Month: February 2023

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Dug Up at Dogster: February 2023 Dog Events and Dog Holidays

The post Dug Up at Dogster: February 2023 Dog Events and Dog Holidays by Lauren Katims, Executive Editor Dogster appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

Dogs make the best Valentines, don’t they? The cuddles, the kisses, the unconditional love. Show your pup some ❤ this month with one of these unique (and easy) gifts — a sure way to lock in some extra cuddle time and licks. Speaking of kisses (and fresh doggie breath), February is also Pet Dental Health Month. Taking care of your dog’s teeth is up there for showing your dog how much you care about her. Good dental health prevents chronic pain and inflammation, and periodontal disease associated with heart, kidney and liver issues.

But 80 percent of dogs end up with dental disease by 3 years old. Pumpkin Pet Insurance surveyed more than 500 pet owners, and 63% reported not regularly brushing their dog or cat’s teeth at home, mostly because their pet won’t let them or dislikes it.

Brushing a dog’s teeth takes practice and patience, but it’s worth it! Did you know there are alternatives to the standard toothbrush?  Try them out and let us know what you think. And in the meantime, send us your ❤ pictures with your pup to be featured on our social media pages.

Email us at dogstermag@belvoir.com.

Dogs Walking
February 22 is National Walk Your Dog Day. ©-zlaki- | Getty Images

Monthly dog holidays, February 2023

Pet Dental Health Month

Unchain a Dog Dog Month

Dog Training Education Month

Spay/Neuter Awareness Month

Responsible Pet Owners Month

Daily dog holidays, February 2023

February 3, 2023: National Golden Retriever Day
February 14, 2023: Pet Theft Awareness Day
February 20, 2023: Love Your Pet Day
February 22 , 2023: National Walk Your Dog Day
February 23, 2023: National Dog Biscuit Day

February 2023 dog events

Jan 24 – Feb 28, 2023: To kick off Change a Pet’s Life Day on Jan. 24, JC Penney is partnering with 10 animal shelters nationwide and photographing adoptable senior dogs through its Portraits by Lifetouch program. The photos will be displayed on JC Penney’s website. JCPenney is also donating $1,000 to each shelter and giving a $500 gift card toward pet supplies.

Feb 1- Feb 28 ,2023: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s 50 Mile Dog Walking Challenge. Get outside with your dog, log your miles and raise funds for children at St. Jude’s. To join the challenge, visit the Facebook page.

Feb 1 – March 31st, 2023: Students in 6th, 7th and 8th grade can apply to the “Become a Veterinarian Camp Contest” for a chance to win a scholarship prize package to attend Auburn University Junior Veterinary Camp in Alabama over the summer. The essay contest is sponsored by Vet Set Go and VCA Animal Hospitals as a way to encourage aspiring teen and tween veterinarians to pursue a career with animals. For more information on entering the contest, visit vetsetgo.com.

Feb 3-5, 2023: Lehigh Valley Pet Expo. Fun demonstrations, shows and shopping. Held at the Agri-Plex at the Allentown Fairgrounds in Allentown, PA. Visit familypetshows.com for more information.

Feb 4, 2023: Great Lakes Pet Expo. Celebrating its 18th year at the Wisconsin Exposition Center at State Fair Park in Milwaukee. Enjoy live entertainment, shopping and adoptable animals. Buy tickets at petexpomilwaukee.com 

Feb 5, 2023: The Canine Stars Stunt Dog Show is a professional team of performers and their adopted dogs that perform extreme dog sports like dock diving, dog dancing and freestyle disc. The show is family friendly and held at the Sheldon Theater in Red Wing, Minnesota.

Feb 10-12, 2023: Cambridge, Minnesota Kennel Club, All Breed Obedience and Rally Trials, held at Total Recall in Huge, Minnesota. For more information, go to cmck.org

 

Want to see what dog holidays are coming up in 2023? Check out Dogster’s dog holiday list.

The post Dug Up at Dogster: February 2023 Dog Events and Dog Holidays by Lauren Katims, Executive Editor Dogster appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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How to Use Artificial Grass for Dogs

The post How to Use Artificial Grass for Dogs by Sandy Robins appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

If you have dogs, an artificial lawn is a maintenance-free, water-saving option that guarantees a perennially green garden with no yellow doggie pee spots. It can also be used outside in the yard, on patios, balconies and even indoors as a clean and hygienic portable toilet.

Apart from an outdoor play area, there are many reasons to use artificial turf on a patio, balcony or as an indoor option.

  • It’s ideal for older dogs with mobility issues who struggle to go on walks or access a backyard.
  • Excellent option for dogs with special needs.
  • For apartment dwellers, it avoids unsafe, late night walks for pets to relieve themselves.
  • Excellent option for people who work long hours.
  • Allows nervous dogs more privacy.
  • It can be more economical that using disposable pee pads.
  • It’s more comfortable for pets to lounge on than a tiled or hardwood deck.

Because dogs can be very particular about their potty options, Porch Potty gives pet parents the option on using live sod in their specially designed bases to initially help a pet transition to using artificial turf.

“Artificial turf toilets, even with everyday use and regular cleaning, can last over a year whereas live sod lasts about a month with regular care,” explains Patricia Fox, who does PR for Porch Potty.

Artificial lawn toilets are available in different sizes. Some models even have a built-in automated rinse system. Apart from frequent rinsing, Patricia also recommends a daily spray of an enzymatic cleaner, such as TURFtastic, designed to destroy odor-causing bacteria.

Pick the right artificial grasses for dogs

As with natural grass, there is a variety of different types of artificial grass blades. When greening the entire backyard for play and perhaps even screening off an area as a canine elimination zone, some artificial turfs are more suitable for pets than others.

George Neagle President of Synlawn Global says a short-bladed turf makes it easier to pick up poop. All options however, are treated with an antimicrobial component to combat odors and bugs and have a plant-based backing so that there are no harmful chemicals making it safe for both pets and people. And, because it’s UV treated, artificial turf doesn’t radiate heat. Nevertheless, the company further highlights which products in its range are most pet-friendly.

For smaller areas such patios and balconies, ready-made artificial lawn rugs in various sizes can be purchased at Lowes nationwide.

synthetic lawn for dogs
Artificial grass for dogs from SYNLawn is UV treated, so it doesn’t radiate heat and hurt your dog. ©SYNLawn

How to train a puppy or adult dog to potty using artificial grass

Using an artificial turf toilet is not necessarily intuitive for dogs to use.

For example, dogs used to going for a walk on a leash to go potty, may need to be on a leash in their own backyard until they understand that here, they can go leash-free. The same strategy may initially apply to an indoor toilet, too.

Abby Yates, associate category manager, Waste Management at PetSafe, makers of the Pet Loo indoor toilet system, says, “the best method to train your pup is to place them on it when they normally might need to use the bathroom, such as first thing in the morning or after eating. It may take a few attempts, so patience, praise and treats are key to success.”

Here’s another big plus: Whether you’re using artificial turf indoors or outside, it guarantees no more muddy paws!

The post How to Use Artificial Grass for Dogs by Sandy Robins appeared first on Dogster. Copying over entire articles infringes on copyright laws. You may not be aware of it, but all of these articles were assigned, contracted and paid for, so they aren’t considered public domain. However, we appreciate that you like the article and would love it if you continued sharing just the first paragraph of an article, then linking out to the rest of the piece on Dogster.com.

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Study Says Large Dog Breeds Are More Behaved Than Small Breeds

According to a recent study, large dog breeds are better behaved and likely to be less aggressive than small breeds. Researchers at the University of Sao Paulo studied 665 pet dogs from 57 breeds, all varying in size. The dog owners filled out online questionnaires about themselves, the traits of their dog, and the dog’s […]