Dogs

Move over, olive oil: There’s a new healthy fat in town. Coconut oil is surging in popularity in humans and animals alike due to its health benefits. From fresher breath to more energy, there are several health benefits of coconut oil for dogs. But how, exactly, are you supposed to get your dog to eat it? We dug into research and talked to a vet expert to get some helpful tips.

As you look back on the past year, it’s natural to reflect on time spent with your pet. It gives us the chance to cherish the memories we made together and celebrate our wins—plus embrace ways we can make the year ahead even better.  Setting New Year’s resolutions for ourselves and our pets allows us to think about habits we can incorporate into our routines for a happy, healthy pet and strong bond. That way, we really can give them the best life possible.  We spoke with animal experts about the best New Year’s resolutions for pet parents to make so you and your pet can ring in the new year on the right foot … or paw, claw, or hoof! 

Jump to section New Puppy Essentials Checklist Puppy Feeding Schedule Potty Training Chart Puppy’s First Vet Visit Checklist Puppy Vaccinations Tracker Puppy Walking Schedule

The first time you hear your new puppy whine is heartbreaking. The second time, it’s troubling. But after a nonstop barrage of puppy crying, particularly in the middle of the night, whining can leave you feeling completely overwhelmed, frustrated and unsure of how to help your little companion.  Puppies whine for many reasons, including needing to go potty, conveying excitement about an impending walk, or expressing dissatisfaction about being put in their crate.  If you’re wondering why your puppy is whimpering, read on to find out—and what you can do to help them stay calm and quiet. 

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If you’ve been spending a lot of time relaxing at home, binge-watching TV, you can probably skip a shower or two. (That’s what dry shampoo is for, right?) Just like you, your dog’s activity level impacts their bathing needs. How often to wash your pet The less they’re out and about getting dirty, the less frequent they’ll need a bath. “If [you use] a quality [pet] shampoo, followed by a conditioner, dogs can be safely bathed once a week or whenever they don’t smell nice,” Conner says. Cats generally require less bathing than dogs do, although it depends on the breed. “Cats—except breeds that produce excessive oil like the Sphynx—don’t require frequent bathing, though it is not dangerous for them,” says Conner, who also serves as vice president of the Professional Cat Groomers Association of America. Tips for washing your pet If your nose knows it’s time to give your pet a bath, Conner says to start by washing from behind the ears and working your way back toward the tail, saving the face for last. When rinsing, it’s the opposite: Start with the face to decrease the chances of shampoo getting in your fur baby’s eyes. Once you have washed and rinsed your pet completely, rinse again—yes, two rinses. “Shampoo or conditioner left in the coat will attract dirt, cause tangles and can irritate animals’ skin,” Conner says. And always use a shampoo and conditioner formulated specifically for pets. Conner recommends TropiClean’s Gentle Coconut Hypoallergenic shampoo and their Kiwi & Cocoa Butter Moisturizing conditioner.,It can be hard to find the time to take your dog or cat to the groomer. If your pet is looking a little rough around the edges, you can do some cat or dog grooming at home to keep them looking and feeling their best. Not to mention, it’s a great way to bond with your pet. “Pets enjoy being touched and paid attention to, so grooming can be pleasant if it’s a regular part of their routine,” says Daryl Conner, a Master Pet Stylist at Fairwinds Grooming Studio in Appleton, Maine. “Many people find it very satisfying to spend this type of time with their pet. Having a neat, tidy, tangle-free coat to admire and pat is pleasant, too.” From brushing to bathing, here’s a cheat sheet for pet grooming at home.

Most of us can’t imagine our lives without our pets—now more than ever. As this time of social distancing continues, our pets are helping keep us sane and smiling, encouraging us to make time for relaxing cuddles on the couch, a peaceful walk around the neighborhood, and for one another. Whether sharing a laugh with our coworkers after your cat crashes the Zoom meeting, waving to the other pet parents walking their dogs, or sending a slew of emojis to the friend who just sent the umpteenth cute kitten photo, pets bring us together. As seen in our virtual pet play date video (check it out below!), they help us feel like we’re not alone and that we can still be connected to friends and family even when we’re apart.

Army Dog Names   Bradley The official name for the tank that transports troops and covers soldiers with its firepower is the Bradley Fighting Vehicle (BFV). Admit it, it’s a pretty cool name for a big, stocky dog. Captain Among the ranks of officers, a captain is responsible for company-sized units, which may have as many as 170 soldiers. It’s a big job, a bit like being top dog in your home. Cougar Another type of army vehicle, this one is used for reconnaissance and combat support. It’s a perfect Army dog name if you’ve got a pup who’s always looking out for you (and danger). Custer General Custer is most famously known for his last battle, the Battle of Little Bighorn, but before that he was a hero in the Civil War. Elsie Elsie Ott joined the Army Nurse Corps in 1941, and became instrumental in helping to evacuate wounded personnel from the battlefields during World War II. Major This is the rank above captain, and carries a lot of responsibility. And we all know your dog is a major deal. Nyala This cross between a truck and a jeep is a multipurpose armored vehicle that was designed to be resistant to mine blasts. But it’s also one badass military dog name for your pup. Sarah Emma By pretending she was a man, Sarah Emma Edmonds was able to join the infantry and fight in the Civil War, where she served as a nurse and a spy. Sergeant In the army, sergeants are the ones who command small teams of soldiers. Let’s hope your pup won’t be bossing you around (much). Yankee The name Southerners gave soldiers from the North during the Civil War, as well as the word for the letter Y in the NATO phonetic alphabet, which soldiers use as code when sending radio messages on the battlefield.,Atten-hut, soldiers! If you’ve got a new dog in your life, you’ll want to give them a name they can be proud of—and what’s prouder than the United States Armed Forces? Maybe you come from a military family, adopted your pup on Memorial Day, or just want to show your respect to the troops. No matter the reason, these military dog names are perfect, whether you have one tough mutt-er or a pocket-sized pup with the soul of a war dog. From the names of famous fighting dogs to choices inspired by each of the military branches, you’ll find the perfect dog name on this list.

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