Oil painting of Oliver Taco, the cat which is now proudly displayed in the recipient's living room.

Personalized Pet Portraits: The Best Way to Honor Our Furry Companions

Pets claim a special place in the hearts of all who own them so that they feel much like members of the family. Are you in search of a way to pay tribute to the pet currently in your life or one who has recently pass away? Or perhaps you’re looking for the perfect gift for the animal-lover in your life?

There are many beautiful ways to honor our furry companions and keep them close to our hearts always, one being the creation of a pet portrait.

What Do People Do to Memorialize Pets?

When a cat or dog claims a portion of his owner’s heart, it is understandable that he or she will wish to have some token of their pet’s memory once the animal has passed. One popular way of holding onto the treasured memory of a pet is in getting footprints in ink or clay.

Photographs are another way to treasure the impact pets have on their owners’ lives. Just as many people choose to keep pictures of loved ones in plain sight so as to be reminded of their shared love, pet enthusiasts often do the same.

Having something even more permanent than a photograph takes the sentimentality one step further. Commissioning a pet portrait in honor of a beloved canine or feline is a great way to cherish their memory.

How Much Money Should a Pet Photographer Cost?

The price to have professional snapshots taken of your pet varies. According to Puptrait, some photographers do not charge the client anything before he or she has been given the chance to view the pictures that were taken.

Others charge for the session based on factors like how much time will be spent on photographing and the skill of the photographer.

In general, the prices for pet photography vary from studio to studio. At Puptrait, a $99 fee is charged up front for the session, excluding the price of prints. Once it is time to pay for the actual pictures, you have a great deal of flexibility as you’re allowed to spend as little or as much as you wish for as many or as few prints as you’d like.

I Want a Painted Portrait of My Pet. Who Would Be the Best Choice?

Paint Your Life is a fantastic option when it comes to having a personalized painting created of your pet. The process is made simple and hassle-free.

1. Browse the artists. Start the process of turning your own picture to painting by viewing the gallery where you’ll be able to see the work of all the talented painters who partner with Paint Your Life. These artists specialize in oil, charcoal, pencil, watercolor, acrylic, and pastel.

2. Select a photo for the painter to follow. Perhaps one of the pet photos you got from a photographer or a memorable snapshot from home. After it is uploaded, a proof will be created so that you can see exactly what the artist of your choice will be following in order to produce the painting.

3. Select a frame and sizing. You may choose to pick your frame at the start or wait until the end once you’ve seen the completed work.

4. Wait for the updates. Throughout the creation of the painting, you will receive frequent updates in order to ensure complete satisfaction with the end product. If there are changes that need to be made along the way, the artist will accommodate them at your request.

5. Arrival of the perfect pet tribute. The portrait will arrive at your doorstep framed and ready to be hung, ready to be admired for generations to come.

The Power of a Personalized Pet Portrait

Receiving a customized pet portrait generally elicits a great deal of emotion from the recipient, particularly that of joy, which is apt considering the delight our animals bring to us everyday.

Take a look at what one fortunate customer had to say about the beautiful pet portrait in this paint your life review.

And here a few priceless responses to the beauty of a customized pet portrait are captured on video, leaving no doubt as to the power of creating a memory such as this…

The decision to choose a customized painting is made even more simple by the 100% satisfaction or your money back guarantee from Paint Your Life. Pets are important and the company takes great pride in creating the memory of your pet that you have in mind, just as you envision.

If you’re looking for the perfect way to memorialize and honor a pet that has made an impact on your life, or that has impacted someone you care about, consider commissioning a personalized pet portrait and create a lasting memory.

Best Dogs for First Time Owners

If you’re considering getting a dog for the first time, you have a lot to think about! Dogs come in all different shapes and sizes. While this allows you to choose the perfect first dog for your lifestyle, it also means that you have plenty of dog breeds to sort through before you find the perfect one for you.

Not all companion dog breeds are equally suitable for novice owners. Some breeds require near-constant training or might come with a high likelihood of health problems. Here are some of the best dog breeds every first-time dog owner should consider…

Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is a popular breed that is a good choice for new owners who are looking for a larger dog. They have a friendly, easy temperaments, don’t get into much mischief, and don’t require a strong trainer.

They are somewhat high-energy, so we only recommend them to those with active lifestyles. They require a lot of exercise. Expect to take them on at least a mile walk per day. Their larger size does mean that they’ll consume more food than a smaller dog, which can make them a more expensive option over time.

Poodles

These popular dogs can be suitable for some first-time owners. These lovable dogs take very easy to training and are not very stubborn. They’re loyal and pretty easy to handle for most owners.

With that said, they also require a lot of grooming and exercise. Expect to take them for a long walk each day and wear them out in a fenced-in yard. They are very active dogs. They will need daily brushing as well as regular trips to the groomers.

Labrador Retriever

Labs are known for being some of the friendliest dogs around. They’ve been the number one dog in the United States for the last several years, and for a good reason. They’re friendly, easy to train, dependable, and loyal. They are not stubborn and pretty much listen to whatever their owner says.

These mellow dogs do require a bit of exercise each day, so they are suitable for all dog owners. They shed and do need to be brushed regularly, especially during the changing seasons when they tend to shed particularly bad. If you do decide to get one, go here to find the best dog food for a Labrador Retriever.

Papillon

This is one of the best little dogs for new owners who are in the market for something small. They only reach about 7 to 9 pounds when fully grown, making them perfect for apartment living. Furthermore, these small dogs do not have the negative health consequences that other small dogs tend to have.

These tiny dogs don’t require much exercise, though you should plan on taking them for walks or letting them romp around in a fenced-in area. They have low energy levels, so you definitely want to find the best dog food to keep them healthy.

They have decently easy-going personalities and are very low maintenance, though they can be a little yappy. They are not particularly shy or aggressive towards other dogs or people.

Bichon Frise

These tiny dogs are another great lap dog. They’re a little bigger than the Papillon, reaching about 15 pounds, but they love to cuddle. They require regular grooming as well and would probably benefit from a trip or two to the groomers. They do not have many health problems, especially when compared to other dogs. They do not shed very much, and they are not hypoallergenic.

They are not very active and many would prefer to spend the day on the couch. After a short 30 minutes of play time, many of these dogs are good for the rest of the day.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

These laid-back dogs make great companions and family dogs. They can easily become your best friend. They’re a little bit on the smaller size at around 15 pounds, which makes them suitable for those living in apartments. They are often considered gentle and playful. They have about the same activity level as the Bichon Frise, preferring to spend much of their day lounging around.

They do require regular brushing, with a daily brushing usually being necessary to keep their coats healthy.

Greyhound

While greyhounds are popularly known for their speed, they’re actually couch potatoes. They can run very fast, but don’t have the stamina to run for very long. It would be in your best interest to take them on daily walks, but they don’t need any more activity than any other big dogs. Despite their larger size, they are also one of the best dogs for apartments.

These dogs are not the easiest to train. Not because they’re stubborn, but because they just have a hard time paying attention.

How to Keep Your Dog Happy While You Are Away

Dogs are loyal and happy animals. Walk through the front door of your house after a hard day’s work, and your furry friend will be more than ready to greet you. Tail wagging, barking, spinning, and jumping, he is excited to see you back home.

Do you have any idea of what happens to your dog while you are away? Your neighbors may have told you stories of your pup barking, howling, or whining throughout the day while you were away. If this is the case, your four-legged companion could suffer from dog separation anxiety.

In the wild, dogs always travel and stay with a pack. Even centuries of domestication have not eliminated this behavior. In the eyes of your mutt, you are his pack, and he misses you every time you are away.

Knowing how to deal with the symptoms of separation anxiety goes a long way. It’s not just for when you leave home for a few hours each day to go to work, or for an afternoon or evening to eat out or catch a movie. By teaching your pup how to effectively handle the time he spends on his own, you can soon go on a vacation or business trip lasting a few days without worrying about your dog.

Experts on dog boarding in Abu Dhabi share a few tips on easing your dog’s separation anxiety when you’re out of the house for the day…

1. Go for a walk together before you leave

Give your dog her exercise before you go by taking her out for a walk around the block or the nearby park. The objective is to leave while Fido is resting. By doing it this way, your dog won’t miss your presence as much, and you can quietly make your exit while he is resting.

Depending on the schedule you have established, you may choose to feed your dog before or after the walk. Either way, your pooch may need to rest before getting to the next activity. Just don’t forget to give your dog enough water to keep him hydrated, and remember to take him out to do his business before you leave.

2. Don’t say goodbye

The goal is to make leaving the house seem like a routine occurrence. In some cases, it’s our behavior as the owner that triggers the anxiety. As much as possible, avoid touching, talking, or making eye contact at least five minutes right before you leave and up to an hour after you get back.

It can be tricky not making any physical contact with your pup right before exiting the house or after coming home. The best you can do is to make your movements as low-key as possible.

In more extreme cases, your pup knows your routine well enough that even specific movements can trigger anxiety. Your dog might start acting up once you start picking up your coat, putting on your shoes, or grabbing your keys. So what you can do is to mix up your routine.

Instead of leaving right away, maybe you can watch TV after getting your keys and coat. By doing so, you are making your movements less predictable. Your dog won’t automatically assume that you are leaving.

Alternatively, you can go into a room and disappear for a few seconds, then reappear. Then, slowly increase the amount of time during which you disappear from his sight. What you want to do is to get your pup used to not seeing you all the time.

3. Create a calm environment

A dog’s sense of smell is more sensitive than a human’s. Some canine pets take comfort just by having their owner’s scent nearby. You can use this to alleviate your dog’s stress.

Leave a worn shirt or a piece of clothing that you’ve worn recently and haven’t washed. The smell of your skin on the shirt can help ease some of the anxiety your pup might be feeling. You can also use some natural calming supplements.

Before you leave, you can also give your pooch a toy or a stuffed treat. Similar to taking your dog out for a walk, this will keep your pup busy and preoccupied. You can take away the toy or treat some time after you return.

By offering toys and treats before you leave, you are changing the way your pet sees the event of your departure. Instead of creating anxiety, your pet will think of your trip as a positive thing as he will get his favorite toy or treat while you are away. You can readily buy dog toys online or from a nearby shop and see which one your pup enjoys.

4. Provide space

Even pack animals need their space. Giving him space teaches him to be independent and how to have fun even when by himself. One way of doing so is by giving him a dog bed.

Let him sleep in his own bed rather than yours. It may be difficult at first, but establishing a bit of distance, even while at home, will be beneficial in easing his anxiety.

Keep in mind that the training process takes time. You may need to follow these tips and instructions for a few weeks before you observe any progress.

If you need to leave for more than a day, consider other alternatives. Ask a relative, friend, or neighbor to look in once in a while, hire a sitter, or take your pup to a boarding facility to ensure your pet is well taken care of while you are away.

5 Top Tips for Traveling With Dogs

Everybody knows that the dog is man’s best friend. So it sucks when you have to head off to work and leave your trusted companion behind.

And how about when you decide to treat yourself to an extended vacation and have to part ways with your best friend for days, or even weeks?… It’s heart-breaking!

But if there’s one thing guaranteed to improve your travel experience, it’s traveling with friends. So the next time you fly, instead of leaving your dog behind, why not bring him along for the fun?

With that in mind, here are five top tips for traveling with your dog…

Choose dog-friendly accommodation

When you’re travelling with a dog, a pokey hostel won’t cut it — you’ll need an accommodation with plenty of space for your canine to run around and have fun. A more spacious Airbnb holiday apartment is therefore a better option, and all you have to do is make sure your host accepts pets. Many accommodation providers do accommodate for dogs (often for a extra fee), but you do need to confirm this before you book.

Microchipping

We’ve all experienced that moment of terror when, after turning away for a few seconds, your dog is nowhere to be seen. In a new and unfamiliar location, there’s probably even more chance of your dog going astray. Microchipping your dog ensures that you have the best chance of finding them quickly and easily — it’s a painless procedure where a tiny tracking chip is inserted under your dog’s skin. (Please note that DogPerDay does not endorse Microchipping.)

AllTrails

Traveling with your dog means a lot of walking around while exploring your destination. This is why it’s worth downloading the AllTrails app — it has over 1,000 walking trail destinations across the world. You can even filter by dog-friendliness, which makes it a must-have for dog owners. You can find out more about All Trails on the official app website.

Drive to the airport

Travelling by public transport (to the airport) with a dog is just asking for trouble. In a cosy dog bed in the back of your car, secured by a canine seatbelt, your dog will feel more comfortable and calm, and you will too. And if you’re worried about expensive airport parking draining your bank balance, you can use Looking4.com to find airport parking for San Francisco, Seattle or any other major US hub of your choice.

Know your dog

Not all dogs are made for flying, so before you consider taking your dog with you, ask yourself, “Is your dog particularly anxious or easily stressed?” If so, traveling with them might not be the best idea. You should also think about your dog’s triggers too. For example, is she likely to get overwhelmed by crowds? Once you’ve considered these issues, make an informed decision as to whether travelling with your dog is the right thing to do.

Follow these five tip-top tips will help you to plan a dog-friendly and fun-filled getaway for you and your pet.

That’s our list! Share your thoughts in the comments section.

CBD Oil For Dogs: Is It A Safe Alternative For Valium And Phenobarbital In Treating Seizures?

Dogs can get seizures for a variety of reasons, the most common of which is epilepsy. The most common treatment for seizures in dogs is valium and phenobarbital, and both can have some serious side effects that should be considered before choosing such treatments. In their quest for pain relief and seizure relief, many pet owners are turning to CBD products.

CBD or cannabidiol is a naturally occurring substance in the brain and when it’s used, it combines with the naturally occurring cannabidiol in the brain and works to counteract pain and seizures, per scientific studies. Recently, the AKCCHF (American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation) has been conducting studies to see how CBD works in dogs to help reduce and eliminate seizures. To view more information, click here.

Some dog breeds are more genetically dispositioned to have seizures than others. These seizures may be due to brain abnormalities or head trauma or a combination thereof. Managing the seizures is the goal pet owners. Seizures, while in and of themselves may not be harmful depending on their severity, are terrifying to watch.

Per the above-mentioned study, pet owners shouldn’t just run out and purchase CBD and stop their current medications for their pets. Instead, they should discuss the pros and cons with their veterinarian and find out if they can gradually reduce the dosage of current medications, or if both need to continue as-is for a time.

Great care should be taken to ensure that the veterinarian is fully on board with the use of CBD oil products for pet care. Not all veterinarians believe in using CBD products and many will tell pet owners to avoid such products. It’s okay to get a second opinion, after all, a pet is part of the family for most people.

Signs and symptoms of a seizure in a pet may include restlessness, panting, pacing, and general unease. As the seizure approaches the pet may become irritable and agitated and even more restless. If this is the first seizure, you may be very confused as to what is going on until the actual seizure itself. If you have seen this before, it’s time to quickly contact your veterinarian and get their advice, especially if the CBD oil is only being used to treat the seizures as they occur. Typically, the CBD oil is administered daily just as a daily medication would be.

There are no known side effects of CBD oil for dogs. For this reason, many pet owners are turning to this alternative treatment to avoid the more serious side effects of valium and phenobarbital in their pets. Many veterinarians will work closely with pet owners to ensure that the proper dosage is given each and every day.

Other things to consider are the dosage of the CBD and the frequency of the dosage. Each pet’s dosage should be calculated according to the seriousness of the seizures and the weight of the particular dog or other animal. Not all dogs of the same breed are going to weigh in at the same weight, so care should always be taken to ensure that the smallest dosage possible is given, and then for maximum results the amount can be gradually increased as you observe the effects.

Many CBD companies are recognizing that a lot of people are sharing their CBD oils with pets. Thus, a huge boom has ensued in the pet care industry for CBD oil products. It’s important to note that CBD can be derived from both marijuana and hemp. According to Kate at Herb, “When CBD is derived from hemp seed oil, there is absolutely no risk of any THC products (THC is the psychoactive compound in Cannabidiol and cannabis).”

CBD oil, in pure form, is a highly concentrated oil and should be taken with great care. It’s important to fully understand the ratio of CBD to THC if such a variety is utilized. Pets should not have any THC if possible, as it can cause them to have a psychoactive reaction.

CBD oil can be a very safe alternative to valium and phenobarbital as long as the right type is given to your dog, cat or other kind of pet. Pet owners who are concerned should check their sources and may want to ensure that the CBD oil is derived from hemp seed oil and not from marijuana.

Top Recommendations for Simple and Healthy Homemade Dog Treats

Treats are the right choice to motivate and reward your dog when teaching any new tricks or just trying to keep her disciplined. It is important that you make sure that you are offering food that is not harmful to your dog. In most cases treats in small amounts are fine, assuming that your dog doesn’t suffer any specific disorder.

Some pretty good natural choices are offered in pet stores, and they come in different sizes and flavors, but it’s a wonderful alternative to feed your furry friend bits of food that you may already have at home.

Get ready to take a note of some healthy options for treats that you have in your fridge or on your kitchen counter!

Egg

A good option is to cook it and feed it to your pooch in small pieces. It can be a nice prize for him once a week or every fifteen days.

Sweet potato

Boil a sweet potato and cut it into small pieces. Your dog will like it very much due to its sweet taste. Moreover, the sweet potato contains various healthy properties that are good for your dog.

Carrot

This vegetable is ideal, especially since you can give it to them raw in small pieces. If you go to the park, take it in a bag and share small pieces with him as you play or train together.

Peanut butter

Spread some peanut butter in a teaspoon and give your dog a lick when she follows your commands. She will love the taste!

Broccoli

This is another excellent option (which I personally love), since you can give it raw and in small pieces.

Apple

Dogs love them for the taste, but apples will also help them clean their teeth. It is important that you remove the seeds first as they are toxic for canines.

Bananas

My dog is not a fan of them, but bananas are another good and healthy treat that you may already have at home, just try to feed them in small pieces and don’t overdo it.

Watermelon

Watermelon is healthy and safe too! Just avoid large amounts, because it can cause diarrhea.

Turkey breast

This is the best choice when it comes to meat. You should take into account that dogs can get very excited about this treat. They can get too anxious about it, too, so it may not be the best choice as a training reward.

Bonus recipe for cookies at home!

Do you have some time to prepare something yummy and healthy for your puppy? Get ready to try out my recommendation for oatmeal cookies!

Ingredients:
2 cups whole wheat flour (or white in the case of intolerance)
100 gr of oat flakes
50 gr of butter
Vanilla extract
Lemon

Preparation:
The first thing you have to do is mix all the ingredients until you achieve a homogeneous dough. Use your hands to prepare small pieces of the dough in the shape of a cookie. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celcius (392 degrees Fahrenheit) and put the cookies on a paper in the tray. Bake the cookies for about 10-20 min until you see that they are a bit browned.

Please, serve with caution! Set the cookies out before giving them to your dog, as hot meals are not the best friend of your furry friend.

About the Author: Annie is a happy dog mom of Kimcho, an 8-year old Harlequin Pinscher. She is passionate about dogs and natural, healthy living. She is on a mission to discover and everything natural nutrition and healthy for dogs on Doglovely. Kimcho had suffered a kidney disorder, and this made Annie dig deeper into commercial dog food ingredients, and sparkled her curiosity about everything natural to help dogs live longer lives.

How Can CBD Oil Help Your Dog?

CBD oil is pretty popular nowadays. People all around the world use CBD for anxiety, to cure various muscle issues, etc. There are plenty of benefits to it, and little to no downsides, making it very good if you’re dealing with a variety of ailments.

It has also recently been shown that CBD oil doesn’t only help humans. Pet parents and veterinarians are actually finding that it can help your dog as well. While the brains of a dog and a human are obviously different, cannabidiol actually affects certain parts of the body that we have in common — most notable of which is the endocannabinoid system.

Dogs actually have more CB1 and THC receptors in their brains than humans, and this is one of the reasons why cannabis affects us differently. This is also why, if a dog ingests THC, it may lead to unwanted side effects, so that only CBD is recommended. CBD oil is available at labroots. So, how does CBD oil help your dog?

What does CBD do to your dog?

When a dog ingests CBD, the substance affects how the dog perceives stress and pain, and will also give a bit of a boost to their dopamine levels, resulting in a better mood. The CBD’s interaction with the dog’s endocannabinoid system will also result in reduced inflammation, as well as the blocking of GPR signaling. This lowers cancer cell reproduction. Among others, some of the most notable benefits include:

— Reduces inflammation
— Relieves joint pain and arthritis
— Relieves anxiety, as well as barking or whining from separation anxiety, vet appointments, or loud noises such as fireworks and thunderstorms
— Reduces vomiting and nausea as a result of other medications or car rides
— Reduces seizures in dogs that suffer from epilepsy
— Improves the appetite
— Improves the health of both the nervous and the digestive system
— Greatly improves sleep

Now, this isn’t to say that there aren’t other benefits. However, the ones above are the most important, and as you can see, CBD oil can help your dog with many issues that owners actually consider to be common for dogs. Let’s take a look at a bit more details for some of these conditions.

If your dog suffers from anxiety, CBD oil can reduce the effects a great deal. CBD has a calming effect, which can be particularly helpful when your dog has separation anxiety. When you leave your house for work, you can give your dog a daily dose in order to calm them down. On an irregular basis, this can help when dogs get frightened during fireworks or thunderstorms.

It’s no secret that epilepsy affects quite a few dogs. There are many medications that are used to treat seizures that actually come with negative side effects, such as increased appetite and thirst, which may result in weight gain… not to mention depression, and the fact that the medication is expensive. CBD oil, on the other hand, is usually much less expensive, and even more important, much less physically taxing on your dog. This is why many dog owners resort to it to treat seizures.

Cancer is another condition where CBD oil can help. When you’re treating your dog, you will find that many of the medications and treatments can result in nausea. Cannabis can actually reduce nausea quite a bit. To add to that, cannabis is also known to reduce the growth of cancer cells, and this may even result in a much-improved quality of life for your pet.

Arthritis is a common issue for older dogs. They experience chronic pain, making it difficult for them to move around. However, CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, which result in pain relief. A daily dose can make your dog’s daily life much more comfortable, and they’ll be able to move around much easier. As a result, they will live a fuller life.

Last but not least, CBD can help with appetite stimulation. Yes, you read that right: there are dogs that have severe issues with their appetite. Most notably, this is the case with dogs that have cancer, or older dogs. CBD binds to brain receptors that trigger hunger, and thus stimulates the appetite.

How much CBD is safe?

To wrap things up, while there are no official dosing guidelines, there’s a general recommendation that suggests 0.2 ml of CBD oil per pound of your pet’s weight, per day. If you want to stay safe, you’ll want to start a bit lower than this, and slowly increase the dosage as you watch the results. When you notice a positive response, stop increasing the dosage. Since dogs don’t develop a tolerance to CBD as people do with THC, you should be good to go with that amount without increasing it.

Make Your Own Dog Food with DIY Dog Food Recipe

Everyone wants their dogs to live the healthiest and happiest life possible. Feeding your dog homemade dog food is the best way to ensure that. Some people think that making homemade dog food is complicated, but once you find a simple DIY dog food recipe, it’s not difficult to make healthy homemade dog food with ingredients from your home kitchen. Here are a few reasons why you should consider making homemade dog food…

It’s easier than you think…

Homemade dog food doesn’t have to be complicated. Do you have chicken, rice, and carrots at home? You probably have everything to make homemade dog food in your kitchen right now. Any DIY dog food recipe will include a protein, a carb, and a vegetable. Once they are cooked and cooled, you add a vitamin supplement… it’s that easy. Here’s the step-by-step:

— Boil chicken and remove the bones
— Cook brown rice
— Slice carrots and cook
— Once your food has cooled, mix in a powdered nutritional supplement

If you’re curious, check out this DIY dog food recipe at azestfor: https://azestfor.com/blogs/recipes/healthy-homemade-dog-food-recipes

Customize your food to suit your dog…

Every dog is unique. Using a DIY dog food recipe enables you to tailor your dog’s food to match his changing needs and preferences. You can add extra protein, fats, reducing calories or changing the vitamin and mineral supplement.

Pregnant dogs gain about 20 to 50 percent of their normal weight during pregnancy. The most important elements of a dog’s pregnancy diet is high-quality protein — that is, a protein that is easily digestible and provides the right amounts of all the essential amino acids.

Senior dogs oftentimes need to slim down, so you can choose a low-calorie dog food recipe like Chicken rice and carrots. You can run the cooked food through a food processor to make it easier to digest.

Good food without the junk…

Using a DIY dog food recipe allows you to avoid the fillers, preservatives, additives, artificial colors and flavorings that are oftentimes used in commercial dog food. Dogs can suffer from allergies or digestive sensitivity to these ingredients. Using pure and natural ingredients as the basis for your DIY dog food recipe will avoid this. A few problematic ingredients in commercial dog foods are:

— Carrageenan: seaweed-derived carrageenan has been shown to induce intestinal inflammation in animals.
— Cellulose is basically wood pulp or plant fibers… it is oftentimes found in some pet food ingredient lists.
— Red 40, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6 (three popular ones) all contain benzidene, which, according to the Environmental Health Perspectives journal, is a human and animal carcinogen.

Takeaway…

Your dog’s health is crucial. Giving him homemade dog food is the best way to safeguard his health. Many people want to make homemade dog food but think that it’s complicated, but that’s just not true. It’s easy to use a DIY dog food recipe with regular ingredients from your kitchen, such as the ones listed on azestfor. You can adjust the ingredients to meet your dog’s changing needs and more importantly, avoid harmful ingredients in commercial dog foods. Everyone wants the best for their dogs. Using a DIY dog food recipe allows you to keep your dog happy and healthy.

Facts You Should Know About CBD Oil for Dog Cancer

Marijuana is not everyone’s favorite subject of discussion. It remains taboo for people that want nothing to do with drugs whatsoever. You can’t really blame people of thinking this way. The thought of marijuana provokes the idea of psychoactive properties, just not as dangerous. You can “smoke” the plant for years and still be in good health. Not everyone sees it that way because it can slow down your reflexes, productivity, and overall brain power.

Moreover, a lot of people have the misconception that CBD products also cause the same effects. But they don’t even come close. It’s true that the oil is made out of the cannabis plant, but you can forget about the THC metabolites in it. There are none whatsoever. Read more about it here.

On the plus side, CBD is known for its healing effects. It can prevent and eliminate pain as well as reduce infections. What’s more, you can use it for your dog as well. If you haven’t heard about this before, there are a lot of articles online, even right here on this website, that suggest the usefulness of CBD for canines. You should definitely check them out. The more you are informed on the subject, the better for your pet. Here are some things you need to know about pure CBD oil for dogs

No THC

The oil is extracted from the cannabis plant but with only trace amounts of the THC components, and possibly none at all. If someone tells you that there is a high consistency of THC in the product, they are just ignorant. That’s why people still consider it illegal and dangerous to take because they don’t know all the facts.

Moreover, you can use it for specific health problems, and your dog can too. A lot of studies have shown that dogs are improving after using CBD oil. If you want answers as soon as possible, then as always make sure to ask your vet. If your dog exhibits some strange behavior due to pain or a seizure, then make sure to act as quickly as possible.

Your vet will surely tell you how many drops per day you can give to your pet. And don’t worry because the oil will not get him or her high. The product is almost completely is not 100% clear of those toxins. If you worry about substance abuse, you need not worry.

Does it help against cancer?

A lot of doctors claim that CBD oil can be quite helpful to a dog when it comes to cancer. But these are only just hypothesis. There isn’t enough evidence to support the claim of those medical professionals. If your dog suffers from cancer, then the oil will only minimize the symptoms of cancer. But it isn’t clinically proven (as far as we know) to be the cure for it. If that were so, then everyone would be onboard.

Even dogs can have terrible symptoms due to cancer. The one way to make your canine feel more calm and comfortable is to give it a few drops of CBD oil per day. For additional information, consult with your vet as much as you can, especially vets that aren’t opposed to natural, integrative health. They are trained medical experts that take care of animals constantly. They will surely point you in the right direction. After all, you don’t want to risk giving your dog too much.

Does it help against pain?

Definitely. If your pup is experiencing severe pain and none of the traditional medications work to minimize it, then you might want to give CBD oil a shot. It affects the brain in a way that it reduces the receptors responsible for pain. You can even try it for yourself. A lot of patients consume the oil for reducing vomiting, anxiety, and even extreme pain. The same kind of effects can happen to your pet. But be sure to find out as much as you can about the effect it has on canines before you give it to yours. To discover more about the product and what it does, make sure to check out this link at petcbdcommunity.com.

Any side effects?

Some, but they are usually not serious. Some of them involve light-headiness, but only if you give high doses to your pet. Also, if you notice that your dog drinks a lot more water than usual, it could be because of the product. CBD oil has calming properties, therefore don’t be alarmed if your dog is not as active as it was before.

The Dog Owner’s Guide for Taking Care of Your Front Lawn

Every dog owner knows that their yard belongs to their pet just as much as it belongs to them, if not more! The perimeter of your property is where your pooch loves to play the most, so it’s important to keep that space safe and comfortable for him, while still looking tidy and green for you. It’s hard to know the best ways to take care of your front yard when you share it with a four-legged friend; too much attention can take up your time, and not enough care can leave you with an unsightly lawn. So what’s a dog loving homeowner to do? Follow along and we’ll give you a few great tips on how to make your yard work for you and your furry friends.

Pet-Friendly Fertilizers and Pesticides

Fertilizing your lawn and treating your lawn for pests is an important aspect of owning a home, and is beneficial for both you and your pet. However, lots of chemicals are often used in the process of getting your grass to be green and bug-free, and this can be bad news for your dog. It’s no secret that dogs love to eat grass now and then… so imagine how bad it could be if your pup started snacking on a freshly treated lawn. If you must use chemicals to treat your lawn, be sure to keep your pets away for the recommended amount of time, and limit your dog’s exposure to the lawn for a while afterwards. You can also opt for organic, pet-friendly options to help keep both you and your fur babies a little safer.

Mowing and Lawn Edging

It may seem intuitive to mow your lawn often and keep your grass short for your pets to play in, but that’s not always the best choice. Lawns mowed high, and blades of grass kept at about 3″ long tend to be the healthiest. This is because the blades of longer grass tend to have stronger roots, and the shade of the longer grass helps to keep soil moist longer, as it isn’t exposed to the sun. By keeping your grass blades a little bit longer when mowing and lawn edging, you’ll end up with a lusher, greener yard that’s more comfortable for your pet to play in.

Regular Watering

Watering your lawn regularly is also another aspect to creating a dog-friendly front yard. Keeping the soil moist helps to keep blades of grass looking their best, and also at their strongest. When your grass has well-watered, strong and deep roots you won’t have to worry about playing fetch and losing patches of grass nearly as much.

Another reason to keep a water source within reach is well… dog urine. A classic killer of grass, dog urine is notorious for creating unsightly spots on your lawn if left to bake in the sun. If you don’t already have a sprinkler system installed, consider keeping a hose at hand every time your doggy does their business in the front lawn. After they are finished relieving themselves, simply hose the area down to dilute the urine and your grass will continue to look its best!

Inspect Your Flower Beds

There’s danger for your pets lurking in the garden beds, and most homeowners don’t even realize it until they are in the after-hours veterinary emergency room. There are a number of known popular flowers and plants that are hazardous and even deadly to pets, so be sure to know what you have in your garden before you let your pet roam. Hydrangeas, rhododendron and azaleas are among a few of the known popular plants that are toxic to dogs, so check your garden and flower beds to make sure you’re not accidentally creating an unsafe environment for your pet.

Keep Trash Secure

Do you typically keep your trash cans in the front of your home out of habit and convenience? Wherever you keep your trash, be sure to make it safe and secure so your pup can’t try to get into it. Dogs seem to love nothing more than rooting through gross, stinky trash, right? Keep your dog from strewing yesterday’s garbage all over your front yard and be sure to have all of your garbage kept safely out of their way.

Make a Shady Space

After a long walk or on a particularly hot and sunny day, your pooch will really appreciate a shady place to rest and relax in the front lawn. If you don’t already have natural shade from mature trees, consider installing a covered area on your front porch for some relief from the sun. Don’t forget to leave out a water bowl with fresh water; dogs can easily get dehydrated too!

Set up Some Fencing

If there’s one thing that every dog has in common, it’s unpredictability. Even the most obedient, well-trained dog can get a little wily and won’t be able to resist darting across the street to catch the neighbor’s cat, or chase away an offending squirrel. If you have a pup that’s always trying to escape, fencing in your front yard is an excellent option for you. This will help to set up boundaries for your pet, and if done right, can be a cute curb-appeal feature to your home. Setting up a fence is also a great idea for neighborhoods with high foot traffic, and will keep neighborhood kids, bikes and other animals off your grass and out of your property.

Friendly Signs

Sometimes, it’s not your pet that’s the problem… but the pet of a thoughtless neighbor. It’s infuriating when other pet owners don’t clean up after their pet and not only creates a mess for you, but can also ruin the look of your lawn. A gentle, friendly reminder by the way of humorous garden signage can go a long way to helping further set up boundaries and protect your lawn.

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to making your yard a safe and enjoyable space for you and your pets. However, with some visual tweaks and new, simple habits, you and your pup will be able to enjoy a comfortable, safe and beautiful lawn with ease!