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Unleashed
I often see dogs at the beach or in dog parks on a leash, and I wonder why their owners feel the need to keep them on a 4” or 6” leash, even in a large, restricted area. I also see owners who don’t let their dogs stop to use the bathroom, or pause to smell something interesting or play with another dog. Most of the time, the dogs aren’t even trained to walk on their leash, and you’ll see their owner tugging on their dog’s neck, trying to make it listen.
I cannot tell you how much this irks me, mostly because I have put myself if the dog’s paws – and that makes me feel as trapped and as hurt as they do.
Because of my job at Neo-Paws, I travel around the world quite a bit, and I’ve seen a lot of animal neglect.
For the past ten years, possibly longer, people have been breeding and buying dogs because they’re “cute”, and to serve one function – that is, to take away a loneliness that many people suffer from.
To be perfectly honest, owning a dog can be considered a selfish act. That’s because many of us don’t give back to our best friends as we should. We tend to become distracted by our families, work, or other responsibilities. There always seems to be something that keeps us from taking care of Rover the way we should be.
At present, there are no governing laws about who can or cannot own a pet, nor are there restrictions on who can breed or sell pets. Most of the time breeders are selling dogs to people who don’t understand what they are getting into.
Are you taking proper care of your dog?
Ask yourself this:
- Does your dog get enough exercise (about 2 hours a day)? Regardless of their size, dogs need to get out, smell, play and mark their territory. They are not hamsters and gerbils – they are dogs.
- Does your dog get the opportunity to play with other dogs? Socialization is hugely important, and it keeps them healthy!
- Do you feed your dog a high quality dog food loaded with vitamins and minerals that is high in protein?
- Do you always remember to keep a bowl full of fresh water around for your dog?
- Do you play with your dog every day and show him or her how much she is loved? Do you hug your friend and give him or her lots of praise?
- Do you make sure your dog is comfortable and protected in harsh climates and weather conditions?
- Do you take your dog to the vet when he or she is sick?
- Do you make sure your dog’s eyes are clean?
- Do you groom and bather your dog regularly?
- Do you trim you dog’s nails when they get too long?
Owning an animal, any kind of animal, is a big responsibility. I urge any of you who don’t apply these ten basic rules to please make an effort to take care of the one creature who probably loves you the most.
Pet Safety
I’ve been running Neo-Pawstm for almost 20 years now and people still ask me the same question, and that is:
“Do pets really need safety/protective gear?”
Being in the pet industry as long as I have and given the number of preventable pet injuries I come across in my work, that must be indicative of something. I would have to answer this question today the same way that I did 20 years ago, and that would be an affirmative.
We accept animals – namely dogs – into our everyday lives and include them in activities such as hiking, rollerblading, swimming, boating, running, biking, and skateboarding, among other things. It is absolutely imperative that we protect our best friends as we protect ourselves.
So what does that mean?
Well, a list of equipment such as: shoes, life vests, seat belts, first aid kits, specialty collars and leashes, safety vests, portable water bowls, cooling devices and reflective accessories will ensure a dog’s safety when they participate in activities with us.
In this vast market, where everything and anything is available to us, it’s easy to find the accessories necessary to keep our pets safe. Of course, there are some products that are of better quality better than others, so my suggestion is to study what’s available by reading up on reviews available online and by watching the videos that are available on many pet websites, as well as on YouTube.
The reason I decided to create Neo-Pawstm was because I used to take my dog running (actually, it was the other way around) and he would come home with bloody paws. One day I said: “Hey, dogs need shoes, just like we do”.
The concrete, grass, sand and snow is not a safe for our dogs to be running around on vigorously. Just like humans, they need shoes to protect themselves. Being in the business of pet safety and orthopedic footwear, I often hear about conditions that can occur when our pets are not properly taken care of, especially in their senior years. This is when we really see the effects of over-use of paws, joints, nails and bones.
I would have to say that 50-60% of my business is orthopedic-related. I see a lot of dogs that suffer from arthritis, joint issues, degenerative myeolopathy and hip dysplasia, to only name a few.
But it doesn’t stop there.
There are many safety issues and potential problems that pet owners need to be aware of, such as cars on the street, drowning or water-related accidents, frostbite and heat exhaustion, to name a few.
Too many preventable pet accidents happen every day. Your pets are your investments and family members, and they need to be protected.
Every day I hear pet owners utter the words: “If only I had taken safety precautions sooner”.
I know that sometimes pet care can seem overwhelming but I urge you to remember the long-term benefits, that is, a stronger, healthier and happier pet that will exceed his/her expected life years. And isn’t that what all pet owners really want?
Be good to your animals, they love you!
CANCER AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Why do we recommend Neo-Paws shoes for your dogs?
The environment influences cancer rates and risks. Cancer is a renegade system of growth inside the human body. The changes that must occur inside for cancer to flourish are genetic changes, but factors outside the body also play a role.
Humans do not exist in contaminant-free surroundings. Over a lifetime, a person’s internal genetic makeup persistently interacts with external factors. Factors outside the body such as diet, smoking, alcohol use, hormone levels, or exposures to certain viruses and cancer-linked chemicals (carcinogens) over time may collectively conspire with internal genetic mutations to destabilize normal checks and balances on growth and maturation.
Environmental exposures can include such factors as sunshine, radiation, hormones, viruses, bacteria, and chemicals in the air, water, food, and workplace, an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, to only name a few.
Researchers have estimated that as many as 2 in 3 cases of cancer (67 percent) are linked to some type of environmental factor, including food, as well as exposures to radiation, infectious agents, and substances in the air, water, and soil.
And this is why we always stipulate the necessity to protect our dogs when outside, constantly exposed to these possible deadly toxins.
Every dog is different, so the way they contract the virus is always different one from another. No-one really can pinpoint where the problem starts, but what we can tell you what is dangerous and how to avoid it.
So firstly, pay attention to the ingredients in the pet’s food and the tap water that we drink, although it is bacteria free, it was cleaned with 40,000 different chemicals leaving both humans and animals at risk! It’s what we call a clean risk!
Secondly, use shoes on your dog when outside, whether it be in the summer running around on grass sprayed with pesticides, or in the winter when the chemicals are abundant en masse just about anywhere you go!
Thirdly, there are also bacteria on sidewalks, in parks, on the road that dogs are inhaling and ingesting through their mouths and paws since they are porous and the sweat glands are exposed constantly …every minute they are outside, they are susceptible to contracting a life threatening virus.
One example of cancers that start through the paws is : Digital Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Dogs can be afflicted with several types of skin tumors, even on their feet and toes. The most common type of type of tumor to affect the toes is a squamous cell carcinoma. A squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) can be described as a malignant and particularly invasive tumor that takes hold in the scale like cells of the epithelium – the tissue that covers the body or lines the cavities of the body. These scale like tissue cells are called the squamous.
Carcinoma is, by definition, an especially malignant and persistent form of cancer, often returning after is has been excised from the body and metastasizing to other organs and locations on the body.
So remember , the same reason we don’t walk around barefoot when outdoors, should be the same reasons your Best Friend should have a good pair of runners too!
Visit us at www.neo-paws.com or call : 1-888-DOG-SHOE
Protect an Injury
Dog shoes and leg wraps are great for preventing injury or damage that happens when your dog is outside, but there are occasions where they might be injured despite your best efforts. When dogs are injured they tend to lick the wounded area frequently, which can cause irritation that can sometimes make the problem worse. If the injury is on the leg or paw, shoes and wraps are the ideal way to protect the wound, by keeping it covered and preventing your dog from licking and worrying at it. They’re a great alternative to wearing a cone, which do the job but are uncomfortable and stressful for some dogs.
One particular benefit of these protective leg and paw garments is that they’re made from breathable material, which enhances healing and recovery as well as providing protection. Adding gel insoles in a protective boot is a great recovery-enhancing measure too, as the colloidal silver layer helps keep bacteria at bay.
Paw and Leg Protection
All breeds of dog have very delicate paw pads that can be damaged easily by exposure to heat and cold—like asphalt on a hot day, or snow on a cold one. Most people find walking on burning asphalt or snow to be painful, and it’s painful for your dog, too, even after only a small amount of exposure. In snowy weather there’s another potential problem—the de-icing chemicals that are use on driveways and sidewalks are toxic to animals. These chemicals can also cause irritation to your dog’s feet. Whatever the breed, your dog is vulnerable to these issues, so dog shoes are an important protective measure.
In any weather, there’s also the possibility of injury caused by rocks, broken glass, and other sharp objects, which can be present in virtually any environment—on the street, at the beach, and even at the dog park. You can keep your own home and yard free from hazards, but since you can’t do the same everywhere else, it makes good sense to protect your dog when you take them out.
There are other reasons why you might need to protect your dog’s paws and legs. In some states, for example, some species of tick can carry diseases like Lyme disease, which dogs are susceptible to just like humans are. In addition to preventative measures like tick repellant, protective wear can reduce the possibility that a dog might be bitten. Another is the possibility of allergies to grasses and other plants; shoes and leg wraps can prevent or reduce exposure, and minimize allergic reactions.
Last—but not least—dogs that are involved agility training, who who walk or run long distances with their owners, benefit from additional protection, in the form of products like the gel insoles that insert into boots. They help with shock absorption, soak up excess sweat, and even help with sanitation, thanks to the application of a layer of anti-bacterial colloidal silver. These are also ideal for older dogs who experience discomfort when walking due to diseases like arthritis or degenerative myelopathy.
Coats and Sweaters to Stay Warm and Dry
Few breeds of dog are truly well-adapted for very cold environments. While some long-haired breeds are extremely well-adapted to the cold, there are many more that don’t do so well in cold weather. Small dogs like the Chihuahua and dachshund, and breeds with low body-fat and thin coats like the greyhound and whippet, are not built to withstand the cold, and they do need extra help staying warm. In fact, most breeds of dog will benefit from a sweater or jacket once the weather gets colder, especially when spending time outside.
If your dog is wearing a coat when they go out in wet weather, it’s also typically much easier to clean up after them when they come back inside.
Older dogs of any breed will benefit from a warm sweater or jacket too, as dogs tend to lose coat thickness and body-fat as they age, and have difficulty staying warm. As well as this, dogs with certain health conditions can be made more comfortable. For example, a dog with arthritis will be much more comfortable the warmer they are, and warm clothing will help reduce their pain and improve their comfort level.
Why do Dogs need Shoes and Safety Apparel?
Many people—including some dog owners—are unenthusiastic about the idea of clothes designed for dogs, believing that they’re unnecessary and even a little foolish. The truth is, temperature extremes can be even more uncomfortable for dogs than they are for people, so it’s important for owners to understand this and invest in the necessary safety apparel.
Items like dog shoes and leg wraps are useful for a wide range of reasons, and investing in these items can save you money in the long run, too, by preventing injuries and reducing the need for vet visits. If you have insurance, protecting your dog’s health and safety with shoes and items of apparel probably won’t reduce your pet insurance premiums directly, but if it means you’re not visiting the vet as often it can reduce the annual sum you pay out of pocket in deductible or co-payments. And more importantly, these items help protect your dog’s health and happiness.