Dogs Love to Run!

Does your dog love to run if you let him go?  Dogs love to run, they just do. Their view of exercise, especially running, is so different from most people. I wish I loved to run as much as my dog does.

Most of us have to force ourselves to work out or exercise daily, but a dog does not require any motivation to go outside for a run. They just do it. It is one of their favorite things to do and they will run as often as you let them. When I open the door to let Murphy outside he takes off in a run to see what is going on out there. 

I always ask my dog if he wants to go for a walk and if he could answer me I bet he would say, "No, I would rather go for a quick run!". Dogs love to run from scent to scent, over to other dogs, and to any other interesting smells. 

Ever play catch with someone? You stand apart from each other and throw the ball toward the person so they catch it. Ever notice where your dog stands when you play fetch with him? He stands next to you and waits for the ball to be thrown away from him so he can take off in a run to get it. He will then run all the way back to you with the ball. Now, if you overthrow the ball to the person you are playing catch with I bet they would be annoyed if they had to run after the ball. 

Many dogs are bred for running such as Siberian Huskies, Shepard Dogs, Border Collies and Greyhounds. Running is not bred out of your dog when he does not do it as often as he likes. It is important to give your pooch some room to run and get a bit of exercise. His few minutes of running gives him a feeling of satisfaction. The saying, " A tired dog is a happy dog" is true.

If you are not up for a run, just play fetch in your yard with your dog. Just throwing a ball for your dog is an easy way for your dog to get in a good amount of running. 

Chillin...

It has been so cold outside that we have not been able to walk or play long out there. Today it is 19 degrees but feels more like 59 to us!! 

Murphy was able to get out for a walk and a game of fetch. Now it is time to chill!

Ear Infections in Dogs

Ear infections in dogs are more common than you think. This can be a painful condition for your dog to experience. If you see your furry friend shaking his head or trying to scratch at his ears or head, this could be a warning sign of infection. You may notice a strange odor or even see a brownish discharge in the ear. 

My dog, Murphy has had a few ear infections and currently has a double ear infection. His signs of infection have included  a redness on the inside of his ear and he started to smell a little funny. When I would get close to him I could not figure out what I was smelling until I flipped his ear over and saw how red it was. 

Most ear infections in adult dogs are caused by a bacteria or yeast. Ear mites are common in puppies. Your veterinarian will take a sample from the infected ear and determine what is causing the infection. He will also provide a treatment based on the diagnosis. 

If you notice any of following: you may want to make an appointment with your veterinarian and have him check out your best friends ears. Remember...ear infections can be painful. 

* Scratching or Rubbing at ears
* Shaking head around
* Notice an abnormal odor
* Red or Swollen ears

25 Things Your Dog Will Do

25 Things Your Dog Will Do Because He is a Dog!

1. Eat at least one pair of people shoes in his life time.
2. Go for a run with you
3. Take a swim.
4. Dig a hole
5. Play in the snow.
6. Sit on your couch.
7. Greet you at the door.
8. Cheer you up when you had a bad day.
9. Attend a family party.
10. Sleep in your bed.
11. Wake you up in the morning.
12. Learn to sit.
13. Howl along with your favorite song.
14. Ride in the car with his head out the window.
15. Have his own Christmas stocking.
16. Play Frisbee.
17. Own stylish canine clothing.
18. Enjoy his very own birthday cake.
19. Eat something he is not suppose to.
20. Rip the stuffing out of a pillow or cushion.
21. Watch T.V.
22. Be in a family photo.
23. Have a bed of his own.
24. Play with other four legged friends.
25. Bark to get your attention.

How many of these things has your dog done already?

Why Does Your Dog Chew, Bite or Lick his Paws?


Dogs do things for a reason and since they can not tell us what is wrong, we need to figure it out.

If you see your dog chewing, biting, or licking his paws often, a few things could be going on with those paws. He could be simply bored and this is his way of passing time. He could have an allergy to his food or possibly an allergic reaction to the carpeting he walks and lays on all day long. There may be more to his paw licking and you will need to inspect his paws when you see such behavior.

A dog's paw pad is exposed to many different objects as well as surfaces that could injure or irritate his feet.

A small stone may have gotten stuck in the paw pad or he may have cut himself on a rock while out on his daily walk or run in the park. Ice, snow or even the salt used on sidewalks and roads may be building up within his paw pad. If the hair around the paw pad gets too long, a mat may form which is very uncomfortable and a dog will try to remove any foreign object from in-between his paw pad.

If you see your dog biting or chewing to remove an object from his paw pads, I would not worry to much. Dogs will do this and it is normal.  It becomes a problem when every time you look at him he is chewing or licking away at his paws. You should take him into the vet for a check up on his feet to make sure there is not a medical issue that needs attention. After all, too much licking and biting could cause a raw or hot spot which could lead to a bacterial infection.

Check your dog's paws often especially after walks. You could even wipe them down with a damp cloth to clear away any trapped debris.  Make sure the paw pads are not red, swollen, cracked, or dry. It is up to us to help keep our best friends feet healthy!

I like to use Dog Paws before we head out for our nightly walk. It keeps my dogs paws conditioned and prevents dry or cracked paw pads. 

Muddy Paw Sunday

   It was an unseasonably warm day today! All of the snow has melted and you can only imagine what the back yard looks like now. That did not stop Murphy from running around. He doesn't seem to mind the muddy paws.

I have a towel in the foyer to wipe him down when he comes in but sometimes it seems like I just can't wipe them clean. Today, his paws were so muddy that I took a bucket of water on the front porch and helped him dip each paw in. Then we wiped and came in.

 If these temperatures keep up, I just don't know what else to do that is quick and will remove the mud from his paws.

Any suggestions out there?