Stink-Proof Collars

I was reading my Daily Puppy update this morning and today they featured Stunt Puppy, a company that makes hardcore gear for hunting dogs. They have a variety of leashes, collars, and dog accessories, but one of the coolest things they make is an odor proof "Dry Collar."

I'm guessing that if you're an urban dog owner, you're not taking your dog out duck hunting every weekend. Still, your pet isn't immune to having a funky collar once it gets wet or slobbered on a few times. I can't tell you how many times I've reached down to pet someone's dog and then been grossed out at the smell of the dog's fur, and especially, the stench coming off his collar. Nobody wants to pet a dog with a collar that smells like old gym clothes.

Stunt Puppy's Dry Collar is made of BioThane, "a virtually indestructible" material that's lightweight and stays flexible in cold temperatures. They come in four solid colors: black, orange, green, and pink. Even better, they're very affordable at just $21. To buy, check out their website here.

WebMD's New Pet Site

One of the best resources on the Web now has a pet site, WebMD Pets, and it's pretty amazing.

I checked out the site today, and it has a ton of useful information, including stories such as:

• "Training Tips for Big and Little Dogs"
• "Foods You Should Never Feed Your Dog"
• "The Controversy Over Pet Examinations"
• "Dogs and Flu: What You Need to Know"
• "Best Breeds for Your Lifestyle"
• "6 Signs of Illness in Your Dog or Cat"

There is so much there, you really just need to check it out for yourselves. You can watch instructional videos, take quizzes, and even ask a veterinarian your questions.

http://pets.webmd.com/

Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin?

Growing up, my parents' dogs were forever gnawing at our jack-o-lanterns, which would send my siblings and me into a full-on meltdown. I'm not sure if my parents ever looked into it (although I hope so), but I got to wondering whether pumpkin is actually safe for dogs to eat. Turns out, it is! In fact, you can even add canned pumpkin (the unspiced kind) to your dog's food to help with digestion "issues."

Image via k9ring.com

I'd suggest talking to your vet first just to be sure about what and how much, exactly, you'd be feeding your pet. And be warned, too much pumpkin can cause diarrhea in dogs. (Eew.)

Below are a few stories (and recipes) on the subject, in case you're interested in reading:

ASPCA
http://www.aspca.org/online-community/transcripts/animal-poison-control-chat-transcript.html

Happy Doggie Blog
http://happydoggieblog.wordpress.com/2009/02/28/why-pumpkin-is-good-for-your-dog/

eHow.com
http://www.ehow.com/way_5300690_pumpkin-dog-treat-recipe.html 

Dog Grooming Tools

If you didn't already know, dogs go through shedding cycles according to changes in environmental temperature as well as exposure to sunlight. Indoor dogs tend to shed pretty much all year, though, because they're not really exposed to drastic temperature changes. Brushing can help in two ways: It decreases the amount of hair that ends up on your clothes or furniture, and it can also prevent skin parasites. (And let's be honest, both of these potential outcomes are pretty gross.) Admittedly, I didn't use to be very good at regularly brushing my dog, but my vet has since reprimanded me. So, I thought I'd include some of my favorite pet grooming tools below in case you're in the market for a new brush.

Image via The Barking Lot

For Long-Haired Dogs:

Bamboo Furbuster comb
Jeffers Pet
$15.99-33.99
This brush has interchangeable stainless steel blades that remove loose hair and undercoat, which will reduce shedding overall.

FURminator
Amazon
$34.99-$59.99
The FURminator has a cult following, for what seems to be good reason: The company claims the product reduces shedding by up to 90 percent. Apparently, it can also reduce "the amount of airborne elements that cause allergic reactions in many people."

For Medium- and Short-Haired Dogs:

GripSoft Pin/Bristle Brush
Doctors Foster and Smith
$9.99
This two-in-one brush helps remove excess/loose hair, minimizes shedding, and is also great for dogs that tend to get matted fur (eg Wheaten terriers, Maltese, Shi Tzus). The pin side helps to stimulate the skin, and the bristle side is gentle for dogs with shorter coats.

Four Paws Love Glove
Petstore.com
$7.19
A one-size-fits-all mitt, this tool removes excess and loose hair while gently massaging your dog. (Riley loves this one, naturally.) Even better, it can also be used to remove hair from furniture.

What's your favorite dog brush?

Finding Pet-Friendly Hotels

A few days ago, I posted a site that could help you find pet-friendly apartments in New York. But you should also check out the site Luxury Paw for luxury, pet-friendly accommodations for when you'll be traveling. All you have to do is type in your destination and the size of your pet, and it lists every hotel in the area that allows dogs.

Image via hotelsoftherichandfamous.com

I don't know if you've ever tried to find a hotel where dogs are welcome at the last minute, but it can be a total disaster. And oftentimes, it seems that the only hotels that accept dogs are ones where...well, let's just say they're ones where you'd feel less-than-safe—from both intruders and germs.

Definitely take a look at http://www.luxurypaw.com/ the next time you're thinking of traveling with your pet.