Easy DIY Dog Allery Hacks

*Always consult your veterinarian prior to self-medicating your dog. I am not a veterinarian or medical professional so use the Purple Stuff and the Anti-Itch Spray at your own risk. I am sharing these recipes based on my personal experience and those of my colleagues.

   It is the time of year when dogs everywhere are raising a united hind leg and scratching their annoying itch. I would be afraid to know how much money we have sent to combat the misery of itching over the years of being pet parents. We have bought sprays, ointments, shampoos, powders, you name it and we’ve tried it. Our vets have given steroid shots and pills. Most of them work for a time but at what cost both monetarily and health-wise for your dog?

5 Reasons Dog Love Going on Walks

Dogs love going on walks. It is probably one of the most exciting parts of their day. Bentley and Pierre know when we are about to take them walking. They bark as they hurry to get their harnesses and leashes attached. I asked them what makes walking so special for dogs. The following are their answers.

The Dangers of Recliners

*This article originally appeared on Barking from the Bayou on August 2, 2018. We are on vacation and will return on September 2, 2019.

Me: “I’m going to be totally honest with you right from the start of this post. I struggled with whether I should share this story. I feel so horrible about what happened but as a blogger, I feel it’s my responsibility to tell you my mistake in hopes of preventing you from doing the same thing.”

Bentley Basset Hound: “Are you going to tell them about how you tried to kill me in my sleep the other night?”

Me: “Yes, I mean…no, I did not try to kill you but yes, I am going to tell them what happened.

Should I Crate Train My Puppy?

*This article first appeared on Barking from the Bayou on March 17, 2015. 

 “To crate or not to crate.” That’s a question many new pet parents ask. The question is brought up because many people believe it is a form of punishment to crate their dog. Rest assured, just the opposite is actually true. There are many times in your pet’s life when the benefits of crate training will come in very handy. In the event of separation anxiety, injury, or illness, your veterinarian may recommend crate rest to help to heal. That is not the time to start trying to get your dog used to being inside their crate.

Back-to-School Pet Safety

*This post originally appeared on Barking from the Bayou August 14, 2014. A few updates have been made. 

Bentley: “Hey Pierre, it’s time our annual back-to-school safety post. We are at our local school so we can share some important information with you. It’s close enough to walk from home and that sure beats riding the school bus.  Mom even packed us a lunch.”

Pierre: “This is a great classroom. I’m going to sit up front, so I can be the teacher’s pet. We are learning about School Supply Safety today. It looks pretty interesting so far.  What kind of safety concerns can we find in a classroom?  I mean other than bullies, slamming our paws in lockers, falling out of my chair, and algebra?”

Snoozing on the Original Dog Pillow

Pierre: “As the official toy expert, I really lucked out when we received The Dog Pillow Company’s Original pillow. Although it is fun to run around with it in my mouth, it is so much more than a toy.

Why I Don’t Take My Dogs to the Dog Park

   Let me begin by saying that I think dog parks are a wonderful place. I encourage people to use them and feel like it makes communities more desirable to dog parents. We have never taken the Bayou Boys to a dog park for a number of reasons. The first being where we used to live didn’t have one and then when they opened it people dropped their dogs off and kids swam in the dog pond. Thanks, but no thanks. 

Cruising Along with My Pet DMV License

Bentley Basset Hound: “They’re here! They’re here! Pierre, hurry!!”
Pierre Westie: “What are you barking about? What’s here? This had better be good because I was having a great dream.”

*Barking from the Bayou received two sets of license from MyPetDMV.com in exchange for an honest review. We only share products that we love and think will benefit our readers. MyPetDMV is not responsible for the content of this article.

Bentley: “Well, this is a dream come true. We finally have our very own driver’s license. Mom ordered them from My Pet DMV, and they are absolutely incredible. We selected our Texas license, but you can pick from ALL 50 states and Canada! They look just like the real deal and only take about 5 minutes to create on their website.”
Pierre: “Oh my dog! I’ve been wanting my own license since I was a pup. They fixed us up with one wallet size and three keychain/collar ID tags. It’s hard to believe they only charge $19.95 for all of those and you can order additional pets’ licenses for only $9.95 at checkout. That kind of savings makes it easy to order licenses for the whole family…even your feline siblings. Cats like to drive too!”

A Trip to the Vet

Pierre Westie: “Y’all are not going to believe what we were forced to endure on Monday. Mom and Dad took us to the V-E-T. It all started a few days ago when I began scratching and rubbing my right ear. Mom examined it but didn’t notice anything unusual and there was no foul odor. Still, after watching it over the weekend, they decided I needed to see the doctor. I feel better sitting in Mom’s lap in the office.”

Introducing the Smart Leash with Auto Lock

   I want to introduce you to the Smart Leash™ retractable leash. Now before you roll your eyes and say all retractable leashes are a bad idea, let me tell you how this leash has changed my mind. 
   Most retractable leashes rely on the human at the other end of it to control the dog. While many pet parents are great at using their retractable leash, many are not and that results in their dog abruptly charging at other dogs, people, or even into the street. This is why people have such negative views on this type of leash.