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What Is FitPaws?

FitPaws is a relatively new company in the pet care world. They produce a unique line of products tailored to canine fitness and rehabilitation. Through partnerships with Colorado State University, the Canine Rehabilitation Institute, and more, FitPaws has put together an extensive line of dog fitness tools.

Owners can use these products to help get their pups into shape, strengthen their bond with their dog, help them learn new behaviors, and support healing after an injury.

FitPaws products are designed similarly to products used in human rehabilitation and strength training. But they are created to match the specific needs and physical abilities of dogs.

The FitPaws product lineup includes balance boards and pads, inflatable balance bones, discs, and peanuts, hurdles, and more. These products allow for a range of different exercises and target movements to help strengthen everything from core muscles to different joints. And all provide a unique way to engage and stimulate a dog’s mind.

I had a chance to try a few FitPaws products for myself. With the help of my 12-year-old Dalmatian mix, Ragz, and my 14-year-old Chihuahua, Papyrus, I put the FitPaws Balance Disc, Mini K9FitBone Balance Training Platforms, and Balance Pad to the test to see if they’re worth the expense.

FitPaws – A Quick Look

FitPaws Products

FitPaws offers a variety of different product options. Their main focus is on inflatables and wobble boards designed to increase core strength and help with balance. But the company also has some other exercise equipment, including jumps and targets.

I had the opportunity to try three of their products out on my own dogs. I received a set of Mini K9FitBone Balance Training Platforms, a FitPaws Balance Disc, and a FitPaws Balance Pad.

Mini K9FitBone Balance Training Platforms

These bone-shaped inflatables have a variety of uses. They’re optimal for stability training and strengthening the core and limbs. But they can also be used to improve coordination, for sensory stimulation, to improve confidence in puppies, and for general behavior training and bond strengthening.

The mini set includes 2 bones that can be used together or separately. The k9FitBones are also available in regular size (23″ L x 11.5″ W ) and giant (35.5″ L x 15.7″ W x5.5″ H). Each of these larger sizes includes one inflatable bone and a pump.

The fun bone shape of these inflatables serves a function. The wide ends provide plenty of space for the dog to set their paws while the thinner middle section allows for some wobble to improve balance. How much the bone wobbles can be adjusted by adding or removing air.

Each side of the bone has a different texture that also serves an important purpose. One side is smooth, with small, rounded bumps that prevent the bone from slipping on the floor or beneath their paws. The other side has hundreds of protruding nodes that provide sensory stimulation.

The mini bones are nice because they allow you to exercise just your dog’s front legs or just their back legs. Or you can use both at the same time and work both ends while strengthening the core.

FitPaws Balance Disc

The FitPaws dog balance disc is very similar to those you find in human physical therapy and strength training centers. But this one is sized for canines and has some extra features made specifically for dogs.

Like human inflatable balance discs, this one is meant to challenge your dog to maintain their balance. This not only helps improve stability but strengthens muscles in the legs and core to support stronger joints while stimulating the mind.

The disc comes in two sizes to accommodate different-sized dogs.

Like the balance bones, these discs feature a textured side with stimulating nubs. The other side is smoother with protruding ridges to prevent slipping.

The more the disc is inflated, the harder it is to balance on. This is a great feature that allows you to work with your dog’s abilities and create more challenging exercises as they improve.

The balance disc can be used alone to work one pair of legs or in conjunction with a K9FitBone or second disc to work both sets of legs.

FitPaws Balance Pad

Of all the FitPaw strength and balance training products, the Balance Pad is probably the easiest one for dogs to use. Rather than rocking or wobbling when stepped on, this pad simply gives under pressure. This causes slight destabilization that forces the dog to balance and engage muscles in the legs and core.

FitPaw recommends this option for beginners and dogs recovering from injury.

Given the simple shape and familiar feel of the foam material used, this is a great product to start with when training your dog to use therapy tools like these. I know my dogs took to it very quickly.

The Balance Pad is one-size-fits-all. It comes in one color and doesn’t require an extra pump or any other tools to use.

Is FitPaws a Good Value?

If you’re looking for a fun training tool, you have a serious canine athlete, working dog, or a pup recovering from an injury, these products are worth the price.

Unlike similar products designed for human use, these ones have some special features that make them better for dogs.

For one, they are sized properly for compact dog paws and breeds of various sizes. This is important for proper muscle engagement and to avoid injury during use.

But more importantly, they are made to be durable enough to withstand sharp dog nails. The longevity you’ll get from these products makes them well worth the price.

FAQ

What Kind of Warranty Does FitPaws Offer?

All FitPaws products come with a limited manufacturer warranty of 90 days. They also allow returns for a small handling fee for up to 30 days after purchase.

Are FitPaws Durable?

Inflatable FitPaws products are made of thick rubber that is fairly heavy-duty. I wouldn’t imagine it would be easy to damage these products assuming they’re being used as instructed and for the right-sized dog. As long as you don’t allow your dog to bite them, they will last.

Are FitPaws Easy to Use?

Yes, they are simple to set up and use once inflated. However, because FitPaws requires your dog to step onto them in various ways and stand for extended periods, training is part of the process. Effective use will vary for every dog depending on how receptive they are to behavior shaping and target training.

Our Experience With FitPaws

As an owner of two senior dogs, I was very excited to get to try out these FitPaws products. My Dalmatian mix, Ragz, has always had a bad shoulder that has been getting worse as she’s aged. And my Chihuahua, Papyrus, has an old neck injury that is constantly getting aggravated.

I was hopeful these products might strengthen their cores and joints to help with these issues.

Getting Started

As soon as I received my Mini K9FitBone Balance Training Platforms, Balance Disc, and Balance Pad, I got to work training my dogs to use them. Luckily, my dogs are used to target training and behavior shaping. I only had to spend about thirty minutes with each before they would readily step or back onto the products with me leading them.

For dogs that aren’t used to performing these kinds of behaviors, I would recommend training paw touch and step first using the Balance Pad or a similar object. Once they have that down, you should be able to seamlessly move to a partially-inflated bone or disc without any issues.

As my dogs got used to the items, I began increasing the inflation of the bone and disc. This challenged them to hold their balance and noticeably engaged their muscles.

First Impressions

For the last two weeks, I have been using these FitPaw products nearly daily.

The Balance Pad was very nice to have initially because it was the easiest one for my dogs to work with. Once they got used to the other products, I used it mostly to warm them up before getting into the more challenging exercises.

Once fully inflated, the Balance Disc provided the most challenge and seemed to work really well for building core strength in both dogs. Papyrus, who is only 7 pounds, had an easier time with it than Ragz, who is 30 pounds.

The K9FitBone Balance Platforms also provided a good challenge when moderately to fully inflated. They worked great as a stretching platform for Papyrus, given his height. And using both together provided another great way to help stretch his back and strengthen his core.

Along with the disc, I used the bones frequently to help work Ragz’s front legs and that troublesome shoulder.

FitPaws are always modifying and increasing user resources like exercise instructions for each product, e.g., how to target certain conditions or strengthen specific muscle groups. A major benefit that will help pet owners get the most out of the products.

After this initial test period, I feel strongly that these products are helping my dogs, and will continue to incorporate these training products and practices into their daily routines. The K9FitBones, especially, have been useful for helping Papyrus stretch his neck and back. I am hopeful a combination of stretching and balance work using these tools will continue to help Ragz rebuild the muscles in her shoulder and avoid further degradation of that joint.

One thing I can say with certainty about these products is that my dogs love the one-on-one time they get during this training. They seem to enjoy the challenge of figuring out what I want them to do combined with the novelty of balancing on stimulating surfaces. (I’m sure the tasty treats I use don’t hurt, either!)

Drawbacks

These products are a little bulky and require a bit of storage space when they aren’t in use. They can’t be deflated and rolled up very easily, and the Balance Pad cannot be compressed or folded at all. They can, however, fit nicely under a bed or behind your couch if you wish to have them out of sight when not in use.

These products are meant to be integrated into your doggo’s everyday routine in order for them to reap the full health benefits, so keeping them in sight and at arm’s length will help keep your training schedule on track.

I would hardly call this a drawback, though, I am happy with these products and would definitely recommend them to other dog owners.

Conclusion

Overall, I was very impressed with these FitPaws products. After trying the Mini K9FitBone Balance Training Platforms, Balance Disc, and Balance Pad with my dogs, I saw an improvement in their balance and strength after just two weeks. I also loved how much they enjoyed working with me during training and how stimulating these new challenges were for them.

For owners of working dogs, athletes, and canines in need of physical therapy, as well as owners looking to train a new pup, I believe they would make a great addition to your daily routine while helping to strengthen your bond with your dog.

The post FitPaws Dog Training Products Review 2023: Pros, Cons & Verdict appeared first on Pet Keen.

Have you ever found yourself searching high and low for the perfect supplements to meet your dog’s needs? It can be confusing with the number of products on the market, and many of them are designed in fancy and eye-catching ways that don’t really tell you what the product does. That’s where Finn comes in!

Finn is a dog supplement and vitamin brand that has product packaging with clean, simple designs, clear product names, and easy-to-understand ingredient lists. With Finn products, you’re never left wondering what exactly you actually bought for your dog, and to top it off, Finn products work!

 Finn Dog Supplements At A Glance

	Image	Product	Details
Our Favorite		Finn Calming Aid	Highly effective active ingredients Supports calmness and reduces stress Can help support dogs with separation anxiety	Check Price
		Finn Allergy & Itch	Encourages normal histamine levels Supports skin, coat, and digestive health Supports immune system health and response	Check Price
		Finn Multivitamin	Supports digestive tract health and function Good source of omega fatty acids and glucosamine Encourages energy and vitality, especially in older dogs	Check Price
		Finn Digestive Probiotics	Formulated with 3B CFU of living probiotics Supports healthy digestion, immune health & bowel movements Certified by the National Animal Supplement Council	Check Price

Finn Reviewed

Who Makes Finn and Where Is It Produced?

Finn is a direct-to-consumer dog vitamin and supplement company that is privately owned. It was founded by a group of people who worked with wellness products for humans. They decided to shift their focus to help support the health and well-being of their dogs, and Finn was born.

The products are formulated and produced in a US-based facility that meets Good Manufacturing Practice requirements and is certified by the National Animal Supplements Council. Every product batch is tested for safety before leaving the facility.

Who Is Finn Best Suited For?

Finn offers high-quality products that support a variety of issues, from joint problems to skin problems to anxiety. They have products that meet the needs of dogs of many ages, sizes, and health backgrounds. Their direct-to-consumer brand design makes this a great option for people who do most of their ordering online or who are trying to cut out the trip to the pet store for supplements every month.

A Quick Look at Finn

Discussion of Product Quality

The ingredients in Finn products vary widely between individual products, which allows them to have a specific focus on one problem or set of problems. They contain both proven ingredients, like omega fatty acids and probiotics, and ingredients that have shown promising results, like bee propolis and valerian root.

Because of their high manufacturing standards, you can feel good knowing that the quality of the products produced by Finn is safe and made with top-notch ingredients. It is important to remember, though, that Finn products are supplements and vitamins, and they do not promise to cure medical issues. It’s always best to discuss the addition of new supplements with your vet before doing so.

Ordering and Auto Shipping

Finn has a very user-friendly website that offers multiple ordering options. You can order through one-time purchases or subscribe and save. If you order multi-packs of products, two products at once, or sign up for Subscribe & Save, then you’ll receive a discount on your products. Subscribe & Save orders currently have an automatic 15% discount, not to mention the products will be shipped to your house, right on cue, so you won’t run out.

Efficacy

The efficacy of Finn’s products will vary between individual dogs. Since they are supplements and vitamins, not medications, their impact can vary between each dog based on age, metabolism, weight, health conditions, and overall body chemistry.

While their products are very high quality and can be highly effective, you should always keep in mind that some products just may not work for some dogs. It’s a good idea to try the product for at least 30 days, as long as your dog isn’t having any negative side effects, to give you a good idea of how well it works for your pet. Supplements and vitamins aren’t typically products that will produce overnight results, especially with chronic issues.

Design and Products

The design of the packaging and products offered by Finn is clean and simple, making them easy to understand, easy to read, and easy to administer. The color coordination of each product will help ensure you don’t grab the wrong supplement tin, and the clear product names mean you aren’t guessing about what a product does.

The tins are easy to open, and the products produced by Finn are flavored chewables that are highly palatable, making them easy to administer. They also currently offer a specific line of supplements and vitamins, which means you don’t have to search through pages and pages of products to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Pricing

Finn products are an investment in your dog’s health and well-being. For some dogs, a tin of a product may last for multiple months, making the value of the product better than it would be for a larger dog that takes a larger dose. The multiple discount options offered by Finn do help make their products affordable.

Recall History

At this time, Finn has no history of recalls or known product issues.

Reviews of the 3 Best Finn Supplements

1. Finn Calming Aid

The Finn Calming Aid is designed with relatively few active ingredients, but those ingredients are highly successful. Many of them are proven effective, including melatonin and l-theanine. This product is intended to support calmness and relaxation, and while it can be used daily to help support nervous dogs, it’s primarily designed for short-term use to reduce stress for dogs in acutely stressful situations.

Vet visits, fireworks, and travel are all great times to give this product to your nervous dog. It can also be used to help support a dog with separation anxiety as they go through training and behavior modification to reduce their anxiety.

2. Finn Allergy & Itch

If you have a dog with seasonal allergies, you know how hard it can be to relieve their itching. The Finn Allergy & Itch supplement is made with multiple ingredients that support your dog’s body in producing an appropriate immune response to allergens, as well as supporting normal histamine levels, which reduces itchiness.

It also contains ingredients that support skin and coat health and digestive health, further helping to reduce allergy symptoms. This product is one of the least expensive products offered by Finn. It does contain beef liver, which may be a trigger for dogs with food allergies.

3. Finn Multivitamin

The Finn Multivitamin is an easy and effective way to ensure your dog is receiving all the necessary vitamins and minerals to support their health. It contains omega fatty acids to support skin, coat, joint, heart, brain, and eye health, as well as probiotics to support digestive health. The blend of ingredients supports energy and vitality, making it a good product for older dogs. It also contains glucosamine, which supports joint health. Like many multivitamins, it may be difficult to see any noticeable differences in your dog’s health or behaviors.

Our Experience With Finn

I have three dogs: Penny, a 13-year-old mixed breed, Eva, a 4-year-old Bully mix, and Dolly, a 10-month-old Standard Poodle. We received the Finn products shortly before July 4^th, and we were extremely excited to try the Calming Aid under such stressful conditions.

The fireworks in our neighborhood start about a week before July 4^th and go on for a couple of days afterwards, so we were able to put this supplement through its paces, to great effect. While our dogs did all still react to the sound of fireworks, they were far calmer than any previous year. There was less barking at sounds and less overall stress for everyone. They also slept well at night and during naps, not letting the sound of fireworks disturb them.

Eva is our problem child when it comes to allergies, so the Allergy & Itch supplement has been a great option for her. While nothing over the counter fully clears up her itchy feet, we have noticed less foot licking and less redness and irritation on her feet since she’s been on the Allergy & Itch supplement. She was probably on it for about a week before we started noticing a notable difference, but it has seemed to help her significantly.

Penny is a senior pup, so we’re always looking for ways to better support her health. The Multivitamin has been a nice addition to her daily routine, and she does seem to have a little more pep in her step than usual. She definitely still has a little stiffness from arthritis, which is to be expected, but her energy levels and playfulness do seem to have increased.

The Digestive Probiotics are one we have yet to test accurately since none of our dogs have had diarrhea or  digestion issues, so it’s hard to say whether it would or wouldn’t work well for that type of problem.

Conclusion

Finn products are made with high-quality ingredients in a safe facility that is held to high standards. The products are packed with great active ingredients, including some that are proven effective and others that have shown great promise in supporting some issues. While these products aren’t miracle cures for any problem, they are great for supporting your dog’s health.

The package designs and product names that Finn uses are excellent, thanks to their clear purpose, color coordination, and clearly defined ingredients. They are also easy to open. Overall, Finn is a great brand that offers discounts, auto shipping, and wonderful products.

The post Finn Dog Supplements Review 2023: Our Expert’s Opinion appeared first on Pet Keen.

California Tea House is a family-owned tea store known for its loose-leaf and herbal tea blends. The company started out in local farmer’s markets in Northridge, California, selling its blends of loose-leaf and dessert herbal teas that quickly became a local favorite. Due to its popularity, the company decided to branch out and sell its products online so everyone around the country could enjoy their delicious and healthy tea blends.

For dessert lovers, you can enjoy a hot cup of tiramisu, lemon meringue pie, vanilla bean honeybush, or even gingerbread chai. From “bedtime chai” to “3 black tea flight,” you’ll be sure to find a tea suitable for your mood. You can choose from blooming, green, white, black, oolong, rooibos, and herbal blends, and they sell a tea infuser to make the tea.

An intriguing line of tea this company makes is Machu’s Blend, a herbal tea made specifically for dogs, but dogs drinking tea? A sight too cute to pass up on and with all of its listed benefits, I decided to try it out for my two dogs. This tea is said to improve overall health for dogs and can aid with anxiety, as well as promote healthy skin and fur.

The Machu Blend Herbal Dog Tea Recipe

Machu’s Blend Herbal Dog Tea Reviewed

About California Tea House Dog Products

Below you’ll find information about the company itself and where they make their line of herbal dog tea.

Who Makes Machu’s Blend Herbal Dog Tea and Where Is It Produced?

California Tea House makes Machu’s Blend, an herbal dog tea made just for our canine pals. The company is based out of Northridge, California, and started out selling its teas at local farmer’s markets. The tea became popular and a local favorite, prompting the company to branch out and sell its teas online.

Ani Bailey is the founder of California Tea House and is considered a tea expert. She became passionate about teas while studying abroad in Spain, where she fell in love with loose-leaf and herbal teas she experienced visiting the Moorish teahouses in the country. California Tea House uses mini-drums to create small-batch blends to ensure the finest quality and freshest ingredients with every cup.

Which Types of Dog Is California Tea House Machu’s Blend Herbal Dog Tea Best Suited For?

Machu’s Blend Herbal Dog Tea is suitable for dogs with motion sickness from car rides, anxiety from storms, or trips to the vet. In addition, this tea is geared to promote a healthy immune system, foster healthy skin and coats, and aid in digestion.

Discussion of the Primary Ingredients (Good and Bad)

California Tea House’s Machu’s Blend Herbal Dog Tea contains human-grade, all-natural ingredients and contains no artificial preservatives. In this section, we’ll list each one to give you a better understanding of what’s in the tea before giving any to your dog.

Chamomile

Chamomile can be used for dogs as a muscle relaxant, as well as a sedative and anti-inflammatory supplement. It can also be used for anxiety in dogs. Limited studies exist related to the beneficial elements of chamomile for dogs; however, anecdotal evidence supports the theory that chamomile works to ease inflammation and gastrointestinal upset.

Ginger Root

Ginger root is packed with antioxidants and contains anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial to both humans and dogs. All forms of ginger are safe for dogs and can also be used to ease nausea and vomiting. It also serves as a circulatory stimulant and for cognitive support.

Fennel Root

Fennel contains vitamins A and C; it also contains iron, calcium, and potassium. Fennel root helps support a healthy immune system and decreases flatulence.

Skullcap

Skullcap is a flowering plant in the mint family and is known to help anxiety in humans, as well as dogs and cats.

Calendula

Calendula, also known as pot marigold, is widely used for its topical anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It contains antioxidants, flavonoids, and terpenoids that likely aid in the anti-inflammatory effects, and it’s widely used in dogs, cats, and horses.

Machu’s Blend Dog Herbal Tea Review

This tea is crafted with our canine kiddos in mind. All of the ingredients listed above are beneficial to dogs and may help with several health issues, such as anxiety from car rides, trips to the vet, and other stressful situations. The all-natural, human-grade ingredients are perfectly safe for dogs, and the tea is free from gluten, soy, and dairy.

Instructions are labeled on the packaging on how to make the tea, along with serving size suggestions according to your dog’s weight. This tea is reasonably priced and comes in 0.5, 2, or 4-ounce packages. The company offers free shipping and competitive pricing on every order within the US.

California Tea House is highly selective in the collection of their loose-leaf, herbal, and blooming teas, only carrying 34 types of loose-leaf teas. The company also prides itself on implementing environmental mindfulness by utilizing recyclable bags and offering charity promotions.

The fun part about serving tea to your dog is getting them to take the first sip! If all else fails, I suggest adding a little to their food. However, it is always best practice to get approval from your veterinarian before introducing your pet to new products, especially if they have sensitivities or medical conditions.

Our Experience with Machu’s Blend Herbal Dog Tea

The website gives simple instructions on how much of the tea to use per cup for preparation, as well as daily serving size suggestions based on your dog’s weight. My dogs successfully lapped up a bit of the tea a few times but I wasn’t able to get them to consume what the site outlined as a single serving. At least not in liquid form! Thus, my recommendation for mixing the desired amount in with your pup’s regular food, which eventually worked for us. Both ate their food, which allowed them to get the suggested amount of tea into their tummies.

Although I have yet to notice a significant difference in my dogs’ behavior or overall health, the website has all positive reviews from consumers whose pets love the tea and will drink it like they do water. Some consumers also report that the tea has helped their dogs with car rides and nausea. That said, I recommend giving this tea a try if you have a doggie you feel may benefit from the all-natural ingredients.

Conclusion

As with any new pet product, it’s wise to consult your veterinarian before offering Machu’s Blend Herbal Dog Tea to your canine kiddo. This is to ensure no ingredients in the tea will cause adverse reactions, as some dogs have sensitivities, or are prone to/have medical conditions. While the benefits of the ingredients in this tea have limited research on their effectiveness, each ingredient is safe for dogs and should not pose a problem unless your dog happens to be allergic.

Fostering a healthy lifestyle for our pets is a crucial part of pet ownership, and this product is a great supplement that has the potential to benefit their health in a few different ways. We feel we can recommend California Tea House and their Machu Blend to any dog owner looking for a holistic way to improve their pet’s digestion, and anxiety as well as their skin & coat.

The post California Tea House Machu’s Blend Herbal Dog Tea Review 2023: Our Expert’s Opinion appeared first on Pet Keen.