Roll over Clover. It’s time to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Irish Dog Breeds are popular not only on the Emerald Isle, but all over the world.

Back in the day of St. Patrick the dogs of Ireland were hunting and sporting dogs. The popular Irish breeds that have evolved through generations include the Irish Setter, Irish Wolfhound, Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Terrier, Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Irish Red & White Setter and Kerry Beagle.

Mixed breed dogs, also known today as Hybrid dogs, are a combination of two or more purebred dogs. The hybrid dogs, such as the Golden Irish, have the traits and personality of both the Irish Setter and a Golden Retriever. Another common hybrid is the Irish Doodle, which is a mix of a Standard Poodle and an Irish Setter.

Many Irish dogs have Irish names. The Galelic name, Madigan, (pronounced MAD i gan) and Madden, (pronounced MAD din) translates as little dog. Anlan, (pronounced ON lin) translates as great hound. Mac is the Gaelic term for son, and some Irish owners use this as a prefix in their dog’s name, such as Mac Cutie.

If you happen to be the proud dog owner of an Irish breed, part of loving and caring for your Irish dog is celebrating their heritage with them. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated March 17th by the Irish and non Irish all around the world. Parades, Irish food and wearing green are some of the festivities of the day.

Potato dog treats and lamb stew are tasty ways to taste the roots of Ireland. Potatoes are about as Irish as you can get and are one of the staples of the Irish diet. Avoderm Potato all natural dog treats are crunchy oven-baked treats your dog will love. During the festivities dogs can also sink their teeth into a lamb filled rawhide.

At the crack o’ dawn when your Irish pup is ready to play, remember their rolling green hills of their native land and play with eco-friendly toys. GO GREEN on St. Patrick’s Day and every day. Paw Planet Bone with Rope Eco-Friendly Dog Toy Natural chew toy is made with pure natural materials and unbleached linen, cotton rope and sisal filling. Eco-friendly, durable and interactive fun!

Irish dogs have emerged from a hard working breed residing in Ireland to a wonderful family dog to many dog owners around the world. With their natural affection and loyalty, Irish Breeds are wonderful human companions.

Where do dogs learn their manners? From their owners! Dogs are pack animals and it is important for a dog owner to be the pack leader.

Having a happy and properly socialized pet requires teaching and guidance from the pet’s owner. Whether you have a puppy or adopt a dog, a relationship of trust should start as early as possible.

Training requires a disciplined and patient dog owner. It is easy to cave in when your dog just wants your attention and doesn’t want to listen to your commands. Reward your dog for good behavior. Positive reinforcement is more effective than punishment. Physical punishment will make your dog afraid of you and break down the trust you are trying to establish.

Housebreaking is one of the first aspects involved in dog training. With a 95% success rate Poochie-Bells are recommended by professional trainers. No more whining, barking or waiting by the door, your pooch can be trained to ring the bells when they need to go outside. The bells are strategically placed on a heavy duty designer durable grosgrain ribbon to accommodate small and large breeds. Poochie Bells are portable, there are no batteries or wires so dog owners can remain consistent with housebreaking wherever you and your pooch happen to be.

Some dog breeds are more difficult to train than others. There are breed specific behaviors that need to be adapted to their environment. Herding and excessive barking are natural instincts that dog trainers and owners need to modify for a dog to adapt in their environment and home.

Barking is an instinctive behavior for dogs. When a dog hears an unfamiliar noise, sees a stranger, or hears a knock or doorbell they tend to begin barking. It is their way of communicating what they hear. Some hunting breeds like a Beagle or Terrier tend to bark more than other docile dogs.

Excessive barking is an unwanted behavior that requires attention. Dogs usually bark in a standing or sitting position. Command your dog to lie down and the barking should subside. Dogs don’t tend to bark when they are lying down. The command “ENOUGH” spoken in a firm tone also informs the dog to stop barking.

Training a dog can seem overwhelming. The dog owner’s role as the pack leader is based on mutual trust. When the trust is established a dog will look to their owner for behavior cues. A dog wants to please their owner and responds to positive reinforcement when they behave appropriately.

Do you like to sleep? Then a dog’s life is for you! Dogs sleep about 12 hours a day, every day. They sleep almost half their life.

Dogs sleep out of boredom. Some dog’s sleeping habits influence its behavior. Stimulation during the day is necessary for some dogs that need to be awake during the day so they can sleep at night; at the same time as their owners.

Even though a dog sleeps for 12 hours or more a day, they are still aware of their surroundings. If it is not time for a walk, pet, play or food, dogs tend to sleep. Sometimes they are tired, especially after an afternoon at the dog park and other times its just boredom.

Talking to a sleeping dog, saying their name or saying, do you want to go for walk, is a safe way to wake a sleeping dog. Touching them, can startle them and cause an unwanted behavior.

Did you ever have a hard time keeping your eyes open? Dogs are smart and just give in to the fatigue. One moment they are sitting next to you and the next their eyes are rolling in their lids and they are dreaming.

Usually a dog starts falling asleep on their side or belly with their legs stretched out. When they start falling into a deeper sleep they roll over on their back. In this position a dog is completely stretched out and relaxed. Their legs are straight up in the air and their belly is nice and cool.

Have a clean and comfortable place in your home where your dog can rest feeling safe and secure. It is their natural instinct to be in a sheltered place, under a table or in a corner. Before a dog lies down, they circle the spot they intend to lay down to sleep. Snoozer® Camel Microsuede/Sherpa Cozy Cave Dog Bed is a comfortable soft berber dog bed that caters to the sheltered instinct.

Dog owners may not get 12 hours of sleep each day, but we can learn from our pet’s nature to slow down and more often. Stretch out, release your tension and SNORE!

We all strive to look our best. There are cosmetic remedies and prescription medicines for dark circles and puffy eyes. The same is true for dogs that have reddish-brown stains under their eyes.

Tear stains are apparent on white and light hair dogs. Brown, black and dogs with darker hair and fur experience tear staining also; it just is not that noticeable because it is camouflaged by their coloring. Light or dark coated, not all dogs experience tear staining.

There are many reasons why a dog has tear stains. It is trial and error to figure out which is causing the problem in your dog. Every dog has a different chemical makeup and lives in a different environment; therefore the eye stain culprit can vary from dog to dog.

Some dogs just have good genes, at least in the tear staining category. Veterinarians suggest that eye structure is the source of the problem. A sinus condition can lead to excessive tearing. The sinuses are connected to eyes, ears, nose and fluid blockage and inadequate draining can lead to infections.

Fleas tend to congregate around the eyes where it is warm and moist. They irritate a dog’s eyes and leave their red feces under the dogs’ eyes. Fleas also carry mites, which cause ear infections that also create excessive eye tearing and staining.

A Veterinarian can help diagnose the cause of excessive eye tearing and staining. Vets can determine if your dog has clogged tear ducts, ear infections or irritating eye lashes that are causing your dog’s eye to tear. Treating an ear infection or unclogging an eye duct via eye irrigation can be medically necessary. If there is a severe eye condition a Veterinary Opthalmologist might be required to treat your dog’s condition.

Good hygiene is important for every pet. However it can also play a simple role in keeping eye stains under control. Routine baths with a flea shampoo and washing your dogs face daily can make a significant difference.

Keeping dirt and hair out of your dog’s eyes and staying alert of any changes like excessive licking, or goopy eye conditions is the best way to keep your pet’s eyes healthy. Seek advice from a Veterinarian and/or dog groomer about treating the sensitive eye area.

Visit Jake’s Dog House for Tear Stain Solutions

Deciding what kind of dog food and dog treats are appropriate for your dog is as important as deciding what to feed your family. Reading ingredient labels to stay aware of recalls is necessary to insure your pet is receiving safe and healthy meals.

Recent recalls include peanut butter dog treats. Not all manufacturers were affected by this recall. Claudia’s Canine Cuisine and Northern Biscuit Company are examples of dog treat manufacturers whose products were not affected by the peanut butter recall. Thankfully the contaminated peanut butter products were taken off the shelves and the recall is over.

As dogs age their metabolism slows down. Sound familiar? Older dogs require special diets. Veterinarians suggest a diet high in fiber and complex carbohydrates and low in fat for dogs who don’t engage in an active lifestyle. There are many brands of dog food specific for aging dogs such as Merrick 5-Star Dry Dog Food Senior Medley. Fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, no animal fat and real meat make Senior Medley an appropriate choice for senior dogs.

Diabetes also affects dogs and requires special care to keep glucose levels in an appropriate range. High fiber diets are recommended for diabetic dogs. The added fiber slows the digestion of carbohydrates and regulates breaking down the carbs.

Many aging dogs and large breed dogs like a Labrador Retriever, Gordon Setter, Irish Setter and Great Dane suffer from arthritis. Arthritis symptoms may increase with age or develop the joint pain and stiffness during old age. Dogswell Happy Hips dog treats with Glucosamine & Chondroitin are not only nutritious all natural chicken breasts, but also scientifically formulated to help maintain the physical condition of a dog’s joints.

Food allergies are common among many breeds of dogs. Wheat, corn and soy can cause itchy skin, skin and ear infections, excessive scratching, hot spots, hair loss, and frequent bowel movements in a dog with an allergy to these products.

Overweight dogs need to be on a special diet. If a dog is eating table scraps too may dog treats, and not getting enough exercise they will become overweight. This happens frequently when a dog is in a crate during the day and then spoiled all evening with love and food.

Caring for your dog from puppy to senior is an educational process. During each stage there are nutritional requirements that need to be met so your dog will be healthy and have the wonderful life every dog deserves!

What does a dog find entertaining about a dog toy? Is it the squeak, the texture, the size? Every dog has their preference, and just like their human counterparts one day a soft plush toy is fun and another day a hard rubber chew toy is the toy of choice.

Do you think a dog really prefers one toy over another or do they choose the first toy they see? Is it tug-a-war time or comfort time with a soft plush dog toy? Sometimes it is difficult to predict which toy a dog will choose.

Plush dog toys with squeakers seem to satisfy a dog in several ways. They like the soft feel of the plush and the instant gratification of the squeaker. It also draws attention to the playful pup – letting you know its playtime!

Having something to sink their teeth into, aka chewing, keeps dogs busy for a long time. Putting a dog treat inside a KONG toy is the ultimate entertainment; however a dog toy shouldn’t always be centered on a treat. Weight issue can occur if treats are part of daily play.

Dog Breeds like, Labrador Retrievers and Border Collies take pleasure in chasing a ball! What a great form of exercise and quality time play. Veterinarians recommend hard rubber balls, rather than tennis balls. Tennis balls tend to get covered with dirt and sand and grind away dog’s teeth.

Portuguese Water Dogs, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels and Newfoundland breeds enjoy water toys. Taking a dive for a floating neoprene toy, while splashing around is an awesome activity for these breeds.

Dogs like durable tug dog toys because they are interactive toys. Who is stronger, you or your pup? It is a showdown of strength! With practice or a bit of trickery we can take possession of the rope toy!

Depending on the activity and interaction can determine the favorite dog toy of the hour. Signs that you are headed to play ball or out to the lake creates so much stimulation that a dog will grab the ball or water toy in anticipation of leaving as soon as possible. What smart animals!

1. 

   New Years Dog Treats

   Healthy Food Choices: This means eating foods without a lot of preservatives, fillers and artificial colors and flavor. Dog owners would not feel well if they ate an overly processed diet. Dog food differs, read the labels to be sure you are feeding your dog well balanced and nutritious meals. For example, Merrick and Solid Gold dog treats contain all natural and holistic ingredients and do not contain any chemical preservatives.

2. Help Others: Dog s can brighten a human’s day. Visiting the elderly, walking your apprehensive child to the bus stop & waiting anxiously for the bus to arrive … dogs have many comforting attributes that can aid the community.
3. Learn a New Trick: If your dog has mastered sit & stay, how about a new trick, like run upstairs and get my slippers. Even adult dogs can learn new tricks. A dog training class or a dog owner with a bag of dog treats might accomplish a new dog trick. Dog Brick Interactive Game Dog Toy is a great way to stimulate your dogs learning skills. The Dog Brick game requires a dog to first dislodge the removable bones, then to push the sliding covers and access hidden treats. The level of difficulty for the Brick can be varied, depending upon the dog’s experience and his enthusiasm for the game … and you thought Sudoku strengthened the mind!
4. Exercise: Some dogs love to run and chase balls, but don’t always have the opportunity, especially during the winter months. Dog parks are open year round. Bundle up, grab a ball and get some dog socialization at the dog park. Smaller dogs can benefit from a daily walk. This is also a great way for a dog owner to stay fit!
5. Quality Time: Most dogs are known for their Love and Loyalty. Hugs, a good belly rub and endearing words validate your adoring relationship.
6. Role Model: Clean up after your dog. This includes picking up dog poop at the dog park, on walks and in your backyard too. A responsible dog owner respects our environment.
7. Read: Knowledge is power! Sometimes reading aloud to someone who loves the sound of your voice encourages the reader to do better in school.
8. Be Happier: Engage in activities that make you smile. Spend time doing something that makes you feel good about yourself. Does watching your dog’s tail wag or listening to your dog squeal with delight when you call their name make you feel awesome?
9. Sleep: Who knows more about sleep than your dog? Dogs recognize the need for resting your weary bones. A nap does wonders to catch a second wind before settling down for a good 8 hours each night.
10. Play: Play is essential to well being. Don’t take everything so seriously and remember what your priorities are and what is trivial!

Sharing the holidays with your pet makes precious memories. Pet stores and Veterinarians host Pictures with Santa. Many times the proceeds are donated to a local animal shelter. A donation to help other pets and a picture worth wagging a tail about! Now that is Holiday Cheer!

During the holidays family and friends come together and celebrate. Don’t forget the family member with four legs. Dogs love Christmas too, and are usually easier to shop for than their owners. A Christmas canine treat will always be a hit. Tiny Tim’s Decadent Doggie Cookie Treat Tray are fabulous treats made of only the finest, all-natural, human-grade ingredients by our Canine Chefs with loving care. Even Scrooge will love these treats! Christmas themed interactive dog toys can keep a dog busy for hours. Christmas IQube will not only keep your pet occupied and eliminate boredom this holiday season, but will also develop your dog’s intelligence and puzzle solving skills.

Everyone wants to look their best for the holidays, including your dog. There are many styles and designs of dog collars, jingle bell dog collars, scrunchie dog collars and dog bandannas as well as holiday themed collars charms that will make your pet look merry. Dog holiday dresses, holiday tee shirts and Santa suits will have your dog looking picture perfect!

While you are sitting down to your Christmas feast, your dog needs to have a feast of their own. The Wonder Bone Dog treat is an all natural Cow Femur Bone for your dog ! This meaty mammoth size bone is a true delight for any dog! Sure to keep your energetic dog occupied, this all-natural cow femur is smoked for extra flavor. In Texas, we just grow em bigger!

Remember to hang a Christmas dog stocking by the fireplace for your dog. Santa will stuff the dog’s stocking with dog toys, dog treats, a new dog collar and leash. If you let Santa know if your dog has been Naughty or Nice … the appropriate dog bone will be left on the hearth. (NAUGHTY & NICE Dog Christmas Gourmet Dog Bones All Natural Dog Treat – 6 Decorated Holiday Bones)

Christmas Dog

by Shel Silverstein

Tonight’s my first night as a watchdog,
And here it is Christmas Eve.
The children are sleeping all cozy upstairs,
While I’m guardin’ the stockin’s and tree.

What’s that now—footsteps on the rooftop?
Could it be a cat or a mouse?
Who’s this down the chimney?
A thief with a beard— And a big sack for robbin’ the house?

I’m barkin’, I’m growlin’, I’m bitin’ his butt.
He howls and jumps back in his sleigh.
I scare his strange horses, they leap in the air.
I’ve frightened the whole bunch away.

Now the house is all peaceful and quiet again.
The stockin’s are safe as can be.
Won’t the kiddies be glad when they wake up tomorrow
And see how I’ve guarded the tree.

The Flu and the Swine Flu have been the hot topic during the last few months. Dogs are not exempt from catching the flu. Canine Influenza is an A H3N8 influenza virus that has been known to exist in horses for more than 40 years. In 2004, however, cases of an unknown respiratory illness in dogs (initially greyhounds) were reported. This virus has spread to dogs and can now spread between dogs.

Because this flu virus is new to dogs, most dogs will not have a natural immunity. The signs of canine flu are similar to kennel cough, with a thick nasal discharge and mild low grade fever.

Canine influenza is spread by airborne discharge and contaminated surfaces. The virus can stay alive on surfaces for up to 48 hours, on clothing for 24 hours, and on hands for 12 hours. Therefore kennels, crates, food and water bowls, collars and leashes and people moving between infected and uninfected dogs have ample time to spread the virus.

There are similar respiratory infections that mimic the Dog Flu. Two blood samples can confirm canine influenza. One blood sample is drawn while the dog is sick and the second 2 to 3 weeks later.

There is a Canine Influenza Vaccine, H3N8 which has proven to reduce the occurrence and severity of lung lesions, as well as the duration of coughing and the overall virus. The vaccine is made from inactivated virus and is administered by an injection in two doses, two to four weeks apart. The Canine Flu vaccine may be given to dogs six weeks of age or older and can be given annually for Flu protection. Dog owners should seek advice from with their veterinarian to determine whether the vaccine is appropriate for their dog.

Currently, there is no evidence that humans can catch canine influenza virus from dogs. There are no known cases of humans infected with the canine influenza virus. This virus infects dogs and spreads between dogs.

Just like the Swine Flu and the Seasonal Flu, it is likely that the Dog Flu will continue to spread. Taking precautions and taking proper care of your pet, should keep your dog healthy during this flu season. There is no need for alarm and avoiding dog parks, kennels, grooming or other places you typically take your dog. Reputable Pet Professionals keep their establishments sanitized and are aware of unhealthy symptoms of their clients.

For more information on Canine Influenza, check out these 2 websites: Dr. Cynda Crawford (University of Florida) at www.canineflu.org and information from the American Veterinary Medical Association at www.avma.org.

Everyone loves puppy kisses, but nobody loves puppy breath! A wagging tail, panting and squealing with delight. then, a big, wet dog kiss ! – By now you’ve gotten a whiff of “dog breath”!

Remember this famous Peanuts quote: Auugh! I’ve been kissed by a dog! I have dog germs! Get some hot water! Get some disinfectant! Get some iodine! As spoken by none other than Lucy Van Pelt!

Dog breath has a bad reputation! Humans with terrible oral hygiene habits have bad breath too! The first step to help with unpleasant pet breath is to keep your dog’s teeth clean. A yearly professional cleaning by your veterinarian will scrape built on plaque and tarter off your dog’s teeth and along the gum line. If you start oral hygiene when your pet is young, you can train them to tolerate having their teeth brushed by you. This is will help fight tartar and gum disease between yearly veterinarian cleanings.

An easy solution to brushing your dog’s teeth at home is ClearQuest Pet Toothbrush and Toothpaste Set. The double-sided toothbrush has a small and large head for complete cleaning. Tartar-control toothpaste is flavored with vanilla and has tea tree oil for gum health. Non-foaming toothpaste requires no rinsing. Don’t use your toothpaste to brush your dog’s teeth. Human toothpaste can be harmful to a dog.

Bad breath could indicate dangerous conditions that need more attention than just giving your dog a breath freshener. Have your veterinarian rule out gum disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or a foreign object trapped in your dog’s mouth. Periodontal disease can lead to heart problems. The bacteria in the tartar can get into the bloodstream through infected gums. Bacteria can attach in the heart and cause a life-threatening disease. It is important to your dog’s health to keep your their teeth and gums clean.

Some groomers recommend giving your dog carrots to help with bad breath. An apple a day also helps for a short period of time. Dog owners can easily make Homemade Dog Breath Mints. It is very simple, only 3 ingredients.

1/4 cup mint leaves
3-5 salt-free crackers or matzo or breadcrumbs
Water

1. Crush crackers
2. Finely chop mint leaves
3. Mix chopped mint with crackers
4. Add water to mint and crackers until mixture is sticks together
5. Form into 1/4 inch balls.
6. Place into freezer on waxed paper
7. Serve to your dogs when needed

One of Jake’s Dog House best selling products is Petkin Liquid Oral Care. Liquid Oral Care provides an easy way to keep your pet’s teeth and gums clean and healthy while freshening their breath. Simply add Liquid Oral Care to your pet’s daily drinking water. The virtually tasteless and colorless formula works invisibly to clean teeth while fighting plaque, gum disease and odor causing germs. A 32oz bottle.retails typically for $12.95

Dog toys help reduce bad dog breath. Nylabone Galileo dog bone has tiny bristle like projections that are raised during normal chewing which help to clean teeth and massage the gums. Rope dog toys act as dental floss to keep rub away plaque and tarter. Tough, solid rubber dog toys like KONG dental stick is made from flexible, durable KONG natural rubber and not only satisfies your dog’s natural urge to chew, but cleans their teeth while your dog plays!

Chase annoying bad breath away with a good dental plan of brushing your dog’s teeth, yearly visits to the Vet, and breath fresheners made for pets! Using oral care products that are especially formulated to help you in taking care of your dog’s oral hygiene will keep your dog healthy and happy and make dog kisses delightful!

Visit Jake’s Dog House for other Dog Breath remedies.