It’s getting cold out and you know what that means, time to cuddle up with your pup! Here are some movies to watch while cuddling with your furry sidekick this Fall. 

1. “Frankenweenie” (PG, 2012)

This stop motion 3D animated film follows dog-lover Victor Frankenstein as he resurrects his Bull Terrier, Sparky, after his sudden death. This movie is a heartwarming flick sure to be relatable for anyone who loves their pup. 

2. “Scooby-Doo: The Movie”  (G, 2002)

Scooby-Doo is the CLASSIC dog movie that everyone knows. Scooby and Shaggy are two best friends who always get into spooky situations while looking for Scooby Snacks. Be sure to get some dog treats for you furry best friend to snack on during the movie!

 3. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” (PG, 1993)

This movie follows Jack Skellington navigating a dreary Halloween night with his ghost dog named Zero. Zero’s orange pumpkin nose leads his owner safely through the foggy night and you know it is going to be a good movie with Tim Burton as the director! 

 

4. “Hocus Pocus” (PG, 1993)

Nothing beats a classic Halloween flick to get in the fall mood. Light some candles, cuddle up and follow Max and Binx, the black cat, as they navigate an eventful, witch-filled Halloween night. 

5. “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown” (NR, 1966)

Charlie Brown is essential for every holiday! Is there a greater friendship than the one between Charlie Brown and Snoopy? Watch the Peanut crew search for the mysterious Great Pumpkin and follow Snoopy as the WWI Flying Ace as he battles the Red Baron, his greatest enemy. 

6. Coraline (PG, 2009)

This movie follows Coraline navigating two different worlds. The best part of the movie? The black cat who protects her the whole time and all of the Scottish Terriers. I mean who doesn’t want a protective cat by their side? 

 

7. “Spooky Buddies” (G, 2011)

Spooky Buddies follows a group of Golden Retriever puppies facing their fears during Halloween. I mean, Golden Retriever puppies? Say no more!

 

It's October again and as we all know breast cancer awareness is widely supported. However, we tend to forget that our beloved pets can also be affected by this disease. Breast tumors in dogs, or more commonly known as mammary tumors, affect more than a quarter of unspayed female dogs. Of those dogs that have mammary tumors about 50% of them will prove to be cancerous. Although male dogs can get mammary cancer too, it is not nearly as common.

Knowing the signs of mammary tumors in your dog, male or female, is extremely important. This type of cancer, as well as with many other cancers, has a higher chance of being treated effectively when it is caught early or within the first year. If you’re petting your dog and you feel a lump or lumps along their mammary chain, then you should take your dog to the vet as soon as possible. If a tumor is found by the vet, then surgery will need to happen to perform a biopsy to determine whether the tumor is cancerous or not. Other symptoms can include discharge from a mammary gland, ulceration or bleeding in the skin and swollen breasts. Other common symptoms that are associated with mammary cancer, as well as other cancers, include weakness, loss of appetite and weight loss.

There are some ways to try and prevent mammary cancer in your dog. The first is taking your dog for regular checkups at the vet. Spaying your dog within the first year or before their first heat cycle greatly reduces the chance of them getting mammary tumors in the future. The risk of developing a mammary tumor when spayed before the first heat cycle is .05%. It then increases to 8% after their first heat cycle and 26% after the second heat cycle. Obesity in puppies 1 year and under increases their chance of getting mammary tumors. And of course, feeding your dog properly and making sure they get exercise will help keep them healthier.

If you have any questions about mammary cancer in dogs or you’re worried about the health of your dog, you should speak to your veterinarian. Remember to know the signs of mammary cancer in your dog and to support breast cancer awareness.

 

Spetacular™️

To My Human,

It’s #LoveNoteDay so I just wanted to say I love you!

You always take me outside so I can pee on all the spots that the neighbor’s dog peed on. And the smells... so many smells outside! Sniffing all the spots is such an adventure. The dog park is a whole other level of smells too! You picked the perfect one to take me to. The dogs are so so nice there. They always sniff my butt after I sniff theirs. You never do that, but its’s okay I love you anyway.

Thanks for showing me love in public so everyone knows how special I am. And for still saying it in private so I know you mean it. You’re so smart! You know exactly where to sit without walking around it first, I could never do that! Thanks for giving me treats even if I already snuck some in earlier. You keep getting treat boxes that are harder and harder to open. I love that you still give me rubs, even if I try to take your human food. Especially that one spot behind my ear. My favorite is when we watch the colorful picture box and fall asleep together.

I may not understand all the things you do. Like when you don’t like outside rain, but you do like the inside rain that I think you call a shower. And how in that same room you sit on my favorite water bowl that I’m not allowed to drink from. But it’s okay because you give me Spectacular, which makes me feel so good! You deserve the best! I know you don’t like it when I bring you presents from outside so today I’ll just leave you some buried treasure in the backyard! Can’t wait to give you a big lick!

You’re the best human a dog could ask for! I love you so much!

 

Woof woof,

Your Best Friend!

The best season of the year is around the corner, FALL! You know what that means… Cooler weather, bonfires, and lots of apple cider donuts! Read below on how you can include your furry best friend in some of the fall activities and make it their favorite season too.

1- Visit the local Pumpkin Patch or Apple Orchard
Be sure to do some research ahead of time and ask if your pup can come! With your pup's help, you’ll find the best pumpkin in the patch! Don’t forget to take some cute pictures too!

2- Go for a Hike to See the Foliage
This is the most beautiful time of year! All the trees are changing colors and there are a bunch of new smells for your furry friend to enjoy. Plus the fresh air will help tucker them out!

3- Give a Pumpkin Treat
Pumpkin is great for your dog's digestion in small portions. It provides a source of fiber and can help with both constipation and diarrhea. By providing just a tablespoon into your pup's food, you are helping their digestive health. It is also known to help with urinary health and weight loss. So don’t forget to slip them a little pumpkin when carving!

4-  Up for a Movie Marathon
Does your dog like to stay in more than go out? No worries! Set a bowl of candy out for the trick-or-treaters and settle down on the couch with your pooch for some old fashioned Halloween movies. Looking for Halloween movies that feature dogs? Check out Scooby-Doo or Frankenweenie.

5- Go Trick-Or-Treating
Take your pup along for some trick or treating with the family. You can even create a family costume that includes your furry best friend if you’re feeling extra creative!

6- Host a Costume Party
Host a doggy playdate! Have all your pup's buddies over and encourage parents to dress their dogs up in funny costumes! Have a grand prize for the winner to make it more fun!

7- Attend Parades and Tailgates
Take your pup to the local events. You can check online to find events that allow dogs near you! Be sure to keep your dog on a secure leash and watch for signs of them getting overwhelmed to make sure they are having as much fun as you!

Happy Fall! We hope you and your furry friend(s) have a Spetacular™️ season! Enjoy the weather and don’t forget to stop and smell the cinnamon!

 

Spetacular™️ 

Happy Dog Appreciation Day! Keep reading to learn more about how this holiday got started and how you can make this day special for your furry friend!

Dog Appreciation Day is made to celebrate every dog, big or small, mixed or purebred, and remind the public how much they do for us! This holiday was started in 2004 by an animal behaviorist named Colleen Paige who wanted to raise awareness for dogs and all they do for us. She chose August 26th because that was the day she adopted her first dog named Sheltie when she was 10 years old. That’s why every August 26th, we celebrate our furry companions for being man's best friend! Dog’s love, loyalty, and happiness should be celebrated every day, but this day gives us the perfect reason to celebrate!

The goal of this day is to raise awareness for “unwanted” dogs everywhere. It aims to help to clear the shelters, encourage donations and adoptions, and also raise awareness on why dogs are so important to society as a whole. Colleen wanted to remind people that dogs show their loyalty in many ways including being emotional support dogs, law enforcement pups, bomb detectors, first responders to tragedies to pull victims, or just being your best friend who gives you kisses when you get home from work. If there’s one thing we can learn from this holiday, it’s that nothing matches a dog's loyalty as much as man's best friend. 

Wondering how to celebrate? How about taking your pup for an extra-long walk, to the beach, pet store, giving extra treats, hiking a new trail, having a doggy playdate, heading to the dog park, baking them a dog friendly treat, donating to your local animal shelter, or even signing up to foster or adopt a new furry friend. The possibilities are endless for this day, but there’s one thing for sure: your best friend deserves the best! 

We hope you have Spetacular™️ National Dog Day! 

 

If you’re looking for a low energy dog who is great with your kids then look no further, the English Bulldog is for you! Keep reading below to learn more about this great pup!

English Bulldog’s are a beloved family pet known for their silly disposition and cute wrinkles. They were originally bred in England to be a bull-baiting dog which was a popular activity in the Middle Ages, even said to have been enjoyed by Queen Elizabeth. In bull-baiting, bulldogs would attack and bite the bull until the bull was brought down. The bulldogs were bred to be short enough to escape the bulls horns when fighting and their wrinkles were good for keeping blood out of their eyes. Interesting isn't it?

Bulldogs are great family pets, known for their patience, especially with young children. They are great with people but can be a little standoffish with other dogs at first, depending on their personal temperament. Although they may look intimidating, they tend to be very sweet animals who aim to please. They don’t require a lot of attention, which is great for busy families and prefer to cuddle up on the couch rather than be active outside. 

Bulldogs are Brachycephalic which means they have short head and snout. This can lead to a multitude of problems including respiratory, nose, eyes, and teeth issues. It is important to pay special attention to your dog in hot temperatures because it is harder for them to breathe due to a short snout. This makes them more prone to heatstroke, snoring, and noisy breathing. These dogs have the potential of severe breathing problems because the soft palate is longer in Bulldogs. Keep an eye out for breathing problems when your pup is excited or when it is hot out. They are also prone to a lot of other health problems like canine hip or elbow dysplasia, cherry eyes, and ectropion (drooping of the lower eyelid). They have a high tendency to drool and snore. 

These dogs have a low tendency to shed but it is important to wipe them down every day especially inside their wrinkles. This prevents buildup and possible skin infection. These wrinkles are a breeding ground for bacteria so it is important to keep your pup's skin clean and give them a proper wipedown. 

English Bulldogs tend to live 8-10 years. They have great personalities and are known for being gentle. This dog is a great family pet and that you can trust around your young children. They love human attention and aim to please. They are great watchdogs that will protect your family until the end. They don’t require a yard because they are low-energy pups and only need about 20-40 minutes of exercise a day. It is better for them to stay out of the heat and prefer the cold due to their breathing problems.  

English Bulldogs are great family dogs! As long as you are willing to wipe down your pups wrinkles regularly and give them moderate exercise, this is a great dog for you! Make sure to keep them cool and hydrated when outside and enjoy your time with your pup!

Spetacular™️

Is your dog's coat dull? Read these tips below!

Are you wondering how to get the shine back in your dog's coat? Here are some tips to improve your dog’s coat naturally!

1. Protein, protein, protein
A dull coat can imply that your dog has a poor diet. Since hair is made up of 90% protein, it is important to include protein in your pup's diet. When buying pet food, be sure that protein is the first ingredient. Animal by-products and grains aren’t nutrient-rich and will dull out your pup's coat.

2. Incorporate Omega-3 and fatty acids in the diet
Besides the anti-inflammatory effects that Omegas have, they also help to improve your dog's coat. Omega is found in fish and flaxseed oil. Include two tablespoons of fish like tuna, sardines or salmon in your dog's food once a week to see their skin brighten up! If you prefer using oil you can use fish, sunflower, rapeseed, or sunflower oil in their bowl. For small dogs, you should use about one teaspoon once a week, and for bigger dogs, about one tablespoon. Be sure to go easy on the oil because it can hurt your dog's stomach if you feed them too much.

3. Check your treats
Make sure to get natural and organic products. Since your dog is part of the family, everything you feed your dog should be something you would feel comfortable feeding a family member.

4. Brush your dog often
Brushing keeps your dog's coat looking bright! By brushing often, you are stimulating the follicles which, in turn, creates more growth while also monitoring for fleas or ticks.

5. Regular baths
Finding the perfect balance for baths is the key to getting their coat vivid again. It is recommended that you bathe your dog at least once a month. In some instances, every 2 weeks. But every pup is different, so do what feels right. Dogs with oily coats need baths more often than dogs with dry coats.

6. Itchy skin? Try an oatmeal bath.
Oatmeal can prevent itching because it soothes the skin. It also contains Vitamin E which is great for leaving your dog's coat shiny. To utilize the oatmeal in the bath: blend it up in a food processor or blender until it is a powdery consistency, fill the tub with warm water, dump in the oatmeal, and have your dog soak in the bath for as long as they can stand it. Be sure to run the water over their back with a bowl to ensure maximum relief.

7. Daily supplements

Spetacular™️ is a daily supplement that can improve your dog’s skin and coat. By introducing essential vitamins and nutrients to your dog's water daily you are giving them the key to longevity and their coat is sure to thank you!

8. If all else fails: ask the vet.
If your dog is constantly itchy, it may be something more. The vet can help you get to the bottom of it so it doesn’t hurt to ask.


With these tips your dog's coat should be glossy in no time! Don’t get too worried that your dog is itchy because it may be a simple fix! We hope these tips help your dog's coat shine Spetacularly!

Spetacular™️

 

Summer is not over yet and we know that a pool day with your pup isn’t far away! Read these tips below to help you keep your dog cool in the pool!

It is August and it is HOT. Here are some tips to get your furry friend comfortable in the water in no time!

Be safe
Not all dogs are good at swimming immediately, and although most know how to doggy paddle, some are better than others! It is hard for some dogs to keep their head above water. To ensure your dog's safety, you should always put them in a doggy life jacket. This will help them float. Make sure to let your dog get used to the lifejacket outside of the water before you take them swimming so you aren’t adding too many new factors at once.

Teach your dog how to use the pool stairs
Use treats to take your dog into and out of the pool on the steps before immersing them fully. It is important to let them get used to the stairs so they know that they have an easy escape to get out of the pool if they need it.

Mark the spot where your dog can get in and out of the pool
You can use a cone or a flag to show your dog where they can leave the pool if they need to. Most dogs are able to use the stairs so you should put the flag there. Some dogs panic in the water and go in circles or swim to the other side of the pool where they can’t get out and this causes panic. Putting a flag allows your dog to feel safer and gives them a guaranteed escape if they need it.

Limit the first few times swimming
Dogs need time to get their muscles used to certain movements, just like us when we first go to the gym. So it is important to give your pup time to build their strength while swimming. At first, limit their time in the pool to about 5 minutes for the first time and be sure to stay with your dog the whole time and direct them to the stairs if they want to get out.

Dry your dog after swimming
Dogs can get uncomfortable if they are wet for a long period. Chlorine can also be bad for your dogs fur, so it is important to bathe them after a pool day. You can also clean their ears out with ear cleaner, ensuring to clean them of chlorine and debris.

Always remember, dogs are just like humans. If your dog doesn’t like swimming you can’t force them to like it. Just like you wouldn’t like to be forced to go in the pool, you shouldn’t force your furry friend! Take it slow with your pup and let them get used to the pool. And remember... Have fun!

Spetacular™

Why do dogs get chapped noses?

You may be worried about your dog's nose. It is looking dried out and you aren’t sure whether or not you should take her to the vet. Don’t worry, there are many reasons your dog's nose could be dried out, keep reading below.

1. Allergies
Your dog may have an allergy to pollen, mold, or their food. Over the counter antihistamines may be enough to help your pup but if not you can bring them to the vet where they may prescribe something.

2. Sunburn
Dogs with a lighter coat are more prone to sunburn, but they aren’t the only dogs who get them. You can use dog safe sunscreen to prevent sunburn but if this isn’t an option you can use baby sunscreen as long as it doesn’t contain zinc oxide or para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) because these ingredients are toxic to dogs.

3. Dehydration
Dogs can become easily dehydrated with strenuous exercise or in hot weather. In order to prevent dehydration, it is important to provide them with cool water, preferably with electrolytes and watch for signs of dehydration. It is important to highlight that water alone does not hydrate them. 

4. Fleas
If your dog has fleas, they may have an overactive immune system. To check for fleas you should look for black specks that look like dirt on the skin. If your dog has fleas, vacuum your house daily and treat your dog accordingly.

5. Autoimmune Disease
This isn’t likely and you shouldn’t jump to conclusions with this one. A dry nose may imply that your dog is suffering from Discoid Lupus Erythematosus or Pemphigus. These can cause chronic dry nose. If you are worried your furry friend is suffering from these diseases, you should bring them to the vet to check.

6. Brachycephalic Breed
Certain Brachycephalic breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs, have skulls that don’t allow them to lick their nose properly. They can develop crusty or cracked noses, which is normal in these breeds.

Usually a dry nose in a dog isn’t something to worry about. Be sure to keep an eye on your furry friend and take them to the vet if this becomes a long-term issue. Keep your dog hydrated and their nose moisturized and they should be back to normal in no time!

Having Trouble Potty Training Your New Puppy? Read These Potty Training Tips Below!

You went to the local animal shelter "just looking" and you came across the cutest puppy. Next thing you know you have a new puppy who won't stop peeing everywhere in your house... Don't worry, we've all been there. Read these tips below to learn how to help your puppy get potty trained. Remember to be patient, it is possible to teach a new dog new tricks!

1. Figure out your dog's motivation and use it to your advantage

Does your dog love to chase the ball? Reward them for using the bathroom outside by letting them chase the ball. If they love treats be sure to give them one every time they use the bathroom outside, encouraging them to do it more.

2. Consider crate training

It is important to remember that when crate training is done correctly it isn't scary for your dog. We know, you promised your new puppy that they would never be in a cage again as you were walking out of the shelter, but trust us, as den animals these animals see these crates as their own personal space. Since this is their space, they are less likely to soil it. A well sized crate gives a dog enough space to stand up and lay down comfortably. It is important not to give your puppy too much space because then they will feel comfortable using the bathroom in one corner and going to lay in the other, away from it. Remember that the more space you give your puppy, the more spaces to go potty they have. If you build trust with your dog and have a solid routine, they will wait until you let them outside to go to the bathroom.

You'll know your puppy needs to go to the bathroom when they start whining or scratching on their cage. Be sure to listen to their cues. If the puppy is hinting they need to go make sure to listen to them because if they go to the bathroom in the crate they may think this is now okay and will feel okay doing it in your house too.
If you don't like the idea of crate or feel it's too constrictive, make sure to remember that the more space you give your puppy, the more room they have to go to the bathroom. Just like the idea of crate training, dogs do not like to use the bathroom where they eat or sleep so confining them to the spaces where they eat or sleep, may limit accidents.

3. Place puppy pads in the house

Puppy pads can be helpful for pet owners who aren't able to get home as often as they'd like to take their new puppy out due to work or a busy schedule. Accidents happen and puppy pads prevent permanent stains and limit the mess. The only issue with puppy pads is they reinforce two different bathroom options for the puppy. If the puppy thinks that it is okay to go indoors on a puppy pad, they may be less likely to hold it until they go outside, which creates puppy pads to clean every day when you get home from work. If there is no other option, puppy pads do give puppies an approved spot to go to the bathroom at home, helping to potty train them.

4. Stick to a solid schedule

A puppy has a small bladder, so you should aim to take them out quite often. One of the most important parts of potty training is staying on a solid schedule. Whether it be right when you wake up in the morning, before sleeping, after playing, or when they leave the crate, it is important to remain consistent when taking your puppy out. It doesn't have to be every day at 5 PM but it does need to be every day before dinner time or after play time.

*Pro-tip* Take your dog out before eating so they are more motivated to go.

5. Understand your puppy's limits

Wondering how long your puppy can control their bladder? The number of hours actually relates directly to their age in months in a year. So if you have a five month old puppy, they should be able to hold their bladder for about five hours. This does not mean you should make your ten month old puppy wait ten hours to go to the bathroom. Just like humans, they need the bathroom and if it becomes urgent they will have to take matters into their own hands. It is important to show your puppy that there is an approved place to potty and that the house if off-limits. The faster the puppy understands this, the quicker they will stop peeing in the house.

6. Learn the signs

Every puppy is different so they all have different signs of when they need the bathroom. Some dogs may need to pee every time they play or get excited and others may not. You need to learn your individual puppies signs of when they need to go out.

7. Show them the right spot

This is not for the faint at heart, but some vets suggest that you can clean up your pets accident with a paper towel, put it in a zip-top bag, and then bring it outside with you the next time you take your dog out. You can then open it and put it on the ground where you want the dog to use the restroom.
If you don't like the idea of using the paper towel, you can use Puppy Aid Training Spray and spray it either outdoors or on potty pads.

8. Don't give your puppy attention until after they use the bathroom

Pick a consistent place for him to go and then give him a consistent command instructing him to use the bathroom. Be sure not to give the dog any attention besides the command until after they have successfully gone potty. Once they go be sure to praise them. If they don't go to the bathroom, you can go back in ten minutes and try again.

9. Control the puppies diet

Be sure to feed your puppies into three high quality small meals. Make sure the food agrees with the puppies stomach, it may take some trial and error.

10. Keep expectations realistic

Make sure to be realistic with your puppy. There will be accidents but they will learn. Be patient, soon they will learn.

Remember:
It is important not to shame your dog if they have an accident. Instead of making a fuss, clean up the mess and kill all odors so the dog doesn't feel comfortable going there in the future. If you see your dog preparing to use the restroom pick them up and rush them outside. Once they go outside give them praise. PREVENTION IS KEY in potty training.

To Summarize:
- Take your dog out often - after meals, first thing in the morning, etc
- Keep a consistent schedule for bathroom trips
- Praise your puppy when they go potty outside
- Pee pee pads can be used if you are scared of an accident but they won't potty train your dog
- If your dog has an accident, clean all odors to prevent them from going there in the future

 

Spetacular™