Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Amazing Australian Surfing Dog Video

Do you love Australian surfing dogs? We sure do and we just loved Dr Harry's feature on Aussie Surfing Dogs on Better Homes & Gardens. 

 

For more information about the Surfing Dogs at the Noosa Festival of Surfing, visit www.surfingdogspectacular.com.au 

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Australian Wedding Dogs Book Out Now

or many of us, the idea of having our wedding day, one of THE most important days of our lives without our precious pooches, is simply unthinkable. 

They are in fact very much apart of the family so after all, why shouldn’t they be apart of this important occasion as well? Wedding Dogs is for everyone who knows the joys of having a four-legged companion in their lives. It’s a celebration of people and their furry family members, sharing special moments on a very special day. It’s a place for dog lovers to be inspired, share their experiences and source useful information on having their precious pooch involved in one of the most important days of a persons life-their wedding day. 

Wedding Dogs captures man’s best friend at 70 weddings—dogs as the best man, maid of honor, ring bearer, or another member of the wedding party! Decked out in little doggy tuxedos or sporting a wreath of roses around their necks, these pooches share in the wedding couple’s big day. Each photograph is accompanied by a brief essay telling the dog’s (and the couple’s) story. A perfect wedding, bridal shower, or groom’s gift, Wedding Dogs shares the joy of the moment when dogs join in the celebration of their owners’ most special day. 




Wedding Dogs celebrates that special bond that people have with their dogs. It’s this strong bond and connection which we have with our pets that ensures we couldn’t have our wedding day without them! 

For more information visit: wedding-dogs.com

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Keeping Aussie Dogs Warm this Winter

Helping dogs cope with the cold
There’s no mistaking that winter chill in the air, and dogs feel it too.
If they’re exposed to too much cold weather, dogs quickly become uncomfortable, and they’re also susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite. Here are some precautions you may need to take over winter.

Exercise

Unless you keep exercising your dog over winter, he could quickly start piling on the pounds. So stick to your exercise routine in the colder months. But remember to exercise gently for the first five minutes – dogs need to warm up their muscles too.

Arthritis

Older bones really do feel the cold. If your dog has even mild arthritis, joint pain and stiffness generally worsens over winter. To help manage his old bones, keep him warm at home, take him for gentle walks, and visit your vet regularly. 

Fleas in winter

You’d think over winter fleas would have the courtesy to give you break. No chance. Though they’re harder to find, they’re still around. One reason fleas often escape the eye over winter is because they’re in the cocoon stage of their life cycle. So it’s important to continue treating your dog for fleas right through winter to help prevent an outbreak when the weather warms. To find out more about fleas and how your choice of Advantage, Advantix or Advocate gives your dog the best protection against fleas, visit here.

Doggie Jackets

Obviously some breeds with lush coats such as Huskies and Malamutes can cope with very cold weather much more easily than breeds with little or no fur. For breeds such as greyhounds, miniature pinschers, Chihuahuas and whippets, get your pooch a doggie jacket for when you’re outdoors. 
To make sure a doggie jacket fits your pet correctly, measure your dog’s size around the neck, across the shoulders, and around the chest.
Not all dogs will tolerate wearing a doggie jacket. There’s no need to force the issue; simply keep them out of the cold for long stretches.

Shelter

In very cold weather you should supervise your dog when he’s outside. If they spend too much time romping around a cold garden their ears, tail and paws are susceptible to frostbite. 
If your dog must live outdoors, and you live in a part of Australia prone to cold weather, consider providing a heated dog bed. Also ensure your dog’s shelter is dry and draft-free. 
In winter beware of fireplaces both inside and outside your home. Never leave a fire burning unattended with a pet nearby. Also ensure you use a safety screen to keep your pet safe from soot, flames and embers.

Paws for thoughts

In cold weather it’s prudent to pay your dog’s paws a little extra attention. 
Your dog’s paws are susceptible to frostbite, and if there’s snow on the ground it can disguise dangerous objects that can harm their paws.
So after he returns from being outside, check your dog’s feet for cuts or abrasions. Also wipe away any frost or snow. Maintain your dog’s paws in winter by trimming any excess fur in between his toes (if he’s a long-haired breed). If your dog lets you, consider fitting him with booties to protect his feet. 
If you notice cold weather is cracking and drying-out the pads on your dog’s feet, consult your veterinarian about an appropriate moisturiser (never use a moisturiser made for humans or you could harm your dog’s paws rather than help them).

Hypothermia

If a dog is left outdoors in very cold weather, hypothermia can develop. This is when a dog’s body temperature falls below normal due to the cold. Mild hypothermia makes dogs weak and inactive, and they can’t stop shivering. As hypothermia gets worse they become unresponsive, and their breathing and heart-rate slow. If you notice any of these symptoms, get your dog into a warm place immediately, and take him to the vet. To help keep your dog warm during the journey, use a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel.

To help your dog cope with the colder weather, follow these simple tips and you’ll keep them happy and healthy throughout winter.



Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Awesome Secret Life of Dogs Martin Clunes

We loved him in Men Behaving Badly and Doc Martin but you'll love him even more narrating this fabulous Secret Life of Dogs TV show from ITV1.



Did you know there is a puppy born every second? Did you know that dogs spin their heads 180 degrees when shaking off water? Learn about these and so many more facts about dogs with Martin Clunes in this Secret Life of Dogs youtube video.

Part natural history, part science and part pure celebration of man's best friend, this programme highlights just how extraordinary dogs truly are. Narrated by Martin Clunes this disarming and revealing film, bringing you dogs as you've never seen them before. 

Using state-of-the-art technology - including some amazing slow motion footage - we find out how our favourite animal sees, smells and experiences its very different world. Follow the life of a cute puppy from birth through to its own pregnancy, and hear personal accounts of dogs that have saved lives, rebuilt marriages and detected diseases. Part natural history, part science and part pure celebration of man's best friend, this programme highlights just how extraordinary dogs truly are. Secret Life of Dogs TV on ITV with Martin Clunes.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Is My Dog Depressed? 4 Signs to Look For

Depression in dogs is often the result of a constant or traumatic stress in their environment. Intense or distressing interactions with other animals, physical injuries and infections are among the most common causes of canine depression.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Dog Quote by Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp
“The only creatures that are evolved enough to convey pure love are dogs and infants.”
― Johnny Depp

Monday, July 15, 2013

Fitting A Dog Harness Right is Important!

A dog harness is useful to have under many circumstances, such as for walking your dog,  or for securing your dog in a car for a trip to the vet. Large breeds of dogs, and dogs with heads smaller than their necks, benefit from the use of a harness when you're walking them; a harness helps prevent injuries to the neck and escape from your control.

Friday, July 12, 2013

Dog Quote by Jack London

Jack London
“A bone to the dog is not charity. Charity is the bone shared with the dog, when you are just as hungry as the dog.”
― Jack London

Thursday, July 11, 2013

One Day At The Vet Clinic


A man runs into the vet’s office carrying his dog, screaming for help. The vet rushes him back to an examination room and has him put his dog down on the examination table. The vet examines the still, limp body and after a few moments, tells the man that his dog, regrettably, is dead. The man, clearly agitated and not willing to accept this, demands a second opinion.

The vet goes into the back room and comes out with a cat and puts the cat down next to the dog’s body. The cat sniffs the body, walks from head to tail, poking and sniffing the dog’s body and finally looks at the vet and meows.
The vet looks at the man and says, “I’m sorry, but the cat thinks that you’re dog is dead, too.” The man is still unwilling to accept that his dog is dead. So the vet brings in a black Labrador retriever. The lab sniffs the body, walks from head to tail, and finally looks at the vet and barks. The vet looks at the man and says, “I’m sorry, but the lab thinks your dog is dead too.”
The man, finally resigned to the diagnosis, thanks the vet and asks how much he owes. The vet answers, “$650.”
“$650 to tell me my dog is dead?” exclaims the man.
“Well,” the vet replies, “I would only have charged you $50 for my initial diagnosis. The additional $600 was for the cat scan and lab tests.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Cooking Up Canine Casserole

What do you call this love? Canine Casserole! And your dogs will love it as much as the family from the movie The Castle. Give it a try!
  • 1 cup boiled poultry chopped
  • 1/2 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1/2 cup boiled mixed vegetables
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons unsalted chicken broth

Stir together and serve at room temperature.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Flying With Dogs - How to Safely Send Your Dog in the Cargo Bay

Whether you want to take your dog along on vacation or need to ship a puppy to a new home, an aeroplane flight sometimes is part of the plan. If your dog is not a small breed that can easily fit under the seat, he must go as baggage in the plane's cargo section.

Friday, July 5, 2013

Dog Quote from Will Rogers

Will Rogers
“If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.”
― Will Rogers

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Fun Rissole Recipe for Dogs

Check out this easy to make rissole recipe for Australian dogs - called Rover's Rissoles even the fussiest dog will woof them up.

  • 1 cup hamburger meat stir-fried in 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 2 boiled eggs chopped
  • 1/2 cup cooked plain oatmeal
  • 1 jar baby food green beans
  • 1 jar baby food carrots
  • 2 tablespoons cottage cheese

Combine all ingredients and serve at room temperature.