People who don't own dogs tend to believe that pooches are groomed for purely aesthetic reasons.

But as a dog owner, you're well aware that caring for a dog's coat, claws and teeth is about much more than just making your furry friend look pretty--it's about making them happier and more comfortable.

Veterinarians often talk about another benefit to grooming - the tangible health benefits.

Regardless of the breed, a regular grooming schedule can help prevent the development of a number of annoying health conditions in dogs, while also helping owners identify several serious conditions early on.

Curious as to why this is? Here are fivereasons why a regularly groomed dog is a healthier dog.

1. Prevent Skin Infections

An unkempt coat can pose serious risks to your dog's health.Dirty coats (especially long ones) are perfect repositories for mould and bacteria. As these grow and multiply, they can cause skin conditions and sores on your dog's skin, which can easily get infected and lead to more serious health issues.

Long-haired breeds like Collies or Shih Tzus are at a higher risk of developing these conditions, but short haired dogs can still get them.

All dogs can benefit from a regular grooming schedule that includes a good brush, wash and in some cases, trim.

2. Keep Them Cool

For thousands of years, dogs have accompanied us as we moved around the world. Wherever we settled, our furry friends would settle too, and as we mingled with other peoples, so did our dogs.

This mingling has left us with a wonderful diversity of dog breeds, each of which can be traced back to a particular place in the world. But while these breeds developed to thrive and survive in particular places, today they can be found all over the world.

This means that many dogs breeds are ill-equipped to deal with the weather of the places where they live, which can affect their health.

For example, heat stroke and heat exhaustion are very real things for dogs. Regular haircuts can help many dogs, but especially long-haired breeds, avoid them.

Keeping a short coat during the summer months, can help dogs cool down in excessively hot environments, keeping them happy and healthy..

3. Prevent Eye and Ear Infections

Dogs with longer facial hair often develop crusts on the corner of their eyes due to irritation that can lead to discomfort and infection, especially when bacteria and mold grows in their coat.

A similar thing occurs in a dog's ears. There, bacteria growing in unkept hair can also lead to the development of ear infections, which can be painful and annoying.

Routine grooming in the form of washes and trims will help prevent the developments of these annoying and painful infections, resulting in happier and healthier dogs.

4. Improves Posture

When most people hear about dog grooming, they immediately think about cleaning and cutting a dog's coat. But grooming also includes trimming the dog's nails, which (perhaps surprisingly) also has significant health benefits for dogs.

Veterinarians often recommend regular nail trimming becauseit decreases the risk of your dog getting their nails caught (and torn out) on floors, carpeting and furniture, which can be EXTREMELY painful for your pooch.

But on top of this, the benefits of regular nail trimming on a dog's health can be far more important. Overgrown nails can change the physiognomy of a dog's paws, which forces them to change their natural stance and gait.

This unnatural posture can lead to the development of arthritis in their legs and hips, which can make your doggy's life a living hell, especially as they grow older.

5. Helps Identify Serious Conditions Earlier

In addition to helping prevent skin infections from developing, regularly grooming your pooch can help identify serious conditions by allowing you to see any lumps, bumps or growths that may be developing on your dogs skin.

Identifying these signs early on (especially in the case of tumerous lumps) may help save your dogs life.

A happy dog is a healthy dog

Just like with humans, there's a direct link between a dog's happiness and their health.

That's why keeping your dog comfortable and happy with regular grooming is another great way to boost their health.

And what's more: a clean, well-groomed dog is a pleasure to cuddle and curl up next to, which will make YOU happier and healthier too!

For thousands of years, dogs have accompanied humans as we moved around the world. Wherever we settled, our furry friends would settle too, and as we mingled with other peoples, so did our dogs.

This mingling has left us with a wonderful diversity of dog breeds, each of which can be traced back to a particular place in the world. It's no surprise then that many dog breeds are associated with a particular place or country and have that country or place of origin in their name (think German Shepherds, Tibetan Mastiffs, Siberian Huskies, etc).

While in some cases figuring out where your dog's ancestors are from is easy, in others it's not so clear. Are you wondering where in the world your dog is from?

Here's a quick Atlas of Dog Breeds that will get you thinking of how international your pup really is!

Atlas of Dog Breeds

A

Afghan Hound - Afghanistan

Akita - Japan

Argentine Mastiff - Argentina

Australian Shepherd - Australia

B

Basenji - Democratic Republic of Congo

Beagle - United Kingdom

Bernese Mountain Dog - Switzerland

Border Collie - United Kingdom

Boxer - Germany

Bulldog - United Kingdom

C

Chihuaha - Mexico

Chow Chow - China

Corgi - Wales

D

Dachsund - Germany

Dalmatian - Croata

Doberman - Germany

Dogue de Bordeaux - France

E

Elo - Germany

English Foxhound - United Kingdom

F

Finnish Spitz - Finland

Fox Terrier - United Kingdom

French Bulldog - France

G

Galgo Español (Spanish Greyhound) - Spain

German Shepherd - Germany

Golden Retriever - United Kingdom

Great Dane - Germany

Greyhound - United Kingdom

H

Harrier - United Kingdom

Hokkaido - Japan

I

Irish Setter - Ireland

J

Jack Russell Terrier - United Kingdom

K

Komondor - Hungary

Koolie - Australia

L

Labrador Retriever - Canada

M

Maltese - Italy

Mexican Hairless Dog - Mexico

N

Norwegian Elkhound - Norway

Nova Scotia Duck-Trolling Retriever - Canada

O

Old Danish Pointer - Denmark

Old English Sheepdog - United Kingdom

P

Papillon - Belgium

Pekingese - China

Peruvian Hairless Dog - Peru

Pointer - Germany

Pomeranian - Poland

Poodle - Germany/France

Portuguese Water Dog - Portugal

Pug - China

Q - R

Rajapalayam - India

Rat Terrier- United States

Rhodesian Ridgeback - Zimbabwe

Rottweiler -Germany

Russell Terrier - United Kingdom

S

Schnauzer - Germany

Scottish Terrier - United Kingdom

Shar Pei - China

Shih Tzu - China

Siberian Husky - Russia

St. Bernard - Italy/Switzerland

Swedish Laphun - Sweden

T

Teddy Roosevelt Terrier - United States

Thai Ridgeback - Thailand

Tibetan Mastiff - China (Tibet)

Toy Fox Terrier - United States

U

Uruguayan Cimarron - Uruguay

V

Vizsla - Hungary

Volpino - Italy

W

Weimaraner - Germany

Welsh Terrier - United Kingdom

White Shepherd - United States

X Y Z

Xiasi - China

Yorkshire Terrier - England

Researchers have studied relationships and found in scientific studies thatplaying with your canine companion can help fight the symptoms of anxiety and depression by boosting your mood and improving your quality of life.

In case you needed another yet another great reason to spend time with your dog (or maybe convince your boss that you can bring Fido to work), here are 5 scientifically-proven ways dogs are good for your mental health.

1. Boost Serotonin Levels

According to scientistsat the University of Missouri-Columbia, petting your dog stimulates the release of serotonin, a hormone that helps fight depression and anxiety.

2. You Have Companionship

Studies show that caring for dogs (and other animals) can help make us feel needed and wanted. This social support is a proven antidote against one of the biggest triggers of depression: loneliness.

3. You Get More Exercise

Dogs force us out of the house to go on walks, hikes and runs. These activities help dog owners meet daily exercise requirements, which in turn help ward off depression and anxiety, according to a study from the University of Portsmouth in the UK.

4. You Meet New People

A study from Harvard University shows that dogs can be a great social lubricant for their owners, helping them start new friendships. Because dog owners frequently stop and talk to each other on walks, they combat loneliness, which as mentioned earlier, is one of the biggest causes of depression.

5. They Help You Create Routine

Dogs require a regular feeding and exercise schedule. Having a consistent routine keeps dogs balanced and calm'something that actually works for humans too!According to experts at the Mental Health Center, routines can help people living with mental health challenges like depression and anxiety by giving them structure in what can feel like an otherwise chaotic life.

Does your dog bark every time he sees another pooch?

Does he or she get anxious,scared, or evenaggressive when you pass by another dog during a walk?

If so, your four-legged friendprobably needs a little bit of extra helplearning how to socialize.

Teaching your dog how to be friendly with other dogs isn't always easy. But if you're patientand follow these five steps carefully, there's a good chance you (and your dog) will be able to actually enjoy your daily walks, without being afraid of seeing other dogs.

1. Start slowly

The first thing you need to do to socialize your dog is to get them used to seeing other dogs.

This is a slow process and begins by taking daily walks to the dog park.

Or to be more precise, to the area right outside the dog park.

Stand outside the park with your four-legged friend, and allow them to watch the other pups and observe their behavior.

If your dog reacts aggressively, move back from the fence, and slowly move forward until they are comfortable and quiet. You might have to do this a few times until they can get close enough.

Once you're able to get close enough without having your dog bark, it's time to start with positive reinforcement.

2. Bribe them with treats

Most dogs will do anything for a treat.

That's whyyou should always have a stash of treats at your disposal to reinforce good behaviour.

When it comes to socializing your dog, this means giving them a treat whenever they have a successful interaction with another dog.

What does this look like?

Basically, wheneveranother dog comes near the fence of the dog park, you should give your dog a treat. This creates a positive association in your dog's mind that they will connect with being around other dogs. This will encouragepositive social behavior in the long run.

3. Avoid any sort of negative reinforcement

One of the biggest mistakes that dog owners who have antisocial dogs make, is to tugon their leash whenever they see another dog during a walk.

If you're out walking and another dog comes into view, resist jerking on the leash and yelling at your dog. This reinforces the idea that seeing other dogs is a negative experience.

Instead, if your dog is getting anxious or even a bit aggressive distract them. Use a toy or a treat, and praise them for paying attention to you rather than the other dog.

While this won't help socialize them per se, it will help avoid any type of negative association related to seeing other dogs.

4. Stay on a schedule

When your dog is comfortable enough to begin socializing with others, it's important to make sure that you're still going slow. Timing interactions with other dogs is a great way to do this.

Make sure that these first interactions are long enough so that the dogs can get acquainted, but not so long as to tire your dog out. Once the pooches have established a relationship (this can take a few weeks), then you can let them spend a bit more time together.

5. Choose friends wisely

Not all dogs are meant to be friends.

That's why, when your dog is starting to become a little bit more social, it's important to be smart about the friends you choose to introduce them to.

Introducing a Shih Tzu to a St. Bernard (while adorable)may not be a great idea. Making sure that the dogs are about the same size, will facilitate socialization.

On a similar note, it's important to remember that if your dog has trouble socializing, you may not want to introduce them to extremely social dogs, nor to super shy dogs. Always make sure that the dogs you are introducing to your pooch are friendly before your facilitate a meet and sniff.

Practice Makes Perfect

Going slowand allowing your dog to become increasingly comfortable around other dogs is the key to success. Once that occurs,the more successful interactions your dog has with his furry cousins, the easier it will get!

What better way to get into the holiday spiritthan to celebrate with some adorable pictures of dogs being festive?!

From the team at A Leg Up we wish you the Happiest Holidays and all the best for the New Year. It's been a pleasure looking after your furry best friends and we can't wait to see everyone next year.

via GIPHY

2017 has been a great year for us, and at A Leg Up, we want to thank you for sharing it with us. To show our gratitude, we decided to give you with the best giph-t (!) of all: 10 amazing dog giphs to help lift the holiday spirit!

Don't know how to celebrate this year? Here's what you can do!

10. Jump with joy!

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9. Bake your favourite snack (and eat from the bowl while you do!)

via GIPHY

8. Try on new outfits

via GIPHY

7. Dance!

via GIPHY

6. Make new friends

via GIPHY

5. Order presents in the mail

via GIPHY

4. Get lit

via GIPHY

3. Hang out with long-lost relatives

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2. Get closer to the people you love

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1. RELAX!

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The holiday season upon us (seriously where did the year go?) and we want to help you get a headstart on your gift shopping (so you can spend more time on enjoying egg nog with friends while wearing ugly sweaters).

We encourage you to supportlocal businesses during the holidays, and give gifts of experience rather than things, to both help our economy and environment.

A great gift idea is A Leg Up gift card,redeemable for daycare or boarding. And they're just a click away (scroll down to get yours).

Why Is A Leg Up gift card such a great gift? We're glad you asked!

The Top 6 Reasons Boarding Makes a Great Gift

1. Dog lovers often don't' want to use a kennel.
2. With us, there are other like-minded dogs get to play with.
3. Family and friends are often too busy to help out . . . or they're travelling too (it happens all the time with weddings).
4. It's like their favourite canine gets a vacation, too.
5. It's convenient - we do pick up and drop off, too.
6. What better way to endear yourself than to endear yourself to their dog?!

The Top 7 Reasons Daycare Makes a Great Gift

1. People worry about their dog when they have long days or they're too busy.
2. No matter how much we people try, we can't play with a dog like a dog plays with a dog.
3. It's a great cure for separation anxiety.
4. Everyone loves a tired happy dog at the end of the day.
5. We have two locations - one at each end of town.
6. It's convenient - we do pick up and drop off, too.
7. We play targeted games like Tic Tac Paw with them throughout the day, so the dogs get mental and physical stimulation.

If you've ever suffered from allergies, you know just how miserable they can make you feel.

The runny eyes, the sniffles, the itchy skin...yuck!

You wouldn't wish that feeling on anyone. Especially not your furry friend...

But sadly, our pups are just as prone to suffer from allergies as we are. This means that as dog parents, it's our responsibility to know how to identify the signs of an allergic reaction, and to know what do to prevent them from happening!

Here are some useful information and some handy tips.

Common Symptoms

In both dogs and human, allergies are the result of an overactive immune system.

While these systems normally protect us from actual threats such as bacteria and viruses, allergic reactions occur when the immune system mistakes non-harmful environmental substances (allergens) as threats to the body.

These allergens can be inhaled or ingested, or may simply come in contact with a dog's skin. Depending on how the pup comes into contact with the allergen, a variety of skin, digestive, and respiratory symptoms can occur.

Here are some signs you should keep an eye out for:

• Increased scratching
• Itchy, runny eyes
• Itchy back or base of tail
• Sneezing
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Paw chewing
• Swollen paws
• Constant licking
• Coughing or sneezing
• Nasal discharge
• Hair loss, scabs or crusts on the skin.

Types Of Allergies

The symptoms will depend on the type of allergy your dog is suffering from.

Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD)

Flea Allergy Dermatitis is a common ailment in dogs. It stems from a sensitivity to flea saliva and results in skin irritation that can make your dog feel miserable.

There are lots of flea preventatives and treatments that can help prevent FAD. If your dog suffers from it, the best thing to do is to use these treatments and comb your dog for fleas regularly during peak flea season.

Environment Allergens

Environment allergens are much harder to prevent. That's because there are so many of them, and your dog's exposure to them may be out of your control.

These are some of the most common ones:

• Tree, grass, and weed pollen
• Mold spores
• Dust and house dust mites
• Feathers
• Cigarette smoke
• Prescription drugs
• Perfumes
• Cleaning products

Figuring out the exact cause of the allergy is important if you want to prevent it.

A good way to start doing this is by paying close attention to you dog. If he or she is allergic to something inside your house, he'll have symptoms all year long. Outdoor allergies tend to be more seasonal.

If it turns out your dog has an environmental allergy, you'll want to do everything you can to reduce that allergen inside your home. This may include:

• Washing their bedding and vacuuming our house every week to prevent dust from gathering,
• Bathing them weekly to help remove environmental allergens and pollen from their fur or skin
• Use a gentle dog shampoo
• Switching to non-toxic cleaning products
• Investing in an air purifier to control dust mites,
• Not smoking around your dog.

Food Allergies

Dogs can develop food allergies at any point in their life.

Vomiting, diarrhea and constant itching are all signs that your dog may have developed a food allergy.

If this is the case, visit your vet. They'll most likely prescribe a 12 week hydrolyzed protein diet to figure out the cause of the food allergy and come up with an appropriate course of action for your dogs diet.

Dogs with food allergies typically respond best to homemade or raw diets once the allergen has been discovered.

What to do with this information?

Here are three things you can do right now to know if your dog has an allergy.

1. Keep an eye out for symptoms: Keeping an eye out for symptoms is extremely important. Knowing what symptoms are being exhibited is the best way to understand what kind of allergy your dog may have and figure out what to do next.
2. Change certain behaviours: Once you have identified that your dog is allergic to something, assess the degree of their reaction. There's a chance that all you'll have to do is change certain behaviours to make your furry friend more comfortable.
3. See your vet: Sometimes you can't completely remove an allergen from your dog's life. If that is the case, it may be time to talk to your vet about other treatment options. A vet may be able to prescribe medication that reduces the symptoms of the allergy while also addressing it's root cause.

Is your pup's bark driving you mad?

Is their growling, yelping and howling getting old? Have you received complaints from the neighbours about their woofs and their ruffs?

If so, you might like these strategies to get yourdog to stop barking (and behave better in the process)...

1. Stay calm...and get a treat!

Yelling at your dog to 'keep quiet' when they bark is not a going to get them to stop.

In fact, you'll most likely get the opposite result: your dog will probablythink that you're joining him, and bark louder.

Instead of yelling, try teaching them to be quiet on command. Like with any command you teach your pup, the key isto be consistent: every time they start barking, calmly repeat 'quiet'. When they stop, give them a treat!

They'll soon learn that the word means, and will be able to quiet down!

2. Tirethe dog out

Dogs need to release energy.

They need to jump, play, run.

If they are just sitting around most of the day, they tend to release energy by barking.

To avoid this, increase your dog's daily activities. Take long walks through your neighbourhood, play fetch, and allow your dog to explore.

Stimulating your dog mentally and physically will ware him out, and a tired dog is a quiet dog.

3. Redirect their attention

Making your dog focus their attention on another activity whenever they start barking canbe an effective way to calm them down when they're in the middle of a bark-attack.

Try to get them tostart playing with one of their chew toys or redirect their attention to any other activity.

If they comply, reinforce this behaviour with a treat. With patience and treats, you can train them to do a specific activity instead of barking.

4. Kill the view

Some dogsinstinctively bark whenever they see or hear someone outside their window.

This isn't necessarily their fault: these dogs tend to be more territorialand want to warn their owners of possible predators.

If this is the case with your dog, the best way to deal with it is to try to do things to prevent them from seeing and hearing people outside. Draw the curtains, put furniture in front of windows, or get a white noise machine to keep your dog from getting defensive.

5. Don't reinforce negative behaviour

Sometimes our first instinct as dog owners is to pick up our dogs and play with them to stop them from barking.

But this may actually be sending them the wrong message: it mayteach them that barking will get them special attention.

When dogs bark for attention, the best thing you can do is ignore them. Turn your back on them if you have to.

And once thebarking stops, reinforce that positive behaviour.

15 AmazingDog Treats You Can Make at Home

Makingdelicious and healthy treats at home is great to show that fur-ball how much you care. Store dogtreats are often overpricedandpacked withingredients that you can't even pronounce.

So put on your chef's hat and check out these 15quick and easy recipes for healthy and nutritious dog treats that you can make in your own kitchen.

1. Peanut butter-Pumpkin Dog Treats

Bitzngiggle.com

Perfectly delicious treats that are great for Fall (Can you believe it's right around the corner!? Neither can we).Recipe here.

2. Grain-Free Sweet Potato Dog Treats

The The Healthy Maven

Super healthy. Super yummy. Check out the recipe here.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Biscuits

Proud Dog Mom

A healthy, easy-to-make alternative to keepinflammation at bay. Recipe here.

4. Bacon and Cheddar Dog Treats

munchkinsandmilitary.com

Your pup's ultimate dream.Recipe here.

5.Spinach, Carrot and Zucchini Treats

Damndelicious.net

So. Incredibly. Healthy. Check out this amazing recipe.

6. No Flea Dog Biscuits

bakeatmidnight.com

Natural (and absolutely yummy!) flea repellant biscuits. Check out the recipe.

7. Carrot and Banana Treats

17Apart.com

Healthy, hearty and easy to make. Recipe here.

8.Peanut Butter Oatmeal Dog Treats

Lifetimewithdogs.com

Great bang for your buck. Learn how to make them here!

9. Frosty Watermelon Dog Treat Recipe

Petguide.com

Perfect for the summer. Click here to see the recipe.

10.Cleo's Pumpkin DogBiscuits

xanapus.com

Brown rice, pumpkin, and oats. What else could your pup want? Recipe here.

11. No Bake Peanut Butter Treats

Damndelicious.net

So woofin' good. So woofin' easy. Check it out here.

12.Doggie Breath Mints

Skinnyms.com

These treats will keep your pup happy and fresh. Check out this easy recipe!

13. Gluten-free Apple Bacon Treats

Doggydessertchef.com

Healthy (and delicious!). Learn how to make them here!

14.Cinnamon-Apple Treats

Nutrience.ca

Follow this recipe to make these easy and delicious treats for your pup.

15. Chicken Stock Paw-print Treats

MarthaStewart.com

A classic that your pup will absolutely love. Recipe here.

When accidents happen, emotions run high and without knowing how to deal with the situation safely and effectively, a natural reaction is to freeze up or go into shock.

While we hope you and your pup will ever be in the situation that you need to give them CPR, it's always best to be prepared.

Being able to administer CPR in an emergency can increase your dog's chance of survival until a vet is available.

So give your dog a quick hug (we know talking about this stuff is hard) and then take a few minutes to learn this very crucial skill.

Step 1: Check for responsiveness

There are a few ways you can check to see if your dog is responsive including:

• Stampingyour feet
• Shaking the dog's body
• Gently pinching the skin between the toes
• Lightly tapping the corner of the eyelid near the nose to see if there is a blink response

Step 2: Check the ABCs

• Airway
• Breathing
• Circulation

1. Establish an open Airway

Lift the dog's chin so the head and neck are aligned with the body.

Open the mouth and pull the tongue all the way forward and look inside. If you see anything blocking the airway, you can use your finger to move it out.

Do a test breath by blowing in the nostrils to see if the chest moves up and down. If it does, there is an open airway.

2. Check for breathing

Watch or feel for the dog's chest to rise and fall by placing your hand on the dog's chest, then bring your face all the way down to the dog's mouth to feel for breath.

3. Check for circulation

You can quickly try to check a pulse the in the inner upper thigh. However, if your dog isn't breathing, you don't want to waste time. If you can't detect breathing and a pulse within 10-15 seconds, start CPR.

How to do CPR in dogs

This helpful video from the Dog Training Academy will walk you through all the steps to performing CPR.

Stick This Handy Guide On Your Fridge

The ASPCA created this great infographic to help remind you of the steps to take. Keep it on your fridge or somewhere you'll see it regularly to remind you.

Happy Canada Day! We wish everyone a very safe and happy long weekend.

Since this weekend tends to be the unofficial kick-off of summer, here's some easy ways to keep your dog cool over the next couple of months.

1. Never leave your dog in the car

Temperatures in your car can quickly reach far beyond that of outside temperature even if you've parked in the shade. It's best to either leave your dog at home or take him with you, just don't leave him in the car, even for 5 minutes.

If you see a dangerous situation with a dog stuck in a hot car don't hesitate to call your local SPCA who can dispatch someone to help.

2. Be mindful of exercise times & check the pavement

The hotter the temperatures, the hotter the pavement, and that can burn the pads on your dog's paws. Try to pick the cooler times of the day to get out for any good bursts of exercise, and try to choose cooler grassy areas

3. Keep him hydrated

Keep an extra eye on your dog's water bowl as they'll go through it quickly on the warmer days.

It's a good idea to pick up a travel bowl if you're planning on taking any trips, adventures or camping and picnicking. On particularly hot days throw in some ice cubes to help keep your pup cool.

Watch for these symptoms of dehydration in dogs:

• Sunken eyes
• Dry gums
• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Collapse
• Loss of skin elasticity

4. Make some cool treats

There are a ton of fun treats to make for your dog during the summer months, but the 'pupsicle' is our favourite. Here's a super simple way to whip up this cool treat:

The Summer Pupsicle

Grab an ice cube tray and fill it with either chicken or beef broth, or your liquid of choice depending on your dog's diet.

Pop those into the freezer and once they're partially frozen plunk a biscuit or rawhide stick into each one to act as the 'stick' (just an extra treat for your dog in this case).

There's lots of room for variation and to get creative with these; check out this infographic we found.

5. Give him a good brush

Regular brushing will help him shed that winter coat, keeping excess fur to a minimum and helping him to stay cool, not to mention keeping to keep your dog's coat and skin healthy and looking good. If your pup hasn't had a good brush in a while, it may be time!

This one is especially helpful if your dog is of the super-shaggy, long-coated breed.

6. Move his bed

During the hotter summer months you might find your dog seeking out the coolest parts of your home, often on the ground floor, cool tiles or even the basement. He might just forgo the bed all together when it's warm, but if he's used to sleeping on his bed, try moving it to one of those cooler areas so he can be a bit more comfortable.

7. Get some gear to keep him cool

Oh man, there are some fun and downright funny things out there we can buy for our dogs. Some are even handy!

When it's warm however, we don't see anything wrong with bringing home a small backyard plastic pool (generally meant for small children) for your pooch to chill out in. Get him in there and serve him up a 'pupsicle' and he'll be loving the summer days as much as you do!

Around this time last year we shared this post: How to Protect Your Dog from Lyme Disease with the help of local Toronto-based vet, Bev Bateman at Eglinton Veterinary Facilities. Although Lyme disease still remains rare in town, we felt this was a post worth sharing again as the weather gets better and we're out adventuring with our K9 buddies more.

Last year there was a list of parks in Toronto in which ticks have been found. The immediate response is to avoid those parks. But the truth is that these little devils have migrated, quite uninvited, from the upper United States where they have largely and miraculously respected the border previously. Once they've made their way into an area, they can hitch a ride on squirrels, raccoons, birds and yes, even dogs. The good news for dogs is that there is a test and a lot of resources to learn about Lyme disease prevention.

It's really best to arm yourself with a little knowledge. We truly hope that with a little awareness we can help prevent any ticks from coming into contact with our dogs, and the potential for Lyme disease.

So, here it is, a little knowledge:

1. Long grasses, beaches and wooded areas are most likely to harbor ticks (they like the same real estate we do).
2. There are some findings in Toronto, but they are still relatively infrequent.
3. The surrounding areas, especially as we city folk start to migrate to the country in the summer are more likely to be host to ticks.
4. Ticks don't fly or jump. They can only crawl. Creepy bastards.
5. Once a tick is infected with Borrelia, it remains a carrier until it dies - something we'd encourage it to do quickly.
6. Only 5-10% of dogs found to be infected with Lyme are ever actually symptomatic.
7. While we dog owners have traditionally embarked on flea and tick from Spring to Fall, the mild and unpredictable winter we had is prompting some vets, including John Reeve-Newson of the Animal Clinic, to recommend year-round protection as something you may want to consider.
8. After a romp out in a long-grassed or wooded area, check your dog over.
9. Comb through your dog regularly to check.
10. You probably won't see the tell-tale, generally circular skin rash on your dog, so be aware of symptoms.
11. Symptoms for dogs are similar to those in humans: lethargy, arthritis (often shown in shifting from foot to foot and lameness), fever, lack of appetite, fatigue, neurological problems and kidney damage. Nice, huh?
12. Be mindful that young ticks are most active in the spring.
13. Your vet has access to a reliable blood test. So if your vet suggests testing for Lyme, it's a good idea.
14. Dogs can be vaccinated against Lyme disease; it's a relatively new vaccine though. If you're planning on being out of town with your dog and are worried that it may be a high risk area for ticks, call the local vet and ask what about their practice for defence
15. Like Dr. Reeve-Newson, Dr. Lindsay Patterson of Rosedale-Moore Park Vet suggests you talk to your vet about Bravecto an every-three-month chewable tablet that kills black-legged ticks and will defend your household from a carrier that drops off your dog and climbs onto you or your family.

How do you remove a tick? What do I do with the little freak?

If you find a tick on your dog, you'll want to get some rubber gloves and some fine-tipped tweezers. Don't squeeze or burn it off.

• Grab it as close to the skin as possible; then pull the tick away from your dog's skin gently but firmly. Make sure you've got the whole thing; anything left behind could lead to an infection.
• Clean the skin with an antiseptic. Clean the tweezers and your hands thoroughly, too.
• Give Rover a treat. He earned it.
• Take a photo of the area and monitor it for continued irritation or infection.

We hope this leaves you ticked-off . . . uh . . . you know what we mean.

Camping trips are great summer time fun and there is no greater pleasure than spending it with your best friend!

While dogs love the great outdoors, a little preparation will go a long way to ensure they have as much fun as you do on your next adventure.

Here are our top 7 tips for camping with your dog:

1. Try to Keep Things on Schedule

Dogs are creatures of habit, especially when it comes to feeding and walks. When you're away remember he will be anticipating a similar routine, and will feel secure if that structure is in place while you're on your trip. Try to stay on time with meal, and any medications you dog may be on.

2. Keep Things Familiar

New surroundings can be overwhelming and sometimes frightening for dogs. Help alleviate this stress by packing familiar things. Bring along their beds if they have one, or a couple of toys so that they can adjust to the new environment and feel more at home.

3. Bring Proper Leashes and Tie-up Screws

Most dog-friendly campsite require that you keep your dog on leash while on site and within the camp grounds. Pack their regular leash for walks, but also a longer one for while you're hanging out at the campsite. Secure the leash with a metal tie-up steak so you're not relying what ever is nearby. With so many distractions (squirrel!) it's best to play it safe.

4. Be Prepared to Give Fido a Bath

Dogs get a little more dirty and smellier than usual while camping with all the opportunities to dig, roll and swim. A small bottle of biodegradable dog shampoo can make your pooch ready to snuggle up with you in your tent at the end of the day. And pack a couple of extra towels too.

5. Bring Extra Food

Make sure to pack enough food for the entire trip and maybe a couple days extra just in case. Don't forget to keep an extra watchful eye for anything that they could get into at your campsite, or your neighbours for that matter! Avoid These Common Toxic Foods for Your Dog.

6. Reduce Travel Stress

Some dogs love being in the car. It's a chance to take in all the new smells, let their tongues hang out and feel the breeze in their fur.

Others find it stressful making it hard on both them, and us. If your dog is more inclined to stress in the car, follow the steps outlined in Tips for Driving With A Stressed Dog.

7. Safety First!

Bring along a doggie first aid kit so that you will be prepared while on the road. It's also a good idea to have things like a safety light, bear bell, bug repellent and tick safety. Here's how to protect to dog from lyme disease.Finally, make sure they have their current identification and registration on their collars.

We hope these tips will make for more enjoyable Summer adventures with your dogs.

Ps. Don't forget the poop bags!

As dog owners we can all relate to that warm and fuzzy feeling we get from being with our four-legged friends. We know we're better off in many ways for having dogsaround, but we thought it was worth highlighting a few of the top reasons dog ownership is in factgood for our health and boosts our quality of life!

An apple a day, or should it be a dog a day?

Here are our favourite benefits of having a furry friend:

Companionship and Cuddles

Those of us who are long-term dog owners know that feeling when your pooch isn't around. Sometimes you go to talk to your dog, or check for that little furnace next to you keeping you warm, or glance down at your feet where they are usually all curled up, you miss their presence. There's a sense of companionship, safety and comfort when your dog is around. When it comes to cuddles, it's not just us humans that benefit, dogs receive comfort and a sense of security much the same way.

Reduces Stress and Improves Mood

Simply having a dog around, or just spending a few minutes with one, can have a hugely positive effect on our moods. That perpetually happy face and wagging tail spreads an infectious good mood and can actually increase levels of serotonin and dopamine that contribute to calm and well-being. As dog owners we are less likely to suffer from depression that those without dogs. Theyare also great levelers, having a dog around has been proven to ease tensions whether it be in the office or at home.

Creates Routine and Keep Us Active

We all know the feeling, getting out for a walk can sometimes feel like the last thing you'd like to do. Yet, as dog owners our pups don't care if we've had a busy day, or are feeling under the weather, they will always need to get out for some exercise. Luckily us owners reap the positive benefits of this too. Dog owners are more likely to be reaching the recommended levels of exercise on a weekly basis, keeping things like excess weight, cholesterol levels and our blood pressure healthy.

Expands OurSocial Circles

With dogs getting us out more than our non-dog owner counterparts, it stands to reason that we have more opportunity to chat and engage with others. Research suggests that in fact, dog owners are better at at making friends and this comes more readily for them. Most dog owners have met someone either in the neighbourhood or dog park that they wouldn't have otherwise, expanding both their social circles and a sense of community. Dog walking can also be a great way to alleviate social anxieties and be a buffer if you find it tough to engage with new people.

Teaches Responsibility and Gives Us Purpose

Dog ownership undoubtedly comes with a set of responsibilities that we're all familiar with. We are primary caregivers for our furry friends and they rely on us, no matter what. Having a dog from a young age can help teach responsibility and to develop these skills that will transfer over into adulthood. Dogs also instill a sense purpose, they help us not to focus solely on our own needs, and it feels good to care for them knowing that we are needed.

Do you have any other ways that you've benefited from dog ownership? We'd love to hear how your pup has increased your quality of life, making the days that much better and brighter!

As humans, we think about our nutrition and diet often. What are we putting into our bodies through the foods we eat; is it healthy, organic, dairy-free, gluten-free? Will it give me gas? Is it packed with the latest superfood? It's common to see people checking out ingredients on the packaging of their grocery list items before tossing them into the basket or cart, so shouldn't we be doing the same for our furry friends?

We know there are a ton of different food types and specific diets depending on your dog's breed, energy level and age. Choosing an optimal diet for your pooch should be a discussion you have with your vet, but there are some ingredients that should be avoided full stop!

Here are the ingredients to look for, and avoid in your dog's food:

By Product

This can be derivative of any meat or fish and consists of the internal remains of the animal which more often than not include diseased or compromised tissues and organs.

Corn Syrup/Corn

Corn is a very inexpensive filler that is commonly used and is very susceptible to mold or fungus growth. Also, there are 142 different types of genetically modified corn, the most of any plant species! Corn syrup is used to 'sweeten' and like the effects of too much sugar, this can result in excess weight gain, diabetes as well as kidney and liver damage.

Ethoxyquin

This is a preservative found in most dog foods. This is scary: it was originally developed as a herbicide, yikes! This ingredient has been linked to, and is associated with kidney and liver damage, not to mention immune system issues and some cancers.

BHT/BHA

Butylated-hydroxyanisole (BHA) or butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) these are two more harmful preservatives that can even be found in our food as well. Both BHA and BHT are added by pet food manufacturers to help prevent spoiling. These ingredients have been linked to the same damaging effects as Ethoxyquin, like kidney and liver damage and some cancers.

Propylene Glycol

AKA anti-freeze! Yes, this is found in auto care products too. Propylene Glycol is typically added to pet foods to help control moisture and reduce bacteria growth, and while it's a common ingredient across a lot of consumer products it just begs the question: should we be feeding dogs something that goes into making anti-freeze, bearing in mind that dogs tend to eat the same food for each meal, day after day, month after month, even year after year.

This is also a great resource if you want to do a bit more digging: The Dog Food Advisorand check out our previous post on the top toxic foods for dogs.

As much as we all love dog ownership, there a certain times when it can be challenging, like when you need to leave town and your favourite four-legged friend can't join you.

While you're away you'll want them to be as comfortable as possible, and maybe even have a little vacay of their own! It's wonderful when you have a friend or family member who are willing to step up as dog sitter as their environment will remain familiar.

If not, reaching out to a trusted local dog boarding facility that offers home-style boarding or has a farm or ranch can be also be great option. This is especially easy if your dog has already been acquainted with them through dog walking or dog daycare visits.

Since Spring is here (kind of) and Summer is around the corner (hopefully), here are our top 5 things to do before you leave your dog for that getaway.

1. Plan Ahead

Don't leave the details of your dog's care until the last minute. It adds unnecessary stress and may make it tough to source quality care during peak vacation times.

2. Do Your Research

Look for environments that will best suit your pup's personality. When reaching out to local businesses ask some basic questions like:

• What the facility is like?
• How much exercise your will your pup get?
• How many other dogs will be there?
• How much individual care they will have?

3. Update Your Dog's IDs

Make sure your pup's collar is equipped with your current contact info as well as any municipal registration license that may be needed.

4. Do What You Can to Alleviate Anxieties

Being away from you can be stressful for pooch. Here's a few things you can do him to relax:

• Pack a familiar item such bed, blanket or stuffy.
• Skip the long good-byes. The more you fret over them when leaving the more likely they are to pick up on that energy.
• Pick a care option that helps her stay in her normal routines.

5. Prepare a Care Cecklist

You can help your carers by giving them the following information:

• Your contact info and any emergency contact numbers such as you vet's office.
• A specific feeding schedule and any medications needed.
• Their general exercise routines and household habits like being allowed on furniture or having to sit calmly before heading out the door for a walk.
• If using a friend or family member as a sitter include a list of toxic foods for dogs.

Wouldn't it be amazing if our dogs could brush their own teeth!? For those of us who struggle with this task, that would be the dream, plus it would make for some pretty hilarious YouTube videos. Most dogs have a hard time allowing us to get anywhere near their teeth, let alone getting a toothbrush in there to give them a scrub.

The good news is that dogs are actually less prone to cavities than us humans, however regular teeth cleaning is just as important. Dog dental problems, if left untreated, can lead to more serious conditions or infections so it's not just bad breath you should be worried about.

Here are 5 Essential Tips to Keep Your Dog's Teeth Clean:

1. Brush Your Dog's Teeth With the Right Products

It's essential to use dog-specific brushes and toothpastes. Human products can contain chemicals and additives including fluoride which is poisonous to dogs. You can find toothpastes formulated for dogs at most pet stores or vet offices.

2. Start Them Early

If you have the option of getting your pup used to teeth brushing from a young age than do so. If not, grown dogs can become used to the task overtime with positive reinforcement and consistency.

3. Consider a Food that Helps with Teeth Cleaning

There are some foods that are formulated to help maintain good oral health in our dogs. Some dry food may be better for this as softer foods could have a tendency to stick to teeth and cause decay.

4. Bones and Toys

Just like certain types of foods, there are specially designed bones and toys that can help mitigate the build up of plaque and help strengthen dog's teeth and gums. Just make sure you are providing dog-specific objects that are meant to improve your pup's overall dental hygiene.

5. Know When to See a Veterinarian

Regardless of how often you're brushing your dog's teeth, it's a good idea to take a look inside their mouths regularly. If you notice any of the following consult with your vet as it could be a sign of dental problems:

• Halitosis - bad breath
• Bumps within the mouth or on gums
• Bleeding or swollen gums
• Tartar build up along the gum line
• Loose, missing or discoloured teeth
• Excessive drooling
• Unusual licking or pawing at the mouth

A Leg Up Loves You

Dogs know loyalty better than anyone with the possible exception of our clients.

We truly appreciate our clients, thank you! We wish you a very happy Valentine's Day.

Also, we'd love to know which is your soul mutt! Tweet us at @aleguppetsand let us know.

If you're like us, you talk to your dog all the time. We share how our day was and ask them all sorts of questions, almost as if we're expecting them to reply. I'm sure you've imagined what their voices would be like, you know you have! Tucker, the curly-haired Golden Doodle would have a laid back surfer-like voice, and Molly the Teacup Yorkie would have a posh accent, if she could speak.

Working atdog daycare Toronto, we have all kinds of different conversations with our canine friends. Our dogs actually are speaking back to us all the time with their body language. They are giving us all sorts of useful information that, if we're paying attention to, can give us valuable insight into what's going on with them. They are always communicating their emotional state and intentions through facial expressions and body postures.

What is My Dog's Body Language Saying?

We came across this handy infographic that illustrates a variety of these expressions and postures that can allow us to decipher some of our dog's most important messages.

Have a look at some common dog body language poses, starring Boogie the Boston Terrier:

As dog owners we all ask ourselves the same questions over time, like 'can my dog eat that?' or 'why does my dog look at me when he poops?'. We've had a go at cracking some of these curious questions in the past, and we're always keen to dig up some of the best information for dog owners.

This time around it seems fitting with the theme of a 'fresh start' in the new year, to scope out some of the best shampoo to use to wash a dog. Now, we know some dogs have a tendency to be more smelly than others, and it's important to note that any extreme or mysterious odours should be checked out by your vet, but it's safe to say that it's no fun having a stinky dog around.

Some breeds can get away with minimal bathing depending on the length of their coats and likeliness to roll in dead animals, however most will need a good bath once and awhile!

Here are some of the best shampoos to use to wash a dog:

What Makes a Good Dog Shampoo

• Cleans thoroughly
• Not too many suds
• Light scent
• Rinses easily
• Gentle
• No chemicals
• Cruelty free

The Honest Kitchen Shampoo Bar

Soos Pets Natural Dead Sea Shampoos

EarthBath Natural Pet Care Dog Shampoo

The Best Homemade Dog Shampoo

David Suzuki Foundation's Queen of Green Natural Dog Shampoo

Here's a recipe for a homemade dog shampoo from the Queen of Green:

• ¾ cup distilled water
• ¼ cup unscented or scented liquid castile soap (or vegetable glycerin)
• 1 tbsp aloe gel

Optional: 5?-?10 drops any combination of anti-flea essential oils including rosemary, lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, spearmint, and citronella. Add a drop of each or purchase an anti-flea essential oil blend from a local herbalist or health food store. Add all ingredients into an old squirt bottle.

Shake before each use. Rinse well and avoid the eye area.

Did you know? Try finishing off your dog's bath with an apple cider vinegar rinse. Add 1 part vinegar to 5 parts water. Be prepared for compliments at the dog park.

The festivities are in full swing this time of year, and while we're enjoying the merriment all around, we can also have tendency to overeat and get stressed. This also true for our beloved furry friends!

It's important to take our pups into consideration over the holidays. We know you've got a little something special under the tree for Fido, but what about keeping him safe during these hectic holiday times? Chances are they'll love the extra attention, snuggles, toys and adventures but we've put together our top safety tips to keep in mind moving into the holidays.

#1 EXERCISE

A good long walk or game of catch can do wonders to tire our pups and help then settle during the busy times of the day, or later when the guests arrive.

#2 INTRODUCTIONS

If you are planning on hosting guests, or have friends and family that are happy to have your pup tag along, a little meet-n-greet goes a long way. Take a minute to let your pooch get acquainted, this will help everyone to be at ease in their new company.

#3 PRESENTS!

We don't doubt that you include your pup on your shopping list, we do too! But, keep in mind it's best to source toys from reputable companies that have manufactured their products specifically for doggy destruction. Also, ensure they aren't chewing or ingesting any small pieces of any other toys that might be lying around Christmas morning. Last year we pup together a holiday shopping guide for dogs.

#4 DECORATIONS

One of the magical things about the holidays are the beautiful decorations and lights. Remember that trees, baubles and lights/cords can all be hazards. Make sure your tree is secure and any tempting chew-worthy decorations are out of reach. It's also a good idea to keep any electrical cords out of harm's way as well as any poisonous greenery like holly, mistletoe and poinsettias.

#5 LOUD NOISES

Whooo-hooo! Celebrations often come with some loud noises. Our pups can be sensitive to loud music and the pops and clangs that come with holiday gatherings. If your dog get startled or has some noise-anxiety, try to have a quiet space for them that is away from the booming sounds. Here's hoping it doesn't come to it, but if Fido tends to run and hide, make sure that doors are closed and backyard gates are secure. Here's what to do if your dog is lost.

#6 FOOD

Hopefully as dog owners we're all aware of the majorly toxic foods that we need to keep away from our furry friends, we've even made a handy list of the main toxic foods for you dog such as, chocolate, alcohol and sugar. Here's 5 of the best homemade treats you can make for your pooch.

#7 TRAVELLING

Make sure to travel safe with your dog if they're coming with you to visit family and friends. Some dogs love the car and others have a harder time. If your pup tends to get stressed while in the car check out our tips for travelling with a stressed dog. Alternatively, consider dog boarding if travelling with your doggy friend is just too difficult.

Halloween is for our furry best friends too, right!? After all, they've got the whole 'trick-or-treat' (more like 'trick-for-treat') thing down pat. Seeing as how us humans have so much fun dressing up in the most creative, ghoulish and sometimes just downright embarrassing costumes this time of year, we figure our dogs shouldn't have to miss out on all the fun. Let's be honest, some of the dog costumes out there are even better than ours, and they generally steal our thunder anyway!

So in celebration of Halloween, and dogs in costumes in general, we took a peek through Instagram and put together 10 of the cutest dog costumes we could find. These should offer up ample inspiration and tons of laughs along the way.

Don't forget to follow us on Instagram where we'll be sharing pics of all of our decked out Halloween pups that come in and see us. We know how creative you guys are, and we won't be disappointed!

We wish you all a fun and most of all, safe, Halloween.

1. Crosby the Cocker as Harry Potter

2. The Cutest Corgi Cowboy

3. Chocolate Lab Hershey's Kiss

4. The Pomeranian Gnome

5. These Golden Ghosts

6. A Pitbull Pirate!

7. A Hotdog Mutt

8. Shepard X Police Man

9. Frenchy Pumpkin Spice Latte

10. A Golden Doodle Pumpkin

Here's a peek at some of the great costumes we've seen come in this week:

It's that time of year again and the Pawliday Season is approaching. First up, Thanksgiving, a time when us humans tend to reflect on what we are grateful for in our lives. But what about our furry friends? If we had to guess, we're sure there is plenty that they are thankful for too!

So without fur-ther ado here are our top 10 things our four-legged friends are likely to be most grateful for this time of year:

1. Sneaky treats under the table

Just remember which foods are not so good, or even toxic for our pups. Check out our list of toxic foods and remind Uncle Jim that some foods are definitely a no-go!

2. A cozy fireplace to curl up in front of

Chances are this is something most of us humans are grateful for too. Is there anything better on a cold and stormy evening!?

3. More days you are at home during the holidays

Everyone wins when it comes to days off, make sure to enjoy the time off with your furry friend.

4. That pile of leaves to romp through

You know they just can't help it, they have to run wild through that perfectly piled bunch of leaves which usually results in us having to re-rake the lawn, but it was worth it, right!

5. Delicious new smells and things to inspect everywhere

With all of that cooking happening, our furry friends are bound to be loitering in the kitchen, waiting for that opportune moment to catch some crumbs. They're probably also thinking, 'who's new shoes are those at the door, must take at least one for inspection!'

6. A chance to show off when company arrives

Again, this one could go both ways. As proud owners we're always keen to display our exemplary training and obedience skills, and our reward-seeking hounds are likely to be just as keen, and grateful for the extra attention.

7. Long walks in the crisp cool air

There's nothing like that fresh, crisp air and dog walking in those long afternoons. Especially when the sun sticks around and you stop somewhere for a pumpkin spice something or other treat!

8. Extra belly rubs

Holiday visitors are guests inevitably mean more belly rubs! 'Okay, how about I just lay here and you rub my belly for the whole evening, sound like a plan?'

9. That warm sweater you left out to snuggle up in when you leave

Sound familiar? You come home to find that your pup has been enjoying that cozy sweater just a smuch as you. It's hard to be mad though when they look that cute, time to snap a pic for Instagram!

10. Winter socks to chew

It's a classic one that all dogs are happy about and thankful for all year round really. We're guessing the winter socks are the best though, more to sink their teeth into, shake side to side and toss in the air. We know when just one sock disappears it has to come down to either the hungry dryer, or Rover.

It's sometimes astonishing and always entertaining when we see how search engines try to auto complete our search queries. Sound familiar? You start typing something then all of a sudden Google is recommending how to finish your sentence. Thanks Google, I didn't know 'why does my dog take my spot when I get up' was such a common question.

Seeing as how most dog owners have gone to Google for their canine questions at some point, we thought we'd compile some of the funniest and perplexing dog questions searched online; mostly for our own entertainment, but also to get to the bottom of things.

Here they are in alphabetical order:

Why does my dog always lick me?

She's being affectionate.

It's a habit.

You're skin is salty.

Why does my dog bury bones?

He's saving them for later.

Wants to ferment the raw meat.

Why does my dog chew on his paws?

She has an allergy, possibly to something in the food she's eating.

Why does my dog eat grass?

This is usually normal behaviour for dogs.

He could also be a bit bored.

Why does my dog fart so much?

You're pooch might be a bit stinky from eating some hard to digest sugars, fibre and starches.

She's swallowed too much air.

Why does my dog insist on sitting on me?

It could be she's trying to be dominant.

He's being affectionate.

You are warm.

Why does my dog just stare at me?

She loves you.

He's looking for visual cues.

You're eating and she wants it.

Why does my dog look at me when he poops?

This is an interesting one and we've written about this here.

Why does my dog roll on dead animals?

To mask his scent.

Why does my dog sleep run?

They are dreaming.

Why does my dog take my shoes?

He wants it, maybe to chew on.

She wants attention.

Your scent is on it.

Why does my dog wink at me?

He feels playful.

You just know when your furry friend isn't feeling well. Sometimes it's glaringly obvious, in the form of projectile vomit or diarrhea (oh the joys of dog ownership) and other times it's a shift in energy or temperament, that vulnerable look you get; you know the one. Either way, we immediately find ourselves wishing Fido could just speak to us and tell us what's troubling him. For some tips and cues to help in this department check out our recent post: How to Talk to Your Dog.

Next time you find yourself wondering what you can do to soothe your pup in their time of need, check out these 7 natural home remedies that you should be able to whip up in a breeze. Although in some cases not a substitute for professional attention, (it goes without saying, in extreme cases it's best to see your vet), there are some great at-home options to treat common ailments such as upset stomachs, smelly ears or dry skin.

1. Diarrhea

If you're dog has never had a bought of diarrhea, consider yourself an anomaly! When this strikes try a rice water tonic and stick to a bland diet for 24hrs. Boiled rice and canned pumpkin (not the sugar-added pie filling type, mind you). Then gradually introduce regular food.

2. Upset Tummies

Just like us humans our pups can have sensitive tummies at times, especially after a round of antibiotics. Restoring healthy gut bacteria can be helped by a tablespoon or so of plain yogurt. Also try prunes (pitted!), pumpkin and electrolytes to help with rehydration.

3. Smelly Ears

Try these DIY essential oil wipes when things get a little funky in or around the ears (this is especially common in hotter weather). Grab a couple drops of lavender, tea tree or geranium diluted on a clean washcloth. All of these have antibacterial qualities that will help keep things fresh and odor-free.

4. Itchy Skin

Dog dandruff? Reach for some oatmeal, Vitamin A or chamomile. Just be sure that your dog doesn't suffer from grain or oatmeal allergies before trying this one out. In this case, an oatmeal compress could backfire, of course. If you have some chamomile tea on hand brew a batch and after it's cooled transfer it into a spray bottle to soothe any irritated skin areas.

5. Dry Skin

Fsh oil to the rescue! They love the taste. And it works. You'll probably even like the fishy kiss you get as a thank you, despite yourself.

6. Minor Scrapes and Cuts

If you notice a little scrape or two after a good forest romp (you'll pup will most likely be licking the area) clean the scrape or cut as thoroughly as possible and apply an antibacterial ointment or solution, like Neosporin, to combat any chances of infection.

7. Minor Sprains or Pains

After too much exercise or an exuberant play at the dog park, an epsom salt compress can help soothe mild aches and pains for our pooches. If your dog is bathtub adverse (most are) make a washcloth compress and apply it to the sore spot while giving some extra cuddles, of course!

Do you have any tried and true remedies that have worked wonders? We'd love to hear from you. Tweet us at @aleguppets

Treats! We all love 'em. Apart from feeling like we're doing something nice for our dogs, offering them a little nugget of pleasure in each bite, treats also come in handy when it comes to training and reinforcing good behaviour. Let's face it, most of us probably have a dedicated doggie treat drawer that we reach into daily. We definitely keep a well stocked drawer at the dog daycare Toronto

With that in mind, it can be scary when you read some of the ingredients included in some biscuits and treats. And your pup can't read. It's only fair you consider the ingredients for them. If you're looking for a healthier and often more cost-effective alternative try one (or all five) of these recipes below. One of them manages to combine bacon and peanut butter - the purest sign you love your dog is managing to make those cookies without devouring all the ingredients yourself.

These are sure to cause a few lolling tongues!

1. DIY Doggie Breath Bites

2. Easy Carrot and Sweet Potato Biscuits

3. Doggie Biscotti

4. Bacon, Pumpkin and Peanut Butter Oh My!

5. Ultimate Healthy Chickpea and Sardine Treats

Do you have any favourite treat recipes that you and your pooch have tried? We'd love to hear them, tweet us at @aleguppets

Okay, we know, this all sounds a little silly. But really, it's amazing how our love for our pets makes us feel compelled to start social media accounts documenting their every cute move. You know you've shared more than one cute pup pic of your furry friend.

So, in the spirit of all things fun and silly, here are our top 10 dogs who (chances are) have more Instagram followers than you. Their accounts are worth a perusal, the cuteness-factor, and all around creativity, is off-the-charts.

Here they are:

Manny the Frenchie

Pumpkin and Sunshine

Menswear Dog

Dagger Cannonball Thunderfang

This Wild Idea

Trotter Pup

Nap Time with Theo and Beau

Tuna Melts My Heart

Andrew Knapp and Momo

Marutaro

A Leg Up

And last but definitely not least, see your pets in action right here at @alegup. We may not be at 'celebrity' status, but we sure do love sharing pics of our clan of canine cuteness.

Dog's never want to talk on a run. They don't judge your gate or worry about their outfit. They can be

the perfect running mate. There are a few guidelines to edge that running relationship into perfection.

We hope you enjoy them.

I lived in Japan for a while. I went to teach English and came armed arrogantly with nothing. Noknowledge of their customs or language. No reasonable image of the place - just a generalunderstanding that ninjas, sumos and extraordinarily wide-eyed comic characters lived there. Iwanted to go with no preconceived notions. I succeeded there.

There are some real parallels to my initial experience overseas and how we relate to our dogs. Othercultures have their own language and communication and we have ours. There are overlaps orsimilarities. And there are troughs and disparities. We may perceive something very basic totranslate perfectly enough, and often we're rewarded. But sometimes we get unexpected reactionsbecause our wires get crossed.

Unintended communication

From my first trying day where I had to helplessly guide a patient waiter outside a restaurant andpoint feebly to the plastic display of look-alike food in the window, I pieced together some veryremedial Japanese. In my first few months, my limited Japanese, lead inevitably, to a lot of signlanguage and motioning. I found that non-verbal language too, can offer some surprising responsesthat are worth . . . well . . . talking about. The motion that we Westerners use to wave someone orsomething away - palm facing down and a furtive flap of the fingers - meant the exact oppositethere. As you can imagine, this lead to multiple confusions when kindly people wishing to practicetheir English and welcome me saw my rather startled and pained expression.

What was clear to me to be a very direct gesture to mean one thing meant the absolute opposite tomy Japanese friends, who found it equally impossible that I should understand anything other thanwhat they'd intended.

Pantomime excited silliness with your hands over their head and a dog may perceive a threat. Starelovingly into a dog's eyes and they may feel challenged. A direct gaze held purposefully to animalscan indicate something very different than it does from one human to another. Yell for your dog tocome back and all they may hear is that you're shouting. Not, perhaps, a great invitation to return.

Sit. Stay. Come. Off. No. They're all common words our dogs know. Many dogs have quiteconsiderable vocabularies, and I truly believe we don't give them enough credit for their potential - ifyou doubt this, check out this quick video of Chaser, the dog who knows 1000 words and usesdeduction to fill in the blanks of what he doesn't know.

We all have a second language

But what the average dog really responds toare visual cues. Your posture. A hand gesture. You may or may not be conscious of all of the cuesyou give. But your dog is watching casually - unless you have a collie, in which case there's nothingcasual about it. Years ago, at a consultation, a client mentioned to me that his dog knew whether itwas a weekday or a weekend. Yet, he said, he couldn't figure out how. This changed when onemorning as he was combing his hair. He caught a glimpse of his dog in the mirror. As soon as hesaw his human buddy bring comb to head, he sighed deeply, relaxed his shoulders and turned to liein the hall. That was it. The simple cue that told him they weren't immediately going to the park, butjust for a quick on-leash stroll around the block. His owner had never noticed before and never putthe two events together.

Watch and learn

Dogs have become our best friends because they've watched us for eons. For centuries, eventhousands of years ago when they would exist on the outskirts of communities, looking for scraps inwhat would amount to a trade for protection, dogs have learned about us and studied ourmannerisms perhaps more than we have theirs. What they can tell us - and each other - with theirbody language is really important for every dog owner to know. It's something every one of ouremployees learns in training before they join us. Some of the signs are subtle. Some aren't. Youmay have seen this Dog-to- English crib sheet on our Pinterest page. If you haven't, it's worth a peek.If you're speaking to your dog, there is a limit to his or her vocab - unless he's Chaser, of course.

But how you speak to them is something they have internalized over millennia of hanging out withus.

There's a ton of meaning in tone

Using up-speak at the end of a command as though forming a question will convey to a dog exactlywhat it conveys to us. 'Sit?', suggest that you're not telling a dog to do anything. You're requesting.They may consider it. And they may not. Likely not.Repeating a command over and over in a short space of time will also receive diminishing results.It's a common malady, the repetition of commands. It's easy to fall into. But it's a bit like speakingEnglish louder in a foreign country to improve their understanding. Use a command with a handgesture. Use it once directly. Pause. Hold yourself confidently. Take your time. It's not always easyto remember when your dog - or another - is being an imp. But it's amazing how much better thelines of communication get when you do.

You may be in for a surprise

One client claimed his dog had a name for him. I thought at first that he may himself be soonclaimed by people in white suits and a butterfly net. But he persisted. His dog had a bark that he onlyused only when he was around. His family confirmed it. They never heard it when he wasn't around.I have to admit, it sounds a bit like a name to me.When we ask our dogs to listen to us, perhaps it's just as important that we watch and listen to them.Watch their cues and they'll thank you too. You'll never fully understand your dog, and he'll neverfully understand you - after all, you trail behind him with a poop bag picking up after him - but heloves you anyway. But watching him more carefully, you may learn something you'd never noticed -and never expected. That's really the fun of it all.

Ticks Toc. There was a time, a long time, when Toronto was gloriously free of the little Lyme disease-causing little jerks. But that time has faded and black legged ticks carrying Lyme disease have been found in several areas across Toronto.

This isn't to alarm you. Lyme disease is still mercifully rare in town. Consider this merely an alert. Lyme disease is not fun. Our long-time client and all-star vet Bev Bateman at Eglinton Veterinary Facilities can attest to its nastiness herself. She was diagnosed with Lyme disease (actually she cleverly diagnosed herself) several years ago before it threatened to force her to stop work. We'd really like to thank her for helping guide us with some thoughts for this article. There isn't a test for people in Canada, unfortunately, and this can make it difficult to catch quickly. Because she was able to diagnose herself, she's thankfully active and co-running her wonderful practice. She was not infected in Toronto and we truly hope that with a little awareness, nobody is in the future and nor are your dogs.

The good news for dogs is that there is a test. And it's dogs, of course, that we'll focus on here.

You'll see in the news that there is a list of parks in Toronto in which ticks have been found. The immediate response is to avoid those parks. But the truth is that these little devils have migrated, quite uninvited, from the upper United States where they have largely and miraculously respected the border previously. Once they've made their way into an area, they can hitch a ride on squirrels, raccoons, birds and yes, even dogs. It's really best to arm yourself with a little knowledge. And here it is, a little knowledge:

• Long grasses, beaches and wooded areas are most likely to harbor ticks (they like the same real estate we do)
• There are some findings in Toronto, but they are still relatively infrequent
• The surrounding areas, especially as we city folk start to migrate to the country in the summer are more likely to be host to ticks
• Ticks don't fly or jump. They can only crawl. Creepy bastards.
• Once a tick is infected with Borrelia, it remains a carrier until it dies - something we'd encourage it to do quickly
• Only 5-10% of dogs found to be infected with Lyme are ever actually symptomatic
• While we dog owners have traditionally embarked on flea and tick from Spring to Fall, the mild and unpredictable winter we had is prompting some vets, including John Reeve-Newson of the Animal Clinic, to recommend year-round protection as something you may want to consider
• After a romp out in a long-grassed or wooded area, check your dog over
• Comb through your dog regularly to check
• You probably won't see the tell-tale, generally circular skin rash on your dog, so be aware of symptoms
• Symptoms for dogs are similar to those in humans: lethargy, arthritis (often shown in shifting from foot to foot and lameness), fever, lack of appetite, fatigue, neurological problems and kidney damage. Nice, huh?
• Young ticks are most active in the spring
• Your vet has access to a reliable blood test. So if your vet suggests testing for Lyme, it's a good idea
• Dogs can be vaccinated against Lyme disease; it's a relatively new vaccine though. If you're planning on being out of town with your dog and are worried that it may be a high risk area for ticks, call the local vet and ask what about their practice for defence
• Like Dr. Reeve-Newson, Dr. Lindsay Patterson of Rosedale-Moore Park Vet suggests you talk to your vet about Bravecto an every-three-month chewable tablet that kills black-legged ticks and will defend your household from a carrier that drops off your dog and climbs onto you or your family.

How to you remove a tick? What do you do with the little freak?

If you find a tick on your dog, you'll want to get some rubber gloves and some fine-tipped tweezers. Don't squeeze or burn it off.

1. Grab it as close to the skin as possible; then pull the tick away from your dog's skin gently but firmly. Make sure you've got the whole thing; anything left behind could lead to an infection.
2. Clean the skin with an antiseptic. Clean the tweezers and your hands thoroughly, too.
3. Give Rover a treat. He earned it.
4. Take a photo of the area and monitor it for continued irritation or infection.

We hope this leaves you ticked-off . . . uh . . . you know what we mean.

Confusing canine behavious: why does your dog look at you when he poops?

You know that look. Your dog squats and peers up at you. The expression seems to be part guilt, part embarrassment. But unless they somehow notice you're not equipped with a poop bag and they're momentarily ashamed to be with you, the look is not one of embarrassment.

Ok. You've read this far, so we assume you're willing to admit, at least to yourself, that you're as curious as we were about this.

One of our staff was walking a couple of dogs and was laughing to herself about this common and rather guilty expression that washes over a dog's countenance when attending to such matters. She mentioned it to us and had some amusing thoughts as to what was 'behind' it. It's never been in our extensive new-staff training program. (And we don't plan on making any addition in this respect.) We did think it might be one of those things you'd always wondered but didn't want to ask.

When your dog crouches to do his or her business, there's something else going on. They're pack animals. Historically, this would be a rather vulnerable, defenseless moment in a dog's life. Having a rival or predator sneak up at this time would be rather unsettling. They're looking to you for assurance that everything's alright - that you've got their back, as it were.

So the next time you find yourself on the receiving end of an awkward 'number two' glance, you can trust that your pup is just putting faith in you as a purveyor of safe pooping.

We see lost dogs pretty often. It's not surprising - there are about 40 of us and we'reout on the streets and in parks. A wayward dog stands out to us.Sometimes they have tags. Sometimes they don't. Some of the dogs are absolutelyecstatic to be on an exciting adventure. But some are rather panicked.

The last lost dog we came across made us think - maybe we could offer some advicein what to do if your dog is ever lost. Let's hope it never happens; if it does - to youor a friend - here's a little cheat sheet we'll call Lost and Found.

Lost and Found Cheat Sheet:

1. Call the Humane Society

People are most likely to report lost pets here.They may also simply bring them straight in.

2. Call Animal Services

In Toronto, the number is 416-338- PAWS (7297).

3. Mobilize

Get friends and family to help immediately. Call us if you like! Make sure yourfriends are armed with these things:

a) Cell phones and your number. Make one number the command post and besure you've got a fully charged phone; if this is an issue, choose someone whocan stay near a landline to be in charge of 'central command'.

b) A photo of your dog and a description. Describe the dog tip to tail. Manyphotos won't show the whole dog and will miss obvious things like - no tail.

c) An idea of what your dog is like. Where he might go. What he likes and doesn'tlike.

d) A route to cover. Don't have multiple people covering the same ground if itmeans you're missing possible ground.

e) A report of where and when he was last seen and whether he was wearing acollar or tag as well as what colour they are.

f) Squeaky toys (if he responds to those)

g) Treats (if he's food motivated)

i) Posters and tape or a stapler.

j) An extra leash if possible. If they find your dog, they'll need a way to secureher, especially if they're on foot.

4. Think about why?

A dog that's scared, a dog who saw an opportunity for adventure, a dogwho's lost himself.They'll act differently. A scared dog will hide. An adventurous dog will gosomewhere fun; maybe somewhere familiar.

5. Think about how

Your dog's character may play a part in how best to recover him or her.Rover may have run off because he's scared or maybe confused. He maynot consider himself lost. His nose may have led him on a trail for whichthe rest of his body just came along the ride.

Is your dog food obsessed?Have anyone in your search party armed with treats. You know the way afood-motivated dog will respond to the rattle of treats in a tin or a bag.Also, consider that he may be rifling around in something tempting. Is itgarbage day? Check the sides of houses in the neighbourhood wherecompost may be waiting to be discovered.

Timid dog?Call out cheerfully and softly. Obviously you'll need to be heard. But becareful not to sound angry or upset. Yelling won't encourage a fearful dogto appear.Scared of loud noises?If your dog ran off during a thunderstorm or a fireworks display, he'sfrightened. There's a good chance he's hiding under something that wouldafford him some 'protection' from the menacing noises. It may be asclose to home as under your deck. Have your searchers check under carsor hedges - anything that might be a doggy safe haven.

A love sponge?If she's a gregarious, people-lover there's a good chance she'll wander upto people for pats. Be sure to ask everyone you pass. They may have seenher and not realized she's lost.

6. Call your vet

Call other vets in the neighbourhood. Not only may they have anetwork that could help, but if your dog is microchipped, they'll be on thelookout to scan your pup if someone brings him in. Microchipping is awonderful invention - few canines ever remember their address or phonenumber.

7. The Internet

Post on Craigslist or Kijiji. Look for lost pets groups.HelpingLostPets.com, , Facebook Groupsand Pet Harbor.There are so many resources now. The key isto post quickly and cast the net as wide as you can.

8. Poster

This should include your dog's name, a photo, a description, a phonenumber to call, and the date she was lost. It doesn't hurt to mention that he'sfrom a family who misses him.

9. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

Social media can be of immense help. Put itout there and ask for shares. Do it as quickly as possible. It helped BobOdenkirk recover a dog when a dog whizzed by him at the open gate of a dogpark.

10. Think creatively

We know a great Yukon veterinarian whose staff wastaking a patient dog when disaster struck. The dog wasn't tethered and heescaped. In a big city, this is bad news. In the Yukon where there are only33,000 people in the entire territory and more trees and open land than themind can really imagine, it's horrific. They thought fast, though. They hired ahelicopter. Within half an hour, the pilot spotted the dog. It cost $440 for thehour, but they got him back safe and sound. We're not suggesting you havethe number for your local whirly bird on hand, but it does show that somequick and creative thinking can go a long way.

11. Someone's found your dog, but he won't come when he's called

Astressed dog may not be great with recall. Exercise patience. Get into a lowposition - crouch. Call gently. Ask for a sit. We've found that because it's oneof the very first things dogs learn as puppies, this is the one command a dogis most likely to listen to even when everything else won't work. 'Sit' is justingrained. When the dog sits, ask for a stay. As long as you have that sit,you've got time. Don't rush it - you don't want to start the chase all overagain. It's not a bad idea here to wait calmly and call for backup. This iswhere you as the owner being present could make all the difference.

12. Found. Daisy's back in your arms

Thank everyone involved, of course. Butbe sure to take down all the posters you've put up. You don't want peoplecalling a week later, nor do you want to have worried and concernedneighbours on the lookout - they'll take less notice the next time they see alost dog sign if they feel such posters are never current. Be sure at this pointthat she's got a tag with up-to- date contact info, a collar that fits and possiblyeven a microchip. If there are holes in the fence or some recall training thatneeds to be done, now's the time. An ounce of prevention . . . you know howthat goes . . .

Dog Parks in Toronto can be pretty varied. The city's dog-sanctioned parks are wide, spacious, ravine-like settings ranging to more close-quartered affairs. It's really amazing how much green space we dohave in this town, even if some is rather unevenly distributed. The weather is getting nicer and thecoming weekends may be a great time to explore a new bark park.

Here are a few of our ponderings. We thought about writing a 'Best Dog Parks in Toronto' post. Butwhat we think might be more valuable is a brief overview. Some parks may suit some owners betterthan others. Some may favour your mood or goal better. If the idea is to meet a number of other dogsand have a good play, we might suggest a different kind of park than we would if the object were to tireyour pup out on a more lengthy run.

Choose the right dog park for your weekend walk

How long do you want to be out for? If you're thinking of a good couple of hours, a dog walking Torontoin one ofthe ravines is great. Start out with that and end at the dog park for an off-leash portion. This is greatespecially when your dog's energy can sometimes overwhelm other dogs at the park. He'll be moresatisfied, less anxious and more prone to well-mannered play if you approach a long walk this way.

An active mixed-walk suggestion - Midtown

In the middle of the city, you can't get much better than The Beltline Trail. This is an amazing trail thatsnakes through midtown Toronto. Try starting out at Roxborough and Mt. Pleasant if you're driving. Ifyou're not, start at Milkman's Lane at the top of South Drive and Glen Road. Both trails will send youthrough some of Toronto's most beautiful natural scenery - and probably some of its best smells,there's a creek running through the first half of the route if you take the Beltline option. You'll windalong the trail, passing beside the Bayview Extension and towards the Brickworks. You'll find anenclosed dog park as your reach the Brick Works. Unleash the beast here and then grab a coffee and aridiculously tasty sandwich at the Brickworks' Belong Caf or something from the summertime farmer'smarket. There's a shuttle there (limited hours) if you feel you or your dog aren't up to the walk back.

An active mixed-walk suggestion - West End

If you're in the west end of town, or want to consider venturing out there, High Park can't miss. Just beaware that if you go mid-day on a beautiful weekend, you'll have quite a bit of company. It's a popularone and Dog Hill, the off leash park can be well-populated in peak times. Also, be aware - it isn't fullyfenced, so hounds that may have their noses to the ground may get travelling ideas of their own.

Start at High Park station if you're not driving. Walk in at Colbourne Lodge Rd and take the West Rd forkon the right. After 350m (about a 4 minute walk), you'll see a trail that shoots off away from the WestRd. to the right. Turn onto it and you'll soon feel like you're in some countryside painting. The path willtake you downhill to Grenadier Pond and alongside it for about 1km. It's about a 12 minute walk, but itmay take you much longer just ambling along and letting your dog sniff out all there is to beinvestigated. At the 1km point in the trail, you can turn left and join any one of a half dozen paths up thehill. They'll take you up to join West Rd again and Grenadier Restaurant on the left, where you can get atake out burger and a coffee. Or continue along the road where it merges into Colbourne Lodge Rd,head straight along it for about 200m to join the throngs of other off leash dogs at Dog Hill. There's lotsof shade here, so it'll stay a little cooler in the summer, too.

On the other extreme of dogs parks, there's Toronto's East End Gerrard Carlaw Dog Park. Although it's exclusively a dog park, it's something you could easily pass without noticing. It's not large, but it's a decent size to have your dog run with some other nice pups and get good and tired out. It's well-shaded and offers a few benches to have a little sit-down, too. Best of all, it's fully fenced. As with all small parks, the ground cover wears pretty thin quickly with all the condensed paw-traffic. It can get a bit mucky, but not nearly as drenched as some of the larger parks that are shaped like bowls.

In rainy weather, Withrow, Riverdale and Bickford can be a good place for a real mud-bath. They're great spots with lots of room, but their low-level placement can lead to some significant sogginess. Also, they're not great for dogs with less than respectable recall skills as they aren't all fenced-in.

Toronto's too big and lush a city to critique all the great parks in one post. What we want to suggest is that you try a few out. Also, think about what you want out of the experience.

One of the things that defines a great dog park more than its physical characteristics is how dog owners act in the park. Picking up after your dogs (our walkers will even pick up after others when they don't) is an obvious one. But being sure to interact with your dog at the park. A dog that's left to his or her own devices can be much like an unruly child - they'll find their own trouble if options aren't provided.

And try to be aware of the state you bring your dog into the park. Have a walk beforehand if Rover's bouncing off the walls. Ask for a sit stay a few times. Bring the kind of dog into the park that you'd want your dog to play with. Once you're in the park, one of the tricks our walkers and dog boarders use is to call the dogs back throughout their time there. Calling a dog back only at the end of the walk will result in diminishing returns. They quickly catch on to the idea that every time they come back, they're asked to leave the fun times. If they are called and released after a friendly pat, they'll be much more likely to be generally responsive.

Does your dog stress?

If you've chosen to take your dog on a trip, instead of looking for dog boarding Toronto, well, then, sometimes dogs stress in cars. They drool and salivate. They pant. They howl. They even throw up. It'snot fun - if you've had the experience, we don't need to tell you how not fun it truly is.Of course, it's not fun for a dog either.

Check out the tips here to get your dog over negative feelings about the automobile. After all, it's almostroad trip season.

More often than not, it's a mental obstacle rather than a physiological one.

1. Take your dog to the car before a walk.

2. Lift him up in to the car. Be gentle. Put Rover on the back seat. Close the door.

3. Get into the driver seat.

4. Then . . . don't do anything.

5. Just sit there.

6. After three minutes, climb out and get your furry buddy.

7. If you're going to treat him, do it before you lift him out.

8. Now go on a fun walk.

9. Do this a few days in a row.

10. The neighbours will think you've lost it. That's ok. They probably do goofy things to.

11. On the third or fourth day, do the same thing. This time start the engine. Repeat the other steps.

12. Do the same again the next day.

13. The day after, turn on the engine and the radio.

14. You get the picture, build up stimuli. Don't go anywhere for a while. Make a positive associationwith a treat and a walk.

15. When you first go on a drive with your concerned companion, make it a short one. And end it atthe dog park or ravine - somewhere he likes.

Pretty soon your pup'll be chauffeuring you.

Chances are your dog has a tendency to beg for treats and scruffle around under the dining room table for scraps, and while sometimes they come in handy as a vacuum replacement, there are some foods that our dogs should never consume.

With this is mind, we thought it was a good idea to review which foods are most toxic for dogs. We've covered the age-old offenders like chocolate as well as some lesser-known foods that can cause some canine concerns.

Here are the main human foods that can be toxic for your dog:

Alcohol

Although you may be tempted to share that beer with your K9 companion, alcohol can cause intoxication in dogs too, and this can lead to disorientation, breathing and cardiovascular irregularities as well as a higher than normal acidity.

Chocolate

We've all heard this one, chocolate is a no-no for our pups. Theobromine and theophylline found in any chocolate can cause excessive panting, vomiting, diarrhea and potential damage to your dog's heart and nervous system.

Coffee/Caffeine

The effects of caffeine are essentially the same as chocolate, it's best to avoid anything containing caffeine when it comes to your dog.

Salt and Salty Snacks

Introducing too much salt into your dog's system can cause dehydration as well as pancreatitis. This goes for additional fat content too.

Grapes/Raisins

This is one that not everyone is already aware of. Grapes contain a toxin that can cause severe liver and kidney damage.

Macadamia Nuts

Another one you may not have know about, macadamia nuts contain a toxin that can cause weakness, swollen limbs and damage to your dog's digestive system.

Onions/Chives and Garlic

In any form, onions are poisonous for dogs. They contain disulfides and sulfoxides that can cause anemia and damage to red blood cells.

Pitted Fruit

As you may have guessed, any pitted fruit poses the problem of intestinal blockages and enteritis.

Yeast (on its own or in bread)

Just like in bread, yeast will rise inside your pup's tummy causing sever bloating, gas and discomfort.

Xylitol - Sugar

Keep any candy, gum or baked treats and goodies away from your dog. Sugars and sugar substitutes can cause seizures and liver failure.

Avocado

Another lesser-known culprit is avocado. This contains Persin and can induce diarrhea, vomiting and heart congestion.

Raw Fish

Regular consumption of raw fish may result in a vitamin B deficiency in which case seizures and loss of appetite are common.

Milk and Dairy

Dogs are lactose intolerant - in small doses dairy may only cause some seriously smelly farts, in larger quantities however, it can cause loss of appetite and gastro-intestinal discomfort.

Cooked Bones

While raw bones are great for your dog's nutrition and teeth, the risk in cooked bones is their potential to splinter and cause choking.

Most of our posts will be useful, helpful, thought-provoking and even offer ways to save money and time. This one, however, pretty much promises not to do any of those things.

If there's something more prolific on the internet than weird and banal ravings in online comment sections, it's videos of pets. We've been pulled into that vortex before . . . ok, we still do. It's a deep, deep rabbit hole...

So, to save you time (and in a vain attempt to recoup all that time we've lost and can't get back), we've curated some of our favourite dog videos from all corners of cyber-ness. They're funny, they're ridiculous and they're heart-warming. Click on a few, or all of them. But let's be honest. You're probably going watch them all eventually. And you're probably going to lose a few minutes of your day here. But it's sliver of time compared to what we've watched. An absolute sliver.

If you've got some that we should absolutely see (especially if they're of your own dogs) don't be shy about letting us know.

Drunk Girls Surprised with Puppies

Pup Quiz on Jimmy Fallon

(Warning - if you don't like Drew Barrymore or puppies, you're not going to like this one at all.)

Coolest Retired Man Creates World's First Rescue Dog Train

Denver, the Guilty Dog - Exposed

Husky Dominates Leaf Pile

The Great Dog Escape

Dog gets 3D Printed Legs

It's Settled - Bacon is Irresistible

If This Frenchie Were a Kid, Ritalin Would Be Prescribed Instantly

Beagles Raised as Labratory Dogs Set Free For the First Time

There's something for every dog lover - from stocking stuffer to something a little bigger.

If you haven't checked out these local stores, you owe it to yourself - and your favourite canine. Each one is quite unique and all of them are staffed with caring experts. It's funny, too - the flavour of the community each of the stores inhabit is undeniably palpable. That's one of the things we love about shopping locally in the city - it just goes double for stores where they know your dog's name!

For now, check out the list for puppies naughty and nice.

It's a great list for that hard to buy for friend or family member who loves their dog, too.

Jack & Mr Moose at The Bone House

A Canadian dog deserves a hint of yuletide wilderness - even if it's in their living room. This wild pair are all-natural soft eco felt toys. There are no eyes to pop off or stare back. Just a simple, cheerful playtoy for a simple, cheerful dog. 'Jack' the buffalo plaid bear, and 'Mr. Moose.' Both $22.00

Visit The Bone House at946 Queen St. East,Toronto

Bowser's URBAN Lounger at The Dog Bowl

If you know a dog who craves comfort - maybe even intrudes on yours - then this is perfect. Bowser's URBAN Lounger has been a staple at The Dog Bowl since opening their doors over 4 years ago. A modern take on the dog bed with practicality in mind as each bed is made with durable fabrics and is completely machine washable. Hand made in Mississauga by Bowser Pet Beds. Prices range from $100.00 to $179.00. Made in Canada. Found in Trinity Bellwoods. Doubly local. Doubly merry.

Visit The Dog Bowl,984 Dundas St. West,Toronto

Hugglehounds at Wooftown

What do you get the dog who has everything? You just get him more.

If reindeer were chewers, this is what Santa would get them. Hugglehounds, the most adorable plush toys with built in webbing that makes them pretty darn durable for even the toughest mouths. They even come in festive characters like Frosty the Snowman and Santa himself. Prices range from $15.99 - 29.99 each.

VisitWooftown,10 Birch Ave, Toronto

Whole Jerky Natural Dog Treats at Annex Pet Supplies

What says festive occasion better than the smell of bacon? Plenty, probably. But you'll make a big holiday impression every time this pack gets cracked open. Fruitables Whole Jerky Thick Cut Bacon are natural grain-free jerky treats that are delicious and wholesome. They have no added fillers, nitrates, sugars or salt. Your dog will love these delicious treats. And, because the holidays should be for all ages, they aren't too hard for older dogs to enjoy. Pig out!

Visit Annex Pet Supplies,718 Bathurst St, Toronto

Gifts Cards at A Leg Up

The greatest gift you can give a dog is your company. But your company isn't always available. When it's not, A Leg Up is. Give the gift of company this holiday season. Get an A Leg Up gift card for the dog-lover in your life. Overnight boarding, daycare, walks or puppy visits. They're available in $25, $50, $75 and $100. Get them through A Leg Up direct, or pick one up at any one of these great local stores. Good company is what it's all about.

These are some of our favourite gifts from local businesses.

Do you have any you would add to the list?

Let us know your favourites on @twitteror@facebook

It's 30 below Celsius. It's midnight.

You're somewhere outside Buffalo, slowly circling the parking lot of a Super 8 to stay warm.

The transport truck is due shortly after 1 a.m.

Headlights appear in the distance, but they belong to a vehicle too small to be carrying the cargo you're expecting. They soon fall into place behind you, creeping carefully through the tracks you've created in the snow. Before long, a parade of cars pace the perimeter together, expectantly. You decide to park and put an end to the curiosity that's looming in the air like thick fog. The others follow suit and you soon realize you're all there for the same reason.

That reason: you're about to bring home a new member of the family.

There's an elderly couple in a rundown pick-up who are taking home a pair of sibling kittens because they can't be separated and the young family anxiously awaiting the arrival of their first ever puppy.

People from all walks of life, some travelling from great distances and across borders are all about to help change the life of animals who wouldn't have otherwise had a chance.

The truck arrives and the driver hops out. You're humbled to meet this person who dedicates their spare time to transporting these animals across the country -- overnight and through snow storms -- to see that they're safely delivered to their new families.

The doors of the moving van open and it's stacked floor to ceiling with crates; some of which contain more than one set of eyes peering out at you. A little black and white ball of fluff is lifted into your arms, slightly stunned, but otherwise happy and healthy. Minutes later, the truck closes up and heads off to another roadside stop in the middle of the night.

Before parting, you all wish each other luck, say your goodbyes, and head home with the animal that warmed your heart more than a car ever could.

That's how Adelaide came to arrive in Toronto (and A Leg Up's dog daycare, for that matter) from North Carolina on a cold night in March. Right off the bat, she opened her 'mom', Tracy, up to an experience she would have never had otherwise. And that's the beautiful thing about having a dog; they expose you to people, places, emotions, and adventures that hadn't been a possibility prior.

Dog walking at 7 a.m.in your pyjamas leads to a conversation with a stranger, who soon becomes a friend, because your dogs have brought you together. You ask their advice, share your own, commiserate over the fact that the streets are always littered with chicken bones (seriously, they're everywhere), and laugh about the fact that poop is now a permanent part of your vocabulary.

Your life's purpose now includes doing everything in your power to put a smile on that little ball of fur's face...even if they can't technically smile. You speak in voices you never knew you had, your ears are tuned into every sound they make, your sleep pattern adapts to theirs, and, in return, the love you receive is the unconditional kind you couldn't comprehend until now.

Each year, upwards of 8 million would-be pets find themselves in animal shelters across North America. Never understanding how they got there or why, unable to select a fate other than the one they were offered, waiting for the cage door to open them up to a new life, just as it did for Adelaide.