A new year means a new us!
This year, we touched on some dos an don'ts of pet care. In order to make 2019 the best year for loving our furbabies, we compiled a list of the top four things all should avoid this year.
Photo Credit: OK Pet Project
Kibble
If you haven’t taken a dive down the rabbit hole of research that explains kibble vs raw food for your pets yet, we are going to make it simple: kibble is the equivalent of eating fast food. As we become more aware of the food we are putting into our own bodies, let’s not forget those we love most.
Your dog is a carnivore, and it is necessary for them to eat that way to support a healthy system. Don’t worry, no one is going to make you deal with chunks of bloody meat – you can purchase raw food in frozen puck form from lots of pet stores around town (Like Bone and Biscuit or Tail Blazers). I don’t even thaw mine out all the way; just enough for them to not be rock solid and then the dogs eat them outside.
If you’re not ready to make the full switch, at least try to get a high-quality kibble like Orijen, Acana, or PetKind and adding in some supplements like raw eggs (shell and all), blueberries, fish oils, etc.
Our dogs have been switched back and forth a couple of times purely for research sake and I can genuinely say the changes are worth every penny.
If you are switching your dog food ever, please make sure you do so gradually. A full stop and switch, even between brands, can cause your dog’s stomach to flip resulting in costly surgery. Any switch should be made over the period of about one week.
Photo Credit: OK Pet Project
Retractable Leashes
I literally cringe driving past anyone who has their dog out for a walk on one of these devices for fear the dog darts in front of my truck. Never mind trying to walk my beasts on leash while someone has no control over their dog zipping around at the end of one of these things.
A multitude of safety issues for both dogs and their owners, lack of control, and bulky nature of these primitive designs should be tossed in the trash. Opt for your standard six-foot lead, or a long line if you prefer.
You can read a full article about our distaste for them here.
Photo Credit: OK Pet Project
Lazy Training
I am eternally guilty of this. Because after the fourth time the dogs aren’t listening to you, it’s easier to just give in and frustratingly give them what they want.
We are taking a stand this year, we are the alpha’s, we make the rules not our adorable mutts! That means no rushing the door, no barking at the mail guy for minutes on end, no begging, no pulling on leash, no jumping… are things going to take longer? Probably.
Is laying down some strong ground rules and sticking to them going to be beneficial in the long run? You bet it is.
So, practice patience, don’t reward bad behaviour, and remember who’s in charge!
Photo Credit: OK Pet Project
Not Having ID Tags
WHAT is with not spending $10 to put your phone number on your dogs’ collar? In the last four months alone I have had eight dogs show up at my house and only one had her owners name and phone number on her collar. EIGHT!
Here’s the thing, dogs like to go on adventures. Even if the fence is secure, the dog is on leash, or whatever the case may be; dog’s get lost, all the time.
If your phone number is on your dog’s collar, you get a quick phone call and can arrange to pick your dog up. With no way to contact you, whoever finds your poor scared bubba is left knocking on doors, posting all over the internet, and likely sending them off to dog jail (aka dog control).
Know what’s more expensive than a dog tag? Bailing your pup out of the pound.
In 2019, can we all, please, tag our babes?
Side note: RDCO tags only help the officers at dog control to find you, not neighbour Joe who just hauled your dog in off a busy street. You need both.
Photo Credit: OK Pet Project
2019 is the year of change! Let's embrace it!
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