Dog Owners should know the value of a dog leash.   A dog leash is a great way to protect your pet from the dangers the outside world can hold.

Regardless of what breed of dog you own, an unsupervised pet can get in trouble.  Most pet owners treat their pets like children, and just like a young child should not be outside without boundaries, neither should a dog.

There are so many distractions outside that could cause a dog to wonder off.  The sound of diesel engines, especially delivery trucks and motorcycles cause a reaction.  They not only continually bark, but many time chases after the vehicle.  This is dangerous to the driver and also having your pet in the street is another danger.

Other distractions are wildlife.  Birds, squirrels, rabbits and deer can make any well trained dog forget their manners and take off.  By the time you look outside to check on your dog, they might be too far away to hear you.  When they return many times they have rolled in something, smell quite bad and can acquire ticks as well.   On trash pickup days, on the dog’s way home, they might stop and dig in a garbage can or two

Letting your dog wander the neighborhood can irritate your neighbors, especially if your dog decides to poop on their lawn or dig on their property.  Young children can also be afraid if they are on bikes or running and yelling and a dog decides to bark or chase them.    The dog might be playing, but young children might not realize this and can get hurt in their attempt to run away from the dog

Even if your dog is not aggressive, a stranger might approach the pet to read a dog tag or a young child sees a cute dog and hugs the dog and the dog nips or bites.  This is a devastating situation for everyone: the injured, the owner and the confused dog.  The pet owner is responsible.

A fenced is yard is a secure place for dogs to run leash free.   For pet owners who have limited space or just don’t have a fence, go to a Dog Park.   Dog Parks are a perfect place for dogs to play and socialize with other dogs and exercise in a fenced in area. Dog Parks are popping up in most townships.   To locate a Dog Park in your area, contact your municipality or ask your veterinarian.

Taking care of your pet is a large responsibility.   Dogs must be supervised at all times to keep them safe.   A dog on a leash is a simple solution to keep your dog out of harm’s way

Dog Leashes come in many styles to best suit the dog and the dog owner.  There are 4 foot leashes that are great for city dogs; hands free dog leashes are great for exercising along with your dog, couplers for walking multiple dogs; retractable leashes offer flexibility; and the basic 6 foot leash typically is offered in one inch and 5/8 widths to accommodate most dogs.  Jakes Dog House offers many stylish choices styles to suit a dog and owners personality and keep your dog protected.

Beautiful summer weather is a perfect excuse to enjoy the great outdoors. Some of us are “water people” and just like some dogs are “water dogs”. Sometimes a dog breed that doesn’t typically make a splash will enjoy the water if they are encouraged or just want to join in the fun!

There are canines that enjoy swimming with people, retrieving toys or simply just running around in the water. Certain dog breeds have been bred to be around water. Some of these breeds are: Labrador Retrievers, Newfoundland, Golden Retrievers, Irish Water Spaniels, Portuguese Water Dogs, and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers. Some Poodles and Spaniel breeds also enjoy the water. Don’t rule out many mixed breeds that are always ready to dive in!

Pets need daily exercise. Your pet will not only be healthier, but calmer when indoors. Including your dog in your day at a nearby lake can be a fun adventure for all. Taking a swim with your dog and playing ball in the water is a lot of fun. A great dog toy for dogs who love the water and landlubbers, too, is Grriggles Floaty Tug Whale Dog Toy. This floating neoprene dog toy with attached rope handle makes it easy to play toss and tug games in or out of the water.

To prevent water fatigue, dog life preservers are available in many sizes and styles to keep your pet safe in the water. This will also help dog owners relax, knowing their dog is water safe. Your dog might not know when they are tired and need to take a break out of the water. Relaxing on shore for a bit will recharge both of you.

If you don’t want to travel outside of your own backyard, your dog can take a dip in your pool. This is really a personal preference since some pool filters can’t handle dog hair. Even if your dog doesn’t shed, pool owners have differing opinions about pets in the pool. Sometimes dogs can rip the liner or damage the pool equipment. A solution is a separate pool made especially for dogs. The Guardian Gear Dog Swimming Pool measures 12″H x 47″D and is made from 100% PVC. The durable dog pool is portable, easy to fill and empty, and made of extra tough PVC for lasting use. Perfect for your dog to have a refreshing dip in the backyard, or put the pool on a deck or patio. The Doggy swimming pool folds down completely, making it easy to pack for summer vacations and easy to store during the winter months.

The Dog Days of Summer are here. Give your dog cooling relief from the heat. Have a wonderful summer and share your love of the water with your pet.

Many dogs can suffer from allergic reactions to various things. Breeds such as Bulldogs, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, Schnauzers, and Terriers may be genetically pre-disposed to allergies, specifically, allergies caused by ingredients found in food.

Food allergies may manifest themselves in cats and dogs in the following ways: Their skin becomes itchy and irritated on their face, feet, ears, forelegs, armpits and amongst the area around the base of the tail. In addition, frequent inner ear infections, loss of hair, extreme scratching, hot spots, and skin infections that may respond to antibiotics but return after the antibiotics are completed.  Increased incidence of bowel movements is another symptom of dogs with food allergies. Dogs normally have around 1.5 bowel movements daily, where food allergies may increase the frequency to 3 or more per day.

Common ingredients found in dog food such as preservatives, additives, peanut butter and tomatoes can cause your dog to have an allergic reaction.  Peanut butter is a common ingredient found in dog biscuits, and tomato paste is often times found in dry dog food.  Protein is another culprit of dog allergies and can be found in items such as chicken, beef, carbohydrates, wheat or corn.  Most veterinarians suggest a diet of lamb and rice for dogs with such allergic reactions.

You can prepare allergy free pet food for dog at home.  Remember, dogs love fresh vegetables such as carrots, broccoli and cauliflower.  Keep in mind that vegetables also provide additional benefits that will help your dog or cat live a longer more healthy life.  Be sure to change your dog’s diet gradually as to avoid stomach problems.

Some dog allergies are caused by environmental factors.  Pets are frequently allergic to trees, grass, pollen and fabrics made of wool or nylon.  Others environmental causes include plastic, rubber materials, mites, flea bites or insects.   After their body’s become exposed to these substances, they respond to these allergens by becoming itchy.  If dogs scratch at the irritant too much, they may develop sores which create an ideal place for a bacterial infection.  When dogs are not in direct contact with the allergen but still experience symptoms, Atopy is usually the reason. Atopy is dermatitis caused by inhalation rather than physical contact.  This normally occurs as a result of inhalation of pollen, dust, mold, or any allergy substance in the air.

Paws, ears, and face are common areas that become inflamed by allergies.  Consult with your veterinarian about controlling pet allergies.  To heal sores on a dog’s body, treatments such as fatty acid supplements, hypoallergenic shampoo and hydrocortisone creams are very effective.  Veterinarians use antihistamines to relieve the dogs itching and make life more comfy for your canine friend. There are some side effects to be aware of when using an antihistamine such as sleepiness, hyperactivity, constipation, dry mouth & lack of appetite.  Be sure you have consulted your vet before using any medication on your dog.

When dogs have allergies, the allergy usually presents itself in the form of a sore on the dogs back or belly. These sores often time force the dog to lick or claw at the area causing the hair to fall out.  Food allergies as well as environmental culprits can make your dog’s life unbearable.  Zeroing in on the cause of the allergy will improve your pet’s quality of life!  Jake’s Dog House has many wheat and corn free dog treat choices that will make your dog’s tail wag!