed! They are characterized by their friendliness, loyalty, and intelligence. The Cavachon aims to please, and take to training easy. To keep them happy, moderate grooming and exercise does it.

  

  You know what they say about good things coming in small packages, this defines most designer breed puppies.

• Treats, Toys, or Both For Christmas?

  

  Deck the halls with treats and toys! Santa Paws is around the corner with his sack of gifts and your puppy has stayed off Santa’s naughty list. You are looking forward to sharing the festive spirit with Lucy but you have no idea what exactly to get her for Christmas. Does she want treats or does she want toys?

  You can never go wrong with toys. Toys keep your puppy busy and playful while taking her attention off some other things.

  Self-amusement toys
  These are more durable toys your Lucy can play with while she’s alone. You can get bone-shaped chew toys.

  

  Training toys
  These are toys that help with teething and help your puppy know what is okay to chew on. This includes chewing toys and balls.

  Comfort toys
  These toys are typically plush items your puppy bonds with. This includes stuffies Lucy can snuggle with.

  

  Interactive toys
  These toys help build and strengthen the bond between you and your puppy. A tug rope, a pacific loop, or frisbee fit into this category perfectly.

  Treats
  No doubt, aside from toys, Lucy deserves special treats for Christmas. After all, Christmas is the season of giving and no one is more appreciative than she is. You indulge in a lot of goodies that can’t be shared with your puppy. Instead, treat your puppy to a stocking full of treats for Christmas.

  

  To start with, you can get your puppy different treats. These include dental treats to keep your puppy’s pearly whites in the best shape, training treats, bones, and fake bones.
  As an excellent puppy parent, you should not just get just toys or just treats for your puppy. Find a good mix of toys and treats instead!

• Here Is Your Puppy “DO NOT EAT” List For The Holidays

  Christmas time is a time to indulge. It’s expected that you want to spoil your puppy too with some extra treats during this period. 

  However, most of the foods you enjoy eating during Christmas aren’t necessarily good for your canine buddy. You need to be extra careful because this period can bring along extra dangers you need to look out for.

  

  Here’s your puppy’s “DO NOT EAT” list for the holidays.

  • Chocolate

  Chocolate is a common treat for many during the holidays. However, chocolate is poisonous to dogs. Ensure you keep it completely out of your puppy’s sight and reach.

  • Onions

  Onions are commonly used in Christmas stuffings. It contains thiosulphate, a substance harmful to dogs. Ensure you avoid onions in your puppy’s diet. 

  • Grapes

  Grapes can be highly toxic to dogs and just one or two, if consumed, could turn out fatal. Make sure you keep them away.

  • Raisins

  Just like grapes, raisins can be highly toxic to dogs. Stay vigilant so your puppy does not eat any treats containing raisins.

  • Granulated Sugar

  Sugar is generally bad for dogs and is unhealthy. Sweeteners like xylitol, common in peanut butter, are also dangerous to your puppy’s health.

  • Raw Potato

  Raw and green potatoes contain solanine in their skin which can cause poisoning.

  • Garlic

  Garlic belongs to the same family as onions, leeks, and chives and is equally toxic to dogs.

  • Avocado

  Avocados make a nice addition to human dishes but can be fatal for dogs because of a toxin called persin.

  • Macadamia Nuts

  Sweet macadamia nuts are a common snack during Christmas. They can however be dangerous for your canine buddy.

  • Caffeine & alcohol

  Leaving cups of alcohol, tea, or coffee around with dogs in the house is never a good idea. Dogs are sensitive to alcohol and caffeine in coffee and other drinks.