Category: Blog

When is it too Cold?

Winter is here folks! Playing outside this season with Fido can be great fun. I love taking my pack out trail running and playing in the occasional snow. My husband and I were discussing how long should we leave our dogs outside in the yard, and it got me to thinking about when is it too cold? Can my German Shepherd stay out longer than my Border Collie? What are some warning signs, and what are some ways that I can keep them warm when the temperature drops below freezing. I did a little reading and found some practical advice, and warning signs.

Warning signs that your dog is too cold-
1) Barking or a yelping: If your dog suddenly starts to ‘talk’ to you, and looking you dead in the eye’s, he might be trying to tell you he is in discomfort.
2) Anxiety: When many dogs get too cold, they will begin acting anxious or fearful. He may try to climb up your leg to be held, or may turn around and head home. This type of anxiety may turn into whining and barking.
3) Shivering: An obvious sign that he is cold.

Who is Vulnerable?
Generally breeds that are from northern, colder climates (Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, Samoyed) are going to have fewer problems with cold weather. Dogs that are not used to cooler temperatures may not tolerate the cold even if they have heavier coats. For example, a Siberian Husky from Florida, may be uncomfortable in cold weather because he is not accustomed to it.

As a general rule, dogs with shorter coats (and no undercoat) will not cope well with frigid temperatures. Short-legged or toy breed dogs who have to wade or jump through deep snow will get cold and tired quickly. Puppies, elderly dogs, and dogs with health problems have an increased risk of getting hypothermia.

Healthy dogs are more able to tolerate cold temperatures than those dealing with health issues. If your dog hasn’t had a check-up recently, or if he’s not doing as well this winter as he has in years past, take him in to visit his Veterinarian. Heart disease, kidney disease, and diabetes can all interfere with the dog’s ability to maintain his body temperature.

Stay Safe
If it’s cold outside and the wind is blowing, stay outside with your dog, supervising, and bring him in after he’s relieved himself. Don’t leave your dog outside if you can avoid it.
If you must leave him outside, do so only if he is healthy and has a well-insulated shelter with bedding that you know your dog will use. Don’t assume he will; many dogs will not.

Dogs who spend any time at all outside also need water that won’t freeze. There are excellent heaters available; check your local pet store. A high fat food will also help him deal with low temperatures because fat is an easily metabolized source of energy.

If you and your dog go for walks in cold winter weather, think about dog boots and a jacket. If you walk near roads that are treated with de-icers, clean his paws with a warm washcloth when you get home. Salt and chemical de-icers can cause problems if he licks his paws clean. If his paws seem to stay damp, a dash of unscented baby powder can help dry them.

You may find your dog wants to play when outside in the cold, especially if there’s some fresh snow on the ground. Dashing back and forth in the snow is fun as long as the snow doesn’t have a crust on it. This can cut your dog’s pads or legs.

Keeping your dog warm
There are a few tried and true ways to keep your pets warm while inside your home (besides upping the thermometer).

1) Blankets- Small dogs especially love to make nests and burrow in blankets (although my 70lb labrador joins in). Leave a few extra blankets on your couch, bed, and pet beds so your pooch can hunker down when he feels a little chilly.
2) Clothes-Dressing your pet sometimes gets a bad rap, but clothes really can serve a great purpose–to keep him warm! If you’ve got a cold companion, don’t be afraid to experiment with different apparel.
3) Pet Beds- A bed that gets your pet up off the floor can do wonders for keeping him warm (heat rises!). For extra warmth, look for beds that have fleece lining or simply add a fleece blanket. If you have a senior or arthritic pet, look into getting a heated pet bed.

In general, if it is less than 40 degrees outside, leaving your furry friend outside for a prolonged period of time can be harmful. Know what is normal for your Fido to keep him safe in frigid temperatures. Now get out there, and have some winter FUN!

For being a loyal customer, Poo Doo Leash is giving 10% off this month with the coupon code “winter†at checkout. Our Christmas drawing for a great prize from my new design line “State Paws†is December 12th. Have a wonderful holiday season!

Are you and your pet ready?

Hurricane Matthew recently wreaked havoc along the East Coast killing over 43 people and millions of farm animals in North Carolina. Although we are land locked in Nashville Tennessee, we experienced a natural disaster in 2010 with the 500 year flood wiping out downtown Nashville and many neighborhoods. Twenty six people died during that flood and over 11,000 properties were destroyed. With the recent national disasters, many people lost everything including their pets. Are you and your pet prepared should you have to leave quickly? Are you prepared to “bug out� Do you have a survival plan and supplies in place should you have to stay in your current environment?

Most people would answer “no†to the questions above. Despite my military experience, my emergency medical management experience, and my years of living in areas with national disasters, I have fallen short on a “bug out†plan for my family and my fur baby…until recently! If you haven’t heard the term “bugging out†before, it simply means leaving your current location to a safer environment.

In order to be “a little prepared†I have listed a few things you should have in your arsenal to last just a few days! Some of these are common sense but you would be surprised at how many people do not have basic supplies. An experienced survivalist would laugh at this list….but let’s face it most of us are city folk. The survivalist staff at ReadyNetwork.com/poodoo can help you with all of your gear or survival questions you may have.

Here are a few items needed for your furry friend:

Pet Emergency Kit-
A) Food and water for a week. Remember to pack your portable Poo Doo water bowl and new Poo Doo portable zipper closed food bowl to be released next month.

B) Medications/bandages—pack Neosporin, ace bandages, silk tape, alcohol pads, and your dogs home medications. Remember many medications given to humans can be given to dogs. They are based on body weight. Some of these OTC medications include benadryl, buffered aspirin, Dramamine, hydrogen peroxide, Immodium AD, Kaopectate, mineral oil, Pepto Bismol, and Robitussin DM. Please make sure you verify with your Veterinarian that these meds are safe for your dog!

C) Medical records to include shots, proof of ownership, and rabies vaccine verification.

Leash and Collar
Of course Poo Doo Leash can supply functional and fashionable leashes for you! Make sure you have tags with name and phone number listed. Many leash companies can embroider on your dog’s collar important information. Poo Doo leash can do this on special request. Microchipping is important. Please update your personal information on the microchip should you move or change phone numbers!

Dog “bug out bagâ€
If you have a large breed, a dog pack can be loaded for your pooch to carry their food, water, emergency kit. Poo Doo Leash will have these in the near future! Our current harnesses are being reconfigured to have removable packs!

Now that we have reviewed what is needed for your pooch, let’s talk about what is needed for you and your family! If you were caught in a situation where you needed to provide your family with every basic need within hours…would you be able to? Poo Doo Leash has teamed up with Ready Network to help spread the word about an awesome bug out bag they just brought to the market. There are so many items in this back pack that I can’t list in this brief newsletter!

Go check out readynetwork.com/poodoo for all your camping and survival needs! Poo Doo Leash will have additional pet survival/pet camping products coming soon to Poodooleash.com.

For being a loyal customer, Poo Doo Leash is giving 10% off this month with the coupon code “survival†at checkout. Next month we will be having our Christmas drawing for a great prize from my new design line “State Pawsâ€. Have a wonderful fall season!

In The Kitchen With Poo Doo
As dog owners, it is only natural to want to spoil our pups as much as possible. Most know that there is no better way to show your dog some love than the almighty TREAT! After blowing through bag after bag of expensive dog treats from the pet store, only to find out they were toxic and not made in the good ole U.S.A., I started making my own at home. Not only is it much more cost effective, but you can make extra to freeze and always have on hand. I have listed some of my favorites recipes below. If you are too busy to make your own treats (me most of the time), our friends at Spoil Me ‘Smo have amazing and tasty dog treats at www.spoilmesmo.com with no preservatives. They cater to the dog with allergies and take pride in their products. One of their awesome recipes are listed below!

Sweet Potato and Zucchini Chews
A healthy homemade dog treat using dehydrated sweet potatoes and zucchini.
Ingredients
1 sweet potato, thinly sliced lengthwise (about â…› inch in thickness)
1 zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise (about â…› inch in thickness)
Instructions
-Set your vegetable slices on trays of your dehydrator. If you don’t have a dehydrator, you can do in the oven on 200 degrees for a few hours depending on your oven (check consistency after an hour).
-Using your manufacturer’s setting for vegetables cook for 2-4 hours checking for desired consistency. You want them to be chewy and leathery not limp or crunchy.

-Store in a ziplock back in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Peanut Butter Clusters
Ingredients
2 cups whole wheat flour
1 cup old-fashioned oats (not instant)
1 1/4 cup hot water
1/3 cup creamy peanut butter

Instructions
-Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
-Combine flour and oats in large bowl and mix. Make a well in the middle of the mixture and add hot water and peanut butter. Mix until mixture forms a ball of dough.
-Turn dough out onto a floured surface. Roll out into a circle, with dough being about 1/2″ thick. Cut out with cutters.
-Place cut out treats on a cookie sheet sprayed with non-stick spray. You can place them fairly close together since they do not spread during baking.
-Bake for 30 minutes for crispy treats (a little less for softer ones).
-Let cool completely. Store in airtight container. Freeze after two days (I end up freezing most of mine since the recipe makes so many).

These are a little messy but the dogs love them!

Last month, we gave you some tips on how to keep you and Fido safe on your upcoming summer road trips. Now that the sun is out, and the temperatures are rising, it is time to get outside and take advantage of the beautiful weather. Whether you are a transplant or a local, it is undeniable that the tri -state area has some of the most beautiful hikes in the country. With so many parks to choose from, sometimes it can become tricky to know which ones are pet friendly. Also, consider if your pooch pal is physically able to make the hike. Dogs who are older, are obese, or are not in optimal shape, may not be able to safely make a hike. If you are not sure if your pet is healthy enough for strenuous activity, check with your veterinarian for an expert opinion. Even when given the green light, it’s best to start slowly and gradually work up to longer and more strenuous hikes.

OVERNIGHTERS

Land Between the Lakes/Prizer Point Marina- TN/KY

Land Between the lakes has many pet friendly campgrounds. Although most of them do enforce leash laws, they do allow pets on site. If you’re looking for a top-notch pet friendly experience, visit the folks at Prizer Point Marina & Resort. Located just a short distance from the park, the resort sits on 101 acres and is surrounded on three sides by Lake Barkley – you won’t find a spot without a view. The resort has an off-leash area for the dogs and a spot where pooches are allowed to swim, as well as, lots of activities to keep the kids busy!

Cades Cove
If you have never spent a weekend trip at Cades Cove, then you are missing the GEM of Tennessee. Located in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, it is one of the most visited campgrounds in America. That being said, it is extremely crowded, but completely worth it. Dogs are allowed at Cades Cove Group Campground, but they must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet when outside your vehicle. Both the original, and the hands free Poo Doo leashes comply with this rule. Make sure and call a year ahead of time to reserve your spot in the park. Most think of Cades Cove as a fall destination, due to the awe inspiring foliage. It has just as much to offer in the summer months- from hiking trails to waterfalls. There are more creeks/trails in a 5 mile radius to explore that could ever be listed here.

Day Hikes
It can be tough to find backpack camping grounds (non RV or KOA) that will openly allow pets due to the liability. Rest assured though, there are PLENTY of beautiful day hikes that you and your pooch can enjoy on a hot summer day!

Although you can’t overnight at any listed below, they have been a staple in my Saturday adventures over the years. It is always a must to bring along your Poo Doo hands free leash, Poo Doo collapsible water bowl, and plenty of water for you and your dog. A good rule of thumb is to always offer your dog fresh water each time you take a water break. With the sweltering temperatures in Tennessee, it is imperative you and your pet stay hydrated. Be mindful of their paws as well. Hot asphalt and hot rocks can burn the pads of their paws. Try to park in shaded areas and walk them in the grass when having to park on asphalt.

Cummins Falls State Park

It has become increasingly more crowded over the years, remember to “be a good boy†and always clean up after your pet and respect others who are enjoying the space. I usually try to go to Burgess on off days when it isn’t so crowded.

There are some fantastic trails all leading away from the main falls and creeks that you and your dog can play in!

Burgess Falls State Park
This could be one of my favorite day hikes in Tennessee. It is easily accessible, so if you have an older pooch or one that suffers from hip dysplasia this would be an optimal choice. I haven’t found it to be as crowded as Burgess, but again its beauty is catching on to the masses. It takes only about .3 miles to get to the main fall. The falls empty into a swimming hole that has a dirt slope (as opposed to a rocky bed) into the water making accessibility easy. It is the perfect depth for your dog to play in. Please remember to ALWAYS swim with your dog when near a natural fall. You don’t want your dog to swim too far out, and get caught under the falling water.

Harpeth River State Park
This is a wonderful stop if you are in a time crunch. Located about an hour and fifteen minutes from Nashville towards Memphis. The Narrows are easily accessible and have a small watering hole to cool off in that is perfect for some stick fetching. If you have a kayak it also offers drop in spots if you’re looking for easy afternoon float. This is also a great spot to teach a puppy how to swim due to the shallow warm water. Make sure you always pack a life vest for your pup unless you are 100% confident in their swimming capabilities.

Natchez Trace Parkway
Lets not forget about the Natchez Trace Parkway that offer several trail options! Keep in mind many of these are horse trails as well. They have free printable maps available online www.natcheztracetravel.com for your day hikes or overnight trips.

No dog lover would ever dream of leaving their four legged friend at home while exploring the great outdoors. Just be super mindful of your pet, and their capabilities. When you are hot, remember they’re wearing a fur coat. When you see rugged terrain, remember they don’t have shoes on to protect their paws from sharp rock or thorns. When your dog is having fun, chances are they are not going to interrupt it for anything! Make sure that both you and your dog rest, eat protein rich snacks, stay super hydrated, and stay aware of your own physical capabilities.

Now go take a hike! This month’s special is 10% off with coupon code “hike”.

With more and more pets accompanying us on road trips and vacations it is important to heed the same safety measures that one would if riding with a child. We have compiled a helpful list to help you and Fido have happy tails.

Dr. Ernie Ward a veterinarian, lecturer, and author gave some of his own tips for traveling with pets. Since many pets experience nausea, anxiety, and stress when riding in cars, both natural remedies and over the counter medications are available for your pooch. Here are several recommendations:

Dramamine or Meclizine
A 20 pound dog should be given about 50-mg an hour before travel.

Benadryl
Helps many stressed pets. Small dogs and cats should receive 12.5 mg every 4 to 8 hours and larger dogs should be started at 25 mg.

Cerenia
1 dose lasts 24 hours.

Curing Pills
A Chinese herb found at high-quality health stores. A medium dog would take about ¼ vial mixed in warm water every three to four hours.

Lavender Oil
Try a few drops on a cloth in the car or crate.

Melatonin
May help some dogs and cats with travel anxiety.

Dog Appeasing Pheromone (DAP)
A calming pheromone derived from a compound secreted in mother’s milk to relax nursing pups.

Pet Restraints
Nearly 60% of dog owners have driven while distracted by their pets as passengers, according to a new survey by auto club AAA. Only 17% — about one in six — ever use animal restraints, which can prevent pets from being a distraction and protect them and other occupants in a crash, the survey finds. Arizona, Connecticut, Maine, Hawaii, New Jersey and Rhode Island all have pet restraint laws.

In crashes, unrestrained dogs pose an unintended threat to the driver and other passengers, says Jennifer Huebner-Davidson, manager of traffic safety programs at AAA.
She says an unrestrained 10-pound dog in a crash at 50 mph will exert 500 pounds of force on whatever it strikes; an 80-pound dog in a crash at just 30 mph will exert about 2,400 pounds, she says. Unrestrained dogs also can prove distracting by climbing onto the driver’s lap, interfering with the ability to steer or crawling onto the foot pedals.

Canine Seat Belt Systems-For large or small dogs, one of the safest ways to secure them inside a car is with a canine seat belt system.

Pet Car Seats-Pet car seats, similar to those used for children, are a viable option for use with smaller dogs.

Safety Barriers-Vehicle pet barriers are a great way to minimize distraction while you’re driving, keeping you and your pets safe. Most auto pet barriers are adjustable and designed to fit in a variety of vehicles while many are made specifically for hatch back cars, SUVs and mini vans.

Pet Carriers-Pet carriers are an ideal option for traveling with cats and small dogs because they act not only as a form of protection, but also can provide a reassuring space for the pet within the vehicle.

Pet Crates-Should you desire the enclosed protection of a pet carrier for your larger dog, a crate may be the most suitable selection.

Pet “Hammocksâ€- Buy a dog hammock for car and convert your back-seat into a comfortable travel area for your pet, while protecting the seat fabric from the dog smell and dirt. If you are a Do It Yourselfer there are tons of websites, such as Pinterest, teaching you how to make these at home.

Additional tips:
Websites such petswelcome.com show dog friendly lodging and restaurants along your route.

Avoid car sickness by letting your dog travel on an empty stomach. However, make sure they have their collapsible water bowl with water accessible at all times. Poo Doo Leash has great portable water bowls!

Stop frequently for exercise and potty breaks. Be sure to take your Poo Doo leash to clean up after your dog.

Keep the car well-ventilated; if the dog is in a crate, make sure that fresh air can flow into the crate.

Take your dog on a long walk before your trip and after you reach your destination.

Never, ever leave your dog unattended in a closed vehicle, particularly in the summer.

Keep a travel bag with your dog’s medications, toys, chewies, extra food and medical records.

Impromptu swims, rain or unplanned romps in mud puddles could happen! Bring a couple of old towels along for the ride.

Poo Doo Leash wishes you a happy and safe spring break with your fur babies!

Poo Doo Leash March special 10% off with coupon code: doo

Fad diets are something that Americans are highly familiar with. Everyone is desperate for that “secret†that will make them look younger, feel better, and stay more lean. What about when it comes to our beloved four legged friends?

Recently, there have been more and more talks within the canine community about raw dog food diets. The theory is that wild canids would eat a diet mainly consisting of raw meat and bones, so people should try and mimic this diet when feeding their pets Yet, with all of the physiological differences between our pets and wild canids, can we be certain that what a wild canid eats is an ideal diet for Rover. Is a healthy nod to our pups predatory ancestors or is this another dangerous fad?

Raw diets usually consist of muscle meat, often still on the bone, bones, either whole or ground, organ meats such as livers and kidneys, raw eggs, vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and celery, apples or other fruit and some dairy, such as yogurt.

Here is a look at some of the benefits and risks of a raw diet:

The Benefits

• Processed foods often have added preservatives that enhance product shelf life. Food that has been freshly prepared and has not been processed or had preservatives added is commonly considered a healthier choice. Commercial raw diets are usually frozen, which means they don’t require added preservatives
• Raw diets can be prepared to avoid foods that your dog is allergic to and can be made to meet your dog’s specific nutrient requirements. The high water content present in raw food may allow you to feed more while still keeping the calories low for the pups that maybe slightly overweight.
• The bones that are part of the raw diet are anecdotally considered to be good for dental hygiene, which can be good for overall health Some enthusiast often argue Feeding a raw diet may provide your dog with a natural outlet for her chewing tendencies; this may help to improve her overall behavior
• J. Freeman, a nutrition professor at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, says that many of the benefits attributed to a raw food diet for dogs, such as a shinier coat, instead are the result of the high fat composition of the typical raw diet. High-fat commercial foods that would produce the same effect are available, she notes, without the risk of an unbalanced diet
• Higher energy levels
• Smaller stools

The Risks

• According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) raw diets have been found to contain Salmonella, Campylobacter, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium botulinium, and Staphylococcus aureus, all of which are known human and canine pathogens. These bacteria are shed in dog stools and may be transferred to carpets and furniture as the dog moves around the house. These pathogens usually only pose a serious human risk to the immuno-compromised, the elderly, and young children; however, this is a very important consideration if you are feeding a raw diet and have people in these risk groups living in your home.

In addition, there is a potential risk to dogs from certain pathogens found in raw foods, such as Neospora caninum, found in raw beef, Nanophyetus salmincola, found in raw salmon, and Trichinella spiralis, which is found in raw pork and wild game such as deer, elk, and moose. All of these pathogens can make your dog sick and are potentially fatal.

• Feeding bones can cause choking, intestinal blockage or perforations, and chipped or broken teeth
• Bone may get stuck in intestines as well as cause constipation. Bone is very sharp and they scrape the inside of the large intestine or rectum as they move along. This causes severe pain and may require a visit to your veterinarian.
• Peritonitis is a nasty, difficult-to-treat bacterial infection of the abdomen is caused when bone fragments poke holes in your dog’s stomach or intestines. Your dog needs an emergency visit to your veterinarian as peritonitis can kill your dog.
• Feeding raw food is expensive and time consuming. The preparation of balanced meals for your dog every day can be a challenge to fit into a busy lifestyle

According to Christie Keith ,who is raw diet enthusiast and writer for Bark magazine, you can jump from generic grocery store kibble to whole prey carcass in one step, but hardly anyone does, or will. Many of us started out slowly, adding fresh foods to commercial foods, improving the commercial foods we used or switching to cooked homemade diets, before we started really experimenting with diets based on carcasses and bones and hunks of meat.

The process does matter, because it’s by going through their own process at their own pace that people become invested in preparing their dog’s food themselves. It’s a way for them to build confidence in their ability to feed their pet, and to find ways to make it work with their lifestyle and financial constraints. If they are by nature someone who goes whole hog with new ideas, there is nothing wrong with making the big leap—but there is also nothing wrong with crawling before you walk and walking before you run.

We’re well into the 21st century folks, and smartphone apps aren’t just for humans anymore. In fact, there are dozens of dog and pet apps out to help you manage your job as a devoted dog parent. Need to talk to a vet or trainer after business hours? Searching for pet sitters or someone to walk Fido while you are on vacation? Have some time to kill while your waiting in line for lunch? Well there is an app for that–The Poo Doo crew compiled a list of our favorite useful to down right silly apps for your Android and iOS devices.

1. Pet First Aid App

The American Red Cross Pet First Aid app gives you vet advice in case of emergencies right at your fingertips. It’s easy to use and has a ton of features, step-by-step advice, videos, interactive quizzes and more. And it comes highly rated by consumers, animal organizations and news outlets. This is a great app for any pet owner to have on hand.

Features
1. Easily toggle between dog and cat content.
2. Emergency tools include a vet hospital locator, and contact your vet with an early warning signs checker.
3. Pet first aid step-by-step tips for more than 25 common pet ailments, including “how to†videos.
4. Advice on how to administer medication and behavioral help.
5. Create multiple pet profiles and store all your vet records so they’re in the palm of your hand at all times.
6. Set vet appointments and reminders.
….. best feature….it is free!

2. Wag!: The Mobile Dog Walking App

Enables dog owners to book dog walks instantly or on a recurring basis, as well as monitor the dog walker via GPS. While your dog is out walking, you get live tracking of where the dog walker is taking your dog. Then when the walk is finished you get a full report of how long the walk lasted, how many miles they walked, pee and poop notification, notes from the walk along with picture or video. You can even then rate your dog walker!

3. Eukanuba’s Off Leash-

Use your current location to show the five nearest off-leash dog parks closest to you. The app’s list of dog parks still isn’t comprehensive, and you still only get a list — no descriptions or reviews of the parks are provided. However, it’s still free, and with funding from Eukanuba behind it, it has a good chance of becoming an even more useful resource than it currently is. Make sure and send in the names of dog parks you know about to increase the list!

4. BarkBuddy

Move over, Tinder, and make way for Barkbuddy, this free app aims to pair humans with their perfect pet. After registering, you complete a survey that tells the app your preferences in a companion animal (size, age, gender, etc). Barkbuddy then generates a list of matches located in shelters near you. Swipe right for animals you love, and swipe left to pass. Each animal’s profile has the contact information of the shelter at which they are located, making it easy to meet your new best friend!

5. ResQwalk

Even if your pack is already complete you can still help animals in need of loving homes. With ResQwalk, you can raise money for animal rescues and shelters when you and your pups are out for a stroll. Each week, the app announces a donation pool. To earn money for your favorite rescue, turn on the app’s GPS while you and Fido are out for your daily walk. At the end of the week, ResQwalk pays out donations to various rescues in proportion to the total distance covered that week. Not only will you help saves animal’s lives, but you’ll get a little exercise! Now that’s a WIN WIN!

6. PooPee Puppy

PooPee Puppy is another free (the Poo Doo crew loves free!) app that lets you track when your puppy goes to the bathroom. PooPee Puppy’s main screen has three buttons: Poo, Pee, and Oops. Whenever your puppy does his business, just tap the correct button and the app will automatically log it for you. The puppy progress log that lets you scroll through his various movements and see his success rate for the previous week. The app also has a couple of other features, including “automatic alarms,†which are set whenever you log one of your puppy’s movements. These alarms let you see your puppy’s schedule, so you can try to take him out around the same times each day.

7. Fetch Training

Alrighty, now that Rover has been potty trained thanks to PooPee Puppy its time to tackle obedience. Training a dog has requires the owners to fix behavioral issues such as destructive chewing, excessive barking, and aggression. Also training includes teaching your dog tricks, such as how to sit, stay, and speak. Fetch Training is an easy-to-navigate Android app that tackles both of these angles. Fetch Training features 27 articles broken down into three categories: Behavior, Training, and Tricks. This is a great app for a beginner dog owner because it only offers a select few basic commands. Each category has nine articles, the first two of which are free, and the last seven of which can be purchased for $0.99 (you can also unlock all articles for $1.50). This is nothing compared to what you would be spending buying those new shoes after Rover has a field day in your closet. Leather tastes delicious, right?

8. Pro Plan P5 Dog Training App

Purina put this app together and it is one of my families favorites. It’s training techniques are a bit more advanced so it is perfect to use after you have laid some initial ground work with your pup. This app is also free with many photos and videos. You track your puppy’s achievements in training categories, including obedience, agility, and flying disc. Each category takes you to a list of tricks. Tap on a trick, such as “sit†under obedience, or “basic water retrieval†under diving dog, and you’ll see comprehensive instructions on how to train your dog to do that trick, complete with photos and a video. I also can post my fur babies victories straight to Facebook from the app!
These are just a few of the new apps out right now. If you have one you would like to add or brag about, please let the Poo Doo Crew know and we will gladly add!
If you would like to be added to our Newsletter for monthly tips and discounts please email us as [email protected]

Donate? I get so many requests to donate but can’t give to all. Which charities are really putting my  funds to the best use?  There has been some speculation over the past few years regarding how much money directly goes to the cause of charities rather than administrative costs. We are going to dive into this topic regarding dog rescue charities.  We love our dog rescue charities as our Chief Barking Officer, Reecie, is a rescue as well as my other fido Junior!

Charities are regulated as not for profit organizations. Designation as a “nonprofit or not for profit group does not mean that the organization does not intend to make a profit, but rather that the organization has no ‘owners’ and that the funds obtained in the operation of the organization will not be used to benefit any owners. The extent to which the organization can generate surplus revenues may be constrained or use of surplus revenues may be restricted.â€

Upon review of various charities we found several groups that give excellence awards to charities based on strict requirements. The Independent Charities of America  Seal of Excellence is a sought after award that only 2,500 charities operating in the United States have earned. This award requires charities to have at least 50% of their board members as volunteers. Also, if they boast revenues of $250,000 or more they must be audited by an independent CPA.

There are so many charities to review so we are spotlighting one of the most recognizable animal charities, the Humane Society. We are highlighting this organization for several reasons. One of the most important reasons is we adopted our dog Junior from the Humane Society and were greeted with awesome customer service!  We were also impressed by the transparency of their organization. After reading the 2014 annual report, we learned 3% ($5,741,771) of their funding is allocated for managerial/admin support. The remaining 97% is allocated to animal protection programs (82%) and fundraising efforts (15%). Another reason we like the organization is the detailed breakdown of their efforts, from legislation to campaigns to vital statistics.

If you are curious about a charity, take some time to research the organization. There are several resources available such as www.animalcharityevaluators.org or www.animalcharitiesofamerica.org, to name a couple. We encourage you to find a charity you are passionate about and believe in. Poo Doo Leash would like to thank those who volunteer their time and those who donate to animal charities. When you purchase your next pet, please remember to adopt not shop. There are plenty of beautiful loving animals you can adopt at your local humane society or dog rescue.

Dogs have always been a man’s best friend, but service, emotional, and therapy dogs provide amazing services to assist owners with special needs. These dogs are specially trained to assist their owners with disabilities of all types.

Service dogs help by performing a function for a person that is limited by a disability.  Types of service dogs include the following: Guide Dog, Hearing Dog, Mobility dog, Medical Alert Dog, and the Psychiatric Service dog. http://dogcapes.com/trainers.html gives a list of Service dog training sites by state.

Emotional support dogs helps people with emotional problems by proving support. These dogs help their owners with comfort and alleviating their emotional stresses. These dogs are known for the abilities to assist with anxiety, depression, mood disorders, panic attacks, and many other psychological conditions. The Fair Housing Amendment and Air Carrier Access Act protects emotional support dogs. These dogs are basically household pets, and as such require no special training, certification or registration. However, the designation of emotional support dog is only applicable to dogs which have been prescribed by a licensed mental health professional. The mental health professional must document the need for their client to have an emotional support dog, which is typically done in the form of a letter.

The third type of trained dogs are therapy dogs. These trained dogs provide comfort, affection, and support for those in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, hospices, and many other areas. These dogs visit all types of healthcare facilities including veteran, psychiatric, and children hospitals. Recently, they have being used to calm pre surgery anxiety as well as assist patients with depression. These dogs work with their owners to improve the lives of other people. The AKC gives a comprehensive list of Therapy dog sites close to your region.

If you are thinking about training your dog, there are steps you need to take ensure proper registration. The first thing is training your dog to perform specific duties. The training can be complete by you or a professional. Most training takes six months to a year or over 120 hours to properly train a dog. To ensure the law covers you, it is a great idea to have your dog pass a public access test. It appears from our research that this test is checklist that you should ensure your dog can do. Also, you should record your dog taking and passing the exam for legalities.

After training, you will want to register your dog with the Official Service Dog Registry. Now that you have trained and registered either your service dog, therapy dog or emotional support dog, you need to know how you are covered in day-to-day life.  Federal law prohibits any discrimination against breed, size, age, or training level of any of these dogs. Not all types of trained dogs are covered in hotels and airlines or allow you to travel with your dog. It is good practice to call 48 hours ahead to inform them of your traveling companion. Always travel with ID and registration, in the event that an establishment were to ask for paperwork. Please note, it is illegal for someone to ask for paperwork and ID, but it saves you time.

This week we are diving into the chemistry behind your dogs’ poo! Now, you may be snickering
a little, but this is a very serious topic. Fido’s poop tells us if he is getting enough water, nutrients, and overall healthy. A veterinarian should examine your pups’ stool on an annual basis. They have the expertise and technology to discover parasites and other ailments before the naked eye can.

Now that you understand the importance of monitoring their poo, let’s look into what we should be on the lookout for.

Hazardous Colors:

Dark Green: Most likely you pup has been eating of a lot grass, be on the lookout for any
parasites.

Black: Indicated there is some form of bleeding. The stool turns black when the red blood is
digested.

Red Stools: Indicates there is fresh blood which can result from intense straining while passing. If this is paired with vomiting and a distinctive odor, it could be a parvo virus.

Green/Yellow: This gives warning signs that something is wrong with their liver. Please consult a vet right away.

Polka Dot: If you see white polka dot looking patterns, this is a sign of worms. There are
several treatments available.

Frequency

As owners, we should be looking at their stools to ensure we know what is “should†look like. This is important as it gives you a baseline to compare to. If you pup has one stool that is off, take note, but do not rush them to the vet. Instead, keep monitoring for consistency among the stools and if they show flags of distress, seek medical attention. Also, most dogs should pass stool 1-2 times a day and sometimes up to 4. Be on the lookout if there is a sudden decrease or they stop completely.

Food

If you are feeding your dog commercial dog food, you may notice their stools are large in size. This is due to the manufactures using “fillers†in their food. Just like us, this fills their stomachs up based on volume, not nutrients. Feeding your dog commercial dog food could be equivalent to feeding yourself daily McDonalds! When you start feeding your Fido a healthy diet, his stool size will lessen as he is absorbing more nutrients. You can compare your dog food with this handy dog food comparison chart on http://www.lifesabundance.com. I am not a sales rep for this company but I have noticed a big difference in the amount of stool my dog produces (very little) and how awesome my dog’s coat looks with this food. Although Poo Doo Leash can’t control how much your dog poo’s, we have a couple of products that will help you take care of number 2! Check out this overview of one of our great leashes; stop carrying number 2!