Usually, a dog heat stroke happens very fast and sometimes unexpectedly. Spending quality time with your dog on a hot summer day is loads of fun but potentially dangerous if it gets really hot. You have to keep your dog cool at all times.

I will help you quickly recognize dog heat stroke symptoms followed by some simple immediate cooling techniques that may save your dog’s life. There’s no reason you can’t have lotsa fun with your furry friend this summer while staying on the chill side.

What is a Dog Heat Stroke?

Like I mentioned a dog heat stroke can happen very suddenly, depending on your dog’s breed, age and physical condition. Generally speaking, puppies, older dogs, dogs with heavy long coats like German Shepherds, darker colored coats, dogs with special needs like lung or heart problems, certain breeds with short flat noses like pugs and Boston Terriers, overweight pooches and dogs that aren’t physically active are predisposed and at higher risk.

However, a perfectly fit adult dog may also be hit with sudden temperature stress.

Halle was born in late August. Being a “fall-winter baby” her 1st spring heat was rough on her little body. I remember taking her for a 20 minute walk in late April in 19 degrees Celsius and I honestly didn’t think we were gonna make it back home. She got so excited about the smells, greenery, buzzing insects and feeling the warmth of the sun that she sort of overdid it. Our walk was filled with a gazillion shade breaks and some very heavy panting and breathing. When we arrived home she managed to get to her water bowl and then just collapsed for the rest of the day. We covered her body in a wet blanket and her breathing returned to normal within just a couple of minutes. Few! What a scare! What a silly little girl! Luckily Halle’s condition wasn’t so severe that it demanded any serious emergency intervention, but that isn’t the case with all dogs.

Some suffer a whole lot before they receive any medical attention. Others don’t make it at all.

“Sometimes, Mom & Dad suddenly end my fun in the sun. For the record – I CAN play for hours if they let me. I’m kinda tough like that!” } Halle

If your dog is exposed to heat for a prolonged period of time and he can’t expel the heat fast enough, his body will go into heat stress and potentially develop a dog heat stroke. Dogs generally pant to release heat. However in the event of overheating, panting simply becomes insufficient and the dog then requires immediate external cooling interventions. As soon as your dog’s body temperature reaches over 104°F (40°C), brain damage and organ failure may become irreversible and your dog may go into a coma or a seizure. At 106°F (41°C) degrees Celsius his life may be in danger and the condition can be fatal.

Keys Signs of a Dog Heat Stroke

If you notice any of the following dog heat stroke symptoms, your dog may be experiencing a canine heat stroke. In that event, you must take rapid measures to reduce his body temperature very fast or it could become potentially lethal.

Here are the first common signs:

- Very Rapid Breathing and Panting.
- Excessive Salivation and/or Drooling.
- Confusion.
- Panic.
- Dehydration.
- Anxiety.
- Whining.
- Blank stares.
- Foaming at the mouth.
- Noisy Breathing.
- Hot Body especially the Nose, Belly and Feet Pads.
- Disorientation.
- Increased Heart Rate.
- Fever.

If your dog is experiencing any or all of the above symptoms plus any or all of the following you must be extra quick and vigilant because his life may be at risk:

- Exhaustion.
- Immobility.
- Non Responsive when called.
- Very Dark Red Tongue.
- Unconscious.
- Shock.
- Uncontrolled Tremors.
- Vomiting.
- Lethargic.
- Unable to Stand up.
- Diarrhea and/or Bloody Diarrhea.
- Dizziness.
- Physical Weakness.
- Wanting to Collapse.

Keep in mind that your dog may not exhibit all of the above symptoms at once and still suffer a dog heat stroke. Your job as a loving-compassionate owner is to be on top of your game and be aware of your dog’s condition at all times. Monitor your dog very closely, especially after any running and playing in hot weather.

Remember some dogs are more heat sensitive than others and they can physically exert themselves faster. Even something as simple as 2 or 3 fetch games can easily elevate their body temperatures. Be smart!

17 Cool Solutions & Summer Tips

The best solution to protect your furry friend from a dog heat stroke is through prevention. I’ve gathered up a nice list of summer tips that I want you to consider whenever you’re out and about playing with your dog on a fun hot day. Like I said earlier – be aware and present. If you feel that the sun is getting a little too hot and uncomfortable for yourself, than your pup is probably be feeling it too. Always be mindful of your dog on any hot day and keep him safe and chilly. Here are my 17 Solutions to keep your dog cool and happy:

Above is one of my previous dogs Kouba. A ‘goofy’ Golden Pup trying to sink his ball!

1. Dog walks and dog runs are best at dawn and dusk where the temperatures are a little cooler.

2. Become familiar with your dog’s regular breathing pattern on a typical day so that you can quickly recognize your dog breathing abnormally fast on a hot day. That way you can quickly give your dog some immediate cooling measures.

3. Always have a cold bottle of water handy with you at all times. A good trick we do is to have a few water bottles in the freezer so you can grab and go. By the time you arrive at your destination and pup wants a chiller you’re guaranteed to have some extra cold water. A travel dog bowl is also recommended.

4. Never, Never, Never leave your dog unattended in the car on any day, especially not on a HOT summer day. Whether you leave your windows a bit open or plan to return in just a couple of minutes, your dog might suffer some serious brain damage and even death. The temperatures in a car skyrocket to 113°F (45 °C) and up to 140°F (60 °C). Consider how extremely hot it gets inside your car whenever you park outside in hot weather. So hot that you immediately have to open windows and turn on the AC. Now, imagine your poor dog stuck inside that burning bubble!

5. Purchase one of those sturdy plastic kiddy pools. While you’re filling it up talk to your dog and entice him about how fun and exciting it’s going to be. Then maybe with some toys and treats invite him in the pool and make sure you have your video and picture cameras ready cause it’s going to be a super fun ‘Doggy Pool Party’!

6. On a HOT day, hose down your dog with the garden hose. Make sure you take baby steps with the hose so you don’t frighten your dog. Make it fun.

7. Always keep a stainless steel bowl or bucket filled with fresh water in the back yard.

8. Keep your dog indoors (bonus if you have an air conditioned space) on super hot days.

9. High heat is very dangerous but high heat coupled with high humidity is pure torture. You have to tune into the weather man and reserve fun outdoor activities for when the temperatures and humidity index drop to more comfortable summer conditions.

10. If you’re outside and you start to feel hot and sweaty chances are your dog is feeling it too. Take the appropriate measures and protect yourselves from the heat.

11. The shade is your best friend. If you plan on spending the day outdoors with your dog, find a nice spot that has a good-size shaded area and a nice refreshing breeze. The sun is the strongest midday anywhere between 10 am and 4 pm. Keep your pooch camouflaged during those hot times.

12. I highly recommend you do not let your dog drink from those public decorative fountains, except on rare occasions, as they probably contain chemicals to keep the water looking clean and crisp.

13. If you’re at a lake or a pond that allows people and dogs to bathe then give your dog a green light to jump in the water. If there’s no bathing permitted don’t let your dog go into the water for safety measures.

14. Slow down your pace on warmer days when taking your cutie for a walk. Better yet take small ‘pit stops’ for a few minutes to enjoy the air and to give everyone a breather. Stop walking for a longer period if you notice your dog purposely dragging you into the shade and then collapsing under it.

15. Do not play high-energy games like Chase, Flyball, Fetch or Frisbee out in the hot sun, under any circumstances. It’s way too physically draining and your dog will be exhausted and quite possibly suffer a dog heat stroke.

16. Another great idea is to offer your dog a frozen water bottle to snuggle with for an instant cool down. Not all dogs enjoy this technique so be patient with your pooch. Think of it as a cooling ice pack. Adjust the size of the frozen water bottle with the average length of your dog.

17.- There are plenty of cooling vests, hats, outfits, neck straps and such, that you can purchase, that help keep your dog chilled during the summer. We’ve never personally tried any of them but I know that they exist. You might want to give them a try.

Dog Heat Stroke 911

Depending on the length of high heat exposure your dog’s heat stroke can cause some serious harm, which ranges from brain damage to death.

Before we get into solutions and ways to prevent your dog overheating, here’s an overview of what to do in the event you suspect your dog is suffering from heat stress.

1. Don’t panic! Be calm and composed so that you don’t get your dog overly stressed out. Do the following in a very fast and confident manner and verbally communicate with your dog by giving him lot of praise, guidance and telling him nice things such as: “oh you’re such a champion!”, “you’re making me very proud!” or “you’re gonna get so much treats after all this!” Positive statements like that.

2. Immediately take your precious dog out of the scorching sun and into an openly shaded area. Preferably a cooler place that is well ventilated, better yet one, that has some air conditioning.

3. Locate a source of water; an outdoor hose, water fountain, pond, river, even a pool will do. Take a container and fill it up with water or wet a large towel or blanket. You can also bring your dog to the water source if you have no other options. Do not simply throw your dog into a pool or pond because he might go into shock which will further increase his internal body temperature – very counter productive. You must gently immerse him into the water source, very calmly.

4. The next step is to get your dog as wet as possible so his body temperature comes down as fast as possible all in a very calm fashion. You want your dog’s heat stroke to slowly dissipate. Do not forcefully give your dog any water down his throat. Place the wet towel over your dog’s body or run the cool water hose starting at the head all the way to the tail. Pay particular attention in getting the following areas super wet; head, neck, belly, under the front armpits, groin and legs. If you dog tries to move or get up you will have to hold him gently in place so that you can perform these emergency-cooling techniques. Keep watering your dog and massaging his body lightly until you feel his temperature has come down to normal. This may take a few minutes to even up to several hours and sometimes a couple of days depending on your dog’s situation. Do not over-cool your dog because it might cause hypothermia, which is another set of problems. Don’t over do it! Monitor your dog’s body temperature with a rectal thermometer.

5. Once your dog’s body temperature has come down to 102.2°F (39°C) or if you cannot bring down your dog’s body temperature fast, call and rush to your veterinarian’s office or animal hospital immediately. Your dog will require a full medical examination to make sure that he hasn’t suffered any internal permanent damages. He may also require hospitalization if you cannot bring his temperature down with the above cooling techniques. Stay on the safe side and always get your furry baby checked following a dog heat stroke.

Dog heat stress is a very serious condition that can cause severe permanent damage even death. It’s not a joke. It hurts, kills and destroys families.

We’ve personally seen a German Shepherd brought into the animal hospital on a stretcher looking completely dazed and confused with his owners walking behind him in complete panic. He was obviously suffering from a dog heat stroke. We found out later that evening that he didn’t survive. The family was torn to pieces. We were informed that their dog was just playing in the park on a hot sunny day before he collapsed.

This summer make sure you keep your pup from overheating with the cooling techniques you’ve just read. Prevention is your best bet when it comes to protecting your summer-happy dog. Remember the dog heat stroke symptoms so you can act quickly if they appear.

Have you ever had to deal with this? What caused it? Do you have any advice to share with us? The more we discuss the potential dangers of heat stroke the more dog lives we can save together.

Summer is an excellent time to enjoy the great outdoors with your best buddy. By staying hydrated and chilled you will guard your dog from the potential lethal heat stress that causes dog heat stroke.

I want all modern compassionate, loving and caring dog owners to stand up!

I’m happy that we’re in a Dog-Loving modern world that is slowly breaking free from conventional labels of dog ownership. The “just gotta feed and walk the dog” days are way gone!

There is a new Holistic Dog Care Movement growing, based on healthy natural principles that promote your dog’s ultimate wellbeing. It’s time to stop constantly overspending on unnecessary vet bills.

As a loving and caring dog owner, I’m sure you want nothing but the very best for your precious dog. That’s why I’ve written this amazing E-Book for you.

As passionate dog owners, we’re so excited to share this with YOU!

When you Give Your Dog an Official Holistic Life Experience, you transform you and your dog’s life in an entirely natural way. Through intensive research and personal experiences with our Halle, I’ve discovered the enormous benefits of applying a Holistic approach with my dog on daily basis. I will show you how incredibly easy, effective and rewarding it can be to follow a Holistic Lifestyle with your dog.

The e-book is focused on 9 Holistic Dog Life Essentials…

Here are just a few:

- Intellectual & Physical Stimulation
- Fresh Outdoor Air
- Wholesome Healthy Fresh Foods
- Peaceful Environment
- Daily Sunshine

You’ll also notice the powerful parallel between dog and human fundamental needs. We are much more similar than we think!

If you’re ready to take part of the New Natural Dog Movement and to transform your dog’s entire existence, simply subscribe to our Free Dog Newsletter and we will send you a copy of the “Give Your Dog an Official Holistic Life Experience” downloadable e-Book for FREE!

You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how “super-happy” your dog will ultimately become by harnessing the power of Real Dog Life Essentials. Plus I promise you many doggy Kisses and Wags in return!

This is the official post for our Holistic Dog E-Book. You’re invited to jot-down your thoughts below and let us know how you’ve adapted some or all of the 9 Holistic Dog Life Essentials into your lifestyle. Also stop by often and discover what other compassionate pup owners have to say.

I wish You and your Dog Much Happiness, Health and Peace!

Dog toothpaste truly does equal happy smiles – for everyone! Oral hygiene is an essential part of keeping your dog happy, healthy and free of dental problems. We looked at all the available dog teeth cleaning tools and techniques. Now we’ll focus a bit more on the world of dog toothpaste.

Word of Caution…

DO NOT under any circumstance give your dog human toothpaste. It’s extremely harmful and can cause some serious damage, possibly even death. Human toothpaste contains Xylitol – a toxic chemical for dogs. So NO Crest for the pooch, ok? I also caution the use of any Rawhide and Cowhide even if your Vet recommends them. They are extremely dangerous. Stay far away from both. I’m also a bit iffy when it comes to homemade dog toothpaste. There are quite a few recipes on the web, some of which have harmful ingredients or might be totally infective at getting the teeth cleaning job done. Not worth the fuss.

IMO – the best way to clean a dog’s teeth is to give them what mother nature already created for that purpose, natural bones and recreational bones. Bones are effective tools and get the job done effortlessly from your part. It’s as easy as giving your dog a bone. However, if you’re not interested in the whole bone thing, or maybe your dog is sensitive to raw food, then dog toothpaste along with a trusty toothbrush or finger applicator is your other option.

Getting your Dog comfortable with Teeth Cleaning

Presenting a toothbrush with some toothpaste to your dog might seem very unnatural to you and your furry friend. The key to great success is lots of patience coupled with some fun, positive reinforcement. Make the experience happy and pleasant. The tricky part is that you cannot offer treats or stop to play while brushing because that obviously defies the whole purpose.

You might want to practice without any toothpaste to get your pup to accept and enjoy the experience. If you’re not using any product, take baby steps and praise along the way. You can then build up to the actual process. Once you’re able to brush for real, you can reward midway through brushing or once the session is complete with a few minutes of play. Verbal praise at all times is definitely recommended. Let me also note that starting with a young puppy is much easier than later on.

When it comes to dog toothpaste, chances are your dog, at first, naturally won’t be too fond of the experience. Don’t get discouraged if he doesn’t enjoy the particular toothpaste for dogs you’ve chosen. Give it a few patient tries and if jaw-dodging continues or if your dog turns his head with disgust, consider trying another paste.

You’ll want to invest and experiment with a couple of dog toothpastes and dog toothbrushes before landing that perfect one that fits you and your companion. The same goes for different dog sizes. If you have a small dog the finger brush might do the trick over the regular long toothbrush. For larger breeds it could get a little tricky. If the toothbrush feels to flimsy opt for larger more natural dog teeth cleaners like recreational bones.

Dogs have exquisite senses and are very particular about certain tastes. Luckily dog toothpaste comes in many doggy flavors like poultry, mint, beef, vanilla, malt and even seafood.

Dog Toothpaste Requirements

Not all dog toothpastes are alike so I advise you do a little research before spending some dollars. Here’s our list of toothpaste for dogs tips and recommendations:

- Go Natural or as Natural as Possible. Generally if you can read and understand the ingredients of the dogs toothpaste, the better the formula.

- Palatability & Taste go a Long Way. Your dog is the best taste tester so let him give the final taste pass on his favorite dog toothpaste.

- Product size. Be mindful when purchasing your product. Consider its lifespan and expiry date. A good special on a large oral solution might not be the smartest purchase if you have a small Corgi.

- Types. Here’s a look at each type of dog toothpaste available on the market, with our favorite selections:

Pastes are a very popular choice! The best dog toothpaste would be Kissable because it’s made with natural ingredients from Cain & Able. We also recommend Natural Peanut Butter from Petrodex or the Virbac Toothpaste collection.

Gels are great because they tend to stay active in your dogs mouth for a prolonged period of time! We use the Oral Care Peppermint Gel with Halle and it works like a charm. You can even apply it with your finger instead of a toothbrush. Another good bet is Oxyfresh Pet Oral Health Care. Their Pet Gel is great.

Sprays are quick and efficient. Petzlife carries a good one called Oral Care Peppermint Spray!

Liquids & Rinses will keep your dog’s mouth fresh and clean. The Oral Hygiene Rinse is another popular item from Virbac.

Dog Toothbrush 411

Not all toothbrushes work with every dog. Consider the size of your dog and how comfortable you are using it. You don’t want to buy a cheap plastic double ended brush if your dog’s a big time chewer. Here’s a few you could try:

- Triple Pet Toothbrush from Petzlife

- Denta Clean Finger Toothbrush for Smaller Dogs.

- When needed, we like to use the Dual Head Toothbrush with Halle.

Which ever dog toothpaste and toothbrush you prefer, make the experience fun, calm and pleasant. It will take some getting used to but taking care of your dog’s oral health is super important. Once you get the hang of it, it literally takes only a few minutes. Nobody wants to be kissing a stinky-breath dog anyway.

Get your dog toothpaste and toothbrush and get to work – Happy Cleaning!

Let’s Face it, dog teeth cleaning isn’t the coolest topic among fellow dog owners. Generally, it’s not a topic that is highly searched in Google. People usually tend to go digging for information on canine dental hygiene when their pet is already experiencing oral problems. These same folks often get hit with the colossal price tag related to veterinary dentistry, which can go up pretty quickly. Dog teeth cleaning can be somewhat cumbersome for the modern dog and owner, but it doesn’t have to be. By applying the tips, products and methods we’ve outlined in this article, your dog’s mouth will become fresh and so clean in no time!

Before I get into everything, how do you think wild dogs keep their bright white dog teeth clean and healthy?

It’s quite simple really. Mother Nature is SO smart, she thought of everything. Dogs are omnivores, natural predators and scavengers. In the wild they eat a variety of plant proteins like grasses and berries and they also hunt, feasting and devouring all sorts of prey like deer and rabbits. Dogs teeth get cleaned and exercised while gnawing on bones and ripping out flesh. Fun and Tasty for the dog!

Dog Teeth Trouble

The main cause of dental problems in dogs is the lack of veterinary dental check ups and proper home dental care. Plaque and tartar can quickly build up on your dogs teeth causing painful inflammation of the gums. This can lead to some serious health concerns that may affect the entire body. Practicing routine dental hygiene for your dog is as important as regular grooming, nail clipping and long dog walks.

First, do a quick inspection of your dog’s mouth paying close attention to the gum line, the area where the teeth meet the gums. If you notice any discoloration then your dog might have some serious tooth problems. If you see yellow or brownish spotting, that’s tartar and plaque setting up base in your dog’s mouth – not very cool! Generally when you start to see discoloration followed by swampy doggy breath, it’s time to make an appointment with your veterinarian. The longer you wait the more expensive it might become. Depending on your dog’s breed, you’ll want to budget a tooth cleanup every 1 to 4 years for regular maintenance.

Now if your dog is blinding you with his big bright whites then there’s a lot you can do to keep them healthy at home through preventative methods.

Because our domesticated companions aren’t as lucky as their wild counterparts, they mainly rely on us when it comes to dinner. How many dog owners do you know that include some raw meaty bones in their dog’s diet? My guess is not very many. The majority of dogs eat commercial store bought dog food which is actually damaging their teeth.

Because it’s not ideal for us to hunt prey for our dogs the best thing we should do is feed them as close to their natural diet as possible. The number one dog diet we recommend you feed your dog is a home made diet with a variety of animal and plant proteins with added fruits, vegetables, supplements and raw meaty bones. Home made dog diets aren’t for the novice dog owner. It requires some essential research into balancing recipes that are appropriate for your dog and a lot of prep work. It takes a bit of getting used to but the rewards are priceless. If you’re interested and want to learn more on the ins and outs of home made diets we’ll be covering that in future posts. Healthy teeth start with healthy dog food.

If you don’t want to fuss much in preparing your dogs food, opt for a high quality organic dog food kibble or a holistic dog food which are also good alternatives. Go for the highest quality food you can afford for your companion. The happier and healthier your dog, the less problems you’ll have, including when it comes to dog teeth care.

A poor diet of commercial pet food is one of the leading causes of dental disease in dogs. Don’t believe all the hype about dry dog food cleaning your dogs teeth. Its not gonna happen folks. Kibbles are not strong enough to clean teeth. The poor quality in most commercial dog foods are mostly comprised of packed powders that can make things worse and get stuck in between teeth. Generally, dogs tear and rip their dinners into bite size pieces before swallowing them. There’s not much chewing action going on. Unfortunately, cleaning teeth with regular dog food kibble is basically a false statement that only works for marketing purposes. Picture your dog eating for a sec. How long does it take your mutt to eat up his grub? I bet he wolfs it down in no time at all, taking up big gulps of food. He definitely doesn’t stand there above his dish chewing like a cow. Sure he’ll chew on a few crunchy kibbles here and there but there’s zero dog teeth cleaning action.

Dog Teeth Cleaning the Natural Way

You’ve obviously heard of the expression “Give your dog a Bone”! There’s more to the lingo than you might think. For those of you who aren’t familiar with giving raw bones to your dog, they’re actually an essential natural dog teeth cleaning tool. Large raw bones called recreational bones are ideal for this particular purpose and will guarantee a mouth full of shiny, tarter-free teeth. Recreational bones will give your dog hours of chewing fun, cleaning dog teeth and stimulating gums. Choose from the following recreational bones that best suit your dog – marrow bones or beef knuckle bones.

Every Saturday Halle waits very patiently for us to prepare her marrow bone. We purchase a 5-7 inch marrow bone from our butcher and we cook it in the oven or boil it for less than 5 minutes. We then discard the slimy marrow (too rich and can cause stomach upset) let it cool and voila! An instant peaceful Saturday! Halle enjoys her bone in her crate until she cleans it up then she’s free to roam the house with it. Every now and then we take it away for a few days – Halle tends to obsess when she gets too much of a good thing! You can also consider storing the bone in the fridge but it’s not necessary.

“What? I’m getting my teeth cleaned when I play with my Bone? I Knew THAT…” } Halle

There’s much deliberation about marrow bones because they are extremely hard and are known to sometimes break teeth or damage tooth enamel. However, after much research and thoughtful consideration, we give marrow bones a green light under supervision because they definitely get the job done. Always supervise your dog when offering raw bones of any kind followed by a quick hood inspection to make sure everything is ok.

If your dog is on a raw home made diet that includes raw meaty bones then you’re already doing a great job taking care of his cute ‘jaws of death’. As he chews and crunches up those yummy bones, he gets a bonus teeth cleaning at the same time. However, a raw meaty bone diet doesn’t veto you from routine inspections. Don’t forget to occasionally check for any signs of dental disease creeping up!

There’s only one way to keep your dog teeth clean: through prevention and regular maintenance. Did you know that up to 85% of all dogs over the age of 3 have some form of dental disease that requires immediate treatment? Serious Stuff!

Dog Teeth Cleaning Products

Brushing your dog’s teeth with specially formulated dog toothpastes, sprays and gels are other widely used alternatives. You’ll find them online, at your veterinarian’s office and at the pet store. We highly recommend going with a dog teeth cleaning product that contains mostly natural safe ingredients like PetzLife. We regularly use it on Halle and it works great. It removes plaque & tartar, kills bacteria and keeps our Gargoyle’s breath fresh and clean. It has a blend of grapefruit extract with other all natural herbs and ingredients. It might not seem very natural to brush your dog’s teeth but it’s worth the effort. Remember use lotsa praise and positive reinforcement. The more patient and calm you are, the better your dog will relax and allow you to get the job done.

“I don’t mind getting my teeth brushed as long as I get quick breaks every few seconds to catch my breath!” } Halle

You might want to have someone help you in the process. Vish and I are a power duo when it comes to cleaning Halle’s teeth. He calmly gives her a deep body massage while I massage her gums with the gel. Takes two minutes tops!

Here are some other recommended dog teeth cleaning products you can use:

Oxyfresh Pet Oral Health Care
Their Pet Gel is great!

NatraBio’s Children Teething Formula
Yeah, it’s for kids but works great on Dogs!

Cleaning Dog Teeth with Toys & Play

Have fun while cleaning your dogs teeth. Tough chewable toys, ropies and tug toys are also excellent tools you can use to maintain clean dog teeth. Here’s our top three:

1. The Famous Kong!

2. Leerburg Kennels has some of the best Tugs available.

3. The Zogoflex Collection from West Paw Design.

Don’t fall for those super popular synthetic nylon chews like the because tiny pieces do end up being digested by your dog. Nylon, or should I say synthetic polymer, is most definitely NOT something you want entering your dog’s belly, even if it’s just passing through. Yes they’re very popular. Yes we’ve used them in the past and we personally do NOT recommend them. Opt for natural raw recreational bones or raw meaty bones instead.

I know that all of the above might seem complicated, plus who really has the time to do all that dog teeth cleaning anyway! The main point I’m trying to make here is that a general lack of hard chewable things to exercise your buddy’s gums is the missing link. So pick an option that works best for you and your dog but pick something.

Here are some potential problems associated with poor canine oral care to keep in mind:

- Suppressed Immune System
- Congenital or Developmental Disorders
- Periodontal Disease
- Malnutrition
- Foul breath
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Degenerative Diseases

Don’t wait until your dog gets really sick to start a teeth cleaning for dogs routine. Part of being a loving pet owner is being a responsible one, especially when it comes to dog teeth cleaning. You know how painful it can get when you have a bad toothache. It seems like in that moment you’d do almost anything to make it go away. The same happens to our furry beasts. Only they rely on you to keep their dog teeth clean and healthy.

Go to the vet for regular cleanings, feed your dog well, use the special dog toothpastes and gels I mentioned if necessary and provide lots of chewing toys and bones to keep those gums happy. One of the best compliments a dog owner can get is in regard to his dog’s platinum whites!

Lets start a convo on the importance of regular canine dental care. Share your stories and favorite products. Talk to us about your dog teeth cleaning experiences. What keeps your dogs teeth clean?

Dogs depend on us. Don’t you agree that it’s crucial we protect their wellbeing and safety by keeping tabs on potential Toxic Foods for Dogs that exist in our environment? I’m sure you do. Our canine friends don’t have nine lives and they don’t always know what’s best for them. They really like tasty things even if they might harm or injure them in some way. As guardians of our loving companions it’s our duty to keep them happy, healthy and safe through proper care and wholesome nutrition.

You might be wondering “What are toxic foods for dogs and how can I protect my dog?” Well there are a lot of poisonous foods for dogs out there. I’ll give you the 411 on dog poisons in this discussion.

There are also many environmental toxins that can harm your pooch. I’m saving those for another article. Make sure you sign up to our Dog Newsletter so you don’t miss it!

The thought of unintentionally upsetting or poisoning our beautiful Halle with an unknown toxic food for dogs is absolutely horrifying to us! I’m sure you’ve heard of many sad and unfortunate stories with the popular could of, would of, should of responses from owners. Sometimes it’s too late.

Take charge because prevention is your best defense. Dog poison is a very scary topic that must be discussed by every single responsible dog owner out there. The potential risks and side effects of poisonous foods for dogs are in most cases preventable and sometimes deadly.

I highly recommend you memorize both the key toxic ingredients and their high risk effects in case you suspect your dog might have eaten something harmful. Knowing the specific symptoms is very important because it could lead you back to the potential toxic food your dog could have ingested in the first place. It kind of works both ways.

You’ll find many toxic foods for dogs lists online. Many aren’t complete and some are outdated and lacking potentially important material that could save your dog’s life. There is obviously no “One Perfect List” because we cannot be ahead of science. For that reason, my toxic dog food compilation is a work in progress which I will continually be updating. I also highly encourage you to comment at the bottom of this page with some of your personal dog experiences. Also share this HBD toxic foods for dogs list with all your dog friends so that we don’t lose any more BDFs.

I’m going to try to keep this highly informative with as many potential side effects as I could find. I’m a naturally inquisitive person and I like to know the why as much as I want to know the what. Not every single contender in this list is inherently toxic to your dog but might be depending on quantities consumed versus dog size. It’s your job to use better judgment when serving your dog.

You also want to use better judgment when feeding your dog, we highly recommend going with an organic or holistic dog food diet for a very happy healthy pup.

Our poisonous foods for dogs list contains potential side effects from various toxic foods. What I mean is that not all dogs will experience similar symptoms. These are just examples of easily detected behaviors, exhibited by your dog after eating something dangerous.

Now, on with the list…

Rawhides & Cowhides

Rawhides, sometimes called cowhides, are probably one of the most popular and widely available dog chew toys. They’re recognizable, generally white-ish and transformed into a bone-like form or rolled into sticks or other novel shapes. Grocery stores, pet shops and even the local dollar store carry them in abundance. Rawhides are basically the skin of a food animal – generally a cow. Rawhides are cheap and extremely dangerous toxic foods for dogs. They carry a host of risky bacteria, arsenic, insecticides, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, lead and sometimes dead animal remains. Eeeww! Enough said!

There’s a reason the packaging recommends properly washing your hands after each use – right! Watch out for vomiting, lack of appetite, lethargy, dizziness, avoidance, lack of energy, excessive drooling, diarrhea, high fever, depression and dehydration. We can tell you this from our own personal experience with rawhides.

A couple of years ago we thought we were going to lose Halle. We innocently gave her a rawhide (not her first) to play with one evening. The next 48 hours were a complete nightmare. It started with her refusing her breakfast and the rest was awful. She displayed every symptom I mentioned and she even had bloody loose stools. We got so scared, our poor little darling (9 months at the time) was bumping into walls for support. We thought she was dying. To make a long story short, the vets didn’t help much so we decided to take matters into our own hands. From that day we changed her food, treats and even her veterinarian. We took the holistic approach, our best decision ever. She is a transformed happy energetic dog. Bottom line, don’t buy this poisonous garbage for your dog or any other dog – ever!

Alcohol

Although imagining your dog intoxicated could be potentially hilarious, all types of alcoholic beverages are very dangerous. They could lead to coma even death, especially in the case of beer consumption. Maybe best to just imagine eh!

Baby Food

Baby food is tasty to humans and dogs but it’s for human babies only, not our four legged ones. Plus baby food may contain onion powder which is potentially toxic to the pooch.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar substitute sweetener. Here are some products that may contain Xylitol: sugar-free gums, mints, jellies, chewable vitamins (Flinstones for kids), jams, certain candy, baked goods like cake mixes and sugar-free sweeteners. A good example of products that contain Xylitol are Orbit and Trident brand gums. Keep in mind, all Crest White Strips and the majority of toothpaste also contain this sweetener. If consumed by your dog in very high dosage (500 to 1000 mg/kg per kilogram of bodyweight), it can result in a seizure and death in as little as 30 minutes. Keep your dogs out of the medicine cabinets and purses guys! Plus don’t let your dog lick or pick up used gum on the sidewalk. Stay alert for that when walking your dog.

For more information on the dangers please read the following great Report on the Effects of Xylitol Ingestion on Dogs.

Chocolate, Tea, Acai Berries, Cola Drinks, Caffeine & Coffee

Chocolate might be one of your péché mignons but I suggest you keep it very far away from your dog. Yes, you’ve probably heard this one many times before. Chocolate, tea, acai berries, caffeinated sodas like Coca-Cola, coffee and chocolate all contain the following chemical compounds: theobromine (dogs metabolize this one very slowly), theophylline or caffeine. They can be highly toxic foods for dogs and affect the heart and nervous system. Your dog might experience hallucinations, internal bleeding, epileptic seizures as well as many more bodily side effects.

“Chocolate smells great but doesn’t seem to taste too good. I swallowed an entire Hershey Kiss once but didn’t taste a thing! Maybe cause of the wrapping?” } Halle

I will give you an example with chocolate because dogs have a loving penchant for sweets. We were playing ball with Halle last Christmas and the ball accidently bounced off the dining table and over tumbled a bowl filled with Hershey Kisses – we love’ em. Of course our little sugar-addict got to them first and swallowed an entire Kiss with the wrapping. Silly girl! Luckily the chocolate went through her healthy system with no problems. But some dogs aren’t so lucky. For the average small dog, 50 grams of chocolate (the size of an average chocolate bar) can cause serious complications. For larger dogs it’s roughly 400 grams (average 6-8 chocolate bars). The symptoms of theobromine poisoning are dehydration, excitability, restlessness, slow heart rate, seizures and death. Milk chocolate is of lower risk than dark chocolate and baking chocolate contains the most toxic amounts.

Grapes & Raisins

You might be familiar with this one, it’s one of the most known poisonous foods for dogs. Grapes and raisins contain an unknown toxin to dogs that causes acute kidney failure. The amount of raisins or grapes swallowed depends on each individual dog and its size. Some small dogs get sick from consuming as little as one grape. Best to keep those grapes to yourself.

Most Fruit Pits & Seeds

Be very mindful when cutting up certain fruits in the presence of your dog. The fruits themselves are not toxic but their seeds and pits are very toxic. The most dangerous pits and seeds to watch out for would be from apples, peaches, pears, plums, cherries, apricots, crabapples and persimmons. Your dog has to chew the pits or seeds for them to release their toxic chemical. Swallowing them will not release the toxin but may cause choking. The wilting leaves of these various rosy trees are also very dangerous if swallowed. Not only can the pits and seeds cause obstructions when swallowed by your dog, but also inflammation of the intestine. Plus they contain cyanogenic glycosides (the plant’s protective chemical) which results in cyanide poisoning causing seizures, coma and even death.

Strawberries, raspberries and blackberries are also part of the rosy tree family. However, I haven’t heard anything about them being foods toxic for dogs. I would recommend keeping any berry dosage other than blueberries which are very safe to a minimal.

“I love Frozen Blueberries!” } Halle

Oxalate Dense Veggies

Spinach, Swiss chard, beet greens, collards, okra, parsley, leeks and quinoa are the vegetables that contain the highest concentration of oxalates. Oxalates are naturally-occurring substances found in the leaves of plants, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary system of your dog. Your dog might come in contact with them especially if you have a garden. One thing you could do is teach your dog to never dig and roam around the garden or put up a small seasonal removable fence for more security.

Broccoli (one of Halle’s most faves!)

The only information I’ve read about broccoli being potentially toxic to dogs is if the dog consumes a very large quantity of it. My guess is the high fiber content might irritate their stomachs. Other than that, broccoli is a great add-on to your dog’s diets. It’s filled with powerful antioxidants and goodness.

Mushrooms

If you have any wild mushrooms growing in your yard, I suggest you destroy them if you have a dog and/or children running around. Some dogs like grazing on grass and will accidentally eat the fungi. Just coming in contact with a mushroom can cause some tummy troubles or severe toxic symptoms especially if the mushroom is poisonous. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea and complete liver failure. Keep your eyes open.

Avocado

Great in a salad, not so great for the dog! The seed is potentially toxic to some dogs. A dog may encounter gastrointestinal irritation including vomiting, respiratory difficulties, bodily fluid accumulations and diarrhea if he consumes the avocados’ fruit, seed, leaves or branches in large quantities.

Garlic, Onions & Chives

Halle eats garlic on occasion. Well, she mostly plays with it (like a cat) for a good part of the day and then surrenders. For dogs, I believe garlic’s benefits overpower its toxicity. Your dog would have to eat a lot of garlic before he gets any harmful side effects. The general rule is 1 small garlic clove per 25 lbs dog. If you stay in that range you should have no problems. Onions on the other hand are very toxic foods for dogs. They contain Sulfoxides and Disulfides (chemical compounds) which can damage red blood cells causing Anemia. Same goes for chives. Garlic is much less toxic than onions.

Spices

Salt and salty products are unnatural for your dog. He definitely won’t find salty chips while hunting in the wild. Some good signs that your dog has consumed way too much salty foods are diarrhea, vomiting, depression, high body temperature, seizures or possibly death. Better keep those chips to yourself. Another spice to watch out for would be nutmeg. It is not recommended for dogs. Symptoms of nutmeg ingestion can include seizures, tremors, central nervous system problems, and death. Another spice that you might be familiar with are mustard seeds, the side effects are similar to nutmeg.

Yeast Dough

Do not feed your dog rising yeast, especially products that made up of mostly yeast. It’s very dangerous and it can expand and produce gas in the digestive system causing pain and possible rupture of your dog’s stomach or intestines. Once the dough is cooked the potential dangers diminish. As a general rule don’t give your dog too much bread at one time. A few pieces here and there are fine. Don’t get confused with the yeast used as a leaven in baking, it’s very different from nutritional yeast. Large-flake torula (nutritional) yeast is used as a flavoring agent in homemade dog food preparations which is highly recommended.

Lead

Lead Poisoning happens more often than you think. One of the most common contacts occur with canned dog food, especially when the can’s components migrate into the prepared dog food. The harmful metal will affect your dog’s blood and nervous system with similar symptoms to mercury-laden fish. We recommend your serve your dog canned dog food only occasionally. Canned dog foods can also contain high numbers of fluoride.

Macadamia Nuts & Walnuts

Macadamia nuts are delicious for humans but when ingested by your dog can cause macadamia nut toxicosis. Your dog will show signs of weakness and lethargy, affecting the muscles and may have difficulties standing for a period of time but will recover within 12 to 48 hours after ingesting the nut. Some studies have shown macadamia nut toxicosis in dogs ingesting anywhere from 6 to 40 nuts. All parts of the walnut tree are offensive to dogs, including the bark, hulls, roots and nuts. Some symptoms of walnut poisoning include vomiting, trembling, loss of appetite, lack of coordination, lethargy, drooling, bloody stools and diarrhea. It can take a few days for the symptoms to appear after ingesting the nut so again, be very careful with these.

Fat Trimmings & Leftovers

Be very mindful about what you give your dog to eat. He’s not a one way garbage disposal. Sometimes dogs are such gluttons for tasty foods. Leftovers are generally good, all depending on what’s left on the half-eaten plate. Dogs will eat almost anything at any time. Stay away from hot and spicy foods. Dogs are not used to them. Fat trimmings are huge no-nos. They can cause pancreatitis, especially if the trimmings are cooked.

Animal Liver

I think I know what you might be thinking. What about those yummy dog favorite liver treats eh? Don’t panic, liver is the Grand Prix of treats but it can also become potentially dangerous if given in large amounts. It can cause toxic doses of Vitamin A, inducing bone weakness and muscle abnormalities. But don’t worry about those liver treats. Your dog has to consume very large amounts (dependant on dog and dog size) to have any side effects. Just be mindful.

Fish & Fish by-products

Certain types of fish may contain ridiculously high levels of mercury, like raw trout, salmon and tuna being the most polluted. Mercury poisoning can damage the nervous system. Symptoms include tremors, anxiety, loss of appetite, sleeping difficulties, lethargy, loss of coordination, vomiting, constipation, irritability, kidney damage and more.

Milk & Most Dairy Products

Cow’s milk is not meant to be consumed by dogs. Dogs have a hard time digesting milk and certain milk products, which are not fatal but can certainly cause stomach upsets or diarrhea. Milk offers a host of problems for humans as well, from allergies to osteoporosis. The only animal that’s supposed to benefit from cow’s milk is the baby calf. Do your research on milk. It’s more dangerous to humans than you think. The only dairy we give Halle everyday is yogurt to replenish her healthy flora. Yogurt has more positives than negatives, so in my book, it’s ok.

Moldy & Spoiled Foods

Moldy and spoiled foods only belong in one place, the garbage. Don’t give your dog any foods that are past their expiry date. Why would you do that anyway? The poor dog can suffer severe vomiting, diarrhea and the stuff can potentially affect several other organs in the body.

Fluoride

Fluoride is found in the majority of our public water supplies and also in the food chain in high numbers. It’s very poisonous when consumed in large dosages. Fluoride as a dog poison depends on the overall dosage from all sources your dog consumes. It goes something like this: livestock drinks contaminated water, goes to slaughter and is processed into dog food, (canned is worst because it has more water content) then your companion eats it. Your dog ends up with the worst result – all that gradually stored fluoride builds up in his body. Scary when you think about it. Exposure to fluoride can cause a host of serious problems like kidney and bladder disorders, arthritis, bronchitis, weakened immune system and genetic damages. Your best bet is to give your dog fresh filtered drinking water several times a day in a clean stainless steel bowl or container.

Toxic Foods for Dogs Quick Recap

Rawhides & Cowhides
Alcohol
Baby Food
Xylitol
Chocolate
Tea
Acai Berries
Cola Drinks
Coffee & Caffeine
Grapes & Raisins
Most Fruit Pits & Seeds
Oxalate Dense Veggies
Broccoli in large quantities
Mushrooms
Avocado
Garlic, Onions & Chives
Spices
Yeast Dough
Lead
Macadamia Nuts & Walnuts
Fat Trimmings & Certain Leftovers
Animal Liver in large quantities
Most Fish & Fish by-products
Milk & Most Dairy Products
Moldy & Spoiled Foods
Fluoride

I know it’s a long list but better to be safe than sorry! Read the above list over several times so that you can remember as many potential toxic foods for dogs as you can. Read my Super Dog Diet Power-Ups article for my recommendations on boosting your dog’s daily food intake.

Like I said earlier, we will be adding to the list. In the mean time we would love to hear your thoughts and stories on poisonous foods for dogs. Also if you have any suggestions on some foods we could add or questions on particular toxic foods, please comment below. We love hearing from you! The more we share and talk about this topic the more problems can be avoided and dog lives saved.

Deciding on whether or not you want to opt for top dog insurance isn’t as simple as black and white. I’ll never forget Halle’s first vet appointment when the doctor’s assistant handed us this shiny pet insurance brochure & package. We looked at Halle, looked at each other and realized we never took the time to consider such a thing. We did a quick huddle and opted not to take it. We tend to normally keep funds tucked away for rainy days and are highly selective about insurance as a whole. That day our gut said no – wasn’t for us.

Let’s face it, pets are prone to accidents, especially puppies as they are extremely active and always get into situations that can cause injury. Halle is a beast when she’s active. She’s accident-prone just about every moment she’s engaged in high intensity activities. Since our Weimaraner entered our lives we’ve had to deal with a number of issues that have required us to dish out (sometimes) substantial amounts of money for proper care.

Dog insurance is basically about risk management and making sure you’re in the right position when your beloved pet requires help. Like any insurance, pet coverage really depends on several factors and everyone has a different view on the issue.

Puppies need vaccinations and extra care. Adult dogs need preventive help and older dogs are prone to disease or problems that naturally come with age. You might be concerned about your dog developing a long-term, chronic or recurring illness.

With advances in pet medicine, veterinarians have a lot more ways to handle serious health problems, like Cancer or Neurological disorders for example. MRI scans and radiation treatment for dogs are more and more common these days and can cost thousands of dollars. Dog health insurance appeal goes way up when you consider these improved and really expensive treatment options.

I also think that most people tend to highly underestimate the cost of treatment for their dog. Even simple procedures can cost quite a bit more than you might expect.

Halle went into emergency once when she got really sick. The visit cost us a couple of hundred dollars which was more than fair. There was another time when she needed surgery due to a side effect from pre-op injection she was given when she was spayed. They basically had to surgically remove a portion of her skin from her shoulders. It was a safe procedure that was not only unexpected but ended up costing us about $1000. Lucky for us, the manufacturer of the initial drug actually covered the cost since they caused the debacle.

You see what I mean? Anything can happen anytime and unless you’re prepared or have an allocated pet budget tucked away, dog insurance is a good bet. Now let me point out that we don’t have dog insurance at this very moment and I’m still not completely for it in terms of our own situation. You have to give it a fair shot from your own perspective and see what works best for you. I’m gonna explain a little more on how you can approach the decision making process but let me outline some of the costs and things you need to keep an eye out for.

Dog Insurance Pricing & Coverage

1. Coverage normally starts as early as when your dog is several weeks old. You can pick up insurance at any age but keep in mind that most insurance companies will not cover past illnesses and in many cases will not cover major hereditary problems. If you ask around, you can find hereditary coverage and it might be something worth searching for depending on your dog.

2. You can surf the web and find all types of coverage options. You can also find cheap dog insurance or compare dog insurance quote websites, all of which can be very helpful. Vets are always happy to recommend a company but they can be biased as they usually have a lucrative deal in place with the insurer. Their recommendation is still a good one and should be considered, Just don’t take their word as your only option. If we were to look for insurance we would probably surf a little and ask some of our friends that have coverage for their dogs and make a decision that we feel good about.

3. Good coverage will normally cost you a monthly premium of anywhere between $15 and $60 and high end iron clad ”paw-to-paw” coverage can go up to $100, or sometimes more, per month. They usually always require a deductible (amount to pay if you make a claim). Expect your out-of-pocket expense to be about $100 to $200. The deductible can be higher depending on your dog’s age. Just about every sensible package I was able to find covered anywhere from 70-90% of any incurred expenses.

4. Be sure to ask for discounts or special pricing. They are usually available for multiple pets and seniors. It never hurts to ask regardless of your situation.

5. Some packages put restrictions on select breeds like Mountain Dogs and Mastiffs. Some dogs require specialized care or more food during boarding or other related costs that require a slightly higher premium or coverage tweaking.

6. Good dog insurance will cover the expected accidents, illness, accidental death as well as special wellness care and boarding fees if you get sick and need your dog boarded and family or friends aren’t an option.

7. One more important thing, be sure that you can choose your own veterinarian if something were to happen. Some dog insurance companies require you visit a specific vet. If you’re cool with that, then all good. We would definitely want to see our wonderful vet if anything were to happen and expect our insurance to take care of it.

Should you get Dog Health Insurance?

It’s entirely up to you! My practical way of thinking about money as a whole says that the cost of insurance during the course of our dog’s life will probably cost us anywhere from $2500 & $7500. If we were to take that money and keep it in a high interest savings account, might work out for the better.

The thing is surgical removal of a foreign object can cost anywhere from $1000-$2000. This is one of the most common claims. The most common objects are underwear & small pieces of clothing. Halle loves socks, lucky for us she drops them on command – she’s yet to swallow one! Cancer treatment can cost anywhere from $5000-$10,000 or even more. Weimaraners are prone to hip displacement and bloating due to their deep chests. These are things we’re always concerned about and would keep in mind if we picked up insurance today. Both of those problems can cost a pretty penny. You have to look at your dog’s needs and what you might have to deal with during its precious lifetime.

That all sounds scary but remember, it doesn’t mean it WILL happen. It might happen when your dog is so old that saying goodbye might be the best option. Problems can happen when they’re just puppies. You really never know. In that case, any reputable breeder will provide anywhere of up to two years for serious problems. The important thing to understand is that problems will happen.

Also, the cost at any given time could be a lot more than you have tucked away. Then again, if you never face any serious issues you would still have your money.

Like I said before, it’s all about risk management and the way you handle your own money. If you have money put aside and feel ready to tackle any situation then you’re in the green. If you have a hard time budgeting and like to have a peaceful state of mind, that dog insurance is definitely essential.

Heck, if you tend to insure everything you have from your house, car, life, material goods and don’t like headaches when it comes to your finances, top dog insurance is the way to go.

If you’re like us and tend to be selective about what you insure and protect, you know your limits, your budget, well then, dog health insurance is another card in the deck. Whether you play or not is up to you.

Just remember that though money is an important part of the equation, it’s not the most important thing. Your dog is an important member of your family, making sure that the proper care & treatment is available is your responsibility as a proud owner. Whether your four-legged friend is covered by insurance or your own bank account – make sure he or she is covered!

The Best Insurance – Keep your Dog Healthy

The best insurance against any lifetime dog problems is good health. There is no substitute for that. We’re always learning and taking the steps to ensure Halle is healthy and has a strong enough immune system to keep her away from the vet as much as possible. The great thing is we visit a Holistic veterinarian who is extremely helpful and encourages the same thing. He too, doesn’t believe in medicating or treating when it’s not needed. Asia and I will be talking a lot about how to keep your dog healthy & strong in future posts but important things to keep in mind are pretty basic yet so many people don’t take the time to do them.

1. Good food. Give your dog the best and healthiest natural food. Costs a few extra dollars a month but what it saves down the stretch is priceless.

2. Exercise. I’m not even going to elaborate as dogs need and live for movement. This is a fundamental part of being a dog & as a dog owner you should know that.

3. You should not be visiting your vet for every little thing. Your vet is there for serious problems and most importantly routine checkups. Devote a little time to reading and learning ways to provide your dog with proper care or simple aid so that you’re ready to deal with all the little bumps and scratches that come with dog ownership. You don’t just owe it to yourself but your dog as well. Our antiseptic and aloe gel is always handy since Halle is prone to all types of minor injuries. Imagine if we hit the vet everything time she had a cut or bump.

4. A lot of serious illnesses like Cancer are very scary but in many cases are lifestyle diseases. Similar to us humans, unless it’s in your genes, your actual way of living, your emotional and physical state can be at the heart of all types of health problems. The same goes for your dog. Unhealthy food, unnecessary stress, weak emotional states are the cause of many illnesses.

Keep your dog healthy, in shape and happy. That’s insurance you can keep in your back pocket.

So…

I’ve been rambling on (hope I wasn’t too boring) and I’ve laid it all out. Fingers are a little sore but all this dog insurance talk has seriously gotten us re-considering signing up for some “Halle” coverage. I’m not kiddin! ;)

The deal is if you like to play it safe, get coverage. If not, then don’t. Everyone has a different point of view and with good reason. Take the time to consider you and your family’s situation, your dog and the options available to you. If you’re still not sure, go with your gut. That’s what we usually tend to do when the answer isn’t so obvious.

Hope you find all the information useful. Do you have top dog insurance? Are you considering it or have any related experiences?

We would love you have your input & point of view on the matter, please leave a comment.