Photos: Funny snow dogs enjoying winter weather

Photos: Snow dogs enjoying winter weather

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Photos: Mountain dogs enjoying first snow in Ontario

All photos by Stacey McIntyre-Gonzalez Copyright©

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.

Brrrr: 10 best cold weather dog breeds for a family with children

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

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

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

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!

How to keep cats and dogs safe around the Christmas tree

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

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!

PHOTOS: Crazy cats and bad dogs ruin Christmas

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!

High quality pet food made in Canada: Discover the #SubZeroDifference



Hazel with her bag of Nutrience® Subzero™  

 High quality pet food made in Canada: 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.

I really enjoy the “great pet food debate” that is taking place right now. Pet owners are more concerned than ever when it comes to their pet’s diet. This generation’s pet owner is devoted to making smart decisions about food. So when I got the chance to be a part of the Nutrience® Subzero™ launch at Canadian PetSmart® locations I jumped on it! I’m going to tell you why!

Taylor Swift music video spoof Shake it Off for pets in pain

READERS, FRIENDS AND FAMILY WE NEED YOUR HELP!

We are entered in the #Metacam ‪#‎PerfectWithoutPain‬ video contest! We made this awesome video! We tweaked the lyrics of our favorite famous animal lover ‪#‎TaylorSwift‬ 's song Shake it Off to educate about pain management for pets! PLEASE LIKE IT ON YOUTUBE!! We need the most likes by November 30th!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW & LIKE THE VIDEO- MAY NOT BE VIEWABLE ON ALL MOBILE DEVICES BUT YOU CAN STILL LIKE IT!

5 reasons to celebrate your pets on Thanksgiving

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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.

Pet food recall: July 2015

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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 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.

Pet food recall: June 2015

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 of Hazel's broken femur

Dealing with a doggy disability: X-rays show the progression of Hazel's broken femur

Hazel at 9 weeks and 13 weeks
Photo by Stacey McIntyre-Gonzalez Copyright©

June 12, 2015 - By Stacey McIntyre-Gonzalez

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 un-treated. The first radio-graph 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 a major surgery. At that time I was still waiting for the surgeon’s assessment. Later that week I received 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.

Pet food recall: May 2015

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. 

Dan Schachner advises on travelling with pets: EXCLUSIVE new video

Dan Schachner Photo provided by Petco

Animal Planet host weighs in on pet travel: NEW VIDEO   

Check out the video of my interview with Dan Schachner EXCLUSIVELY on Paws For Reaction!

CLICK HERE to see the video interview!

Animal Planet host weighs in on pet travel: EXCLUSIVE extras from the interview

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Animal Planet host weighs in on pet travel: EXCLUSIVE extras from the interview

By Stacey McIntyre-Gonzalez

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, back up 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:

     1.    In the car: Schachner recommends the Good2Go Safe & Hound Easy Click Seatbelt Adapter so that furry family members can “buckle up!”

     2.    Seat covers: Good2Go Seat Hammock provides comfort for pet and protects car interior.

     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."

     4.    Dogs with anxiety: Thundershirt Anxiety Solution for dogs can help with the travel stress.

       <GO BACK

Animal Planet host weighs in on pet travel: Trip preparation and packing

Photo by Christina Spicuzza  Foter.com  CC BY-SA

Animal Planet host weighs in on pet travel: Trip preparation and packing

By Stacey McIntyre-Gonzalez

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.

Like 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 up-keep items may be required such as nail clippers, brush, dental care items, ear cleansers and grooming supplies. Any liquids may be regulated by border security and may not be allowed on airplanes in certain quantities. An emergency first-aid kit is always a good idea for any travelling pet.

CLICK HERE to read more!

Animal Planet host weighs in on pet travel: Air travel and car rides

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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.

Animal Planet host weighs in on pet travel: Health records and crossing the border

Photo by Chris Boland  Foter  CC BY-NC-ND

Animal Planet host weighs in on pet travel: Health records and crossing the border

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, traveling with your dog or cat can be a safe and enjoyable experience for the whole family.

Schachner knows this because he is living it. He and I interviewed over the phone May 6 while he was in sunny Florida, US at the Trade Winds Grand Resort on St. Pete beach with Hank. Hank is a 5 year old hound mix who is available for adoption at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. Schachner himself is a foster parent to a poodle and spaniel mix. Trade Winds Grand Resort is a pet friendly resort- one of many that are converting to pro-pet throughout North America. Schachner has traveled with pets many times and he knows that the first time going foreign with Fido can be overwhelming.

CLICK HERE to read more!

Photos: May the fourth be with you - Star Wars dogs!

May the fourth be with you!

Happy May 4th to all my fellow Star Wars fans! These dogs want to celebrate with you!

Photo by Gaynoir_  Source  CC BY-NC-SA