Something to Chew On

It’s no secret that dogs like to chew.  Some dogs chew more aggressively or more often than others, but all dogs enjoy chewing to some degree.  Chewing is a natural dog behavior.  Chewing also has benefits; it can help to clean a dog’s teeth and maintain healthy gums.  Puppies will also chew when teething or as a way of investigating new things (hopefully not your new pair of shoes).  Sometimes a dog’s chewing can result in destruction of your items (clothing, furniture, etc.).  In some cases destructive chewing can be the result of boredom / lack of mental stimulation, lack of exercise, or separation anxiety.

In addition to providing daily exercise and mental stimulation, it’s also important to provide your dog with a positive outlet for satisfying his / her desire to chew.  There is no shortage of chew on the market today.  I am a firm believer in giving your dog a variety of chew toys and chew treats.  While your dog might have a favorite chew toy, it’s a good idea to give them variety and / or options of chew toys to keep them engaged.  Although there are many good chew toys available, I’m just going to highlight two for now.

A very popular chew toy is a Nylabone.  Nylabone states that their “products promote good canine dental hygiene, enhance overall mental fitness,” and “encourage positive behavior.”  There are many types of Nylabones, varying in size, shape, flavor and durability.  I have two Siberian Huskies and they currently have about 5 different Nylabones in their toy box (yes, they have a toy box).  From time to time Nylabone comes out new shapes and flavors, so don’t be afraid to experiment with some different types of Nylabones.  For my dogs, I only use Nylabone’s Dura Chew products (based on their chewing needs).  Nylabones should be replaced as needed.

Something else that dogs love to chew on are Antlerz.  Being an animal lover, I was a bit skeptical when I first heard about giving my dogs deer antlers as a chew toy.  Most people don’t like the idea of Bambi turning into a chew toy; however, wild deer naturally shed their antlers once a year and then re-grow another set.  QT Dog, manufacturer of Antlerz, states that Antlerz are “not a by-product generated by a meat processing facility or slaughter house.  Antlerz are a 100% natural dog chew that contain no plastics, no petrochemicals, no empty starches or artificial flavors.  Atlerz hold up substantially longer than most traditional chews made from plastic, bone, or compacted starch.”  Antlerz have held up very well in my house with my two dogs.  They absolutely love them! 

Remember, your dog is going to chew.  It is up to you to provide proper and healthy outlets for him / her to satisfy the desire to chew.  As with any other toy or item you give your dog, it’s important to monitor your pet and provide supervision, especially with new toys (safety first!).  - David Neuwirth

Sunday Jazz Brunch in Ft. Lauderdale

Harlo's Healthy Pets will be a vendor at this event on Sunday, November 6th! SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch is an ideal way to relax and enjoy Fort Lauderdale’s scenic Riverwalk. This free, live, outdoor concert series brings the area’s best local jazz artists. Listen to the soulful sounds on four different stages on the first Sunday of each month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend, including well-behaved, leashed pets. There is plenty of room to set up chairs, blankets and picnic baskets to experience the fabulous entertainment. Patrons can also stroll along the historic brick-lined walkway to enjoy live music while browsing items from local merchants and enjoying food from area restaurants. November 6, 2011 Esplanade - Bobby Rodriquez Orchestra Peck Courtyard - Tommy Nehls Trio C. Hoffmann Gazebo - Peter Betan, Marc Berner with Marco Haber - Percussion

K-9 Water Festival

Harlo's Healthy Pets will be at the K-9 Water Festival on Sunday, 10/16 for the 10 AM session (with Lola and Harlen!), but you can take part with your dog during any session this weekend. The dog days of summer may be long gone, but you can still pamper your pooches during the lingering heat of a South Florida fall by letting them frolic at three water parks on dogs-only days. One of Broward County Parks and Recreation’s most popular programs for the past doz...en years, the K9 Water Festivals, returns to Castaway Island at T.Y. Park in Hollywood, which has events on October 15 and 16. Admission is $5 per dog per 50-minute session, with sessions beginning on the hour from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Only dogs weighing 25 pounds or less will be permitted for the final session of each day. Donations of dog and cat food, treats, blankets, and toys will be accepted on behalf of the homeless animals at Broward County shelters. A few rules apply: All dogs must be off leash when inside the facility and must be sociable and well behaved. Proof of current rabies vaccination and county license tag are required. Other than lifeguards, no humans will be allowed inside the water playgrounds. Finally, dogs are limited to no more than two sessions per day, and dogs must be at least 4 months of age to participate. For more information, call T.Y. Park at 954-357-8811. The parks’ regular weekend and holiday gate entrance fee of $1.50/person (children 5 and under free) will be in effect for this event.

Pack Walk in the Park (Group Dog Walk) - the Halloween Edition

Pack Walk in the Park (group dog walk) is an opportunity to get some exercise (for you and your dog) and socialize with other dog owners (non-dog owners are welcome, too!). The October Pack Walk will take place on Saturday, 10/29. Since this event is only 2 days before Halloween, costumes for this walk (for dogs and / or owners) are optional for this Pack Walk. We will walk the two-mile loop of newly paved pathways for walking, jogging, skating, and biking. Plants to attract butterflies have also been placed along the park’s northern corridor. TY Park requires all dogs to be... on a 6' leash (no retractable / flexi leads). TY Park's admission fee is $1.50 per person (ages 6 and up) After you enter the park through the toll booth, take your 1st right turn & park. You will see a red & white sign with a picture of a butterfly that says "Listen to Nature! Please turn down your radio." We will meet in this area and start walking at 9 AM (so please arrive by 8:45 AM). We will have some treats, samples, and some give aways for your dogs after the walk! * Info on TY Park: The Seminole Indian name of this 150-acre urban park, Topeekeegee Yugnee, means “meeting or gathering place.” T.Y. is well known for its shady picnic areas, numerous shelters, and a gazebo. TY Park is located at 3300 N Park Road in Hollywood, FL.   *This event is sponsored by Harlo's Healthy Pets and Kat Walking Dogs For more info: 954-667-PETS (7387)

FURminator Product Review

            I had a Siberian Husky named Butch when I was younger.  Like any husky owner, I experienced the effect of Butch blowing his coat 2 – 3 times per year (in addition to the regular shedding year round).  I had several types of brushed I used to groom Butch; he was never a big fan of being groomed, but I did my best to keep the shedding under control. 

Several years ago I started volunteering with the South Florida Siberian Husky Rescue.  While volunteering at one of the rescue’s Dog Washes I kept hearing about the Furminator.  It had been approximately 10 years since I lost Butch and didn’t ever recall hearing about a Furminator.  As I helped to wash, dry and brush more dogs at the rescue’s Dog Wash it seemed that the Furminator was always in demand, but I thought it was just another brush.

A few months later I ended up fostering a Siberian Husky named Lola (who I eventually adopted, along with another husky named, Harlen).  I went to a local pet store and purchased a couple of different types of brushes.  I did look at the Furminator, but didn’t purchase one because it was priced significantly higher than the other brushes. Lola definitely didn’t like being brushed.  She would nip at the brushes, making grooming unpleasant for both of us.  At the rescue’s next Dog Wash I tried the Furminator out and couldn’t believe how effective it was.  Furthermore, I was able to brush Lola and she didn’t nip at it at all!  (She still isn’t a big fan of being groomed, but I can tell the other brushes were uncomfortable for her; they were actually pulling out some hair).

Needless to say I purchased a Furminator and have never used one of the other brushes again.  I will use a rake before using the Furminator, especially when they blow their coats.  For Siberian Husky owners, a rake is also a must have grooming tool.  I now have a pet supply business, Harlo’s Healthy Pets, and I encourage every pet owner to include a Furmintor in their grooming tools.  They work well on cats and dogs; long or short hair.  I let customers try a Furminator on their own pets and they always are amazed at how effective it is.  If you haven’t tried a Furminator, or think it is more expensive than other grooming tools, just try it out and you will see for yourself.  It is well worth every penny.  Your pet will thank you, too!

*Review by David Neuwirth 

Ginger & Blade play with a Mammoth Rope Toy

Pack Walk in the Park (Group Dog Walk) - Celebrate National Dog Week!

Celebrate National Dog Week (Sept 19 - Sept 25) with a Pack Walk in the Park on 9/24! This is a chance to get some exercise (for you and your dog) and socialize with other dog owners (non-dog owners are welcome, too!).

We will walk the two-mile loop of newly paved pathways for walking, jogging, skating, and biking. Plants to attract butterflies have also been placed along the park’s northern corridor.

TY Park requires all dogs to be on ...a 6' leash (no retractable / flexi leads). TY Park's admission fee is $1.50 per... person (ages 6 and up)

After you enter the park through the toll booth, take your 1st right turn & park. You will see a red & white sign with a picture of a butterfly that says "Listen to Nature! Please turn down your radio." We will meet in this area and start walking at 9 AM (so please arrive by 8:45 AM).

We will have some treats, samples, and some give aways for your dogs after the walk!*

Info on TY Park:
The Seminole Indian name of this 150-acre urban park, Topeekeegee Yugnee, means “meeting or gathering place.” T.Y. is well known for its shady picnic areas, numerous shelters, and a gazebo.

TY Park

3099 N Park Rd

Hollywood, FL

For more info or to RSVP, please visit our Facebook event page.

*This event is sponsored by Harlo's Healthy Pets and Kat Walking Dogs