Ruckus Dog At The One Of A Kind Show 2014!

Guess what? Ruckus Dog™ will be barking up a storm and blowing the ‘woof’ off of the One of a Kind Show this year! We’ll be showcasing our cool shabby chic vintage inspired Home Dogcor™ gift goodies and all sorts of other breed specific items for everyone to check out. Get that gift shopping done earlier than later!

We’ll be sparkling and shining in booth Q35 from December 2nd – 7th so PLEASE mark your calendar and get on over to see us. Click HERE if you’re interested in grabbing tickets ahead of time.

Here are some of the coolest items on our list that we’ll be showing off, hopefully they’ll be on your list too!

 

 

 

NEW! Super cool, shabby chic styled chunky magnets. They’re 2″x2″ and FUN!

 

 

 

Retro fabulous Ruckus collar & leash hangers GALORE!  8″(w) x11″(h) wood AND Canadian handmade!

 

 

 

 

 

 

See you at the show!

If you would like to see all of our cool products NOW, you can! Visit our website @ ruckusdog.com and check out all the great stuff we have!

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Stuff Yourselves Not Your Dogs This Holiday Season!

Make no bones about it, food safety and your pets are serious business! With American Thanksgiving coming our way AND the holiday season slowly settling in, the temptation to keep our dogs happy with special people treats can cause irreparable damage. Stuff yourselves, not your dogs!

We all love to spoil our pets with love and tasty treats once in a while but do remember that not ALL foods are suitable. Aside from the list of no’s, danger in the dish is alive and well when the parties come knocking at our doors.

Here are few things to keep in mind!

Rich foods are so yummy FOR US but a nightmare for Fido! 

• These foods can cause stomach upset and pancreatitis.

Keep pets OUT of the kitchen! 

• A hungry pet who’s salivating from all the tasty food smells filling the air will (most likely!) try and jump to get to what they want. Trouble awaits!

Keep the booze away from your pooches! 

• Don’t leave alcoholic drinks open or big punch bowls at eye level because paws and tongues can definitely reach out!

Stash the trash OR take it out! 

• Pets LOVE leftovers and will often eat any and all of what’s left. Out of sight (and smell) out of mind!

If your pets do happen to enjoy a few indulgences behind your back, make sure to call your vet immediately!

Enjoy the season and remember you can reinforce safe habits and still HAVE FUN!

Please visit our website @ ruckusdog.com

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Prepping Your Dog For Winter Weather And Keeping Them Safe.

Winter can be a challenging time not just for pet owners but pets themselves. As the colder weather begins to settle in, we really need to be aware of how our pets are fairing outside when colder and often wetter temperatures begin to happen.

When it comes to our pets’ plush fur coats, we have to remember that as gorgeous as they may be, they aren’t the greatest when insulation comes into play and weather extremes can really take a toll. Wetness causes depleted insulation ability and nose, toes and ears can be very vulnerable in chilly temps.

In winter, dogs need a lot of protection from extreme temperatures and one key thing to note is if it’s too cold for you, it’s definitely too cold for your dog! Clothes and coats are absolutely essential keeping in mind that purchasing from reputable companies who ‘know’ the essentials of what actually protects from the cold would be best.

Something else to keep in mind is your pup’s pads. Salted sidewalks can really play a number so protective booties and socks wouldn’t be a bad thing to try out. It may take a bit of work to get them used to having something on but the benefits once they’ve become used to it are endless.

Walking your dog during darker days takes a bit of extra care, especially when your pet will be a little harder to see. Reflective collars, tags and leashes embedded with LED lights are great things to incorporate within your pet’s wardrobe.

If you own a dog that LOVES being outdoors and actually enjoys colder temps, having plenty of food and unfrozen water are essential. There are actual inexpensive warmers in the market that keep water from freezing.

Many dogs aren’t too crazy about pottying outdoors. How can this process be made easier and more comfortable? Here are few ways to do just that:

• Shovel a small area in the yard that’s clear of snow.
• Wear booties to avoid freezing and burning paws.
• Stay close to your pets when they’re outdoors so that you can let them indoors right away once they’re done.
• For more mature senior dogs, creating an indoor area may be necessary for the sake of comfort.

If your pet has been outdoors for too long and there’s a hypothermia concern, here are a few signs and symptoms:

• violent shaking
• muscle stiffness
• a weak pulse
• a lack of appetite
• problems breathing

If any of these signs are visible, place your pet in a warm blanket or coat, bring them to a warm area and call your vet immediately.

For frostbite, look out for the following:

• skin colour changes (grey/pale at first then turning to red)
• painful ears, paws and tail when touched
• shriveled skin and/or skin that doesn’t warm and stays cold.

If any of these signs occur, apply warm water to the affected areas. As tempting as it may be, do not use blow dryers or heating pads to expedite the heating process. Call your vet immediately.

Big warning: beware of antifreeze! If there is leakage anywhere, some pets will lap it up. It’s toxic and it doesn’t necessarily take lapping it up to cause serious harm. The slightest bit can make your animal very sick. If your dog has come into contact and has ingested it, immediate attention is essential. 

Have an excellent few months and remember that winter can be SO MUCH FUN for both you and your pets! Enjoy!

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You can visit our website at ruckusdog.com

Don’t Let Cold Weather Freeze Up Your Exercise Routine With Your Pet.

It’s so easy to settle into the ‘I’ll exercise tomorrow’ routine, especially during colder months. Keep in mind that weather really shouldn’t have an impact, especially for your pets. As you’re aware, health maintenance is an all year round mode of living and cold weather shouldn’t interfere. Stay in shape TOGETHER – knock off two routines at once.

Here are a few ways how:

• Take brisk morning walks. Brisk walks promote cardiovascular health for both you and your dog.
• Play TAG! Dogs love chasing and being chased (well, most do anyhow!) so why not play a little tag! Chase your pooch then switch it up and allow them to chase you!
• Play fetch! Space permitting, indoor fetch can work just as well as the outdoor kind. If space is limited indoors, take Fido outside and play fetch! It can also be tons of fun right after a fresh snowfall.
• Stairs anyone? If you live in a home that has an abundance of stairs, get your pooch climbing them a few times. Walking up and down or jogging are great ways to burn off some of that excess energy. Do it together!
• Ever heard of intervals? Mix up your walks a little with a 1-2 minute walk followed by a quick 20-30 second jog. Now remember, you’re not training for the olympics so gauge both your paces and start slow building up and mixing the timing a bit.

Fall is just around the corner and winter not too far away so keep that exercise routine top of mind and keep that healthy state of mind for the two (or more) of you!

Enjoy and always remember to HAVE FUN!

Home is where the pooch lives. For Ruckus Dog Home Dogcor™, please visit our website @ ruckusdog.com

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Eat. Play. Bark. Setting Up Play Dates For Your Dog.

Are you planning a play date for your pooch? Play dates can either work out amazingly well OR be a complete recipe for disaster. How great would it be if your dog was able to EAT, PLAY and BARK with fellow Fido?

Here are a few tips to help you bring in the new guest and create the ideal environment:

• If you’re considering an overnighter, when your guest and Fido arrive, take beds and crates inside right away and choose a safe place for each to sleep. Selecting separate sleeping quarters is really important because the last thing you want is having to break up a squabble in the middle of the night. Baby gates are great at helping with separation.
• Take both your pooch & Fido out together on a walk. This will encourage doggie interaction, ‘pack-building’ and give them both some exercise before the visit gets underway. Be sure to lead the walk so that Fido knows who’s in charge and who’s leading the way.
• If the walk was stellar and no issues came about, get into your home by leading the way in, guest and Fido afterwards.
• Now it’s time to get the dogs playing TOGETHER! Ideally, a fenced in backyard would be great but if that isn’t an option, choose an indoor play space where less to NO damage can occur. Your home ‘scents’ will play a big role AND set the stage letting Fido know that you and your pet are primary.
• Don’t be afraid to lay down the rules! It’s important that you take a few minutes to specify house rules (without offending anyone of course!) so for instance, if dogs aren’t allowed on furniture etc., make it clear to your guest.
• When mealtime comes about, you may want to consider separating the dogs for feeding to make sure there are no food fights! You want to minimize the potential for any incidents to take place and food aggression could result.
• Have FUN! If all seems to be going well, PLAY, catch up with your guest, have an abundance of treats on hand and ENJOY all of the company!

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Please visit ruckusdog.com for fun vintage inspired home decor dog products.

 

Planning Any Road Trips With Your Dogs? Get Their Papers In Order!

Traveling with your pets can be so much FUN and a really great experience for the entire family. Along with all the ‘special’ things that have to be prepped for your road trips, if you’re planning on crossing the border into the U.S., make sure to have not only your passports in hand but a rabies certificate as well.

Each year, thousands of Canadians head south each fall pets in hand. At border crossings into the United States (keep in mind this applies for quick afternoon jaunts and weekend getaways) you will be asked for an up-to-date rabies vaccination certificate. Customs and Border Protection ask that vaccination papers be signed by a licensed veterinarian AND must show that your dog has been vaccinated at least 30 days prior to entry in the U.S.

There are also breed restrictions in certain states so even though your customs officer may allow entry into the country, be aware and check prior to your trip that the state you’re heading to allows your dog breed. States such as Ohio, Texas and Utah have adopted statewide breed-restriction legislation. For instance, a pit bull could be allowed in one area of a state but not the other. Check online for more information. Websites such as dogster.com list breeds that could be affected so be sure to do your homework before you hit the road.

Also, when returning back to Canada, did you know that you’re only allowed up to 20 kilograms of dog food? Loading up on cheaper American brands in the hopes of bringing back a stash will only be taken away.

Bottom line, make sure you’re 100% prepared and informed before you take that road trip!

Enjoy the rest of your summer!

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Please visit our website @ ruckusdog.com for more.

Pawlooza 2014 Takes Place On International Homeless Animals’ Day.

Image courtesy of pawlooza.com

Pawlooza deemed ‘the ultimate dog party’ is happening Saturday August 16th, the same day as International Homeless Animals’ Day! Ruckus Dog™ is so excited to be taking part this year and we’ll have a booth where curious folk will have a chance to peruse all of the wonderful shabby chic, vintage inspired home dogcor™!

So what is there to do at Pawlooza you may ask? There is a TON of FUN STUFF! You can take your dog dock diving, swimming in the Pawlooza pond, go off leash (yay!) in the FunZone, get trick and/or obedience advice AND even get readings from a pet psychic. Now how cool is that!

Over 175 vendors will be there, the perfect opportunity to really spoil your pooch.

Check out the SWEET video below of a paralyzed dog taking a swim at last year’s event. It truly is adorable to see. Please click to take a look.  

For more information on PAWLOOZA, please go to their website @ pawlooza.com.

Hope to see you there!

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Please visit the Ruckus Dog website @ ruckusdog.com

Water Can Be Dangerous Even For Your Pets.

Pets LOVE water, well most do anyhow. Some choose to avoid it at all cost but for those who love hot summer days in water, they drink it, play in it, swim in it and would probably live in it if they could. While water is a life source, it can also be quite deadly for dogs if ingested in large quantities. Beware of water intoxication.

So how does it happen exactly and how can we tell when something just isn’t right? When your dog swims around they ingest water. Drinking too much causes electrolyte levels to drop and blood plasma to thin which ultimately leads to the swelling of the brain and other organs. Most people are completely unaware of it.

If your dog has been in the water and they show the following symptoms, PLEASE seek treatment from your veterinarian as soon as possible!

 Symptoms include:

• Lethargy
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Vomiting
• Dilated pupils
• Light gum color
• Excessive salivation
• Lack of coordination
• Glazed or glossy eyes

Advanced symptoms include:

• Collapsing
• Difficulty breathing
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures

The most important thing is to be aware and be careful. One way to avoid intoxication is to take regular breaks and try to avoid letting your dogs dive for objects under the water. Remember that swimming is great exercise for your pooch, but always in moderation!

Be aware, enjoy the water and stay safe this summer!

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You can also visit our website at ruckusdog.com

5 Tips To Keep In Mind When Having Summer Fun With Your Pets.

 

If you’re a pet owner, summer with your pets can be so much fun with trips to the cottage, weekend morning walks to the local coffee shop and longer playtime outdoors. There is nothing more fulfilling than savouring these relaxing moments with family, friends and our animal companions.

Remember though that a few extra precautions should be considered when heading out of the city, especially into more rural areas where the drive may take up more time.

Consider the length of the trip. We know that summer days can be HOT so controlling the temperature inside your vehicle is key and remember to never leave your pet inside.

Although dogs often LOVE to hang their heads out the window and feel the wind flapping their mouths and ears, be aware that sudden stops can lead to injury. Also, remember to take regular stops and breaks to stretch, to rehydrate your pets and to stretch muscles.

Here are 5 tips on summer safety for pets that you may want to consider:

1 – Keep your pet on a leash when walking through wilderness. Surrounding stimuli could possibly have your pet bolt out of knowhere and you never know what dangers may lie ahead. 

2- Gear up! Safety vests and car harnesses aren’t only for people and are always great things to have around especially if canoeing with your dog is part of your summer cottage activity.

3 – Plan ahead especially if you’re visiting an area for the first time. Make sure you pack a little kit with basic supplies such as bandages and tweezers. Also, having your vet’s phone # and insurance information is never a bad idea in case of an emergency.

4 – Stick to habits and try not to break any patterns. If walking your pet first thing in the morning and after dinner is what they’re used to, then continue on. Sticking to routines and patterns helps create a more calm/comfortable environment especially if the surroundings are new.

5 – Remember that not all pets are the same. Some pets may simply sink into a new environment seamlessly however not all pets are built the same. Others may panic especially if you’ve entered a campsite with other people and pets around. This may seem a little silly but if you’re planning to hit a campsite during the summer, do a test run before you invest time and energy only to find out it wasn’t the best idea after all. Pick a night and pitch a tent in your backyard. A ‘sleep outside’ night will give you an idea on how comfortable your pets are with the outdoors during night time hours.  

Summer’s here, let’s ALL enjoy it and have FUN!

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To see some really COOL dog type stuff, please visit our website @ ruckusdog.com.

 

Ruckus Dog™ Wants You To Keep Your Pets Safe From Coyotes!

If you own a pet here in Toronto or anywhere for that matter where coyote sightings have been reported, be pet aware! With more land development comes an influx of coyotes being forced into urban ares and unfortunately they become fearless.

While they rarely bother people, coyotes are a threat to domestic dogs, especially smaller breeds like Chihuahuas and other toy varieties. They also feed on smaller animals such as rabbits, but will definitely go after a small dog if given the opportunity.

If coyotes have been spotted in or close to your area, here are 5 tips on how to keep your pets safe. Although these may seem like common sense things we should all know, we often forget especially when warm weather approaches and the tendency to swing our doors open to let our dogs out into the yard is done without thought.

1. Keep a close eye out on your dog when they’re outside! Leaving a small dog outside unattended isn’t the smartest thing to do so pay close attention to their whereabouts. Rather than let your dog roam free in the yard, step outside with them. Coyotes are brazen around dogs but not so much around people and do tend to shy away. If you come across a coyote, shout, wave your arms and basically do anything to scare them away!
2. Coyotes are wild, let’s keep them that they! Keep the animal lover in you at bay and do not feed them! Once fed, they’ll just keeping coming back for more and will pilfer discarded items in your trash bins and drag them out. Be sure to secure your bins and maybe refrain from having them out at night and place them on the curb early in the morning instead. Secure lids will prevent them from detecting that there’s food around.
3. Make sure your property is coyote proof! Fences are about 90% useful when keeping coyotes from coming onto your property because they can either jump over them OR dig underneath and slide through gaps. If you live in an area that’s prone to coyotes, you may want to consider building a fence that’s a minimum of 5.5 feet high (check with city bylaws before going ahead and doing this) and install a stronger gate.
4. When walking outside, keep your dog on a leash at all times. A dog running around loose will attract a lurking coyote. A shorter leash when walking is ideal, especially when strolling through areas where coyotes tend to poke about. Safety first, always.
5. When’s mating season? January through March. Summer is upon us however do keep this information in your back pockets. Coyotes will travel long distances to find suitable mates and require a few extra calories to carry them through their journey. Extra energy is then used to build dens for pregnant females. Coyotes are exceptionally aggressive during this time.

Click HERE to read the latest coyote sightings around the GTA.

Keep in mind that smaller dogs aren’t the only target, coyotes have been known to attack larger breeds also. Always be pet aware and enjoy your summer!

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For more Ruckus Dog™, visit our website at ruckusdog.com