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Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?

Written by Michelle & The Paw Pack in Dog Health,Pet Tips

The other day my partner was prepping to make blueberry pancakes for dinner (breakfast for dinner for the win!) when he dropped a couple of blueberries onto the floor.  My usually very picky Alaskan Klee Kai, Fenrir, dive-bombed the blueberries and ate both of them basically before my partner and I could even think about getting them away from him.  We were surprised, to say the least, since Fenrir isn’t usually the type of dog to eat fruit.  So, how much did we have to worry about Fen’s seemingly new taste for blueberries?  Can dogs eat blueberries!?

Blueberries are Dog Safe!

It turns out – no worries!  Blueberries are completely nontoxic for dogs.  My papillon, Kitsune, has always loved to snack on dog-safe fruits (in moderation, of course), blueberries included.  And can you blame him?  These naturally sweet fruits likely taste good to dogs, the same way that they do to people.  And besides just tasting good, blueberries can be good for dogs too.

dogs blueberries

The Benefits of Feeding Your Dog Blueberries

Blueberries are packed full of healthy vitamins and minerals, including Vitamins A, K, and C, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and phosphorus.  They also contain antioxidants that are thought to help fight against things like heart disease and cancer.  Studies have shownOpens in a new tab. that diets rich in antioxidants can also help improve brain function in senior dogs.

Blueberries are also low-calorie and contain a lot of fiber.  This makes them great little snacks, especially for dogs who may be watching their weight.  They pack a punch as far as flavor and nutrients go, but don’t contain a lot of calories.  If your dog is on a diet, replacing some of their food with healthy, low-calorie fresh foods such as blueberries and green beansOpens in a new tab. can help your pet feel full without adding a lot of excess calories.  If your dog really likes them, blueberries could even be used to replace higher-calorie treats!

Downsides to Feeding Dogs Blueberries?

Blueberries can, especially if you have a smaller dog, present a choking hazard if your dog is the type to try swallowing them whole.  If your dog is one to forgo chewing, blueberries can be cut in half to help avoid choking.

Blueberries do contain a good amount of natural sugars.  It makes them taste delicious, but means they may not be the best snack for dogs with diabetes or other health concerns.  Talk to your vet if you have any concerns about feeding your individual dog blueberries.

Blueberries, as well as other snack or treat type foods, should be fed to dogs in moderation.  Too many of them at once may cause GI upset in some dogs.

Both Wild and Cultivated Blueberries are Safe for Dogs

Last summer, Kit and I came across some wild blueberry bushes in the woods around our house.  Kit had so much fun picking the individual berries off the bushes and eating them.  Although wild blueberries are smaller and often a darker color compared to their cultivated counterparts, they are also dog safe.

Does your dog like blueberries?  Now that I know that my Fenrir likes them, I’ll have to make a point to buy them more often.  There aren’t too many fruits that Fenrir will actually eat.  I’m happy that blueberries are one of his accepted fruits now, since they are so packed full of beneficial nutrients.  Plus, now I have one more excuse to buy blueberries often!  I have to admit, I think I like them even more than my two dogs do.

dogs blueberries

Keeping Your Dog’s Playtime Interesting – Toy Rotation

Written by Michelle & The Paw Pack in Pet Tips

Do you use toy rotation to keep your dog interested in their toys?  My dogs have too many toys.  How do I know?  The fact that all their toys haven’t, for a long time now, fit into one rather large toy box was my first indication.  In fact, our dog toy box situation got a bit ridiculous if I’m honest.  Kit and Fen had to dig through a huge pile of toys to find the one they wanted.  Of course, it seemed like “the one” was always at the very bottom of the toy box.

Our house started to resemble a daycare, and we don’t even have any children!  As smart as Kitsune and Fenrir are, they have never seemed to grasp the concept of putting away their toys.  Most of the time our house was littered with toys the dogs weren’t even playing with.  They just tossed toys all over the floor to make getting to the bottom of the toy bin easier.

dog toy rotationTime to Start Using Toy Rotation for my Dogs!

Turns out, this is not a novel idea.  While I started rotating Kit and Fen’s toys because they are spoiled and have too many of them, toy rotation can also help to keep your dog’s playtime more interesting!  Has your dog ever lost a toy outside, or maybe under the couch, only to find it again weeks or even months later?  It’s like they found a brand-new toy!

That’s the idea behind toy rotation.

If you put a specific toy away for a while, then when you reintroduce it to your dog it’s like you’re giving them a new toy all over again!  It can bring new excitement to old dog toys that maybe your pet was getting a bit bored of.  Dog owners, especially owners with very active dogs, know the importance of keeping their dogs entertained!

Rotating Your Dog’s Toys can be Great for Owners too.

Especially if you like to spoil your dogs like I do!  I find that I’ve been spending less money on dog toys.  Instead of buying Kit and Fen new toys, I’m able to give them old toys that they haven’t seen for awhile.  They get just as excited over older toys that have been put away for a while as they do when they get something new.

Also, toy rotation day can be a great time to check over your dog’s toys.  It’s important to make sure that none of them are damaged in a way that could make them dangerous for your dog.  It can also be a great time to clean any of them that need it.

dog toy rotation

My Dog Toy Rotation Schedule

Although my dogs are older, 14 and 7, they both still love to play!  So our dog toys see a lot of use.  Once a month or so, I pick up all of Kit and Fen’s toys and give them a once over.  I throw out any that are broken.  Then I’ll wash the rest and, once they are clean and dry, put them away in a plastic storage container.  I have three(!) containers of dog toys now, that I give to the boys in rotation.  So when one gets put away, a new one gets taken out.

Doing our dog toy rotation this way usually means that, when a new bin of toys comes out, it’s been at least two months since Kit and Fen have played with those toys.  They always get SO excited on toy rotation day!  Of course, Kit and especially Fen also each have a few favorite toysOpens in a new tab. that I leave out for them all the time.

So if you need a way to help make old dog toys fun again, or if your pet just has too many toys like mine do, try rotating toys!  It can be a great, free, way to help keep your pet entertained.

dog toy rotation

The Benefits of Fish Oil for Dogs

Written by Michelle & The Paw Pack in Dog Health

Life with my senior pup, KitsuneOpens in a new tab., has been a bit of a roller coaster lately.  In the past couple of months, we’ve had to deal with IVDD, idiopathic Cushing’s Disease caused by his IVDD meds, then a flair-up of his arthritis when we had to stop giving him the supplements we use to control it, also because of the meds he was on to treat his IVDD.  My poor pup!  Thankfully he’s been off his IVDD meds for a while now.  I’m working hard to get him back into fighting form.  It was really nice to recently be able to put him back on the supplements that were helping him before he was diagnosed with IVDD.  One of them, turmeric, really seems to help manage his arthritisOpens in a new tab..  I also give him fish oil.  This post will go over the benefits of fish oil for dogs!

Fish oil is one of the more common supplements you’ve probably heard about for both dogs and cats. Have you ever wondered why that is the case?

fish oil dogs

How can fish oil benefit dogs?

One of the many benefits of fish oil is that it helps to promote healthy joint function, and can help reduce inflammation. Fish oil, in combination with a few other supplements, have worked really well to smooth Kit’s arthritis.  Well enough that I’ve, so far, been able to keep him off of prescription pain medications!  Some of the benefits of supplementing with fish oil can include…

  • A boosted immune system
  • Relief from skin allergies
  • Improved cognitive function
  • Protection against autoimmune diseases
  • Improved skin and coat health
  • Potential protection against cancers
  • Improvement of stomach/digestive issues
  • Protection against heart disease and stroke
  • Renal support/protection
  • Reduced inflammation throughout the body
  • Relief from arthritis pain

How can one supplement do all those awesome things?

It’s all about the EFAs – the essential fatty acids. Specifically, for dogs, you want to pay close attention to omega 3 and omega 6. EFAs help promote optimal health, but dogs’ bodies can’t produce them themselves. They need to obtain EFAs from their diet. Insufficient amounts of omega 3 and omega 6 have been linked to health issues such as gout, dermatitis, liver disorders, renal issues, skin and/or coat issues, eczema, allergies, and compromised immune systems.

Omega 3 fatty acids specifically have been shown to reduce inflammation, which can help a number of health conditions.  Omega 3s are primarily found in fish. Dogs eating commercial diets, or even homemade diets that do not contain a lot of fish, may not be getting enough Omega 3 to be beneficial. In addition to low levels of omega 3 in most foods, omega 3 is also very sensitive to both heat and light. Although many commercial pet food companies add omega 3 supplements to their foods, it is often destroyed when the food is processed. This is why adding a fish oil supplement to your dogs’ food can be so beneficial, even if you are already feeding a food that says it contains omega 3s.

Are there any possible side effects to offering fish oil supplements?

While fish oil supplements are generally considered safe, always pay close attention to dosing instructions. Potential side effects can include weight gain, stomach issues (nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain), and fishy smelling breath. Chances of side effects increase with higher dosages. Fish oil supplements are not recommended for pets who have recently had surgery or are otherwise healing from injury, as anti-inflammatories can lead to longer healing times.

As much as I love fish oil as a supplement for Kitsune, I don’t give it to my other dog, Fenrir.  I’ve tried too in the past, and no matter how low I start his dosage at, I just can’t get it to agree with his stomach.

Are all fish oils created equal?

fish oil dogsI’ve been using Nordic Naturals fish oilOpens in a new tab. for Kitsune.  Our old vet, before we moved, recommended this brand of fish oil and it’s served Kitsune well for years now.  It’s derived from wild anchovies and sardines, and is third party tested for purity.  So you know that you’re really getting what you think you are.  Nordic Naturals fish oils are Friend of the Sea certified, and committed to sustainable and ethical fishing practices.  Their fish oils are also manufactured in a zero waste facility!

Nordic Naturals fish oil comes in a UV protective glass bottle.  This is important because, as I mentioned above, omega 3 fatty acids are light sensitive.  I store our bottle in the refrigerator to protect it from heat.  The liquid doesn’t have an overly fishy odor, and Kitsune has no problem with the flavor.  I just put his daily dose of fish oil over his breakfast in the mornings.  No fuss no muss!  This is not a sponsored post, by the way.  I get asked a lot about what supplements I use for my dogs, so I figured I’d mention the brand of fish oil I use here.

To be honest, I’ve been happy with the Nordic Naturals fish oil so it’s been years now since I’ve researched any other brands.  Comment below!  Have you ever supplemented your pet with fish oil?  Is there a particular brand you like, or that seems to work especially well for your dog?  What are some other supplements you’ve used that have helped your pet(s)?

fish oil dogs

Nematodes for Natural Flea Control

Written by Michelle & The Paw Pack in Dog Health,Pet Tips

Using nematodes for flea control: Fleas are the bane of pet owners!  Not only do they make our pets, as well as us, uncomfortable, but they are also just plain gross.  Did you know that fleas can carry diseases?  They can also cause secondary parasite infestation (tapeworms).  Fleas are bad enough under normal circumstances, but if you, or your pet, are allergic to their bite, like my papillon, Kitsune, is, the normally pesky pests become even more of a problem.  Flea allergy dermatitisOpens in a new tab. can cause severe itching, skin sores/hot spots, and hair loss.

Flea Treatment

Flea treatment, especially in severe cases, usually consists of a three-pronged approach.  Not only must you remove the pests that are already on your pet, but the pet’s environment, both indoors and out, should be treated as well.  You don’t want to go through the hassle of removing fleas from your pet, only to have them go outside and catch them again!

Natural Flea Control Options?

I prefer using more natural means of pest control whenever possible.  It’s, at times, a delicate balance.  I like to try to reduce the number of chemicals/pesticides I use as much as possible.  But because of Kitsune’s flea allergies, I have to make sure that what I use actually works.  The longer it takes me to successfully eliminate fleas, the more my best buddy has to suffer.

A nematode. Photo via Vyzhdova V. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.

What are Nematodes?

If you remember anything from your high school science class, you might remember looking at nematodes under a microscope!  Hookworms, pinworms, and whipworms are actually types of parasitic nematodes.  But not all nematodes are bad!  You probably already deduced this from the topic of today’s post, but some species of nematodes can be beneficial as a form of natural, chemical-free, insect control.Opens in a new tab.

Using Nematodes as Flea Control

There are types of predatory nematodes that live in the soil and help to control insect populations.  Farmers/gardeners will sometimes use them to help fight against garden pests.  Basically, you can purchase beneficial nematodes and apply them to your yard.  The nematodes will be microscopic, so you can’t actually see them.  But once applied to soil they go to work killing insects, including preadult fleas.  Nematodes attack fleas while they are still in their larval stage, killing them before they ever get the chance to grow into biting adults.

As the nematodes make meals out of larval fleas and other pesky insects, they will reproduce.  Don’t worry, nematodes sold for insect control are harmless to humans and pets.  If they ever run out of insects to eat, they will die and fertilize the soil.  Other than snacking on larval fleas, predatory nematodes sold for insect control can also help fight against gnats, grubs, rootworms, and other types of insects.

Do Nematodes Harm Native Insects?

Not all nematodes are created equal.  In fact, there are types of nematodes that will damage plant roots.  No gardener would want those around if they could help it!  The type of nematodes that can help eliminate fleas are often sold as “beneficial” or “predatory” nematodes.  They feed on insects rather than plants.

If your environmentally minded, like I am, you may wonder whether or not predatory nematodes will harm beneficial, native insects.  There are actually different types of predatory nematodes, and the types of insects they prey upon will vary by species.  Knowing this, you can select the type of predatory nematode that would work best for the species of insects you are trying to eliminate.

A Safer Alterative

Also keep in mind that nematodes are already present in your soil.  To quote the UCR Department of NematologyOpens in a new tab., “Nematodes have been reported from every continent on earth and occur in deserts, swamps, the oceans, the tropics and Antarctica”.  Using targeted species of predatory nematodes to combat common pest insects, such as fleas, is safer for the environment, as well as people, pets, and beneficial insects, than using pesticides.

There is obviously no surefire way to 100% prevent your pet from coming into contact with fleas while outdoors, especially if you visit public parks or areas where other animals frequent.  However, nematodes can be an effective, chemical free, way to arm your own yard against fleas.

Comment below!  If you have any pets, what forms of flea control are you currently using?  Have you ever added nematodes to your flea fighting arsenal?

nematodes flea control

Should You Learn to Groom Your Dog at Home?

Written by Michelle & The Paw Pack in Dog Health,Pet Tips

It’s a good question! I originally posted this blog in 2020, in the midst of the Covid pandemic.  At the time, dog groomers were not being classified as essential workers.  Grooming salons that did remain open were often urging owners to forgo regular salon grooming, at least temporarily.  What was an owner to do?  Regular grooming is an important part of proper pet care.  Is it worth it to learn to groom your dog at home?  

That depends!

What type of grooming does your dog require on a regular basis?  Just a quick brush and a nail trim, or something more complex like a haircut?  How familiar/comfortable are you, and your dog, with grooming tools?  A person who is inexperienced with a specific tool, paired with a dog who may be unfamiliar, or even fearful, of said tool could be a recipe for disaster.  Is your dog anxious, old, hyperactive, sick, or otherwise compromised in any way?  Some dogs, more so than others, can really benefit by being groomed by someone with a steady, experienced, hand.

Self Sufficiency

I’ve always been a proponent of owners being at least somewhat self-sufficient when it comes to their pets’ personal hygiene.  Grooming our dogs on a regular basis can be an awesome way to spend some quality time with our pets.  I joke that I groom my dogs myself because no professional groomer would spend as much time as I do stopping to rub their bellies.  Nor would they tell them how handsome they are nearly as many times as I do.

Spending time grooming our dogs can double as a home check up.

It can be easy to miss medical issues that may lay hidden your dog’s fur.  Especially if you have a long haired dog!  Back when my papillon, KitsuneOpens in a new tab., broke his tail he never showed any signs of being in pain.  I discovered his newly kinked tail tip during one of his regular weekly grooming sessions!  Other things to look out for can include any new lumps and bumps, fleas and other parasites, new skin or fur abnormalities, hidden injuries, etc.

But what does basic grooming consist of and what, if anything, would be better left to the pros?

At the very least, brushing your dog on a regular basis is a great thing to do at home.  A lot of dogs don’t enjoying having their teeth brushed at first, but dental health is really important, so getting some kind of dental care established at home is ideal too. Opens in a new tab. If you, and/or your dog, aren’t ready to jump right to regular teeth brushing, consider at least offering healthy dental chews and perhaps using a dental sprayOpens in a new tab. while you work towards getting your canine pal used to his/her toothbrush.  Depending on how often your dog needs to be bathedOpens in a new tab., doing that at home can be advantageous too.  I tend to bathe my dogs at least once every other week.  I’d personally hate to have to take them to the groomers that often.

What about cutting nails and hair at home?

I cut my dogs’ nails at home, but I totally understand why some owners choose not too.  I’m pretty confident with a pair of nail clippers (and a nail dremel when it comes to Kitsune).  I trim Kitsune’s hair at home too (and once in awhile the fur on the bottoms of Fen’s feet).  But I had some experience with cutting dog’s hair even before I got Kitsune.  I really enjoy grooming my dogs myself, but don’t recommend people who have never done it before jump right into giving their dog(s) home haircuts.  At best, your first dog haircut will probably look pretty rough.  At worst, wiggly dogs can be hurt by clipper blades wielded by inexperienced hands.

What it really all comes down to is what level of grooming you and your dog are comfortable with doing at home.

That will, of course, vary from person to person, and dog to dog.  Grooming is important, but so is safety!  If you’re not comfortable clipping your dog’s nails or hair at home, that’s ok.  If you can’t get to a groomer, veterinarians usually offer basic grooming services such as nail trims and emergency haircuts (removing mats, etc.).

Do your best when it comes to grooming your pets.  If something feels outside of your, or your dog’s, comfort zone don’t be afraid to call in the experts!  Learning to groom your dog at home can be advantageous in so many ways, but don’t risk accidently hurting your dog if you’re not 100% comfortable grooming at home.  Basic tasks such as bathing, brushing teeth, and brushing are easier to do at home.  Things like clipping nails and haircuts can require a bit more skill, and present a bit more risk if you make a mistake.

Comment below – we always love to hear from our readers!  Do you groom your dog at home normally, or take them to someone for grooming?

home dog groom

US Senior Dog Rescues

Written by Michelle & The Paw Pack in Senior Dogs

This post contains a list of US based senior dog rescues!  I have a newfound love for senior dogs that is 100% my (almost) 14-year-old papillon, Kitsune’s, fault!  For Adopt a Senior Pet Month last month, I wrote a little bit about what it’s like living with a senior dog from the point of view of a puppy lover!  Kit is my first dog, so of course, that also makes him my first senior dog.  He’s taught me so much about what it’s like to share life with an older dog.  Not the least of which has been breaking the stereotype of senior dogs being lazy and boring.  Not this senior, says Kit!

senior dog rescuesIn the post I did for Adopt a Senior Pet Month, I also wrote a bit about the sad reality for senior dogs in animal shelters or rescues.  Despite how amazing they can be, senior pets are often overlooked by potential adopters.  I get it, puppies are adorable and packed full of potential.  But there’s just something so special about senior dogs.  Each and every one of them deserves to live out their golden years in peace, comfort, and surrounded by love.  If you’re not ready to deal with the craziness that is all things puppy, but want to share your life with a furry friend, why not consider adopting a senior?

Here is a list of US-based senior dog rescues!  This list is not all exclusive.  If none of these rescues are local to you, try searching for a senior dog rescue in your area, or start by checking out…

Your Local Shelter!

I just had to put this option first.  It’s a sad fact that senior dogs need loving new homes throughout the US, and a majority of them never get the benefit of finding themselves in a rescue that specializes in older pets.  Chances are high that at any given time there will be older pets needing new homes right at your local animal shelter.  If not, let your local shelter employees know that you’d love to offer an older dog a new home.  They’re usually more than happy to take down your contact information and get in touch as soon as a dog matching what you’re looking for becomes available for adoption.

Muttville Senior Dog Rescue

Muttville Senior Dog RescueOpens in a new tab. is based out of California.  They take in senior dogs in need and find them loving new homes as part of their adoption and hospice programs.

Tails of Gray

Tails of GrayOpens in a new tab. rescues senior dogs no matter how dire their situation.  They work hard to rehabilitate dogs who may need a little bit of extra care, then find them the perfect new families.  Tails of Gray is based in the San Francisco area.

The City of Elderly Love Rescue

Based out of Philly, The City of Elderly Love RescueOpens in a new tab. is 100% doner funded, and volunteer staffed.  They rescue both senior dogs and cats.  Besides finding adoptive homes for the cities elderly pets, this rescue also has a hospice program and helps local community members struggling to care for their senior pets through their “Let’s Stay Home Fund”.

Senior Dog Haven & Hospice

Senior Dog Haven & HospiceOpens in a new tab. rescues dogs age 7 and up and finds them new homes within a 2 hour radius of Wilmington, Delaware.  Their hospice program works through a team of fosters who work to ensure that every dog under their care receives loving care before a pain free goodbye.

Young at Heart Senior Pet Adoptions

Young at HeartOpens in a new tab. Senior Pet Adoptions rescues senior dogs and cats.  They are based out of Woodstock, IL and believe that “love has no age limit”.  How true!

Vintage Pet Rescue

Vintage Pet RescueOpens in a new tab. is based in Rhode Island.  They rescue senior dogs from shelters or take them in from owners who can no longer care for them, and do occasionally have seniors available for adoption.

More Coming Soon?

This isn’t, by any means, an all inclusive list.  Did I miss your favorite, or local, senior dog rescue?  Comment below and let me know, so I can add them to the list!  Keep in mind that this particular list is for rescues that, at least occasionally, have senior dogs for adoption.  I came across quite a few senior pet sanctuaries and, while the work they do is amazing too, the point of this post is to help connect potential adopters with senior dogs in need.

Have you ever adopted a senior pet?  Tell us about your senior pets in the comments below!

senior dog rescues