An App to Help You Manage All Your Pet Documents + A Giveaway

Disclaimer: this post and giveaway is brought to you by PensterDocs. All opinions are my own and I only share products I think you and your dog will love!

An App to Help You Manage All of Your Pet Documents + A Giveaway with PensterDocs #ad

If your mom is anything like mine then she saves EVERYTHING related to my health and care. Over the past 7 years mom has amassed quite a filing cabinet on me. What if I told you there is a much better way to store and manage all those vet documents thanks to my friends at PensterDocs!

An App to Help You Manage All of Your Pet Documents + A Giveaway with PensterDocs #ad

The PensterDocs App is a FREE DOWNLOAD in the App store & Google Play that can help you track your pet records, find pet services near you, and even interact with your pet community.

An App to Help You Manage All of Your Pet Documents + A Giveaway with PensterDocs #ad

With PensterDocs you can add as many pets as you like to keep track of their records. They have pre-set vaccines already listed for dogs, cats, and birds, and even though you couldn’t add a “horse” to the App mom found that we could still add in my pony friends and just create custom “horsey” vaccines for them as a way to track their medical records too.

An App to Help You Manage All of Your Pet Documents + A Giveaway with PensterDocs #ad

So not only can you plug in your pet’s vital information and vaccine records (which have a handy feature to send you a reminder when it’s time for your pet to be vaccinated again), but you can also add photos of all your documents too. Mom photographed some of my vet receipts for vaccines and added them to the records. So not only does it keep everything nice and organized, but it has all your pet’s records with you no matter where you go, and you can even print and e-mail them from your phone.

So should you ever end up at the emergency vet clinic when you’re out of town (paws crossed you never do), you can pull up all your pet’s records at the touch of a button!

An App to Help You Manage All of Your Pet Documents + A Giveaway with PensterDocs #ad

A helpful feature is the ability to add notes for each pet. Here you could keep track of things like you noticed a limp in your dog, or they got their nails trimmed or taken to the groomer. I’m hoping they add the ability to add photos to notes too in the future, because it would be really neat to use it as a way to track injuries or skin growths on your pet (to check for any skin changes).

An App to Help You Manage All of Your Pet Documents + A Giveaway with PensterDocs #ad

Another really cool feature about the App is the pet services locater. No matter where you are you can pull up a list of nearby veterinarians, kennels, groomers, dog parks, and rescue centers.

No more pre-searching area pet emergency centers when you head out on a road trip, you can instantly find one should you ever need it while on vacation and with a touch of the button give them a call or find driving directions. What an awesome feature!

An App to Help You Manage All of Your Pet Documents + A Giveaway with PensterDocs #ad

PensterDocs also has a fun community features where you can post pictures of your pets to share with other members. Like, comment, and make new friends through the app which has a similar feel to instagram (minus the filters!).

An App to Help You Manage All of Your Pet Documents + A Giveaway with PensterDocs #ad

The very best part about this app from PensterDocs is that it’s completely FREE! So what are you waiting for, download it today from the App Store or in Google Play for Android!

And now for the best part…

An App to Help You Manage All of Your Pet Documents + A Giveaway with PensterDocs #ad

THREE WINNERS WILL WIN $10 PETCO GIFT CARD

Here’s HOW TO WIN:

No purchase necessary. To enter use the Rafflecopter widget below. You will be contacted via e-mail to claim your prize. All the winners will also be announced on this blog post once the giveaway ends. Open to USA readers. Winners must claim their prizes within 48 hours of being notified or prize will be forfeited. By entering you are agreeing to the terms & conditions set forth in the Rafflecopter widget (see below).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

Glandex Helps your Dog #BootTheScoot

This post is sponsored by Glandex and the BlogPaws Professional Pet Blogger Network. I am being compensated for helping spread the word about how Glandex – Natural Supplement for Anal Glands but AmmotheDachshund.com only shares information we feel is relevant to our readers. Glandex is not responsible for the content of this article.

#BootTheScoot Ammo the Dachshund Tests Glandex, an Anal Gland Supplement

I’m sure this image looks familiar, you suddenly look up from whatever you were doing to catch your dog dragging their bum on the carpet (and in my mom’s case, the nice WHITE carpet!).
Embarrassing, yes. But do you know why us dogs do this?

#BootTheScoot Ammo the Dachshund Tests Glandex, an Anal Gland Supplement

Dogs have two small internal glands on either side of their bum that typically release a few drops of scent marking fluid whenever your pet defecates. (It’s also why us dogs can tell a lot about each other by sniffing butts). In order for your dog’s anal glands to empty properly they need large firm stools to create pressure during defecation to allow them to empty naturally. (TMI right?)

ammo the dachshund butt

But when they aren’t functioning properly, Anal gland issues arise and they become over-filled, blocked, or irritated. This is when you’ll typically catch your dog rubbing their butt across the carpet or licking.

#BootTheScoot Ammo the Dachshund Tests Glandex, an Anal Gland Supplement

Thanks to my friends at Glandex® there is a product that may be able to help!

#BootTheScoot Ammo the Dachshund Tests Glandex, an Anal Gland SupplementGlandex is the only product that addresses all of the underlying causes of anal gland problems and works from the inside out to help maintain healthy anal glands.

Using a unique fiber blend, this anal gland supplement helps to create firm and bulky stools which help the anal glands empty naturally every time your pet defecates. Glandex also contains natural anti-inflammatories to help support healthy anal glands as well as probiotics and digestive enzymes to support a healthy gastrointestinal tract.

#BootTheScoot Ammo the Dachshund Tests Glandex, an Anal Gland Supplement

Glandex comes in two formulas, powder that can be added to your pet’s daily meal….

#BootTheScoot Ammo the Dachshund Tests Glandex, an Anal Gland Supplement

…and this soft chew formula with peanut butter flavor.

#BootTheScoot Ammo the Dachshund Tests Glandex, an Anal Gland Supplement

I opted to test out the chewables this time around, and I found them to be super tasty. Mom started giving me one every day at breakfast in late September.

#BootTheScoot Ammo the Dachshund Tests Glandex, an Anal Gland Supplement

Glandex Key Features:

  • Promotes healthy anal gland function in dogs & cats
  • Guaranteed results within 3-5 weeks
  • Veterinarian formulated & approved
  • Great tasting & easy-to-use formula
  • All-natural premium ingredients
  • Made in the U.S.A.

Oh The Places You Sleep: Vol. 6 with Ammo the Dachshund

Before I dive into the specifics on what I noticed while taking Glandex it’s important to note that anal gland issues are much more common in small dogs. Because of this I have always needed to have mine emptied manually by my veterinarian every 1 – 2 months roughly, which basically means mine are not emptying properly on their own.

Sometimes you may notice a horrid smell (like the worst of the worst) coming from your dog, this means that your dog just emptied their anal glands (hopefully not one your white carpet). My buddy Trooper used to do it all the time when he got really scared of something (sorry Trooper, had to spill the beans).

#BootTheScoot Ammo the Dachshund Tests Glandex, an Anal Gland Supplement

So starting in late September mom started giving me Glandex daily to see if it helped. Prior to this the last time I had had mine expressed by my vet was August 21st. Click on the image above to see a detailed report on my daily business.

General notes – while on Glandex my stools became much firmer, larger, and more regular. And by very late October I started to scoot on the carpet again, but seeing as I was due for my annual vet exam mom decided to have my anal glands expressed at the visit. They ended up being very full (as they normally are).

Peach Pillow Bed Kickstarter Campaign with Ammo the Dachshund

I did learn while at my vet that some dogs have glands that don’t sit as close to the edge of the bum, and no matter what they will never be able to express them on their own. Some dogs may be able to get some help expressing them with this fiber supplement for dogs from Glandex.

In my case I felt like Glandex definitely did what it said it would, firmed up my stool to help naturally empty my glands, and it seemed to prolong my visits to have them expressed manually. I also noticed I had less gas (unless I eat jerky….that always does it to me!) I’ll probably forever be the type of dog that has to have them manually done, but with Glandex at least I can help avoid those visits a little bit longer.

#BootTheScoot Ammo the Dachshund Tests Glandex, an Anal Gland Supplement

So if you notice your dog having an anal glad issue, don’t wait to add a fiber supplement such as Glandex to their diet. The alternative to not taking care of the issue can be costly surgeries, and if the anal glands are blocked or overfilled they may not be able to empty on their own, thus requiring expressing by a veterinarian.

To pick up your pet’s anal gland treatment visit Glandex, and help them Boot The Scoot!

Have you noticed your pet scooting on the carpet? Have you ever tried a fiber supplement? Share your stories with us on social media and the hashtag #BootTheScoot or leave a comment below.
Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

Should you be worried about Skin Cancer on your Dog?

Just like many dachshunds (or really any dog) I love the feeling of laying in a patch of warm sun. If you own are owned by a dachshund, then you know what I’m talking about.

Skin Cancer and Dogs. What to look for and should you be worried?

I’m sure this scene is all too familiar, your dog parks themselves in front of a big patch of sun laying there until they are visibly panting and hot to the touch. As much as I enjoy getting all toasty in the sun, my mom started to worry about what the sun might be doing to my skin. Is skin cancer something us dogs should be worried about, and if so how can we prevent it?

Skin Cancer and Dogs. What to look for and should you be worried?

Well instead of just wondering, my mom decided to find out. So she did a little research, and even took a trip to my vet to find out more.

Skin Cancer and Dogs. What to look for and should you be worried?

See in the beginning of the summer a new (black) mole popped up on my chest. And seeing as how I have the very common dachshund pattern baldness on my belly, mom worried my exposure to the sun on a daily basis was starting to catch up to me.

Skin Cancer and Dogs. What to look for and should you be worried?

So away we went to the vet to find out if in fact dogs can get skin cancer, what we should be looking for, and how we can prevent it.

First, the good news is I didn’t have any moles or bumps that look pre-cancerous (at least not yet), so phew! But, the risk of skin cancer in dogs is just the same as it would be for humans, especially in areas where your dog may not have as much hair and for dogs that have lighter colored fur.

Skin Cancer and Dogs. What to look for and should you be worried?

My vet informed me that although I do have the occasional mole, discoloration, or skin growth pop up, that this can also be a sign of aging skin and will happen as the years pass. Documenting your dog’s skin abnormalities can be a great way to make sure there isn’t anything out of the ordinary happening that might require a biopsy or further investigation.

Skin Cancer and Dogs. What to look for and should you be worried?

Tips for Preventing Skin Cancer in Dogs:

  • Document all of your dog’s moles and abnormal skin growths with pictures and measurements. Update and check them every few months looking for changes or new growth
  • Use a pet-safe sunscreen* if your pet will be exposed to the sun for long periods of time
  • Familiarize yourself with what abnormal moles might look like on your dog (see below)
  • Consider covering windows with a UV protecting film* if your dog sun bathes a lot
  • Talk to your vet about any suspicious looking skin growths

*contains affiliate links

Skin Cancer and Dogs. What to look for and should you be worried?

We found this helpful chart online (source unknown) that can be useful if any of your dog’s moles might warrant a trip to the vet. The same characteristics in moles can be seen on humans and are also a sign of pre-cancerous areas.

Skin Cancer and Dogs. What to look for and should you be worried?

While preventing me from “sunning” probably isn’t going to happen (sorry, I just enjoy my sun naps way too much), mom has been making me wear pet sunscreen when it looks like I’ll be napping for a while. She also plans to add a UV film to the window at the shop where I like to sun myself a lot during the day.

Has your dog had any skin cancer scares? Do you routinely check your pet for moles and skin abnormalities? Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian, just an owner who cares an awful lot about my pet’s health. Please be sure to consult your own vet if you think your pet may have some abnormal skin issues. This post is not meant to replace veterinarian care, just simply a reference for the information we have learned in our own studies.

Glucosamine Joint Supplement for Dogs Review & Giveaway

Disclaimer: this post and giveaway is brought to you by TaylorHappy. All opinions are my own, and I only share products I think you and your dogs will love.

Product Review: Ruffwear Swamp Cooler // Ammo the Dachshund

Have you met my best friend Trooper? If you haven’t, you’re really missing out! Trooper is the happiest and hardest working dog I know. While I spend a lot of my time on the family horse farm, my pal Trooper lives there, and his main goal in life is to help with the horses and ALL OF THE CHORES.

Product Review: Ruffwear Swamp Cooler // Ammo the Dachshund

Trooper is 8 years old, and because of his breeding (he’s an australian shepherd/labrador mix) and his very hard working nature he sometimes has joint pain and arthritis that slows him down more than he would like.

TaylorHappy Glucosamine Supplement for Dogs // Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Thanks to my new friends at TaylorHappy I was able to give him a little secret weapon against that pesky joint pain with the TaylorHappy Glucosamine supplement.

TaylorHappy Glucosamine Supplement for Dogs // Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Supplements such as Glucosamine can help to decrease inflammation and improve the the dog’s ability to repair and strengthen tissues. No supplement will ever be able to reverse structural changes in a joint (like torn cartilage, calcium deposits, or advanced scar tissue), but it can help your pet lead a more comfortable life.

TaylorHappy Glucosamine Supplement for Dogs // Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

When my buddy Trooper isn’t taking a Glucosamine supplement he has a noticeable limp, but when he is on a supplement such as the TaylorHappy Glucosamine his limp disappears and he appears more comfortable.

TaylorHappy Glucosamine Supplement for Dogs // Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

TaylorHappy Glucosamine is shellfish free, so even dogs with allergies can benefit from taking this supplement. This formula also contains chrondroitin sulfate and MSM to help protect and strengthen the cartilage. Manganese and boron are also added to assist with the production of joint fluids and healthy bone tissue.

TaylorHappy Glucosamine Supplement for Dogs // Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Trooper has had a small amount of the liquid added to his daily meals (which he happily scarfs down) for the past month (since May 9th). And he’s pretty happy about it because it means his limp won’t keep him from joining in on all the chores around the farm.

TaylorHappy Glucosamine Supplement for Dogs // Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

When my best buddy is feeling good, I’m feeling good, because that means he’s  never in too much pain for a wrestling match!

You can check out TaylorHappy Glucosamine on Amazon and see if it’s something that might benefit your dog. And as a bonus you can SAVE $5 OFF with coupon code TROOPER1 *valid until 08/31/2015 (one redemption per customer)

And now for the best part…

TaylorHappy Glucosamine Supplement for Dogs // Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

THREE WINNERS WILL WIN A BOTTLE OF TAYLORHAPPY GLUCOSAMINE!

Here’s HOW TO WIN:

To enter use the Rafflecopter widget below. You will be contacted via e-mail to claim your prize. All the winners will also be announced on this blog post once the giveaway ends. Open to USA residents only. Winners must claim their prizes within 48 hours of being notified or prize will be forfeited. By entering you are agreeing to the terms & conditions set forth in the Rafflecopter widget below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

 

Clean Teeth Club – How I’m Doing

Clean Teeth // Ammo the Dachshund

You might remember that a couple of months ago I vowed to get back on the teeth cleaning routine. Well since I started taking better care of my teeth back in early November I thought it was high time I give you an update on how I’m doing. And more importantly what my teeth look like!

Clean Teeth // Ammo the Dachshund

Clean Teeth // Ammo the Dachshund

My regime consisted of eating a TropiClean Fresh Breath Chew (sent to me by my friends from Chewy) about every other day and using the TropiClean Teeth Gel every night.

Mom puts a little of the gel on her finger and rubs it all over my teeth before I go to bed. I was pretty good about making sure I cleaned my teeth every night, but I did miss a few days here and there.

Here’s a closer look at what my teeth looked like before I started cleaning them regularly and after. (P.S. the dark spots on my gums is not some funky gum disease, I’m actually a dapple dachshund and my skin is spotted with pink and black coloration)

Clean Teeth Club // How to Keep your Dog's Teeth Clean // Ammo the Dachshund

Clean Teeth Club // How to Keep your Dog's Teeth Clean // Ammo the Dachshund

Clean Teeth Club // How to Keep your Dog's Teeth Clean // Ammo the Dachshund

Clean Teeth Club // How to Keep your Dog's Teeth Clean // Ammo the Dachshund

So as you can see the large spots of plaque build-up are still there on my teeth – but my vet did say that even when I started cleaning my teeth regularly that discoloration would not go away, but it would prevent new build-up from forming.

Clean Teeth // Ammo the Dachshund

But the good news is that there isn’t any additional build-up on my teeth, and mom thinks that they might be a little less yellow overall from when I started “brushing” regularly. So I’ve decided to keep up with my teeth cleaning routine – hopefully to even prevent needing a full blown teeth cleaning from the vet. In which case mom says we’d look into options that don’t require me to be sedated (like this mobile service in my area) …because what fun is that?

How do you keep your dog’s teeth clean? Ammo the Dachshund

Scary Things

halloween dog

Seeing as tomorrow is Halloween I thought it would be fun to compile a list of 5 things that give me the heebie jeebies, and just totally make me want to hide under the bed!

Ammo’s List of Scary Things!

The Dog Pack // Ammo the Dachshund

1. Over Zealous Big Dogs

It’s true, I get a little un-nerved when Big Dogs think I’m their own personal squeaky toy. It’s tough being a small dog, and sometimes certain big dogs don’t give you any respect (my pal Trooper is exempt from this category as he’s really just a big softie). But I’m always quick to remind those bigger dogs that I’m NOBODY’S SQUEAKY TOY!

Ammo's Annual Vet Visit // Ammo the Dachshund

2. Vet’s Office

It’s not the vet I dislike, it’s just the actual office. It smells like other dogs, shots, and scary things. I totally get the shakes every time I go. Honestly, do you blame me though……I lost my manhood in that place!

Ammo and the Fly

3. Flies

I don’t know what it is about that tiny little buzzing creature that strikes fear in me, but if one of those flies finds it’s way inside I spend the entire day cowering in the corner as mom runs around trying to swat it for me.

ammo the dachshund camping

4. Campfires

Even though I love to go camping, the smell of campfires and smoke are not something I’m very fond of. Call it natural instinct, call it paranoia – it doesn’t even have to be a campfire, just the smell of something smoking is enough to strike fear in me! I’ve even been known to hide in the bathtub if mom or dad burn dinner (well mostly dad!).

Ammo the Dachshund // Evening Hunting on the Farm

“What’s that sound”?

5. Gun Shots

As ironic as it is (considering my name is Ammo), the sound of a far-off gun shot on the farm is enough to send me screaming for my mom! Better safe than sorry I say!

What are your dog’s biggest fears? Ammo the Dachshund

PawCheck At-Home Pet Wellness Kits Review & Giveaway

Disclaimer: This product review & giveaway is sponsored by PawCheck.

Most who know me know that I’m a big advocate for healthy pet living. Whether you are human or canine, it’s important to maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and keep up with your preventative health care. So when I heard about the PawCheck At-Home Pet Wellness Kits for Dogs and Cats from Access Animal Wellness LLC I thought it was a great way to keep us pets in tip-top shape!

PawCheck At-Home Pet Wellness Kit Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

PawCheck At-Home Pet Wellness Kit Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

PawCheck sent met one of their at-home Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) test kits and this handy P-Scoop (to make pet urine collection a little simpler and a lot less messy).

PawCheck At-Home Pet Wellness Kit Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

To get started I strapped on my raincoat and bow tie (because when you test your urine you have to look fashionable) and headed outside to pee.

PawCheck At-Home Pet Wellness Kit Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Using the P-Scoop was simple and mess free. The wand is even adjustable in length making it easy to slide under you pup to collect a sample. Now if you’ve ever had to get urine from your dog before you know how messy and hard it can be. When I was a pup mom had to get some for my vet and she followed me around for a good hour with a tiny plastic tray trying not to startle me by sliding it underneath me…..not the most ideal way to do it!

PawCheck At-Home Pet Wellness Kit Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Then all you have to do is dip the test device into the urine sample for 10 seconds and await your results.

PawCheck At-Home Pet Wellness Kit Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

Don’t worry, I made the process a bit more glamourous by wearing my cute sweater and bow tie. You’re welcome.

PawCheck At-Home Pet Wellness Kit Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

After replacing the cap and letting it sit on a flat surface for 2 minutes you are ready to read the results. Then using the handy color chart you can match the colors on your testing wand. And good news guys, I don’t have a UTI! Yay!

PawCheck At-Home Pet Wellness Kit Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

The PawCheck test kits aren’t just for testing for Urinary Tract Infections, they also carry a Diabetes and Kidney Failure test as well as a General Wellness Test that covers all three for both dogs and cats.

I feel like these would be great for pet parents that have animals that have frequent UTI’s, pets that are difficult to take to the vet unless absolutely necessary (cats or animals that are fearful), and older pets. Testing early could save you costly vet bills and possibly even save your pet’s life. (oh and don’t worry, there are easier methods to collect your cat’s urine)

Check out the video of my PawCheck testing adventure:

Some signs you may need to test your pet for a UTI include:

  • Frequent Urination
  • Straining or crying out in pain when trying to pass urine
  • Inappropriate urination in places that are not customary
  • Strong urine odor
  • Vomiting

Signs you should test your pet for Diabetes:

  • Sudden weight loss or gain
  • Excessive drinking and urination
  • General fatigue

Signs you might need to test your pet for Kidney Failure:

  • Increased water consumption
  • Increased urination
  • Weight loss
  • Depression

And now for the best part….

PawCheck At-Home Pet Wellness Kit Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

THREE Lucky WINNERS will WIN a PawCheck Diabetes Test Kit and P-Scoop from Access Animal Wellness

Here’s HOW TO WIN:

For this giveaway I will be using, Rafflecopter. We only use the information you provide to contact the winners and we never share it – so not to worry. Winners will be chosen at random and you will be contacted via e-mail to claim your prize. All the winners will also be announced on this blog post once the giveaway ends on 4/7/14 12AM EST. Open to USA residents only. Winners must claim their prizes within 48 hours of being notified or prize will be forfeited. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don’t forget, to enter my Chewy.com Giveaway!  Ammo the Dachshund

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by PawCheck, but all opinions are my own.

November 2013 Monthly Recap

Before we get to the recap of all the exciting adventures I’ve been on in November, I wanted to give a shoutout to my special sponsors! Thanks to them I’m able to bring you exciting posts, so make sure you give them some love and check out what great products they carry!

 
dogagilityshop-250x250The Dog Agility Shop is the best shop for all of your dog agility equipment needs. Even if you aren’t a big time competitor, having some DIY’d dog agility equipment in your backyard is a great way to have some fun with your dog and get some exercise too. The Dog Agility Shop supplies all the parts and accessories you need to make your own equipment at a very affordable price! And with FREE US GROUND SHIPPING their prices can’t be beat! Make sure you shop the Dog Agility Shop the next time you are in need of equipment! Makes for a great holiday gift for your favorite dog or dog lover!

Dog Agility Shop // Sponsor

 

Hot Dog! Digital Pet ArtHot Dog Digital Pet Art is the perfect place to find a holiday gift for your favorite dog lover. Stocked with cute dog prints, handmade stocking stuffers, cards and more, you’re certain to find something fun for the holiday season. You can even have a favorite photo of your pet turned into custom pop art!

Hot Dog Pet Art // Sponsor

If you would like to find out more about my advertising rates, click HEREAnd thanks again to all of my wonderful sponsors, I couldn’t do it without you!

And now a look at everything I’ve been up to this past November…

Ammo the Dachshund Studio Photos

I shared my new studio space that mom helped me set up at my house.

Movember // Ammo the Dachshund

I celebrated the month of Movember.

What does the fox say // Ammo the Dachshund // music video

I made my own music video to “What does the Fox Say“.

Trendy Coats to Keep your Dachshund Warm // Noodle & Friends // Ammo the Dachshund

I shared some of the new trendy coats from Noodle and Friends.

That Time I was in Redbook Magazine // Ammo the Dachshund

I shared my most recent press in Redbook Magazine.

Frolicking on the Farm // Ammo the Dachshund

I frolicked on the farm on a rare warm fall day.

Ammo's Annual Vet Visit // Ammo the Dachshund

I got a clean bill of health at my annual vet visit.

Throwback Thursday: Napping Buddies // Ammo the Dachshund

I shared a silly Throwback Thursday with me and my favorite napping buddy, Trooper.

Tips for Keeping your Pet Trim // Ammo the Dachshund

I shared my 5 tips for keeping your pet fit and healthy.

My Bags are Packed // Ammo the Dachshund

I shared my plans to visit South Carolina for Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving // Ammo the Dachshund

I celebrated Thanksgiving with my Family!

What kind of adventures did you go on this November? Ammo the Dachshund

 

5 Tips for Keeping Your Pet Fit and Trim

Ammo the Dachshund Studio Photos

After my vet gave me a thumbs up last week for keeping myself in tip top shape I thought it would be the perfect time to share some of my tips for keeping trim. And just in time for Thanksgiving too!

Ammo's Annual Vet Visit // Ammo the Dachshund

The ideal weight for a dog can be determined by being able to feel the ribs slightly, having an abdomen that is tucked when viewed from the side, and a visible waist behind the ribs when viewed from the top.

Tips for Keeping your Pet Trim // Ammo the Dachshund

My ideal weight for my size is around 18 pounds, and at my most recent check-up my vet could feel my ribs and I have a visible waist as seen from the photo above. It’s not easy keeping weight down (especially when you love to eat like I do), but hopefully with some of my tips you’ll be on your way to keeping your pet at a healthy weight for them!

Tip 1: Keep Active

Now I’m the first to admit that I don’t actually go on a daily walk everyday, but that doesn’t mean I’m not active!

Ammo on the Farm

I visit the family farm about 4 days a week – where I run my heart out! I enjoy running from groundhog hole to groundhog hole and I’m never in one place for very long. This sort of mental and physical stimulation help keeps me in shape.

Shop Dog // Work // Ammo the Dachshund

5 days a week I work at mom’s shop, and while it may not be an intense workout, just being active and greeting customers helps keep me on the move. I’m a strong believer that mental stimulation is just as important as physical stimulation to keep your pet fit.

ammo the dachshund at lowes

On the weekends I tend to go on one or two adventures, whether it’s a trip to lowes or a walk on the trail it’s a great way to keep me active.

Tip 2: Feed the Right Amount

Currently I eat two brands of food, Wellness Small Breed and Blue Buffalo Wilderness Small Breed, which I alternate with each bag. Both are grain free dry foods.

Tips for Keeping your Pet Trim // Ammo the Dachshund

Now you’ll notice that on the back of all dog food bags they list recommended feeding amounts:

Tips for Keeping your Pet Trim // Ammo the Dachshund

Tips for Keeping your Pet Trim // Ammo the Dachshund

Based on my ideal weight of 18 lbs both bags recommend that I eat about 1 – 1 1/2 cups of food per day. But you will also notice that both bags note that dogs are individuals and these are just recommendations, and what you should feed your dog might vary from the chart.

In actuality I eat 1/3 a cup twice a day, which is much less than the recommended amount for my weight.

Tips for Keeping your Pet Trim // Ammo the Dachshund

My mom has chosen this amount for me over the years by monitoring my weight and cutting my food back slowly until she found an appropriate amount that was able to keep me at a healthy weight. She watches my waist line closely and always cuts my food back if it starts to look a little less trim.

Tips for Keeping your Pet Trim // Ammo the Dachshund

This amount of food might not look like enough to you, but you have to remember that us dogs keep food in our bellies for a long time. (Evident by the fact that hours upon hours after eating we can still throw up some pretty undigested food….yuck!)

When in doubt about how much you should feed your dog, you should always consult your veterinarian.

Tip 3: Take a Class

Ammo practices Dog Agility on his DIY Agility Jumps 2012

Typically once a week I take a dog agility class at my local training center. This helps keep me fit and keeps me thinking and learning too!

Taking any sort of class, even just a basic obedience class, is a great way to keep your dog active. Not just for puppies, any dog, any age, can benefit from training classes!

Tip 4: Use Treats Sparingly

Kong Premium Treats Product Review & Giveaway // Ammo the Dachshund

I review a lot of treats on the blog, but that doesn’t mean that I’m allowed to have them whenever I want. Mom keeps a tight watch on the cookie jar and I’m only allowed to have small treats when we are training.

I also try to keep most of the treats I eat on the healthy end of the scale, like eating sweet potato treats.

Tip 5: Limit Table Scraps

dachshund food

As a general rule I’m not allowed to have table scraps (although that doesn’t stop me from trying). The only exception to this rule is when mom will let me have bits of apple and carrots when she’s cutting them up. But for the most part it’s best for me just to eat the food that was designed for dogs.

So I hope you enjoyed my tips for keeping your pet fit and trim! Here’s to hoping we all live long and healthy lives!Ammo the Dachshund

Disclosure: This is supposed to be a general guide on how I keep myself fit, but you may need to consult your veterinarian as to what and how much to feed & exercise your own pet. Each pet is different!

A Clean Bill of Health

Ammo's Annual Vet Visit // Ammo the Dachshund

What I thought was just a typical car ride for me turned into an unexpected pit stop the other day when I found myself arriving at my vet’s office.

Ammo's Annual Vet Visit // Ammo the Dachshund

I must admit, shots and a physical exam are never on my to-do list, but it’s a necessary evil I guess.

Ammo's Annual Vet Visit // Ammo the Dachshund

As friendly as the staff at my vet’s office is, I’m just never my typical happy tail wagging self. I can’t help it when my first REAL memory at the vet is being neutered!

Ammo's Annual Vet Visit // Ammo the Dachshund

While I was waiting for my turn in the exam room I did find a happy little surprise. My Halloween costume made the bulletin board, and it turns out I won first place for the best character costume. How cool!

Ammo's Annual Vet Visit // Ammo the Dachshund

When it was finally my turn to be examined I tried to put on a brave face.

Ammo's Annual Vet Visit // Ammo the Dachshund

Mom helped a bit by bringing along one of my favorite snacks, peanut butter. She’s been carrying it around in her pocket for weeks and using it to help me build a positive association with things I’m a little scared of. (the vet, the vacuum, etc). I have to admit, peanut butter does help make everything a little bit better!

Ammo's Annual Vet Visit // Ammo the Dachshund

My vet came in and examined my weight and body condition, and I had a few routine tests done before getting my annual vaccines.

Ammo's Annual Vet Visit // Ammo the Dachshund

I’m happy to report that I got a clean bill of health, clocking in at 18.8 pounds my vet said that I’m in perfect condition and weight for my size. My blood test even came back negative for lyme after I tested positive last year for anaplasmosis (a type of lyme). So it’s great that there was no traces of it found in my body this year.

I hope your puppies are feeling happy and healthy too!

Next week I’ll be sharing just how I keep my body in tip top shape – perfect timing right before Thanksgiving, so stay tuned! Ammo the Dachshund