Products for a Sensitive Pup 

Much like their two-legged counterparts, many furry friends also experience allergic reactions, or are born with natural sensitivity, that can quickly become debilitative without human assistance. Thanks to the increased pet awareness, many simple and inexpensive products now exist to aid sensitive pups in their everyday adventures. 

Dog Booties

For extremely active dogs, or dogs with sensitive feet, booties are a simple way to protect pups from the elements in harsh situations. Veterinarian-recommended for many a pup, washable booties come in a variety of colors and materials, ranging from fleece to nylon. And with sizes ranging from XXXS to XL, there’s a bootie available for every possible paw. To determine the best booties for sensitive feet, ask yourself three questions: In what type of weather will my dog be using the footwear? Over what type of terrain do we typically walk? And, during what type of activities will we use the boot? No matter the answer, from a casual sidewalk stroll to an active overland hike, booties exist to meet your pup’s needs.

www.dogbooties.com

Nose ‘n Toes Pet Balm by Hebert Honey 

Just like human lips and hands, puppy noses and paw pads are readily susceptible to cracking and chapped skin. Several products now exist to protect pups against harsh elements. All natural products like Nose ‘n Toes Pet Balm are helpful for your pooch and safe to ingest. Made with sweet almond, coconut, and vitamin E oils, and fortified with pure beeswax and honey, Nose ‘n Toes is free from scent – a key factor that help prevent your pet from licking the affected area. Pet balms provide a breathable barrier for pet skin, allowing oxygen to permeate the skin while “locking-in” moisture. Possible pet balm applications include nicks, cracks, small cuts, and dry skin resulting from hot spots or hair loss. As with human dermatological problems, some conditions such as eczema and psoriasis cannot be healed topically, so consider carefully your pet’s condition before deciding on possible remedies.

http://heberthoney.com/wordpress_169520940/?duka=nose-n-toes

PediPaws Pet Nail Trimmer

For fast, easy pooch pedicures, the PediPaw Nail Trimmer is a hand-down favorite among many pet lovers. This ubiquitous, as-seen-on-TV product really does provide a quick and effective option for painless nail trimming at home. The simple, battery-powered nail trimmer, effective for dogs or cats, can quickly trim and smooth pet nails without the mess or pain of traditional nail clippers. The PediPaws features a quiet, motor-driven emery wheel that files nails evenly and traps the filings in an easy-to-empty protective cap. When considering a nail grinder for your dog, ask yourself the following questions: What size trimmer is best for my dog? Will the power of the nail grinder be strong enough for my dog’s nails? (Not all electric grinders have the same power. Especially if your dog’s nails are thick and rough, a smaller grinder may not prove satisfactory.) Is the grinder convenient to use? Does it feature removable parts that could easily be lost? Does the grinder include a cover to capture nail trimmings?  Note: if you have long-haired dogs, you have to be extra careful so the nail grinder doesn't pull the hair off by accident.

With equal parts research, recommendation, and experimentation, finding the perfect products for your sensitive pup can prove much less frustrating.

Angie Picardo is a staff writer for NerdWallet. Her mission is to help pet owners stay financially savvy and save money with NerdWallet’s best rewards credit cards.

I accidentally came across this product when I was browsing online.  I think it's a great idea for training so I bought the "littlelix 6 pack for little dogs".

Here's a quick review documented using my iPhone.

They sure shipped fast and it came in a nice, well-protected package.   

leanlix littlelix

The littlelix sticks are in lip gloss sized tubes.  There are 6 different yummy flavours.  They smell very delicious!  The expiry date is at the bottom of the package.

leanlix - a package of 6 littlelix - dog treats

 I like that each tube has a safety seal.

Sealed tubes

Looks pretty and smells yummy!

Stella can smell the treat and she SIT for it

Stella approves the taste

 Harry lined up to try it too. 

Harry enjoys the treat too

 Stella came back for more.

Stella again licking the treat from the stick

I'm sure you are all aware of Mother Hubbard brand.  Well, leanlix's formulation was written by a pet chemist who worked for Mother Hubbard.  They are obligated to say that it is "not for human consumption" but I'm happy to report that they use all human-grade ingredients with natual flavorings.  They also confirmed that it is gluten free and these low calorie treat sticks are all made in the USA!

If you want to try the leanlix products, you can get them on their website (http://www.leanlix.com/) and use this leanlix Discount Code: lickable15 (you get a 15% discount by using this code).  They ship to USA (via website) and Canada (contact them via email) and other places.

When I do training and photo shoots with Harry & Stella, I always worry that I give them too many goodies and may cause upset tummies and fatten them.  These lickable dog treats are very convenient to carry, are low calorie, and wouldn't fill up their tummies too quickly.  It's a great product!  

In short, Harry & Stella approve and love this product - leanlix littlelix.

The winter months can be harsh on your pooch, and taking a few precautions can make a world of difference and save them from potentially life-threatening illnesses like frostbite or hypothermia.  Just because they have fur doesn’t mean they are impervious to cold. Listed below are a few helpful reminders to keep your pet safe during the cold season:

• If it’s below freezing, never leave your pet outdoors. While long-haired breeds like Huskies and St. Bernards do well in colder temperatures, the same rule applies. In sub-zero temperatures any dog will need a warm refuge.

• Older dogs and puppies are particularly vulnerable to cold. Never leave an older dog or a puppy unattended in snow, sleet, or cold temperatures. They may need your assistance getting up and down slippery steps or through thick snow blankets.

• Pets with severe medical conditions like heartworms or diabetes may have a harder time regulating their body heat. Keep all of your pets up to date on shots and have any prescriptions filled before winter. If you get snowed in you’ll be glad you stocked up.

Furthermore, remembering the three fundamentals—Food, Shelter, and Grooming—will go a long way when it comes to your pet’s safety.

Food

• Dogs burn more calories during the winter to keep warm. Working dogs and active breeds will especially burn through calories at a higher rate, so keep plenty of food stocked and treats at the ready. But don’t go overboard—obesity is a major contributor to heart disease in dogs!

• Keep plenty of fresh water available.

• Check to make sure outside water dishes haven’t frozen over. You might consider buying a heated water dish.

• Keep dogs away from antifreeze (highly likely if your area has a snowplow service); it is poisonous and can be potentially fatal!

Shelter

• It cannot be stressed enough that you let your dog inside more frequently and give them shelter at night.
• If you see them whining, burrowing, or shivering, let them inside.
• Indoors—dog-proof your fireplaces and heaters. The threat of winter doesn’t only reside outside. If your dog is too close to a heat source, there is a potential for burning.
• Provide your dog with a thick, soft bed.

Grooming

• Towel-dry your dog when they come in the house from winter rains. Not only will this reduce debris and prevent mud from getting tracked indoors, but will also help them warm up faster and reduce the risk of hypothermia.

• Bundle up! Smaller dogs, shorthair and hairless breeds don’t retain heat as well as their long-haired brothers and sisters. Make sure they have access to adequate bedding, and ifyou’re planning on going out for a while, there is a large variety of sweaters and size-oriented coats available at major retailers like Petsmart, Petco, and even Wal-Mart. Make it fun, butcomfortable—the burden of bundling up doesn’t mean your pup doesn’t have to look good.

 
Also remember special holiday precautions:

• Fireworks can be annoying to dogs and they may become disoriented and attempt escape unsecured yards.

• Exercise precautions when introducing them to new people during holiday parties. Socializing your dog is important but make sure children know the proper etiquette—pulling ears and riding your aunt’s Great Dane is inappropriate. Take a couple minutes with each guest to introduce your pet properly.

• Be mindful of electrical cords on decorations on the tree—don’t leave edible ornaments hanging low.

Remember, your pets will need a little extra love during the winter. Your pets are part of the family and
will be grateful that you’ve kept them safe and comfortable.

Angie Picardo is a staff writer for NerdWallet, a website dedicated to helping pet lovers find the best
credit cards for all their pet care needs.

I didn't know that NOT ALL Labradoodle are non-allergenic (based on this article - link below).  I simply didn't think of this: Labrador cross poodle could result in more lab or more poodle genes.  We don't have control of it.    

It's a very intereing read (only takes about 2 minutes).  The person who originally created "Labradoodles" spoke up: http://www.globalanimal.org/2010/12/02/man-who-created-labradoodles-regrets-the-cross-breed/25768/

When I shared the article on facebook, a friend who's involved in rescue said:

"Another big issue is what those unethical breeders do with the pups who inherit the lab coat. Most people looking to acquire a labradoodle are doing so because they need (or want) a hypoallergenic dog. Therefore, the pups born with the lab coat will not fetch the pretty penny the breeder was hoping for. I've heard of many puppy mills and backyard breeders who have drowned, beaten, and otherwise disposed of the unwanted allergenic puppies. So sad!"

I think most of us never thought about it.  Please share it.