Dog Health Archives - Golden Woofs

Watch Out for Stagnant Water and Protect Your Dog From Leptospirosis

July 10, 2019
4 Comments

Have you ever been out on a walk or hike with your dog and they stop to drink from a stagnant puddle of pond or puddle of water? Some dog parents may not be aware that this can actually be dangerous because of the risk of a disease called Leptospirosis.

What is Leptospirosis?

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease, which means that it can infect both humans and animals. Leptospirosis is spread through the urine of infected animals which can get into the water and live in soil for months. Dogs can catch Leptospirosis by drinking from contaminated water sources, including stagnant puddles or ponds.

Leptospirosis is more common in warm climates. Due to the urbanization of rural areas, wildlife that carry this bacterial disease may be present. Here’s a list of wildlife that can carry Leptospirosis:

Raccoons
Skunks
Squirrels
Deer
Rats
Opossums

Your dog may be more at risk of catching Leptospirosis in warm climates where these wild animals may be present.

If you take your dog camping, hiking, wading, paddle boarding, or any other related activities be aware of Leptospirosis. Also, be aware that cases of Leptospirosis can be more prevalent after floods or hurricanes.

How can I protect my dog from Leptospirosis?

Fortunately, there is a Leptospirosis vaccine available for dogs. Typically given on a yearly basis, the Leptospirosis vaccine is part of the DHLPP vaccine. The “L” in DHLPP stands for Leptospirosis. Ask your veterinarian about the vaccination and ask if Leptospirosis is a threat where you live.

As a dog parent, you can help protect your dog in other ways as well. Do not let your dog drink from standing puddles or bodies of water. Bring a bottle of fresh water and a portable dog water bowl along with you on hikes and walks in case your dog gets thirsty. Take safety measures to prevent rodents from living around your home.

Symptoms of Leptospirosis in dogs can be vague sometimes but include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, inappetence, and muscle pain. If you think your dog may have Leptospirosis, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Tips on How to Manage Dog Shedding #SwifferAtSams

June 17, 2019
2 Comments

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Swiffer at Sam’s Club. The opinions and text are my own.

Dogs Shed! It’s part of dog ownership to deal with dog shedding. Many dogs like golden retriever breeds are heavy shedders. While you cannot stop your dog from normal shedding, there are several ways you can reduce the amount your dog sheds; so you can spend more quality time together instead of cleaning.

This is a sponsored post by Swiffer at Sam’s Club. I am being compensated for promoting Swiffer Sweeper Dry Pad Refills available at Sam’s Club, but Golden Woofs only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.

Dog Shedding

Dog shedding is normal and vital for the new coats to grow in. Dog fur or hair grows in seasonal cycles. When it reaches a ‘genetically determined length’, it stops growing and falls out; this process is known as shedding. Fur keeps your dog’s body temperature regulated and plays an essential role in helping your dog’s skin from the sun, heat, cold, and more.

Tips to Manage Dog Shedding

1. Brush Routine
Make a habit to brush your dog’s fur on a regular basis especially if you have a dog like a Golden Retriever. It is also important to use the proper brushing tool.

2. Bathe Often
Bathing loosens and removes fur that’s ready to be shed. Regular bathing also keeps your dog’s coat healthy, reduces allergies, lessens the chance of infection and diminishes the spread of dirt and germs in your home.

3. Nutrition + Supplement
With proper nutrition, your dog will have a healthy, shiny coat and minimize shedding. Also, incorporating Omega 3 fatty acids not only reduces shedding, but can contribute to your dog’s overall health.

4. Proper Hydration
Dehydration will cause your dog’s fur to be more brittle which will leads to excessive shedding. It is important that your dog always has access to fresh drinking water.

Reduce Pet Hair in Your Home

5. Clean Home = Happy Dog
If you live with a dog, it’s unavoidable not to have fur in your home. Cleaning your dog’s fur should not be frustrating. Remember your dog “emits fibers of joy and love.”

We have hardwood flooring. For a quick and easy clean up, my must-have favorite cleaning products are Swiffer. I often use Swiffer Sweeper Dry Pads and has been an essential tool for everyday cleaning especially it can be used in multi-ways. It’s a great tool to use for hard to reach areas like corners where most dog hair assembles.

With 86 pads of Swiffer Sweeper Dry Pads from Sam’s Club, I am all set to tackle fur balls, muddy paw prints, and other messes. These Sam’s Club of Swiffer Sweeper Dry Pads have thick grooves and ridges perfect for picking up dirt, dust and pet hair. Cleaning will be a breeze and will give me more free time to spend time with my family and of course with KORU BEAR.

Are you a member of Sam’s Club? If you are, it’s time to stock up for the coming months and be prepared for all the dog messes coming your way. Visit Sam’s Club and samsclub.com to stock up on Swiffer Sweeper Dry Pad Refills and keep your house clean and manage dog shedding.

4 Waterless Dog Baths To Keep Your Pup Clean

October 29, 2018

Many dogs dislike getting a bath and can be exhausting for dog parents. To eliminate odor, it is so important to keep your dog’s fur free of dust and dander. There are many waterless dog baths that can help to keep and maintain your dog’s cleanliness.

This post is sponsored by Rufus & Coco. I am being compensated to help share Rufus & Coco dog grooming products and their launch at PetSmart stores. Golden Woofs only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.

4 Waterless Dog Baths To Keep Your Pup Clean

1. Regular Brushing
It is important to maintain a brushing routine with your dog. Brushing your dog’s coat helps remove dirt, debris, dead hair and especially unpleasant odors from their coat and skin. Brushing also helps to stimulate the skin and distribute natural oils, making your dog’s coat shiny and healthy.

2. Pet Wipes
Pet Wipes are a must-have of every dog owner. I always wiped down KORU BEAR’s fur, paw, and rear every time we’ve been outdoors. I also carry a packet pet wipes in my bag; it’s been handy on our pet travels.

3. Dry Shampoo
Recently, dog dry shampoo’s popularity has surged. This waterless dog bath is a time and hassle saver for many dog parents. Also, if your dog is not a fan of baths, a dog dry shampoo is helpful. You can make your own dog dry shampoo by mixing 1 cup of cornstarch and half a cup of baking soda.

At PetSmart, you can find Australian brand Rufus & Coco Water Free Wash. This is a talcum-free powdered dry shampoo which contains non-toxic ingredients. Two main ingredients are cornstarch and baking soda. it is safe when your dog licks it. It is formulated to:
a. clean by absorbing natural oils and dirt
b. neutralize odor in your dog’s coat and leaves a fresh scent
c. prevent static
d. add volume and body to your dog’s coat

It is definitely easy to use and KORU BEAR enjoyed his waterless dog bath especially it involves no water; just Rufus & Coco Water Free Wash dry dog shampoo, a massage, and a brush. It provided a fresh scent and KORU BEAR feels refresh.

4. Spray Deodorizer
On your regular brushing, make sure to use deodorizer spray like Rufus and Coco 3in1 Pamper Spray. This is pawfect to use in between dog baths. It is boosted with wheat proteins, vitamin E and panthenol which soothe and moisturize your dog’s skin and coat.

Get the Show Dog Look!

It is convenient to use; simply spritz on your dog’s fur then brush through. I love that it is also formulated to de-tangle and add shine to your dog’s coat.

Visit Rufus and Coco for more information about their award-winning Australian pet brand. Read our previous post: 5 Benefits of Bathing Your Dog featuring Rufus & Coco Oatmeal Wash dog shampoo.
It is exciting to share that Rufus & Coco is now exclusively available at PetSmart. We invite you to visit your local PetSmart store to check Rufus & Coco pet grooming products.

Waterless dog baths are not meant to be a permanent substitute for a good bath with water and right dog shampoo mix. Instead, it’s something you may use in between regular baths.

5 Benefits of Bathing Your Dog Featuring Rufus & Coco

October 22, 2018

Cleanliness is vital to your dog’s overall health and happiness. Every day, KORU BEAR gets a lot of outdoor time. From our walks, it’s amazing how much dirt can accumulate on his fur and especially paws. We established a daily min-wash routine and a bath time schedule. We also opt to bathe KORU BEAR instead of going to the groomers. There are many benefits bathing your dog.

This post is sponsored by Rufus & Coco. I am being compensated to help share Rufus & Coco dog grooming products and launched at PetSmart stores. Golden Woofs only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.

5 Benefits of Bathing Your Dog

1. Strengthens Your Bond
Bath time creates a special positive interaction with your dog. Your dog will learn how to enjoy bath time in a different way (especially if your dog is not a fan of baths).

2. Your Dog Feels Good, Fresh and Clean
Bathing removes dirt and odors from your dog skin and coat. KORU BEAR always feels good and smell amazing after a good bath.

Bathing your dog is like giving a dog massage too. This occurs when lathering up the shampoo on your dog’s skin and fur. This is KORU BEAR’s favorite part of bath time. Dog Dad gives the best dog bath massage.

Rufus & Coco

Bathing your dog with a good quality shampoo is very important. A wrong dog shampoo can cause unbearable irritation on your dog’s skin. For the past weeks, we’ve been washing KORU BEAR with all-natural Rufus & Coco dog shampoo which is designed to gently but thoroughly clean and groom dogs – even your canine mate with the most sensitive skin.

Named after the two most popular dog names in Australia, Rufus & Coco is an award-winning Australian pet brand. Rufus & Coco takes pride in ensuring to provide quality pet products. Their products have gone through Australia’s rigorous product standards (some of the highest in the world!).

Rufus & Coco definitely set the bar high for maximum dog health and happiness? Did you know? Dog skin has a different pH level to humans. A human’s shampoo is around 200 times too acidic for a pet’s skin!

Rufus & Coco dog shampoo contains all natural, non-toxic ingredients and most importantly the pH balanced is for pet’s skin level. I love that Rufus & Coco has hypo-allergenic fresh fragrance.

KORU BEAR had an enjoyable bath using Rufus & Coco 2 in 1 Oatmeal Wash. A soothing oatmeal dog bath was pawfect for all KORU BEAR’s beach fun. Rufus & Coco dog shampoo is concentrated; so a little goes a long way. For a big dog (with lots of fluff) like KORU BEAR, he had five washes using Rufus & Coco 2 in 1 Oatmeal Wash.

3. Monitors Your Dog’s Health
Bathing your dog can prevent health conditions. For dogs prone to allergies, a fresh bath can prevent itchiness and taking any medications. Early detection is crucial, thus during bath time, it is important to make a habit to check your dog’s skin for abnormalities, irritations, lumps, and cuts. It is much easier to treat problems that are detected early. If you suspect any problems, contact your veterinary immediately.

4. Happy Dog, Happy Home
A clean dog is a happy dog! Several surveys have shown that bathing your dog can have important health benefits for you and your family. Family members suffer fewer allergies and illnesses. Bathing your dog also helps to keep your living environment cleaner. No bad dog-odor will linger in your home and less shedding will occur. Everyone will feel comfortable and safer.

5. Fewer Vet Visits
A bath routine will keep your dog in tip-top shape and health; thus keeps your dog away from visiting the vet.

Are you bathing your dog with the right dog shampoo?
Bathe your dog with Rufus & Coco dog grooming products available at 1,400+ PetSmart stores nationwide.

Health Benefits of Hemp for Dogs | Happy Hempies

October 16, 2018

Hemp products are increasing in popularity especially for dogs. Many dog owners are being conscious about their dog’s health, and open on trying hemp-based products. Hemp for dogs has some surprising benefits.

This post is sponsored by Happy Hempies. I am being compensated to help share Happy Hempies dog chews. Golden Woofs only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers.

Hemp and Marijuana are NOT the Same?

Hemp and Marijuana come from the same Cannabis family (same plant–Cannabis sativa). Hemp is completely different from marijuana. How is it different? The chemical makeup, cultivation methods, and applications of hemp and marijuana are not the same.

Health Benefits of Hemp for Dogs

Hemp is a superfood ingredient and becoming popular not just for people, but pets too. From my research, here are some potential health benefits of adding hemp to your dog’s diet.

strengthens the immune system
help prevent cancer and heart disease
support healthy organ function
supports healthy brain functions
reduce joint pain inflammation
supports a healthy weight
help increase energy
improves the condition of skin and fur

“Hemp helps support your dog’s immune system? Having a strong immune system is the key to a healthy and long life.” – Happy Hempies –

Happy Hempies Dog Chews

For the past weeks, KORU BEAR tried Happy Hempies created by Best Bully Sticks who “believes in a holistic approach to nutrition and a holistic approach to the relationships we have with our four-legged friends.”

Launched last month, Happy Hempies are hemp chew supplements with an added layer of nutrient and health benefit functions for your dog.

There are three kinds of Happy Hempies dog chews:

Happy Hempies Stress Support Dog Chews
If your dog gets stressed out over weather changes such as thunderstorms, car rides, and/or new environment, these chews are pawfect way to soothe your dog’s anxiety naturally. These holistic dog chew supplements are made with hemp plus chamomile and green tea extract.

Happy Hempies Healthy Body Support Chews
Keep your dog in optimal shape with these body support chews. Made with ingredients such as hemp, turmeric, and krill oil these treats will provide natural nutritional support – helping to support your dog’s fur, digestion, heart health, and more.

Happy Hempies Joint Support Chews
Formulated with joint health in mind. Made with hemp oil, green-lipped mussel, glucosamine, and chondroitin. These chews are full of anti-inflammatory goodness and help support mobility, agility, and flexibility.

Do Hemp Treats Work?

Since we travel a lot and can be stressful for KORU BEAR, I tried the Happy Hempies Stress Support Dog Chews to cope with his anxiety.

When we visited San Francisco Crissy Field, KORU BEAR’s stressed level was very high. With his morning meal, he had 4 1/2 chews of Happy Hempies Stress Support Dog Chews. One way we calm him down was to provide more chews. It took him about an hour to calm down. This was only the first week I’ve tried Happy Hempies so the effectiveness was not visible. In order to see a good result on dog chew supplements, your dog must be on it for about 3-6 months.

Happy Hempies

These safe veterinarian-approved Happy Hempies hemp chew supplements are made in the USA. Like other hemp products on the market, these chew supplements contain less than 0.03% THC, thus no hallucinogenic effects – it is completely safe for dogs and medicinally beneficial.

These Happy Hempies are deliciously flavored with beef and a great size. The recommended serving is ½ a soft chew per 10lbs of your dog’s weight. These are daily chew supplements thus for a maximum effect, it is advisable to administer twice daily, 12 hours apart. For KORU BEAR’s weight, he needs 4 1/2 chews (9 chews/day). Each chew bag is sold for $29.99 at HappyHempies.com, Amazon, and Petco.com.

To learn more about Happy Hempies visit HappyHempies.com. Read more about HEMP on their FAQ’s and Health Benefits of Hemp for Dogs.

Do you give your dog HEMP dog chew supplements?

Watch Out for Stagnant Water and Protect Your Dog From Leptospirosis

What is Leptospirosis?

How can I protect my dog from Leptospirosis?

Tips on How to Manage Dog Shedding #SwifferAtSams

Dog Shedding

Tips to Manage Dog Shedding

Reduce Pet Hair in Your Home

4 Waterless Dog Baths To Keep Your Pup Clean

4 Waterless Dog Baths To Keep Your Pup Clean

5 Benefits of Bathing Your Dog Featuring Rufus & Coco

5 Benefits of Bathing Your Dog

Rufus & Coco

Health Benefits of Hemp for Dogs | Happy Hempies

Hemp and Marijuana are NOT the Same?

Health Benefits of Hemp for Dogs

Happy Hempies Dog Chews

Do Hemp Treats Work?

Happy Hempies

Golden Retriever Resources /Adoption

Golden Woofs Archives Posts

Community Members

What is Leptospirosis?

How can I protect my dog from Leptospirosis?

Dog Shedding

Tips to Manage Dog Shedding

Reduce Pet Hair in Your Home

4 Waterless Dog Baths To Keep Your Pup Clean

5 Benefits of Bathing Your Dog

Rufus & Coco

Hemp and Marijuana are NOT the Same?

Health Benefits of Hemp for Dogs

Happy Hempies Dog Chews

Do Hemp Treats Work?

Happy Hempies

Golden Retriever Resources /Adoption

Golden Woofs Archives Posts

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Community Members