Tick and flea season can be extremely frustrating for your furry friends! The bites and infections cause consistent itching, but some bites can also lead to infections that cause tick fever and other potentially fatal complications. Always speak to your vet regarding medicines and methods used for avoiding ticks and fleas all year round. And to make sure that your pooch stays clean, here are some of the best options for tick and flea collars.

TevraPet ProAct™
TevraPet uses a waterproof design for their collars to keep the deltamethrin effective through the six months of usage. This chemical kills both fleas and ticks on your dog’s fur and skin on contact and gives the whole body protection from these insects. Say bye-bye to tick or flea bites that can irritate your furry friend.

SENTRY® Dual Action Flea & Tick Dog Collar
Sentry uses a chemical called deltamethrin to protect your dog from fleas on your pet. The collar is designed to work against adult fleas by killing them quickly and thus preventing any eggs from being laid in your pooch’s fur. You can use the collar for up to six months and also not worry about keeping it dry as it is waterproof.

Virbac PREVENTIC® Tick Collar for Dogs
Collars made by this brand comprise an insecticide called amitraz that works on different types of common insects found during tick season, like deer ticks, lone star ticks, and of course dog ticks. The collar kills and detaches the tick from the body and is good for 90 days. This is a short-term tick solution compared to the other collars.

Hartz® UltraGuard Pro® Flea & Tick Collar for Dogs and Puppies
This collar works well on both ticks and fleas owing to the a combination of tetrachlorvinphos and methoprene. This amazing product kills and repels pests from all their life stages—from eggs to larvae to adults. One of the many concerns about these pests is their eggs, but with the insecticide used in this, it gives a full-body protection against them.

Vet’s Best Flea & Tick Repellent Dog Collar
Vet’s Best uses natural ingredients like cedarwood and peppermint oils on their collar to help prevent fleas and ticks. Unfortunately, the collar can be worn only for four months. However, it is also water resistant and does not contain harmful insecticides that you or your dog may be allergic to.

The pet food in your cart is not going to be healthy just because the packaging claims it is. Instead of relying on what the advertisements tell you is good for your pet, you should research and understand what is actually beneficial for them. If you want to keep your canine healthy and happy, select the best dog food at your disposal. Here are four factors to consider the next time you’re shopping for dog food.

Be mindful of their age
The most important factor to consider while choosing the best dog food is your pet’s health. You should pick food age-appropriate food for your pooch, both in quality and quantity. Experts say that puppies need food packed with protein and vital minerals, while an adult dog’s diet should depend on their daily activities. Older dogs should be served low-calorie food that’s rich in fiber, protein, and fatty acids.

Meet their nutritional needs
Meeting your pet’s nutritional requirements is essential to keep them healthy. One of the things to keep in mind while looking for the best dog food is the type, quality, and amount of nutrients it contains. Professionals say selecting foods with all essential macro and micronutrients is the right way to go. It’s also advisable to look for foods rich in omega-3 fats to balance out the omega-6 fats found in most types of store-bought dog food.

Read the ingredient list
A simple trick to identifying healthy packaged food and select the best dog food is to read and understand the ingredients listed at the back. The ingredient lists must be declared in the order of the quantity included, from the highest to the lowest. This means the main protein, like meat or fish, should be listed at the beginning as they are the primary ingredients. Ideally, you should pick products where whole foods are listed first.

Know what to avoid
Select dog foods with nutritious ingredients to ensure that you serve your canine the best. Grains like wheat and even corn can sound appealing, but are they beneficial for your pet? Not really. The nutritional requirements of humans and animals differ, meaning foods that are good for you are not necessarily good for your dog too. Learn, relearn, and evolve to make better choices.

Have you ever wondered about the genetic makeup of your dog? Why is his fur in an odd pattern? Or why does your dog tilt her head before barking? You may dismiss these as odd quirks of your pet, but often it is their genetic makeup that gives them those little weird habits. If you are curious about your dog’s genetic makeup, you can get home a dog DNA test kit and find out everything about your pet’s family history, identity, and exact breed. Moreover, such tests are useful to know whether your dog is at the risk of any diseases in the future.

There are a number of dog DNA test kits available in the market. How to know which one is the best? Read on to know about some of the most popular dog DNA test kits preferred by many dog parents.

Embark Dog DNA Test Kit
This is one of the most popular dogs DNA test kits among pet owners with its highly detailed health screening, paternal and maternal tracing, and a high number of genetic markers. This test is known to be done in as much depth as the DNA test for humans are done. Moreover, this dog DNA test kit has got some of the best reviews on online retail websites like Amazon. The tests include examining for 256 quadrillion genes and for more than 200 dog breeds. Additionally, it also includes a test for detecting wolf or coyote genes. Furthermore, the tests will screen your dog for more than 160 diseases and known health issues of dogs. Embark has one of the most responsive customer services. The wait time for test results is 3-7 weeks. The price is around $199.

Wisdom Panel 3.0 Canine DNA Test
For dogs that are of mixed breeds, this is one of the most suitable dog DNA test kits for its biggest breed database. This kit tests for nearly 250 canine breeds, which is nearly 50 breeds more than other kits in the market. It also offers an optional genetic disease screening. This kit combines the traditional DNA test with a disease detection test. The test will screen a dog’s DNA for more than 150 common genetic health conditions in dogs. Moreover, it will also test whether a dog has wolf or coyote genes. The waiting period for test results is 2-3 weeks. The DNA test kit is available for about $80. If the Disease Detection kit is added, the price will be around $150.

HomeDNA Orivet Dog DNA Test and Life Plan
This dog DNA test kit is known to be perfect for new dog parents. It includes a life plan with a customized breed diet, playtime routine, and exercise plan. The HomeDNA Orivet Dog Test kit is known for providing the most overall information and for going past genetic information. The kit tests for more than 220 breeds. Moreover, it also offers a health screening that tests your dog for more than 100 genetic diseases. It also tests for the presence of wolf and coyote genes. The wait time of the test results is around 3 weeks. The price of this dog kit is around $125.

Maltipoo dogs are a hybrid breed of poodles. They are one of the most popular dog breeds all over the world, and they rank ninth among all dog breeds in our country. Poodles are considered an aristocratic dog breed. They are intelligent and easy to train. Besides, they are also loyal and love their families.

The best part about Poodles is that their coat does not shed that much. Standard, Miniature, and Toy are the three breeds of Poodles. There are many other mixed breeds of poodles from various countries that have grown in popularity. Maltipoo is an attractive poodle that results from cross-breeding of the Poodle and Maltese breeds. Maltipoo dogs are a good fit for those who are looking for small house pets. They are charming, attractive, and fun. The size of the Maltipoo depends on its lineage and the type and size of the Poodle and Maltese dogs used for breeding. Miniature Poodles can sire slightly bigger Maltipoo while the offspring of a Toy Poodle will result in a relatively smaller Maltipoo. A full-grown Maltipoo will weigh up to 6-8 pounds and will reach 8-10 inches in height. Their average lifespan is 12-14 years, and some can live to 16 years under healthy living conditions.

Maltipoo puppies are quite expensive as they are the offspring of a purebred Poodle and purebred Maltese. It is recommended that you decide on the gender in advance, and then and chose your pup from a certified breeder. You can bring a pup home when it is about eight weeks old. Focus on early training, housebreaking, and socializing. This dog breed is ideal for apartments and small houses. They are active dogs, and it is essential to keep them well exercised as it will keep them from barking or exhibiting behavioral issues. Regular bath, shampoo, brushing, and grooming gives them the required attention to keep them calm, clean and healthy.

As they are very cute, many Maltipoo puppies have become stars on social media. Maliboo, a Maltipoo pup who was a part of “Dance Moms,” is a huge Instagram star with 642,000 followers. Many celebrities prefer Maltipoo dogs as pets as they are cute, easy to carry, and adorable. Another celebrity Maltipoo pup is Jack. Ellen DeGeneres saw a man ill-treating Jack on the road and rescued him.

Everyone who has ever had a pet dog would know that the ability to track it is crucial. A GPS collar for dogs is unquestionably useful to locate your four-legged member when they wander away on their own. The most dreadful situation for any pet owner is to wonder what might happen to their beloved dog when they escape from the safety of their homes into unfamiliar territory. No one but a pet owner can understand this anxiety. Hence, GPS collars for dogs are a boon as this valuable device helps in locating lost pets and bringing them back home safely. This tiny GPS tracker does not inconvenience the dog in any way as it is attached to the dog’s collar around their neck. You can monitor and track them in real time with ease. GPS collars for dogs are not just useful when your pets are lost, but you can also use them when your dog starts to stray away from pre-determined fenced areas. So, it is not just humans who can benefit from smart gadgets; even man’s best friends can reap the benefits of devices such as collars with GPS tracking systems.

The lightweight GPS tracker is easily attachable to a dog collar. It is available from multiple brands, but according to our research, PodTracker, Whistle, Tractive, Squeaker Buddy, Gibi, and LINK AKC are some of the best in the market. There are two kinds of trackers, subscription-based services and hand-held portable trackers. Each type has distinct advantages. The Squeaker Buddy is a rechargeable, flashing, light up, GPS enabled smart dog collar that can be personalized to suit every dog. This water-resistant GPS dog collar can be recharged quickly and has a battery life of 7-14 days. The LINK AKC smart collars with a GPS tracker are comfortable and fashionable at the same time. They keep us connected with our pet at all times. Apart from monitoring its activities, this GPS collar for dogs does a lot more for the well-being of our canine friend. Check out several brands and varieties of GPS collars for dogs before settling for one.

Every year, millions of pets are lost or stolen in our country. Getting a durable GPS collar for your dog is the only way to know that they are safe even when you are away. Let’s get our pets to the digital age with these smart devices!

Boxers are silly, sweet, and mischievous. This breed may fool around with family and friends, but they are patient and spirited with children. They also show an angry persona to strangers and respond with unmatched courage to anything that they perceive as a danger to their family. A Boxer can be a companion and a guard dog. Boxers are the 11th most popular breed as per American Kennel Club. Before you buy a Boxer puppy on sale, here are some points to consider:

You can bring home a Boxer pup when they are about eight weeks old. If you do not have enough time to spend with them or if there is an infant in your home, you can consider bringing pups who are older and can be trained faster. These pups have immense energy, and they can develop behavioral issues if they are left unattended. Before buying a Boxer puppy on sale, you need to consider a few pointers. Has the tail been docked in a few days of birth? Have the ears been cropped? It is optional but if you want its ears cropped, the breeder can help you with the process as it is done between six and nine weeks from birth. It is recommended that you take the pup home after completing this procedure.

The breeder has to share documents related to the following things before offering Boxer puppies on sale:

• Pedigree: A three or four generation pedigree information of the sire and dam as well as their American Kennel Club registration numbers.
• Registration from AKC: This document contains all information such as the date of birth, pup’s registration number, sex, details about the sire and dam as well as the details of the breeder. A breeder must furnish this compulsory document during the sale of a Boxer puppy.

The breeder is also obliged to give you written information and papers regarding the following aspects:

• Vaccination: Date and proof of the vaccination program for the pup. You can consult your vet for future shots based on this.
• Worming: Date and agent used. Subsequent worming has to be done based on your vet’s recommendation.
• Diet: It is better for you to continue the same diet regimen that the breeder has been following for the Boxer puppy. Introduce changes gradually. Once the pup has completely adapted to its new home, you can make significant changes. It is ideal to give the puppy two small meals a day.

Before buying a Boxer puppy on sale, make sure your house is “Boxer puppy-proof” as they love to chew on things.

According to the American Kennel Club, German Shepherds are the second most popular breed of dogs in the country. Placing second out of 190 dog breeds is quite an achievement. German Shepherds are strong, brave, intelligent, loyal, and fearless. These qualities make them ideal for families. German Shepherds have inspired many legends through their acts of daring bravery, heroism, and loyalty. Give them your love, respect, and care and see how they return the favor with absolute devotion and protection. Equally true is the fact that you should be willing to give them adequate time as well as care for them emotionally, physically, and financially. Most people buy German Shepherd puppies from American Kennel Club or certified breeders. Many breeders sell German Shepard pups along the road. It is highly recommended not to patronize them. Instead, you can choose to adopt German Shepherd puppies from rescues and shelters.

Factors to be considered before getting home a German Shepherd puppy:

• German Shepherds live for 10-12 years with good care. The cost of a purebred pup from a good breeder could be anywhere between $500 to $1200 approximately. You could also get them from a rescue or a shelter. You will have to assess your financial situation because you will have to spend on food, vaccinations, accessories, and grooming. If you find the costs prohibitive, you should wait till you can afford a German Shepherd puppy. Purchasing a puppy from a good breeder can save you from unexpected medical costs.
• German Shepherds were bred to guard livestock on farms. They thrive on physical activity. If your living circumstances do not give you the freedom to spend some time to play, walk or run with the pup, you should choose another breed. All the unreleased energy can make a German Shephard puppy unruly.
• You also have to spend adequate time and energy to train the pups. They respond very well to training.
• It would also be wise to consider whether you need a male or a female pup at an early stage. While it may not sound like a big deal, some owners eventually give their pups to a shelter because they feel like they made a wrong choice regarding this. Undoubtedly, personality traits differ between the sexes. Males tend to mark their territory (which can be controlled with training). Females are more delicate and protective towards the family and her litter.

Make sure that the puppies are at least eight weeks old before taking them home. A healthy pup will adapt to your new home comfortably.

A cousin of the original English Bulldog, the French Bulldog or the Frenchie as they are also known, is a small breed of muscular dogs originally used for bull baiting in England. The transformation from a sporting breed to a companion dog happened when the Bulldogs and local ratters were cross-bred by workers who moved from England to France after the Industrial Revolution. With rich American tourists flocking to Europe for exotic holidays, the French Bulldog made its entry into the United States. The French Bull Dog Club of America founded in 1897 is the oldest of its kind exclusively dedicated to this breed. Log on to www.frenchbulldogclub.org to learn more about the history of the club, the types of membership they offer, and the standard health, and breeding of the French Bulldog. Also, www.marketplace.akc.org has on Frenchies on sale, and the Breed Club Rescue website www.frenchbulldogrescue.org has French Bulldog puppies as well as adult dogs, both male and female, up for adoption. These dogs are registered with the American Kennel Club.

Here is a short description and some characteristics of French Bulldog puppies:

• You can identify French Bulldog puppies by their bat-like ears, short face, and smooth skin coat texture.
• Their short faces make it difficult for them to breathe with ease. So, French Bulldog puppies prefer mild, pleasant temperatures.
• While the Frenchies are not super energetic, regular walks keep them within a healthy weight range, and this playful breed is good with children and other dogs too.
• Smart and intelligent, French Bulldog puppies can be trained well, and their stubborn streak can be controlled to ensure that they follow simple commands.
• This dog breed is low on maintenance, especially if you live in a small apartment. It is suited well to city life because they are quiet, effortless to maintain, and get along with people.
• Their shiny, silky coats can be managed with some occasional brushing. However, you have to pay special care and attention to keep their ears, skin folds, and anal sacs clean. Try to prevent any accumulation of dirt and grime in their skin folds.
• Feeding French Bulldog puppies the correct quantity of food is essential because this breed is prone to obesity and related health issues.

French Bulldog puppies are little wonders that can enamor you in no time. Be sure you are completely ready before welcoming these puppies into your home and heart.

There is nothing that can melt your heart more than the eyes of a Shih Tzu. You can describe a Shih Tzu in many ways — furball, spunky, proud, polite, alert, stubborn, playful, lively — the list is just endless. Shih Tzus are loyal companions. They can live up to 12 years and will adapt to your new home without much difficulty. Shih Tzu puppies need to be cleaned and bathed more frequently as they are likely to soil themselves. Use a shampoo specially formulated for this breed and dry them with a soft towel. You also need to brush their coat regularly to avoid any tangles. With their long and soft double coat, Shih Tzu puppies are perfect to test your hair styling skills. Their nails have to be cut, and their teeth have to be brushed regularly. As Shih Tzu puppies are friendly, you can walk them because they need the exercise. It is very safe to allow them to play with children. They don’t shed much, and hence, are safe pets for people with allergies. However, you require a lot of accessories to care for a Shih Tzu puppy.

• Food and water bowls: Feed them the same food that they are used to at the breeders and gradually change to a new routine.
• Collar and leash or breathable harness: A 6-foot leash or a retractable leash are perfect to keep these pets at the right and safe distance. It can be harmful to use a collar in the long term as the Shih Tzu is a small dog. It can develop breathing difficulties too. Harnesses are a much better option right from the start.
• Comb and brush: Use a two-level toothed steel comb and bristled brush to detangle its fur.
• Bows, ribbons, and clips: With such a lovely coat, you can beautify a Shih Tzu puppy with new styles. Use colorful bows, ribbons, and clips to accentuate their coat and color.
• Playpens and bed: Shih Tzu puppies respond well to having their own space where they keep their toys and beds. A foam mattress in the playpen is a must as these pups spend more than 14-15 hours a day resting and sleeping.
• Toys: Pups need teething and chewing toys as they grow.
• Car Seat: Make sure you have a car seat that can hook to the Shih Tzu pup’s harness.

Along with these things, keep a first aid kit for pets, and you are ready to welcome your little lion dog home.

Pomeranian puppies are the obvious pick for first-time dog owners. They are smart, social and have a cuteness quotient that is unmatched. Their fur coats are unbelievably soft and come in a range of colors. Poms can live comfortably in any type of home – big or small. Left to themselves, Pomeranian puppies are likely to get into mischief. They are also stubborn, show signs of aggression, and tend to have behavioral issues. It is best to start training them early. Positive and consistent training is the only way that these intelligent pups learn to behave.

Start with small and easy commands that are common and that they will use all their life. You will need to teach them commands like “Sit,” “Stay,” “Down,” “Quiet,” and “Come.” To motivate them, you can use treats, food, and lots of praise. Sit is the easiest command that the pup will learn. Once they have learned that, start with other commands. Make sure that they understand one command and obey you every time before you move on to another. One important command that they need to learn is “Quiet” as they tend to bark a lot. They bark at the sight of strangers to protect you. Make a noise like tapping or knocking. When they respond to this sound by barking, say “Quiet.” Repeat this routine until they understand the meaning of this command. Reward them with a treat every time they stop barking.

Potty training needs to start as early as 8 weeks. Take the pup every day to a fixed spot first thing in the morning and preferably every two hours, after meals and before bed. When they get to know the purpose of these trips and learn to poo at the right spot, reward them with a treat before bringing them back home. Pomeranian pups have a possessive nature. They do not like to share their toys or food. They can yap, bark or bite toddlers who tend to take their things. Families with little kids should avoid getting a Pomeranian puppy. Socializing is an important area where Pomeranian puppies need attention. Take them with you on walks and to places where there are other people and dogs as this will build their confidence. However, make sure that you don’t take the puppies to spots where there are other dogs until two weeks after they get their vaccination shots.