Our Sweet Girl, Martini

Now I have to say my husband and I love this video below.  It is of Martini watching TV, which she does all the time, while the X Files theme song plays in the background.  You will see her do that classic pug head tilt that her breed is famous for!  Every single time my husband played the show, WHICH WAS ALL THE TIME, Martini would go crazy!  It was so funny we just had to tape it.

Now the volume on it is a little low, so you may want to turn it up a bit when you watch.  Be sure to check out the classic pug head tilt:

Funny Dog Commercials

What is it about dogs that make us instantly feel better?  Maybe it is because they are so freaking happy to see us and can cheer us up any time of day.  Maybe it is because they bring us our fuzzy slippers, ok well mine do not do that, but maybe yours does.  I have three dogs:  a French Bulldog, a Pug, and a Shih Tzu.  They are my children and I adore them so much!

So when I’m not hanging out with them, I find myself searching on the internet for funny dogs ads and commercials. Strange?  Maybe, but hey it is not a bad habit to have!

In this clip there are three commercials, that feature various pups.  I find the first one especially funny because my dogs are always kissing me, and who knows where their mouths have been!  I shutter to think about it, but will never stop getting those beloved doggy kisses!

<iframe width=”500″ height=”369″ src=”http://www.youtube.com/embed/hhuzpXwFVN0″ frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>

Introducing Your Family Pet to Baby

Good news; your home will soon be expanding by two tiny feet. Even though you are ridiculously excited (and every other emotion that accompanies a pregnancy), you aren’t sure how your little fur baby is going to react to this new addition. Your family pet has been with you for a long time and is quite fond of the daily routine you guys have together. You don’t want to ruin the bond you share, but you also don’t want your dog to, heaven forbid, hurt the baby. I know it can be stressful, but you can do it. The key is to slowly introduce your dog to the idea of a new baby (just like you would for an older sibling) and help him or her to become accustomed to the changes that will be coming once baby arrives.

One important item to take care of early in your pregnancy is a routine health exam for your dog. Make sure he or she is up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations and all-around healthy. If you haven’t already done so, make an appointment to spay or neuter your pet. This was a hard step for my husband and I to take, but we knew it was the best option. Sterilized pets are generally calmer and less likely to bite. It was rough, but our little rascal Oliver is so much easier to handle now. It is also a good idea to address any behavioral problems your dog may have. And if you can’t do it yourself, don’t be afraid to enroll your pet in a training class or take your dog to an animal behavior specialist.

It is important to introduce your dog to the new sounds and smells that will come with baby’s arrival. We invited friends that had infants over for dinner a few times throughout the pregnancy. Oliver was intrigued, but not sure what to think of the little fleshy, crying creatures. He sniffed each baby over and over, barked a few times, and went about his evening rituals as usual. But each time he saw a baby, he barked less and it seemed to bother him less that they were invading ‘his territory’. Once we knew the sex of the baby and had decided on a name, we began talking to him about Sophia. You may feel silly doing this, I know I did. But dogs are smarter than we usually give them credit for. I like to think it helped in the long run (or maybe I just tell myself that to feel less crazy).

I began spending a little less time with Oliver each day, knowing that baby Sophia would be demanding most of my time. He definitely wasn’t too fond of these changes and definitely let me know, but it made the differences less sudden once she arrived. One thing that is often overlooked is care for the family pet while in the hospital. Please make sure your dog isn’t forgotten in the hustle and bustle of the birth. Ask a good friend or family member to spend some time with your pet and give him or her some extra attention and play time. Once you’ve given birth, have your friend get one of the baby blankets from the hospital and bring it home to your dog a couple days before you head home and introduce the baby.

No matter how hard you try, how much you plan ahead, the addition of a baby to the mix may still be difficult for your pet. Your dog was your ‘baby’ first and is used to being the center of attention, so try to keep that in mind if he/she suddenly becomes more demanding or difficult. Just take it one day at a time and your dog and baby just might grow to love one another in the end. Our little guy had a tough time with baby girl’s arrival at first, but now they are practically inseparable.

Olivia Nicholas is a writer and busy mom. She is always happy to share her experiences through her work, and in her spare time works as a freelance writer for Storkie.

Preparing Fido and Fifi for a new baby

(NC)—Its official, you’re going to be a parent. The lengthy checklist has already started as you prepare for the arrival of your baby. While baby names, colour themes and pregnancy books are top of mind, be sure to include an existing family member through this important time—your pet.

The addition of a new family member means that your four-legged companion will no longer receive the same amount of attention as before. They will be sensitive to any changes in routine and environment in the coming months. You can help your dog or cat cope with this big change well in advance of baby’s arrival.

Here are some tips to prepare your pet for a healthy transition:

• Address any behaviour concerns your pet has going forward. If your dog has bad habits such as jumping on people or exhibiting aggressive behaviour, it would be especially important to correct this to avoid any danger around your baby.

• Take your dog or cat for a check up to ensure your pet has a clean bill of health. Consult with a veterinarian about using a preventative treatment like Revolution to protect against fleas, ticks, and other unwanted parasites that can infest your pet and home.

• Pets thrive when they have consistency. Try to create a new routine to alleviate the stress your dog or cat will feel while adjusting to having a new family member. This includes making time for the one-on-one quality time with your pet.

www.newscanada.com

Do not feed me sugarless candy!

My husband and I have a hand booklet that we often refer to regarding common food, plants and household items that can harm or even kill our pups.  We have three pups:  A pug, a French bulldog & a shih tzu.  Needless to say, our house is always a bit chaotic!  The list of poisonous foods and items applies to all dogs.  Since most dog lovers often have more than one pooch around, the list of no no’s is important to keep in mind for all our furry friends!

Foods to NEVER feed a Dog:

• Chocolate – the darker the chocolate the more dangerous!  Bakers chocolate is the worst because it contains the highest amount of theobromine (also known as xantheose) and that ingredient is deadly to dogs.
• Coffee beans – not only coffee beans but anything with caffeine
• Alcohol – enough said!
• Grapes – experts say only in large quantities, but why risk it!  Dogs do not need grapes. One time a grape rolled off the counter, and fell onto the floor.  My French bulldog, Bardot, who will eat ANYTHING, would not eat the grape.  Maybe she knew it was bad for her?  Maybe not, but I thought it was cute.
• Raisins – who eats raisins anyway?
• Onions – onions can cause hemolytic anemia in our furry friends which is a potentially deadly autoimmune disorder.  Symptoms of AIHA include fatigue, fever, depression, weakness and even seizures.
• Broccoli – in small amounts broccoli can be okay, but in large amounts it can cause gastrointestinal irritation.
• Garlic – can cause the same problems as onions.
• Castor beans – Luckily, I don’t think I have ever had a castor bean!
• Fruit pits and seeds - plum pits, peach pits, apple seeds and apricot seeds.  Stone fruit pits in general do not seem to be safe.
• Sugarless candies – anything containing Xylitol .  Xylitol can be found in candy and chewing gum.  Only three grams of Xylitol can kill a 65 lb dog!
• Nutmeg

Harmful Plants – indoor and outdoor:

• Aloe Vera
• Asparagus fern
• Azalea
• Cactus
• Daffodil
• Deadly nightshade
• Dumbcane
• Elephant’s ear
• Ficus
• Foxglove
• Holly
• Honeysuckle
• Horse chestnut
• Ivy
• Japanese Yew
• Jasmine
• Lilies
• Lilly of the valley
• Marijuana
• Mistletoe
• Morning glory
• Mums
• Oak
• Oleander
• Philodendron
• Poinsettias
• Poppies
• Rhododendron
• Rhubarb
• Skunk cabbage
• Tobacco
• Tulip bulbs
• Virginia creeper
• Wild mushrooms

Common household items that can be deadly:

• Antifreeze – even very small amounts can be deadly!
• Any household cleansers or cleaners
• Bleach
• Toilet bowl cleaners
• Drain openers
• Soap
• Insecticides
• Mothballs
• Polishes
• Rodent Poisons
• Sunscreen
• Ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen, acetominophen, human antidepressants, multivitamins (especially with iron), supplements and antibiotics
• Gasoline
• Motor Oil
• Transmission Fluid

This list is not definitive so be sure to keep your local poision control center’s telephone number handy at all times for emergencies!

The Brachycephalic Sisters

I adore Brachycephalic dogs.  They are so sweet and cute, but unfortunately because they are so cute, they typically have more health problems due to their adorable “smooshed-in” faces.

A brachycephalic skull is relatively broad and short. Dog breeds such as the Pug are sometimes classified as “Extreme Brachycephalic”. Brachycephalic dogs are very sensitive to high temperatures, as they cannot cool themselves like other dogs; therefore, extra care and attention is needed.

Some issues with Brachycephalic Dogs:

ELONGATED SOFT PALATE – Since the heads of a Brachycephalic pup are so small and short, it is difficult to fit the soft tissues of the canine mouth and throat into the short face. As a result, the soft palate, which separates nasal passage from oral cavity, flaps loosely down into the throat creating sometimes alarming snorting sounds. Virtually all brachycephalics suffer from this but actual respiratory distress is rare. I have three brachycephalic dogs and they all do this trademark snorting sounds.  It sounds uncomfortable for them, but typically never lasts long.  Excess barking or panting may lead to swelling in the throat which can, in turn, lead to trouble. Sometimes, the soft palate needs to be surgically trimmed.  Luckily, I have not had to have this surgery with any of my dogs.

STENOTIC NARES – This is basically a fancy name for teeny, tiny nostrils. The brachycephalic dogs begins by having very small nasal openings for breathing. If this is severe, surgical correction is neccessary. Our Vet suggested this for our French Bulldog, Bardot, and she had the surgery.  I think it helped with her breathing and after the surgery, her nostrils actually looked bigger.  Of course, this is not advised if you are going to “show” your dog, however, we have rescue dogs and that is not an issue.  To me it is more important for the dog to be happy, than pretty.

HEAT STRESS - The Brachycephalic dog is an inefficient panter. A dog with a more “normal” face and throat is able to pass air quickly over the tongue through panting – which in turn cools the body down. We take extra care to never leave our pups out when it is even slightly warm!  Honestly, in 70 – 80* temps the dogs get way too overheated.

WALKING- Since Brachycephalic dogs already have trouble breathing it is important to always walk them on a harness – a leash can shatter their trachea and harm the puppies severely.  I cannot stress this enough – these dogs need a harness!  Also, they truly cannot handle long walks.

Here is a list of Brachycephalic Dogs:

• Affenpinscher
• American Bulldog
• Boston Terrier
• Boxer
• Brussels Griffon
• Bulldog
• Bullmastiff
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
• Chihuahua
• Cane Corso
• Dogo Argentino
• Dogue de Bordeaux
• English Mastiff
• English Toy Spaniel
• French Bulldog
• Japanese Chin
• Lhasa Apso
• Neapolitan Mastiff
• Pekingese
• Presa Canario
• Pug
• Shih Tzu
• Tibetan Spaniel
• Valley Bulldog

Don’t let this deter you from owning and loving a Brachycephalic dog! Personally, I have three: a Pug, a French Bulldog, and a Shih Tzu.  The most important thing is they are all INDOOR DOGS.  These breeds of dogs can not live outside.  They are too sensitive to the elements, and must be treated as an indoor family member.  Believe me, with a lot of love, and care, they make the most wonderful children around!

Christmas Shih Tzus!

While on youtube today I came across this adorable video full of cute Christmas dog clips.  I’m so easy to please when it comes to dogs, but this is just too cute.  I’m especially partial to the Shih Tzus by the snowman and outside, and the adorable black pugs that are dressed up like Santa Claus.  As it is the holiday season, I thought a little fun from a Christmas dog video would be perfectly appropriate. Merry Christmas!

Tips for fun, safe winter frolics with Fido

(ARA) – Even the best behaved-dog can temporarily forget his manners when faced with the many distractions of going on a walk. When the ground is covered with snow and ice, Fido’s momentary lapse can mean a nasty fall for you. Properly equipping yourself – and taking some safety precautions – can help ensure you stay on your feet, and that your walk remains enjoyable for both you and your best friend.

Here are some tips for walking your dog in wintery weather:

* Don’t stay home – Both you and your dog need exercise, and just letting Fido out into the backyard to do his business doesn’t help your health. A daily walk helps to provide both of you with excellent cardiovascular exercise, and also gets you out into the fresh air. So even as the weather gets colder, help keep you and your dog healthy with daily walks.

* Leash training – Larger dogs make great pets, especially for seniors who struggle to bend over to pet smaller breeds. But if your dog isn’t leash trained, he could give you great difficulty in managing him and the winter elements. Take him to obedience classes and work with him so he knows not to pull when you’re out for short and long walks. As the weather chills and snow and ice build up on your traditional walking routes, you’ll be able to carefully negotiate tricky spots without having to worry about being pulled off balance.

* Dress for the weather – You’re probably already going to be layering up to stay warm, but don’t forget proper footwear – for both you and your dog. Dog booties can help protect your pet’s feet from the deicer chemicals that can hurt and crack the pads of his feet. Booties also help prevent ice from building up in the fur around his toes.

For your feet, you need gear to keep you from sliding around on the ice. STABILicers ice cleats go on over your shoes or boots, providing you super traction – and even better footing than your dog. Sold by retailers nationwide including L.L. Bean and Cabela’s, these ice cleats are durable and light, and can fit easily in a pocket or glove compartment for easy transport. For Scott Kelley of Peaks Island, Maine, STABILicers allowed him to walk his dog even after shoulder surgery and physical therapy.

“The idea of falling on the ice after surgery and all that physical therapy was too much to bear,” Kelley says. “So I put STABILicers on my boots and wore them all winter, even if the roads and sidewalks were clear, because the dog still needs to be walked, and there is always that one rogue patch of ice lurking in the shadows.”

* Practice safety – Since the daylight hours are shorter during the winter months, make sure you wear light clothing with reflective material, and carry a flashlight during your walks to help drivers see you in the dark. Also let someone know where you’re going on your walk, and your anticipated time of return.

Getting out of the house, breathing in the fresh air and seeing the sun reflecting off the glittering snow – the winter months can bring so much enjoyment to you and your dog on your daily walks. And since, with STABILicers on your feet, you don’t have to worry about falling down, you may soon find yourself joining Fido in chasing squirrels, just for the fun of it.

French Bulldog and Adorable Baby!

I have a white French Bulldog named Bardot.  She is the love of my life.  My husband and I have been obsessed with her since we got her a year and a half ago.  She is not perfect by any means, but she is our little angel!

A while back my husband showed me this video and I just loved it!  I don’t know which is cuter in the video, the French Bulldog or the baby?  Considering I have a French Bulldog, that I love very much, I’m pretty impartial to the dog.  Maybe if I had a baby it would be different?  I’m not sure, but without further adieu here is the video:

My French Bulldog, Bardot, dressed up like a blowfish

I have three dogs: a pug, a shih tzu and a French bulldog.  They came in that order.  The picture above is of my Frenchie, Bardot.  Until recently I hadn’t really seen many French Bulldogs.  They are a less common breed to many due to the fact it is very hard for the breed to procreate.  In fact all French Bulldogs have to be artificially inseminated! That in turn makes them very expensive as their litters are typically quite small.

French bulldogs are stocky and muscular and comically called the “Frog Dogs” because they jump around like frogs.  They are of small size and fall into the Non-Sporting group of dog breeds.  They were first bred for fighting and that is why they have the wrinkles on their faces – to help the blood run down from their eyes.  That is so sad and I can’t imagine the horror of watching a dog fight!

My French bulldog has had some aggression issues.  We recently put Bardot in dog training classes and she is doing much better!  We learned we have to be the pack leaders and set boundaries for her.  Seems so simple but it takes quite a bit of work; however, with a lot of love and patience she is truly one of the most wonderful things in my life!