Purchases to Remember Dogs That Have Passed Away

As my memory of past pets fade, I often wonder what I can do to commemorate my beloved pets?

One option is pet memorial jewelry, which can be nice if you already wear jewelry a lot.

You could also get a painting done of your pet, do an imprint stone with their paw print, or have your pets ashes put in an urn (although I don't really love that idea personally).

Garden stones are another option for those with yards. You could also rig up a display with your dog's collar and their portrait.

Does anyone else have any suggestions? It's hard sometimes to decide the best way to remember our pets that are now gone.

How to Leave Your Dog Alone for the Day

Your dog wants to be by your side all day, but for many of us that's just not possible. But how do you keep your canine happy while you're away? We've got some tips below.

1. Take Walks With Your Dog

Before you leave for work, make sure that your dog gets plenty of exercise. Tired dogs are happy dogs - when dogs don't get enough exercise, they tend to feel anxious and can end up releasing their pent up frustration on your new couch. Exercise is essential for a calm, well-behaved dog.

Ideally, try to get home again in the afternoon to walk your dog a 2nd time. If you can't get home during the day, consider hiring a dog walker or a local neighborhood kid to come by and take fido out for a quick jaunt.

2. Consider a 2nd Dog

Many owners report that getting a second dog often helps the first dog from feeling anxious and upset when being left at home alone. Dogs are social creatures who enjoy the company of their owners an other dogs. Obviously this isn't a viable solution for everyone - you may live in a small apartment or have other restrictions. However, it's an option to consider if your lifestyle allows it.

3. Give Your Dog Plenty of Toys

Providing your dog with toys is another smart way to keep your canine occupied. The goal is to keep your dog entertained and, ideally, challenged. There are some great puzzle toys on the market as well as treat-dispensing dog toys that can capture your dog's attention for hours.

4. Give Your Dog a Cozy Home Base

Dogs often feel more secure when being left alone if they have a space to call their own where they can feel safe and comfortable. Consider a dog crate your buddy can lounge about it, and/or a nice cozy dog bed. 

There are all kinds of different dog beds for different dog needs. The best dog beds for older dogs will have a good amount of supportive memory foam. Dogs who don't do well in the heat might prefer a heated bed. The best bed for your dog depends on his or her needs!

5. Keep in Mind Breed and Age

If you know you'll be away for long parts of the day, consider getting a dog breed known for calmness and low energy. Also try to avoid getting a puppy - puppies need a lot of attention and supervision, and can't be left alone as long as adult dogs. Instead, opt for a senior canine or adult dog from a local shelter. They usually already have basic training down, and are often thankful to find a forever home.

Keep these tips in mind when preparing to leave your dog home alone - he'll be happier because of them!

Should I Take My Dog in the Car?

Many owners want to have their dogs constantly by their side - and who can blame them? Dogs are great! However, taking your dog in the car can be dangerous for drivers and dogs alike. Here's why.

• Dogs are Distracting. In a study by the American Automobile Association (AAA), it was discovered that 3 in 10 drivers admitted to being distracted by their dog while driving in the car. 63% of dog owners admit to engaging in potentially distracting activities while driving in the car with their dog.

• Dogs Become Projectiles in a Car Crash. The majority (84%) of dogs in cars are unrestrained (meaning they aren't wearing any kind of dog safety belt). Unrestrained dogs can be tossed from a vehicle in the case of a collision, or may even jump out of a moving car on their own accord. An unrestrained dog can also become a projectile in a car crash, potentially injuring the driver or passengers. Think about this: a 10lb dog in a crash at 50 mph exerts approx. 500lbs of force. For an 80lb dog at only 30 mph, you'll encounter about 2400lbs of force.

• Airbags Add Danger for Dogs. Front airbags are as dangerous for canines as they are for young children - a dog can easily be killed in a car crash by an airbag.

• Dogs Can Obstruct Rescue Operations. Dogs can become territorial and protective of owners inside a wrecked vehicle, interfering with emergency personnel and their rescue efforts. In some cases, the dog must be put down so that the first responders can rescue and treat the injured car occupants.

Other interesting statistics from the report show that:

• 78 million dogs reside in more than 46 million U.S. households according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA).

• Nearly 6 in 10 (56%) respondents have driven with their dog in a vehicle at least once a month over the past year, according to the AAA/Kurgo survey.

• 3 in 10 respondents (29%) admit to being distracted by their dog while driving.

• Looking away from the road for only two seconds doubles your risk of being in a crash, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Do you take your dog in the car when driving? Has this study made you reconsider? Let us know in the comments!

10 Foods That Are Poisonous For Dogs

We all want to keep our dogs safe and protected from danger. However, some substances that are completely fine and healthy for human consumption are poisons for dogs, and it's foods like these that need to be vigilantly hidden and stored away in a home with dogs.

Below are foods that are poisonous for dogs. Anything surprising?

1. Avocado Skins

Avocados contain persin, which can result in gastrointestinal damage in dogs.

2. Chocolate

Chocolate is a well-known danger in many dog households. It's often the most talked about poison because it is so common in homes, especially around holidays.

The methylxanthines and caffeine in chocolate can hurt a dog. Usually, the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is for dogs. Be sure to hideaway these goodies.

3. Raisins / Grapes

These can cause kidney failure in dogs.

4. Alcohol

Alcohol is actually a poison for humans, although it's a socially acceptable one. It's poison for dogs too, and should be avoided.

5. Coffee

Caffeine can be very damaging for dogs. Caffeinated beverages can make dogs very sick.

6. Xylitol

Xylitol is a calorie-free sweetener. It's popular in sugar-free gum and other sugar-free products and candies. 

While OK for humans, it can affect a dog's blood sugar levels. In extreme cases it can even cause seizures and fatal liver failure

7. Fish & Seafood

Dogs that are fed a lot of fish or seafood can develop a thiamine (B vitamin) deficiency. This can result in seizures and even death.

8. Hops

While hops are an essential ingredient in beer, they are extremely poisonous for dogs. 

9. Onions / Garlic

Normally a dog would have to eat a ton of garlic and/or onions to cause any kind of issues. However, problems can occur when a dog gets into concentrated forms of onion or garlic, such as with dehydrated onions or garlic powder. 

10. Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts can affect a dog's nervous system and muscle system, as well as their digestion.

11. Bread Dough

Raw bread dough with live yeast can be bad for dogs.

12. Moldy Foods

Moldy foods are usually bad for humans (with the exception of some cheeses). Dogs can't eat moldy foods at all! 

If you suspect your dog has eaten one of these substances, call your vet immediately!

Top 12 Dog Breeds With the Cutest Puppies!

What breed of dog has the cutest puppies? It's time to find out - check out our list of the top 12 breeds with the cutest puppies!

1. Golden Retriever

Photo from Flickr user Trine Juel

2. Maltese

From Flickr user Chris Kim

3. Husky

From Flickr user Edward Corpuz

4. French Bull Dogs

From Flickr user Marleigh Jones

5. Pomeranian

From Flickr user Madabandon

6. Shiba Inu

From Reddit r/aww

7. Corgis

From Flickr user Daniel Stockman

8. Samoyed

From Flickr user Alferd M

9. Beagle

From Flickr user -meryl-

10. Labrador Retriever

From Flickr user Thomas Hawk

11. Spitz

From Reddit r/aww

12. Shar Pei

From Flickr user Marilylle Soveran

Some dog breeds are just too cute to handle. Of course mutts are adorable too, although you don't always know their cuteness genetics. You can actually take a dog breed identifier test to find out your dog's ancestry, but truthfully, dogs are adorable no matter what their backgrounds are!

Do you not see your favorite represented? Tell us who you think has the cutest puppies in the comments!