12 Ways to Improve Your Senior Dog’s Life

1. CBD, aka Cannabidiol

Dog with CBD supplements

Owner testimonials abound where CBD and senior pets are concerned. Vets say it can help with everything from mobility and joint pain to anxiety and appetite. Itโ€™s also frequently recommended for dogs with diseases like cancer but speak to your vet first to ensure it doesnโ€™t interfere with any existing protocol, such as chemo.ย 

โ€œIn my practice, I recommend it primarily for pain/inflammation, anxiety and cognitive decline, seizure disorders, and cancer,โ€ says Dr. Katherine Kramer, an integrativeย veterinarian at VCA-Canada Vancouver Animal Wellness. She notes that results vary depending on the individual. โ€œSome patients have had amazing responsesโ€ฆ Overall, most dogs with arthritis appear to have great responses.โ€

Try: Suzieโ€™s CBD Soft Chews. They contain 2 mg of full-spectrum, human-grade, organic CBD oil from their USDA organic farm, and are available in Chicken and Turmeric, Beef Bone Broth, and Peanut Butter Carob flavours to tempt even picky seniors. ($25,ย suziespettreats.com)

2. Cold Laser Therapyย 

Dog with light therapy vest

If your dog is stiff and showing signs of arthritis or inflammation-related pain, cold laser therapy can help. This non-invasive procedure uses coherent laser energy toย stimulate cell regeneration and increase blood circulation, promoting healing and helping to control pain. Veterinary physiotherapists frequently offer this healing modality, but the LASERwrap Dog Coat allows you to access the benefits of cool laser therapy at home or while traveling. Itโ€™s ideal for dogs with conditions necessitating healing and pain support or management, such as arthritis or intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). (from $695,ย spectratherapy.com/mdm)ย 

3. A Fun Brain Teaser to Keep Aging Brains Sharpโ€‚

Dog with puzzle treat toy

Engage that brain! As dogs age, providing them with enrichment, training exercises, and chewing can help preserve their cognitive ability. The Hive Chew Toy from Project Hive Pet Company is a multifunctional enrichment toy that can dispense treats or be used as a chew-and-fetch toy. Made from non-toxic flexible materials, it is also gentle on older dogsโ€™ teeth and gums. ($16,ย projecthivepetcompany.com)

4. A Bed Protector

Dog on bed

Protect your dogโ€™s favorite bed from age-related accidents and messes. The 4Knines Dog Bed Slip Cover provides a waterproof layer of protection while still being extra soft and quilted. Durable and machine washable, it also wards off household allergens, dust mites, mold, mildew, and odours. ($50,ย 4knines.com)

5. A Harness for Dogs that Need Support Walkingโ€‚

Senior dog in support harness

Give your dog a lift! Senior dog mobility challenges donโ€™t need to mean the end of walks. The Original Walkabout Back End Harness from Walkabout Harnesses can be used for dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, spinal trauma, or general fatigue. The easy-to-use sling offers the rear-end support needed to help your dog stand and walk, go up the stairs, or get in the car. (from $40,ย walkaboutharnesses.com)

6. A Pee Pad for Weakened Bladders

Dog pee pads

As dogs age, they often suffer from bladder and kidney issues that lead to urinary incontinence. Keep your home clean and sanitary with the WizSmart Essentials XL Charcoal dog pads. These extra-large pads are sustainably made, super absorbent, and feature four stay-put tabs to keep them in place. The charcoal instantly neutralizes odour and hides urine stains, and any liquid is turned into gel with WizSmartโ€™s adaptive technology. ($40,ย wizsmart.com)

7. A Supportive Bed

Dog in luxury bed

Having a comfortable spot to rest weary bones is crucial for senior dogs. Our golden oldies can sleep up to 20 hours a day! The Oslo Ortho Bed from Bowsers features an easy entry scooped front combined with a cool gel memory foam insert for added support. Infused with cool gel microbeads, it also helps your dog regulate body temperature. Bonus: the durable zippered cushion is easily removable and machine washable. (from $150,ย bowsers.com)

5ย Supplements That Will Put Some Spring in Your Senior Dogโ€™s Stepย 

Prolong Your Dogโ€™s Healthspan. Vetericynโ€™s All-In Senior Dog Supplement is specially formulated to meet your dogโ€™s life stage needs with ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, fish oil, collagen, biotin, and calcium to promote digestive, cellular, bone, mental, and immune health. ($30,ย vetericyn.com/all-in)

Retain Vision.ย Support your dogโ€™s eye health with Ocu-GLO Soft Chewables. Grape-seed extract, lutein, Omega-3 fatty acids, and a unique combination of 12different antioxidants help prevent damage andprotect vital eye cells. (from $40,ย animalnecessity.com)

 

Soothe Sore Joints & Promote Mobility.ย Boost your dogโ€™s hip and joint health with this uniquely formulated plant-based supplement. MitoMax JH capsules combine plant-based probiotics, glucosamine, and hyaluronic acid to help alleviate inflammation and enhance nutrient absorption. Works concurrently with antibiotics! (from $23,ย mitopets.com)

 

Increase Longevity.ย  Longevity powder from Springtime Supplements is especially beneficial for older, less active dogs. Easy to administer, it features a blend of 16 natural ingredients,including bee pollen, spirulina, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, vitamin C, glucosamine, hyaluronic acid, manganese, and more. Simply sprinkle on your dogโ€™s food to support wellness and ease age-related issues.ย (from $60,ย springtimeinc.com)ย 

Mushroom Power. Improve your dogโ€™s immune system health with the Mushroom Immune Pet Chews from Real Mushrooms.ย Veterinary formulated and third-party lab tested, these chews are made from a powerful blend of organic Reishi, Shiitake, Maitake, Turkey Tail, and Chaga mushrooms, as well as ashwagandha and astragalus herbs to bolster immune system response. ($35, shop.realmushrooms.com)

This article originally appeared in the award-winningย Modern Dogย magazine.ย Subscribe today!

The Best Fresh Dog Food Companies of 2023

Interested in feeding your dog a raw diet? These raw dog food companiesโ€”the best of the bestโ€”make feeding your dog a highly nutritious, minimally processed raw diet easy.

1. Farmer’s Dog

Your pets are a part of the family and you care about their health and wellbeing. If youโ€™re looking for an alternative to commercial pet food (perhaps your dog has allergies or other health issues and you suspect his diet is to blame), then you might want to consider this fresh alternative

The Farmerโ€™s Dogย isย a service that delivers delicious, balanced and freshly-made meals with simple real food recipes that are guided by science, and driven by love.ย  The vet-developed meal plans are customized to your dogโ€™s individual needs, reasonably priced and best of all, actually look and smell like real foodโ€”because it IS real food! For a limited time theyโ€™re offeringย 50% off your first box,ย delivered right to your door.

 

2. Simply Raw Dog Feed

It’s no secret that feeding a raw diet to your canine provides numerous health benefits, but feeding raw can prove incredibly expensive and inconvenient. Simply Raw Dog Feed eliminates those two major drawbacksโ€”their highly nutritious raw diet makes it easier and more affordable to feed raw than ever. Not only do they guarantee the lowest prices, but they also deliver it right to your door! As third generation farmers from Langley, BC, Simply Raw Dog Feed has been blending the highest quality raw dog food for over three decades. All their ingredients, such as salmon, chicken, duck, beef, kale, and eggs, are sourced fresh from the Fraser Valley, BC, allowing them to mix and blend their recipes every day. Their raw food varieties are then flash-frozen to preserve nutrients and deliver ultimate freshness in each batch. Rest assured your pooch will be eating a high-quality raw diet that is free from preservatives, artificial flavours, hormones, antibiotics, and unwanted animal by-products.

Simply Raw Dog Feed currently serves Okanagan, Lower Mainland BC and Calgary/Edmonton and surrounding areas, with deliveries going out every Tuesday. Get free delivery on your first order when you sign up for their newsletter!ย 

 

3.ย Wood Mountain Naturals

 

In 2017, Cathie Bal nearly lost her dog, Zara, to a complex thyroid condition. In Balโ€™s quest to get Zara healthy, she discovered the power of a raw diet, but needed something convenient but nutritionally balanced. Working with pet experts, consultants,ย and nutritional veterinarians, she created the nutritionally balanced, quality pet food made from raw ingredients that she was looking for.

Wood Mountain Naturals is a family-owned Canadian company located in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. Their recipes are made with fresh raw ingredients, sourced locally within their farming community. Made with fresh fruits and veggies, wild salmon, and high-quality meats, Wood Mountain Naturals offers a 100% complete and balanced meal for your canine family member. Prepared by hand and dehydrated at low temperatures, they preserve the integrity of their ingredients, giving you a shelf-stable balanced meal for your pet. It delivers all the benefits of feeding raw with none of the hassle! Wood Mountain Naturals takes the work out of raw and feeds the local community while feeding your pet.

4. Nom Nom

Simply pronounce the name Nom Nom, and it becomes evident that it’s associated with food. Specifically, it’s about dog foodโ€”yet, not just any dog food, but freshly prepared dog food delivered directly to your home. If prioritizing high-quality dog food and time-saving is important to you, this subscription service for fresh dog food might be the solution you’re seeking. Every meat and veggie is gently cooked individually, then mixed in batches to seal in vital nutrients and maximize digestibility. Thatโ€™s why the beef looks like beef and the peas look like peas. Getย 50% off fresh food today.

 

*Modern Dogย is reader supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for your support!

 

Herbs That Are Good For Dogs

Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Best recognized as added flavour for pizza, oregano is high in antioxidants and flavonoids and is reported as an antimicrobial. This non-toxic herb has been used to help with digestive problems, diarrhea, and gas. Research using oil of oregano has also shown antifungal properties. Oil of Oregano is more concentrated than oregano, so keep the dosage small. For oregano drops made especially for pets, check out Orega Pet (oregapet.com).

Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis)

This good-for-dogs herb is high in iron, calcium, and Vitamin B6. Rosemary has also been shown to act as an antioxidant. (Though rosemary is very high in iron, it is not to take the place of an iron supplement if one is needed as there is little data about how bioavailable the iron in rosemary is.)

Peppermint (Mentha balsamea)ย 

This aromatic herb has historically been used to help soothe upset stomachs, reduce gas, reduce nausea, and help with travel sickness. In addition, research is being done which shows that it may have radioprotective effects and can be used to reduce radiation-induced sickness and mortality in animals undergoing chemotherapy. There is no reported toxicity for dogs although very high doses may result in liver or kidney problems.

Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

This dog-approved leafy herb, well-known for its delicious role in pesto, has antioxidant, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties. The next time youโ€™re cooking with fresh basil, sprinkle a pinch of the chopped herb atop your dogโ€™s dinner.

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

Another leafy herb commonly seen as a garnish on our plates is a source of flavonoids, antioxidants, and vitamins. It also contains lycopene and carotenes. Often added to dog treats as a breath freshener or used to soothe the stomach, parsley has a long history of use with dogs.

Note: โ€œSpring parsley,โ€ a member of the carrot family that resembles parsley is toxic to dogs and cats due to high levels of furanocoumerin which can cause photosensitisation and ocular toxicity.

How to Use Herbs for Dogs

Used fresh or dried, adding a small sprinkle (a pinch for small dogs, a teaspoon for large dogs) of these herbs to your dogโ€™s food is a safe way to give them a little boost in nutrition. You can also use them to make your favourite dog treat recipe a bit healthier and more flavourful. The flavonoids and antioxidants found in many of the herbs in this article can help the bodyโ€™s immune system combat some of the diseases commonly associated with aging, including canine cognitive dysfunction, cancer, and reduced immune function. As noted, however, there are potential downsides and they should be used with care.

Tincture and oils for many herbs are available at your local health or natural foods store. These are usually a more concentrated source, so if you wish to use tinctures, oils or higher levels of fresh or dried herbs it is best to work in conjunction with your dogโ€™s health care professional. Sometimes the monitoring of a dogโ€™s blood work is necessary to ensure continued safe use. For maximum efficacy, make sure the herbs and spices you use are not old. If the spices have been languishing in your cupboard for years, toss them out and replace them; their health-affirming properties will be diminished if theyโ€™ve been kicking around for a while.

 

This article originally appeared in the award-winningย Modern Dogย magazine.ย Subscribe today!

Anxiety Busters

Join the Mind Game of the Month Club! Each box comes with an enrichment puzzle to provide mental stimulation, an active play toy, a long-lasting chew or treat to keep your pup busy, and a full bag of tasty treats. New members also get a free lick pad, plus $1 of every box is donated to a shelter! ($45, mindgameofthemonth.com)ย 

Alleviate boredom, stress, and anxiety by giving your dog a delicious task! EverLick mat is designed to keep your dog busy and self-entertainedโ€”simply spread your dogโ€™s favourite soft foods or treats on this fun, FDA Food Grade Compliant mat for an engrossing activity. ($11, petplay.com)ย 

Reduce stress with gentle compression. Like swaddling an infant, the Thundershirt anxiety jacket applies gentle, constant pressure to calm anxiety, fear, and over-excitement. Available in seven different sizes for small to large dogs! (from $40, thunderworks.com)ย 

The Furbo dog camera lets you see, talk, and check in on your dog via your phone, and give treats remotely. Real-time alerts are sent to your phone. By monitoring remotely and then intervening before your dog is distressed, you can set your dog up for success. Start out close by and return in short time increments, ideally while your dog is calm, and work up to longer periods. Or simply use it to understand triggers or interrupt behaviour by speaking to your dog. ($169, furbo.com)ย 

The Animo activity and behaviour monitor for dogs sends alerts to your cell phone if it detects changes in your dogโ€™s behaviour like barking, scratching or shaking. The small waterproof device, worn on a collar, learns and interprets the unique activity and behavior patterns of your dog, from morning walks to barking at the Amazon delivery guy. ($90, surepetcare.com)

P.L.A.Y.โ€™s Wobble Ball dog toy is designed to be nudged, pawed and rolled around to release treats. Simply insert your dogโ€™s favorite treats or kibble into this interactive puzzle toy and watch your dog stay mentally and physically stimulated while trying to get her paws on these tasty rewards. ($19, petplay.com)

Reduce anxiety, boredom, and destructive behaviour with a trainer and vet recommended Lickimat. The wobbling action adds an extra dimension to the challenge of licking the treat, yogurt, peanut butter or food from the dimpled, natural rubber surface. For puppies or known chewers, consider the LickiMat Tuff instead. ($16, amazon.com/lickimat)

This stuffy with a heartbeat is especially ideal for puppies transitioning from their mom and littermates to a new home, but all dogs can benefit. (Plus, how cute is it?!) Aptly named Snuggle Puppy, it recreates the intimacy and physical warmth with a โ€œreal feelโ€ heartbeat, designed to comfort and reduce loneliness and separation anxiety in your four-legged friend. ($40, snugglepuppy.com)

Naturally calm your dog with the power of pheromones. Pheromone diffusers and sprays mimic the pheromones nursing dog-moms emit to create feelings of comfort and safety. A pheromone product like ThunderEase, available as a spray or plug-in diffuser, helps put an end to anxiety-induced behaviours like destructive chewing, house soiling, and problem barking by helping dogs feel comfortable and relaxed in their environment. (from $15, thundershirt.com)

Canine Calmers

Compose Liquid, a calming support supplement from McIntosh Pro Line, is recommended for dogs who suffer from anxiety, nervousness, hyperactivity, and more. Formulated with calming milk protein and L-Theanine to reduce your dogโ€™s stress and decrease stress-related behaviours. (from $22, mcintoshproline.com)ย 


Made with CBD derived from organic, full-spectrum hemp extract plus salmon oil, Treatibles Extra Strength Soft Chewables keep your dog calm while supporting digestive and joint health. (from $12, treatibles.com)ย 

Does your dog struggle with severe separation anxiety? Ask your vet about Reconcile Chewable Tablets. FDA-approved in conjunction with a behaviour modification plan, these selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) tablets help dogs achieve a calmer frame of mind. (from $15, reconcile.com)ย 

Ideal for pets experiencing high levels of anxiety, Suzieโ€™s CBD 250mg Dog Tincture combines USDA organic, full-spectrum CBD with a base of organic safflower oil to offer relief to anxious small and medium-sized dogs. ($40, suziespettreats.com)ย 

Suzieโ€™s Goes Nuts CBD peanut butter from Suzieโ€™s CBD is made with just two ingredients: freshly ground organic peanuts and 125 mg of their full-spectrum, locally-grown USDA organic CBD. ($25, suziespettreats.com)

Photo matka_Wariatka/bigstock.com

A time old remedy, essential oils can be used to calm dogs, but caution should be taken as essential oils used incorrectly can be harmful to canines. Choose a vet-approved formulation designed for dogs, like the Furbliss Calming Spray, formulated to keep your dog calm through thunderstorms, vet visits, car rides, and more. Made with a unique blend of botanical extracts and dog-safe essential oils, this spray is easy to use and vet recommended. Works for cats, too. ($7, vetniquelabs.com)

Specifically formulated to help with severe anxiety and seizures, the Health Drops Severe Symptoms from Healthier Pet couple 1500 mg of CBD with organic hemp, fish, and coconut oils in a Health Canada lab tested formula. ($70, healthierpet.org)

Combining pharmaceutical grade USA-grown CBD and fish oil, Iceland Pureโ€™s CBD Tinctures work to reduce anxiety, pain, inflammation, and seizures. (from $50, icelandpure.com)

Veterinarian-formulated, Naturecanโ€™s beef-flavoured CBD Soft Chews for dogs contain broad-spectrum CBD oil, as well as calcium powders for dental support and flaxseed oil for digestive support. Get $10 off with code MDM10. ($40, us.naturecan.com)

 

This article originally appeared in the award-winningย Modern Dogย magazine.ย Subscribe today!

The Secret Power of Canine Fitness

In partnership with Paw Prosper

 

Your dog was born to move in all sorts of amazing and dynamic ways. And they make it look so easy! But even dogs need to be strong enough, flexible enough, and mobile enough to avoid injury and stay in motion.

Enter Canine Fitness (sometimes known as “Canine Conditioning,” “K9 Fitness,” or “K9 Conditioning”) which is essentially the creation of a fitness program with tailored healthy exercises for your dog companion. This conditioning routine is not just for canine athletes and dog sports! Truly all dogs benefit from regular fitness being added into their weekly routines for their health and longevity. More than that, strength and endurance training exercises are proven to be not only good for the body but also the brain! Canine fitness not only combats the obvious health issues such as obesity, but it also reduces boredom, anxiety, and stress in your dog. With regular exercise, you can literally slow down the aging process within your dog and keep them healthier and enjoying life for longer.

If you’re looking to get your dog started on a fitness routine, there are a few things you need to do first.

Your very first step should be to talk to your veterinarian before you begin to get an accurate picture of your dog’s current health landscape and fitness level. Once you have the green light from your vet, you can start gradually increasing your dog’s activity level.

Next, when making a fitness plan for your dog, it’s really important to consider the different types of fitness needed to create a complete and balanced fitness plan for your dog. The goal is to focus equally on the five foundations of canine fitness: strength, balance, cardio, flexibility, and mental fitness. This can be really daunting to try and start by yourself. A good place to start when you want to begin incorporating canine fitness into your dog's routine is to sign up for a Canine Fitness class where you can work with a professional in a one-on-one or group setting. These classes are a really great place to solidify the foundations of canine fitness while seeing your dog enjoy the challenges of new exercises and get stronger and healthier every day while having fun with you!

You can also practice how to meet your dog's individual needs at home with FitPaws products which are all designed specifically to gain and maintain the five foundations of canine fitness. FitPaws are truly beneficial for every dog as they have something for every size and age. For young pups, exercise can improve their body awareness, balance, and strength. It also helps burn energy while increasing their focus and attention span. For senior dogs, exercise helps protect muscle mass, keep their joints healthy, and maintain their ability to balance. And products like the popular K9 Fitbone come in every size, from small minis to giant, ensuring every dog has the right fit for their body size and type.

Canine Fitness is a great important step in ensuring your pup stays strong, healthy, and limber even as they age, and ensure that your dog can fully enjoy all the walking, fetching, running and playing you want to do together. This regular exercise not only ensures a longer life with your family member, but a fuller life, more enriched and deeply rewarding at every stage.
 

Style At Home

Dog toys everywhere? You need this adorable basket. Dogs love to play but aren’t great at keeping things organized! The Midlee cotton rope Pet Toy Storage Basket is a stylish way to keep toys out from under foot. ($30, midleedesigns.com)

 

A must-have! Love having your dog on the couch and bed, but hate the mess? Protect your couch, bed, or car seat from accidents, dirty paws, fur, and drool with the PawPad protective cover. This lightweight, absorbent, waterproof cover protects anywhere your pets hang out. (from $80, getapawpad.com)

 

Your pooch will be dreaming the day away on this cozy and durable Dream Futon from Bowsers Pet Products! This versatile bed can be used as a crate mat or travel bed and can be machine washed and dried. (from $57, bowsers.com)

 

Invented by a Pug mom, the Fluff Trough helps flat-faced, elderly, and disabled dogs eat and digest their food. Its patented ergonomic design promotes better digestion. Made from food-safe, BPA-free plastic and silicone, it’s dishwasher safe and can be customized with your dog’s name and face! (from $40, flufftrough.com)

 

{Editor’s Pick} Ah, the dinnertime happy dance! Artist Sherry Scharschmidt of CatsDogsWords creates the coolest dog-feeding mats around. Featuring her delightful original artwork, they’re absorbent, easy to clean, and non-skid! ($29, catsdogswords.com)

Could Your Dog Benefit from CBD?

From dinner parties to the dog park and progressive vet offices, there’s a reason you keep hearing about CBD. Cannabidiol, or CBD as it is commonly called, is a hemp derivative that is non-psychoactive, meaning that, unlike THC, it won’t get you or your dog high. CBD is now legal in both Canada (Health Canada recently approved a clinical trial to research the use of cannabidiol to treat animal anxiety) and the US, where it is federally legal, though some states put restrictions on buyers.

CBD proponents are many. Owners as well as vets, such as Dr. Katherine Kramer, medical director for VCA-Canada Vancouver Animal Wellness Hospital, a small-animal integrative hospital in Vancouver, B.C., report that dogs suffering from pain, anxiety, loss of appetite, and seizures, among other ailments, have shown remarkable improvement without suffering the side effects of conventionally prescribed medicines. 

“There is increasing evidence that CBD can be helpful for pets with arthritis or chronic pain, cancer, seizures, and some behavioural issues, such as anxiety, cognitive impairment,” says Dr. Kramer, who is also a director of the Canadian Association of Veterinary Cannabinoid Medicine.

Testimonials from dog people who have found that their dogs have a new lease on life following the administering of CBD abound. To administer to your dog, you’ll want to choose a quality, third-party lab tested product formulated especially for pets. Options such as tinctures, oils, dog treats, and orally administered sprays, available through pet stores, dispensaries, and online shops are available.

Interested in giving it a try? Here are 5 CBD products formulated for dogs:

Let them eat health-improving treats! The CBD-infused pet treats from Suzie’s CBD are made with full spectrum, human-grade, and organic CBD—the hemp is grown on their own USDA organic farm—providing the benefits of CBD in treat form! ($20, suziespettreats.com

 

Jasper Sorën’s high concentrate pet CBD allows for flexibility with daily dose amounts to achieve desired results. Suitable for dogs of all sizes, the double independent-lab-tested formula blends organic hemp oil with broad spectrum CBD isolate from Colorado growers. ($149, jaspersoren.com)

 

These delicious CBD bites combine the power of organic hemp-derived full spectrum CBD with a powerful blend of organic medicinal mushrooms (Reishi, Shiitake, Mesima, Poria, and Turkey Tail) to support the immune system, joint health, and more. ($45, holistichound.com)

 

For dogs with hip or joint pain, try Grizzly Pet Product’s Hemp Enhanced Joint Aid Liquid. With a blend of five active joint support ingredients, wild fish oil, and organically grown hemp oil, it’s specially formulated to reduce stiffness, pain, and inflammation. ($30, grizzlypetproducts.com)  

 

Iceland Pure’s Next Level Premier CBD Fish Oil combines CBD oil with fish oils for a unique formula offering a high absorption rate to relieve anxiety, lubricate joints, bolster immunity, and help battle cancer. (From $82, icelandpure.com)

Holiday Dog Grooming Prep and Techniques

The holidays are approaching so it’s time to put your best paw forward for friends and family! Our friends at ConairPro Dog & Cat have come up with some simple holiday dog grooming tips, made easy with their Grooming Starter Kit, to make sure your pup is looking his best amidst the crazy holiday prep. 

While the holidays can be fun, they can also be stressful with all of the planning, cleaning, and food prep – the last thing on your mind is making sure your dog is ready for company! If you need to throw in a quick grooming before that holiday party, the ConairPRO Dog & Cat Grooming Starter Kit will do the trick (it makes for a great gift, too)!

The 5-piece grooming starter kit comes with a variety of brushes, a nail clipper, and a squeaky toy! Start by using the Small Pin Brush and Small Soft Slicker Brush to remove any initial tangles or mats from your dog’s coat to make sure his coat is tangle-free. After de-tangling, move to the PET-IT Boar Bristle Brush to smooth out his coat and keep it looking shiny and holiday camera ready.

Once you’ve brushed out his coat – it’s time to trim those nails and make them scratch-proof for your guests! The Small Nail Clipper (included in the kit) will let you get in a quick nail trim when you have a few spare minutes (be careful not to cut too close to the nail quick).

Finally, show your pet some love at the end of the grooming session by treating them to their very own squeaky toy, which is again included in the kit! Who doesn’t love a good holiday present?

All it takes is a quick brush and trim with our Grooming Starter Kit to get your dog holiday ready!

Find more Conair products and information on the best home grooming tools for your pet on Chewy.com

Austin and Kat’s CBD Infused Wellness Dog Biscuits

CBD Infused Wellness Cookies

Studies have shown that CBD (short for cannabidiol) can be beneficial to your pet’s digestion, anxiety, mood, pain, inflammation and sleep. It has also been shown to help with behaviour problems. This non-psychoactive, natural product from the Hemp plant could help your dog (or cat) live a happier, calmer and healthier life.

If you think your dog would benefit from CBD, then check out Austin and Kat’s CBD Infused Wellness Dog Biscuits! These small snacks are packed with big flavors and are gluten-free and vegan. Your dog will definitely wolf these snacks down!

These cookies have no added perservatives and are made only with human grade ingredients. They come in two bag sizes – their 5mg bags contain 30 biscuits for larger dogs while their 2mg bags contain 40 biscuits for smaller dogs (they suggest 1mg per 10lbs of weight every 4-8 hours or as needed).

If your family also includes a cat, try Austin and Kat CBD Hemp Oil for Pets brand. Their biscuits and oils are infused with full spectrum, naturally occurring CBD’s and we love that their CBD Oil is also combined with wild Alaskan salmon and hemp seed oils to provide those important Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids that are so beneficial to maintaining a healthy skin, coat and body.

Click here to read about Kat’s inspirational story on why she started her business or here for a more information on her product line. -KD

The Dog Bowl That Fights Germs

(spoiler…you'll be surprised!)

4)…Our pooch's food and water bowls! 

Would you have guessed?

We all love our pets and wash their bowls thoroughly every day… right? But did you know that this is not enough to kill the germs – as microbes, such as bacteria, mould and fungi continue to multiply even after a thorough wash. Interestingly, we learned that 67% of bowls coming out of the dishwasher still have Salmonella bacteria present on their surfaces.*

WHAT THE SCIENTISTS SAY – AND WHY CLEANING OUR PET’S BOWLS EVEN EVERY DAY DOES NOT KILL GERMS

What does this mean and what can we do about it? A team of very patient microbiologists explained to us that the effects of cleaning are short lived, and once they have worn off, our dog bowls are subject to recontamination, leaving bacteria to thrive unchecked until the next clean.

So, sort of like the antibacterial hand sanitizers or surface sprays we all love to use constantly. If a surface isn’t continuously resistant to bacteria, the germs continue to thrive and multiply. The fat found in pet food for example is breeding-ground heaven for bacteria! We often get told by our readers that they have to keep cleaning the face area of their dogs after they have eaten or been drinking out their regular water and food bowls because of the bacteria build up which can lead to skin irritations and even dog acne.

WITH 25 YEARS GUARANTEED ANTIMICROBIAL PERFORMANCE THE HERO BOWL IS THE ONLY DOG BOWL YOU WILL EVER NEED

Armed with this new knowledge, our friends at HOWND decided to innovate the world’s most hygienic food and water bowl: The HERO Bowl. In an increasingly hygiene conscious world, the patent-pending HERO Bowl is a must have for pet owners that care as much about their pets’ hygiene as their own. It has built-in antimicrobial protection provided by BioCote®, a world leader in antimicrobial technology.

THE TECH BIT

The technology is present throughout the HERO Bowl, providing protection even if it becomes scratched or is chewed by the family dog. The antimicrobial protection will last for the lifetime of the bowl as it cannot not wash off or wear away.

A superior alternative to stainless steel, glass or ceramic products, the HERO Bowl is made from recyclable polypropylene and has 24-hour protection from a technology that works constantly to reduce microbes by up to 99.99% on the protected surface. Like all pet bowls, the HERO Bowl should be cleaned regularly, but unlike on an unprotected bowl, the risk of microbial cross contamination from the HERO Bowl is actively reduced as the BioCote® technology continues to perform against the colonisation of bacteria, perfectly complementing existing hygiene practices. The BioCote® additive has been proven to reduce up to 86% of bacteria in just 15 minutes, 99.5% in two hours and has even been proven to inactivate the H1N1 virus. The technology is resistant to microbes, such as bacteria, mould and fungi, and also prevents the formation of biofilms – a defence mechanism from certain bacteria that is a secretion of mucus which builds up until visible to the naked eye. BioCote® technology is proven to last for 25 years!

ARE YOU A DOG OWNER? A GROOMER? A DOG FRIENDLY CAFÉ? A VET SURGERY? A BOARDING KENNEL?

With modern day dog owners taking more interest in the health and hygiene of their pets than ever before, the HERO bowl – which by the way is non-slip and dishwasher safe – is also ideal for multiple pet households as well as vet surgeries, grooming salons, rescue centres, kennels and dog friendly cafes where bowls are often shared and hygiene is of the utmost importance.

The innovative HERO Bowl is available to order from today until July 28 only from Indiegogo with fantastic early bird discounts.

 

 

 

 

Mark and Jo, co owners of HOWND and founders & organisers of national BringYourDogToWorkDay in the UK

Instagram: @DogsLoveHownd  Facebook: DogsLoveHownd  Twitter: @DogsLoveHownd

Email: hello@dogslovehownd.com

 

*According to the NSF – national sanitation foundation

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