Your daily dose of doggy goodness!
Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog(s) of the Day:
Benny and Ace
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Meme of the day: Just zoomin’ away!
Can you afford an emergency vet bill? This new pet product could save your pet
80% of pets have a medical emergency in their lifetime. Whether your pet unexpectedly eats something they shouldn’t or just sticks their nose in the wrong place outside, the no annual fee Nibble pet rewards credit card can help.
Don’t get caught by surprise. Get free pet insurance for accidents & illnesses just from having a no annual fee Nibbles Pet Rewards Credit Card. You also get 3x rewards at pet stores, pet services, and the vet! You can even skip that annoying claim paperwork with automated claims, just by using the card at the vet. Rest easy knowing your pet is protected with Nibbles.
Nibbles is not a bank. The Nibbles Card is issued by Lead Bank. Fees and T&C apply.
Floppy or Perky: The Ultimate Guide to Your Dog’s Ear Health
We’ve all been there—you’re snuggling on the couch with your furry best friend when they give their head a vigorous shake, and you hear that tell-tale flap-flap-flap of their ears. It’s one of those quirky "dog things" we love, but it also serves as a gentle reminder: when was the last time those ears got a little TLC?
Cleaning your dog's ears is one of those grooming tasks that feels a bit daunting, like trying to clip a cat’s nails or giving a bath to a Labrador who thinks he’s made of sugar. However, maintaining ear health is a cornerstone of your dog's overall comfort.
How Often is "Often Enough"?
The golden rule of ear cleaning is simple: Every dog is different. There is no one-size-fits-all schedule, but here is a general breakdown to help you find your rhythm.
The "Healthy Ear" Baseline
For most dogs with naturally clean, healthy ears, once a month is the sweet spot. This allows you to clear out any minor wax buildup without irritating the delicate skin inside the ear canal.
The Water Lovers
If your dog thinks every puddle is a swimming pool or joins you for lake weekends, you’ll need to be more proactive. Moisture is the playground of bacteria.
The Schedule: Gently dry and clean their ears after every swim or bath.
The "Floppy Ear" Club
Breeds like Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, and Labradors have beautiful, heavy ears that fold over. These folds trap heat and moisture, making them prone to infections.
The Schedule: Check them weekly; a light cleaning every 1–2 weeks is usually recommended.
The "Leave Well Enough Alone" Rule
Believe it or not, you can over-clean. If your dog’s ears look pink, healthy, and odorless, and they aren't scratching, don't force a cleaning. Over-cleaning can strip away healthy oils and lead to irritation.
Signs Your Dog Needs a Cleaning (or a Vet)
Before you grab the saline, do a quick "sniff test." If you notice any of the following, it might be time to skip the home cleaning and call your veterinarian:
The Funk: A yeasty or "sweet" smell is a classic sign of an infection.
The Color: Look for discharge that resembles coffee grounds (often a sign of mites) or heavy yellow/green wax.
The Sensitivity: If your dog whines or pulls away when you touch their ears, they may be in pain.
The Shake: Constant head shaking or tilting to one side.
Pro-Tips for a Stress-Free Session
Use the Right Stuff: Never use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as these can sting and damage the tissue. Stick to a vet-approved ear-cleanser.
Cotton Balls Only: Avoid Q-tips! They can push debris deeper into the canal or, if your dog jolts, cause serious injury.
Treats are Mandatory: Make "Ear Day" the best day. Give them high-value treats before, during, and after the process so they associate the bottle with a reward.
Remember: A clean ear is a happy ear, and a happy ear leads to a much more comfortable pup!
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Dog Food and Supplement Recalls
Here are the recent recalls and advisories:
Bonnihill Farms (Fromm Family Foods) - BeefiBowls Beef Recipe gently cooked frozen dog food, 16 oz. chubs for potential plastic contamination
Foodynamics - Freeze Dried Pet Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Nature’s Own - Pet Chews Bully Bites Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Family Photo of the Day:
Sampson!
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We want to feature your pup!
We want to share your pup with our pack. Email us your favorite doggy pic or video with your pup’s name, and we'll try to feature it as a family photo in one of our upcoming newsletters or on our Facebook page.
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Meme of the day - Instagram: @idratherbewithmydog
