How to Pamper your Pooch this Christmas

Christmas- a synonym for snowflakes, Christmas tree, joy, merry-making, laughter, family bonding and wait a minute…...who can forget our beloved Santa Claus, the reindeer and his packet full of presents! Personally speaking, I am immediately transported to 2001 when I watched the first movie of the Harry Potter series. The Christmas scene was beautifully picturized. It was moving and had me glued to the television set, like a moth to a flame! So with the holiday around the corner, pet parents are in a fix as to the best way in which they can pamper their pooch.

We offer you a couple of ideas that may be a bit traditional never go out of fashion:

1.       Most dogs love water so let your dog splash in the water while you bathe him. Also, you can make their bath time super fun by introducing toys in the bathtub. Dogs are sensory beings- having colorful toys around will make the experience of bathing more pleasing for them. The Naked Dog Shop offers a variety of toys such as the Coastal Rascals Floyd Frog Feisty Flappers and Coastal ‘Li’l Pals’ Pig Latex Dog Toy.

2.       Bonding over a meal means as much to a dog as to a person. So, treat your pal with a scrumptious meal of beef kibble from the The Naked Dog Shop which would serve both his palate and health.

3.       Your dog loves a good cuddle. Offer those to him in plenty!

4.       Dogs love to have fun!! A game of fetch with your dog can uplift your mood and make the moment special for him.

5.       Dogs have a sixth sense. They sense when their people are not giving them the attention.  So, however tied up you may be with the holiday preparations, make time for your dog.

6.       Dogs love presents. That’s true! Besides the fantastic food items, you can buy your dog some amazing things from the variety of products on sale at The Naked Dog Shop

TheNakedDogShop.com – Get your pal clean, healthy dog food that is grain-free, soy-free, gluten-free and devoid of unnecessary preservatives at a price that you can afford. Only at TheNakedDogShop.com

5 Dog Breeds who Welcome Winter

So the fall season has finally made way for the chilly, winter season. The entire landscape covered in snow is a sight to behold! But, as much as it is about the snow and the cold it also the time of the biggest and most celebrated of all holidays- Christmas, a prelude to the new year and is symbolic of the hopes and aspirations of millions of people. Do our pets feel as enchanted? You’d be pleased to know that there are certain dog breeds that just absolutely love the winter months. Want to find out who they are? Read below…. 

Alaskan Malamute:  The Alaskan Malamute is an intelligent canine blessed with a strong and sturdy built. It reigns as one of the oldest dog breeds whose looks who have not been significantly altered. If you’re looking forward to having lots of fun in the cold, winter months then the Malamute can be the perfect company. 

Siberian Husky: A beautiful dog breed that originated in Siberia, the Husky has a thick coat that comes in a multitude of colors and markings. Athletic, intelligent and independent, the dog is an absolute delight for people who own him.

Bernese Mountain Dog: Originally bred in Switzerland as a farm dog, the breed’s friendly and calm disposition has turned him into a popular family pet today. This is another dog breed that loves the snow and would give you excellent company through all the ‘chilling’ adventures!

Akita: The Akita is a large dog breed with a noble bearing. The dog is a fearless and loyal guardian of his family and with a love for the snow and adventures, it is a delight to be around during the cold winter months. 

Great Pyrenees: Anyone who sees this stunning white dog becomes enamored! With a strong build and beautiful white coat, the dog exudes elegance and majesty. Apart from its captivating looks, the dog is always up for fun which makes him the ideal playmate and companion.

TheNakedDogShop.com – Get your pal clean, healthy dog food that is grain-free, soy-free, gluten-free and devoid of unnecessary preservatives at a price that you can afford. Only at TheNakedDogShop.com

How much do Dogs Really Remember?

Everything that occurs in our lives is by default committed to memory. We all ‘walk down the memory lane’ and relive happy moments from the past and learn from the negative occurrences in our life. Have you ever wondered if dogs have any memories?

Studies suggest that although dogs don’t have images and memories, they have imprints of occurrences. A young dog tentatively comes towards a huge object in the middle of the room and sniffs at it to explore its strangeness….suddenly, it comes to life with a horrendously loud noise. The dog flees in panic. From that moment onwards, that dog would be afraid of the vacuum. There won’t be a memory but fear associated with the loud, strange object.

Would a dog remember a former owner, years after he has been relinquished? Probably. Not by sight or sound but by smell. It’s no secret that dogs have an amazing sense of smell. Smells have associations and imprints attached to them. If a former owner found their dog, the dog would remember his scent. Feelings associated with that scent, whether good or bad would be linked to the human.

Would a dog remember its owner after being boarded at a kennel? Absolutely! While dogs tend to go with more of an imprint than memory, they won’t forget what the person looks like or sounds like in a week.

A dog’s ‘memory’ imprint runs longs and deep but they also have a great way of leaving a lasting imprint on the hearts of their humans!

TheNakedDogShop.com – Dog Food that’s as clean, healthy, and stripped down as pet food can get. Free of unnecessary fillers and preservatives that dilute the nutritional value. Just premium, all-natural, grain-free, gluten-free dog food at a price you can afford. Delivered conveniently to your door. 

8 items to pack for a Road Trip with your Dog

A road trip with your canine best friend can be super fun. But, in all the fun and excitement, you should not forget certain road trip essentials. Packing these 8 items will ensure that a road trip with your beloved pooch is a breeze:

1.       Identification tag:  Before you leave, get your pal microchipped or, if he has one already, update with both the microchip registration service and your vet. Update your dog’s tags, too, and ensure collars fit well and have no tears or other damage.

2.       Crate: To prevent your dogs from dashing out if a maid or other member of the hotel staff opens the door, place them in a crate when you leave the room. Some hotels even have policies that require you to do so. Check with your hotel about this before you go.

3.       Extra food: It is always good to pack a little bit of extra food on a road trip. If your bud has car sickness, it is not a good idea to feed him all the food at once. Take a good number of travel breaks during which you can feed him all the pet food from you brought along with you. Pet food from TheNakedDogShop.com would give you pal the necessary strength to sustain a long road trip and also keep the nausea away!

4.       Harness: According to a survey, more than half of drivers admit to being distracted by petting their dogs, and the risk of an accident increases when you take your eyes off the road for two seconds or more. Look for harnesses that have been crash-tested.

5.       Vaccination records and extra Meds: Book a pre-trip appointment with the vet if your dogs are due for any vaccinations. Stock up on medications, too. Have your vet’s office give you your pets’ shot records to keep handy.

6.       First-aid kit: Pack it with bandages and other essentials, such as scissors, bandages and a thermometer. Also create a list of animal hospitals along your travel route and at your final destination. If any emergency occurs, you won’t have to waste time researching.

7.       Bowls: You can use your regular bowls or dog-friendly water bottles.

8.       Toys: Little comforts of home can make your pet feel more comfortable and therefore favourite toys are always great to pack.

TheNakedDogShop.com – Dog Food that’s as clean, healthy, and stripped down as pet food can get. Free of unnecessary fillers and preservatives that dilute the nutritional value. Just premium, all-natural, grain-free, gluten-free dog food at a price you can afford. Delivered conveniently to your door.

Introducing a Puppy to an Adult Dog

There is no barometer for cuteness but when it comes to puppies, you can’t help but compare. Puppies are the cutest things on the planet and anything adorable is often described with a ‘’puppy figure of speech’’. But not everybody may fall for their infinite cuteness- specially an adult dog!! People who parent a dog and are looking forward to introducing a new pup to the family are often in a delimma regarding the same. Here, we offer some advice to those seeking help with introducing a new puppy to an adult dog:

1. Place two cages in separate areas of the home (or use one cage and a laundry room). This is vital for a stress-free first meeting. Why? You use the cage as a training tool. The dogs, meanwhile, get a sense of comfort and security from the cage. It also important that the dogs do not make visual contact during this sensitive period. Instead of "meeting" each other visually, you will let them smell each other. This is done by placing a toy, tug, or even a blanket in their cages. These toys are called "scent articles". Then as you swap these scent articles from one dog to the other, it will allow them to create a deeper bond. This form of communication is the only way they truly understand- communication through their nose!

2. Let the "new" dog roam around the house. This will allow him or her to get accustomed to a new home and group of humans (you). During this time, your "old" dog should be out of sight and harms way (under your control), because the newcomer will be exploring and leaving his scent on a territory that is still not his or her own.

The new dog should only be out of his cage for fifteen to twenty minutes, several times a day. This is plenty of time for him to check out his new environment and leave his own scent about the house. Then, when the new dog goes back in his cage, place the old dog's scent articles with him.

3. Switch the dogs. Meaning, the new dog goes into the confined area and the old dog is allowed to play. The first time the old dog comes out, he will vigorously explore the scent left around the home by the new dog until he is satisfied the intruder has "escaped." Your older dog might be overwhelmed and confused; this is when he needs your comfort. Allow him to sit on your lap or by your side as you read a magazine or a book, or perhaps while watching a rerun of Lassie (hey, the sound of another dog may serve him well). This quality time together is just what he needs during the scent discovery period.

TheNakedDogShop.com -Your one stop shop to premium, all-natural, grain-free, gluten-free dog food at a price you can afford. Delivered conveniently to your door.

Exotic Fruits your Pet can eat.

Juicy, flavoursome and nutrient-rich are some of the words which strike you the moment you think ‘fruit’. That punch of flavor in your mouth, the moment you take a bite from the Apple or the King of fruits- Mango, can transport you to heaven and back! There are certain fruits that can be eaten by humans and pets alike. Here, we present to you a list of 5 exotic fruits that you can feed your pooch:

1.       Mangoes: The visual of your beloved pooch lapping it up to the taste of the Mango can make your heart melt! You’d be glad to know that the King of Fruits can be fed to dogs. It will not only prove to be a party in your buddy’s mouth but also provide him with all the essential nutrients.

2.       Apricots: Apricots can also be safely eaten by dogs. If you’re going to feed your dog apricots, you got to remove the seed. You should not let your dog over-indulge on apricots because the seeds contain a large amount of cyanide.

3.       Cantaloupes: Cantaloupes are known for their high nutrient quality. In addition to being a tasty treat, eating cantaloupes can improve your dog’s vision.

4.       Papayas: Papayas are another healthy treat for canines. Remove the Papaya seeds because they contain trace amounts of cyanide and can also lead to intestinal blockage. It is better that you chop the fruit into large pieces so that your pooch can munch on it with ease.

5.       Boysenberries: This is another exotic fruit that can be enjoyed by your pal. Boysenberry seeds do not cause digestion problems but large quantities of the fruit can cause diarrhea. Therefore, dogs should eat the berries in moderation.

TheNakedDogShop.com – Dog Food that’s as clean, healthy, and stripped down as pet food can get. Free of unnecessary fillers and preservatives that dilute the nutritional value. Just premium, all-natural, grain-free, gluten-free dog food at a price you can afford. Delivered conveniently to your door.

5 Common Dog Grooming fails and how to avoid them.

Grooming is an essential aspect of pet rearing today. The logic is simple- we make better pet parents if our pets our well groomed. It is, however, not everybody’s cup of tea- people often miss out on important steps that lead to a more well-groomed pet. Here, we throw light on some of the most common pet grooming fails and how to avoid them:

1.       The dirty dog: Cleanliness is a must and most people either cannot find the time to tidy their dog out of their busy schedule or they’re just lazy to do the same. Either way, your dog’s health and hygiene is at stake!! So, you must ensure that you bathe your dog daily- it also gives him the opportunity to have fun in the water which in turn keeps his spirits high throughout the day.

2.       Tangled pooch hair: Believe me that the “nest” of hair is an awful sight and gives the wrong impression about you as a pet parent! After when you have dried your dog by bathing him with the shampoo, make sure that you use a comb to smoothen that fur. “Combing” not only helps keep their hair in place but also keeps the fleas at bay.

3.       Something stuck to his fur: What can be worse than the sight of something stuck to your pooch’s fur! After all your dog’s fur is a symbol of its prestige and honour! Dogs are differentiated from each other based on their coat of fur and if that is not kept well, then it is a serious pet grooming fail. To make sure that the same is clean and tidy, check for these things frequently and remove them as you soon as you spot something. Your vigilance is essential to your pet’s grooming.

4.       Bad blowouts on dogs: To have hair all over the place is definitely not a pleasant sight!! A bad blowout on a dog looks as awful as on a human being. Use of blow-dryers on your dog should be done with utmost care so that your pooch’s hair look well-kept and tidy.

5.       A dog with pigtails: This to many may seem like a really cute thing to do to their buddy but trust me it looks horrendous!! A dog with pigtails? Seriously? It is an absolute No, No. They’re called ‘pigtails’ not ‘dogtails’ and your pup would actually walk the plank than wear these bows in public.

TheNakedDogShop.com – Dog Food that’s as clean, healthy, and stripped down as pet food can get. Free of unnecessary fillers and preservatives that dilute the nutritional value. Just premium, all-natural, grain-free, gluten-free dog food at a price you can afford. Delivered conveniently to your door.

What can you do for your Dog this Black Friday.

Black Friday- the day after Thanksgiving, which marks the beginning to the Holiday Shopping Season. Everybody rushes to grab the best deals on offer. A lot of pet parents find themselves in a fix as to what they can buy for their canine best friend to make them feel loved and pampered during the holiday season. We offer you some advice on the same:

1.       A good, nutritious meal- Buying your pet a scrumptious meal is a great way to pamper them during the holiday season. Besides appealing to their taste buds, it must contain nutrients and should be a well-balanced meal. TheNakedDogShop.com is a brand where you can find a plethora of dog food items- from Natural Chicken and Vegetable Dog treats to Free Hunters Turkey and Salmon Frozen Dog Food.

2.       Products related to grooming- Do our furry friends ever have bad hair days? No idea!! But it has been said that shampooing daily is an essential part of grooming. A good shampoo can help keep their coat of fur clean and smooth. The Sheapet Shea Butter Shampoo provided at the NakedDogShop is a brilliant means through which you can keep your pooch’s hair clean and tidy.

3.       Toys: Most dogs love water. Make their bath time super fun by introducing toys in the bathtub. Dogs are sensory beings- having colourful toys around will make the experience of bathing more pleasing for them. TheNakedDogShop.com offers a variety of toys such as the Coastal Rascals Floyd Frog Feisty Flappers and Coastal ‘Li’l Pals’ Pig Latex Dog Toy.

TheNakedDogShop.com – Dog Food that’s as clean, healthy, and stripped down as pet food can get. Free of unnecessary fillers and preservatives that dilute the nutritional value. Just premium, all-natural, grain-free, gluten-free dog food at a price you can afford. Delivered conveniently to your door.

4 Ways to Help your Dog Fight Fleas

Twist, turn, bend.... the words would probably draw a visual of people grooving to the beat of a peppy song but you are mistaken! This ain't about a dance routine but a problem that our beloved pets often grapple with. Dogs twisting and turning as they furiously try to scratch the 'fleas' out of their body is a common sight. Fleas are a menace and if not treated can have an adverse effect on your pooch's health. We highlight 4 ways to get rid of the flea problem:

1. Use a flea comb: "Combing" helps in keeping the fleas at bay. It also helps keep your pet tidy and well-groomed. Make sure that you buy a good quality product that not only takes care of adult fleas but also the larvae and eggs as you do not want to leave them out.

2. Wash bedding and use heat:  Wash bedding and other rugs that your dog lies upon on a daily basis. You'd be surprised to find the amount of fleas that you can get rid of with regular cleaning of your canine's bedding. Drying is effective too when it comes to killing eggs, larvae and adult fleas. If the fabric can be put in a dryer, you should dry it in the electric dryer on maximum heat for best results.

3. Enhance your dog shampoo: While there are many flea specific shampoos in market, you can also turn ordinary dog shampoo into a flea shampoo at home. Add half a cup of any good dog shampoo to half a cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice and two cups of water. Pour this mixture in a bottle and use it to bathe your pet every week. For larger breeds, increase the quantities in proportion. After you bathe your pet, do not let your pet run around in grassy trails or lawns where fleas reside. Continue to comb the pet’s fur thoroughly and bag all the fleas.

4. Use apple cider vinegar to repel fleas: Add one teaspoon full of fermented apple cider vinegar to a quarter liter of water and let your dog drink this throughout the day. The apple cider vinegar keeps the skin/coat of the dogs slightly acidic which naturally repels fleas and even ticks for that matter. While it is a good idea to keep your pet’s coat slightly acidic, do not directly apply the ACV to the skin since it irritates broken skin. Consult your vet as to how much ACV your pet might safely ingest based on its body weight.

TheNakedDogShop.com - Your one shop stop to premium, all-natural, grain-free, gluten-free dog food at a price you can afford. Delivered conveniently to your door.

Household Cleaning Products that are not Safe for your Dog.

Household cleaning products may remove the dirt off your floor but they have chemicals which can prove to be fatal to your pooch's health and well-being. We present to you a list of 6 household cleaning products that are not safe for your dog:

1. Floor cleaners: These include the likes of Pine-Sol and Mr. Clean. Even if you manage to get all of the residue off the floor, the vapor lingers and can be dangerous to your pet.

2. Bathroom cleaners: These include Clorox Bathroom Cleaner and Scrubbing Bubbles. Try a product such as Ecover Bathroom Cleaner instead. And never use a continuous toilet bowl cleaner such as Clorox Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner.

3. All-Purpose Cleaners: The most lethal of all-purpose cleaners are Mr. Clean Multi-Purpose Spray and Formula 409.

4. Drain Opener: You may think that since this product is poured down the drain, it can’t be harmful to your pet. But the toxic drain openers give off dangerous fumes long after you’ve emptied them. For a nontoxic, pet-safe option, try Earth Friendly Enzymes Drain Opener.

5. Glass Cleaners: It may seem that glass cleaners, as seemingly “simpler” products, are safe, but don’t be fooled. Instead of something like Windex, try a product such as Nature Clean Window and Glass Cleaner.

6. Laundry Detergent: Laundry detergent can leave residue on clothes and pet blankets, which can be harmful to your pet, especially those who chew on their bedding. Avoid detergents with toxic ingredients like Tide and Cheer and try something like Down East’s Liquid Laundry Detergent.

TheNakedDogShop.com - Dog-gone Healthy Dog-Food. Bringing you premium, all-natural, grain-free, gluten-free dog food at a price you can afford. Delivered conveniently to your door.

Dogs and their Sixth Sense

Humans perceive the world by the faculty of sight, smell, touch, taste and sound….as do animals. The difference - animals have a sixth sense. This sixth sense is what enables them to look at and perceive things differently than how they appear to us humans. When it comes to domestic animals, dogs are believed to have the most powerful sixth sense and hearing faculty. Their hearing faculty keeps them alert, makes them arise at the crack of the dawn and makes them the most feared among thieves and robbers. It is as if they can hear sounds even when there is pin drop silence!

Their sixth sense enables them to sense things which are beyond the grasp of a normal man. It has been said that dogs can even sense the supernatural! Fascinating!! Isn’t it? The reason why they often bark at night without any provocation- many a times in the absence of human presence, is attributed to them being able to perceive supernatural entities. Sounds like the prologue of a Stephen King novel…. Doesn’t it? Dogs are wondrous beings. A lot has been studied and written about dogs and sixth sense. But, chatter around their gift and I would call it a gift should not be limited to ghost, ghouls, demons and supernatural beings.

Their sixth sense is a gift because it helps them understand the language of love that perhaps we humans are sometimes incapable of comprehending and responding to. That roar of joy, those warm cuddles and wet licks all over your face after you come from a long day at work can melt even the hardest of hearts! A long morning walks, then splashing with your dog in the water and a game of Frisbee with your beloved dog in the evening can be the perfect way to be spend your weekend if you don’t have anything else in mind. Some say that spending quality time with your pooch can actually act as a balm for a broken heart. Such is the power of love that emanates from a dog! It is therefore no surprise why they are considered to be man’s best friends.

TheNakedDogShop.com is a brand that provides the Best Pet Food. The food is wholesome and nutrient- rich. So, for your dog’s sixth sense to remain as sharp as ever, feed him with food available at the TheNakedDogShop.com.