Archive for 2015
Healthy Oils for Your Dog’s Skin and Coat
Your pet’s skin and coat are a reflection of his overall health. A soft, shiny coat indicates that your dog is healthy, but dry skin and a lusterless coat is often a sign of an underlying medical condition.
One easy way to improve your dog’s skin and coat is to boost the level of healthy oils in their diet. This can simply be achieved by adding a healthy serving of unrefined coconut oil or olive oil to your pup’s food. A serving size of about 1 teaspoon per 10lbs of body weight is a good starting point. Coconut oil can also be applied topically to dry skin areas but adding it to your dog’s food will help their skin from the inside out.
In addition to supplementing the food, you can choose treats that are rich in coconut or coconut oil such as Max & Ruffy’s treats. Five-Star Blueberry, 24 Carob Gold: Strawberry & Carob, 327 BC: Banana & Coconut and Tree of Life: Molasses & Coconut are made with coconut oil. Tree of Life also contains flax seed to boost your pet’s intake of healthy oils. All Max & Ruffy’s treats come in two sizes, so you can choose the option that best meets your dog’s size and needs.
Natural Remedies to Help Your Dog Stay Healthy
In recent years, growing numbers of dog owners have become interested in using natural remedies to keep their pets healthy. The following are some of the most popular all-natural treatments for common health problems your dog may face.
Apple Cider Vinegar
When you’re done grooming your dog, apply a few drops of apple cider vinegar to his ears to help prevent ear infections. In between grooming, apply a 50/50 mixture of apple cider vinegar and water to the area.
Coconut Oil
Add about one teaspoon of coconut oil per 10lbs of body weight into your dog’s food each day to encourage a shiny coat while helping to clear up rashes and other skin conditions.
Lavender Oil
Lavender essential oil is well known as a great way to reduce stress and promote a more restful sleep in humans, but it can also help an anxious pet feel calmer. If your dog is anxious due to environmental triggers like thunderstorms or fireworks, mix one drop of lavender essential oil with one drop of a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil. Gently comb this mixture through your dog’s fur.
Oatmeal
If your dog is bothered by dry skin irritation, mix equal parts water and oatmeal to form a thick paste and apply it directly to dry spots. Wait 10 minutes before rinsing off. The saponins in oatmeal act as a gentle detergent that removes irritants from the skin while boosting moisture levels.
Oregano
Arthritis is fairly common among older pets. Ask your vet about using food grade oregano oil to keep your dog comfortable. This oil, which is found in the natural health section of stores, is administered orally by adding two to three drops added to your dog’s food three times per day. Alternatively, fresh oregano leaves can be added to your dog’s food.
Vitamin C
When your pooch is sick or stressed, his natural levels of Vitamin C decrease. Adding vitamin C supplements to your pet’s diet can boost his immune system by enhancing white blood cell function and activity. However, you should not give your dog supplements intended for human usage. Ask your vet to recommend a product that is safe for your pet.
Tasty Treats for Healthy Pooches
Never underestimate the importance of a healthy diet as a natural way to keep your pet feeling his very best. Max & Ruffy’s treats will appeal to your dog’s taste buds while offering nutritional benefits that promote his health and wellbeing. For example, our Powerhouse: Sweet Potato & Alfalfa treat contains many vitamins and minerals, is an excellent source of amino acids, and is a vital source of chlorophyll. With all these qualities alfalfa can aid in your dogs’ digestion, help to relieve pain and stiffness from arthritis, boost his or her immune system and act as a natural deodorizer to quell those lovely doggy smells!
Why Is My Dog Peeing in the House?
When a house trained adult dog starts having accidents, it’s important to get to the root of this behavior as soon as possible. There are many different reasons why your pet might be having accidents and each cause requires a different course of action.
Having accidents in the house can be a sign of several different medical problems, including infections, kidney disease, tumors, and spinal cord injuries. Female dogs who are spayed or elderly may be struggling with incontinence due to a lack of estrogen. Dogs that are on medication for another health problem may have accidents as a side effect of their medicine. If you’ve noticed any other unusual symptoms in your pet, such as changes in appetite or activity level, make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible.
Once medical problems have been ruled out, you will want to look at any environmental causes for your dog’s accidents. Dogs are very sensitive to human emotions and the stress caused by birth, death, divorce, or other life changes can cause them to start having accidents. Even smaller deviations in your dog’s daily routine, such as a schedule change related to the working hours at your job or remodeling the house and having unfamiliar people around, might create problems. Stabilizing your dog’s routine so he feels safe and secure should take care of the problem.
Regardless of the reason for your dog’s accidents, do not punish your pet by yelling, spanking, or rubbing his nose in the mess. In addition to being an ineffective deterrent, punishing your pet in this way is likely to make him start urinating in hidden places that will make getting to the root of the problem even more difficult.
Remember to clean up after your dog thoroughly each time he has an accident. It’s important to use an enzymatic cleanser designed for pet urine to remove all odors. If the accident has not been properly cleaned, the residual odor may cause your pet to continue seeking out the same spot to eliminate.
Treat Your Dog to Max & Ruffy’s
When dealing with indoor accidents related to behavioral issues, Max & Ruffy’s mini bites are perfect for positive reinforcement training. These premium USDA certified organic dog treats come in tasty flavors like 327 B.C. (Banana & Coconut), Tree of Life (Coconut, Molasses, & Flax), and 24 Carob Gold (Strawberry & Carob).
How to Keep Your Dog’s Paws Healthy in the Winter
During the cold winter months, your dog’s paw pads deserve a little extra TLC. Exposure to the elements and the chemicals used for snow and ice removal put this sensitive area of your pet’s body at risk of frostbite, cracking, drying, and chemical burns.
Good grooming is the easiest way to keep your dog’s paws healthy during the winter months. Poorly groomed dogs are susceptible to ice balls forming on their paw pads, which can be very painful. You want to make sure the hair between the paw pads is short enough that it is even with the paws. It’s important to avoid having hair come into contact with the ground, as this can cause ice balls to form between the paw pads. Your dog’s nails should also be neatly trimmed to prevent the paw from splaying out as he walks.
Before you take your dog outside during the winter months, apply a thin layer of a commercial paw protectant such as Musher’s Secret, Bag Balm or Vaseline to the paws. This will help prevent them from drying out while soothing any irritation.
As a precautionary measure, try to keep your pooch away from roads and sidewalks that have been treated with salt and de-icers. The ingredients in these products are often toxic to dogs and can burn your dog’s paws. Many pet-friendly versions can be purchased for your home.
If your pet must be outside in an unfamiliar area, wash his paws with warm water as soon as you get back home. This will help prevent him from ingesting any harmful substances that may be on his paws. Once his paws are clean, apply another coat of the protective balm you’ve selected.
Not all dogs like them, but boots can be a good way to keep your dog’s paws safe during the winter months. Dog boots, which are available at many pet stores, are like thick socks with Velcro straps to keep them in place. Some have the added benefit of rubber soles to provide extra traction on slippery surfaces. They should fit snugly, but not be so tight that they limit movement or restrict blood flow.
Max & Ruffy’s Can Help You Protect Your Pet
A high quality diet can help you keep your pooch happy and healthy all year long. When you’re searching for safe and nutritious dog treats, Max & Ruffy’s is an excellent choice. All of our treats are certified USDA organic and made with no artificial or genetically modified ingredients. Several varieties, including W.P. (Pizza), 327 B.C. (Banana & Coconut), and Tree of Life (Coconut, Molasses, & Flax) are also grain free.
Is It Safe to Let My Dog Roam Free?
Dogs are curious creatures by nature. They love to explore their environment, which often means roaming free. However, there are a few safety precautions you should take before you allow this type of behavior to occur.
Is My Dog Ready?
If you’re going to allow your pet off his leash, it’s important to make sure he’s undergone basic obedience training. If your dog can’t respond to simple commands or come when you call him, he’s not ready to be off the leash just yet.
Your dog’s temperament is another factor to consider. If your dog does not like being around small children, it’s dangerous to let him run free in an area where he might encounter a curious child. If your dog is aggressive towards other animals, this can also be a problem.
Good Roaming Locations
Cars and trucks represent one of the most common dangers faced by a roaming dog. It’s never a good idea to let your pet roam free in high traffic areas. Even if your dog has never tied to cross the street before, he might see an animal on the other side and dart into the road to chase it.
Keep your pooch happy and healthy by letting him get needed exercise in a safe and appropriate location. Aside from the dog park, beaches, lakes, and campgrounds can be good places to let your pet roam free. If you’re going to let your pet near water, however, bring along a doggy life vest as a safety precaution.
Make the Most of Modern Technology
Nobody likes to think about losing their beloved pet, but it’s essential that you make sure your dog can easily be returned to you if needed. His tag should have your complete contact information, even if he’s also been microchipped.
Investing in a GPS collar for your dog is a good way to make sure you’ll be able to quickly find him if he wanders too far out of your sight. Many of these devices will send automatic alerts to your cell phone if your dog wanders out of a predetermined range.
Treat Your Dog to Max & Ruffy’s
After a long day of exploring the world around him, Max & Ruffy’s treats are the perfect way to reward your pet. These nutritious dog treats are made with 100% percent organic, human-grade ingredients and come in tasty flavors like 327 B.C. (Banana & Coconut), Tree of Life (Coconut, Molasses, & Flax), and 24 Carob Gold (Strawberry & Carob).
How to Help a Dog Who Is Afraid of Storms
Storms can be quite frightening for many dogs, but there are a few things you can do to help your pet overcome his storm phobia.
Any dog can develop a storm phobia, although herding breeds such as Border Collies seem to be the most affected. If your dog has separation anxiety or is afraid of other loud noises like fireworks and gunshots, storm phobia may also be a problem.
There’s no clear explanation for what triggers storm phobia, but many vets suspect that dogs dislike the combination of thunder, lightning, wind, and barometric pressure changes. There are also low-frequency rumbles before a storm that can irritate a dog’s sensitive hearing.
One easy thing you can do to make storms less stressful for your dog is to provide a safe place for him to go when the weather turns bad. This could be the bathroom, the basement, or an open crate in a windowless room. Play soothing music to help block the sound of the storms outside. Offer distractions such as a few treats and a game of fetch as needed.
Not all dogs respond well to them, but a snug fitting shirt or wrap may help calm an anxious pet. Compression garments apply gentle pressure, which has been shown to soothe anxiety for many different animals.
In severe cases, your vet may be able to prescribe an anti-anxiety medication to keep your dog’s storm phobia under control. Medications can be given on a daily basis or used whenever the forecast calls for stormy weather.
Tasty Treats for Man’s Best Friend
Max & Ruffy’s selection of natural and organic dog treats are as close to homemade dog treats as you will find. With yummy flavors like 327 B.C. (Banana & Coconut), Tree of Life (Coconut, Molasses, & Flax), and 24 Carob Gold (Strawberry & Carob), you’re sure to find something your pet will love.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe During the Cold Winter Months
Winter can be a dangerous time for any dog, but puppies, senior dogs, and short haired dogs are especially vulnerable to the effects of falling temperatures. To keep your pet safe, you’ll need to take a few precautions before venturing outside.
If you take your dog outside for exercise, consider investing in a sweater or two. A cozy sweater, in addition to being a stylish fashion accessory, can help your pooch stay protected from the cold. Look for one with a high collar or turtleneck that offers coverage from the base of the tail to your dog’s belly.
After a walk, your dog may end up with salt on his paws. This can cause irritation to sensitive skin. Use a damp towel to clean your pet’s paws as soon as you come back indoors.
Antifreeze is deadly to dogs, but many pooches find the sweet taste highly appealing. Take care to keep antifreeze out of your pet’s reach and choose a brand made with propylene glycol instead of ethylene glycol. Propylene glycol is less toxic and has a slightly bitter taste that is less attractive to animals.
If you have an outdoor dog, he needs a shelter that is large enough to sit and lie down in comfortably, but small enough to hold in his natural body heat. Keep the shelter raised a few inches off the ground and facing away from the wind. Cover the doorway with heavy plastic or waterproof burlap and add a layer of straw or cedar shavings to the floor.
If you have any reason to suspect that your dog may be suffering from frostbite or hypothermia, contact your vet immediately. Signs of frostbite include pain when skin is touched, cold skin indoors, and skin that is pale gray or blue. Signs of hypothermia include a weak pulse, trouble breathing, reduced appetite, listlessness, and lethargy.
Treat Your Dog to Max & Ruffy’s
During the winter months, active dogs require more food to maintain their energy levels. This means it’s important to choose treats that offer added nutritional benefits. Max & Ruffy’s selection of dog treats are as close to homemade dog treats as you will find and packed with antioxidants to help your pet stay healthy all year longer.
How to Keep Your Dog from Jumping Up to Greet People
When two dogs meet, they like to sniff each other’s faces to familiarize themselves with each other’s scent. Since humans are naturally taller than their canine companions, it’s common for dogs to try to jump up on people as a way to try to reach their faces and explore their scent.
A dog who jumps up on guests is problematic for several reasons. Even if this behavior doesn’t bother you personally, your dog could knock over a child or an elderly person by jumping on them. You also want to avoid having your dog think it’s OK to jump on someone who is carrying heavy packages or holding an infant, as these situations could both result in serious injury.
To train your dog to greet people while keeping his or her front paws on the floor, here’s what you can do:
When you enter your home, do not pet or otherwise greet your dog unless her front feet are on the floor.
If your dog jumps, stand still and look straight ahead with your arms and hands on your chest. Do not look at your dog until she’s stopped jumping.
When your dog behaves properly, immediately reward her with attention or a small treat such as a mini bites training treat from Max & Ruffy’s.
Once you’ve successfully taught your dog how to greet you, ask a few friends to come over to help you teach your dog how to greet guests. Use positive reinforcement, including training treats from Max & Ruffy’s, for this task as well.
If you are struggling to teach your dog not to jump up when greeting people, you may want to enlist the services of a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT). A trainer can provide more detailed instructions and work to overcome any additional behavior issues your dog may have.
Choosing the Right Training Treats for your Dog
Treats can provide a great incentive when you’re training your dog to master skills like how to greet people without jumping. Max & Ruffy’s treats are made with 100% percent organic, human-grade ingredients and come in a variety of tasty flavors designed to appeal to your dog’s taste buds. Unlike many other types of pet treats, they also offer added nutritional benefits to promote your dog’s overall health and wellbeing.