Looking for Biodegradable Poop Bags?

Let's be honest, there's nothing at all fun about picking up after your dog. First, there's the waiting around while your animal circles 37 time to find just the right patch of pavement or grass. Then, there's the hideous smell. And finally, there's that awkward moment when you have to crouch down and pick it up, while other New Yorkers walk by you, often giggling, heckling, or just looking at you in horror that you'd do something so vile. (Meanwhile, these are the same people who will berate you for not picking up every last bit of it.)

Now that we've clarified that it's a totally unpleasant experience, we have to acknowledge that it's a reality if you're an urban dog owner who can't just let nature take its course in some remote field. But there is a positive here. There's one site where you can get eco-friendly poop bags that are 100 percent biodegradable. It's called poopbags.com. (Charming name, right?) They sell a variety of bags as well as dispensers.

Anyway, if you're looking for a place to stock up, check it out. (They even have Bon Ton dispensers and refills at a discount.) There's nothing more mortifying than having to scrape your dog's "business" up off the sidewalk with a stray piece of newspaper all because you don't have a bag with you. I've seen it happen; it's not pretty...or dignified.

Great Discounts on Dog Beds

If your dog goes through beds as quickly—or you're just looking to save cash—take a look at The Uncommon Dog's website. They offer the best prices on name brand dog beds, and discounts are often around 20 percent off. (Think of it like Marshall's or TJ Maxx.) They offer beds from some of my favorite brands, specifically eco-friendly companies like Bowsers and Harry Barker. You can even narrow your search by print, size, fabric, shape, features, or price. Another bonus? They give 10 percent of their annual net profits to the ASPCA.

To check out dog beds at discounted prices at Uncommon Dog, click here.

Does Your Dog Hate Having His Teeth Cleaned?

Yeah, mine too. I realize it's a necessity, though, especially since according to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), 80 percent of dogs exhibit oral disease by age three, and it is one of most commonly treated health problems in small animal clinics. Bacteria buildup in a dog's mouth can also be at the root of other, larger problems, such as diseases of the heart, kidneys, and liver. Still, my dog clearly doesn't grasp all of these risks, because the last time I tried to clean her teeth, she dramatically gagged, dribbled the paste all over my carpet, and then hid under the bed.

So, since my attempts at cleaning her teeth weren't exactly going well, I was looking for an option to help supplement them. (I know there's the whole professional-cleaning-by- your-veterinarian option, but I'm putting that off until I'm told it's necessary, rightly or not.) My vet suggested dental chews to help clean her teeth between brushing sessions. I highlighted a few below in the hopes that it may be helpful to you. Obviously, I'd discuss with your vet prior to using. 

CET Oral Hygiene Chews
$7.99
1-800-PetMeds
My own vet recommended these, and Riley loves them. According to the site, these "great tasting" chews "feature an exclusive dual enzyme system: a natural antiseptic plus an abrasive texture coupled with chewing fights plaque and tartar buildup."

Bluechews by Vetradent
$14.99
PetSmart
Apparently, these are "wildly palatable canine dental health bars," which are "clinically-proven to reduce tartar by 61% and plaque by 22%. Bluechews have been awarded the coveted Veterinary Oral Health Council seal of approval for both plaque and tartar control."

Ark Naturals Breath-Less Brushless Toothpaste
$15.99
Only Natural Pet Store
Despite the name, these are chews, not actual toothpaste. According to the company, these chews have "real toothpaste" on the inside. These chews have ridges that "are proven effective for teeth scrubbing"; they're highly digestible; they are wheat, corn, and soy free; and they are made with human grade ingredients.

An Indoor "Doggie Restroom"

Have you guys heard of the Potty Patch? I got this via email the other day, and I couldn't stop laughing at the infomercial. It's a soft grass mat billed as "an indoor doggie restroom." How it works is, your dog pees on the antimicrobial faux grass, and the urine drains into a tray two layers below that you have to wash out when you get home.

I'm not a huge fan of these for two reasons: 1) you're reinforcing your pet to pee in your living space (which is going to confuse him at some point), and 2) people get lazy and never take their dogs out for exercise when they have things like this out all the time. Still, I realize that it is a good solution for many, and saves dogs from having to "hold it" for a super long time in certain cases. Plus, it's sponsored by the AKC, so it can't be that bad. You can find them here for $39.99.

What do you guys think? Would you ever try one?

Protecting Your Dog's Feet During the Winter

Living in an urban area, protecting your dog's feet during the colder months becomes an issue simply because so many shop owners and buildings put out salt on the street. If you weren't already aware, the salt that's laid out all over sidewalks can do a whole lot of damage.

First, lime rock salt and calcium chloride salt can irritate and dry out your the pads of your dog's feet, causing them to crack and become infected. (Salt—as well as antifreeze from cars—can even cause vomiting and diarrhea when licked.) Secondly, small balls of ice can also form in the sensitive spaces between a dog's toes and pads. So, as a rule, it's a good idea to wipe your dog's feet clean with a paper towel saturated with warm water as soon as you get back into your house or apartment. But if you want to be even more careful, below are a few more options:

Musher's Secret Dog Paw Wax
Activedogs.com
$11.99-$27.99
I have used this many times on my dog, and it is amazing. Developed in Canada for sledding dogs, this wax forms a barrier to protect the pads of your dog's feet. It's made from 100% natural (and safe) waxes, and it guards the feet from ice build-up, salt, and chemicals. You simply spread a thin later on your dog's pads before going outside. Just think of it as heavy-duty Chap Stick or Aquaphor.

Muttlucks Dog Boots
Drs Foster and Smith
$44.99-$52.99
These are probably the most popular dog booties on the market, and they promise to keep your dog's feet dry and warm. They're made with heavy-duty leather soles; they're fleece-lined; and they Velcro around the dog's ankle. They may take some getting used to (for both you and your dog), but they're worth it especially if you live in a cold, snowy climate. (Riley even had a pair...until she ate them.)

Pawz Rubber Dog Boots
Metropawlis Pet Boutique
$15.00
Also quite popular, these rubber boots are inexpensive, reusable, biodegradeable, and easy to put on because there are no straps. They are made in a variety of bright colors and sizes, and they come with 12 in a package. Pawz are not the most aesthetically pleasing dog footwear around, but they definitely do the job.

Neoprene Dog Booties
L.L. Bean
$39.00
Similar to Muttluks—although more like a durable sock—these are made of flexible neoprene and come in both orange and black.

Bark'n Boots Grip Trex
Ruffwear
$59.95
For the hardcore canine athlete, these are great for runs in snowy climates. According to the company, they have "an upper inspired by human shoes, and a high performance Vibram® sole."