Its patent-pending, BPA-free and stainless-steel dog water bottle has two openings: a small one up top has a ball-bearing to control water flow when you hold the bottle upside-down for your dog to drink. The second opening is larger to allow for filling and cleaning, and you can unscrew the entire top of the bottle, flip it over, and use is as a cup. Plus it also features a carabiner to latch on to your gear. Our 13-year old Hungarian Puli uses it on our long and hot morning walks, and he’s so happy to have his own water handy.

I also reviewed Dog Is Good‘s The Never Walk Alone design, specifically for all of us dog lovers to appreciate. The clever design features a dog begging to be walked and a pair of walking shoes. I found the T-shirt was very comfortable, made of 100% lightweight Pima cotton. I personally would order one size larger than my usual women’s size large, even though it’s pre-laundered to eliminate shrinkage.

For more information on all of Dog is Good’s many products, visit Dog Is Good at their website at http://dogisgood.com.

You can also visit their Facebook page for helpful information as well as product features and benefits.

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Full disclosure: We received a Dog Water Bottle and T-shirts to review free of charge. We were not paid to do this review and comments are our own.

In addition, you should carefully consider the costs of food, veterinary care, pet toys and beds, grooming and even boarding at a kennel if you vacation.

Dogster.com partners with PetFinder to bring the largest listing of adoptable dogs on the web.  It’s the perfect place to start your dog adoption search.

For Overland Park area residents, check out the local Dogster adoption page to get started with your information gathering on dog adoption.

Where Should I Look For A Dog?

Consider visiting a shelter to rescue a dog. While many shelter dogs are mixed breeds, the Humane Society of the United States says that one in four is purebred. There are also rescue groups that specialize in finding homes for dogs of a specific breed; adopting a rescue dog may be far cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder. However, if you do choose to use the services of a breeder, be sure to choose a reputable one.

Here are the four basic leashes:

1. Retractable leash. Allows you to easily stop, extend or retract the lead for precision control.  Gives your dog room to roam and sniff.
2. Leather leash. Works great to use during dog training, like teaching your dog the heel command.
3. Bungee leash. Decreases the force of your dog’s pulling as well as keeps the leash from tangling and getting under foot.
4. Hands free leash. Allows you to enjoy the full arm rotation and have the security of having your dog safe and running in front of you.

There are typically three types of dog collars to choose from, made of knitted nylon, leather, rope or chain link.

Here are the three basic collars:

1. Regular collar. Small dogs or dogs that walk to the heel command do well with regular collars.
2. Harness collar. Typically straps around the dog’s chest. Designed to help discourage dogs from pulling as it directs pressure onto the dog.
3. Choke and Prong chain collar. Often used on big dogs and dogs with thick fur. When the dog pulls, the chain tightens around the neck and discourages pulling.

From left to right (K-9 Ofc. Justin Doherty/PSD Deuce, K-9 Trainer/Ofc. Cory Flaming/PSD Mack, K-9 Ofc. Ben Hardin/PSD Cezar)

“The Overland Park Police Department’s Canine Unit (K-9 teams) responded to patrol or tactical needs over 90 times during 2011,” says Ofc./K-9 Trainer Cory Flaming. “This can range from a vehicle stop, search warrant, or large event,” adds Ofc. Flaming, who is part of the department’s Emergency Services Section.

 ”We use the Police Service Dog (PSD) teams in several different ways to assist in tracking, area searches, building searches and felony car stops.  The Patrol discipline relates to finding people or suspects, and uses techniques such as narcotics and explosive detection,” adds Ofc. Flaming.

Ofc. Flaming is proud to introduce Overland Park’s three Police Service Dog (PSD) teams:

1. Ofc. Justin Doherty with K-9 “Deuce” – a 10-year old Belgium Malinois certified in narcotics detection and patrol.
2. Ofc. Ben Hardin with K-9 “Cezar” – a 6-year old German Shepherd certified in narcotics detection and patrol.
3. Ofc./K-9 Trainer Cory Flaming with K-9 “Mack” – a 3-year old Belgium Malinois certified in explosive detection and patrol.

Flaming shares how the K-9’s are selection tested, usually from nationally recognized K-9 vendors. The tests are designed to test their natural drives and traits, requirements for police service dogs. “Sometimes 50-100 dogs are tested before finding a suitable working K-9,” says Flaming. “All of our current PSD’s are imported from various parts of Europe.”

K-9’s Deuce and Cezar searched over 210 vehicles/buildings, resulting in over 100 narcotics finds. K-9 Weaver searched over 290 vehicles/buildings, resulting in 3 explosives finds.

K-9 Handlers not only respond with their assigned K-9’s, but they must also serve as a SWAT/WMD Operator.  When an officer wishes to become a handler, they must go through a whole new hiring process within the department. This process includes a resume, physical, and several interviews including family and neighbors. If the handler passes the process, they are required to complete a 10-week basic course with their assigned K-9. At the end of the course, they must pass a difficult certification which is then repeated once a year.

Handlers are required to care for their K-9 partner 24 hours a day, so they stay at home with their handlers. They are not considered pets and are kenneled while away from work at the handler’s home. The City provides a large outdoor and indoor kennel which is installed at the handler’s residence.

K-9 Teams also provide K-9 demonstrations on a regular basis at the request of certain organizations such as “Pet Pals” at the Deanna Rose Farmstead or “Paws in the Park” at Shawnee Mission Park.

Established in 1989, the OPPD K-9 team is currently assigned to the Emergency Services Section within the Police Department. In addition to serving the City of Overland Park, the K-9 teams assisted surrounding cities on 25 occasions in 2011.

Bring your dog for a morning of fun where more than 1,200 canines and 2,000 of their companions will participate on The Country Club Plaza. Dog-n-Jog is a 1 and 2 mile walk/run benefiting The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City. Activities include vendor booths, agility demonstrations, costume contests, a raffle and more.

Master emcees include NBC Action News Chief Meteorologist Gary Lezak with his weather dog, Stormy, KFKF Radio’s Debbie Erikson and Q104 Radio’s TJ McEntire.

This year’s race will begin at the intersection of Central and Ward Parkway and cover Ward Parkway, Pennsylvania, and Nichols Road. Plenty of Plaza parking will be available for you and your pooch at the Starbuck’s parking lot off Central and the Hall’s parking lot off Wyandotte.

For more information and schedules, visit the Humane Society’s events calendar.

The Pet Blinkie is a vibrant, multi-color light that easily attaches to your dog’s collar, leash or harness with its steel hook/clip. Pet Blinkies are waterproof, visible up to 1/2 mile away and available in many vibrant colors.

We had the opportunity to test the Pet Blinkie over the Memorial Day weekend in Overland Park, KS.  We attached the Blinkie to our dog’s collar, switched on the light, and took off for a night walk.  We were pleasantly surprised on how great it lit up our path, and we were definitely visible from far away to any passerby.

First Rate Security offers wholesale prices on the most updated security products to meet safety and security needs including personal safety items, business safety items, and so much more. 

Visit their website for a complete overview of their great safety products.  You can also visit First Rate Security’s informative Blog.
 
Full disclosure: We received a Pet Blinkie Light to review free of charge. We were not paid to do this review and comments are our own.

Nicola Parry, a vet at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, says there are most likely five common suspects.

 

1. Allergies: Often dogs will lick their paws if they have an itch – although it can be due to itchy paws, it can also be a result of an itch elsewhere. Oftentimes when dogs feel itchy, they just lick somewhere accessible – the paws – as a way of soothing the irritation. Although many types of allergy can be causative, flea allergies or even a simple flea infestation can be very common causes, especially in the summer.
2. Injury:Damaged skin also causes itchiness. This can arise secondary to problems like flea allergy, or it can be a primary problem. It’s not uncommon for dogs to cut their paws, or even to have foreign material such as grass seeds stuck in the skin between their toes.
3. Habit:Boredom or lack of exercise can often lead to licking, especially in dogs left home alone for long periods of time
4. Anxiety:This can be linked to boredom, for instance if dogs become anxious when alone, but other incidents can also cause anxiety. Simple things like a change in routine can lead to anxiety in some dogs, as can additions to the family, such as a new baby or a new pet.
5. Compulsive Disorder:Some dogs develop obsessive, compulsive issues that lead to constant licking. Although uncommon, this can be very difficult to control.

Why Is The Licking A Problem?

In addition to being annoying to most owners, the constant licking can be a real problem for dogs, adds Parry.

If left unchecked, the licking can lead to skin damage, open sores and secondary bacterial infection. This can become a vicious cycle since the damaged skin is more irritated and painful, causing even more licking.

If your dog licks his paws due to habit or anxiety, there is also the risk that this can progress into compulsive behavior.

Happy Tails Spa, an eco-friendly grooming and wellness spa company with products for the modern dog, features 5 great tips for treatment:

1. Treat for fleas:Since these are a very common cause of paw licking, be sure to institute a flea control regime, even if you don’t see any. Flea The Scene is an effective, natural product that can help eliminate this problem.
2. Control the itch:Breaking the “itch-scratch” cycle can help to stop the licking in cases due to flea allergy. Itchin’ For Relief and Healthy Skin Shiny Coat are great for this purpose, helping to soothe your dog’s skin naturally.
3. Cover the paws:Some dogs respond well to this, and it can occasionally stop the behavior. Dog booties can be used, or even simple dressings using self-adhesive material such as Vetrap®.
4. Health check:If your dog’s constant licking persists, or if open wounds develop, your veterinarian should rule out underlying health problems, such as skin infections or entrapped foreign material.
5. Behavior Therapy:If your dog licks his paws as part of a compulsive disorder, a behavioral expert may need to recommend behavioral changes or medication.

“So if your dog is licking his paws, take some comfort in the fact that this is a common complaint,” shares Parry.  ”The good news, however, is that many cases are less complicated and very manageable.”