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Choosing the Right P.L.A.Y. Dog Bed Size – A Lesson in Estimation

May 4, 2018

So, I think I’m pretty good at estimating. I don’t try clothes on before I buy them and usually things work out. However, estimating the size of something for Rooney is a completely different story.

I’m sure I’m not the only dog mom in the world who has ordered the wrong size dog bed before, so I thought I would share my experience in ordering Rooney’s P.L.A.Y. bed in case it is helpful to others.

Here it goes…

4.5 years ago when I began carving out this delightful slice of the internet I call, My Kid Has Paws, I had just switched jobs and was working for a startup in San Francisco. Each day I would take a stroll from the Montgomery BART station to my office on Bryant Street. One day, I noticed right there on Second Street was a pet company called P.L.A.Y. At this time I was still trying to gain traction and work with pet brands to create content, but I went online to investigate the brand further.

I was captured by their ability to marry eco-friendly materials and luxury. A theme they carry across their brand from dog beds to cat toys.

Fast-forward a few years and I find myself to be an official P.L.A.Y. affiliate. This may not seem like a big deal to most, but to a blogger achieving affiliate status with a brand you really love is a feat.

For a long time I had my eyes on their luxurious dog beds. I desperately wanted to order one for Rooney, so on Cyber Monday of last year I purchased Rooney a Large Snuggle Bed in the Husky Gray fabric.

Unfortunately, the Large was not the right size, as Rooney is a little too long for that size bed. You see, he could either fit his head in the snuggle bed, or his butt, but not both.

Thankfully, the person I spoke with from P.L.A.Y. also had a Corgi and knew that I needed to go one size up, so we moved up to a XL for Roo!

The reason that the bed needs to be bigger is partially due to Rooney’s length and also the different styles the P.L.A.Y. snuggle bed converts to. Specifically, the cup style was the one Rooney’s couldn’t seem to fit in with the Large bed.

As a Corgi parent, I occasionally make the mistake of estimating for Rooney based on his weight, and I forget that his body is really that of a medium dog, and I should order based on his length.

 

What’s so special about the Snuggle Bed?

So, you might be asking yourself, why did I feel the need to get the snuggle bed anyway?

  1. The snuggle bed converts into four different options which makes it luxurious and perfect for a dog who likes to burrow (Rooney).
  2. The Husky Gray color was the perfect color to match our bedroom decor, which may not matter to everyone, but nonetheless, I was very happy about it.
  3. The Canvas side is made from a dirt-resistant material which can make it a great bed for traveling in the car as well.
  4. The snuggle bed is Machine washable and dryer friendly
  5. According to P.L.A.Y.’s website, the bed is also: “Made in a facility that meets the strict quality standards for infant and children products”
  6. P.L.A.Y. has a Warm Bellies Program where they provide beds for shelter pets in need.

Needless to say I am very pleased with this bed for Rooney, and he really seems to be loving it as well.

As for the Large Bed that we bought…

Instead of returning the Large bed, I thought I might know a dog who would enjoy the Snuggle Bed as well. Meet Jimmy…

Jimmy is my parent’s chihuahua and he loves to burrow so I knew that he would really enjoy the P.L.A.Y. snuggle bed also!

Do you think your dog would be a fan of the P.L.A.Y. snuggle bed? Have you also had trouble ordering the right bed size for your pets?

Disclaimer: P.L.A.Y. provided us with a bed so that we could provide our honest opinion about their products. Additionally, we are P.L.A.Y. affiliates, so we may financially benefit if you make purchases through the links found on this post. However, My Kid Has Paws only recommends products we believe our readers will enjoy. 

Can Corgis Eat Small Breed Dog Food? – Petcurean

April 27, 2018

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Petcurean. Not only are we part of their Blogger advocate program, but we also feed Rooney Petcurean dog food day. My Kid Has Paws is committed to sharing information we believe our readers will find valuable.

Petcurean recently introduced their NOW FRESH Small Breeds recipes, and this month they have added two new flavors: red meat & fish.

When I was contacted about reviewing one of the flavors, my very first question was; “Does Rooney qualify as a small breed?”

Can Corgis Eat Small Breed Dog Food? - Petcurean

I would describe Rooney as a medium-size-dog-with-short-legs. Therefore, I am never really sure if Rooney qualifies for the “small breed” items. Petcurean was nice enough to confirm with their nutritionist that at 29 pounds, Rooney does quality to eat the small breed recipe.

If you are ever in doubt about a dog food recipe and it’s appropriateness for your dog’s breed and size, I highly recommend double-checking with the company’s standards and with your veterinarian. In this case I am very lucky to have a direct contact to Petcurean, but as a family-owned Canadian company, Petcurean is always accessible to their customer base, which I think is awesome!

As for the new recipes:

Why did Petcurean decide to formulate small breed recipes?

According to Petcurean;

“…Small Breed dogs currently represent 52 percent of the U.S. dog population.” Additionally, “As pets are increasingly being recognized as family members, pet owners are calling for more premium pet foods that reflect their own health trends,” said Jenna Fortin, Director of Marketing at Petcurean. “We developed these two new recipes to meet pet parents’ desire to nourish their companions with natural, high quality ingredients, while addressing the specific nutrition and dietary needs of small breed dogs.”

These recipes not only include 100% fresh lamb and pork or 100% fresh trout, salmon, and herring, but they also include the following:

  • Coconut oil, easily digested and absorbed to promote skin and coat health, weight loss, improve cracked paws, and to increase energy.
  • Egg, an ideal protein because it’s 100 percent digestible and has the ideal amino acid composition for dogs and cats.
  • Parsley and peppermint, natural ingredients to promote fresh breath.
  • Apples, high in vitamin C, fiber, and good for the digestive tract.
  • Grain-free, gluten-free: Zero grains, gluten, wheat, beef, chicken, corn, or soy.
  • Zero rendered meats, by-products, added growth hormones, or artificial preservatives.

Over the years I have shared a lot of information about Petcurean. Therefore, I would love to know, how important it is to you that you know what’s in your pet’s food? What do you look for?

Don’t forget, if you are interested in trying Petcurean food for your pet you can download a $5 off coupon using code PAWSOME8 on any Petcurean food here: Petcurean.com/pawsome

National Animal Poison Prevention Week – Petcurean

March 25, 2018

Please note: This post is an educational resource for common pet poisons (i.e. not for emergencies). If you believe your pet has ingested something toxic, please visit the Pet Poison Helpline or ASPCA Poison Control site (includes horse toxicity information) for a more comprehensive list, or call them at 855-764-7661 or 888-426-4435 respectively.

It’s really scary to think about how many pet poisons there are in the world.

As a matter of fact, I am the one in our dog-friendly office constantly checking the floor to make sure there nothing poisonous for pets has been dropped (like coffee beans and chocolate). To some people I am sure I seem a bit crazy, but to others who understand what these items can do to pets, I’m sure (I hope :)) that they appreciate my diligence.

The truth is however, you aren’t going to have a former veterinary professional walking around with you making sure your pet stays safe and doesn’t eat anything poisonous. To be honest with you, even if you did have a veterinary professional with you, most veterinary professionals still have to look up the types of plants that are poisonous because there are SO MANY!

We have covered this topic a variety of times over the years, and yet, there is still more to share!

Today, our friends at Petcurean want to share with you some common pet poisons so that you can keep your pets (and other people’s pets) safe with your knowledge!

Top 3 Items to Avoid for Dogs: 

  • Chocolate – Most pet lovers know that chocolate is a big no-no for Fido. Chocolate is harmful because of a toxic agent called theobromine, which can make your pup extremely ill and even lead to death.
    • I would add that it really matters what type of chocolate your dog ate! A super handy tool for helping you figure out if your pet is in a dangerous situation is PetMD’s Chocolate Toxicity Meter.
  • Grapes – A lesser known fact, grapes can lead to kidney failure in dogs. If you want to give your pup a sweet and healthy treat, opt for blueberries instead.
  • Mushrooms – If you have a dog that spends a lot of time outside, it’s crucial to check your yard for mushrooms. There are many species of mushroom that are toxic to pets, such as the Amanita phalloides or ‘Death Cap’ mushroom, a potent poison at only 3 grams. Since there’s a multitude of other species that can harm your pet, it’s best to keep your lawn clean of any mushrooms just to be safe.
    • If you suspect your pet has ingested a poisonous mushroom, take them to the vet and bring the mushroom so the clinic can identify what type of toxin or poison they are dealing with.
    • In my own professional experience I have seen many dogs eat mushrooms, and the best thing you can do is act quickly and take them to the vet immediately! Mushrooms are very difficult to identify so it’s safer to assume that any mushroom your dog ate is poisonous and seek veterinary treatment!

National Animal Poison Prevention Week - Petcurean

Top 3 Items to Avoid for Cats:

  • Tuna – Although tuna is the classic delicacy for a cartoon cat, you should only feed your cat tuna when it’s produced in a cat food format. Tuna made for humans can cause digestive problems in your cat if fed as an occasional treat. Feeding them tuna on a more consistent basis can cause a painful condition called steatitis, or inflammation of the body’s fat.
  • Dairy products – Perhaps as iconic as cats and tuna, cats and milk are also a popular pairing. However, as cats age, they can become lactose intolerant causing them to vomit or have diarrhea after ingesting dairy.
  • Lilies – The most common type of lily is toxic to cats only. If your cat eats a lily, it can lead to kidney failure which, if not treated quickly, may result in death.
    • Unfortunately, these are particularly popular this time of year and it can be a very big concern for pet parents.

HARMFUL PLANTS: Many common household plants can have negative effects on your beloved pet. Check your home and make sure you don’t have any of these around!

  • Aloe – There are more than 500 species of aloe vera, all of which are poisonous to your pet. Its toxin, saponin, acts as a defense mechanism and will harm your pet if ingested.
  • English Ivy – English Ivy is one of the most common forms of ivy to grow along the sides of walls and fences, making them easily accessible by outdoor pets and therefore, especially dangerous.
  • Sago Palm – This plant is also a common landscape feature, but a little more difficult for your pet to eat. However, Sago Palm is highly poisonous to pets and can even be fatal.
  • Shamrocks – While relatively harmless in small quantities, a large consumption of shamrocks can lead to kidney failure in your pet.

Unfortunately, this list of poisonous plants is only the beginning! If you aren’t sure about the plants in your yard, it’s important that you take inventory and revisit the design of your yard. I will say that many pet parents think to themselves that their pet isn’t going to eat the plants in their yard because they haven’t yet. But the truth is, you never know. Your pet may feel mischievous, or bored, or stressed one day and start eating items in your yard.

For Renters:

We rented a home for a few years and the yard definitely had some poisonous plants in the back yard. Thankfully, all of the plants were considered mild to moderately toxic. The problem was that we weren’t able to rip up the plants because it wasn’t our yard.

If any of the plants were extremely toxic, we would have made a formal request to have them removed. However, we opted to have Rooney’s time outside monitored. We were always outside with him and provided him with distractions so that he wouldn’t try to eat the plants. Rooney is very mischievous and will definitely try to eat anything that looks interesting.

I would love to know what other solutions renters have used to keep your pets safe, so please share in the comments!

A post shared by Petcurean (@petcurean) on

I want to thank our friends at Petcurean for sharing this valuable information with our readers. Have you had a pet poison learning lesson? Please share in the comments! Your story could help other pet parents keep their dogs and cats safe!

Every My Kid Has Paws reader can enjoy a $5 off coupon to try any Petcurean recipe using coupon code PAWSOME8 which can be redeemed at Petcurean.com/pawsome!

Disclaimer: I am a Petcurean blogger. I was provided with food and compensation so that Rooney and I could provide our honest opinion. However, Petcurean is the food we feed Rooney every day. My Kid Has Paws only shares reviews we believe benefit our readers.

A Dog-Mom-Friendly Wristlet + A Giveaway

March 13, 2018

Have you ever found yourself walking your dog to the coffee shop and you feel like you are inundated with items?

I can’t tell you how many times I have dropped my phone while walking Rooney because I am carrying too many things. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to walk your dog somewhere and struggling with a purse or other items in your hands. The more places our dogs want to go with us (and the more we want them there), the more likely we are to need a dog-mom-friendly wristlet.

A Dog-Mom-Friendly Wristlet + A Giveaway

I want to introduce you to A Pet with Paws, a company that is creating dog mom solutions for travel and style.

A Pet with Paws is an innovative collection of stylish, sustainable pet carriers and accessories. Our commitment to pet travel is essential to our holistic approach of creating responsible, sophisticated products. We combine chic contemporary styles with safety minded designs to create beautiful products that’s a living pawprint of our core values. People, Pooches and The Planet. That’s our cause.

A Pet with Paws has not only this amazing Scarlet Poop Bag Wristlet, but also solutions for training bags and pet carriers.

A Dog-Mom-Friendly Wristlet + A Giveaway

Why Do I Love this Wristlet?

Not only is this wristlet designed to act as a wallet on the go, but there is also room for poop bags and an opening to access them without opening your wristlet. Rooney poops a minimum of twice on any walk, so I can’t, and won’t, leave the house without poop bags. Additionally, there is enough room to carry my phone, keys, and debit card.

Lastly, the material is made from recycled plastic bottles which makes this wristlet a sustainable purchase for dog moms!

I LOVE the Scarlet Poop Bag Wristlet so much, I am giving one away!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tell me, would this wristlet make your life easier? Do you take your dog places where you also need your wallet?

How to Improve Your Pet’s Dental Health with Their Food – Petcurean

March 3, 2018

February is National Pet Dental Health month. Which means, I couldn’t let too much time go by without at least briefly discussing Pet Dental Health!

Today, I am teaming up with Petcurean to share with you how choosing your pet’s food can affect their overall dental health.

Now, any veterinary professional will most certainly want me to reiterate that brushing your pet’s teeth is the #1 way that you can improve your pet’s dental health. However, many pet parents already brush their pet’s teeth, and are likely interested in additional ways that they can improve their pet’s dental health.

If you aren’t already aware, Pet Dental Health is imperative to your pet’s overall health and is wisely summed up in this quote from Petcurean:

Similar to humans, poor dental hygiene causes bad breath, plaque, tartar, gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth root abscesses in dogs. At its worst, bad dental health can contribute to more serious health issues. Inflamed gums, for example, can cause bacterial infections that can affect organs such as the heart and kidneys with extreme cases being fatal.

Petcurean recently released a new brand of food specifically designed to help small dogs with poor dental health. Why small dogs? Well, generally speaking small dogs are more prone to dental disease.

[I]f you’re thinking of adopting a small breed, be prepared for more trips to the vet. With small breeds—generally anyone shorter than knee height—periodontal disease is a huge problem, says Dr. Donnell Hansen, a veterinarian with BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Blaine, Minnesota.

I know all my fellow Corgi Pet Parents out there are wondering; “Does this ‘small breed’ definition count for Corgis too?”. I have always thought of Corgis as “medium dogs with half the leg length”, which would actually mean that they aren’t as prone to periodontal disease as small dogs, but they certainly aren’t immune to dental health problems. According to the AKC:

“Small and large dogs differ in the type of dental disease they can encounter. Small dogs are especially prone to tartar formation, gum recession, and eventual loss of teeth… In contrast, large dogs are more likely to suffer from a fractured tooth from aggressive chewing. If the fracture exposes the interior of the tooth (the pulp cavity), infection travels down the tooth to its root, causing an abscess and loss of the tooth.”

Some of the research I read claimed that Corgis were prone to dental health disease, other articles didn’t include them on the list as one of the top breeds with dental problems. Regardless, we Corgi parents want to do everything we can to improve our dog’s dental health! If you still aren’t sure of the importance of dental health, perhaps this case study from VetWest Animal Hospitals can persuade you!

If Your a Pet Parent of a Small Dog (Defined as <25lbs by feeding Guidelines)

One of the ways your can improve your pet’s dental health is by changing to a food that supports pet dental health! If you are the pet parent of a small breed dog, the new Petcurean NOW FRESH Small Breed recipes are formulated with ingredients that help support oral health and fresh breath, including sodium tripolyphosphate, which binds calcium to protect teeth from tartar formation. Peppermint and parsley are also included as natural ingredients to promote fresh breath. In addition, the small clover-shaped kibble is one of the smallest in the market, contributing to high palatability, easy chewing, and effective digestion.

Every My Kid Has Paws reader can enjoy a $5 off coupon to try any Petcurean recipe using coupon code PAWSOME8 which can be redeemed at Petcurean.com/pawsome!

I wouldn’t classify Rooney as a small breed dog. Not only because I think he is a medium dog with short legs, but also because Rooney is 30lbs and lives and behaves much more like a medium dog, therefore, he wouldn’t necessarily benefit from small kibble.

If you are interested in reading more about Pet Dental Health, don’t forget to check out some of our top pet dental health articles here:

What You NEED to Know About Pet Dental Health – Interview with Dr. Burr from Trupanion

Why Do Dog Dentals Cost So Much?

February Challenge! 20 Days of Dental Health #MKHPFebruaryChallenge

Why Shouldn’t My Pet Have a Gentle Dental?

Disclaimer: I am a Petcurean blogger. I was provided with food and compensation so that Rooney and I could provide our honest opinion. However, Petcurean is the food we feed Rooney every day. My Kid Has Paws only shares reviews we believe benefit our readers.

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