Keep Track of your Dog with #NuzzleSmartCollar

Have your ever experienced the panic associated with your dog running away?  The fear sets in as you think about where you should look, who you should call, and whether or not your precious fur-baby is safe.  My humans have felt this fear, and I know most dog owners at one point or another have experienced their pet bolting out the front door or pulling out of a collar.  Wouldn't it be great if there was a product that tracked your dog's location so you always knew where (s)he was?  Well, that product is here, and it's a GPS tracker collar called the Nuzzle Smart Collar™.  And it's amazing.  A-MAZ-ING.  (Almost as amazing as bacon, and that's pretty amazing).

This post is sponsored by The Nuzzle Smart GPS Collar and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping to spread the word about the Nuzzle Indiegogo Crowd Funding Campaign, but I (Daisy the French Bulldog) only share information I feel is relevant to my readers. Nuzzle is not responsible for the content of this article.

Gone are the days of posting "Lost Dog" flyers around the neighborhood and knocking on doors looking for your lost pup. As the only smart pet GPS collar on the market that does not require a monthly fee, the Nuzzle is a GPS Dog Collar that allows you to track your dog's location and whether (s)he is resting, active, walking, etc. through an app on your smart phone.  The dog GPS tracker app also allows you to set a virtual fence and alerts you if your dog leaves the designated area.  Additionally, the app provides impact detection and temperature monitoring.  The collar itself is waterproof and the tracker portion is detachable.  The Nuzzle even comes with an easy to charge battery AND back up battery.  Basically it is the best invention for dogs since bacon.  Mmm.  Bacon.

Speaking of bacon, gather 'round for a story.  Today I am going to tell you the tale of Jack the Kraken.  Well, he wasn't really a Kraken.  He was actually a Jack Russell terrier that loved to torture his humans by running away.  He ran off many times, but one time in particular was nerve-wracking, to say the least.  One garbage day, many, many moons ago, Jack decided to bolt out the front door and chase after the garbage truck.  His human had no choice but to load two human babies into the SUV and attempt to chase after Jack.  The problem was, by the time his human got into the car, she had no idea which way Jack ran.  And boy did he run.  By the time his human found him, he was steps away from a major road far from the house and soaking wet - presumably from swimming in a lake (an activity that he loved, unfortunately).  Had Jack's human (aka my human) owned a Nuzzle, she could have whipped out her smart phone and identified Jack's location immediately - without all of the driving around.  And around.  And around. 

So, now that you're convinced that the Nuzzle Collar is the best thing since sliced bacon, I am sure that you're wondering where to get such an amazing product.  Well, that's where Nuzzle needs your help!  They are currently running an Indiegogo campaign to raise money to start manufacturing collars.  By contributing to the campaign early, you can receive a discount off the final price of the Nuzzle Collar.  Interested?  (Like I really had to ask, right?)  Check out the Nuzzle Indiegogo Page for more information.  I know I am headed over there because some-dog who shall remain nameless (it's THE PUG) likes to sneak out the front door.  Everyday.  Definitely need a Nuzzle.

Want to learn more?  You can visit Nuzzle at hellonuzzle.com and check them out on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages.

Top Tips for a Dog Friendly #Halloween

So, if you don't know by now, Halloween is my most FAVORITE HOLIDAY of the year.  No, really, I love all of the decorations and costumes and T-R-E-A-T-S!!  I think it's great to include your dog in the Halloween festivities, but it is important to make sure that you include your dog safely.  With so many children out trick-or-treating, and candy all around, a dog can get into danger very easily.  Here are my top tips to make your Halloween dog friendly.

Make Sure You've Got the Right Gear

If you plan on trick-or-treating with your dog (or even if you plan on having your dog help you hand out candy to your trick-or-treaters) it is important to make sure that your dog is prepared with the right gear.  Here is a checklist to make sure that your dog is ready:

• If your dog is going to stay home, and is frightened by people or the doorbell, make sure that (s)he has a comfortable, safe place to relax until the night is over.  It is best to keep your frightened dog in a secured place (another room or a crate) away from the door.  When a dog is frightened, (s)he may run off.  Make sure that your pet also has an ID tag or microchip in case (s)he does run off.
• A sturdy collar and leash.  Collars and leashes do not last forever, and need to be replaced every so often.  Before you head out on your quest for treats or prepare for candy-hand-out-duty, make sure that your dog has a sturdy collar (or harness) and leash.  I'm partial to the Star Wars line available at Petco. 
• A portable water bowl.  If your dog is tagging along on the treat route, make sure that you bring some water for them.  Whether it is hot or cold where you live, it is important to keep your dog hydrated - especially if (s)he is going to do a lot of walking. 
• Poop bags.  I've said it once and I'll say it again.  NO ONE LIKES A PARTY POOPER.  NO ONE.  So, don't be a party pooper.  Bring along some poop bags to scoop the poop.  Plus, do you really think that your neighbor is going to give you any treats if they see your dog poop on their lawn and you don't pick it up?  Treats is the name of the game here, folks!  
• Treats.  Speaking of treats, treats.  Treats.  TREATS!  OK, you get the point.  Make sure you bring along some of your dog's favorite treats.  Seeing all of the humans getting candy and treats of their own is going to make your dog jealous.  And hungry.  And we certainly don't want Fido taking a huge honkin' bite out of your mini Milky Way and ending up at the emergency vet, now do we?  No.  Didn't think so.  Bring along some treats.  And a cool trick or treat bucket while you're at it.

The Best Treats on the Block

So, now that you've got the safety tips down, let's talk about how to make sure that you gain the coveted title of "Best Treats on the Block".  It's actually very simple, here are the steps:

• First, buy Beggin' snacks.  Lots and lots of Beggin' snacks.  Remember - bacon is always best!  If you don't have Beggin' snacks, it is very likely that you will only get the trick and not the treat.  And the trick is poop on your lawn.  Avoid the poopy lawn, buy Beggin' snacks.
• Next, let the neighborhood dogs know that you've got the goods.  I hung a convenient little sign on my door.  Once I eat all of the Beggin' snacks, I will remove the sign and turn off the lights and hope the neighborhood dogs think that I don't celebrate Halloween.

• Finally, throw on a stellar costume.  This means dress like bacon.  No costume is as stellar as bacon.  Except dressing as Marty McFly and Doc Brown.  Those costumes are pretty epic.  But not as epic as bacon.

Be safe and have fun - and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

#FallOfFame Finalist - Please Vote for Daisy!

Friends!  WOW I am so excited today that I can't stop running zoomies around the house!  Let me tell you why - I am a FINALIST in the Flonase #FallOfFame Contest!  WOW WOW WOW! 

Now, I don't ask often, but I need YOUR help to vote for me! 

Please click on this link to vote:  https://begreater.flonase.com/section/be-greater-this-season-vote/


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THANK YOU SO MUCH FRIENDS! 

Snorts and Frenchie Kisses to All!

Walking and Exercising for Flat-Nosed Dogs

Happy National Dog Walking Week!  Yes, it's true, this week is dedicated to walking your beloved pup.  Now, us flat-nosed dogs (also called brachycephalic breeds) face some challenges when it comes to walking, which is why I put together this list of tips for safely including your favorite smushy-face in the dog walking festivities.

Please note:  this post may contain affiliate links.  Please refer to my "legal stuff" page for more information.

Brachycephalic describes a skull that has a flat, wide shape.  Like mine.  Beautiful, isn't it?  As cute as we are, us flat-nosed dogs have some heath risks associated with the unique shape of our heads and faces.  One primary health concern associated with the adorable flat faces of the brachycephalic breeds is breathing difficulties caused by small nostrils and sometimes reduced airflow.  This restricted airflow also leads to low heat tolerance.  Reduced airflow and low heat tolerance?  Sounds like a recipe for disaster!  Don't get out the bon-bons and 90210 re-runs just yet - just because there are some health concerns does not mean that your flat-faced friend can't participate in #DogWalkingWeek!

1.  Make sure you walk during one of the cooler parts of the day.  For example, take a walk early in the morning, or sometime right before sunset in the evening.  If you live in a tropical climate like I do, be aware that these times are also prime for mosquitoes.  You may want to pick up some natural repellent for your dog - especially if they suffer from skin allergies like me (also a common brachycephalic trait)!

 2.  Do not walk too far or too fast at first.  Pace yourself.  Let your dog stop to take a break every once in awhile.  Encourage your dog to sit and rest a few times during the walk, and make sure that you monitor your pet for heat exhaustion or difficulty breathing.  Return home if your pet begins to show any signs of a struggle.

3.  Bring plenty of water!!  I cannot emphasize this enough.  Living in south Florida, I bring my portable water dish EVERYWHERE.  If you choose to bring your dog on a long walk, please PLEASE make sure to pack some water for them.  Even if it doesn't seem that warm out to you, your dog can overheat quickly (especially us flat-faced breeds)!  This water bottle is similar to the one that I use:

4.  Make sure that you use a collar or harness that does not restrict your pet's airway.  I use a snazzy collar when my humans take me out front to do my business, but when we go for a longer walk, we switch to the harness.  Invest in a harness that is high quality and made out of soft, breathable material.  Flat-nosed breeds tend to have very sensitive skin, and any rubbing from the collar or harness can turn into a big problem really fast.  This is the exact harness that I use.  It is SUPER awesome because it is high quality AND looks like Darth Vader.  You can also get this harness at your local Petco.

5.  The final step is to HAVE FUN.  Go enjoy being outdoors with your buddy!

Remember, I am not a vet - I am a French Bulldog!  If you are unsure whether this type of activity is appropriate for your pet, please be sure to ask your pet health professional before engaging your pet in any type of exercise or activity.

#DIY Halloween Dog Tug-Toy

It's October, which can only mean one thing:  HALLOWEEN IS COMING!  Oh I love Halloween.  I love Halloween so much that I prepare for it all month long:  decorating, baking, and crafting!  Crafting is so much fun, especially when you can include your canine companion.  In honor of Halloween, I created this really fun ghost tug toy from a few household items.  It is so quick and easy to make, and it is super fun for any dog to play or cuddle with.  Let's get crafting with my easy DIY Halloween Dog Tug Toy!

First things first - gather your materials.  You will need:  one white cotton t-shirt, a tennis ball, a pair of sharp scissors, and a black marker.  Don't forget to nap on your materials.

Next, cut the arms and shoulder off of the shirt.  This step is for humans only, unless you are like me and have skills.

After you have finished the first cut, go ahead and cut down the side seam so you have one long piece of fabric.

Place the tennis ball right in the middle of the fabric.  Now would be a good time to sniff the tennis ball.  And attack it.  But then put it back in the middle.

Fold one side over the tennis ball.

Then fold the other side over.

Bring the two sides together and tie a double knot.

Next, cut each side into six strands.  You should have twelve strands total.

Once the strands are cut, select three strands at a time and braid them.  You should end up with four braids total.  This step also requires skill.  Or some human hands.  Whichever is readily available.

Finally, use the black marker to draw a spooky face on the ghost tug toy and curl up in your bed to take a nap.  You worked hard!

I'd love to hear your thoughts and comments on this project - especially if you give it a try!