In addition to snow-filled walkways and nights by the fire, another thing winter tends to bring along is a few extra pounds. Living in Northeastern PA, us folks at Golden Pet Supplies know all too well that when the weather outside is frightful, an extra cup of cocoa is so delightful! Unfortunately, it’s more delightful on the lips than the hips, and not just in appearance but in health and flexibility as well. Just like extra weight can keep a good dog down and cause undue stress on joints, our own get-up-and-go is affected by every extra calorie as well, leaving us less likely to get the exercise we need – exercise that is often found in a relaxing walk with our four-legged friends.

There’s no time like the present to kick our couch potato habits to the curb. The sun is shining, sweaters are getting packed away, and in many cases, the dogs are quite literally barking! The best part of turning over a new leaf? Many of the benefits are immediate. It may take some time to feel the waistband get looser and feel a substantial increase in energy, but the rejuvenating feeling of getting the blood flowing and enjoying the fresh air kick in begin with the first walk. To be sure you start out your new routine on the best foot possible, check with your physician to ensure you create a plan that suits your current physical condition, and check with your veterinarian as well to see what kind of limits your dog may have. Pushing too hard from the beginning can set you back quite a bit with recovery time, which not only means unnecessary pain, but also presents an opportunity to fall off the fitness wagon once again before you’ve even really begun.

Once you have the people and pup doctors’ go-ahead, think about your diet and your dog’s diet and look for areas that can use improvement. Spring and summer months present an opportunity to include tons of fresh fruits and vegetables into your meals and as snacks, and you can ensure your furry friend is getting his share as well with a selection from our Organic Dog Treats lineup. If joint problems are an issue for either of you, there are a lot of options available to address the aches before they begin. Again, we advise that you discuss some options for you with your physician, and consider our top-of-the-line Re-Leaf Dog Joint Supplement to keep your pooch’s four legs moving swiftly! 
 

You love your dog, and there’s likely a special place in your heart for all animals. Chances are you also have an inherent respect for all forms of nature, and are someone that recognizes the importance of preserving our planet not only for ourselves, but for each and every living thing. Respecting and protecting nature is important. We only have one planet and we need to keep it healthy! We all need to do our part to reduce, reuse, and recycle, and organic dog supplies now allow you to additionally help preserve Mother Earth!

They really make organic dog supplies?

Yes, they do! Every single one of the products available at GoldenPetSupplies.com are either organic or eco-friendly. We believe very strongly in organic dog supplies, and we want you to know that you can give your canine friends products you can trust. Our dog vitamins and organic dog treats are made from ingredients that are all natural and chemical free, right here is the U.S.A. They are also made from ingredients that are designed to improve your dog’s health, while tasting great at the same time.

Likewise, all of our items, such as our organic plush dog toys, dog blankets, eco-friendly dog beds, bamboo dog collars, and bamboo dog leashes, are environmentally-friendly. All of the rubber and fabric that is used in our materials is 100% recycled and does not contain chemicals or substances that can break down and be harmful to your pup or our precious Earth. Our dog leashes and collars are made from bamboo, a strong and durable grass that is fast growing, easy to replace, and naturally bacteria and odor resistant. By choosing organic dog supplies, you’re working to keep both the planet and your dog quite healthy without sacrificing an ounce of luxury!

Do your part to help preserve the environment for not only future generations, but for future generations of canines! We encourage you to view all of our exceptional organic dog supplies at GoldenPetSupplies.com.

If you have visited GoldenPetSupplies.com, chances are you’re a dog person. And as a dog person, you love to play with your dog both for enjoyment and exercise. We also know that you love to take your dog to the park, or take a refreshing dip in the pool with your pooch. Maybe you also like to take your hound with you while you're on the hunt. Like most great best friends, they’re usually up for just about anything you suggest! Your dog loves to be with you just as much as you love to be with your dog, but for the active dog, arthritis might set in at an earlier age. You can help prevent the onset of arthritis by using a dog arthritis supplement.

They make supplements for dogs?

They do! You can find a number of supplements for your canine friends at GoldenPetSupplies.com. An example of one of these dog supplements is our dog arthritis supplement. These dog arthritis supplements are specifically designed to help keep your dog's hips and joints strong and free of pain.

How exactly do dog arthritis supplements help?

A dog arthritis supplement, like Joint Re-Leaf, actually provides a great deal of benefit for your pooch. Unlike other brands, Joint Re-Leaf combines the standard ingredients of glucosamine and chondroitin but then goes a step further by adding our unique blend of quercetin and omega-3 fish oil, in order to provide the greatest benefit to your dog's joints. When combined, these substances help keep your dog's joints lubricated, which means your dog can be more active and flexible without feeling the pain associated with arthritis. These substances will also help fight inflammation and prevent the further deterioration of the cartilage in and around the joints. In addition, our unique blend of ingredients also benefits other critical systems of the body such as the heart and lungs. Who would have thought that a single dog arthritis supplement could offer so many benefits to your dog's health?

So if you love your four-legged-friend and their sense of adventure, consider using a dog arthritis supplement to help prevent and fight the pain they likely will experience from aging. GoldenPetSupplies.com is here to provide you with the dog arthritis supplement, Joint Re-Leaf, to ensure your dog is healthy and happy at any age.

Our dogs are our best friends, offering us unconditional love, friendship, and a happy wagging tail when we walk through the front door after a long day. However, as our pups start to get on in years, their playful spirits might be hampered by hip and joint pain. It is an unfortunate reality, but it is one that comes along with the aging process. You want to help prevent pain for your pooch and keep them active, so consider using a dog glucosamine supplement from GoldenPetSupplies.com.

What is Glucosamine?

You're probably wondering, “What exactly is a dog glucosamine supplement?” Glucosamine sounds like a term that you'd expect to hear at the doctor’s office in relation to your own health, but it actually makes for a very healthy and safe addition to your dog’s diet.

A dog glucosamine supplement, like Joint Re-Leaf, brings a number of health benefits for your dogs as they age, with glucosamine being one of the main building blocks of cartilage. When you introduce additional levels of glucosamine to your dog’s diet, it will help to increase the amount of lubrication between the joints. More lubrication means that the joints will move more easily and will be more flexible.

Don't Forget to Start Early

The best way to stop your dog from experiencing pain is to prevent it before it starts. When your dog reaches middle age, he or she may have already begun to feel pain in their joints. By starting your pet on a dog glucosamine supplement, such as Joint Re-Leaf, at an earlier age you will help to delay the wearing down of the joints. Likewise, the pain that comes with the degradation of joints will be kept at bay longer as well. Although our supplements will assist your pup with pain relief, the path to stop pain before it starts is a much more appealing path to walk!

So be sure to visit GoldenPetSupplies.com to find a dog glucosamine supplement that you can use to help keep your dog pain free and active, and greeting you at the door with a smile for many more years to come!

With the summer upon us, now is the best time of year to get out and start walking with your dog. Not only is it good for them, but it’s good for you! Walking with your dog is great exercise, and it’s also a wonderful way to bond with your pooch. They keep you on track when you feel like resting, and they’re always ready to spend time with you out and about.

Before you hit the dusty trails, there’s a few things you should consider. It doesn’t take a lot of prep time to have an enjoyable walk routine with your dog, but you should heed these five dog walking tips:

Stay On The Leash – Even the best trained dog can get distracted, so make sure to always keep your dog on a leash. A small child or a loose cat can just be too tempting for some dogs and they’ll run off to check things out. In many communities, it’s illegal to walk your dog off a leash, so it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Don’t Forget The Baggies – When nature calls, you need to be ready! Be a good neighbor and always come prepared to clean up after Fido. We like to reuse bags we get from the grocery store or even sandwich baggies after we’ve used them to carry our lunch to work.

Keeping Cool – This is especially important in the summer as dogs are more prone to overheating than humans. Since dog’s don’t sweat, they need to cool themselves by panting, resting in the shade, or taking a drink. Take some water with you and make sure to take a few breaks in a shady spot on hot days.

Have ID – Your dog should never leave the house without his tags on. In the event of your dog breaking free, his tags may help reunite the two of you should you become separated. They’re a clear indicator that he’s up to date on his shots and is someone’s beloved pet, making people less apprehensive to approach your pet so they can help him find his way home.

Physical Readiness – Does your dog have any health problems? If your dog is overweight or has joint pain, check with your vet before taking them on any longer walks. A dog joint supplement like Joint Re-Leaf may also help.

Happy Trails Everyone!
 

At GoldenPetSupplies.com - going green is more than just a fad or a recent trend. Being eco friendly is a way of life for us here, and we love sharing ways to become more earth friendly with all of our customers. Our earth is our most precious resource and there's always something more that we can all be doing to preserve it for future generations. What you might have not thought about is what your dog can do to help too!

Many dog products aren't exactly the most eco-friendly, which why we've scoured the web to find the very best organic dog supplies. Not only are they better for the planet, but they're also better for your dog. If you want your pooch to live a healthier and greener life, why not try some of the following:

Stop Using Pesticides - Using pesticides on your lawn or garden might keep bugs away and let your plants flourish, but it gets into the ground water and can eventually contaminate our drinking water. It can also have more immediate harmful effects if your pet ingests it.

Buy Organic Pet Toys - If your dog is anything like some of the pets we have the joy of knowing, he probably loves to play! Some pet owners can go through piles and piles of toys with dogs who enjoy a more destructive play time. Those used toys can then sit in a landfill for years while they decompose. Your pet can also ingest harmful chemicals while they have their favorite toy in their mouth. Eco friendly dog toys not only eliminate the worry, but when they start to lose their luster you don't have to worry about

Go All Natural - Maybe your dog is prone to ear infections. Or maybe he's got some allergies and is always scratching. Whatever the problem, there are a ton of treatments out there to provide relief to sensitive dogs. But what kind of chemicals are in those products? There are all natural oils and remedies that you can use on your dog that will keep him healthy, like tea tree oil and shea butter.

Ther are literally thousands of ways you can go green this Earth Day. What are some of your favorite tips and tricks?

With Spring in full bloom, allergy sufferers around the U.S. are stocking up on tissues and Claritin, but they’re not the only ones that are suffering. Many dogs across the world suffer from various forms of allergy, and the warm weather brings a host of challenges. Different dogs experience allergies in different ways, so look out for any of the following symptoms:

Ear Scratching/Shaking Of The Head – This if often a symptom of inhalant allergies, similar to our seasonal allergies. Imagine if you had an itch that you just couldn’t reach! That’s how dogs often feel with seasonal allergies. Their ear flaps may become red and hot, and they’ll scratch to get relief until they hurt themselves.  You can try washing their ears with a cool cloth and an all natural anti itch spray, or an organic ear aid relief kit.

Rubbing Face On Carpeting – This can be both a symptom of inhalant allergies and food allergies, so it’s best to look for it in concert with other symptoms. If they’re scratching and rubbing their face, you might need to treat seasonal allergies. Also check for gastrointestinal problems that might be a sign of food allergies.

Chewing On Feet – Again, this can be a symptom of multiple types of allergies. You can treat the symptom with an itch relief spray, and you can also buy conditioning paw treatments that will help their paw pads stay healthy and clean. Wash their paws regularly to avoid build up of dirt and allergens.

Vomiting – If your dog is vomiting, or even if they have loose stool or a lot of flatulence, they might have a food allergy. It’s not uncommon for dogs to have problems with one or more of the ingredients in their food. The easiest way to test this is to give the dog a special diet and slowly test different foods until the culprit is caught.

With a little bit of care, you can effectively manage your  dog’s allergies and live a happy and healthy life together!
 

At GoldenPetSupplies.com, we're proud of each and every ingredient that we include in our products, including Joint Re-Leaf, our canine joint supplement. A few people have asked us about the ingredients included in Joint Re-Leaf, specifically, they want to know more about Quercetin.

Quercetin is a flavonoid, which is derived from sources like green tea and apples. Lab studies have shown it to have powerful anti-inflamatory and antioxident properties, and scientists continue to research it to fully understand it's potential. Like any vitamin or mineral, it's best used as as a supplement to an already healthy diet. Since dogs tend to eat less fruits and vegetables than we would, adding Quercetin in to their diet via Joint Re-Leaf is an excellent way to make sure they're getting ample amounts to help them with their joint pain.

On top of all these benefits, early research indicates that Quercetin may reduce the risks of cancer. The American Cancer Society is continuing to research this, but it's an added benefit for dogs who may be pre-disposed to certain types of cancer.

Interested in learning more? Leave us a comment or try a bottle of Joint Re-Leaf yourself and watch your dog get a little more spring in his step. You can see the benefts of Quercetin first hand!

As we mentioned before, February is the National Veterinary's Association Pet Dental Health Month. Vets across the United States want every pet owner to take the time and investigate their pet's mouth.

Does your pet have bad breath? Do you just pass it off as a dog or cat thing? Well, the vets of the country want you to know that it may actually be the start of a serious oral health condition.

An oral health problem may lead to other complications such as loss of teeth, loss of appetite, weigh loss, and systemic diseases. All of these complications can be avoided, so long as you check your pet regularly for bad breath or gum line discoloration – and if you do regular cleanings.

It is recommended that your pet gets a professional teeth cleaning once a year. Now is the time to make an appointment to ensure that your dog's teeth and gums are healthy and clean.

So keep your pet smiling, and be aware of the possibility of oral disease. Remember – Pet Dental Health Month shouldn't be the only time you take time out of your day to focus on your pup's teeth. Make sure you are feeding your dog treats that prevent tartar and are giving your pup regular brushing to avoid the risk of serious dental health issues.

February is Pet Dental Health Month and members of the American Veterinary Medical Association are encouraging pet owners just like you to take some time to brush up on your dog’s dental hygiene by learning how to properly brush your pet’s teeth and using smart tips for good dental health.

"Most people have no idea that dental health is so important to their pets, and that's why Pet Dental Health Month is such a great idea," explains Dr. Larry Corry, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, in a news release. "In fact, veterinarians report that periodontal disease is the most commonly diagnosed problem in dogs and cats. This can lead to painful infections of the mouth, and in severe cases these infections can spread and become life-threatening conditions. During Pet Dental Health Month, the AVMA is encouraging all dog and cat owners to regularly brush their pet's teeth and regularly see their veterinarian for checkups."

Here are some of the things that you can do this month to ensure that your dog’s chops get into tip top shape:

1.)Practice regular brushings every day – not just during Pet Dental Health Month.

2.)Take your dog to the vet for a proper dental exam and teeth cleaning.

3.)If you notice your dog chewing funny or if his eating habits aren’t normal, you may want to get him checked out for a dental health problem.

4.)Schedule regular veterinary checkups so that your vet can monitor your dog’s dental health routine and offer insight into what you could be doing better to give your dog the best dental healthy.

5.)Start a dental care regimen at home by setting aside a time to brush your pet’s teeth.

6.)Use gum-stimulating dog chews and toys that can encourage healthy chewing habits.

7.)Invest in dog treats and dog foods that are designed to combat plaque and tartar build-up, which could contribute to periodontal disease.

8.)Never give your pet food he or she shouldn’t be having or could be dangerous to his or her teeth.

Five years ago, researchers uncovered another link between humans and dogs: the flu!

Canine influenza was first identified back in 2004 by virologists at Cornell's Animal Health Diagnostic Center after a number of greyhounds contracted an unusual respiratory infection after spending time at a Florida racetrack. The cause: a type of H3N8 influenza that was usually found previously in horses.

Since its discovery, it has spread around the nation and unfortunately for some dog owners, the illness thrives in areas where dogs are social. Last year, boarding kennels and shelters in at least eight states (New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, Colorado, Georgia and Florida) saw outbreaks of the canine flu.
 

Training facilities, animal shelters, dog shows, doggie day-care centers, kennels, and grooming salons are typically breeding grounds for canine influenza and if your dog tends to frequent these high traffic areas, it may be best for you to cut back on his exposure to other dogs during peak flu season. Just like human flu, this illness is spread through coughs and sneezes, contaminated objects such as water bowls, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected animals.
 

Also like the human flu, the symptoms of canine influenza share some similarities. Coughing, sneezing, respiratory difficulty, and runny nose are the most common manifestations of the illness and unfortunately, most dogs who are exposed to the canine flu will get sick.

With proper medical care in accordance with your veterinarian, dogs usually recover in two weeks without further health complications, however if your dog is very young, very old, or is recovering from another illness or injury, he or she may be at a higher risk for complications which could lead to death.

“With any respiratory infection in dogs, you do have the potential for it to morph into a secondary bacterial pneumonia, which then might -- if untreated aggressively -- result in the death of some animals,” said Edward Dubovi, a professor of virology at Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine, in a recent interview with HealthDay. In fact, it's estimated that approximately two percent of dogs that contract H3N8 died from related complications.

If your dog falls in the high risk categories, which can further be defined by your veterinarian, it may be best to consider the canine flu vaccine.

Many dog owners understand that pets age and will encounter health problems as they get older, however, they sometimes don't always know what to look for when trying to detect a common canine health problem, such as arthritis. Approximately 1 out of 5 dogs suffer from canine arthritis and without the proper treatment, their overall quality of life can be diminished. You want the best for your dog and you want to be able to keep him healthy and comfortable, even in his golden years. To do that, you need to make sure that your dog is receiving the proper treatment should he develop arthritis. However, the first step to determining treatment is the identification of the ailment.

Detecting canine arthritis isn't as easy as detecting arthritis in a person. After all – dogs cannot speak to exactly where the pain or discomfort is. Most veterinarians agree that the following symptoms may be the best indicators of canine arthritis:

• Limping

• Lethargy

• Lagging behind on walks, though not to be mistaken with normal slowing with age

• Difficulty rising from a resting or sitting position

• Expression of pain when touched

• A personality change resisting touch

• Reluctance to walk, climb stairs, jump, or play

Should you notice any of these symptoms, it's best to consult with your veterinarian to have your dog examined for canine arthritis. Health factors such as weight, bone development, traumatic injury, and joint fluid analysis may be utilized – however, these factors are only to be considered by a professional. Do not try to diagnose your dog. Contact your vet and seek out treatment options that are available for your pet.

Your dog, just like you, can have a tough time withstanding winter's chill. However, by taking the right steps, you and your pup can prevent this winter from being even more troubling. By following a few simple rules of safety, you can be sure that winter will be fun, full of energy, and a great time for spending outdoors. Plus, after enjoying some winter fun, you can always curl up with your pup to relax and warm up!

First of all, it's important to keep in mind that sidewalks and roadways are going to be covered with de-icing chemicals which can be irritating or even toxic to your dog. Make sure that you wipe your dog's paws clean after coming in from a potty break or a daily walk. If you have to use salt on your own property, be sure to choose pet-friendly de-icer to reduce the risk of irritation or poisoning.

Next, be sure to check your dog's paws for ice balls that may have formed in the hair while outside. Even a little bit of moisture can freeze and cause irritation to your dog's paws and skin. Think about having your pup wear booties to prevent ice formation or even frostbite.

During the winter, many people use antifreeze in their cars, which is very dangerous to dogs. The active ingredient, ethylene glycol, can cause fatal kidney damage in just a matter of hours. Do not let your pet near any antifreeze! It has a sweet smell and taste, so clean up any spills and put away all bottles out of their reach. If your dog ingests antifreeze and receives no medical attention, they could die in less than a day. Signs of antifreeze poisoning: depression, lack of coordination, diarrhea, thirst, and seizures.

Finally, take care to keep your dog warm. Hypothermia can happen to your pet should his body temperature fall much lower than its normal 101 degrees. The first sign of hypothermia is shivering, then respiratory depression, lethargy, weakness, gums turn pale or bluish, lack of coordination, paralysis, and collapse. Avoid hypothermia by keeping your home warm, avoiding extended time outdoors in cold weather, and dressing your dog in the appropriate winter clothing.