Dog Nutrition on the News

We were recently interviewed by Fox21 News. Watch to see the story here

Additional news story will air on June 12, 2015 at 6:30 pm to learn about different varieties of pet food nutrition.

Dog Nutrition-Ingredients That Matter

Debbie explains Ingredients and what to look for in dog food. Should your dog be eating grain-free? Which 2 dogs should absolutely have grain free food? Listen to hear some great tools when picking out your pet's food.  More info visit our  Pet Store in Colorado Springs

Is Your Dog Really Listening To You?

I think sometimes dogs have selective hearing...like when you say "want a biscuit" vs."do you want a bath?"
Dogs can know up to 136 words and they really do listen. In fact, they rely on their super hearing skills much more than we mere humans. But, their ears can be telltale signs to their health,too. Have you ever touched the ear of your dog and they swing their head away? Or, is your dog shaking his head alot? These can be signs of a painful ear infection. Look inside the ear to see if you smell something foul or see any waxy discharge.
Often times, the food your dog is eating may be the problem and too many ear infections can lead to hearing loss. If it is the food there are some commom culprits like wheat, corn or soy in the food. Other issues might be brewer's yeast, eggs or even chicken. The answer is to figure it out and get your dog healthy asap.
Monthly cleaning of the ear with a product like Halo 9 Ear Wash can help. Antibiotics have a place however, sometimes with ear infections the medicine can only mask the real issue. If you think your dog has had too many ear infections, (or even one) let's talk holistic health with cleanings and great food first. Come in and talk to us! Call us at 719-495-7387

Give A Dog A Bed

This morning as I walked around the house I realized I have 8 beds and three crates for our six dogs to relax in, on and enjoy. When I think about their beds it's important they have a safe place to retreat. Most of our dogs are rescues and some like the cave idea (crate) while others like to be completely enveloped in the plushest bed ever. You should see Curly the miniature poodle, legs sticking straight up in the air enjoying his soft cuddly bed. Dogs seem to like texture and plush beds can do just that. Lucy, our Llhasa loves the bed with the electric heater (just for dogs) all year round. She is the senior in the family and she can snooze ever so deeply with some added warmth to her joints.
My point is give your dog a comfortable, safe bed and remember to never use a bed as a scolding place. Try and buy the best bed you can to last a long, long time (one of our beds is 15 years old) and make sure you can remove the cover to freshen it up in the wash. Your dog will LOVE you for it!

Pet Insurance-Yes or No?

CNBC recently asked the question "Is pet insurance worth it?" Being the owner of 6 dogs, I have a bit of experience in this arena, too. Just like CNBC has reported sometimes it's worth it and sometimes not. When I went out researching pet insurance I found that there was a lot of fine print to be read. One of the most important I found was breed specific. Take for instance, my schnauzer, Bella. Just because Bella is a schnauzer she is genetically predisposed to get some sort of kidney disease (often kidney stones). Since the insurance companies really don't like paying out claims they disallow that with a schnauzer. So, make sure to read the fine print. If your dogs breed is subject to a particular disease make sure your pet insurance covers that particular disease. Next, I think it's great to have insurance on puppies and kittens. The premiums are generally not a lot and you decide the deductible. Most insurances do not cover well checks (but require them annually) and they do not cover teeth cleanings or vaccines. I have used pet insurance for a few of my dogs on torn ACL's and it was great when the procedure was $1300 and I came up with $200 (my deductible) and another 20%. That was well worth the price of the premium. As our pets age, just like us, the insurance premiums go up, so, you need to consider if the premium is worth the investment. Just consider the financial risk or expense that may incur as costs can add up quickly.visit us on www.furryfriendsinc.com

Stop Dog Shedding With Mud

If you don't think mud can stop your dog from shedding you would be wrong! SuperZoo in Vegas this year, the largest pet trade show, had a great surprise for us as we shopped all the latest and greatest in the pet industry. We stumbled upon mud....and not just any mud, Mediterranean Mud. You know the kind of mud you might find at the finest of spas for yourself. Well, this mud was unique in that it had special properties to stop the shedding on your dog. Watch this video and see how much hair Nash, the lab, lost during his walk in shower mud bath. His owner will tell you Nash has seen some "spectacular" results stopping the shedding. Easy to apply and the dog will love you for it. Stop in and see us at 3586 C Hartsel in the Woodmen Shopping Center, Furry Friends Inc and get the Mediterranean Mud upgrade...you and the vacuum will be glad you did. Phone 719-495-7387

What's Up With Coconuts and Canines?

You've heard the benefits of coconuts for humans? Well, that transfers to your dogs health, too! That's great news when you look at what advocates of coconut oil are saying. Here's some of the benefits although there have been no clinical trials. Check out this list:
*Reduces risk of cancer and other degenerative conditions
*Improves choesterol levels and helps fight heart disease
*Improves digestion
*Get rid of disorders like Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers and colitis
*Powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agents that prevent infection and disease
*Helps arthritis
*Treats yeast and fungal infections
*Prevents viral infections
*Normal thyroid function
*Reduces allergic reactions
Coconut oil today can easily be found at your local health food store and not only can be ingested but, also applied topically. Dogs love the taste so incorporating it into their diet may be easier than you think. Go slow at first as not to create diarrhea. 1/2 tsp per small dog and 1 tsp per large dog daily. The optimum dose is 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of dog, or 1 tablespoon per 30 pounds. Although, each dog can vary for what is ideal for that dog.
Internet forums suggest that overweight dogs can become lean, coats are super shiny and arthritic dogs walk much better with it. Contact dermatitis, hot spots, and other allergic reactions can be soothed by topically applying coconut oil or adding it to their food. You can even use it to improve your dog's breath! The dogs generally love the taste so make sure if put on topically that it is allowed to dry before they lick it all off.
Don't forget about buying fresh coconuts which can keep your dog busy for hours. Check out the internet on how to open and remove the coconut water (which your dog can also drink). Split the coconut in half or in several pieces and let your dog chew away.
So, take your coconut daily and include your dog in this healthy routine!