25 Pawsome Gender-Neutral Dog Names and Their Meanings

 

Choosing a name for your new dog is a big decision. Whether you’ve adopted a puppy or an adult dog, picking the perfect name can take some thought and consideration. For some, a dog’s name is inspired by their appearance, personality, or favorite book or movie character. Others prefer to choose a gender-neutral name that suits their dog’s unique qualities. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 25 gender-neutral names for dogs, along with their meanings and why they’re a great fit.

1. Bailey: This name means “bailiff” or “steward,” and it’s a great name for a loyal, responsible dog.
2. Charlie: Charlie means “free person” and it’s a popular, timeless name that works well for any breed.
3. Dakota: This name means “friendly companion,” and it’s perfect for a dog that loves spending time with their humans.
4. Casey: Casey means “watchful” or “vigilant,” making it a great name for a protective dog.
5. Finley: This name means “fair-haired hero,” and it’s a good choice for a brave and adventurous dog.
6. Harper: Harper means “harp player” and it’s a unique and charming name for a dog with a sweet personality.
7. Indy: This name is short for “Indiana” and it’s a great name for a dog that loves to explore and go on adventures.
8. Jamie: Jamie means “supplanter” or “one who takes the place of another,” and it’s a great name for a dog that’s a loyal companion.
9. Jordan: This name means “to flow down,” and it’s a great choice for a dog that loves to swim and play in the water.
10. Kai: Kai means “ocean” or “sea,” and it’s a great name for a dog that loves to play in the water or go to the beach.
11. Max: Max means “the greatest” or “the best,” and it’s a great name for a dog that’s confident and outgoing.
12. Morgan: Morgan means “bright sea” or “sea warrior,” making it a good name for a dog that’s adventurous and loves the water.
13. Nova: This name means “new” or “young,” and it’s a great name for a dog that’s full of energy and enthusiasm.
14. Onyx: Onyx is a type of black gemstone, and it’s a great name for a dog with black fur or a strong, bold personality.
15. Parker: Parker means “park keeper” or “gamekeeper,” and it’s a good choice for a dog that loves to spend time outdoors.
16. Phoenix: Phoenix is a mythological bird that rises from the ashes, and it’s a great name for a dog that’s resilient and tough.
17. Quincy: Quincy means “estate of the fifth son,” and it’s a good name for a dog that’s intelligent and curious.
18. Riley: Riley means “courageous,” and it’s a great name for a dog that’s brave and confident.
19. Rowan: Rowan is a type of tree, and it’s a good name for a dog that’s strong and sturdy.
20. Sawyer: Sawyer means “woodcutter,” and it’s a great name for a dog that loves to explore and go on adventures.
21. Scout: Scout means “one who explores,” and it’s a great name for a dog that loves to discover new things.
22. Sydney: Sydney means “wide island” or “wide meadow,” and it’s a great name for a dog that’s friendly and outgoing.
23. Taylor: Taylor means “tailor” or “maker of clothing,” and it’s a great name for a dog that’s fashionable and stylish.
24. Wren: Wren is a type of bird, and it’s a good name for a dog that’s small and agile.
25. Ziggy: Ziggy is a fun and energetic name that’s perfect for a dog with a playful personality. It’s also a nod to the famous musician David Bowie

Naming your new furry friend is an exciting and important part of the adoption process. Whether you choose a name that reflects your dog’s personality, appearance, or a personal interest, it’s important to choose a name that you and your dog both love. The list of gender-neutral names provided in this article is just the beginning, and there are countless possibilities out there. Take your time, consider your options, and choose a name that you and your dog will be happy with for years to come.

What To Look For In A Dog Bed

 

Can you imagine your life without a comfy bed to crawl into each night? Your dog’s bed should be a haven and a place they can spend a good deal of time. It needs to be sturdy, comfortable, safe and of course easy to clean and resistant to parasites.

But what kind of bed should you buy for your dog? After all, beds for people come in a bewildering array of sizes and shapes and the same is true of beds for our canine companions.

When looking for a bed for your furry best friend we recommend you ensure that the bed you choose meets the following criteria:

·         Made of non-toxic materials. Synthetic products, including stain-proofing and flame retardant chemicals, may harm your dog. This is particularly important if you dog has sensitive skin or allergies. This is also important for dogs who may chew their bed! When you first bring your bed home give it a good wash to remove any residues from processing.

·         Non-skid bottom. When your canine companion dives into bed the last thing you want is the bed to slide out from under him. A moving dog bed not only poses a risk of injury to your dog but can also become a trip hazard around the home. You can use non-slip matting if the bed doesn’t have its own non-slip base, the style used under floor rugs.

·         Easy to clean. If you have a smaller dog, buy a bed you can throw into the washing machine on a hot cycle over 60°C. This will kill flea eggs and dust mites. If you can also pop it in the sun to dry, perfect. If you can’t wash the bed, make sure the cover is washable or the bed can be hosed off and put in the sun to dry.

·         Warm or elevated. If you live in a cold area or your dog sleeps outside, an insulated bottom or an elevated bed is ideal to get your pet off the cold ground.

·         Water repellent. Many beds have a water repellent cover, particularly useful for pets that head off to bed after getting wet. You can also keep a collection of old towels to throw over the bed if your pet is a little soggy.

·         Indestructible. Particularly for puppies or those that chew, ensure the bed is tough, there are no parts that can be chewed and swallowed and for the chewers, avoid heated beds!

·         Big enough to stretch out fully. You will need something that will allow your dog to stretch out when it is hot, or curl up when it is cold. If your dog is young, ensure you are getting something that will fit when he is fully grown.

A bed suited to your dog and situation

There are many types of beds and depending on whether your dog is old, young or likes to chew you will need a different sort of bed. The type of climate you live in and whether your dog sleeps indoors or out is also a consideration.

Older pets. Pets that have old aching joints need to be kept warm. For those pets, an elevated bed or an orthobed could be ideal, particularly those with joint pain or mobility issues. Ensuring the bottom is insulated also helps if the bed is sitting directly on cold flooring.

Warmer climates. Cooling beds are a great idea, or you can pop frozen water bottles next to or in your dog’s bed on hot days. Dogs that have snub-noses like staffys are particularly prone to heat stroke. Hanging wet towels near your dog’s sleeping quarters can also provide make-shift air-conditioning. For larger dogs trampoline dog beds are ideal as the air can circulate under the bed.

Itchy dogs. If you have a smaller pet make sure the entire bed is machine washable and not treated with any chemicals. Avoid washing detergent or use a very small amount of hypoallergenic detergent and wash on a hot cycle (over 60°C) each week. For a larger dog a trampoline dog bed that can be hosed off and put in the sun to dry will be relatively low allergen. Consider getting two beds so you can rotate them and wash the bed on a weekly basis. Dust mites and fleas are the most common concerns relating to bedding that can cause allergies in pets.

Crates are a great way to transport dogs. Image: Orvis

Kennels and crates. If your dog sleeps outdoors in a kennel, you will need to make sure it is easy to clean. Avoid a carpeted floor, unless it can be removed and washed. Carpet would need a good vacuum, hose and to be put in the sun to dry. Wooden kennels can easily get damp, harbour mites and other creepy crawlies and end up very dirty. Kennels in hot climates also need to be in shade and well ventilated. Crates are very easy to clean and can mimic a ‘den’, providing a safe haven for your dog. They are easy to move should you need to and can be used for car travel. You also then have an area you can secure your dog at night or when guests are visiting. An old blanket or towels that can be washed weekly on a hot cycle are ideal for the base. For some useful information on how to crate train your dog, the RSPCA Victoria has a guide here.

Things to avoid

·         Mattresses that can’t be fully washed. Washing the cover is not enough to get rid of fleas and dust mites. These creepy crawlies live in furnishings like mattresses, carpets and cushions and are a common cause of allergies and dermatitis. Some covers such as Gore-Tex are resistant to fleas and dust mites, often by having a very narrow weave, but most regular mattresses are not protective and over time they will become smelly, dirty and harbour all sorts of creatures if they can’t be properly cleaned.

·         Beds with straps, buttons, zippers or piping. Particularly dangerous for those dogs that like to chew. Too much fussy detail can attract the attention of a destructive dog and anything that can be pulled off has the potential to be swallowed and form an intestinal foreign body. You should also avoid cooling or heated beds that have batteries or an electricity connection if your pet likes to chew!

·         Wooden beds and kennels often have a finish or lacquer on them that can be toxic when chewed. Wood also has the potential to harbour mites and can absorb the damp and go mouldy.

Whatever the sleeping quarters you choose for your beloved friend, remember that this is going to be a place that your dog could potentially spend up to 18 hours a day sleeping (half his luck!). Choosing something comfortable, safe and durable that is easy to clean is your priority. Sometimes it is worthwhile spending a bit more to make sure it will last and be resistant to common parasites.

Eloise is a Sydney vet working for the online pet care company Love That Pet. She has a particular passion for helping pets with anxiety and itchy dogs. She currently enjoys the quiet life in Sydney with her young boys, Jimmy the cat and a constant procession of stray cats and birds.

Understanding Small Dogs for Australians

Australia has become a nation of small breed dog owners, with over 1.3 million households now housing pint-size pooches. Over the last five years, according to the Australian Companion Animal Council (ACAC), there has been a staggering almost 40 per cent rise in the number of people who own small dogs.

This  growth has been put down to the increasing numbers of us who are living in high and medium density urban areas, which smaller dogs tolerate well.

However, it seems that Aussies don’t understand the special requirements that small dogs have – and it can result in unhealthy and unmanageable pets.

“Small dogs are still dogs, but some owners treat them like toys,” says renowned animal behaviourist and Purina Ambassador, Dr Jo Righetti. “They accept behaviour from a small dog that they would never tolerate in a big dog, such as jumping up on people or growling.

“Over-indulging your small dog can lead to a well-recognised animal psychological disorder called Small Dog Syndrome, where a dog can fail to obey commands, yap incessantly and behave in an overly possessive way, which can make living with them quite a handful.”

Surprisingly, small dogs have different nutritional needs than large dogs, according to Dr Righetti.

“Small dogs have a much higher metabolic rate to that of their large canine friends, meaning they need to consume more calories per kilo during meal time. Their mouths are smaller, so they need smaller sized dog biscuits or kibble which is easier for them to eat and still keeps their teeth clean. This is especially important for small dogs which live longer than larger dogs and can develop severe dental problems if they are not looked after.

“Petcare companies such as Purina are taking this into account and making pet food specially formulated for small dogs, such as Purina ONE for Small Breeds,” Dr Righetti says.

Some hints and tips for owning a small dog

• Just because your dog is little and cute doesn’t mean it should get away with bad behaviour. Set rules and boundaries and ensure all family members stick to them
• Don’t allow your dog on the counter or table for meals
• Don’t over-treat – be sure to schedule meals so they come to understand that food is not something they receive whenever they like
• Play with your dog regularly and allow your dog to play with others in an appropriate manner
• Small dogs can benefit from obedience classes. Ask for commands to be obeyed, such as a “Sit” before feeding them
• If they dislike larger dogs, introduce them to ones that you know are friendly and gentle in a neutral location like the local dog park

“It’s important when you choose a small breed dog to understand their different needs and the care that goes with it, especially when it comes to their diet and behaviour.”

The new Purina ONE Small Breed range retails at $8.99. To sign up for a free trial of Purina One Small Breed, visit www.purina.com.au/smallbreed

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