Dog Essentials
Insurance
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I have come to learn how truly important insurance is for dog owners. There are many options and it can be overwhelming to pick one. I recommend Pets Best Health Insurance. Every dog in my home is on the Accident and Illness plan with a $500 deductible, 90% reimbursement and unlimited pay out. While I do not have wellness coverage for yearly exams and vaccines, that is an option for a higher monthly cost.
I HIGHLY recommend putting your puppy on insurance as soon as you can. Life and accidents are unpredictable, and it gives me such a peace of mind having my dogs covered in the event of an emergency visit stay which can be upwards of $10,000. |
Recommended Food, Treats and Bones
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My food recommendation is Fromm Classic. They have Classic Puppy (Salmon and Chicken), Classic Adult (Chicken), Classic Mature (Senior 7+ Chicken) and their new formula is a Classic Whitefish which is what my household currently eats. While sometimes different foods work for different dogs, this is my baseline recommendation for all our dogs. I highly recommend this food and stand behind it fully. It is sold at select retailers and can easily be bought ordered online directly from Fromm.
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High Value Treats
There are many options for what we refer to as 'high value' treats, these are treats that are of high incentive value to your dog. We save these for training sessions or rewarding the dogs in important situations.
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Biscuits
My dogs LOVE biscuits of many varieties including, Old Mother Hubbard, The Honest Kitchen, Fromm Crunchy O's and more. These are used as a more every day style treat or special snack for the dogs.
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Bones
There are many options on the market for bones, I recommend natural bones, I NEVER give rawhide products as they can be harmful, Our dogs love filled bones, bully sticks, rawhide alternative beef cheeks and knuckle bones especially. Always monitor your dog when they have a bone or chew of any kind.
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Supplements
This might be my favorite category! I recommended all supplements from Nutramax Laboratories as their products are quality tested and backed by science.
Immune Support
This is great for young dogs as they being socialization as well as older dogs when attending dog shows or events to help support their immune system. |
Gut Health
We use the capsules for every day digestive support. Their diarrhea kit is great to have on hand when traveling! |
Skin & Coat
Welactin comes in a variety of different forms, so find whatever works for you. I use the oil as it is easier for multiple dogs. |
Joint Support
I recommend Cosequin for all of my dogs whether they are companion or performance dogs, supporting their joints is vital. It is offered in a variety of different forms, |
Kelp
Regular use of kelp can help improve coat texture, reduce shedding, and enhance pigment.
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Ester C or Sure Grow 100
I recommend these as puppies are growing to help through rapid growth periods
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Crates
Your puppy will have already been started on crate training, and I highly recommend including regular crating as a part of your dog's life. Even if you don't need it, your dog may at some point need to be crated whether it be in an emergency, for travel, or for its own safety. I recommend also feeding your dog in a crate to keep it focused on its meal. Dogs being comfortable crated provides them their own safe place within your home, and lets them always have their own space.
Ruffland Kennels
These impact tested kennels are my favorites when it comes to travel kennels. They are safe, they don't rattle in the car, and they can safely keep your dog contained in the car. These crates offer handles and lots of holes for plenty of ventilation. They also come in a variety of colors. You can order directly from the company or find them from various retailers. We recommend the Large or X-Large size depending on the size of dog.
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Vari Kennels
These dog crates are tried and true when it comes to dog kennels. They work both in the house and in the car. I recommend a 36" size as a minimum crate, but if you are going to use this as an everyday in the house crate would recommend a 40" or 42" size so your dog has more room to stretch out. You can buy these at many retailers and also easily find used ones available for sale.
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Wire Kennels
I keep my dogs in wire crates when at home as wire kennels offer lots of ventilation, daylight, and provide a large amount of space for the dogs to stretch out in. My dogs stay at home in 42" or 48" kennels as this allows them to fully stretch out, stand up, and move around. These crates will do in a car, but do not offer much in form of safety in case of a crash.
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Collars and Leashes
A well fitted collar can save your dog's life and is essential in everyday life, having the proper lead is equally important. I do not promote the use of harnesses or any type of walking lead that is not a collar around the neck style. These styles of restraints restrain the dog's natural gait and not only inhibit their natural movement but in the long run - change their structure. Studies have proven that harnesses will change a dog's physical development over time in an effort to restrain the dog. Proper training to correctly teach your dog to walk on a lead is essential for every dog. There are many resources available to aid in this along with joining a local training class or kennel club to teach your dog manners.
