Embrace Pet Community blog

Planet Dog Holiday Goodies

Our office dogs have loved testing the pack of toys that Planet Dog sent over.  The Bulb with Treat Spot might be my favorite (see Cooper's test here) because they're festive and show the good humor that a dog toy deserves.  The downside-the silver part got chewed off in seconds flat by master-chewer, Henry the beagle.  It's rated 3 out of 5 chompers, but be cautious in this case, especially if your dog is prone to swallowing bits they bite off.

The SnowBall (right) is a fun one too--last week, I was checking under desks looking "for the snowball".  It's got the realistic appearance for people with the bounce and resiliency that dogs like.

We like the Planet Dog goodies because not only are they well designed, made in the USA, often eco-friendly, but they also  donate 2% of every purchase to Planet Dog Foundation to support canine service programs across the country. Helping more dogs help more people in need is a great mission.

We've got a festive fun pack to make one pup's stocking extra stuffed.  Planet Dog is giving away:

Two bulbs, a mini and a large
An Orbee Tuff Mint! (Read how much I love Orbee Tuff stuff!) It's minty and adorable and I'm totally jealous of whoever gets this!

***Note--both are rated 3/5 chompers--Lyger loved his Orbee Tuff, but Kayden gnawed the top off in the first try.  Please don't give these to tough chewers--our claims Embracers don't want any unexpected foreign body claims this holiday season.

To enter:

• post a photo on our Facebook, telling us your dog's holiday wish
• stop by Planet Dog and tell them Embrace sent you

Photos submitted during the month of November will be considered for entry. Winner will be contacted by Embrace Pet Insurance for prize fulfillment via sponsor.  Embrace staff and families not eligible to win.  Must not have won within last 90 days 

August Giveaway from Planet Dog

It's summer and you're out and about, hopefully with your dog in tow.  Planet Dog is sponsoring the perfect giveaway for you!  One lucky winner will receive a meal kit pack for their camping buddy, including a feed bag (shown right), a feeding bowl (left), a snack pack and a WOOF sticker.  Your dog will be pitching her "pup tent" in style!

To enter: head to our Facebook and tell us about your pet's adventures.  Be sure to use the word "adventure" in the post.

Then head over to the Planet Dog page and tell them Embrace Pet Insurance sent you!

We'll draw a winner on 9/1/11.

Photos submitted during August will be considered for entry.  Winner will be contacted by Embrace for prize fulfillment.  Embrace staff and families not eligible to win.  Must not have won within last 90 days.

 

Lula Blue Dog Shampoo

Yesterday's post reviewed my experience testing the natural Vermont Soaps Pet Shampooon Lyger.  Today's post is on Lula Blue Tea Tree and Lavender pet shampoo, tested out on none other than "Lula". 

Making the switch to natural shampoos with aromas like tea tree and lavender oils feels not only healthy, but indulgent.  Tahlula and I had spa time in the bath tub yesterday, and the shampoo smelled nice enough I was tempted to use it.  It was a pretty and light scent that didn't linger or leave a strong odor, even while she was wet.

Today, her coat is so shiny and black, it almost looks blue-black.  (Maybe that's the "Lula blue" working?)  It must have been good for her skin, as she doesn't have the usual dandruff and flakiness she often gets after a bath with a regular pet shampoo.

So, now that I've had 24 hours of naturally washed pets, am I ready to make the switch?  Definitely.  These shampoos are quite reasonably priced, $9.99 each for a full 8oz bottle.  They suds up so well that I think they'll last as long, if not longer than the cheap stuff.  Besides that, both dogs smell better than they've ever smelled after a bath.  There's no lingering wet-dog, deodorant stink.  Just pretty, shiny dogs that are pet-able and sleek.

I'll be keeping them fresh and clean with the Lula Blue Stinky Dog Spritzer between their natural baths.

For more on these and other natural pet and human products, visit Grace's Green Garden.

 

 

 

 

Making the switch to natural shampoos

I've never given much thought to changing my dogs' shampoo, normally using whatever is handy.  We were recently sent samples from not one, but two all natural pet shampoos.  The cosmos must have known I had two stinky dogs.

Yesterday was bath day, starting with Lyger testing Vermont Soaps Organics Pet Shampoo.  This one uses organic coconut, jojoba and olive oils.  As I was washing Lyger outside in the warm sun, the bottle of oils seemed to be getting warmed up, reminding me of a conditioning treatment.  I'm not sure what about the nice smells triggered the effect, but Lyger seemed to calm down as soon as I was spreading the soap on his fur.  The shampoo lathered up quite nicely and smoothly, and rinsed out just as easily.

I am really quite please with this shampoo, namely because it's the first time I've used a shampoo that didn't leave my dog smelling like cleanser.  You know the smell--that perfumey smell that smells like wet dog that rolled in a pile of car air freshners.  Today, Lyger smells fresh, with maybe a hint of coconut and citrus if I get right in there and sniff.  But, no "freshly washed" dog funk.

Nice bonus: the natural essential oil naturally repells insects without pesticides.

I've also been testing their Liquid Sunshine all purpose soap on my laundry and household cleaning, and that stuff is pretty impressive to.  How impressive?  Let's just say I left a batch of laundry in the washer too long, but a second wash with Liquid Sunshine got that mildew-y smell out! That is impressive!

Based on the ligher scent alone, I plan to make the switch to organic from here on out. Beyond the health benefits of going natural, I see now that it's better for their skin and coat.

Tomorrow, I'll have a review of Lula Blue Tea Tree and Lavender Shampoo.

What do you think about making the switch to natural pet shampoos? 

Planet Dog Gift Pack Giveaway

Planet Dog is not only to making eco-friendly products, but they also support pet rescue through the Planet Dog Foundation.  Their site sums it up better than I could:

"We want to share the benefits of advocating for and choosing adoption when a person decides to bring a pet into their life. We are grateful to every home that chooses to adopt when bringing a new pet into their lives. We also celebrate PDOG Retailers who are strong adoption advocates, and all shelters and rescue groups for their invaluable work on behalf of animal welfare at the local level."

(Read more about the great work they do.)

To spread the word about their Glow for Good Ball, and other products that support rescue efforts, they're giving away a fun prize pack including a WoodChuck, Glow for Good Ball and Adopt Ball.  You and your rescued friend will be ready to go fetch some fun this spring!

To enter:head to our Facebook, post a photo of your rescue pet, and tell us one thing about how you found her.  Like this:

 

We'll pick one entrant at random on May 1st, and ship the prize out. 

Photos submitted to Embrace's Facebook wall during April 2011 will be considered for entry.  Winner will be contacted by Embrace for prize fulfillment.  Embrace staff and families not eligible to win.  Must not have won within last 90 days.  One entry per faceook account.  

Orbee-Tuff Whistle Ball Review

My dogs are total Orbee fans. (Remember Lyger and his Strawberry?)  We were excited to try out the Orbee-Tuff Whistle Ball.  This ball is ideal for the dog with aging eyes, as it even glows in the dark--trust me, it's easy to find when it gets rolled under the couch.

The name is a bit of a misnomer.  The last thing I want to hear is a constant whistle while my dogs are playing, but this ball makes no annoying sound.  It makes a very faint noise when it's thrown or bounces, just enough for your dog to hear and track.  Not obnoxious at all. 

Tahlula loves chasing this thing down, scooping it up and running around nom-nom-nomming it.  It isn't rated by Orbee as a chewable toy, but it's held up very well with her chomping.  And her old eye see it just fine because it stands out in shadows.

$12.95 at Amazon

Check back TOMORROW when we announce our Orbee gift pack giveaway!

Antlers for April Earth Day!

Remember how stoked we were about the antlers that we got from Doggie Diva Dog Boutique?  Now, you can get stoked too!

Antlers are organic, naturally shed, and the definition of up-cycled. What better prize for an Earth Day Giveaway?

It's easy to enter!  Go "like" our Facebook page and post on our wall, telling us your dog's nickname. You know she has one!  I know I'm not only one calling my dogs silly things like "Boop" and "Princess Boogers".

Your post will be an entry to a drawing for a free elk antler, courtesy of The Doggie Diva.

Comments submitted to Embrace's Facebook wall during April 2011 will be considered for entry.  Winner will be contacted by Embrace for prize fulfillment.  Embrace staff and families not eligible to win.  Must not have won within last 90 days.  One entry per faceook account. 

(photo courtesy of Ceasar's Way)

 

Antlers-the new best thing

 
I've hear a lot of buzz about elk and deer antler dog treats as the latest and greatest for dogs that love to chew, but some of the praise seems almost too good to be true.  Do they last as long as everyone says?  Where do they come from?  Are they actually safe? I contacted Doggie Diva Dog Boutique for more info.  Antlers are their number one seller, so they sent me a pair to test out with Lyger and Tahlula.  We've had them for about 3 weeks now, so here's what our test hounds found:

How long do they last?

Doggie Diva says they can last up to 6 months-seems like we're right on target.  One of the two test antlers probably gets chewed for about three hours per day, by very tough chewers, and is only just now starting to show signs of wear.

Do they stink?

No!  They don't leave residue, they don't smell, and they don't stain my dogs fur or beds.  I'll never put up with the stinky hooves that we used to buy again! Phew!

Do they kill the animal to get the antlers?

Not at all!  Antlers are naturally shed in the wild, and collected right off the ground.  They're eco-friendly, 100% organic and humane.

Are they safe?

Yes, unlike rawhides, toys or other bones, antlers rarely splinter or break off.  Just be sure to buy the right size chunk of antler for your dog.  (We got medium pieces, when Tahlula might have needed a large-she did get 2 small bits off, but they were soft and small, so would not have caused her any harm.)  But, if you buy from Doggie Diva, they'll consult with you to make sure you get the appropriate size. 

Besides, the chewing is good for your pet's teeth, prevents boredom and inappropriate chewing.  Deer Antler velvet even has health benefits, helping with things like arthritis and muscle recovery.

Are they worth it?

I would say so.  Even buying a multi-pack of rawhides costs at least $8, and only lasts a few hours a piece-at most a few days or so.  One medium antler is $15, but is lasting for months, without any of the icky, slimy, chunky mess of rawhides or other chews. 

Most importantly: Do dogs like them?

Yes!  Lyger has his antler with him at all times.  If he doesn't have it, Tahlula does.  Because we're testing two samples, I see that my dogs prefer the lumpy base end piece, to the smooth point piece.  But, even the piece that they like less gets carried around as Lyger's new favorite retrievable toy.  He brings it to me when we come in, poking out of one side of his face, so he looks like a 1-tusked warthog.  We let a couple of other office dogs try them too, and they were a hit on all accounts.

What's better still, is that my dogs do not guard these as prized possessions, like they do real bones or rawhides.  I think antlers might be a good solution for a dog that is overly possessive of certain treats or chews.

 

Product Review: Waterdog

Keeping fresh water outdoors for dogs is a hassle in the summer.  You have to leave enough out to quench their thirst on a hot day, but extra water can become stale or form a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bugs.  Water bowls get spilled or dirty.  That is why I was so excited to test out the eco-friendly and clean pet water alternative, WaterDog.

The Waterdog hooks right onto your outdoor faucet, and a sonar senses when your dog approaches the unit.  It turns on, and releases a stream of fresh water for a few seconds, so your dog gets clean water on demand.  The unit has a "y" adapter, so your existing hose or sprinkler remains connected.  It eliminates the risk of dehydration or illness from drinking stagnant water, and remains on all through the warm months on just four batteries.

The Waterdog is durable and works just as described.  It's height is adjustable for pets of any size, even very large dogs.  My only advice would be that the unit is not well suited to high traffic areas, since it turns on whenever a person or pet comes within 3 feet of the unit.  We're still working on training our dogs to use the unit because they're both averse to the hose, (probably from getting spontaneous baths after rolling in "yuck").  But the manual offer several methods to train your dog to use the unit, and offers additional customer support, so we're making fast progress.  This product is so helpful, since Lula likes to spend the entire day outside on the back porch.  No more bringing her inside for water breaks!

Check out their video, or our personal trial video:

WaterDog from Lea Maxwell on Vimeo.

WaterDog is available online ($48.20 at Amazon) or at PetSmart or Costco.  Check back Monday when we'll announce our WaterDog Giveaway!

Read more pet Product Reviews

Bamboo Disposable Waste Bags

I used to be that person with a big grocery store bag sticking out of my pocket on our walks.  It's practical and easy to just grab and go.  So, I always thought that people with disposable dog poop bags were just wasting money on fancy poop bags.

But I've come to see the light.

At BlogPaws, I picked up one of Bamboo's Disposable waste bags & dispensers.  It's a hard plastic case, containing a small roll of baking soda smelling plastic bags.  I took the unit out on our walk, and instantly liked the idea of having out bags hanging neatly on the leash.  No bulky pockets.  Nothing to grab on the way out.  Just keep the container on your leash (or by the litter box), and you'll never be left without one.

The bags roll out neatly, and if you pull out an extra by accident, they roll right back in. The baking soda aroma really does mask the stinky contents of the bag, and the bags are plenty big, tie up nice and neat, and help keep your hands clean and away from the mess. 

So, now I'm one of "those" people that walks their dog with a "fancy" bag dispenser. But I'm not ashamed to admit it. In fact, it's one of the few luxuries that come with picking up poop.  They start at about $4 at a store near you, with 24 count refill rolls are also available.  Try the luxury for yourself!