SimplyPups LLC

10/27/2023

10/23/2023

While humans have domesticated animals for hundreds of years, only most recently have we seen such an exponential increase of plus-sized pets.

While it’s hard to say no to those precious faces when it comes to food, it’s important to practice discipline for the safety and well-being of our beloved companions.

It starts with recognizing there is a problem.

Pet owners think their obese dog is a normal weight, making confronting obesity difficult.

No one wants to think their pet is overweight, and overcoming denial is our first battle.

Currently more than half of all domestic dogs are clinically overweight.

That amounts to nearly 49 million dogs who are a bit portlier than their peers.

This can lead to serious health issues for these animals including diabetes, arthritis, decreased life expectancy, high blood pressure and cancer.

Not only will it be hard for your dog, but it will be hard for you to watch, not to mention these conditions can quickly become very costly.

The good news is that pet obesity can be easily prevented by taking a few cautionary steps, thanks to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP).

10/10/2023

Some people may try to quiet their dogs when they howl but there is a reason that your dog will make this primitive sound.

In short it's a dog’s way of yelling.

Just like yelling is a way for humans to release any angry feelings they have inside, dogs do the same thing by howling.

It is a form of relief for the dog who may be holding in some kind of frustration, annoyance, or pain.

Some people think that dogs howl in order to show their dominance, but they are doing it because it just feels good for them to do it.

10/07/2023

If you've ever owned a dog, it's safe to say you know the term 'invasion of privacy' all too well.

Generally, pets are invasive.

And while dogs might not be as in your face as their feline counterparts, they still have a tendency to get all up in your business.

Remember, whenever you get annoyed because your dog is invading your personal space, like following you to the toilet and just standing there, it just means they want to be close to you.

Dogs are pack animals, and pack animals like to stay close to their pack! And you are their pack.

10/06/2023

Dogs aren’t known for the scent of fresh linen.

Actually, they usually have some sort of unsavory stink coming from there but it’s part of their charm!

However, if your dog’s breath suddenly starts to smell worse than usual, don't ignore this.

Bad breath can indicate a medical situation that must be treated.

One of its internal organs like the liver or kidneys might need care.

Dog’s breath could also smell sweet, which might mean that there is a sugar level issue, like diabetes.

Anyway, if the breath of your dog doesn’t stink in the usual way, it’s time to get them checked out.

10/05/2023

You’ve probably heard that chocolate is toxic to dogs.

During a holiday that revolves around candy, it's very important to make sure your dog is not getting into anything they shouldn’t.

If you plan to hand out candy, keep the bowl on a high surface in between trick-or-treaters.

With overexcited little witches and ghouls swinging around buckets of candy, you’ll also want to keep an eye out for dropped candy on the floor.

If you have little ones in your household, make sure they know not to leave candy or wrappers lying around.

You should have a talk with your kids before the party starts and when you have their full attention about how candy is not safe for the pets.

If they like to sort candy on the floor after a loop around the neighborhood, it’s a good idea to keep your dog in another room or in their crate.

Be sure everything is cleaned up before you let them back out.

You should never give your pet candy.

If you really want to give them something special, pick out a new treat or toy.

10/04/2023

Everyone loves a poodle in a dress and a Lab in a witch hat, but there are some things to keep in mind when dressing up your pup.

For pet costumes make sure that they’re well-fitting and not rubbing any areas raw, especially under the armpits and the leg pits.

It’s also important to make sure that your pet can still eat, drink, and go potty while in costume.

If you think your pet will be uncomfortable or scared in a costume, you may want to skip the full body suit and choose something more comfortable, like a colorful collar or bandana!

10/03/2023

If you have enough room in your car for your dog, this one is for you. It's all got to do with their amazing scenes of smell. When traveling in the car, we feel the fresh breeze blowing in our hair, but our dogs sense the smell in the air, ten times stronger than when still.
When a dog sticks its head out of the window, they are literally in euphoria. Their Brain, which is packed with sensors, gets overstimulated and the pressured air, blowing straight at their face, envelopes them with great highs. Ultimately, if the window of opportunity is open, the dog is going to seize it.

10/03/2023

When a human bows, it is usually to show a sign of respect to the recipient of the bow.

But when a dog bows, it can be for several reasons.

The way that they bow is by lowering their heads and keeping their body erect.

Most of the time, it is a sign that they want to play.

They might add in a pair of swinging hips or start wagging their tails in a wild and excited manner.

This is the most common sign your dog will give you when they want to play. Dog trainers call this the “play bow.”

10/02/2023

Does your dog spin in circles chasing his tail?

This is a common behavior in dogs.

In some cases, tail-chasing is a natural, playful activity.

However, excessive tail chasing can be a sign of a health or behavior problem.

If your dog is chewing at his tail when he catches it, then he might have a problem with his skin or a**l glands.

If the tail chasing is constant and intense, this may be a sign of an obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Yes, OCD affects dogs, though this is not especially common.

Talk to your veterinarian if you are concerned about your dog's tail-chasing or if your dog is causing self-injury to its tail.

10/01/2023

Beginning October 1 for a whole week, you and your lovely pup can join a nation of dog owners in celebrating the many benefits of walking together.

This is all thanks to Colleen Paige, a pet expert, who launched Walk Your Dog Week in 2010.

The idea was to raise awareness of canine obesity and canine behavior in the U.S.

Paige had initially planned for it to be a one-day holiday but she determined that a single day would not be sufficient time to get people’s dogs into a pattern and assist both their pets and their owners in changing their habits.

She hoped that when people saw how their dogs had changed, they would continue to care for them and look forward to spending time walking them.

If a dog is confined to a cage or a yard for most of the day, it may result in destructive behavior, which, along with the dog’s loneliness and boredom, can lead to a variety of medical conditions such as diabetes, among others.

As a result, walking your dog may help reduce medical problems and destructive behavior in dogs while also improving their general health.

This holiday was created out of a consideration for dogs and their well-being since, these creatures are a big part of our lives and leave lasting memories on individuals of all ages, races, and backgrounds.

10/01/2023

The National Pitbull Awareness Month was formed in 2007 to assist in increasing awareness of the truth about pit bulls.

Pitbull rescue and education group Bless the Bullys in Tennessee came up with the concept of National Pitbull Awareness Month, which quickly caught on and spread throughout the country.

Pitbulls have been referred to as ‘nanny dogs’ for almost a century because of their loyalty, docility, and love.

Pitbulls were once viewed as a representation of American pride.

They can be therapy and service dogs too. You can depend on them for anything.

The traits that make these dogs such great companions — like loyalty, strength, and a desire to please their family — however, they have been misused by a small number of people, leading to criticism of the entire breed throughout time.

They are perceived as being nasty, malevolent, and possibly deadly creatures. a portrayal that is far from accurate and is based more on the conduct of criticized people than that of animals.

Pitbulls were bred for dog fighting, which was regrettably common at the time, but they were developed in England in the 18th century as a hybrid between a bulldog and a terrier to help reduce pests and rats brought on by the Industrial Revolution.

Even before the breed was dubbed the American Staffordshire Pitbull in the 1980s, many who breed and own the dogs have long believed them to be devoted family companions.

09/30/2023

When a dog exposes its belly to you, it shows that it respects you and is being submissive.

It might also be a sign that he wants to play with you!

You can encourage them to continue this behavior by rubbing their belly.

If you do rub their belly, then they’ll want to continue this behavior as they’ve learned that you are going to give them a nice massage.

A dog can also roll on its back when they’re being attacked by another animal.

Basically, rolling is usually a good thing!

09/29/2023

When your dog raises their paws, it can be a clear sign that they have a specific desire or that they are eager to engage in play.

This behavior is commonly seen in puppies and younger dogs, who often do it to communicate their needs.

Like when a puppy wants to be fed, it will instinctively raise its paws to gently touch its mother.

Similarly, if your puppy raises its paws towards you, it may signify their longing for love, attention, and affection from their human companion.

It's their way of seeking a connection and expressing their trust in you as their caretaker.

Responding with tenderness and showering them with affection can deepen your bond and bring them comfort!

09/28/2023

If you've seen your dog dragging its bum across the floor, you might think it looks pretty funny.

But actually, this is a cause for concern.

This behavior is known as scooting and is usually because your dog has an impacted a**l sac that they are trying to release.

Some breeds are impacted by this more than others.

So it's important to keep an eye on this if it effects one of your beloved pups.

It is very uncomfortable for the dog when it happens and you should get your dog to the vet ASAP so that they can drain the organ.

You can relieve their a**l sac yourself but most owners find it uncomfortable.

09/27/2023

No, panting doesn’t mean that your dog is out of breath or about to have a heart attack.

This is the way that dogs cool off when they’re overheating.

Dogs aren’t able to sweat like humans, so this is their own way of lowering their body temperature.

If you see your dog panting, it’s a good time to give them water.

Another reason for panting may be that your dog is trying to alleviate pain or stress.

Most dogs pant on the reg, but it is important to monitor this and make sure they have all their needs met.

09/26/2023

Sometimes your dog may walk in circles before they lie down.

If you are wondering why they do this, it actually is a habit that perhaps their wolf ancestors passed down to them.

Wolves do this before they lay down in order to flatten leaves or debris that have made their resting spot uncomfortable.

While your dog probably doesn’t have any debris lying around their dog bed or kitchen floor, they seem to have retained this habit and it is adorable to watch them do it!

09/25/2023

Eating grass is a pretty common behavior in dogs.

Unfortunately, this usually means that their diet is lacking a specific nutrient, or they are simply trying to digest their food better (grass helps with this since it is basically fiber).

It may be a sign of intestinal worms.

Or, it may just mean it's hot outside and they're trying to stay hydrated by drinking any remaining water on the grass.

In any case, if your dog starts doing this too often, it might be good to go for a vet check-up.

You never know what might be the underlying issue.

Better to be safe than sorry.

09/24/2023

A dog's crouching posture holds significance and can convey various messages.

Understanding the meaning behind it may require some observation and monitoring.

Crouching can signify a range of emotions and intentions; like nervousness, insecurity, fear, or anticipation of engaging in play with another companion.

Regardless of the context or message your dog is trying to relay, one thing is clear: when a dog crouches, it communicates something important.

It serves as a nonverbal expression of their current state of mind and warrants attention from their human companions.

Paying close attention to their body language and behavior lets us to better understand our furry friends and respond appropriately to their needs and emotions.

09/23/2023

On December 6, 1984; Lucky, a Bouvier des Flandres, was given to Nancy Reagan by Kristen Ellis. The dog was named after Mrs. Reagan’s mother, Edith Luckett Davis.

Lucky would thunder down the halls of the White House and of the West Wing.

Lucky especially enjoyed visiting Camp David, and Mrs. Reagan later recalled that Lucky would get very excited when she saw Marine One because she knew it meant a trip to the presidential retreat.

Lucky was moved from the White House to Rancho del Cielo, their San Bernadino Ranch, during the 1985 Thanksgiving holiday, because she was getting too big for the White House.

Mrs. Reagan, would say Lucky grew from a “ball of fluff” to “be the size of a pony.”

Rex came to the White House on December 6, 1985, as a Christmas present from Ronald Reagan to Nancy Reagan.

Rex, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, often refused to enter the Lincoln Bedroom in the White House; this room has long been thought to be haunted by Abraham Lincoln’s ghost – seems like Rex also believed this to be true. He would stop in the doorway and bark into the room.

Rex lived at the White House until Ronald Reagan left the Presidency.

09/21/2023

Yoda is part of the U.S. Border Patrol BORTAC K9. A full-time team is headquartered in El Paso, Texas, and agents can be deployed throughout the United States when needed for specialized missions.

A few weeks ago Yoda was sent to Pennsylvania to hunt the escaped fugitive Cavalcante.

After spotting the convicted murderer behind a bush, Yoda bit Cavalcante on the forehead while his fellow officers continued to move in on the suspect. Yoda then bit Cavalcante a second time on his lower body and held his bite so the fugitive could not move while officers apprehended him.

09/20/2023

Are peas and legumes bad for your dog’s health?
Pea protein and other pet food ingredients like beans, lentils, and legume seeds can increase the size of your dog’s heart. This is a condition known as DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy)

Some dogs may also be allergic to peas.

Also, peas are not suitable for dogs that have kidney problems since peas consist of purines.

Purines generate uric acid, and too much uric acid can damage the kidneys.

Legume seeds like beans may cause excessive gas, abdominal pain, and diarrhea in dogs.

Which legumes are safe for dogs to eat?
You can add many beans to your dog’s food, and they are safe for your dog’s health.

Here are some dog-safe beans:

Black beans
Pinto beans
Garbanzo beans
Butter beans
Green beans
Lima beans

If you feed your dog beans, avoid seasoning them and cook them properly before feeding them to your dog.

At SimplyPups we aim to make treats that are safe for all dogs and produce treats that are Grain Free and made with a proprietary blend of Human Grade Garbanzo flour and Tapioca starch. All SimplyPups products are Lab Tested to ensure they meet our rigorous health and quality standards.

09/19/2023

Three-legged dogs are often called a “tripod dog”.

They are considered less-adoptable because a tripod dog seems like a challenge.

Most people think a tripod dog needs special medical attention–but this is a myth.

PetMD mentions that after a dog’s leg is amputated and rehabilitated, they normally don’t require additional vet care.

The only thing to worry about is their comfort and joint health.

The lack of a limb can cause stress on a dog’s hips, joints and spine.

Vets recommend giving a tripod dog supplements with glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM.

09/18/2023

The mineral element found in the greatest abundance in mammals is calcium.

It is vital for healthy bones and teeth (where 90% of this mineral is found) where along with phosphorus it brings rigidity and shape to these structures.

Calcium also plays a fundamental role in the transfer of information between cells and in the transmission of nerve impulses.

It plays essential roles in blood coagulation and muscular contraction as well as serving as a second messenger in a host of intracellular reactions.

A large proportion of phosphorus (over 80%) is retained in the bones and teeth.

Other roles include its presence in cell membranes (as phospholipids) and the provision of energy at a cellular level.

Phosphorus is also a structural component of DNA and RNA, the molecules that carry the cell’s genetic code.

There are many different ratios given on the proper amount calcium to phosphorus to give a dog.

Generally it is safe to give most dogs between 1:1 and 2:1 calcium to phosphorus, though depending on different medical conditions or pregnancy it is common to fine tune the ratio to be between 1.3:1 and 1.5:1.

Deficiency is much more common than a toxicity with Calcium and Phosphorus. A common way to remedy this is by topping your dogs food with supplements or RAW chicken feet, heads, other chicken bones.

If you plan to top your Pups food with Chicken bone they must be raw. Cooked bones splinter and may cause internal injuries.

09/17/2023

Older dogs or dogs who have health issues are often the last to be adopted from shelters. They can spend months and even years waiting to be adopted. Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week was started to give these pets an opportunity to find their forever home.

Many shelters will advertise free or discounted adoptions fees for less-adoptable pets.

What dogs Are “Less-Adoptable”?
It takes shelter animals about 12.5 weeks to get adopted. Pets who are in shelters for 48 weeks or longer are classified as “less-adoptable”.

Dogs are considered less-adoptable based on their breed & coloring.

Breeds that are known to be aggressive or even less-attractive are adopted less. Black and dark-colored dogs are known to be the last dogs to be adopted in shelters.

Senior dogs and dogs with disabilities are also less-adoptable.

Three-legged dogs are considered less-adoptable because a tripod dog seems like a challenge.

Deaf dogs or dogs with hearing disabilities are also considered to be less-adoptable.

09/16/2023

Responsible Dog Ownership Day is designed to get all pet parents to ‘pawse’ and remember the promises they made to their ‘furever’ friends. It encourages people to commit to their loyal pooches, the right way.

The observance encourages current and future pet owners to commit to being responsible for their loyal hound. Being responsible protects not only the dog but all those who may be affected by him, too. Dogs bring many benefits to our lives. Ensuring they remain healthy, happy, and safe is a vital part of our job as dog owners.

HOW TO OBSERVE RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNERSHIP DAY
Dog owners know how rewarding a canine companion can be. At the same time, a responsible dog owner knows they are accountable for their dog’s behavior and health. Being a dog owner requires effort and genuine commitment. Share your tips and suggestions for those considering adding a dog to their family. Pose questions for others regarding how they maintain a canine relationship. Give a shout out to your vet, groomer or another service for helping you to be a responsible dog owner.

To go along with making sure they are in a safe and loving environment it is also important to spoil your 4 legged friend! Take the time to check their toys for damage and choke hazards then replace them. Get them some special healthy treats! Take them out to socialize and get some exercise!

While we should give our pups love and attention every day, this is another reason to take it the extra mile and spoil them rotten!

09/13/2023

A birth defect is defined as a structural abnormality but it can also be an emotional one. David Rogers, as part of MB Jungle’s efforts to bring awareness to the interactive role humans play in our pet’s physical birth defects as well as their mental health, named September 13th as Pet Birth Defect Awareness Day so we can begin this conversation and make a positive impact for future generations.

WHAT CAUSES BIRTH DEFECTS?

Genetics.
What mom or dad or even grand pappy canine had, may be passed down to several generations of puppies and kittens. This can be the piercing green eyes, fabulous silky coat or less fortunate… a tendency for bloat or ventricular hypertrophy as examples.

Breed-related Conditions.
Bichon Frises, Border Terriers and Cocker Spaniels are prone to cataracts.
Dachshunds and Basset Hounds are at risk for spinal injuries while most working and herding breeds are more likely to experience Hip Dysplasia or Cruciate Ligament Ruptures to their knee joints.
Doberman Pinschers, Setters, Rottweilers are most inclined to get Von Willebrand Disease, where blood has difficulty clotting.

The American Kennel Club’s Canine Health Foundation has a more complete list to help you learn about which conditions your canine best friend is most predisposed to.

Infection, toxins or trauma.

Anything affecting the mother’s many systems including extreme body temperature, infections or exposure to chemicals/drugs can result in birth defects in her young. These abnormalities may be noticed at birth or shortly thereafter. Some are obvious: cleft palates and limb deformities while others require veterinary examination (i.e. heart murmur). Others such as retained testicles or hip dysplasia, may not be apparent until the pet matures. All newborn puppies MUST be examined by a veterinarian soon after birth to be evaluated.