Runts Deserve Love Too!

When shopping for a new family pet, consumers may have conflicting information regarding purchasing the "runt of the litter".  There are several reasons why dogs receive the runt title.  Most commonly the smallest and/or weakest dog born to a litter is termed the runt.  This smaller stature could be due to several reasons.
1.  The dog did not receive as much nutrition from their mother's milk post birth. 
2.  Female dogs can conceive for several days.  The runt may be a few days younger than the other dogs, causing a smaller size.
3.  As with humans, some puppies are simply smaller than their siblings due to genetics.  This is especially common in mixed breed puppies.  One pup may take after their larger breed father while another lends itself more to their mothers smaller stature for example.

More serious medical factors may be at play, which is why a veterinarians exam is always recommended for all pups in a litter.  However, runts have a great chance of really thriving as healthy, happy dogs if given the right nutrition, exercise, and of course love.  As Blue Paw Nation member Cathie of Palo Alto, CA points out her Curly Coated Retriever "Lightning" lives life to the fullest despite her so called runt status.  "Lightning was the first to leave the whelping box, the first to nip at the breeders toes, and jumps into trees to get the neighborhood squirrells", proud mom Cathie boasts.  At 50 lbs Lightning is 10-12 pounds lighter than her three Curly housemates, however her personality does not reflect this size inferiority.  The runt you decide to purchase may surprise you as well.

                       Brought to you with love from Blue Paw Nation

Why Do Dogs Sniff Each Others Butts? A Navajo "Tail"

On a recent trip to a Navajo reservation in Sedona, Arizona Navajo Nation member Jimmy "Smoke" shared this story with me...Enjoy!

Long ago, Dog and Coyote held a counsel each year.  All important canine topics were discussed at this annual meeting.  Each animal would make the trip to the land where counsel was held, and one by one they waited on the long line to enter through one singular door.  At one important counsel it was decided to give each member their own door to prevent such long lines.  Both Dog and Coyote were happy.

At the next counsel Dog and Coyote entered each door, but before entering Dog removed its tail and hung it outside their door for two good reasons:
1.  To remember which door belongs to which Dog
2.  To sit confortably during the long counsel
As a joke, Dog nailed Coyotes door shut, preventing him from entering the meeting.  Coyote sat and thought of a way to get back at Dog for his trick.  So, Coyote went door to door switching the tails on all of Dog's doors.  When counsel was finished Dog exited, and immediatly put on the tail that hung on their door.  Dog sensed something was wrong right away.  Dog sniffed and sniffed and quickly realized the tail hung on their door was not his own!  And so, Coyote sat and laughed, watching Dog go from rear end to rear end sniffing furiously to find their lost tail!
                                Brought to you with love by http://www.bluepawnation.com/

Gluten Free Diets for Dogs?

Jasmine

Second home, New Lifestyle

At the age of two Jasmine had to move to a new home. Fortunately this new home had three kids and a mom and dad that love animals, especially dogs.

Unfortunately two of the children were recently diagnosed with celiac disease and need to eat gluten free food. As the family has begun exploring gluten free foods and recipes  the dog has as well.  Turns out that Jasmine likes this gluten free diet as well!

Pups Go Bananas For Bananas

Small bite size homemade banana treats are a big hit with these pups!

Ingredients: 

• 2 cups flour (whole wheat flour preferred)
• 1/2 cup dry nonfat milk
• 1 beef bouillon cube 
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
• 1 egg 
• 1/2 cup water -- hot 
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil 
• 1/3 cup mashed ripe banana

Supporting a Greener USA

When clients buy Blue Paw Nation products online they thank you for supporting Mother Nature and our beautiful USA by buying Blue Paw Nation products.

Blue Paw Nation uses eco friendly textiles distributed by US companies for all of our waist packs, dog beds, dog collars, and three foot leashes.

Blue Paw Nation recognizes that people that support businesses using eco-friendly to created a greener USA and give free shipping on future orders or to pass the savings along and share the coupon with a friend!

Recognizing Pet Bistro

Blue Paw Nation recognizes Pet Bistro for their organic efforts towards dog health and wellness...

Pet Bistro is an American company that sells organic dog food with the highest possible nutritional standard naturally in order to ensure wellness and optimum health of your pet.

Their mission is to improve the quality of your dog's diet and therefore improve their quality of life.

Blue Paw Nation loves to share home made recipes but the natural ingredients in their organic dog food will maximize your dog’s life expectancy and ensure that your pet will lead a long, healthy and happy life.

Homemade Dog Cigars

"Dog Cigars"

Ingredients

3 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup nonfat dry milk
1/3 cup vegetable shortening
1 large egg
3/4 cup fresh beef, pork, lamb, or chicken drippings
2 cookie sheets or baking trays

The Blue Paw Crew Celebrates Earth Day

The Blue Paw Crew are Walker, a curious little boy, POE, his protective puppy, and their neighbors Rider, a little girl who loves to explore on her bike and her smart dog ROE. This Earth Day ...

Why buy organic dog products?

Outside of the awesome effects on the planet that buying natural and sustainable products brings, your dog receives benefits as well.

With Earth Day coming soon, Blue Paw Nation wants to share some information about why organic textile products are good for you and your dog.

Dachshunds & Sensitive Tummies

Many Dachshunds have food allergies and sensitive tummies. Our friend Jigas like a recipe that's also used for babies ... boiled, skinless chicken and overcooked, mushy white rice. Tastes great with no additives and easy on the tummy.

Do You Walk Your Dog or Does Your Dog Walk You?

The importance of daily dog walks cannot be truly understood until one sees it first hand. From high energy breeds like Jack Russells and Boxers to lower maintenance dogs like Great Danes and Mastiffs, a daily dog walk is natures Puppy Prozac.

Simply walking the dog each day is not enough to ensure discpline throughout all other activities however. The most effective training tool available is a dog that is walked properly by their leader. Read on to find out how and why.

Eye Contact Training With Your Dog

Making eye contact with your dog is one of the fundamental lessons toward a well trained animal. A pet that understands the non verbal cue of eye contact from leader to dog will listen to instruction more quickly, even when highly stimulated outdoors. Follow the below steps until your dog responds to your glances.

Turkey Burgers For Dogs

Dogs love Turkey Burgers! If you're cooking for yourself and want to share a dog-friendly turkey burger this is the recipe for you. Create them any size you want but mini turkey burgers make great snack or a fun treat for your dog at a summer BBQ!

Running with Man's Best Friend

There is nothing like fresh air in your lungs. Breathing in, breathing out; feeling your chest expand and contract with cool, clean oxygen. There is just nothing like it.

I have never been a runner until recently. Last year my husband and I added a new addition to our 2 dog 2 human pack, a little boy named Kellen.

Mother Nature Hates Hummers and...Hound Dogs?!?

Blue Paw Nation Reviews

"Time to Eat the Dog? The Real Guide to Sustainable Living" 

"Time to Eat the Dog? The Real Guide to Sustainable Living" by Robert and Brenda Vale, reveals that dogs are worse for the environment than SUVs. 

According to the Vales' research, a medium-sized dog has twice the impact of driving a luxury SUV 10,000 miles. 

Brown Dog Foundation

Brown Dog Foundation

http://www.browndogfoundation.org

It is Brown Dogs mission to offer pet owners in temporary financial crisis an alternative to euthanasia when their pet faces a treatable but life threatening condition or illness in order to restore quality of life for pet and owner. Every dog deserves another day...Every cat deserves nine lives!

Why Are Omega 3 Supplements Important for Dogs?

Our dog Blue, a Pit/Mastiff mix suffered from double hip dysplasia as a young pup.  Consequently she underwent surgery on both hips before turning 1.  We have been very happy with the results in the 7 years since the surgery.  However arthritis and stiff joints are a natural issue associated with Blue's previous condition and large 90 pound frame.  To prevent a serious arthritic condition from developing we follow the following daily regimine. 
Daily dog walks, hip massage, and an all natural diet including Omega 3 fatty acid supplements for dogs.

Why Omega 3's?

Omega 3 fatty acids are vital for normal function of every organ system in the body, particularly the immune system. A lack of omega 3s contributes to the following disorders:
*Joint inflammation and arthritis
*Allergy - dry itchy skin, recurring skin infection, recurring ear infections
*Autoimmune disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease
*Loss of mental alertness in older dogs

The Domestic vs. Wild Dog Diet

A wild carnivores diet is composed mostly of small animals and birds eaten whole. This natural diet is high in omega 3 fatty acids and low in omega 6s. Commercial dog food contains a lot of cereal grain which is high in omega 6 fatty acids and low in omega 3s. This lack of omega 3s affects the health of our pets in many common skin and degenerative conditions.

Safe Omega 3 Handling and Shelf Life

 Deep water fish concentrate toxins like mercury and cancer-causing PCBs. If we are going to use fish oil for ourselves or our pets, purity is an important concern.  Fish oils oxidize easily. Old or improperly stored fish oil oxidizes, creating free radicals which are toxic. Pure, fresh fish oil is light in color. It has very little fishy flavor and almost no odor. The pump dispensers used for some veterinary omega oil supplements are easy to use, but oxidize the product. Once opened, fish oil needs to be refrigerated and used within three months. Wipe away excess oil from the lip of the bottle after each use so you don’t accumulate oxidized oil and contaminate the next dose.

Recommendations
*Feed a low fat all natural diet free of "meal" by products
*Supplement with cod liver oil or with fish oil gel caps. Buy only high quality products.
*Give pets of all ages one teaspoon of cod liver oil per 50 lbs. or the equivalent amount of fish oil gel caps.
*Dogs that have arthritis, immune disorders, allergies, recurring skin problems, or chronic kidney disease should receive one teaspoon of cod liver oil (or the equivalent) per 20 lbs.

Brought to you by: http://www.bluepawnation.com/

Dogs Are a Baby's Best Friend

Cooking meals and homemade treats for our four legged friends has always been a favorite activity at Blue Paw Nation.  As my grandmother said, preparing a healthy meal for your family is the best way to say I Love You.  We think this goes for our canine family members as well.  After witnessing this mornings breakfast we realize this activity has been passed down to the next generation of the Blue Paw Crew. 

The BLUE PAW CREW Comedy Hour

Wearing Lil Paw Pack

The Blue Paw Crew is a series of kid stories by Blue Paw Nation.

The Comedy Hour are some family friendly pet jokes.

Please share with your children.

New Years Resolution - More Omega 3

We have supplemented our dog, Blue's diet with daily regime of Omega 3 to prevent a serious arthritic condition from developing after a double hip dysplasiahas surgery when she was just a pup.

For those of you looking to add more Omega 3 to your dog's diet consider the following recommendations for supplementing Omega 3.

Stop Your Puppy From Chewing On Electrical Wires

Chewing electrical wires is a  favorite but dangerous hobby for many puppies.  Even after your new best friend grows into adulthood they may still find exposed household wires irresistible. 

Dog Calendar

Looking for a fun, motivating dog calendar?

Blue Paw Nation loves the 2011 Yoga Dogz Calendar!