Find Dog Stuff

I am passionate about dogs and I love to learn about them and in turn help others to learn about them. The more you know about dogs, the better relationship you'll have with yours.

It's so easy to learn these days, just pick up your device of choice, ask Google a question and voila you have unlimited information at your fingertips. That can be good and bad. It can be challenging to weed through all the information and find what resonates with you.

Find Dog Stuff will help you do just that, find dog stuff. It's for dog lovers and up and coming dog people. There are easy to read articles on subjects such as: how to choose the right breed for you, what you need for your new puppy, practicing leadership, dog behavior, how to choose a good dog sitter, what to expect in the senior years, age related issues, how to tell an illness from an emergency, what items are poisonous to dogs and what are good dog toys. This is the type of information us dog people need to know. No matter how many of us write about these things, it’s always good to explore another’s opinion.

The site is growing so check back often. Be sure to share an article if you like it, either on any social network, by tweeting or emailing it to another dog lover. We can never learn too much about our loyal and loving furry friends.

Iqaluit Humane Society

I don't live in Iqaluit. But I have to admit I have a soft spot in my heart for the Iqaluit Humane Society. You see my dog Judique was rescued by the IHS. My husband and I adopted her on November 28th, 2011. She was 6 months old at the time.

Just 3 months earlier they had to close their doors to housing animals due to a lack of volunteers and an abundance of animals. In desperation they reached out to other no kill shelters. As it turned out, the SPCA of Western Quebec was not only willing to help, but were able to adopt out all of the dogs they took and agreed to take more. And from that a wonderful partnership was born. Sending dogs south has since become a weekly tradition which is called "The Dog Run". These runs are courtesy of Canadian North airlines who donate cargo space. To date, over 250 dogs have been given a second chance to live the life they deserve. Our Judique was one of those lucky dogs. And we’ve met other dogs from Iqaluit too around town. It’s not hard to spot those Northern beauties!

“The Iqaluit Humane Society 2007 is dedicated to saving the lives of abandoned animals and promoting the humane treatment of companion animals.”

The IHS is run by volunteers and is now a registered non-profit organization. They rely on donations and funds from events throughout the year. And they need help right now. They've recently launched a 60 day fundraiser called “Save Arctic Animals – The IHS Mission”.

Please consider donating to this amazing organization that does everything to better the lives of strays, abandoned and abused animals.

 If it wasn't for these two amazing shelters, we wouldn't get to look at this precious face every day!
  

Judique at the SPCA of Western Quebec

Judique enjoying life

Here is a video of Judique playing with her friend Kali at the dog park, who is also an IHS rescue.


Please share this post to help me raise awareness for this cause which is so near and dear to my heart.

Thank you.

Canada Day and your dog

As you gear up to celebrate Canada Day this year, please remember that fireworks and dogs don't usually mix well. They can be very traumatic for your dog. Most dogs aren't exposed to fireworks very often and therefore never get the chance to get used to them.

Outdoor Celebrations

If you are going to an outdoor event, it's best to leave your dog at home. Take him for a nice long walk before you have to leave. This is a good day to leave him on leash during your walk just in case you hear an unexpected fireworks around your neighbourhood. Some people just can't wait until the evening to start the fun. Play some classical music to help keep him calm him if the fireworks can be heard from your house.


House Parties

If you are having people over, make sure you are aware of where your dog is at all times. Even just the loud noise of people having fun can make some dogs anxious. Just be aware of how your dog is feeling and act accordingly. Take turns between having him outside with your guests and being inside the house in a safe place. If it's hot remember to have access to cold fresh water and shade at all times.

Remember not to baby your dog or use a high pitch tone to calm him if he does get anxious. It's important for you to assure him there is nothing bad going on. You can use distraction (a game, a toy or a treat) or take that time to bring him inside for some quiet time.


Keep this information in mind for any big celebration or party. They are all the same to your dog!


Have a safe and happy Canada Day!

UKPetcam

We love our dogs and couldn’t imagine life without them. And that makes it harder to leave them every day doesn’t it? 

Have you ever wondered what you dog or dogs really get up to when you are away from the house? Of course you have!

With today’s technology, not only is it possible to keep an eye on your furry friend, it’s easy and you can do it right from the device of your choice.

UKPetcam is a family owned business that specializes in Pet Security solutions.

Not only can you see what you pooch is up to with the Pet Security Camera, you can get his personal point of view with the Fun Pet Video Collar. Imagine seeing things through his eyes, now that would be interesting. Or having peace of mind knowing your dog’s exact whereabouts can be streamed right to your smart phone with the GPS collar.

Whether you dog sneaks up on the couch, gets into the garbage or just chills when you’re not at home, wouldn’t it be nice to know?

Silver Dog Charms

Are you the kind of person who wants to wear your love for dogs? I sure am!

Recently founded, Exquisite Charms of London has a wide collection of Sterling Silver dog charms. But they won’t stop until they have a charm for every recognized breed. Very impressive!

Or choose from paw or bone shaped bracelet or earrings.

Make your Own Charm is a very special opportunity to have a designer replicate your dog from a picture. You can capture that look that melts your heart. What a great way to keep the memory of your beloved dog forever.

You can follow them on facebook to keep up to date when new breed charms are added, to see and share pictures of dogs and participate in “Rescue Wednesday”. Every week, a different charm is donated to a shelter or rescue organization. It’s a unique way to bring attention to the tireless work being done for homeless dogs all over the world. And we can all be a part of it.

Summer heat and your dog

Summer is a wonderful time of year but you must be vigilant and practice common sense and caution when it comes to your dog. That sounds so easy doesn't it? But you'd be surprised how uncommon common sense is!

Your dog's well being is your responsibility so please take it seriously. Keep in mind that even young dogs can be affected by the heat but be extra careful with your senior dogs.

To shave or not to shave

You may think that shaving your dog's fur in the summer is the right thing to do. But that is not necessarily the case. A dog's coat actually helps insulate and keep him cool in the summer and vice versa in the winter. And shaving your dog can put him at a higher risk for sunburn and getting bitten by mosquitoes, black flies, etc. Ultimately the choice is yours, but you should take everything into consideration before making that decision. It should never be done just because you are trying to avoid shedding or brushing.

Walk

Walking with your dog during the summer is so enjoyable. On those really hot days, do the following:

• go when it's cooler (early morning, late afternoon and evening)
• bring water
• have your dog walk on grass if possible
• walk slower than normal
• stop and rest in the shade
• shorten your walk
• use your judgement, sometimes it's just too hot to walk

In short, pay attention to your dog and adjust your walk accordingly.

Car

It is shocking and extremely sad that dogs are left in hot cars year after year despite all the constant warnings. Opening the windows a crack is NOT good enough! Hot cars and dogs don't mix period. Leave your dog at home; this is not the appropriate time of year to bring them along on your errands.

If you have to take your dog somewhere in your car, run it for a few minutes ahead of time to cool it down. Turn on the air conditioning and always bring water with you.

As cute as it is to see a dog enjoying the sights, smells and sounds with his head stuck out the window, it really is very risky to allow this. Your dog could be seriously injured or even killed if you have to suddenly break. Or he could be hit by debris or any number of things. It's just not worth it. Instead open the window a crack, just enough for some wind and smells to come in.
 

Backyard

Always have fresh water available and encourage your dog to lay in the shade. You can cool him down with a hose, invest in a kiddie pool or a fill a bucket. Never tie your dog up somewhere they cannot access grass, shade or fresh water.



Sign of overheating

Take action immediately if your dog is experiencing any of the following:

• rapid panting and excessive thirst
• pale gums
• is lethargic
• weakness
• nausea and diarrhea

If your dog is showing any of the above signs of overheating, try to regulate his temperature with some cool water. Call your vet for further instruction.

Your dog relies on you to keep him safe. Show him you are worthy of such an important responsibility.

Enjoy the summer!

Rogz Dog Harnesses

We all know how important it is to walk with our dogs every day. For many, a harness is a preferred tool to use. Since harnesses do not put any pressure on the throat they are a good choice for dogs with respiratory or trachea issues. And if you have an escape artist who knows how to back out of his collar, a harness can stop your little Houdini.

Rogz dog harnesses are high quality for your pooch made from soft yet tough and durable nylon and are adjustable. Suitable for dogs, just choose from small to extra large.

There are conflicting opinions of whether harnesses encourage or discourage a dog to pull. It really depends on the individual dog. And at the end of the day, the harness won’t train your dog not to pull. That’s up to you. But as long as you feel comfortable with the tool you choose, you are heading in the right direction.