dog Archives - Page 7 of 10

Beanie Baby Dog Costume

Since I missed posting more pictures for Halloween this year I thought I would post this picture now because it is too good to pass up! And also because I just discovered it today.

Dog dressed as a TY Beanie Baby:

(source)

Such a simple but awesome idea! Just make a large heart shaped “hang tag” out of poster board or cardboard, put a TY logo on it, and attach to your dog’s collar. This is all assuming your dog would allow the tag to be on its collar for very long without ripping it apart. I think the key is knowing your dog, and making the tag the right size.

–Fizz Pig

November 18, 2013

Wednesday Woof! – Golden Retriever

A late Wednesday Woof!

This Golden Retriever got into a bit of trouble, but that look on his face says that it not possibly be his fault.

(source)

The caption with this picture said “He is acting like he has no idea how this happened.” I have a really good feeling that he knows exactly how it happened, but that it might get him in trouble so it is best to not know. Ha ha! So innocent looking, but willing to go the extra mile to get what he wants!

Has your dog ever gotten into something and had a box (or anything else) stuck as evidence?

October 24, 2013

Be Careful Feeding Your Dog Jerky Treats

I saw in the news today that Federal animal health officials are warning that Chinese made jerky dog treats (sweet potato, dried fruit, duck, and chicken flavors) are causing illness and pet death.

Here is a screen capture of the FDA’s website:

The story I read in TIME cites that over 3,600 dogs and 10 cats have become ill, while 600 pets have died after eating these jerky treats. After running many tests it is still unclear what is making pets sick. There was a different incident last January when a couple well known brands of chicken jerky treats were removed from shelves voluntarily over a scare they contained unapproved antibiotics.

Please, if you feed your dog or cat jerky treats check where they were made (for those you have in your home now and before buying any at the store). It is always better to feed your pets as naturally as possible, and to know what kind of quality control the brands you use have in place for food safety. Given the multiple scares, it is probably better to not feed your pets this kind of jerky treat.

If your pet has become ill from eating jerky treats please take your dog to the vet and contact the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA lists a few things you can look out for in your pet should they consume bad jerky treats: decreased appetite, decreased activity, vomiting, diarrhea, increased water consumption, and/or increased urination. Some cases involve animals with other symptoms including convulsion, collapse, or skin problems. If you suspect that jerky treats made your pet ill the FDA may want any leftover treats, or the packaging itself, for testing.

You can read the story in TIME or there is a lot of good information on the FDA’s website.

October 24, 2013

dog News Uncategorized No comments Cola and Fizz

Wednesday Woof! – Corgi

Sorry for the late post everyone, but it is still sort of Wednesday! Therefore, here is a funny Wednesday Woof! featuring a little Corgi that might not be the smartest dog.

(source)

Poor little guy! I do hope he realized that it is possible to go around the fence. Otherwise, he never did get to his toy/treat.

Has your dog ever done something like this?

-Fizz Pig

October 17, 2013

dog funny No comments Cola and Fizz

Top 10 Dog Costumes You Can Buy at the Store

Do you plan to get a costume for your dog this Halloween?

We never did dress our dog up, he hated wearing things and pictures even more! If your dog can withstand a costume for a picture (or even longer) then it is a fun activity. Some dogs don’t care any may enjoy it, while others get really stressed out and upset. Remember, keep what is best for your dog in mind and do not stress out your dog needlessly or do anything that might result in injury.

If you are looking for a costume and need some ideas, below is a list of nice or creative costumes that you can easily purchase. Many are available at costume retailers in your area, and if not I have provided links to buy the items online.

10. Orca

The poor dog in the picture looks like he wants nothing to do with this costume! I bet it feels odd with the weight and shape of the plush whale. I think this costume would be a good conversation starter, and it is funny. It looks to be well constructed with a lot of attention paid to detail compared to its price. This costume is made by Animal Planet and is available on wag.com in x-small to medium for $18.90.

9. Inmate or Prisoner

I like this costume because there are many variations out there, and it is funny in a “dog shaming” kind of way. You know, your dog was “bad” for chewing up the toilet paper again or what not.

This version is on wag.com, in small, medium, and large, for $16.09:

If you like this one but want to pay a little less, Amazon features this one priced by size. X-small is $11.30, small is $13.85, medium is $7.50, and large and extra large are about the same as wag.com.

Here is a deluxe version of this kind of costume on Target.com available only in small for $24.99:

Target stores also offer a basic version in store only which is a striped shirt your dog can wear with a plastic window on the back that allows you to write your dog’s “crime” on a piece of paper for other’s enjoyment. Again, I find this funny because you can write things like “Homework Eater” or “Bed Hog” to make the joke more complete.

8. Classic Skeleton

Petsmart’s Martha Stewart line has a neat skeleton shirt with hood, in two colors black and pink. Each is available in sizes from x-small to x-large costing $15.99 to $17.59. The links go to Petsmart’s website, if you are going to see if they have them in your local store I suggest calling to check availability first.

Target also has a basic skeleton shirt you can buy in store, but I don’t remember if it has a hood or not.

7. Ghostbusters

This is such an iconic movie that I am surprised pet costumes from the franchise have not turned up before now! There are two options, a Ghostbuster and the Stay-Puft Marshmallow Man. These offer an innovative way to do a family themed costume set including your pet as either another Ghostbuster or your nemesis Stay-Puft!

Ghostbuster Jumpsuit

Rubies Costume Company created this and it is official licensed. The jumpsuit is adorable and features an inflatable proton pack for all your dog’s ghost busting needs. You can buy the costume in sizes small to x-large with prices ranging by size (S $13.64, M $15.99, L or XL $14.08).

Stay-Puft

The costume is also made by Rubies, and is officially licensed. It comes in small to x-large with a price of $17.99 regardless of size.

6. Angry Birds

I think Angry Birds are still really popular, given that there is so much merchandise featuring the property. Angry Birds Star Wars is a huge property now too, and I wonder if next year we will see costumes for that version of the game?

King Pig

I found this one on Amazon in sizes small to large for around $25 depending on size.

Red Bird

Many places offer this costume, Amazon has it in sizes small to large for $8 to $20 depending on size.

Yellow Bird

A few different places also offer the yellow angry bird costume, Partycity.com has this in sizes from small to large for $19.99 each.

Your local Target, Party City, or other costume retailers might have these in stock as well.

5. Famous Dogs

It might be a bit cliche, but why not dress your dog up as another famous dog? The selection will vary depending on what store you go to, but I have links in case you really want a specific one.

Blue from Blues Clues

Amazon offers Blue from Blues Clues in sizes small to x-large for $8 to $20 depending on size.

Frankenweenie

Amazon has Frankenweenie costumes in sizes small to x-large for $15.99 each.

Underdog

Amazon has Underdog costumes in sizes x-small to x-large for $8 to $18 dollars depending on size.

4. Crayons

This easy go to costume for adults is now dog sized! You could dress your whole family up as crayons actually, the only downside is that they do not make that many different colors. I always had more than one box of crayons around as a kid so two blue crayons might not be that out of the ordinary. In any event, this one seems to be a popular and easy to find design. Target has it, party city, and I am guessing most local temporary Halloween stores with dog costumes should have this one too.

Blue Crayon

Target’s website lists this as unavailable online but costing $20. Amazon offers the blue crayon in sizes from x-small to x-large for around $15 depending on size.

Green Crayon

Again, Target’s website refers you in store to buy this for $20. Amazon has the green crayon in sizes from x-small to x-large for around $15 depending on size.

Pink Crayon

The one might be available at Target, but I did not see it on their website. Amazon again has this one in sizes x-small to x-large for around $15 depending on size.

3. Peacock

I really like the colors of this costume, how it fits, and the detail. It is made by Animal Planet and comes in sizes from x-small to large. On Wag.com this costume is available for only $18.90.

2. Dog rider figures

I love this idea because they offer so many choices in style, and for its simplicity. It is just one item you put on your dog’s back like a harness. The weight is different than a simple harness, but if your dog is finicky about wearing something more covering and does not mind the feeling of wearing one then this might be your best bet. The downside is that these are easy for your dog to bit onto and possibly destroy. Regardless, these would make for great pictures or a fun time during trick or treating.

Dog Riders Cowboy

I feel like this option is fun and really applies if your dog loves to run or is hyper. Amazon.com sells this costume, one size fits most style, for $20.99. The product reviews indicate this product is fun, well made for the price, and easy to get on or off your pet with well placed Velcro.

Jockey Rider

This is so cute! I would love to have tried this on my dog because he LOVED to run! You can find this one in your local Target store, or online on their website. The harness for the jockey comes in different sizes, and on Target.com you can still buy small, medium, and x-large for only $14.

Dog Riders Headless Horseman

This one is a one size fits most dogs product, and can be found at Amazon.com for $20.99. It is a more “scary” option in this type of costume. Based only on the picture it looks to be quite detailed.

Jouster

The one also comes from Target, in two different color schemes. The harness for this one comes in different sizes as well. You can look for it in store, or buy it from Target.com in sizes small to x-large for $14.

This one is my favorite of the dog rider costume ideas because if you have two dogs you can buy both color schemes for a joust competition theme. It also makes a cute family themed costume idea to be able to include your dog if you have a boy dressing up as a knight, king, or dragon, or a girl dressed as a princess or queen.

Dog Rider Monkey

This is the most odd option. It reminds me of dog and monkey acts in the circus. There seems to be poor reviews of this product compared to others made by the same company and it is harder to find, so I am wondering if this is an older option that was discontinued? You can find it on Amazon sold by Toynk. I also found it on Target.com for $24.99.

1. Disney Characters

Petsmart has Disney themed pet costumes this year! They are super simple, mostly just shirts your dog can wear. I appreciate these offerings because they are easy to put on your pet, don’t feature any extra things that could really bother your dog, and are very child friendly. Some kids are really scared of dogs, and dressing them up as friendly and well known characters can help if you plan to take your well behaved dog out trick or treating with the family. This could be an easy way to include your pet in your family costume theme if you are doing anything Disney. These should also be easy to get for this Halloween, I saw some of these at my local store (call before going if it is an out of the way trip). You can also purchase online on petsmart.com.

Here are a few of the options:

Pooh Bear

This simple Pooh costume comes in x-small to large, costing $13.59 to $15.19 by size.

Petsmart also has more detailed designs with hoods featuring Pooh, Tiger, and Eeyore. These come in sizes x-small to xx-large in most styles for $19.99 to $21.59.

Pinocchio

A simple pet t-shirt design of a somewhat obscure costume. Everyone knows Pinocchio, but I have not seen many kids dress up this way so it might be a good way to fit this costume in if you love the story but no one else desires to dress up as the character. Available in sizes from x-small to large, for $13.59 to $15.19 by size.

Kermit

Available online in sizes x-small to large, from $13.59 to $15.19.

Buzz Lightyear

Available online in x-small to large, from $13.59 to $15.19.

Woody

I love this Woody costume! It comes with the detailed looking shirt, hat, and even the pull string on the back! I would buy this if I had a dog to wear it because it looks so cute. I wish they had featured this one with a dog actually wearing it, but I know that is not always possible. Available in sizes small to large, for $19.99 to $21.59.

Mickey Mouse

This is a shirt with hood, so some dogs might not appreciate this one as well as just a shirt. This is available in sizes x-small to x-large, and costs $16.09 to $17.49.

Snow White

This dress is so cute and it looks like attention was paid to small details. Available in sizes x-small to medium for $16.09.

Also available in a Cinderella design in the same size range for $16.09.

Nemo

I am not really sure this is the correct size of costume for this dog, or if the costume is meant to fit like this, but the idea is neat. Everyone loves Nemo right? It is a fun and different option. Available in sizes x-small to xx-large, for $19.99 to $21.59.

Mickey Mouse Ears

Yes, your dog too can wear Mickey ears! Although it comes with strings to tie around your dog’s head to make sure it stays on longer, I cannot see many dogs allowing this for more than a photo op. I think this would be fun for Halloween, a fun way to announce to your kids that you are going to Disney on vacation, or for a family picture after you all have mouse ears from the parks. These are one size fits most and cost $7.99, available from Petsmart in store only!

This list is only a small sample of purchasable costumes, so don’t limit yourself if you do not enjoy this list. I suggest looking at Target, Petsmart, Petco, and Amazon for even more choices. Be sure to check specific measurements on each costume to assure that you are purchasing the correct size for your pet.

October 10, 2013

Costumes dog Halloween No comments Cola and Fizz

Pomsky – Pomeranian Husky Mix

Yesterday a friend asked me if I had ever heard of a Pomsky, and I must admit I have not. So I sent Cola and Fizz on the hunt for information. Below are the results of their findings:

The designer dog mix of a Husky and Pomeranian is often called a Pomsky (plural Pomskies). There is a lot of good information out there about this new crossbreed, but also a lot of misleading information and pictures. Please, always do your research first! If you ever buy a puppy from a breeder make sure they are reputable and you can check out their facility and dogs.

We are looking at a cross of a Pomeranian:

(source)

A small breed of dog which is friendly, playful, and intelligent. They pick up training, but can also train their owners to get what they want. They are a healthy breed. Pomeranians often bark at new situations and people, which can develop into a problem.

With a Husky:

(source)

The Husky is a robust and strong breed of working dog most often used in sled pulling. I am guessing that the type of husky used for breeding a Pomsky would depend on the individual breeder. “Husky” is a term which refers to any dog used to pull sleds differentiated by their pulling style. These huskies can be mixes of many types of dogs and vary in particulars like coat, height, build, and color. These dogs are often crossed based on ability and in an attempt to create better working dogs, but are not registered as purebred dogs for show purposes. On the other hand, the Siberian Husky is a specific large sized working dog originating in Siberia with a set breed standard and appearance. These differences would affect the outcome in a mixed breed pairing.

So here is the result, a Pomsky:

(apexpomskies)

Given that these dogs are a mix, sometimes first generation and sometimes mixes of already mixed animals, individual dog’s characteristics vary. Most often Pomskies are small in size like a Pomeranian but have Husky coloring. This is, I believe, what breeders are working towards. Of course, with further development of the crossbreed and more generations there will be standardization of qualities like size.

Size?
Actual adult size will depend on the parent’s size and can range from around 15 to over 25 pounds. Smaller adult Pomskies will be possible with further generations.

Coat Considerations?
Pomskies can have the entire range of colors for both Pomeranians and Huskies. Coat length and fluffiness will depend on parent crosses, so some will be fuller like a Pom while others smoother like a Husky. Shedding will be close to whichever parent’s coat a puppy gets. First generation crosses are often more Husky like, medium shedding dogs which blow their coat during the summer.

Ears and Tail?
Ears should always be erect, especially if both parents had erect ears. The tail should be curled over the back like both parent breeds.
Note: This is in regard to an ideal standard, as with any other dog that should have erect ears or a curled tail. If a dog’s ears fail to come up, stand up all the time, or has an uncurled tail such a dog still makes a great pet quality animal but those traits are a “defect” detracting from a breed standard and are therefore not ideal and would disqualify a dog from being show quality.

Temperament?
Temperament is a mix of the parents, and will vary based on individual, but most Pomskies are energetic, intelligent, and may be loud. They are said to take well to training with your effort, and to be good family pets.

Puppy Cost?
A Pomsky puppy will cost around $1500. This will vary by area, breeder, and availability. These dogs are still “rare.” There are not many breeders specializing in this crossbreed and there could be a lot of puppy mill style breeders (or simply inexperienced breeders) trying to take advantage of the low supply.

If you are looking for a puppy I will direct you to the breeders page at the Pomsky Club of America.

There is misinformation that these dogs will always look like Husky puppies, often featuring pictures of actual Husky puppies or Pomskies as puppies and claiming they are fully grown. If you feel that this is actually true after seeing images of adults, then enjoy the breed for that. However, I do not find this to be true after looking at the pictures of adult Pomskies. The dogs just look like small sized Huskies.

Here are actual Pomsky puppies:

(ApexPomskies)

(ApexPomskies)

First generation Pomsky adults:

(ApexPomskies)

More Pomsky Adults:

(ApexPomskies)

(Bluebreeze Pomskies)

— Cola and Fizz

UPDATE: I am not, nor have I ever been, a Pomsky breeder. As I mentioned above, if you are looking for a puppy you should check out Pomsky Club of America or Google to see if there are local breeders in your area. Please make sure you check out your breeder first before buying a puppy to make sure they keep their dogs and puppies in a good enviroment. A good breeder will allow you to see where they keep their dogs and allow you to meet the puppies before you pay the full amount for the puppy. I have seen too many fake listings for Pomskies that use puppy pictures from a Google image search. Be careful and do your research always!

Sources:
Wikipedia – Husky
Widipedia – Siberian Husky
Wikipedia – Pomeranian
Pomsky Club of America
Pomsky Information

October 4, 2013

dog puppies 1 comment Cola and Fizz

Dog on Flight

Have you ever been on a flight with a working dog? This Air Force K9 bomb sniffing dog got to travel in style, with his own seat and informative collar:

(source)

The dog looks so cute that you almost cannot resist petting him, regardless of what his collar may say! I have never had the opportunity of traveling with such a well trained dog, only ones in little carriers under the seats of their owners. It makes sense that these dogs would get to travel this way, it is far safer for the dog.

— Fizz Pig

October 2, 2013

dog No comments Cola and Fizz

Wednesday Woof!

Another Wednesday, a new month, hope your day is going well!

Here is a puppy to help:

(source)

This puppy looks so happy to be running around! This picture is excellent with a great angle and it captures the scene around the pup well.

– Cola Pig

October 2, 2013

Cute dog puppies No comments Cola and Fizz

Wednesday Woof!

It is that point in the week again!

I am not sure how long this picture has been circling the internet, but if I had a sewing machine I would make one of these:

(source)

I mean the costume, of course, I cannot sew a dog so cute! The white fluffy dog is adorable on its own but the addition of the little horse hat/hoodie makes the picture perfect. The little costume is just simplistic enough that it allows the dog to be cute in and of itself.

– Cola Pig

September 25, 2013

dog No comments Cola and Fizz

Dalmatian of Another Color

When you mix some children with access to markers and a black and white dog, this can happen:

(source)

If the markers were nontoxic, this is funny and kind of adorable. It makes me wish some dalmatians came with rainbow fur.

That being said, you should always monitor things like pens and markers around your dog. From a toxicity standpoint, most things (even sharpies) are nontoxic. Your dog might end up a bit sick, and if you are worried contacting a vet is best. Consuming too much can make them very sick. However, the most danger is when your dog chews up something like a pen or marker and then eats the plastic which can cause an obstruction.

-Cola Pig

September 19, 2013

dog No comments Cola and Fizz

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