I clean the lint trap in my dryer after every load. But cleaning the lint trap is not enough. You really must clean the entire length of your dryer vent. I knew this task needed attention. But I was not prepared for how much lint I found!

Can I clean my dryer Vent Myself?

Dryer vent cleaning is something many folks can tackle themselves with the right tools. These are the exact two tools I used for my dryer vent cleaning.

Amazon

Amazon

I started with the Sealegend 2 Piece Dryer Vent Cleaner Kit which has a long, flexible brush and a flat tube that attaches to your vacuum. The brush loosens the lint and the flat tube reaches way down into the dryer. I was shocked and a bit horrified at how much lint debris was built up inside my dryer beyond the lint trap.

Then I ordered the Sealegend 30′ Dryer Vent Brush Kit which comes with a handy drill attachment. You can buy this kit in various lengths depending on your the length of your dryer vent. What I liked about this kit is the pieces attach with a push button lock. I didn’t have to worry they would become disconnected and lodged inside my dryer vent. It also came with a push button lock drill attachment.

Join the pack!

get real life tips for real life…with dogs!

Dryer Vent Cleaning Tips

Choose a brush kit that will extend the entire length of your dryer vent. I actually found my dryer vent had a small sticker indicating it is 25′, so check your vent area for any additional information. If you’re unsure, err on the long side.

Remove the exterior vent cover first, so the brush can pass all the way through. You may need a ladder to reach it. If your cover is like mine, it’s caked with lint. Clean that too before reinstalling. The flap should be able to swing open freely.

I suggest starting from the inside end of the dryer vent after unplugging your dryer and disconnecting it from the wall vent. I’m going to lie…it’s a messy job on either end of the vent. But I definitely had more debris pushed through to the outside. Also, it was safer for me to handle the brush and the drill from the floor of my utility room, as reaching my exterior vent required a ladder.

It is not as simple as connecting all the brush pieces at once and attaching them to the drill. They will twist together, trust me. Instead, I attached one additional section to the brush at a time, attached it to the drill and turned it on, gently pushing and pulling the brush inside the vent.

I disconnected the drill bit to add each additional section until the brush reached the outside. Then I reversed the whole process, removing one section at a time. I found that using the drill was completely necessary for getting the brush to maneuver the turns inside my dryer vent.

How Often Should I clean My Dryer Vent?

I recommend cleaning the full length of your dryer vent at least once per year. If you have a large family doing more laundry, or pets like I do, I would consider cleaning it every six months. Tackling my dryer vent cleaning was a dirty job! But it wasn’t difficult and I feel much better having crossed this task off my to do list!

More Posts from Affluent Dogs

Dog Products

Cone of Shame Alternatives

Dog Recipes

Summer West Paw Toppl Recipe: Belly Rub Breeze

Dog Healthcare & Well-Being | Life with Dogs

Thanksgiving Safety Tips For Dogs

Dog Healthcare & Well-Being

Is Pet Insurance Worth It? My Experience With Trupanion

The post Dryer Vent Cleaning for Pet Owners appeared first on Affluent Dogs.

Sources of Anxiety In Dogs

Just like us, many dogs suffer from anxiety. Sources of fear-based anxiety in dogs can be from loud noises, like sirens, thunderstorms or fireworks. Triggers for social and environmental anxiety in dogs include unfamiliar people or dogs, riding in cars, going to new places, or other changes in normal routine. Dogs experience separation anxiety when left alone, or separated from their favorite people or other pets.

ThunderShirt Dog Anxiety Vest

When it comes to calming aids for anxious dogs, the first I ever purchased was a ThunderShirt dog anxiety vest. Just like swaddling an infant provides a feeling of safety and security, the ThunderShirt creates a constant, gentle pressure to soothe your anxious dog.

My dog Skip was terrified of thunderstorms. I was hopeful the ThunderShirt would be a miracle. It has a money back guarantee. I had nothing to lose!

ThunderShirt For Dogs

---

Amazon

Amazon

Amazon

Let me temper your expectations. It’s not as if Skip was no longer scared of storms or oblivious to thunder. But the ThunderShirt took just enough edge off. He no longer climbed all over me and I was no longer scared he’d literally drop dead from fright. That was a win in my book and I kept it.

I have a ThunderShirt Classic in heather grey – it was the only style available at that time. It’s well made and has held up for years though many uses and machine washes. Olive now uses it regularly during summer thunderstorms. You can also purchase a ThunderShirt Sport or ThunderShirt Polo, each available in multiple colors. All ThunderShirts are available in seven sizes from XXS – XXL.

Join the pack!

get real life tips for real life…with dogs!

Composure Calming Chews by VetriScience

There are a lot supplemental calming aids for anxious dogs on the market. To be honest, I always though of them as snake oil. I first learned of Composure by VetriScience from a friend. It was not long after adopting Ruby and she was a nervous wreck.

I had my veterinarian review the ingredients for safety and then I gave them a try. After all, VetriScience also offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Composure is now a staple I keep on hand at all times.

Amazon

I watch the girls when I’m gone with my Blink camera system (read all about it here). Before using Composure, Ruby was agitated the entire time I was gone. She’d get on the sofa, then off the sofa, go in the cove, then out of the cove, walk around the room, back to the sofa, then back to the cove…the WHOLE TIME.

After using Composure, she’s settled when I am gone. From reviewing the camera footage, I see she usually sticks close to Lemon and settles in next to her. I’ve seen Ruby stay in one place for over an hour, which was unheard of before. I’ve also seen her play with her toys and play with Olive. It doesn’t knock her out and she maintains her same personality.

I also rely on Composure during thunderstorms or seasonal holidays with fireworks. Like the ThunderShirt, Composure does not completely eliminate anxious or fearful behavior, but it takes the edge off just enough. You can safely double or triple your dose in times of exceptional stress.

It’s helpful to give Composure ahead of time when possible, as many dogs are more difficult to calm once they are already highly agitated. Composure works quickly and lasts for up to 4 hours.

Be Prepared

The 4th of July will be here before you know it. If your dog gets nervous or scared during fireworks, go ahead and pick up one or both of these calming aids for anxious dogs. You’ll then have several weeks to get your dog used to wearing the ThunderShirt or testing the dosage of Composure that suits them best.

More Posts from Affluent Dogs

Life with Dogs

How Do You Wash A Dog Collar?

Life with Dogs

Coping With Pet Loss

Dog Products | Dog Recipes

Recipe For West Paw Toppl: Pumpkin Diced Latte

Dog Healthcare & Well-Being | Dog Products

Do I Need to Brush My Dog’s Teeth?

The post Calming Aids For Anxious Dogs appeared first on Affluent Dogs.

Dog Washing Station

Having a dedicated dog washing station has become a must-have on my dog friendly home design list. Using a 24″ x 40″ Bigtub Utilatub by Mustee, I created an At Home Dog Washing Station in my garage. It’s so convenient! No more dragging sand through the house after a beach trip, and no worries about it being too cold outside to use the hose. And because it’s in my garage, I don’t have to be overly sensitive about the splashes and loose dog hair that come with the territory of washing dogs.

But my set up does have its drawbacks. The girls could not be any bigger, or the utility tub wouldn’t work for bathing them. And if I were unable to lift them myself, there are no stairs for easy access. The perfect solution for these concerns is this custom dog wash by KGA Studio Architects.

Photo by KGA Studio Architects, PC – Look for entryway design inspiration

Their design is both beautiful and functional, providing a larger size for the big dogs. The stairs, which can be conveniently hidden away when not in use, are ergonomically situated. Your dog can enter straight into the tub without an awkward reverse turn. And the stair placement doesn’t interfere with the space you need to not only wash your dog, but to assist them in and out of the tub.

Built In Feeding Station with water spigot

In my kitchen, I have a a small counter space with a drawer and cupboard, which serve as my “dog cabinet”. Each of the girls has a bowl stand nearby for their food. And separately there’s a water bowl stand in the laundry room. Having a dedicated space for their food, treats, and medicine is essential.

But what I really need to amp up my dog friendly home design is a built-in feeding station. But not just any built-in feeding station. I’ve got designs on a custom feeding station with one of those fancy pot filler spigots, so I can fill the water bowl in place. No more carrying water from the sink, across the room, to where the water bowl lives. How genius is that?! It’s like a doggie mini wet bar!

Wall Entry Dog Door

Truly, one of the best dog friendly home design improvements I’ve made is Adding A Wall Entry Dog Door. With three dogs, I was in a constant battle of letting someone out, then back in, then out again. Now, with their very own PetSafe wall entry dog door, the girls have a little extra freedom to come and go as they please.

The internet is full of ideas to zhuzh it up a little and give your dog’s door some style. Consider interior upgrades like added framing, or a sliding barn door closure. Exterior additions might include a small awning, or porch stoop.

Custom Gates and Doors

If you’ve ever used a baby gate to block your dog from a certain area of your home, you know what a pain those gates can be. They are unattractive, always fall down, and a nuisance to store when not in use. Rock Paper Hammer has a better way! Their custom pocket dog gate provides a stylish, integrative solution to control your dog’s access to certain areas of your home.

Photo by Rock Paper Hammer – Look for hallway pictures

Photo by Rock Paper Hammer – Look for hallway design inspiration

Another unique dog friendly home design creation by the Rock Paper Hammer team is their dutch doggy door. What makes this dutch door unique is the bottom panel allows your dog line of sight to what’s on the other side. Having the ability to see through the door eliminates their need to jump up on bottom panel to look over.

Photo by Rock Paper Hammer – Discover hallway design ideas

Subscribe now

For our latest
tips & tricks for
life with dogs!

Under Stairs Dog Cove

All dogs need a quiet place of their own. Whether you have crate trained your dog, or allowed them run of the house, a dog’s protective instinct will have them seeking a small space, often enclosed, that allows them to relax and rest. An Under Stairs Dog Cove is the perfect solution.

My girls use their under stairs dog cove all the time as a go-to space to snooze. If your dog is crate trained, adding a gate or barn door to the dog cove is an excellent way to integrate their “crate” space into your home.

Artificial Turf

Having dogs and a beautiful lawn can be challenging. My dream yard has an artificial turf lawn. Who’s with me? A high quality artificial turf is a major investment. But over time, it’s likely to be a savings compared to a natural lawn.

My water bill triples in summer months. I spend ridiculous money on fertilizers, insecticide and weed control, having to take extra caution on what products are used to keep the girls safe. I’ve had to re-sod large areas of the yard, not once, but twice. And my time is money! I’ve spent countless hours edging, mowing, pulling weeds, mulching potty spots, and repairing holes or other damage from rough play. Let’s not even talk about how much dirt muddy paws will track into the house. Artificial turf is not maintenance free, but it’s far less maintenance relative to a natural lawn. And as an added bonus, it looks green all year long.

When choosing an artificial turf for your yard, there are a number of things to consider:

• Choose a high quality product designed for pets. Not only will it hold up better to pet traffic, these products will feature antimicrobial properties and optimal drainage to minimize odors.
• The best products will be fade resistant and provide some level of protection or cooling from radiation heat transfer. This is especially important if you live in a hot climate.
• The pile height, or length of the grass blades, plays a part in both appearance and drainage. Longer pile height looks more natural, but lower pile height improves drainage. You’ll want to strike a balance in this department.
• Turf density typically ranges 40 to 80 ounces per square yard. A higher density turf is more lush and durable, but it’s also pricier.

Home Design for the Dogs

Smart home design choices are ones that work for your family. Dogs are the family we choose, so it’s only natural to consider their needs too. Incorporating any of these dog friendly home design ideas provides both form and function for you and your furry family member!

More Posts from Affluent Dogs

Dog Products | Life with Dogs

How To Control Dog Hair In The House

Meet the Dogs

Ruby

Life with Dogs

Dog Mom Life Hack: The Dirty Tennis Ball

Dog Healthcare & Well-Being | Dog Products

Slow Feed Options For Dogs Eating Too Fast

The post Dog Friendly Home Design Favorites appeared first on Affluent Dogs.

CAN YOU WASH A DOG COLLAR IN THE WASHING MACHINE?

Yes, you can! If your dog wears a nylon or other fabric collar, you can save a lot of time by washing the dog collar in the washing machine, and allowing it to air dry (lay it flat, or hang it on a laundry rack).

But, will machine washing degrade the integrity of my dog’s collar? With a few precautions taken, it will not degrade the collar any more than it does your own clothes. And I’ll bet you’re not hand washing much of your own clothes. Nobody has time for that!

how do you wash a dog collar in the washing machine?

There are a few things I do to ensure tossing a dog collar in the washing machine is a success. Ideally, remove the tags from the collar. If you don’t have a Rubit Dog Tag Clip for your dog’s tags, go on and get yourself one. You can thank me later! A Rubit clip will allow you to easily clip/unclip your dog’s tags to/from a collar without fighting that little metal ring.

Before putting a collar into the washer, always clip it closed, and put it into a zippered, mesh laundry bag. This helps prevent the collar from twisting up and getting tangled with other items in the wash. This step is especially important if your washer has an agitator.

Amazon

Amazon

Add something else to the wash load, like towels. From my experience of trying to get a stain out of my own clothes, items in the wash tend to come out cleaner when there are other items against which to agitate. Additionally, dog collars have clips and D-rings that clang around in there. Adding the towels you just used when bathing your dog will provide some cushioning to reduce (not eliminate) any noise.

Subscribe now

For our latest
tips & tricks for
life with dogs!

I wash my dog collars on the delicate laundry cycle with cold water, and unscented laundry detergent (I use Method Laundry Detergent Free + Clear, which I purchase from Target, but you can buy it in bulk on Amazon). Using a warm water wash, or the normal laundry cycle is also effective. However, I do not recommend using a heavily-soiled cycle setting, hot water, or hash detergents. Like your own clothes, this may result in fading or other issues.

N/A

Never put your dog’s collar in the dryer. Always lay the collar flat to dry, or hang it neatly on a laundry rack.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I WASH MY DOG’S COLLAR?

How often you wash your dog’s collar is going to vary based on your dog’s lifestyle and activities. But if you are washing your dog, wash your dog’s collar too! You wouldn’t put the same worn clothes on after showering, would you?

I generally bathe the girls every 2-3 weeks, and I wash their dog collars in the washing machine each time I bathe them.

If your dog’s collar has gotten particularly stinky, you can pre-soak the collar with a few tablespoons of vinegar and baking soda, and use a soft, nylon brush to gently scrub the collar before putting it into the washer.

But, if you wash your dog’s collar regularly, this step is completely unnecessary! An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure…isn’t that how the saying goes? That is to say, if you wash your dog’s collar regularly, you’ll prevent it from becoming that stinky dog collar in the first place.

CAN YOU MACHINE WASH A DOG HARNESS or leash?

Like a collar, if your dog uses a harness, this item will need to be washed from time to time. I follow the same practices when washing Ruby’s Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness in the washing machine. Clip your clips, put the harness into a zippered, mesh laundry bag, add some towels and unscented laundry detergent, and choose a gentle cycle with cold water.

Amazon

Although our leashes tend to stay pretty clean, I have washed our leashes in the washing machine as well. However, using a laundry bag for leashes is critical to prevent tangling! And if you are washing more than one leash in the washer, I recommend putting each leash in a separate laundry bag.

After washing, always allow your dog’s gear to thoroughly air dry.

How can i clean a leather dog collar?

Leather dog collars and leashes CANNOT go into the washing machine. The girls do not have any leather collars, but these are my go-to leather products for cleaning my sofa (which I don’t do often enough ), car interior, and my own bags and shoes. Always test a new product on the inside of the collar surface. However, these items should be safe to use when cleaning your dog’s leather collar or leash.

Amazon

Amazon

clean dog, clean collar

If you have all this free time to gingerly hand wash your dog’s nylon webbing or other fabric dog collar, props to you! But with three dogs, things to do, and places to go, this dog mom is taking the easy route. With a few common sense precautions, you can absolutely wash your dog’s collar in the washing machine!

More Posts from Affluent Dogs

Dog Healthcare & Well-Being | Dog Products

Which Dog DNA Test Is Most Accurate?

Dog Healthcare & Well-Being

Tips and Tricks for Managing Dog Medications

Dog Healthcare & Well-Being

My Experience With Healthy Paws Pet Insurance

Life with Dogs

Going Places With Dogs: Hendersonville, NC

The post How Do You Wash A Dog Collar? appeared first on Affluent Dogs.

do as I say, not as i do

I’m going to eat ALL. THE. THINGS. on Thanksgiving Day. I will most definitely put myself in a food coma. But the number one thing to keep your dog safe this Thanksgiving is NOT using the holiday as an excuse to over feed or over indulge your dog. Even dog-safe Thanksgiving foods can cause gastrointestinal upset for your dog if it’s too far off course from their normal diet. Go ahead and give them a special treat! Just don’t over do it.

Feed this

The base of many Thanksgiving favorites are completely heathy for your dog to enjoy in moderation. For example, sweet potatoes are a great choices to share with your dog….BEFORE you add butter, cinnamon, sugar, marshmallows and pecans. Plain pumpkin puree – something I often keep on hand for upset dog tummies – is a dog safe treat, until you’ve turned it into pumpkin pie.

Thanksgiving favorites that can be shared with your dog when in their natural state (sans additional flavor enhancers) include:

• Lean turkey without skin, or bones
• Apples slices, without core or seeds
• Unsweetened pumpkin puree
• Sweet potatoes
• Carrots
• Green beans
• A small bite of cheese, hold the mac

Remember, moderation is key. If your dog doesn’t normally get table food like this, don’t suddenly give them all these “safe” items, as that can still upset your dog’s belly. Give only a bite, or two, and an extra helping of attention with a belly rub, and call it a feast!

not that

If you’ve not yet gathered it, do not give your dogs foods that are enhanced with butter, sugar, salt, pepper, other seasonings, etc.

Thanksgiving items to avoid giving your dog include:

• Fatty meats, bones, skin, gravy
• Seeds or cores
• Onions, scallions, garlic
• Raisins or grapes
• Butter, or other seasonings
• Any normally healthy vegetable now creamed or mashed or made into a casserole
• Yeast dough
• Sugar, sweets, or anything containing Xylitol
• Alcohol

Join the pack!

get real life tips for real life…with dogs!

Other Thanksgiving tips to keep your dog safe

• Keep trash secure and out of reach. This goes not only for those food items that should be off limits, but also for foil or other wrappings that can cause blockages if ingested by your dog.
• Ensure guests’ belongings are out of reach (Xylitol gum or candy, or medications can pose a problem if your dog rifles through a guest’s bag).
• If you suspect a problem with your pup, react quickly. Visit your local veterinary emergency center, or call Animal Poison Control.

Following these common sense Thanksgiving safety tips for dogs will have you, and your dog, feeling thankful this Thanksgiving holiday!

More Posts from Affluent Dogs

Life with Dogs

Should I Celebrate My Dog’s Birthday?

Dog Healthcare & Well-Being | Dog Products

Summer Safety Tips For Your Dog

Life with Dogs

Dog Friendly Home Design Favorites

Dog Products

Bunny Rabbit Zoo Snoods for Easter

The post Thanksgiving Safety Tips For Dogs appeared first on Affluent Dogs.

dog washing at home

I first considered adding an at home dog washing station after bringing Lemon home from the beach. No one wants to bring a wet and sandy dog through the house to the tub inside. The weather was warm, so a quick bath under the hose outside did the trick. But leaning over to wash Lemon also did a number on my back. I wanted one of those elevated grooming tubs, so I could wash her while standing straight up.

There was already plumbing in the garage for a utility sink, so why not turn it into an at home dog washing station?! I started researching professional grooming tubs. As expected, they were pretty pricey. I hemmed and hawed on the purchase long enough to sell my home and move to a new one!

While I love the look of those luxury tiled dog washing stations, there wasn’t the space or the funds to add one at the new homestead. Once again, I began exploring options for adding an at home dog washing station in the garage. Frankly, the garage makes a lot of sense. Your dog is going to splash, and shake, and shed fur all over the place. And in the garage, I don’t have to care too much. When bath time’s over, I open the garage door, and use the leaf blower to tidy up.

Join the Pack!

Subscribe for Our Latest Tips & Tricks
For Life With Dogs!

choosing a dog tub

If your budget allows, go for the professional stainless steel grooming tub with steps. And if you have large dogs, this might be your only option. But as my girls are 45-55 lbs., and I am able to lift them, I chose to save a few bucks by going with a large 24″ x 40′ Bigtub Utilatub by Mustee.

Amazon

I added the Ashland Laundry Faucet with a threaded spout, and a Rinse Ace Sink Faucet Rinser. With the faucet’s threaded spout, the Rinse Ace attaches just like a hose would, though it does come with an adapter for other other faucets.

Amazon

Amazon

This might look like the perfect at home dog washing station, but let me tell you from experience, this tub is slick. Be sure to add some Secopad Anti Slip Shower Stickers to line the bottom of the tub. I also use a stainless steel basket filter trap in the drain to catch all the dog fur before it goes down the drain!

N/A

Amazon

Complete the look of your dog washing station

I had this tub installed in the garage on the wall opposite the laundry room, allowing the plumber to tie into existing water and drain lines. This required elevating the tub about 6″. The extra height was easily achieved by adding 2×4 legs inside the existing metal legs, and painting them to match. (Thanks Molly at Wag-n-Splash for the tip!)

At Lowe’s Home Improvement, I purchased a fully assembled 36″ Shaker style cabinet, and two satin nickel knobs. It’s the perfect space for storing towels and other bath accessories. Also, I found some great backsplash tile on sale! Each 12″ x 12″ sheet was only $1.19!!

Accessories for your dog washing station

No at home dog washing station is complete without a safety loop to help your dog stay put while in the tub. I picked up an eye hook at Lowe’s, and added the Groomers Pro Jelly Pet Grooming Loop. And to protect myself from getting splashed, I chose the Ladybird Line Paw Print Waterproof Dog Bather’s Apron.

Amazon

Amazon

My favorite at home dog shampoo has been Cloudstar Buddy Wash Lavender & Mint Shampoo. It makes the girls feel silky soft, and has a fresh fragrance without being overwhelming. I use it with the Bodhi Dog Bath Brush! Its massaging bristles act as a deshedding tool to remove loose fur.

Amazon

Amazon

I honestly thought my at home dog washing station was complete. I joked that all I needed to be legit was a blow dryer. But once I saw how relatively affordable the SHELANDY 3.2HP Dog Grooming Blower with Heater was, I knew I had to have one!

Amazon

The heater turns on/off separately from the blower, and it has an adjustable air speed, so you can work your dog up to it. Perhaps it’s from their visits to the groomer, but all of my girls already seem well adjusted to the blow dryer.

So fresh, so clean

This complete at home dog washing station is the most useful home improvement I’ve made in a long time! Whether I’ve brought the girls home from the beach, a muddy hike, or it’s just time to freshen up, this set up has form and function, and was priced right too!

More Posts from Affluent Dogs

Life with Dogs

Under Stairs Dog Cove

Life with Dogs

Dryer Vent Cleaning for Pet Owners

Dog Healthcare & Well-Being | Life with Dogs

Dog Friendly Flowers and Plants

Dog Healthcare & Well-Being

What To Do If Your Dog Is Choking

The post At Home Dog Washing Station appeared first on Affluent Dogs.

Asters

When it comes to dog friendly flowers for Fall, Asters might be perfect! If you believe you can’t survive the season without Mums, then you must try Asters in your fall landscape. These perennial plants come in a variety of sizes, with colors ranging from blue and purple to pink and white. With at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, Asters are easy to grow, and they provide a plentiful source of nectar, attracting Fall pollinators to your garden.

Celosia

I’ve had dog safe Celosia in my garden all summer, but with it’s traditional Fall color palette, it continues to be an excellent choice for sunny Fall gardens. Numerous varieties of Celosia offer different styles of bloom, but all are stunners, offering both interesting textures and vibrant colors. Check out the Cristata (my fave), Plumosa, and Spicata varieties to see what Celosia has to offer your Fall pet safe landscape.

Russian Sage

Russian Sage is generally considered non-toxic, and a good choice for your pet safe garden. Added to a sunny, well drained area, this perennial is drought tolerant once established. It’s silver-green foliage and fragrant lavender-purple blooms are attractive to butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. It’s also deer resistant, and disease resistant, rounding out its low maintenance qualities.

However, use common sense when adding this (or any plant) to your garden. Though called Sage, it’s not related to edible Sage varieties. While it’s considered non-toxic for pets, this does not mean you should allow your dog to freely consume it. The leaves of Russian Sage contain an organic compound called Thujone, which is considered poisonous.

So why is Russian Sage considered as dog friendly flowers for Fall?

Because it is unlikely your dog would consume the large quantities of this plant, repeatedly over a long period of time, needed to experience negative effects. Therefore it’s generally considered a safe option. However, if your dog is over interested in the Russian Sage, it’s best to move it out of their reach.

Every dog is an Affluent dog

Subscribe for Tips & Tricks on dogs
living their very best life!

snapdragons

Snapdragons are one of my top choices in dog friendly flowers for Fall (and Spring if I’m being honest). Preferring sun, but tolerating partial shade, Snapdragons thrive in cooler temperatures. They show their best blooms when daytime highs are in the low 70s, with cool nights in the low 40s. Like the Celosia, Snapdragons have a number of varieties, and a range of colors, to suit your Fall landscape needs. And similar to pet safe Orchids, choosing snapdragons with many unopened buds will ensure a lengthy bloom time for you to enjoy.

pansies

You will have an array of color choices when adding Pansies to your dog friendly Fall landscape. Similar to Snapdragons, these delicate non-toxic blooms prefer sun, tolerate some shade, and look their best in cooler temperatures. Temperatures from the mid 60s, down to the mid 40s, are their jam.

My dog loving friends, there is absolutely no reason to let Mum season get you down! These dog friendly Mum alternatives are proof positive that Mother Nature loves dogs too. Your garden will have all the colors that Fall Mums bring, but far more textural variety and visual interest!

More Posts from Affluent Dogs

Life with Dogs

Tips For Owning A Multiple Dog Pack

Dog Healthcare & Well-Being

Keeping Your Dog at a Healthy Weight

Dog Products | Dog Recipes

West Paw Toppl Treat Toy

Meet the Dogs

Lemon

The post Dog Friendly Flowers For Fall appeared first on Affluent Dogs.

a word about shedding

Most dog breeds have some level of regular shedding, and this can vary depending on breed and coat type. It is important to know what is considered normal for your dog, so you are able to recognize when it’s excessive, which perhaps indicates an underlying problem.

For example, I have labs. As a double coated breed, I know that shedding is literally a way life with labs. And a couples times of year, as the seasons change, the shedding will increase tenfold as they fully blow their coats to make way for new ones. Yet, when I noticed that Ruby was suddenly going completely bald on her underside, I was able to recognize this as a problem, and contact her veterinarian.

So what is a dog mom to do when the shedding is normal, and your house is swimming in dog hair? The answer is not about stopping a dog from shedding. It’s about how to control the dog hair in the house when it is inevitably shed.

Nutrition for coat health

Good health starts with good nutrition and hydration. Make sure you are feeding your dog a high quality diet, and providing plentiful water to stay hydrated. In addition, adding a quality fish oil / Omega-3 supplement to your dog’s diet provides numerous, well-documented health benefits, only one of which is improvement to their skin and coat health.

Amazon

Dogs with flaky skin and brittle coat are prone to more than normal shedding. Keeping your dog’s skin and coat in tip top shape helps to mitigate shedding excess. Consult with your veterinarian about which fish oil / Omega-3 supplement and dosage is bes

grooming routine

bathing

Regularly bathing your dog will help to remove loose hairs that are ready to shed. The more loose hair that comes off in the tub, the less that’s coming off throughout your home. I also use a Bodhi Dog Bath Brush to help remove and collect the loose hair. Excessive bathing of your dog can dry out their skin and coat, contributing to increased shedding, so don’t take it to the extreme. Personally, I bathe my dogs every two to three weeks.

blowing

I’ve let my dogs air dry for years when washed at home, but have recently added a SHELANDY Grooming Blower with Heater. The blower not only reduces dry time, but it helps to blow out the undercoat, and any loose hair, that is still hanging on after bath time. And best of all, my girls can now have that fluffy, ‘fresh from the professional groomer’ appearance at home.

Amazon

Amazon

Brushing

Brushing your dog regularly between baths is another excellent way to remove loose hair that’s just waiting to fall out and float all over your house. The Hartz Groomer’s Best Combo Brush is an excellent choice no matter your dog’s coat type. If your dog is a double coated breed like my labs, you may also benefit from an undercoat rake. The Oster Dog Rake was suggested to me by our groomer.

Amazon

Amazon

Housekeeping Routine

I was once told by a carpet cleaning professional that I should be vacuuming my house once per week for each person who was residing in the home. And that I should just go ahead and count my dogs as people. At the time, it was my husband, myself, and two labs, and four times per week seemed IMPOSSIBLE! But frequent vacuuming is critical when it comes to controlling dog hair in the house.

Subscribe now

For our latest
tips & tricks for
life with dogs!

Automatic vacuuming

It was not until I added the iRobot Roomba 980 that I was able to accomplish the vacuuming frequency really necessary to to control dog hair in the house. At the time, it was the top model available (it’s now discontinued). The purchase was expensive, and I debated it for over a year, but I’ve had no regrets.

‘Dusty’ runs Monday through Friday, and my floors have never looked, or felt, better. Frequent use is absolutely necessary for Roomba success, especially when you have pets. The ‘conditioning process’ took about two weeks. My Roomba would fill quickly, and leave clumps of hair and debris if I wasn’t on top of my emptying game. A coworker encouraged me to stick it out as this was completely normal. He was right and soon enough Roomba was able to clean my whole house on one bin without a trace left behind.

The newer Roomba models offer a self-emptying dock. If making a new robotic vacuum purchase, a self-emptying option should be on your must-have features list. This would significantly improve the annoyances I experienced during the conditioning process. And while daily emptying is only a minor annoyance, it would certainly be convenient if my Roomba could could just take care of it!

I also suggest choosing the model with the best suction your money can buy. If purchasing today, I would choose the iRobot Roomba s9+ as it’s suction power is greater than my 980 model, and it has the added benefit of the self emptying dock.

UPDATE: I’ve purchased a new iRobot Roomba s9+ AND a Braava Jet m6 robotic mop! Stay tuned for my reviews on these new additions!

“FUR”THER UPDATE: While I’m long overdue for an in depth review, DO NOT purchase the iRobot Roomba s9+ as it was a total disaster! It has been replaced with a iRobot Roomba j8+ purchased from Costco, which has fulfilled my automatic vacuuming dreams. It was the Costco equivalent of the iRobot Roomba j7+, but with a longer battery life.

Amazon

Amazon

Manual Vacuuming

In addition to my iRobot Roomba 980, I also have a Dyson v8 Absolute cordless stick vacuum with an an assortment of accessories like the mini motorized tool. It’s important to mention that I rarely NEED my Dyson for flooring, but it’s critical for controlling dog hair in other areas of the house.

Amazon

It’s easy to grab if someone tracks something in. I use it with a soft brush to clean blinds, fan blades, or baseboards. Also, to vacuum the dog beds, removing hair before and between laundering.

I also use the mini motorized tool on my comforter to remove dog hair before and between washing. The tool also quickly removes hair from upholstered furniture, and the car seat cover in my car. A couple times a month, I’ll hit all the area rugs with max suction (which uses more of your battery power).

Decor solutions

When it comes to decor and dog hair, I use a two-prong approach. First, you want to choose colors, patterns, and textures that disguise any dog hair on them in the first place. And second, you want to choose things that are durable, and easy to clean, or wash.

Flooring, fabric and upholstery

For disguising, your color palette may need to vary depending on the color of your dog’s coat. I have a wide range of coat colors to deal with, however. Most of my rugs are neutral grays and blues with mild patterns. I also have a few with bolder colors and patterns. This concept applies to rugs, hardwood flooring, upholstery for furniture, bedding, etc.

Once upon a time, I didn’t allow my dogs on the sofa. (Who was I?! ). Then, I purchased a leather sofa, so my dogs could sit on the sofa. Leather furniture is by far the easiest to keep free of pet hair, though it still requires cleaning and conditioning. Other than leather, your best furniture upholstery options for dogs are synthetic fabrics. Synthetics, which includes microfiber, are made from materials like polyester, nylon, acrylic, or olefin. In general synthetic fabrics are durable, holding up well to paws and claws, and are easier to clean.

Dog beds and comforters should also be colored, textured, or patterned in a manner that hides dog hair. And made from durable fabrics that hold up well to being vacuumed, and washed, frequently.

dual purpose decor

My favorite decorative solution for dog hair is a cozy throw blanket. A beautiful blanket that goes with your decor does double duty as an ‘undercover’ furniture cover when your pup wants to snuggle on the sofa, or in your bed. It not only collects hair that would otherwise be on your furniture, but provides added protection from claws, dirt, or drool. You can then shake them outdoors to eliminate as much dog hair as possible, and toss them in the wash.

Laundry solutions

You love your dog, but you don’t love walking out the door wearing dog hair all over your clothes. Get yourself a collection of lint rollers. My go-to choice is the Scotch-Brite lint roller. They’re affordable, so I can keep one in my laundry room, my bedroom, and also in my car. A refill multi-pack is also available, allowing you to reuse the roller handle.

Amazon

Amazon

In spite of your best efforts to remove dog hair in advance of washing, there’s always going to be some that makes into your wash cycle. What’s a dog mom to do? Prior to washing, throw your load into the dryer FIRST. A 10 minute air cycle (no heat) softens fabrics, releasing dog hair to be collected in your dryer’s lint trap.

Another option is to add a half cup of white vinegar to your washer’s rinse cycle, using the fabric softener dispenser. Vinegar acts as a natural fabric softener, preventing static, and thus preventing dog hairs from clinging to your clothes and linens.

Dog Hair, Don’t Care

Sharing your home with a dog doesn’t mean you have to let dog hair overrun your life. Following these common sense tips to manage dog hair will keep your home (nearly) dog hair free!

More Posts from Affluent Dogs

Dog Healthcare & Well-Being

Fostering Saves Lives

Dog Products

Adding A Wall Entry Dog Door

Dog Products | Dog Recipes

Healthy West Paw Toppl Recipe: Skinny Chunky Monkey

Dog Products

Coop Sanctuary Pet Bed Review

The post How To Control Dog Hair In The House appeared first on Affluent Dogs.

Adding more than one dog to your family comes with this whole other level of management. It’s no longer a matter of keeping just one dog in line. Now you have manage how your dogs interact with one another within their pack. I’ve kept two dogs for years, but have recently added a third dog to our family. And there’s nothing that magnifies potential problem areas like adding more dogs.

obedience training

Get your dogs’ basic obedience skills under control. This is important no matter how many dogs you have. But when you have more than one dog, obedience training for each becomes exponentially important. And you must be the calm and benevolent leader calling all the shots.

Dogs can learn behaviors, both good and bad, from other dogs. If your one dog has poor obedience skills, adding another dog is not going to improve that situation. And not only will you have an unruly pack, small problems within a pack of ill mannered dogs are more likely to escalate into big problems, like all out aggression.

Identify potential conflict scenarios between your dogs, and work on obedience skills that provide solutions to those problems. For example, if feeding time is a frenzy, start by feeding your dogs separately. Teach each dog individually to ‘wait’ as you put their food down. Work with each dog on the ‘leave it’ command, so they learn self control in the presence of something else they want.

Over time, as your dogs learn to individually control themselves at meal time, you can begin introducing meal times for two dogs together, and so on. Ensure that each dog has their own space, and that you remain attentive to your dogs as they eat, so any missteps can be quickly corrected.

work for it

Practice, practice, practice your obedience skills! Nothing comes for free. You want a cookie? Sit for it. You want to go out the door? Wait for it, and let me go first. As your dogs perfect their basic skills, you can up the ante with bigger challenges.

Join the Pack!

Subscribe for Our Latest Tips & Tricks
For Life With Dogs!

resources

Speaking of each dog having their own space, this brings to mind another source of conflict in multi-dog homes. Resources. Competition between dogs for limited resources can easily turn into an argument. Make sure you have enough of everything to go around. Squeaky toys, chew toys, fluffy beds, water bowls, treats. You get the idea.

I have three dogs and five dog beds (six if you include mine ). When I buy new antlers, there is at least one for each of them (though they still all seem to zero in on the same favorite). When I come home with new toys, there is something new for everyone. Having enough for everyone helps to manage competition over coveted items.

activity and exercise

A tired dog is a good dog. In other words, you can’t pen your in a crate all day, and then expect them to sit quietly when company comes over. The amount of exercise, and mental stimulation, your dog needs depends on many factors, including size, age, and breed. But all dogs will need some level of physical and mental activity in order to behave their best.

If I want to take my dogs to the park, and have them walk beside me like the well behaved ladies they are, they do better if I’ve thrown a couple rounds of ball in the yard before we leave. It lets them get a little energy out of their systems, and allows them to be more attuned to what I ask of them once we are out in public with other distractions.

individual but equal attention

If you have more than one dog in your life, it’s important to make a point of giving each of your dogs some individual attention. All dogs have unique personalities, and spending that one on one time will help them form a bonded relationship with you.

Each week, take each of your dogs on a separate walk, or give each of them 10-15 minutes of one on one time playing a favorite game. Take one of them with you on errands for the day (assuming they are errands which your dog can actually go in with you). Or take a special training class. Olive and I have been taking a beginner’s dog agility training class.

The pack life

Having a multiple dog household is a lot of work! But, I wouldn’t have it any other way. With more dogs comes more love, more sloppy kisses, and more tail wags, which makes all the work worth it! Following these tips for owning a multiple dog pack will have you on your way to establishing balance and harmony in a multi-dog household.

More Posts from Affluent Dogs

Dog Products

Last Minute Stocking Stuffers for Dogs and Dog Parents

Dog Healthcare & Well-Being | Life with Dogs

Summer Fruit and Vegetables Your Dog Can Eat

Dog Products | Meet the Dogs

Affluent Dogs’ Embark DNA Results

Dog Healthcare & Well-Being | Dog Products | Life with Dogs

Calming Aids For Anxious Dogs

The post Tips For Owning A Multiple Dog Pack appeared first on Affluent Dogs.

A few words about health and safety

If eating fruit and vegetables are new to your dog, the extra fiber may be unsettling to their digestive system. Take it slow. Add only one item to your dog’s diet at a time, so you can see how it settles with their system. As with any treat, moderation is key, even with fruit and veggies. Whether commercially purchased, or fresh from the garden, treats should never make up more than 10% of your dog’s diet.

Go fresh with seasonal fruit and and veggies. Canned fruit often has added sugar, while canned veggies tend to be high in salt. You’ll want to avoid added sugar and salt if you’re sharing with your pup.

Always remove the core, seeds, pit, rind, etc. Whether it has toxic components, or poses a choking, or intestinal blockage hazard to your dog, never give your dog a whole fruit or vegetable without removing the parts that can harm your pet first.

Be sure to wash produce before giving it to your dog, just as you would for yourself. And make sure to cut into pieces to suit the size of your dog. If you have any concerns about what fruits and vegetable are safe for your dog’s specific conditions, consult with your trusted veterinarian.

What summer fruit can dogs eat?

Bring on the berries! Fresh blueberries and strawberries are readily available this time of year. Full of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin C, both of these berries are a safe treat for your dog. Blueberries make an excellent whole food stand-in for training treats. And strawberries contain the enzyme malic acid, which can whiten your dog’s teeth, as well as your own.

Watermelon is my favorite fruit of the summer, and it’s perfect for sharing with your pup. Low in calories and high in Vitamin C, watermelon is 92% water. Hello hydration on those dog days of summer! Seedless watermelon varieties are safest for your dog, as you only have to worry about removing the rind. Other nutritious and high water content melons to share with your dog are cantaloupe and honeydew.

The flesh of summer stone fruit like peaches and nectarines are safe for dogs to enjoy. These fruits are high in vitamins A and C, benefitting both your dog’s vision and immune response. It should go without saying but let me say it again: The key to stone fruit safety for your dog is removing the stone, or pit. The pit is not only toxic, but it poses a choking hazard, and an intestinal blockage hazard for your dog.

There are also tropical fruits which are safe for your dog to enjoy in moderation. Mango, also a stone fruit, is another vitamin A and C powerhouse. It’s also high in fiber, as is the papaya, which I’ve relied on for years whenever I have a pup suffering from constipation.

don’t forget your veggies

Adding summer vegetables to your dog’s snack routine is another nutritious choice. My girls love zucchini and summer squash, and also carrots. They are always willing to “help” with dinner if it means they might snag a crunchy snack in the process.

Cucumbers and green beans are other healthy summer veggies that make great snacks for your dog. I like to keep a bag of haricot vert on hand as a low calorie snack for the girls. You know, because these affluent dogs are fancy like that!

Join the Pack!

Subscribe for Our Latest Tips & Tricks
For Life With Dogs!

With summer comes fresh summer salads, and there are a some leafy greens that are safe for your dog to share (before the toppings and dressing, of course). Romaine, iceberg, and even arugula are all safe for you dog to enjoy. Brussels sprouts and cabbage, while completely safe for your dog, can cause gas, so you’ll probably want to avoid sharing these.

Another word of caution: Spinach and kale are not great choices to share with your dog. Both of these greens are high in oxalic acid, which blocks calcium absorption and can lead to kidney and bladder stones. A leaf or two here and there are probably low risk, but it’s best to choose another vegetable.

Will my dog eat fruits and vegetables?

Not all dogs are willing to eat their fruits and veggies. Lemon, like her predecessors, does not discriminate when it comes to new snacks. Olive was a little more skeptical. Seeing that Lemon was enjoying made her want to try new things, but you could tell the texture was not always something she expected! I found if I talked to her excitedly about the “Yummy zucchini! Oh we’re having zucchini! It’s so good!” she would cautiously chew it and get it down. Now she enjoys fruit and veggie snacks just like Lemon, and Ruby has just followed the pack and takes whatever is being doled out.

Does your dog enjoy summer fruits and veggies? Tell me their favorite fresh snacks in the comments below.

You might also enjoy:

• Stuff some of those summer fruit and veggies into your West Paw Toppl Treat Toy
• Check out American Kennel Club’s recommendations on Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can or Can’t Eat

More Posts from Affluent Dogs

Dog Products | Dog Recipes

West Paw Toppl Recipe: The Fluffermutter

Dog Products

What Is the Best Car Seat Cover for Dogs?

Dog Healthcare & Well-Being

What is the Safest Anti-Inflammatory for Dogs?

Life with Dogs

Changing a Dog’s Name

The post Summer Fruit and Vegetables Your Dog Can Eat appeared first on Affluent Dogs.