Tag Archives: #dogs

Coconut Oil for Dogs with Nili approval

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Good Morning Friends, this is Nili here as I am learning to review for Mom like my sister Layla the expert did, I hope she approves.

I recently took Nili for a checkup at the vet as she has been scratching badly and the vet suggested I give her coconut oil. This intrigued me as my one vet had told me negative things about coconut oil and this vet is saying the opposite. So, I decided to do some research and as to why one vet said one thing and another the opposite and came up with some interesting facts which made me realize how important coconut oil can be for pets. Before trying  please ask your vet as rather be safe than sorry as some supplements might have the opposite affect on your dog.

I want to thank Charisa from CocoTherapy for helping me with all the information that I am sharing plus the products that I am trying with Nili.

The benefits:

  1. In small quantities it is good for the pet as it is good fat which is important to remember when we worry about cholesterol in our pets. Coconut oil is considered a low cholesterol fat and does not increase cholesterol levels.
  2. You can read more about it on this link : A Beginner’s Guide to Cholesterol
    https://www.cocotherapy.com/blogs/blog/a-beginners-guide-to-cholesterol?_pos=1&_psq=cholesterol&_ss=e&_v=1.0
  3. Coconut oil has lauric acid which has antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.  which is good for the fur and skin. When applied to the skin it can help soothe the inflamed area.
  4. Coconut oil is lower in calories than many other cooking oils, and it’s actually an effective weight loss aid. The MCTs in coconut oil are metabolized quickly and used for energy, rather than being stored as fat. This helps boost metabolism and aids in weight management. What’s more, coconut oil can help suppress appetite. All fats slow down the emptying of the stomach, helping you feel full for longer, but studies have shown that MCTs have a greater satiating effect than LCTs. This means that coconut oil can help your pet feel fuller for longer and prevent them from overeating.
  5. It helps fight bad breath, mouth and gum health.
  6. It also helps digestions but like any supplement ask your vet first.
  7. Here is some more information: Coconut Oil Myths and Facts
    https://www.cocotherapy.com/blogs/blog/coconut-oil-myths-and-facts?_pos=4&_psq=cholesterol&_ss=e&_v=1.0

I am doing this coconut oil blog in two episodes as I am reviewing different products from them but what I have tried with Nili at this moment I have seen a big difference in her, she is scratching less so her skin issues seem to be clearing up, she is eating less which is great as she needs to lose 2 lbs plus I love their treat gems which are kibble size so she is getting one each time she is good and gobbles them up plus they fit in here kong which she is addicted to. She also got a coconut squeaky toy which she loves squeaking nonstop BOL.

It is always fun to get a coconut squeaky toy squeak squeak squeak

The products Nili has tried and approved are :

Coconut Chips – Dehydrated Organic Coconut – No added preservatives, dyes, bleaches sugar or salt. Rich in Fibre, Supports Digestive System (I am sprinkling it on her food, and she loves it)

These are yummy sprinkled on my food

Coco-Gems – Peppermint, Parsley and Coconut – Supports Fresh Breath and Oral Health – Nili approves

My breath smells good when I eat these

Coco-Gems – Cranberry and Coconut – Supports Urinary Tract Health – Nili approves

I will keep pawing the package till I get more

Coco Charms – Blueberry Cobbler – Nili approves

These are so so yummm

Gems and Charms are all Gluten Free and Grain Free, made with 100% USDA certified organic, human-grade ingredients too.

You can read more about their products on this link : https://www.cocotherapy.com/

So now that Nili is getting coconut, she wants to go to Hawaii BOL. Thank you Coco Therapy for sponsoring this review and sharing your products as I am so happy with them I am smiling.

To all our friends in Florida, we hope you are safe as we are thinking of you

Have a safe weekend, with love and woof from Nili

 

 

What a week

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TGIF!! It is finally the weekend, and I really need it, Nili the energizer bunny does not slow down from morning to night. I love her to death, and she is so busy, it is cute but exhausting LOL.

Last weekend Gidget came to spend two days with us, one night. I have been dog sitting Gidget for over four years, I know her quirks, her naughtiness and I adore her but last weekend was a nightmare. Gidget did not like Nili and they fought nonstop. I did not sleep as I was worried they would fight during the night. Gidget guarded my bed and would not let Nili on it, and if she did get on the bed there was a lot of growling so I would lie between the two of them to keep peace, Nili was just as much to blame in someways as she would bounce around on the floor, barking at Gidget wanting to play and it was not happening. To cut a long story short, my arms are blue with bruises, wounds here and there, and I concluded that there will never be a friendship between these two. Nili is ok with Nigel spending time in my house, so it was not the first time I had a doggy visitor in the house. It was a lesson for me also and something that I must work on with Nili.

The first hour when they lay on the bed together before all hell broke out

Nili met with a trainer on Monday, I learnt to use the command circle when she sees another dog with a treat in my hand and it is slowly working phew, the other command was touch which makes her smell my hand where there is a treat to get her to focus on my hand and not let her get distracted which is slowly working and she now does not try jump and run after people, skateboards, or cyclists.   It is a work in progress and hopefully soon walking will be fun. She must learn to stop playing tug of war with her leash when I put her harness on which I am working on also. Nili is a clever girl, the trainer said it to me, but she knows how to manipulate me also LOL and I have to not let that happen. It is like any relationship we work together to get that happy balance and that is what I am working on.

Focusing on my trainer for a treat, Nili

After the meeting we went to my friend’s garden to hang out and relax in the sun, it actually was so hot we moved into the shade, but it was great to just sit back, relax and enjoy the outdoors. The plus with the garden is Nili can run freely about sniffing and exploring with no worries as she cannot get out. She was one happy tired girl when we got home but it was just what the doctor needed, she napped all afternoon LOL.

Relaxing in the shade in the garden

She met on the way home a cute little dog that looks like her and they tried playing but both were on leash but it was cute and relaxed me in the way that she does want to play but little fluffy dogs are the answer so I cannot wait for her to be ready for a Shi Tzu meet up where she will have fun. I am wondering if she is afraid of big dogs as being a stray something could have happened in her past.

Nili meeting Levi

I also got dental chews this week for her as I am trying to keep her teeth pearly white the way they are now so before bed at night she gets one and that is her last treat for the night, she loves them which is great as I know she is going to sleep with clean teeth.

So life has been busy, am out and about when I have to go, I am leaving her at home till she is fully trained, she loves her squeaky toys and keeps herself busy when I am not at home and how I know is all the toys on the floor LOL, I also got her a Kong which I stuff with carrots and she cannot get enough of that so am happy that she is happy plus of course the window watch which she loves.

 

 

And we must not forget, August is Empty the Shelters month and we need to keep speaking out for the shelter dogs and help them get homes, especially as the shelters are overflowing and so many are needing homes.

 

Before Nili goes to bed, we want to say a special thank you shout out to Anne from us for introducing Nili to everyone, we are truly honored, you can read about it on her blog on this link : https://zoolatry.blogspot.com/2024/08/nili-our-friend.html

 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone, thank you for dropping by to say hi, hug your fur kids tight

With woof and love

Nili

 

 

 

 

Carrying on her legacy

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Woof hello friends,

Two weeks ago, I took Layla for her last adventure to spread her ashes in a place that she loved to go to in her younger years, where she wandered around, sniffing all the smells and barking at the ducks in the lake.

I went with Alice, one of my closest friends who we used to do adventures with, visiting the different lakes in the Bay Area, so this was the last adventure for the three of us, we sat at the lake with a picnic and then I went towards the lake and spread her ashes. It was hard, sad but I knew in my heart it was the best thing to do as she is now back in nature, barking at the ducks and turtles and at peace, not as I felt stuck in a box on my shelf. Pine Lake in Stern Grove for me is like heaven, just beautiful, natural and quiet which is what I wanted for her. However hard it was for me, I am now finally at peace, moving forward with a more positive attitude and finally taking care of me.

Pine Lake

The Duck welcoming Layla

I have been going out more, lunch with friends, a jazz concert in a park, and much more but I must admit I find it hard without pushing her in the stroller which is something I am slowly getting used to. Her strollers I have donated to Muttville Senior Dog Rescue and her other things I am going through slowly at my own pace.

As I vowed, I would do is carry on her legacy and this week I am going to talk about fireworks, as the 4th of July is around the corner. I personally hate fireworks and feel the money could be given to nonprofit organizations who are struggling, rescue organizations and so much more instead of burning the money.

The fireworks scare the wild animals that many flee in fear and get injured or killed by cars, our pets who sit in our houses shivering from fear, the Vets that suffer from PTSD and so many more.

I think it is unfair to all those that are afraid and disrespectful especially when you live in a city and people  just stand in the streets shooting them off and our apartments are shaking from all the noise. I used to have my TV on the Jazz Station loud during the night to disguise the bangs as much as possible, I would make Layla a bed in the shower with her water, toys and food and put her in there where she felt safe and secure, cover her with a blanket and let her stay there all night with me checking on her every 30 minutes.  What I did give her was the Relax Calming Chews from Real Mushrooms which helped a lot and actually once calm she would fall asleep and sleep through it all, these chews were a blessing in disguise as they kept her calm and relaxed especially as she got older.

So to help other pet parents we are doing a give away for a bottle of  chews to help your pet. They are for both cats and dogs so everyone can enter to ease the stress and anxiety from the fireworks.

What are they :

I have been sponsored by Real Mushrooms for this giveaway.

You can read more about them on their website where you have a 10% discount with coupon LaylasWoof.

https://shop.realmushrooms.com/?ref=488

To enter go to the link below and fill in all that is asked from you.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/baa88aa67/?

 

This Giveaway is for the USA only and you must be over 18 years old to enter.

 

Good luck to everyone, you enter you will have a calm pet in the house.

 

With a woof and love

From Layla’s Mom

 

 

 

 

The week is over.

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Woof hello my friends,

The week is over, and the weekend has arrived.  I told Mom it is not allowed to rain as I need my weekly bark in the park.

This week has been crazy in my house. Gidget has been coming daily to spend the days with me, so I am not alone when Mom runs around doing shopping and errands, so we have been very busy. Poor Mom is so tired, but I must admit she does not forget me however tired she is.

Last Saturday the sun came out for some hours, it was chilly, but we bundled up and Mom took me to my favorite lawn, which was very muddy that the chair sunk into the ground BOL, but was great to be out, smell the bay air and of course I barked, sniffed and wandered around like I enjoy doing. It is good exercise for me and when we came home, I crawled into my bed and slept, which made Mom happy as she managed to take an afternoon nap till I woke her up to potty.

A quick bark was necessary as without it I do not feel I have been down to the Bay. See the video below.

https://youtube.com/shorts/YRvaD9qx4cw?si=vrMV4BJTPzHoYILy

On Valentines Day we went to a Valentines Party, it was lots of fun for Mom and I am happy she enjoyed herself as I just slept BOL in my stroller comfortably although I did not get lots of treats as always. Mom won a Trivia game and came home with a 2lb bag of her favorite coffee so she is really happy. There was lots of food, candies and people and of course lots of laughter, which Mom says is important as it is the best medicine as we forget our worries when laughing. It was pouring when we left but I wanted to walk or, as Mom says swim, so we took the bus home, got off one stop after ours and swam home. We got really wet but it was great walking although I do not like the rain that much. When we got home Mom walked Gidget, then dried us all off and we all relaxed happily.

I got two roses at the party, aren’t they pretty

So as you can all read, life is busy in our neighborhood, never a dull moment and although we are tired this weekend and relieved it is weekend, I am hoping I can go to my lawn for a bark, although Mom has already told me they are expecting major storms and lots of rain so I think we are going to be stuck inside. To keep me happy Mom has made me my favorite dehydrated fish treats for my snuffle toys so I will be occupied. You can see videos of me playing with them. The caterpillar one is hard but hey it keeps me busy and finding the treats is the best.

https://youtu.be/bPYYB0XN-Fs?si=X-CEsW5QQsMAwBN7

https://youtube.com/shorts/6vRoezK_GFA?si=kQ2SA43Zo1nlq01b

Stay warm and safe everyone, I need my beauty sleep now so am barking to Mom to stop typing, I am the Boss.

With a woof and love from Layla

 

The Birthday Party is over, and I cannot wait to tell all.

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TGIF!! Friday has arrived and as Mom says she needs a break from all to relax and recharge her batteries.

I went last week to the vet for a checkup, day before my birthday party so the party was extra special as we celebrated my health, although the vet found a mass on my side which we going to monitor and I have started kidney disease at my old age so am dehydrated all the time, so drinking lots and making Mom take me out more times to potty including in the middle of the night. Mom says she would rather do that than clean the carpet all the time. BOL. The vet put me on some stuff to drink for the dehydration and it upset my tummy so oy vey Mom had a big mess to clean up, but all is good now.

NOW my birthday party which I have promised everyone I would talk about; it was the BEST ever. We left the house to go to a friend’s house where we were having the party as it was too cold and rainy to do in the park, plus our apartment is much too small for parties. On the way there we stopped at Rescue Row (see photo below) which is a street named for all the Rescue Organizations in the city. There is an amazing Rescue Organization that we stopped at to say hi which is called Muttville Senior Dog Rescue, it is a great very well-organized Rescue Organization and Sherri plus the volunteers are so great.  Mom explained to me that whatever is left of my party we would be dropping off at Muttville for the volunteers and dogs so everyone can have a party. Mom told me that when she was a child her mother used to make their birthday cakes in the shapes of houses, cars, planes, dolls and so much more and at their party they could eat everything but the cake as She would then take us and the cake to the Childrens Ward at one of the hospitals for the children to enjoy. I think that is a wonderful idea as that way everyone celebrates with a yum cake.

Walking to my party

 

At my birthday party was my favorite people and of course my dog friends, Dash, Storm, and Musik. We all wandered around looking for food and treats of course as that is what a birthday is all about. Carly from Paw Patch Pastries made me this delicious pink bacon flavored cake, it was so so good I am still licking my lips thinking of it although it is finished, grr. We each got a bag of treats to take home with us which were so delicious.

Me and my cake yum

Dash Storm and Me and of course I am sniffing the cake

 

Layla and Musik

My one Uncle also surprised Mom with the human cupcakes that Mom says were delicious and had happy birthday to me on them, they looked so cute.

The human cupcakes

The human table of goodies with our treat bags, my cake and of course BOL coffee cos Mom needed some

You can see on her website all the yummy cakes and treats, and did you know she ships treats all over the country? And most importantly she bakes for cats also, so they are not left out.

They are so so good yum, I pawsitively approve them, Layla

 

https://www.pawpatchpastries.com/

I was very spoiled and got a new bed from Uncle Ron and a new snuffle caterpillar from Uncle Troy, but as Mom says the funniest part of the birthday party was when I tried digging out the treats from Uncle Troy’s pocket of his jacket which was hanging at the back of the chair and instead BOL started pulling out the roll of poop bags and unraveled most of them, everyone laughed at me but it shows them I am 18 and still can get into mischief.

Pulling poop bags is fun

 

My new bed and snuffle caterpillar

I needed a nap in the middle of the party it was too much for me, Layla

I wish all of you could have been here to share in the fun, you were all missed but who knows maybe during the year we will have a get together.

I am now off to have my afternoon nap as dictating to Mom is exhausting.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone, be safe and warm

Lots of love from Layla

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 2024 Pet Holidays and Observances

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Welcome 2024, let the pet holidays and observances begin as we all need to remember them so our pets do not feel left out.

Month

  • National Train your Dog Month
  • Unchain a Dog Month.
  • Walk Your Dog Month.
  • Adopt a Rescue Bird Month

 

Day

  • 2: National Pet Travel Safety Day.
  • 2: Happy Mew Year for Cats Day.
  • 5: National Bird Day
  • 10: Save the Eagles Day
  • 14: National Dress Up Your Pet Day.
  •  18: Winnie the Pooh Day
  • 19: National Conservation Dog Day.
  • 20: Penguin Awareness Day
  • 21: Squirrel Appreciation Day
  • 22: National Answer Your Cat’s Question Day.
  • 24: Change a Pet’s Life Day.
  • 24: Peanut Butter Day. 
  • 29: Seeing Eye Guide Dog Anniversary.
  • 29: Tuxedo Cat Appreciation Day.

May 2024 be a healthy happy safe peaceful New Year for Everyone

Woof with love from Layla

 

 

 

 

 

 

2023 is over WOW

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Good morning,

The weekend has arrived but guess what, it is the end of the year also. 2023 has gone so fast it is scary and 2024 is a few days away. WOW.

This past week it has been cold and rainy so we have stayed indoors dry and playing with snuffle ball and napping, it can be boring for me but Mom does not want me to get sick, so she is very firm with her plans when it rains. I do not like the rain so in a way I enjoy being home although I do have the stroller with a cover to keep me dry but Mom gets wet and she is not happy BOL.

I lucked out Mom spilled my treats so am vacuuming with my tongue

New Years eve is a nightmare for so many of my fur friends because of those horrible noisy fireworks, in my younger days Mom would make me a bed in the shower with my water and favorite toys so I would not hear them plus she played the Jaz station all night long but now I am old I do not hear them that much which has made Moms life a lot less stressful and easy. She never leaves me alone, so I feel very safe and secure.

 

Please keep all of us safe and it can be very scary to be outdoors with all bangs going off plus as I woofed to Mom I feel very sorry for the wild animals and birds that suffer from it all. Do you agree with me?

Did you know that January is overflowing with pets because people have dumped their pets for selfish reasons, they do not think that pets are part of family and should live all their lives with them. Layla was dumped in January and I rescued her on the 31st of January, a total matted mess but I lucked out with the most beautiful little girl in the world and her ex family lost out.

 

I must now go to sleep as an old girl needs her beauty sleep, Happy New Year Everyone, may 2024 bring peace, love, health and happiness to everyone,

With a woof and love from

Layla

 

 

 

 

Happy Holidays Everyone

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Good morning Friends,

Can you believe it is nearly the end of 2023 WOW, this year has gone too fast or is Mom getting old too quickly BOL.

I was not well last week and Mom was very worried about me. I kept pooping, not diarrhea though but could not hold my poops so Mom was cleaning all weekend after me and she was exhausted. Because of it Mom could not go to her Hanukkah party on Sunday and I feel bad. She phoned our vet and spoke to a tech about it and he suggested that Mom speak to a vet and gave us a phone number of an emergency clinic which answers questions over the phone. So Mom called them and spoke to a really sweet vet who calmed Mom down and since then Mom has relaxed and my problem has been solved. Mom emailed my vet on Monday telling her what had been happening and my vet told Mom to give me some medications. But because my tummy had settled we decided not to give me the medications but as my vet is going on holiday this week for two weeks she has left the medication on my name for an emergency but thank goodness we have no need at this moment.

My vet did tell Mom that pumpkin could have been part of the problem as I am a senior and sometimes pumpkin does not work on us, so no more pumpkin for me.

We have done something new, changed my diet which my vet thinks is a good idea. I now eat ground lamb with brown rice for fiber and my tummy is working perfectly and the lamb is so so good, although as Mom says it is not cheap either. But I am a princess and deserve the best.

Another thing we have done is because my back legs are not that stable anymore and I fall into my food or knock it over, I cannot eat out of bowls anymore as I do not see and knock them over, so Mom now feeds me on my own little table with a flat porcelain dish which is heavy and hard to push over. See the photo below and my video where you can hear me slurping away.

Yum the lamb is so good

Video :  https://youtube.com/shorts/jU5zZTVBM9g?si=j5cuqtISkBsmLCO5

Because of the rain all week we have not really gone out that much as Mom does not like swimming in the rain and neither do I so Christmas events we did now do this week but I have been spoiled and we are sharing some old photos from Christmas events in San Francisco. Memories cannot be erased.

From one of the Christmas events in San Francisco a couple of years ago

Video :  https://youtube.com/shorts/J8BUP0UMGyQ?si=04dl6CPv7-wwN35n

 

Please keep your fur family safe this Christmas, do not drink and drive and most of all adopt don’t shop if you are getting a new fur baby.

Merry Christmas Everyone,

 

Enjoy your time with your family and make lots of memories

With love from Layla

 

 

December Pet Holidays and Observances

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December has arrived that means hoodie time

December has arrived and with it all the holidays we celebrate so please stay warm and cozy as the cold weather has arrived also, brrrrr

Month

  • National Cat Lover’s Month.

One Day

  • Dec. 1: National Twin With Your Dog Day.
  • Dec. 2: National Mutt Day.
  • Dec. 7: Hanukkah Starts
  • Dec. 9: International Day of Veterinary Medicine.
  • Dec. 10: International Animal Rights Day.
  • Dec. 11: Holiday Food Drive for the Needy Animals Day.
  • Dec. 15: National Cat Herders Day.
  • Dec. 15: Hanukkah Ends
  • Dec. 25: Christmas Day
  • Dec. 26:  Boxing Day

Wishing all our friends Happy Hanukkah חַג חֲנוּכָּה שַׂמֵחַ and a Merry Christmas

 

Love Layla

 

Happy Halloween

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TGIF! Happy Friday all my friends, can you believe it is the end of October and that means Halloween.

Mom is like a child BOL when it comes to Halloween as she loves all the costumes, the fun in the streets and of course the candies, but at the same time she makes sure I am safe and enjoying myself.

This year we are not going anywhere, Mom feels it is getting too much all the crowds so we decided instead to share with you some photos of our past Halloween including a photo of my sister Baby and what Mom dressed her in which still makes Mom giggle.

I am a little ballerina, Layla

My personality, a princess but I can be a devil also, Layla

Baby as a fire hydrant

We hope you will enjoy the photos as much as I am enjoying sharing then with you.

Please remember to keep us safe as there are Halloween hazards for your fur babies and especially make sure your cats are safe inside especially if they are back.

 

Happy Halloween Everyone, please do not eat too much candy or your dentist bill will be high oy vey and please keep all chocolates and candies away from us.

Lots of love and hugs from

Layla