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All photos by
Stacey McIntyre-Gonzalez Copyright©
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Photos: My mountain dogs enjoying first snow
It
finally snowed in Ontario!
It is very
exciting. Climate change couldn’t have been more obvious this Christmas here in
Ontario, Canada- a province that is usually draped in a thick blanket of cold, sparkling
snow by now. Instead we had a grassy-green holiday season- until today.
Hopefully this will be a big enough sign for everyone to change and make more
eco-friendly lifestyle and diet choices.
Both of the
girls were really excited for snow but Hazel was he most excited. She hasn’t
seen snow since she was a little, tiny puppy. Now she is a 97 lb almost one
year old. Saint Bernese dogs are in their element in the winter time and I was disappointed
that they weren’t getting to experience it. Finally today it snowed and we took
the girls on a hike through a winter wonderland. Check out our photo story in the
snowy forest.
Snowdogs: 10 best cold-weather dog breeds for a family
Active families in cold-weather regions who are
interested in adopting a dog will be looking for a breed that can tolerate the
frigid climate and play in the snow with the children. The list of Nordic dogs
is a long one but not all of those dog breeds will fit into a family with
children. Small children and even older kids need a pet that can tolerate
playing and activity just as much as it can tolerate four seasons. Kids need a
dog breed that is patient and loving to ensure that all play is safe play.
Green
Christmas: Eco friendly wrapping paper for holiday gifts
Here in Ontario, Canada we have yet to see a real snow
fall which is very unusual for this area. It is so clear that climate change is
impacting our planet in a big way. I am always looking for a way to be more
eco-friendly and try to make green choices in my home. The holiday season
creates a lot of waste so I decided since Ontario is having a green Christmas I
may as well have a green Christmas in my home!
This Christmas I decided not to buy any Christmas wrapping
paper at all. Instead, I used old magazines and comic books that I don’t read
anymore and wrapped gifts with the pages. I taped them together like a mosaic around
all of my holiday gifts. Any gifts that went in bags went in re-used gift bags
I have saved from previous years.
Warm winter walks: #NorthFetch dog apparel is Canadian and cozy
This post is sponsored by North Fetch, PetSmart Canada and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about North Fetch at PetSmart Canada, but Paws For Reaction only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. North Fetch and PetSmart Canada are not responsible for the content of this article.
There is nothing quite like a Canadian winter. Here in the Ottawa Valley winters are cold but full of adventure. There are so many great places to ski, snowshoe and hike in this region. I love to bundle up and hit the trails with my big mountain dogs to do some winter exploring! Hazel and Keira do very well in cold weather. They are both big, fluffy Saint Bernese dogs that are built for the cold weather. Avalanches? Bring it on! My girls are great in the winter, but it is not very often they get to go hiking with a friend.
Doggy Christmas gift idea: Tasty treat and the gift of giving #DOGforDOGPetSmart
This post is sponsored by DOG for DOG and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about DOG for DOG being available at PetSmart Canadian stores but Paws For Reaction only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. DOG for DOG and PetSmart are not responsible for the content of this article.
The magic of the holidays is in the air and I am looking for gifts to go in Hazel and Keira’s stocking. This is Hazel’s first Christmas and I want it to be special. I was really excited when I heard about DOG for DOG pet treats because for every item they sell they donate all-natural DOGSFOOD to help feed dogs in need! This is the season of giving so I had to get involved and try some of their products.
DOG for DOG is all about providing dogs with tasty and nutritious food, because every dog deserves that! DOG for DOG includes three different types of treats that I am sampling with my girls. They are all available at Canadian PetSmart locations:
DOGSBUTTER: Peanut butter for dogs! This product was inspired by all natural peanut butter at the Los Angeles Farmers Market. It is gluten free with no added salt, sugar or hydrogenated oils. A lot of human-grade peanut butter on the market today contains the sugar substitute xylitol that if ingested is toxic to dogs. This peanut butter is safe for my dog and it is nutritious too. It is perfect because Hazel loves peanut butter in her Kong!
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| life is good -pete Foter CC BY-NC-ND |
Holiday hazards: How to keep cats and dogs safe around the Christmas
tree
Christmas is just around the corner and for many that means a tree and decorations. Twinkling lights and glistening tinsel may
be appealing to the eye but for pets the Christmas tree holds a special fascination that can
lead to danger. Something seemingly harmless like a Christmas tree can turn
deadly to a dog or cat. Pet parents can to take certain precautions to
make inviting a Christmas tree- real or fake- into their home safer for their furry family members. This is how to pet proof your tree and have a safe and merry Christmas!
Pet food with No Bad Anything: Discover the #SubZeroDifference
This post is sponsored by Nutrience, PetSmart, and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about the launch of Nutrience Subzero in PetSmart Canada but Paws For Reaction only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Nutrience and PetSmart are not responsible for the content of this article.
Keira had an exciting trip to PetSmart® when we went to pick up our bag of Nutrience® Subzero™ and discover the #SubZeroDifference for ourselves. She’s not a very excitable dog but she sure loves PetSmart®- she wouldn’t even hold still for one good photo!
I often use pet food as treats for my dogs and I highly recommend it. Pet food is more balanced than pet treats so I use food to make sure my girls don’t gain weight while we are training- especially Hazel. Weight gain is bad for their hips. And we do a lot of training- especially Hazel!
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| Photo by TempusVolat Foter CC BY-NC-SA |
Nightmare before Christmas: Crazy cats and bad dogs ruin Christmas
The Christmas tree can be a source of curiosity and
wonder for a pet. Who can blame them- we put a giant tree in the house, hang
twinkling shiny things around and wrap objects in crinkly paper. Not to mention
we hang balls from it! It is sensory overload for our pets and it usually ends
up in disaster.
“You brought in a tree and hung balls from it- I honestly thought it was
for me!” –Every cat
ever
Most pet parents are all too familiar with the
mischievous behavior that a Christmas tree can bring out of our pets. These
photos are of dogs and cats that have ruined Christmas by trashing their
Christmas trees and decorations- or the gifts under it! These aren't
necessarily bad dogs and cats- they just don’t have much Christmas spirit.
Check out these pets saying BA HUMBUG to Christmas!
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| Photo by Flat6 Foter CC BY-SA |
Give thanks: 5 reasons why people with pets live happier, longer lives
Canadian’s will gather round the dinner table this weekend to celebrate Thanksgiving with family- and in many homes in North America the family members include pets. According to a 2013 survey by Ipsos- a leading market research company in Canada- 57% of Canadian's own a pet. In the United States 67% of households have a pet to call their own. Pet parents giving thanks to their pets may not know the amazing gifts that their pets are giving them every day.
Countless studies have been conducted to determine a pets influence on its owner's overall health. Research has shown that pets can do all sorts of things to improve their owner’s health and even help people live longer. Some pets assist people with disabilities while others soothes people suffering from depression. Either way there is plenty to give thanks to when it comes to pet.
Check out these 5 reasons to give thanks for the family pets. Find out how just owning a pet can benefit the entire family and keep them happy and healthy for the holidays and all their other days.
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| Photo by bombnomnom Foter CC BY-NC-SA |
Pet
food recall: July 2015
Boulder
Dog Food Company, L.L.C. voluntarily recalls Turkey Sprinkles due
to possible Salmonella
FDA PRESS RELEASE-July 2, 2015- Boulder, Colorado – Boulder Dog Food
Company, L.L.C. is voluntarily recalling the Turkey Sprinkles (3 oz.) with a
"Best By" date of "05/18/16, 05/28/2016 and 05/30/2016", a
Lot Number of "743", and a UPC Code of 899883001224 because the
product has the potential of being contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can
affect animals eating the product, and there is a risk to humans who handle the
product, especially if the handler does not thoroughly wash his or her hands
after having contact with the Product or any surfaces exposed to the product.
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| Photo by Takashi(aes256) Foter CC BY-SA |
Pet
food recall: June 2015
Boulder
Dog Food Company, L.L.C. voluntarily recalls ten bags of Chicken Sprinkles due
to possible Salmonella health risk
FDA PRESS RELEASE- June 19, 2015- Boulder, CO- Boulder Dog Food
Company, L.L.C. is voluntarily recalling the Chicken Sprinkles (3 oz.) with a
“Best By” date of “05/04/16”, a Lot Number of “998”, and a UPC Code of
899883001231 (the “Product”), because the Product has the potential of being contaminated
with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect
animals eating the Product, and there is risk to humans who handle the Product,
especially if the handler does not thoroughly wash his or her hands after
having contact with the Product or any surfaces exposed to the Product.
Dealing with a doggy disability: X-rays show the progression of Hazel's broken femur
Hazel, my Saint
Bernese puppy, is
four months old now and much has changed for this fluffy little spit-fire of a
mountain dog. When my partner Robert and I brought Hazel home on March 22 we
noticed that she walked with a limp. I brought her to the animal hospital where
I work the next day and received some bad news- Hazel had fractured her femur
bone in her left hind leg at some point early on in her life. It went un-diagnosed and untreated. The first radiograph showed that bone had completely callused over- making the left leg
shorter than the right.
As
I discussed in my letter from the editor Hazel will walk with a limp, is
guaranteed to have arthritis and hip dysplasia early on in life and may need major surgery. At that time I was still waiting for the surgeon’s assessment.
Later that week I received the news- the surgeon said I should leave the leg for
now but take x-rays monthly to monitor the growth and watch for signs of pain.
If we saw signs of soreness we were to put Hazel on a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to help with pain management.
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| Photo by derfian Foter CC BY-NC-SA |
Pet food recall: May 2015
OC Raw Dog Recalls Turkey & Produce Raw Frozen
Canine Formulation Because of Possible Salmonella Health Risk
Contact:
Consumer:
1-844-215-DOGS (3647)
Media:
949-215-1111
E-mail:
Olivia@ocrawdog.com
FDA PRESS RELEASE — May 15, 2015 — Ranch Santa Margarita, CA — OC
Raw Dog of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA is voluntarily recalling 2055 lbs. of
Turkey & Produce Raw Frozen Canine Formulation because it has the
potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. An organism which
can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or
elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Salmonella can
affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling
contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their
hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these
products.
Animal Planet host weighs in on pet travel: NEW VIDEO
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| Dan Schachner Photo provided by Petco |
Check out the video of my interview with Dan Schachner!
When
you picture a family vacation do you see your pets there with you?
Imagine the sun on your face and the sand beneath your feet- and your
dog by your side. Does it seem attainable? Animal Planet host
and Puppy
Bowl referee Dan Schachner thinks that it is and
he has teamed up with Petco to help pet owners prepare
for a trip with their pets. Although
it does require a lot of planning in advance and dedicated research,
travelling with your dog or cat can be a safe and enjoyable experience
for the whole family...
CLICK HERE to see the video interview!
Animal Planet host weighs in on pet travel: Trip preparation and packing
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Photo by Christina Spicuzza Foter.com CC BY-SA
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Just like
researching documents in advance is a wise decision making a list of what to pack
early on can save pet owners a lot of headaches and grief. “If you are scrambling
the night before a trip- running to the pet store and trying to grab as many
items as you can it’s probably not the best idea- especially if you are
flying,” Animal
Planet host Dan Schachner explained during May
6 interview.
As
previously mentioned pets may need certain medications while travelling and
being sure these meds can enter the country is highly important. It is also
important to make sure you have enough meds to get your pet through the trip.
Other general upkeep items may be required such as nail clippers, brushes,
dental care items, ear cleansers and grooming supplies. Any liquids may be
regulated by border security and may not be allowed on aeroplanes in certain
quantities. An emergency first-aid kit
is always a good idea for any travelling pet.
Animal Planet host weighs in on pet travel: EXCLUSIVE extras from the interview
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| Photo by Storm Crypt Foter.com CC BY-NC-ND |
Being an Animal
Planet host and Puppy Bowl
referee keeps Dan Schachner busy. When he is not
shooting the hit TV show America’s
Cutest Pets, supporting animal shelters or teaming up with Petco
to educate pet owners he can be found spending time with his children. On May 6
Schachner shared his Top 3 Pet Travel
Safety Tips:
1.
Do in depth research. “Get people on the phone- don’t just
trust what you read online on pet blogs or traveller experience blogs. Go
directly to that airline, that hotel, that destination and do your research as
many times as possible- especially if it is your first time.”
2.
Proper identification. “Second of all make sure your pet has
proper ID and by that I mean a tag with not just their name and your name but a
cell phone number because you are travelling- you’re not going to be home. So
an immediate contact number is key.”
3.
Packing and preparation. “The third one is sort of an umbrella
tip about having all of the right supplies. That’s not just treats, that’s not
just food- that’s also medical records, backup medicine if your dog has any
conditions.”
Schachner
also shared his 4 Personal Pet Travel Products that he recommends
for pet parents with a case of the wanderlust:
3.
On the plane: "If you plan to travel by air with your pet, know the airline's
pet policies, including size requirements for the passenger and cargo
areas," said Schachner. "When I travel with my dog Cali, I love using
the Sherpa
To Go Pet Carrier, which is
approved for in-cabin use by most major airlines."
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| Photo by Karin Beil Foter.com CC BY-NC-ND |
Animal
Planet host weighs in on pet travel: Air travel and car rides
By Stacey McIntyre-Gonzalez
Crossing the
border with a pet can be complicated and daunting for pet owners. Animal
Planet host Dan Schachner has been there too.
“Bear in mind that certain things are going to be tricky- security for example
might be a little bit tricky with the dog,” Schachner said on May 6. “You are going to have to remove the dog from
the carrier and take it with you. TSA people will want to examine your pet.
There are going to be some steps along the way where they are really going to
scrutinize your animal and then the animal is going to have to go back into its
carrier.”
Pet travel
will be more difficult when flying for many reasons but knowing airline
regulations can make the whole process go smoother. The pet will have to be in
a well ventilated crate or carrier of some sort. Schachner recommends allowing
the pet to get a lot of exposure to the carrier before the trip to make the
animal feel more at ease while travelling.
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