Category: Dog Care

Golden Retriever Brodie's winter nose

Golden Brodie offers woof-woof about his “snow-nose”

Published on by goldenbrodie17 Comments

My humans noticed my big golden nose turning pink…what they said…why? Well..
“Snow nose” or “winter nose” is the most common reason why a dog’s nose will change color. It will fade from black to brown or pink during the winter months. … Siberian Huskies, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Labs and Bernese Mountain dogs are the breeds where snow nose is most common.” Good stuff to know if you have one of the above breeds…pink is in and brown is out…during the winter months.

Inspirational photo by PamelaWLucas 1/4/18

Golden Retriever and Tabby Cat laying with their heads together in the grass.

Golden Brodie’s heart is in South Texas

Published on by goldenbrodie8 Comments

This hurricane thing called Harvey is a very bad person.  It’s beyond me why anyone would place such destruction and sadness…anywhere.

Now, I have never met a hurricane and I sure hope that my family and loved ones…my area…my home…my beloved Virginia…anywhere for that matter…never comes in contact with the likes of a Harvey.

Remember…safety is always at the center of my golden retriever messages.  So, humans have a plan when you know you are going to meet such a beast, as Harvey…and be sure that your plans cover your pets…your livestock…they are counting on your good common sense and caring.

Have a plan.

Inspirational photo by Pexels, Snap Wire

Yellow lab with open mouth grabbing hose water

Golden Brodie gulps on canine water

Published on by goldenbrodie4 Comments

Summertime and the living is…hot…dog days hot.  Sure, it affects me more than I’d like to admit.  I think my golden coat…which I happen to like…it defines me in many ways…but my thick undercoat keeps me boiling hot during the last summer months.  How do I deal with it…shade…lots of water and of course, air-conditioning…as do you.

My humans…I see you walking around with bottled water in hand…bottled water in the car cup-holder…water…water…water.  So, my dog self gets a fresh bowl of water each AM and replenished often… based on my needs.  Gotta stay hydrated!  I even have a “Chill out” collar to wear outside on these super steamy days.

Cool down Chill Out collar for dogs
Cool down Chill Out collar for dogs

When dunked in cold water, this collar cools my dog skin around my neck.  I like it, although blue is not my color.

Paws up for this yellow lab messing with the hose water…a canine cool down.

Light colored golden retriever in the grass showing his tongue

Golden Brodie chews on some grass

Published on by goldenbrodie7 Comments

Sometimes a dog just gotta be a dog…you know eat things that humans find disgusting…like an old sock or a rank morsel out of the trash can or some strange thing lying along the sidewalk.  And yes, grass…green grass especially during the growing season.

Yes, I am golden guilty of munching on grass.  I really have no explanation…other than I like it…I guess.

But if you need a scientific reason why we canines eat grass, then read this article by the American Kennel Club.

And remember, safety first…so make sure those socks are not on the floor, close that trash can and keep an eye out for something weird your dog might want to grab and gobble on your walks.  Paws Up!

Photo by PEXELS

Golden Brodie talks about dogs donating blood

Dog heroes..it’s about blood…

Published on by goldenbrodie6 Comments

Here I am…a golden retriever…learning so much…but never enough.  Well, I just found out that I have only a limited number of years…that’s right six or less years to donate my blood…yeah…my dog blood.  Who knew?!

I have also learned that human blood banks go to all time lows during the summer months...yeah the beach…the mountains…the vacation time…ya’ll forget during this time to donate…hey…it happens.  Just consider giving some blood before the running around fun time sets in.  So, lay down and give…Now that’s a golden good thought!

A big thanks to Huffington Post for this informative post and touching video.

Golden Retriever Brodie with his stuffed animal

Golden Brodie barks “Give Your Dog a Job”

Published on by goldenbrodie19 Comments

Ever since I was a pup…I have been working on being a  well-behaved dog…I’ve been at this for three years and it never ends. I’ve also learned to listen and follow my instincts…the retrieving part…so I get things…yes I do understand quite a bit…but I mean I go and “get things”…like my toys.

Golden Retriever Brodie with his white bunny toy
Brodie with bunny

She says “Go get your toy!”… and off I go…retrieve the toy and bring it for a playtime.  I’m also still working on calming down…goal in mind… become a Therapy Dog…so I’ve been practicing outside of my local hospital…learning to take my place…be calm…and just do nothing…that’s right nothing…just sit or lay down and accept the gentle hands that pet me…It’s my job…hey somebody has to do it.

We all need a job…yes even dogs…certain dogs are happiest when they have a purpose…consider teaching your dog how to help you with chores around the house…and of course…don’t forget the tricks!  

 

ice cubes

Golden Brodie Alert: Sometimes ice is not nice

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Listen up! My golden retriever self adores crunching ice cubes…I get these treats when we’re outside…when I’m settled…when I’m lounging on the patio. If I’m overheated after a walk or a romp…my people lower my body temperature by pouring cool water on my head…my dog neck and belly…it’s such a relief…they never offer ice cubes at this time...because my body temp could drop too quickly shocking my system.  So, ice is nice at the right time. Cool paws!

Golden retriever with mouth open and tongue out
Golden retriever with mouth open and tongue out…panting but happy

More on ice and dogs…