Barking up the family tree: Discover secrets in your dog's DNA with Royal Canin Genetic Health Analysis (GHA)
Photo by Elizabeth Tersigni
July 31 is National Mutt Day and I am a proud owner of two
mixed breed dogs. I love my mutts, and specifically wanted mixed breeds because
they are on average healthier. Many mutt owners have no idea what breeds are in
the mix, but knowing this can provide some insight into your pet’s health and
behaviour. That’s why Royal Canin is encouraging mixed breed owners to discover
the secrets in their dog’s DNA through The ROYAL CANIN® Genetic Health Analysis (GHA).
The American Humane Association reported that mixed breed
dogs are the most popular type of dog in the United States, comprising 53
percent of the nation's canine population. Having insight into your dog’s DNA can
provide you with insider information. GHA can be used to tailor your dog’s
wellness plan to include nutrition, predict a puppy's full grown size, and
provide information about possible inherited diseases. Mutts can be predisposed
to health issues and have unique behaviours just like purebred dogs, but
knowing their genetic makeup can solve some of those mysteries.
Saint Bernese puppies make the best nurses She has a lot of issues, but loving isn't one of them...
Hazel has been such a great nurse since I had my wisdom teeth removed on Tuesday. Both her and Keira have just overwhelmed me with love and affection. I have so many exciting upcoming projects that I have had to put on hold this week for my recovery, but Paws For Reaction will be up and running again soon! Thanks for caring Paws peeps!!
Canada Day: Fireworks and pets don't mix
Happy Canada Day from Paws For Reaction!
Pet owners love #epetsure: Comparing pet insurance plans made easy!
Are you ready to discover my secret to easy pet insurance shopping...
My first real experience working with a pet insurance provider was at the animal hospital where I work now. We try to set clients up on free trials of pet insurance as often as we can, especially for those with new puppies or kittens. But it can take a long time for clients to make a decision- because it’s an important decision- and often times pet parents leave with some brochures and make the decision on their own at home. They search the web endlessly to find the best plan. Is this you? It can be a lot to absorb, I know.
Pet insurance is so important and can be very affordable. I know many pet owners have an "it won't happen to me" mentality about accidents and illnesses when it comes to their pets, but let me tell you- from experience- unexpected accidents CAN happen to you. It happened to me. Pet insurance will just ensure that you are more financially prepared for what may come.
Pet parents always have many questions about pet insurance plans, but I am most commonly asked these two questions:
1. Which pet insurance plan is the best for me?
2. How do I compare pet insurance companies?
Early disease detection: #IDEXX knows that knowing makes all the difference
Hi Paws peeps! Please share this video!
Life hack: What I did when Hazel became too strong for me to play tug
My sweet baby girl Hazel is a Saint Bernese, and although I still see her as my little girl I have to accept the fact that she is 97 pounds of pure muscle. You would think that her bad leg would affect the way she plays, but it doesn't. Her favorite thing to do is to play tug. Unfortunately ropes don't work- she just eats them. So I was really excited when I found this Top Paw™ Tuff Tire Dog Toy at PetSmart that she can chew on and play tug with. Of course the rope was destroyed in the first week, but the tire is tough and she loves it.
#WorldOceansDay: Take the #BetterBagChallenge to help save the #oceans
Do you live near the ocean? If so, then I am SO jealous of you right now! Even though I don't live by the sea, I understand how impactful the ocean is on the entire planets ecosystem. It keeps the world in balance, so if the oceans aren't healthy then the planet can't be either. I couldn't imagine a world without the beautiful marine life that the oceans sustain. That is why June 8 is such an important day- its World Oceans Day!
To help our oceans and its animals, I am taking the Better Bag Challenge. I promise to stop using disposable plastic bags completely. Will you join me? I already use reusable shopping bags almost everyday I shop, but by taking the Better Bag Challenge I am going to try to use these eco friendly bags every time! I've started by folding a fabric shopping bag and keeping it in my purse so I always have one available. 80% of the trash found in the world's oceans comes from land, so even though I don't live beside the ocean, I can still make a huge difference here on dry land!
I know it may not seem like a huge change, but even the smallest change can make a difference. The World Oceans Day theme this year is "Healthy Oceans, Healthy Planet" which emphasizes how connected the oceans are to the eco system. According to WorldOceansDay.org:
"The ocean is the heart of our planet. Like your heart pumping blood to every part of your body, the ocean connects people across the Earth, no matter where we live. The ocean regulates the climate, feeds millions of people every year, produces most of the oxygen we breathe, is the home to an incredible array of wildlife, provides us with important medicines, and so much more! In order to ensure the health and safety of our communities and future generations, it’s imperative that we take the responsibility to care for the ocean as it cares for us."
"Everyone’s health depends on a clean, productive ocean. During our celebration this year, we encourage our partners and friends to once again think about what actions each of us can take to safeguard vulnerable ocean communities. Please focus on whatever issues you think are most important for a healthy ocean future. On this site, you will find many resources about plastic pollution in particular. The ocean and its wildlife is choking on plastic, and we need to not only clean it up, but also stop this pollution."
This creepy, thrilling, and at times, a seductive tale told from the point of view of a stalker, You by Caroline Kepnes will leave you chilled to the bone. Nothing like spending the day inside the mind of a psychopath. Some people will not like this book, but it is as interesting and captivating as it is F---ed up! Why does it feel like somebody's watching me!? Did you read it? What do you think? Let me know in the comments! Check out the Sequel to You, titled Hidden Bodies!
World Environment Day: What is your Eco Friendly Routine
The environment is something that is very important to me and my fur family, and it is something that I try to promote on Paws For Reaction. Today is World Environment Day and what I love about this day is that everyone across the globe is sharing their love for the environment and what they do to preserve this beautiful green planet of ours. Today on Twitter I will be tweeting #MyEcoFriendlyRoutine on my personal twitter account @GonzoTheFacey with some of the things I do to recycle, promote a sustainable environment and battle climate change.
What are some of the things you do as part of your eco friendly routine? Please tweet me @GonzoTheFacey or @PawsForReaction and let me know! I can't wait to retweet all of your tips!!
PAWS FOR REACTION is celebrating 12 years! Ottawa-based pet care and nutrition, environmental, and lifestyle blog- always searching for the best in pet care, eco-friendly products and fun local events! Come explore with Hazel, the Saint Bernese, as she lives her best, food-driven, outdoor-loving, asymmetrical, #DogLife
ABOUT ME: I have nine years of experience working in veterinary medicine. I'm a Climate Reality Project Leader and have spent years volunteering with organizations including OSPCA, Farley Foundation, Ontario Nature, Future Ground Network, and Girl Guides of Canada.