10 things you didn't know about dogs

1. Dogs sweat by... their paws and their tongue.

2. Dogs were soldier at war, as early as 650 B.C. They were Assyrian mastiffs dogs, that were used as attack dogs, messengers and guards.

3. The first school for "Seeing Eyes" dogs, was founded in the 1920s, to help the soldiers blinded during the First World War.

4. Dogs have over 220 million scent-detectors in their nose. We, humans, have a mere 5 million in ours. A dog can detect scents at concentrations nearly 100 million times lower than we can, recognizing blood diluted at one dropt to 5 quarts (4.7L) of water.

5. Dogs see in colors. They see the colors green, yellow and orange as yellowish, and they see violet and blue as blue. Blue-green is seen as a gray. Take a look here, to see their color spectrum :

6. Pit-Bull are not as nasty as people think they are. In July of 2010, a Bristol pit-bull was called a hero after he alerted his family to a fire. He even tried to pull the family 3 months old baby and her bassinet out of the house.

7. There is no bad dog. There is only bad dog-owner.

8. It can cost between 500 USD / year to 2 500 USD / year to care for a dog.

9. Not only dogs can have puppies. Sharks have pups too. 

10. Have your dog fixed. An unspayed female dog, her mate and all of their puppies and their puppies' puppies, if none neutered or spayed, add up to, after 6 years : 67 000 puppies.

source :
fact 5 :

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/canine-corner/200810/can-dogs-see-colors.

fact 6 : http://www.wsbt.com/news/local/Red-Cross-Family-dog-tried-to-pull-baby-out-of-burning-home-98024604.html

fact 8 : http://dogs.about.com/od/becomingadogowner/a/costofdogs.htm

fact 10 :

http://spayusa.org/media/pdfs/Dogs_Multiply_Pyramid.pdf

Winter’s coming. Are you ready ?

Jake, our Chocolate Labrador, is loving the snow

Some dogs love snow. They love to jump in it and get excited when it is snowing. Some other dogs don’t really care for it. It’s just inconvenient and comes between them and their walk.

Labrador Retriever, Husky and German Sheppard are dogs that thrive in cold weather. Doberman, Weiramaner and breed of dogs that are considered Toy, or small (Yorkshire Terrier, Lhasa, etc.) are dogs that can be hurt by the cold.

Labradors or any other mixed-breed, with two layers or hair or with long hair (like a Golden Retriever or a Golden-mix) will tolerate the snow AND the cold. Of course, that doesn’t mean your dog can be left alone outside for long period of time.

Yorkshire Terrier
http://www.akc.org/breeds/yorkshire_terrier/index.cfm

For dogs with short hair or that are smaller, they just don’t have the fur necessary to protect them against the cold. They can still play in the snow, but for shorter period of time because they can suffer from frostbite quite easily. If you have one dog that enters in that category, buy a pet winter jacket and if you can (and if your dog tolerate it), buy dog snow shoes.

In both instance, it is important to make sure that you follow these simple rules:

1. Check the weather. There is cold and there is COLD. 
2. If there is a lot of slush and puddles of water half frozen, don’t go out. 
3. Don’t be ashamed of walking with your dog wearing a jacket.
   Be proud because it is the smart thing to do. 
4. Don’t let your dog outside for long period of time. And don’t let your dog outside without supervision. Irresponsible owners let their dogs outside all day while they go to work.
   
   The fifth rule is different from the first four and it is, in my opinion, the most important.
    
5. Before you take a walk with you pooch, make sure you trim the little hair that sticks between its toes. Yes, you read that right. These little hairs are what can be dangerous. When you walk your dog, snow accumulates on its paw, between its toes and form little ice cubes. And, it is these that can be dangerous. Put into the mix sand and/or salt and/or whatever your town/city use to de-ice the street and you end up with something that has a real potential to hurt your dog. He might lick and eat those ice cubes and get sick from it. And let’s not forget the cuts your dog’s paws might suffer from the ice cubes. And whenever you come back from a walk with your, make sure you dry its paws completely and rub some petroleum jelly on the pads, to make sure they don't get too dry and crack.

It is really simple to protect your dog against the cold weather. It is mostly common sense that will keep your dog happy and healthy. Because in the end, isn’t what’s the most important?

Time for some pictures !!!

Here, at the Green Dog Pet Supplies, we hear it often. Antlers ? Really ? Yes, really. Antlers are the best toys for your best friend.
Here are some pictures to prove it.

Jake, a Chocolate Lab, with an antler

Bella, a rescue of doubtful lineage, with an antler

Miam Miam

Jake got this antler more than six month ago

Anywhere is a good place for Bella to chew on her favorite toy

Take a picture of your dog with his antler and send it to us so we can show everybody how much dogs love antlers !

Be Your Dog's Advocate

I often see being an advocate for my dog as being it's spokeperson. I know, there is more to it, but if I can be one, I can definitively become the other. And so should you.

Because dogs (or pets) cannot speak for themselves, it is our responsibility to speak loud and clear for them.

To understand the reasons as to why becoming an advocate is important, we have to go back in time, back when dogs became domesticated by humans.

Dogs have been domesticated for thousand of years. Recent studies using DNA suggested that wolves and dogs split into two different species around 100 000 years ago.

Anubis

The Egyptians considered dogs has symbols of Gods and as domesticated animals. They were not as important as cats, but they were mummified and were often buried with their owners or sometimes, in their own coffins. Dogs even had their own reserved place in the Abydos's cemetery, near the graves of women, archers and dwarfs.

Since those times, the relationship between dogs and humans have flourished and dogs became not only working companionship to humans, but they became friends. In exchange for their friendship and loyalty, dogs are expecting love, respect, food and shelter. And as history was running its course, the relationship between human and dogs evolved in something different, into something that showed us, human, that dogs can be much more than only a hunting companion or a cattle protector . Dogs are serving and helping people in need, offering them comfort and in some case, saving their lives. And as they were helping us, we helped them to. We help them to stay away from certain diseases by bringing them to a veterinarian for their shorts, x-rays, spaying, neutering and various surgeries meant to save them.

When human did domesticated dogs, they took upon them a responsibility that, still to this day, is valid. But some humans have not hold their part the deal. They let their dog without care, without love and without respect. Worse, they have been using them in ways to hurt them, to make them suffer and to let them die. They have been using them for money, not caring about the possible horrible and horrifying outcome.

There are ways to help dogs, to raise awareness. And it all starts with what we teach our children. Teach them to love and respect, not only their pets, but all pets.

• Step in when you see or hear about animal abuse.
• Give your pennies to a rescue association.
• Don't adopt from puppy mills. Save a dog/pet by adopting from a shelter.
• Spay and/or neuter your dog. It can actually save him/her from a breast or a prostate cancer.
• Don't adopt more dogs than what you can care for.
• Expect that your companionship might last for a very long time.
• Bring them to the vet for their annual shots and don't forget to protect them against seasonal diseases.
• Train them. Sit, stay, come, fetch. It might sound futile, but it is a way to channel their energy, to make sure they will be calm and responsive around other people.
• Exercise them.

By speaking for our pets, we give them a voice and a face. We create not only awareness for their cause, but for the abuse they are suffering in the hands of unscrupulous people. We show the next generations that caring for animals is the right thing to do.

I am my dog's advocate. Are you your dog's advocate ?


*ref : http://archaeology.about.com
         http://www.touregypt.net

To Trim Nails or Not To

Of all the monthly expense of dog ownership, nail trimming is one that is mostly overlooked. Too many people don't want to spend money at the vet or at the pet store for it and wait far too long before trying to do it themselves. The results are often traumatizing for the dog and the owner don't want to repeat the experience, repeating the cycle of waiting too long for the nail trimming.

Unlike human nails, dog's nails are a "living" part of their body. Inside the nail, there is a nerve and a vein, the quick, and it grows as the nail grow. Trim the nail too short and it will bleed and, unlike the general belief, it will hurt the dog. The best way to avoid hurting a dog when trimming its nails is to do it, or have somebody do it, on a regular basis.

Nails that are not cut can grow into the skin of the dog and hurt him in ways that are inhumane. Also, a dew claw that is not kept short, not only will it grow into the dog's skin, but there is a possibility that, while the dog is running, it might get stuck in something and rip the dog leg open.

Nails too long.

Also called the "thumb"

The best way to learn how to trim your dog's nails, is to look at how your vet (or somebody that has experience doing it) does it. It is an easy task that will take you, when you are going to be used to do it, five minutes.

Despite all of your efforts, there is some dogs that will absolutely refuse to have their nails trimmed. In these cases, your vet can choose to give your dog a tranquilizer before trimming its nails. Again, it is possible that your dog won't be affected enough by the drug and it will be impossible to trim its nails.

The only solution that is left is actually the healthier for you and your dog. The solution is...to walk. Yes, you read it right. Walk everyday, on a hard surface and your dog's nails will stay short and round.

Should your dog let you cut his nails, there is some things you can do to help him stay relaxed and more malleable.

1. Make sure your dog is not hungry or thirsty.
   
2. Make sure you are in a room without stimulus. The TV, the radio or children running around your him will, or might, keep him on edge.
   
3. Make sure that YOU are relaxed and that you are in control. If you are not, your dog will feel it. You need to be the pack leader and show your dog that he can trust you.
   
4. Close to you, keep some septic powder, just in case you cut a nail too short and make it bleed. If you don't have septic powder, you might want to use cornstarch.
   
5. EXERCICE your dog before you cut his nails (and before any training or event that might disturb him : a party in your home, before you leave him to go to work all day, etc.). He will be relaxed and tamed and will, most likely, let you do what you need to.

In any cases, should you have a hard time trimming your dog's nails or not, don't be scared or afraid of doing the right thing by your him. Nails trimming is a good way to keep your dog happy and the vet away !

*For more information as to how to trim your dog's nails, please visit the ASPCA website. They have detailed instructions.

New Antlers Arrival !!!

Antlers, Antlers, Antlers !

(taken from www.greendogpetsupplies.com)

We just received a new shipment of antlers. Don't miss out !
Here are some pictures of our new products :

Two antlers size Jumbo. We recommend these for dogs over 90 pounds.


Two antlers size X-Large. We recommend these for dogs between 75-90 pounds.
Large size antler. For dogs between 50-75 pounds.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate and send us an email.

Which toy should I buy?

(taken from www.greendogpetsupplies.com September 9th, 2010)

For those owned by a dog, buying a toy can be brain-wracking. What toy to buy? How much money to spend on it? Which one, if broken, is less dangerous? Which one is less toxic? The questions, and choices, are endless.
But for any toys, there are some requirements that we, as owned by dogs, must follow if we want our dog to live long and healthy.

1. Buy a toy that is appropriate for your dog’s size. Don’t buy a Yorkshire terrier’s toy for a Retriever Labrador. What will most likely happen is that the Lab will swallow the toy.
2. Make sure you don’t buy toys that are toxic. Don’t hesitate and read the components of the toys. If there is words you don’t know about, or if you are not certain, do some researches, ask questions.
3. Do not let your dog chew on a toy without supervision. An adult should always supervise play time, should it be with another dog or with a toy.
4. Dispose of any/all toy/s that is/are broken.
5. Train your dog so he will let you to take the toy from his mouth, without him growling/barking/biting you.
6. Don’t believe everything that is written on the toy’s package. Ask questions and make your own opinions.

Even the most indestructible toy can be destroyed by a focused dog.

Here is a toy that is, usually, indestructible. However, Bella destroyed it in less than fifteen minutes.
Elk antlers last a very long time and dogs can chew on them for hours, while you are watching TV and they lie at your feet. They are not toxic because they are a natural resources and they are beneficial to your dog's health.
Make the change. You, and your dog, can only benefit from it!

What better toy for your dog than a natural one?

(taken from www.greendogpetsupplies.com August 31st, 2010)

If you are like me, you want to find the best toy possible for your pet. I have been looking for a natural and durable toy for months when I stumbled upon the perfect toy for my Chocolate Lab. I read an article about Elk antler and it didn’t take long before I bought one. It took Jake, my dog, a few minutes before he warmed up to it. I guess that he was more used to the smell of rubber than he was to a more natural scent. But when he got used to the scent of it, there was no turning back.

I love antlers, mostly because it is a natural solution for a heavy chewer dog, but also because it is a lasting one. One antler can last months (Jake had his for over six months).

What are antlers?

Antlers are odorless, durable and rich in calcium and in glucosamine. They will not crack or chip and they are a great alternative for dogs with allergies or intolerance.

Since elk shed their antlers once a year, there is no harm done to the animals when the antlers are harvested, contrary to pig’s hooves or raw hides (which, by the way, are not recommended for your dog).

The reasons why elk antlers are so good for your dog’s health, is because it is different from any other horned animal. A rhinoceros horn is made out from keratin (like fingernails) and it does not shed. The horn only grows up to a certain length. An antler, or the other hand, needs proteins and minerals to grow. Each year, the elk will shed its antlers only to grow bigger ones. A pair of antlers of a five years old animal can weigh up to, approximately, 40 pounds.

A little bit of history

Antlers have been harvested for thousands of years for Chinese medicine.  Its proprieties are renowned and you can even buy elk velvet antlers as caplet for human consumption to help with arthritis pain.

The cycle of an antler

There are two types of antlers available. There is the Elk velvet antler, and the Elk antler. An Elk velvet antler is harvested during the spring season, before it has started to calcify. It is called “velvet” because it has a slight “duvet” on it. It is harvested in an elk farm, in a humanitarian and sanitarian way. If not harvested, the antlers will lose its duvet and will calcify until its shed naturally and become the Elk antler.

  

Velvet antler. The “duvet” is still visible.            Calcified antler.

What it does

For the human, international studies have shown that it can reduce inflammation, it can influence body metabolism, support immune function, protect damaged tissues and improve blood, liver and kidney function.

For your pets, it also has shown great benefits, such has: regenerative effects on joint cartilage and joint fluid, positive effect on the immune system.  It is also good and effective for your dog’s dental health and since it is made out of bone, it will not splinter or crack whiles your dog chew on it.

Even though the benefits speaks for themselves, the reason why I will continue to promote elk antlers is because it is the only toy I can trust with my dog if I have to leave him alone at home. He will not tear a piece of it and swallow it nor will I find a broken expensive toy when I’ll be back.

References:

www.greendogpetsupplies.com

http://www.naelk.org/epb/index.cfm

http://www.naelk.org/epb/index.cfm?URLmap=5&articleID=194

Welcome to the Green Dog pet supplies !

Welcome to the Green Dog pet supplies ! We are an online business that is offering the best toy for your best friend ! Stay tuned for articles, news and pictures about dogs. On this blog, you will learn about the human-dog relationship and dog psychology, health and products review.

Don't hesitate to send us an email should you have any questions or comments to contact@greendogpetsupplies.com and visit us online !
www.greendogpetsupplies.com