Paws Up Blog

While leashes and harnesses are staples, humble dog strollers often get overlooked.  But for many dog owners, a dog stroller isn't a luxury—it's a necessity. This comprehensive guide will delve into the various situations where a small dog stroller becomes an invaluable tool, helping you determine if it's the right choice for you and your canine companion. Do You Have a Senior Dog or a Dog with Mobility Issues? As our canine companions age, their mobility often declines.  Arthritis, hip dysplasia, and other age-related conditions can make even short walks painful and difficult. A small dog stroller or a dog...

If every meal you feed your dog uses one of these you’re more likely to have a dog that doesn’t get bored, and of course I’m talking about snuffle mats and slow feeder bowls! Both snuffle mats and slow feeding dog bowls mimic a dogs natural foraging instincts- which reduces their stress. When a dog doesn’t have anything to do, they get into "stuff". The longer you can keep your dog eating, the less time he has to get into your trash can. They also force your dog to eat slower, which means less risk of choking, bloat, or digestive...

 Do you think that all dog enrichment involves food? While food enrichment is one of the most well known kinds of dog enrichment, there are many ways to enhance the life of your dog without food. First, let’s talk about what enrichment is at its core. It’s a way to increase your dog’s quality of life, by providing mentally stimulating experiences that in essence replicate the experiences they crave instinctually- But what does that MEAN?!? We all know that dogs evolved from wolves and instinctual behaviors like digging, guarding, sniffing, denning, burying things, and rolling in gross things- (ask me...

If you're a dog mom who ever feels guilty about leaving your dog home alone, you are not alone.  I used to feel this way all the time- and Lulu goes most places with me. I would see on the cameras that she would sit by the door waiting for me, and it made me sad. Sometimes she would even get into stuff like the trash and would shred toys. It was clear she was bored, which made me feel even worse. Dogs Live in the Moment Remember that dogs live in the moment, and while it’s normal to feel...

Have you ever wondered when it’s time to bring dog enrichment indoors for your favorite small dog? Challenges from Big Dogs If you have a small dog, you know they face certain challenges that larger dogs don’t- they are more susceptible to injuries from big dogs. Small dogs can feel intimidated or threatened by them and playing with bigger dogs can lead to frustration. Sometimes, it truly feels like a big dog world! Bringing dog enrichment indoors makes a space for super tiny dogs, older dogs, or our shier friends to really explore their senses in a safe way- and...

Dogs lick to show love and care to their people, and often do so to get your attention. When you reciprocate it with petting or other positive affirmations, it reinforces the bond they are trying to create. It releases endorphins which are neurotransmitters that calm dogs down and make them more relaxed- and this, in turn, releases dopamine, which is associated with pleasure.  Essentially your dog emotionally feels better after licking! Sometimes, it's reciprocal- I had wondered, "why does my dog lick me when I pet her?" and the answer is that it's her way of petting me! Licking also...